Nigerian observer 12 09 2013

THE NIGERIAN

1

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

cmyk

CHILD HEALTH AND YOU Page 15 Fish: An

Invaluable component of child nutrition

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

• Vol. 38 NO.309• THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2 013 • N100.00

Edo ’ll implement tax laws

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR

BENIN CITYSecretary to Edo State Government (SSG), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere

said government will not relent in the effort to vigorously enforce the relevant tax laws in view of the unreliable statutory allocation from the federation account.

He stated this yesterday in Government House, when he played host to the Acting Chief Medical Director, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Dr.

- SSG

Peter Okokhere who was in Government House for a formal introduction to the state government.

The SSG said the issue Continues on page 2

Govt awards scholarship to Stowaway boy

By ADAMS OYIBOKE / OYENMWEN OMOROGBE

MAN AND NATURE Page 27

Vanity

The distorted tool

BENIN CITY- Governor, Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has admonished Parents/Guardians to fulfill their obligations to their children and wards, irrespective of their financial status, even as he announced the state government’s scholarship to the stowaway teenage boy, Ricky Daniel Oikhena, up to University level.

He gave the Psychiatric Hospital admonition when he revealed that the boy has received the leadership no medical abnormality of the Federal Airport whatever, stressing that Authority of Nigeria the young boy is an (FAAN), who paid him a intelligent boy who courtesy visit in wanted to realize his Government House, dream of travelling to yesterday in Benin City.

London.

He said the event According to Governor surrounding the Oshiomhole, the state stowaway teenage boy, government decided to Ricky Daniel Ohikhena offer scholarship to Ricky was miraculous, up to university level in describing the boy as a order to realize his miracle boy”. dream.

According to him, “we Presently, the boy has were all Lucky in many been given admission in ways; first, that the Edo College as a young boy is alive, only Boarding student, miracle people can describing the boy’s explain that.” action as a kind of He said medical report boldness of a man with carried out by the state promising future. government in the “He has no history of

violent in his school; did well in his academics, no history of attacking or going into any confrontation with his school authority or fellow students;he is just an idealistic young man

who wanted to go abroad “, he stressed.

Earlier, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FAAN, Mr. George Uriesi had told the governor that they were in the state House

to brief the governor on ground assessment of the recent stowaway teenage boy who hid in the tyre compartment of Arik Aircraft enroute Benin to Lagos.

Mr. Uriesi said that FAAN has put in place stringent measure to ensure that similar event does not reoccur at the Benin Airport.

Continues on page 2

Esama marks 79th birthday Anniversary

BENIN CITY- It was Celebration of Life yesterday in Benin City as Nigerians from all works of life gathered at the GRA residence of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion to commemorate his 79 th birthday anniversary.

The birthday ceremony of the Esama began in the early hours of yesterday with an Interdenominational service, held at his private residence.

The inter-denomination service which was parked full, had in attendance, leaders of different religious groups, including leaders of the Islamic faith.

Readings during the service which were drawn from the books of

Psalm and Isaiah, were taken by Rev. Obehi Iziduh and Rev. Dr. Agbe- Davies.

In an exhortation, the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigerian (PFN), Rev. Dr. Felix Omobode, charged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of the Esama whom he said did much to affect the lives of many Nigerians.

According to Rev. Omobude, the celebrant who has lived strong in God, is a Model for all in the service of God and humanity.

On his part, chief Igbinedion charged his guests to live their lives to the full in the service of God and humanity.

He however, prayed that everyone who has come to celebrate with

him, would also be celebrated by others.

Highlights of the celebration was entertainment by cultural dance troups Continues on page 2

VISIT: British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Pocock (right), presenting the African September 11 Memorial Peace Tree Planting Award to Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on behalf of Africa Initiative for World Peace during a visit to Government House, Benin City, yesterday. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE

Jonathan reshuffles cabinet, drops 9 ministers

ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday announced a cabinet reshuffle, dropping nine out of the

42 ministers that make up his cabinet.

Information Minister Labaran Maku said this while briefing State

House correspondents on the outcome of the

Federal Executive Council meeting presided

President of the African Initiative for World Peace, Bernadette Strebel said at the award presentation ceremony that the award was in recognition of the governor’s support for the

year, you approved a donation of 50,000 seedlings for our organization which we planted to honour Clara Oshiomhole and in Continues on page 2

Oshiomhole gets British High Commissioner’s environment.

BENIN CITY - The Peace Award According to her, “this British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Andrew Pocock yesterday presented a peace award on behalf of African Initiative for

World Peace to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State to commemorate the September 11 Peace Tree Planting Project in Nigeria.

over by the president.

Maku said the directive relieving the nine ministers of their duties took immediate effect.

He said the president would soon forward the names of replacements for the affected ministers to the National Assembly.

“Today (yesterday) in Council, the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, announced a cabinet reshuffle which affected Continues on page 2

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

News

Esama marks 79th birthday anniversary

Continued from page 1 from across Nigeria and the gift presentation of items to the celebrant by individuals and groups.

Also, the guests at the ceremony were treated to a befitting reception.

Adding colours to the occasion were traditional

Continued from page 1

to terrorism we should speak in unison and we readily appreciate the effort to commemorate the 9/11 event and the need to popularize it among our young people, so that they would grow up to recognize how terrorist operates and put security consciousness on the minds of our people”, he said.

Oshiomhole said beyond commemoration is the issue of threat to our common planet and stressed the need to sustain the campaign beyond

leaders from the north and south geo-political zone of the country in well adorned attires, business tycoons, industrialists, former and

present political leaders across the federation, and former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion.

High Commissioner’s Peace Award

memory of the victims of the September 11 disaster.

“Comrade Governor, you suffered a great loss when your dear wife, Mrs. Clara Oshiomhole passed away. She was a great supporter of you and your policies and was a true environmentalist. We wish to honour her memory by creating an important new trust fund, the Clara Oshiomhole Memorial Forest of Peace Trust Fund to be launched on the 7th December, 2013.

According to her, “the memory of the September 11 disaster is still most painful.

Nevertheless, it has taught us one lesson, that no act of terrorism, however terrible can change the view we have of the world.”

The British High Commissioner, on his part, said the tree planting exercise was to protect the environment, urging everyone to support the one million tree planting exercise by planting a tree.

In his remark, Governor Oshiomhole spoke of the need for collaborative efforts between nations in the fight against terrorism.

According to the governor “we in Edo State are appreciative of the support which the British Government has shown. We all have seen that the world of terror does not have national boundaries, they don’t require visa to move from one territory to the other.

Nigeria is currently having its own fair share of terrorism.

Terrorists are like air. They flow freely, there must be coordinated national and international efforts to curtail them and deal with them.

“Nations must collaborate when it comes to terrorism, regardless of political orientation and the orientation of government. When it comes

rhetoric’s “In the past, people thought that for the poor, the environment is not a priority, but we now know that the poor are going to be at the receiving end

if the environment gets worse.

We are ready to do whatever we can do as a Government to ensure that our people are environmentally conscious”, he added.

Stowaway boy

Continued from page 1 He stated that FAAN has mapped out enlightenment programme to create awareness on the dangers involved in Ricky’s adventure.

While soliciting the state

government assistance, he commended the leadership provision of Governor Oshiomhole which he added has continually strengthened relation with FAAN, Benin Airport.

Forest regeneration:

Oshiomhole sues for support

IRHUE – Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has called on indigene of the state to join hands with government to develop the forests and green environment of the state.

He made the call yesterday at Ehor forest reserve, Irhue, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State, during the tree/ planting exercise to commemorate the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Centre in New York, and the birth of Prince Alexander of England.

Comrade Oshiomhole who was represented by the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu at the ceremony which was also used to unveiled the Clara Oshiomhole Memorial forest of peace plantation, stressed the need for concerted efforts to save the forest resources on which the sustenance of humanity

depends.

The governor solicited the support and cooperation of the governments of the United Kingdom in regenerating Edo State forest resources.

He commended the contributions of the African Initiative for World Peace and its foreign partners from Spain for partnering with Edo State government in the Venture to restore, regenerate and enrich the forest resources and environment of the state.

The governor pointed out that the state has a high potential for forest regeneration and emphasizes government’s commitment to the planting of more trees annually.

State Commissioner for Environment and Public Utilities, Prince Clem Agba stated that the continuous cutting down of trees in the forest without replacing them and other human

Continued from page 1 interest on PAYE Tax arrears

water, sanitation and hygiene presented a report on base line survey carried out in two local government areas of the state to the SSG. Prof. Ihonvbere expressed satisfaction that the report was quite challenging and revealing, saying it will form a better road map towards enhancing the sanitation and overall welfare of people in

the state.

He assured of greater collaboration with UNICEF for it to be extended to other local government areas of the state.

Leader of the EU/UNICEF/ Niger Delta team, Mr. Patrick Osuocha said the survey was carried out in Etsako West and Ovia South West Local Government Areas.

the Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture, Alhaji Bukar Tijani.

“These Ministers have been affected in the cabinet reshuffle and the President-in-Council expressed his satisfaction and happiness over their commitment to government since they were appointed.

“He also thanked them for their service to their fatherland and said he will continue to engage them one way or the other in the implementation of transformation agenda and of course, in the various challenges government faces in terms of the efforts to transform our country,’’ he said.

To oversee the affected Ministries pending new appointments, Maku said the Minister of State I, for Foreign

Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri would oversee the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He said the Minister of State for Education, Mr Nyesom Wike would oversee the Education Ministry while the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Darius Ishaku, would oversee the Ministry of Environment.

Maku said that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Musa Sada would oversee the Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development.

Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, is to oversee the Ministry of Science and Technology while the Minister of State for Works, Bashir Yuguda will oversee the Ministry of National Planning.

factors have resulted in adverse climatic conditions.

According to him, forest not only support man with oxygen but also absorb excess carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Andrew Pockock and Spokesman for Bernadette Strabel World Peace, Fernando Moneta in their separate remarks noted that the first ever 9/11 memorial forest will be a tribute to the worldwide outpouring of unity and compassion that emerged in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack.

On his part, Chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government Council, Hon. Roland Alari expressed hope that when the objective of planting one million trees is fully realized the initiative will engender public/ private partnership and future investments in tourism development.

Edo ’ll implement tax laws

of internally generated revenue with particular regard to pay As You Earn (PAYE), is critical if government is to meet its statutory obligation to the people.

He asserted that, “this will be enforced within the armbits of relevant laws and through dialogue.”

Prof. Ihonvbere who acknowledged the collaboration the state government has with Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital with regards to the training of students from the state owned Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, said the memorandum of understanding will be strengthened for optimal results.

On the reported case of increase in the incidence of Lassa Fever in some parts of the state, the SSG advocated for more enlightenment on the scourge.

The acting Chief Medical Director, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital said the visit was to appeal to the state government to consider the waiver of the penalty and

for 2005-2011 being owned by the hospital.

He also drew the attention of government to cases of Lassa Fever where the major victims are from Edo State In another engagement, a delegation of European Union, UNICEF and Niger Delta Support project on

Edo Assembly confirms SUBEB members

By KEN ABU/WINIFRED OSASOBE\O BENIN CITY - The Edo State House of Assembly has confirmed the nominees for membership of the State Universal Basic Education Board(SUBEB).

They are Chief Stephen Alao (Chairman), Aisosa Amadasun, Dove Momodu and Mallam Alli Sule.

The conformation of the nominees was sequel to the consideration of the report on their screening by the House plenary after it was presented by the House Standing

Committee on Education.

Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee and the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Foly Ogedengbe said the report has three findings and a recommendation.

He said the nominees possess the relevant professional qualification and working experience which make them fit and qualified to be members of SUBEB. Announcing their confirmation, Speaker of the House, Hon. Uyi Igbe urged them to discharge the duties of the office with all diligence in order to sustain the educational standard of the state.

Govt ’ll ensure businesses pay renewal levy BENIN CITY- The Edo State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr. MacDonald Obasuke has stated the resolve of his Ministry to ensure that operators of businesses in the State register their businesses with the ministry while those already registered ensure payment of their annual renewal levy.

The commissioner made this known yesterday in Benin City when officials of his ministry commenced the exercise aimed at making defaulters comply with their statutory obligation to government.

Commissioner Obasuke explained that considering the enormous development stride of the present Administration led by

Governor Adams Oshiomhole, it would be unfair on the part of anyone to deny government revenue due to it via outright refusal to pay statutory charges.

Towards this end, he said the state government would employ civil means to bring defaulters to book when and where necessary.

According to the commissioner, the debt recovery exercise by the ministry would cut across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Meanwhile, some defaulting business premises in Benin City metropolis have been sealed up in order to express the seriousness attached to the exercise.

The exercise is expected to continue today.

Aftermath of rainfall

Electricity ’ll be restored

By RICHARD EWEKA - PHCN BENIN CITY-The Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs (AGMP/A) of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Mr. Tunde Fadipe has assured consumer of electricity whose power was cut off as a result of last weekend down pour in some part of Benin city of speedy restoration.

He gave the assurance while speaking with our reporter in his office in Benin City yesterday.

Mr. Fadipe said his men are working round the clock to ensure that all the electricity pole destroyed by the heavy

wind that accompanied the rain are replaced and electricity restored before the end of today.

“As at today (yesterday), we have restored power supply to Ihama and Reservation. We are presently working at Andrew Wilson Estate, Ugbor and G.R.A and are very optimistic that at the end of today, we would have restored back electricity supply to the area affected by the rain”.

Commenting on the proposed increase in electricity tariff, Mr. Fadipe said the power lies with Nigeria Electricity Commission (NEC), adding that “as at yesterday there is no increment yet, the tariff remain the same”.

Jonathan reshuffles cabinet, drops 9 ministers Continued from page 1

about nine Ministers.

“This reshuffle is with immediate effect.

“The ministers that have been affected in the cabinet reshuffle include the following: the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru.

“The Minister of Environment, Hajia Hadiza Mailafia, the Minister of Education, Prof.

Ruqayyat Rufai, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms Ama Pepple.

“The Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Ewa, the Minister of National Planning, Dr Shamsudeen Usman, the Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Erelu Olusola Obada.

“The Minister of State for Power, Hajia Zainab Kuchi and

Maku said he was given the responsibility to oversee the Ministry of Defence pending the appointment of a new Minister.

Responding to questions from correspondents, Maku said the cabinet reshuffle had nothing to do with the crisis in the PDP but the decision of the President to inject new blood into his cabinet.

He said it was a decision to re-focus government for greater service delivery to the Nigerian public.

The Minister said it was a decision that had been speculated in the media and not unusual in any administration that government reshuffled cabinet.

In an interview with correspondent, one of the

affected Ministers, Mailafia, said they were exiting the cabinet ‘honourably’.

We have been part of the government and I owe a lot to it.

“We have been honoured to serve and we are moving out honourably, and I think that is important. Many have come and gone without honour.

“If you are wise enough, life is a cycle and from the day you come in you should know there is exit.

Every Wednesday, I come in here hoping one day there will be a cabinet reshuffle,’’ she said Mailafia said she would still be in touch with her other colleagues, who were not affected and would continue to support the Administration of President Jonathan.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

News Police To Enhance Intelligence ABUJA - The InspectorZonal AIGS and Command General of Police, Mr. Gathering CPs to extend similar logistics Mohammed Abubakar, said

Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu (middle) flanked by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Pockock (left) and Edo State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Clem Agba during the September 11 Tree Planting exercise in Ehor Forest Reserve, Uhunmode Local Government Area to mark the 9/11 attack on America, Birth of Prince Alexander of England and the unveiling of Clara Oshiomhole Memorial Forest of Peace Plantation.

that the Police Intelligence Bureaus across the country were being strengthened to effectively carry out their duties.

Abubakar said this in his opening remarks at a one-day wrap-up seminar for “Strategic Police Managers’’, Zonal Assistant InspectorsGeneral of Police and Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the FCT. A similar workshop was held in the six geo-political zones, for AIGs and CPs between May and June.

To strengthen them,

Review Tax Policy On Art Works, Artist Urges FG

ABUJA - Mr. Kennedy Eguakun, an Abuja-based African art collector and a wood carver, has urged the Federal Government to review the tax policy on art works.

Eguakun told newsmen in Abuja that such step would encourage high production of local crafts and arts.

According to him, the tax policy will further eradicate influx of foreign products at the detriment of the local production.

He said that Nigerian artisans were facing the challenge of competing with imported products, thereby leading to low patronage of local products.

Eguakun said that the tax policy would help checkmate imported products coming into the country from the rest of the world.

He said that most of Nigerian crafts were bought by foreigners, restructured by the foreigners and exported back to Nigeria for sales.

According to him, the act is a criminal offence and the Federal Government must stand up to its responsibility in curtailing the crime.

Eguakun said that arts and crafts were priceless commodities that portrayed the fortune of the country and should be jealously guarded.

“It beats our imagination when Nigerian artisans find out that crafts from other countries find their way into the Nigerian market.

“The irony of this is that it will make local producers more competitive and trying to contend with what is coming from outside, thereby giving us low market.

“There should be a tax policy in place that will encourage the local production. To help Nigerian artists, the foreign arts should be taxed more than the locally produced crafts.’’

Mr Omoniyi Yusuf, a painter, stressed the need for proper awareness and sensitisation to the usefulness of arts and crafts in the country.

He appealed to the Federal Government to help facilitate an enabling environment where the works of artisans would thrive and encourage patronage of works of art.

“Some of the challenges we have here is patronage. When people come and find out the prices of arts and crafts, they are often discouraged.

“If you look at the efforts

involved, the time and resources put into production of art works, it actually worth the price that the artists are asking for.

“We want the government to put in place annual exhibition programmes that will help showcase the works of these indigenous artists.”

Abubakar said he had approved quarterly allocations to all zonal and state bureaus and the payment of basic transport allowances to operatives on course at the Force Intelligence School.

He disclosed that a temporary police intelligence school had been set up in Enugu with regular courses being attended by police operatives as well as operatives of sister security agencies.

The I-G recalled that the foundation laying ceremony of the permanent site of the school at Share in Kwara was performed on September. 4, adding that it took the police 87 years to achieve the feat.

He also said that he had allocated five new brand operational vehicles to the Force Intelligence Bureau to assist it in performing its duties.

“In addition, I directed all

Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu (middle) planting a tree at Ehor Forest Reserve, Uhunmode Local Government Area to mark the 9/11 attack on America, both of Prince Alexander of England and the unveiling of Clara Oshiomhole Memorial Forest of Peace Plantation.

$1.69m Fraud: Ajudua Gets N50m Bail IKEJA - An Ikeja High Court has granted bail to a one-time Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua, who has been standing trial over an alleged 1.69 million dollar (N270 million) fraud.

Ajudua was granted bail by a vacation judge, Justice Ganiyu Safari, on health grounds.

His counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, had filed the application on August. 19, praying the court to grant him bail on “exceptional circumstances”.

Mr. Wemimo Ogunde (SAN), counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had opposed the application, claiming that Ajudua would abscond if granted bail.

Ruling on the application, Safari granted Ajudua a bail of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.

The judge said it was evident that the accused was suffering from complicated ailments which needed proper medical attention.

He noted that the medical report attached to the application issued by Dr Adebisi Ogunjimi of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) showed that Ajudua was “gravely ill.’’

Safari said the medical facilities at the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons, where Ajudua was being remanded,

could not provide proper treatment for him.

The judge said:“There is no doubt that the medical condition of an applicant can warrant the granting of bail in exceptional circumstances.

“The applicant (Ajudua) is currently on admission at LUTH after he was rushed there on August. 3 following his inability to urinate.

“The applicant has only one kidney and is also suffering from hypertension.”

According to Safari, Ajudua’s health condition should not be allowed to worsen while the trial was still going on.

The judge, however, said that

Ajudua had abused the previous bail granted him in February.

2005 by the substantive trial judge, Justice Joseph Oyewole.

“The accused travelled to India to receive treatment at Grant Medical Foundation and he thereafter, refused to attend court proceedings, leading to over 40 adjournments,” he said.

Safari said the court had no option than to grant Ajudua bail on stringent terms to ensure that the trial was not stalled again.

He directed the sureties to deposit the title deeds of their buildings in Lagos to the Chief Registrar of the court.

He also directed them to produce three years tax clearance from the Lagos State

Government.

In addition, Ajudua was also asked to deposit his international passport with the Chief Registrar and was barred from travelling outside Nigeria without the court’s permission.

Ajudua and one Charles Orie are standing trial for allegedly defrauding two Dutch businessmen – Messrs Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen — of 1.69 million dollars (N270 million).

The fresh bail application which was granted by Safari was the fourth to be filed by Ajudua since the trial began in 2003.

support to the intelligence detachment in their commands.

“I am glad to note that a number of commands, including Enugu, Delta, Rivers, Edo, Oyo, Osun and Akwa Ibom have complied; I want to believe that other commands will soon follow suit.

“It is an incontrovertible fact that intelligence-led policing is very fundamental to national security,’’ he said.

Abubakar said the seminar was to sensitise the officers to concerns expressed by the public at the zonal workshops and the virtue of engaging them and non-state actors in addressing crimes.

“It is my view that crime prevention can be addressed through concerned citizenry that is responsive in partnering with the police through giving information and intelligence.

“A very vigilant and supportive public will help achieve the course of effectively policing your zonal headquarters and state commands.

“It should be noted that our ultimate goal is not simply to enforce the law but to deal with problems effectively and ideally by preventing them,’’ he said.

Mr Solomon Arase, the AIG in charge of Intelligence, said that one of the outcomes of the zonal workshops was that intelligence-led policing was needed to tackle internal security challenges.

Arase noted that such policing must strive toward getting public support in line with best international practices.

In his remarks, retired I-G Mike Okiro, who is Chairman of the Police Service Commission, advocated a ‘‘Civil-Security’’ strategy as being practised in Maiduguri, to tackle crime and terrorism.

Senator Paulinus Igwe, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Police, urged the police to be friendly toward the civil populace in order to get their support in combating crime.

“You should be more friendly to the public to become acceptable to them; this will make your job easy,’’ he said.

The Minister of Police Affairs, retired Navy Capt.

Caleb Olubolade, who declared the seminar open, urged the police to always review their crime fighting strategy to achieve desired result.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

News NASS To Increase Funding Of Human Rights Commission ABUJA-The National Assembly has captured National Human Rights Commission(NHRC)in ongoing constitutional amendment to ensure proper funding that would enable it discharge its responsibilities effectively.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Umaru Dahiru, stated this in Abuja at the opening ceremony of a five day Joint Foundation Course for African National Human Rights Institutions.

He said the amendment had passed through the third reading under the first line charge like other government institutions because of its important role in promotion and protection of human rights.

“We are amending our constitution and Human Rights Commission has been captured in the amendment that is going on.

“The National Assembly has passed the third reading of the amendment to help the National Human Rights Commission in terms of funding.

