Nigerian observer 12 06 2014

THE NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 39 • NO. 011 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 20 14 • N100.00 MOTORING Page 20

Understanding Your Car Battery

Benins set to celebrate return of stolen Artefacts

By ROLAND OSAKUE BENIN CITYIndications have emerged that the Benins are set to celebrate the return of their stolen artefacts.

This is coming as a result of the sustained efforts of the Benin Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa to recover the stolen historical

objects.

The artefacts were carted away by the British invaders in 1897.

The British recently agreed to return the “Ahianmwen-Oro and the Bell” to Benin

Kingdom.

However, the palace of the Benin Monarch has disagreed with the officials of the National Commission for Museums and Continues on page 2

Court restrains suspended Edo lawmakers

By KEN ABU

RELIGION Page 23 Spiritual Wa r f a r e

With whom do you battle?

BENIN CITY - A Benin High Court has restrained the lawmakers suspended on Monday by the Edo State House of Assembly from gaining entrance into the premises of the Assembly and the legislative quarters.

The suspended the Assistant Inspectorlawmakers are Hon. General of Police Zone Festus Ebea, Hon Patrick 5, Benin City and the Osayimwen, Hon Jude Commissioner of Police, Ise-Idehen and Hon Edo State from Friday Ogieriakhi. interfering with the sitting The court also activities and other restrained the functions of the state suspended lawmakers, Assembly pending the

determination of a motion on Notice before it.

Ruling yesterday on a motion exparte brought before it by Rt

Hon Uyi Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly; Hon Phillips Shaibu, Majority Leader, Edo State House of Assembly and the Edo State House of

Assembly, the Claimants / Applicants against Hon. Festus Ebea, Hon Patrick Osayimwen, Hon Jude Ise-Idehen, Hon Friday

Ogieriakhi, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone5, Benin City and Commissioner Continues on page 2

Suspended lawmakers set to procure fake Mace BENIN CITY - There are indications that the suspended lawmakers have perfected arrangement to procure a fake mace from Abuja to try to give legitimacy to

their illegal activities. It was authoritatively gathered that two of the suspended lawmakers are already in Abuja where they are meeting with a minister over the issue.

Movement is a group of like-minded people who believe in delivery of good governance in the country.

Chief Imonikhe who praised the leadership quality of Dr. Ogbemudia explained that the organisation is a rallying point for all people irrespective of political affiliation for the pursuit of good governance.

He pledged the allegiance of the organisation to Dr.

Ogbemudia and stressed that under the guidance of Dr. Ogbemudia, the organisation would decide the political party to back come 2016 after voting for President Goodluck Jonathan in Continues on page 2

Edo Mass Movement launched in Afuze

AFUZE - The Edo Mass Movement, a grassroot organisation has been officially launched in Afuze, Edo North Senatorial District.

The Co-ordinator of the Movement in Edo North, Chief Patrick Imonikhe on the occasion, said the leadership style of the Patron of the organisation, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia should be a model for all politicians in the country.

The Edo Mass

TIT BIT “A man’s needs have always been so demanding that he needed a helping hand from the woman.”

- Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

VISIT: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and His Excellency, Mr. Peter Carter, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria during the latter’s visit to his office in Benin City, yesterday.

Convention: ABUJA - The All Progressives Congress (APC) has debunked speculations of a zoning arrangement ahead of its national convention scheduled for June 12 and June 13.

The Deputy Chairman, National C o n v e n t i o n Committee, Sen. Chris Ngige, made the denial while briefing newsmen at the end of the inauguration of the

Assembly Crisis:

By ADAMS OYIBOKE BENIN CITY - The leadership of the All Progressives Congress APC, Edo State Chapter

APC denies zoning arrangement convention subcommittees on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that the party did not in any way agree to zone any particular position to any region, saying that all members of

the party had equal right to contest. “ We have not zoned any office to anywhere and you know that zoning is a conceptual arrangement, so even

APC blames Police, PDP

has blamed the police and chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party and their members in the House of Assembly for the

political quagmire that occurred yesterday at the state House of Assembly.

Addressing Journalists in Benin Cit, the publicity Secretary of APC,

Comrade Godwin Erahon said “you are aware of what happened yesterday Continues on page 2

if we agree, it will be a sort of gentleman’s agreement. “ Therefore, the party will not deny anybody of his right as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “ Ngige said.

He expressed the party’s determination to conduct free, fair, credible and transparent election that would give APC reliable and Continues on page 2

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

News

Court restrains suspended Edo lawmakers

Continued from page 1 of Police, Edo State who are Defendants / Respondents, Justice V. O Eboreime ordered substituted service of the origination summons on the suspended legislators by advertisement in a national newspaper and a local newspaper within 48 hours.

In a suit B/70/OS/ 2014, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Uyi Igbe and two others had gone to

court to seek “ an order of interim injunction restraining the four Defendants by themselves or agents, assigns, privies or other persons acting for, through or by them from forcibly gaining entrance into the premises and legislative quarters of the Edo State House of Assembly or however interfering with the Sitting activities and other functions of the 3rd Claimants

pending the determination of the Motion on Notice”.

The Applicants also sought an order of substituted service of the originating summons and other processes in the matter on the suspended legislators by advertisement in a national newspaper and a local newspaper.

Justice Eboreime adjourned the case to 23rd June, 2014 for hearing of the Motion on Notice.

APC blames Police, PDP

Continued from page 1 (Tuesday), that in the usual culture of the PDP who believe in lawlessness went straight to the Assembly complex with the support of some policemen attached to some PDP leaders in the state and broke into the chambers of the state House of Assembly.

“We want to believe that the role of those policemen were not authorized by the commissioner of Police or the IG”.

Comrade Erahon said, “what is important is that once policemen acted wrongly in uniform, it is the IG that is held responsible vicariously and therefore, we do not want to totally exempt the police authority from the very notorious burglary role of heir men”.

He added, “today (ie yesterday), we are also aware that at a stage while they refused APC supporters from entering the chamber, they allowed PDP thugs to come in. That, we trust the commissioner of police will be

able to address”.

While recalling the nefarious activities of the 4 APC House members who decamped to PDP some weeks ago, Erahon said “and because they were aware that what they did was an impeachable offence, they rushed to court to seek an order to restrain the authority of the house from impeaching them and from also suspending them”.

He added “because they themselves who have decamped known the consequences of their sin which they have committed, they had already gone to court and so they have lost as far as seeking for the order to restrain their suspension.

“And so, we thank God and we commend our members, the speaker, the majority leader and others who are there in the House of Assembly for their patience and tolerance because they know that this state belongs to APC, they realize the need to maintain peace at all time”.

He noted “the plot by PDP to set confusion in this state

Edo Mass Movement launched in Afuze Continued from page 1 2015.

Other leaders representing the respective local government area in the Senatorial District pledged

their readiness to actualize the goal of the organisation.

Preparations are at an advance stage for the launch of the movement in the Edo South and Central Senatorial Districts.

Benin set to celebrate return of stolen Artefacts

Continued from page 1 Monuments (NCMM) on the appropriate place where the two stolen artifacts would be received on arrival from Britain, apparently creating doubts in the mind of British High Commissioner to Nigeria.

Speculations as to the imminent return of the stolen artifacts however became rife last weekend when the Director General of NCMM, Alhaji Yusuf Abdallah Usman intimated the Chairman, Great Benin Centenary Committee, HRH, Prince Edun Akenzua (MFR), the Enogie of Obazuwa of the determination of Mark Walker, a great grandson of Capt Philip Walker who invaded Benin Kingdom in 1897 to return the items after over 117 years of being in his private custody.

The struggle to reclaim the stolen artifacts had become the concern of the Benins over the years, even as the Federal Government set up the “African Reparation Movement” towards recovering the stolen objects from the country.

Speaking with newsmen in Benin City, HRH, Prince Edun

Akenzua attributed the giant strides to the effort of the Benin Monarch who had worked tirelessly to ensure that all the stolen antiquities were returned to the kingdom.

The royal prince argued that it was an unnecessary controversy for the NCMM boss to state that the two stolen artifacts be received either in Lagos or Abuja by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, a development he disagreed with, stressing that the artifacts be received in Benin City where they were originally stolen, whereupon they will be handed over to the monarch who in turn will hand same to the government.

He said the Benins were prepared to receive the “Ahianmwen-Oro and the Bell” on June 20, 2014, at the Oba palace which is expected to be agog with dignitaries across the country.

It would be recalled that the British invasion of the Benin Kingdom in 1897 led to the looting of significant and expensive artifacts made of bronzes and ivories in the palace of the Oba, which were subsequently taken to Britain and exhibited in world meseums.

which is aimed at ensuring that once they are able to ensure the situation of break down of law and order in the state, straight away they would now seek for a state of emergency, that is their own intention”.

“We thanked God that because our people are tolerant and civilized enough, all that attempt has failed”, he stressed.

The APC Publicity Secretary called on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to call his men to order and assured the people of Edo State that APC and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole will not derail in his bold determination to improve on the welfare of the people, adding that the PDP ruled for 10 years without nothing to show for it.

The Applicants were represented in Court by Gabriel Oladejo, Esq, while Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) represented the suspended lawmakers.

Meanwhile, efforts of the lawmakers of the Edo State House of Assembly to resolve their differences which began early morning yesterday dragging into the later part of the day was however scuttled by the emergence of the court injunction from a Benin High Court barring the suspended 4 lawmakers entrance into the state Assembly and the Legislative quarters.

The suspended four lawmakers include, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Festus Ebea, Hon. Jude Ise-Idehen, Hon. Friday Ogiehiakhi and Hon. Patrick Osayimwen.

Announcing the emergence of the court injunction during plenary yesterday which also barred the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 5 and the Commissioner of Police Edo State, from the premises of state Assembly, the Speaker Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe said that the 4 Lawmakers remained suspended pending the determination of the notice.

However, In a swift reaction, one of the suspended Lawmakers, Hon. Patrick Osayimwen Observed that they have not been officially served a copy of the court injunction restraining them, prompting Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe to adjourn plenary to Monday 16, 2014.

APC denies zoning arrangement

Continued from page 1 responsible leaders.

According to him, the committee has made adequate provision to ensure hitch-free exercise before, during and after the convention. “ APC National Convention Committee is well prepared, as you can see, all the committee members are here and everything is already working out fine. “ Nigerians will see a convention that is transparent.

Democratically elected leaders will emerge to steer the affairs of our party for the next four years.“

The lawmaker noted that the convention would produce leaders who would move the party to the desired level.

He said that many aspirants had obtained forms for different positions in the party.

Ngige said that APC was ready to initiate programmes that would create employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth and make the country attractive to both local and international investors.

Anambra lawmakers want late Akunyili Immortalised

AWKA - The Speaker of Anambra House of Assembly, Mrs. Chinwe Nwaebili yesterday urged the state government to immortalise the former Minister of Information, late Prof. Dora Akunyili.

Nwaebili (APGA Ogbaru 2) made the call during the plenary session on the motion raised by member, representing Anaocha Constituency, Mr Ebele Ejiofor, in Awka.

Ejiofor (APGA Anaocha 1) had urging members to support the immortalisation of the late Akunyili as a distinguished and selfless servant of Nigeria.

He said Akunyili was an internationally renowned pharmacist, erudite scholar, seasoned administrator and a visionary leader who championed the national rebranding campaign, “Nigeria: Good People, Great Nation’’.

The legislator said that she meritoriously served the country in various capacities as the Petroleum Trust Fund member, NAFDAC Director-General and Minister of Information and Communication.

Ejiofor said that Akunyili was among the three delegates representing the state in the

ongoing National Conference.

“In spite of these services rendered, she exhibited accountability, fairness, impartiality, transparency and high level of professionalism in her life time,’’ Ejiofor said.

The motion was supported

by Mr. Tony Muonagor (APC Idemili North), who said that the motion was timely.

Muonagor said the late Akunyili showed high level of patriotism, honesty and transparency during her course of service to the nation.

“In the late Akunyili case, it was proved that honesty pays, her honest life shut her to limelight during Obasanjo’s regime,’’ he said.

Mr Valentine Ayika (PDP Njikoka1), Mrs Rita Maduagwu (APGA Nnewi South 2) and Dr. Emeka Aniebonam (APC Onitsha South), described the deceased as a rare gem and should be immortalised.

They said that her immortalisation was a way of encouraging hard work.

ICPC Re-Arraigns Lawan, Emenalo Fuel subsidy scam:

ABUJA - Alhaji Farouk Lawan, former Chairman, House of Representative Adhoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy, was yesterday rearraigned before the FCT High Court, Abuja, for allegedly obtaining 620,000 dollars bribe money from Mr Femi Otedola.

Joined in the case is Lawan’s secretary, Boniface Emenalo.

Both men are facing a seven-count criminal charge bordering on obtaining 620,000 dollars from an oil magnate, Otedola, in order to doctor the committee’s report in favour of Zenon Oil and Gas Ltd. Lawan and Emenalo were first arraigned before Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi on February. 2, 2013, who was later elevated to the Court of Appeal.

The case was subsequently re-assigned to Justice Adebukola Banjoko.

At resumed re-arraignment, Counsel to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related Offences Commission (ICPC), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), told the court that the case was slated for rearraignment of the accused.

The ICPC alleged that the accused conspired in April 2012 to demand three million dollars gratification from Otedola to remove his firm from the list of oil companies indicted for scam.

Awomolo argued that the offence contravene the

provisions of Section 26 (1) (c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and punishable under Section 8 (1) of the same Act. Emenalo was separately accused in count seven for receiving 120,000 dollars as gratification from Otedola for the same purpose.

The prosecution said the action violates Section 10 (a)(ii) of ICPC Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 10 of the same Act. The accused persons however pleaded not guilty to the charges read to them by the court.

Counsel to Lawan and Emenalo, Mr Omowale Jolawon, urged the court to allow his clients to continue with the N10 million bail granted to each of them and two sureties each in like sum.

In a short ruling, Banjoko, ordered the accused to continue with the bail conditions granted by Justice Oniyangi.

She ordered the accused persons to present their sureties before the court, and adjourned the case until July 7 and 8 for accelerated trial.

Part of the bail term required the accused persons to submit their international passports with the court registrar, and restraint from traveling outside Nigeria without the permission of the court.

Septuagenarian urges Nigerians to be security conscious

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR BENIN CITY - A retired Captain in the Nigerian Army and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AVO – Pogee Security Agencies, Elder Peter Eguavoen has stressed the need for Nigerians to be Security conscious.

He made the remark during a chat with The Nigerian Observer in Benin City, yesterday.

Elder Eguavoen noted that Nigerians at this point should think of what they can do to stabilize the country, especially in the area of security.

He expressed concern over the abduction of over 200 school girls in chibok, Borno state, and urged Northern Leaders to show more commitment in the quest to check the activities

of Boko Haram.

The retired army officer who clocked 70 years on May 21, 2014, cautioned politicians to play by the rules of the “game” so as to avoid unpleasant consequences, adding that actions that could over-heat the polity should be avoided.

He used the opportunity to appeal to members of Edo state House of Assembly to make peace and tranquility their watch word.

Elder Eguavoen also called on the major stakeholders including All P r o g r e s s i v e s Congress(APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to come together and resolve the crisis for the overall interest of the people of the state.

Confab adopts religion C’ttee report after 2 weeks stalemate

AWKA - The Speaker of Anambra House of Assembly, Mrs. Chinwe Nwaebili yesterday urged the state government to immortalise the former Minister of Information, late Prof. Dora Akunyili.

Nwaebili (APGA Ogbaru 2) made the call during the plenary session on the motion raised by member, representing Anaocha Constituency, Mr Ebele Ejiofor, in Awka.

Ejiofor (APGA Anaocha 1) had urging members to support the immortalisation of the late Akunyili as a distinguished and selfless servant of Nigeria.

He said Akunyili was an internationally renowned pharmacist, erudite scholar, seasoned administrator and a visionary leader who championed the national rebranding campaign, “Nigeria: Good People, Great Nation’’.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Inside Edo

Group Advises Edo Lawmakers

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR

BENIN CITY- Members of Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) have been called upon to embrace peace, and resolve their

differences.

The call was made in Benin City, yesterday, by a group known as Edo Youth For Good Governance (E.Y.F.G.G).

The body which spoke through its president, Iyamu Osaro culture, warned political detractors who are bent on causing confusion in the state to refrain from their

plans as no man has monopoly of violence.

According to him, “we wish to once again remind those political detractors that the good people of Edo

6 Medical Doctors Make Personality Almanac BENIN- CITY –To mark the 20th Anniversary of the prestigious Edo/Delta personality Almanac, published yearly by a Benin — based image making outfit, six Medical Doctors have been selected and screened to appear in the 2015 personality Almanac.

Disclosing this to Newsmen in Benin City yesterday, the publisher and Chief Executive Officer, Image makers Organization, Ogbuefi Steve Onwueme stated that the Professor Adeyemi Johnson led screening and selection Committee in a thorough screening exercise and penciled down names of six distinguished Medical Doctors in various Medical institution in the South- South region of the Country and beyond to appear in next year ’s personality Almanac.

They include the first Edo State President of NMA, Dr. Dominic Osaghae, former NMA President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, Dr. Edith KayodeIyasere CMD, Central Hospital Benin adjudged the best Medical Director, Dr. Morrison Edena former Chairman Association of Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Edo State and Dr. Vincent Igbinigie of Mary land Medical Center USA. Meanwhile, only two Civil Commissioners and one Permanent Secretary from Edo State Government will appear in 2015 Edo State Personality Almanac. They are Honourable Clem Agba of the Ministry of Environment, Honourable Abdul .S. Oroh who has transformed Edo Agriculture into modern food house and Mrs. F.E. Ebomoyi Idundun whose humanitarian work while at the women affairs ministry as permanent Secretary for one year without a Commissioner will not be forgotten in a hurry. Their selection were made after a thorough screening.

On the qualities of the screened personalities, Ogbuefi Onwueme explained that the personalities concerned have been found to be worthy in character, learning and quality research as well as developmental strides in their various institutions where they have immensely impacted on the Community.

State are not fools and we are very ready to resist any attempt to subvert the developmental progress currently recorded in the state”.

He urged members of the State House of Assembly to “embrace peace and continue in the way and manner they have been carrying out their legislative functions and duties, as there will be no meaningful development in an atmosphere of conflict and rancor”.

The group admonished the

state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to remain focused in his quest to take Edo State to greater heights as the journey to revive the state is a continuous process.

EYFGG further stated: “we wish to advise the Government of Edo State led

by Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole to embrace and adopt the three (3) key solutions to youth restiveness which are capacity building, wealth creation, and employment / empowerment”.

Council Boss Commissions Solar Electricity Project

By KEHINDE OSAGIEDE

Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State addresses youths protesting against some lewmakers who defected from the All Progressives Congress to the People Democratic Party.

OKADA- Chairman, Ovia North East Local Government Council, Hon. Barr. Lucy Omagbon has

Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) Head of General Administrative, Alhaji Bello El-Nafati, representative of Bauchi State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Umenger and Bauchi State head of Department, voters education and publicity, Alhaji Garuba Muhammed at a workshop on voters educationa for principals of Secondary Schools adn Electoral Officers in Bauchi yesterday.

Orhionmwon Youths Pass Confidence ABUDU- Protesters Vote On Oshiomhole, Igbe numbering above one thousand youths in Orhionmwon Local Government Area have passed a vote of confidence in Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Hon. Uyi Igbe as they steer the ship of the state.

The peaceful protesters said they were at Orhionmwon Council Secretaries Abudu to register their displeasure over the member representing Orhionmwon South Hon. Friday

Ogieriakhi who they alleged has sold the mandate given him by the constituents.

Spokesman for the protesters Mr. Nosa Izekor alleged that the lawmaker defected to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) without due consultation with the constituents of Orhionmwon South.

According to Mr. Nosa Izekor and other protesters who carried placards with various inscriptions, the Orhionmwon South

representative at the Edo State House of Assembly sold his mandate for fifty million naira in total disregard for the wishes of the electorate.

Edmwonyi Netete, on his part, said the present administration under the leadership of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is working well for Orhionmwon council area and the state in general.

Youth, leader Liberty Omoruyi contended that the state government has brought a new lease of life

to Orhionmwon in terms of education, the health sector and the urbanization of Igbanke just as he condemned the activities of the said lawmaker representing Orhionmwon South Constituency.

In his response, the Orhionmwon Council boss Hon. Roland Ibierutomwen promised to forward their grievances to the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as well as the deputy governor, Right Hon. (Dr.) Pius Egberanmwen Odubu.

reassured the people of the locality of her administration’s determination to evenly spread developmental projects to all parts of the council area.

The council boss gave the assurance during the official commissioning of Solar Micro Off –Grid Electricity project at Uniaro community near NIFOR in the council area, yesterday.

Commissioning the alternative power source including borehole project yesterday, Hon. Mrs Omagbon thanked the providers, Community Research and Development Centre (CREDC), ECOWAS Centre, for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREE), and their technical partners Schneider Electric Nigeria for complementing the efforts of government in the area, Mrs. Omagbon described the NGOs as true agents of change and dependable partners in progress.

