The Nigerian
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vo l. 39 • N O . 031 • THURSDAY, JULY 10, 20 14 • N 100. 0 0
MOTORING Page 20 Battery care
Need to strengthen disaster mgt agencies stressed
BEIN CITY-The need for the establishment of properly equipped and financially empowered disaster m a n a g e m e n t agencies (DMA), at both state and local
government levels of the federation was yesterday advocated in Edo state. A consultant with Goalhai Nigeria Enterprises, Dr Grace Alufokahai, gave the hint
in a report titled Natural disaster Management strategies in the Niger Delta region”, as part of a workshop on disaster management organized by the Africa Network for environment and
Economic Justice, ANEEJ, and the Edo state Ministry of Environment and public Utilities in Benin City. Dr Alufokahai, noted that the call has become Continues on page 2
Local Govt Funds Deduction
GENDER ADVOCACY Page 22 Women’s Right
The missing link
Edo Government debunks claims By KEN ABU
BENIN CITY - Edo State Government has debunked in strong terms claims that it was deducting at source, funds from the statutory allocation accruing to the local government councils. The Commissioner of local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. scheduled appearance (chief ) Lucky James before parliament. made this known at the Hon. Lucky James hallowed chambers of explained that funds the state House of accruable to the local Assembly at the old government councils are Assembly Complex, credited directly to the Dennis Osadebe local government council Avenue, Benin City Joint allocation account while responding to from the Federal questions from allocation account lawmakers during his committee.
He explained that the state commissioner of finance and the Accountant-General of the state do not have direct access into the local government joint account.
He further disclosed that salaries of primary school teachers are deducted directly from the first line charge from the various local government councils according to the number
of teachers in the local government areas. The commissioner stated that no teacher in the state is being owed any salary, stressing that the state government is
committed to ensuring that payment of teachers salaries are perfected on or before 25th of every month. Hon. Lucky James noted that the state Continues on page 2
Jonathan assigns portfolio to 4 new ministers
ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday swore in and assigned portfolios to four new ministers at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. They are a former governor of Kano, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, who
was named Minister of Education and Mr Stephen Oru from Delta as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. Mr Clement Adeyeye from Ekiti was named the
FIFA suspends Nigeria ZURICH, Switzerland - The FIFA Emergency Committee yesterday suspended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with immediate effect, on account of g o v e r n m e n t interference. Article 13,
par. 1 and article 17, par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes oblige member associations to manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties.
Continues on page 2
TIT BIT “The person, who uses a machete for a handshake should not expect a smile and a warm embrace.” - Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama
Minister of State for Works, while Abdul Bulama from Yobe is now the Minister of Science and Technology. In a minor cabinet reshuffle, Jonathan directed the former Minister of State for Works, Alhaji Bashir Continues on page 2
FEDERAL EXECUTIVE MEETING: L-R: Newly appointed Ministers, Mr. Abdul Bulama (Yobe), Dr. Stephen Orise-Oru (Delta); Mr. Adedayo Adeyeye (Ekiti) and Malam Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano) taking their oath of office at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja yesterday.
Revenue boss reads Riot Act to state VIOs
BENIN CITY - The Executive Chairman, Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Chief Oseni Elamah has read the riot act to Vehicle Inspection Officers of the State Ministry of Transport, declaring a zero tolerance on
corruption and corrupt activities that brings government institution into disrepute. He made this known in a meeting with the state Vehicle Inspection
Officers in his office at the corporate headquarters of the EIRS. Addressing the officers, Elamah said that he has zero
tolerance on any act of malpractices or corruption. “If there are things you used to do before that was wrong, please purge yourself of those
on the Nigeria Police to put a stop to the continued blockade on strategic locations in
Benin City in order to alleviate the untold hardship on the people of the state. A d d r e s s i n g Journalists yesterday in Continues on page 2
Stop siege on Edo State, Speaker tells police By ADAMS OYIBOKE
BENIN CITY - Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Uyi Igbe has called on the leadership of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) to appeal to its members in the Assembly to do what is right while calling
things. “You will also realize that for us, any of our officials that engage in any malpractice, we will not hesitate to send the official away, investigate and possibly charge such person to court,” he noted. He said the Edo State Revenue Administration Law strongly forbids any staff to be involved in any form of official malpractice. Chief Elamah noted that the allegation against VIOs of further Continues on page 2
News
Edo Government debunks claims
Continued from page 1
government has greatly assisted and encouraged the local government councils in the area of internally generated revenue (IGR) which has encouraged most of the councils to float mass transit schemes.
He further revealed that local government council presence is available in all the 192 wards across the state, emphasizing that his ministry has ensured the judicious expenditure of funds. Meanwhile, the House has announced the receipt
of letter from the office of the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole intimating parliament of his compliance to the house resolution on the reinstatement of the over 900 teachers who had earlier been disengaged by the state government
for various offences which included falsification of age. The Governor also through his letter dated July 4, 2014 informed parliament that the state government has set aside the issue of competency test for teachers in the state.
Stop siege on Edo State, Speaker tells police
Continued from page 1 Benin City, Hon Igbe also
called on well-meaning Nigerians within and outside the State to call those who are determined to create a State of Emergency in the State to return to the path of sanity and respect the rule of law. He said, “On the 9th of May, 2014, three Members of the House of Assembly, Hon Jude Ise-Idehen, Patrick Osayimwen, and Friday Ogieriakhi approached the Federal High Court in Benin City in suit No FHC/B/CS/48/14 wherein they sought and obtained an Ex-Parte Order of Interim Injunction restraining the Speaker and the Legislative Arm of Government from declaring their seats vacant or suspending them pending the hearing and determination of
the motion on notice”. The Speaker further said, “The motion on notice was subsequently argued and on the 6th of June, 2014, Hon Justice A.M. Liman of the Federal High Court, granted an injunction restraining the Speaker and the House from declaring the seats of the applicants vacant, Hon Igbe said, “The Hon Justice A.M. Liman however refused the prayer for an injunction restraining the Applicants from being suspended from membership of the House as he held that “The disciplinary power of the House is not subject to the judicial review of the court. “Accordingly, the application to restrain the 2nd Respondent from suspending the applicants from the House is hereby
refused”. He further said, “On the 9th of June, 2014, the members of the Edo State House of Assembly, acting within its powers duly recognised by His Lordship, Justice A.M. Liman in the ruling earlier referred to, suspended four of its members for an indefinite period for misconduct as provided for under order 38 of the Rules of Procedure of the House of Assembly. The members according to the Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, the 4 Members were: Hon. Festus Ebea, Hon Patrick Osayimwen, Hon Jude IseIdehen and Hon Friday Ogieriakhi.
Revenue boss reads Riot Act to by invitation; we do not operate through touts.” state VIOs brought Chief Elamah promised to for registration in order to Continued from page 1 charging motorists
ascertain its road worthiness, other than the one officially paid for, should be stopped with immediate effect. The EIRS boss pointed out that the meeting with the VIOs became necessary following a State Executive Council Meeting where it seriously frowned at the proliferation of fake VIOs in the state. He added“that in Edo State,
vehicle plate numbers will not be issued to motorists if their bio data are not properly captured and documented”. He said, same goes for the new national drivers licence. “We do not issue drivers licence with passport photograph nor done by proxy, but through the physical biodata capturing of the applicant at the one-stop-shop of the driving licence registration centre which will henceforth be
provide the necessary tools and create the enabling environment for the Vehicle Inspection Officers to carry out their functions. He encouraged them to collaborate with other sister agency of government such as the Federal Road Safety Corps in order to build a strong institution and leave behind a lasting legacy.
FIFA suspends Nigeria
Continued from page 1
The decision follows a letter sent by FIFA to the NFF on 4 July 2014, in which it expressed its great concern after the NFF was served with court proceedings and consequently an order preventing the president of the NFF, the NFF Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football was granted by a High Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The said court order compelled the Nigerian Minister of Sports to appoint a senior member of the civil service to manage the NFF until the matter was heard in court,
Jonathan assigns portfolio to 4 new ministers Continued from page 1 Yuguda, to fill the vacant position of the Minister of State for Finance. However, Yuguda remains the supervising Minister of National Planning and Chairman, National Planning Commission. Jonathan urged the new ministers to be effective and conscientious in the discharge of their duties.
without giving any date for such a hearing. The authorities then appointed a person who decided to convene an extraordinary general assembly on 5 July 2014. This extraordinary general assembly was convened in violation of the NFF statutes. Originally, an elective congress had been planned by the NFF to take place on 26 August 2014. The suspension will be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their affairs. As a result of this decision, no team from Nigeria of any
sort (including clubs) can have any international sporting contact (art. 14 par. 3 of the FIFA Statutes). During the period of suspension, the NFF may not be represented in any regional, continental or international competitions, including at club level, or in friendly matches. The most immediate effect is that Nigeria will not be entitled to participate in the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup (524 August 2014) should the suspension not be lifted by 15 July 2014. In addition, neither the NFF nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any FIFA or CAF development programmes, courses or training during the suspension period.
“Upon the failure of the said members to comply with the suspension order and their forcible entry into the premises and chambers of the House of Assembly, we were compelled to file suit No B/70/0S/2014 at the Edo State High Court on the 11th of June, 2014. Hon Igbe maintained that “The Court granted an Order restraining the said four suspended members along with the Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police, Zone 5 and the Edo State Commissioner of Police. He further said that “The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Festus Ebea was as at the date of his suspension a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC). “Being a responsible House, which recognises the supremacy of the rule of law, the House declined to take disciplinary action against Hon. Razak Momoh. According to Hon Igbe, “This was in consequence of a subsisting court order obtained by Hon. Razak Momoh from the High Court in Auchi. Hon Igbe however expressed worry that since the said date, “Officers and men of the Nigeria Police have virtually become the enforcement wing of the Peoples Democratic Party and have repeatedly aided PDP legislators to break into the Assembly Complex and the Hallowed Chambers under the pretext of holding plenary sessions. The Speaker frowned at the continued seize on the House of Assembly complex by the Police with daily blockade imposed on strategic areas around the Oba Ovboranmwen Square , Sapele Road, Sakponba Road and it’s adjoined areas. According to him, “we wholeheartedly condemned the continuing display of naked aggression and show of power by those who believe that they control the organs of state power and urged the Inspector General of Police to call his officers and men to order for peace to reign in the state.” Present at the briefing were the 15 APC Lawmakers led by the Speaker, Hon Uyi Igbe.
Need to strengthen disaster mgt agencies stressed
Continued from page 1
i mperative as a study she conducted revealed the absence of pre and post disaster management strategies in the four states badly affected by the 2012 flood disaster in the country beyond rescue, distribution of relief materials and provision of emergency centres in form of camps in most cases. According to her, these agencies if established with well trained and equipped personnel, would help to improve the state of preparedness and management, during and after disaster under a special Ministry for Natural disaster management”
“Such a ministry would also take care of disaster like gully erosion, drought, fire outbreaks, desertification and even oil pollution… and for establishing a database on disaster related issues and the gathering and dispatching of information on climatic change issues, rainfall and other climatic conditions and related issues”. Dr Alufokahai also revealed that her study also identified inadequate relief camps, makeshift camp structures, dishonest practices in distribution of relief materials and inadequate transport facilities to go round
camps which she said was the constraint in managing the 2012 flood disaster in the Niger Delta region, while existing disaster agencies lacked qualified personnel, adequate fund and logistics to cope with disaster. Speaking on the rationale for the workshop Rev. David Ugolor who is the Executive Director of ANEEJ said it was to present the study by Dr. Alufokahai and discuss disasters generally with the outcome serving as a prelude for the setting up of disaster management agencies in state and local government where they currently do not exist.
Edo assures on partnership with NBC BENIN CITY – Edo State Government has assured Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd, producers of Coca-Cola drink of its support just as the company is also enjoined to demonstrate cooperation. The Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP) made the remarks on behalf of Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole when a top managerial team paid him a courtesy visit in Benin City yesterday. Hon. Omo-Ojo disclosed that the visit of the NBC officials was to discuss ways of forging ahead Edo State Government, Ministry of Transport and the company have the need to build on the achievement made from the visit. While noting that NBC and Coca-Cola are respected brands world-wide, the Commissioner encouraged the company to have faith in Edo State Government
especially as Edo State is work in progress with the building of infrastructure. He concluded that Edo people were very sociable as evident in the numerous relaxation spots and viewing centres that people converge pointing out that these spots and centres were readymade marketing outlets for Coca-Cola and other products of the company. Earlier, a Board member of Nigerian Bottling Company, Alhaji Ahmed Mantey said the company always strive to maintain good corporate relations anywhere it operates. While Alhaji Mantey stressed that they have always visited Edo State and that they were looking forward to partnering with the State Ministry of Transport, another member, Board of Director, Mr. Laolu Akinkugbe thereafter presented a corporate souvenir to the Commissioner as it is the custom of the Bottling Company.%
Central Hospital Accident Ward to be completed soon - Commissioner By KEN ABU
BENIN CITY – There are strong indications that the ongoing construction of the new accident and emergency ward at the Central Hospital in Benin City would soon be completed within a space of 12 months. The Edo State Commissioner of Health, Dr.(Mrs.) Aihanuwa Eregie made the disclosure at the hallowed chambers of the Edo State House of Assembly at the Old Assembly complex, Dennis Osadebe Avenue, Benin City during her scheduled appearance before parliament to give briefs on the activities of her ministry. Dr.(Mrs.) Eregie while answering questions from the legislators stated that the new accident and emergency wards at Central Hospital which accommodates over 200 beds was awarded to A.A. Construction Company Limited during the first
quarter adding that works had commenced in earnest. The Commissioner stated that there are 34 state-owned hospitals across the State with 19 of them fully renovated while one is presently under renovation. Speaking on the health policy of the State government, Dr. (Mrs.) Aihanuwa Eregie disclosed that the Governor has approved and released funds for the purchase of drugs in continuation of the free maternal and antenatal health care policy for mothers adding that the state government will sustain the free treatment for children from 0-5 years old while free eye-glasses will continue to be provided for the senior citizens in the state. She noted that arrangements were underway to employ qualified health personnel to man the various State hospitals which will enhance the optimum utilization of the hospitals.
Gunmen abduct lawmaker in Port Harcourt PORT HARCOURT The police yesterday confirmed the abduction of Mr Golden Chioma, Chairman, Rivers House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary, by gunmen in Port Harcourt. The Spokesman of Police Command in Rivers, DSP Muhammad Ahmad, told newsmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State that investigation into the abduction was ongoing. “Our detectives from
anti-kidnap unit and State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) are on top of the incident to ensure that the legislator is freed unharmed,’’ Ahmad said. He explained that Chioma was kidnapped on Tuesday, July 8, in Diobu Area of Port Harcourt and taken to unknown destination. The victim is a member of All Progressives Congress (APC) and representing Etche Constituency in the state assembly.
News Osun Assembly Wants Govt To Patronise Indigenous Contractors
Budget Monitoring
EFCC Tasks Public Officers ABUJA - Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has solicited the cooperation of public officers on budget tracking and monitoring to curb corruption. This is contained in a statement by Mr Wilson Uwujaren, spokesman of the commission in Abuja. The statement stated that Lamode made this known at the opening ceremony of a workshop on Budget Tracking and Monitoring. It stated that the workshop, organised by the EFCC in conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP) in Abakiliki, was aimed at enhancing public participation in budget implementation. Lamode, represented by Mr Osita Nwajah, EFCC Deputy Director of Public Affairs, said the workshop was in line with the commission’s mandate to prevent corruption. “The fight against corruption in public life would acquire greater attraction if citizens show more interest in monitoring budget implementation. “The workshop is aimed at educating people on budget tracking and monitoring in the fight against economic and financial crimes,” he said. In her remark, Mrs Aisha Larai-Musa, EFCC Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, pledged the commission’s commitment to enhancing the capacity of public officers in budget tracking.
Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe (middle), flanked by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Victor Edoror (right), and the Majority Leader, of the House, Hon. Philip Shaibu at a press conference in Benin City yesterday.
Increase In Crime Suspects Worry Police By ELIZABETH AGBOEGBULEM
PORT HARCOURT- The Rivers State Police Command has raised alarm over influx of crime suspects in police cells across the state. Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin, has appealed to the striking workers of the state judiciary to call off their indefinite strike, which is about a month now. Ogunsakin, who briefed journalists, yesterday, at the command’s headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, described the situation as unfortunate, adding that the cell conjestion would not stop clampdown on criminals. “The Rivers State Police
Civil Service Reforms Need Honesty - HOCSF
ABUJA - The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), Alhaji Bukar Aji, says the ongoing transformation of the service needs dedication, honesty and selfless service to the nation. This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Haruna Imrana, Director of Communications, Office of the HOCSF, in Abuja. Aji urged Muslims to adhere to lessons of Ramadan, stressing that it help in the ongoing reforms in the civil service. He said the reforms were producing impressive results and all hands must be on deck to ensure that the service reaches its full potential and glory.
OSOGBO - The Osun State House of Assembly has called on the state government to involve more local contractors in the execution of infrastructure projects in the state. Mr Abiodun Awolola, the Chairman, House Committee on Works and Transport, made the call on Wednesday in Osogbo during a meeting with members of the state’s Special Project Office.
The HOCSF urged Muslims in the service to use the period of the Ramadan to pray for peace and prosperity in the service and nation at large.
Command wants to state unequivocally that there is ongoing congestion in every Police cell as a result of the strike of the Judiciary staff. “It is more unfortunate that the number is increasing by the day, as our clampdown on criminals will continue in line with the directive from the Commissioner of Police. “Also, it is obvious that the continuation of the strike does not serve any good purpose. It will, therefore, be a wise move for the Rivers State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), to, in the interest of the general public and smooth administration of justice, call off the ongoing strike as this will be a step in the right direction”. Meanwhile, the command has faulted the claim of security fear expressed by the striking judiciary workers, stressing that Police had provided security in courts and judges residences. Ogunsakin’s reaction came barely 24 hours after the national leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) expressed fear over the insecurity of
lives of its members in the state. He maintained that the command had demonstrated immense concern by “swiftly addressing the security concerns of JUSUN as soon as they were raised”. According to the police boss, the strategies adopted were: intensifying police deployment in all courts and
judiciary staff quarters, enhance covert coverage and surveillance of all courts and judiciary staff quarters. Also, other strategies put in place included re-enforced security to all judges and their residences, immediate formation of a dedicated Intervention Unit for swift intervention in case of any security challenge and rejuvenation of the already existing judges Protection Unit.
He also urged the government to involve more local labourers in the execution of projects to enable the people of the state to benefit from the dividends of democracy. In his response, Mr Abiodun Isola, the leader of the Special Project Office team, promised that the government would patronise local contractors and follow financial regulations and due processes in the execution of infrastructure projects in the state. He said all contractors engaged by the incumbent administration in the state in project execution were local contractors. He added that the state government was making efforts to ensure that the Federal Government reimbursed its money spent on federal roads. Isola reiterated the state government’s commitment to construct more roads across the state.
Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Lucky James and the Director of Finance in the Ministry, Mrs. Angela Okoh when the Commissioner appeared before the state House of Assembly yesterday.
Court Rules On ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ Suit July 21
ABUJA - An FCT High Court will on July 21 rule whether or not the court has jurisdiction to entertain Dino Melaye’s suit alleging disruption of “Bring back our Girls’’ rally. Justice Abubakar Talba fixed the date at the resumed hearing of the case filed by Melaye against the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, and another. Melaye is challenging the alleged disruption of the rally he led in Abuja on May 9, to press for the release of the abducted school girls in Chibok, Borno.
In the fundamental rights’ enforcement suit, Melaye had alleged that the police manhandled and arrested him and forcefully dispersed the other peaceful protesters. At the resumed hearing of the case, Counsel to the Police, Mr Simon Lough, raised objection to an earlier ruling of the court. Lough argued that the court had no jurisdiction to entertain the case in the first instance and that the earlier ruling against his client was made in error. He contended that the FCT Court, as a State High Court,
had no jurisdiction to entertain cases involving federal institutions like the police. The counsel urged the judge to decline jurisdiction in the case and hold that his earlier ruling was a nullity. Talba had held that “the police lacked the powers to prevent or stop rallies or processions being held in respect of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls. “The Public Order Act, Cap 382 Laws of Nigeria 1990,
which the police purportedly relied on, does not authorise men of the NPF to disrupt rallies or procession on the issue of the abducted Chibok girls.’’ Talba had declared unconstitutional, the arrest of and assault on Melaye, a former House of Representatives member, during the rally in Abuja. “The arrest of the applicant and the threat to further arrest him in respect of rallies or procession is unlawful. “The disruption of peaceful rallies and procession by agents of the inspector-general of
police and Mohammed Abubakar is illegal and unconstitutional,’’ he held. The judge also held that since the respondents failed to file any counter affidavit to the suit, they were deemed to have admitted the allegations made against them by the applicant. He had awarded N150,000 as damages against the respondents in favour of Melaye. The judge had also ordered the respondents to “tender a written apology’’ to the applicant in a national newspaper.