“This will make sure the commission is properly funded under the first line charge like any other government institution like National Assembly and the judiciary,’’ he said.

He expressed optimism that

2013 Hajj

Board Displays List Of Prospective Pilgrims ABUJA - The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board says it has displayed the lists of prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia at the area councils.

The board stated this in a statement issued in Abuja by Muhammad Lawal, its Public Relations Officer.

According to the statement, the list indicates the flight schedule and manifest.

It stated that “intending pilgrims should crosscheck their names and make any complaint regarding their flight for possible amendment’’.

It said that the display, expected to last for three days, was aimed at ensuring that all prospective pilgrims adhered to the flight schedules.

The statement directed the pilgrims to register their complaints to their various area council officials for necessary action.

It warned that those concerned must comply with the flight schedule as those who failed to do so would be sanctioned in accordance with international rules and regulations.

It added that the board had concluded arrangements for camping of the pilgrims at the Permanent Hajj Camp at Bassan Jiwa.

The statement said the board had mapped out security arrangements to ensure the safety of the pilgrims during the camping.

“All intending pilgrims must be in uniform and must present their identity cards before they will be allowed into the camp.

“The board hereby warns unauthorised persons to keep away from the area to avoid embarrassment.”

the commission would make good use of the privilege to carry out its mandate effectively, particularly with regard to right to education, health and right to life.

Dahiru commended organisers of the training for their foresight and for finding Nigeria safe to hold the training.

He pledged National Assembly’s resolve to accept suggestions from the training that would take the protection of human right to a higher level.

The Executive Secretary of NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe, in his welcome address, said the training was to ensure that Africa joined the rest of the world in

effectively protecting the rights of the people.

He added that the training would provide the requisite capacity for participants to carry out their duties efficiently.

“Africa is seeking to do everything possible to join the rest of the world in ensuring that rights of the people are not only observed but fully recognised and respected.

“This training is particularly aimed at providing the requisite and most appropriate capacity that is required by our institutions,” he said.

Angwe stressed that the training was timely given the rising cases of human rights

violations in Africa.

“Today, Africa like other parts of the world faces challenges of human rights violations.

“There are many examples, like the problems we have in Egypt today, some security challenges in Nigeria today and in so many other parts of Africa.

“It becomes very compelling

that we have requisite personnel which these institutions can use as instruments to protect the rights of our people,” he said.

He urged participants to take the training seriously, adding that there was a need to take steps to guarantee food and social security.

A resource person at the Workshop, Justice Emile Short,

said the training was timely as it would avail participants the opportunity to be more aware of their duties in promoting and protecting human rights.

Short, who is former Chairperson of Ghana Human Rights Commission, said the training would dwell on various human rights and how they could be enforced.

Inability To Recharge Prepaid Meter Worries Abuja Residents ABUJA - Some residents of Kubwa in Abuja, have expressed concern over their inability to recharge their pre-paid meters due to faulty PHCN computer system.

The residents also criticised PHCN for its inability to effectively manage the pre-paid billing system, which was introduced in 2012.

Reports state that many consumers gathered at the company’s outlet in PW Kubwa on Monday morning, to recharge their meters without success.

When contacted, PHCN officials said the network had been down for some days, and that this was responsible for the inability of consumers to get recharge vouchers.

One of the officials, who refused to disclose her identity, simply told newsmen that there was “network problem,’’ but failed to expatiate further.

“I am not an engineer, so I cannot tell you the exact problem; all I know is that for the past three days we have not been able to access the network.

“Our engineers have taken the computer system away for repairs,’’ she said.

It was observed that the residents resorted to purchasing scratch cards from vendors at 10 per cent above the value.

Some residents flayed the centralised nature of the sale of recharge vouchers, while others described as exploitative, “the arbitrary imposition and increase in service charges’’.

Internet: ABUJA- The First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, says global collaboration is imperative in addressing the threatening effects on the moral and physical safety of children by the Internet.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba, a Director of Information in the Presidency on Tuesday in Abuja.

The statement quotes Jonathan as saying this at the opening ceremony of the “BYND 2015 Global Youth Summit” holding in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The First Lady said that as many more people continue

According to Mr Daniel Omoh, consumers have not been able to recharge their pre-paid meters in the past four days.

“I cannot understand how a service network can allowed its equipment to breakdown for four days without any solution.

“I exhausted my credit last week Thursday and since then, I have not been able to recharge to restore my light; this is totally unacceptable,’’ he said.

Omoh said he had visited two other sales points in at Karu and Gwagwalada, but was told the same story of network failure.

L-R: Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion the Esama of Benin, his wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, and Chief Lucky Igbinedion former Governor of Edo State during the early morning service to mark the 79th Birthday anniversary of the Esama in Benin City yesterday. Photo: LUCKY AGIE

Executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Observer Chapel with the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Sir (Dr.) Osawaru Igbinedion to identify with him on his 79th birthday anniversary at his residence in Benin City.

First Lady Seeks Global Effort To Protect Youths to join the growing list of Internet users, it has become apparent that it commands global audience with vast benefits.

She described the Internet as one of the “greatest inventions of mankind which has changed the way we communicate, conduct business and socialise. ‘’Opinion leaders and policy makers could help to ensure a more safe and secure cyber space. ‘’Widespread advocacy, youth enlightenment, good

mentorship, appropriate parental control, training of youths as online protection ambassadors, as well as regular consultations with young people, should be engaged in guiding the young ones as they surf the net.’’

The President of Costa Rica, Madam Laura Chinchilla, also speaking at the Summit, called for the ethical use of the Internet to guarantee a better future for all. ‘’Diigital technology must

not be seen as a threat, but as a hope,’’ Chinchilla said.

In his remarks, the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary General, Dr. Hamadoun Toure, observed that the Summit would send a strong message to world leaders about the power of technology.

Toure explained the importance of ‘’digital inclusion’’, noting that there are some communities where young children have no access to the Internet.

‘’Globally, youths are requesting for affordable ICT and ICT innovations that will create more job opportunities for them,’’ he said.

The UN Secretary General who was represented by his Special Envoy on Youth, Mr. Ahmad Alhindawi, in a goodwill message said that ICT must be used to ‘’enrich lives’’.

The statement stated that the First Lady who is the ITU Child Online Champion (COP), had earlier held a closed door meeting with the President of Costa Rica who is the ITU Global Patron for Child Online Protection.

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News Kidnapping

NANS Urges FG, ASUU To End Feud PORT HARCOURT The Rivers State Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to end their feud.

The leader of the group, Mr. Jonas Adokiye, who made the appeal while addressing government house officials in Port Harcourt, said the lingering strike was doing harm to students.

He said the strike had turned most of the students into armed robbers and prostitutes, noting that some students had engaged themselves in various kinds of criminal activities, due to idleness.

The unionist urged wellmeaning Nigerians to prevail on ASUU and the Federal Government to return to the negotiation table.

Adokiye who is also the Director of Action and Mobilisation of NANS, also called for the appointment of a senior special assistant to the governor to oversee student matters.

He pleaded with the Rivers Government to also provide buses to ease movement of students in Rivers, appealing for the payment of bursary to students.

The Permanent Secretary in the Rivers State Government House, Mr. Fortune Oguru,

commended the group for conducting themselves peacefully.

He appealed to students to be patient, promising to pass their message to the governor, whom he said, was away on official assignment.

Oguru assured the students that the outcome of the negotiations between government and ASUU would ensure better learning and teaching.

AKURE - Worshippers of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Nigeria have appealed to the federal government to reconsider their appeal of changing the nation’s Election Days from Saturdays to any day of the week.

The newly re-elected President of the Western Union of Seventh-Day Adventist Church in

Nigeria, Pastor Oyeleke Owolabi made the disclosure in Akure, Ondo state capital while speaking to journalist.

Owolabi noted that other countries in the world do not normally conduct elections on Saturday, stressing that such was to allow religious Liberty across its citizens.

He noted that the demands were not only

2 Women, Man Remanded

Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (right) in a handshake with the Acting Chief Medical Director, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Dr. Peter Okokhere during a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City yesterday. Photo: QUEENETH A. OROBEDO

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Pockock planting a tree at Ehor Forest Reserve, Uhunmode Local Government Area to mark the 9/11 attack on America, birth of Prince Alexander of England and the unveiling of Clara Oshiomhole Memorial Forest of Peace Plantation.

ASABA - An Asaba Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered two women and a man to be remanded in Agbor and Ogwuashi-Uku Prisons over alleged kidnapping of a woman.

The Chief Magistrate, Miss Queen Momoh, said the accused should kept behind bars until the State Director of Public Prosecutions advised the court on their prosecution.

The accused — Raphael Igwe, 30; Ekwutosi Agbapulonwu, 40; and Stella Udeh, 33 — are facing a three-count charge of felony, kidnap and robbery.

The prosecutor, Insp.

Augustine Otubu told the court that the accused kidnapped one Mrs Anurika Okafor at Afor Nnaka in Orumba Council Area of Anambra and took her to Asaba in Delta.

Otubu said the offences contravened Sections 364, 403(a) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Delta 2006.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The case was adjourned to Nov. 5 for hearing.

Over 300 Military Personnel Get Free Eye Treatment

ELELE (RIVERS) - No fewer than 300 military officers, men and their families benefitted from a free eye treatment aimed at strengthening army operations in Rivers.

The News reports state that correctional glasses were also

issued to those diagnosed with vision impairment.

Lt.-Col. Murkhtar Adamu, the Commanding Officer of the 343 Artillery Regiment, Elele Cantonment in Rivers, said the exercise was aimed at preventing, detecting and treating its personnel diagnosed

with eye ailments.

Adamu said that the army took seriously the medical fitness of its officers and soldiers in its quest to strengthen its fight against oil theft, pipeline vandalism and

Adventist Church Appeals Against Use Of days’’.

By TOSIN AJUWON Saturday For Election such Owolabi added that limited to just Saturday, but include other two days (Sunday and Friday) which are normally used

by Christians and Muslims as their worshiping days. ‘’We have our brothers and sisters in other religion who have their own worship day on Fridays and events like elections and other crucial activities are not normally fixed for

government should respect religious day, saying that Nigerian Constitution permits freedom of religion.

“We are not speaking with a selfish mind, but what we are clamouring for is that elections should not be conducted on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays because these days are important worship days for Christians.

other crimes in the Niger Delta.

“When we know the medical status of our soldiers especially with regard to eye sight, we know soldiers to deploy to engage in illegal bunkering activities in the creeks.

“This programme is very important to us because it is only when soldiers can see that the soldiers can arrest.

“Most of the soldiers may not know their medical status in terms of their eye sight and so, this programme will assist them to know how well they can see or if they have any medical problem.

“The Army 2 Brigade headquarters, Port Harcourt, will ensure that we periodically request medical outfits to come to the barracks to check the (eye) status of soldiers.

“We want to make it in such a way that it is not only on eye test, but on other medical ailments like hepatitis, HIV and the rest.“ Adamu expressed gratitude to the management of Charity

Memorial Clinic for collaborating with the 2 Brigade to ensure the medical welfare of soldiers in the fight against illegal bunkering.

He called on other medical organisations to emulate the clinic to improve the medical fitness of officers and soldiers.

Dr Vivian Igberanese, an optometrist and a representative of the clinic, said the free treatment was in furtherance of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) vision 2020 Right to Sight.

She said that the clinic decided to conduct free eye test for the army personnel and their families when its management realised that vision impairment was an enormous challenge faced by soldiers in their operations.

“We discovered that soldiers don’t have the time to go for eye check-up because of their tight schedule and so, we approached the 2 Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Osasogie Uzamere, for partnership.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Across The Nation Respect Patients, Lawmaker Advises Doctors, Others LAGOS- Mr Suuru Avoseh, the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Health Services, on Monday advised medical practitioners to be more friendly and accommodating while attending to patients in the hospitals.

He made the call at OrileAgege General Hospital, Lagos, when his committee visited the facility as part of its oversight functions.

Avoseh said the visit was to enable them to know the challenges facing hospitals across the state and how medical personnel were attending to the patients.

The lawmaker observed that some doctors and health workers were in the habit of abusing patients and treating them shabilly.

“This attitude negates the Service Charter of the state government which is geared toward efficient service delivery to the people, ”Avoseh said.

He reiterated government’s commitment to the provision of qualitative healthcare to the people.

Government will provide more drugs and personnel in the general hospitals to meet the health needs of people, he added.

Receiving the lawmakers, Dr Iyabo Tijani, the hospital’s Medical Director, urged the state government to provide model office accommodation and wards to enable the hospital to serve the people better.

“Inadequate accommodation is one of the challenges facing the hospital,” she said.

Physically Challanged

Sokoto Pays N2.7bn As Allowances SOKOTO - Sokoto State Government said it spent N2.7 billion on the payment of allowances to 6,700 people living with disability in the last five years.

The state Chairman, Zakkat and Endowment Committee, Alhaji Lawal Maidoki, made the disclosure at the commencement of the tree planting campaign organised by the Association of People Living with Disability.

“The state government provides N45 million monthly for the payment of the allowance to the beneficiaries across the state and each person gets N6,500.

“The gesture will uplift the living standard of the beneficiaries to enable them to contribute their quota in developing the country,’’ he said.

Maidoki said the launch of the event was part of the contributions of the association to curb the menace of desert encroachment and environmental problems.

He said the campaign would be launched in the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

Police Beef Up Security As Oro Festival Begins

The Parish Priest, St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, Benin City, Rev’d father Festus Ogbonwan (left) and Elder Tes Sorae, Chairman Tomline Construction Company at yesterday early morning Church Service to mark the 79th Birthday anniversary of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion. Photo: LUCKY AGIE

ISEYIN (OYO STATE)The Oyo State Police Command have said it had beefed up security in Iseyin, headquarters of the local government area, for the 2013 Oro festival.

The police spokesperson, DSP Olabisi Ilobanofor, in a telephone interview with newsmen assured residents of adequate security during and after the festival.

She said that some strategies had been put in place to ensure that no one was either molested or harassed during the festival.

The event is one of the traditional Yoruba festivals and throughout the duration, women and others who are not participating in the celebration, are expected to stay indoors for

Dr. Efionayi Iyayi, Chairman Iyayi Group of Companies (left) and Deacon Vincent Agenmomen, Chairman Freedom Group of Companies during yesterday early morning Church Service to Mark Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion’s 79th Birthday anniversary in Benin City yesterday. Photo: LUCKY AGIE

a certain period of time.

It is an age-old Yoruba belief that Oro must never be seen by a woman.

Reports say that religious groups and Oro worshippers are usually at loggerheads in Iseyin during the seven-day celebration due to restriction on movements of women.

The 2013 edition of the festival began on Sunday.

Also speaking, the Odofin of Iseyin, Chief Mohanlola Ajagbe, said that the worshippers would avoid any violent act during the festival.

He said that arrangements had been put in place to ensure that none of the worshippers clashed with any religious group.

“We cannot forget our tradition as proposed by some people. We are the settlers and I am the chief worshiper of Oro in Iseyin.

“The truth is that if we do not perform the necessary sacrifice to the gods at some certain periods, the town will not be peaceful.

“People can move freely except on Sunday, September 15, when we are going to make some sacrifices in line with our traditions and customs.

“Women are advised to stay indoors on that particular day because it is not good for them to see the sacrifices.

“But it is just an advice. If anyone feels otherwise, we won’t stop her as long as she can face the consequences, ‘’ he warned.

Reports also say that police patrol vehicles were seen on major streets of Iseyin so as to maintain law and order.

CNPP, IPAC Back Call For Adoption Of Option A4

Elections:

LAGOS- The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has supported the Labour Party (LP) in its call on INEC to use ‘Option A4’ in future elections.

The groups in separate interviews with newsmen said that option A4 was preferable to the modified open ballot system currently in use.

Newsmen reports that LP through its National Chairman, Mr Dan Nwanyanwu, had on Sept. 3 urged INEC to adopt option A4 to ensure free and fair governorship election in Anambra.

The election has been scheduled to hold on Nov. 16.

The Publicity Secretary, Lagos State Chapter of CNPP, Rev. Austin Nnorom, called on INEC to use option A4, saying it was a choice that had been ‘tested and trusted’ by the electorate.

“We are not only advocating it for this

upcoming election but we are advocating it for subsequent elections.

“It is an option we have seen that has been used that has glaringly shown that we could have free and fair election.

“So the use of Option A4 without doubt will allow Nigerians to see a free and fair election in Nigeria; we have used it before and it has worked,’’ Nnorom stated.

The National Chairman of IPAC, Dr Yunusa Tanko, while backing the call, agreed that option A4 was one of the most transparent ways of conducting elections in a democratic setting.

“The option A4 is one of the most transparent ways of conducting election; we have seen it before and it has worked for us very well, the people can be easily identified and the voting can easily be counted and even

the people can easily see it.

“It is one of the simplest and most clear cut forms of election, there is no doubt about it,’’ he said.

However, Dr Adekunle Ogunmola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Lagos State, told newsmen that INEC did not plan the use of option A4 in the upcoming Anambra governorship polls.

“I do not think the commission has given thought to that at all; it is just the modified open ballot system that we used during last election that will also be used,’’ Ogunmola said.

Option A4 is an open ballot system evolved by Prof.

Humphrey Nwosu, while he was in the saddle as the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria

ABUJA- A 38-year-old man, Charles Nwosu, of Masaka community in Nasarawa State has been arraigned before a Mararaba Upper Area Court in Nasarawa State for alleged cheating.

When the matter came up for hearing, the Police Prosecutor, Cpl. Stephen Kwaza, told the court that the crime was reported at the Sani Abacha Police Station on Sept. 6 by one

Mohammed Saibu of Area 1, Masaka.

Kwaza said that the accused collected N95,000 from the complainant under the pretext to provide him some chemicals but he absconded instead.

The prosecutor said that the accused had been identified as a fraudster by the police and was earlier charged with fraud.

He added that the offences contravened Sections 312 and

(NECON) chairman during the June 12, 1993, Presidential Elections.

It requires supporters of a party and candidate to queue behind their candidate or symbol on scheduled day of election to be counted.

The ‘June 12 election’ was between the late Chief Moshood Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC).

Man, 38, Arraigned For Cheating

405 of the Penal Code.

When cross examined, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Presiding Officer, Mr Vincent Gwehemba, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

Gwehemba adjourned further hearing on the case to September 25 for hearing.

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Lagos

Climate Change: LAGOS- The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Shasha, Lagos, said that it would partner with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment to sensitise the community to the hazards of impending climate change.

Mr Dolapo Tukuru, the convener of a summit on climate change organised by the church, told newsmen in Lagos that the programme was part of its corporate social responsibilities to the community.

According to him, it was due to the forecast of rainfall and the impending hazards associated with flooding as reported by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

He said the programme was a maiden edition and would involve active participation of the state ministry of environment through some displays by some film actors.

“The ministry and the Alimosho Local Government in Lagos shall be participating actively via some displays from their Nollywood ambassadors to help drive the message home.

“The sensitisation programme will highlight the hazards in blocking drains with wastes and structures, a common habit with far reaching consequences,” he said.

Tukuru said that the church had employed the service of some environmentalists to

Church Partners Govt

sensitise the community to the effects of climate change.

The convener said the programme would be an annual activity to make everyone in the community play some roles in averting the disasters associated with climate change.

“This year marks the beginning of a change in the community’s disposition toward the environment.

“The use of vernacular by the ambassadors of the ministry of environment will help them relate with the highly technical

facts around climate change.

“This will distill down to residents in the community on how they can help themselves prepare for it through attitude adjustment as suggested by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations

Enforcement Agency (NESREA).”

He said the Jaiyeoba town hall was offered by the local government’s Community Development Committee as venue for the seminar scheduled to begin on September 14.

Hasten Procurement Of Patrol Boats, Crayfish Processor Tells FG LAGOS- Mr. Benedict Musonleyinwon, the President, Lagos State Crayfish Fishing Cooperative Multi-purpose Agricultural Society has urged the Federal Government to hasten its plans to procure patrol boats.

Musonleyinwon told newsmen in Lagos that the patrol boats were necessary to ensure the safety of local fishing trawlers as well as provide security on the water ways.

The president said that the major challenge faced by fishermen in the country was the dominance of foreigners and pirates on Nigerian waters.

“The Federal Government, under the Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA), has said that plans are under way to procure patrol boats.

“This is laudable because we have been faced with the menace of running for our lives, leaving our fishes behind when we see pirates approaching.”

Musonleyinwon stressed that the security of fishermen on the high seas should be a major priority of the Federal

Government and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

Reports say that the Acting Director, Federal Department of Fisheries, Ms Foluke Areola, recently announced that government was planning to procure some dedicated fisheries resource surveillance boats for stringent inspection at sea.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (right), discussing with the Managing Director, Heritage Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo (left), who led the Management Team of the Bank on a courtesy call on the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday.

LAGOS- An educationist, Prof. Ganiyu Oke, has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to eradicate illiteracy by 2015.

Oke, who teaches in the Adult Education Department, University of Lagos, told newsmen in Lagos that the Federal Government needed to show more commitment to eradicating illiteracy.

The educationist said that Nigeria and 164 other countries had pledged to achieve Education for All (EFA) by 2015 at a World Education Forum held in Dakar, Senegal, in April, 2000.

Reports say that the countries demonstrated their commitments by signing the EFA Initiative.

The EFA goals contribute to the global pursuit of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 2 on universal primary education and MDG 3 on gender equality in education, by 2015.

Oke claimed that the Nigerian Government had not done much to meet the 2015 deadline.

“It is only the international community and some NGOs and adult education institutions that have keyed into the plan, but their efforts have been limited due to lack of funds.

Eradicate Illiteracy, Don Urges FG “We do not need a prophet to tell us that we are behind.

“The high rate of illiteracy in the country implies that the level of commitment to tackle the problem is very poor.

“The percentage of illiterates in the country cannot even be ascertained due to its high rate,” he said.

Oke also urged the Federal Government to re-strategise and go back to its ‘’Each-One-TeachOne’’ education policy.

“By this, each literate adult will be assigned to teach an illiterate to make him/ her literate, and each capable individual should sponsor education of an illiterate,” he

said.

The educationist urged the Federal Government to come up with a five-year development plan whereby every literate person would be assigned to teach, at least, five illiterates.

“Prospective youth corps members should also be trained at their orientation camps on how to teach five illiterates within nine months of their service,” he said.

Oke, however, lauded the Federal Government for its Almajiri Education Programme in northern part of the country.

He urged the government to inject more funds into the programme and extend it to more

states.

Reports say that the Federal Government has build at least 80 Amajiri schools nationwide in an effort to address high number of out-of-school children.

Almajiris are usually children of school age who are sent by their parents to live with local Islamic teachers who usually make them to fend for themselves by begging.

Oke also noted that many more school dropouts had become hawkers and touts.

“They should be lured back to school and be taught because they are needed for the country’s development,” he said.