The council boss who also expressed her administration’s willingness to welcome any development partner to the local government area, promised to execute life enhancing projects in Uniaro Community, saying that needs assessment will soon be carried out with the c o m m u n i t y ’ s representatives involvement in the process.

Meanwhile, over three rural communities in Ovia including Odighi and Ofetebe have benefited from the solar Off-Grid system since 2010.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

News Confab: PPA, NNPP Fault

Rejection Of Increase In Minimum National Health Insurance ABUJA - The National Scheme (NHIS) and called on Wage Chairman, Progressives People the Federal Government to Alliance (PPA), Mr Peter Ameh, faulted the National Conference delegates rejection of increase in minimum wage of civil servants.

He made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

It would be recalled that delegates, last week, rejected a proposal by a delegate, Sergeant Awuse, that minimum wage for public servants be raised from N18, 000 to N40, 000.

Ameh said that rather than rejecting the proposal, the

delegates should have commended the Federal Government for implementing the current minimum wage and suggested ways of enhancing it.

The national chairman said the welfare of Nigerian workers should be protected by all because it was the workers that had kept Nigeria moving ahead.

“Proper housing and transportation schemes should be put in place to better the welfare of workers,” he said.

Ameh, however, lauded the

INEC Warns Against Voters’ Registration By LAFIA- The Independent Proxy National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nasarawa State has urged political parties to educate their followers against registration by proxy ahead of the 2015 general election.

Alhaji Ahmed Makama, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) made the plea in an interview with newsmen in Lafia.

Makama said anyone caught attempting to collect voter’s card by proxy would be punished.

He said the Commission had taken necessary measures to checkmate it.

Makama explained that voters must physically appear with their temporary voter’s card before issuance of the permanent one.

He said that the commission would embark on continuous voter registration to enable those who had turned 18 years to register.

enhance the scheme.

“A healthy workforce is a better nation,” he said.

Also speaking , the National Secretary, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Mr Gilbert Agbo, said the rejection of the increase in minimum wage by some of the delegates was “a setback”.

“It is a setback for people who are supposed to be discussing the future of this country to go uprightly to reject such decision that will be in the interest of the ordinary people,” he said He said that the interest of Nigerians who were members of the workforce should be part of the paramount issues to be discussed at the conference.

“Nigeria has the resources to take care of the needs of her workers,” he said.

A member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Kabiru Ajoto, showing the bullet riddled walls of the state legislative quarters in Benin City on Tuesday.

Political Broadcast: Council Refutes ABUJA- The Nigerian Directive On Clearance Press Council (NPC) has denied giving broadcast stations directives to obtain a 48-hour clearance from it before transmitting live political programmes.

Mr Nnamdi Njemanze, the acting Executive Secretary of the council, made the denial in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The statement said that the council did not issue such directive as reported by a National daily, adding that its purview did not

include oversight of broadcast media and its contents.

It advised the newspaper to always crosscheck its facts before going to press.

“We need to state that factual, accurate, balanced and fair reporting is the ultimate objective of good journalism and the basis of

earning public trust and confidence.”

The statement also urged the newspaper to refrain from publishing inaccurate and misleading information.

It said that the council had demanded for a retraction of “the wrong and misleading information”.

to relate with the press within the permissible democratic channels of the court whenever the need arose.

It expressed concern over the recent stoppage of distribution of some newspapers and harassment of vendors in the country.

According to the statement, the council appreciates the explanation of the Ministry of Defence that the action is due to security challenges in the country.

“We advise that the military

should avoid any action that could cast our democracy in bad light or be misconstrued as muzzling of the press.

The statement, however, appealed to the press to go about its constitutional role of monitoring governance with utmost professionalism.

It advised all parties to exercise restraint and work together to help create the necessary atmosphere for peace and resolution of the country’s security and development challenges.

manufacturing companies, representing 42.68 per cent; 42 Agriculture and AgroAllied companies, representing 10.42 per cent and 40 Oil & Gas companies, representing 9.76 per cent.

“Also, 35 ICT companies were granted PSI, representing 8.53 per cent, 8 Chemical companies, representing 1.92 per cent and 4 Transportation Companies, representing 0.98 per cent,” she said.

Umar explained that the PSI was a fiscal concession, designed by government and backed by law to encourage

and promote industries identified by government as “Priority Areas” and “Growth drivers” of the economy.

She said that over the past two decades, most governments had actively attracted scarce private capital, technology and managerial skills to help achieve their developmental goals.

Umar said that for Nigeria to compete favourably with other countries, it must continue to evolve strategies and develop incentives to attract the much needed private capital for infrastructure development.

... Decries Clampdown On Media

Official commissioning of Solar Micro OffGrid Electricity Project in Uniaro Community near NIFOR. Centre is Chairman, Ovia North-East Local Government Council, Hon. Barr.

(Mrs.) Lucy Omagbon performed the commissioning formalities, while the Uniaro Community head Pa A. A. Edemudia (right) and Mr. Marcel Hochet, Country representative, Schneider Electricity Nigeria look on.

ABUJA- The Nigerian Press Council (NPC) has advised the military authority to avail itself of the services of the ombudsman whenever there was perceived infraction on the part of the press.

This is contained a statement signed by the Acting Executive Secretary of the council, Mr Nnamdi Njemanze, on Monday in Abuja.

It also called on the military

Investment Promotion: RMAFC Calls For Collaboration

ABUJA- The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has urged collaboration among all stakeholders in promoting investment in all critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The Chairman of the Commission, Mr Elias Mbam, made the call in Abuja at an interactive session with a delegation from the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC).

According to him, when all relevant agencies work together, it will fast track the attainment of national development objectives such

as Vision 20-2020 and the Transformation Agenda.

“Nigeria remains an investor ’s haven with numerous opportunities in Oil and Gas, Manufacturing, A g r i c u l t u r e , Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , Chemicals, Transportation and power sectors waiting to be tapped.

“In order to harness these resources, it is necessary for concerted efforts to be made by all relevant stakeholders so as to attract foreign direct investment through the provision of critical infrastructure, legal and regulatory frameworks and tax incentives,” he said.

Mbam said that RMAFC through its economic diversification programme had been forging synergy by bringing all stakeholders together in the quest to create the atmosphere for sustainable investment.

“This will in the long run, turn around Nigeria’s economy, boost its revenue base, create employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths and generally improve the socioeconomic living conditions of the populace.

“We have also met with the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Inland Revenue Service, NNPC and its

subsidiaries and the Central Bank of Nigeria to strategise on how to reduce revenue loss through indiscriminate granting of waivers and tax holidays,” he said.

Mbam appealed to the NIPC to exercise caution and observe due diligence in the granting of Pioneer Status Initiative (PSI) with a view to minimising abuse and reducing consequent revenue loss.

Earlier, the NIPC Executive Secretary, Mrs Saratu Umar, said that NIPC had since inception granted Pioneer Status Incentive (PSI) to 410 companies.

“This comprises of 175

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News Court Rules On ‘No-Case Submission’ June 30 Funsho Williams:

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu (left), in a handshake with the Minister of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance of Cyprus, Ms Emili Anidou, at the 103rd Plenary of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland recently.

LAGOS - A Lagos High Court Judge, Ebenezer Adebajo, has fixed June 30 to rule on a no-case submission by the suspected killers of Funsho Williams, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State in 2003.

The accused are Bulama Kolo, Musa Maina, David Cassidy, Tunani Sonani, Mustapha Kayode and Okponwasa Imariabie.

Reports states that the prosecution had on May 16 closed its case during the trial and the court adjourned the case for the accused to open their

defence.

But at the resumed trial of the case on Monday, the defence counsel, Mr. Agbara Okezie, made a no-case submission before the court, insisting that the accused had no case to answer.

In his application dated May 20, Okezie argued that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against any of the accused.

He submitted that the evidence of the prosecution was at best circumstantial in nature which the court could not rely on.

For a court of law to rely on such evidence, it must be compelling and irresistible, he added.

Okezie urged the court to hold that the prosecution had failed to link any of the accused to the murder of Funsho Williams, saying “there has been no legally admissible evidence against the defendants.’’

Citing Section 243 of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, Okezie urged the court to discharge and acquit the accused in the absence of a prima facie case against them.

In her response, the prosecutor from the State Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Mrs Idowu Alakija, urged the court to dismiss the no-case submission.

Murder: Court Remands Elder (Captain) Peter Eguavoen (rtd) Avo-Pogee Security Agencies Ltd cutting his 70th birthday cake on May 21, 2014 at New Convenant Gospel Church, Benin City.

Sexual Starvation: Woman IBADAN - An Ibadan Customary Court sitting at Mapo has dissolved the eight-year-old marriage between one David Omodiminiyi and his wife, Nike, over complaints of sexual starvation and loneliness made by the latter.

The court presided over by Mr Henry Agbaje held that it was forced to take the decision of ending the relationship due to the irreconcilable differences.

Agbaje said all attempts to pacify Nike not to quit the marriage through out of court settlement failed.

He also referred to Omodiminiyi’s testimony in which he said he made efforts at reapproachment, all to no avail. “ I hereby put an end to the union between both of you henceforth.

“Omodiminiyi shall be paying a monthly feeding allowance of N5, 000 for the upkeep of the two children,’’ Agbaje stated.

Nike had earlier narrated her ordeal, saying Omodiminiyi had turned her to an “unused spare tyre’’ in her matrimonial home.

“He had married a first wife before I got married to him and he is giving her all the sexual satisfaction. “ I can no longer endure the loneliness and sexual starvation.

Quits Marriage

LAGOS - An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded five commercial motorcyclists in Ikoyi Prisons, charged with murder of two policemen.

The accused: Samuel Joshua, 23, Yakubu Abdullahi, 26, Ibrahim Leman, 40, Ali Buba, 23, and Lawal Audu, 50, are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, murder, malicious damage and riot.

The Magistrate, Miss Y.B. Badejo-Okusanya, said the accused should be reminded in prison, pending an advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.

Reports states that the court, did not take the plea of the accused.

The Prosecutor, Cpl. Cyriacus Osuji, told the court that the crime was committed on May 20 at about 12.45 p.m. at Festac Town, Lagos.

He said that 13 policemen from the Rapid Response Squad, attached to Area E Police Command, Festac Town, Lagos, were on a raid in the area.

“ He doesn’t need me; he is just helping to waste my life away.

Though I have two children for him, I am determined to move

on,’’ she said.

But Omodiminiyi, who argued that he didn’t abandon her, said: “I have done all I could to satisfy

and pacify her, but she has remained adamant.’’

LAGOS - A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced a man, Glory Sunday, to one year imprisonment without an option of fine for trafficking in hard drug.

Sunday, 18, had at his arraignment on April 16

pleaded guilty to drug trafficking.

Prosecutor Orji Kalu had told the court that the accused committed the offence on Nov. 18, 2013.

Kalu said the accused was caught by some officials of the National Drug Law

Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at a shrine in Agidingbi area of Lagos with 300 gramme of hemp.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Monday, Mr Okechukwu Mambo, an Exhibit Keeper with NDLEA, testified against the accused.

Mambo told the court that the accused was brought to him with some substance suspected to be hemp.

He said the accused confirmed that the substance was recovered from him.

Mambo said that a test was carried out on the substance and

court that Alao committed the offences with others still at large sometime in April at Mayfair Estate, Ajah in Lekki.

He said the native doctor collected N3million from one Mr Raimi Oluwaseyi under the guise of giving him spiritual protection.

The prosecutor said the accused had on April 8 at Ijabi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, also collected 116,000 dollars (N19.1million) from Oluwaseyi and one King

David Orji on the pretext of protecting them spiritually.

“The native doctor gave the complainants a substance to drink for spiritual protection and directed that it should be consumed at a residence in Lagos.

“Orji and Oluwaseyi drank the substance which turned out to be an acid,’’ Odugbo said.

According to Odugbo, the complainants had to travel abroad to seek urgent medical attention for internal injuries

they received.

He said the offences contravened Sections 228(2), 312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

Reports state that Section 228 (2) recommends life imprisonment for attempted murder.

The Magistrate, Mrs. O. Olanipekun, granted the native doctor bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned to June 30 for mention.

Cyclist

“The policemen went with a truck and they seized motorcycles from the riders.

“The commercial motorcyclists got angry and attacked the policemen with weapons such as planks, stones, bottles and cutlasses.

“Two policemen were beaten to death with the weapons while Insp.

Akintoye Bashiru and Cpl. Endurance Akwumabo.

“They were rushed to Lagos State Teaching Hospital, Lagos where they were confirmed dead,” Osuji said.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 45, 221, 231 and 337 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

Section 221 provides that subject to the provisions of any other law, a person who commits the offence of murder shall be sentenced to death.

The magistrate adjourned the case until July 14 for mention.

Man, 18, Jailed For Drug Trafficking

Native Doctor Charged With N21.1m Fraud

LAGOS - A 45-year-old native doctor, Jamiu Alao, was charged with defrauding two men of N21.1 million and attempted murder at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

Jamiu, who lives at IjebuOde, Ogun, is facing charges of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences and attempted murder.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

But the prosecutor, Cpl. Innocent Odugbo, told the

it was confirmed to be hemp.

He said the sample of the substance was also taken to a forensic expert for further clarification.

The exhibit keeper said he came across the statement of the accused, the bulk of the drug substance, certificate of test analysis, parking of substance form and request for scientific aid form.

The prosecutor tendered the exhibits in court and they were admitted in evidence.

Reports state that the accused, who was not represented by a counsel, asked for leniency, promising not to indulge in such illicit business again.

Justice Musa Kurya, however, sentenced the accused as charged and ordered that the drug should be destroyed within 30 days, if no appeal was filed.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

South-West Job Creation Panacea To Crime -Police

BY BETTY IDIALU

Benin Zonal director NTA Benin, Mrs. Paulin Igbanor (right) presenting a copy of her address to Dr. S. O. Ogbemudia during the visit by management of NTA Benin. Photo: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY.

WARRI –The Warri Area Commander, ACP, Rabiu Hussaini has called on Government at all levels to create jobs for youths as this is the panacea for eradicating crime in the society.

Speaking with journalists at the Warri Area Command ACP Rabiu Hussaini said when youths are gainfully employed, their minds will be taken away from crime and any form of criminality.

According to Hussaini, the rate of kidnapping within the Warri Area Command has drastically reduced to its barest minimum.

On the growing rate of car snatching in Warri and its environs, the WarricArea Commander confirmed that

NDE Trains 300 Graduates

CALABAR- The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has said that its Graduates Attachment Programme (GAP) had trained 300 graduates in Cross River from inception in 2006 to date.

The Coordinator of the directorate in the state, Mr Edem Duke, announced the figure at the orientation/sensitisation workshop for stakeholders for 20 GAP beneficiaries in Calabar.

“It is on record that over 300 beneficiaries have passed through this programme in Cross River since its inception in 2006.

“It is also noteworthy that some successes have been recorded on the issue of retention of outstanding graduates of this scheme by employers of labour.

“And it is my fervent hope that this current set will surpass this record,’’ Duke said.

He cautioned the beneficiaries against acts capable of tarnishing their image and rubbishing the

scheme.

“I wish to warn that you are expected not to do anything that will undermine the objectives of the places of your assignment,’’ the coordinator said.

According to him, GAP was designed to develop in the unemployed graduates of tertiary institutions a positive attitudinal change, with the view to enhancing their employability.

Duke said the attitude of the graduates would reinforce the

employers’ confidence with the hope of offering them permanent employment.

“This orientation, therefore, becomes imperative as an avenue of positioning the GAP participants to maximise this unique opportunity,’’ the coordinator said.

He announced that two participants had been dropped for failing to attend the orientation workshop without any reason.

Mrs Magdalene Agibe, urged the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of the scheme.

Agibe said the state government was doing everything possible to ensure that its citizens were adequately represented in terms of employment.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Gift Oqua, thanked NDE for the opportunity and promised that they would not disappoint it.

Promote Exports, Shippers Boss Urges Government PORT HARCOURT-Mr Offon Udofia, the President of Rivers/Bayelsa Shippers Association (RIBASA), urged the Federal Government to engender programmes that would encourage export of Nigerian goods.

Udofia made the call in an

interview newsmen in Port Harcourt.

According to him, any economy that de-emphasises imports has the potential of growing above poverty level.

He said that exports would

Foundation Offers Free Surgery

Facial Deformity: LAFIA- No fewer than 35 persons in Nasarawa State have so far received free surgical services from Cleft and Facial Deformity Foundation .

The Director of the Foundation, Dr Seidu Bello, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Lafia at the official opening of the exercise at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH), Lafia.

He said the exercise was the 11th edition of free surgical services by the Foundation, aimed at bringing succour to the poor and the underprivileged.

Bello said “the surgical festival is designed to bring succour to Nigerians who, for

Speaking, the South-South NDE Zonal Coordinator, Mr Joseph Ekpenyong, charged the participants to take the scheme seriously by exhibiting attitudinal change in their area of posting.

Ekpenyong said that their success would be determined by their behaviour, saying it was a rare opportunity.

The Special Assistant to Gov. Liyel Imoke on Job Placement,

there had been lot of cases adding that prompt reporting of such cases of car snatching has helped the police in recording tremendous success as most of the cars snatched are being recovered.

The police boss therefore called on the general public to be weary of people offering to sell cars to them at ridiculously low prices as against what obtains in the open market as they could be stolen cars. He called on buyers of second hand vehicles to make adequate inquiry before purchasing such vehicles warning that both the buyer and the seller are guilty of the same offence.

The Warri Area Commander also warned also panel beaters and spray painters who indulge in changing the colour or stolen vehicles to desist from such criminal acts calling on them to promptly report suspected vehicles to the police,making particular reference to a Toyota Highlander jeep snatched in Warri and traced to Kaduna after the mechanic that was to repair it alerted the police leading to the arrest of the robbers.

On part of measures to be taken to stem the incidences of car snatching, the police chief advised vehicle of owners to take advantage of car tracking device as according to Rabiu when car tracking device is installed in vehicles it helps to track and locate the vehicles in the event of snatching or theft.

no fault of theirs, are suffering from facial deformities.’’

He added that most sufferers were unable to access surgical solutions due to ignorance, poverty, inaccessible healthcare and cultural beliefs, saying the Foundation had operated on 354 patients across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger and Nasarawa states.

He noted that “according to available facts, government alone cannot address the enormous challenges of providing healthcare services to the Nigerian populace.’’

He, therefore, stressed the need for genuine private initiative to complement

government’s efforts in meeting the health requirements of the citizenry.

He said he had been unhappy over the situation in the country where interventions in the area of cleft and facial deformities was left in the hands of foreign-based nongovernmental organisations.

He said such organisations are no longer keen in coming to the country due to the current security challenges.

The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr Emmanuel Akaabe, who commended the Foundation for the free service, however, urged it to carry out the exercise on quarterly basis.

reduce the pressure on the Naira and increase the nation’s foreign exchange earnings to the advantage of the economy.

“Cashew fruits and nuts are cash crops which if well harnessed and exported will bring much money for the

country.

“Even kolanuts and bitter kola has the potential of turning around our economy because it has various medicinal uses,’’ the RIBASA boss said.

Udofia also noted that it was imperative to engage exports more than imports, saying that it was necessary for the growth of the nation’s

economy.

“We have so much run our economy on imports, what it is left now is for us to import even drinking water,’’ he said.

The president, however, commended the Federal Government for its efforts at promoting export policies but said that such policies should be pursued aggressively.

The President, Edo Youths For Good Governance (EYFGG) JC Iyamu Osaro Culture, (right), addressing journalists in Benin City yesterday while Hon. Idehen Omoregie Collins looks on. Photo: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY.

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Lagos Estate Agent Arraigned For Defrauding Customer LAGOS - The Police has arraigned Adebayo Adio, an acclaimed estate agent at the Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding Kamal Ramon of his N180,000 meant for payment of accommodation fee.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Francesca Okere, told the court that the offence was committed on May 18, at about 11:30 a.m., in Apongbon, Lagos Island.

She submitted that Adio obtained the money from Ramon, under the pretext that he was going to get him a mini-flat

as accommodation for one-anda-half-years.

Okere said, “Adio collected the said money, which was meant for one-and-a-half-year’s rent payment, but failed to provide a flat for the complainant,” she said.

According to her, the offences contravened Sections 312 (1) (a) and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The reports say that the Section prescribes a 15-year jail term for anyone found guilty of the offence of obtaining by false pretences.

AGOA Not Beneficial To Nigeria -NACCIMA LAGOS – Dr. John Osemede, Director-General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said Nigeria was yet to maximise opportunities in the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Osemede, who said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, added that Nigeria had not benefitted from existing trade agreements with other countries due to its infrastructural deficit and lack of protection for local industries.

According to him, majority of Nigerian non-oil exports have been rejected because they have failed to meet required standards.

“What is the agreement on the WTO agreement? What is the agreement on ECOWAS? Why are countries using VAT - 5 per cent, 10 per cent, 20 per cent - to protect their infant industries?

Who is protecting the infant industries? That was when the problem started.

“So people can now take our produce, they determine what to take, the quantity to take, the price to pay, but in the first republic it was not like that because we had laboratories.

