Nigerian observer 09 10 2014 by Nigerian Observer

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 39 • NO. 095 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 20 14 •N 100. 0 0

VIEW POINT Page 13 Nigerian independence celebration in retrospect

House C’ttee donates to Central Hospital

By KEN ABU

BENIN CITY- The House Standing Committee on Health

in Edo State House of Assembly yesterday brought respite to the Management of the State Hospital Management Board

when it donated the sum of one hundred thousand naira to the authorities of the Central Hospital to revamp the Children Ward which has not been in use

for several months. The donation of the Committee was informed by the disheartening accounts of Hon. Continues on page 2

e c n d pI

CHILD HEALTH AND YOU

Page 27

The law of necessary giving and taking

Ngilari sworn-in as Adamawa ... as Court sacks Finitri Governor

YOLA- Former Adamawa Deputy Governor, Mr Bala Ngilari, was sworn in as the substantive state governor on Wednesday in Yola. Ngilari was sworn in at Government House by the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Audu Lagre, following an order by a Federal High Court, Abuja, that the Acting Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, should vacate the office. The court held that Ngilari did not resign from office as Deputy Governor in line with section 306 (1)) (2) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

In his address after taking oath of office, Ngilari said he would run an open, transparent and allinclusive government. “ In this regard, I invite other arms of government, in particular the legislature and judiciary, not forgetting the civil service, to join hands with me to achieve these noble goals. “ As a party man and a team player, I pledge my unalloyed support and loyalty to our

great party and Mr president, “ Ngilari said. He described his emergence as an act of “God who gives power to whoever He chooses”. “We acknowledge the divine power of God in all that happened. The holy books of both religions subscribe to the fact that

power belongs to God and He gives it in trust to whosoever he wills,” Ngilari. Newsmen reports that many dignitaries, comprising those of PDP and APC, graced the swearing in ceremony. In his first official function, the governor

announced the appointment of Mr Chubado Tijani as his Chief of Staff. Meanwhile, An Abuja Federal High Court yesterday threw Spanners into preparations for Saturday, October 11, 2014 bye-election into

the hitherto vacant seat of the Governor of Adamawa State, when it ordered Independent National Electoral Commission to stop the conduct. The court also removed the substantive speaker of the House of Continues on page 2

Fire guts Commercial Bank in Benin

BENIN CITY - What could have been a major fire disaster was averted in a new generation bank yesterday, following the quick intervention of the combined efforts of men of the Edo Fire Service, the Nigerian Airforce Fire Service and security operatives. The bank which is adjacent to another new generation bank close to the moat is situated at Airport Road, Benin City

almost opposite the corporate headquarters of Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, publishers of the observer titles. The flame emanating from the fire was first noticed in the topmost floor towards the back side of the bank building by The NIGERIAN OBSERVER at about 6.42 pm following which

TIT BIT “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” - Barrack Obama

our News Editor put a call to the state fire service. Though the fire lasted for over half an hour, before the intervention Continues on page 2

National plan on Ebola underway ABUJAThe Treatment Research Group (TRG) says its stakeholders meeting scheduled for Abuja on October 10 will help to develop a national plan to contain emerging

Continues on page 2

OATH OF OFFICE: Governor Bala Ngillari of Adamawa left, taking his oath of office before Justice Audu Lawal in Yola yesterday.

Fitch rating: Nigerian Banks get LAGOS- Europen rating agency, Fitch Ratings, yesterday gave Nigerian banks clean bill of health, in spite of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) tight monetary policy and new banking rules.

Clean Bill of health

The rating agency, which announced its rating on its website, said that the rating was

supported by continuing robust economic growth. Fitch also said that it expected the banks’

performance and growth to moderate over the next 18 months due to CBN’s actions aimed at Continues on page 2

News

House C’ttee donates to Central Hospital

Continued from page 1 Elizabeth Ativie, a member of the Committee on Health, who recently brought her mother for treatment to the Central Hospital was surprised when she noticed the Hospital was rejecting patients and to fix some structural and plumbing problems currently affecting the provision of quality services at the Hospital. The members of the House Committee on Health on an unscheduled visit to the Central Hospital to obtain first hand information on the problems mitigating against the operations of the Hospital, were taken on an inspection

Health, Hon. Bamidele Oloruntoba and the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Victor Edoror, member of Health Committee during their inspection visit to the Hospital directed the Medical Director and the permanent Secretary to the Hospital Management Board to ensure that a patient whose son underwent circumcision procedures at the Hospital by an unidentified doctor and had problems urinating should receive urgent medical attention to fix the unprofessional work of the unidentified doctor.

tour round all the wards in the Hospital from the female Ward which is the only functional to the abandoned Children Ward and the Male Medical Ward which is no longer in use owing to the threats of the structures caving in based on the report of the Engineer handling structural defects at the Hospital. According to the information provided by the Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. (Mrs) Edith Kayode-Iyasere and the Permanent Secretary to the Hospital Management

Board, Dr. Ofure Eboreme, the problems mitigating against effective operations of the hospital were rooted in the beaurecratic bottlenecks in obtaining funds to fix plumbing problems at the children and female ward which each required forty-one thousand naira (N41,000.00) and Eighty-one thousand naira as the Hospital according to Medical-Director does not receive overhead impress to effect immediate repairs. The Chairman of the House Standing Committee on

After the deed was done, the Adamawa D-G headed for the Federal High Court asking the court to declare him Governor on the grounds that his resignation letter, which he forwarded to the Speaker of the State Assembly on the eve of the impeachment of Governor Nyako, was null and void. He had also prayed the court to halt any governorship election in the state, and declare him Governor following the impeachment of Mr. Nyako on July 15, 2014. Acting through his counsel, Mr. Festus Keyamo, the deputy governor, Ngilari based his request on constitutional requirement that a deputy governor can only resign by submitting his letter of resignation to the Governor. The suit had Umaru Fintiri, the Speaker, the ASHA, the Acting Governor, Adamawa State, Vice-Admiral Nyako and the INEC as defendants. Mr. Ngilari, who denied resigning his position within the contemplation of the provision of Section 306(1), (2) & (5) of the Constitution, said the purported resignation letter he sent to the Speaker was not meant to be acted on by the House of Assembly. Ngilari had also submitted that by virtue of section 191 (1) of the 1999 Constitution that after the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako, that he,

Ngilari being the next in the line of succession should have been inaugurated as governor. Nyako, in his submission to the court had also claimed that he did not accept the purported resignation of Ngilari as deputy governor. In a supporting affidavit the respondent, Barr. Ngilari stated: “I did not submit any letter of resignation to the 5th defendant (governor) or any other person other than the 1st defendant (the Speaker). “I only submitted a

it was gathered that some office equipment were already consumed by the ravaging inferno. Our reporter also gathered that some officials of the bank who were still on duty inside the bank as at the time the fire started had to scamper for safety, but not without some of them sustaining various degrees of injuries. As at press time, the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained as none

of the bank officials was willing to volunteer information to newsmen. Also as at press time, men of the two fire service outfit were still busy putting off flames of fire in the roof and ceilings of the building with residents, sympathizers and public spirited individuals assisting. Officials of the neigbouring Commercial Bank were on standby to prevent the fire from spreading to their organisation.

performance slip,’’ the agency said in the statement. Fitch, however, said that there were a few outliers, typically the smaller banks, which outperformed the sector. The agency said that earnings pressure was exacerbated by high operating costs at most banks due to a higher Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) levy and network expansion strategies. It also added that banks were now seeing some asset quality deterioration with rising

absolute Non Profit Loans (NPLs) that reflected fast loan growth since 2011. Fitch said that most banks’ NPL ratios remained below the five per cent prescribed by the CBN but added that could be unsustainable in the long-run. It said that banks were also seeing moderate liquidity pressure with rising loans and deposit ratios. The agency said that several banks had successfully tapped the euro bond market to raise longer-term USD funding to meet the strong demand for

USD loans from major corporates. This, it also said, could expose the banks to foreign exchange related risks. ‘’We expect bank capitalisation to come under pressure due to Basel II implementation in 2014 and proposed new regulatory capital computation rules. ‘’As a result, Fitch believes regulatory total capital adequacy ratios could fall between 200bps-300bps this year.

Ngilari sworn-in as Adamawa Governor

Continued from page 1 Assembly, Alhaji Umar Fintiri, who has been running affairs of the state in acting

capacity, from office as the Acting Governor of Adamawa state, on the grounds that the former Deputy Governor Ngilari did not resign from office in accordance with the Constitution. Justice Ademola Adeniyi sitting in the court also ordered the State’s Chief Judge or President of the Customary Court of Appeal to swear in Barr. James Bala Ngilari, deputy governor of ousted ViceAdmiral Murtala Nyako (rtd.) forthwith, to complete the deposed governor’s tenure. Meanwhile, sequel to the ruling, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has announced cancellation of a stakeholder’s meeting for this weekend Adamawa state governorship byelection. We gathered from sources in INEC office that the cancellation was due to uncertainty which surrounds holding of the election in which the sacked Acting Governor was also contesting under the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It would be recalled that to avoid impeachment in the heat of Adamawa State House of Assembly probe of his principal, (the then Gov. Murtala Nyako) Barr. Ngilari had written to the Speaker, Alhaji Fintiri and the Assembly of resigning his position as Deputy Governor.

purported letter of resignation (exhibit A), to the 1st defendant but I never intended to comply with the strict provisions of sections 306 (1), (2) & (5) of the 1999 Constitution by submitting it to the 5th defendant (the Governor). “I never intended exhibit A (the letter) to be any subject of debate or resolution by the 2nd defendant (House of Assembly), but a private correspondence between myself and the 1st defendant, hence it was marked ‘secret’.

Fire guts Commercial Bank in Benin

Continued from page 1 of men of the fire service,

Nigerian Banks get Clean Bill of health Continued from page 1 protecting the economy and the banking system. ‘’The CBN’s stance also shifted towards protecting the consumer through its revised rules on banking charges introduced in 2013. ‘’All these moves, however, led to weaker profitability and stemmed credit growth in first half of 2014, a trend that is likely to continue into 2015. ‘’All Fitch-rated Nigerian banks were profitable in 2013 and first half of 2014 but saw

Attack on Hon Patrick Razak, Majority leader refutes media reports By KEN ABU

THE Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Philip Shaibu has condemned in strong terms reports in various media including the social media network directly linking him to the gruesome attack on Hon. Momoh Razak, the lawmaker whose seat was recently declared vacant; at the legislative quarters recently. Hon. Philip Shaibu at a press conference with Journalists in Benin City, said it was posted on the social media network that thugs under his directives attacked Hon. Momoh Razak noting that he can never order anyone to fight any of his colleagues especially when they are from the

same local government and one whom he refers to as his brother. The lawmaker further said that the PDP had resorted to using his name in a bad light in every crisis situation which, however, prompted the need to debunk the claim by saying that he only received information that an intruder who scaled the fence of the legislative quarters was caught and dealt with. He said that: “at the time of the incident at the quarters, I was in my official residence and I do not leave my house at night unless there are serious official engagement, so there was no way I could have been there during the attack” he concluded.

National plan on Ebola underway Continued from page 1 diseases including the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Co-chair of the group, Prof Innocent Uja, disclosed this on Wednesday at a news conference on the meeting in Abuja. The Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, had, in the wake of the Ebola outbreak in Lagos, inaugurated the TRG to, among other things, review available treatment options for the disease. Uja said the meeting would be a gathering of Nigerian experts based at home and in the Diaspora. “You will recall that in the wake of the Ebola outbreak in Lagos, the minister of health inaugurated the Treatment Research Group to help design a path for the containment of the Ebola virus. “Since then, the group has met severally and has made propositions one of which is the stakeholders meeting scheduled for October 10. “This meeting will review available treatment options, discuss experimental drugs and vaccines and ultimately develop a national plan in containing Ebola and other emerging diseases in Africa,’’ he said. The co-chair said the Abuja meeting would be the first step toward institutionalising research in medicine and other branches of the sciences in the country. He said a lot of benefits would be derived from it. He said the group would consolidate on the achievements recorded by Nigeria in containing Ebola and build a strong defence mechanism in the event of another outbreak. On his part, Prof. Karniyus Gamaniel, also a co-chair of the group, said the meeting was aimed

at harnessing the abundance of talents that the nation could boast of in the field of medical sciences. Gamaniel, however, said funding was the only challenge militating against effective research in Nigeria, adding that the country is endowed with the requisite manpower needed to improve its health system. He said the meeting would open up the system for possible investments in the areas of pharmaceutical and medical research. He said Nigeria was capable of producing vaccines and drugs required for the prevention of virus diseases including Ebola, if the needed support was extended to experts in the field. A member of the research group, Prof Maurice Iwu, said the meeting would open a new vista in the history of medical research in Nigeria. He said Nigerian experts from all over the world would be in the country to share their experiences and help build a formidable structure for research in the country. Iwu said it would be the first time a deliberate attempt would be made by Nigerians to find solutions to their local health issues without looking outward for aid. “We want to have our own solutions to our problems and this is the first time that this kind of thing is happening in our country. “I don’t want us to pre-empt what will happen at this meeting but like the other speakers have said, it is the first step toward developing our own model of handling health emergencies.’’ Iwu said claims by experts on the treatment of Ebola and other health issues would be discussed and recommended for verification at the meeting.

News

Groups Endorses House Of Assembly Aspirant

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, announcing the postponement of Adamawa October 11 Bye-Election at the opening of INEC Stakeholders meeting on conduct of the election in Yola yesterday. With him are INEC National Commissioner, Dr. Nuru Yakubu and State Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Kasim Gaidam.

BENIN CITY- The aspiration of Mr. Austine Orhion Aimiuwu (JP) to contest the 2015 election for the Ovia North-East Constituency 11 into the Edo State House of Assembly, has continued to gather momentum. Mr. Austine Orhion Aimiwu was the founder and CoOrdinator-General of Edo Coalition for Oshiomhole / Odubu Re-election 2012. He is seeking nomination under the platform of the all progressive congress (APC) and his candidature had earlier received the blessings of Grassroots Development stakeholder in Ovia North east constituency.

Work Resumes After Eid-el-fitri BY MARTIN ERHAUYI/ JENNIFER OWOBI/ LAWRENCE OMORODION

BENIN CITY- Work resumed yesterday in Edo State at the Government Owned Establishment after two Days Public Holiday declared by the Federal Government to mark the annual Edi-ei-fatri celebration. A visit to some government parastatals in Benin City by The NIGERIAN OBSERVER revealed the response of Civil Servants to resume work after the Sallah break. When our reputers visited the secretariat building Sapele Road

the premises where however in its usual busy state while offices were opened as workers were busy performing their official duties. Speaking with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER, a start of the Edo State Ministry of Finance name withheld noted that, office activities had resumed in his ministry while he expressed pleasure for seeing his colleague back from the big break as they went about their duties. He also expressed satisfaction over the Sallah break saying it was an official code of conduct for every civil

servant resume work after any public holiday. Similarly, at the Edo State High Court, the entrance gate and offices which were under lock and key during the Sallah holiday were opened for judicial activities while start were sitted at their various offices for their normal duties. At the signing section, signing of affidavits and other

documents were also giving on as usual. Also at customary Court Sapele Road, sitting were going on as well. However, schools were not exempted from the resumption, a visit to some schools in Benin City, it was gathered that students an pupils were sitted in their various classes while their teachers were also on ground to resume their teaching.

In a latest development, a political pressure group known as Committee of friends for the election of Mr. Austine Orhion Aimiuwu has vowed to deploy all available resources at its disposal to ensure that the aspirant is nominated as the APC flag bearer for Ovai Northeast Constituency 11. The groups spokesman, Elder Mari Ikponmwosa made this

Lectures Resume In UNIBEN After Holidays By IKPONMWOBA OSAZEE JOEL/OMEIZA ROBINSON

BENIN CITY - A visit to the University of Benin said that students were seen trooping out in their large numbers to attend lectures in the various theaters as lecturers were seen lecturing their students. Vehicular movements were also on the high side as committers were seen rushing to board a vehicle to their various places of work.

Students Score UNIBEN VC High

By STANLEY UGAGBE BENIN CITY- As the tenure of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Osayuki Oshodin draws a close, some students of the Institution have praised and scored his administration high, in terms of performance and productivity. According to the students, Prof. Oshodin is an epitome of a good leader, stressing that his type is very rare in our generation. They said that Ostiodins tenure brought light to the institution, stressing that he will ever be remembered for his good works. The students pointed out that since Oshodin administration many new buildings have been erected and old ones were also renovated including the hostels. However, they hoped for a greater successor. Students who spoke with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER have these to say. Samuel Oreva of the Faculty of Social Sciences said that Prof. Oshodin has done well for the Institution, stressing that she wished he could continue. Aruoriwo Ewoma of the faculty of Arts said Prof.

Oshodin played the role of a father to the students, I wish he can continue”. Also, Okoro donathan had no different view as he stated that Oshodin provided a good atmosphere for students to learn. Again Blessing of the Faculty of Arts has this to say” Prof. Oshodin is indeed a credible man, he brought light to the institution, especially to Ekenwan Campus. He will ever be remembered for his good works”.

Representative of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mrs. Angele Atangana (left) with Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State during her official to Bauchi in preparation for establishment of UNHCR Zonal Centre in Bauchi yesterday.

Owan Community Devt C’ttee Appeals For Farmers Compensation By VICTOR IMADE/ IKPONMWOBA OSAZEE JOEL

BENIN CITY- Members of Owan Community Development Committee has appealed to the state governor, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole to compensate farmers whose land was leased out to Okomu Palm by the state government for the purpose of planting seedlings. In a statement signed by the Public Relation Officer, Mr. Lateef Fasasi and Secretary, Marc Afadama revealed that Okomu Oil palm on behalf of the state government through a

company by name, A and Hartman had assumed responsibility to effect compensation to many non farmers, stating that the company has paid 25 million naira to Odiguetue community, 30 million to Uhiere which was paid through fraudulent and self serving brokers. The statement further stated that the calculated short changing has ensured that a lot of affected genuine farmers, mostly Unlettered women, have been excluded and denied the

benefit of Compensation which should facilitate the rehabilitation of their lives following their unpleasant disposition. The members of the Community have also called on the management of the A and Hartman company to hasten its response towards compensating the community failure to do so will mean resorting to litigation in court which by their self assurance may not be in their own interest. According to the statement,

known in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City yesterday. The group appealed to APC leaders and other stakeholders in the area to support the aspiration and candidacy of Mr. Aimiuwu whom they described as an apostle of grassroots development and community empowerment.

the affected farmers numbering 34 who produce collective crops ranging from Cocoa, kolanuts, avocado pear, blue coloured pear, orange, pineapple banana, cassava, yam and other crops were in there social and financial distress. They therefore called on the state governor who they described as a concerned Listener and an altruistic Umpire in the affairs of the state to consider their plight and call on the necessary agency to compensate the affected farmers.

Speaking with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER, some respondents expressed joy over the Eidel-kabir celebration as the holiday allowed them enough time to slay with their families. A lawyer, Barr. Donald Uwumarongie, said though he was not a Muslim, he joined the Muslim faithfuls to celebrate the Eld-el-kabir as he visited some of his Muslim friends and colleagues noting that the holiday gave him the opportunity to rest. Mrs. Uwa Odudu, a trader, said though I am not a Muslim, I joined my Muslim counterpart to celebrate their Eld-el-Kabir because I believe we are all one, and that we should imbibe the culture of oneness, so that religion or Tribal Sentiments will not tear us apart”. She said. Speaking with a Muslim faithful Alhaji Bashiru Musa said the holiday was felt by all, both Christians and Muslims. He thanked the president for declaring the public holiday. “we prayed for every one in our state and the country at large, for peace to reign and unity among us Nigerians.

Oba Erediauwa To Meet With Chiefs, Others BENIN CITY- The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has invited all Benin Chiefs, Enigie, Okao, Edionwere and Igiehen to a meeting with the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa on Saturday October 14, 2014. A statement by Frank Irabor, Secretary to the BTC indicated that the meeting scheduled for the palace of the Benin Monarch will begins at 11 am.

News Security

Chamber Of Commerce Lauds NASS For Backing Jonathan

ONITSHA (ANAMBRA) - The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce has lauded the National Assembly for supporting President Goodluck Jonathan’s demand for improved security funding to tackle insurgency in the country. The President of the Chamber, Dr Tim Anosike, told newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra, that the lawmakers did well in considering the over-riding interest of the country’s unity and oneness. Anosike noted that at this critical period political parties and politicians must come together to fight terrorism which had become the common enemy of our existence and peace. “Actually, I have commended the Federal Government, the President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan in the way he has been handling the issue of insurgency in the country. “I am aware too of the support the Reps. and the Senate gave him for that total war. “That is a right step in the right direction because by the time you will think these things (insurgency) are playing, by the time you know it, it would be late; so, I think it is timely. “And then, talking about the security here in Anambra State, precisely Onitsha, I

also commend the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, for tackling that issue,’’ he said. The chamber boss, however, appealed to every Nigerian to give President Jonathan the needed support to deal with the security situation. “If you have no idea to proffer as solution, you can pray for the peace of the country, divine wisdom for Mr President and victory for our officers and men of the armed forces battling the insurgents,’’ he said. It would be recalled that the National Assembly had approved Jonathan’s request to secure $1 billion (about N160 billion) loan to enable the Federal Government to upgrade military equipment in its renewed zeal to stamp out insurgency. Reports state that insurgency, which predominantly takes place in the North-East region, had led to disruption of businesses and other activities in the region.