Across The Nation Electoral Commission Postpones LG Polls
Kidnapping
Court Remands Herdsmen LOKOJA - A Lokoja Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded two herdsmen, Abubakar Mohammed and Garba Mati in prison over alleged kidnap of two Chinese nationals from Obajana in Kogi. They were arraigned on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and Kidnapping. The offence contrived Sections 97(1) of the Penal Code and Section 3(a) and 7(a) of Kogi State Kidnapping, Thuggery and Other Related Offences (Prohibition) Law, 2010, respectively. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Levi Animoku, in his ruling, order their remand holding that kidnapping was a serious offence in the state. Animoku said kidnap cases were too rampant and must be handled with caution, adding that presumption of innocence was not absolute as in this case. He, therefore, ordered that the accused be remanded at Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe and adjourned case till July 31, for further mention. Prosecutor Mohammed Abaji, a Senior Legal Officer with the state Ministry of Justice, urged the court to take cognisance of the offences. According to him, the accused persons in the company of two others now at large committed the offence on June 12 at Obajana in Lokoja Local Government. Abaji said that the accused took the two Chinese nationals, Shen Fahung and Shan Hongui into the bush in Obajana, demanded and collected an undisclosed amount as ransom before releasing them. He said that investigation led to the arrest of the duo who confessed that they got N100,000 each from the ransom. The Counsel to the accused, Mr Mua’zu Abbas, in oral application, had urged the court to admit his clients to bail. But Abaji opposed the bail on the ground that the offences carried life imprisonment if they were convicted. He urged the court to refuse the application, saying that having known the weight of the offence and its punishment upon conviction, the accused would certainly jump bail. He argued the accused persons had no traceable address being herdsmen
L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan; Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), Senate President David Mark and Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal at the Council of State meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
L-R: Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger; Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh and Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa, at the Council of State meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
Kwankwaso Distributes Appointment Letters To 998 New Teachers
KANO - The Kano State Government said that it had recruited 998 new teachers for public secondary schools in the state. Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso made this known when he distributed letters of offer of appointment to newly recruited teachers employed into the state civil service. Reports state that those recruited, included teachers, laboratory attendants and library assistants. Kwankwaso said that the introduction of free education necessitated the recruitment of the teachers
to boost the manpower in the teaching profession in the state. “The recruitment also became necessary so as to provide qualified staff with a view to improving teaching and learning in schools,’’ he said. He further appealed to the new employees to be good ambassadors of the state wherever they found themselves. “Our administration is vigorously pursuing mass literacy campaign to stamp out illiteracy from the state.’’ In his remark, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sunusi, represented by Waziri of
Kano, Malam Sa’adu Gidado, tasked the newly employed teachers to
regard their positions as a trust bestowed on them to breed future leaders.
KATSINA - The Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission has postponed the local government elections in the state from August 2, to September 6, 2014. The Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Abubakar Lawal, made this known at a news briefing in Katsina on Tuesday. Lawal said that the postponement was to enable the commission meet the minimum of the 90-day notice for political parties to prepare for the polls. He said the commission had also reduced the nomination form fees payable by candidates by 50 per cent. He said the fees for the form for the chairmanship candidate had been reduced to N125,000 from N250,000. The chairman said the fees for the post of vice chairman had been slashed from N150,000 to N75,000, while that of councillorship was reduced from N100,000 to N50,000, respectively. He said that political parties, who had not fielded their candidates for the election, could do so within three weeks in order to comply with all the procedures and processes stipulated by law.
Conspiracy, Stealing: 2 Men Jailed 3 ENUGU - The Enugu North Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Abel Nzube, 20, and Ndidi Nwaite, 27, of Enugu North Local Government Area to Six years imprisonment for conspiracy and stealing. In her judgment, Magistrate Virginia Uzoma, sentenced the convicts to three years in prison each without an option of fine. Uzoma ordered that Nzube would serve his first year with hard labour and learn carpentry skills in two years, while Nwaite would serve his three years with training in carpentry skill.
Years Each
She noted that the convicts should learn carpentry skill since they refused to mention a particular skill they would like to learn. Prosecutor Emmanuel Ajogwu had told the court that Nzube met Okechukwu Onovo, at a petrol station and asked him to hold a bag to turn in his garri which Onovo did. Ajogwu said that in the process Nzube picked Onovo’s breast pocket and removed N200 cash and a Nokia Asha 200 worth N10, 000, totalling N10, 200. He said that when Onovo
realised that his money and handset were missing, he ran after Nzube, who jumped into Nwaite’s tricycle but they were caught at Kingsway Road. The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 495 (a) and 353 (L) of the Criminal Code Enugu State of Nigeria 2004. Nwaite told the court that he was not part of the crime. He said that he carried Nzube who stopped him along the road only to realise that another vehicle which happened to be the complainant was chasing them.
South South FIRS Prosecutes 2 Staff, Others Over Forged Tax Certificate
YENAGOA –The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has commenced the prosecution of four persons including two of its staff for allegedly issuing forged and counterfeit tax clearance certificates to some persons. The four staff who also included two staff of the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue were arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court. Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on a 12 count charge. The court gave their names as Igbanibo Inikio, Ayibadeinyefa Efanughe, Amula Jacob and Evelyn Amieghaye. The prosecutor, James Binang, told the court that the suspects operated a syndicate that issued counterfeit tax clearance certificates to unsuspecting members of the public. Binang said that the accused issued forged tax clearance certificates to Seebemm Int’l Ltd and
Kofabem Int’l Ltd and some individuals. According to him, one of the victims of the syndicate’s illegal act, who presented a forged tax clearance certificate given to him by the accused, to British Embassy, was denied visa to the United Kingdom. One of the victims of the alleged scam, Chief Emmanuel Emberru, called as witness by the prosecutor, told the court that he could not attend his daughter’s wedding in London because of a fake tax certificate issued
to him by the accused. According to him, it is so shocking that tax clearance certificate obtained from revenue officials turned out to be counterfeit. “It was so humiliating that I was denied visa and banned from re-applying for ten years. “I could not attend my daughter’s wedding in London so I decided to ensure that the officials were brought to book,” Emberru, who is traditional ruler of Kabowei community in the state, said. The judge adjourned the case for continued hearing.
Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Aihanuwa Eregie (right) and a Director in the Ministry, Dr. Moses Aigberior when the Commissioner appeared before Edo State House of Assembly yesterday.
Imbibe New Teaching Methods, Director Urges Teachers
By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR
BENIN CITY – Teachers have been advised to embrace new teaching methods, especially in the area of technology, so as to be more efficient. The advice was given by the Executive Director, Education, Edo State, Hon. Amen Ogbemudia Uhunmwangho, at
the opening ceremony of the 9th Annual Conference of Association of Nigerian Teachers (ASSONT), which took place in Benin city. She stated that as society progressed-develops, the process of teaching and learning is also changing, especially with the advent of science and technology. The Executive Director
noted that, “no innovation and transformation can take place in education without the active participation of teachers”, adding that the success or failure of reform on teaching and learning depends on the attitude of teachers. While noting that educational innovations and transformation do not come about automatically, Hon. Uhunmwagho emphasized that the entire process must have to be planned and implemented in a way that would make
educational practices geared towards the changing objectives of instructions, that are consistent with changing standards. She further noted that innovations and transformation require resourceful teachers who are familiar with emerging problems and development trends in the process of teaching and learning. According to her, teachers education programme should be the sprawling ground for transformative teaching and
learning. Vice chancellor, Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie, said the university is glad to host this year ’s conference with the theme: “ Innovation and Transformation in Teaching and Learning”, saying it is in line with one of the core values of the educational institutions. He pointed out that as the world is revolving, new ideas of imparting knowledge should be imbibed into the academia in order not to only meet but also to turn them into opportunities with emerging threats and challenges.
Ex-Party Official Advises Oshiomhole Against Distraction By RICHARD EWEKA
L-R: President, Benson Idahosa University, Bishop Feb Idahosa; Executive Director, Education, Edo State Government House, Hon. Mrs. Amen Ogbemudia Uhunmwangho and Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie at the annual conference of the Association of Nigerian Teachers held at the Univesity in Benin City yesterday. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.
BENIN CITY – A Former Treasurer of the Defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), UK chapter, Mr. Tobi Idaomi has called on Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole not to be distracted by the crisis presently rocking the State
House of Assembly. In a chat with newsmen in Benin, Idaomi said the crisis is a deliberate ploy by antidevelopment agents to stall the progressive stance of government development agenda. Mr. Idaomi frowned at those pointing accusing fingers at the state governor,
Rivers Expresses Commitment To IFADAssisted Programme PORT HARCOURT - The Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Emma Chinda, said that the state government was committed to the implementation of the International Fund for Agricultural Developmentassisted Programme. The Community-Based Natural Resource Management Programme (CBNRMP) is being implemented in Rivers and the eight other states in the Niger Delta Region. They are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, and Ondo. The non-payment of counterpart fund by the benefiting states and local
governments is hindering the successful implementation of the programme. According to the rules guiding donor-funded programme, only payment of the required counterpart fund can guarantee access to the donor fund. Some of the beneficiaries of the CBNRMP in Rivers told newsmen in a telephone interview recently that the nonpayment of counterpart fund by the state government, was jeopardising the achievement of the programme’s goal. They complained that the
programme could not draw down on the fund provided by IFAD, the main financier, without the counterpart fund. The beneficiaries, who spoke on condition of anonymity, therefore, appealed to the state government to take the necessary steps to ensure the successful implementation of the programme and guarantee improvement of their livelihood. According to them, the present situation is affecting their livelihood, thereby making it difficult for them to adequately cater for their
families. Reacting to the complaints in a separate telephone interview, the National Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Irene Jumbo-Ibeakuzie, told newsmen that the Rivers Government had released N50 million as counterpart fund for the programme. She commended the state government for the gesture, which, according to her, will go a long way to revive the interest of the beneficiaries as well as ensuring the successful implementation of the programme.
She, however, said that the state Ministry of Agriculture had yet to make the money available to the programme. She stressed that the programme would not be able to access the IFAD fund, if the government’s counterpart fund was not released to the programme. “The situation is also making it difficult for the beneficiaries of the programme to remain on agricultural jobs on a sustainable basis in order to achieve sustainable livelihood improvement. “It is also impacting negatively on the job creation potential of the programme,’’ she said.
and wondered why, even when Oshiomhole is not a legislator. According to him, “enemies of the state that don’t wish the people of the state well should allow the comrade governor concentrate on the developmental strides and consolidate on his achievement rather than distracting him from delivering the dividend of democracy to the good people who gave him the mandate to take the state to the promised land. “Oshiomhole has changed the face of governance in the state and never again will someone come to deceive us, we are now wiser and more educated to ask questions on how our resources is been used by our leaders” he said. He added that Oshiomhole has made us know that Edo State can work, schools can be constructed, water can be found in Edo Central, and we thank the governor for this eye opener”, he said.
South-West
Customs Inaugurate ICT Centre LAGOS- The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has inaugurated a 160- metre communication tower and an Information Communications Technology (ICT) centre at the Apapa command in Lagos. The Zone ‘A’ Coordinator of the NCS, Mr Victor Gbemudu, said at the occasion that the tower and the ICT centre would reduce the network failure problems encountered by operators in the course of processing their documents. The reports state that the inauguration also went along with a two-day training on ICT and Customs Procedures for journalists covering the maritime beat. Gbemudu, an Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, said the ICT centre was domiciled in Apapa because
the command was the foremost and the flagship of the service. “The ICT centre is located in Apapa but not for resident officers in Apapa Command alone but for the entire zone, “The Apapa command is the flagship of the service, that is why we started from their,” he said. The Assistant ComptrollerGeneral said all the stakeholders in the port including the clearing agents could use the communication facilities free of charge. Gbemudu said journalists had the opportunity of being the first set of professionals to be trained with the ICT facilities on customs procedures in order to educate the populace. “With ICT, I sit at the comfort of my office and log in to know the revenue of Apapa, Tin-Can
and seizures from the Fedaral Operations Unit, Ikeja and other commands,’’ he said. Also speaking, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa, Mr Charles Edike, said since its installation, the communication mast had put a stop to server
failures. He said, “Over two months ago, there was a storm in Lagos and the old mast gave way and that gave room for the building of the new mast we are commissioning today.” Edike commended the
Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi, who made it possible for the command to acquire the new communication tower. “The CGC made it possible for us to have a brand new communication tower,’’ he said.
Edike said the new communication tower was built to international standard. The comptroller said, “This new communication tower can withstand any tsunami and the network will never be tampered with anymore.”
Oyo Opens Pedestrian IBADAN - The new Bridge pedestrian bridge constructed on the Apete River in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has been opened for public use. The State Commissioner for Works, Mr Bimbo Kolade, told newsmen shortly after inspecting the bridge that it would, however, be open to the use of only pedestrians. The commissioner explained that though the bridge was strong enough for vehicular activities, it would only be used by pedestrians for now to give room for the continuation of the main bridge. Kolade assured the people of Apete that another pedestrian bridge would be constructed on the other side of the river within the next two weeks. He said the second pedestrian bridge would also serve commercial motorcyclists, pending the completion of the
main bridge. “The bridge is solid enough for vehicular activities but because of the need to continue work on the main bridge, the pedestrian bridge will be restricted to vehicular activities for now. “It will only be opened for pedestrian activities; we will not even allow commercial motorcyclists to use it. “ We are appealing to our people to abide by the instruction on the use of the bridge as in another two weeks, a similar bridge will also be constructed at the other side,’’ he said. The commissioner also said work was underway on the 3.5 km Ijokodo-Poly-Apete Road, adding that the drainage system on the road had been completed.
Outpatient Department of University College Hospital in Ibadan deserted as doctors’ strike continues.
UCH To Commence Community Physiotherapy
IBADAN - Prof. Temitope Alonge, the Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital(UCH), Ibadan, said that the tertiary health institution would soon begin community physiotherapy. Alonge disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan. He said the hospital had always been breaking new grounds in healthcare delivery,
recalling that it was the first to start community ophthalmology outreaches. Alonge also said that the UCH Community Primary Health Care Centre recently inaugurated at Sepeteri community in the state would go a long way in solving the health care challenges in the area.
Main entrance to empty emergency unit of University College Hospital in Ibadan as Doctors strike continues.
He further said that public health nursing had been popularised and entrenched in community healthcare delivery system, adding that it is now the only linkage between communities and hospitals. Alonge, who also said gender-based violence had
become a public health concern world-wide, urged the global community to move against the menace. The CMD described the strike embarked on by the Nigeria Medical Association as a “ national issue, ’’ adding that other members of the health care delivery team were doing their best to alleviate the inconvenience to patients.
Man Docked Over N.6m Fraud
LAGOS- A 48-year-old man, Remy Achiebe, has appeared before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, charged with obtaining N600,000 under the pretext of giving a woman a shop. The accused is facing a three-count charge of false pretences, stealing and issuance of a dud cheque. The Prosecutor, Insp Gabriel Ekundayo, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in July 2013, at No. 17, Bode Thomas St., Surulere, Lagos. He said the accused obtained N600,000 from Ms Ngozi Okeke to give her a shop and kitchen equipment which he failed to do. Ekundayo said that Okeke
paid N600,000 into Achiebe’s bank account and promised to pay the balance within six months but he refused. He said that Okeke requested for a refund of the money since Achiebe refused to collect the balance later. The prosecutor added that Achiebe issued a dud Zenith bank cheque for N600,000 to Okeke on Oct. 31, 2013.. He said that the offences contravened Sections 285, 313 and 319 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Magistrate, Mrs N.O. Ojoromi granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the case till July 21 for mention.
Lagos Drug Trafficking: Man Jailed 15 Months
LAGOS - A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced a 27-year-old man, Surajo Abubakar, to 15 months imprisonment for trafficking in five kilogrammes of hemp. Justice Ibrahim Buba sentenced Abubakar without an option of fine. He held that Abubakar’s conviction and sentence was in accordance with the provisions of Section 281 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004. Buba held that the sentence should take effect from Nov. 29, 2013, when the accused was arrested. The judge said that the convict was remorseful and could be given another chance to amend his life. The convict was sentenced after the review of the facts of the case provided by an officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
(NDLEA), Mr Paul Shingui. Abubakar had pleaded guilty. Shingui was led in evidence by the Prosecution Counsel, Mr Orji Kalu. Shingui told the court that he was an Exhibit Keeper in the NDLEA Office, Ikoyi, Lagos. He told the court that the convict was arrested by some NDLEA operatives at the Railway area of Agege, Lagos. Shingui testified that the convict unlawfully possessed the banned substance and made a confessional statement during an investigation. The prosecutor, Kalu, tendered the convict’s statement, the drug and the drug analysis certificate as exhibits, and they were admitted in evidence. The prosecutor had told
the court that the offence contravened Section 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004. The convict had pleaded for leniency and promised never to indulge in such an act. The convict, a resident of No. 17, Otibagi, Agege, Lagos, was was first arraigned on February 5. Drug trafficking attracts a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.
LAGOS - Lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly have urged Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola to extend the installation of Computer-based CloseCircuit Television (CCTV), surveillance cameras being monitored by Lagos State Emergency Command Control Centre to all major markets, motor parks and other public places within the state. This proposal was moved by Hon. Abdulbak Ladi Balogun at the plenary session of the house. He also revealed that the
Lawmakers Want CCTV Installed In Markets, Motor Parks By SURAJU RAJI 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. Hon. Ladi Balogun further noted that the efforts of Lagos State Government is to provide infrastructure, human capacity and fund for procurement of security equipment through the Lagos
Teenager Remanded LAGOS- An Ebute Meta For Murder Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded a teenager at the Special Correctional Centre for Boys in Oregun, over alleged murder of his friend, Bidemi Bankole. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.A. Demi-Ajayi, said that the 16-year-old should remain in custody pending advice of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions. She adjourned the case till August 6 for mention The reports state that the court did not take the plea of the teenage apprentice in a printing press. Earlier, the Prosecutor, DSP Etim Nkankuk, told the court that the teenager killed Bankole when the deceased visited him at his work place on June 15 at about 6.15p.m. He said that the deceased, aged 18, met the accused cutting papers with a scissors.
“The deceased complained of heat in the place and asked his host to switch on the fan. “The breeze from the fan blew away the papers on the table. “Consequently, the two friends had an argument which led to a fight, and the accused stabbed Bankole on his stomach with a pair of scissors,” he said. Nkankuk said that an eyewitness reported the incident at a police station, and the accused was arrested. The prosecutor said that the body of the deceased had been deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital mortuary, Ikeja, for autopsy. He said that the offence contravened Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Section 221 prescribes death sentence for anyone convicted of murder.
L-R: Chairman, Governing Council of Lagos State College of Health Technology, Dr. Abiola Tilley-Gyado, Lagos Health Commissioner, Dr. Jide Idris; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos and the Special Adviser on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, at the second Convocation of Lagos College of Health Technology in Lagos recently.
State Security Trust Fund. In addition, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade implored the lawmakers to go to their constituencies and discourage abandonment of vehicles which he said are used to commit crime while Hon. Dr. Razaq Balogun also called for installation of CCTV in all areas. The speaker Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji said “we should be security conscious; we should take necessary steps to ensure security of lives and property”. Leader of the Assembly, Hon. Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye suggested checking of influx of foreigners into Nigeria, while Hon. Balogun and Olulade suggested that foreigners should be registered. However, the House also expressed worries over the prevailing security treats such as armed robbery, ritual killings, kidnapping, bombings and other vices that make security challenges in the country enormous. The lawmaker also deduced that the state should aggressively pursue registration of residents in order to create a database of Lagosians and advised the Governor to take over all abandoned properties for public interest.
Stakeholders Hail Sarumi At 70
Port Concession: LAGOS- Key players in the maritime industry have lauded Chief Adebayo Sarumi, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), for the roles he played in port concession and regulation. The stakeholders took their turns to make the commendation in Lagos at a Colloquium on Port Reform and other activities to mark the
70th Birthday of Sarumi. The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr Hassan Bello, said that the attainment of the port regulator status of the council was due to the efforts of Sarumi. The reports state that Sarumi was the Managing Director of
Accident and Emergency Unit, Central Hospital Warri, empty due to nationwide strike by Nigerian Medical Association recently.
the NPA from 2003 to 2007 and the Managing Director of the Shippers’ Council from 1996 to 2003. “The success of the port commercial regulator is a seed that was planted by Sarumi. “Sarumi also created a link between Nigerian judges and the maritime industry which made the industry to gain more confidence,’’ Bello said. He said that the confidence encouraged more customers to patronise the ports. Bello noted that Sarumi also established the Marine Insurance Policy as well as the Cargo Defence Fund of the NSC. The Managing Director of the NPA, Malam Habib Abdullahi, who was represented by the NPA General Manager (Administration), Mr Abba Rufai, said that Sarumi had excellent career in the maritime industry. Abdullahi said that Sarumi displayed experience and intelligence in the maritime industry for the general good
of Nigerians. “It is glad to see that even in retirement, he embraces and understands the need for change as well as continuous improvement critical to the success of the maritime industry. “His commitment to the development of the service even at retirement is worthy of commendation and emulation, ‘’ Abdullahi said. Mrs Vicky Haastrup, President of Seaports Terminal Operators’ Association of Nigeria (STOAN), described Sarumi as a man of honour. Haastrup said: “When Sarumi speaks, no one faults him.’’ She said that the maritime expert contributed immensely to the operations of terminals. The President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANALCA), Chief Olayiwola Shittu, said that Sarumi played vital roles in the success of port concession in Nigeria. “Chief Sarumi went out of his way to reach out to all the stakeholders and made us to understand the importance and benefits of port concession,’’ he said.