“Cocoa laboratory was in Lagos, cocoa laboratory was in Akure, but today those things are not there, even the labs and all that we have here are only certified for import; that is why we are now working for other people.`` Osemede urged the Federal

Government to establish laboratories that would ensure that exportable goods met the required international standards.

He also called for the establishment of a functional commodity board and commodity exchanges, to moderate the demand and supply of commodities.

“One, is to have a sampling laboratory that if there is any issue, even if you have to go to the International Court of Justice or anywhere, that lab will be the first port of call.

“Two, we need a commodity board, which will now regulate supply and demand, price, quantity and quality; there’s what we call compliance; there’s what we call standardisation.

“Then we have commodity exchanges, so that the demand and supply, and we now know where to maintain the equilibrium.

“Failure to do that, whether AGOA is extended for 20 years, we will continue to work for other people.

“We are the number one producer of cassava in the world, why are we importing starch?

We were producing 27 per cent of the world’s total palm oil requirement in the first republic, today we produce 1 per cent of the world requirement.`` Osemede said that Nigeria would benefit more from AGOA if the programme was expanded to include more agricultural products for which Nigeria had comparative advantage.

2015 Governorship: LAGOS - Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, has indicated his intention to contest governorship election in 2015.

“I have called on God concerning my ambition and He has given me the “I have not come here to formally declare my ambition to be governor of Lagos State, what I am doing is to inform you of my intention.

“When the time comes, I will do so and the whole of Lagos State will know,” he said at an interactive session with staff of the House.

The newsmen reports say that Ikuforiji, who is from Epe in Lagos East Senatorial District,

-

The accused person, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.

On his part, the accused person filed a bail application, praying the court to grant his request to attend proceedings from his home.

He further said that the allegation was bailable, adding that “in fact, there is no evidence connecting me to the crime that I am accused of”.

The presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Olaitan Ajayi, therefore, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000, with two responsible sureties in like sum.

The matter was then adjourned till July 3, for continuation.

L-R: Lagos Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa and Senior Special Assistant to Lagos Governor on Transport Educaton, Dr. Mariam Masha, at the Finals of “Be Road Friendly” Competition in Lagos on Tuesday.

Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa (1st Left), Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos (3rd right), Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye (right) and winners of the finals of “Be Road Friendly” Competition in Lagos on Tuesday.

Use Internet Positively, Stakeholders Advise Youths LAGOS - Stakeholders in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry has urged youth to make positive use of the internet.

The stakeholders gave the advice at a two-day 2014 Nigeria

Internet Governance Forum (NIGF), organised by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) in Lagos.

The newsmen reports say that the theme of the forum was: “Harnessing Multi-Stakeholders Framework for Internet

I have God’s Approval Lagos

emerged speaker for the second run in 2011 from Ikeja state constituency.

Mr Akinwumi Ambode, a onetime State Accountant-General also from Epe, has been “endorsed” by the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, as the “anointed candidate” to succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola.

Akiolu spoke at the launch of Ambode’s biography at Victoria Island, Lagos.

It was also reports that APC has maintained that the governorship slot is still open to

Speaker all aspirants.

Ikuforiji said he would actualise his ambition using the platform of his party — the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The speaker added that he had also “consulted widely” with stakeholders in the polity including opinion leaders and his colleagues in the House of Assembly.

“I have consulted widely with the stakeholders ... opinion leaders and my colleagues in the house,” newsmen quotes Ikuforiji as saying.

On his scorecard as the speaker in the last eight years, Ikuforiji said he had succeeded in establishing a virile legislature and promised to build a state where people would be happy if elected.

He, however, commended the management and staff of the house for what he called their professionalism and sense of duty.

Ikuforiji also acknowledged their support and for standing by him to develop the legislative arm of government.

He urged them to strive to raise the bar in a bid to make the state legislature an exemplary one.

Governance and Economic Growth”.

Prof. Cleopas Angaye, a Consultant on Child Online Protection (COP) and Cyber Security, said the internet had its good, bad and ugly sides.

Angaye, a former DirectorGeneral of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said the internet’s good side included research, which facilitated critical thinking and arguments on the multiple sides of an issue.

“It has its bad side such as getting destructive ideas, posting personal information and communicating with unknown individuals.

“The ugly side of the internet includes pornography, identity theft, cyber bullying, predators, gossiping, lying, deceit and terrorism,” he said.

According to him, Nigerian youths should embrace the good side of the internet for their development and the economic growth of the country.

He said the internet was a

global information technology network which had developed more quickly than any other technology.

Angaye said the internet provided people with opportunities and additional skills that would allow them secure employment.

Mrs. Nneka Nwakanma, the African Regional Coordinator for Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI), urged youths to be outstanding in the use of the internet.

Nwakanma said the internet connection in Nigeria was too expensive for youths to toy with.

“Let us use the internet to build ourselves. Let us not use it to create negativity for ourselves and Nigeria,’’ she said.

Mr. Lanre Ajayi, the President of the Association of Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), said there was the need for Nigerians to be updated on the knowledge of the internet.

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Abuja SURE-P Spends N280bn -Chairman

ABUJA -Retired Gen. Martin Agwai, Chairman, Subsidy ReInvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), said N280 billion had been spent out of N360 billion allocated to the programme since inception.

He made this disclosure in an interview with State House correspondents at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan.

Agwai, however, said that N80 billion was rolled over out of the total allocation of N360 billion between 2012 and 2014.

“Out of the N360 billion that was allocated to us, we rolled over N80 billion, so we spent about N280 within the period.

“That was what we used to get the East-West road to where it is today; the rail line running from Kano to Lagos and all the works that have been done.

“So, you can imagine if the over N1 trillion that was spent on subsidy is released for this kind of work, Nigeria will get the best of services,’’ he said.

The SURE-P chairman explained that the money was rolled over due to a strict accounting procedure in place for the purpose of credibility.

“We rolled over money not because we wanted to do that.

We have a system on the ground and processes that you have to go through before you can access our funds.

“We have a template of what you need to do before you can access our money. If you do not do it, you cannot get our money for credibility purposes.

“You must meet all the guidelines and we also must inspect all the projects and be

satisfied that they have been done currently within the contractual agreements before our money is given out,’’ he said.

According to him, the Maternal Health Care (MHC) component of SURE-P has contributed to reduction of the country’s maternal mortality rate by 60 per cent.

He said under the MHC component of the programme, over half a million women gave birth “under professionally organised midwives which was not the case in the past’’.

The chairman said that 500 health centres had so far been upgraded, while upgrade work was ongoing on another 700 centres under MHC.

Theft

Transcorp Hilton Chef Arraigned

President Goodluck Jonathan(right) introducing members of his cabinet to the visiting President Mamnoon Hassain of Pakistan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.

Bilateral meeting between Nigeria and Pakistan during the visit of President Mamnoon Hassain of Pakistan to Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday.

Embrace Adult Literacy, Director Urges FCT Councils

ABUJA - Alhaji Musa Yakubu, Director, FCT Agency for Mass Education, has called on the FCT area councils to embrace literacy programmes at the grassroots to achieve the MDGs goal two.

Yakubu made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

He said it became imperative for them to encourage their subjects to embrace literacy programme as most of the FCT grass roots populace could not read and write.

Newsmen report that goal two is achieving universal primary education with the deadline in 2015.

He said the agency, with 582 centres in the six councils, had the mandate to provide literacy to those who did not have the opportunity to access formal education in their early life.

“Most of these centres are in the six area councils; it will be good if the chairmen will encourage their people to embrace the non formal education or mass literacy.

“It is our mandate to make sure that every adult is literate, including youths that are out of schools; our time table is not rigid for them to be discouraged.

“We want everybody to be educated because we want to

achieve the MDGs goal 2015 deadline,’’ he said.

However, he said that the mandates did not go beyond training and giving basic education to adults and the youth

that were far above the primary school age.

“These are the categories we can train, but for those who are out of schools and they are

within primary school age, they are being handled by the Universal Basic Education (UBE),’’ he said.

According to him, some of the

programmes the agency is running include basic literacy, post literacy, women programme, and girl child education.

Mothers, Children To Enjoy Free Healthcare

ABUJA - The FCT Primary Health Care Development Board has declared free health care services for mothers and children in the territory and urged parents to take advantage of the opportunity.

The free health services would be available at all public health facilities in the territory from June 9 to June 12, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Secretary of the board said.

Mohammed made the announcement at a news conference in Abuja in commemoration of the maternal, newborn and child health week.

He said the programme, which covers children aged 12 months to 59 months, was aimed at facilitating efforts toward reducing newborn and child mortality in the FCT. “During the week, the

following services would be given free in all government health centres of the FCT — health education and complementary food as well as demonstration and distribution of sachets oral rehydration therapy, he said.

Others are “de-worming

tablets for children, vitamin A supplement (vitamin A is offered to increase the immunity and to improve eye sight.)

“Women will have free HIV and AIDS counselling, family planning, immunisation and other services,’’ Mohammed

said.

He said there would be no door to door immunisation and urged parents to take their children to any health care centre to receive immunisation.

The reports say that the theme of the year’s Maternal, Newborn and!àild Health is ‘A package of Care for a healthy family”.

ABUJA - The police has rearraigned a former Chef of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Wenike Wisdom, 26, in a Senior Magistrates’ Court in Wuse Zone 2, for stealing seven packets of milk.

He is also being tried for allegedly stealing oil and some eggs.

Wisdom is charged with three counts of criminal trespass, impersonation and theft.

The reports say that Wisdom was first arraigned before a Magistrate, Mr. Aminu Eri, on April 13.

But the case was transferred to another Magistrate, Mrs Folashade Oyekan, because Magistrate Eri had retired.

Arraiging Wisdom before Magistrate Oyejan, the prosecutor, Cpl. Emmanuel Adikwu, told the court that Mr. Daniel Mensuk of Transcorp Hilton, Maitama, Abuja, lodged a report at the Maitama Police Station.

He said that when Mensuk and his team were on patrol in the hotel, they caught the accused trespassing into the Night Club, wearing an apron, pretending to be member of staff.

Adikwe alleged that the accused entered the “Fulani bar” and stole seven packets of milk, three Tuna Chucks, three Kiwi fruits, an undisclosed quantity of ostrich oil and some eggs.

He said the accused ran away immediately he sighted those on patrol but he was later arrested by the police.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened sections 348, 132 and 287 of the Penal Code.

If convicted, the accused is liable to five years in prison or a fine.

Magistrate Oyekan admitted him to bail for N100,000 with two sureties.

She ordered that the surety must be a civil servant not below GL 07 and that a photocopy of his/her appointment letter or the last promotion letter must be submitted to court registrar.

Oyekan ordered that the surety must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction.

She adjourned the case until June 26 for further hearing.

Accuse Issued 14 Dud Cheques - Witness

N9.4m Fraud:

ABUJA - A prosecution witness, Mr Ben Abah, has told an FCT High Court that an accused, Ngozi Ibeka, allegedly issued 14 dud cheques to his company, Stallion Nigeria Limited.

The EFCC arraigned Ibeka, Managing Director of Em-Lette on Feb. 13, on 14 counts bordering on issuing dud cheques and breach of trust.

Specifically, the EFCC alleged

that the accused issued 14 dud cheques to Stallion Nigeria Limited in payment of the rice supplied to her company between 2010 and 2013.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Mrs. Tomwell Sorae, Abah alleged that some of the cheques were first issued in 2010 when the goods were given to the

accused.

Abah said upon reaching the bank to cash the cheques, they bounced due to insufficient funds.

“After the cheques bounced, we tried to reach the accused person but all our efforts proved abortive.

“The accused later resurfaced

in 2013 and ordered some rice worth N5 million and it was given to her.

“The accused issued some cheques which were also rejected due to insufficient funds,” he said.

According to the witness, the 14 cheques are written in the name of Stallion Nigeria Limited and Popular Food Limited, a subsidiary of the company.

THE NIGERIAN

10

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Business + Economy L-R: Representative of the IGP, Mr. Atiku Kafur, Ambassador of Norway, Mr. Rolph Ree, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Dauda Toure, Regional Director of UNESCO, Prof.

Hassan Alidou and representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Hassan Abdullahi, at the launch of a training manual on promoting culture of peace in Nigeria through intercultural dialogue and education, in Abuja on Tuesday.

FG

Pledges

GUSAU - The Minister of Envrionment, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam, has pledged to tackle desertification in Zamfara through the implementation of the Great Green Wall (GGW) Project.

Mallam gave the assurance when she paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Kabir Danbaba, on Monday.

She said that her team was in the state on an advocacy visit to create awareness on the project whic is aimed at combating desertification.

“We are in the state to see how far the Federal Ministry of Environment has gone with the fight against desertification.

change by 50 kobo to close at N167 as against N167.50 recorded on Friday, June 6.

It remained stable at the parallel market closing at N167, the same price at which it sold last week.

The naira also traded at N260.02 to the pounds on Monday at the official

To

Tackle

“Federal Government knows about the negative effects of desertification and is working hard to address it.

“The government has set aside a substantial amount of money to fight desertification in the state and the frontline states affected by the challenge.

“Other frontline states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Yobe.”

The minister, however, said that the project could not be achieved without peace and unity.

She, therefore, urged the state government to

market, a gain of 19 kobo, as against N260.21 on June 6.

It remained stable against the pounds at the bureau de change and the parallel markets during the first trading day of the new week.

The naira traded at N283 to the pounds at the bureau de change and N285 at the

Desertification collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

Responding, Danbaba told his guests that desertification had been a threat to the people of the state.

The emir commended the Federal Government for its timely intervention in addressing the problem.

“We are happy that the ministry is concerned about the plight of our people and we will cooperate with you to sustain the project,” he said.

The reports say that as part of the implementation of the project, over 75,000 trees have been planted in two local government areas of the state.

Senate Assures Of Judicious Use

parallel market.

At the official market, the naira against the Euro appreciated by 88 kobo to N210.63, compared with N211.51 it sold on June 6.

The naira also appreciated at the bureau de change against the Euro, selling at N235 compared with N237.43 at which it sold at the close of business last week.

The currency was also relatively stable at the parallel market on Monday as it traded at N235 to the Euro.

ABUJA - The Senate committee on Aviation has pledged to ensure proper use of the 500-milliondollar loan obtained by the Federal Government from China for the completion of ongoing airport projects nationwide.

Sen. Hope Uzodinma (PDP-Imo), Chairman of the committee, gave assurance on Monday in Abuja at a meeting with the supervising Minister of Aviation, Mr. Samuel Ortom, and relevant stakeholders in the aviation sector.

Uzodinma said that the loan was given to the ministry to enhance execution and completion of airport terminals.

He said the counterpart funding of 100 million dollars by the Federal Government had been made available so that the 500 million dollar loan would be effective for the execution of the project.

According to him, the ministry has a seven-year pay back plan for the loan and is expected to generate the money once the airports are functional.

MINNA - The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Niger State said that it had commenced the training of 50 school leavers in agricultural skills, to make them self-reliant.

Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, the state Coordinator of the Directorate, who spoke with journalists in Minna, said the training which commenced on June 2, 2014, would last for three months.

It said the participants were drawn from the 25 local government areas.

Mohammed said the training was going on at the Agricultural Skills Training Centre in Kuta, Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.

He said it was being done under the Rural Agricultural Development Training Scheme.

Mohammed said the training would expose the unemployed school leavers to

Naira Appreciates Against Major Currencies

LAGOS - The naira appreciated against the major currencies at the official and parallel markets in Lagos, told newsmen.

At the official market, the naira opened at N155.15 to the dollar, compared with N155.23 or a gain of 80 kobo, it traded on Friday, June 6.

The currency also appreciated against the dollar at the bureau de

Aviation Loan

He said that the repayment plan would begin from July 2014, adding that the committee would take necessary legislative steps to boost the transformation in the sector.

Uzodinma commended the Federal Government for executing the airport terminal projects in Port Harcourt, Kano, Lagos and Abuja.

The senator said the loan would close the funding gap towards the completion of the projects.

“The committee will ensure the projects are executed according to plans so that at the end, Nigerians will have value for their money,”Uzodinma said.

It would be recalled that Nigeria signed a 500 million dollar loan agreement with the Chinese Government for the construction of four new international airport terminals.

The terminals are to be located in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano.

This was part of the agreements reached in Beijing when President Goodluck Jonathan visited China.

NDE Trains 50 School leavers

the rudiments of modern agricultural practices.

He said the participants were being trained in livestock production, aquaculture, agro-service and farm mechanization, food processing, preservation and packaging.

He said that the training period included one month tutorial classes and practical demonstration and two months demonstration attachment programme.

Reinstate Tree Planting Campaign, NGO Urges Govt

Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr. Joseph Golwa (left), with the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, at the launch of a training manual on promoting culture of Peace in Nigeria through Intercultural Dialogue and Education, in Abuja on Tuesday.

GOMBE - Society for Restoration of Nature, an NGO, has advised Federal and state governments to restore annual tree planting campaign in the country.

Mr. Abdullahi Inuwa, the Gombe State Chairman of the society, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Gombe on Monday.

He said that this would help in protecting the environment from gully and sheet erosion, among other natural disasters.

“The government should restore the good tradition of annual tree planting campaign but in a different

way, in such a way that it will help and assist our people in many ways.”

He also called on the government to construct more drainage systems and stop people from constructing houses or shops on water ways, to avoid flooding.

The chairman stressed the need for the government to take practical steps on the disposal and transportation of waste in the country.

Abdullahi said that this would promote good hygiene in the society to protect the people from the risk of contacting diseases.

THE NIGERIAN

11

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Child Health And You HAEMOGLOBIN is the oxygen carrying pigment of the red blood cell (RRC). It is on record that about 300,000 children are born with sickle cell disease (SCD) world-wide every year.

The most common form of sickle cell disease is identified in AfricanAmerica. In normal and abnormal haemoglobin. two sets of identical polypeptide chains make up the globin. The structure of the glohin chains, like all, protein is genetically controlled.

The globin chain is made up of 2 alpha chains and 2 Beta chains. The difference is usually in the B chain. Haemoglobin S differs from Hb A by the substitution of valine, a neutral amino acid at position 6 in the Beta chain.

In sickler, Haemoglobin S (HbS) is 9 0 - 1 0 0 % .

Haemologlobin F may be slightly elevated.

What is sickle cell disease: Sickle cell disease, also called sickle cell anaemia is a problem that causes faulty haemoglobin in the red cells. Normal red blood cells are discs-like in shape and very flexible.

In children who have sickle cell, some red blood cells can change shape so that they look like sickles or crescent moons. Because of the shape, they do not move well through the smallest blood vessels, this can stop or slow down the rate at which the blood move thus, causing less oxygen to reach these areas. The sickle cell also dies earlier than normal blood cells, which can cause a

shortage of red blood cells in the body. Sickle is a word derived from the tool of a former used in harvesting crops. Under the microscope, the sickler’s red blood cells (RBCs) is ‘Sickled shaped’ while normal red blood cell is round or Biconcave in shape or structure.

Who is a Sickler? A child is said to be a sickler, when he or she inherits HbS and S. or S and C. or C and C or any other abnormal Genotype from both parents. Such a child usually falls sick every now and then. Note: A child born to parents who both have the sickle cell trait (AS) but not the disease has a 25% chance of getting sickle cell disease child for every pregnancy, while a child born to one parent with sickle cell disease (Rb SS) and one who has the Hb S trait has 50% ,chance of having sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait.

Mode of inheritance What happens to red blood cells in sickle cell diseases and what problem can this cause When the red blood cells of children who have sickle cell disease, do not get enough oxygen. these cells change shape. They become longer and curved, some people think they look like the blade of a cutting tool called a “sickle” Sickle cells can get stuck in the blood vessels and keep blood from reaching parts of the body. This causes pain and can damage the body’s internal organs.

Blocked blood vessels in the arms, legs, chest or abdomen can cause

Sickle Cell Anaemia

By B.C. OGBOGHODO

strong pain. Children who have sickle cell disease might get more infections because their spleen is damaged by sickle cells (One of the spleen’s main jobs is to protect the body against infections). Sickle cells block blood flow to organs, causing pain and other problems, this

risk of stroke, your doctor will talk with you about the use of regular blood transfusion. If your child has weakness in the arm or leg. has slurred speech, refuses to walk, or has unusual behavior, it may be a sign of a stroke; take him or her to the doctor

condition is known as ‘sickle cell crisis,” or a ‘pain crisis”. Blocked blood vessels in the brain can cause a stroke. This can cause brain cells to die.

Strokes affect about I in every 10 children who have sickle cell disease.

Your doctor can do a special test to see if your child is at risk of a stroke.

If your child is 2 years or older, you should ask your doctor if the test is needed.

If the test shows a higher

immediately.

What are the conditions (or signs) commonly seen in sicklers?

A sickler having frequent crisis may be noticed to have the following conditions or signs such as Swelling of hands and feet (handfeet syndrome), Fever, Aches and pain, Loss of appetite, leanness, nausea.

Vomiting, D i z z i n e s s ,

“When the red blood cells of children who have sickle cell disease, do not get enough oxygen. these cells change shape. They become longer and curved, some people think they look like the blade of a cutting tool called a “sickle” Sickle cells can get stuck in the blood vessels and keep blood from reaching parts of the body.”