FG To Distribute Juvenile Fishes To LAGOS- Mr. Rotimi Oloye, on foreign operations.

Farmers officers the National Secretary, Catfish “This is a very good

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (right), presenting a souvenir to the Managing Director, Heritage Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo (left), who led the Management Team of the Bank on a courtesy call on the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday.

Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFAN), said that the Federal Government would distribute 420.000 juvenile fishes to fish farmers nationwide Oloye told newsmen in Lagos that the fishes would be distributed to farmers in the 36 states and FCT. He said that 840 members of the association in each state would be given the juvenile fishes free as well as feeds and water treatment equipment.

Oloye explained that farmers were expected to pay 50 per cent of the cost of feeds and water treatment equipment, while government would pay 50 per cent.

“Government plans to deal with farmers directly through all fish farmers associations in the country.

“Officials of government have started registering some of our members, about 840 fish farmers in each state will benefit from this scheme all over the federation, “he said.

Oloye said that government had also asked fish farmers to apply for kilns in order to train farmers in fish processing and packaging for export.

He said that government intended to buy processed dried fish from farmers, adding that among other things, the fishes would be taken to military

programme of the Federal Government as farmers will make a lot of profit because they will only pay half of the cost of feeds, ‘’ the CAFAN secretary said.

Oloye urged the Federal Government to introduce an education policy where meals of fish would be provided free as meals for students in public schools.

“This will increase their protein intake and help sharpen their brain.

“This will also increase the demand for fish as fish farmers will be able to supply the government steadily,’’ he said.

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Strike:

Across The Nation Teachers Seek Divine Intervention

LOKOJA- Teachers in public primary and junior secondary schools in Kogi have organised an inter-faith prayer session aimed at rescuing the basic

education sector from collapse.

The teachers under the aegis of Basic Education Staff Association (BESAN) held the prayers in Lokoja.

They prayed God to enable those in government to do the right thing and protect the future of the children of the less privileged.

The officiating clergy, Pastor Ejiri Godwin and Imam Abdulrahman Danladi, admonished the officials of the state government and teachers to work together to solve the problems in the sector.

They also appealed to the feuding parties to shift grounds in their positions so that all public primary and secondary schools which had been closed down for the past six months would reopen.

The BSAN Chairman, Mr Sulieman Adamu, said the association resorted to prayers to seek God’s intervention in the face-off with state government

so that the pupils could return to school.

Adamu said the situation at the basic education level in the state had reached a worrisome level, saying that the pupils lost five months in 2012/2013 academic session to teachers’ strike.

The chairman said the resumption of academic activities for 2013/2014 academic year had also become impossible for now.

He said the development had made many parents to lose confidence in public schools, saying that this had led to a sharp drop in enrolment figures and students population in

government-owned schools.

Adamu said the development had led to an increase in the number of street children, portending a bleak future for the educational and economic growth of the state.

He urged the state government to implement the national minimum wage for teachers in the basic education sector and also effect the payment of promotion and annual salary increment.

Adamu warned that public schools in the state would remain closed until the teachers’ demands were met by the government.

SOKOTO- The Sokoto State chapter of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has appealed to PDP stakeholders not to allow the party’s crises to derail the country’s hard-earned democracy.

Chairman of of chapter, Alhaji Abba Sidi, told newsmen in Sokoto that the current political stalemate within the party was contributing in overheating the nation’s polity.

“We should be careful so as not to truncate our hard-earned democracy because of some greedy politicians who see elective positions as the only way to serve the people,” he said.

He said that the intervention of former heads of state and prominent leaders would pave the way for thorough reconciliation in the party, for the over-all political development of the country.

He said that the future generation of Nigerians would hold the current leaders

responsible if the political dispensation derailed. “ There are many ways one can contribute towards the nation’s development, not really being elected.

“The recent Nigerian Governors’ Forum election and the Rivers House of Assembly crises are not in the best interest of democracy.”

He also called for more political tolerance and understanding among politicians for peace and political development to prevail.

Sidi said the nation needed peace for the government at all levels to implement policies and programmes that would enhance the well-being of Nigerians.

Don’t Derail Democracy, CNPP Urges PDP Stakeholders

Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye (2nd right), with the Special Adviser on Education to the Governor, Otunba Fatai Olukoga (left), presenting an equipment to the Chairman, NANS Lagos State chapter, Mr. Eleto Yaqub Arowoshola (right), during the presentation of office equipment to Students’ Unions in Lagos State Tertiary Institutions at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday, September 9, 2013. With them is the chairman Special Committee on Student Affairs in Lagos State, Mr. Rasheed Muri-Okunola (2nd left).

Man, 32, Remanded OSOGBO- An Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court remanded a Over Theft

Chairman Special Committee on Student Affairs in Lagos State, Mr. Rasheed Muri-Okunola in a group photograph with the officers of NANS Lagos State chapter during the presentation of office equipment to Students Union in Lagos State Tertiary Institutions at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday.

Businesswoman Docked For Criminal Tresspass

with an option of fine or both Ishaq adjourned the case to October 10 for hearing.

GWAGWALADA (FCT)- A businesswoman, Ifeoma Victor, 34, has appeared before a Gwagwalada Grade I Area Court in the FCT for alleged criminal trespass and illegal construction on a property.

The accused, who resides at Old Kutunku in Gwagwalada, pleaded not guilty to the charges, which contravenes the provisions of Section 342 of the Penal Code.

Police prosecutor Modupe Musa told the court that the accused unlawfully entered a

plot of land on Old Kutunku layout and erected a structure on it.

Musa said that the piece of land belonged to Mohammed Okpanachi of No. 10, One Nigeria Street, Phase III, Gwagwalada.

He said the accused claimed to have purchased the land from a man, simply identified as Pastor Kalson, but could not produce the title documents.

The Judge, Alhaji Hassan Ishaq, granted her bail in the sum of N15,000 with one surety in like sum.

Ishaq said the surety, who must be a civil servant or own landed properties, must reside within the FCT. He also directed that the residential address of the surety must be ascertained by the prosecutor.

“The court orders you not to trespass into the land until the determination of the case’’ Ishaq said.

Reports say that Section 342 of the Penal Code provides that any person convicted of trespass is liable to one year imprisonment

32-year-old, Tunde Akinyemi, in Ilesa Prisons over alleged robbery of two cars and some valuables.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olusola Aluko, said the accused should remain in prison custody pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The accused, whose address is unknown, is arraiged on charges of conspiracy and armed robbery.

The prosecutor, Insp. Wilson Meriti had told the court that the accused and others still at large committed the crime on Jan. 7 at 8.30 a.m. at Zone 9 Capital Hotel in Osun capital.

Meriti said the accused and his accomplices, who were armed

with cutlasses and guns, allegedly robbed one Ajayi Mayowa of his valuables.

In addition, he said the accused snatched a Murano jeep valued at N3 million and aToyota Carmry car valued at N2.9 million.

“They also dispossessed him of four computers valued at N600,000, six mobile phones valued at N250,000, a gold wristwatch worth N60,000 and N157,000 cash.”

He said the offences contravened Section 2 and 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation 2004.

The case was adjourned to Oct. 10 for mention.

Adultery: Man, 60, Seeks

Dissolution Of Marriage ADO-EKITI- A 60-year-old husband, Mr.Abdullahi Saka has prayed a Customary Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, to dissolve his 30year-old marriage to Mrs Iyadun Abdullahi, for allegedly committing adultery.

Saka told the court that apart from committing adultery, his wife was frequently fighting him and some of their neighbours.

He said that the 30-year-old

marriage had produced two males and two females, who are now grown up.

Counsel to the petitioner, Mr Ajibade Abubakar, told the court that neither Mrs Iyadun Saka nor her counsel had appeared in court since their first appearance in 2011.

Ajibade said that the estranged wife had since returned all her husband’s property in her

possession, “which shows that she is no longer interested in the marriage’’.

The Court’s President, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, ruled that there was nothing the Court could do now since the defendant was absent or not present in the Court at the time of its sitting.

He adjourned the case to October 28 for further hearing.

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Abuja

Hajj

Cleric Tasks Christians On Success ABUJA - Pastor Emmanuel Kalejaiye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Region 16, has urged Christians to make use of the investment God deposited in them to achieve success.

Kalejaiye made the call in Abuja at the inauguration of RCCG’s Faith Chapel as a provincial headquarters, FCT Province 7.

Reports say that the event was also accompanied by a service to herald the Pastor-incharge of the province, Pastor Mathew Sule, to Abuja.

Kalejaiye, who delivered a message titled “Prepare for Success’’, listed the investment God gave to Christians to include investment of life, time, gifts, God’s grace and investment of opportunities.

According to him, life itself is a gift that must be used profitably to achieve success.

“God has given us equal time and it is how we spend it that will result to success.

“It is the same with opportunity. God gives us opportunities but it all depends on how prepared we are to take advantage of these opportunities.

‘Opportunity never makes an announcement, and that is why many people lose it,” he said.

The pastor however admonished Christians to cultivate the right attitude to be able to achieve success.

“A man with the right attitude will always see challenge as opportunity for success. We must also develop attitude for sincerity, according to what we have in the first book of Corinthians chapter 4, verse 2,’’ he said.

Earlier, the outgoing pastor, Pastor Steve Oluyombo, in his message titled “Time and Season’’ said God allocated time for everything on earth, “with the exception of heaven where time does not exist’’.

He said it was time for Christians to move on.

“A lot of things may not happen until we leave. God has a lot of pleasant surprises for Faith Chapel from now,’’ the pastor said.

Oluyombo also called for unity among the brethren, urging for co-operation for the incoming pastors in both the region and province to succeed.

Pastor Joseph Olaade, the Region 10 Pastor who inaugurated the new province, handed over the baton of leadership and certificates to the regional pastor and other pastors who will be assisting him.

Sultan Calls For Proper Screening Of Female Pilgrims

From Left: Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Director Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr. Emeka Eze and Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja yesterday.

US-Based NGO To Create 10m Jobs

ABUJA - U.S.-based United African Diasporan States (UADS) said it plans to create 10 million jobs in Nigeria within 10 years.

The Executive President of the organisation, Prof. Brimmy Olaghere, announced this to the newsmen in Abuja.

UADS was established in 2001

by Africans based in the U.S. to partner with New Economic Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) in the area of job creation.

The organisation is also to assist African states in the area of socio-economic growth, development projects and programmes, among others.

He said that when operational, the scheme would engage Nigerians, especially youths in meaningful sources of livelihood.

According to him, UADS will establish many industries and mechanised farms, where many Nigerian youths will be engaged in various jobs.

Olaghere added that it would reduce poverty, stop youths from roaming the streets and stem the tide of insecurity to the barest minimum.

He said unemployment and

poverty were some of the factors responsible for the high rate of insecurity in the country.

“As Nigerians, we are all aware of the unprecedented violence plaguing our country in recent time.”

He, however, urged Nigerians not to allow poverty to push them into terrorism, adding that such act was capable of plunging the country into jeopardy.

He said it was unfortunate that Nigerians were not willing to cooperate with the government to end insecurity and other challenges.

According to him, security is a collective responsibility, therefore, it should not be left in the hands of governments alone.

Olaghere said without peace, security of lives and property, no nation could achieve any meaningful development.

He urged the Federal Government to create environment conducive for investors, especially foreign ones, to tap the rich natural and human resources of Nigeria for its mutual benefit.

He also advised Nigerians to take community policing seriously, adding that it would go a long way to reduce the rate of

crime, criminality and insurgency.

“Government on its part must also be sincere and honest in its quest to salvage the situation of insecurity in the country.

“Government must ensure that it arrests criminals and deals with them in accordance with the law of the land to deter potential criminals.

Olaghere also urged the government to give priority attention to agriculture, to boost food production and provide employment to Nigerians.

He also called on the government to empower women and create job opportunities for the teeming population, especially the youths to avoid

restiveness.

Olaghere commended the State Security Service (SSS) for its “professional and patriotic” service on intelligence gathering.

He expressed optimism that the effort would boost the fight against terrorism and other form of criminality in any part of the country.

“The nation’s security agencies also need to be more proactive in order to reduce the spate of kidnappings and other anti social vices. “ Our security agencies should apply more intelligence sharing and also network effectively as quick response to threats, and to intervene at potential flash points.”

ABUJA - The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on airlines contracted to transport pilgrims to this year’s Hajj to ensure that female pilgrims are accompanied by their male companions.

Abubakar, who is the National Amirul Hajj, made the call at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.

He said the airlines should concentrate more on the screening of female pilgrims by ensuring that “they are accompanied by their male companions’’ to avoid being deported.

It would be recalled that last year, many Nigerian female pilgrims were transported back to the country by NAHCON shortly on arrival in Saudi Arabia, to avoid being deported.

The pilgrims, who later performed the Hajj, were returned to Nigeria because they were not accompanied by their male companions as requested by the Saudi Hajj authorities.

Abubakar said that the inaugural flight would take-off from the Maiduguri International Airport on the September.14.

Earlier, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), had directed state pilgrims welfare boards to enlighten their pilgrims on Saudi Arabia rules and regulations and other relevant issues.

Bello said that all arrangements had been concluded to begin the transportation of intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on September. 14.

Reports say that NAHCON gave two pilgrims, Baba Yahya from Jigawa and Abubakar Sadiq from Anambra, to last year’s hajj, N100, 000 cash award each, for returning missing money they found in Saudi Arabia, to the Nigerian Embassy.

More than 76,000 Nigerians

Modern Farm Equipment Can Eradicate Drudgery - Smallholder Farmers

ABUJA - Some smallholder farmers in the FCT have said modern farm equipment could help eradicate drudgery in agriculture.

A cross-section of them told newsmen that modern farm equipment could also attract

L-R: Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Madueke, Minister of Environment, Hadiza Mailafa and Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja yesterday.

youth to agriculture.

A groundnut farmer, Mr. Sule Alhassan, observed that modern and affordable technology in agriculture could help boost his yield.

He said that the local technology he devised for harvesting the groundnut has not been helpful.

“The process of harvesting groundnut with the local technology is quite cumbersome; with the technology, it takes me two weeks to harvest a quarter of a hectare.

“So, I have to involve my wife and some of my children to help with the harvesting, which they grumble at sometimes.

He argued that modern and affordable farm technology could encourage youth to farm.

According to him, most of the locally fabricated farm implements are quite expensive.

Also commenting, Mr. Alheri Iliyasu, a yam farmer, advised that the Federal Government should engage the private

sector to help smallholder farmers purchase the equipment. “ Another option is to get local fabricators to help develop these machines, but it should be affordable to us.

Smallholder farmers cannot afford these modern technologies,’’ Iliyasu said.

For Mr. Yunusa Yakubu, an agricultural extension officer, the introduction of modern farm technology should have been provided for in the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).

Yakubu explained that just like there was provision for improved seedlings in the agenda; there should be provision for affordable farm implements too.

“Most of the farmers in the FCT are smallholders and there is no way they can buy or even rent some of the equipment.

“I suggest that acquisition of the equipment should be subsidised; the same way inputs have been subsidised,’’ Yakubu said.

THE NIGERIAN

10

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Business + Economy Extension Workers, Farmers Ratio Worries KADP

Expert Urges Investment In Jatropha Plant ILORIN - Mr. Olajiga Temitope, the Executive Director of Biotop Greenoils and Energy, Lagos,says investing in jatropha plant can improve the lives of rural dwellers, if the government can effectively harness its potential.

Temitope said this in Ilorin at the 3rd International Conference on Jatropha plant organised by the Jatropha Plantation Development and Maintenance Committee of the University of Ilorin.

The biofuel expert, who was the guest lecturer at the conference, noted that NGOs could, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, invest in the plant.

He said that such organisations could give necessary financial support to women cooperative societies to establish Jatropha plantations,

cottage oil milling machines and soap-making industries.

Temitope said that political support for Jatropha was already strong and developing further, adding that rising crude oil prices was creating a strong demand for biofuels, a byproduct of the plant.

He, however, noted that the full potential of Jatropha was far from being realised and urged the government to improve integration and communication among its stakeholders.

According to him, this will streamline the roles and mandate of the national directorates and agencies operating in the energy, rural development and environmental sectors.

Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye (middle), Special Adviser on Education to the Governor, Otunba Fatai Olukoga (left) and the Chairman, Special Committee on Student Affairs in Lagos State, Mr. Rasheed Muri-Okunola during the presentation of office equipment to students’ unions in Lagos state tertiary institutions at Lagos House, Ikeja recently.

Trade Fair ABUCCIMA Targets N2bn Revenue

ABUJA - The Abuja Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABBUCCIMA) is targeting about N2 billion in revenue from the forthcoming 8th Abuja International Trade Fair.

The fair is scheduled to hold between September 26 and October 10 at the J.T Useni International Trade Fair Complex, Airport Road Abuja Dr Solomon Nyagba, President of ABUCCIMA, who stated this in Abuja while briefing newsmen, added that about 500 local and foreign exhibitors are expected at the fair.

Nyagba said the theme of the fair - Promoting the Culture of Production and Innovations in SMEs to Achieve Competitiveness for National Development’ - was chosen to showcase the best practices needed for economic growth.

He said the necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a successful fair, adding that the chambers planned to do away with makeshift exhibition stand.

“We have imported an exotic exhibition tent measuring 2125sq metres that can accommodate close to 200 standard exhibition stands.

“In addition, we have imported six standards exhibition booths from China; all these are designed for the comfort of exhibitors.

“It is believed that the annual event has created opportunities for business development, especially in small- and mediumsenterprises (SMEs),’’ he said.

FRSC Sector Commander, Gombe State Command, Mr. Kuteb Galadima (right), assisted by Mrs. Maimuna Adamu, decorating Mr. Adamu Dandija with his new rank of Route Commander in Gombe recently.

RIFAN Receives Rice Seeds

JOS - The Plateau chapter of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), says it has received 2,000 bags of improved rice seeds from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The Chairman, Mr Joshua Bitrus, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Shendam Local Government Area.

Bitrus said that the gesture would not only boost rice production in the country but also improve the economic status of individual farmers and the country in general.

The chairman, who shared the rice seeds to farmers in Plateau southern zone, lauded the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, for the “massive” transformation of the agriculture sector.

According to him, the 2,000 bags were not meant for the entire rice farmers but for five

major rice farmers in the state, who were selected by the ministry. ‘’The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has designed a special programme where five major rice farmers in each state are given 400 bags of improved rice seeds, each totalling 2,000 per state. ‘’Five of us from Plateau benefitted from this gesture. ‘’But instead of taking all the 400 bags for ourselves, I spoke with the other beneficiaries and they accepted that other farmers should get the seeds as well. ‘’Therefore, the major farmers who are the actual beneficiaries only took 100 to 150 bags and relinquished the rest to be shared among the 16 registered rice groups under RIFAN in Plateau, ‘’ Bitrus said.

He stated that each of the groups got 30 to 40 bags based on their numerical strength, to be distributed to the registered

members in those groups.

Bitrus observed the quantity of seeds the association received from the ministry in 2012 and 2013 had improved. ‘’Last year, we only got 100 bags but this year, we received 2,000 bags under the special programme. ‘’We are hoping that other groups of farmers will get some seeds and other inputs before the end of the year. ‘’Although the seeds are

coming a little bit late, we are going to keep them for the next planting season,’’ he added.

The Plateau RIFAN chairman warned benefitting farmers against selling or diverting the seeds to another uses, saying that such behaviour would be counterproductive. ‘’We are farmers and we need the improved seeds to boost productivity which would invariably boost our economic status for a longer period of time.

SOBA (KADUNA STATE) – Mr. Daniel Jacob, the Director, Agricultural Services, Kaduna State Agricultural Development Project (KADP), has expressed concern over the inadequate ratio of extension workers to farmers in the state.

Jacob made this known at a send-fort reception organised in honour of 24 retired members of staff of the KADP Maigana zone held at Maigana in Soba Local Government Area.

He noted that the ratio of extension workers to farmers in the state used to be 1:1,500 and expressed regret that the current ratio stood at 1 : 3,240.

Jacob described the current situation as ‘‘grossly inadequate and highly disturbing” considering the World Bank’s standard which is between 1 : 800 and 1 : 1,000.

The director also appealed to local governments in the state to encourage their staff to attend KADP monthly meeting and training.

In her speech, Prof. Afiniki Zarafi of the Department of Crop Protection, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, noted that the extension workers acted as bridges between researchers and farmers.

She said extension workers were critical as they offer useful services to promote agricultural production in the country.

“Research would have been of no use if extension workers are no more. Research outcomes from universities and other research institutes will just be a waste,” Zarafi said.

The KADP Programme Manger, Dr Abdulkadir Kasim, congratulated the retirees for leaving the job honourably and urged the serving staff to follow their footsteps to end well.

Kasim, who was represented

by Alhaji Salisu Uba, KADP’s Director of Administration said : “It is a wonderful privilege to have served retirees, Kaduna State for 35 years or attain the age of 60 in life.”

The programme manager congratulated, noting that they had contributed immensely to the development of agriculture in Maigana zone in particular, and the state in general.

...Targets 100,000 Tonnes Of support the farmers with “ We will continue to BIRNIN KEBBI - The Rice Rice fertiliser, insecticides, encourage them to form Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Kebbi chapter, on Tuesday said its members would produce 100,000 metric tonnes of rice this rainy season.

The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Mohammed Sahabi, said this in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.

He said the association would

pesticides and other implements to boost production.

The chairman added that the 65, 000 members of the association would be trained on new farming techniques to boost production and ensure food security.

cooperative societies to secure loans to enhance rice production.”

Sahabi recalled that three bags of fertilisers were given to each of the registered farmers at the subsidised rate of N1,700 per bag during the last dry season farming.