News Christian Pilgrimage
Commission Begins Nationwide Sensitisation ABUJA - The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has started its sensitisation tour of states as part of preparations for the 2014 October-December Christian pilgrimage. The commission’s Head of Media, Mr Celestine Ogugua, said in statement on Tuesday in Abuja that the sensitisation team is headed by the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Mr. John-Kennedy Opara. It said the team had visited Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Benue and Kebbi states to mobilise Christians for the exercise. The statement said the executive secretary of the commission had pledged to use the exercise to address moral issues plaguing society. It quoted Opara as saying that the transformation of any society could be best driven by men and women with sound moral and spiritual orientation. “If people on holy pilgrimage had divine encounter in Israel they would help in preaching peace as well as help the government drive the transformation process,’’ he said. Opara assured intending pilgrims of Federal
Government’s commitment to making the exercise more affordable for Nigerians. Opara announced President Goodluck Jonathan’s approval of a concessionary exchange rate of N150 to one U.S. dollar for both the Christian and Moslem 2014 pilgrimages. He explained that the commission runs three pilgrimage programmes yearly. They are the Easter Pilgrimage which is conducted from March to April; Family Pilgrimage, July to August, and the major exercise which holds from October to December. The NCPC boss commended the governors of states visited for their developmental achievements. He lauded Kebbi State government for completing the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi. According to the statement, Governor Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi thanked the team for the visit, and assured it of his administration’s support for Christian pilgrimage. Dakingari pledged to work closely with the Christian community in the state to promote peaceful coexistence among the people.
Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau (2nd left), going through a plan of a bridge at the Secretariat junction, Yakubu Gowon Way, during inspection of Road Projects in Jos recently.
Rescue Of Chibok School Girls:
Jonathan Re-Assures Nigerians publicly revealing details
ABUJA- President Goodluck Jonathan will not put the lives of schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno, at risk by
FCTA Converts Agencies To Departments ABUJA - The FCT Administration has converted four agencies to departments, due to lack of appropriate laws to back up their operations. This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Mr. Muhammad Sule in Abuja. The statement said the conversion was a follow-up to the directive of the FCT Executive Committee last month.
It listed the affected agencies to include, Agency for Mass Education, Science and Technology, FCT Emergency Management Agency and Satellite Towns Development Agency. It said that the reversal of these agencies was contained in a circular signed by the FCT Permanent Secretary, John Chukwu. According to the
statement, all the heads of the affected agencies would henceforth be known as Directors. It said that those heading various departments under the affected agencies would operate as Heads of Divisions. The new arrangement, according to the statement, will continue until the National Assembly enacts appropriate laws backing the establishment of such departments.
of efforts to rescue them just to satisfy his critics. Presidential spokesman Reuben Abati, who made the remark in Abuja on Tuesday, added that Nigeria was aggressively confronting the threat of the terrorist group. In a letter to Washington Post, Abati described an op-ed published by the newspaper on July 3 on the issue as incorrect. The presidential spokesman said Jonathan had been actively engaged in efforts to rescue the more than 200 girls abducted in April by
Chairman, Igbo leaders of thought, Prof. Ben Nwabueze (6th left) with Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe (7th left) and other members, during the 8th Assembly of the Igbo leaders of thought in Enugu recently.
the terrorist group, Boko Haram. He debunked the claim that “Jonathan has a donothing” attitude toward rescuing the girls. “This is not different from what was written about President Obama’s decision not to disclose his efforts to seize and arrest the alleged ringleader of the 2012 terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya.’’ Four Americans were killed in the Benghazi attack. Abati added that the
president was engaged in international intelligence-sharing involving West Africa, Europe and the United States, and he had also launched Counter Terrorism Centre in Nigeria. “He has been working intensely on the very challenging situation posed by Boko Haram since assuming office, including declaring a state of emergency in May 2013 in the three most affected northern states.
ABUJA -An applicant, Rivenus Nnamdi, 29, of Jabi Village, appeared before Magistrate Chinyere Nwacheonwu of Wuse Zone 2 Magistrates’ Court for alleged criminal trespass and public nuisance. Prosecutor Abdullahi Adamu told the court that the matter was reported to Wuse Police Station on June 24. Adamu said that the accused was found smoking cigarette in the room allocated to Sen. Mohammed Salami at Amso International Hotel at Wuse Zone 6. He said the accused was neither a staff nor guest at the
hotel and could not explain the reason he was there during police investigation. The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 348 and 183 of the Penal Code. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate granted bail to the accused in the sum of N50,000 with a surety in like sum. Nwacheonwu ordered that the surety must have reasonable means of livelihood and reside within the jurisdiction of the court. She adjourned the case till July 14 for hearing.
Applicant Docked For Constituting Nuisance
Abuja Senate Urges FG To Mitigate Environmental Challenges
ABUJA- The Senate has in Abuja passed a resolution urging the Federal Government to ensure effective use of Ecological Funds to mitigate ecological challenge in the country. The senate also urged the government to undertake aggressive shoreline protection of coastal areas in the country. The resolution followed a motion moved by Sen. Emmanuel Paulker (PDPBayelsa) on Ocean Surge in Coastal Areas and its Consequences for Coastal Dwellers. Paulker informed the Senate that some residents of coastal communities in Bayelsa and Delta States had been displaced by rising ocean waves. He said the waves submerged the communities and destroyed the sources of their livelihood. He attributed the cause of the disaster to the activities of some oil companies. “These communities trace the origin of their woes to the unmitigated impact of the explosion and fire which occurred in January 2012 on the oil rig owned by Chevron. “The explosion could result in a calamity if nothing is done to mitigate its impact and other consequent seismic implications’’, he said. Contributing to the motion, Sen. Ayogu Eze (PDP-Enugu state), called on the relevant government agencies to enforce
the laws against oil companies that breached guidelines on environmental impact assessments. “It shows that Nigerians who are supposed to check these oil companies are not doing their work. “The oil companies have to increase their humanitarian activities to mitigate ocean surges’’, he said. Sen. Ahmed Lawan (APCYobe) blamed ecological challenges ravaging different parts of the country on misapplication of ecological funds by the various tiers of government. He urged the government to seek assistance from other countries that have successfully addressed similar ecological challenges in their environment. “It is time for the Senate to insist that ecological funds are only deployed to mitigate ecological challenges and not for selfish political purposes. “It is time for Nigeria to partner with other countries that have contended with similar challenges to help us out of this problem’’, he said. Sen. Ita Enang (PDP-Akwa Ibom), urged the Senate to investigate the matter to ascertain whether ocean surge had any link to oil exploration. “I don’t want us to take this as an ordinary matter caused by ocean surge. “We should investigate this matter very seriously because it
could be earth tremor or sinking of the earth as a result of exploration activities of oil companies’, he said. Sen. Helen Esuene (PDPAkwa Ibom) stressed the need for government to protect Nigeria’s mangrove forests by regulating the activities of loggers who are depleting the Eco-system. “Climate change is here with us and we need to protect our mangrove forests by regulating the activities of loggers because trees serve as our first line of defence against ocean surge’’, Esuene noted. Deputy President of Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary, urged the three tiers of government to look into issues affecting the coastal areas. He urged the relevant agencies to commence immediate deployment of relief materials to the affected areas in order to alleviate the suffering of the victims of the recent ocean surge. “Our appropriate committee
ABUJA- Stakeholders in the agricultural biotechnology sector have clamoured for the passage of the National Biosafety Bill to ensure safe regulation of all genetic engineering processes, including Genetically Modified
Harnessing Flood Water: Management Institute (IWMI), Colombo, Sri Lanka, would utilise the flood water to grow the nation’s agriculture. Adesina said that dry season farming would go a long way to promote agricultural activities and enhance food security in the country. “This will turn our country’s agriculture sector around and make the country self sufficient in food production, because today, we spend 35 billion dollars a year in importing food. “It does not make sense
alleviate their sufferings’’, Ekweremadu added. The Senators called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ecological Fund Office of the Federation and other relevant agencies to send relief materials to victims of the ocean surge.
L-R: UNFPA Deputy Country Representative, Dr. Adonri Osaretin; Partner, Country Coordinator, Population and Development, Mr. Faniran Sanjo and Chairman, National Taskforce on Reproductive Health, Population and Development, Mr. Samuel Eloho, at the Taskforce meeting in Abuja yesterday.
Stakeholders Clamour For Passage Of Biosafety Bill
L-R: Gubi women leader, Hajia Aisha Mohammed, receiving gift from Bauchi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajia Talatu Barwa, while Director General, Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajia Ladi Ilelah watch during distribution of fasting materials in Gubi village in Bauchi LGA recently.
ABUJA- The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said that the Federal Government would soon begin to harness flood water to improve irrigation farming. Adewumi made this known in Abuja at a workshop on Water Management Solutions for Flood-Recession and Dry Season Agriculture in Nigeria. He said that the ministry, in partnership with the International Water
needs to investigate who receive ecological funds and how they are applied. “The government at different levels needs to show more
interest regarding our coastal lines in order to save lives and property of our people who live there. “We sympathise with the victims of ocean surge and believe that the agencies concerned would go there as quickly as possible to help to
Organisms (GMOs). A cross section of stakeholders made the call at a news conference organised by the Nigerian Chapter of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), to enlighten Nigerians on modern biotechnology techniques. That biotechnology is any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms or derivatives to make or modify products or processes for a specific use. Prof. Lucy Ogbadu, the Director-General, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), said it was in recognition of the importance of science of biotechnology, which is a global trend, that the agency was established. “There is misinformation by those that want Africa to remain backward, with misguided antitechnology views, which we have to overcome. “Nigeria needs to use biotechnology to create wealth
and good jobs; we need it for industrial growth to improve economy while eradicating poverty in the country. “We are not saying biotechnology can do everything, but it can contribute immensely to agricultural productivity, affordable healthcare delivery services, sustainable environment and industrial growth.” Ogbadu explained that modern biotechnology would increase food supply with less farmland requirement, clean up oil spills, prevent deforestation and provide eco-friendly materials. Echoing the same views, Mr Haman Kwajaffa, the Chairman, National Cotton Association of Nigeria, said the delay in passing the bill into law had deprived Nigerian cotton farmers of the choices of producing genetically modified cotton (BT cotton). Kwajaffa explained that farmers in Burkina Faso, South Africa, Egypt, were thriving in the production of BT cotton,
FG Partners Institute
because we can produce all these food items; we should be an exporting country by now and not depending on others to feed us.’’ He said that Africa could truly be free when it starts managing its disasters and turn them into opportunities. “Africa can truly be free when we start feeding ourselves and we should do it with pride. “The solution to feeding the world is not in Asia or Latin America, but in Africa, because 65 per cent of arable land for
feeding the world in 2050 is in Africa. “I am so glad that the Federal Government is in support of this project of managing flood tragedy into feeding millions of Nigerians because the flood experience in Nigeria goes beyond the Nigerian borders.” Adesina said Africa should look at value chain commodities as pioneered by the Transformation Agenda, which has increased Nigeria’s domestic food production since
2011. On his part, Mr. Jeremy Bird, the Director-General of the institute, a non-profit organisation, said the institute’s objective in Nigeria was to achieve sustainable use of water and land resources. “Our goal is to assist the government of Nigeria to increase agricultural production and food security and to enable small-scale farmers to engage in flood recession and dry season agriculture.
thereby enriching their countries’ economies through exports. Also, representatives from agricultural research institutes in Zaria, Umudike, Baddeggi and farmers’ associations lent their voices to the need for a biosafety law. They explained that out of the four major economies of Africa — South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya — Nigeria was the only country without a biosafety law. It would be recalled that Nigeria signed and ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2000 and 2003 respectively; parties to the protocol are required to domesticate it through legal and administrative frameworks. Nigeria equally signed the Nagoya Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2012. The Biosafety Protocol is meant to give adequate protection to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the practice of modern biotechnology and the use of GMOs. The Nigerian Biosafety Bill was initially passed by the 6th National Assembly in 2011 but was not signed by the president and it became time barred. The bill which has been returned to the National Assembly to be updated, is being considered by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Stakeholders are calling for the speedy passage of the bill to ensure the regulation of biotechnology techniques in order to boost agricultural productivity and prove scientific researches on crops.
Business + Economy Contributory Pension
Stakeholders Urge Inclusion Of ABUJA – The panelists at the ongoing World Pension Summit Informal Sector in Abuja have called for the
Operators officers, NEMA Operations Office, Gombe, Hajiya Zainab Umar (right), presenting relief materials to an internally displaced person in a camp in Bali, Taraba State recently.
inclusion of the informal sector in the contributory pension scheme in Africa. The Panel Chairman, Mr Timi Austen-Peters, the Principal Partner, Austen-Peters & Co, said the continent had a large pool of pension funds available that could be invested in infrastructure. Austen-Peters said the continent was no longer faced with the problem of pension funds deficit, but what to do with the large pool of pension assets. According to him, pension
PTDF Trains First Set Of Underwater Welders
ABUJA - The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has said that it had trained the first set of 11 underwater welders at the Institute National De Plongee Professionelle (NIPP) Marseille, France. The PTDF Head Media and External Relations, Mr Kalu Otisi, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. Otisi said that 12 trainees, who emerged the best candidates of PTDF Welder Training and Certification Programme after selection process, were made to undergo the underwater welding training. He said that 11 out of the 12 trainees, who went for the
training in France, were successful. According to him, the training programme is designed to transit trainees to the International Institute of Welding (IIW) certification in underwater
welding. “The programme evolved due to the intention of the fund to fill identified gaps and ensure adequate capacity building in all
aspect of welding,” he said. He said the training had provided the trainees with opportunity to network and interact with their counterparts from other nationalities such as France, Gabon, Tunisia, India
reforms in Africa started in 2004 when Nigeria inaugurated its Pension Reform Act. He said that following the introduction of the act, other African countries keyed into it, adding that it had yielded positive results in a short period. “Now it is not the question of whether it is working or not working, it is fantastic because we have this large pool of money, the question is what we do with it. “However, how can we extend it to other people because today we have about 25 billion dollars which is 25 times bigger than our Sovereign Wealth Fund. “Can we invest this money in critical sectors?’’ he asked. Mrs Clairette Ah-Hen, the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Service Commission of Mauritius, said that it was important for anyone that was working to have some savings as an investment for the future.
Ah-Hen said that if more power was given to pension regulators and private investors, pension funds would be properly managed in Africa. She said that Mauritius had a voluntary pension scheme where those in the informal sector could make contributions to save for their future. According to her, if the private regulators do not have confidence in the scheme, the pension reforms will not work. “Before we introduced these pensions in Mauritius, we found out that the best investment parents can make for their children is pension because I am one of those who benefited from it,’’ she said. Also, Edward Odundo, the President, International Organisation of Pensions Supervisors (IOPS), said that Kenya had incorporated the informal sector into its pension scheme.
Power Sector: Nebo Inaugurates Payment System ABUJA - The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has inaugurated an automated Power Collect Command Centre meant to ensure transparent revenue collection and payment in the electricity value chain. Nebo said that the centre, which was developed by the Market Operator (MO) in conjunction with the CBN Nigeria Interbank Settlement
System (NIBSS), will ensure equitable revenue collection and payment in line with international best practice. The measure, which is codenamed NIBSS/ Power Collect, is aimed at reducing human interaction and its attendant bias in the payment processes in the Nigerian Electricity Supply
Industry. “We Congratulate the Operators of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry for a job well done. “You have done a great job in taking the sector to a whole new
AUCTION SALES There will be a public auction sales of accidented, abandoned and unclaimed vehicles and motorcycles at Uromi Division of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command. Items are: M/Benz 190 Reg. No. AA974ACH, Renault vehicle Reg. No. DL 943 BEN, Audi 80 vehicle Reg. No. EA540BEN, Honda Car Reg No. LC437AAA. Various motorcycles like Daylong, Qlink, Nasara, Sky-go, Suzuki, Car-go, Tragent, Yamaha, Sayang and Carter. Date of sales is two (2) weeks from this publication. Contact: Prince Ehinon Udebhulu Police Auctioneer 08073603589 PUBLIC NOTICE ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE MINISTRY
EMWIOM Weds
LANDER The solemnization of marriage between former Miss Emwiomwan Aghamioghogho (a Fashion Designer) and Mr. Lender Gergely (based in Austria) took place on Wednesday 9th July, 2014 at the Oredo Local Government Council Marriage Registry in Benin City. Amongst those present were Mr. Johnbull Imafidon, Mrs. Beauty Odoma, family members, relations, friends and well wishers. Picture shows the couple at the Registry. Congratulations. Photo: SONNIE. E.
The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Ematobore Alfred – Pastor 2. Kpangban Felix – Treasurer 3. Etefia Abraham – Secretary 4. Etefia Clarkson – Member 5. Ola Regele – Member 6. Umokoro Gabriel – Member 7. Nwogu Sunday – Member
AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To bring total reconciliation, deliverance and healing in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to all mankind. 2. To teach doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ as contained in the bible to the people. 3. To establish and maintain ministries all over the world. 4. To print, publish and distribute gospel literature and minerals. 5. To establish mission outreach and schools. 6. To do anything that will further the above aims and objectives. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.
Signed: B.I. Emoedume, Esq
level by the development and deployment of the NIBSSPower Collect system,’’ the minister said. Nebo urged stakeholders in the power supply chain to key into the system to ensure adequate data capture and transparency in payment system. He said such stakeholders include the Generating Companies, the Transmission Company and the Distribution Companies. “We welcome this fresh initiative and we are fully backing the MO to make a success. “ We would like to seek the
indulgence of all market participants to cooperate with the MO and comply with all the rules and requirements necessary for the success of this project,’’ he said. Earlier, the Executive Director, Market Operator, Mrs Ngozi Osuhor, said the platform is a globally accepted solution tailored for the Nigerian market with its specific peculiarities and challenges. She described the solution as automated revenue lifecycle management system that will enable the market operator and all the players in the electricity value chain ensure equitable revenue collection and splitting.