Breathlessness and palpitation.

Others include Swelling/loss of any function of some parts of the body, Insomnia (sleeplessness), Jaundice (recurrent yellow eye or skin).

Necrosis of any area that is impaired of oxygenated blood (Leg ulcers)Respiratory tract infection/inflammation

syndrome, Gastrointestinal tract upset symptom, Pathological fracture of head of femur, Delayed menstruation (girls), Stunted growth, Defiant nature. Liver/ spleen enlargement, Feeling of resentment, Disturbance in academic program because of crisis Laiy attitude, Constipation, Stroke, Urinary tract infection, Sexually transmitted Disease Symptom (STD).

Erection of the penis that won’t go away, Trouble in hearing or seeing, Headache, Joint, stomach, chest, Muscle pain or limping.

Note: Some sicklers are so blessed that they may not manifest or experience some of these conditions in their life

time. All these symptoms/ signs are: Classified oppression from the Devil (John 10 versus 10) God is able to make all Grace Abound toward them.

Can sickle cell diseases be cured? The answer is usually no. sickle cell anaemia does not have any cure but it can be properly managed and the child can live a

normal life. Born marrow transplant can cure the disease in a small number of children.

Mrs. B. C. Ogboghodo Research Fellow II, Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.

‘CHILD HEALTH AND YOU’, a Weekly Thursday Feature, is a collaborative initiative between the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, and the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Benin City.

Comments on this page should be forwarded to The Editor, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, Benn City or Director, Institute of Child Health University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.

THE NIGERIAN

12 THE violation of women’s rights both at the national and domestic strata have become burning and vexatious issues. What we find happening in this country as regards the denial to women of certain privileges and rights, much more pervades other nations of the world to some varying degree and extent. In some countries women are never heard but they are only seen and are not offered opportunities to make their contributions to national growth and development.

THE refrain has always been that we are in a male dominated society and as such the dominance is carried over to other sectors of life, where it becomes very obvious that the male-folks are always in the position to wield power and control. However, the tendency to keep women at the background in most societies is derived from the tradition and custom of old in predominantly medieval communities where women are consigned to basic task of up-keeping of the home and the rearing and bearing of children.

AGAIN, there is the perceived social and environmental factors that women are not endowed with equal natural abilities seen against the superiority and innate physical attributes of man, which makes him the stronger sex while the women are regarded as the weaker sex.

WHILE it is still in contention that women are spiritually more gifted than the men, there are however, certain, religious practices in traditional religion, Christianity and Islam and many other faith-exercising beliefs where women are barred from priestly role for reasons peculiar to those faith.

OVER the years however, women have risen to these challenges to combat and eliminate these practices and to elevate womanhood to the pedestal of dignity and to take their pride of place in society.

THESE situations have also given rise to such concepts as women liberation and women empowerment to such extent it appears that there has been an attempt to rewrite the English language to make it reflect the sense of womanhood were such words as “Chairman”

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014 THE NIGERIAN

Advancing Political Rights Of Women and “mankind” are facing the challenges of some etymologists and lexical experts to make them lose their male connotations.

WHILE the war to institute the female privilege and the sense of womanhood in the language sector is a continuing one, there are still other areas of human endeavour where our womenfolk are carrying on the battle. It is a matter of fact, that women more often than not now concern themselves with issues such as the problem of development, female health reproductive issues, prostitution, trafficking in women, wife-battering and the political participation of women in the affairs of state.

FOR instance, a study by the population reference bureau, “conveying concerns: women write on Reproductive Health,” indicate that the global community is beginning to recognize a crucial, yet long overlooked piece of development puzzle. The study states that the ideas and participation of women are essential for planning appropriate, comprehensive and effective development programs.

A DEVELOPMENT effort of particular significance to women, it says is the design of reproductive health policies and programmes to meet the needs of all women, at different stages in their reproductive lives, from different socio economic setting, of different religious and cultural backgrounds.

IT also noted that efforts in the past to provide women. reproductive health services seemed to have been implanted without fully understanding the needs and sensitivities of the women they were to serve, following ‘which many women and women’s group became disillusioned with the

development process.

HOWEVER, “the increasing problem that women face in our world is that of discrimination which is occasioned by traditional practices in all ramifications, even discrimination in office places and in appointments. In effect, no matter how highly placed a woman might be in respect of achievements and in office; her status is still low because of male chauvinism and its dominating characteristics not to regard a woman’s profile as worth anything not even by men who may have achieved less.

WOMEN’s standing has risen dramatically in recent times due mainly to their efforts and that of the international community and many nongovernmental organizations who insist on the rights and privileges which not only they should take from society but what the constitutions and codes of human freedom had also conferred on them.

IN this regard a number of international decisions which have helped to legitimize the rights and privileges of women include the 1952 convention on the political rights of women, the 1979 convention on the political rights of women, the 1979 convention on the elimination of Discrimination ‘Against Women and the 1995 Beijing Conference, China, sponsored by the Untied Nations. It was the fourth world conference on women with 189 governments and 2,600 non-governmental groups in attendance.

RESOLUTIONS at the conference agreed to a set of strategic objectives and action including efforts to advance the role of women in politics and environment stewardship.

BESIDES, the Commonwealth has also been committed to the problem of gender inequality and presented plan of action at the Beijing Conference as well as an update to it in 1997.

AT this point, we the women groups yearning for improvements in women conditions nationally and globally to pursue the course relentlessly and not give up. Further, we implore the Nigerian government and other nations globally to address the socio-cultural factors that hinder women from the realization of their full potentials.

THE NIGERIAN

13

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

View Point I find it extremely difficult to classify the on-going conflict in Nigeria. Could it be a war, a civil war, a guerrilla warfare or insurgency? The answer think will depend on whom you ask. The 2014 May Day bomb blast that occurred in our metropolis was just one too many. The attack was the latest in a spate of terrorists’ attacks on our nation. It was indeed a black May Day for Nigeria. Our security men should pledge that from hence forth there will be no more bomb blast in Abuja, Nigeria’s number one city.

The tumultuous years of our civil war still linger in the memories of most Nigerians.

Nigeria is experiencing a lot of security challenges like the recent wave of bombings in Abuja. Nigeria has to contend also with armed robberies, kidnappings and to crown it all, the recent mass abduction of well over 200 innocent school girls by Boko Haram in the North East of the country to name but a few.

It is high time we realised that if any part of the country is bombed, it is the whole country that is bombed. I vividly remember the tremendous amount of positive response from all over Nigeria to the flood victims of 2012, when the river Niger over flowed its banks. That should be the spirit whenever disaster strikes any part of the country — the spirit of oneness. It demonstrated the degree of our love for one another, It therefore behoves on us all to rise and condemn in strong terms the mass abduction of well over 200 innocent school girls and the recent bombings in Abuja our beloved Federal Capital City.

In order to fore-stall further attacks, security should be improved not only in schools but also in public buildings, churches, mosques, airports, sea ports, motor parks, markets etc.

The incessant terrorists attacks on our nation has become very worrisome for me and other well meaning Nigerians. Security is never the sole responsibility of our security men, but also the

responsibility of every patriotic citizen. Therefore all hands must be on deck to rid our country of terrorists.

Nigerians must be more security conscious now than ever before. Those who would tear this country down we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security we will support you. It is unimaginable the plight of the parents of the well over 200 abducted innocent school girls. I know the abductors of the school girls are having a sense of impending doom.

Terrorists should know that they spark the wrath of all peace loving nations whenever they attack anywhere on the globe. It is possible some foreign nationals could also be victims of bomb blasts in Nigeria because bombs are no respecter of persons or things. This is the more reason why the international community should act in unison when retaliation is appropriate after a terrorist attack anywhere in the world.

Nigeria would be fighting a lost battle if she did not seek the assistance of the outside world. In order to cut off arms supply lines to the insurgents, Nigeria must sign a joint military border patrol pact with all neighbouring countries like Chad, Niger, Cameroun etc. The terrorists must be fought on land, sea and air. There should be air surveillance, but no air strikes for fear that our abducted daughters might be hit, because we want them back home safe and well. The difficult terrain the school girls are alleged to have been taken to should be diligently searched.

It is often said that it is better to deal with a problem early than to wait until it gets worse i.e. a stitch in time saves nine. Our security men should be proactive. They should be re-trained and retrained to detect and defuse bombs before they explode to wreck havoc on innocent people. They should be able to nip insurgency in the bud.

Security should be stepped up in parts of the country prone to attack by Boko Haram. In order to fore-stall or fight

Whither

By OSAGIEDE OGBORO

terror in future in Nigeria the Police must as a mater of urgency treble its strength of anti-terrorist squad and their them in a crash course.

The mass abduction or kidnapping of the well over 200 innocent school girls in Chibok is a crime against humanity and has therefore

the situation that the daughters of Boko Haram were the ones abducted. What would they have done in the circumstances? The answer again depends on whom you ask. All nations here vehemently appeal to the captors of the over 200 innocent school girls to

Nigeria? completely ridiculous and no responsible government would accede to it. Although it is possible for a swap of prisoners for prisoners which is logical but not of prisoners for innocent school girls.

Who on earth would broker such a deal? The answer depends on whom you ask.

May Allah touch the hearts and minds of Boko Haram to

justice be thy plea consider this that in ,the course of justice none of us should see salvation; we do pray for mercy; And that same prayer doth teach us all to render the deeds of mercy...” Boko Haram hear our plea and set our daughters free unconditionally and unhurt.

Pray for God’s mercy as you set the girls free

release the school girls now without pre-condition.

The captors of the school girls should please temper justice with mercy. Here I come and I plead “The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.

Upon the place beneath: It is twice blessed; it blesseth him that gives and him that takes, it is mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes the throned monarch better than his crown; His sceptre shows the force of a temporal power; the attribute to owe and majesty; wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy is above this sceptred sway; It is enthroned in the heart of kings, it is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God’s. When mercy seasons justice. Therefore jews (Boko Haram) though

unconditionally and unhurt.

Lord have mercy on us all Amen.

The Bible says in 1 Chr. 15: 3-4 “For a long time Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest and without law, but when in their trouble they turned to Him, the Lord of Israel and sought him. He was found by them” Nigerians must as a matter of urgency turn to God for help in their fight against insurgency. It is often said that with God all things are possible. There is no problem without a solution. God in his infinite goodness will bring the insurgency in Nigeria to a dramatic end. The situation in Nigeria calls for a declaration of a three-day nationwide fasting and prayers. Lord hear our prayers. Long live our gracious President and Long Live Nigeria.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

outraged the world and attracted global reaction. The civilized world should therefore quickly come to our aid. It is completely unreasonable for a handful of people (Boko Haram) to hold the whole world to ransom.

It is hoped that the civilized world will not fail us.

The golden rule says: “Do onto others as you would them do onto you”. If only the whole world could adhere to this short piece of advice, the world would have been very peaceful. Now, let us reverse

please release them forth with unconditionally and unhurt because heinous crimes of this kind have always cried to heaven for vengeance. The abduction of the daughters of Chibok is surely beyond paid on.

Little did Boko Haram know that their capture on April 14, 2014 of innocent and perhaps virgin school girls of Chibok would attract international attention. Boko Haram now calls for a swap of the school girls for Boko Haram’s prisoners. This is

“Little did Boko Haram know that their capture on April 14, 2014 of innocent and perhaps virgin school girls of Chibok would attract international attention. Boko Haram now calls for a swap of the school girls for Boko Haram’s prisoners. This is completely ridiculous and no responsible government would accede to it.”

THE NIGERIAN

14

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Ajuwaya EVERYTHING that has a beginning, must surely have an end. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2013 batch ‘B’ started last year, June 2013 and is due to end this year, June 2014.

Passing out Parade is the completion of youth service by corps members and is a day that all corps members have been waiting for. It is a day all out-going corps members will be issued their NYSC certificate in all the states of the federation. However, there will be no passing out parade for 2013 batch ‘B’ corps members due to some logistic reasons.

As today serves as a free and independence day for all 2013 batch “B” corps members, some are happy because they are finally leaving NYSC ‘imprisonment and the unconducive environment they have been staying in for a year just because of the need to serve their father land, while some are so sad because they are going to miss corpers’ life which comes just once in a life time.

NYSC orientation course is one of the life experiences every Nigerian graduate must observed. Corps members passing-out yearly have diverse experiences; some with good and memorable ones, while some with bad and unforgettable experiences. In getting these experiences from corps members serving in Edo state, a random survey was taken by AJUWAYA reporters of The NIGERIAN Observer, where corps members serving in Oredo Local Government Area of Benin City shared their experiences in the questionnaires issued to them.

According to Mba Priscilla Ngozi, a graduate of Auchi Polytechnic and an indigene of Enugu state, with NYSC state code number ED/13B/0447, she said “if there is anything I ever desired from childhood it is the NYSC ‘khaki’. I so much admired them whenever they are fully kitted. But little did I know that people undergo stress during their service year.

From the school clearance to the camp clearance, everything was really stressful for me.

Camp life was a boring one, shocker sanitation if you have never lived in shared accommodation before. I was really furious about the situation on camp, but there is nothing I could do, so I faced the music for like two weeks.

The third week on camp I was infected with a skin disease which did not go down well with me. After the camp

sickness and stress, my PPA was so peaceful. I worked diligently with them throughout my service year and it was really a great experience.

Thanks to God for seeing me through my service year”.

Here is the view of Chukwudi John Paul, a graduate of Abia state polytechnic, an indigene of Imo state with state code number ED/13B/1112, he said, “to be sincere, life is not a bed of roses. Service to the nation is not easy, but with the grace of God, I am a conqueror.

Service is a good experience and at least, it trains you for the battle ahead. My experience is broad because serving is a major role of education in Nigeria, meeting with people from various ethnic groups, languages and religions, people from various parts of the country. I served as the Corps Liaison Officer, (C.L.O) Oredo local government. As an officer that liaises between corps members and the NYSC staff, it was a memorable one and I will cherish it for the rest of my life. Serving as the leader of corps members has exposed me in my career and I am happy to be a corps member” In the same vein, Alabi Adekunle Elijah, a graduate of Osun state polytechnic, indigene of Oyo state with state code number ED/13B/0497 said, “it was nice and I give glory to Almighty God for seeing me through during the course of this compulsory National Youth Service Corps’ programme. If not for God where will I be? God I thank you ooo! The service year is nice because am able to meet different people with different character. I want to appreciate my parent, friends, NYSC officers, my PPA staff and others for making this service year enjoyable and pleasurable for me and above all, I give thanks to my saviour once more”.

Similarly, Erukubami Omolade, a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, an indigene of Ondo State with state code number ED/13B/ 1756 made more emphasis on the experience he was able to gather from his PPA and his CDS. “The service year has been so great and all thanks to God almighty who preserve my life and that of my fellow batch ‘B’ corps members’ lives.

Experience gathered during the course of my stay in Benin City, The Nigerian Observer to be precise, is highly immeasurable. The scheme has helped in building my

Tales Of ‘B’ Corps Members

Youth Corps Experience:

Batch knowledge on how to interact properly with different ethics group in every spheres of life.

The knowledge gained from my PPA, down to my CDS group, will help to prepare me for jobs or businesses that will eventually lighten my future and that of my prospective family. In a nutshell, the service year is an experience that I will always cherish because it will continue to linger in my memory due to the significance its bestowed. It also deserves to be a memorable experience because of the good and great tidings

wonderful experience.

Meeting people from different tribes, background, characteristic and personalities, yet together as a corps members we put aside our differences just to achieve this goal of patriotism, unity and teamwork. I really enjoyed serving in my PPA (The NIGERIAN OBSERVER), the entire staff and management bathed us with warmth and hospitality that it felt like home away from home

service year,” she commented.

According to Nwafor Vincent, an indigene of Enugu state he also said, “the NYSC scheme has exposed me in many areas of life. The experience has been enormous.

I must say I enjoyed every minute of the service year in Edo state. The most memorable of all is the skill acquisition was so colorful and helpful. The state in general has been peaceful and

with both men and women, married or single, it also taught me to understand my country, Nigeria, as a great nation, that can never be trampled upon because we are strong as a nation and we can never be divided,” he said.

With the above experiences by different corps members from different states, background and tribes, it is a known fact that the NYSC scheme is an orientation program that has helped in educating an average Nigerian youth, both at home or in

gained from it”, he said.

Serving the fatherland is a rare opportunity that needs to be cherished all through one’s life on earth. The NYSC program is a period where corps members integrate with their fellow corps members and the host communities they are posted to, which eventually bring about unity and development to the nation as a whole.

Eze Nnenna Ada, a graduate of University of Maiduguri, indigene of Abia state with state code number ED/13B/ 2048, shared her experience in this manner. “It was a

and I wish to say thank you very much. How wonderful it felt like carrying out my primary assignment with the most amazing corps members posted to my PPA, there was a sense of belonging that it felt like family. I truly will miss them.

The immediate community, the neighbor, the people’s norms and value, beliefs and way of life were all captivating and educating. The NYSC officials and everything that make up the NYSC body in Edo sate has been a memorable one. Above all, I return all the glory to God almighty for a successful

accommodating. I enjoyed my service year”.

Finally, according to Fasanya O. Opeyemi, a graduate of Lagos State Polytechnic, an indigene of Ogun state with sate code number ED/13B/ 1472 also added his remarkable experience. “I give God the glory because He is worthy to be praise. Service experience is a long story to tell. My place of primary assignment is a place where corps members are been used 24/7. They believe corps members are to work throughout their service year, no rest, no public holiday, no Saturday or Sunday. But all things been equal, they trained me to endure with any condition or weather. In addition, My CDS group taught me what I knew but not put to practice. With my participation at the CDS group, I learnt how to appreciate man and God, and how to interact

Diaspora that, Nigeria is our home, experiences are being learnt through the NYSC scheme, knowledge is also shared during course of serving the nation, and all these unique features obtained will eventually lead to the development of the country and at the same time, continue to unified or unite its citizens against any form of terrorism.

So therefore, the NYSC experience is something that you can never dream to miss in your life for it is something that need to be experienced by all. NYSC is a second teacher in life time that teaches and guide people on what to become after their service year and above all, how to interact and relate with different ethnics, tribes and religious in the country, Nigeria. Best wishes to all the 2013 batch B corps members, may favour never depart from you.

By LATEEFAT O. MOSHOOD

“The service year has been so great and all thanks to God almighty who preserve my life and that of my fellow batch ‘B’ corps members’ lives. Experience gathered during the course of my stay in Benin City, The Nigerian Observer to be precise, is highly immeasurable.”

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Historical

Afegbua District Head Of Okpella (1845-1954) Intelligent And Diligent - Prof Imogie

SPEAKING in 1953, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulmaliki Afegbua (OBE), District Head of Okpella said “I am the only child born by my mother. I am grateful to Almighty Allah that I have been blessed with many children. People will envy the growth and progress of my family but if they fear God and love one another they will ever prosper and overcome any difficulties that may come their way.

The unity of my family shall be a base for the unity of Okpella clan because there will be no kindred in okpella that will not be represented in my family by way of blood relations”.

This prophetic statement was again demonstrated as the Afegbua Royal Family recently gathered in okpella for the 60 th Memorial anniversary of Alhaji Abdulmaliki Afegbua.

This year anniversary was unique not only in terms of large attendance from the political class, the academia, notable industrialists, the media and a host of others, but the presentation of a memorial lecture by erudite scholar, Pro. Abraham Inanoya Imogie.

Prof. Imogie, former Minister of Education and Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin in the memorial lecture entitled H.R.H, Alhaji Abdulmalik Afegbua Asekomhe (The man and his achievements) argued in the most brilliant manner, that okpella had always remained strategic from the colonial to modern political administrations.

He pointed out that okpella served as the first administrative headquarter of Kukuruku Division until it was moved to Fugar in 1919. he revealed that Okpella District comprised of okpella clan, Ibie clan, Atte clan, Oja, Ojirami, Dagbala and Ososo.

Prof. Imogie said that Afegbua rose to fame was based on sheer determination, intelligence and diligence and a genuine spirit of patriotism. These he maintained, enabled him to embark on aggressive transformation of okpella, long before the relevant transformation agenda of the Jonathan led administration in Nigeria.

His effort in this regard was rewarded with the

By JAMES ROY

establishment of schools, road, health centres, law courts and a central market at Okugbe. The former Education Minister further revealed that Afegbua encouraged a secular society built on justice, peace and equity.

To this end he argued that even though Afegbua

Province in 1906. In 1920 he was made District Head (DH) of Okpella and he attended the Calabar exhibition in 1927.

Following the dissolution of the District Head system by the British, Afegbua and Sado jointly ruled

In the same year Afegbua performed holy pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina and was the first Muslim traditional ruler to do so in the then Western Nigeria.

With these monumental achievements in the colonial period Prof.

Imogie stressed the need for the people to make

His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulmaliki Afegbua

was a devout Muslim, he established the first church in Okpella. He also promoted all aspects of okpella culture.