Workers resuming after Eid-el-Kabir holidays in Bauchi yesterday.

Ex-Gov Peter Obi Bows To Pressure, Defects To PDP ONITSHA -(Anambra) The former Governor of Anambra, Mr. Peter Obi, has formally defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Obi declared his defection while hosting some top notchers of the PDP in the South-East, led by the Deputy

Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekwerumadu, in Onitsha home Others in the team included the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Pius Anyim, and the

Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Chief Theodore Orji. The also included the Governor of Akwa-Ibom, Dr Godswill Akpabio and Gov. Martin Elechi of Ebonyi; former National Chairman of

FERMA Set To Tackle Defecation On Federal LAGOS - Mr Kehinde nobody could own up? Highways In Lagos which Afolabi, a Federal Roads “This is the major problem Maintenance Agency (FERMA) engineer hassaid that the agency was collaborating with the relevant stakeholders to tackle defecation on federal highways in Lagos. He told the newsmen that

all stakeholders must unite to tackle defecating on roads and such abnormalities as burning of tyres, road cutting and drain stuffing. He criticised the activities of articulated vehicle drivers who defecate on highways

while waiting to go into the ports as well as other road users who used the cover of the night to commit the act. “We have several menace; they defecate on the roads; what about the used tyres directly into our drains,

Students of Government Girls Secondary School, Kabala Costain, resuming after Eid-el-Kabir holiday in Kaduna State yesterday.

we are still having with them, it’s attitudinal. “We tend to go outside the country and we respect other people’s (laws), but in Nigeria here today we find out that most of these abuses are done at night. “We are strategising to see what we can do about it. “We have been talking to different bodies, Nigerian Shippers Council; we have been working with them to really curb the menace and very soon we’ll overcome these abuses. “This leads to problems which directly affect our drainage systems and the resultant effect is spill on the road causing potholes degenerating to failed sections. “We assure that our FERCSARA with all other bodies will curb the menace and we will be on top of it very soon.’’ Reports state that Afolabi is also the South West Acting Chairman of the Federal Roads Committee on Surveillance and Action against Road Abuse (FERCSARA).

PDP, Okwesilieze Nwodo; former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara and Sen. Uche Chukwumerije. The members of the Federal Executive Council at the ocassion were Chief Emeka Nwogu, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Mr Osita Chidoka, Prof. Valarie Onwualili, among many others. The National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, represented by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the visit followed a resolution by the South-East stakeholders to persuade Obi to join the PDP for more meaningful contribution to national affairs. Metuh, said that PDP had never lost election in the South East, but to Obi as a person because of his integrity, forthrightness, hardwork and honesty. Citing the recent defection to the PDP by Governor. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo, Metuh said time was ripe for Obi to follow suit. Governor. Theodore Orji of Abia said it was not late for Obi to join the PDP and work at the centre for the good of the country. He described Obi as a man of integrity, who came out strongly on issues and would be an asset to the country at the federal level. “If some of your people do not believe in you; if we do not admire you; if they do not realise your potentials, we gathered here are telling you that Nigerians believe in you and admire you. “We are here today to discuss the future and progress of the South-East geo-political zone with our brother Mr. Peter Obi, who was the immediate Governor of Anambra.

News Oyo’s Death Great loss To Women did not know about his Folk - Abati people ABUJA- The Special Adviser wife.

to the President on Media and Publicity,Dr Reuben Abati, has described the death of Mrs Oluremi Oyo as a great loss to the country’s womenfolk. Abati made the remark when he led a presidential delegation on a condolence visit to the deceased’s family at her residence in Abuja. Oyo, 62, was the immediate past Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). She died on October 1 in the United Kingdom following an ailment. NAN reports that the deceased’s husband, Mr Vincent Oyo, and her son, Otome, received the delegation. Abati said that President Goodluck Jonathan had excellent recollections of Mrs Oyo’s commitment and devotion to duty while in public service. Abati said: “I am here to convey to you the heartfelt condolences of Mr President, who has already issued a statement expressing his condolences to the family. “He knew Mrs Oyo personally before even working with her. “He always talks about how he was impressed by Mrs Oyo’s dynamism, commitment and professionalism each time he visited the villa, while he was governor of Bayelsa in those days. “The president particularly admires the fact she was one woman who was able to break the glass sink in her profession. “She was the first female president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors; the first Nigerian woman to head an international news agency and the first woman also to head NAN. “By the time she was the MD of NAN, she had the opportunity also to work directly with President Jonathan. “The president also has fond memories of the great efforts she made to upgrade operations of NAN and he has asked me to further convey to you, and the children his deep commiserations.’’ The spokesman said that he was also at the family’s residence in his capacity as the head of the Media and Publicity department

of the president’s office. NAN recalls that Mrs Oyo headed the department as the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity under the leadership of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Abati prayed God to continue to be with the family of the deceased and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss. Responding, Mr Oyo expressed the family’s gratitude to the president for sending the delegation, and for his love and personal concern. Describing his wife’s death as very painful to him, Mr Oyo said that there were many things

“Worthy of mention is her level of humility and the fact that she loved going to the kitchen to make sure that I looked well and was well fed,’’ he said, fighting back tears. He also expressed gratitude to the media for the “kind words and glowing tributes’’ it had been paying to his wife since her death. According to him, Mrs Oyo’s death is as much a loss to the country’s media as it is to the family. On the president’s delegation was the Director of Information in his office, Mr Justin Abuah, and other staff of the department.

Rivers Provide Sanitizers, Thermometers To Schools PORT HARCOURT- The Ministry of Health in Rivers State has provided hand sanitisers and infra ray thermometer to schools as they resume from their long vacation. Mrs Helen Okwu, the Head Mistress of St. Andrew State School, Port Harcourt made this known to newsmen in Port Harcourt. Okwu said that the ministry of health gave schools the materials to help in preventing the spread of Ebola virus in the state. “The state ministry of health instructed us not to allow any child in school until we receive materials for the prevention of the spread of the disease. “I went to ministry of health where headmistress and principals were called to collect the materials and we have resumed today because we have been given the materials. “We have informed our teachers and students on measures to take during school hours,” she said. Mrs Rose Osadebe, the Principal of Girls Government Secondary School, Orominike said the school was yet to receive the materials from the ministry of health. “We have not received any material for the check and prevention of Ebola; we believe that the state ministry of health will get to our school for the

materials. “There are many schools to reach in the state. From now till Friday, we believe we will get the materials, but we have informed our students on what to do while at school and at home for the prevention,” Osadebe said. Miss Ihunwo Blessing, a student at the school said she was happy to resume school and called on state government to come to their aid and build toilets for better sanitation. Private schools also reopened for classes on Oct. 8. At the Nobles Group of Schools, pupils and students were made to wash their hands before entering their classrooms. Mr Bright Orluwosu, the proprietor of the school, said that hand sanitisers and water were kept at the school entrance for students, teachers and parents. “We have provided water, soap and hand sanitisers at the entrance of the primary school section and that of the secondary school. “As students and pupils come to school, they wash their hands and apply hand sanitisers to ensure that the Ebola Virus Disease is prevented. “We also have some nurses on standby to attend to any student with high temperature and advise on measures to be taken,’’ he said.

Fees: LASU Gives Students 2-Week LAGOS- The Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, on Wednesday gave its external students a two-week ultimatum to pay their fees, saying it plans to wind up the programme by 2016. The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. John Obafunwa, told a press briefing in Lagos that the two weeks ultimatum commenced from October 8 to October 22. Obafunwa said the decision was taken at a stakeholders’ forum after it was discovered that only 5, 366 students had registered for the semester. The VC said the university was compelling the students to pay because the National Universities Commission (NUC)

Ultimatum

had given it till 2016 to wind up the programme. “The National Universities Commission (NUC) has been magnanimous enough to give us grace till 2016 and there is no justification for any student not to pay his or her fees,” he said. Obafunwa said 29,987 students profile had been uploaded in the university portal, while about 7,000 have yet to be uploaded. He said the two weeks of grace was to enable the students to pay for the Harmattan Semester, adding that some of them still had outstanding sessions to pay for. “We are only insisting on the payment for this semester for now. We know how to collect the

outstanding when the time comes,” he said. Obafunwa said most of the external students protesting against the non-issuance of certificates to them were not authentic students of the institution. “If you go through records, you will discover that most of those students complaining are either not LASU students or have outstanding courses to write,” he said. Some external students of the institution had staged a protest two weeks ago at the Government House, Alausa, accusing the authorities of failing to issue certificates to them.

Abuja

Replicate FG’s Agric Transformation Agenda, Monarch Urged States

ABUJA - Traditional rulers in Nigeria have called on state

Emulate Brazilian Election Mgt, CNPP Advises INEC

ABUJA - The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to emulate the Brazilian election management style in conducting general elections in Nigeria. This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of the CNPP, Mr. Osita Okechukwu. “It is worthy of emulation how seamlessly; the Brazilian Election Management conducted the October 4 elections of the president, state governors, national congress and state legislators, all in one day. “In the said election, more than 80 percent of Brazilian registered voters voted, registering the highest voters’ turnout in any liberal democracy in recent times,’’ the statement said. It said statistics from the elections indicated that there were 6.6 million null votes, 4.4 million blank votes and 104.02 million total valid votes. “Our interest was elicited because the results were out in less than 48 hours and up to date, no election tribunal was set up. “All the presidential candidates concurred for the October 26 run-off between Dilma Rousseff of Workers Party (PT) that polled 43.2 million votes making 41.5 per cent, and Aecio Neves of Party of Brazilian Social Democracy (PSDB) who polled 34.8 million votes, making 33.5 percent.’’ “We also understand that Electronic Voting and E-Card reader mechanism were adopted in the conduct of the general elections.’’ The statement said Nigeria could learn from Brazil as the two countries shared some common features in terms of multi-culture and population. “CNPP therefore challenges Prof. Attahiru Jega’s-led INEC to study the procedures, processes, mechanisms and technology adopted by the Brazilian Election Management for a successful conduct. “It is our considered view that the transparency, fairness and credibility of the conduct of elections reinforces the trust and confidence of the electorate, hence maximising their electoral worth and value. “These are what led to the large turnout of voters in Brazil,’’ the statement said.

governments to replicate Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda in their various states to enhance

productivity in the sector. This is contained in a statement issued during the

just concluded seventh National Development Summit of Traditional Rulers.

The statement was signed by Prof. Laz Ekwueme, General Secretary of the summit.

A trained staff on Ebola, Mrs. Nwamaka Uchegbu, screening pupils on Ebola at Akoka Nursery and Primary School in Lagos, as Lagos schools resume yesterday.

ISIL Offensive In Syrian Border

Ban Raises Concern Over Safety Of Civilians

UN - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern over the safety of civilians caught up in the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) offensive in Ayn al-Arab. The northern Syrian town is also known as Kobane. Reports state that Ban expressed the concern in a statement released by his spokesperson in New York. He said the terrorist group had been continuously carrying out its “barbarous campaign” and committing extensive violations of human rights and humanitarian law in areas under its control in Syria and Iraq. The UN chief urged all those with the means to do so, to take immediate action to protect the beleaguered civilian population of Ayn al-Arab. In a related development, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), raised an alarm over the situation in a statement released by its spokesperson, Mr Rupert Colville in Geneva. It said the reported intensification of indiscriminate shelling by ISIL of various parts of Ayn al-Arab had caused 10,000 civilians who had remained in the border area to cross into Turkey on Sunday and Monday. “Up until three or four days ago, there were still some 10,000 civilians who had not yet crossed into Turkey, and although most have now done so, some may still remain,” he said. Colville said that on Monday, ISIL units reportedly broke through the trenches dug by the town’s mainly Kurdish defenders, and

street-to-street fighting then took place in eastern neighbourhoods of the town. He said they also took control of a number of buildings and a strategic hill overlooking the town from the south-east. “The Kurdish groups in control of Kobane had reportedly ordered civilians to seek refuge in Turkey, and civilian administrators in Kobane were also said to have mostly left the town by Monday evening. “Nevertheless, we remain hugely concerned for the safety of any civilians remaining in Kobane or in the border area near the town, as well as in surrounding villages. “We believe the numbers are now, at most, in the hundreds – maybe fewer,” said Colville. “But clearly anyone who falls into the hands of ISIL is at risk. “Given their atrocious record of repeated murders and summary executions of prisoners in both Syria and Iraq, we are also extremely concerned about the fate of any combatants captured by ISIL.” On October 3, in a report, the UN decried the host of serious violations of international humanitarian law and gross abuses of human rights perpetrated by ISIL and associated armed groups. The report was jointly produced by OHCHR and the

UN Assistance Mission for Iraq. The violations include attacks directly targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, executions and other targeted killings of civilians, abductions, rape and other forms of sexual

and physical violence perpetrated against women and children. Others are forced recruitment of children, destruction or desecration of places of religious or cultural significance, wanton destruction and looting of property, and denial of fundamental freedoms.

The statement, which was made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, stressed the need for state governments to modernise the agriculture sector. It said the summit urged state governments to transform the sector to become lucrative and dignifying to encourage Nigerian youths participation in it. The monarchs also urged state governments to step up efforts at improving infrastructure for effective transformation of the sector. According to them, the efforts included the provision of functional agro-storage and processing facilities as well as access to energy. The summit, the statement said, advocated the need to promote mandatory programmes on entrepreneurship in tertiary institutions to boost economic growth and development. On security, the traditional rulers called on retired military officers to join the Federal Government in the fight against insurgency. They contended that their expertise was relevant in tackling the insurgents. They also commended the efforts of the government in combating the spread of the Ebola virus. The statement said the summit among other issues, recommended the need for the appointment of a Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs to the President. According to the monarchs, the appointment will promote “effective and healthier relationship’’ between the government and traditional rulers in the country.”

Pupils at morning devotion at Akoka Nursery and Primary School in Lagos as Lagos schools resume yesterday.

Across The Nation Osun Distributes Infra-Red Thermometers To Schools

Passengers boarding the Omoluabi free train ride offered by Governor Rauf Aregbesola for this year’s -Eid-el-Kabir celebration, for a return journey to Lagos at Osogbo Terminus, Osun State on Tuesday.

OSOGBO - Mr Lawrence Oyeniran, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education in Osun State, said the government had provided infra-red thermometers for public schools in the state. Oyeniran, who spoke in a telephone interview with newsmen in Osogbo said the move was “a proactive one as schools resumed yesterday’’. “The non-contact infrared thermometers are enough to go round the 1,593 public schools in the state and teachers have received basic training in handling basic health issues.

2 Gubernatorial Aspirants Step Down For Health Minister ABAKALIKI Two gubernatorial aspirants in Ebonyi, on the platform of the PDP, have dropped their ambitions to support the adoption of the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, by the state’s political stakeholders. Reports state that the party’s stakeholders from the old Abakaliki caucus, comprising the current Ebonyi North and Central senatorial zones, at a meeting on Monday adopted Chukwu as the zones’ consensus candidate. The aspirants, Chief Sam Agom-Eze, a former banker and Mr Ben Akpa, a

former commissioner, all from the southern zone like Chukwu, said after a meeting with Governor Martin Elechi that they dropped their ambitions in the interest of the state’s development. Agom-Eze said that any decision that would promote the interest of the state should supercede that of individuals, as individuals could not realise their ambitions without the existence of Ebonyi. “Even if many of us contest on the party’s platform, there would still be only one

Security Chamber Of Commerce Lauds NASS For Backing Jonathan’s

ONITSHA (ANAMBRA) The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce has lauded the National Assembly for supporting President Goodluck Jonathan’s demand for improved security funding to tackle insurgency in the country. The President of the Chamber, Dr Tim Anosike, told newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra, that the lawmakers did well in considering the over-riding interest of the country’s unity and oneness. Anosike noted that at this critical period political parties and politicians must come together to fight terrorism which had become the common enemy of our existence and peace. “Actually, I have commended the Federal Government, the President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan in the way he has been handling the issue of insurgency in the country. “I am aware too of the support the Reps. and the Senate gave him for that total war. “That is a right step in the right direction because by the time

you will think these things (insurgency) are playing, by the time you know it, it would be late; so, I think it is timely. “And then, talking about the security here in Anambra State, precisely Onitsha, I also commend the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, for tackling that issue,’’ he said. The chamber boss, however, appealed to every Nigerian to give President Jonathan the needed support to deal with the security situation. “If you have no idea to proffer as solution, you can pray for the peace of the country, divine wisdom for Mr President and victory for our officers and men of the armed forces battling the insurgents,’’ he said. It would be recalled that the National Assembly had approved Jonathan’s request to secure $1 billion (about N160 billion) loan to enable the Federal Government to upgrade military equipment in its renewed zeal to stamp out insurgency.

successful candidate; as I see this consensus candidature as a way of moving the state forward. “Ebonyi is a young state that is not as rich as others, so it will be pertinent to save it from unnecessary violence and rancour, among others usually recorded during electoral politicking, ‘’ he said. He described Chukwu as an ideal successor to Elechi, noting that he was capable of consolidating on the legacies of the incumbent governor. “Elechi has managed the state’s resources judiciously, as he needs a capable hand with vast experience to succeed him, a feature Chukwu possesses in abundance,” he said. Akpa on his part, said that his decision to step down was a personal sacrifice for the growth

of the state, especially in the political sector. “I believe it is the best way to go in order to reduce the usual infighting and rancour associated with electoral politicking. “I would therefore support the adoption of Chukwu whom I know personally as a man of integrity, honour and can sustain the legacies of the present governor,” he said. He said Chuwku was also

intellectually endowed which could be buttressed by the expertise the country’s health ministry, under his leadership, handled the Ebola disease scourge. “I would work for his success in the elections and beyond while thanking the governor and people of the old Abakaliki bloc for making a wise decision that would uplift the state. Governor Elechi in his response, thanked the aspirants for supporting the decision and

“The procurement of infra-red thermometers and training of teachers are conditions fulfilled by the state government in preparation for school resumption yesterday against Ebola. “We are not taking any chance bearing in mind that some of our children could have visited West African countries…. “We have trained our teachers to note that a high temperature in a student does not automatically indicate that the student is infected with Ebola but need for prompt medical attention. “This much the government has done, it is the duty of the schools’ heads to uphold healthy lifestyle and ensure handwashing as a matter of duty,’’ Oyeniran explained. “Head teachers in all public schools in the state have been advised to carefully manage the information acquired through the use of infra-red thermometers to avoid u n n e c e s s a r y apprehension.’’

Niger Governorship Race: Gov To Announce of the aspirants on the issues Flag Bearer of governance, bearing in mind

MINNA – Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger has said that members of the public would know who the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) endorsed as its gubernatorial candidate for the 2015 general elections within one week. Aliyu made the promise when the PDP stakeholders

from zone ‘B’ area of the state paid Sallah homage at his residence in Minna. He said that eight persons had approached him formally to be the next governor of the state. He promised to advise each

that one person would emerge as the flag bearer in the end. The governor assured members of the party that his administration would maintain the zoning arrangement put in place by the PDP which had been successful in the state. He stressed that the policy would not change midway and prayed God for the best candidate to emerge. “The time has come to tell the home truth without hiding anything any longer. “We will plead with the PDP members we have offended in the course of our governance but will not condone the antiparty activities of some members,’’ he said. Earlier, Vice Chairman of PDP in the zone, Alhaji Mamman Gambo, said in spite of the anti-party politics exhibited by some party members during the last senatorial election, PDP came out victorious. He commended Governor Aliyu for the laudable achievements recorded in the last 7 years of his governance in the state as all wards in the state had projects that bore direct impact on the people.