CHANGE OF NAME
CHANGE OF NAME
IGINUA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Itohan Obazuwa Iginua now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Itohan Ebhaleme. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
ABUDU – I, formerly known and addressed as Abudu Osagie Festus now wish to be known and addressed as Ogieriakhi Abudu Festus. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
RECONCILIATION/CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Owie-Onaghinor Osabueki Julietta wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person called Owie-Onaghinor Osabueki as appeared in my Primary School Leaving Certificate, JSS lll Result, West African Examination, Council (WAEC) Certificate, June 2001 and Owie-Onaghinor Osabueki Julietta also appeared on my international passport, Birth Certificate and previous change of name. I am now properly known and called OwieOnaghinor Osabueki Julietta. Former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (09/07/2014) Value
MORISON
60,751
6,233,721.14
MRS
63.18
63.18
0
0
51,317
2,952,628.80
3,461,119
3,076,393.72
NAHCO
4.99
4.99
0
0
1,247,891
6,182,994.96
1,000
1,710.00
NASCON
11.4
11.5
0.1
0
607,329
6,880,038.45
173
175.22
2.22
0
660,293
115,456,887.20
Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
7UP
102.53
102.53
0
0
ABCTRANS
0.88
0.88
0
0
ACADEMY
1.71
1.71
0
0
1.91
1.91
0
0
4,200
7,644.00
ACCESS
9.71
9.81
0.1
0
10,301,440
101,338,833.60
NB
AFRINSURE
0.5
0.5
0
0
400
200
NCR
15.2
15.2
0
0
500
7,250.00
AFRIPRUD
3.27
3.3
0.03
0
697,378
2,318,425.57
NEIMETH
1.2
1.21
0.01
0
114,400
138,963.00
AFROMEDIA
0.5
0.5
0
0
2,000
1,000.00
NEM
0.81
0.8
-0.01
0
2,102,639
1,682,714.90
AGLEVENT
1.25
1.31
0.06
0
319,593
414,358.85
NESTLE
1111.2
1111.2
0
0
49,604
54,877,293.73
AIICO
0.8
0.8
0
0
4,230,926
3,383,281.22
NEWGOLD
2080
2085
5
0
15
31,275.00
AIRSERVICE
2.34
2.34
0
0
28,200
63,033.80
NIGERINS
0.5
0.5
0
0
2,270,000
1,135,000.00
ALEX
10.5
10.5
0
0
8,333
83,163.34
NNFM
19.75
19.75
0
0
13,569
254,858.16
ASHAKACEM
29
29.6
0.6
0
463,767
13,596,317.04
NPFMCRFBK
0.88
0.92
0.04
0
921,519
847,490.52
ASOSAVINGS
0.5
0.5
0
0
100
50
NSE30
1942.94
1952.24
9.3
0
134,855,956
2,120,026,179.00
2099.96
2109.25
9.29
0
176,466,609
2,225,560,011.00
AUSTINLAZ
2
2
0
0
5,000
9,500.00
NSE50
AVONCROWN
1.69
1.69
0
0
1,700
2,873.00
NSEASEM
945.65
945.65
0
0
2,970
3,979.80
BERGER
9
9
0
0
9,946
86,966.41
NSEASI
42861.8
43039.45
177.65
0
209,760,286
2,284,958,450.00
BETAGLAS
16.3
16.3
0
0
90,067
1,492,111.60
NSEBNK
437.37
439.12
1.75
0
75,083,527
798,676,944.40
CADBURY
74.25
74.25
0
0
151,432
11,199,934.65
NSECNSMRGDS
1047.22
1053.82
6.6
0
5,323,376
261,138,409.30
CAP
39
39
0
0
73,361
2,871,269.82
NSEINDUSTR
2701.05
2721.26
20.21
0
2,050,897
130,131,835.90
CAVERTON
7.05
6.89
-0.16
0
367,010
2,502,841.70
NSEINS
150.19
149.68
-0.51
0
27,559,618
23,939,543.80 321,799,221.50
CCNN
11.47
11.47
0
0
120,082
1,396,513.13
NSELOTUSISLM
2849.21
2857.94
8.73
0
4,270,252
CHAMPION
10.17
10.17
0
0
10,500
101,535.00
NSEOILGAS
449.5
458.59
9.09
0
10,843,954
379,862,983.00
CHAMS
0.5
0.5
0
0
400
200
OANDO
28.49
28
-0.49
0
9,948,503
278,319,669.50
CHELLARAM
3.95
3.95
0
0
10,103
41,306.01
OKOMUOIL
33
33
0
0
74,410
2,450,135.60
CILEASING
0.5
0.5
0
0
759,600
386,840.98
PORTPAINT
5.3
5.4
0.1
0
89,000
480,600.00
CONOIL
65.4
65.4
0
0
12,603
791,699.49
PRESCO
38
38
0
0
62,410
2,365,248.50
CONTINSURE
1.24
1.18
-0.06
0
6,634,874
7,856,751.24
PRESTIGE
0.53
0.53
0
0
9,266
4,818.32
CORNERST
0.5
0.5
0
0
400
200
PZ
35
36.75
1.75
0
331,151
12,084,477.85
COSTAIN
1.38
1.35
-0.03
0
173,572
233,887.04
REDSTAREX
4.85
4.85
0
0
215,274
1,041,788.68
COURTVILLE
0.58
0.58
0
0
25,400
14,890.00
REGALINS
0.5
0.5
0
0
100
50
CUSTODYINS
3.81
3.9
0.09
0
2,375,011
9,229,819.40
RESORTSAL
0.5
0.5
0
0
100,000
50,000.00
CUTIX
1.88
1.9
0.02
0
443,927
852,742.32
ROYALEX
0.52
0.54
0.02
0
195,990
105,660.76
DANGCEM
247.02
247
-0.02
0
179,162
44,096,253.84
RTBRISCOE
1.06
1.11
0.05
0
996,650
1,087,387.89
702
702
0
0
12,700
8,593,935.06 6,372,364.56
DANGFLOUR
7.86
8.19
0.33
0
185,392
1,500,987.45
SEPLAT
DANGSUGAR
9.2
9.11
-0.09
0
283,772
2,586,151.30
SKYEBANK
3.28
3.23
-0.05
0
1,975,874
DIAMONDBNK
6.55
6.23
-0.32
0
13,757,895
86,540,840.13
SOVRENINS
0.5
0.5
0
0
49,760
24,880.00
DNMEYER
1.21
1.2
-0.01
0
172,692
215,118.84
STANBIC
27
27.03
0.03
0
259,216
7,004,481.80
EKOCORP
3.72
3.72
0
0
1,900
6,726.00
STDINSURE
0.5
0.5
0
0
5,365
2,682.50
EQUITYASUR
0.5
0.5
0
0
550
275
STERLNBANK
2.3
2.29
-0.01
0
11,684,919
26,809,255.12
ETERNA
4.13
4.33
0.2
0
361,728
1,565,542.24
TOTAL
171.05
171.05
0
0
8,884
1,526,846.16
ETI
16.55
17.24
0.69
0
1,012,841
17,363,437.92
TRANSCORP
5.5
5.65
0.15
0
37,815,551
211,241,176.00
EVANSMED
2.43
2.43
0
0
18,590
43,128.80
TRANSEXPR
1.97
1.97
0
0
32,100
60,348.00
FBNH
16
16.01
0.01
0
18,735,097
299,904,425.20
TRIPPLEG
1.97
1.97
0
0
344
646.72
17.5
17.5
0
0
270,335
4,734,982.20
FCMB
4.25
4.15
-0.1
0
1,670,994
6,947,382.55
UAC-PROP
FIDELITYBK
2
2.03
0.03
0
10,937,950
21,882,724.46
UBA
7.74
7.81
0.07
0
7,884,121
61,543,797.60
FIDSON
3
3
0
0
178,800
538,545.00
UBCAP
2.18
2.25
0.07
0
3,041,324
6,878,731.13
FIRSTALUM
0.5
0.5
0
0
8,000
4,000.00
UNIC
0.5
0.5
0
0
9,409
4,704.50
FLOURMILL
78
78
0
0
88,750
6,840,646.57
UNILEVER
53.01
53.01
0
0
119,474
6,304,985.43
FO
200
210
10
0
443,391
92,380,001.68
UNIONDAC
0.5
0.5
0
0
318,000
159,000.00
GLAXOSMITH
70
69.99
-0.01
0
1,096,262
75,715,650.40
UNITYBNK
0.5
0.5
0
0
3,143,122
1,571,561.00 550
GUARANTY
29.57
30
0.43
0
8,372,168
250,415,203.50
UNITYKAP
0.5
0.5
0
0
1,100
GUINEAINS
0.5
0.5
0
0
12,895
6,447.50
UPDCREIT
10.47
10.47
0
0
40,000
398,000.00
GUINNESS
195.99
197.53
1.54
0
125,504
24,742,205.52
UPL
4.55
4.35
-0.2
0
495,753
2,208,720.61
HMARKINS
0.5
0.5
0
0
400
200
UTC
0.5
0.5
0
0
268
134 372,650.80
HONYFLOUR
4.01
4.05
0.04
0
2,115,715
8,560,322.74
VETGRIF30
19.43
19.56
0.13
0
19,104
IKEJAHOTEL
0.81
0.77
-0.04
0
134,750
103,773.50
VITAFOAM
4.34
4.25
-0.09
0
473,102
2,024,257.26
INTBREW
29.5
29.5
0
0
60,607
1,744,964.98
VONO
1.44
1.44
0
0
200
274
INTENEGINS
0.51
0.51
0
0
1,030,000
524,800.00
WAPCO
110.19
112.07
1.88
0
581,585
65,259,061.70
JAPAULOIL
0.57
0.57
0
0
4,194,947
2,367,708.60
WAPIC
0.84
0.86
0.02
0
10,190,667
8,690,254.49
JBERGER
68.05
68.05
0
0
63,069
4,283,250.24
WEMABANK
0.98
0.97
-0.01
0
1,929,185
1,870,793.04
JOHNHOLT
1.15
1.15
0
0
3,000
3,300.00
ZENITHBANK
25.3
25.2
-0.1
0
8,875,560
223,725,724.90
LASACO
0.5
0.5
0
0
342,069
171,034.50
LAWUNION
0.5
0.5
0
0
1,100
550
TOP 10 GAINERS
LEARNAFRCA
1.69
1.74
0.05
0
246,534
423,972.88
Stock
LIVESTOCK
3.04
3.06
0.02
0
1,135,993
3,457,768.73
NSEASI 177.65 NSEINDUSTR FO NSE30 NSE50 NSEOILGAS NSELOTUSISLM NSECNSMRGDS NEWGOLD NB
MANSARD
2.64
2.64
0
0
25,768
68,889.95
MAYBAKER
1.72
1.76
0.04
0
337,132
590,922.32
MBENEFIT
0.54
0.54
0
0
1,705,500
923,030.00
MCNICHOLS
1.28
1.28
0
0
2,970
3,979.80
MOBIL
133.02
133.02
0
0
17,528
2,326,595.14
Close
TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain
43039.45 2721.26 210 1952.24 2109.25 458.59 2857.94 1053.82 2085 175.22
20.21 10 9.3 9.29 9.09 8.73 6.6 5 2.22
Stock
Close
Loss
NSEINS OANDO DIAMONDBNK UPL C AV E RTON FCMB ZENITHBANK DANGSUGAR V I TA F O A M CONTINSURE
149.68 28 6.23 4.35 6.89 4.15 25.2 9.11 4.25 1.18
-0.51 -0.49 -0.32 -0.2 -0.16 -0.1 -0.1 -0.09 -0.09 -0.06
AGAIN, Doctors in Public-owned hospitals on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 embarked on an indefinite strike to press home their demands for improvements on their welfare. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) President, Dr. Kayode Obembe while making the announcement in Abuja on Monday, June 30, 2014 said the decision followed the expiration of a two-week ultimatum which NMA earlier gave the federal government to meet its 24 – point demand. OBEMBE who described the strike as “total and indefinite” also said that negotiations with the federal government had failed to yield the relevant results, hence the NMA had to take the painful route of an indefinite strike as its “silence and gentle approach to contending issues had been taken for granted.” SOME of the major issues in contention according to the NMA include reserving the position of Chief Medical Director (CMD) to only Medical Doctors, appointment of Surgeon General of the Federation, passage of the National Health Bill and Providing Security for Doctors most of whom have become unwarranted victims of kidnapping. OTHER demands are increase in duty, hazard and specialist allowances, as well as budget for residency training programme, reintegration of its members into the IPPIS platform and reserving the title of Consultants to only Medical Doctors, among others. No doubt, these demands are genuine and understandable. FEELERS from the health sector are so disturbing that students in Medical
THE NIGERIAN
Resolving The On-going Doctors’ Strike
Schools are now reportedly unable to find places for their housemanship; the mandatory training that attaches them to medical facilities. This in itself is a sad reflection of the weak economy. HOWEVER, while the members of the public fully appreciate the need for doctors to have a fair deal from the federal government, because of their most essential services to humanity, there can be no denying the fact that even the public is more concerned about the quality of medical services, both in the private and public hospitals. Obviously, the public has a longer list than the 24 demands which doctors are making. While the public can understand the pains and frustration of the doctors arising from their unmet demands, the same public cannot understand the logic behind the ongoing avoidable loss of lives induced by this current doctors’ strike. THE Hippocratic Oath, to which all doctors subscribe, places saving of lives above every principle or consideration in the conduct of medical doctors. That being so, The NIGERIAN OBSERVER expects the doctors to respect this Oath while at the same time we call on the federal government to use the same well laid down best
practices which have worked perfectly well in other climes to cater for both doctors and members of the larger society in such a manner to arrest unending or incessant strikes. MORE often than not, governments do not respect the agreements they voluntarily enter into with unions while they expect unions to abide by those aspects of the agreement that are binding on them. This is most uncharitable. For instance, the current NMA strike is being embarked upon despite a court order forbidding the strike by health workers, an order which the federal government had obtained from the National Industrial Court, Abuja. The court order also halted the implementation of agreements reached with government until the substantive case before it is resolved. So, before the federal government and the law, the on-going strike is illegal. And where does this stalemate lead us? WE are bothered that the federal government has taken a path that will make the amicable resolution of the impasse farfetched. How do you approach a court to halt implementation of an agreement that was freely entered into, and expect the other party to take it serious? IN the light of the above, we call on the federal government to urgently return to the negotiating table and make conscious effort at meeting some, if not all of the demands of the doctors, rather than playing the Ostrich. The lives of Nigerians should be of paramount importance to both the government and the doctors, hence a quick and pragmatic resolution of the crisis is recommended.
View Point THIRTY years after Pearl Harbor, President Richard Nixon brought the United States to the edge of another world war. His actions were deliberate; he operated in s and he lied to the American people about his actions. While preaching peace he risked war. Throughout U.S. history, Presidents have distorted and twisted and perverted the constitutional right given only to Congress to send Americans into battle. Article 1, Section II, is clear. It is not diluted by qualifications or ambiguities. It says: “Congress shall have the power to declare war.”
during the Cuban missile crisis when he ordered the naval blockade, which was an act of war. Lyndon Johnson’s invasion of the Dominican Republic in 1965 was not approved by Congress. And Congress was not even informed of the secret war waged by the Central Intelligence Agency in such places as Guatemala and Laos. The President has such tight control over diplomatic and military activities, as well as what the public is told about them, that he can manipulate events and opinion to create public hostility and, step by step, to commit the nation to a point where war is inevitable.
In the past half-century Congress has declared war once— against the Axis powers in December 1941. American Presidents, in this same period, have usurped the war. making authority on a number of occasions, some of them still hidden from the public. Harry Truman did not seek the permission of Congress before ordering 157,000 Americans to fight in the ugly and inconclusive war in Korea. Dwight Eisenhower acted without congressional approval when he sent battleready marines and paratroopers to Beirut in 1957 to shore up a beleaguered Lebanese government. Nor was Congress consulted when Eisenhower made the first military commitment to South Vietnam. John Kennedy by-passed Congress
In his memoirs Ulysses S. Grant wrote about the American acts of provocation before the outbreak of war with Mexico. “The presence of United States troops on the edge of the disputed territory furthest from Mexican settlements,” he said, “was not sufficient to provoke hostilities. We were sent to provoke a fight, but it was essential Mexico should commence it. It was very doubtful whether Congress would declare war; but if Mexico should attack our troops, the Executive could announce, ‘Whereas, war exists by acts of, etc.,’ and prosecute the contest with vigor. Once initiated, there were but few public men who would have the courage to oppose it. Experience proved that the man who obstructs a
How To Start A War By JACK ANDERSON
war in which a nation is engaged, no matter whether right or wrong, occupies no enviable place in life or history. Better for him, individually, to advocate ‘war, pestilence and famine,’ than to act as obstructionist to a war already begun.” The covert military manipulations have continued into our own time. For instance, Lyndon Johnson posed as the peace candidate in 1964 while he secretly plotted to enlarge the
convince the Communist leaders that they could not weaken American determination. The opportunity came when Communist patrol boats, looking for ships that had raided the North Vietnamese coast, attacked American destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin. No one was hurt; no damage was done. A second dark-of-night “attack” probably never even occurred but was the deviation of faulty radar. With these
Vietnam war. Like most Presidents before him, he thought he knew what was the best for the nation. He saw the “complete picture,” which he felt could not be shown to the people. It was fitted together for him in the White House from the jigsaw pieces of intelligence that flooded into Washington by pouch and cable from all over the world. The view of Southeast Asia that emerged from the intelligence reports and strategic analyses was one that stressed the Communist menace. Gravely, Johnson decided to draw the line in Vietnam so that some future President would not have to draw the line in the Philippines or Hawaii. But he believed he needed a show of national solidarity, to
dubious ingredients Johnson created a phony incident, which he used to inflame the nation. Perhaps mindful of Grant’s political lesson about those who obstruct a war, the Senate gave President Johnson a resolution he sought as a license to expand America’s role in the Vietnam war. Neither the Senate nor the public learned the truth about the Gulf of Tonkin incident-nor about Johnson’s war strategy-until it was too late. They had no real say about the sixty thousand Americans who would die in Vietnam, nor the $150 billion the war would cost, nor the damage that would be done to national prestige, nor the deep divisions that would be created at home. Two years earlier, John
Kennedy won a nuclear showdown with Nikita Khrushchev while the Pentagon lied about what was going on. The Soviets did not have enough intercontinental missiles to reach all the key U.S. targets in 1962. so Khrushchev began planting medium-range missiles in nearby Cuba. This brought more American bases and cities within annihilation range. Kennedy responded after agonizing deliberation by throwing a blockade around Cuba and preparing to stop Soviet missile shipments from entering Cuban waters. A blockade is, of course, an act of war. As the confrontation approached in the Atlantic between Soviet ships en route to Cuba with missiles and American warships ordered to block their passage, President Kennedy had on his desk a national intelligence estimate warning that the risk of nuclear war was fifty-fifty. Our military installations around the world were on red alert; our intercontinental missiles in their under ground silos and our Polaris missiles under the sea were ready to fire; our B-52 bombers, their bomb bays pregnant with Hbombs, were in the air so they wouldn’t need to waste time before taking off. Inside the White House, President Kennedy plunged a thumb tack into a map of the Atlantic and ordered the Joint Chiefs to intercept the Soviet ships at that point. After the Soviet ships in disregard of the blockade reached the thumbtack, the President slowly withdrew the tack from the map, moved it back and pressed it in again. “Let’s give them a little more time,” he instructed the Joint Chiefs. ‘But when they reach this point, you’ll have to stop them.” As the missile-laden Soviet ships approached the second thumbtack, orders
from Moscow crackled through the ether waves. In obedience, the ships turned around and headed back to Russia. Dean Rusk, then the Secretary of State, commented to subordinates: “We’ve been eyeball to eyeball, and I think the other fellow just blinked.” Throughout the crisis, government information was tightly con trolled and carefully coordinated to give a false picture. Pentagon spokesmen denied that offensive weapons had been spotted in Cuba, that an alert had been ordered, that emergency measures had been set in motion against Cuba. Though not a word of this was true, Pentagon press chief Arthur Sylvester still insisted three months later: “There has been no distortion, no deception, and no manipulation of the news released by the Defense Department during the Cuban crisis.” Kennedy’s handling of the Cuban confrontation made a deep impression on Richard Nixon. He spoke admiringly of the cold courage Kennedy had demonstrated when he faced an imminent nuclear holocaust. In December 1971 President Nixon had an opportunity to stage his own nuclear showdown in the Bay of Bengal. While Pakistan and India fought over the dreary, humid, pain fully impoverished piece of earth now called Bangladesh, the United States, Russia, and China issued orders. Armies and navies with hydrogenheaded missiles responded. Deviously, the United States supplied the Pakistanis and dispatched a naval task force, led by the nuclear carrier Enterprise, to the Bay of Bengal. On orders from Washington, the ships operated under wartime conditions. It was more than just a training exercise. Culled from Anderson’s papers
“Though not a word of this was true, Pentagon press chief Arthur Sylvester still insisted three months later: There has been no distortion, no deception, and no manipulation of the news released by the Defense Department during the Cuban crisis.”
Ajuwaya THE NYSC is only one of the many Federal Government schemes that bring people together across the country. The one-year National Service was established by former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, via Decree 24 of 22 May 1973, shortly after the Nigerian Civil War to foster national integration. Twenty years after its establishment, the decree was repealed by Decree 51 of 16 June 1993 – now an Act of Parliament. Even when Nigerians are genuinely concerned about the security challenges facing the NYSC, many strongly believe that the NYSC should be sustained, but must continue to live up to the true meaning of its mission of mobilizing and grooming graduate youths for the promotion of national unity, sustainable development and self-reliance. The NYSC scheme no doubt in the past 41 years has faced a lot of challenges including inadequate orientation camp facilities, non fulfillment of statutory obligation by some critical stakeholders and security issues. With the security challenge in the country posing unprecedented threat to the continued existence of the National Youth Service Corps, the management of the corps must device means to grapple with the unpalatable drift. Since it was established almost 41 years ago, the desire of most young undergraduates has always been to be part of the mandatory National Youth Service. Apart from signaling the completion of the tertiary phase of their academic training, the service year also prepares the fresh graduates for future assignments. It fosters peaceful co-existence among the educated youth, most of who are assembled from different parts of the country and serve in locations other than their states of origin. But these long held ideals are lately being threatened by the insecurity in the country, which is being cited by critics as reason warranting the
discontinuation of the scheme. The NYSC was set up to promote unity but that has failed, so we need to look into other areas to improve the quality of education for our youths. The recent security challenges in the country have placed the lives of the corps members at severe risk and ignited a palpable apprehension among serving and prospective members. The management of the scheme has said it is not unaware of the security challenge but is taking necessary steps to tackle the problems. With the killing of corps members in some states still fresh in the minds of Nigerians, coupled with the escalating attacks by Islamic extremists, some corps members posted to the North had cause to storm the Yakubu Gowon House headquarters of the NYSC to announce their rejection of their posting. To them, being posted to the North was a death sentence. “We prefer to die here instead of being killed by Boko Haram in the North,” they cried out. Some of those posted to troubled states have been frantically visiting hospitals, looking for health certificates to present as excuse to be redeployed to safer states. The fact that corps members were “ill-equipped and ill-trained to defend themselves” from unprovoked attacks, just as the framers of the NYSC Act did not envisage such threat to the lives of innocent Nigerian youths, the situation has left the management of the NYSC with the task of ensuring a semblance of equitable distribution of corps members among the states of the federation on the one hand and, on the other, ensuring the personal safety of each member. Acknowledging the challenges the scheme now faces, the NYSC helmsman promised not to send corps members to volatile states unless governors of such states take responsibility for their personal safety. “Any of the volatile states that want corps members to be posted
NYSC And Security By LATEEFAT O. MOSHOOD
there must write with firm assurance of adequate security and would bear the consequences of any threat to the security of the corps members,” said by the management. The orientation course for NYSC, 2013 Batch ‘C’ members scheduled for 6 November nationwide was postponed in three states – Bayelsa, Borno and Yobe – in line with ensuring their safety. Consequently, corps members deployed to the three states were directed to undergo their orientation course from 28 November to 19 December. The corps members earlier posted to Borno were moved to Wanune in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State and those earlier posted to Yobe were moved to Magaji Dan Yamusa, in Keffi, Nasarawa State for their orientation course. The NYSC management has done well in ensuring security of corps members
inside and around the orientation camp. NYSC is a training scheme with the objective of training youths of Nigeria to imbibe discipline, high morality, selfreliance and patriotism and to promote national unity and integration. Those who share the sentiment of sustaining the scheme believe that no other programme in the country best meets objectives of the NYSC. In an editorial, The Tide held that, “…The reasons proffered in 1973 by the Yakubu Gowon administration for the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme are still very relevant in this country’s search for an enduring national unity. There is therefore no dispute on the desirability of the scheme and its benefits in our desire to maintain a strong, united and peaceful country despite recent assaults on its integrity. The NYSC management hinted of plans to accord
“Those who share the sentiment of sustaining the scheme believe that no other programme in the country best meets objectives of the NYSC. In an editorial, The Tide held that, “…The reasons proffered in 1973 by the Yakubu Gowon administration for the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme are still very relevant in this country’s search for an enduring national unity.”