Born in 1845, Afegbua was appointed court member in Kabba Division in Northern

“Afegbua was indeed a paragon of wisdom, tact, diplomacy, a lover of peace, an astute administrator, whose quest for development is unparalleled in okpella history. He died bequeathing a befitting legacy for students of history, politics, religion and philosophy.”

okpella between 1937 and 1952 when chief Sado died.

While Afegbua was crowned the Onekhaifona of Okpella after the performance of Alilia ceremony in 1942, he was awarded a certificate of honour of King George V of England in 1947.

Oba Akenzua II, the Oba of Benin visited Afegbua in 1953 and he was awarded coronation medal by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England.

and leave okpella better than thy have met it.

He decried a situation where there is no standard hospital, bank, good schools and other social facilities. He added that there is low presence of okpella indigenes in federal and State Civil Service and the judiciary stressing that everybody is a leader but nobody is the leader.

He suggested that okpella should establish a foundation in memory of Afegbua for the building of human and physical

projects.

In a brief remark, All peoples Congress APC Chieftain, Prince Abdulmalik Afegbua who corroborated Prof.

Imogie said that as a grand he lived with Chief Afegbua. He said that he taught the children the very essence of unity noting that this had made the family pacesetters in okpella and beyond.

“We are reaping the generosity and good life of Afegbua and are trying to finish what he started in the socio-economic and political life of the people of Okpella”, he said”.

The Executive Chairman Etsako East Local Government Council, Hon. Abdulmalik Suleiman Afegbua also attributed the large number of crowd in this year anniversary to the honour and legacy which the family strive to maintain.

While this year anniversary has been held in the most colourful manner, the memory will continue to linger on especially as it was a rally point for the people from the nooks and crannies of okpella.

Afegbua was indeed a paragon of wisdom, tact, diplomacy, a lover of peace, an astute administrator, whose quest for development is unparalleled in okpella history.

He died bequeathing a befitting legacy for students of history, politics, religion and philosophy.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Media Contemporary Issues In Broadcasting INTEREST IN THE GAME SPORTS casting need interest, energy capacity and enthusiasm always to be able to carry out the job. There must be intense interest the sports caster has developed in the game or sports. There is nothing worse than an indifferent or apathetic sports reporter.

He must by all means of enthusiasm reflect the same excitement and appreciation for the action as the fans. Such excitement does not mean the shouting or screaming by the fans until the transmitter explodes, but be upbeat and involved.

He should maintain certain balance and perspective by exhibiting a joy for the game.

A healthy respect for the sport needs to come through whether it is football, baseball, basketball, cricket or hockey. Yes, a voracious sports caster’s appetite for sports information must exist. The sports voice professional dress not just leave the game when it is over and forget about it. He continues to ‘lives’ athletics by listening to and watching other sports broadcasts, reading athletics books, newspaper and magazines and talking to insiders.

The Game Voice As in every area of broadcast voice performance (announcer for sports casters) voice quality is a factor. A good voice as we have said, severally in this book is always a plus, even if, you don’t have to have a real voice boomer to get a job of broadcaster. It takes a while to develop your voice and the more you work on it, then it gets the best quality. Definitely a sports or broadcast person must possess a good strong voice. The voice does not actually necessarily need to be really deep or very resonant even though these are needed things that are marketable, but they should not be too strong for the game.

However, situations sometimes occur in tournament play where a sportscaster must call several games in row, sometimes during the same day or evening. If a voice is not strong enough it would not hold up such a kind of pressure and strain, but what it wants is to be pleasant to the car.

It is very important that the sportscaster learn how to effectively use his voice in order to maximize his natural voice.

The Word Game Work power is the ability to turn a phrase in a colourful imaginative way. This is very necessary in sports announcing in radio and TV. In play-toplay, the sports caster is really dealing with words in variety of languages and forms. The sports announcer must have the ability to speak the English

By OSAYAWANBO ERO language fluently. He must possess a strong repertoire of relevant adjectives in our stock in trade because sports involved so many descriptions and you must know how to use them.

The announcer must have a good knowledge of vocabulary and descriptive terms, which are integral to any game calling and not just sports terms either.

A wide understanding of the English language is required. You must try to have a deep well of words, quotes, terms and phrases where to draw from, and this will make you a heck of a lot more interesting to listen to.

The Plan of The Game Sports reporting or sports caster or sports announcer requires an agile mind, a person who is able to think quickly on his or her feet and the ability to think spontaneously as things happen fast in the field.

Many things happen and any thing can happen which the sports announcer can deal with on the sport without putting the audience on hold while he collects his impression.

He got to be there with the starts, insights and observations on the spot taking with him the listeners and viewers keeping them informed without losing control.

To provide the audience with comprehensive coverage, requires a system which means that onair sports caster should keep some type of running note on any game covered. This unlike print reporter’s note, it allows the sports announcer to spot trends. Not that it is easy to write and at the same time speak, but in the long run, it is very helpful for any sports caster doing this system.

It is also very important that a sports caster should report the score of the contest at a regular intervals, though this is less important on television when graphics can convey information, but very essential in radio. It is unfair to wait for more than two minutes on radio before giving the score of any game covered. The radio must be talking and be fast too, taking along the right track.

Know your score sheets and know ahead of time what you are going to do, in all possible situations Anticipate, keep your play-by-play organized by making it easy for the listeners to know where the ball or puck is. Keep the game flowing. Avoid herkyjerky broadcasting which creates an atmosphere of uncertainly.

Preparing for Sports Reporting

“It is also very important that a sports caster should report the score of the contest at a regular intervals, though this is less important on television when graphics can convey information, but very essential in radio. It is unfair to wait for more than two minutes on radio before giving the score of any game covered. The radio must be talking and be fast too, taking along the right track.”

Repor Sports voice performance position are obtained through careful planning and preparation. This means pre-college involvement in both broadcasting and athletics such as: (i) Watching game on television and listening to them on radio

(x or (x sem Ta edu

(ii) Analyzing what they are saying and how they said it. (iii) Pick out pluses and minuses and develop your own criteria. (iv) Watch all kinds of sports both local, national, international and major network. (v) Emulate good qualities in top sports casters. (vi) Participate and be involved in all sports, learn about each one. (vii) Cultivate skills by getting cassette recorder or tape recorder and practice sports event on playby-play system. (viii) Listen attentively to the cassette recorder and take note yourself (ix) Critique yourself (x) Be an imaginary air on yourself and do the game using names of players. (xi) Cover local sports and practice on your own.

This will help in countless ways. (xii) Become a sports historian by knowing what happened to teams years ago subscribe to sports newspapers and magazines, read sports pages record the game on VCR, rewind them after game and listen to them. (xiii) Learn about players, their names, local teams and sports regulations

M D I tha rep mu ga pr inf be tim co W als ne tim sta ne las co an ap B yo sta ma

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Media

Preparing For Sports rting :

xiv) Store facts and statistical data in your cassettes VCR and computer xv) Be educated and attend to sports casters minars or college to be educated in theory of sports. ake classes in variety of subjects including physical ucation, sociology, psychology, literature, law and

Maths courses.

Do’s and Don’ts in Sports Reporting It is the consencious of sports across the world at preparation is the number one “Do”. Sports porters, announcer’s commentators or casters ust do their home work. If he or she comes into a ame unprepared he/she will fail or give weak esentation. Make sure you have all the relevant formation and know the coaches and players efore the game begins. This means spending extra me. Extra time is what is extremely needed which ontributes to best quality broadcast.

Writers have also suggested that research should so be made into local teams and leagues. It is ecessity. Contact clubs and groups and their air me on the radio and television stations in your ate or city. Don’t get second information from ewspapers or sporting magazine for they arc a st resort. Keep the information flow current and. onstant get to know every body. Using the first nd last names of athletes during sports coverage positive statement.

Before moving to the broadcast site do make sure ou are familiar with what is going on back at the ation. Know the staff you are working with, and ake sure that your equipment is performing

properly.

Treating people with courtesy and kindness should always be a criterion of sports announcer.

This helps a sports producer working condition and his ability to gain access to areas. Don’t let your position go to your head. Be humble. Regardless of how good you think, you are on the job. You can always improve. Remember that there are dozens of men and women who are also capable.

Don’t make mistake of thinking you are perfection personified.

Do not try to build up a sporting event more than its quality justifies in an attempt to enlarge your own reputation. Remember that people who saw the game with you, saw what happened as well as you did; and many of them will read your account.

Watch out for the news event that is more important than the game itself Sports broadcasters should be encouraged to treat each event with seriousness and enthusiasm. Treat each game whether local or international you cover as something important. It may not be as important as Arsenal VS Liver pool or the Nigeria Green Eagles VS the Lions of Cameroon. It may be World Series — basket ball, Table Tennis or Lawn Tennis where world class players are taking part.

Don’t take yourself too seriously though sport reporting is a serious and noble profession, but don’t become so filled with yourself that you even become obnoxious. All the result of a foot ball game calling the play-by-play of a basket ball game or interviewing some personalities. A sports reporter should not think that he is above everyone or his audience were, as his colleagues. Never think that you are bigger than the event you are covering.

The listeners want to find out what’s going on in the game and not your ego. Check your ego at the gate.

Sports casters have to keep the grip on things — and let people follow play-by-play, tuning in for the game and not the on- mic performer. You should not loose grip or touch with the fans, athletics and co-workers. “Don’t forget who you are and why you are doing what you are doing. Keep both feet firmly on the ground yet don’t be a know it all or denigrate others”. Says Haider (1989).

For example, don’t criticize the official too much.

If you feel that he has made bad call, say so, then move on. Don’t harp on it. Never mention officials names while the game is going on. Never you focus

attention on yourself either, but keep on the action with the command of your language and voice.

Remember that you are there to call the game not to win coverts to your fans or clubs. Don’t over do it. Be honest. Call game as it happens. State what you see in excited terms, but avoid hyperbole. Keep things simple when you are on the air.

Use vocabulary and terms that clarify, not confuse.

It is good to be colourful, but don’t observe the picture in doing so. Don’t use unverified information or any you have doubts about. Get the straight data before going on-mic. Be careful that in the heat of your own play-by-play, you don’t go over board and make erroneous statement. Some sports reporters forget that they are reporters and create fiction out of facts: It is not fare to do that.

Reporters are advised to remove clichés and trite expressions from their reports. Instead, develop a vocabulary that is fresh and at the same time accessible and avoid recipling old expressions or rely on clichés.

Haider and Crosely great sports writers concludes the roster of “Do’s” and “Don’ts” by reminding aspiring sports announcers to remain conscious of the special nature of their chosen medium. For example, in Radio you never use numbers in your play-by-play in the player’s jerseys, but you can create the scene through your language. On the other hand, in television you really have to know when to let the picture do the talking. Other things are: be careful not to be redundant with graphics you use if you are a working television sports reporter. The sports caster must remember that most of his audience can read graphics. Identification is very important especially in radio where formations and positions as well as players is key to radio, identity can solve the problem when you can’t see numbers of players, but you identify them by name.

In some sports especially football, it is important to have a “Spotter” to accompany you to a game. This person feed the air talent with the names of players.

When doing a television broad cast, you have to keep one eye on the monitor and one eye on the field. Your job is to report on what both you and your audience sees. If something takes place off camera that is if importance to the game, you must report on it as if you were doing the radio that lacks pictures. The “Spotter” is very helpful to the sports caster in this instance.

When the viewer misses something important in the game, the commentator can fill in the facts.

“In some sports especially football, it is important to have a “Spotter” to accompany you to a game. This person feed the air talent with the names of players.

When doing a television broad cast, you have to keep one eye on the monitor and one eye on the field.”

THE NIGERIAN

18

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014 With OBUSEH JUDE

Security Issues Negotiating

Matters NIGERIANS are among some of the most reactionary people on planet earth; impulsive sentimentalist who wait until situations get out of hand before reacting; spectators of action who wait until heads are off before crying; Ostriches who bury their heads in the sand while things are falling randomly apart around them.

The latest fallouts from the ongoing saga of blood and death in Nigeria’s North-East best depict the asseverating culture of lethargy in Nigeria.

This column, since its inception, has boldly and loudly called for a combination of both hard and soft approaches to solving the daunting security challenges the Nigerian State has had to grapple with since the commencement of its war against Islamist insurgents in the North-Eastern halve of the country; an eclectic approach that takes cognizance of both the structural/background and the immediate/exacerbating factors of the ongoing violence; an approach that utilizes both peacemaking and peacekeeping strategies; a stratagem that involves both the application of military force and peaceful negotiations. This piece continues in that light.

In the face of the increasing spate of violence across the NE, which has left a trail of blood, destruction, fear and despair in its wake, most - local and international -observers of this macabre spectacle have been vociferous in their calls on the Nigerian government to apply maximum force in putting down the insurgency by leveraging on its supposed “monopoly” of the legitimate use of force. For these protagonists of the use of force, who have formed the penchant for shouting down anybody who broaches the idea of a negotiated settlement of the fracas, Boko Haram can only be defeated - or “crushed”, as some of them would say — by force. For this group, marching force with force seems to be the only way out of a crisis that is astronomically escalating by the day. They see negotiation as a cowardly tool of weakness that should not be considered by the authorities.

Again, the so-called refusal of BH to negotiate with the authorities - which supposedly makes it a faceless group in character and mien - justifies the raucous calls for the application of maximum force against it. To these individuals, the idea of negotiating with a phantom organization is as preposterous as it is

With

impracticable; a move that has the likelihood of further emboldening this group to continue its uncensored acts of violence, encourage other groups to take up arms against the state and send wrong signals to the international community that the country lacks the will and capacity to put down threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. To further buttress these vociferous calls for the adoption of the confrontational style, examples from countries — such as the United States of America, Israel, Britain, France et al — that have supposedly fought insurgent groups to a standstill are copiously cited, despite the huge divergences in the histories, contexts’ and issues’ defining the conflicts these countries have had to contend with, compared to that of Nigeria.

On the part of the school of a negotiated settlement of the steaming imbroglio, violence is only a stopgap measure that should be applied in laying the foundation of a negotiated and more enduring settlement; a peacekeeping approach that is meant to restrict the further spread of violence while a negotiated arrangement that takes cognizance of the key issues at stake is worked out.

To students of this school, the application of force has the tendency of escalating the already simmering conflict as the parties in the conflict will become more determined to come out on top; a zero-sum game of death that has the likelihood of producing a winlose outcome; an outcome none of the parties are inclined to accept.

However, with a little bit of hindsight, the gradual increase in the intensity of the insurgency seems to have vindicated the position of the members of the school of a negotiated settlement. From a being a non-violent pressure group, BH has metamorphosed into a gigantic dinosaur that has run amuck, especially since the Nigerian state adopted the use of force as its conflict resolution strategy. Since 2010, when it re-emerged, the group has rapidly upped the ante in its self-declared war on the Nigerian State; a development that can be adduced to the increasing use of force by the authorities to check its activities. For instance, the maximum application of brute force, through the imposition of martial rule in the three hotbeds — Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States - of the insurgency has had the deleterious effects of

Boko

Haram

Arising increasing the resolve of this group to further increase the scale and spread of its violent activities across the North-East and beyond — all thanks to the use of force.

The adoption of the MAD — Mutual Assured Destruction Strategy by both countervailing forces — the federal forces and the Bokites - has totally changed the dynamics and dimensions of the conflict, resulting in higher body counts, destruction of

conditional amnesty to the insurgents by the same Jonathan-led government, in tandem with other overt and covert strategies to restore some form of normalcy to the N-E, the Nigerian Government has being negotiating with BH, despite the forceful stance it has publicly maintained. The ongoing saga involving the kidnapped Chibok girls has exposed the hollowness in the stance of the members of the school of force. Despite government’s continued public

properties and infrastructures running into billions, high number of internally displaced persons and refugees, coupled with several other avoidable consequences; a sad spectacle that is as horrific as it is jarring.

The cost of the application of the mosaic principle of “an eye for an eye” by the Nigerian government - just like the consequences of violence in any theater of war - in its attempts to quash BH has, indeed, being mind-blowing However, whether the protagonists of the school of force want to accept it or not, the hard fact facing all observers of the raging violence in the N-E is that Nigeria has been bargaining with BH since the onset of the group’s campaigns. From the initial attempt by Ex-President Obasanjo to broker a palaver, both overt and moves by Jonathan’s administration to broker a peace parley through the setting up of an Amnesty committee, recent granting of

refusal to bargain for the release of the girls, it has been forced to eat its vomit by doing exactly that.

But come to think of it, why should the Nigerian government shy away from what remains the most effective, long term solution to this impasse? Why can’t those in authority face the truth and nothing but the truth in the face of the undeniable realities facing all observers of this international embarrassment — that truth being that the country must negotiate with this group if unfettered peace is to return to this troubled part of the country? If the U.S, the world’s global policeman - and chief proponent of non negotiation with terrorists - could turn around, due to pressing exigencies, to negotiate a prisoner exchange arrangement with the Taliban – an organization it accuses of being a terrorist group - for the release of a captured marine in exchange for five Taliban arrowheads being detained at

the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility, one wonders what some people are still yapping about as to the need to negotiate terms of peace with BH? If the Afghan Government and the Taliban can agree to negotiate terms of a peaceful end to the raging violence between them, why can’t Nigeria do the same with BH? If the Jewish State of Israel, despite its several years of warring against Islamic fundamentalist who do not recognize its status as an independent state, can negotiate terms of peace with the Palestinian authorities on a way out of the age-long logjam between both parties, what are the opponents of the adoption of a peaceful approach to the blazing inferno in the N-E blabbing about? If the British Government, after several

years of fighting the Irish republican Army (IRA) — a group whose techniques most contemporary extremist organizations seem to have borrowed — could stoop to enter into negotiations with an organization it had vowed to annihilate, the Nigerian government has no excuse for not towing the same rational line.

The truth remains that the continued use of force by the Nigerian authorities to douse the fiery face of the volcanic situation in the N-E is only a makeshift approach. The use of force should be nothing more than a temporal strategy; a peacekeeping strategy that should continue while more concrete and long- lasting peacemaking attempts to address the key issues defining the conflict are being sought.

More efforts must be put into attempts to truly broker talks with the W All the major powers fighting insurgencies or terror groups — in the

several theaters of war they are involved and have learnt the hard way that terrorism is a phenomenon that cannot be completely defeated - nor “crushed” as Nigerians have become accustomed to hearing from their leaders these days.

If you kill a terrorist, today, another one spring’s up immediately to take his place.

Al-Qaeda in the post-Bin laden years testifies to this fact.

Some uninformed - and mostly sentimental proponents of the use of force have continually claimed that BH has refused to negotiate with the government, despite several attempts by the latter to broker talks. But the question is whether any concrete moves has been made since the onset of this imbroglio to engage this group in any constructive and objective discursion of the issues raised by them? What were the terms of the so called olive branch extended to this group? Apart from the lethargic Amnesty Committee — which is a creation of politics - What other third party groups have been involved in the so-called negotiations with this group?

Who are the chief negotiators and what proofs have we that they actually came in contact with this group? A lot of pertinent questions beg for answers.

Successive administrations — from former president Obasanjo, under whose watch the current crisis commenced, to the current stewardship of Jonathan, who inherited it - are guilty of the faulty manner this matter has so far being handled.

The escalating orgy of violence could have been avoided if constructive steps had been taken by all stakeholders to seek out this group and quietly address their grievances, especially at the latent stage when it would have being easier to engage in peaceful talks.

A diplomatic, non-violent approach towards resolving the burgeoning state of violence in the North-East remains the only plausible way out of the damning quagmire. The rising casualty rates, destruction of crucial infrastructures, and the general state of insecurity in the North-East, coupled with the possible spillover of this war into other parts of the country, consequent to the changing dynamics and dimensions of this conflict, calls for an urgent review of current strategies — a n and more effective approach. Peace cannot be obtained and kept by for - it never has been, and never will be - but achieved by patience and understanding. Jaw-jawing is much better than warwarring. God save Nigeria!

MR OBUSEH JUDE, A PEACE RESEARCHER AND PRACTITIONER, WRITES FROM BENIN CITY

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Motoring With OSAGIE AIFUWA 08023412452

Understanding Your Car Battery

THE Auto car battery is generally of the lead acid type: though at different time’s attempts were made to introduce alkaline batteries.

The plates are made primarily of lead mesh frame work with lead paste filling the gaps i the mesh.

Prior to fitment, the plates are recharged and formed into positive sets and negative sets. The positive plates set surface become covered with lead peroxide: that is, it is covered with brownish like paste called lead peroxide and the negative plates surface are purified and become pure lead or what is referred to as spongy lead.

Voltage rating (i.e 6V and 12 volts) — to form a battery. The battery cells are - filled with dilute sulphuric acid which acts as the chemical link between the plates in each cell. In the process of charging and discharging, the electrolyte or the dilute sulphuric acid: which acts

as the vehicle for carrying the electrical charges between the plates in the’ cell, experience chemical transformation of either losing its water portion in its composition during charging process in form of emission of hydrogen and oxygen gases or during discharging the plates in the cells are pasted with soleplate group loosely, initially, and maybe hardened on the plate surface for too long. If this happens, it will be difficult to restore the battery to its original state by charging with the alternator in the car.