THE NIGERIAN

11

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (11/09/13) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

MOBIL

106

106

0

21

43,378

4,618,578.00

7UP

72

72

0

27

46,478

3,011,774.40

MORISON

2.01

2.01

0

3

25,875

52,008.75

ABCTRANS

0.81

0.85

0.04

13

544,502

451,908.32

MRS

36.14

36.14

0

3

5,488

178,524.64

ACADEMY

1.9

1.9

0

3

28,000

53,200.00

MULTITREX

0.63

0.63

0

1

100

57

ACCESS

10.4

10.4

0

188

10,819,052

112,136,738.63

NAHCO

6.29

6.2

-0.09

57

1,445,678

8,992,079.66

AFRIPRUD

1.81

1.95

0.14

71

822,807

1,526,858.17

NASCON

11.7

11.6

-0.1

42

823,341

9,573,607.99

AGLEVENT

1.55

1.55

0

6

20,456

33,011.20

NB

162

165

3

157

1,185,140

191,977,012.85

AIICO

0.82

0.82

0

61

4,720,023

3,840,481.72

NCR

16.83

16.83

0

1

3,672

55,630.80

AIRSERVICE

3.35

3.35

0

4

4,050

13,432.50

NEIMETH

1.14

1.03

-0.11

25

657,024

698,084.94

ARBICO

5.05

5.05

0

2

47,420

215,761.00

NEM

0.71

0.7

-0.01

36

3,484,136

2,459,134.78

ASHAKACEM

21

21

0

56

335,424

6,856,896.90

NESTLE

930

938.99

8.99

170

886,542

828,679,926.35

BERGER

8.7

8.7

0

11

16,500

142,690.00

NIGERINS

0.5

0.5

0

3

240,350

120,175.00

BETAGLAS

11.87

11.87

0

1

9,700

116,400.00

NIWICABLE

0.5

0.5

0

1

7,000

3,500.00

BOCGAS

6.5

6.5

0

6

64,392

376,845.70

NNFM

28.49

28.49

0

5

5,100

130,815.00

CADBURY

49

49

0

53

388,391

17,720,535.42

NPFMCRFBK

0.72

0.77

0.05

3

77,951

59,974.27

CAP

43.4

43.4

0

19

47,572

2,007,766.75

OANDO

11.8

11.79

-0.01

159

1,152,132

13,575,545.36

CCNN

8.63

8.62

-0.01

36

519,260

4,485,162.35

OASISINS

0.5

0.5

0

1

700,000

350,000.00

CHAMPION

15.33

15.99

0.66

12

202,670

3,134,125.30

OKOMUOIL

46

46.1

0.1

76

1,811,294

82,094,713.09

CHELLARAM

4.41

4.41

0

2

600

2,382.00

PAINTCOM

2.13

2.13

0

2

204,100

434,733.00

4.51

4.51

0

2

48,000

216,480.00

0.74

0.74

0

4

2,000

1,620.00

CILEASING

0.5

0.5

0

1

1,000

500

PORTPAINT

CONOIL

28.8

28.8

0

18

31,018

807,350.29

PREMBREW

CONTINSURE

1.21

1.19

-0.02

12

6,392,845

7,606,775.55

PRESCO

37

37

0

24

127,651

4,444,290.40

0.55

0.55

0

10

803,252

441,724.15

39

39.14

0.14

59

280,328

10,948,124.26

CORNERST

0.51

0.5

-0.01

7

129,186

65,193.00

PRESTIGE

COSTAIN

1.22

1.2

-0.02

15

171,205

205,193.85

PZ

COURTVILLE

0.66

0.66

0

8

280,897

185,392.02

REDSTAREX

4.23

4.23

0

23

595,851

2,520,839.42

0.5

0.5

0

1

200,000

100,000.00

0.56

0.55

-0.01

5

115,288

63,412.73

CUSTODYINS

1.44

1.3

-0.14

28

2,280,860

3,047,378.86

RESORTSAL

CUTIX

2

1.95

-0.05

13

192,852

379,312.56

ROYALEX

DAARCOMM

0.5

0.5

0

3

7,500

3,750.00

RTBRISCOE

1.26

1.3

0.04

30

882,557

1,135,290.54

4.32

4.28

-0.04

150

13,871,602

58,321,770.94

0.5

0.5

0

1

2,000

1,000.00

DANGCEM

191.5

191.5

0

17

20,025

3,819,298.65

SKYEBANK

DANGFLOUR

9.01

9.01

0

69

299,220

2,697,131.16

SOVRENINS

DANGSUGAR

10.33

10.4

0.07

80

1,539,379

16,066,954.54

STACO

0.5

0.5

0

1

1,000

500

17.8

17.99

0.19

30

296,924

5,295,652.24

DIAMONDBNK

6.2

6.18

-0.02

49

1,044,030

6,449,333.80

STANBIC

DNMEYER

1.78

1.9

0.12

7

173,829

304,285.16

STDINSURE

0.5

0.5

0

1

3,000

1,500.00

DUNLOP

0.5

0.5

0

2

2,832

1,416.00

STERLNBANK

2.38

2.4

0.02

65

4,345,799

10,369,378.31

0.73

0.66

-0.07

4

550,955

363,663.30

ENAMELWA

32.27

32.27

0

1

800

23,240.00

THOMASWY

ETERNA

2.73

2.73

0

10

227,800

622,405.00

TOTAL

157.9

157.9

0

17

10,705

1,627,330.81

ETI

14.07

14

-0.07

75

2,545,792

35,811,913.59

TRANSCORP

1.38

1.38

0

115

17,285,556

23,646,091.34

EVANSMED

3.1

3.1

0

10

2,456,553

7,610,344.78

TRANSEXPR

1.03

1.03

0

6

30,936

31,850.60

FBNH

15.7

15.8

0.1

555

7,717,731

122,127,712.61

TRIPPLEG

2.29

2.29

0

1

1,992

4,123.44

FCMB

3.9

3.99

0.09

68

1,559,588

6,128,155.13

UAC-PROP

16.18

16.18

0

17

246,000

3,718,140.50

FIDELITYBK

2.65

2.61

-0.04

92

14,690,173

37,793,989.41

UACN

55

55

0

60

1,153,825

63,449,940.84

FIDSON

2

2

0

21

1,317,155

2,633,924.01

UBA

7.3

7.1

-0.2

383

21,874,644

155,801,367.19

FLOURMILL

83

83

0

49

141,392

11,111,285.15

UBCAP

1.3

1.3

0

68

2,062,417

2,635,395.03

FO

35.7

35.7

0

53

193,457

6,944,166.30

UBN

10.66

10.66

0

102

538,759

5,690,336.66

GLAXOSMITH

64

64

0

26

131,815

8,348,726.19

UNILEVER

59

56

-3

62

480,859

26,513,130.76

GUARANTY

24.63

25.1

0.47

376

7,758,996

193,580,449.45

UNITYBNK

0.53

0.52

-0.01

51

9,694,034

5,008,678.10

GUINNESS

245.01

247.5

2.49

63

171,911

42,528,539.70

UNIVINSURE

0.5

0.5

0

1

2,200

1,100.00

HONYFLOUR

2.9

2.85

-0.05

39

2,655,674

7,509,992.50

UPL

4

4

0

10

130,893

487,344.19

IHS

3.01

3.3

0.29

26

4,708,500

15,148,403.00

UTC

0.65

0.63

-0.02

10

144,190

90,662.16

IKEJAHOTEL

0.82

0.88

0.06

14

306,905

261,727.54

VITAFOAM

4.01

4.01

0

29

124,943

494,568.86

INTBREW

20.12

20.03

-0.09

36

248,729

4,927,845.90

VONO

1.67

1.67

0

3

25,300

46,299.00

INTENEGINS

0.76

0.74

-0.02

14

945,664

719,322.27

WAPCO

92

92

0

35

133,141

11,985,916.74

IPWA

0.9

0.9

0

12

261,954

228,613.28

WAPIC

0.9

0.9

0

17

1,570,800

1,365,361.50

JAPAULOIL

0.5

0.5

0

8

136,259

68,129.50

WEMABANK

1

0.98

-0.02

49

2,075,575

2,047,206.40

JBERGER

74

74

0

12

66,543

4,767,996.71

ZENITHBANK

19.4

19.79

0.39

300

14,811,222

288,167,792.25

JOHNHOLT

1.26

1.26

0

10

117,405

145,353.55

JOSBREW

5.66

6.22

0.56

7

158,800

987,736.00

LASACO

0.5

0.5

0

1

50,000

25,000.00

LEARNAFRCA

1.78

1.78

0

5

20,080

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TOP 10 GAINERS Stock NESTLE NB GUINNESS CHAMPION JOSBREW GUARANTY ZENITHBANK IHS STANBIC AFRIPRUD

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THE NIGERIAN

12

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

THE Nigerian Education Bank Bill which has passed second reading at the Federal House of Representatives, as explained by the initiator, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila proposes to establish the Nigerian Education Bank, with the primary duty of granting interest-free loans to poor students seeking higher education in Nigeria.

THE Bill seeks to make available to each benefiting student, a sum of five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000) repayable in two years after graduation. The repayment, according to the proponents would take the form of direct deduction of ten percent monthly deductions at source from salaries of beneficiaries or from the profits in the case of self employed graduates until the loan is liquidated. According to the provisions of the Bill, “applicants must have secured admission into any Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of education or any vocational school established by the Federal Government or the Government of the States of the Federation.”

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER commends the initiators and promoters of the Bill, which we consider progressive in a country where more than 70 percent of its population live below the 1 USD per day poverty line. For most Nigerians who have had to go through hell to obtain higher education, this is a watershed Bill not only welcomed by the poor, but groups marginalised by society such as orphans, physically challenged persons among others who do not have anywhere to turn to for higher education.

IT is not much of news that students of tertiary school-Universities, Polytechnics,

THE NIGERIAN

Still On Higher Education Bank Bill Colleges of Agriculture and Colleges of education and others have gone through untold difficulties over the years to pass through such institutions. We are glad that the Bill is currently being considered by the lawmakers.

IT is equally heartwarming to note that, with the proposed law, Nigeria is on the right track to join the rest of the world in subsidizing education for the poor. It is important to note that Scandinavian countries such as Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have developed sound qualitative education and almost tuition-free higher education from cradle to grave. In fact, in Denmark, the tuition is free and, in fact, international students also enjoy free tuition provided they could show evidence of $6,000 feeding and upkeep fee per annum. Although tuition in Australia is not free, there are a lot of grants, scholarships and bursaries instituted for both the brilliant and poor students. These are best practices that this bill seeks to emulate.

WE recognise that schooling anywhere in the world is not easy and hardly cheap, it is against this backdrop that we welcome the move by the Federal House of Representatives to introduce a law that would take such a load off parents’

shoulders. We equally wish to call on the upper legislative chamber, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to concur the Bill as soon as it is passed by the lower house so that it can become a law in Nigeria.

OUR support for the bill notwithstanding, we are of the opinion that Section 22 of the bill must be recouched to read that “beneficiaries should be made to pay back the loan as soon as they are employed” , not the two years contained in the bill, given the high rate of unemployment in the country.

In our view, Sub-section 4 of the bill which stipulates punishments for offenders of the law in a case of default also requires a review to avoid the culture of impunity among young Nigerians who would take undue advantage of the benefits derivable from the law. Two years imprisonment or an option of fine of N500,000 being the same amount benefited by the beneficiary is not sufficient deterrence. We recommend five years imprisonment for offenders or a fine of N700,000 instead.

WE believe the Bill also throws up the need for government at all levels to take urgent steps to improve the employment market in Nigeria to absorb the army of unemployed persons roaming the streets in search of jobs. Government should redouble efforts towards guaranteeing constant electricity supply, potable water supply, roads, railway system and other infrastructure needed to boost the nation’s industrialization, as a major way of making the law work efficiently when it eventually passed and assented to by the President.

THE NIGERIAN

13

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Coping With Childlessness In Marriage (Pt2) Continued from last week

SO what do infertile couples do in the meantime — be happy while everyone else takes their children for picnics in the park?

Absolutely! Yes! And may God grant such couples the patience to make their smiles genuine and sincere.

He can, and does, help them to be happy for those whom God has given children.

And they can be happy, knowing that God also has a plan for their lives as well.

Satisfaction and contentment with one’s station in life is always God-pleasing.

But infertile couples can also be actively pursuing other alternatives. They can prayerfully consider their options, knowing that God will bless every effort they undertake in his name.

One route is adoption.

Adoption is just another way in which God can carry out his plan for a Christian couple. Most couples who pursue it eventually take home a child to love and nurture. But it isn’t necessarily an easy road.

The adoption process may take longer than expected.

The ups and downs involved can be stressful.

When an adoption is finalized, however, it is real and beautiful as the natural process of birth.

A word to those blessed with children The heartache connected with being childless is not unique to our culture or age.

We can read about the agonizing struggles of childless couples in Scripture: Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and Rachel, Elkanah and Hannah, and others. There is an ageless stigma connected to being childless that couples who have been blessed with children need to understand and be sensitive to.

Childless couples may feel uncomfortable being with married friends who have

children. The subject of children too often dominates conversation.

Childless couples cringe at comments such as, “We’re going to wait a year before having our next child.”

Within God’s plan everything fits together perfectly It is important for those to whom the Lord has given the gift of fertility not to flaunt their gift. Saying, “Relax, something will happen” is a simplistic cure for a complex problem.

Childless couples do not need to be asked when they plan to start a family. They may be trying to conceive, but cannot. Sometimes people even assume that a couple enjoys being childless, especially when both spouses have successful careers. In fact, many would gladly give up a successful career to raise a family.

On the other hand, there are childless couples who are happy just as they are.

Rather than judge their attitudes or analyze their situations, we must admire their contentment.

A godly response.

In at least one way, the problem of being childless can be met head-on by Christian couples in exactly the same way that they might address any other challenge in life. They can call upon God in prayer.

Philippians 4:6 encourages, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Prayer can help infertile couples deal with the insensitivity of others. It can help them place their hopes and longings in his hands. It can help them learn to be content with the lives God has given them. Prayer reminds the Christian that

God holds all of us in the palm of his hand.

In godly contentment it isn’t wrong for a childless couple to long for a child.

A childless couple can also cling to Jesus’ promise: “Everything is possible for him who believes” (Mark 9:23). And, in faith, they can turn the whole matter of infertility over to God’s wise decision: Be it . . . as God wills.1 Express Your Feelings.

children, then you must accept that fact before you can move forward.

Consciously incorporate the following practices into your daily life: Imagine your future without children. Make plans for yourself that revolve around not having kids. Envision your plans coming to fruition and you being happy in those plans.

Remove painful reminders from sight. If you

Acknowledge your emotions, however varied they are, and make it a point to express them outwardly.

The way you express yourself is personal to you and may involve crying, screaming, laughing, singing, writing, talking or any other of the countless forms of self-expression.

Assess your reality, as it is. Instead of thinking of what should have or could have been, focus on what is and what can be.

It is important that you are realistic about life’s circumstances. If you know that you will not have

have baby items that you acquired in the hopes of having a baby, pack them away or give them to someone who will use them.

Put things into perspective. Remember that everyone must deal with unwanted life circumstances at times, whether it is death, illness or involuntary childlessness. Relating to others on this level may help you feel less alone.

Maintain your health. Get the appropriate amount of sleep and make sure you are eating well. Neglecting

“In at least one way, the problem of being childless can be met head-on by Christian couples in exactly the same way that they might address any other challenge in life. They can call upon God in prayer.”

Relationship With IMOISILI EDITH 07089364470

your physical health can complicate the acceptance process.

Learn about the stages of grief. Accepting not having children is similar to any type of serious loss in that you will experience grief in its many forms.

Understanding how grief manifests will prepare you to be able to manage it.

Denial. You may be in

Getting outside help is extremely important to the process of coping with not having kids. There are many places you can go for this type of support: Support groups. Search online and in your local newspapers for support groups for the involuntarily childless. Connecting with other people who share your experience can be a

disbelief, and mentally unwilling to accept the reality of not having kids.

Despair. This is perhaps the most easily identifiable stage of grief, and is characterized by general symptoms of depression.

Remorse. You may begin to question or blame yourself for not having children and this can lead to unnecessary guilt.

Anger. The anger associated with grief is not necessarily aimed at a person or a thing, but rather at the circumstance itself.

Fear. When the reality of involuntary childlessness sets in, it may cause a sense of panic or anxiety.

Physical grief. The physical symptoms of grief include insomnia, irregular appetite changes, headaches, unexplained body aches, nausea and fatigue.

Seek emotional support.

great source of comfort.

Religious organizations.

If you belong to a church or other religious institution, then you may be able to receive free counseling from someone you already know and trust.

Family and friends.

Expressing what you are going through to people who love and care about you can be a healthy way of dealing with the grief of not having children.

In order to accept not having kids due to infertility, it is important that you not place blame on yourself or your partner.

Take time to recover physically and emotionally from any medical treatments you and/or your partner may have endured and recognize that the stress from those treatments is likely complicating your ability to cope with not having children.

THE NIGERIAN

14

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Education

Celebrating An Improved Education Sector

IT pays to keep in mind the record of the days before, to understand how to live the present, and to make the future excellent. About 22 years ago, Edo state was created to stand independently as a state in the federation of Nigeria, an achievement worth celebrating. According to a post by Isaac Izoya on the Benin Commununity in Berlin website, the original request for the creation of Edo State was presented to the National Assembly in Lagos on July 16, 1981 by a delegation headed by the Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba Erediauwa. A Steering Committee had earlier been set up to work out proposals for the state’s creation. The then Commissioner for Information, Social Development, Youth, Sports & Culture, Mr. Magnus Odion Ugbesia, was the Steering Committee’s Secretary, which had its first sitting on December 10, 1980. Edo state was finally created on the 27th of August 1991, when the then Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta states.

The homely state located on the coordinates of 6°30’N 6°00’E and a land area mass of 17,802 km 2 (6,873 sq mi) (Wikipedia), is bounded on the south by Delta state, in the west by Ondo state, in the north by kogi state and in the east by Anambra and kogi states.

The approximate population of the state is put at about 4 million people (w w w. e d o s ta t e . g o v. n g / people-edo-state). Rich in culture and tradition and a home to the prestigious royalty of the Oba of Benin, the state is made up of ethnic groups as; the Bini, the Esan, the Afemai, the Owans , the Akoko Edos and Ikas.

However the State has a high presence of residents from across the country and the world because of its cosmopolitan tendencies.

As no state can survive without a proper educational sector, education in the state has developed in different levels under different administrations. The state houses a Federal UniversityUniversity of Benin (one of the best in Nigeria), a state University – Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma; About 2 major private Universities – Igbinedion University, Okada and Benson Idahosa University. Also in the state are College of Education, Ekiadolor; Federal Polytechnic, Auchi; Lighthouse Polytechnic and a large number of primary and secondary schools (public and private) to cater for the various categories of people who need to be educated.

Notable points in the educational calendar of the Edo state include the 1972 budget speech of the military governor of the Mid- Western state, Col. S. O. Ogbemudia( who was also the visitor to the University), where he formally announced the change of the name of the University from Institute of Technology to the University of Benin and on the 1 st April,1975 the University was taken over by the Federal Government, at the request of the State Government and became a Federal University.

Also in the list, is the establishment of the Ambrose Ali University by the Governor of Bendel state, Professor Ambrose Folorunso Alli( 1979 – 1983).

First known as Bendel State

By OLUGBEMIRO OPEYEMI MICHAEL

University, then Edo state University, it was later changed to its present name in honour of Alli. But considering the development in this sector from the time of the creation of the state till now, no government has been more education-conscious than the administration of the

facilities provided. Education at the primary level has been made free for those attending the public schools, giving opportunities to even the poor in the society to get quality education.

Also, in his bid to make sure the teachers are alive to their responsibilities and

total discipline in schools as a matter of necessity because the schools constructed by Government would come to naught if the teachers are in Onitsha Main Market when they are supposed to be in school, underscoring his reasons for the sacking of the teachers. Although, in the spirit of the May Day Celebrations, he reinstated

Gov Adams Oshiomhole Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole.

In his about 5 years in office, children have been able to go to school (public and federal) and learn in better environments. The school buildings and compounds have been renovated, and some other

instil discipline amongst them, he sacked a good number of them for laxity in job functions. While speaking at an Inter-denominational service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), for him in Benin City, he said that Government must ensure

“Even as Edo clocks 22 this year, there had never been a time that the educational sector of this state has received much attention than Comrade Governor’s 5 YEARS in office and it is an initiative to be lauded.”

them after pleas and resolve on the part of the teachers to make sure they perform their duties excellently.

Furthermore, during the May Day Celebration, he emphasised that the efforts of his teachers helped him to get to where he was today, and hence Edo children are to benefit the same and be relevant in all areas of discipline. The Comrade Governor has continued his resolve to make sure Edo children are in school by extending the free education to the Senior Secondary School( SS Classes).Now every child that is not in school at least to secondary school level; has himself or his parents to blame.

In the light of further upgrading the quality of

teachers and checking ghost workers, a verification exercise is being conducted to check the real teachers in Edo State. And during one of the verification exercise, a shocking revelation was brought to light. The exercise took a twisted turn when Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who paid an unscheduled visit to the state Staff Training Centre; venue of the exercise, was appalled when a teacher could not read, saying “if you can’t read, what do you teach the pupils, what do you write on the board?”. Mrs. Augusta Odemwinge, a teacher at Asologun Primary school, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Benin City; stuttered and read the affidavit as if a kindergarten was learning to read, to the consternation of everybody around.

Even as Edo clocks 22 this year, there had never been a time that the educational sector of this state has received much attention than Comrade Governor’s 5 YEARS in office and it is an initiative to be lauded. This development has been noticed by those around, that states from around have visited to take a cue on what is being done. Kogi State Governor, visited the state; represented by her commissioner for education, Mrs Grace Eiebiyo, to understudy the achievements of Adams Aliyu Oshiomole and the success story in the educational sector. Still on the same mission, a delegation of the Delta state Economic Empowerment for Results (SEEFOR), visited and even Bayelsa state also did same.

Hence, this has made Edo state a reference point when it comes to educational development.

With the celebration of Edo at 22, recently, it is pretty obvious that one of the achievements to be celebrated by the indigenes of the state is the availability of quality education for everybody.

And, it is important to note that this should serve as a good precedent for subsequent Governments, as the excellence of an educational sector is not a factor that can be easily pushed aside without consequences.

THE NIGERIAN

15

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Child Health And You

An Invaluable Component Of Child Nutrition Fish:

FISH particularly is essential to the general wellbeing of the human system most especially children. Fish in diet is needed to improve on the speed relation recalling of information stored in the brain as well as enhanced memory in children.

Young couples who will soon become parents should know the following useful information about the nutritional benefits of fish, most especially saltwater varieties. It’s now well understood and accepted by most doctors and clinicians that omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil are highly beneficial. We as humans need omega 3 or fish oil to grow, develop and function normally. This is due to the fact that a large part of the brain is made up of omega 3 fats, making them vital for healthy brain function. Omega 3 fats are essential for healthy brain development both in the womb and early childhood since about 75% of brain cells are in place before birth and 25% develop by age 1 year, thus making omega 3 fats an essential nutrient both for pregnant women and their young children.

The information is such that different scientific research work done has shown that children whose mothers took fish oil supplements during pregnancy have a higher intelligence and lower risk of mental illness or cognitive delay, and also differ in tranquility and social balance.

In a study done by the United States National institutes of Health in boys aged between 6 and 12 years old found to have omega 3 fats deficiency presented with hyperactivity, impulsivity, restlessness, tantrums, and sleep disturbances. Finally, research has found that many brainrelated conditions may be prevented or even treated by good intake of omega 3 fats and that the benefits of eating fish go beyond the early years.

The main value of omega 3 fats is that it provides a quick energy that helps the transmission of nerve impulses that carry signals from one brain cell to another.

This helps us think easier, store information in the memory and retrieve it easier.