Health TODAY is World Sight Day, Dr. Omoye B. Amusa (A Consultant Optometrist with Edo State Hospitals Management Board) looks at Human Resource Development as Key Pillar of Eye Health, 9th October, 2014. Theme of this year’s 5. Ophthalmic techniWorld Sight Day is “Uni- cian/opticians who work versal Eye Health No on specification from opMore Avoidable Blind- tometrist on prosthesis ness”. A Consultant Op- and lenses. tometrist looks at Human These people whose enResource Development thusiastic and skilled par(HRD). The World Sight ticipation is essential for Day is a day set aside by both clinical outcome and the World Health Organi- a good patient experisation as deliberated upon ence. Other people below at the World Health As- that can give effective eye sembly to commemorate care health services are: with people with visual im• Low vision and rehabilipairment or visual disabili- tation workers, ties and vision care at • Orthoptics. large. The human re• Teachers, community source health develop- health workers. ment is the development • Equipment technicians. of people who deliver health care which has been identified as one of the key pillars of eye health. Human Resource Development is one of the essential building blocks of the World Health Or• Receptionist. ganisation (WHO) global • Cleaners. action plan toward Univer• Drivers and outreach sal Eye Health. workers. Their inputs are Speaking, she said that also important for a very this great burden of avoid- good effective team work. able blindness, visual imBelow is an example of pairment and low vision how a team work, apremains a big challenge to proach to providing refraceye care givers. Globally, tive error and eye care a teamwork approach services which has been would therefore be essen- globally, over the years. tial in eye care delivery. Community level Professionals in eye care PUBLIC AWARENESS services are many for efCase finding fectiveness. Officers involved These are: Health educators 1. The Ophthalmic Community health worknurses render nursing ers care to people with eye Optometrist problems. Primary Level 2. Ophthalmic clinical VISION SCREENING officers render services to Primary health care ofmove the eye care profes- ficers. sion forward e.g. keep Ophthalmic nurses records/statistics, treat Optometrist eye problems. Secondary level 3. Ophthalmologists DIAGNOSIS AND MANsurgeons of the eye. AGEMENT 4. Optometrist physiOptometrist cians of the eye. Ophthalmic clinical offic-

Mobilizing Human Resource To End Avoidable Blindnes By DR. OMOYE AMUSA

ers/cataract surgeon ophthalmologist Tertiary Level SURGERY/ADVANCE DISEASE MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION Ophthalmologist Optometrist Orthoptics/or vision rehabilitation specialist The Nigerian Optometrist and Dispensing Opticians Board members have been working harder than before to ensure team work to eliminate avoidable blindness or reduce it to barest minimum in the country. As optometrists being primary eye care givers and physicians of the eyes have recognised the challenges facing us with the latest global figure in blindness and low vision standing at 37million peo-

ple blind, 124million with low vision, 153 million have significant uncorrected refractive errors bringing about a total of 314 million people with severe visual impairment. In Nigeria statistics show that there are over 1million blind persons, with an exponential increase, in ages, 40years and above, where 3 out of 4 are often visual impaired due to uncorrected refractive error. Blindness/visual impairment or disability increases with age, life expectancy increases with modernization and industrialization and increase in age has considerable increase and burden of chronic medical diseases such as diabetic and hypertension. Optometrist have taken bold steps to move into the inter-lands/communi-

“In Nigeria, statistics show that there are over 1million blind persons, with an exponential increase, in ages, 40years and above, where 3 out of 4 are often visual impaired due to uncorrected refractive error.”

ties (rural settings) as primary eye care givers. This with increase in life expectance of about 53:2 years visual disability have continued to increase. The Edo State government, the Edo State Ministry of Health, the Edo State Hospitals Management Board, NGOs (Rural Health Society International of Nigeria), Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Edo State local government are ambulatory in nature and spontaneous in responding to eye care health team work. The government of Edo State has gone further in capacity building by increasing the training of optometrists and increase in number of human resource development for vision care. On the continent, countries like Botswana have 90% of all eye workers as ophthalmic nurses with 88% in public service and they are concentrating on urban or semi urban areas while referrals are linked for optometry services from a central referral point in both urban and rural setting as they are the main public sector eye care providers. This has an approximately a population of 2million people inhabitant i.e about

61% while 39% of the population are in remote and isolated rural parts of the country with 18% of the ophthalmic nurses and 20% of optometrist. In Uganda 90%of eye care givers are ophthalmic clinical officers has a population of over 33million persons, with a prevalence of blindness of about 1% and majority of ophthalmic clinical officers/cataract surgeon work in rural setting where there is no ophthalmologist and refer complicated refractions to optometrist and complicated clinical surgical eye cases to ophthalmologist. Zambia (Central Africa), Democratic Republic Of Congo (East Africa), Gambia (West Africa) has majority of its eye workers as ophthalmic nurses and optometrist in its public setting. Globally, the world council of optometrist is working hand in hand with the Nigerian College of Optometrist in ensuring that ethics and standards of eye care is maintained. Early detection, quick referral prompt intervention will lead to avoidable blindness. “Get your full eye examination at least once a year”. • This news analysis was written by our guest writer Dr. Omoye Amusa.

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (08/10/2014) Stocks

Open

Change

Deals

Units

Value

NCR

13.5

804

10,452.00

7UP

147.73

27,320

4,237,605.20

NEIMETH

1.06

39,288

41,614.69

ABCTRANS

0.7

5,534,240

3,765,467.20

NEM

0.79

0.78

-0.01

713,921

560,974.38

ACADEMY

1.32

1.38

0.06

343,015

473,345.70

NESTLE

1050

918,286

964,823,761.30

ACCESS

9.19

-0.19

34,726,919

313,009,453.20

NEWGOLD

1908

1950

19,500.00

21.99

435

9,961.50

AFRIPRUD

3.3

4,258,911

13,905,830.17

NNFM

AGLEVENT

1.54

1.47

-0.07

58,500

85,995.00

NPFMCRFBK

0.97

-0.03

719,999

700,149.03

AIICO

0.8

1,659,595

1,327,816.00

NSE30

1875.63

1869.72

-5.91

250,073,387

5,372,747,361.00

AIRSERVICE

2.01

2,200

4,611.00

NSE50

2033.64

2028.52

-5.12

324,524,845

5,571,393,372.00

ASHAKACEM

32.98

-0.98

810,774

25,719,182.06

NSEASI

41103.75

40995.02

-108.73

408,897,218

5,717,087,626.00

BERGER

8.6

76,610

680,390.70

NSEBNK

428.29

428.46

0.17

224,225,614

2,965,985,821.00

BETAGLAS

7,105

143,558.54

NSECNSMRGDS

1015.47

1015.94

0.47

8,929,544

1,746,878,426.00

BOCGAS

5.48

39,704

206,857.84

NSEINDUSTR

2739.15

2733.51

-5.64

1,860,835

101,802,138.90

CADBURY

53.69

100,168

5,492,255.02

NSEINS

148.4

148.33

-0.07

3,572,704

2,747,111.22

2696.03

2691.22

-4.81

4,619,375

1,150,741,688.00

CAP

30,646

1,166,993.50

NSELOTUSISLM

CAVERTON

5.1

4.85

-0.25

141,048

685,332.80

NSEOILGAS

461.33

460.13

-1.2

7,339,966

202,966,894.90

CCNN

15.75

204,775

3,170,260.37

OANDO

26.37

-0.37

6,744,548

175,623,535.10

CHAMPION

12.96

13.6

0.64

70,400

957,120.00

OKOMUOIL

88,447

2,927,427.50

CHAMS

0.5

4,215,900

2,107,950.00

PHARMDEKO

2.49

10,000

23,700.00

CONOIL

47.01

49.36

2.35

150,964

7,426,246.63

PORTPAINT

5.5

10,000

52,300.00

CONTINSURE

144,799

142,455.03

PREMBREW

4.4

4.18

-0.22

80,000

334,400.00

COSTAIN

0.9

0.94

0.04

1,080,143

984,687.12

PRESCO

37.5

108,726

4,017,162.38

COURTVILLE

0.52

0.51

-0.01

355,000

181,750.00

PRESTIGE

0.5

12,000

6,000.00

32.15

-0.15

464,993

14,896,586.80

CUSTODYINS

4.29

4.08

-0.21

201,000

820,290.00

CUTIX

1.8

279,612

522,466.74

REDSTAREX

4.21

11,000

47,150.00

CWG

4.8

2,000

9,120.00

ROYALEX

0.59

50,000

28,500.00

DAARCOMM

0.5

2,000

1,000.00

RTBRISCOE

0.85

0.89

0.04

244,963

209,477.76

640

639.5

-0.5

83,756

53,560,377.96

DANGCEM

220.8

219.8

-1

157,385

34,441,382.12

SEPLAT

DANGSUGAR

8.29

8.11

-0.18

1,152,805

9,438,177.97

SKYEBANK

3.01

-0.01

41,295,422

127,993,519.80

DIAMONDBNK

6.25

20,419,416

127,571,822.10

SOVRENINS

0.5

500

250

ETERNA

3.77

3.7

-0.07

351,101

1,300,421.38

STANBIC

33.25

-1.75

887,789

29,523,569.03

ETI

19.09

18.74

-0.35

3,759,400

70,307,254.96

STDINSURE

0.5

30,265

15,132.50

EVANSMED

2.05

1,000

1,950.00

STERLNBANK

2.3

2.31

0.01

9,318,093

21,426,676.49

FBNH

13.45

13.42

-0.03

16,676,426

224,523,928.00

STUDPRESS

2.4

28,950

66,585.00

FCMB

4.64

4.55

-0.09

9,396,892

42,808,148.76

TOTAL

180

8,961

1,600,695.97

FIDELITYBK

2.05

2.02

-0.03

24,789,972

51,608,796.36

TRANSCORP

5.79

5.75

-0.04

33,170,110

192,022,079.80

1.35

3,000

3,870.00

FIDSON

3.33

3.48

0.15

824,032

2,772,930.56

TRANSEXPR

FIRSTALUM

0.5

62,700

31,350.00

UAC-PROP

16.64

18,571

294,022.51

FLOURMILL

64.45

61.3

-3.15

931,337

57,664,298.12

UACN

238,327

13,742,884.68

225

59,432

12,975,654.85

UBA

6.84

6.51

-0.33

11,802,625

77,288,527.68

FTNCOCOA

0.5

24,000

12,000.00

UBCAP

2.18

4,951,227

10,683,741.97

GLAXOSMITH

62.61

-0.61

550,553

34,118,671.36

UBN

9.39

9.1

-0.29

529,316

4,809,422.87

GUARANTY

29.52

30.5

0.98

50,205,809

1,506,423,610.00

UNILEVER

47.99

106,866

4,958,263.16

GUINNESS

185.92

186.97

1.05

110,726

20,681,434.26

UNITYBNK

0.5

17,931,942

8,965,971.00

HONYFLOUR

4.03

0.03

620,200

2,503,324.00

UNIVINSURE

0.5

163,000

81,500.00

8.68

35,000

297,500.00

IKEJAHOTEL

2.1

2.2

0.1

6,343,610

13,938,192.00

UPDCREIT

INTBREW

30.9

22,508

674,964.28

UPL

3.93

51,155

195,203.45

INTENEGINS

0.59

0.61

0.02

43,591,809

26,590,032.87

VETGRIF30

18.73

18.67

-0.06

373.2

JAPAULOIL

0.5

4,246,243

2,123,121.50

VITAFOAM

4.27

62,800

259,135.56

JBERGER

67.2

2,980

190,243.20

VONO

1.42

3,450

4,657.50

LASACO

0.5

262,540

131,270.00

WAPCO

127

283,928

35,905,604.83

LAWUNION

0.5

1,000,000

500,000.00

WAPIC

0.74

262,844

194,540.56

LEARNAFRCA

1.32

1.38

0.06

70,010

95,413.80

WEMABANK

0.95

0.99

0.04

3,297,619

3,245,222.10

LIVESTOCK

2.99

2.95

-0.04

478,867

1,431,340.75

ZENITHBANK

24.6

24.14

-0.46

27,378,642

665,546,738.10

MANSARD

2.9

49,489

138,867.21

MAYBAKER

1.72

1.66

-0.06

1,129,571

2,020,134.34

MBENEFIT

0.54

285,751

154,305.54

MOBIL

173.08

22,460

3,907,340.99

MRS

2,500

133,000.00

NAHCO

4.98

5.04

0.06

269,643

1,355,859.96

NASCON

9.57

9.49

-0.08

552,521

5,171,009.74

176.66

178.8

2.14

3,665,494

654,356,415.50

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock NEWGOLD CONOIL NB GUINNESS GUARANTY CHAMPION NSECNSMRGDS NSEBNK FIDSON IKEJAHOTEL

Close 1950 49.36 178.8 186.97 30.5 13.6 1015.94 428.46 3.48 2.2

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain

Stock

Loss

42 2.35 2.14 1.05 0.98 0.64 0.47 0.17 0.15 0.1

NSEASI 108.73 NSE30 NSEINDUSTR NSE50 NSELOTUSISLM FLOURMILL S TA N B I C NSEOILGAS DANGCEM ASHAKACEM

40995.02

1869.72 2733.51 2028.52 2691.22 61.3 33.25 460.13 219.8 32

-5.91 -5.64 -5.12 -4.81 -3.15 -1.75 -1.2 -1 -0.98

THE basic fundamental of all economies is agriculture and all industrial nations know this. That their economies are on solid rock is basically because they have galvanized their agricultural potentials, which is also the offshoot of their industrial development That is why concerned citizens of Nigeria have continued to warn on the dangers of continued dependence In the nation on crude oil which is today the mainstay and sustaining source of the Nigerian economy. THE traditional focus of the Nigerian economy before the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantity was agriculture and it played a fundamental role in shaping the economy of the nation and regions as Nigeria was then constituted in its immediate post independence era. IN the 1960s, each region of the country was noted for producing some cash crops such as cocoa, groundnut and palm oil as well as rubber in co quantities. Basically, the Wet tern region, now the political South West except Lagos which was the Federal Capital, was noted for producing cocoa in large commercial quantities for export. The revenue from cocoa helped in shaping the infrastructure and economic environment of then Western Nigeria and its legacies and landmarks were -very very visible, as they affected virtually all aspects of life of the people. IN the Northern region, groundnut was the mainstay of the economy, to the extent that the volume produced in the region was typified by the â&#x20AC;&#x153;groundnut pyramidâ&#x20AC;?. It symbolized the success of the crop as a veritable earner of revenue which impacted economically on the life of the people.

THE NIGERIAN

Developing Nigeria Agricultural IN the Eastern region, palm oil was its predominant feature and similarly, it was a success in boosting the economic atmosphere of the country and tile region. Interestingly, it is now an irony that Nigeria has been relegated to the background in palm oil production and has been overtaken by Malaysia, a country which took the Nigerian specimen of the plant, palm kernel, and adapted it to its own climatic condition and is today a leading producer of palm oil, which is a major derivative of palm kernel. SIGNIFICANTLY, the Midwest region was noted for its rubber plantation and was quite a huge success as the crop played its role as a major economic transformation agent to shore up principally the economy of the region. WE are concerned that there is slow progress in returning to the traditional focus of reviving these cash crops as major sources of revenue for the Federal Government. HOWEVER, we are aware that not too long ago, the Federal Government launched the Cocoa Rebirth Initiative, as launch pad to regenerate interest in the crop and encourage farmers who have abandoned the plant to come back on the scene to make cocoa play its role in the national economy. THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER implores the Federal Government to similarly create avenues for other cash crops as well as

sensitise farmers to take proactive action towards their cultivation. WHILE the Federal Government has shown the interest to refocus attention to agriculture, there appears to he so much disinterest in the way it has pursued the goal. THERE is no conscious effort to empower small scale Earners to undertake mechanized farming for greater yields, as this is still the exclusive preserve of the elite farmers. Thus, farmers who are interested in expansion have no way of coping with the financial demands to undertake mechanized farming. Access to bank loans is uncertain with high interest rate, serving as enough scare to discourage the desire for any expansion. WHILE the banks may have played significant roles in the past in assisting farmers, they did so purely on the initiative of the individual farmers and therefore expect in the new arrangement as already envisaged, a friendly lending terms that will encourage investment in the agricultural sector. THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER now calls on the Federal Government to consider an upward review of allocation to the agricultural sector. Amounts always allocated in the budget have been a pointer of the genuineness of governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to the agricultural sector. WE assert that improving the national agricultural output should be devoid of any prohibition that will limit access to the fund by small scale farmers whose contributions to agricultural development for part of the concerted effort of the production chain that will lift the nation out of the continued dependence on oil.

View Point Nigerian Independence Celebration In Retrospect DAYS have just rolled by, after Nigeria celebration of her 54th independence. Soon, it would turn into weeks, then months, and then another independence day will arrive again which would generate another celebration and composition of activities, in a bid to have the atmosphere charged with memories and realities, as it concerns the whole process of independence the ‘Big’ question here is, have we been able to successfully occupy our position and be placed where we should be as a nation considering our socio-political cum economic development? Nigeria is 54, and, yes, it is a ‘huge milestone’ indeed; the drums were therefore rolled out, and celebration took over the atmosphere because we added another year as a republic. However, before the celebrations are over for the next one to arrive for singing, dancing and making merry, we should not forget to pause and reflect in sincerity on whether or not this is really the best we can be at 54. While objective and subjective arguments can be made for or against the position of this question, sincere observers would agree that we could have done better compared to other African nations with whom we gained independence at about the same time. We may have been lucky to have the population or human resources to rival the best, therefore even our colonial

By OMEIZE ROBINSON OFUJE

masters among other nations, were afraid of what we could become after they left us to our own ‘fate’. Nigeria also had, and still has the most sought after natural resources (oil). With that, we were set to become one of the biggest and most likely, the best African country. We were set to become one of the top leaders of the black nation, but have we been able to truly fulfil this potential even at 54? Years of mismanagement of resources and practical frivolous leadership, wastage of our common patrimony, and failure to plan for the future by selfish leaders, have turned us into becoming the ‘hunted’ instead of being the ‘hunter’ and of course, we are really paying the price big time. When the British left our shores, we were handed over the responsibility to control and regulate our own affairs, education also being inclusive. Education was suppose to constitute the bedrock of human development. Sadly, we cannot say that we are “home and dry” along that line of education in the country. The primary aim of first British settlers was to educate “savages” on the basics, i.e. how to read and write, especially English language, the latter part of education in Nigeria by the British towards the end of their period of colonization was to prepare mid level workers

who could work in government offices and function appropriately as second class citizens, teachers, policemen, administrators, etc. However, since the British left, we still struggle to meet international or world standard in the area of

education in such that 54 years later, we still do not have Europeans and people from other continents come to seek knowledge here in Nigerian schools. A concise policy on education to herald an industrial revolution in Nigeria still remains invisible. In fact the situation has been so

unfriendly to the point that Nigerians continue to travel to various countries including other African countries in search of quality education that is becoming a mirage in a hurry in this part of the world. It is no longer news that some Nigerians in backwater countries like

Ukraine, Benin Republic, Malta, Cyprus, Ghana, Uzbekistran, etc have been exposed to ill treatment, and in some cases, unexplained and horrible death, whose crime was only to go study abroad as students, leaving their loved ones in perpetual agony and pains. All these may have come to play because the

“Little wonder! Nigeria has the highest number of ‘out-ofschool’ children in the world based on factual research. Currently, Nigeria has over 11 million children of primary school age out of school. Under this arrangement would it be wise to say that the future of our future leaders is really bright?”

government have still not realized that education is the ‘springboard’ for national integration and rapid development in any given society. In practical terms, uneducated people are easy to deceive and swayed to act in a particular way by those who are well exposed to formal education. If matters of ethnicity and probably religion are brought to the scene, it would be obvious that in reaction to such issues, the uneducated folks will be

seen fighting over trivialities like dogs fight over bones, while those who are educated will apply inductive and deductive reasoning to arrive at a just conclusion. Little wonder! Nigeria has the highest number of ‘out-of-school’ children in the world based on factual research. Currently, Nigeria has over 11 million children of primary school age out of school. Under this arrangement would it be wise to say that the future of our future leaders is really bright? Can we be confident that Nigeria will get better before next independence celebration

at 55 and beyond? These, and many more, are the questions that we should pause and consider, and also invest positive attitude to bringing about stability in the system of none is in view. The case in our health sector may not be different from the one experienced in education sector as evidence goes to prove that we really need reformation along that line too. Some military Junta years back, in a broadcast, referred to our hospitals as mere consulting centres. Although we have invested efforts to bringing about standardization in our medical sector, the truth is that the result of these efforts can only be seen conspicuously in private hospitals which the ‘common’ Nigerian may not be able to afford when it is needed. Even most of the private hospitals in Nigeria do not have some equipment. Therefore it is only the ‘big men” who can afford to go to UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia or even India for treatment because they can pay the bills. Some government hospitals are still ill equipped, poorly staffed and loaded with ill motivated personnel in such that people are left to take their destinies in their own hands by consulting various religious and spiritual places for solutions thereby being exposed to being defrauded by some religious and spiritual leaders who are not genuine. Could the promise to heal sicknesses by these religious and spiritual leaders be referred to as a theatre of the absurd in Nigeria? In the area of agricultural, we have recently been told that our government is working hard to ensure food security. The next question that may have rocked the minds of some Nigerians is whether food security Continues on Pg 14