As it is sulphated it may require a long charging at a slightly higher voltage than the alternator is designed to produce under normal working condition. In this sulphated condition, the electrolyte will be composed of only the water element, hence the drop in its specific gravity. This is the reason why the state of charge of a battery can easily be verified by using

an hydrometer to check the electrolyte’s specific gravity. Normal value is 1.250 and when it drops to 1.18-1.5 the battery is discharged and needs external long hours of recharging to bring it back to its charged state. Like reserve overhead Water tank that it represents in the Automobile electrical system, the duration of supply of electricity to any electrical unit in the car depends on its designed capacity. Therefore, if you form the habits of installing extra electrical gadget in your car, you may inadvertently be

loading it beyond its capacity and putting extra load on the Alternator in the car. For example if you are having a 55Ah battery in your car which is not fitted with an A/C and you install an A/C unit radio, fog lamps security system, extra brake lamps without replacing the battery to say a 75AH battery to take care of the extra load, and you do not operate the car on long distance journeys daily to provide ample time of the Alternator to supplement the battery supply of electricity to these gadgets and charge

the battery adequately each day, the battery will run down constantly and may not last long. Please note that the average service life of an automobile battery is between 1.5 years and 2.5 years depending on many variables which we shall, discuss in this article.

Incidentally the capacity of an automobile battery is determined and rated in terms of the time it could supply a specified amount of current before it becomes discharged. For example a 40 AM battery could supply 40 Amps of electric current for one hour or 4 AMPS much more conveniently for 10 hours it is rated 40 AH. In the same vain 100 AMPs for one hour or 10 Amps for 10 houses.

So much about the make up of automobile batteries and its ratings, lets now deal with its maintenance aspects. Some batteries have transparent casing with markings for electrolyte minimum and maximum level in the battery casing, such that at a glance one can see clearly the level of the electrolyte in the battery.

Some will require the unscrewing, of the filler plugs on each cell and peeping into it to find out the actual level of electrolyte.

Whatever the provision for checking the level, it

must be emphasized that the electrolyte level must be maintained at about 13mm of + inch above the plate in each cell.

BATTERY CARE Your battery needs as special attention and care at a period like this when we have occasional downpour and the rate of charge drops to the drop in atmospheric temperature.

Dirty batteries are likely to have electrolyte collect on the surface causing leakage of electrical current to earth, so that the battery will discharge.

Electrolyte on the surface of the battery can also cause the terminals 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 kiloimetres. If the level drops below plates, top up with pure water.

Never add acid.

Do not overfill cells Normal level is 6-10mm above the separators. An overfilled battery can cause acid over - flow through the vent plugs when the battery is charged and the acid can cause damage to the battery compartment and other metal parts in the vehicle.

Always ensure the top of the battery is clean and dry.

Apply Vaseline or petroleum jelly to battery terminals battery clamps.

“You are therefore to check the acid level periodically at least once in two weeks or after every 800 kiloimetres. If the level drops below plates, top up with pure water. Never add acid.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Spirituality THE Reformation in the early 1500’s saw the rise of contentions wars and much cruelty, all in the name of religion, The various kings, dukes and princes used it as a tool for their own means of power and plunder and used religious hatred to gain their ends.

It was soon common to pave violent hatred of Protestant for Catholic and vice versa. It was in these times when feelings were very high that our saint was born.

Francis Bonaventure de Sales was born, August 21, 1567, the oldest child of Baron Francis de Sales de Boisy and Francoise de Sionnaz. If the father was of impoverished nobility, he gained wealth through his marriage to Francoise and because of it, took the de Boisy part of her noble name. Being born in a manor and being the oldest meant a charmed life for the boy; but with the pious mother guiding his every step, he was not allowed to be spoiled.

Five more boys and then a baby girl in the family meant he would not be overly favored.

As a child, he had a hasty temper and learned a good lesson against stealing by burning his mouth on some hot pastries he had filched. Not robust — he was a premature baby, he did not participate in rough games; as often as not, he accompanied his father on missions the puke of Savoy in whose territory they livid. At six, he started school and he was an excellent student, always getting good marks. By thirteen he was ready for the University and his father made it clear that he wanted Francis to be a lawyer and succeed him.

Francis had other ideas but said nothing. In Paris, at the university, he studied the classical subjects and took up dancing, fencing and riding but also theology, as he said: “to please myself.”

Among other doctrines introduced by the reformation was predestination and free-will.

Somehow Francis was plagued with thoughts of damnation and for several weeks was severely upset. Then one day praying before the shrine of Our Lady in the Church of St. Stephen be begged God: ‘If I may not love Thee in the other world —for in hell none praise Thee — let me at least spend every moment of ‘fly brief life here in loving Thee as much as I can.’ And the temptation vanished. So grateful to have the temptation pass, he made a private Vow of chastity in honor of Our Lady.

By twenty-one, he was ready for the school of law and his father had him attend the famous University of Padua where he again excelled in studies. While there, some of his schoolmates taunted him for not participating in wild revelry as they did —they pushed him too far and he took his sword and got rid of them! It was also at this time that he became very ill and received the Last Rites. During this illness he left instructions that if he died, his cadaver was to be given to the medical students of the university for dissection. But he recovered.

Four years later, he graduated with honors and took a brief tour of Italy, to Rome and Venice and then returned home where his dad

Lessons From The Lives Of outlined his plans for him; he would pass the bar — which he did; and then be enrolled among the senators. With fear and respect he told his father he wanted nothing of a lawyer’s career: he wanted to be a priest.

His father was not just disappointed, he was very angry.

A cousin, a Canon at the cathedral, went to the Bishop and pleaded for Francis. Francis was offered the position of Dean of the Cathedral chapter, the most important clerical position in the diocese! and because of the honor it implied, the father gave in. Within six months he was ordained a priest and installed as provost of the Cathedral chapter.

How he relished the priesthood! His supreme delight was saying Mass; he said he spent each day preparing for Mass the next day. He preached and went about doing acts of kindness, he started in the Confraternity of the Holy Cross to make reparation for the insults done to the crucifix which even today is not accepted by Protestants. But it was not complete fulfillment for him. He would do more!

The Reformation hatred was at its height and the Bishop could not live at Geneva (he was Bishop of Geneva) but lived at Annecy. The bishop as well as the Duke of Savoy asked for priests who would go to the Chablais area and minister to the few Catholics and do all possible to bring Calvinists to the Catholic faith. Francis and his cousin, Canon Louis, volunteered and went to live in a town near Thonon where there was a garrison of soldiers — they could not stay overnight in Thonon as it was too dangerous.

So each day they went the six miles and ministered to the people at Thonon; as dusk started to settle, they came home; and, at home, Francis found an apostolate working with the soldiers. He instructed them and soon had them exemplary Christians. They had never met a man as gentle and as holy as Francis. In Thonon, he was calumniated and spurned — he was not allowed to say Mass there —but he started a publicity campaign —he wrote little posters telling of the Catholic faith, had them copied and passed around town and this helped melt the hatred, It was during this time that he narrowly escaped death. He was returning home one winter night and wolves attacked him; to escape them, he climbed a tree and had to 14 remain there most of the night until he was rescued by a farmer, not a Catholic. The contact with Francis brought him to the faith of his forefathers.

Before a year was up, he moved into Thonon and quietly said Mass Living there gave him more time with the people. But the hatred persisted and one night when going to visit with a few companions, they were beset. His friends wanted to fight: Francis talked to them and won them over; they had been sent by Calvinist clergy who

Saints:

were angry at his success! This prompted his father to have him come home, but politely he told his dad that he belonged with these people. By the end of two years, he was accepted by all and midnight Mass was celebrated at Christmas. Two years later, confirmation and holy orders were administered for the first time in sixty-three years; it was a ‘second spring for Thonon’. It was the gentle kindness of Francis that won them over, though miracles did help: as when he was offered a poison drink and when the cup was blessed it broke; or one time someone tried to shoot him but the gun wouldn’t go off: or the woman who had a baby dying — she was not Catholic —and begged for the child’s life for baptism. In thanksgiving, the

St Francis De Sales

handsome! In any case, he arrived in Rome and had the chance to visit shrines and celebrate Christmas in the bosom of Christianity. He did the business for his bishop —but he was told the Holy Father would examine him for the episcopacy —he prayed he would fail but the young priest of thirty-two answered so well that Pope Clement said that no previous examination pleased him so completely. Francis was named coadjutor to his Bishop of Annecy (Geneva): While in Rome, he received several visions: of the Incarnation, Transubstantiation and the priesthood. Enroute home, he stopped at Loretto to renew promises he made to the Mother of God in his youth’.

Incidentally, now that his son

his priests to holiness. He was in demand as a preacher and hardly a day passed but that he gave a special sermon some place.

People put themselves under his direction and guiding them he wrote numerous letters. He lived frugally and wanted nothing of wealth or honor. One time, he was given a precious ring -he pawned it to help the poor. When the friends found out, they redeemed it, only to have him pawn it again for the poor.

Early in his episcopacy, he met Madame Jeanne de Chantal, a baronness, a widow and the mother of four children. He had gone to Dijon to preach the Lenten series and she was taken by him. A deep spiritual relationship started that ended in her —with Francis as the guide —founding a new Order of nuns,

was to be a bishop, his father was content though he died before Francis was ordained a bishop.

The next year he was sent to Paris to do diocesan business with the king —quickly was the king won over and offered him a larger and richer diocese.

Francis said: “lam already married, and having wed a poor wife, I cannot forsake her for one that is richer.” On the way home, news came that the old bishop died: Francis prepared by making a twenty day retreat and on December 8, 1 602, he was ordained a bishop and took up the rule of the diocese. Re was thirty-five and it was said by this time he had brought twelvethousand people back to the faith. At his ordination ceremony to the episcopacy he fell into ecstasy for a half hour; he later admitted that he received a special vision of the Trinity. At the ceremony he also made a vow to consecrate himself entirely to the service of souls.

This had been his life; this was the way he spent the rest of his life. He taught, he heard confessions, he sought to bring

the Visitandines, and she becoming (after her children were cared for) their foundress and a saint—St. Jean Frances de Chantal. The Order was in harmony with his gentle way — corporal mortification was scrapped in the interest of interior mortification. He was not interested in how many prayers they said, but how they said them. Initially they were to visit the sick (hence visitation’ nuns) but the Bishop of Dijon was firm in demanding the cloister for them.

Francis wrote. Besides the pamphlets he wrote as a young priest, he wrote a book in defense of the Holy Cross, the Introduction to a Devout Life which has become a spiritual classic for pious lay people seeking to grow in holiness and a Treatise of the Love of God for souls advanced in holiness. In all his writings and in his letters, always the appeal for love. A famous line of his was: ‘everything must be done by love, nothing by force.’! When he died, St. Jean Frances collected all his letters she could

St Francis De Sales whole family returned to Catholicism.

The old bishop was very pleased with the zeal and success of Francis and approached him about being an auxiliary bishop to him, but Francis said: ‘No.” But the bishop was not to be put off Francis was ill and went to his family’s home to recuperate.

The bishop asked him to go to Rome for him on business and his spiritual mentor told him he was putting his will against the will of God by refusing the episcopacy. So after praying at mass he gave in. During this time he had violent temptations about Christ present in the Eucharist (saints too are tempted as we are) but prayer resolved that.

A delightful story is told of what took place on the trip to Rome. He fell from his horse and his clerical garb was soaked. So he borrowed clothing from a companion, and a lady in the inn saw him, felt he was a good catch and went to his room and offered herself to him.. . he had her escorted to her own room as ‘evidently she had mistaken her room’; he must have been

locate and published them - it was a nine- hundred page volume.

One of his close friends and disciples was Abbe Camus who later became a bishop. With the close friendship, they visited each other for days of rest and retreat. But Bishop Camus was not the saint Francis was and he tells us a delightful story on himself Curious about what Francis did alone, he bored a hole in the wall so he could spy on him — he tells us, he was a perfect gentleman when alone.

In fact, Francis is called the ‘gentleman saint’.

His holiness was certified by God through miracles worked at his behest. Several men —most probably victims of epilepsy — were brought to him for the ceremony of exorcism —he blessed them and they got well immediately. Another time, he was about to mount his horse when a man came pleading for the health of his granddaughter.

He went back in the house to the chapel to pray for her —at that moment she got well and talked of seeing. the ‘holy Papa of Geneva’. Another time, a priest who had gone insane escaped from the asylum (more like a prison) and he was put in the episcopal prison as he was dangerous. Francis visited him there and he got well and was able to return to the active priesthood.

By fifty-five, he was worn out by labors and though not feeling strong, took on a mission for the Duke of Savoy that meant going to Avignon. Enroute, he stopped at a convent of the Order he founded at Lyons to see if he could regain his strength — travelling was difficult and his legs had swelled up and he had persistent headaches. Despite his, weakness, he officiated at a three hour ceremony Christmas Eve, said the midnight Mass and preached. Then a second Mass in another church and finally the third Mass back in the convent.

The next day he said Mass, preached and officiated at the clothing of two new nuns and planned to leave — but he suffered a stroke and for two days he was in and out of a coma.

In vain did the doctors try to heal him: he made his confession and profession of faith and received the last Sacraments. Finally, on the evening December 28, 1622, he gave his soul to God with the word “Jesus” on his lips as he died.

Lyons wanted to keep his body —finally it was agreed that his heart would be entombed in Lyons, his body in Annecy.

Miracles multiplied and St. Jean Frances worked for his beatification which took place in 1661, the first one in the newly built St. Peter’s. Four years later, Pope Alexander VII canonized him. Pius IX named him a doctor of the Church in 1877 and finally in 1923, Pope Pius Xl named him the patron of Catholic writers and the Catholic press.

He lived a full life in his fiftyfive years.

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Healthcare

The Imbalance

Delivery:

Gender THE World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as not merely the absence of disease, but a condition of physical, social and psychological well-being.

Powerful barriers including poverty, unequal power relationships between men and women, and lack of

When, How And Why? Violence:

GENDER-BASED violence is recognised as a major public health concern as well as a serious violation of human rights.

Many women also suffer greatly from psychological abuse and degradation and say that these are more difficult to bear than physical pain.

According to the United Nations Population Funds State of the World Population 2000, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused in some other way -often by someone she knows; one woman in four has been abused during pregnancy. Gender based violence is often fatal.

Many countries condone or at least tolerate a certain amount of violence against women. In parts of South Asia, Western Asia and Africa, for instance, men are seen as having a right to discipline their wives as they see fit.

It is useful to look at gender violence under different categories. Precise facts and figures can then be obtained from UN and other web sites that focus on gender violence or violence against women, The UNFPA report State of the World Population 2005 is another useful resource. * Reproductive Violence — forced abortion — female infanticide — female genital mutilation (circumcision) • Cultural Violence — virginity testing/female genital mutilation — teenage male circumcision — initiation ceremonies — enforced under age sex/HIV AIDS • Domestic Violence - wife-beating - marital rape — incest — dowry deaths • Community and State Violence — Rape (see Manual p75 Pakistani woman) - Conflict • Economic Violence — sexual harassment slavery, trafficking and prostitution Cultural practices in different countries perpetuate the cycle of violence in which women and girls are trapped, particularly in patriarchal societies where boys are valued above girls.

education prevent millions of women around the world from having access to health care.

Discrimination and gender inequality are responsible for harming the health of girls and women throughout their lives. Neglect of their health prevents many women from taking a full part in society.

Childhood, from birth to fifteen, covers the most vulnerable period in a child’s life (birth to 5 years). In many developing countries the mortality rate of the girl child between the ages of 2 to 5 is higher than that of boys in the same age group (WHO). In many societies boys are shown preferential treatment this can have a detrimental affect on the girl child leading to malnutrition, stunted growth, anaemia, female infanticide, pregnancy, abortion and female genital mutilation.

Adolescence, an important stage in the growth and development of both girls and boys but there are specific health problems affecting the teenage girl if her nutritional needs are not met, these include anaemia and iodine deficiency. Sexual maturity in girls is of greater concern than in boys because there is the possibility of pregnancy, abortion, girls having children at an early age which is connected to the custom of early marriage.

Gender Advocacy With Ijeoma Umeh e-mail: genderadvocate@gmail.org.

08182382839

Adulthood, the physical and emotional health of adult women is dictated by their reproductive and productive roles. Their reproductive role can give rise to complications when giving birth, to anemia, abortion, reproductive tract infections and can make them vulnerable to getting sexually transmitted diseases and HI V/AIDS. Their productive role may expose them to toxic fumes from burning wood or peat because of bad ventilation and badly made cooking stoves. Their agricultural work may expose them to harmful pesticides.

Old Age, In many countries, particularly in the developed world, older people are suffering because of changes in society that have led to the breakdown of the extended family structure. This means that once grown up, children move away from the family environment to live in cities and other countries. This often leaves older people lonely, alienated and more prone to neglect and poverty. Many older women, particularly in the developing world, face poor nutrition, ill health as a result of child bearing, dangerous working conditions and violence. Often widows and elderly women are mistreated.

In The Public Sphere

“STUDY after study has taught us that there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women” former UN Secretary - General Kofi Annan Over the ages, society has set down how we, as men and women, should or should not behave. We are taught ‘appropriate behaviour and attitudes, roles and activities, expectations and desires’ and it’s these that make up our gender identity.

Also, society has been constructed in terms of public and private spheres. The ‘public’ sphere - which includes the space for the media - where discussions take place and political and economic decisions are made, has traditionally been perceived as the male sphere.

The ‘private’ space of the home has been viewed as the female space. This social construction of gender roles has

profound implications for women and men, this applies equally to women and men working in the media.

Women’s Empowerment • acquiring knowledge and understanding of gender relations and the ways in which these relations might be changed • developing a sense of self-worth, a belief in one’s ability to secure desired changes and the right to control one’s life • gaining the ability to generate choices and exercise bargaining power • developing the ability to organize and influence the direction of social change to create a more just social and economic order.

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Religion

With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA

With Whom Do You Battle?

Spiritual Warfare: THEME: AN INTRODUCTION To SPIRITUAL WARFARE. LESSONS: Dan. 10:2 14, Eph. 6:11-18 MEANING OF WARFARE: Warfare simply means battle, so spiritual warfare means simply spiritual battle.

WHOM DO YOU DO BATTLE? With the devils-satan and all his demons and agents “We contend not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against the powers against the world rulers of this present darkness against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” Eph. 6:12 The Structure is clearly defined here viz: 1. Principalities 2. The powers 3. The world rulers 4. Spiritual hosts of wickedness.

Satan the chief devil is at the helm of affairs in his kingdom; he rules with four principalities eight powers and a host of rulers of darkness and spiritual hosts of wickedness Thus apart from the human agents who fall within the intermediate structure of the realm of satans kingdom others cannot be seen physically. So how do you do battle with something you cannot see? Here comes the application of FAITH. INSTRUMENTAUTIES FOR SPIRITUAL BATTLE The Bible says “Put on the whole armour of God” Eph. 6:11. What constitutes the amour of God? They are seven items viz: i. Gird your loins with TRUTH Eph. ii. Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS Eph. 6:14 iii. Shod your feet with the GOSPEL OF PEACE Eph. 6:15 iv. TAKING THE SHIELD OF FAITH Eph. with which to quench all the fierying darts of the evil one. v. Take the Helmet of SALVATION Eph. 6:17 vi. Take the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT Eph. 6:17 (which is the word of God) vii. PRAYER - Pray at all times in the spirit. Eph. 6:18 At the end keep ALERT Eph. 6:18 Spiritual warfare is synonymous with Christian soldiery that means every Christian is a soldier of Christ or a soldier of the cross; because the world as a whole is a spiritual battle field. If you accept Christ Satan wages war against you; If you refuse to be with God, then you have unconsciously declared war against your creator! so the world is a battle stage, for the Christian accepting Jesus as Lord and personal saviour, draws the wrath of satan who sets himself to be the chief opposser of the faith; the chief adversary. The Bible says “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring Lion seeking someone to devour. Resist Lion, firm in your faith” 1 Pet. 5:18. The resistance of the devil through firmness in faith produces a conflictful situation an experience akin to a physical warfare - when the enemy wants to destroy the opposing side. This conflictful experience in the life of the believer is the spiritual battle that he has to fight from the day he fully accepts Christ until the day the Lord calls him to be with him. If a Christian is not aware of this spiritual warfare

and how to battle it and be in the faith he may not complete the race towards his life journey. Paul the Apostle like every other believer faced this same spiritual battle but at the end was victorious and he climaxed life’s journey. He wrote bodly: “For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2Tim. 4:6-7.

Most Christians are not aware of spiritual warfare” and so are not battle ready and when the devil comes on them at one swoop they fall easily like a pack of cards. Lack of knowledge of spiritual warfare is one of the major reasons for high rate of apostasy in our time. As E.M. Bounds observed in Christian

of today, there is this greatest defect “There is little or nothing of the soldier element in it. The discipline self-denial, spirit of hardship, determination, so prominent in and belonging to the military life, are lacking yet the Christian life is warfare, all the way” Satan conducts spiritual warfare on Christians via three main sources – The world, making the Christian so attracted to mundane things “friendship with the world is enemity with God” Jas. 4:4 2Cor. 6:14 jn.14: 2Tim. 2:4.