Another benefit was demonstrated in a study done in Australia which showed that

fish oil or omega 3 fats regulates the concentration of serotonin, which is a chemical transmitter of brain cell impulses or signals between nerve cells, which affects the “good mood” or tranquility .

This effectively reduces low mood, depression, and personal crises. Thus the kids

The evidence across different studies showed that fish consumption lowers the risk of death from heart diseases by 36%. The benefit was related to the level of intake of omega -3 fatty acids and this benefits are greater for oily (e.g salmon, bluefish) which are higher in beneficial

Sweden found that people with the highest blood levels of the omega 3 fats had a 47% lower risk of developing dementia and a 39% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to people with the lowest of omega 3 fats. The study therefore suggested that eating fish 2-3 times a week may reduce the risk of developing these diseases.

Also fish intake reduces total mortality by 17% a

have a feeling of well-being.

Dyslexia affects an estimated 4-10% of children, causing learning difficulties that can last a lifetime. Research work into the causes of dyslexia and other brain conditions affecting children such as Attention Deficit Hyperkinetic Disorder (ADHD) and dyspraxia or disorder of quality of movement has shown that omega 3 fats may play a role in helping prevent or treat these conditions.

Children with low levels of omega 3 fats can have a decreased ability to focus attention and this can lead to problems in skilled movements, detecting facial and emotional expressions, sequencing letters and numbers. Finally others studies have shown that omega 3 fats may help improve the reading skills and attention span of children suffering from dyslexia, ADHD and dyspraxia and may also improve motor skills and general co-ordination.

omega-3 fatty acids than lean fish (haddock, cod) Fish oil omega-3 has a function similar to the main chemical drug prescribed for cardiovascular system diseases. However, unlike drugs, the fish oil has no side effects, thus making it safer and non-toxic. Study done on Eskimos showed that they had the lowest incidence of cardiovascular diseases, due to the fact that their diet is very rich in omega 3 fats contained in large amounts of fish, whale meat and fat of seals consumed. Researchers in

remarkable reduction considering that this is the benefit for deaths from all causes. Many children do not really like fish which is a great source of brain food. At a time when the brain is developing, fish is an important part of a diet. Omega -3 fatty oils have multiple nutritional benefits and are essential for a balanced diet.

The benefit of fish oil lies in the properties of omega-3, one of whose important functions include tonic, antioxidant, corrective, and immunity actions. It helps to normalize

By ROSEMARY NKEMDILIM OKONKWO

blood lipid levels, have a positive effective on the brain cells, decrease of cardiovascular disorders.

The daily taking of fish and it supplements has exploded in recent years mostly in younger ones become the extreme health benefit in children.

It is now a well-studied, scientifically researched and medically proven in diets that fish oil is commonly used and recommended by doctors and medical practitioners all

around the world to help treat and prevent a wide range of medical conditions. The reason is that fish contains a high proportion of “Omega 3 fatty acids” most importantly needed for growth and development.

CONCLUSION Fish oil or omega 3 is in a class of its own. It should be noted that fish oil or omega 3 is not synthesized by the human body, and therefore has to be provided in the dietary intake. It may be taken as a food supplement. Research work done looking

specifically at the benefits of eating fish, rather than just intake of supplements of omega 3 fats found that those who ate fish regularly, at least once a week, showed a slower decline in the mental function as they grew older, compared to people who rarely or never ate fish. They found that those who regularly ate fish had memory and brain function that was at least 4 years younger than their counterparts who never ate fish. A Scottish study done looking at fish and brain function also found that people who ate oil-rich fish like salmon, trout, mackerel and herring had an intelligence quotient (IQ) level that was 13% higher than people who never ate fish. The study also found that people who never fish were less likely to show early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The interesting aspect of the study and other related studies cited above is that the benefits didn’t just come from the omega 3 fats alone but from the entire package of nutrients found in fish, suggesting that simply taking omega 3 fats supplements wouldn’t be enough to get the full benefit. While more research is needed in into the role of fish and omega 3 fats brain development and disorders, it is clear that there are many benefits of eating this ‘brain food’ from early brain development in the womb to keeping it up and running into old age.

R O S E M A R Y NKEMDILIM OKONKWO Institute of Child Health University of Benin, Benin City.

CH1LD HEALTH AND YOU’, a Weekly Thursday Feature, is a collaborative initiative between the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, and the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Benin City.

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

“It is now a well-studied, scientifically researched and medically proven in diets that fish oil is commonly used and recommended by doctors and medical practitioners all around the world to help treat and prevent a wide range of medical conditions. The reason is that fish contains a high proportion of “Omega 3 fatty acids” most importantly needed for growth and development.”

THE NIGERIAN

16

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Spotlight Continued from last week

Being A Paper Delivered by Professor (Mrs) A.O. Aisien, consultant Obsterician and Gynaecologist at Council of Nights Health Symposium Hair and Nails A deficient diet may lead to broken linger nails with small white spots and dry colourless and dull hair. Certain diseases that affect man such as, seborrhea and dandruff at times may be aggravated by an inadequate diet.

To have silky and shiny hair and well formed nails, we should have a diet rich in vitamins and minerals which may be found mainly in fruits and vegetables. Iron and silicon are minerals whose absence may affect the firmness of the nails The eyes The nutritional conditions of the person are sometimes seen in the appearance of the eyes. Clear, shiny eyes with no redness and no scales on the eyelids are an indication of good nutrition. There are deficiencies in vitamins (A and B2) that are perceived in the eyes: Loss of vision where there is little light Falling and dryness of the eyebrows Redness of the eye The coloured vegetables such as carrots, peppers. tomatoes are good source of vitamin A. Smiles A smile is a good sign of good nutrition. A smile may not be attractive if it does not reveal healthy teeth. To help teeth grow strong and well formed, food rich in calcium such as dry fruit or milk is important. On the other hand, food and drinks that are laden with sugar are the worst enemies of teeth because they favour the development of caries. (tooth decay) Weight Adequate weight is needed to maintain an attractive body and it is an indication of correct diet and good health. In other to maintain weight within correct limits, it is well to base the diet on vegetarian foods: fruit, cereals (grains) and garden products.

It is difficult to find a fat vegetarian. The abundant use of fats especially animal fats is one of the most important factors in obesity caused by food.

Obesity is a world-wide problem because more people exercise less and become addicted to junk food. It predisposes to diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Body mass index is a height to weight ratio that can help to define whether a person is overweight or is already obese. It is calculated by weight in kilograms, divided by height in square meter. The result is categorized as Healthy with a BMI of 18.5—24.9. Overweight: BMI= 25 -29.9 & Obese BMI> 30 Utilization of the food we cat The food we eat undergoes phases of digestion, absorption and metabolism, before it is utilized by the body.

Digestion The object of digestion is to break down the principal nutrients carbohydrates, fats and proteins into more simple chemical substances which may be passed to the blood, and thus be used by the cells in the body.

Carbohydrate are transformed into glucose (sugar in absorbable form) Fats are transformed into glycerol and .fatty acids Proteins are transformed into amino acids (body building component) Drinking fluids with meals dilutes the digestive juices and slows down digestion. It is best to drink water about two hours after a meal, and up to 15 minutes preceding it. Eating snacks between meals disrupts the orderly digestive processes and stresses the stomach. Ideally, meals should be 4 to 5 hours apart.

Absorption Through the lining of the small intestine the glucose, glycerol, fatty acids and amino acids, vitamins, minerals and water are passed into the blood.

Metabolism Once the nutrients enter the blood, they reach all the cells of the organism where they are metabolized (processed) to perform various functions NUTRIENTS THE BODY USES The nutrients the body uses as fuel in order to produce energy when they are burnt with oxygen come from carbohydrate, fats and proteins inCarbohydrates Sources: Starch from cereals, tubers, and sugar from fruits.

They are the main fuel of the body: They are all transformed into glucose (sugar) in the liver. When metabolized, it produces 4 calories per gram Fatty acids

Role Of Diet, Lifestyle Health, Longevity And K They come from the digestion of fats. They are a rich source of energy. When metabolized, they produce 9 calories per gram of energy. like excess unused fat is stored in the tissues in form of body fat.

Proteins They are for growth and repair. The energy produced from their metabolism is 4 calories per gram Objectives of a healthful diet in dealing with carbohydrate According to the recommendation of WHO (World Health Organization), a healthful diet should tend to: - Increase the consumption of complex carbohydrate - Decrease the consumption of refined simple sugar (white sugar) as much as possible until total exclusion is reached This means that, the following food should he used in abundance: Cereals/grains: wheat, barley, oats, corn, rice, millet ete).

They are the main source of complex carbohydrate (starch) The abundant use of grains has beneficial effects on diabetes and other metabolic problems and cuts down on the risk of cancer.

Whole cereals have the advantage of’ including the grain’s germ (rich in vitamins B and E and in essential amino acids) and its covering of bran ( rich in vegetable fiber).

Tubers: (yams or potatoes) and legumes Vegetable fiber (cellulose,) It is found in all plants forming the structure of its tissues: seeds, roots, stem, leaves fruits, etc. In cereal seeds or grains, it is found in the covering skin kown as bran. It is also called vegetable fiber. The structure is such that the digestive system cannot break them hence cannot be absorbed and used for energy.

Removing it from food increase the caloric density of food and the efficiency and speed with which food will pass into the blood stream. Removing fiber from food also prolong the food’s shelf life.

The many kinds of fiber fall into two basic groups: those that dissolve in water (soluble fiber) and those that do not dissolve in water (insoluble fiber) What does fiber do?

It absorbs toxins and carries out harmful substances such as biliary acids, the precursors of cholesterol.

Cellulose or vegetable fiber swells with water, increasing its volume several times creating soft, spongy masses in the stomach and in the small and large intestines. The result is a sense of fullness, helping to protect against over eating and aiding in weight control.

This action of vegetable fiber also gives consistency to the faeces, and facilitates its transit through the colon until it is expelled through the rectum. When the diet contains little fiber because of lack of’ fruit, whole grains and vegetable. faeces are hard, dry and concentrated, thus cursing the intestine to make enormous effort to eliminate them, This causes or worsens several problems such as intestinal diverticulum. haemorrhoids and cancer of the colon.

Fiber also slows the rate at which nutrients enter the blood stream. This help smooth out the ups and downs of blood sugar levels and provides more consistent energy throughout the day.

A stabilized blood sugar relieves most hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and aids in the control of diabetes (high blood sugar).

Soluble fiber, on the other hand is the type that affects blood cholesterol levels. It attaches itself to cholesterol and other bye product of fat digestion and pulls them right out of the body.

Without soluble fiber’s action, most of’ the left over cholesterol would be reabsorbed into the blood stream, adding to the already high levels. Soluble fiber is Plentiful in fruit, beans and oats.

Fiber is found in all unrefined plant foods. Eating a variety of fruits, whole grains. vegetables and legumes (beans, lentils, peas) assures a plentiful supply of the many varieties of fiber the body needs.

Many juices we buy are actually fruits and vegetables robbed of their fiber during the time of processing.

Cellulose is exclusive to the vegetable kingdom. No animal food (meat, fish, milk, eggs) contains cellulose.

What is wrong with white bread? What is wrong is basically what the milling process does to wheat. A grain of wheat is made up of an outer covering (bran) rich in fiber, vitamins and

By PROF (MRS) A. O AISIEN minerals, an embryo (wheat germ) also rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and the endosperm; the innermost layer composed of mainly starch and a small amount of protein which is the only part use for making white flour. Ironically, the nutritious bran and wheat, which are removed during the milling process are sold for animal feed. The food industry further compounds the nutritional Problems by using several artificial chemicals such as: Propylene glycol (antifreeze) to keep bread white,

Diacetyltartaric acid (an emulsifier) to save on shortening.

Calcium sulphate (plaster of Paris) to make it easier to knead large batches of dough. Whole wheat flour bread is healthier than the white bread.

Typical western diet based on meat and milk and its derivatives is poor in vegetable fiber. Vegetable diet based on cereals, vegetables and fruits provide the daily needs of vegetable fiber according to World Health Organization (WH0).

The use of candy, pastries, sweets and drinks heavily laden with sugar should be reduced to a minimum. The use of refined sugar (white) provides calories but no minerals nor vitamin for their metabolism. On the other hand, unrefined sugar (brown). honey and natural sugars found in the fruits are accompanied by few but useful amount of vitamins and minerals which allow good metabolic use, The frequent use of monosaccharide or disaccharide (simple sugar) in candies etc provokes intense response in the pancreas for insulin secretion thus opening the way to diseases such as diabetes and arteriosclerosis.

FATS: Fats or lipids are chemical compounds which have in common the factor of being insoluble in water.

Fatty acids Two types: Saturated fatty acids: They mostly come from animal food.

The palm nut and coconut even though plant in origin, however contain more saturated fatty acids than the unsaturated fatty acids. Abundant use of saturated fatty acids increase the cholesterol level in the blood and it is thought to increase the mortality cause by cardiovascular disease

Un e.g n fish, Da may Re Ther e.g b fats i Re their

fatty brou Ma acids bean Th the d satur on fr of W po1y an ex origi Ch It i from Plan in sex h when in the arter myoc to the impo the n the b (high HDL arter

THE NIGERIAN

17

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Spotlight

In Maintaining Good nowing Health Status

nsaturated fatty acids: Sources are from vegetable kingdom nut, almonds, corn, soy beans, sun flower seeds, wheat germs, oleic acid found in olive oil, grape seeds aily needs of Fats: The recommendation of WHO study group be summarized into four points: duce the total amount of fat which are included in the diet, re are clear indications that the risk of certain types of cancers breast, prostate. colon are directly related to the amount of in the diet. duce the use of saturated fatty acids: These fatty acids have source mainly in animal foods. As the ingestion of saturated

acids are reduced, there is a progressive reduction of deaths ught on by cardiovascular diseases aintain a minimum consumption of poly unsaturated fatty s: Found mainly in nuts, seed oils (wheat germ, corn, soy ns, sunflower) and also in fish. he monounsaturated fatty acids: e.g olive oil. It should cover difference between total ingestion of fats and the sum of rated and unsaturated Fatty acids. The vegetarian diet based ruit, cereals and vegetables satisfies these recommendation WHO because it is low in total fats and rich in mono and y unsaturated fats. The diet based on meat contains however xcess of fats and excess of saturated Fatty acids of animal in holesterol: is a complex lipid (a kind of fat) found in foods originating m animals and which our body also produces in the liver. nt foods do not contain cholesterol. Its function the body is to produce raw materials for the synthesis of hormones, Although it is an indispensable substance of life, n its level increases within blood, it tends to be deposited e walls of arteries and narrow their passage, which is called riosclerosis. A high level of cholesterol increases the risk of cardial attack, arterial thrombosis and a lack of blood supply e extremities. The blood, cholesterol level is the single most ortant factor in determining a person’s risk for heart disease nation number one killer. Cholesterol never travels alone in blood it has different carriers. The heaviest carrier is HDL h density lipoprotein) known as the ‘healthy” cholesterol.

L is protective because it removes cholesterol from the ries (blood vessels) and takes it to the liver, where it is made

into bile. The higher the HDL in the blood, the better the protection. A lighter cholesterol carrier, the LDL (low density lipoprotein) is the “lethal” one. LDL determines the rate at which cholesterol is deposited on the blood vessel walls.

MILK Whole milk, has a lot of fat (mostly saturated) cholesterol, protein and no dietary fiber. Low fat milk is an improvement over whole milk is a little improvement over the whole milk.

Nonfat milk (skim milk) is the best choice for those who wish to drink milk. It has no fat, no cholesterol and yet retains its other nutrients, It is true that milk contains a lot of calcium.

Its high protein content when added to the large amounts of protein consumed in the form of’ meat, fowl and fish actually remove calcium from the bones when metabolized.

Suggestions for the Reduction of cholesterol levels Decrease the use of meat, especially beef and pork as well viscera (intestine), sausages Cook without the egg yolks Do not eat more than 3 whole eggs per week, There is no limit to egg whites (cholesterol is found only in the yolk) Preferably use low fat or free milk and diary products, especially avoiding cream, butter and fatty cheeses Reduce the use of commercial sweets, pastries and desserts containing animal fats Increase the use of vegetable fiber (whole grains, fruits, especially apples and vegetables) which absorb the biliary salts needed for the formation of cholesterol in the intestine Use olive oil, alternating with seed oils (corn, wheat germ, sunflower, grape seeds) Avoid nervous tension and stress Perform physical exercise daily (for at least 30 minutes) Keep weight down PROTEIN Protein forms the basis of the structure of the body being the most important component of muscles, blood, skin and all the internal organs. Bones are formed of collagen proteins. upon which calcium and minerals are based.

They are not stored in the body as reserve as different from carbohydrate and fats, For this reason proteins arc ingested throughout Life.

Chemical composition Each protein is made up of amino acids. There are 8 essential amino acids in adults and 10 in children. Amino acids of all the protein come from plants. They are the only ones capable of taking advantage of the nitrogen in the atmosphere or in the soil to produce amino acids and proteins Meat as protein Meat is a nutritious source of protein, but it carries along a number of problems. It contains fat, mostly saturated and cholesterol. Excess amount of fat and cholesterol stacked up in the blood stream results in arteriosclerosis and consequently heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes and several types of cancer.

An excess of protein leads to a loss of calcium: A diet rich in protein or in common salt results in the loss of calcium which can lead to osteoporosis. This occurs because when animal protein is metabolized, lactic acid and uric acid are formed.

This acidifies the blood. This forces the body to use part of its calcium reserves to compensate for the excess of acid and maintain the acid alkaline balance of the blood.

Billions of people around the world are now getting along just fine on plant protein diet.

Health advantages of plant food People who do not eat animal products have: Greater longevity Fewer heart attacks and stroke Fewer weight problems Lower cholesterol Lower blood pressure Less diabetes Fewer heamorrhoids, less diverticular disease Less cancer of the breast, prostate and colon Stronger bones, less osteoporosis Fewer stones of the kidney. and gall bladder and less kidney disease gouty arthritis

In Genesis 1:29 “God said, “give you every seed bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food” VITAMINS They are organic substances which our body needs in very small quantities. but which it cannot produce by itself so this must he provided with food.

Vitamins are: A, BI, B2, 136, B12. C, D, E and K Sources of vitamins They are produced within the vegetable kingdom. Adequate intake of vegetable and fruits will provide for the necessary vitamins needed by the body MINERALS These are also essential part of our body form. Examples of minerals are: Calcium. Phosphorus, Iron, Iodine, Magnesium,.

The most important source of minerals is the plant food.

DISCIPLINED LIFE HIV & AIDS are real. 80% of transmission is through sexual intercourse. There is currently no cure and the ultimate is death.

We are expected to be faithful in our marital life. 1 Corinthians 6: 19: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? 2 Corinthians 7: 1: “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God”.

Deuteronomy 5:18: You shall not commit adultery.

Deuteronomy 22:22: “If a man is found sleeping with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.

Finally to win the battle against the epidemic of lifestyle diseases’ we must break with the lethal excesses of today’s western diet. We should limit the sugar in our food, avoid food containing fat, cholesterol, caffeinated beverages and alcohol.

We should use minimal salt. Our food should contain more of grains, tubers, legumes fruits, vegetables and water. “Let nutrition be your medicine” HEALTH SCREENING It is important to cultivate the habit of regular check ups of our health by our physician at least once a year. We should not wait until we are ill before we consult our doctor. Usually the doctor will take our complaints and examine us, part of his general clinical examination will include weight and blood pressure. He will order tests based on his findings or tests as a routine to detect problems.

Cancer Screening: Colon Digital rectal examination. perform as part of standard physical examination annually after 40 years Fetal occult blood test annually after 50 years Sigmoidoscopy, rectal examination, using a flexible lighted tube every three to five years after 50 years Prostate Digital rectal examination as part of a standard physical examination Prostrate—Specific Antigen (PSA) test annually after 50 year Breast (Women) Self breast examination monthly from age 20ycars. Any new or suspicious lumps should be checked by a doctor Breast examination every three year from 20 to 39years then annually Mainmograrn every year or two from age 40years Cervix (Women) Pelvic examination with Pap) smear every three years from age 20 to 65years SUMMARY Your body is the most valuable asset you have. Note the importance of and the mandatory nature of regularly taking time to: Eat balanced diet that is enriched with plant foods Avoid junk food, animal fat, and refined sugars Always go out for sunshine and fresh air for which the country side is superb Engage in adequate exercises Take adequate rest, after hard work, relaxation and sound sleep Learn to handle stress by developing a tranquil mind by not letting things worry you unduly Practice personal and environmental hygiene They are indispensable to good health Avoid the harmful habits of tobacco smoking, indulgence in alcohol and caffeinated beverages Do regular check ups as already indicated When ill, promptly consult your doctor for treatment CONCLUSION Observance of all the above will ensure good health and longevity I thank you all very much for your attention

THE NIGERIAN

18

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Security Issues

With Obuseh Jude 08033510173

Evolving Homegrown Strategy

Fighting Terrorism In Nigeria: SINCE the onset of the insurgency in the Northern part of Nigeria, spearheaded by the fundamentalist Islamist sect, Boko Haram (Western Education is Sin), against the Nigerian State, the Nigerian government, through the instrumentality of its security establishment, in tandem with contributions from other local and international stakeholders, have applied plethora of strategies in efforts aimed at whittling down the activities of this group.

Some of the measures so far taking to check terrorism in Nigeria include: signing into law on June 3 rd, 2011, the Terrorism Prevention Act (TPA) 2011, and the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011; forwarding a bill seeking amendment to the Terrorism Prevention Act, in order to strengthen the legal framework for fighting terrorism; creation of the position of a CounterTerrorism Coordinator in the National Security Adviser’s Office, to coordinate efforts of the counter-terrorism units in all security agencies; setting up a Fusion Center to serve as processing point for all-source intelligence and deployment of appropriate technology; coupled with other steps that have been taken outside public domain for security reasons.

However, despite all the efforts, time and resources that have been expended by the authorities in fighting terrorism, the phenomenon continues waxing stronger.

According to available statistics, since the commencement of the insurgency in the Northern part of the country, more than 1,000 lives have been lost to Boko Haram attacks on drinking joints, places of worship, military and police facilities, media houses, buildings housing multinational organizations, et al (Nigerian Punch, Monday 4, March, 2012). The recent (Monday 19th of March 2013) multiple bomb blasts in the Sabon Gari section of the ancient city of Kano, which left over 100 persons dead and maiming several others in their wake, are the latest classic cases of the obduracy of this group.

The major reason that can be adduced for the escalation of this crisis is the slow response and poor strategic thinking on the part of government and other stakeholder organizations towards addressing this conflict at its

embryonic stage. With the exception of the recent, and rather belated, attempt by the Nigerian government to engage this group in dialogue, through the setting up of an “Amnesty Committee”, all initial peace initiatives have tended to be confrontational.

The present scenario could have been avoided had dialogue been adopted as the chief conflict handling strategy to address all the pertinent issues raised by the Bokites, at both the latent and manifest stages of the insurgency.