View Point Continued from Pg 13

means constant increase in prices of basic food items in the market. Propaganda may serve as a good tool in the hands of politicians, however, another question is “can propaganda and television adverts feed the people?. “Could that have been the reason why those who said they have made giant leaps in agriculture still campaign by giving the people bags of rice in exchange for votes?” Indeed, uneducated folks are quick to stand logic on its head, and the semiliterate young goons all over the nation are never in short supply in the hands of bad politicians who usually have these ‘low mentality’ folks at their “beck and call” to the effect that they never stop enjoying their support; even when reality stares them in the face. Quality education will break-off the chains of illusion from most Nigerians because at 54, after independence, politicians should not succeed in their attempt to get the people’s votes by way of sharing rice, noodles and other substance including cash, thereby making the people to see them as true messiahs. In the area of power generation, after 54 years of independence, we still cannot boast of 5,000 megawatts of electricity. A government official recently advocated that the government should be given kudos for increasing electricity generation to 5,000 MW in a country of about 170 million people. After when over $22 billion dollars had been spent on fixing electricity in recent years? Meanwhile, the three Gorges dam in China has the capacity to generate 22,500 MW of electricity and was constructed at the cost of $26 billion. Presently in Norway, the official population estimate is put at 5,096,300. Interestingly, the country has a

sovereign wealth fund of $828.66 billion, fractionally more than a million times Norway’s population, theoretically making every citizen a millionaire. They achieved this by planning ahead. The country also discovered oil in the 60s, but unlike Nigeria, their leaders didn’t devise a ‘sharing’ formula on how to divert public funds, rather they envisioned a bright future for their

... Celebration In Retrospect preparation?”. Some people have asked questions such as “could it have been possible for former head of state Ibrahim Babangida to easily afford the exotic hill top mansion he owns, among other investments, based on his usual salary?” and “How could the white bearded general Abdulsalami Abubakar be

such terms; rather they will “rent a crowd” who will go about with placard asking for such leaders to be left alone? Julia Pierson, the embattled director of the U.S Secret Service, resigned her position because security was breached under her watch. She didn’t send any

so wealthy to have bought one of the electricity generation companies that was sold recently with his basic salary coupled with other allowances?” well, the answer to such questions and many more needs detailed explanation by these men for clarity. At 54, Nigeria still remains a country where ‘anything’ goes! Recently in the USA, there have been a few reported breaches of security at White House and we all know that Julia Pierson, the director of the U.S. Secret Service, has resigned and taken responsibility for the lapses. Would such a thing happen in Nigeria? In a country where leaders have been found wanting, yet they will not come to

loquacious and foul mouthed spokes woman to blame an opposition party, neither did the president complain and wail to the press about how such a breach was a poly by some unnamed people to destabilize his government and embarrass him. That is the level of decency and responsibility expected of public officials in a country that holds her citizens in high esteem. Asking officials to take responsibility for their actions or in-actions in Nigeria may be akin to declaring a war on such official, but Julia Pearson took responsibility even though no life was lost in the process, she recognized her failure and admitted it. The kind of leadership in Nigeria even at 54 still had

President Goodluck Jonathan

children and even unborn generation. Today, the quality of life a Norwegian lives, can not be realised by most Nigerians because it is presently unattainable given to our present circumstances. Most of our leaders have been found to fall within the category of philanderers, so they steal as much as they can from public purse, irrespective of the negative impact their actions would have on the general public. Today, we have what we call “looted Abacha funds” in various parts of the world. Another question that may follow immediately is “was it only Abacha who stole or it is because he was unfortunate to have died in office without planned

it that when the president delivered his anniversary broadcast, many Nigerians couldn’t watch him speak live because there was no electricity to power their electronic derives. Some who watched the broadcast had to run their generator to do so. What most Nigerians experience today are higher electricity

producers of crude oil, yet we still import refined oil for domestic use. Nigeria will be great again! However, no great nation or civilization has ever been built on loud prayers and resounding Amens. Great civilization and industrial revolutions are build on education, hard work, sincerity of

bills for more black-out. At 54, the future of Nigeria is still trapped in a maze where retired and functional politicians are richer than legitimate businessmen because they dispensed oil blocs among themselves or stole money met for security under their watch, and in some cases, they even become richer that even the nation as a whole, while millions of their citizens are mowed down like cattles by bloodthirsty carnivorous animals. It is a proven fact that no nation can rise beyond the level of education it offers her people. Nigeria at 54 may not have been an Eldorado, but certainly we don’t deserve to be in the mess that we currently find ourselves in. Nigeria is one of the largest

purpose and are led by selfless leadership willing to take the hard decisions. Even Nehemiah and Ezra in the Bible both prayed and worked hard to get results. May God grant us great leaders! Much more, may we have intellectual, political and socioeconomic revolution in such that by next i n d e p e n d e n c e anniversary when Nigeria will be 55, we should stand on this revolutionary premise to have greater reasons why we should make it a huge celebration across the nation. It is time to rebuild Nigeria; once again, Happy Independence anniversary Nigeria!

Child Health & You Child Health And Environmental Hazards: THE environment comprises the surroundings in which a person, animal, or plant lives. In other words, the natural world where adults and children find themselves. Hence, it should be made clean and habitable for all who desire to live in good health. Hazard-free environment coupled with a balanced diet positively influences the general health and growth of a child. What are the hazards? Hazards are harmful occurrence that endangers the health or life of an individual. They are harmful occurrence that endears the health or life of an individual. They are activities of lifestyle that can hurt someone who is involved in such acts. As the level of industrial and economic activities continue to grow in our nation, the rate of child’s exposure to environmental hazard increases as well. Environmental hazard is any situation or state of events that poses a threat to surrounding and has an adverse effect on people’s health, especially children. Notable environmental hazards include: Physical hazards, Chemical hazards, Biological hazards, Psycho-sociological hazards, and Mechanical hazards. Physical Hazards: Physical hazards are the commonest forms of hazards that pose a threat on a child’s growth and development. They include any unsafe conditions that can cause injury, illness or death. They are easily noticed but most often over looked / neglected on an assumption that they are not injurious. Notable instances of hazards of this sort are: bathroom falls/ accidents, frayed lords, improper wiring / exposure to naked wires, exposure to and malhandling of sharp objects, heat or cold conditions which can cause severe damage to a child’s skin,

Any Remedy? By OSHODIN HOPE OSARUMWENSE

examples-burns, rashes and skin reactions. Also, the use of soaps, creams, tight fitted clothes or shoes may cause allergies or even physical wounds on the skin of these young ones. Chemical Hazards: Chemical hazards arise from exposures to artificially made substances which are harmful to individuals. Chemicals of all kinds not properly stored in our homes can result to serious injuries especially when children come in contact with them. Household items such as bleach, insecticides sprays, detergents, liquid soap, kerosene or fuel stored in bottles may accidentally be ingested by children resulting in acute poisoning disorder or even death. Young children are particularly at risk from inappropriately stored chemicals. Studies in India and the United State of America revealed that exposure to pesticides increase the rate of first trimester miscarriages and congenital anomalies. Furthermore, cigarette smokes is one of the main source of air pollution in the home. Hence evidence had shown that tobacco smoking constitute a world wide pubic health hazard. Results of the inhalation of tobacco smokes are generally respiratory diseases like chronic cough and lung cancer. Other known defects are congenital anomalies, respiratory morbidity, which invariably hampers the growth and development of infants and children. Biological Hazards: Biological hazards entail children coming in contact with living organisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can cause ill health. They are also seen as agents that can cause infections in

lives of children. There is no doubt that microorganisms thrive in environments that have minimal supply of oxygen. Thus, children who live in over populated communities, homes and schools are at a higher risk of contracting diseases like flu, cough, chicken pox, measles and the likes. Also, environments with stagnant water, refuse dumps, bushes and market can serve as breeding grounds for harmful insects

and animals like mosquitoes, tse-tse flies, snakes, and rats, as these can cause diseases and sickness like malaria, tuberculoses, and other epidemics. Moreover, certain rural practices like the use of fire wood for cooking, use of animal dungs for manure expose the user to conditions that are unwholesome to the human health. For instance, inhalation of h y d r o c a r b o n s , carbonmonoxide gases and to a less extent nitrogen oxides from woods. Consequently, this leads to

lungs dysfunction and other respiratory diseases. Psycho-sociological Hazards: Hazards of this sort affect the child’s mental health in relation with his association with other children or adults in society. This is common among children of school age. Instances of this are constant harassment from their parents, guarding or care-givers, comparison with other children, bully, taunting and the likes. Another factor that poses a psycho-sociological hazard to children is parents / caregivers lifestyle or state

of living. Parents who are drug addicts may not really stand as role models for their children. A child whose father smokes or uses hard drugs is subjected to jeer from schoolmates and psychological trauma in addition to the environmental of exposes to such drugs. Poverty is also another factor that may push some parents into subjecting their children to child labour e.g. street hawking, servants and maids, child trafficking as the case may be where the children go in for prostitution, use of drugs in

return for money to make ends meet. The result of these dastardly acts are innumerable and vary from wrong peer influence, unwanted pregnancy, theft, thuggery, street beggars to severe psychological cases like stress depression, paranoid delusions, poor self-esteem, etc. In some cases, children of school age begin to slack in their school performances, lateness to school, rude or heady loss of interest in schooling and an essential drop out from school. Mechanical Hazards: These are hazards caused by operation of certain mechanical apparatus. They are either electrical or man-made apparatus like motors, nuts, screws, iron, bars, etc. injuries caused by

urban areas, children must be guarded when crossing the road, protected from the noise combustion engines. Other home appliances like hot plates, electric irons and boiling rings must be kept away from children as they can lead to electrocution. Finally, generator sets must be kept outside the rooms, preferably in the open air to prevent inhalation of carbon monoxide gas from the set. In conclusion, environmental hazards are highly detrimental to the health of children so they must be shielded from all known causes of these hazards at home, school, and in all surroundings.

these appliances or apparatus may lead to amputation or even dislocation of body parts leading to partial or permanent disabilities e.g. unguarded machinery, moving machine parts like table fan, blender should not left for a child. Uncontrolled noise from television or radio set, loud speaker, speaker can cause severe hearing impairment. More so, children should be kept away from banana peels, spills of water on tiled floor, poking fingers into electric sockets as these can result to mechanical hazards. In

Oshodin Hope Osarumwense, Executive Secretary, Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, Benin City. ‘CHILD HEALTH AND YOU’, a Weekly Thursday Feature, is a collaborative initiative between the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, and the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Benin City. Comments on this page should be forwarded to The Editor, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, Benin City or Director, Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.

Spotlight Introduction NOT many people are aware of the existence of museum, let alone knowing their educational services to the development of a Nation. The reason for this may be found in social, religious, cultural and educational alienation of the Europeans. In modern times, many people are having increasingly less time to spare for those things that have little bearing with the struggle for physiological survival-hunger, thirst, shelter and rest. People in their respective efforts cater for just physical needs to the neglect of those aspects which are nonphysical. Therefore, they have little time, for relaxation and become so estranged that they have no values for our past. So, it is intended in this lecture to share some light on Museum Education as a Pre-Requisite for Cultural Development in the past and contemporary society. That the Museum is an open learning environment which potentially at least is an exciting alternative to the conventional and restricted classroom system. The Museum Defined In the past, according to the New Encyclopedia Britanica (1973) Vol. 12, P.649 the word Museum was derived from the Greek word ‘Museion’ and was applied originally in classical antiquity to a place sacred to the muses. Those were the 9 daughters (goddesses) of Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods where glorious events of the past such as folk art. Music, poetry, gaiety and harmony were associated. Aside from this meaning,

Museum was also associated with encyclopedia character i.e as store house for knowledge acquisition in varied disciplines. From the word view, the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Commission of Museums (ICOM 1974 describes a Museum as “a non-profit making permanent institution in the service of society and its development and open to the public which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates, and exhibits for the purposes of study, education and enjoyment, material evidence of man and its environment. In 280 BC. the first Museum was established in Egyptian City of Alexandra by Ptolemy I soter who ruled that part of Greek empire. The Museum combined the Greek belief in the inspiring role of the Muses in learning the Aristlelian idea that knowledge can be derived through observation of nature. The Museum was more or less organized like the University. It has a lecture hall, Library with over 40,000 volumes of books, documents of scrolls, a court, astronomical observatories for the study of the past. This was under the headship of a priest with four other scholars to assist and these were (1) An Astrologer, (2) Writer (3) Mathematician (4) Physician. Also, American Association of Museums (AAM) defines a museum as a centre of “Cultural Property” associated with objects of “Cultural trading” which the International Council of Museums also classified into two groups: (1)

Museum Education As A P moveable and (2) Immovable) (i) Movable works of arts are books, manuscripts other works of artistic, historical and scientific collections related to Science and Technology. (ii) Immovable work of art are monuments of architecture, art or history, archaeological sites and buildings of historic and artistic interest. Comparatively, the Museum can be seen as a concept and an organization. As a concept, it is designed for communicating, information and experience by exhibition. As an organization, it is an established programme for the purpose of achieving specific functions or objectives. Background to Museum (Education) Development In retrospect, there had been an informal type of Museum educational development in Nigeria for many years. Many objects, articles and artifacts were commonly found in the palace of the Kings or Obas and Emirs. These were also found in groves and shrines. Most of these objects were viewed as sacrosanct -to be protected from harm because they were sacred, or holy. In Benin for example, only special people of royal blood and religious responsibility are allowed to see some palace property. These and the Benin Museum first started as a small treasure house in the Oba palace. It was later bequeathed to the native authority in 1946 under the custody of late

By BENJAMIN AIYAMEKHUE OKPEVBO

Chief (Dr.) Jacob Eaharevba. In 1960, the Federal Department of Antiquities, now National Commission for Museums and Monuments took over the Museum. The building which now houses the original of an expanded collection was opened in 1973 by Dr. S.0. Ogbemudia who as the then Military Governor of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, contributed materially in the establishment of the new Museum. Education: First, let us look at the concept, education. In a contemporary Nigerian Society, education is a moral enterprise with the school as the moral agent. Be that as it may, the concept of education has its philosophical aims and objectives. Since human nature is shaped and developed within and through society, society has a process by which its members ensure its continuity and the perpetuation of its culture, and this is done through the process of socialization and education. The concept, education has been given varied definitions and interpretations by many authors and philosophers. For them, education is seen as a life long process, starting from birth and ending at death. Education is what transpires in a normal schooling. It could also be described as what one has learned on his own or been taught by others since birth. This is because knowledge which is the

“In retrospect, there had been an informal type of Museum educational development in Nigeria for many years. Many objects, articles and artifacts were commonly found in the palace of the Kings or Obas and Emirs. These were also found in groves and shrines.”

core of education is opened ended. This shows that education is the dynamic side of philosophy. It is the functional way of realizing the ideals of life. Omatseye (1989). In this regard, Onuebuwa (1992), adds that education takes place not only in schools but also outside school system such as home, church, mosque, museum etc which serves as informal education. Peters (1986) defined education “as a process of socialization enculturation and transmission of what is worthwhile to those who are committed to it, be they children or adults. Therefore, the import of Museum as one of the variables of this lecture is the transmission of culture to make an individual well refined and well trained through such informal and formal types of education. In Museum context, ICOM (1968) looks at Museum education as a process which seeks to increase knowledge and stimulate the growth of sensibility, thus enriching the individual regardless of age, origin, education and cultural background. This should take place within the frame work of essential museum activities which is to collect, to preserve, to study and display the cultural heritage. From the foregoing, members of the public and teachers in particular, should therefore seek ways of utilizing Museum Education services to make teaching more effective and learning more meaningful in schools bearing in mind that the Museum is an open learning environment Ahaaiwe (1983). Museum and Education In this light, education should be an instrument for synthesizing the existing cultural and blending of the old and new harmoniously. Implied in the above statement is that education should express the concept of culture. For Taylor

(1871) in Ahaaiwe (1983 culture is defined as th totality of all that can b transmitted by teachin between human beings So, this is where museum comes in as an educationa institution. Because of this Olorunfumi (1981 advocated the proper us

Edem Duke, Minister for

of Museum in education a an immediate necessity fo development. Olorunfum also opines that the onl authentic material existing in history are th various artifacts availabl in museum, for it is th “Museum that uncorrupte culture is found”. Prior to this, the absenc of Museum education i Nigeria, necessitated th then Federal department o antiquities now (Nationa Commission for Museum and Monuments) to als organize a planne programme of activities i the education departmen of Lagos Museum b taking a clue in 1969 from Uganda Government. Th also led to th establishment of othe branches in some of th

Spotlight

Pre-Requisite For Cultural Development

), he be ng s. m al

s, 1) se

functional National Museums in the country such as Lagos, Ife, and Aba to name but a few of them. Okita (1985) Says, in a place like America where school services had developed to a high standard, education services cater for any other category of the Museum public that benefit from educational service. Okita

Culture and Tourism

as or mi ly ls he le he ed

ce in he of al ms so ed in nt by m is he er he

continues, according to a report by Wittman (1969), The America Association of Museums made a recent survey of the educational programmes of Six hundred Museums both small and large located in every state representing art, history and science Museums. The survey found out that the studied Museums were formally organizing classes and lectures for eight million school children; four million five hundred thousand adults, fifty-six thousand art students and fourteen thousand undergraduates registered Museum course for college credits while four thousand graduate students engaged in joint MuseumUniversity protects in art, the discipline of history and science. Baikie (1982)

emphasized the need to use Museum which he described as a repository of everything that is cultural dating back to history. He further stressed the need to use the Museum to develop an intra-cultural education that leads to nation building. The antiquities of NOK, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife and Beninthe nations proverbial and indigenous cultural artifacts, have provided insight into Nigeria history as a nation. It was also a practice in schools in Athens in ancient Greek to use national objects as teaching aids. However, the relationship between Museum and schools may well have taken place before the period. Even though this may be regarded as the earliest recorded example. The speculation may comfortably be made that the representations of natural objects in form of rock painting in caves by the early man must have been a memory aid to him. Okita corroborates that, despite such and apparent early relationship .between collection (Museum) and education, the institulisation of the formal relationship between the Museum and the school through the provision of facilities by the former for the benefit of the latter was more a creation of the twentieth century. Museum Education and Social Roles Since education is to integrate children into the culture and custom of their society and the museum serve as custodians of people’s culture, it becomes necessary for teachers to explore the educational resources in the museums by way of utilizing them for effective teaching. The philosophy of education can therefore be said to include what one has learnt on his own or being taught since birth. To this function, Ambrose and Paine (1993). comment that some education services provide a range of

formal teaching opportunities in the Museum while others work closely with teachers to allow them make a better use of the educational resources available through displays, exhibitions, data bases, handling of collections and Museum staff. Therefore education should strive to improve and revive culture and language art. The resources to attain the above goals of education can be found in the Museum where they can be catered for by, the Museum educational programmes. A visit to Benin Museum for example, will show that much has been done in the use of the Museum for educational purposes, in the areas of tours by visiting schools and adults, lectures, and film shows.

Others include artwork, exhibitions, long holidays programme, public relations, drama. songs, shows, teacher/housewives seminars/work shops featuring adire making, tie and dye technology, students Industrial work Experience Scheme (SIWES), advisory service and technical assistance, to Researchers transcribing old gramophone records from their local languages to illustrate people/musicians like Sir Jim Rex Lawson, Sir Victor Efosa Uwaifo etc. Eboreime (1994). The Museum education unit acts as the public relations outfit as training as They establish and maintain mutual understanding between the Museum and its public. They also plan and organize lecture, talks, folk and guided tours. They visit schools to talk to teachers about the Museum and

encourage them and their children to join the Museum (children’s art club) conservation art club and Museum society, (friends of museum). Further the education services involve the ethnographers, archaeologists and Curators in carrying out the above programmes. In the interpretation of Museum objects on display in the galleries, the following methods of instruction are employed. Famuyiwa (1995) says, these are instructional strategies and tactics to make group visits more exciting and interesting in order to avoid boredom, these include: demonstration, discussions, lectures quiz or questioning. role play field trips and labels. Conclusion The Museum has been seen as a teaching laboratory and as a workshop where people Children and adults visit for the acquisition of knowledge into their past for their improvement of life and the nation building. With this experience, they remember easily what they have seen. The students also discover that the Museum objects provide wonderful and vivid illustration of what

they learn in their study books, from lectures and people. Also, the Museum professional staff with their knowledge give their services to visitors, researchers, students/pupils and teachers alike under curriculum direction. Therefore, it is very imperative that the nation can only be built on firm foundation if we understand and appreciate our diverse cultures, tradition and custom via museum studies. Be that as it may, I have attempted to dwell on the provision of useful information on the Museum education and development in Nigeria and the diaspora. It is hoped that the federal government financial support, philanthropic and community’s participation in cultural education of the people in this direction, will be highly appreciated. With this the National Commission for Museums and Monuments will be able to use their visual aids to help in the furtherance of our understanding of what we are totally committed in the realization of the Museum education ideals in the society. Benjamin Aiyamekhue Okpevbo, FCAL, CACORP, MNSA, Chief Museum Education Officer, National Museum Benin City.