Challenges topmost priority to response to the security challenges in the country as they affect the safety of corps members as well as restructuring of the Scheme to focus on functional entrepreneurial training for corps members. He disclosed his plan to establish a Distress Call Centre, DCC, to help ensure proper communication and response to distress situations involving corps members. It was learnt that the issue of security is being pursued with vigor as the scheme has increased the tempo of its liaison with security agencies and other stakeholders with the aim of enhancing the safety of corps members nationwide. Strategically also, the establishment of the DCC at the Directorate Headquarters in Abuja has been a major step by the Scheme toward addressing the recurring security challenge in the country. Inaugurated by the immediate past Minister of Youth Development, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, the DCC operates 24/7 and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that will ensure speedy and effective handling of distress situations involving corps members. Data of corps members, including their phone numbers as well as those of various security
agencies, traditional rulers, prominent personalities and other relevant stakeholders in all nooks and crannies of the country, are fed into the DCC server. It is programmed to recognize the service location of any corps member who calls, making it easier to contact security agencies and other stakeholders whose immediate intervention would be necessary. The scheme has also entered into collaboration with security agencies to enhance the security of corps members during the periods of Orientation Programme and Primary Assignment. In this nexus, the locations of corps members’ lodges across the federation have been made available to these agencies so as to facilitate quick reaction when they are in distress. What’s more, scrapping NYSC is as good as saying people should not settle outside their states of origin. Therefore, NYSC scheme should be retained and spirited efforts be made to ensure the security of members. While condemning the killings of some NYSC members who were victims of the violence in some parts of the country, it is the considered opinion that the NYSC scheme should not be abolished.
Issues of their communities, through policies approved by their members 4.0 COOPERATIVE PURPOSE Cooperatives are distinctively different from other business models like sole proprietorship, partnerships and limited liability companies. The difference is predominantly found in the cooperative’s purpose. While focus of other business models is on profit; the principal concern of the cooperative is the wellbeing of its members. Thus its main purpose is to provide quality goods and/or services to its members at affordable which they otherwise may not have been unable to access acting as individuals 5.0 BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL COOPERATIVE To build a successful cooperative capable of delivering cooperative dividends the critical cooperative stakeholders namely members and the management committee must perform their duties and work together harmoniously. This paper aims at highlighting the roles both stakeholders can play in building a successful cooperative society. 6.0 ROLES OF MEMBERS Members are the foundation of the cooperative, they formed it and their needs are the reason for its existence, their support, capital investment and patronage keeps it economically healthy. The
How To Build A Successful Cooperative - The Roles Of Members And Management Committee Being “Paper Presented By Barrister Felix Agbonrofo At The One Day Seminar For Cooperative Societies In Edo State Held In Benin-City. 1.0 INTRODUCTION THE International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the umbrella body of cooperative societies worldwide in its 1995 statement of cooperative identity defined a cooperative society as: “An autonomous association of persons united to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise”. The Statement highlights the fact that a cooperative is an enterprise jointly owned by the members which exists to meet economic, social and cultural needs. 2.0 COOPERATIVE VALUES: Co-operatives throughout the world share a set of values that give them their distinct character. These values are the general norms that cooperative stakeholders should imbibe and which should influence their thoughts and actions. They are self help, self responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, solidarity, social responsibility and caring for others. 3.0 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES These values are reflected in the seven cooperative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice. They are historically attributed to the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers’ Society, founded in England in 1844. 1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-operatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination. 2. Democratic Member Control Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. Members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote). 3. Member Economic Participation Members contribute to the capital of their cooperative. 4. Autonomy and Independence Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations, controlled by their members. 5. Education, Training and Information Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of the co-operative. 6. Co-operation among Co-operatives Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures. 7. Concern for Community Co-operatives work for the sustainable development
“Members should examine the annual report and observe whether the cooperative is meeting their needs. If they are dissatisfied with cooperative performance, they should share their concerns with the officers and make necessary recommendations to them for improved performance.”
protection, preservation and supreme control of the cooperative rightly resides in them. Members have a duty to: • Contribute Ideas As a business enterprise a cooperative is in continual need of innovative ideas Members must help to identify investment opportunities and how productivity and efficiency can be maximised in the cooperative. • Patronize the cooperative Unlike the passive investor in a general business corporation, the member-owner-user of a cooperative must patronize or use the services provided by the cooperative for it to survive. If members don’t patronize the cooperative, the need for its continued existence must be re-examined. • Be informed about the cooperative To carry out their duties effectively, members must know what the cooperative is about; what it can do for them; its purpose, objectives, policies; and the issues it faces. They can obtain information through annual meetings, reports and newsletters, and from talking to the manager, staff, directors and other members.. Attending meetings and participating in other cooperative activities are veritable means of securing requisite information about the affairs of the cooperative Provide necessary capital. Members must provide the equity financing their cooperative needs for acquiring inventory, facilities, services and working capital. This is done initially through the payment of membership fee, purchase of shares. It continues by increasing the share capital, increasing savings and permitting the cooperative to retain a portion of the dividends allocated to each member. • Evaluate performance of the cooperative Members should examine the annual report and observe whether the cooperative is meeting their needs. If they are dissatisfied with cooperative performance, they should share their concerns with the officers and make necessary recommendations to them for Continues on page 24
Media COMMERCIALS COMMERCIAL is related to business and the buying and selling of goods and services. It is related also to the ability of a product or business to make a profit. A commercial is one that is produced and sold in large quantities. The product is more concerned with money and gain than the qualities. Radio and television are always involved in commercial products that are produced by companies that earn money through advertisement. In radio and television, there is what is known as commercial break, it is true when advertisement are broadcast during radio and television progrmames. Commercial or advertising plays an important role in our lives. It is just as the news provides us with social and political information helps us to take a part in the government of our societies while commercial information can be useful to us as individuals and it can force the pace of economic development. (See chapter 14 volume 11 Advertising). Advertising is not new. The marked vendor in various societies the world advertise his wares by displaying them. and calling out what he has to offer. A printed cloth draped over a post is an advertisement, so is a collection of clay pitchers, bowls and basins drying pot in the sun in the potters house, the brass or bronze materials at Igun Enonmwon Steet and wood carvers of Igbesanmwan Streets in Benin City, Nigeria, leather works advertisement in Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna cities in Northern Nigeria, are all advertisements. Many radio and television stations broadcast advertisements and use the money they make from advertising to finance their programmes. Some have restricted advertising hours and use the advertising revenue as a contribution to their general cost of operation. Radio and Television have their different rates of advertisements. The radio offers a vary in expensive form of advertising, it is popular with manufacturers and their agents by cooperating with manufacturers and their agents. By cooperating with their advertiser, radio and television stations learn a zeat deal about their audiences for many large advertisers conduct regular surveys on the effectiveness of ratio media. It became easily for them to appreciate and judge from sales which programmes have the greatest pulling and where the listeners or viewers are most numerous. Radio and Television Advertising A station whether radio or TV which carries advertising, obtains it either directly from an advertiser or indirectly through an agency. The agency prepares the advertisement called copy commercials, listen or view from the station to make sure that they are properly broadcast and at the times contracted for. Where a station obtains an account direct from the advertiser, the station generally write the copy. Accept advertising generally offer: 1. Time available for sponsorship of complete programmes of any length from 5 minutes to 1 hour. 2. Space or spots of 10, 15, 25, 50, 60, 75 or 100 words or 15, 30 or 60 seconds Sponsorships and spots are generally sold in multiples of thirteen. Some stations of discounts are larger time buyers. Sponsored programmes can greatly help station’s account of produced programmes as the advertiser pays for the entire costs of production. Public service stations which carry some advertisement can increase their production hours by the sake of sponsored programmes. A producer who works on such a station should not even look the possibility of obtaining sponsorships to enhance his programme output. Kinds of Advertisements There are two kinds of advertisements (a) These advertisement that are brought to the station as a copy to be read by the announcer. This may have been prepared by an advertising agency or by stations own commercial copy writers. (b) Other advertisement arrive as production commercials. These are advertisements which have been pre-recorded on
Contemporary Issues In Mass Commun By OSAYAWANBO ERO tape or disc by the agency, or by the station acting on behalf of the agency or the advertise. (c) Production commercials are sometimes little programme in themselves. They may use more time than one voice and possibly also music and sound effects. Broadcasting of Advertisements Advertisement must be broadcast whether in radio or television at the times stated on the advertising schedule. The cost of advertising may vary at different times of the day it is generally more expensive at ‘peak periods — the times when more people are considered to be listening or viewing the TV. Advertisers sometimes pay an extra loading for their announcement to be broadcast at an exact time such as immediately before or just after a news bulletin. If an advertisement is dropped from the broadcast schedule a station may have to pay compensation to the advertiser by sometimes giving him an extra time at Ero Some advertisers, particularly those selling patent medicines, like to use situation ‘campaigns’. These are special advertising campaigns in which the name of the product may appear in a ‘jingle’, which is the time melody. Commercial Copy Writing Writing commercial copy is a good training for both radio and television of all kinds many leading radio and television station writers began their careers as commercial copy writers. Commercial copy writing follow the principles of all good writing. The message must be clear and easily understood. It must inspire the hearer or the receiver to action. It must also correspond exactly to the time or the number of words, which the advertiser has paid for. Advertising and Broadcasting Standards (Codes) Sections 8.1.0, 8.7.7 of advertising code deals with different aspects of advertising as they relate to broadcasting touching, on standards generally and advertisement relating to children and youth, contests Alcohol and Tobacco, religious Advertisement, and Political Advertisements (Eddy Aina in Broadcast Monitoring and National Broadcasting Commission 2005) 8.1.1. Advertisement shall conform to the code, especially the programming guidelines. 8.1.2. Advertisement shall comply in every respect with advertising ethics and also with the law whether common or statutory. 8. 1.3. An agency advertisement shall be accepted for broadcast if it is accompanied with certificate of approved from the advertisement Practitioners council of Nigeria. 8.1.4. No advertisement material shall bring broadcasting into contempt or erode confidence in advertising as a service to industry and to the public. 8.1.5. An advertisement shall not contain any item likely to encourage, incite to crime, lead to disorder, be offensive to public feeling or contain any offensive reference to any race, person, alive or dead or generally, be disrespected to human dignity.8.1.6. here shall be no broadcast of an advertisement capable of offending the generality of the community. 8.1.7. he advertiser shall be clearly identified in all advertisements. 8.1.8. Responsibility for the observance of advertising regulations in the code rests with the station. 8.1.9. An advertisement shall be clearly identifiable and distinct from the main programme, and shall not directly or indirectly, be presented as the programme. 8.1.10. The time for non-payment material especially advertisement shall not exceed 15% of total programme
“A printed cloth draped over a post is an advertisement, so is a collection of clay pitchers, bowls and basins drying pot in the sun in the potters house, the brass or bronze materials at Igun Enonmwon Steet and wood carvers of Igbesanmwan Streets in Benin City, Nigeria, leather works advertisement in Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna cities in Northern Nigeria, are all advertisements.”
duration. Thus there is 41/2 minutes limitation in one hour programm 8.1.11. The expression “News flash of similar expressions generally used denote important news and public service announcement shall not be used in advertisement. 8.1.12. An advertisement featuring actors exploring their dramatic roles shall be packaged in such away that the viewer, listener is not confused as to whether he/she is listening to or watching a programme or an advertisement except where the advertisement is designed to promote the programme. 8.1.13. An advertisement parodying a programme may be accepted provided different performers are used from those who appear in the programme itself, and it is readily apparent
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that the advertisement is no more than a parody. 8.1.14. An advertisement featuring a leading performer (such as an actor or musician) in a programme shall not be scheduled in breaks with in or air time adjacent to that programme. 8.1.15. Every effort shall be made to keep the advertising message in harmony with the content and general tone of the programme in which it appears. 8.1.16. Descriptions, claims, or illustrations relating to veritable facts shall be such as can be easily be substantiated. 8.1.17. Statistics shall not be presented to imply a greater validity than they really have. Also scientific jagons and irrelevancies shall not be used to make a claim appear to have a scientific basis or universality it does not possess. 8.1.18. A newscaster personifies the sacredness of news. Therefore, a person who regularly shall not feature visually or vocally in any advertisement. 8.1.19. Testimonials shall be genuine and provable 8.1.20. The price of every advertised product shall be stated where the price is notionally standardized. 8.1.21. Any information in the form of captions whether standing alone or super imposed, shall be in a clearly readable text and held long enough for the viewer to read. 8.1.22. An advertisement shall offer a product or service on its positive merit and retain from discrediting, disparaging or unfairly attacking competitors or their products, other industries, professions or institutions. 8.1.23. An advertisement shall not be accepted if there is
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good reason to doubt its integrity or truth of its representations or its compliance with all applicable legal requirements. 8.1.24. Advertisement shall not be framed in such manner as to exploit superstition. 8.1.25. The advertising of fortune telling or astrology is prohibited. 8.1.26. An advertisement shall not be calculated to play or fear to indices people to purchase the article or service advertised. 8.1.27. An advertisement shall not contain any misleading descriptions, claim or illustration, directly or by implication about the product or service being advertised. 8.1.28. The use of fireworks and firearms in advertising is
acceptable provided it is inevitable in the delivery of the message. 8.1.29. The advertising of fireworks and firearm is prohibited. 8.1.30. The lawful advertising of organization, which conduct award winning competitions or legalized lotteries is acceptable provided such advertising does not extort the public or unduly extort them to engage in betting. 8.1.31. The advertiser who markets more than one product shall not use an advertisement devoted to an acceptable product for the purpose of publishing the brand name or identification of another product, which is not acceptable in the same advertisement. 8.1.32. The use of advertising device such as slogan, labeling or package of goods that is likely to mislead the listener or viewer is prohibited. 8.1.33. The word “guarantee” should be used only with due regard to its legal meaning. The limits and terms of the guarantee being offered shall be stated clearly or information given as to where the full terms of the guarantee can be obtained. 8.1.34. An advertisement shall not be inserted into any GRADE. A broadcast, such as Presidential National or State broadcast in other special broadcasts discretion shall be employed in the placement of advertisements. 8.1.35. The advertisement or regulated professions shall be allowed only with the approved of the relevant professional
body. 8.1.36. The advertisement for potentially poisonous products shall carry the necessary word of caution. 8.1.37. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products shall not be portrayed in any advertisement as to enhance performance in sports. 8.1.38. The use of the logo of tobacco or alcoholic products as a backdrop for sports programme, is prohibited as this contradicts and violates the straight dealing principle of broadcasting. 8.1.39. Alcohol and tobacco products advertisement shall not be aired immediately before or after a children’s youth’s programme. 8.1.40. Unless I is so specified in a networking agreement, it shall be a breach for a station to insert local commercials in a network programmer. 8.1.41. CHILDREN AND YOUTH ADVERTISEMENTS. 8.1.42. Exploitation of children and youths in any form shall be avoided. 8.1.43. Special caution shall be exercised with the content and presentation of advertisement placed in our near programmes designed for children and youths. 8.1.44. An advertisement directed at children and youths shall not mislead as to the product’s performance and usefulness. 8.1.45. particular care shall be taken to ensure that an advertisement targeted at children contains nothing, which might result in physical, mental, or moral harm or which exploits their natural credulity. 8.1.46. Children and youths shall not be used for demonstrating a product recognized as potentially dangerous except under proper adult supervision. 8.1.47. An advertisement shall not encourage children and youths to enter stage places, converse with or receive gifts from strangers. 8.1.48. Direct sales appeals or exhortation shall not be made to children unless the product advertised are such that children can reasonably afford them. 8.1.49. An advertisement of a commercial product or service shall not contain appeal, which suggests in any way that unless a child buy or use the products, he/she will be failing in some duty or lacking in loyalty towards some person or organization. 8.1.50. An advertisement shall not lead children to feel inferior to others because they or their parents do not owe the product advertise or that they are liable to be held in contempt or ridicule for not owing it. 8.1.53. In offering a gift or a premium in a competition for children the emphasis of advert shall be only on the product offered or if the need be those of the sponsor with which the offer is associated. 8.1.52. In advertising a competition for children and youths the flies shall be published or information given us to where the frill terms of the rule can be obtained. 8.1.53. The value of prizes and the chances of winning shall not be exaggerated in children’s and youth’s programmes. 8.1.54. CONTESTS 8.1.55. In advertisement relating to contests a station ensure that: Contests are conducted with fairness to all competitors and shall comply with all pertinent laws and regulations. 8.1.56. All contest details, including the rules, eligibility requirements, opening and termination dates etc. shall be adequately announced and winners names released as soon as possible. 8.1.57. There shall be no misleading description or visual misrepresentation of any promises or gifts, which would distort or inflate their value in the minds of the audience. 8.1.58. Assurances shall be obtained from the advertiser that
prizes or gifts offered are available and are not harmful to persons or property. 8.1.59. Prizes which appeal to superstition such as “Lucky bearing article shall not be accepted. 8.1.60. MEDICAL 8.1.61. A medical advertisement orthodox, traditional, or any other, shall conform with the provisions of the code 8.1.62. Advertisements of medical products shall be presented only in the acceptable format prescribed by the relevant regulatory agencies. (eg. NAFDAC) 8.1.63. In the advertising of medical products, claims that a product will effect a cure and the indiscriminate use of such words as “safe” without risk” “harmless” or terms with similar meaning shall not be acceptable unless so certified by the appropriate authority. 8.1.64. An advertising material, which describes or dramatized distress or a mobid situation in an offensive manner, shall not be accepted. 8.1.65. An advertisement shall not be broadcast, if it contains an offer of a medicine or product, or an advice relating to the treatment of serious disease, complaints, conditions indications or symptoms which should rightly receive the attention of a registered medical practitioner. 8.1.66. An advertisement of products, medicines treatment for disorders or irregularities peculiar to women shall not contain expressions such as “inducing abortion” “Never known to fail” etc. 8:1.67. An advertisement shall not be exaggerated by the improper use of words phrases or expressions, such as “magical” “miraculous”. 8.1.68. An advertisement shall not be broadcast if it offers or treatment of beauty sliming, weight reduction or figure control, without stating the likely side effects. 8.1.69. An advertisement shall not be broadcast if it contains any offer to diagnose or treat complaints or conditions by hypnosis. 8.1.70. And advertisement shall not be broadcast if it calculated to induce fear in the viewer or listener that he is suffering or suffer more severely from any ailment illness or disease. 8.1.71. A drug advertisement which offers to refined money to dissatisfied users shall be prohibited. 8.1.72. An advertisement shall not be broadcast if it contains the words “clinic”, “institute”, “laboratory” or similar terms unless an establishment corresponding to the description used, does, infact, exist. 8.1.73. An advertisement shall not be broadcast if it contains any reference to “doctor” “hospital test” etc, unless such a reference can be substantiated by independent evidence. 8.1.74. An advertisement shall not be broadcast if it contains any material offering cure for cancer, AIDS, HIV veneral disease or any other ailment, which requires the attention of a medical practitioner. 8.1.75. An advertisement shall not be broadcast if it contains in the name of the product, the title, “Doctor” or “Dr” unless that is the registered trade mark 8.1.76. Advertisement for the cure of terminal diseases shall not be accepted for broadcast. 8.1.77. An advertisement of a product or service shall not be accepted if it purports to increase sexual virility or correct sexual weakness. 8.1.78. An advertisement shall not be broadcast if it contains any material that offers cure for diseases listed in schedule of the NAFADAC ACT. 8.1.79. ALCOHOLIC AND TOBACCO 8.1.80. An advertisement or the offer a “gift” item promoting an alcoholic or tobacco product shall not be broadcast in a children’s or sports programme. 8.1.81. Children, sportsmen or women and expectant mothers shall not be used as models in alcohol or tobacco advertisements.
“Advertisement must be broadcast whether in radio or television at the times stated on the advertising schedule. The cost of advertising may vary at different times of the day it is generally more expensive at ‘peak periods — the times when more people are considered to be listening or viewing the TV.”