“The flesh” is the second major target on the believer by satan. The believer must learn to discipline his body like Paul who said “I prommel my body and subdue it lest after

“Spiritual warfare is synonymous with Christian soldiery that means every Christian is a soldier of Christ or a soldier of the cross; because the world as a whole is a spiritual battle field.

If you accept Christ Satan wages war against you; If you refuse to be with God, then you have unconsciously declared war against your creator! ”

preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:25) The devil is very much aware that the flesh operates under some natural and physiological necessities.

He will want to come in at the weakest point of a man and turn it to his own advantage. This is why we are advised to “Keep alert with all perseverance” Eph. 6:18 Jas. 1:1415.

The third is through satan’s spiritual agency, here we talk categorically of two classes of agents which consist of the devils or demons or evil spirits and the other, human agents who dwell among men but are contact points of destruction by the devil, unto innocent and helpless human race.

Let it be known that there is no break through without a warfare - in other words, there is no victory without a battle.

Therefore if you are to lead a successful Christian life you must be prepared to fight spiritual battles. Indeed the higher you climb in your spiritual life the more you are a threat to the devil and the more he faces you with battles, you have to resist and endure in your prayers. Timothy was a soldier of Christ and Paul admonished him thus: “My son be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.... Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” 2Tim. 2:1,3.

The book of Peter notes: “That the trial of your faith being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour” 1Pet. 1 :7.”Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happend unto you” 1 pet. 4:1 2. This is spiritual warfare.

As Richard Bernal puts it when you seem to have problems in your church, or ministry or personal life as a born again soldier of Christ then “you ought to rejoice when hell breaks loose in your church, at home... it is a proof that you are doing something right and that the devil is mad. Don’t yield…

Let us now study the steps to take in a spiritual battle or what is also known as cosmic level confrontation or spiritual conflict.

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THE NIGERIAN

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THE NIGERIAN

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THE NIGERIAN

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International

Thai Army Delegation Visits China

BANGKOK - A delegation of Thai military commanders travelled to China yesterday for talks on regional security and joint training amid Western reproach of the army’s seizure of power in a coup last month.

General Surasak Kanjanarat, Thailand’s de facto defence minister, said the meeting was aimed at mapping out “future plans of action” with the Chinese army, one of its oldest regional allies. He did not elaborate on the plans.

The bid by Thailand’s military rulers to strengthen ties with China comes after Western powers, including old ally the United States, criticised the May 22 coup and called for a speedy return to democracy.

The junta has said it has China’s support.

“This meeting will be to talk about ties ... and future plans of action and exchange views on regional security,” Surasak, the head of the delegation, told reporters.

“We will discuss in which areas we could increase military training. We will not talk about the situation in Thailand

because it is not relevant.”

Surasak was due to meet the deputy chief-of-staff of the China’s army, LieutenantGeneral Wang Guanzhong.

The coup was the latest convulsion in a decade-long conflict between the Bangkokbased royalist establishment

and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his allies. The ousted government had been headed by the selfexiled, former telecommunications tycoon’s sister, Yingluck Shinawatra.

Several foreign government have voiced disapproval of

the coup, including the United States, which scrapped joint military programmes days after the generals took power.

In contrast, the ambassadors of China and Vietnam in Bangkok met Thailand’s armed forces chief last week in what the junta said was a show of support.

OSCE Secretary General Zannier gestures during a news conference in Moscow.

Central Africa Requests ICC Investigation Into by both sides in the conflict.

BANGUI (Central Afri- lence committed by the can Republic) - The Central mostly Christian anti-balaka Violence African government announced yesterday that it had requested the International Criminal Court to investigate the most serious crimes committed during more than a year of violent unrest.

“The intervention of the International Criminal Court appears to us indispensible in seeking the prosecution and conviction of those who have carried out the most serious of these crimes, which will not go unpunished,” said Minister of Justice Isabelle Gaudeuille in a statement read of government radio.

The government lodged an official request with the ICC on May 30 “to investigate the situation that has been continuing in CAR since August 1, 2012”.

“CAR is confronted by cycles of violence and reprisals that never seem to stop. Unfortunately, our determination to get on with the task is greatly undermined,” she said, adding that years of unrest and violence had left local courts unable to effectively carry out the investigations.

On February 7, ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda opened a preliminary investigation into abuses committed between March 2013 and January 2014 when the Muslim Seleka rebels had temporarily seized control of the country. An ICC team visited the country in May. It is also looking into vio-

militia that has led reprisals against the Seleka and wider Muslim community.

The ICC has already carried out investigations into previous periods of unrest in CAR, although the current unrest, which has left thousands dead and hundreds of thousands

displaced, is of an unprecedented scale.

A commission of inquiry set up by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in January released its first report on Thursday that said there was proof of crimes against humanity committed

CHANGE OF NAME

RECONCILIATION

ISA – I, formerly Miss Aminat Isa now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aminat Balogun. All former documents remain valid. General public and all concerned authorities should please take note.

I, Oriabure Abraham Uyi wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Oriabure Abraham and Oriabure Uyi as appeared in my various document. Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Oriabure Abraham Uyi. All former documents remain valid. Oredo Local Government Council and the general public should please take note.

OF NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE ALL PROGRESSIVE GOLDEN BROTHERS CLUB OF BENIN The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. MR. IZEKOR AGHAHOWA - CHAIRMAN 2. MR. ODILI KING EMMANUEL - GEN. SECRETARY 3.MR. JOLLY OSIFO OWIE - TREASURER 4.MR. OGlE OSAWARU - VICE CHAIRMAN 5.MR. MONDAY ODILI - COM. CHAIRMAN 6.MR. EDDY UWADIA - VICE COM. CHAIRMAN 7.MR. SYLVESTER AGBONTAEN - P.R.O/MANAGER AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To promote unity, love and progress of one another 2. To encourage among its members the spirit and practice of thrift, mutual help and self-help and credit operation.

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 Mr. Odili King Emmanuel General Secretary

On Monday, in the first major corporate deal since the coup, state-owned China Mobile Ltd agreed to buy a 19 percent stake in Thai telecoms group True Corp for $881 million.

The regime’s engagement with China comes at a critical time for the United States, which is shoring up ties with Asian allies and building stronger relationships with countries like Vietnam and Myanmar to counter China’s growing assertiveness.

Perhaps with that in mind, the U.S. response to Thailand’s coup has, for now anyway, been limited to the suspension of about $3.5 million in military aid and the cancellation of some training exercises and visits by commanders.

While likely to find sympathy in China, Thailand’s military is also concerned about perceptions elsewhere. Junta leader General Prayuth Chanocha called on 23 Thai ambassadors on Wednesday to make the case for the coup.

“Thailand is not able to be alone in this world and a great part of our income comes from exports which relies on international relationships,” Prayuth said.

“We can’t make everyone agree with our actions but our duty is to create understand-

ing.”

Malaysia’s defence minister is due next week to make the first visit by a foreign government minister since the coup.

His trip showed “a good understanding of the Thai situation”, the Thai military said in a statement.

The army stepped in after more than six months of debilitating and at times violent protests against Yingluck’s government, saying it had to act to prevent more bloodshed.

China’s top newspaper on Monday warned against aping Western-style democracy, pointing to Thailand as an example of the kind of chaos the system can bring.

For a decade Thailand has been caught up in a political tug of war between mostly poor supporters of Thaksin and middle-class Bangkok residents aligned with the royalist establishment. Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup and has lived abroad since 2008 to avoid a corruption sentence.

He remains hugely popular among rural voters.

As part of the junta’s reforms, it has moved to sideline civil servants and senior police officers seen as loyal to Thaksin in what his supporters see as part of a bid by the establishment to permanently exclude him from politics.

ITOHAN HEALTH CARE TRUST This is to inform the general public that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees are.

1.

Prof G.l. Akenzua - Chairman 2.

Prof. Nimi – Briggs - Vice Chairman 3.

Dr. P. Ugbodaga - Secretary 4.

Elder A. Agenmonmen - Member Aims and Objectives The aims and objectives are: 1.

The Trust is aimed at being an independent fundraising organization that would assist University of Benin Teaching Hospital in funding priority capital, research and training projects.

2.

To raise funds for vital healthcare needs such as purchasing medical equipment.

3.

To fund specialist training programs for doctors, nurses and other relevant health workers from the Hospital.

4.

To build projects and upgrade existing infrastructure.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Back World Cup, Pleads Brazil President people believed it had tainted preparations for the tournament.

DILMA Rousseff, the president of Brazil, has urged the country’s public to support the World Cup after a string of protests against the staging of the tournament.

Bento Hits Out At Portugal’s Critics HUGO Almeida struck twice in the first half for Bento’s men, while Vieirinha and Fabio Coentrao got on the scoresheet in the second period as captain Cristiano Ronaldo made his return from knee and thigh injuries in Portugal’s final friendly ahead of the FIFA World Cup. An own goal from Richard Keogh had helped Portugal to a 3-0 half-time lead, while James McClean dragged one back for Ireland just after the break.

The big win followed Portugal’s 1-0 victory over Mexico on June 6 and a scoreless draw with Greece at the end of May, which had caused much consternation in the Portuguese media.

Portugal open their World Cup campaign against Germany next Monday, and Bento argued his team had shown what they were truly capable of against Ireland.

“We’re not the best team in the world and we’re not as bad as they wanted to believe when we drew with Greece,” the 44year-old said.that he is back.”

My Record Won’t Last Forever -

Ronaldo

RONALDO is not worried about his World Cup goalscoring record being topped at this summer’s tournament.

The Brazil legend netted 15 times in four World Cups, but that could be bettered this time around

by Miroslav Klose, who is in the Germany squad and has 14 to his name.

But the former Inter and Milan striker is not concerned by individual honours.

“If someone goes past me, then so be it,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “I too went past someone and I don’t assume that record will last forever.

“Klose can go past me, but that will not take away from anything I did with the national team.”

The ex-Barcelona and Real Madrid forward then gave his opinion on the Cristiano Ronaldo-Lionel Messi debate.

“Messi has to make that final leap at this World Cup if he wants to be considered one of the greats.

“The World Cup makes you truly immortal, but today, I’d go for Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Demonstrations against the cost of the World Cup — the most expensive and lucrative in history, with $11.5 billion having been spent by Brazil so far — began when the country hosted the Confederations Cup last summer, and the protests have continued.

Many in Brazil feel the money would have been better spent addressing the country’s problems with poverty, education, healthcare and transport — but Rousseff, in her nationally televised speech, urged “pessimists” to back the tournament, which kicks

off today.

“I’m certain that, in the 12 host cities, visitors are going to mix with a happy, generous and hospitable people and be impressed by a nation full of natural beauty and which fights each day to become more equal,” the president said.

She also pledged to address concerns about potential corruption after some polls showed that three in four

Earlier this year, the Associated Press reported that many construction firms had increased their campaign contributions to Rousseff ’s Workers Party since Brazil was chosen as the 2014 host nation.

Government audit reports also revealed huge cost overruns on the construction of stadia and facilities.

“Have no doubt, the accounts of the cup are being meticulously analysed by auditing agencies,” Rousseff said. “If any irregularity exists,

those responsible will receive the maximum punishment.”

She hit out at claims that Brazil had lavished too much money on the World Cup, saying the government had spent more than 200 times what was invested in stadiums on education and healthcare since 2010.

And she rallied Brazil’s players ahead of their opening match of the tournament against Croatia in Sao Paolo, saying: “Beneath those green and canary jerseys, you embody a powerful legacy of the Brazilian people.

“The national team represents nationality.

It’s above governments, parties and the interests of any group.”

Besic Will Try To Stop Messi

Dilma Rouseff

J-Lo Returns To World Cup

THE latest word has it that Jennifer Lopez will in fact be performing alongside Pitbull and Claudia Leitte for the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Brazil.

The trio will now - after all of that - still be performing “We Are One (Ole Ola),” the official song of the 2014 tournament.

FIFA officials had issued a statement earlier in the week that Lopez would not be performing at the opening ceremony as originally scheduled.

The singer’s representatives offered no explanation at the time of the statement while FIFA cited “production issues.”

Some Brazilians have taken to social media to show their dislike for the “We Are One” music video, which depicts stereotypical images of Brazil, rather than really showing the true culture. (The YouTube video has over 72 million

J-Lo.

views and a little over 100,000 dislikes).

Some speculated that might have been part of what discouraged Lopez from attending the ceremonies.

There were also suggestions that her absence may have been due to her recent split with boyfriend Casper Smart or that there was a disagreement over travel expenses.

But now suddenly, it’s all good.

The singer’s representatives released the following statement Tuesday: “Jennifer has always wanted to participate in the World Cup opening ceremonies. We have been trying to work out scheduling and logistics.

“Any statements to the contrary were premature.

Jennifer would not want to disappoint her fans or fans of

futbol. She will be there.”

So whatever issues there may, or may not have been, they have apparently been resolved. If they ever existed in the first place.

The one thing that seems certain, however, is that we can now expect to see Jenny from the Block onstage, for the World Cup opening ceremoniy, this Thursday.

And if not? Well, maybe Shakira is still available.

WORLD Cup debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina kick off their campaign against Group F rivals and one of the pretournament favourites Argentina in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.

Argentina captain Messi is expected to provide the biggest test for Bosnia-Herzegovina, though coach Safet Susic recently denied his team would attempt to man-mark the superstar, with a zonal system the most likely option.

And while Besic conceded he faces an uphill battle, the 21year-old defender will do all he can to nullify Messi’s influence.

“I do not want to promise that I will stop Messi. Previously, some were saying I will stop him,” said Besic, who has played in the country’s past two international friendlies.

“What I promise is that I will give my best to fulfil all the requirements that coach Susic sets before me. Get a chance to back the team and I hope to take advantage of it in the best way.”

In what will be their first World Cup appearance, BosniaHerzegovina are viewed as one of the outsiders to win the tournament.

But despite the lack of expectation, BosniaHerzegovina head into Sunday’s clash on the back of

wins against fellow World Cup participants Ivory Coast (2-1) and Mexico (1-0).

Besic, who plies his trade for Hungarian club Ferencvaros, said he is happy with the team’s preparation but is refusing to look beyond the Argentina fixture.

“I am pleased with the game against the Ivory Coast and Mexico in However, every game is a new challenge,” he said.

“I do not like to comment in advance, especially as the high expectations of me, but the Bosnia-Herzegovina team at the world championships.”

Following BosniaHerzegovina’s Group F opener, the Balkan nation will also face Nigeria (June 21) and Iran (June 25).

Lionel Messi

Ronaldo ‘Desperate’ To Beat Germany - Lahm LAHM and his countrymen have defeated Ronaldo and co at the last three of the last four major tournaments.

Germany beat Portugal 10 in the group stages of UEFA Euro 2012, and also overcame them 3-2 in the quarter-finals of the same competition four years earlier.

Back in 2006, Lahm led his nation to a 3-1 victory over Ronaldo and Portugal in the FIFA World Cup third-place play-off.

FIFA Ballon d’Or holder Ronaldo - who made his comeback from knee and thigh injuries in a 5-1 friendly victory over Republic of

Ireland on Tuesday - has a chance for revenge when the two countries meet in their 2014 World Cup opener in Salvador next week.

And Lahm has indicated the Real Madrid superstar will be determined to finally get one over on the Germans.

“With Ronaldo, I am taking it that he will play but it makes no difference to us,” said the Bayern Munich skipper, who extended his contract at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

“He is an exceptional player but we are preparing normally as if he is going to play, as if he will be able to play and we think he will be able to play.

“For him too, it must be special to face us again, he must be desperate to finally beat us.”

Despite the fact Portugal have not beaten Germany since Euro 2000, Lahm is not taking Paulo Bento’s side lightly.

“Portugal played very well against us two years ago and with a bit of luck we were able to win,” the 30-year-old added.

“They’re a very good team, especially physically.

“I said after the draw that we would have to give everything in the first match and play well tactically because if we don’t win, we will be under a lot of pressure. That makes the match with Portugal crucial.”

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

World Cup Ranking

World Cup Fixtures

ESPNFC.COM’S editorial desks from around the world ranked the 32 teams competing in the World Cup. Is your team too high or too low? Tell us what you think in the comments section.

1. Brazil 23. Bosnia and Herzegovina Host nation + pre-tournament It’s their debut on the big stage favourites = what can possibly go — will a potent forward line help wrong? them make a big impact?

2. Spain 24. Ecuador A tournament too far or a shot They’re the lowest-ranked of at glory inspired by a one-time the six South American Brazil international? participants — is that fair?

3. Germany 25. South Korea After being there or Can these perennial qualifiers thereabouts so often, can they recapture the spirit of their 2002 finally win something? semifinal run?

4. Argentina 26. Greece A World Cup win in the home We’ll hear all about Euro of their bitter rivals — surely 2004’s success every time they not? play but can they make some 5. Italy new memories?

What’s it to be, Azzurri — 27. Costa Rica more 2006-like heroics or a If they are just to be spoilers repeat of 2010’s dreadful in their group, which of England, showing?

Uruguay and Italy will they 6. Portugal frustrate?

The reigning Ballon d’Or 28. Cameroon winner has never won a World 24 years after Roger Milla Cup. Can Cristiano Ronaldo danced them to the Italia ’90 buck the trend? semis, can they make a splash in 7. Belgium Samuel Eto’o’s swansong?

They’re too good and too often 29. Australia discussed to be considered ‘dark There’s no way the Socceroos horses’, aren’t they? can escape a group featuring 8. Netherlands Spain, Netherlands and Chile, is Their big three stars are all 30+ there?

— can they come together for old 30. Honduras times’ sake?

They beat the U.S. and won in 9. Colombia Mexico during qualifying — Falcao made them fashionable should they be ranked higher? but can they thrive without their 31. Algeria talisman?

They frustrated England in a 10. Chile bore draw four years ago — can Another hipster choice but will they catch anyone out this time they even escape a group around? featuring both 2012 finalists?

32. Iran 11. Uruguay Are Carlos Queiroz’s men Susceptible at the back but really the worst team in the Brazil team set to conquer the world strong in attack ... but how fit is World Cup? Luis Suarez?

12. France It can’t be worse than 2010 (can it?) but, without Franck Ribery, what can les Bleus achieve?

13. England avoided. Players are human after A sixth title is expected from Felipe Scolari’s Selecao on home Will the real Wayne Rooney all and while unprofessional, if soil this summer. Nothing less will do. finally show up at a World Cup? Oscar’s focus was on the World However, with the back drop international stage and help him 14. Switzerland Cup he should have arrived with manage the growing expectation They beat Spain in the 2010 to the tournament steeped in off Scolari’s squad full of zest. opener — can their young stars field issues and public of his beloved Brazil.

However, his form has been poor protestations at the sizeable make an impact in Brazil?

However, his dramatic dip in in the build up to the tournament, 15. Croatia figure splashed out to host the form - that began as a minor blip with calls for him to be dropped Playing for second in their event, the social climate could - eventually engulfed the second from the team growing louder. group or capable of giving the prove to be difficult to cope with half of his campaign in west Oscar has received yet another hosts a bloody nose in the for even this talented Brazil side.

London. act of faith from his coach when opener?

Having finally come together Despite being given a huge 16. Ivory Coast Scolari declared: “I don’t care as a team to fulfil their potential vote of confidence by his There’s no “Group of Death” during the Confederations Cup who says that he is not playing manager Jose Mourinho, who excuse this time but have their last year with a convincing well”, insisting that it is his job opted to sell the mercurial Juan veterans’ legs got anything left? humbling and his job alone to choose the of European Mata to Manchester United such 17. Ghana team. heavyweights Spain in the final, was his faith in the Brazilian So close to the last four in pride was restored and hope His refusal to dispose of a within a 4-2-3-1 formation, South Africa but surely their became expectation. lacklustre Oscar highlights that Oscar went missing. group this year is too tough? he, like Mourinho, is a firm Although golden boy Neymar His 22% tackle success rate 18. Russia believer that the 22-year-old can will carry much of the weight on was reflective of his form in his Can Fabio Capello make his young shoulders and has been provide the difference in a close last 10 games of the season; a everyone forget the embarrassing charged with donning the encounter. The tournament period in which he created just last time he was on the World opener, although billed as the famous number 10 jersey worn one more chance than right-back Cup stage? start of a carnival, will be such by many an icon of old, the Branislav Ivanovic’s 15.

19. USA an affair. player that is likely to start the Niggling injuries may have Facing their coach’s homeland, Croatia may not be blessed tournament in what is now been a factor, but he missed just Ronaldo and their World Cup with the talent of their golden described as the number 10 role three Premier League fixtures nemesis Ghana, how can they generation that finished third at must also deliver. since Christmas. Form deserted escape their group?

France 1998 but they are a threat.

At the turn of the year him and the problem was then 20. Mexico With Luka Modric and instantly obvious.