“The Museum has been seen as a teaching laboratory and as a workshop where people - Children and adults visit for the acquisition of knowledge into their past for their improvement of life and the nation building.”

Issues NAFDAC And Internationalisation Of Local Pharmaceuticals OUTRIGHT opposition to and radical criticism of government policies and actions no doubt helps a nation to grow if accorded a nationalistic outlook. Little wonder that a Nation fares better, faster, most genuinely and more impressively when critics acknowledges progressive and landmark achievements as well as proffers alternative solutions where and when necessary. It is within this context that critics could be patriotic or selfish, disgruntled/ unpatriotic by assessment. Consequently, we must as Nigerians, acknowledge that the President Goodluck Ebelle Jonathan conceptualized and implemented Transformation Agenda is indeed propelling the Nation towards a dynamic and success driven multi-sectorial development which is already according Nigeria an ideal placement in the committee of Nations. The swiftness ,dynamism and seriousness with which government confronted and conquered the globally dreaded genocidal Ebola disease and urgently placed Nigeria on the World map as an –Ebola free Nation, still remains a mystery to the international community such that the United States of America ,an acclaimed world Power, has approached Nigeria for necessary tutorials and assistance in this regard. This feat is no doubt attributable to the existence of a transformed indigenous health sector manned by seasoned and competent manpower under the leadership of a focused coordinator Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu as health Minister. Similarly, NAFDAC is indeed, a vital organ in the sustenance of progressive healthcare services and it is conscious of the fact that acceptability is a vital ingredient in the success and otherwise of Pharmaceutical production endevour which in turn is hinge able on two variables; namely, domestic/indigenous and global /international. While the former is limited and therefore out rightly restrictive, the latter is limitless both in status ,practice and associate able dividends .Considerably ,

By MARTINS F.O.IKHILAE

dependable health boosting substances production otherwise known as Pharmaceutical products or Drug making, desires globalized consumers acceptance for absolute survival and reliability .In fact ,the more extensive ,the better for it. Needless to posit however that the Nation’s good health sustaining organ ,implicatively, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control – NAFDAC, under Dr Paul B. Orhii’s leadership has relentlessly sourced and administered dynamic approaches towards boosting maximally, the competitiveness of our indigenous good health preserving substances production. The underlying wisdom inherent here is that rather than allowing our country to remain an eternally foreign pharmaceuticals dependent Nation, it should on the contrary attain, sustain and retain an enviable and highly reputable status of world class drug exporting Giant Nation in the African continent. How achievable? The NAFDAC leadership has relentlessly been on the vanguard of aiding the nation’s drug firms to successfully attain production of globally acceptable and good health guarantee able pharmaceutical commodities. As a seasoned healthcare expert and world-class administrator, he is aware of the existence of internationally and strictly stipulated and compliable stringent standards for Pharmaceuticals production and acceptance. It is in furtherance of this patriotic ideal ,that NAFDAC is audaciously championing intensive support for our local drug producing firms to enable them upgrade to the globally upheld standards in the sector in accordance with the World Health Organisation specification in this regard. Under this arrangement, the Federal Government is availing operators in the sector with an assessable multi-billion naira operational soft loan facility as an intervention fund solely for the singular purpose of

empowering them to conveniently boost production capacity to meet the WHO specified Global standards for Pharmaceuticals production. Already, a sizeable number of Nigeria pharmaceutical firms have been inspected by the WHO pre-qualification team towards achieving the desired pre-qualification

recently, one of the Nation’s Pharmaceutical giant –Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited(SWIPHA),was pronounced by the World Health Organisation[WHO]as having successfully scaled through the initially perceived rigorous processes and has earned for itself the coveted WHO good manufacturing practice (GMP) prequalification certification, a process aimed at

NAFDAC Director-General, Dr Paul B. Orhii status through NAFDAC supervision and support. Come to think of it, indeginous drug production should not be targeted towards meeting local production only but also assess comfortably, the international export market so as to make an impact in meeting global demand for these life saving commodities. This NAFDAC induced initiative which initially seemed unrealize able and considered by many doubting Thomases as a mere wild Goose chase when introduced few years ago, is now yielding commendable dividends. Just

determining the ability of a firm to persistently, produce products without compromising quality standards specifications of the organisation. Remarkably, WHO Director General, Dr Margaret Chan, commended the determination and unwavering commitment of NAFDAC under its incumbent management which she claimed has successfully brought about the earning of WHO GMP certification by a Nigerian local pharmaceutical firm which incidentally remains the first of its kind in the entire

West Africa .According to her, effort to acquire WHO prequalification for Nigeria local drug plants was initiated by NAFDAC in 2011 through collaboration with the WHO pre-qualification team to enable them benefit from multi-billion dollars patronage from international aid agencies and drug users which initially seemed impossible. The WHO boss who spoke through a representative Ms Seun Omobo further asserted that the feat was indeed a reward for the Nation’s effort via NAFDAC to ensure that her indigenous drug producing firms partake in the prestige earning global drug manufacturing and trading activities. Noteably, NAFDAC has consequently earn for the Nation, respect, adequately inspired confidence and competent supervisory ability while the problem of inferiority complex resulting from the previously held notion that Nigeria products are of inferior quality, has eventually be nullified by the WHO certification which is now an attestation to the suitability of our indigenous products for the World Market. By this is meant that It has consequently, been certified to play/participate via production and export of pharmaceuticals in the seeming monopolized annual over 300bilion dollars worth global pharmaceutical market along side pharmaceutical firms from United States of America, Japan, Germany, China, Europe etc. In view of this therefore, more indigenous firms like May and Baker plc, Fidson Healthcare, Neimeth etc are now making frantic efforts to key into this progressive economic initiative. The NAFDAC backed effort will maximally boost production ability of local drug plants by making them measure up adequately to globally acceptable standards with the consent of WHO. The World Health Organisation assent will no doubt further rub-off positively on local drug plants

as the production of essential medicines will bring about acceptability for our indigenous medicines globally thereby successfully acquiring the capacity to satisfy both domestic and foreign demands. This has furthermore buttressed the fact that Dr Paul B. Orhii has maximally justified the confidence reposed in him by all and sundry as not even the controversial Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria[PSN] who initially opposed Orhii’s candidacy at NAFDAC could hold back its joy resulting from SWIPHA WHO GMP certification which is a product of his visionary and dynamic acumen as it boldly admitted while congratulating the management of Swiss Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Limited on their WHO GMP certification victory, that the PSN is proud to identify with SWIPHA’s success story which is truly inspiring in the peculiar sector having been placed in the privileged status of global player in the Pharmaceutical sector as it was a laudable achievement to attain the landmark feat of the first Pharmaceutical manufacturer in Nigeria and indeed Sub-Sahara Africa to be designated a WHO compliant Plant. However, it appears as an effective solution towards curbing or eradicating incidence /menace of proliferating drug counterfeiting markets while equally saving the nation from the huge financial expenses previously gulped by drug importation and at the same time boost foreign exchange earnings for both the local drug manufacturers and the Federal Government of Nigeria. The citizenry will enjoy qualitative ,effective and dependable healthcare services. Martins F.O.Ikhilae,a Lagos based Public Affairs Analyst; Tel;08023405821 Email;martinsikhilae@ymail.com

“Noteably, NAFDAC has consequently earn for the Nation, respect, adequately inspired confidence and competent supervisory ability while the problem of inferiority complex resulting from the previously held notion that Nigeria products are of inferior quality, has eventually be nullified by the WHO certification which is now an attestation to the suitability of our indigenous products for the World Market.”

A].

INTRODUCTION: Recall that the logarithm of a number M say, to a certain base x is the power or index or exponent to which such base (in this case x) must be raised to be

Solution: (i). Similarly, consider the index of both sides i.e. 32 = 25 Answer (ii). log1010 = 1 becomes 10 = 101 Answer

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

Logarithmic Equation (1)

equal to the number M. (iii). log101000 = 3 becomes 1000 = 103Answer That is if M = xa, then a = logxM. The relations logxM = a 1 a (iv). log = -2 becomes and x = M are equivalent to each 10 100 other. In other words, while M = 1 1 xa is known as the index form, = or 10-2 Answer 2 100 10 the logxM = a is known as the logarithmic form. Example 3 Note: The short form of Convert log/2 1 = 2 to its index logarithm is log. 4 equivalent

B]. APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Example 1 Convert each of the following index forms to their logarithmic forms: (i). 8 = 23 (ii). 100 = 102 Solution: Since the index form is given, we consider the logarithmic by taking the logs of both sides. i.e. log28 = 3 Answer (ii). Taking the logs of both sides, we get: Log10100 = 2 Answer

((

Solution Taking indices, we get: 1 = 1 2 Answer 2 4

(( ((

Example 4 Calculate the value of log2x, if logx4 = 1/2 (NECO, 2005). Solution Taking indices, we get:

To get x, take the squares of both sides to get: x2 = :- x = 1 8

1 64 Answer

Example 6 If 2log3y + log3x2 = 4, then y is (UME, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;93) Solution: Rearranging the LHS, using the log law, 2log3y becomes log3y2. Now log3y2 + log3x2 = 4 or log3(y2x2) = 4 x2y2 = 34 y = 2

34 x2

81 2 x /2 4 = x or x/2 = 4 To get y, take the square roots of both or x = 4 (rearranged) sides to get: 81 81 Take the squares of both sides to get: y2 = = 2 x2 x ( x )2 = (4)2 9 2 :y = Example 2 :- x = 4 = 16 Answer x Convert the following Drills Example 5 logarithmic forms to their (1). If log 10x = 0.5, find x. Solve the equation log2x2 = -6. equivalent forms Ans = 10 Solution: (i). log232 = 5 (2). Solve for y if 5log(y + 3) = log32 Considering indices, we get: Ans = -1 (ii). log1010 = 1 x2 = 2-6 1 1 or 6 or Until next edition, remain blessed (iii). log101000 = 3 2 64 solving Maths and remember to 1 x2 = 1 (iv). Log10 = -2 watch EBSTV, Thur. 4pm! 64 100 1

y2 =

Motoring With OSAGIE AIFUWA 08023412452

How To Reverse Park

What To Look For In Fairly Used Cars

MOST people, buying a second-hand car Is their introduction to the pleasures of motoring and for others it is a sharp lesson learnt from the ups and downs of life. What is being bought in a used car is the life left in those cars. A one to two years old car should be regarded not as a new car with one to two years tear and wear but as a car that will be a scrap in three to five years time. There are few bargains in used cars. The trouble period enjoyed in the first years when you buy a new car is lost and what you have is the beginning of trouble period. Used car dealers or sellers know the worth of their cars. If a car is offered at substantially below the ruling market rate, there is probably something wrong with it. The cost of running car Is greater than of running a new car even though the initial capital is less. Depreciation of the car must be taken Into consideration when deciding on the price to be paid. Rising new car prices are reflected in highest second hand car prices but a second hand is not a new car. Now that you have known what you are buying, you should now look into the following areas before you take the final decision on whether to buy or not. Then only you can have value for your money. • Crash Damage: Look along exit side of the car for poor repair work and spraying. • Rust: Examine the sides and bottom of the doors, body and the front- and rear wing joints and surface area for rust. Extensive rusting is costly to repair. • Oil Leaks: Insist on a 20-30 minutes test drive, then stand the car on a clean surface, severe oil drops indicate that a costly repair may be needed. • Suspension Dampers: Press down hard on each wing of the car. It should go up and down again and then return to the static

position. Continuous bouncing indicates faulty suspension dampers (shock absorbers). • Brake: The brake pedal should feel firm when pressed down. A spongy brake pedal may need bleeding or complete overhaul of the brakes. • Wheels: Jack up each wheel in turn spin them and look for a normal tyre wear and worn bearings. • Tyres: Uneven tyre wear is a sign of mechanical defects of harsh use • Switches: Make sure that the windscreen washers, wipers, dip, switch, indicators, Interior light, et cetera are in good working

condition. • Mileage: Most motorists cover an average 20,00024,000km a year. Check the kilometer reader to have an estimated age of the car or how the car has been used. • Bonnet Safety Catch: Make sure it is operating properly; cause the bonnet may fly open while driving resulting-in a serious accident. • Steering: Check for excessive free movement of the steering wheel, which is a result of wear in the steering mechanism. • Warning lights: Start the engine and check all the warning

lights on the dashboard. All should go out immediately the engine starts, except the handbrake warning light, which will go out when the hand brake is released. • Hydraulic System: Examine fluid level in brake and clutch hydraulic reservoirs. Some cars have a mechanical clutch in which case there is no clutch hydraulic reservoir, inspect flexible brake hose and pipes, also check for leaks between hose and pipes: brake back plate and wheels especially when brake pedal Is depressed. • Floor: Lift the carpet to examine the floor for damp or rust.

When To Replace Your

IF shock absorbers are continually Used without replacement comfort will not suffer, but stability and 1%iel economy will be inefficient. Shock absorbers should be replaced when necessary. Shock absorbers condition should be checked by using the following methods of inspection. • Examine Visually Check for oil leakage from oilseals of the piston rod and the cylinder surface. If there is leakage replace the shock absorber immediately. Also replace it if there is any dent in the cylinder. Push down on the Bumper If the vehicle bounces up and down buoyantly two or three times when the bumper is pushed down and released, it indicates that the shock absorbers have lost their effectiveness. Pump the brake While driving slowly, pump the brake pedal. lithe vehicle’ front or rear end dives a lot, it Indicates that the chock absorbers have lost their effectiveness. • Feel the shock Absorbers Feel the shock absorbers. If their temperature rises to a high level soon after starting, is normal. If they remain cold they are not operating efficiently.

Shock Absorbers

Check the mount If the shock absorbers mount is bent, or the washer’s position is improper or If the rubber

bushing is damaged replace the shock absorbers. Shock absorbers should be checked periodically.

Safety Tips

Do You Know That: • Nigeria has the highest rate of road accidents in Africa? • Road accidents are the highest killer of people in Nigeria? • Road accidents will overtake HIV/AIDS by killing 5.1 million people yearly by the year 2020? • Youths are more vulnerable to road accidents worldwide? • Road accidents occur every minutes sending many to early grave and millions becoming disabled yearly? • Age; Colour, Sex and Title have nothing to do with road accidents? • Road accidents have no respect for anybody-either literate or illiterate? • Single mistake or disobedience to traffic rules and regulations can send you and other road users to early grave? • Do routine check on your vehicle. • Always fasten your seat belt. o Observe speed limit. • Give due consideration to other road users. • More lives are saved with less night travelling The life saved may be yours! Avoid night travelling. • Avoid overloading. • Talking and listening distract concentration using your mobile phones while driving Is dangerous. • Imbibe safer road culture.

FOR best result, you need a parking space one and a half times the length of your car, although It is quite true that once you master the technique, you can make do with even less space. Cheek your mirror for any on coming vehicle and activate your right indicators if necessary to indicate that you are stopping. Move beyond the space that you wish to occupy and park parallel to the car in front of the space. Leave about a metre gap between the two cars if possible, align your steering wheel with that of the parked car. If necessary, gets out of your car to ascertain that no pedestrian or objects is on the way. If the coast is clear, reverse slowly while aiming the left rear corner of your car at the right front corner of the car in the third parking space. This is done by turning the steering wheel to the right to full lock if necessary. Along the way check that you clear the first car’s left rear corner. Immediately your car is clear of the first car, return the steering wheel to opposite lock and continue to reverse slowly so that your car is finally lined up parallel to the kerb. It might be necessary to do some small adjustment in order to ensure that you are parked centrally between the two cars such that their drivers have enough space in which to drive out. It is also useful to remember that in reverse parking, the rear end of the car will go in the direction you turn the steering wheel. Turn the steering wheel right and the vehicle’s end will also go right.

U-Turns DO not make U-turns near the crest of a hill on a sharp bend in face of on-coming traffic or in front of traffic close behind you. Do not make U-turns where a road-sign forbids you to do so. Do not make U-turns in heavy traffic. Do not make U-turns where doing so will constitute a danger to other road users. Look for a side road Back into it then wait a safe moment to turn into the highway, facing the desired direction.

Opinion

Importance Of Being Honest

A man of honest reputation will always be trusted. He is a man who exhibits upright reputation in whatever he ventures into. The ability to do the right thing at the right time in the right way, with the right motive make up the characteristics of honesty. The definition of honesty is so broad that it cannot be exhausted in this piece of article; however, importance of honesty will be discussed as well as the various ways in which honesty can be practiced in every facet of human existence. A story was told of a boy who sent on an errand to a family friend, on his way, he was monitored by a woman to ascertain where and how he was going to deliver the message. On getting home, he was asked to explain the places he went during the course of delivery. Thus, to the surprise of his sender, he narrated exactly how he went to his friend’s house, what he did and other places he went to without any iota of lie. This is a true picture of honesty and the manifestation of a rectitude living. The importance of honesty cannot be downplayed. This is because; it is a panacea to a happy and fulfilled life. According to Wikipedia Atom Dictionary, honesty refers to a facet of moral character and connotes positive and virtuous attributes such as integrity, truthfulness and straightforwardness of conduct, along with the absence of lying, cheating, theft, and the likes. No wonder Benjamin Franklin posits that ‘’honesty is the best policy’’ and Thomas Jefferson asserts that ‘’Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom’’. Furthermore, honesty should start with every individual especially in

relationships. Shifting your perspective slightly and orienting yourself to a policy of honesty can help you to eliminate the need for lies and make it more attractive to tell the truth. Thus, manifesting honesty has to do with the consciousness of upholding, living and acting on truth with all

honesty, and then it depends on how he is brought up by his parents. If the parents are themselves honest, it cannot be confidently said that their children will also be honest, although the children of honest parents are generally found to be honest and disciplined in life. The sun is known to all by its light and energy, so an honest person can also be identified by his nature and behavior. An honest

simplicity of heart. The mindset of uprightness should be pivotal in considering a honest lifestyle. A British Politician and one time Prime Minister of the United kingdom said, ‘’there comes a moment in the life of every man when figuratively he is tapped on the shoulder to offered the chances to exhibit a unique deed, what tragedy would it be if that moment should meet him unprepared’’. Honesty is a great virtue which is adored all over the world. It is rare to find a truly honest man. A man is born with the quality of

man succeeds in life better than a dishonest man. He is trusted by the people, and respected for his moral character. A dishonest person may cheat some people some time, but not all the time. The Bible says, ‘Our sins shall find us out’. Dishonesty is a sin which must come out sooner or later. A dishonest person is hated and disbelieved by all, and does not get support or sympathy from anyone. Thus, his life becomes miserable. History tells us how honest men in the world have prospered in life by their hard labour and

By PIUS O. ABAH

relation with God and His divine standards for mankind. Be honest with yourself, others, and God at all times. Being honest means choosing not to lie, steal, cheat, or deceive in any way. When you are honest, you build the strength of character that will allow you to be of great service to God and others. You will be trusted by the Lord and will be worthy to enter into His temple. Dishonesty harms you and others as well. If you lie, steal, shoplift, or cheat, you damage your spirit and your relationships with others. Being honest will enhance your future opportunities and your ability to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Be honest at school; choose not to cheat in any way. Be honest in your job, giving a full amount of work for your pay. Do not rationalize that being dishonest is acceptable, even though others may think it does not matter. Closely associated with honesty is integrity. Integrity means thinking and doing what is right at all times, no matter what will be the consequences. When you have integrity, you are willing to live by your standards and beliefs even when no one is watching. Choose to live a honest lifestyle so that your thoughts and behavior will be patterned according to God’s bidden. The big question therefore is, how then should I manifest honesty? No one likes lie But, unfortunately, for us, it is easier to be dishonest than tell the truth. It doesn’t need to be that way. Learning to be honest and eliminating the need for lies can help to clean up your conscience and your

“Do not rationalize that being dishonest is acceptable, even though others may think it does not matter. Closely associated with honesty is integrity. Integrity means thinking and doing what is right at all times, no matter what will be the consequences.” sincere efforts. An honest man becomes morally strong. He keeps his head high in the society. His character is like a sharp sword made of stainless

steel. To err is human. If an honest man commits a mistake or does anything wrong, he will be excused by the people, because everyone will accept that he must have done it by mistake or ignorance. But if the same misdeed is committed by a dishonest man, they will not excuse him because none believes him. Therefore, an honest man moves in the society freely like pure and sacred flower spreading sweet smell in all directions. But when a dishonest man is met on the road, people tried to avoid his sight or

company lest they should fall into his evil trap or get into his trouble for nothing. This is why honesty still remains the best policy. One who remains honest all his life, honesty becomes his goodwill in the life’s game. It is honesty that leads to his goal. He becomes fearless, straightforward, outspoken, and possesses clear conception of everything on earth; and hence he is capable of taking correct decision and giving faultless judgment in any matter. Generally, honesty is the best policy in any situation. Some people are very reliable and they hate those who tell lies for any reason. Other people accept ‘’white lies’’ when situation arises, even if they usually do not like lying. Being honest is the most important consideration in a relationship says a writer, Ashish Raji. During our childhood, our parents teach us one of the greatest human values: always telling the truth. Based on this, parents can resolve life problems, and we build a strong familiar relationship with them. For example, lying or omitting the truth towards Continues on Pg 22

“History tells us how honest men in the world have prospered in life by their hard labour and sincere efforts. An honest man becomes morally strong. He keeps his head high in the society.”