Economy
Dividends: An Important Reason For By SYLVESTE AKELE
CAPITAL market analysts and investors in Nigeria are often alarmed at the large pool of unclaimed dividends held by quoted companies. Dividend expectation is one major reason for investing in shares. It is surprising, therefore, that unclaimed dividends have since hit over N60 billion. What are dividends and what is expected of an investor in the stock market? An investor in the stock market is expected to make some profit from his investment in form of capital appreciation or dividends. This profit from the company in which he has invested in, is what is called dividend. In essence, therefore, dividends are distributions of earnings to stock holders. It is commonly in form of cash or stock. Many quoted companies in Nigeria do make profits yearly and distribute dividends, which are confirmed by shareholders at their Annual General Meetings. One form of dividends is the cash dividend. They become liability of the company after the board of directors approves or declares the future payment. Many of the companies issue dividend warrants on this and investors are expected to cash them at their banks or deposit
Investing
them in their accounts. It has been noticed, however, that because many of the dividend
have not earned any return on their investments unless
warrants are for small sums of money, as a result of the small investments; many investors do not bother to cash their dividend warrants. I have written much about this phenomenon in the past as well as on Electronic Dividends which was intended to help cure the problem. The size and prevalence is not good for the capital market. When considered from the point of view of return on investment, the investors who refuse to claim their dividends
through the appreciation of their shares. It is wise to claim all dividends from stock market investments, since the investor would be statute-barred in Nigeria from doing so after twelve years and the money would revert to the company. An investor in the stock market also needs to understand what payout ratio means. It simply means the ratio of cash dividends to net income. It is the portion of net income or earnings that the
company’s Board of Directors pays out in cash. It is from this that
that it tells you how much the stock is earning. While an investor in the stock market should consult a Stockbroker or an
stockholder two new shares for each one of the old shares. A five percent stock split on the other hand, would mean that the owner of 100 stocks
your dividend warrant is drawn. The importance of knowing the payout ratio is that as an investor, you are able to determine or anticipate your dividend, which should be important for your personal financial planning - especially for those who have large investments. The dividend yield, another terminology that is important to investors, is obtained by dividing the annual cash dividend by the closing price of the stock. The significance of this is
Investment Adviser before investing, it pays to understand these basic investment terminologies in order to be able to invest directly or to appreciate the specialists’ advice. On many occasions, companies do not declare cash dividends. They declare stock splits and stock dividends also called bonus shares. This is simply the issuance to stockholders new shares of stocks. For example, a two-for-one split gives each
will receive an additional five shares of stock. In investing, the focus should be on finding stocks that should yield dividends in any of the forms outlined above. A stock that would multiply in value has more potential for cash dividends in future. It is therefore a good investment strategy to prefer such stocks to the ones that are delivering a steady stream of cash dividends now. Since the purpose of investing is to reap dividends, investors should not invest in stocks for sentimental reasons like the names or locations of companies. Such names and locations are not likely to be important for profit for the companies, for your dividends and personal financial planning. Mr. Akele, CEO Snakel Consulting Ltd., write from Abuja
“It is the portion of net income or earnings that the company’s Board of Directors pays out in cash. It is from this that your dividend warrant is drawn. The importance of knowing the payout ratio is that as an investor, you are able to determine or anticipate your dividend, which should be important for your personal financial planning - especially for those who have large investments.”
or (a2 - 2b)(a + 2b) - c(a + 2b) INTRODUCTION: With the common factor written In the previous lectures we discussed the factorisation of first, we get: a2 - 4b2 - ac - 2bc monomials, perfect squares, = (a + 2b)[(a - 2b)-c] difference of two squares as well as quadratic expressions. In this edition or (a + 2b)(a - 2b - c)Ans A].
Mathematics With Stanley Osobase 08023454887 Osobase2001@yahoo.co.uk
Factorising Expressions Containing x(a - b ) + y(a - b ) on EBS TV (Thursday 4pm live) we Four Terms With the common factor written shall be discussing expressions with 2
four and five terms. Example 4 To factorise an expression with or Factorise completely containing four terms, group the (4abx - 2axy) - (12b2x + 6bxy). terms in pairs so that each pair has a (UME, 2003) common factor. The other factor can Solution: be found by division. Grouping in pairs, we have: B]. APPLICATION EXAMPLES (4abx - 2axy) - (12b2x - 6bxy) With the common factor written first, we get: Example 1 Factorise ax + ay - bx - by. (2b - 7)(2ax - 6bx) Solution in pairs, we get: (2b - y)(a - 3b)2x Ans (ax + ay) - (bx + by) = a (x + y) - b(x + y) Example 5 With common factor written Factorise completely first, we have, we have: ac - 2bc - a2 = 4b2 (UME, 2004) ax + ay - bx - by Solution: = (x + y)(a - b)Ans Grouping in pairs, we have: c(a - 2b) - (a2 - 4b2) Example 2 or c(a - 2b) - (a2 - 22b2) Factorise m3 - 2m2 - m + 2 Applying difference of two squares, (UME) we get: c(a - 2b) - [(a - 2b)(a + 2b)] Solution: With the common factor written Grouping in pairs, we have: first, we get: 3 2 (m - 2m ) - (m - 2) ac - 2bc - a2 + 4b2 2 = m (m - 2) - (m - 2) = (a - 2b)[c - (a + 2b)] With the common factor written or (a - 2b)(c - a -2b)Ans first, we get: M3 - 2m2 - m + 2 = (m - 2)(m2 - 1) Example 6 or (m - 2)(m - 1) (m + 1)Ans Factorise a2x - b2y - b2x + a2y (UME). Example 3 Solution: factorise a2 - 4b2 - ac - 2bc Rearranging, we have Solution: a2x - b2x + a2y - b2y Grouping in pairs, we have: Grouping in pairs, we have: (a2 - 4b2 - (ac + 2bc)
2
2
2
first, we get: (a2 - b2)(x + y) or a2x - b2y - b2x + a2y =(a - b)(a + b)(x + y)Ans
Example 7 Factorise a2 - b2 + 3a + 3b Solution: Grouping in pairs, we have: (a2 - b2) + (3a + 3b) Applying diffence of two squares, we have: a2 - b2 + 3a + 3b = (a + b)[(a - b)] or (a + b)(a - b + 3)Ans Example 8 Factorise (a + b)(a + y) - 2x - 2y Solution: (a + b)(c + y) - 2(x + y) With the common factor written first, we have: (x + y)[a + b - 2]Ans Example 9 Factorise m2 - n2 - 4m + 4 Solution: By Observation, we have the trininomial m2 - 4m + 4. So that m2 n2 - 4m + 4 = (m2 - 4m + 4) - n2 By difference, of two squares, we get: [(m - 2) - n][cm - 2) + n] or (m - 2 - n)(m - 2 + n)Ans Until next week, stay blessed solving Maths! Remember To watch EBS TV (live) at 4pm, Thursday
Battery Care
YOUR battery needs special attention and care at a period like this when we have occasional downpour as the rate of change drops to the drop in atmospheric temperature. Dirty batteries are likely to have electrolyte collected on the surface causing leakage of electrical current to the earth, so that the battery will discharge. Electrolyte on
car should be used so as to ensure the correct threading. The tip of the plug should lie flush with the wall of the combustion chamber. Where it protrudes or fail to chamber opening, serious problem could result. Different plug have
to install new piston rings. An elementary precaution, however, is not to pour too much oil into the stump, the deep stick should be inspected daily for oil level in the stump. Occasionally, the distributor leads don’t carry electrical current effectively, and I’ve seen
However, the air conditioning is a broad, all encompassing term and includes the capability to provide warm as well as cool air, although, warmth has little or no benefit to us here because of our weather. Obviously, air conditioning systems
the surface of the battery can also cause the terminal and connectors to corrode, which will stop the battery from working efficiently. You are therefore to check the acid level periodically at least once in two weeks or after every 800 kilometres. If the level drops below plates, top up with clean water. Never add acid. Do not overfill cells normal level is 6-10mm above the separator. An overfilled battery can cause acid overflow through the vent plugs when the battery is charged and acid can cause damages to the battery compartment and other metal parts in the vehicle. GOOD AND BAD PLUGS The correct plug of the
different heat range. Which result in optimum operating temperature. To take care of this, Use the plug recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Often, plugs get thrown away when they are still good. The car ’s electrical system might be the real culprit when idling is sluggish or power output falls drastically. Take a close look at the alternator and condenser, especially alternator. Were it works well, plug should spark properly from at least 10,000 kilometers. When the plug end get fouled by oil suspect worn piston rings or worn cylinder wall. If the fouling is bad enough, the electrode will be damaged irretrievable. The only real solution is
where all the leads of a car where condemned outright. In the past, a plug spanner was part of the tool kit of any serious motorist. It is good idea to buy one. But keep it proper or mechanics would make away with it. UNDERSTANDING YOUR CAR A/C To many people the term air conditioning connotes well-circulated blasts of cool, dehumidified air to take the sting out of our hot and humid climate.
(sometime referred to as climate control system) have great benefits automotive applications helping to cool and dehumidify the passenger cabin, as well as sapping it of the majority of air borne dust particles and odours. Simply put, air conditioning in an environmental control of a car’s passenger cabin, where temperature, humidity and circulation are maintained as the
Motoring With OSAGIE AIFUWA 08023412452
desired level with the added benefits of cleanliness as well. Generally the best care you can give to your cars
air conditioning system to have it regularly serviced by qualified specialist, where by the system is thoroughly cleaned, all hoses and pipes are checked for leaks and refrigerant gas topped up. This is normally done periodically and prevent the discomfort of’ having the system break down when it is most needed. In using the system, one should always remember to turn off when the
engine is stopped. Starting the car with the system engaged not only places added strain on the compressor clutch and associated drive belts but also the battery of the car as well. Whenever the car has been left in open for prolong periods, the amount of heat soak built up in the interior is considerable. in such situation, it is advisable to drive with the Window down for the first few minutes. This allows warm air to escape and achieve a more rapid cool down time. An associated benefit is also a small saving in fuel used, since the system will not be ‘working’ so hard to do the cooling. Like almost everything else, letting the system be dormant and unused for prolong period does it no favours. One should run the system for at least fifteen minutes twice a week in other to keep all seals hearing and components in working order. Always ensure that the refrigerant gas is topped up, as running the system on empty can damage the components. By observing these few simple tips. your ‘vehicle air conditioning should give many years of faithful service and more years of comfortable divining
“Like almost everything else, letting the system be dormant and unused for prolong period does it no favours. One should run the system for at least fifteen minutes twice a week in other to keep all seals hearing and components in working order.”
St. Peter’s First Speech and Its Effect BUT Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spake forth unto them, saying, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and give ear unto my words. “For these are not drunken, as ye suppose; seeing it is but the third hour of the day; ‘but this is that which hath been spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams: “Yea and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days will I pour forth of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. “And I will shew wonders in the heaven above, And signs on the earth beneath; Blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the day of the Lord come, That great and notable day: “And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. “Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye yourselves know; “him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay: whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David saith concerning him, I beheld the Lord always before my face; For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; Moreover my flesh also shall dwell in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in Hades, Neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou madest known unto me the ways of life; Thou shalt make me full of gladness with thy countenance. Brethren, I may say unto you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us unto this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set one upon his throne; he foreseeing this spake of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he left in Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses. Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear. For David ascended not into the heavens; but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet. Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that arc afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him. And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation.
Spirituality The Lives Of The Apostles By E.A. GARDINER
They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls. The Early Christian Life And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and ‘fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; ‘ and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need. And day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they did eat their food with gladness and singleness of heart,
‘Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were being saved. The Miracle at the Beautiful Gate. Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man that was lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple ; ‘who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked to receive an alms. ‘And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him, with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something from them. ‘But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. And he took him by the right hand, and raised him up: and immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength. And leaping up, he stood, and began to walk; and he entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the
“Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.”
people saw him walking and praising God: ‘and they took knowledge of him, that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as he held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this man? or why fasten ye your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him to walk? “The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Servant Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied before the face of Pilate, when he had determined to release him. “But ye denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked
for a murderer to be granted unto you, and killed the Prince of life; whom God raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. “And by faith in his name hath his name made this man strong, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is through him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. ‘and now, brethren, I wot that in ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. ‘the things which God foreshewed by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent ye therefore and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord; and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, even Jesus: “whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of his holy prophets which have been since the world began. Moses indeed said, A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me; to him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you. ‘And it shall be, that every soul, which shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people. “Yea and all the prophets from Samuel and them that followed after, as many as have spoken, they also told of these days. Ye are the Sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Servant, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.
Women’s Right: By HITKKA PIETILA
DURING the past years, greater awareness of a missing link in progress on women’s rights within the UN system has emerged: violence against women. When the Convention on the Rights of Women was being prepared in I 970s, this issue was overlooked both in the UN and elsewhere. Consequently, the Convention does not include a single mention of it. However, since the 1985 Nairobi Conference to review and appraise achievements of the UN Decade for Women, the UN has encouraged discussion to help break the silence concerning the issue of violence against women. In 1993 the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women after a long and thorough preparation process directed by CSW This Declaration is an important step towards the preparation of a binding Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, as suggested by the then UN SecretaryGeneral Boutros BoutrosGhali in his message on International Women’s Day in 1995 (United Nations, 1996a). In 1994 the Organization of American States (OAS) had already adopted the InterAmerican Convention on Violence Against Women (known as the Convention of Belem do Para). It entered into effect in 1995. This Convention establishes many important precepts for tackling the task of eliminating violence against women. Two features of this Convention distinguish it from others. Firstly, the fact that of all the binding (legally obligatory) inter-American instruments on human rights, it is the one which has the highest number of ratifications within the region with 31 ratifications by a total of 34 active OAS Member States, the exceptions being Jamaica, the United States and Canada. The OAS has a capacity to develop treaties-which served as an example to other regional organizations including the Council of Europe. Secondly, it is the only binding international instrument in the world that specifically addresses the question of violence against women. The Inter-American Commission of Women, made up of delegates from each State, is currently drafting a proposed mechanism for following up implementation of the Convention in the respective States Parties so that analyses and recommendations can be generated to reduce and one day eliminate altogether the remaining gulf between the formal requirements of the Convention and the daily lives of women in the Continent The decisive impetus toward
making further progress on this issue was provided by the Beijing Platform for Action. One of the Platform’s key objectives is “the elimination of all forms of violence against women.” As many as three of the 12 strategic objectives of the Platform of Action are directly connected to the elimination of violence against women and girls, and include violence against women, women and armed conflict, and the girl-child. Also the detecting and eliminating
economic, structural, social and cultural violence against women runs throughout the Platform for Action. As part of the process to implement the Platform for Action, in 1997 four high level conferences were held, in which the violence against women was dealt from a new viewpoint. In these conferences violence against women was examined as “a male problem,” as part of the male culture and its consequences to men themselves and society in whole (Pietilä, 1998). Since then, men’s movements—such as the White Ribbon and others—have grown in their work against male violence in general, and violence against women in particular, in an increasing number of countries such as Canada, Namibia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, and the Nordic and South-East Asian countries. Also, current research is gradually spreading
The Missing Link
GENDER ADVOCACY With
IJEOMA UMEH
and analysing the role of men and masculinity in the same way as women’s research has worked on pre conceived women’s roles in various cultures. From the Battle Field to the Peace Table The Convention on the Elimination of Violence against Women is still missing, but progress on other dimensions of this issue has taken place rapidly since the
“massive, organized and systematic detention and rape of women.” This implies that rape and violence against women in war are now recognized as war crimes: the aim for which women’s peace movements had worked for years. Later the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda broke new ground in the area of jurisprudence by convicting individuals of rape as an instrument of genocide, a form of torture and a crime against humanity, The Rome Statute of the new International Criminal
Peace — joined with UNIFEM to draft a resolution that calls for the protection of women and girls during armed conflicts, for gender sensitivity in all UN missions, including peacekeeping, and for women to equally participate at all negotiation tables. As a result, Resolution 1325 on “Women, Peace and Security” was unanimously passed by the Security Council on 31 October 2000.
early 1990s and also as part of implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action. The UN Security Council has expressed its views strongly and effectively on this issue for the first time in its history. Resolutions and decisions of the Security Council are strong indications of the change in attitudes: Violence against women is no longer an issue of private life, but an issue of security, human rights and war crimes. In 1992 the Security Council condemned strongly “the acts of unspeakable brutality of the massive, organized and systematic detention and rape of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” In May 1993 the Security Council decided to establish an International War Crimes Tribunal to deal with “serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in the territory of the former Yugoslavia” after January 1991. The mandate of this tribunal includes the
Court (ICC) takes gender concerns into account in their definition of crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. In January 2002 the statute of the Special Court for Sierra Leone includes rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy and any other form of sexual violence among the constituent elements of crimes against humanity. The Special Court decided in 2004 that even forced marriage would be prosecuted as an “inhuman act,” i.e. a crime against humanity (E/CN.6/2005/2). A further sign of progress is that the negotiation table of the Security Council has been opened to women’s voices. In October 2000 a coalition of women in five peace organizations — Women’s international League for Peace and Freedom, International Alert, Amnesty International, Women’s Commission for Women Refugees and Girls, and the Hague Appeal for
Resolution 1325 calls for integration of women in all conflict resolution processes as well as actions for resettlement, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction. It also recommends special training for all peace keeping personnel on the protection, special needs and human rights of women and children in conflict situations (S/RES/I325). It is particularly important that this kind of resolution was adopted by the Security Council because its resolutions are binding to Member States contrary to the other conferences and meetings, whose resolutions are only recommendations. Since October 2000 the Security Council has held several open debates to discuss progress and challenge to implementation. Four presidential statements (in 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005) recognized the link between peace and gender equality and called for action to implement the resolution by those
Tel: 081823822839
concerned and for an end to the culture of impunity. Shortly after the Resolution was adopted, Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director of UNIFEM, appointed Elisabeth Rehn and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf “to conduct an independent assessment of women, war and peace so that people throughout the world will know and understand not only what women have suffered but what they have contributed for building peace and reconstruction?’ The report was published in 2002 and has received a lot attention around the world (UNIFEM, 2002, vw.unifem.org/resources/ item_detajl.php?productID=17). During the five-year anniversary debate of Resolution 1325 held in October 2005, UN SecretaryGeneral Kofi Annan presented his UN system-wide action plan for implementing resolution 1325 (S/2005/636), structured around 12 areas of action: conflict prevention and early warning; peacemaking and peace building; peacekeeping operations; humanitarian response; postconflict reconstruction and rehabilitation; disarmament, demobilization and reintegration; preventing and responding to gender-based violence in armed conflict; preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse by UN staff, related personnel and UN partners; gender balance; coordination and partnership; monitoring and reporting; and financial resources (www.un.org/Docs/ sc/sgrep05.htm). The action plan will be used by UN entities to formulate concrete strategies, actions and programmes to advance the role of women in peace and security areas; ensure more efficient support to Member States and other actors in national and regional level implementation of Resolution 1325; strengthen the commitment and accountability of the UN system at the highest levels; and enhance inter-agency cooperation. Women around the world have eagerly used the resolution in connection with present conflicts in their respective hemispheres. f has been translated into many languages and women’s groups are very active in demanding that governments implement the resolution in training of personnel for peacekeeping and crises management. Women in Africa have been the first ones to sit at the negotiation tables for the resolution of conflicts and implementation of peace agreements in their continent.
Religion
With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA
Facilitators For Spiritual Warfare
THESE are prayer facilitators in spiritual warfare meaning they assist so much in the weapons of prayer during spiritual warfare. They can be described and likened to the bullets in the gun in a physical battle. For if there are no bullets in the gun, then the gun though a weapon is harmless. These prayer facilitators include: (i) The Name of Jesus (ii) The Blood of Jesus (iii) The power of Praise (iv) Tongues
(v) Fasting (1) THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST The Bible says “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the father” Phil.2:10-11. The name of Jesus is an exalted name “therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed upon him the Name which is above every name” Phil.2:9. Every demon -demons of the sea, of the air, of the forest, principalities and powers quiver at the mention of the name of Jesus especially when it is pronounced from the lips of an anointed child of God - a born again: hence the demon replied the Seven Sons of sceva (who were not believers but exorcists) when they attempted to cast out demons in the name of Jesus - “Jesus I know, Paul I know, but who are You”? (Acts 19:15) and they were overpowered even though they had called on the name of Jesus it was not enough catalyst because they- had fulfilled the other necessary ingredients for spiritual warfare. They were not even sanctified and had Probably gone out for show manship. The disciples of Jesus testified of the power of the name when the Lord Jesus sent them out. “The seventy returned with joy, saying Lord even the
demons are subjected to us in your name” Lk. 10: 7. There is power in the name of Jesus Christ. - “The name which is above every name” Phil. 2:9 . The Bible says further: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runneth it and is safe” Prov . 18:10. There is therefore power in the name of Jesus Christ. Therefore in spiritual warfare, as you pray use the name to bind, to loosen every strong hold of satanic kindom: to Scatter every Coven of witchcraft to disorganise the Occult kingdom.
(2) THE BLOOD OF JESUS The blood concept is very significant in theological study, so significant was the blood concept that in the mosaic law “almost all things are by the law purged with blood” Heb.9:22. In God’s divine warfare against the hardened Pharoah the blood concept was re - enacted. The Israelites were to take a Iamb without blemish from the stock of goats or sheep (Ex.12:5).and slaughter it and “take... the blood and stake it on the two side posts and on the upper doorpost of the house” (Ex 12:7). And the Lord said “The blood shall be to you a token upon the house where ye are and when I see the blood. I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you” Ex. 12:13.