Was their shambolic qualifying Chelsea’s Oscar, was enjoying a Barcelona bound Ivan Rakitic in glittering run of form, with six His Portuguese boss insisted campaign a teachable moment or their side, they possess an goals in his first 18 games, and the young midfielder had already a sign of things to come? abundance of creativity. few would have questioned his turned his attention to the 21. Japan But, likely to field a 4-2-3-1 showpiece event this summer Can Shinji Kagawa and inclusion in Brazil’s starting linecome 4-1-4-1 formation they can and was unwilling to harm his Keisuke Honda shine for their up for their opening Group A be exploited and Oscar, with his country after disappointing club fixture against Croatia on June chances of the once in a lifetime runs between the lines and crisp 12. seasons? opportunity of representing his passing can unlock their defence.

Despite his relatively tender 22. Nigeria country in what would surely Even if confidence is lacking The Super Eagles are African age of 22, he had started to add a prove to be a pivotal moment in or he is feeling burnt out due to champions but can they transfer sense of maturity to his game that the nation’s footballing history. the substantial amount of that form to the world stage? would serve him well on the Such distractions cannot be

Thursday, June 12 Brazil vs. Croatia Friday, June 13 Mexico vs. Cameroon Spain vs. Netherlands Chile vs. Australia

‘I’m Ready To Be World Cup’s Star’ BRAZIL forward Neymar has told Sport Bild he is ready to be the star of the World Cup — but stressed that it would be very difficult to ever reach the level of Pele, Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

The 22-year-old Barcelona forward carries the hopes of the country on his shoulders as the host nation bid to win a fifth World Cup. “I’d lie if I said I am totally cool. Of course I am tense, nervous,” he said. “I hope I can come to grips with my nervousness.

Brazil Star Who Cannot Afford To Disappoint in Croatia Opener football he has played for the Blues since his arrival from Internacional in 2012, there can be no excuse.

He should be at home in Brazil’s 4-2-3-1 system, also employed by Mourinho and it is one in which he has thrived.

With Fred ahead of him, keen to make runs in behind, Oscar’s eye for a defence splitting pass will need to be wide open. A lack of a defensive midfielder is a clear weakness in Croatia’s team and he is capable of breaking free from the shackles of Modric, who is often deployed in a deeper lying role.

On either side of him he has Neymar and Hulk, two outstanding footballers that possess the skill and craft that Oscar can link and interchange with at will. A fine finisher himself, if gaps appear he must drive forward and let shots fly.

Behind him Oscar will have two accomplished midfielders, in Fernandinho, Luis Gustavo or Paulinho, that will provide the engine and drive to push the team forward. The system is set up to Oscar’s strengths.

In the central role, his contribution is vital. Having been given the benefit of the doubt throughout his run of poor form, Oscar cannot afford not to deliver.

The first game of the tournament will shape how Brazil’s team is received and regarded by their rivals and adoring home public.

Anything less than a positive result and performance could dent confidence.

“But it’s not a burden for me — I like that pressure, and I don’t flee from it. I take on the responsibility because it is my big dream to win the title in my home country with the support of the Brazilian fans. I am ready to be the star of this tournament.”

Neymar went on to praise Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for bringing a “new identity” to the team.

“We needed some time together on the training pitch to get to know each other better, and to improve our team play,” he explained. “We presented ourselves much better during the Confederations Cup. The unity on the pitch and also off the pitch was fantastic.”

This, Neymar said, would be the key to winning the World Cup, adding: “Our fans can be sure of this: 23 warriors will bend over backwards for the Selecao to win the title.”

The forward has already drawn comparisons with Pele and has also been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo and Messi as a future Ballon d’Or winner.

“To be compared to Pele is an honour,” he said. “But Pele, Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi — I can’t really be compared to them. They have a reached a level which will not be reached by others.

“That’s a different league, but I also have to admit that being named in the same breath as them makes me proud.”

However, former Brazil international Juninho Pernambucano warned that the weight of expectation on Neymar could be too intense.

“In recent World Cups, we had Romario, Bebeto, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka. And now we have started to prepare a team from the back,” the ex-Lyon midfielder told RMC. “We have a very strong defence with Thiago Silva and David Luiz, and we have a lot fewer forwards of international class.

Neymar is the leader in terms of technique, but I hope that pressure is not going to stop him having a good World Cup.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Who Will Win The Golden Boot In Brazil?

THERE’S only one debate in the days leading up to a World Cup that can possibly come close to the ‘who’ll lift the trophy?’ hype. That question: Who will finish the tournament as top goalscorer? The ‘Golden Boot’ award is almost as prestigious to a striker as helping their nation win the event itself, and it’s also far harder for fans to predict, too. That hasn’t stopped our Roundtablers from having a crack, however, and once you’ve seen who they think will be in the goals in Brazil, you can add your own picks and explanations.

Miroslav Klose - Golden Boot. Fred was their ‘Salenko’s Law’ says this top scorer at the is the most futile of all bets Confederations Cup but it - if someone sticks four might tougher for him to past Honduras that could replicate that this summer. be the ball game. But if Neymar is likely to all over we’re looking for a player the set-pieces too, so should who will score a high have plenty of chances to percentage of his team’s pad his tally. goals, and is in a relatively Lionel Messi – not because straightforward group, Argentina will win the let’s have one last punt on whole thing (though of Klose for old times’ sake. course they have a good Gonzalo Higuain - With chance) but because they Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria in have a very straightforward the group stages, group stage. Messi has a Argentina look well great chance of really placed to bag a few goals getting into his stride in their opening three against at least one of games and Higuain will be Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria, there to finish off any meaning he could very chances he gets. A record easily have four or five of 21 goals in 36 games is goals under his belt before more than respectable and the group stage is over. Add he scores goals wherever one or two more in the lasthe goes, with 24 in 44 for 16 and quarter-finals and Napoli this season. Aguero he’ll have the six or more might be suffering from that is almost always fitness problems while enough. Sure, there’s big Messi isn’t as prolific for pressure on him since he’s country as he is for his got so much to prove – but club, so Higuain looks he’s good enough to prove it. As for Ronaldo? He just well placed to profit.

Neymar - I feel Brazilian ain’t right at the moment – hopes will live or die with he’s been at too high a level Neymar. I’m not sure if he for too long, and has come is quite good enough to off the boil (in terms of both take them all the way but his health and his skill) just he is likely to score the at the wrong time. bulk of their goals which Edin Dzeko - What I love could easily be enough to about the World Cup top see him pick up the scorer award is how

Lionel Messi

possible it is for a very leftfield player to take the accolade, whereas the tournament itself is very rarely won by a complete underdog, if ever. Bosnia are a side in a great rhythm and despite being slightly under-appreciated at Man City, Dzeko is a multifaceted striker who bangs in the goals regardless of how much pitch time he gets. Assuming Bosnia don’t get stage-fright, they will punch above their weight and have a decent run, giving Dzeko all the

focal point of one of the most talented attacking forces. This World Cup will be the major tournament which sees the great Barcelona forward really excel on the biggest international stage and a run through to the final will provide him with ample opportunity to rack up a haul that no one else will be able to match. He will be the player of the tournament and the top goalscorer.

Romelu Lukaku - My inclination is to pick

(Belgium vs South Korea and Algeria) and Karim Benzema (France vs Honduras and Ecuador).

That goes to show how strong this World Cup is, with very few in the way of soft-touch teams South Korea and Nigeria, for example, could quite easily make it out of their groups. With Christian Benteke injured and a point to prove, Lukaku will start, score, and probably go further in the competition thanks to the strength of his Belgium

someone who operates as a lone target man for a team in a group with more than one relatively ‘weaker’ side. As such, it was a toss-up between Edin Dzeko (Bosnia vs Iran and Nigeria), Lukaku

team.

Cristiano Ronaldo - If Portugal go deep into the tournament, it will be down to the goals of this bloke. How do you control the uncontrollable? If he stays injury-free - which is

Golden Boot

pitch time he needs to prove himself on the big stage with five or six goals.

Lionel Messi - Let’s not overcomplicate this: Messi will flourish in an Argentina team brimming with quality and as the

Cristiano Ronaldo on the move

Gonzalo Higuain

a huge question mark at the time of writing - there is no reason why the Ballon d’Or winner can’t wallow in goals. Could be a straight fight between the Real Madrid player and his Barcelona rival Lionel Messi to see who winds up as top goalscorer. As an aside, Luis Suarez should also help himself to a few goals. But predicting such happenings is hardly rocket science.

Jackson Martinez – The Porto star grabbed a 20goal haul in the Portuguese Liga this season and has a very impressive 46 goals in 60 games over the last two seasons. Having opened their Group C campaign against a frugal Greece, Colombia will then face the slightly less meticulous defences of Ivory Coast and Japan, so expect him to be amongst the goals early on as he assumes the role of chief goal getter for Jose Pekerman’s men. The very able Carlos Bacca and James Rodriguez will be those responsible for providing the ammunition.

R O U N D TA B L E VERDICT Lionel Messi (Argentina) 2 votes Miroslav Klose (Germany) - 1 vote Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina) - 1 vote Neymar (Brazil) - 1 vote Edin Dzeko (Bosnia) - 1 vote Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) - 1 vote Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - 1 vote Jackson Martinez (Colombia) - 1 vote

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Taekwondo Referees Need Regular Refresher Courses

Maigari Confident Of Strong Showing STEPHEN Keshi’s men enter the showpiece on the back of four winless friendlies, the last of which, against the United States, ended in a 2-1 defeat.

But Maigari has called for calm, insisting Nigeria have a great chance in Group F having been handed BosniaHerzegovina, Iran and Argentina as their opponents.

“I want to assure Nigerians at home and in the diaspora that the Super Eagles will not disappoint in Brazil,” said Maigari.

“For sure, our people would have wanted the team to win the matches against Italy, Mexico, Scotland, Greece and USA. But we drew the first four and lost the last one.

“I have spoken with the head coach and he is optimistic that his boys will be ready for the finals.

- Official

FERGUSON Oluigbo, the President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Referees Association, yesterday advised the referees for the sport to keep updating their skills as a mark of commitment.

Oluigbo told Newsmen in Lagos that well-trained referees would keep abreast of the modern trend in the sport.

“I will advise that the referees try to attend as many seminars as they can afford.

Being a referee is a very expensive business, because every time you move you spend money.

“Sometimes, you spend more money than you ever get back; it is a very expensive business to be a referee.

“And I advise that those that want to be good should attend more seminars so that they can be qualified to attend more championships so that their experience can be more.’’

According to him, regular participation in international seminars will enhance the referees’ competence in officiating

DSS Boss Hopeful Of NPFL Promotion

SUNDAY Adeleye, Chairman, Dynamic Sporting Solution (DSS) FC of Kaduna on Tuesday said all hope was not lost in getting promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Adeleye told newsmen in Abuja that in spite of their poor performance in the first round of the Nigeria National league (NNL), they intended to improve.

DSS FC is one of the teams threatened by relegation after the first round of the NNL 2013/ 2014 season with the lowest points on the league table.

He attributed the team’s poor outing during the first round to several issues confronting them, including the management.

“In the first round, we did not perform well because we had so many issues with the league management.

“This was one of the factors that affected us, but by God’s grace, we will perform better in this second round.

“We are not even looking at escaping relegation; our focus is on getting promotion to the nation’s top flight, Globacom Premier League which we are working hard toward.

“Relegation is out of it, all hopes are not lost until the end of Week 30 match and we strongly believe and hope that we can actually gain the promotion,” he said.

Adeleye said that so far they were catching up in the second round, noting that they had won all their matches.

Okaeben Vows To Revamp Sports

Aminu Maigari, NFA Chairman.

EDO State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Mobilization, Mr. Chris Okaeben has vowed to revamp sports in the state. which is in line with the Mr. Okaeben stated this ministry’s agenda to embark while receiving the gymnasts on talent hunt. who emerged 2nd position at Mr. Okaeben stressed the just-concluded Dangote that Edo State must embark Championships in his office. on aggressive recruitment of The Commissioner who young athletes from both was impressed with the rural and urban areas performance of the athletes, especially from Primary and commended their coaches for Secondary Schools in order catching the younger ones to bring back the lost glory right from the grassroots of sports in Edo State.

Okosieme Backs Eagles To Excel

EX-international, Ndubuisi Okosieme, on Tuesday attributed the lackluster performance of the Super Eagles in their friendly matches, preparatory to the 2014 Brazil World Cup, to fear of injury.

The Eagles played 2-2 against Scotland, while their encounter with Greece ended 0-0 and their game against USA ended 1-2 in favour of their opponents.

Okosieme, a member of the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship, told newsmen in Lagos that the Eagles were careful so as not to sustain injuries.

“Going through the friendly games they have played, I attribute their performance to the fact that they don’t want to get injured

at this crucial point in time.

“Even the man that got injured, Echejile, had to be replaced; so, every other player is playing safe, knowing that he would be replaced if injured.

“The World Cup is a big deal; that is why the last game we played was a little shabby.

“The coach too is trying to match out his team,’’ he said.

On his expectation, the former ABC of Lagos player told newsmen that he was optimistic that the team would perform well at the World Cup. ‘They have a lot at stake, and they know the importance of this to the country as a whole, but I do believe we will put up a good performance at the World Cup.”

He said the Ministry will liaise with the Ministry of Education to re-invent Physical and Health Education which would in the long run transcend to the annual inter-house Sports competitions that take place in most primary and secondary schools.

The Commissioner urged Okosun Prosper, the gymnast that won four Gold medals to remain focused and not to allow any coach buy him over to another state as there is no place like home. “Do not get carried away by promises that will be made to you by some

ambitious coaches who are also looking for athletes to recruit from here to our sister state”, he admonished the athletes.

He assured them of state government’s commitment in ensuring that they get the necessary support that will enhance their performance in future competitions.

Earlier, speaking onbehalf of the athletes, the chief coach, Isaiah Obano said they were in the office of the Honourable Commissioner to present the trophies won at the just concluded Aliko Dangote championships in Abuja.

“The earlier draws, and the loss to (the) USA have afforded our boys a lot of lessons, which will be useful against Iran in the first match and subsequently.

“I have confidence in the team. From what I saw at the final training camp in USA, I believe the African champions are set to do Nigeria and Africa proud at the FIFA World Cup.”

NWBF Defers Coaches Foreign Training Tour

ADOKI Obererilene, Technical Director, Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation (NWBF), on Tuesday said the federation had put on hold its planned training tour for coaches.

Obererilene told newsmen that the measure was due to logistics problems.

The federation had in March penciled down two of its coaches for a two-month training tour in Spain to equip them with modern knowledge of the game.

“The federation has yet to secure a training base suitable for the proposed training in Spain.

“We are streamlining our programmes to ensure we get the desired output that will bear positively on our athletes,” he said.

According to him, the federation has some strategic events coming up later in the year that call for the coaches to be abreast of current coaching techniques.

Obereilene said the coaches would embark on the training tour as soon as the federation secured a good training base in Spain.

“I want the affected coaches to exercise patience; the federation is still working on securing a conducive training base in Spain.

“As soon as that is done, they will embark on the training tour,’’ he said.

NFA Board Member Applauds NPFL Mid-Season Performance A board member of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Shehu Adamu, has applauded Management Company (LMC) and match officials for the successful conclusion of the first round of 2013/2014 league season.

Adamu, in an interview with newsmen in Abuja said that the success was a sign of better things to come in the Nigeria Professional League (NPFL).

“This season is better than last year by what I am seeing.

For example, you can go and have an away win, come back home and lose a match and then you can go and get a draw.

“This is to show that the system is beginning to be

sanitised to make sure we get it right and that’s exactly what sports loving Nigerians are yearning for.

“I have no doubt that in the next few years I think we should be able to get it right.

“You have the right to go and win an away match out rightly and you can come back and lose at home out rightly.’’

He urged the LMC to ensure that the achievement recorded in the first stanza of the league was consolidated upon in the second round.

Meanwhile, proprietor of Nembe City FC of Bayelsa, Victor Baribote, has said that the NPFL could be ranked among the best leagues in the world if

all hands were on deck.

He said NPFL major stakeholders were to be blamed or commended if thing went wrong or right in the league.

“The match officials, league administrator and club managers will share in the blame or commendation that comes out of the elite league. “ I don’t want to blame anybody for some of the lapses and errors noticed in the league.

“I know there are some errors that are human but there are some that are deliberate.

“So, the only thing I know is that officiating must be balanced if our league must grow beyond this,’’ Baribote said.

NAN reports that 19 matches were played in the first round of the NPFL season.

THE NIGERIAN

32

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Okonjo-Iweala:

The Pot, The Kettle

WE salute the Nigerian spirit – the spirit of enterprise. It is the spirit that rewards excellence and punishes indolence. We have seen the Nigerian team in a football match with another country on our home ground. In the beginning, Nigerians applauded their team to the high heavens but as soon as the Nigerian team fell into goal deficit, Nigerians switched their support to the visiting team and at the very height of their disappointment, they even started hauling stones at the Nigerian players.

This is instructive for Nigerian politicians. In his opening address to the 52nd Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, on 28 th August 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan informed the gathering of learned gentlemen that he was “the most criticized President in the world”.

That could be true but we quickly reminded him of the Nigerian spirit and that in the beginning, he was also the most praised man the world over. How else could Nigerians have demonstrated their love for this man than that after Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (1937-1998), the best President we never had, Jonathan remains the only President who was put in office with votes from across party lines and across geographical boundaries?

In politics, criticism is a fact of life. And as they say, if you can’t stand the smoke, you better get out of the kitchen. We take very seriously, the recent alert by the ebullient Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, when

she took a swipe at the State Governors on their profligacy.

Speaking at the 12 th Convocation of Babcock University, the Minster wondered why citizens blame the administration of President Jonathan for the failings of state governments that get

they do with their allocations”.

Here, Okonjo-Iweala was being clever by half, a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

Why would anyone think that the issue of profligacy in government today can be considered without Jonathan who is, indeed, the Captain of that

where she would today have been the boss but for the accident of geography.

A more mature approach, which would have accommodated the concept of leadership by example, would have been: “Jonathan got ‘A’ and did ‘B’ with it. On the basis of this, I challenge Akpabio to

Okonjo Iwaela, Minister of Finance

monthly allocations larger than countries like Liberia, Gambia and the Republic of Benin. Madam urged Nigerians to ask their State Governors what they are doing with their huge allocations.

Hear her: “In 2013 alone, Akwa Ibom got N260 billion, Rivers N230 billion, Delta N209 billion, Bayelsa N173 billion, Lagos N168 billion, Kano N140 billion, Katsina N103 billion, Oyo N100 billion, Kaduna N97 billion and Borno N94 billion. These were the allocations these States got from the Federation account.

She titled her message “Leave Jonathan alone; Ask your Governors what

industry?

Essentially, profligacy is evil and must not be condoned. But if somebody comes to me to say “Ask Governor Godswill Akpabio what he did with the billions allocated to him but don’t ask President Jonathan what he did with the trillions in his possession”, I would take a second look at such a person.

Madam’s approach is as un-Harvard as it is un-MIT – Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology – two worldrenowned Institutions where Madam poured out her superior brains very early in life. She also made waives in the World Bank

tell the people what he did with the ‘C’ he got.” But by remaining stoically silent on the allocation to the Federal Government, Okonjo-Iweala shows herself a biased umpire.

The timing of Madam’s call also betrays it as political. Coming very close to an election year, the

silent aim is to portray the State Governors and their administrations in bad light so that the Federal Government can shine.

There is an attempt here to pitch State Governors against their people. More so, it is an established fact that Governors have always been seen by the electorate as tax-eating parasites, under-worked and overpaid. No citizen is happy when governments spend any money, even when such expenditure is in providing amenities for his area.

There is this open ambivalence – you must provide amenities but don’t spend money.

On balance,though many State Governments are today more accountable to the people than the Federal Government. By and large, gone are the days when State Governors simply diverted monthly allocations to their private pockets and nothing happened.

In abstraction, the allocation of N230 billion to Rivers State is big in the eye of everyone but the Monorail Project, the Afam Power Project, the Model Education Institutions in virtually all the Local Government Areas, Health Institutions, the massive road networks – to name just a few –loom much larger than the allocation.

Apparently, the States are working. Their peer review mechanism is setting them in healthy competitions among themselves. Many

of them now go the extramile of publishing their audited accounts at the end of every financial year – something the Federal Government can learn from. There can be no better accountability!

Jonathan sits over the largest Pr esidential Air Fleet, PAF, of 10 aircraft for which we waste N10 billion annually in running costs. It is one fraud after another, to the extent that stealing no longer qualifies as corruption.

When the NNPC is not brewing fraud, unable to account for billions of Dollars of earned revenue, somebody somewhere is lifting hundreds of billions of Naira pension money; and when one Minster is not busy squandering billions acquiring abandoned bullet-proof cars in Europe, another Minister is busy hiring taxis with N10 billion. Yet, the General Overseer must be left alone?

Okonjo-Iweala failed to tell her audience that if we removed the above sums from the combined budgets of six neighbouring countries, the six countries would collapse immediately.

Nigerians already have enough problems in their hands. Rather than give us the added task of determining who should be held accountable and who should be left alone, our plea is simple: Leave us alone!

“In politics, criticism is a fact of life. And as they say, if you can’t stand the smoke, you better get out of the kitchen. We take very seriously, the recent alert by the ebullient Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, when she took a swipe at the State Governors on their profligacy.”

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