G o v e r n m e n t ’ s confrontational approach to the resolution of the insurgency - which is a conflict handling style borrowed from the West - has revenge as its driving force.

The state of Israel, United States of America, Britain, and Russia adopt the Confrontational method in their war on terrorism. Apart from the ability to punish perpetrators of terrorist acts, the confrontational approach is also a very proactive style of countering terrorism, as countries adopting this method leverage on their “First Strike” capabilities to sniff out and annihilate wouldbe terrorists and their backers.

It involves taking the fight to the turf of terrorist groups, and not waiting to be struck before reacting. Using mostly clandestine methods, which involve massive intelligence gathering and the use of advanced technology, terrorist activities are closely monitored and appropriate action expedited to stop them from executing their missions.

Had they critically examined the effectiveness of this strategy in the countries adopting it, those at the helm of Nigeria’s security establishment would have seen a not too encouraging picture. The U.S and Israel, for instance, have been fighting both covert and overt wars against Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas and sundry other apocalyptic groups across the globe for decades, spending billions of dollars in the process, with no seeming end in sight to these conflicts, despite the snatches of success they have recorded overtime against these groups. Rather than abate, these conflicts have tended to escalate as these groups, rather than

surrender to force, have become more emboldened and determined to further spread terror.

However, one basic fact about the confrontational conflict handling style , which the eggheads of Nigeria’s security establishment are obviously oblivious of, is that

manner the U.S, Israel and other rich Western countries have done? Does Nigeria have a huge chest of funds to prosecute a capital intensive anti-terrorism campaign like these countries? Does it have the patience to wait out on the siege currently being laid on its citizens and institutions in

averted.

Boko Haram is one of the contemporary questions surrounding the sanctity of the Nigerian state system as currently constituted; a question about the authenticity of Nigeria by a group of persons who feel estranged from the system by the current

President Goodluck Jonathan it has the disadvantage of causing collateral damage in the event of a terrorist act, as the perpetrators of most terrorist acts usually die in such attacks, leaving no one for the victim country to physically punish, as has been the case in the North since the Bokites commenced their attacks. Thus, in their war against the insurgents, the Nigerian security forces have on some occasions unwittingly cut down innocent bystanders – including women and children. So, in the quest to punish terrorist offenders, innocent lives are sometimes lost. Separating the actual perpetrators of terrorist acts from casual onlookers continues to pose the greatest challenge to Nigeria’s security operatives.

The questions that spring forth at this stage are: Does Nigeria possess the resources to engage in long-drawn guerrilla warfare with a terrorist group that continues to exhibit its mastery of the use of violence in the same

the same manner these countries have so far done?

The blanket answer to these questions is a resounding “no”!

With a little bit of hindsight, the adoption of the confrontational model by the authorities in dealing with the issues in the North obviously stems from a poor assessment and understanding of the true issues at stake – the lack of proper analysis’ of the history, dynamics, and dimensions of the conflict. Questions such as: What is the genesis of the conflict? Who are the real stakeholders? What are the real concerns raised by these stakeholders? What are the true positions, interests and needs of these stakeholders?

Who are the shadow parties?

Had proper care been taken by the authorities to understand the core nuances of this conflict from the onset, before deciding on the intervention strategy to be adopted in addressing it, the worst case scenarios we are witnessing today would have been

political arrangement; an attempt by some Nigerians to gain recognition in the present political configuration by force. They are the same questions millions of Nigerians ask every day: What is the Nigerian State system all about? What is our stake in this system? How well are our interests being represented in the scheme of things? How can these interests be improved? What is our future in this system? That is why any approach to finding solutions to the insidious effects of the activities of this group to the health of the Nigerian State must be located within the realities of its politics. No solution can be found outside the purview of the practical realities of the country’s politics.

In all, dialogue remains the only way out of the bloody spectacle currently facing Nigerians. The use of force to confront force has obviously failed, thus, necessitating a new approach. The setting up of a Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful

Resolution on Security Challenges in the North (Amnesty Committee) to negotiate a peace agreement with the insurgents is a welcome development. My only advice to government is to be transparent in its dealings with this group - it must desist from any attempt to turn the peace process into another comical affair as has been the case in the past. Care must be taking to painstakingly address all the issues that will be raised in the course of negotiations to ensure that any agreement reached at the end of the day is comprehensive enough to snuff out the monster of violence currently gnawing at the very soul of this country.

There is need for the authorities to immediately engage the services of seasoned peace practitioners to help drive the peace process.

Political expediencies, as has become the tradition in this country, must be completely jettisoned in choosing those to animate the processes of transforming this conflict. A multi-track approach will suffice in this wise; an approach that will draw individuals from different spectrums of the society.

The present committee overseeing negotiations with the insurgents has to be reconstituted to pave way for more professional hands to contribute their quota to the peacemaking process.

The use of force is only but a short-term solution to the insurgency in the North, whether anybody accepts this assertion or not. Agreed that so many innocent lives and properties have been lost to the violent activities of this group, thus, eliciting calls for a more forceful stance by the authorities, a negotiated settlement seems to be the only light that can ride really this country of the dark clouds of death that currently enshrouds it and its citizens.

If things are done right, this phantom of violence currently hunting the Nigerian State can be summarily sent back to the abyss where it belongs, and Nigerians can continue the nation-building process that has been stunted by the sad events of the past couple of years.

God save Nigeria!

THE NIGERIAN

19

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Tribute

SOME days ago when I turned on my radio to listen to a program, I heard them discussing about you, the life you lived and battles you fought for the ordinary people of this country, Nigeria. As I listened, my spirit was broken and I felt a pang in my chest, it was like a hole is being drilled on my inside.

When I was growing up, I heard little and knew little about you, because I was not exposed to the media. I only heard your name from my father, who was totally against some of the shoddy activities of our government and was concerned about how you were fighting tirelessly for the oppressed in the country. After listening to that program, I was forced to read about you and I discovered so many things and I wish I could see and give you the situation report of the country you left behind. Nevertheless, I hope this letter gets to you by any means.

Your name I read was Abdul Ganiyu Oyesola Faweyinmi, fondly called Gani, born on 22 nd April 1938 into the family of Faweyinmi of Ondo State.

Your father was Chief Saheed Tugbobo, Faweyinmi, the Seriki Musulumi of Ondo, who was a successful timber trader, philanthropist, civic activist, and a Muslim Chieftain of the Yoruba people. He was a follower of AJAO who ushered in Islam into Ondo town and he died at age 92.

You had your early education at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Iyamaja Ondo from 1947 to 1953 and secondary school education at Victory College Ikara, a Christian School from 1954 to 1958. You enrolled at Holborn College of Law, University of London to read Law in 1961. You lost your father while you were still in the university and had to work very hard to see yourself through university level in order to obtain your degree in law.

While you were in college, you started making name for yourself unknowingly; you were popularly called “Nation” because of your passionate interest in national, legal and

Remembering Chief Gani Fawehinmi

By PRAISE EGHWRUDJE

political affairs.

In June, 1993 I read you were awarded with the Biennial Bruno Kreisky Price. This price was named in honour of Bruno Kreisky and its only international figures that advance human right causes that receives this Award. You also received the International Bar Association’s ‘Bernard Simmons Award’ in 1998, for your human-right and pro-democracy work.

In the pursuit of better leadership for this country, you and other notable Nigerians formed the National Conscience Party of Nigeria in 1994 and you stood for a presidential election in 2003, which you lost. It was not because you were not good enough to be a president but because people like you cannot win and become president in the faces of all the powers that be. You spoke and wrote against their dictatorship governance and their selfish wealth search. Sir! They rather kill you than to see you make it to the top and rule them.

You with no reasonable doubt reminds me of the Great Martin Luther King, who fought for the rights of the blacks in America. He was the president to the blacks but an enemy to the whites. He was killed at a youthful age because he was seen as an enemy of the state, who was fighting for the rights of people who were seen as nuisance, nonentities and savagely backwards. His life was short lived because in this world, it is only evil and oppression that thrives.

You Gani Faweyinwi were elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the highest legal title in Nigeria in September, 2001. With your boundless energy, you tenaciously and uncompromisingly pursued and crusaded your beliefs, principles and ideals for the untrammeled rule of law, undiluted democracy, all embracing and expensive social justice, protection of fundamental human right and respect for the hopes

and aspirations of the masses who are victims of misgovernment.

It is in record that you were beaten up time after time, thrown into prison,

ablaze by the Federal Military Government. Your Law Chambers at Anthony Village, Lagos State, were

the military dictatorship as a result you were arrested several times by the military government. You spent many

invaded, your guards were shot, and two were seriously injured by persons suspected to be agents of government.

In the process of your crusade for the rule of law, the hopes and aspirations of the poor and oppressed, you fought many battles against

of your days from 1969 to 1996, in prison cells where you were detained and dumped.

People call you ‘‘scourge of irresponsible government, a sphygmomanometer with which the blood pressure of dictators is gauged, the

Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi

deported from one part of the country to another; even your international passport was seized so that you were not able to effectively reach out to the masses among whom you were popular.

Your books were confiscated and library set

veritable conscience of the nation and champion of the interests and cause of the masses’’. Many Nigerians call you the people’s President.

I read you died at the early hours of September 5 th , 2009 after a prolonged battle with Lung Cancer at age 71. You were buried on September 15 th, 2009 in your own town at Ondo.

Till your dying day, you rejected the highest honour accorded to you as a Patriotic Nigerian. You refused the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), which was bestowed on you as a citizen by the Nigerian government.

What broke my heart more was when I discovered you died a disappointed man, because of the state of this country at the time of your departure. It is so painful and shameful that the country you left behind have not changed for good, most people are praying and asking for Revolution.

The radio programme I was listening to, described you as the Ghandi of Nigeria and the great Martin Luther King of this nation. The guest speaker of that programme said he ran to your chambers for help when his school authority rose up against him, accusing him of inciting other students against the school authority. When they heard he came to you, they quickly called his parents to plead that they wanted settlement. You fought mercilessly for students, today many wrong things are happening and nobody has been able to stand for Continues on Page 21

“What broke my heart more was when I discovered you died a disappointed man, because of the state of this country at the time of your departure. It is so painful and shameful that the country you left behind have not changed for good, most people are praying and asking for Revolution.”

THE NIGERIAN

20

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Motoring

08023412452 With OSAGIE AIFUWA

Driving To Stay Alive BASIC SAFETY RULES 1. KEEP your vehicle in good condition pay particular attention to lights, brakes, steering, tyres and direction indicator. Keep windscreens and windows clean and free of obstructions.

2. Use your rear view and wing mirrors before moving off, overtaking, turning, slowing down or stopping.

3. Signal your intentions in good time before executing them.

4. On the highway keep well within your lane. Do not wander from lane to lane or change lanes suddenly.

5. Always obey traffic officers in the lawful performance of their duties.

6. Do not reverse into a major road or expressway and on any road at all. Do not reverse for more than eight metres.

7. Get to know the major traffic signs and road marking and obey them.

8. Park only where you will not abstract other road user or be a danger to them. If your vehicle breaks down. Push it of the road so that it does not abstract traffic or other roadusers.

9. Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

10. Be polite and cautious to other road-users.

SEAT BELTS: no matter how you will drive there is always a chance that you will be involved in an accident you cannot predict when it may happen from statistical analysis of road traffic accidents in Nigeria since Independence, the chances that one will be injured in an accident in his life time is that he may be killed in an accident. The best protection inside the vehicles is the use of seat belts. Seat belts in your car and make sure they are always used even in short trips. In the event of accidents, seat belts properly used will reduce the severity of injuries by at least 50%. where possible you should make sure that other passengers wear seat belts.

DROWSY DRINKS AND DRUGS: Do not start or continue a journey if you feel drowsy or tired. Don’t try to fight it. Never drive after consuming alcoholic drinks or while under the influence of drugs. If you have to take drugs

in the course of medical treatment, consult your doctor about their possible effect on your driving ability YOUR VISION: Your safety depends on what you see and then how you react. If you need spectacles to meet the official eyesight standard, wear them. It is an offence to drive with uncorrected defective vision.

NO TINTED SPECTACLE: At night or in conditions of poor visibility, do not use tinted optical equipment of any kind (sun-glasses, goggles or tinted helmet visors).

LONG DISTANCE DRIVING: Driving for long distance tends to make you feel sleepy. To help prevent this, make sure there is plenty of fresh air in your vehicle or stop in a convenient place, rest and then walk around to let your blood circulate and feed your brain adequately. Stop to relax or take a nap if necessary, do not rely on ‘stay-awake; drugs or kola-nuts.’

AVOID FATIQUE: Do not drive if you are unwell, exhausted or tired from over work. A lot of accidents occur as a result of driver’s fatigue. Your driving and ability to co-ordinate became impaired when you are under stress, be it emotional or physical. There is no substitute for rest. Truck drivers, those operating special shifts and those involved in social parties and gathering are especially enjoined to take caution.

TYRE PRESSURES: Road traffic accident research has shown that tyre defects and “blow outs” constitute a high incidence factor. Wrong tyre pressure is a frequent culprit.

You must ensure that your tyres, including the spares are correctly inflated at all times in accordance with the type of tyre, and vehicle in which they are fitted and the loading condition of the vehicle. Check the manuals of your vehicles and the side of the tyres for the correct pressures. Watch out for faulty pressures gauges. Always ensure that your tyre valves do not leak, especially after inflating the tyres.

UNDER INFLATION: Contrary to what some drivers believe, under inflated tyres are bound to cause road accidents by sudden blow-outs, peeling or tearing at the side.

Do not inflate your tyres hoping that the tyres will inflate themselves as you drive along.

BRAKES AND CLUTCHES: Special attention should

be place on vehicle brakes and clutches. Always ensure that your brakes are efficient and effective. If your vehicle swerves to the left or right when you apply brakes you are clearly heading to accident, Head slowly, instead, towards a qualified mechanic or better still, call in one. Always check your brake fluid level.

S T E E R I N G MECHANISM: Ensure that your steering system is

in good condition, avoid too much clearance or ‘play’.

Check your tie-rods and brushings. Do not succumb to the urge to “manage it” for the next trip. Your may never complete the trip PROPOSED FUTA AUTO FAIR TO BE RESCHEDULED The Federal University of Technology, Akure has said that a new date will be announced for the proposed motor show by the institution.

Observer gathered that the on-going ASUU strike must have been responsible for the shift in hosting the event.

According to a statement by the organizing committee, signed by Professor J. 0. Okunlola and Dr. P. A. Aforesaid, a new date will be announced.

“We sincerely appreciate and thank all prospective sponsors and participants for their interest and commitment to our proposed FUTA Auto Fair scheduled to hold from 20th to August, 2013 and Workshop planned between 21 and 23rd August, 2013 at Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

CNG Is Safe Alternative Fuel For Vehicles -Rajesh Prabi-ilj

COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS IS SAFE ALTERNATIVE FUEL FOR VEHICLES. _RAJESH PRABI-ILJ The General Manager of Green Gas Ltd Rajesh Prabhu said Compressed Natural Gas is an Economical, Environment Friendly and safe alternative fuel for vehicles. He disclosed that less consumption of engine oil, lower knocking, better stability due to higher octane value are some of the benefits obtained with the use of Compressed Natural Gas. In a chart with Auto writers in Benin City, the General Manager further disclosed that on mile to mile basis, the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) will be cheaper than Petrol by over 70% reduction in exhaust emission leading to improved quahty of life and reduced health costs. He advised motorists to use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as the sealed systems prevent spill or evaporation losses thus decreases intervals of engine oil change over as natural gas does not contaminate and dilute oil in the crankcase.

THE NIGERIAN

21

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Nutrition

NATURE has blessed mankind with lots o natural resources some can be seen and felt, while others may not be. Fruits are some of the best gifts that nature has bequeathed to man. Talking about pawpaw fruits, one would easily recall the nursery rhyme.

“Pawpaw is a kind of fruit, sweet like sugar, yellow like fanta, every body like pawpaw”.

While relishing the great blessings that man gets from his environment, pawpaw was first cultivated in Mexico, but is now being cultivated in most countries, it grows rapidly, fruiting within three years. Pawpaw is however highly frostsensitive, limiting its production to tropical climate.

The fruit is mainly of two kinds, one has sweet, red, or orange flesh, and the other has yellow flesh known as red pawpaw” and yellow pawpaw”.

Pawpaw can be used as food, for cooking aid and in traditional medicine. In addition, the stem and bark may be used in rope production.

Moreover, in some parts of the country, pawpaw leaves are made into tea as a treatment for malaria and

Fruits: Nature’s

marketed in tablets to remedy digestive problems.

It can also be prepared as a vegetable, by slicing them up nicely, mix with other vegetables like cabbages, cauliflower, and lettuce for delicious vegetable salad. It can also be mixed up with other fruits like watermelons, pineapples, banana and apple for a tasty fruit salad.

Pawpaw is not only sweet, but has a very important and nutritional health benefits, pawpaw work’s magic on strengthening the immune system preventing the recurrence of colds and flu.

After treatment with antibiotics, eating pawpaw or drinking its juice replenishes the good intestinal bacterial which were destroyed by the antibiotic treatment.

However, it also helps to destroy intestinal parasites.

According to research, pawpaw is also being studied as a cancer therapy relief. Pawpaw is capable of relieving cancer therapy side effect, especially difficulty swallowing and mouth sore after radiation and chemotherapy. Similarly, it

By OYEMWEN OMOROGBE

Best Gift To Humanity

helps in boosting the immune system and helping the body to fight cancer.

Pawpaw is one big lush and juicy fruit, with its

family of trees, shrubs and lianas that are widespread throughout the old and new tropics.

Beside its remarkable health benefits,

acids and calories, in addition, it is an excellent source of foliate, dietary

hundreds of tiny black ‘squashy’ seeds, this is one fruit that can be enjoyed regularly because its season lasts virtually all year round.

Scientifically known as carica papa, it belongs to the custard apple family, a large

it is one succulent fruit that can be eaten and prepared in a variety of ways.

It has high nutritional values which surprisingly exceed that of preaches, grapes and apple in vitamins, minerals, amino

fibre, and vitamins A, C and E rich in antioxidant nutrient, flavanoids and carotenes, pawpaw also contain iron, curium.

Other health benefits of pawpaw: 1. Eating pawpaw is

good for your body because it increase quality of protein in whole organism.

2. pawpaw revitalize the human body and maintain and encourage the renewal of muscle tissue, also support, cardiovascular system as well as boost the immune system and prevent cold flu.

3. Pawpaw helps to boost digestive system by breaking down protein and supporting production of digestive enzymes.

4. Cataract formation can be prevented by eating pawpaw.

5. Due to vitamin A, it lowers the risk of fonphyzema in those that smoke and it help to alleviate inflammation, moreover pawpaw helps with the nausea and constipation.

6. Pawpaw peels can be used externally for the local treatment of skill wounds and also with people suffering from cancer and other forms of cancers, ailments of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal system.

Tribute Continued from Page 19 the oppressed.

In 2012, four students of University of Port-Harcourt were brutally beaten and burnt alive by one Aluu Community. This year, Ibrahim Momodu a 500level Science Laboratory and Technology student of the University of Benin was shot dead and buried by police officers, who claimed that the boy was an armed rubber. Many students have been killed innocently and the worst part is that no justice has been done. As students, we are now afraid of walking in the streets because the streets are not safe for us. The right of the student are not duly protected.

As if that was not enough, there have been incessant strikes in the country’s educational system. Some

. . .Remembering Chief Gani Fawehinmi months ago, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) embarked on a 3months strike, this was followed by primary and secondary schools and not long after they resumed from the prolonged strike, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) followed and the strike is currently on. Different groups have come out to protest but our dear Minister of Finance; Ngozi OkonjoIweala announced to the public that Federal Government don’t have such amount of money ASUU is demanding for.

While in the political scene, there have been a lot of battles going on too.

Rivers State House of Assembly was turned into a battle field while trying to

forcefully push out the ruling governor indirectly for being a human right activist like you. People Democratic Party (PDP) is already at the verge of splitting as some of the party members are against each other.

Rape and kidnapping cases have risen to a very high level. Mike Ozekhome, a prominent human right lawyer has been kidnapped since August 24th and has not been released. The brother

of the Formal Governor of Kogi State was recently kidnapped and his where about has not been made known by the kidnappers.

The state of this country is so appalling and makes it very obvious that we miss a special and wonderful personality like you. We are all praying for the betterment of the society, as everything happening here is giving Nigerian citizens reasons to run out of the country. To describe how

worse the situation of the country has gone, a thirteen years old teenager Daniel Ohikhena, hid himself in the nose wheel of Arik Aircraft heading to Lagos from Benin, thinking the plane was flying abroad. The teenager survived and that has attracted government to take up the responsibility to train him through school and make him a better citizen.

These and others are the reasons we miss you so much; words cannot express

how I feel about your departure. It’s been four years now and your death seemed it happened just yesterday. I heard about you on the radio, I read about you from the internet, many generations to come will definitely hear about you. I pray the battle you fought for us and this nation will not be in vain as Martin Luther King’s dreams never died.

I love you spirit, your memory will never leave this nation. You are a man to be remembered, because you lead a walk to be remembered.

“The state of this country is so appalling and makes it very obvious that we miss a special and wonderful personality like you. We are all praying for the betterment of the society, as everything happening here is giving Nigerian citizens reasons to run out of the country.”

THE NIGERIAN

22

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Issues

NAVAL chiefs from the Gulf of Guinea countries, the United States of America, United Kingdom and other collaborating nations met recently at Tinapa Resort, Calabar, to strategise on how to tackle security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Gulf of Guinea is made up of the maritime areas of the western parts of the African continent, and harbouring the Atlantic coastlines of 11 west and central African countries.

The countries include Senegal, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe, Angola, Congo, among others.

Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, said that the conference was convened to address challenges and threat to the economic interest of the states in the gulf.

The theme of the conference was: “Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Systems: A Key for Enhancing Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea.’’

Ezeoba stressed the need for collaboration to tackle the security challenges in the region because of its strategic importance.

He listed the challenges to include piracy, drug and human trafficking, pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, unregulated and unreported fishing, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and environmental degradation.

“Regrettably, these threats constitute serious challenges and adversely impact on the collective maritime governance imperatives and economic wellbeing of nation states in the Gulf of Guinea.

“It is, therefore, imperative to emphasise that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity

Tackling Security Challenges In The Gulf Of Guinea

By DIANABASI EFFIONG

within the global community.

“As discomforting as these threats would appear, they are not insurmountable; hence the clarion call for enthronement of

potential.

“Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Conference (RMACC) has become the sure way for

UK. “RMACC presented opportunities which if carefully managed will facilitate tremendous improvement in the security of the Gulf of Guinea.’’

He said that the Nigerian

constructive, proactive, sustainable and holistic maritime security architecture.