Opinion Continued from Pg 21

our parents leads us getting into trouble or even in life threatening situations. Sometimes, it might be too late for them to help us, even if they tries hard to do as much as possible to get us out of the problems. Besides, lies lead to other lies but sooner or later we will be discovered. Consequently, people may lose their trust in us, and they will doubt almost

everything we are going to do or to say for a long time. Likewise, during adulthood, in any professional relationship, being honest is extremely important. Lying in any form may put us in danger before our colleagues, firm, or our career. In addition, getting bad references will dent our professional future forever. Being reliable is an important professional

... Of Being Honest

quality. Furthermore, being an honest person is awfully significant in any long term relationship, such as a friendship or a marriage relationship. To illustrate a trustful human being will have many real friends to count on in difficult times, but also to just hang out.

Similarly, a marriage is based mostly on trust, respect, and communication, besides love. If one of the partners is cheating at any moment, this will put a strain on their relationship or will lead to divorce. Therefore, honesty should be given its right

Celebrating World Postal Day THE UNESCO had declared October 9th every year as world Post Day. Before the advent of Europeans to Benin Empire communication was a bit difficult as soldiers and the metropolitan messages had to travel several kilometers on foot or horse back in order to disseminate information from his Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin to his subjects in rural communities. But in the early 1940’s to mid 80’s the medium of communication with relations and friends in distant places was written letters which was facilitate by Nigeria Postal Services. Very often one can see family members in search of an interpreter for letters written to them by their children or relations in distant places and abroad. Consequently it was an era of boom for postal services. When a post office messenger on top of a bicycle comes to your premises, it was with undaunted optimism you’ll receive a letter from him especially when your examination report is being sent to your parents at the end of the academic year. Lazy students who did not work hard usually acknowledge such letters with anxiety and fear that they’ve failed in the examination. For instance, if you fail your promotion exams at the end of the year, your parents may refuse to purchase

By EKAIWE IGINUA OSEMWEKHA

Christmas dresses and shoes for the celebration other forms of postal services include delivering of post cards, seasonal greeting cards etc. as part of school curriculum, letter writing was an important part of educational endowment that was highly cherished by all and sundry. A scenario that is still fresh in my memory was when Anglican Girls Grammar School at Adesuwa College Road, Benin City held interhouse sport in 1967. Some girls who wanted to communicate with their boy friends with out going through the Post implored Omojigi, a student to help them deliver their letters to them in the campus at Western Boys High School. After collecting all the letters he tore them to pieces and said to the lover girls ‘am I your post master? I have been seeking for a girl friend in this school to no avail, and there you are asking me “Omojigi” Western Tebetebe to help you deliver letters to your boy friends, you must be joking, he said. To us the rascally boys, it was a very fascinating scenario and we all hailed “Omogigi”. In retrospect, people who write letters for the less educated members of the community were regarded as erudite scholars and

were highly revered. They were regarded as “Primus interparis” that is first amongst equal. Another exciting scenario was when Paul, a young school auxiliary teacher was implored by an Elderly man Mr. Okhuarobo to help in writing to his son in Lagos. The old man said to Paul

in the letter. He was very provoked and insisted that Paul must use the exact word he wanted. Paul told the old man that it is not possible to write “erira” in a letter because it is not an English word. The old man became more furious and said to Paul. “Tell am say write am so “Eriran”” so everybody started laughing and the old man could not understand why the people

“tell am say I get “Eriran” this means the old man has cramp on his right leg so at the end of the letter he asked Paul to read the letter to his hearing. The old man did not hear anything like “Eriran” being mentioned

made jest of him. In a society where so many secondary or tertiary school Graduates could no longer write correct letters to their distant families and friends, one tends to wonder about the kind of

position in any family if love, unity and peace must thrive. Even our society will become a better place to live in when people become honest to themselves. Dishonesty will only succeed in bringing disunity thereby promoting evil of all kind.

Conclusively, honesty should be our watch-word henceforth. It should be encouraged at all times. Telling a lie at any moment can hurt someone’s feeling and destroy a good relationship in every sphere of human existence.

academic orientation that is being bequeathed to the next generation. It seems to me that we are now living in a weired world because of advance in communication technology and the internet. So, young people can hardly leave home without their regular media player or cell phone. As these devices become more patronized, more versatile and expensive. The contemporary flood of communication gadgets may only aggravate, creating even more problems for parents concerning the supervision, training and steering the behavioural patterns of their kids and wards in the right direction. The challenges confronting the children these days can only be rightly addressed when parents realize the sayings that, “all children are foolish but firm correction will make them change. So parents should encourage their children to use the postal services by writing letters to their friends and relatives in distant places. The introduction to technology these days for a little kid is

the television set. To be candid, T.V. very often becomes the baby seater, still, some medical Doctors specialized in mental health, have the apprehension that a mature and unnecessary exposure to a T.V. set can foster a dislike for physical exercise. Confusion between truism and fantasy, emotional disturbances and later in the classroom, lack of concentration. On the other hand, a child who writes always is full of concentration and always looking at dictionary for new words and meanings. In E.B.S. television’s footage interviews about some months back, so many youths and adults confessed to be guilty of not writing any letter or using the post office for the past ten years. In the light of the above, it will be of immerse advantage if we revert to the status quo of letter writing. We should encourage our up-coming generation to always endeavour to write letters by hand and to continue to patronize our postal services. This will enable them develop good hand writing and curb the current wave of internet fraud.

“In the light of the above, it will be of immerse advantage if we revert to the status quo of letter writing. We should encourage our up-coming generation to always endeavour to write letters by hand and to continue to patronize our postal services. This will enable them develop good hand writing and curb the current wave of internet fraud.”

Religion

With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA

Fire On The Mountain (2)

IN the previous chapter we saw God’s fire in literal form in which case, it was visible to the naked eyes. Moses saw with his naked eyes the burning bush that was not consumed at mount Horeb; the fire that Elijah commanded from heaven on mount Cannel was literal and visible; but the fire of God could be invisible yet efficacious. Indeed the fire of the Holy Spirit that burns in the ministry of powerfully anointed men of God today is hardly visible but the outward manifestations of signs and wonders following such ministries are indicative of the mighty presence of God; divine fire though invisible. Once I was ministering under the powerful aunction of the Holy Spirit a young Lady with an unclean spirit was brought in, she began to wriggle her body and fell on the ground crying that she was being burnt by the fire of God; and before we knew it she began to confess all her past misdeeds - she was eventually delivered and she gave her life to Jesus Christ. Praise God! Now you may be familiar with the story of Elisha under the siege of the Syrian army at Dothan (2Kings 6:8-22). The King of Syria wanted to capture Elisha the Prophet on account that he revealed military secrets to the king of Israel. He had earlier suspected sabotage among his people. “And one of his servants said, none my Lord, O, King; but Elisha, the Prophet that is in Israel, telleth the King of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bed chamber” 2 Kings 6:12. So the King of Syria felt the best thing to do was to get Elisha captured. By night the Syrian army had laid a siege over the city of Dothan where Elisha was. At dawn the servant of Elisha seeing they were surrounded by the enemies exclaimed

with fear: “Alas my master! What shall we do? “2 Kings 6: 15 what was Elisha’s reply? He said to him “Fear not; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them “2 Kings 6:16, That’s what it actually is for a born again child of God when you are surrounded by fears, you ought not to fear because God’s defensive mechanism is already set in motion for you by the power of God; yet you may not see it but believe it by faith; for we walk not by sight but by faith (2Cor. 5:7). But Elisha’s servant was the type and what did Elisha do? “And Elisha prayed and said, Lord! pray thee, open his eyes that he may see” 2 Kings 6: 17 the youngman was not blind physically, he could see alright hence he was able to notice the Syrian army’s siege, but his eyes were not open to the supernatural! But when Elisha prayed the Bible says: “The Lord opened the eyes of the youngman” and what did he see? “And he saw, and behold, the mountain was of horses and chariot of fire round about Elisha” 2Kings 6:17. That is God’s invisible fire made manifest; for as soon as the enemies came close to Elisha the fire of God swung into action as Elisha prayed. The Syrian army became instantly blind at the word of Elisha. (2Kings 6:18). Here, although God’s fire was invisible, but it was outwardly manifested in the action of the signs and wonders of a large Syrian army being struck blind. The invisible fire of the holy spirit can manifest the outward glory and power of God. A confessed agent of Satan turned to Christ testified as follows of the invisible fire of God around the believer He said. “The Born again Christian is not known in the spirit world by the Bible he or she carries or the many

fellowships he or she attends, they are known by the light that shines continuously like a very bright candle in their heart or a circle of light around the head or a wall of fire around him/her”. DEVOURING FIRE Fire is a combustible element and for this reason it is highly dreaded. When God drove Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden as a result of their sins of disobedience and self justification, the Bible says;

appearance of his loins even upward... I saw as it were the appearance of fire and it had brightness round about” Ezek. 1:1,27. In mount Sinai God’s divine presence was symbolized by the devouring fire on the top. Of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel” Lx. 24: 17. The prophet Isaiah also in his heavenly vision depicted the omnipotent God in the midst of divine fire. “1 saw also the lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the

“He placed at the east of the garden of Eden, Cherubims and a flaming sword which turned every way. To keep the way of the tree of life” Gen. 3:34. The sword of fire must be dreaded! Divine fire is thus an emblem of God’s presence. God is a consuming fire (Heb. 2.29). The prophet Ezekiel described the vision of God as being epitomized by divine fire. He wrote: “1 saw visions of God... and I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the

temple.... And the house was filled with smoke” Isa 6:1,4 so divine fire is a symbol of God’s presence and is a devouring fire. The lord appeared to the people of Israel on mount Sinai in the midst of fire; “so that all the people... in the camp trembled” Ex19:16. Divine fire is also a means of God’s judgement. When the two ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah dwelt in abominable iniquities and unrepentant, the Lord brought judgement on the two cities by fire “then the

“Divine fire is also a means of God’s judgement. When the two ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah dwelt in abominable iniquities and unrepentant, the Lord brought judgement on the two cities by fire “then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimestone and fire from the Lord out of heaven...”

Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimestone and fire from the Lord out of heaven” Gen. 19:24. It was the same judgernental effect of God’s lire that the messenger sent unto Job tried to convey to him when he said “while he was yet speaking there came also another, and said, the fire of Clod is Men from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I only

that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn, this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me saith the lord” Isa 54:17.1 have this testimony to relate here of the fire of God for vengeance in this story of a popular magician turned Christian called “Omo-oba Jesu” who said on the night of his conversion he tried to

am escaped alone to tell thee” Job 116. It was however who tempted Job(Job 1:12). Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica this-of exhortation: “seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you…. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that knew not God” 2 Thess. 1:8. When as Christians we sing the popular song: “The Lord that answereth by fire... Na him be my God;” we are talking of God that takes vengeance for his anointed ones for he has said “touch not my anointed” (Pt 105:15) because vengeance is for the Lord. (Duet. 32:35). The Lord takes vengeance by fuel This is the perfect move of God for his anointed and righteous ones unto whom he has said: “no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue

use his magic minor to call up the spirit of the young Christian playing the guitar within the vicinity but each time he tried, the magic mirror was destroyed by a strange fire. At the third attempt in that same night he gave up his magical career and turned to Christ. John the Baptist also depicted God’s judgement by fire when he warned his generation to flee from sin and embrace the Lord Jesus. He said to them. “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come... I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh... he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire... he will thoroughly purge. And will gather the wheat into his gamer; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable” Lk. 3:7, l6,l7.

International Features

Police Plan Possible Riots If Brown Cop Not Charged

MISSOURI authorities are drawing up contingency plans and seeking intelligence from U.S. police departments on out-of-state agitators, fearing that fresh riots could erupt if a grand jury does not indict a white officer for killing a black teen. The plans are being thrashed out in meetings being held two to three times a week, according to people who have attended them. The FBI said it was also involved in the discussions. Details of the meetings and intelligence sharing by Missouri police agencies and their counterparts around the country have not been reported before. The grand jury is expected to decide next month whether to bring criminal charges against police officer Darren Wilson, who shot dead Michael Brown, 18, on Aug. 9 in Ferguson, Missouri. In differing accounts, police have said Brown struggled with Wilson before the fatal shots were fired. But some witnesses say Brown held up his hands and was surrendering when he was shot multiple times in the head and chest. If charges are not brought against Wilson, police fear an outbreak of violence not just in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson, but across the greater metropolitan area and even in other U.S. cities, according to St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar and others involved in the planning meetings. James Knowles, the Ferguson mayor who has attended the meetings, told Reuters the concern is “the unrest is going to be far beyond the city of Ferguson.” Ferguson today is a city on the edge. While mostly black residents hold small protests outside the police station

each night, gun store owners report a jump in sales to white residents. Local business owners in the area where Brown was shot complain about lost trade. Many storefronts remain boarded up with

disproportionately high number of unarmed black men are fatally shot by white police officers, an allegation

Wilson, Belmar said. One focus of the meetings has been on how to respond in the event of riots, the police chief said. Police faced a

heard evidence from dozens of witnesses, including Wilson, who has been under police protection at an

Police Guard the entrance to the St. Louis County Justice Building in Clayton, Missouri as protestors gather in the street recently.

plywood. Protestors at the St. Louis County Justice Center call for the arrest of Police Officer Darren Wilso … A memorial to Brown on the spot where he died, and where his body lay uncollected for four hours, still stands, a crucifix surrounded by teddy bears, photographs, flowers and handwritten notes decrying his loss and the alleged brutality of police. Brown’s killing sparked days of protests in Ferguson in August and looting that caused millions of dollars of property damage. Police were sharply criticized for what was seen as a heavy handed response to the protests, firing tear gas and arresting hundreds of people. Protestors and civil rights groups say Brown’s death is part of a national epidemic in which a

police deny. Missouri law enforcement officials have been in contact with police chiefs in Los Angeles, New York, Florida and Cincinnati, Ohio and other jurisdictions as they prepare for the grand jury decision, Belmar said. Police in New York and Los Angeles did not return calls for comment. Of the 227 people arrested between August. 10 and Sept. 9 in connection with protests over Brown’s death, 36 were from outside Missouri, including seven from New York, 12 from Illinois and five from California, according to arrest records provided by the St. Louis county police. “We know outside groups visited us in August. We are expecting that different people will come in from outside the St. Louis area,” if the grand jury decides not to indict

public backlash when they initially deployed armored carriers and carried military-style assault rifles after Brown’s shooting. Representatives of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Louis County Police, St. Louis city police and Ferguson police have been attending the meetings, Belmar said. The top FBI official in St. Louis, Agent William Woods, attended a strategy meeting last week, said St. Louis FBI spokeswoman Rebecca Wu. Plans have not been finalized. It was announced last week that the St. Louis County Police will take the lead from the tiny Ferguson force in patrolling the city’s streets. The contingency planning comes as black and white residents of Ferguson brace for the grand jury decision. The nine white and three black jurors have

undisclosed location since the shooting, said Bob McCulloch, the chief St. Louis county prosecutor overseeing the grand jury proceedings. Police and elected officials are meeting regularly with multi-racial citizen groups in a bid to improve community relations, tackle concerns about police discrimination, and avoid the turmoil that followed Brown’s shooting. Civil unrest is still the “worst case scenario”, Knowles said. Adam Weinstein, coowner of County Guns, said sales were up 50 percent since Brown’s shooting, mostly among white residents fearful of riots who are buying Glock, Springfield and Smith & Wesson handguns, and shotguns. “They are afraid the city is going to explode,” Weinstein said, a former member of the U.S. Navy and St. Louis

firefighter with heavily tattooed arms. At Ferguson Market and Liquor, where Brown appears on a surveillance video pushing a store clerk before walking out with an unpaid box of cigarillos on the morning of his death, most of the storefront windows have been repaired after being shattered in looting. In August, after Brown was shot, the mood inside the store was fearful. Today, it is one of defiance. One of the workers, who asked not to be named, said he had brought his handgun from home to keep in the store. “I’m ready to shoot anyone looking for trouble,” he said. Many African Americans in Ferguson seem to have little faith in the grand jury process and expect Wilson will not be charged. It is rare for a U.S. police officer to face criminal charges after shooting a citizen in the line of duty. “I do believe if Darren Wilson is not indicted you will see a lot of carnage ... There is a lot of explosive energy,” said Tef Poe, one of the protest leaders, sitting in a makeshift office close to where Brown was shot. On a wall sits an array of “to do” notes, top of which reads: “Find Darren Wilson”. Poe, a rapper, was born and raised in St. Louis. His real name is Kareem Jackson. At a rally held by Black Lawyers for Justice in a Ferguson church last week, eight members of the New Black Panther Party, a black political group, provided security. They were wearing battle fatigues and berets. “We are tired of dead bodies in our community,” MauricelmLei Millere, an advisor to the New Black Panthers, shouted at the audience. “We are not going to take it anymore.”

International Features JOSE was 13 when he entered the violent, murky underworld of the “maras,” the gangs that have stained Central America’s streets in blood. Like the tens of thousands of young people who have joined these brutal urban tribes, the olive-skinned 26-year-old wears his fate tattooed on his skin — though his are less visible than many members’ full-body tattoos. Jose, who uses a fake identity to protect himself, says his former gang, Mara Salvatrucha, was his “home.” “The gang is like a family,” he told AFP in San Salvador, where he is trying to escape his past by studying and joining an evangelical church. He used to sell drugs and extort money, and spent time in prison for murder. “When I was caught up in that, I didn’t think about how I was going to leave people’s children, wives, mothers, fathers crying,” he said. Death is a way of life for these groups, which have become complex organized crime networks in Central America. The region now holds four of the top five spots on the list of countries with the highest homicide rates, largely because of the gangs’ culture of violence. The bloodiest gangs are Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18, which are organized hierarchically using “clicas” — cells that ruthlessly control blocks of territory with their own language, rules and moral code. - Symbols Their most distinctive traits are tattoos — often from head to toe — and their graffiti tags: “Ver, oir y callar” (See, hear and shut up).

The Bloody Underworld Of Central America’s Gangs

But they are using them less and less, to evade the authorities. “They have their own forms of symbolic communication: written, verbal and kinetic, which are part of a sub-culture with clear traits of an organized structure,” said Jaime Martinez, director of El Salvador’s Public Safety Academy. Experts try to decode what’s behind these symbols. An “18,” a “13” or an “MS” tattoo is a membership badge; black tears count a killer ’s hits; crosses count the number of dead comrades; clowns tell of joys and heartbreaks; skulls are a celebration of death. “Three dots anywhere on the body represent the gangster’s life — in the hospital, in jail or in the cemetery. Graffiti marks a clica’s territory,”

said a Honduran antigang policeman, speaking on condition of anonymity. There are women members, too. Used in extortion rackets and to transport cash, they have to tattoo themselves with their boyfriend’s name. - Rituals “Joining a gang is free. It’s getting out that’s the problem,” says Jose. “When you want to quit, they hunt you down and kill you. Not just you but your family too.” The initiation rite is a 13- or 18-second beating, depending on the gang, or else killing an enemy. “A gangster’s not a gangster without a rival, if he’s never had a beating and a gun to pull the trigger,” said Carlos Menocal, a former interior minister in Guatemala.

The gangsters’ language is a window on their world, from the “ranfleros” or “palabreros” (windbags) who give the orders, to the “banderas” (flags) who stand sentry, to the “soldados” (soldiers) who collect extortion money, to the cash itself — “renta” (rent) or “impuestos de guerra” (war taxes). Every gang also has its own sign language, according to Menocal. “The top bosses in prison, the national ranfleros, still give the orders. Someone outside tells them what’s happening. The clica bosses have a meeting every week to plan killings and extortions... everything. Everyone’s got a day-to-day mission,” said Jose. When their shakedowns and shootouts scare the neighbors

away, gang members move into those homes or use them to run operations and torture enemies — they call them “destroyer houses” or “crazy houses.” “Every gangster gets money each week to buy food, clothes and bring around family members,” said Jose. They used to wear baggy clothes but are increasingly keeping a low profile. And they have guns of virtually every kind. “They love ninemillimeter pistols, AK47s, 12-gauge shotguns, which they can get quickly on the black market,” said Menocal. Fed by poverty, weak government and the break-up of the traditional family, Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18 emerged in the 1980s in Los Angeles’s

Latino neighborhoods. They arrived in Central America when the United States deported thousands of immigrants who had fled there to escape the civil wars that gripped the region in the late 20th century. “We went from a Cold War between the army and the guerrillas to the post-war era and now another Cold War. But this time society’s at war with itself,” said Jose. The “maras” — short for “marabunta,” an anthill that devours everything around it — have some 100,000 members in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, and are constantly recruiting. “The gangster lives for the moment,” says Jose, the only one of the 19 comrades in his clica who is still alive.