Thus if by the mere smearing of the blood of Iamb on the door posts and destructive plagues did not come near, how much more the blood of Jesus becoming a very powerful wedge against the destructive intentions of the devil in spiritual warfare. The Blood of Jesus has the following theological significance from which we also derive it’s significance in spiritual warfare (i) Through the shedding of his blood he obtained eternal redemption for us sinners. Heb. 9:12 (ii) Through his blood as we accept him as Lord and Saviour we are purged of our conscience, from dead works to serve the living God, we are made alive arid renewed we are cleansed Heb. 9:14 (iii) He died (shed his blood) as a ransom to set us free from the sins committed under the first covenant Heb. 9:15 i.e we are redeemed through the shedding of blood. His blood gave us redemption. (iv) In the law “almost all things are by the law purged with blood and with out shedding of blood is no remission’ Heb 9:22, So in the same vein, the shedding of the blood of Jesus is for the remission of our sins. 1Jn 1:7, Matt. 26:28. (v) He paid a great price for his church (the body of Christ) through his blood. He purchased the church with his blood (Acts 20:28) that means the church would have had no power or authority but through the shedding of
blood. Hence his blood is to power. and authority for the church. (vi) “Christ our pass I over is sacrifice for us” 1cor. 5:7. By implication through the shedding of blood Christ is made our passover. Hence nothing shall by any means hurt you a child of the living God. (vii) His blood is source for our healing for “By his stripes (the blood from his wounds) ye were healed” 1Pet. 2: 24 (viii) By his blood are we made overcomers. And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony” Rev.12:11. Now we see some of the significance of the blood of Jesus to the believer, in spiritual warfare the blood of Jesus is no less significant; and is a very effective prayer facilitator. As you pray; you cover the whole place including yourself with the blood of Jesus thus providing a defensive mechanism for yourself and shielding yourself and the environment from any counter attack; you pronounce the Blood of Jesus as you pray; to facilitate your prayer weaponry to target - thus scattering covens, disorganising nocturnal meetings and dislodging them; and putting them to flight; As you get worn out, pronounce on yourself the blood of Jesus to re-energies you and keep you floating in the spirit - the blood empowers you and energises your prayers. A self confessed agent of satan- (later converted to Christ) once wrote: “The name of Jesus or the blood of Jesus in the mouth of the believer sends out fire”
“Now we see some of the significance of the blood of Jesus to the believer, in spiritual warfare the blood of Jesus is no less significant; and is a very effective prayer facilitator. As you pray; you cover the whole place including yourself with the blood of Jesus thus providing a defensive.”
Politics
The Siege On Edo State Is Untidy
THERE are dreams that come in one’s sleep that could be frightening and at dawn, they unveil as mere dreams and it would be much of a relief. But the daylight siege being unveiled on the Nigerian nation through the nation’s security agencies is nomadic, idiotic and simply defining that there is a vacuum in incapability of enhancing a smooth governance. Here in Edo State, the script being acted out by
By PRINCE USMAN ABUDAH
the federal government through the present militarization by the PDP is inhuman, inexplicably nomadic and humiliating, the denials by the zonal and state commands of the Nigeria Police is equally an insulting double talk. In one moment, they both deny of not being aware of who brought in Florence Joseph led police invasion troop.
Coming nearer home, I am compelled to request Dan Orbih to sort ought the format of politics his late father, Hon. M.C.K. Orbih of blessed memory exhibited while he was a member of the House of Representatives; his, along with that of late Prince K.S.Y. Momoh (later a lawyer and High Court Judge) was quite homely, and instructive
as illustrious political giants of Afenmai and Etsako extraction. Dan Orbih is perhaps unconscious of his irritating lyrics of hate against Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole. Etsako land specifically is known as
a land of truthful and realistic citizens whose attitudes and actions are embellished with a code of decency. Hunger and in want do not make them to be agents of rebellion. Evidence is an proof of performance and this has scored Governor Oshiomhole high. Afenmai community
should sound it clear to Mr. President that Governor Oshiomhole and the entire Edo State would not be surrendered for sacrifice or to be overrun by the present exhibition of power politics. We certainly do not merit this irritating and glaring insultive invasion.
“Afenmai community should sound it clear to Mr. President that Governor Oshiomhole and the entire Edo State would not be surrendered for sacrifice or to be overrun by the present exhibition of power politics. We certainly do not merit this irritating and glaring insultive invasion.”
Issues
How To Build A Successful ... Continued from page 15
improved performance. Criticism must always be constructive back biting, gossip and “put them down” attitude are destructive actions that must be avoided .Members should also express sup things the cooperative is doing well. Officers can’t effectively represent the members if they don’t know the members’ true feelings. • Election of M a n a g e m e n t Committee members Although, the cooperative is a userowner, democratically controlled form of business, members cannot make all the decisions directly. Hence, they must select from among themselves individuals who will manage the cooperative
on their behalf. In this regard they must endeavour to elect honest persons with entrepreneurship and business management skills. 7.0 ROLES OF MANAGMENT COMMITEE These include: • Development of policy, strategic and operational plans • Overseeing the affairs of the cooperative in accordance with cooperative law, regulations and bye laws to ensure that the cooperative fulfils the purpose(s) for which the co-operative was established. • Individually and collectively they must discharge their duties honestly and in good faith, using the care and diligence of a reasonably
prudent person. They must cater for all interests and shades of opinion and eschew special interests, factions and other divisive tendencies. • Ensure effective written and verbal communication with members so the latter is carried along in the management of the cooperative. This especially important when developing policies, setting goals and operational guidelines. • The management committee must work as a team. An individual officer should not independently on matters that should be decided by the entire management committee. The Management committee must ensure their books are audited annually as it is primary method the management
committee uses to verify the financial condition of the cooperative. 7.1 Cooperative Officers: The principal officers of a cooperative are the President, Secretary and Treasurer. They constitute the management trustees and are signatory to the cooperative’s bank accounts. President The president provides leadership to the management committee specifically and the membership generally, his duties include presiding over all execufive, board and general meetings, assigning responsibilities, tasks and activities to the other officers and to committees where appropriate. Secretary The secretary is the
“This unfortunate state of affairs is largely due to the lackadaisical attitude of many members to cooperative business concerning themselves only with receiving dividends and obtaining loans from the cooperative.”
official custodian of the cooperative’s seal, bylaws, and membership records. The secretary is responsible for recording and keeping the minutes of all meetings. Treasurer The treasurer oversees the bookkeeping and accounts to ensure accuracy and proper handling. Committees When the amount of work required in administering a cooperative grows beyond what the management committee can handle, the management committee may decide to appoint committees to which tasks can be assigned or appoint a manager There are two types of committees, Standing and Special/Ad-hoc. Standing committees function more or less on a permanent basis to handle ongoing requirements e.g. credit and loan recovery committees. Special or ad hoc committees are normally appointed on a short-term basis to study unique issues or items of business, report findings, make recommendations
on actions to be taken to the board, and/or implement board decisions. In case the cooperative opts to hire a manager, the management committee must ensure that they hire a competent person. They must clearly outline the duties and authority of the position to avoid conflict. A formal review, at least annually of his/her performance is recommended. 10.0 CONCLUSION In conclusion, the success of a cooperative is usually erroneously considered as hinging solely on the effective performance of the management committee, the manager and employees while overlooking the very important roles of the members. This unfortunate state of affairs is largely due to the lackadaisical attitude of many members to cooperative business concerning themselves only with receiving dividends and obtaining loans from the cooperative. Such members must change their attitude and contribute more to the good fortune of the cooperative by performing their distinct duties.
Material Creation, The World (2) HE who makes an honest effort to recognise his creator in His works will, when he follows the sure road of the natural laws, receive a convicing idea of the vastness and extent of the manifestations that have their beginning in the primordial source, i.e. the starting point of all happenings, whence they spread through creation like irremovable railway lines, along which all further life unrolls itself according to the position of the points. The turning of the point Abd-ru-shin says is done automatically by the human spirit on its journey through the World of matter. Unfortunately he said, majority allowed themselves to be induced through lucifer’s principle to turn the points in the wrong direction and so their lives in accordance with the immutable laws of continuous development which pervade all maternal creation like railway line, roll more and more downward towards a very definite final goal a goal conforming to their attitude. The direction in which the free decision turns the points can be exactly observed or intuitively perceived from the Point of Origin on High, making it possible, clearly to recognise what will be the further course, which can only run along those lines which the laws anchored in creation have laid down according to the decision taken. The circumstance Abd-rushin says enables many event to be forseen, because the laws of Nature of Creation never deviate in their urge to develop. Here millennia make no difference out of these clearly forseen and final irrevocable goals come for the great revelations shown to the specially blessed in spiritual pictures which, when passed on, come to the knowledge of mankind.
Abd-ru-shin says one thing cannot be accurately predicted – the earthly time at which these revelations and promises find their fulfillment. This will come to pass at the hour when such a life, traveling along the line it has chosen, reaches a forseen intermediate station on the terminus. The fat of man, of the nation, indeed of all humanity, may be compared to a train standing and waiting on a single track connected to lines leading in all directions. Man switches the points as it pleases him, jumps on to the engine and turns on the stream, which means he animates it. As soon as he turns on to the line chosen, one can mention each station and the terminus only but never give the exact hour of arrival, for this depends on the speed at which the train travels and that may very according to the nature of people for it is man who animates the engine and he would drive it forward in accordance with his own nature, either with quite evenness or impetuous temperament or with alternate variations. The nearer such a train – whether representing a single individual, a nation or all mankind – gets to a station Iying on the line of its fate, the more surely can its arrival be forseen and fore-told. Connected to the network of lines are a few branch lines which, by turning the points occasionally during the journey, can be used to change its direction and so reach another terminus than the one first contemplated. It is obviously necessary in this case to slow down when reaching such points and then to stop and turn them. The slowing down represents the act of reflection and the stopping the decision take by man which is always free to make until he reaches the last opportunity to choose. The turning of points is the
deed that follows his decision Abd-ru-shin opines that the Divine will which like railway lines penetrates the world of matter in the form of the firmly established Natural Laws, may also be called the nerves in the work of creation, which detect every unevenness in the gigantic body of creation and report it to the starting point, the creative primordial
proclaiming the truth shortly before inevitable catastrophes and dangerous changes take place. This serve to enable mankind to change the points in time. Thus, avoiding the increasingly dangerous place and also escaping the fatal terminus by taking a new direction. As the creator cannot alter the perfection of His Own
source. This precise survey which, through the immutable laws, the creator possesses over everything to its final end, courses Him to supplement His revelations with promises proclaiming the advent of helpers to be sent by Him in time when a train is seen to be approaching the most dangerous curves, intermediary stations and termini. Properly equipped by Him, such helpers are intended to open the eyes of those human spirits who are traveling along the wrong tract by
Will. He will also, in connection with this help. Abd-ru-shin admonishes exactly to keep to the existing laws. In other words, His will is perfect from the primordial be ginning. Every new expression of His will must naturally also be perfect. This presupposes that every new Act of Will issuing from Him must also bear within itself the same laws as those that preceded it. Consequently it will fit itself precisely into the course of development prevailing in the Ethereal and Cross Material Worlds. By the virtue of the
“Properly equipped by Him, such helpers are intended to open the eyes of those human spirits who are traveling along the wrong tract by proclaiming the truth shortly before inevitable catastrophes and dangerous changes take place.”
Man And Nature With O.C. MADU 08056379608 perfection of God any other possibility is absolutely excluded. It was through this already explained foreseeing that the promise of the coming of the Son of God in the flesh was given. By
proclaiming the truth he was to induce mankind to turn their points. According to the laws, however, the act of turning the points is reserved to the human spirits themselves. As a result it is not possible to forsee how they will decide. It is only those lines already chosen by the human spirits, in which they have already fixed the points according to their free decisions, which they have already fixed the points according to their free decisions, which can be exactly surveyed with all the stations and curves right to the terminus. This naturally excludes those turning points which are still to be determined by a free decision of mankind, for this right also, just as immutable as everything else, due to the natural lawfulness of coming into existence and development through the perfection of God. And as the creator has granted this right to human spirits because of their origin in the sphere of
spiritual substantiality. He does not demand to know before hand what their decision will be. Abd-ru-shin the author of Grail message – “In the Light of Truth states that only the consequence of such a decision which he can clearly recognise to its very end, because it will then have to work itself out within His will which rests in the laws govering Ethereal and Gross Material Creation. If it were otherwise, the reason could only be found in a lack of perfection and this is absolutely out of the question. Thus, man should always be fully aware of this his immense responsibility, that, he really independent in his basic decisions unfortunately, however, he imagines himself either as a totally dependent slave or over-rating himself as a past of the Divine. And it is just this perfection which makes it necessary that when sending direct help to mankind traveling on a wrong course, the traveling on a wrong course, the creator must reckon with the possibility of their failing to come to a right decision. In His Wisdom and love, which are the inherent, lawful and natural attributes of the creator. He has still other means in reserve to afford help in such cases. These join up as a continuation with the former course, which had been cut off through the failure of mankind. Abd-ru-shin says that before the Son of God was in carnated upon earth, another revelation of the truth was being prepared in the Eternal Kingdom of the father, in case humanity should fail in spite of the father’s great sacrifice of love. If mankind did not heed the warning of the Son of God, with His Pure Divine attitude, to the extent that they turned the points in the direction he indicated but blindly continued on their course leading to destruction, then another messengers should be sent out who could stand closer to the inmost nature of mankind than died the Son of God. He was once more to admonish and lead them in the last hour if. They desire to listen to His call of truth. That is, the Son of Man. Thanks for reading.
Tearful David Luiz Apologises To ‘All Brazilians’ DAVID Luiz could not hold back floods of tears as he apologised to “all Brazilians” after their German nightmare. The Selecao collapsed 7-1 in the World Cup semi-final in Belo Horizonte and the defender wore the captain’s armband in the absence of suspended Thiago Silva. “We wanted to make the people happy but we couldn’t do it. Sorry to all Brazilians,” he told reporters after the game. “Everyone knew how important this was... to see all of Brazil happy. “They were better than us. It’s a day of great
sadness. We can only apologise. We are so sorry. “It’s the end of a dream, and not in the way we wanted. But I will learn from this moment. I’ll never give up.”
Philip Lahm of Germany consoles Oscar of Brazil after Germany’s 7-1 win during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil semi final match between Brazil and Germany at Estadio Mineirao on July 8, 2014.
Worst Day Of My Life, Says Brazil Coach Scolari
BRAZIL coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said watching his side being crushed 7-1 by Germany in their World Cup semi-final was the worst day of his life as they suffered the most humiliating result in their illustrious football history. life,” Scolari said. “If I were to think of my “I’m going to be life as a footballer, as a remembered probably coach, as a physical because I lost 7-1, the education teacher, I think it worst defeat in Brazil’s was the worst day of my history, but that was a risk
Thiago Silva of Brazil (right) consoles teammate David Luiz after Germany’s 7-1 victory during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil semi-final match between Brazil and Germany at Estadio Mineirao on July 8, 2014.
I knew I was running when I walked into this position.” It was only the second time that Brazil had lost by six goals and the first was back in 1920. It was by far their biggest defeat at a World Cup. “I ask the Brazilian people, please excuse us for this negative mistake. I’m sorry that we couldn’t get to the final,” Scolari said. “My message for the Brazilian people and fans is that we tried to do what we could, we lost to a great team who had the skill to end the game in just six or seven minutes with four goals.” After taking an early lead, the Germans tore Brazil apart with four goals in six minutes midday through the first half, ending the match as a contest before halftime. Scolari described the
result as “catastrophic” and “terrible” but tried to sound upbeat as he spoke to reporters, insisting several times that “life goes on”. “We lost one match to a great team. When we spoke to them (the Germans) after the match, they said, ‘Even we don’t know how this happened, five shots, five goals.’” Scolari said he took responsibility for the defeat but the pain would be shared by the entire squad. “I think everyone blanked out after the first goal,” he said. “There was a lack of control... We got into a little bit of panic and everything went well for them and badly for us. “They had their best match of the World Cup and we had our worst. That was the difference.” Scolari said he had no regrets about his team
Blame Must Be Shared -
SOME fans booed; some continued to cheer their team; some fell silent; many left early. But everyone was left with a crushing sense of disappointment that the host nation’s run should come to an end in such emphatic fashion. My view was that, following the injury to Neymar, boss Luiz Felipe Scolari had set about preparing for the match in the wrong way. By attempting to create a siege mentality, he overburdened his side with
emotion, distracted them from the task in hand, which was to try and beat a Germany side which, until this point, hadn’t shown its true colours. But many of the fans I spoke to disagreed – they also felt that the match was lost before it was even played, but because Neymar was their only genuinely top player. “I’m ashamed to say I’m from Belo Horizonte,” Cynthia said with a wry smile. “I would love to say Germany were too good but we played like a non-league team.
“I can’t blame Scolari – we were disorganised and the Germans were f***ing organised. They never lost control. “It shouldn’t be 7-1, but we only really have one player who can change games, and that’s Neymar. David Luiz tried his best but it’s not enough.” The theme of this Brazil side lacking quality players was pressed home by Katarina, also from Belo Horizonte. “I don’t blame Felipao or any of the team, other than we played a bad game and don’t
have a good team. “We have just one hero, and he was gone. The team isn’t up to it, and while I appreciate David Luiz’s leadership, we need a lot more players all over the pitch.” Victor was more distressed, his forced thumbs-up symbolic of an eight-hour drive from Sao Paulo. “There are several reasons. Too dependent on Neymar, players like Fred – who should never be near the World Cup – and Felipao’s management.
selection and that it would have made no difference if his injured striker Neymar had been able to play. “I don’t think there’s any reason for anyone to suppose that with Neymar it would have been different. Let’s not try to find an excuse in Neymar,” he said. “You have those four, five, six minutes of trouble and Germany made use of those minutes. That has nothing to do with Neymar.” Brazil will face either the Netherlands or Argentina in a third-place playoff match in Brasilia on Saturday - a meagre consolation prize for the hosts and pre-tournament favourites. “Life doesn’t end with this defeat,” Scolari said.
Say Fans
“Most of the responsibility is with Felipao but we’re not good enough.” It’s not like Brazil are short of talent. If anything, the coach was guilty of being too loyal to the players which won him last year’s Confederations Cup, ignoring the likes of Lucas Moura, Philippe Coutinho, Wellington, Ronaldinho and even Kaka. Scolari did indeed assume that responsibility, begging for forgiveness in the postmatch press conference, and admitting his side had lost control. David Luiz, captain for the
day in the absence of Thiago Silva, wept on the pitch and to reporters, saying he was “so sorry”. But, ultimately, this Brazil team lacks the talent of previous vintages, and it needed to remain functional and organised to get past Germany. I still maintain the Neymar situation got to their heads – his absence, and Fred’s presence, did not lead Brazil to concede five goals in half an hour. A total loss of control was responsible for that and that, of course, is down to the coach.
Scolari’s Blind Dedication To Loyalty Cost Brazil Dear
above all else - while admirable a two-goal deficit Brazil would HOWEVER, such was the gulf in class between Germany and - is past its sell-by date. have salvaged gallant victory Brazil on Tuesday evening that the match will be referred in While the aforementioned from the jaws of this harrowing terms of chasms rather than minute margins. attributes remain integral to a defeat. However, they would portion of the responsibility. In the run up to this tie, Brazil teams’ DNA they should not be have certainly made a better fist His reluctance to change things had been derided as an average dominant. Scolari’s dominant of it as the players on show in when it was quite abundantly gene is that of yesteryear: side that had managed to hustle the first half were patently not clear that his side were on the loyalty. There is limited loyalty their way into a semi-final berth. up to the task in hand. cusp of catastrophe was left in the game and for very Alas, Brazil showed that they Scolari should have made indecision at its crippling worst. were much worse than that. good reason - for often it can be decisive changes but reverted to The very fact that the half-time very costly. In truth, Brazil have had this type. That type has seen him to introduction of Ramires and coming for years. They rely on His squad announcement in success in the past but football Paulinho sparked a marked early May – when he ignored the not only a laboured formula but is now more dynamic than ever. improvement in Brazil’s play one that has rarely worked. in-form talents of Luis Filipe, Of course, Scolari’s successes only makes his first-half inaction Rafinha and Philippe Coutinho For a decade or so now, a as a manager will stand the test all the more mystifying. workmanlike back six or seven – reeked of blind loyalty and his of time. He is after all a World A man of imperious character decision making on Tuesday - with the odd flying full-back Cup winner but this match and he may be, but, as a coach, Scolari has provided a platform for the stunk just the same. tournament was one too many unfortunately appears to be utter brilliance of one or two This is not to definitively say for a wily old manager better yesterday’s man; his reliance on had he changed things when at individuals. In 2002 they had suited to times past. unity, continuity and togetherness three. At that World Cup in Japan/Korea, the ingenuity of Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho took them to a record fifth title. What happens when the production line of exquisite natural talent dries up? And the team becomes reliant on one talent? And that talent falls foul of an industrial challenge? Well, you get utterly – and deservedly – embarrassed on your own patch with the world watching. Brazil, nation of carnival and samba, lack a footballing identity. As incredulous as that statement may seem, it is difficult to argue against it. To define their system or current philosophy is no easy task. This is a national team in decline, and on this showing it will be a long wait until they add a sixth world title. In spite of the above, this is a freakish result – if the tie were to be played again 100 times, Brazil would lose more often than not but surely not by such a grotesque margin. Who, then, is to blame for what must go down Brazil’s coach Luiz Felipe Scolari consoles Brazil’s midfielder Oscar after losing the as their worst ever result? semi-final against Germany. Unfortunately, Luiz Felipe Scolari must shoulder a sizeable
BRAZILIAN micro and small enterprises and individual micro entrepreneurs totaling 43,910 will generate R$ 500 million in revenue, top Brazilian business executive, Luiz Barretto has said. Barretto said in a statement in Rio de Janeiro on Monday that these were companies which participated in the “2014 Project’’. The business executive is the president of the Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Enterprises (Sebrae). He said Sebrae was launched in 2011 to help local businesses capitalise on the 2014 FIFA World Cup to generate R$ 500 million in revenue. “We had expected (small enterprises to generate) half a billion reais. “That mark was surpassed this week and we will present the final balance after the World Cup. It is a success,” said Barretto. “Sebrae ‘scored a lot of goals’ in the tournament and will continue to score after the event. Small businesses won this challenge”. He said Sebrae worked with enterprises which wanted to
WHEN Mesut Ozil evaded the frail Brazilian offside trap in Belo Horizonte, he had the opportunity to help Germany equal their all-time record victory at a World Cup. He missed, Brazil charged down the other end to score, but it mattered little. The camera lingered on the scoreboard as the hosts’ zero flickered to a one, a lonely figure dwarfed by the Germans’ total. 7-1. The Europeans had shamed the hosts in their own backyard. Twelve years ago, Germany recorded their biggest ever win on football’s greatest stage with an 8-0 mauling of Saudi Arabia at Japan/Korea in 2002. It was a contest that saw the Saudis fail to make a single tackle in the opening 45 minutes and one that had startling similarities with Brazil’s capitulation in 2014. In both instances, Germany’s opponents were all too keen to implode – midfielders standing and admiring the quick, intricate play and defenders refusing to make a meaningful challenge. David Luiz put in the most inept display of the tournament, persistently
Group of Death containing Africa and CONCACAF’s strongest representatives in the shape of Ghana and the USA and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal - deposing the latter with consummate ease. Joachim Loew muddled his team selection against Algeria, inexplicably deploying Per Mertesacker in a high line, but the return of Philipp Lahm to right-back against the French aided a commanding victory. And yet it was in the Estadio Mineirao that they delivered their greatest performance – reducing the Brazilians to trying to con penalties and stealing the home fans so that every German pass was greeted with a muted olé. The opposition have proved challenging (at least on paper), and while Germany have benefited from favourable conditions and comparatively short travel, they have survived a treacherous route to the final. Now they have the chance to dispel the belief that European teams can’t triumph in South America and end their 24-year hunt for World Cup glory.