“Such structure would ensure a secure and safe maritime environment for optimal exploration and exploitation of the abundant maritime resources,’’ Ezeoba said.

Dr Olusola Obada, Minister of State for Defence, urged states in the region to “come together to effectively patrol their exclusive economic zones (EEZ), territorial waters and ports.

“The losses translate into huge opportunity cost in terms of both unrealised national revenue and untapped human

Nigeria to enforce maritime governance and prevent illegal activities from occurring in her maritime domain,’’ the minister said.

She listed the security lapses in the gulf to include “lack of basic maritime awareness which creates ungoverned maritime environment for criminals to operate, inadequate national and regional capabilities to monitor maritime surface traffic in a timely manner’’.

Rear Adm. Joe Aikhomu, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, said that the RMACC was introduced with the assistance of the US and

Navy was determined to continually provide “a holistic operational framework, anchored on surveillance, response initiative and enforcement in Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“Accordingly, the Nigeria Navy is taking the lead in increasing existing regional maritime domain capability through surveillance systems located along Nigeria’s coastline in order to improve total awareness of the environment.

“This effort has already started yielding tangible results with the arrest of over 40 vessels engaged in illegal

“It is estimated that piracy in the Gulf of Guinea cost the world economy between $740 million and $950 million last year, and that figure is expected to increase in 2013. The economic implication of this insecurity presents a stark realisation of the gravity of the situation...’’

activities in our waters.

“How to extend this coverage to the entire Gulf of Guinea, through collaboration of other member states, is what this conference is set to address,’’ Aikhomu said.

Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River said that the world economy might lose more than $950 million in 2013 due to piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

Imoke, who cited a study published by Industry Alliance, said it was also estimated that the total insurance cost for insecurity in the gulf was between $423 million to $437 million in 2012.

“It is estimated that piracy in the Gulf of Guinea cost the world economy between $740 million and $950 million last year, and that figure is expected to increase in 2013.

“The economic implication of this insecurity presents a stark realisation of the gravity of the situation,’’ he said.

According to him, insecurity in the region’s maritime domain was traceable to “proliferation of low-intensity resource induced attacks mostly led by criminal gangs, warlords and other non-state actors’’.

In a communiqué issued after the conference, the participants resolved to institute effective legal regime for maritime law enforcement in the region.

They also called for the establishment and activation of a common maritime information sharing mechanism, through the establishment of Inter-Regional Coordination Centre by March 2014.

The communiqué was endorsed by naval chiefs of Angola, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Gabon, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, and Sao-Tome and Principe.

Ezeoba, who spoke before the communiqué was issued, urged signatories to the document to be committed in its implementation.

“In the past, there had been the penchant for people to walk away after such talk shops, but in this case we have agreed through our endorsement to implement the agreement,” he said.

THE NIGERIAN

23

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Religion

With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA

Let My People Go Continued from last week

POSSESSION “AND it came to pass as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit o f divinationmetus....”Actsl6:16.

The Bible talks about a damsel possessed with the spirit of divination. What is the meaning of being possessed? The word possess in English means To own, have... keep control over ..... become the owner dominate’. One possessed of an evil spirit is one whose human spirits being subject to the evil spirit; this person has his mind (soul) and body subjected to the domination and control of the evil spirit.

You are not possessed halfway but in totality spirit, soul and body. This is the usual interpretation in deliverance parlance. It can in a way theologically be used not negatively but positively when you say for instance that the man is possessed with the Holy Spirit, but preferably we say he is filled with the Holy Spirit meaning he is yielded himself totally spirit, soul and body to the Holy Spirit of God. A man who is possessed of an evil spirit is dominated, controlled and influenced by the evil spirit, and only a deliverance ministration in the name of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit can set such free. Because the evil spirit is inhabiting the body of that individual who is possessed; it controls and influences the individuals actions negatively and speaks through the mouth of that possessed individual. Take the example of the seven sons of sceva who were “vagabond Jews, exorcists” (Acts 19:13) who were not Christians but went for a deliverance ministration to cast out demons from a possessed individual but the evil spirit speaking through the man said, Jesus know and Paul I know but who are ye?”

Acts 19:15. And the Bible says the “man in whom the

evil spirit was leaped on them and aver came them”. Acts 19:16.

The possessive nature of these demons on their captive makes it imperative to cast them out before normalcy can be restored upon such an individual.

Through their possessive nature these demons have brought great afflictions on mankind including lameness, blindness, dumbness, barrenness; and various kinds of diseases. The Bible testifies to this “Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on everyone of them and healed them. And devils also came out of many crying out, and saying thou art Christ the son of God” tic 4:40-41.

You can see dearly that through his myriads of demons satan can possess an individual and inflict sickness or disease or any form of disability. Jesus during his earthly ministry healed, many infirmities through casting out the demons causing the affliction and the sick person was restored; for example the child with the dumb and deaf spirit. “Jesus. rebuked the four spirit’ saying unto him, thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee come out of him enter no more into him: And the spirit cried and rent him sore and came out of him…(Mk.9:25-26).

He was instantly healed.

Apart from demons causing diseases and infirmities; the demons can possess an individual resulting in some villainies some inexplicable negative actions in the life of the individual. Until the demons are cast out, those villainies remain and affect the life of that individual.

Mary Magdalene was probably in this category for the Bible says that Jesus cast out of her seven demons; “Mary Magdalene out of whom he had cast seven demons” Mk.

16:9.

What villainies you may ask? Don’t you know no evil comes from God, Don’t you know the Bible says ‘Every good gift and perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the father of lights with whom is no variableness” (Jas 1:17); in the same vein every villainy comes from satan.

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are these:

drunkenness. He drinks himself to stupor; He does not care for any other thing but wine; He does not care about the wife or family; all his mind is to take some wine; his spirit longs often for wine and the body dances to the same tune wine in the mind, wine in the spirit wine in the body.

He is possessed and needs deliverance.

Possession and

Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife., seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, reveilings and such like” (Gal. 5:19).

The Bible concludes that: “They which, do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:1920.

These are among the villainies of satan and each demon carries with it a villainy’ A man, possessed with a villainy for example drunkenness is simply controlled by the evil spirit of

Oppression Some one asked me to explain how to distinguish between the situation of being possessed of a villainous demon or being oppressed by a villainous demon. Where you are possessed of a particular evil spirit with a villainy; the evil spirit controls you totally and you have no power of resistance; and when that evil is committed the person does not feel sorry but wents to do more. The one oppressed with that kind of villainy may have an ability to resist the devil and he will flee (Jas 4:7). The example of the

“A man who is possessed of an evil spirit is dominated, controlled and influenced by the evil spirit, and only a deliverance ministration in the name of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit can set such free.”

villainy of lust exhibited by a father and son at respective intervals suffices; I am talking about King David’s adultery with Bathsheba (2 Sam 11:1-5) and his son Ammons incest with the half sister Tamer (2 Sam 13 1-15), while the King David was oppressed of the demon of lust he was not so vexed like Amnon was. David could have resisted but he failed to do so; while Amnon had no

by satan with some villainies if you like, certain bad habits.

The works of the flesh are the manifestations of satanic spirits. Satan the chief devil has a myriad of lesser spirits operating under his command (Eph. 6:12). Through these myriad of lesser spirits usually called demons satan can possess and afflict an individual. An individual who is so possessed can be

such ability; for the Bible says: Amnon was so vexed that he foil sick for his sister Tamar” (2 Sam 13:2) When both committed the sin, while David later repented when confronted by the prophet Nathan; Amnon fell unrepentant after the act but further hated the lady in question, after defiling her: “Then Amnon hated her exceedingly” 2 Sam 13:15. Amnon is a clear example of the manifestation of one possessed with a villainous demon where as David s an example of one oppressed by a villainous demon.

Levels Of Possession: In my practical deliverance cases with possessed individuals, I have been able to identify the following categories of possessed persons: Villainous Possession: I have earlier mentioned there ace persons possessed

afflicted with a villainy or a disease Until that demon is cast out that villainy or disease or sickness remains with the individual. Jesus healed many persons so possessed with villainies or diseases or infirmities (Mk 5:1-13; 9:17-27; 16:9; Lk 4:33-35).

Familiar spirit Possession These are persons who serve as agents of satan with pretentious spirit with which to deceive the world while masquerading for satan their master. Witches, wizards, ogbanjes, the emeres, spiritists, spiritualists, animists, necromancers, chiropodists, clairvoyants, chiromancers, etc, are possessed with familiar spirits. The witch of Endor was possessed with a familiar spirit to deceive King Saul (1 Sam 28:7-19); the girl with the spirit of divination was possessed with a familiar spirit and Paul commanded the spirit to leave (Acts 16:1618).

THE NIGERIAN

24

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Prosecutor Wants Death Penalty In Delhi Bus Rape Case

NEW DELHI — Saying their crime shocked the conscience of India, the prosecutor in the fatal New Delhi gang rape called Wednesday for all four convicted rapists to be hanged, while one of the defendants shouted out his innocence as police drove him into the courthouse.

It was not clear which of the four men was shouting, because his face was obscured behind the police van’s heavy metal mesh, but he repeatedly called out, “I am innocent! I am innocent!” as the van drove past a scrum of reporters.

The men were convicted Tuesday in the December gang rape of a 23-year-old woman on a moving New Delhi bus, a brutal crime that unleashed a wave of public anger over the treatment of Indian women and a long-unspoken epidemic of sexual violence. The victim died two weeks after the attack.

The four face either life imprisonment or death by hanging. Calls for the men to be executed have grown increasingly loud, with everyone from the victim’s parents to top political leaders demanding the men be sentenced to death.

Prosecutor Dayan Krishnan said the attack shocked India’s “collective conscience,” noting the police report showed the men pulled out some of the CHANGE OF NAME

AMEDU – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Medinat Amedu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Medinat Agbajor. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EBHODAGHE – I, formerly known as Miss Evelyn Ejemen Ebhodaghe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Evelyn Ejemen Orji.

All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities, and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OMOREGIE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Angela Oghomwen Omoregie now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Angela Oghomwen Omozusi. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities, University of Benin and the general public should please take note.

victim’s body parts after savagely penetrating her with an iron rod.

“There can be nothing more diabolic than a helpless girl put through torture,” he said.

Judge Yogesh Khanna said he would hand down the sentences on Friday.

The four men sat in in the back of the tiny courtroom in T-shirts or short-sleeved polo shirts, unshackled and with policemen holding them from both sides. They appeared impassive, though it was not clear how much they understood of the proceedings.

Most of the day’s arguments were in English, a language that only one of the men, Vinay Sharma, is able to speak. They had no translator.

The defense lawyers have long proclaimed their clients’ innocence, while sometimes

indicating some of the men may have been on the bus. They insist that any confessions were coerced by police torture.

On Wednesday, they called for the judge to avoid the death penalty.

“If they have committed a mistake, and the court accepted that they committed a mistake, then they should be given a chance to reform,” lawyer A.P. Singh, who has worked with all the defendants at various times, said outside the courthouse. “The accused are not habitual and professional criminals. They should be given one chance to reform themselves.”

Vivek Sharma, a lawyer representing Pawan Gupta, a 19year-old fruit vendor, asked for a sentence of life imprisonment, noting that Indian law calls for execution only in very exceptional cases.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE STARS CHAPEL

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Pastor Asika Jones.

2. Pastor Ohikhuai Henry 3. Pastor Sylvester Ivienagbor 4. Pastor Isaac Ovu 5. Pastor Impact Ogbeide AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 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: NATH OKUNBOR (ESQ.)

PUBLIC NOTICE IGIASE YOUTH ASSOCIATION, OKPELLA The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Mallam Razak Musa - President 2. Alhaji Aminu Ebigie 3. Alhaji Jafaru Adamu 4.Mallam Umoru Musa AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To promote the development of the community.

2. Empowerment of youths within the community.

3. To promote co-operation among members.

4. Establishment of a Youth Development Centre.

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: MALLAM RAZAK MUSA (President)

PUBLIC NOTICE

MISSING DOCUMENTS I, Madam Agnes Ogbeide formerly known as Miss Agnes Ogbeide wish to bring for the information of the general public and other concerned authorities of the loss of my documents including title documents covering a plot of land measuring 100ft by 100ft, lying, being and situate at No. 8, Upper Medical Store Road, Benin City. That all effort to locate the said documents prove abortive. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

Signed: BARR. SIMON EZEH EZENWA

ETSAKO EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENEBODE EDO STATE OF NIGERIA

INVITATION TO TENDER We wish to refer to our advertised tender in The Nigerian Observer of Wednesday, July 24th, 2013 and to state that Etsako East Local Government has decided to extend the date of submission of tenders by two weeks from the date of this advert.

1. Construction of Borehole in each ward of Local Government.

2. Construction of 4 Classrooms with Head Master’s office in Wards 1,3,4,6,7and 9.

3. Purchase and installation of 500KVA transformers in wards 2,4,5,7 and 9 4. Production and supply of two in one school benches and desks 5. Construction of Health Centre at Okhu.

6. Renovation of a block of Six (6) Classroom one in each ward.

2. The tender is to be accompanied with I. Evidence of current business registration with Etsako East Local Government as a contractor in the appropriate category.

I1 Tax clearance certificate for the immediate past three years of the Company.

III. Current bank guarantee of credit worthiness.

IV Evidence of job previously executed with the Local Government or other Government Agencies.

V Evidence of registration with Corporate Affairs Commission.

VI. Evidence of personal income Tax Clearance certificate of the Director of the company in respect of Limited Liability Companies.

VII. Evidence of payment of non refundable deposit fees of N20,000.00 and N2,000.00 Tender fee respectively.

3 Documents showing the drawings and specifications of the above listed projects are available for inspection between 8am to 4pm Monday — Friday in the office of Director of Works, Land and Survey, Etsako East Local Government, Agenebode.

4. Tender should be addressed and submitted muted in a sealed envelope and marked “Confidential” at the top left hand corner of the envelop and addressed to THE CHAIRMAN ETSAKO EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENEBODE. EDO STATE. Ta reach him not later than 14 days from the date of this publication.

6. Etsako East Local Government is not bound to accept the lowest of any tender, nor is it bound to give reasons for rejection of any render.

Signed: HON. BENEDICTA ATTOH Secretary to Local Government, Etsako East Local Government, Agenebode

THE NIGERIAN

25

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

International Features

ICC:

Kenya’s Deputy President Pleads Not-Guilty

KENYA’S Deputy President William Ruto pleaded innocent to crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court on Tuesday, at the start of a trial that will test the stability of a country seen as vital to East Africa’s security.

As the parties took their places in the courtroom before the judges arrived, Ruto appeared relaxed, laughing and smiling with his lawyers. Joshua arap Sang, his co-accused, gave a reporter the thumbs-up sign.

Ruto and Sang are charged with co-orchestrating a postelection bloodbath five years ago, working with coconspirators to murder, deport and persecute supporters of rival political parties in Kenya’s Rift Valley region.

“The crimes of which Mr. Ruto and Mr. Sang are charged were not just random and spontaneous acts of brutality,” said Fatou Bensouda, the ICC’s prosecutor, describing the charges in court.

“This was a carefully planned and executed plan of violence... Ruto’s ultimate goal was to seize political power for himself and his party in the event he could not do so via the ballot box.”

The trials of Ruto and that of Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, which will start in November, have split public opinion, and witness testimonies of the violence in 2007-08 that killed more than a thousand people could stir tension.

The cases are also a major test for prosecutors at the decade-old Hague-based ICC, who have had a low success rate and face accusations of focusing on African countries, while

avoiding war crimes in other global hotspots.

Kenyatta, Ruto’s former rival who became a political ally, faces similar charges of crimes against humanity.

Rival members of Kenyatta’s Kikuyu and Ruto’s Kalenjin tribes, wielding machetes, knives, and bows and arrows, went on the rampage after a disputed 2007 election, butchering more than 1,200 people and driving hundreds of thousands from their homes.

This year, Kenyatta and Ruto joined forces for another election, which was comparatively peaceful.

Their joint Jubilee Alliance ticket was elected in March after a campaign in which the ICC charges against the two men played a central role.

Western leaders, who see a stable Kenya as central to the fight against militant Islam, have already found their ties with east Africa’s biggest economy complicated by the charges.

Ruto, who is voluntarily obeying a summons to attend sessions, appeared in The Hague wearing a grey suit and red-and-silver striped tie, accompanied by several supporters.

He and Sang could face long prison terms if convicted.

The court’s public gallery was packed with dozens of Kenyan lawmakers who had travelled to The Hague in a show of solidarity with their deputy president.

In laying out the case, prosecutor Bensouda said Sang had used his primetime radio show to pass messages to a network that was behind the violence. The broadcaster shook his head and smiled at his lawyer as Bensouda spoke.

The cases may have helped Ruto and Kenyatta into office as campaigners rallied nationalist support by accusing the court of meddling in the former British colony. The political alliance means an immediate flareup of violence is seen as unlikely, but tensions on the

“This year, Kenyatta and Ruto joined forces for another election, which was comparatively peaceful.

Their joint Jubilee Alliance ticket was elected in March after a campaign in which the ICC charges against the two men played a central role.”

Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague Wednesday.

ground will inevitably rise.

“There will be an immediate response in local politics once these trials start,” said John Githongo, a former government anticorruption official turned whistleblower.

“Last time the politicians managed to turn it around for alliance building and it worked extremely well.

However, invariably, once

the evidence starts coming out, it will bring tension,” he said.

The horrors of the election violence shattered Kenya’s reputation as one of Africa’s most stable countries and dealt the economy a heavy blow from which it is only now recovering.

Anger over the charges culminated last week in a vote in parliament calling for

Kenya to withdraw from the international court’s jurisdiction. Kenyatta threatened to suspend cooperation with the ICC if he and his deputy were summoned simultaneously, leaving no head of state in residence.

Judges said the cases would alternate at onemonth intervals. Even if Kenya does quit the court,

trials already under way will continue.

Bensouda, the court’s prosecutor, has rejected claims of meddling, saying that the cases before the court related purely to the 2008 violence and those accused of it.

“Contrary to what has now become a rallying call for those who do not wish to see justice for victims of postelection violence, our cases have never been against the people of Kenya or against any tribe in Kenya,” she said on Monday.

Some onlookers fear the proceedings have the possibility of re-igniting the rivalry.

“This case has the potential to bring a bit of tension between the two communities that fought,” said political scientist Mutahi Ngunyi.

Both sides have been accused of intimidating witnesses, allegations they deny. Karim Khan, Ruto’s lawyer, said such accusations were designed to distract attention from a fundamentally weak prosecution case.

“This case will fall apart in the end. But it will fall apart because of lack of evidence because of the deficient investigations conducted, and not for any other reason.”

“Both sides have been accused of intimidating witnesses, allegations they deny. Karim Khan, Ruto’s lawyer, said such accusations were designed to distract attention from a fundamentally weak prosecution case.”

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

27

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Vanity:

The Distorted Tool

A medium receives the ethereal impression and passes it on verbally or in writing with little or no alteration at all for the Gross Material world. This naturally results in misunderstanding on the part of those who view things from a purely gross material standpoint.

The ethereal impression Abd-ru-shin the author of “Grail Message” says it differs from the gross material effect which manifests later on.

For in the world of Ethereal matter, the contrasts are sharper and richer, with corresponding effects.

Now it frequently happens that mediums depict nothing but ethereal things without alteration, because the frontal brain cannot follow up with its work of remodeling and is quiescent. Then the picture of an event and the times given differ, for ethereal conceptions of time also, differ from earthly conceptions.

Consequently, predictions and descriptions of the same happening will sound different from almost very mediumistic person, depending on the degree of co-operation possible by their frontal brain, which can only in very rare cases achieve the complete transformation necessary for earthly conceptions.

This also, gives the cause why mediums who often foresee earthly events, catastrophes or the like, can rarely in their utterances or writings forecast the earthly time accurately.

Abd-ru-shin opinions that if both parts of the brain of earthmen could co-operate harmoniously, as the creator ordained they should, then the transmissions of the medium would be given in

conceptions of time suitable to the World of Gross Matter. As it is, however, the more or less extensive withdrawal of blood from the frontal brain causes derangements and distortions.

Let us take a glance around us. He who goes on his way scoffing at the provisions and forecasts of terrible happenings which accumulate from all sides and who refuses to see that many of them are already being fulfilled, that natural catastrophes are increasing from one week to the next, is either narrow-minded or does not yet want to recognize anything because of a certain fear.

He who does not yet wish to recognize the great economic distress which steadily increases in every country on earth, nor see in the consequent confusion and helplessness disastrous setback, just because he himself still happens to have enough to eat and drink – such a person no longer deserves to be called a man according to Abd-ru-shin for he must be inwardly corrupt and blunted to the suffering of others.

All this has already happened before”. That is, what they thoughtlessly reply. It is true that such events have taken place before, but singly and not in the same conditions as today, not with all this knowledge men boast of and with all the precautionary measures which can now be taken.

That is as different as day is from night.

Above all there was never such an accumulation of events. In past times a gap of years occurred between natural catastrophes. Such happenings excited all civilized nations and were talked and written about for months. While today they

are dismissed from the mind with a few hours at a dance on in every day conversation. This is a difference which people do not want to see on account of fear which manifests itself in frivolity, in a vanton refusal to understand.

“The people must not be disturbed”. That is, the order which has gone forth. Most out of love for humanity, however, but only for fear that mankind might make

reflect and retrace their steps in time, before it becomes necessary that they, themselves must experience all the afflictions they can still see their fellow men suffering. It is rebellion against God on the part of those who try to prevent this with comforting words.

Vanity will never permit the recognition of the truth, no matter where it is to be found. What it achieves in this respect is proved by the

demands with which no one could cape any longer.

The attempts made to calm the public are often so crude that none but the indifferent humanity, with that obtuseness that prevails today, can listen to them in silence. Nobody bothers to recognize and remonstrate against these effects as being antagonistic to the sublime.

Will of God. God wills that men should recognize these warnings which speak so plainly to them in the march of events.

They are meant to awaken out of their irresponsible spiritual lethargy in order to

attitude of this mankind to the life on earth of the Son of God which in its true and great simplicity, does not satisfy the vain minds of men. The believer wants his saviour only in accordance with his own ideas.

Therefore, he embellishes the earthly mission of the son of God, Christ Jesus, with events of his own fabrication.

According to man’s opinion and solely because of his humility” towards all that is divine, this saviour being the Son of God, must also be absolutely “supernatural”. But in so thinking they do not realize

“Vanity will never permit the recognition of the truth, no matter where it is to be found. What it achieves in this respect is proved by the attitude of this mankind to the life on earth of the Son of God which in its true and great simplicity, does not satisfy the vain minds of men.”

Man And Nature With O.C. MADU 08056379608

that God Himself is the perfection of all that is natural and that creation developed out of this His perfect naturalness through His will.