International Online Troll Found Dead

LONDON — A woman who was accused of sending Internet abuse to the parents of missing girl Madeleine McCann has been found dead in a hotel room. Her death has revived debate about media responsibility and how best to respond to online “trolls.” Television channel Sky News identified 63-year-old Brenda

MarijuanaSmoking Cop Commits Suicide

OTTAWA - A Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer with a medical marijuana prescription for job-related stress has died of an apparent suicide after provoking a nationwide debate over his smoking in uniform. Corporal Ronald Francis died on Monday afternoon, officials on Tuesday. “It appears no one else was involved in the death,” RCMP Assistant Commissioner Roger Brown told a press conference. “It is a tragic loss,” he added. Francis had smoked medicalgrade marijuana to relieve posttraumatic stress related to 21 years on the job. He gained widespread support last November for underscoring the need for employers to better understand medical marijuana use. But it also earned him rebukes from his bosses. The RCMP objected to him smoking in uniform, saying it risked tarnishing the federal police’s image and sending mixed messages to the public about drug use. Health Canada established regulations for accessing cannabis for medical purposes in 2001 after the courts struck down a broad prohibition of marijuana, but it remains controversial. Recreational marijuana use is still illegal in Canada. Francis’s struggles came to light in video footage of him smoking cannabis in his RCMP red serge uniform. “I get up in the morning, have my coffee and the marijuana. I go at lunchtime, have a marijuana joint, and then again in the evening. That would be my medical regime,” he had told public broadcaster CBC. “I’m still functional,” he added. “But your nervous system is relaxed, and that makes a big difference.” RCMP Deputy Commissioner Gilles Moreau had said officers with a medical marijuana prescription could take their medication. But he said that they should not do so while in uniform in public, and Francis said the RCMP stance was “antimarijuana.”

Leyland as a Twitter user who had attacked Kate and Gerry McCann under the name “sweepyface.” Last week, a Sky News reporter confronted Leyland — who lived in the same county as the McCanns — on camera about the alleged abuse. She replied that she was entitled to send the tweets. Police confirmed that Leyland’s body was found in a hotel room near Leicester in central England on Saturday. “Ms. Leyland’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner,” police said. “Officers acting on behalf of the coroner will look into the circumstances surrounding and prior to her unexpected death.” Sky News said on Monday that it was saddened by Leyland’s death but that it would be “inappropriate to speculate or comment further.” Madeleine McCann disappeared from a Portuguese vacation resort in May 2007 during a family holiday, days before her fourth birthday. The still-unsolved disappearance sparked intense media interest around the world. The McCanns have complained about media intrusion, and are suing a former Portuguese detective over a 2008 book that alleged they were involved in their daughter’s disappearance. Last week police said they were examining a dossier of

material about the McCanns from social media and online forums. On Friday, Gerry McCann said the family had been subjected to threats of violence and kidnapping. “I think we probably need more people charged,” he told the BBC. “I’m glad to see the law around this area is being reviewed. But I do think we need to make examples of people who are causing damage.” Posts on the “sweepyface” account called the McCanns’ “evil” and “criminals,” but didn’t appear to threaten the couple. The tweets expressed doubt about the McCanns’ explanation of their daughter’s disappearance and criticized their conduct in the years since.

Gerry and Kate McCam arrive to testify at the Leveson inquiry at the Royal Courts of Justice in Central London. A woman who was accused of sending internet abuse to the parents of missing girl Madeleine McCann has been found dead in a hotel room in Leicester, Central England recently.

Doctors Puzzled Why Only Some Ebola Patients Bleed WASHINGTON IT remains a mystery why some people experience this bleeding while others don’t. The bleeding, which is properly called “hemorrhagic syndrome,” happens in the late stages of the disease, about 24 to 48 hours before death. In the current West Africa outbreak, about 18 percent of people infected with the virus are developing hemorrhagic syndrome, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Typically, the Ebola virus leads to

hemorrhagic syndrome about 30 percent to 50 percent of the time, said Angela Rasmussen, a research assistant professor of microbiology at the University of Washington. [Ebola Virus: 5 Things You Should Know] Cases with bleeding are “usually quite severe and dramatic,” Rasmussen told Live Science. “But many Ebola cases don’t have that feature. And that feature only presents in the very late stages of the disease.” The current Ebola outbreak is

Children play at the apartment complex where Thomas Eric Duncan, the Ebola patient who travelled from Liberia stayed in Dallas.

the worst on record. In Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, more than 7,400 people have become infected and more than 3,400 have died since the outbreak began in early 2014, according to the CDC. Nigeria also had a cluster of 20 cases, and Senegal, Spain and the United States have each reported one Ebola case. In fact, the relatively low prevalence of hemorrhagic syndrome in the current

Grandfather Charged For Starving 7 Yr-Old Boy PITTSBURGH, USA - The grandfather of a boy who Pennsylvania authorities say was starved nearly to death, appeared in court on Tuesday to face 14 charges including aggravated assault, false imprisonment and attempted first-degree murder.Dennis Beighley, his wife Deana Beighley and step-daughter Mary Rader, have been charged with participating in torturing and nearly killing Rader’s 7year-old son in Greenville, Pennsylvania.The boy was starved, beaten and his family only allowed him to bathe in ice water, according to the criminal

Ebola Crisis Leaves Dallas On Edge DALLAS, USA — Leaders are urging calm, but Dallas is a city on edge as it approaches the first Ebola incubation deadline this week. Several residents of the neighborhood where the first U.S.-diagnosed case of Ebola was found told city officials they’d been sent home from work. Some community volunteers shunned a nearby after-school program. And the hospital at the epicenter of fear acknowledged for the first time that some patients were staying away.

Health officials tried to present a unified front of both preparedness and reassurance. “This is a very critical week,” said Dr. David Lakey, the Texas health commissioner. “We’re at a very sensitive period when a contact could develop symptoms. We’re monitoring with extreme vigilance.” Public health officials are watching for any signs of Ebola’s spread. Ten of the 48 people being monitored are confirmed to have had close contact with Thomas Eric Duncan, who was hospitalized

in critical but stable condition. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people infected by the virus can begin showing symptoms of Ebola 8 to 10 days after exposure. Duncan first sought care at a hospital emergency room on September 25 and was admitted three days later. Vickery Meadow, a crush of low-income apartment complexes just a short drive from some of Dallas’s toniest neighborhoods, appeared calm on Tuesday. Women in traditional Muslim head

outbreak may explain why the outbreak remained under the radar for a time before it was recognized. “I have heard speculation that a lower incidence of hemorrhagic syndrome may explain why the outbreak may not have been recognized early on as [being caused by] Ebola,” Rasmussen said, “since it was geographically outside of what we previously thought was the range for Zaire Ebola virus, and since without hemorrhage, it appears similar to malaria or typhoid.”

coverings, mothers carrying children and workers headed to the bus stop walked along the road next to The Ivy apartments, where Duncan had stayed. But some tensions have surfaced. Dallas City Councilwoman Jennifer Staubach Gates said three residents of Vickery Meadow reported that their employers sent them away from work out of fear that they could be carrying the virus. Gates said Tuesday that she had contacted a lawyer to help those men.

complaint, which said he was not allowed out of the house except for the back porch, where he would catch bugs and eat them. The child was pulled out of school in August 2013 and weighed less than 25 pounds (11 kg) when he was rescued in June after authorities were tipped by neighbors.School officials said that before the boy was removed from Hempfield Elementary School, his mother sent a note to the school asking her son not be fed breakfast.Connie Timashenka, who was principal of Hempfield Elementary School at the time, said when she found out about what the boy endured she felt “sickness and a feeling of disbelief.”Investigators interviewed the boy’s two normal-weight sisters, ages 11 and 4, and determined that the boy had been singled out for abuse, according to the complaint. A 9-year-old brother also was underweight but not as severely, it said.Dennis Beighley appeared before judge Robert Yeatts at the Mercer County Courthouse wearing an orange jumpsuit and hand and leg shackles.Rader and Deanna Beighley waived their right to appear at their arraignment today.

The Law Of Necessary Giving And Taking

THERE is a Law which is decisive for the continuance of the entire creation. The Law of Necessary Balance between Giving and Taking. Every happening in creation is subject to this Law, whether it be the interaction between the forces of the Celestial bodies or the sense of balance of the physical body. We follow it daily, though mostly unconsciously, when breathing in and breathing out. Or we endevour to get things to balance. On the other hand, we come to grief when something upsets our balance in things big as well as small, for non-observance of this law causes obstruction and disturbance and if it is persistently disregarded even downfall and ruin. Let us think for a moment of the relation between work and rest. Unnecessary exaggeration in work is just as harmful as a comfortable life, a retiring from work. Both bring disease and premature death. Only the right alternation between them has a balancing effect. The constant balance between giving and taking makes for healthy movement, which alone brings up building and maintenance and invigorates and refreshes the spirit. Harmony and peace enter when giving and taking balance each other. For only in giving is taking implied, just as we must first give something through proper exhalation, in order to be able to receive the invigorating elements, through the deep inhalation thus brought about. Therefore, Jesus also, said: It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). He who gives selflessly, whether of earthy or spiritual values, ultimately gives most to himself, because, he may receive many times more than the good fruits arising from his good seeds. Every act of giving must be balanced by a counter-value in some form. Even a person without means can thus bring about a balanced by a kind look, heartfelt gratitude or some good advice. The same meaning lies in Goethe’s utterance: “What from your father’s heritage is lent, earn it anew, to really possess it (Faust, Part1). The

act of earning expresses the exerting of oneself, the work which must first be given in order to receive and posses something. As an illustration, the system of book-keeping by double entry can also be quoted here, the purpose of which lies not in the double entry in debit and credit, but in the checking of the balance between output and return. It is one of the submlimest inventions of human genius and every good housekeeper or householder should introduce it into his establishment. It is a faint repetition of the principle of Balance which has been anchored in Creation from the very beginning. Natural vollmann said that this principle holds good equally for what takes place spiritually. The spirit of man also, lives from the spiritual power which the Creator gives perpetually into His Creation for its maintenance and expansion. With this power he forms his intuitive perception, his thought and his deeds. But the counter-value which he owes to his creator as a return for its use is gratitude, joyful gratitude through the deed, that is through the right application of this power. Thus, gratitude in the relationship between men is also an important balancing factor, if it is really heartfelt and not superficial. Through the one-sided application of the spiritual power of Creation for what is base over thousands of years, the human spirit has lost the balance in every sphere of life. He has taken and taken from the rich gifts of Creation and what he has taken he has formed almost exclusively what is wrong and evil and in so doing has forgotten the balancing

Man And Nature With O.C. MADU 08056379608

factor of giving. Is it then surprising to us when now the compensating Justice of God redresses the balance? The happenings on the whole earth, which become, more and more violent, certainly speak to us in plain language. To maintain strictly and justly the constant balance between giving and taking in every sphere of earth –life is a great future task for earthmen, who through a

nations and races do not have. There are the earthy and spiritual values that constitute the wealth of the people. To the spiritual, Vollumm said belongs the abilities, the gifts, the nature and strength of the connection with the power of creation and its application to the earthly values belong the capacity to work, the visible and invisible treasure of nature such as the forces of water,

Yet the exchange is to be carried out in such a way that no people will take advantage of the other. Giving and taking must always counter-balance each other. Abd-ru-shin, the author of “Grail Message” says that an eternal Law operates in the universe. That only in giving can one receive where lasting values are concerned.

the wall which your thought have hitherto created as a barrier is cleaved as with a flaming sword from the other side that is now still invisible to you, for you are indeed one with the beyond that you so fear, deny or long for. You are closely and inextricably linked together. Abd-ru-shin says that you should give to your neighbour with your being,

thorough knowledge of the Laws of Creation will then be in a position to do so. Thus, the law of Balance between Giving and Taking will one day also form the basis for a true people. That is the time when people, stand side by side, respect, help and further each other in the recognition that every viable nation, every healthy race, possesses something that is absolutely essential for the completion of the whole and which other

fire and air, the treasures of the earth and also the beauty of the landscape. All these values make an exchange imperative, now without coming to grief can any people, withhold the gift and treasures particularly entrusted to them by the creator from other peoples, who are in need of these for their own completion. For people that do not continually pass on such values thereby cuts off the vitally necessary exchange.

Like a sacred legacy of its Creator, this Law deeply permeates the whole of Creation. To give unselfishly, to help where help is needed and to understand both the suffering and weaknesses of your fellow-men means to receive, because, it is the simple and true way to Highness. And to will this seriously brings you immediate help and strength by one angle, honest and ardent wish to go,

your nature. Not necessarily with money and goods. For then those without means would be excluded from the possibility of giving yourself in the relation with your neighbour, in the consideration and respect, you voluntarily offer him, lies the “love” of which Jesus speaks, lies also, the help you give to your neighbour, because it enables him to change himself or ascend further and because he gains strength from it. Abd-ru-shin says the returning radiations of this, however, will quickly uplift you in their reciprocal action. You will receive continually new strength through them. With a soaring flight you will then be able to strive towards the Light.

“For only in giving is taking implied, just as we must first give something through proper exhalation, in order to be able to receive the invigorating elements, through the deep inhalation thus brought about.”

Petr Cech Hints At Chelsea Exit If...

CHELSEA goalkeeper Petr Cech has insisted he is not prepared to sit on the bench and could look at options to leave the club if he continues to be kept out of the team by Thibaut Courtois. Cech, 32, has seen his decade-long run as the No. 1 at Stamford Bridge — taking in almost 500 appearances and 150 clean sheets in that time — ended after the younger Courtois finally began his Chelsea career in earnest after three years on loan at Atletico Madrid. Courtois, 22, has become Chelsea’s first choice this season, leaving Cech to make just two appearances for the club, with his first appearance of the Premier League campaign only coming on Sunday against Arsenal when his Belgian colleague was substituted after sustaining a head injury. Cech would be a fine addition at Real Madrid but a move doesn’t make sense... does it? Cech has won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the Champions League and Europa League during his decade at Chelsea .

“I think they know me well enough at Chelsea to know that the situation is definitely not the way I would imagine,” Cech told Czech media after joining up with his national team for their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Turkey and Kazakhstan. “With the European Championships in 2016 and the national team in mind, there is no time for me to sit on the bench and not to play.

“I have not spoken to anybody at the club but if the situation will not start to improve for me then I will want to solve it.” Cech came on for Courtois in Sunday’s 2-0 win after the Belgian collided with Alexis Sanchez. Courtois’ injury is not thought to be serious, however, and he is expected to train with Belgium on today before their upcoming European qualifiers against Andorra and Bosnia-Herzegovina. • Ramadel Falcao

Manchester United Took A Gamble On Me some time to be ok, but I am THE Colombian is thankful - Falcao feeling very comfortable and for the faith shown in him and hopes to stay at Old Trafford following a year that saw him suffer a serious knee injury and miss the World Cup Radamel Falcao says Manchester United took a gamble by signing him from Monaco this summer. The Colombian has previously insisted that he wants to stay at Old Trafford and emphasised that desire again as he discussed his move to the Premier League. Speaking to Onda Cero, Falcao expressed his relief at joining Louis van Gaal’s team after a difficult year that

• Petr Cech

Roy Hodgson And Louis Van Gaal Unite On Luke Shaw

ROY Hodgson and Louis van Gaal have set aside their differences regarding the fitness of Luke Shaw, according to England under-21s boss Gareth Southgate. Soon after taking over at would be better off joining Manchester United, Van the senior England squad Gaal spoke of how Shaw or the under-21 side — had arrived for the club’s which he eventually was — preseason tour of the for the upcoming playoff United States lacking the ties against Croatia. “Roy has spoken to him,” fitness levels expected of Southgate said in The him. Times. “I do not think he England manager will question [the decision], Hodgson later expressed because he knows the his concerns about the reason for us involving him physical condition of the 19-year-old, who has [Shaw]. Louis has spoken recently recovered from a so much about how hamstring injury, during the important the under-21s were for Netherlands in the World Cup this summer. However, the Three summer, so I do not think Lions boss’ comments there will have been an angered Van Gaal, who issue from the club.” Luke Shaw has recently said: “Roy Hodgson cannot recovered from a judge him because I have hamstring injury. never seen Roy Hodgson Southgate said he left the at a training session.” discussion with Van Gaal Southgate, though, to Hodgson as the two insists the pair have put the were already in contact issue behind them, and over issues to do with the discussed whether Shaw

senior squad. “I did not speak to Louis [about Shaw], because Roy was talking to him about [Wayne] Rooney and the players that are involved in the seniors,” he said. “I just know from the

• Luke Shaw

conversation I have had with Luke that [Van Gaal] was really positive about him coming and playing matches, first and foremost. It is not a case of making the squad as strong as we possibly can. We are thinking about the individuals all the time.”

ended in him missing the World Cup because of a serious knee injury. He said: “Manchester United were the ones that gambled on me when it was very difficult to do so. It has been a very difficult year, not just in my professional career. “What happened at the start of the year [serious knee injury] affected me in every way, but it has also helped me grow as a human being, to think about many things, to mature.” United signed Falcao on a season-long loan deal from Monaco with rumours suggesting there is an option to buy, something the 28year-old hopes comes to fruition. “In terms of my thoughts and plans for the future, I want to stay at Manchester United for the coming years,” he added. “I’m still going to need

very good on the pitch, in harmony with myself, with the ball and with football.” Falcao also says he can understand the frustrations of Monaco fans following his exit, and that of James Rodrgiguez to Real Madrid, this summer. Some supporters expressed their anger with Jorge Mendes, the agent of both Falcao and James, after both men left the Stade Louis II just 12 months after arriving, and the team currently sit 13th in Ligue 1. “Maybe it’s understandable because of the expectations that were generated last season”, he added. “Now they have lowered their spending and kept the foundations. They have changed the policy and now rely more on young players who can get good results. “I am very thankful to them for the good and bad moments, it all made me grow.”

Chadli Weighed Up Tottenham Exit THE Belgium international was brought to White Hart Lane by former Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas from Twente ahead of the 2013-14 campaign. Chadli initially struggled to adapt to the demands of English football and he was restricted to 15 Premier League starts in his debut campaign, leading to suggestions that Chadli’s stint in north London would be a brief one. The 25-year-old revealed there were offers available had he sought an exit, but he instead chose to stay and fight for his place. That decision has been vindicated as he has started the campaign in fine form under the stewardship of Mauricio Pochettino, scoring

four goals in six top-flight matches. “There were some interesting offers this summer, but I wanted to stay at Spurs. I wanted to fight for my place because I know I have a lot of beautiful things to show,” Chadli told reporters. “I’m a warrior. Someone who wants to fight for his chance. In the beginning it wasn’t easy for me. I was one of the players Pochettino hadn’t invited for an individual meeting. So I didn’t really know what to expect. “But I’ve reacted by working hard during the week. I grabbed my chance during a [UEFA] Europa League game in Cyprus, where I came in 20 minutes before the end of the game.

Roma Chief Calls For Calm

THE eagerly awaited top-ofthe-table Serie A clash promised much and delivered no shortage of drama as defending champions Juve triumphed 3-2 in Turin. Referee Gianluca Rocchi was at the centre of the furore due to a host of controversial decisions, notably the awarding of two contentious first-half penalties to the hosts, which were converted by Carlos Tevez. Leonardo Bonucci’s delightful 86th-minute volley earned Massimiliano Allegri’s men the points, before Alvaro Morata’s hefty challenge on Roma’s Kostas Manolas drew a fiery response from the centre-back, earning both men a red card and leading to a ruckus between the two sides. The bad blood between the two teams has reportedly continued off the pitch, with Bonucci

accused of inciting Roma supporters on social media site Twitter, while Roma’s players were allegedly abused at the airport in Turin as they prepared to fly back to Italy’s capital. Roma chief Pallotta has now called for a truce, stating that the rivalry between the teams is good for Italian football. “Everyone should take a deep breath and calm down,” Pallotta said in a statement on the club’s official website. “Football is a very fast game and sometimes there are controversies and mistakes. “It happens both ways. At the end of the day we are both great teams and look forward to a long rivalry. It’s good for Italian football. “Proud of our team forever. Love our spirit. And Roma will be back and there for a long time. Get used to it. Forza Roma!”