Brazil 2014 World Cup Has Surpassed Revenue Expectations - Official
Champions-Elect Germany Evoke Memories Of Saudi Arabia Mauling racing into the middle of the pitch at the wrong moment, and one that even Saudi defender Ahmed Al Dossari would have been ashamed of. Incredibly, the full-back duo of Marcelo and Maicon were more prominent on the German byline than their own as they exposed Luiz and Dante in what remained of the Brazilian defence. It afforded the floating midfield trio of Ozil, Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller all the space they could desire and, unsurprisingly, they fully capitalised. Ozil and Kroos, derided by some for their start to the tournament, were back to their probing selves, cleverly churning through the phases as Germany bypassed the Brazilian midfield with ease. To their right, everything Mueller touched resulted in chaos. And it was one moment of panic created by the Bayern man’s twinkling feet that yielded Mirsolav Klose’s record-breaking goal – an incredible side note to a
baffling match and a historic haul of 16 that began with a predatory treble against the Saudis in Sapporo. But it was the standout performance of Sami Khedira that will rightly draw the plaudits. His surging runs and sharp passes were the foundations for Germany’s first-half annihilation. He showed more discipline in each individual passage of play than the entire Brazilian midfield showed in 90 minutes. It is no disservice to compare the woeful Brazilian display to that of Saudi Arabia. Kroos, Mueller and Khedira eclipsed their midfield rivals with the same ruthlessness that Bernd Schneider, Carsten Ramelow, Michael Ballack and Dietmar Hamann exhibited in 2002. That team would go onto lose the final against Brazil as Ronaldo helped make amends for the France 98 disappointment. In the teams’ second World Cup encounter in Brazil – a remarkable statistic given Germany and
Brazil’s respective records – there would be no repeat. Belo Horizonte was the setting for surely the most astonishing six minutes in World Cup history, when the scoreboard transformed from 1-0 to an implausible 5-0. It was the latest triumph in Germany’s hugely impressive campaign as they atoned for the 2002 final and proved they are ready to lift the trophy for the first time since Italia 90. This was largely the same Germany side that humiliated England and Argentina in the South Africa knockout stages four years ago, but with the added resilience to avoid semi-final heartbreak. The German despair that greeted Oscar’s last minute consolation was the mark of a team wholly focused on finishing the job on Sunday. Their reaction suggested Brazil had snatched a late winner; in reality it was the smallest of blips. No one can dispute that Germany deserve to win the World Cup. They emerged unscathed from a so-called
capitalise on the opportunities presented by the 2014 World Cup to grow during the event and beyond. Barretto said he had referenced a Rio-based supplier of building materials which, with Sebrae’s assistance, improved its business and earned certifications to provide ramps for the Maracanã Stadium. The entrepreneur won several major construction contacts afterwards. “From the group of enterprises which joined the project for the World Cup, more than 10,000 were still with Sebrae, in the pursuit of continuing education,’’ the Sebrae president said. According to him, with investments from Sebrae, which totalled R$ 90 million in three years, the project gave special focus to businesses in the 12 World Cup host cities. “We emphasised the idea of ??having a legacy; to prepare participating companies not only to profit during the Cup, but to be more competitive, to have a higher quality and for these companies to survive in the market that is increasingly competitive,” said Barretto. “We are confident that these companies which were with us will be more competitive and will survive in the market,” he added. He said small businesses would make a major contribution of not less than R$ 30 billion to boost the World Cup and invariably boost the Brazilian economy. Barretto said this was according to a study by the Economic Research Institute Foundation (FIPE), commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism. FIPE’s projections on the economic impact of the World Cup were based on a study conducted in 2013 on the economic impacts of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013, which added R$ 9.7 billion to the Brazilian GDP. Based on the data, the World Cup was projected to inject three times as much into the Brazilian economy. To calculate the revenue generated by small businesses, Sebrae, in partnership with Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV), mapped nearly 930 business opportunities in the World Cup host cities. It then determined the requirements companies needed to comply with to market their products. The market sectors with the greatest development during the project were the construction, tourism and services sectors.
11 Of The Greatest Sporting Humiliations Ever Seen
HOSTS Brazil suffered their worst World Cup defeat ever when they were crushed 7-1 by North Korea 1-0 Germany in the semi-final in Belo Horizonte. (MATCH REPORT: Australia and Argentina. Italy, 1966 World Cup Twice World Cup BRAZIL 1-7 But the Samoans had winners Italy took on GERMANY) not read the script. To’o It was Brazil’s first Vaega and Sila Vaifale unheralded North Korea home defeat in a scored tries as the Pacific playing in their first competitive match Islanders recorded a huge World Cup in England since 1975 and one of upset and advanced to the with a huge win the most extraordinary knockout stages at the expected for the Europeans. results in the sport’s expense of the Welsh. But Pak Do Ik’s goal history. The result sparked one (THE GREATEST of the great rugby quips: ensured a massive upset HALF AN HOUR IN “Thank heavens Wales and the Asian team went WORLD CUP weren’t playing the whole down in folklore. CRICKET HISTORY?) of Samoa.” Australia thrash Here are some other FOOTBALL sporting humiliations. United States 1-0 England 5-0 to win the BOXING England, 1950 World 2013-14 Ashes England headed to Buster Douglas Cup stuns Mike Tyson, Tokyo 1990 Before the fight, Tyson was unbeaten as a professional and routinely knocked his opponents out in the first round. That all changed 35 seconds into the 10th round when massive underdog Douglas knocked Tyson out for the first time in his career, causing one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. Tyson would never completely recover. He went on to win subsequent fights and even regain the world heavyweight title briefly. But the dominant reign of the man who some thought Buster Douglas stuns Mike Tyson. early in his career England, the sport’s Australia favourites to would be considered founding nation, were win the Ashes again the greatest making their World Cup having easily triumphed heavyweight boxer of debut in 1950 with the 3-0 on home turf only all time was over. part-time United States months earlier, but they in RUGBY side their first opposition unravelled humiliating fashion Wales 13-16 Western in Brazil. Samoa - 1991 World But they were guilty of with players quitting the Cup under-estimating their tour and others retiring Wales, one of the lowly opponents, for before the series was great rugby nations, whom Joe Gaetjens over. The 5-0 loss was only were expected to smash snatched the only goal in third Ashes the Pacific Islanders in a shock 1-0 win that is the their opening World still remembered to day whitewash ever and Cup match at their thanks to the film “The came after emphatic home ground in Cardiff Game of Their Lives” 381-run, 218-run, 150in preparation for which details the match. run, eight-wicket and 281-run defeats. bigger tests against FOOTBALL
Claims Schwarzer
TENNIS Steffi Graf beats Natasha Zvereva in 1988 French Open final Germany’s Graf thrashed Zvereva of the Soviet Union 6-0 6-0 to defend the women’s title in a match that lasted 32 minutes - the shortest final in the Open era. It was the first French Open final in which a player had failed to win a game and the first double bagel in a Grand Slam final since Dorothy Lambert Chambers
defeated D.P. Boothby at Wimbledon in 1911. CYCLING Lance Armstrong backtracks and admits doping The American was in retirement for a second time having won seven Tour de France titles and successfully dismissing continual accusations he had been doping throughout his career. But the Texan was forced to endure the most humiliating of
comedowns when he admitted in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey that he had doped, lied and bullied his way to the top. ICE HOCKEY Miracle on Ice, 1980 Olympics The Soviet Union had won six of the seven previous Olympic gold medals in the sport and were expected to easily roll over a United States team made up of amateur and college players at Lake Placid in New York. But the plucky Americans, led by coach
Herb Brooks, claimed a huge 4-3 upset win and went on to beat Finland to take a shock gold. GOLF Greg Norman tosses away 1996 US Masters The world number one Australian was all set for a fun-filled final round procession having opened up a six-shot lead over England’s Nick Faldo following three brilliant rounds at Augusta National. But the Great White
Shark capitulated in Sunday’s final round as his game deserted him. He could only muster a six-over-par 78 to finish six behind a victorious Faldo in a painful finish watched by millions around the world. Norman never fully recovered from the meltdown and failed to add to his two Major championships wins. NFL Peyton Manning and Broncos crushed in 2014 Superbowl Peyton Manning entered the Superbowl with his Denver Broncos side having just being voted the NFL’s MVP for the fifth time and looking certain to claim a winner’s ring. However, the Seattle Seahawks recorded a 43-8 win - the biggest rout in the championship decider since Denver lost 55-10 to the San Francisco 49ers in 1990. NFL “Broadway Joe” In 1969, Joe Namath and the New York Jets shocked the seemingly invincible Baltimore Colts 16-7 in the Super Bowl, blowing away the notion that the upstart American Football League was a secondclass group when compared to the more established National Football League. Back then, the winners of the AFL played the NFL champion for the title and the first two championship games were won by the NFL’s Green Bay Packers by a combined 70-24 score. The Jets’ victory in the first game officially named the Super Bowl paved the way for the 1970 merger of the two major professional American football leagues
Bayern Reveal Mandzukic Will Join Atletico career at Atletico once all BAYERN Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has revealed that the club have verbally agreed a deal for Mario Mandzukic to join Atletico Madrid this summer for an undisclosed fee. The Spanish champions were in the market for a new striker following the departure of Diego Costa to Chelsea and they have now found their man in
Mario Mandzukic
Markovic Set For Liverpoolpipeline. Medical
LAZAR Markovic is set to have a medical later this week as Liverpool close in on their fourth summer signing. The Reds should secure the 20 million pound deal for the Benfica winger within the next few days, sources have told ESPN FC. Markovic is due on Merseyside to put the finishing touches to the transfer as manager Brendan Rodgers continues to add to his squad with the departure of Luis Suarez pending. The 20-year-old, who moved to Portugal from Partizan Belgrade in June 2013, helped Benfica to last season’s Europa League final — although he missed the defeat against Sevilla in Turin because of suspension. Lazar Markovic scored five goals in 25 games for Benfica last season. Rodgers has brought in three players so far this summer — England internationals Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana from Southampton and Germany Under-21 midfielder Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen — and is looking to strengthen further. A deal worth an initial fee of six million pounds for Lille’s Belgian midfielder Divock Origi is in the
Sanchez
And Liverpool are also still pursuing moves for Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno and Southampton centre-back Dejan Lovren, although they are not close to agreeing a fee for either player. Talks over the proposed 75 million pound sale of Uruguay striker Suarez to Barcelona are continuing, with the sticking point believed to be the structuring of payments rather than the fee itself. Rodgers is also looking to sell goalkeeper Pepe Reina — who spent last season on loan in Serie A at Napoli — but has had no offers so far.
the Croatia international. The 28-year-old had joined Bayern from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2012 and was part of the team that won the treble in 2012-13, while also winning the domestic double last season. Nevertheless, he was deemed surplus to requirements by head coach Pep Guardiola following the arrival of Robert Lewandowski from Borussia Dortmund and will now continue his
formalities are completed. “There is a verbal agreement between Bayern, Atletico Madrid and Mario Mandzukic,” Sammer said at a press conference. “We want to thank Mario Mandzukic for his performances at FC Bayern and wish him all the best for the future.” Mandzukic netted 33 goals in 54 Bundesliga appearances during his two seasons at the Allianz Arena.
WEST Ham have announced the signing of former Charlton midfielder Diego Poyet after the two clubs agreed a compensation package for the teenager. Poyet, 19, becomes the club’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Argentine striker Mauro Zarate, Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and defender Aaron
Cresswell. No financial details were given. The Spanish-born midfielder represented England at under-17 level and was second tier Charlton’s player of the year last season despite not making his debut until January. “It’s massive to come to a Premier League club,” Poyet told the club’s website (www.whufc.com). “I wanted a new challenge and soon as I heard there was a chance of stepping up I had to take it.”
Poyet Joins West Ham
Lazar Markovic
Arsenal Closing In On Sanchez And Debuchy
ARSENAL remain confident of pushing through a £30 million deal for Chile winger Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona and expect to complete the signing of France defender Mathieu Debuchy later this week. Wojciech Szczesny, had their Sanchez is understood to have first pre-season fitness training instructed his representatives to session at London Colney on close negotiations with the Tuesday afternoon, under the Gunners after deciding against watchful eye of assistant offers from both Liverpool and manager Steve Bould, with Juventus. Arsene Wenger still out at the Reports in Spain suggest World Cup on media duty for Barcelona have accepted French TV. Sanchez’s desire to leave and Carl Jenkinson was another head to London rather than put through his paces, and the Anfield, where he could have right-back is expected to face been used as a makeweight in a competition for a starting place potential deal for Luis Suarez. from Debuchy next season with Some of the Arsenal squad, the France international set to including Wales midfielder finalise the formalities of his Aaron Ramsey and goalkeeper £10m switch from Newcastle in the coming days, with suggestions a medical has already been completed. There was positive news from the Gunners camp on Tuesday as Abou Diaby, a long-term injury absentee last season, was able to take part in the fitness sessions and could yet prove an asset for Wenger next season. Barcelona may be getting a little too cocky about signing Luis Suarez from Liverpool, as Spain mourn a legend and Germany mock Brazil. Arsenal’s players will return to pre-season training on a staggered basis following the World Cup - with German trio Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski all out in Brazil for the duration. Despite Wenger not being on site, Arsenal have remained busy in their summer recruitment drive. Defensive cover is needed
following the departure of Bacary Sagna to Manchester City on a free transfer after lifting the FA Cup at Wembley, while goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has joined Swansea. The signing of Sanchez, though, would present another major move by the Gunners, who smashed their transfer record at the end of last year’s summer window to bring in Ozil from Real Madrid. A defensive midfielder is also said to be on Wenger’s wanted list, with Lars Bender at Bayer Leverkusen a long-term target.
Arsenal also released several players at the end of their contracts, including Nicklas Bendtner. The Denmark forward has several options, reported to be both from within the Premier League as well as European sides. Arsenal step up their preseason schedule in New York at the end of the month ahead of hosting the Emirates Cup and the FA Community Shield against Manchester City at Wembley on August 10.
NAPOLI and Swansea are in talks over the transfer of Spanish striker Michu on a season-long loan. Michu has not travelled
with Swansea to the United States for their pre-season tour. Bahia International, the company that represents Michu, confirmed that the clubs are in negotiations with a view to Michu joining Napoli on a one-season loan deal. Michu moved to Swansea from Rayo Vallecano in a £2.2m deal in the summer of 2012 and was the club’s top scorer with 22 goals in his first season.
Diego Poyet
Michu Set For Napoli Loan Move
Michu
The former Celta Vigo star struggled with knee and ankle problems which limited him to just 15 starts in the Premier League in the 2013-14 season. The 28-year-old Michu is under contract with the Swans until 2017. Napoli’s Spanish coach Rafa Benitez is looking to strengthen their attacking line ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign, having finished third in Serie A last season.
2015: Shall We
Ever Get There? GOING by the lessons of history, it is clear that the cane reserved for “Iyale” (the first wife) shall someday be used on “Iyawo” (the new wife). At the very height of the reign of terror in the Second Republic, the Umaru Dikkos of this world employed the police and other security agencies to hound perceived political opponents. In a quick twist of fate, the same security agencies were on hand, in due season, to also pull down the maximum rulers from their exalted positions, to the extent that the hands of the same security agencies were bold enough on the wooden crate in which the same Umaru Dikko was later to be consigned as cargo from England to Nigeria. By 1581, the people of Dutch Netherlands had become totally fed up with the high-handedness of King Philip II of Spain. That was why they foreswore their allegiance to him and established the Dutch Republic. They justified their revolt on the ground that Philip had destroyed their liberties and treated them as slaves. The moral lesson here is that, the moment an administration becomes tyrannical, its subjects have a right to depose it. Indeed, nothing lasts forever, not even a jungle administration! The visible signs of the 2015 war already provide a most frightening glimpse. We must be worried that the presidency is gradually descending into despotism as it has become an army of occupation everywhere, with open assault on our freedom of expression and the press. Eight full months to the war, they have deployed their major arsenals to the various war fronts. In recent times, they have embarked on steps that are purely reminiscent of
the dirty politics of yesteryears. For them, Edo State must be captured by all means and at all costs! The push has started. Being deaf to history, they have retreated to their 1987 position, where their forebears, the NPN, had
after giving them the beating of a life time. The other day, we watched helplessly while Governors Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State were constructively prevented from travelling to Ado-Ekiti,
on orders from above”. His aircraft was also later prevented from flying out of Akure. Oshiomhole’s chopper was prevented from flying out of Benin Airport by soldiers who claimed they were acting on instructions from above. For similar
• President Goodluck Jonathan planned to capture the entire country. As we speak, Edo State is under siege. With the instrumentality of the socalled federal might, a microscopic minatory in the House of Assembly has ousted an overwhelming majority and today, they speak with impunity, about the PDP Speaker and the APC Speaker; the PDP Assembly and APC Assembly. At the weekend, the army of occupation moved into the House of Assembly premises and sacked everyone in sight – both workers of the Assembly and contractors who were engaged in some renovation work –
the Ekiti State Capital to attend a political rally organized by their party, the APC, two days to the election in the State. Amaechi’s plane was allowed to land in Akure but his convoy was intercepted at the boundary between Ekiti and Ondo States by soldiers “who were acting
reasons, the aircraft that took the national leader of the APC, Asiwayi Tinubu, to Akure was equally grounded at the Akure airport, thus preventing him from flying back to Lagos in the aircraft. It is only a fool that would argue with a mad man with a gun. A few days to the Ekiti election, a police
officer threatened to shoot Governor Kayode Fayemi. It was even worse in Benin City, where we saw a rookie with his fingers on the trigger, reigning abuses on the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Uyigue Igbe, and threatening to shoot him. And this was at the premises of Edo State House of Assembly – property of Edo State Government, not the Federal Government’s. A few weeks ago, the army of occupation took over the print media and armed soldiers detained delivery vehicles and confiscated bundles of newspapers across the country on the pretext of searching for bombs or materials for making bombs. Soldiers invaded the vendors’ distribution centres in Abuja and stopped the circulation of newspapers in the Federal Capital Territory, in utter defiance of the constitutional guarantees for free speech, free press and free movement. Everything meets at a point: the greatest foolery comes from doing, even with the greatest dexterity, that which ought not to be done. This shows up in various aspects of our lives. Any wonder that the entire country has been totally consumed by insecurity? By the time we dispatch our police and military personnel to the Houses of Assembly, street corners of state capitals and other innocuous places where they are least required, we would have virtually
nothing to send the Sambisa forest. So, Boko Haram would continue to have a field day. Elsewhere, it is possible to strip the word despot of all ugly connotations. In the age of enlightened despotism, the true despot was the servant of his people, exercising his power solely for their good; and recognizing their welfare as his own. There were two methods by which society was regenerated – one, a slow and laborious method that depended upon the gradual spread of enlightenment until it reached all classes and individuals in society. The second, promising swifter results were set in motion when a wise ruler suddenly embarked on necessary laws for social harmony. An enlightened ruler, provided his powers were adequate, could reorganize and reinvigorate the life of a nation by a few wellreasoned programmes and thus earn the gratitude of his people. The same sun beats the tortoise and its seller. If we must get to 2015, shall we not be interested in having people to rule over when we get there? It cannot be by the oppression, suppression or repression of the citizens. Force may only succeed for a while, not forever. And the tree of liberty shall be watered by the blood of tyrants!
“The same sun beats the tortoise and its seller. If we must get to 2015, shall we not be interested in having people to rule over when we get there? It cannot be by the oppression, suppression or repression of the citizens. Force may only succeed for a while, not forever. And the tree of liberty shall be watered by the blood of tyrants!”
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