GARETH Bale says he does not want to see Cristiano Ronaldo leave Real Madrid for a second spell in English football. Portuguese star Ronaldo maintained his incredible scoring burst on Sunday night with his 22nd La Liga hat-trick — equalling the record of Real icon Alfredo Di Stefano and former Athletic Bilbao striker Telmo Zarra — in Madrid’s 50 rout of Athletic at the Bernabeu. But stories of a summer return to Manchester United refuse to go away and Ronaldo has even been linked with a

Gareth Bale Wants Cristiano Ronaldo To Stay With Real Madrid sensational move across town to English champions Manchester City. Yet Real teammate Bale is in no doubt as to what he wants to see happen regarding Ronaldo’s future, and it does not involve him returning to England next season. “Definitely not,” Bale said

while on international duty ahead of Wales’ Euro 2016 home qualifiers against BosniaHerzegovina and Cyprus. “He’s shown what a worldclass player he is year after year scoring the goals. “Obviously he’s a player we wouldn’t want to see leave. Of course [I] want to see him stay at Real Madrid.”

Thohir Retains Faith In replacement for Mazzarri. Mazzari “Serie A is extremely THE Milan outfit started their league campaign unbeaten in their opening four matches, but have slipped to 10th following comprehensive 4-1 and 3-0 losses to Cagliari and Fiorentina in their past two encounters in Italy’s top flight. Inter’s defeats have led to scrutiny of Mazzarri’s position, after the club brought in several players to boost the first-team squad during the close-season. However, Thohir has called for patience and stated that the club is instead looking at ways of further improving the playing staff, rather than considering a

Walter Mazzari

competitive so we must be patient,” Thohir told reporters. “We need to closely analyse the period the team is going through and we hope that the international break gives us the chance to do that. “Mazzarri will do his best for Inter and we will give him the time he needs. He will continue to have our support. The players now need to have a period of introspection in order to prepare for the next match in the best way possible. “We’ll see what we need to do. I can’t talk about what type of players in which positions we’ll look to bring in. Perhaps we need another midfielder at the same level as Hernanes and [Mateo] Kovacic and also a striker who can win high balls. “I can’t say anything further because we still need to evaluate everything. “The defence is fine and the midfield is doing well too - we have important players who are performing to a high standard, such as Kovacic, [Gary] Medel and Hernanes.”

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale

‘Cristiano Ronaldo An Athlete, Lionel Messi A God’ KOKE has joined the debate over who is the world’s greatest footballer – Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? The Atletico Madrid footballers. Cristiano is an midfielder gave an interview to athlete, while Messi is a God, Onda Cero during which he and what they do on a football was asked his opinion on the pitch is spectacular. two players and who was the “Lionel is very difficult to best. mark and I’d always want him “They are both fantastic on my team, the same as Ronaldo, but I think I’d go with Messi,” said Koke, who could have been a teammate of the Argentine star if he had accepted an offer from Barcelona this summer. “I have to thank Barca and Clasico could be stopped to other teams for showing an honour the landmark, Tebas interest in me but I’m happy to added: “Why can the Bernabeu stay with Atleti. not honour Messi?” “I’ve been here all my life and Meanwhile, Barca team-mate Xavi has said it would be ‘very it was not the time to go. We’ve nice’ if it happened against won lots of trophies and the Madrid and the game was club is growing, as are the stopped momentarily to pay players, so why would I want to leave at the best time ever for homage to the Argentine. Read the original article on Atletico Madrid?” he asked. The 22-year-old also spoke of Football Espana - The ultimate website for English-speaking former club mate Diego Costa’s integration into the Spain squad fans of Spanish football ahead of the Euro 2016

‘El Classico Could Be Halted To Honour Messi’

THE Spanish League (LFP) could honour Lionel Messi when he eventually passes Telmo Zarra’s La Liga goalscoring record. LFP President Javier Tebas, attending a function in Barcelona, was asked if there were any plans to pay tribute to the Argentine star, who is just two goals away from passing the milestone of 251 goals. “Why not? You are giving me ideas but we must pay tribute to Messi forever. “The league mustn’t pass up the opportunity for something

like this, something that should always be with us. “If the time comes then we’ll have to think about it because it will be a historic moment,” admitted Tebas. Messi could overtake Zarra’s record in Barcelona’s next League fixture against Eibar, although he could even surpass it at the home of eternal rivals Real Madrid when the two clubs meet on October 25. When asked whether El

Bale was also linked with free-spending United last week after Real Madrid fans made it clear they were unhappy with his performances this season. Cristiano Ronaldo has racked up the scoring this year while Gareth Bale has struggled in his second season in Spain. The Welshman enjoyed a stunning debut season in Spanish football following his world-record 85.3 millionpound move from Tottenham, scoring in both the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals. But his displays have come under scrutiny in the Spanish capital this term and, ahead of Sunday’s game, the influential Madrid newspaper Marca ran a poll asking whether Bale should be relegated to the bench. Around 60 percent voted in favour of Bale being dropped, but the 25-year-old quashed talk of him leaving Madrid next summer. “I signed a six-year deal last year so I don’t really think so,” Bale said. Bale’s focus for the next week is on Wales and their quest to qualify for a first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Wales won their opening game in Andorra last month and could take a big step towards the expanded Euro 2016 finals in France by beating Bosnia and Cyprus at the Cardiff City Stadium.

qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg. “He’s a player who can get goals and when the first one arrives I’m sure there will be more to follow. In England he is scoring and it’s been good for him to go there. “Now he’s here with us and we must look for him because with his movement he creates one-on-one situations with the goalkeeper,” was Koke’s analysis. Finally, he acknowledged his

Lionel Messi

admiration for fellow midfielder Xavi Hernandez. “Xavi has meant everything to the national team. He’s someone who has won everything with Barcelona and his country. “I hope I can achieve half of what he has but I’ve got a long way to go. There’s a lot of hard work for me to do. However, in the end Xavi is Xavi and Koke is Koke,” he added.

Avram, Kluivert On Ghana FA Shortlist

Singapore Extends Orders Over Match-fixing Claims Schwarzer

SINGAPORE has extended detention orders that allow it to hold four people accused of being involved in a global matchfixing syndicate without charge, the Ministry of Home Affairs said on Wednesday. The four Singaporeans were arrested in 2013, together with 10 others, for their alleged roles in trying to rig soccer matches around the world and had been detained for the past year. The original order held until Oct 2. One of those detained is local businessman Tan Seet Eng, also known as Dan Tan, who has been accused by Interpol as being the head of the match-fixing syndicate. Tan’s lawyer Hamidul Haq did not immediately respond to a request for comment. European police said last year that a Singapore-based syndicate had directed match-fixing for at least 380 soccer games in Europe alone, making at least eight million euros (£6.2 million). Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs, Masagos Zulkifli, said at a conference in London this week that by holding these

four people they had “effectively dismantled the syndicate”. “We will maintain our zero tolerance approach towards corruption and in this context for match-fixing,” he said in a printed version of his remarks given to Reuters. “Offenders have and will continue to be dealt with firmly and resolutely under our laws,” he added. Under Singapore’s Criminal Law act, detention orders last for a maximum of 12 months and cases are reviewed annually and submitted to the President.

Patrick Kuivert

Taribo Warns Eagles Against Hostile Reception

EX-NIGERIA international Taribo West has warned the Super Eagles should expect a hostile reception from Sudan when they clash in an AFCON qualifier on Saturday. He said the African champions should expect a lot of distractions from their hosts, but they must be steadfast and concentrate on the job on the pitch. “Eagles must respect Sudan and not take them for granted. They should expect the hosts to be hostile to them, they will do everything to intimidate them in all aspects in order to see that the Eagles do not win,” said Taribo. The former AC Milan and Auxerre star said he expects

Taribo West

Nigeria to employ counter attacks to beat Sudan on Saturday. “Eagles must stay back and use counter attacks to get the

confederation [AFC] was awarded 4.5 starting berths, the CONCACAF 3.5, the Oceania confederation [OFC] 0.5, and the hosting confederation CONMEBOL 4.5. Brazil took the 32nd slot. Zwanziger says that African nations are under-represented at the World Cup and the confederation could gain one of Europe’s berths. The 2018 World Cup is set to take place in Russia, and under the

Nigeria won 4-0 in Sudan in 2001 in a 2002 World Cup qualifier

Keshi Must Accept Help, Insists NFF Boss

NEWLY-ELECTED Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has said Stephen Keshi has to accept extra technical assistance were he to remain as the country’s coach. if Keshi were to stay, we would Keshi, who is out of a contract help him,” said the top official. but will handle the country’s “And even if you want to help team in two Africa Cup of a coach, there are processes. But Nations qualifying matches I can assure you we are not going against Sudan this month, dismissed suggestions before the recent World Cup that he be assisted in Brazil with more technical expertise. But Pinnick, who was elected NFF president last week, has now insisted the coach will have to accept such assistance to stay on his post. “Right now Keshi is out of contract, but he is coaching the team. I am not going to tell you today that I am going to sack Keshi, I am not going to also tell you that he would be there, but

Europe Could Lose WC Berth To Africa

EUROPE are set to lose a starting berth at the 2018 World Cup, FIFA executive committee member Theo Zwanziger has revealed. According to the former German Football Association [DFB] president, Africa could profit from Europe’s loss as the confederation is believed to be unfairly represented on football’s most elite stage. At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, 13 European nations and five African nations competed for the biggest title in world football. The Asian

goals. I was there the last time we beat Sudan 4-0 and I see us winning this game also,” Taribo said on a radio interview in Lagos.

FORMER Chelsea boss Avram Grant and Patrick Kluivert are among five coaches shortlisted by the Ghana Football Association for the vacant Black Stars coaching position. The quintet- all Europeans, were shortlisted following the thorough work by three-man committee set up to look for a new coach for the Black Stars. The three other coaches are Michel Pont, Marco Tardelli and Juan Ignicio Jimenenz. The Ghana Football Association will begin interviewing the coaches with Pont, Kluivert and Tardelli set for 17 October. Grant and Jimenez will be interviewed the next day. Meanwhile two coachesBernd Schuster and Ricardo Gareca-have been placed on standby in the event one or some of the above listed are not readily available.

current distribution formula the other 53 UEFA member states would compete for 13 places at the World Cup. However, according to Zwanziger, Blatter feels that the African nations are “painfully under-represented” compared to the European nations. It is not the first time that Blatter, or a FIFA executive committee member, has voiced plans that the European contingent at the World Cup should be reduced.

to do anything that is against the interest of Nigerians. He added: “We are going to create a technical study group that would build a data bank of Nigeria players playing abroad. And how they play regularly. “We would have the A-league, B-league and C-league as the

Coach Keshi

case may be. If for example you have someone playing in the Aleague and scoring goals, you cannot bring someone from China to come and bench that person, we cannot allow that. “We will give him a pool where he picks players from, that is what is done all over the world.” Pinnick, who last week announced that he would take responsibility should the Eagles fail to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, also said Keshi has to build his capacity. “There was a time I made a comment that Keshi has reached his limit and needs to build his capacity,” he said. “But one thing we must say about Keshi is that he is a hero and as a hero we must accord him that respect. He won the Nations Cup as a player and won it as a coach, there are only two of them like that in Africa.”

17 Eagles Train In Abuja TWELVE foreign-based professionals and five players from the domestic league trained in Abuja Tuesday morning ahead of an AFCON qualifier in Sudan this weekend. The players included Chelsea star Mikel Obi, Vincent Enyeama, Kenneth Omeruo, Hope Akpan, Aaron Samuel,

Nosa Igiebor, Emmanuel Emenike and Elderson Echeijile. Others are Austin Ejide, Ogenyi Onazi, Babatunde Michael, Efe Ambrose, Ighodaro Osagouna, Gbolahan Salami and Chigozie Agbim. The training was staged on the astro turf of the FIFA Goal Project as Saturday’s match in Sudan will be played on such a

surface now. Meanwhile, coach Stephen Keshi has asked that the team fly out to Sudan on chartered flight to avoid fatigue for the players. A commercial flight would mean the Eagles will most likely stop over in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and only arrive in Sudan the night before the Saturday showdown.

Grassroots Soccer

Speaker Harps On By KEN ABU Youth Devt THE second edition of the Hon. Victor Edoror soccer tournament organized annually for youths across the 10 wards of Esan Central Local Government Area ended weekend in Irrua. The final match was played between wards six and seven. Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe while speaking at the grand finale, called on government at all levels to give priority to youth development through comprehensive sports programmes. He noted that the grassroots soccer tournament had the potential of nurturing great talents into becoming world-class professionals, adding that soccer as a game is a veritable instrument for engaging the minds of youths to shun social vices. The speaker urged all wellmeaning Nigerians to emulate the gesture of the Deputy Speaker in continuously

engaging the minds of the youths constructively through sporting activities. The final match between wards six in blue jersey and seven in black jersey was keenly contested by both teams. At the end of the 90 minutes, the match ended in a barren draw and eventually went into penalties to produce the winner. Ward six which is the Deputy Speakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ward netted five penalties as against two by their opponent to emerge the eventual winners. Presenting the players of ward 7 with their medals and a cash sum of N50,000 for emerging second, Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe enjoined them and others to improve on their performance by working hard to ensure victory in the next edition while also urging the current winners not to rest on their oars The winners went home with a cash prize of N100,000 and the championship trophy while several other prizes including complete football kits were presented to other players for their outstanding performance in the soccer event.

Two boxers slugging it out during the just concluded Edo Boxing trials in Benin City.

Another ring action

Speaker EDHA, Rt Hon Uyi Igbe (right) presenting the trophy to captain of the victorious ward six while the cup donor and tournament sponsor, Rt Hon Victor Edoror watches with keen interest. PHOTO: GODWIN ESEGUAN

Edo Boxing Trials Lift Hope Of Medal Haul In Calabar By EDET ELIJAH/UGAGBE STANLEY/MBADAUGA KINGSLEY/MUKORO MERCY ELEVEN bouts in eleven different weight categories featured in the final day of the two day boxing trials organized by Edo Boxing Association in Benin City.

The bouts began with Anyaoha Dominic in the red corner taking on Chinedu Kalu in blue corner in the middle weight (75kg) male category. Dominic won the bout after two rounds by knocking Kalu out with a heavy punch. The light fly weight (49kg) category followed as Bello Babatunde in the red corner was defeated by Eguabor Iyalekhuosa in the blue corner in a match

filled with action and excitement. After three rounds of intense battle in the female feather weight category Sandra Yahaya conquered Okogua Sandra by a unanimous decision by the judges. In the bantan weight (56kg) male category Adeniran Rasheed in blue corner knocked out Onyeka Uchejim in red corner seconds into the first round

with a rushing punch. Osamudiamwen Goodluck in the red corner batted for supremacy in the ring against Olasukunmi Tajudeen in the blue corner for three rounds in the light weight (60kg male) category. After three hot rounds, the refereeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision gave victory to Tajudeen. In the light welter weight (69kg male) category, a unanomymous decision of the three judges proclaimed Osita Umeh in blue the winner of the bout. After three rounds of tight boxing with no one willing to bow, Innocent Sado lost the bout as a result of the judges

decision. Edigue Erhahon, in the red corner bowed to Ahmed Rasaq as the welter weight 69kg male bout got a resounding from the spectators after three hot rounds. Imoisili Abuovbo red bowed to Obiwuru Martha, blue after three good rounds. She won in all three rounds in the middle weight 69kg female bout. Others who came out victorious were Owoiya Ibrahim, 81 +kg, male, Abisoye Blessing, 81kg female John Egbe, super heavy weight and Dominic Anyaoha, middle weight categories in one blue and three red corners respectively. According to the organisers, those who qualified will move into the phase one camp in two weeks time.

Martha Obiwuru is declared winner after pummeling her opponent, Imoisili Obuovbo

CMYK

Strains On GovtOwned Media

THE importance of the press cannot be overemphasized. There is hardly any aspect of human endeavour that is today not covered by the activities of the press – from the maternity ward to the mortuary; from agriculture to zoning; and, indeed, in every sphere of life, we see traces of the press. From time, the strategic role of the press has been realized as succinctly expressed by the third President of the United States of America, Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826): “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without a press or a press without government, I would not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter”. Ever since the Supreme Law of the land, the Constitution, assigned to the press, the role of the watch-dog; the role of upholding the fundamental objectives of the Constitution; and the role of the responsibility and accountability of the government to the governed, it has become clear that the media has been assigned an onerous responsibility. The watch-dog never sleeps. At the legislative end, the watch-dog is there for the people, constantly ensuring that the lawmakers play by the rules. Once the laws are enacted, it becomes the responsibility of the media to carry them to the people. That explains why, in the case of our elections, from the stage of registration to the election proper; from the election to the postelection phases at the Tribunal and Appeal Court processes, the press is constantly there for the people – educating them on their rights and obligations under the law. In essence, the media must stay awake in order that the rest of society can sleep. When the law runs foul and in those critical moments of the

miscarriage of justice, the media is constantly there to point out what is and what should be. However, despite the fundamental importance of free speech and free press in a democracy, some people still believe that speech should be free only for those who agree with them. Once we leave the level of abstraction to the level of specific questions or conflicts, there is discouragingly low level of support for free speech and free press. Government is constantly at war with itself. While wanting a free press, government does everything contrary to the tenets of a free press. This approach-avoidance stance can be likened to the case of a man who always wants good teeth but does not want to see a dentist. At the staffing level, government recruits the best; government trains the best; but government cannot retain the best. Soon after recruiting and training the best, most of them “decamp” to the private media outfits where they get higher wages and more alluring incentives. In the end, perhaps unwittingly, this produces a win-win situation for everybody: the private media outfits save a lot of money in initial training costs; the decampees, so called, besides getting the enhanced pay packet, they immediately become bosses in their new places as against the subordinate positions they occupied in their pervious places; and the original employers, have a repository of goodwill out there. They acquire for themselves the status of trainers of trainers. For instance, there is hardly any media house you visit throughout the country today without meeting a former staff of the Nigerian Observer and Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS. Government would want

the best coverage from its media outfits; in the case of Edo State, the Nigerian Observer and the EBS. Meanwhile, these outfits still depend largely on the analogue equipment that were acquired for them at inception, during the medieval age, so to say;

Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, would shoot up considerably. The government-owned media are tranquilizers of sorts. Rather than “publish and be damned”, which is the hallmark of bold journalists, the practitioners in

road, a road completely ridden with pot-holes but he cannot say so. Rather, he must be ready at all times to unleash his venom on the opposition politician who dares to say so. His boss could be

• Mr. Labaran Maku while the media world out there has gone fully digital. There is no royal road to geometry. And you can’t eat your cake and have it. Let government invest in the update of its media outfits for the mutual benefit of all – efficiency would be enhanced and the much coveted

government must remain palliative, only obeying the master’s voice. They are only heavy in propaganda, lending credence to what a British Prime Minister once said, “In times of war, the Ministry of Information becomes the Ministry of propaganda”! A government mediaman would drive on a failed

stealing the country blind but rather then say so, he must defend the action of the boss and thus, as an “apprentice in thievery and corruption”; he perpetuates the culture and tradition of these vices until he ultimately graduates into a bigger thief than his boss. Three years ago, at the celebration of our 51 st

Independent Anniversary, it took a foreign Guest Lecturer to inform Nigerians that their politicians were the highest paid in the entire world but Nigeria’s infrastructure was among the least developed. On that occasion, two people spoke – President Goodluck Jonathan and the Guest Lecturer. The President’s speech, which was only as insightful as telling us that one could get wet in the rain was freely circulated; while the Guest Lecturer’s speech, which contained the home truth, the bitter truth on which development could be based, was strategically withheld from circulation. In all, information remains the raw material on which a free press thrives and by which a free people live. To perform their constitutionally assigned responsibilities, journalists must have reasonable degree of independence, freedom and assertiveness. They must also have reasonable access to information and be able to function in an atmosphere devoid of harassment and intimidation. Except in the rare cases of inevitable classification of documents, government officials should strive at the goal of full disclosure. In every form of media ownership, deliberate efforts should be made to balance the interests of the owners and the public.

“Government would want the best coverage from its media outfits; in the case of Edo State, the Nigerian Observer and the EBS. Meanwhile, these outfits still depend largely on the analogue equipment that were acquired for them at inception, during the medieval age, so to say; while the media world out there has gone fully digital.”

Printed and Published by Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, 24 Airport Road, P.M.B. 1334, Benin City. Telephone: Lagos: 01-4930029, Benin City: 052-257492, 257531. Editor: BARR. SOLOMON IMOHIOSEN (KSJI) - 07030699646). Deputy General Manager, Marketing (08023457566). Assistant General Manager - Advertisement (08023808856) Lagos Office: 25A Alli Street, Off Tinubu Square, Lagos Island, Lagos. Abuja Office Floor 1, Edo House, 75 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Tel/Fax: 09-5237631. All correspondence to 24 Airport Road, Benin City. E-mail: nigerianobserver@yahoo.com. (ISSN 0331-2673).