Perfection, however, also bears the unchangeable within itself, if there could possibly be an exception in

is engrained within every person is vanity and not the urge for truth as is so often depicted. Selfcomplacency constructed the unhealthy way upon which hosts of idle enthusiasts can sun themselves and and upon

the laws of creation, while correspond with the will of God, they would be bound to contain a gap and thus, lack perfection.

Abd-run-shin asserts that he who wishes to enter creation and live upon the earth is subject to the immutable laws of creation. All assertions to the contrary are inventions, created in their enthusiasm by men themselves and then bequeathed as the truth. The same happened with all traditions, regardless of whether they were passed on verbally, or in writing.

Human vanity plays a great role in this. Very seldom indeed do they issue from the human hand, voice or even brain without something being added. Second-hand records never constitute a proof on which posterity should rely.

Man only needs to observe current events closely “Mysticism” is preferred to the simple truth. The great craving for “Mysticism”, for everything mysterious, which

which many who are spiritually indolent allow themselves leisurely to drift.

In all these matters the vanity of man plays a devastating and dismal role, dragging him tenaciously and irretrievably down to destruction, because he has come to love it.

To eradicate the root of all this evil, the intervention of God is necessary. Every other power and authority, however, great is inadequate to achieve this.

It constitutes the greatest and most devastating contamination in man’s false volition that ever found its way into creation.

Everything on this earth will have to collapse before any improvement can come about, because there is nothing in existence which is not already irretrievably pervaded by it.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Anfield Redevelopment On Track - Henry

Cazorla Bemused By Ozil Sale ARSENAL midfielder Santi Cazorla has told Marca he cannot understand why Real Madrid sold the “unique” Mesut Ozil to Arsenal.

But Cazorla, 28, believes Madrid’s loss is Arsenal’s gain, admitting the north London club were “lucky” to secure the Germany international.

Ozil broke Arsenal’s transfer record when he completed his £42.5 million move to the Premier League on the final day of the summer window.

And Cazorla, a summer transfer from Malaga last year, said he could not wait to play and “learn alongside” Arsenal’s latest addition “I am very happy that Ozil is here,” Cazorla told Marca.

“He is a spectacular player and we are very lucky we are going to learn alongside him.

“I don’t understand that [why Real Madrid sold him], he is a unique player. You will have to ask the club for reasons why they sold them, but at the same time he didn’t think he was getting the opportunities he deserved and luckily he has come to us.

“He is an important player and he is going to be very good for the team and the way we play. I hope he can help us fight against the big teams.”

Sir Alex Ferguson, former Man United Manager

Ferguson Reveals Secrets Of Success

FORMER Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has outlined eight key principles that underpinned his successful managerial career.

2. Dare to rebuild your team Ferguson, who retired in the Ferguson: “I believe that the summer after winning 49 cycle of a successful team lasts trophies, revealed the theories maybe four years and then some behind his management in change is needed. So we tried to interviews with the Harvard visualise the team three or four Business School. years ahead and make decisions Ferguson’s blueprint is accordingly. Because I was at published in October’s Harvard United for such a long time, I Business Review, and his eight could afford to plan ahead.” core beliefs are: 3. Set high standards and hold 1. Start with the foundation everyone to them Ferguson: “From the moment Ferguson: “Everything we did I got to Manchester United, I was about maintaining the thought of only one thing: standards we had set as a football building a football club. I wanted club — this applied to all my to build right from the bottom.” team building, my team

Barry Ready To Jump MANCHESTER City loanee, Gareth Barry, claims he is ready to play should he be called upon by Everton manager Roberto Martinez.

The Toffees will resume competitive action when they host Europa League winners Chelsea on Saturday at Goodison Park and Barry is hoping to get a run out.

The midfielder hasn’t played a competitive match since May 14 after having been told he was no longer in the plans of new City boss Manuel Pellegrini this season.

But the 32-year-old, who signed on a season-long loan from the Etihad on last week’s transfer deadline day, believes he is fit enough to be thrown straight into the fray.

“It’s a fantastic first game to potentially be involved in, but it’s the manager’s decision because I have not played loads of minutes at the moment,” Barry was quoted in the Liverpool Daily.

“I feel fit. I haven’t missed

LIVERPOOL’S principal owner John W Henry says that the money is in place for Fenway Sports Group to embark on a £150 million redevelopment of Anfield.

Henry has declared that the project is on track, and that there will be no repeat of the stalled stadium projects that plagued the regime of previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. He is also adamant that the expansion of Anfield — which is set to increase its capacity to 60,000 — will not compromise squad strengthening.

Fenway announced last October that the club were scrapping plans to build a new stadium on neighbouring Stanley Park, and would instead refurbish their current home.

Anfield is hemmed in by housing, though, and progress on the project has depended on the acquisition and demolition of privately-owned homes next to the ground to create extra space

Into Action

a day’s training and I featured in bits and bobs of the preseason games.

“The season’s a well underway now and I’ve not played but I am confident If asked to play I can do a good job.”

Wayne Rooney

preparation, motivational talks and tactical talks. I expected even more from the star players [than the rest].”

4. Never, ever cede control Ferguson: “I wasn’t going to allow anyone to be stronger than I was. If the day came that the manager of Manchester United was controlled by the players — if the players decided how the training should be, what days they should have off, what the discipline should be and what the

tactics should be — then Manchester United would not be the Manchester United we know.

“5. Match the message to the moment Ferguson: “No one likes to be criticised. Most respond to encouragement. At the same time, you need to point out mistakes. You play different roles at different times.

Sometimes you have to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a father.”

5. Prepare to win Ferguson: “Winning is in my nature. There is no other option for me. I am a risk taker and you can see that in how we played in the late stages of matches. All my teams had perseverance — they never gave in. It’s a fantastic

characteristic to have.”

7. Rely on the power of observation Ferguson: “My presence and ability to supervise were always there and what you can pick up by watching is incredibly valuable. Sometimes I could even tell that a player was injured when he thought he was fine.”

8. Never stop adapting.

Ferguson: “When I started, there were no agents and, although games were televised, the media did not elevate players to the level of film stars and constantly look for new stories about them. Players have led more sheltered lives, so they are much more fragile than players were 25 years ago.”

MANCHESTER United are waiting to discover whether Wayne Rooney will be back for the Manchester derby.

The England international is out with a severely gashed forehead, suffered when he was caught by team-mate Phil Jones’ boot in training, and is likely to miss Saturday’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace.

However, manager David Moyes said after the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool that he expected the striker to be out for three weeks and the trip to Manchester City falls exactly 21 days after the game at Anfield.

Rooney will reportedly return to training at the end of this week with the intention of facing City, if his wound has healed enough to allow him to head the ball.

The 27-year-old posted a picture of himself on his Facebook page, showing how

deep the cut was, after being criticised for missing England’s World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine.

He said then: “Some people seem to be questioning my commitment and the fact I had to pull out of the two games.

I’m sure people will see the reason why I won’t be able to play. There’s nothing I would like more than to be helping the lads in the qualifiers.”

United will also find out whether either of their two premier right-backs will be available to take on newly promoted Palace.

Rafael da Silva has been out since the Community Shield win over Wigan with a hamstring injury but is likely to return to training this week, while Jones suffered an ankle problem in the loss to Liverpool.

If both are out, Moyes faces a decision whether to pick Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling or Fabio da Silva.

Wayne Rooney Hoping For Derby Return

for expansion.

The club will submit a planning application to extend the Main Stand and Anfield Road End once Liverpool City Council has agreed deals to buy the few remaining houses adjoining the stadium, with Henry insisting that “good progress” is being made on that front.

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner held discussions with council officials over the project during a visit to Merseyside last week.

Henry is aware of the troubles faced by Hicks and Gillett, who secured planning permission for a new stadium but then failed to find the money to build it.

The Boston-based businessman insists that there are no such financial issues with the current proposal, which is part of a wider regeneration project for the Anfield area, being run in partnership with the council and social housing provider Your Housing.

He told the Liverpool Daily Post: “They [Hicks and Gillett] were talking about going out and borrowing an enormous amount of money for an enormous facility. That’s not what we are doing here. One of their problems is that they weren’t able to get financing.

“When this project happens, that won’t be the problem. We just need certainty with regard to these properties. The number of properties is being reduced. The city council is doing everything they can and that’s all we can ask.

“Not just the city council but Your Housing and everyone associated with this are all on the same page. The regeneration as well — we’re all on the same page.

“We are making good progress. We have a lot of different groups working very well together and that’s the key to a big project like this happening, when everybody is on the same page — and pretty much everyone is on the same page.”

Asked if the redevelopment would have a negative effect on the club’s transfer budget, Henry said: “No, because it will pay for itself. It’s actually a positive. It’s one of the reasons we are doing it. It still provides excess cash.

This is the direction that makes financial sense for the club in the long term.”

Liverpool are refusing to say when they will be in a position to apply for planning permission, with Henry explaining that it depends on how quickly the council can agree a deal to buy the remaining houses next to the ground.

A handful of homeowners have yet to agree to sell up, with compulsory purchase orders an option for the club if no other resolution can be found.

Henry said: “We’ve always said you have to have certainty with regards to the properties because of the height of the stands and all the issues regarding that. That has been the biggest issue. We need certainty on that.”

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Rummenigge Re-elected As ECA Chief

BAYERN Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has been re-elected for another term as president of the European Club Association.

Switzerland on Monday and The ECA’s General Tuesday, also saw Umberto Assembly, held at the Hotel Gandini of AC Milan rePresident Wilson in Geneva, elected as first vice-president and Barcelona’s Sandro Rosell retain his post as second vice-president.

A new senior representative

Morata Eyeing Madrid Game Time

REAL Madrid striker Alvaro Morata believes his form with Spain’s Under-21 side will improve his chances of getting game time with the first team.

The 20-year-old was the top goalscorer for La Rojita as they went on to win the UEFA European Championships in June.

He has continued with his brilliant scoring form, scoring five goals in recent victories over Austria and Albania.

“I’m sure Ancelotti will have seen the Spain Under-21 games and kept a close eye on me, Jese (Rodriguez), (Daniel) Carvajal and (Fernando) Pacheco,” Morata told AS. “I have no doubt that he has seen us play and is taking us into consideration for his next team selection. It’s up to us to keep on working.

“People are always talking about Madrid signing other attackers, but I will just try and do my best to show that I am good enough to play for Madrid and so will Jese.”

Morata scored two goals in 15 appearances for the first team last season and respectively and has so far made one appearance as a substitute this season.

Alexis Finds Confidence BARCELONA forward Alexis Sanchez says he is feeling comfortable at the club and new coach Gerardo Martino has given him confidence.

The Chilean was rumoured to be on his way out of the Camp Nou during the transfer window after scoring 11 goals in 46 appearances for Barcelona last season.

However, he has remained with the Catalans and he says the arrival of the Argentine coach has been a major boost for his form.

“The confidence of a player is everything,” he told the club’s website. “If he’s given confidence on the pitch, a player can do a lot of things.

“I feel good this year, very comfortable and I have a lot of confidence.

“Tata gives me a lot of confidence and this allows me to be myself on the pitch.”

Alexis has featured regularly for Barcelona since the start of the season and has scored one goal in four appearances.

on the ECA’s high table was CSKA Moscow’s Evgeni Giner who replaced Anderlecht’s Michel Verschueren as the group’s third vice-president.

“It is an honour and a privilege to have the support

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

from European clubs,” Rosell told Barca’s website. “I will keep on defending their interests as the ECA’s vicepresident and president of the marketing and communications group.”

Rosell, who also joined UEFA’s Professional Football Strategy Council in August, will now serve another two year term as ECA VP. The Geneva summit discussed issues such as UEFA’s financial fair-play regulations and the possibility of playing the FIFA World Cup 2022 during the summer in Qatar.

The ECA now has 214 member clubs taken from 53 European countries. Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad are among the 19 outfits to join this year, bringing Spain’s representation to nine clubs, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla and Malaga already being members.

Busquets Back, Puyol Still Out B A R C E L O N A midfielder Sergio Busquets has returned to training ahead of Saturday’s clash against Sevilla, while Carles Puyol is still sidelined.

The 25-year-old sustained a thigh injury during the 3-2 win over Valencia on September 1 and as a result he was withdrawn from Spain’s

Sergio Busquets

squad for the games against Finland Chile.

However, he has resumed training with the squad and according to the club’s website he did not experience any discomfort.

Fullback Dani Alves also spent time with the club’s physiotherapist to work on the ankle problem which kept him out of Brazil’s friendly against Australia.

Meanwhile, captain Carles Puyol has continued to train alone on the sides while he recovers from a knee injury.

SEVILLA midfielder Jose Antonio Reyes has been given the green light to return to action ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash against Barcelona.

The winger has been on the sidelines for a month and a half after sustaining a knee injury in the first leg of the Europa League playoff against Mladost Podgorica.

However, Sevilla doctor Juan Jose Jimenez has given cleared him to challenge for a place in the team when they visit the Camp Nou this weekend.

“Reyes is doing field work and now he is improving his quadriceps tone and he will

Reyes Fit For Barca Clash be an option for Saturday’s match,” he told the club’s website.

Goalkeeper Beto, who withdrew from the Portuguese national team with a hip injury, as well as midfielder Marko Marin remain doubtful.

Defenders Nico Pareja, Federico Fazio and Daniel Carrico have been ruled out for the trip to Catalonia but are expected to be back in time for the upcoming clashes against Valencia and Rayo Vallecano.

Andre Urges Brother Jordan On At Marseille ANDRE Ayew has told his younger brother Jordan to make the most of the limited playing opportunities handed him at Marseille.

Jordan, 21-year-old striker, has been down the pecking order at the French Ligue 1 giants and has made three appearances out of four matches-all as a substitute.

During the summer transfer, the youngster was rumoured to be on his way out with West Brom and Saint Etienne linked to the son of Abedi Pele.

His senior brother, Andre, who has become a firm staple of Elie Baup’s side is urging him not to despair.

“Jordan will certainly get to play a lot more but he must play well and that is the truth,” Andre told Citi FM. “We have started the season well and winning teams cannot be changed so he must wait for his time and when that moment comes, he must grab it.

“He was supposed to move because he was not featuring a lot but the coach (Elie Baup) and some people at the club kicked against it.

“He eventually decided to stay and the issue has since been settled and we are looking forward to seeing him play.”

Costa Reveals Close Liverpool Move ATLETICO Madrid striker Diego Costa has revealed he was close to joining Liverpool in the summer, but opted to continue his development in Spain.

The Reds were keen to sign Costa but were unsuccessful in their attempts to lure the 24year-old.

The Brazilian insists he nearly secured a switch to Anfield, but was eager to repay Atletico’s faith in him during his two spells in Madrid.

And Costa has ruled out a January move to Liverpool as he looks to continue his growth under Diego Simeone.

“I was close to leaving,

Liverpool are a great team,” he told Mundo Deportivo. “But after fighting so hard and overcoming difficulties to get my place at Atletico,

Costa

how could I leave? I thought that it was very important for me to continue growing in this club and to play here for many years.”

THE NIGERIAN

30

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

World Cup Qualifiers Fall-Out

O’Neil Slams ‘Pathetic’ Northern Ireland

NORTHERN Ireland manager Michael O’Neill branded his side’s performance against Luxembourg “pathetic” after they were turned over 3-2 at the Stade Josy Barthel.

Luxembourg came into the World Cup qualifying wins, match with more Eurovision with five of the former and just Song Contest victories than three of the latter, but they

Julio Cesar Is Brazil’s World Cup Keeper

BRAZIL coach Luiz Felipe Scolari confirmed goalkeeper Julio Cesar will definitely be going to the World Cup next year but said there are still four or five places up for grabs in his 23-man squad.

Speaking after Brazil beat Portugal 3-1 in a friendly international in Boston, Scolari said he had between 70 and 80 per cent of his squad already picked, with the QPR goalkeeper having guaranteed a ticket to the finals in his homeland.

But there is still room for new faces, even though Brazil have scored nine goals in their last two friendlies against Portugal and Australia, and lost just once since destroying Spain to win the Confederations Cup in June.

“In the games against Australia and then again today I’ve seen there are one or two players I can add to the 17 or 18 I already have on my list,” Scolari said after the game.

The early selection of Julio Cesar was interesting because he had fallen out of favour after making a mistake that led to Brazil’s elimination at the last World Cup against the Netherlands.

The keeper was marginalised by previous manager Mano Menezes and left Internazionale to play with the unheralded Queens Park Rangers. Scolari drafted him back in after taking over as coach in December.

“I was as surprised as you,” a smiling Julio Cesar said when asked about the announcement.

“I think he wanted to protect

me, so many people were asking about my position.

Now I need to keep working hard and maintain my form over the next eight months.”

Scolari, however, refused to confirm other names and said he planned to keep experimenting in the four friendlies Brazil have before the end of this year.

“I might call up one or two new players to see how they react,” he said.

Brazil play South Korea and Zambia next month and then have two other friendlies against unconfirmed opponents before the year ends. They will have at least one more friendly in March.

The World Cup kicks off in Brazil next June.

Scolari said he was pleased with his side’s performance against Portugal and paid tribute to mercurial forward Neymar, who had a hand in all three goals.

The young Barcelona striker was singled out for some rough treatment by Portuguese defenders and Scolari called on referees to give him more protection.

“Neymar has something his dribble - that means he is exposed to opponents who will foul him or bring him down,” Scolari said.

“I don’t know if ‘hunted’ is the right word but he is being stopped by fouls and referees have to take note.”

“He was very good tonight,” Scolari added. “I’ve been watching him for three or four years since he came up at Santos and it’s only once every 15 or 20 games when he doesn’t play to his

narrowed the gap when Mathias Janisch stabbed home in the 87th minute to record a well-earned win.

Northern Ireland had taken the lead through Martin Paterson and then levelled at 2-2 thanks to Gareth McAuley’s header but were comfortably second best and would have been fortunate to leave with a point.

O’Neill has been buoyed by strong showings against the likes of Russia and Portugal in Group F but this was a nadir and he did not pull any punches in his assessment.

“It was a really poor performance - we lacked energy, intensity, intelligence.

The management of the game from start to finish was pathetic,” he said.

“We got what we deserved.

We didn’t deserve anything...Luxembourg were the better side. It was a really, really poor performance.

“There was not a single

positive out of that game.”

Asked to put his finger on a precise reason for the way his side were outplayed by a side languishing 140th in the FIFA rankings, O’Neill had plenty.

“Lack of energy, lack of desire to play, lack of intensity, lack of leadership. Take your pick,” he said.

Northern Ireland were

CZECH Republic coach Michal Bilek has resigned following his side’s 2-1 loss to Italy in a World Cup qualifier that all but ended the country’s chances of reaching next year’s finals in Brazil.

The Czechs have endured a stuttering qualifying campaign under Bilek, beating only Malta and Armenia as they struggled to find the net for a majority of their Group B games.

“I have not met the goal we have set for ourselves and I offer my resignation,” Bilek said in a statement.

Bilek was never popular

with fans due to a string of unconvincing results and conservative tactics but he did gain some success when he guided the Czechs to the Euro 2012 quarterfinals in Poland and Ukraine.

The former midfielder, who scored 11 goals in 35 internationals and played at the 1990 World Cup, took over four years ago after the side failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals.

Despite some initial problems, Bilek ensured the Czechs kept up their record of qualifying for every European Championship since the Czech Republic and Slovakia split in 1993.

In Tuesday’s match against Italy in Turin, it looked as if the Czechs might pull off an upset and keep their World Cup hopes alive after they took a 1-0 lead into the second half.

However, two goals within three minutes secured qualification for the hosts and left the Czechs four points adrift of Bulgaria, who occupy second place in the group.

“Our aim of qualification, although mathematically possible, is now highly unlikely even though the team will always do everything within their power to keep that hope alive.

“The FAI board of management will now consider the current position over the coming period to discuss the recent results. The post-match press conference which was due to take place this afternoon in Dublin has been cancelled.”

Trapattoni had taken charge of Ireland in 2008 and narrowly missed out on a place in the 2010 World Cup after a play-off with France before guiding the country to Euro

• Michael O’Neil

Czech Coach Bilek Quits After Italy Loss

Giovanni Trapattoni Set For Ireland 2012.

GIOVANNI Trapattoni is Exit The 74-year-old, on a £1 expected to be sacked as Republic of Ireland manager with the country’s chances of reaching the 2014 World Cup all but over.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has said it is reviewing Trapattoni’s position in light of Friday’s 2-1 defeat to Sweden and Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Austria, which have left Ireland six points adrift of a play-off place with two games remaining.

An FAI statement read: “The recent results against Sweden and Austria were very disappointing for everyone involved in Irish football, the manager, the players and supporters.

cheered on by an impressive away contingent of 1,200 - a group who did not turn on the side even as the game slipped from their grasp in the second half - and O’Neill offered a frank apology to them.

“I feel for the people who have travelled to watch that,” he said. “It’s not acceptable and not the level of

million-a-year contract, had earlier said he would not resign.

He said: “It’s for the FAI to decide if they want us to continue or finish our agreement. It’s okay if they decide to change us all but, until then, we will continue because it’s not our decision.

“The FAI will decide what to do, but we have an agreement until May 31 or June 1, I don’t know. I wasn’t joking the other day when I said if I was [FAI chief executive] John Delaney, [I would] evaluate what we have done in the last two years and after decide yes or no. It’s not my job to do this.”

Sitting on nine points from eight matches, the Czechs must win their last two games away to Malta and Bulgaria to have any chance of a securing a playoff spot for finishing second.

The Czech FA indicated that it would select one of Bilek’s assistants to lead the side for the two remaining qualifiers before a permanent coach would be installed.

performance I would expect from my team.

“The players are pretty clear on my feelings. As a manager and a group of players we owe the fans an apology.”

O’Neill was controlled but simmering beneath the surface as he offered a scathing verdict on what he had seen and the positivity of last month’s morale-boosting 1-0 win over Russia seemed an age ago.

“When we drew the home games against Luxembourg and Azerbaijan I had a certain level of sympathy because I felt on the night we did a lot of positive things, but this was as poor a performance as I’ve ever been associated with,” he said.

“If we are at it all of the basic ingredients for playing football are there and we’ve shown what capable of. But if we’re not we have no right to think we’re better than Luxembourg or Azerbaijan or anyone out there. That has been proven.”

Luxembourg boss Luc Holtz was effusive in his praise for the hosts, who last won a World Cup qualifier in 1972.

“This was one of the best games our team has seen in a long time,” he said.

“Northern Ireland’s first shot on goal went in, so we were unlucky, but in our eyes our team played much, much better.

“It was a very good performance. The whole team was brilliant.

“We like to play the attacking way and the players like to do this too. This is the way we will play in the future.”

Van Gaal Hails Quick Netherlands NETHERLANDS manager Louis van Gaal has hailed the efficiency of his teams as they became the first European team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. Manchester United striker Robin van Persie was the hero for the Dutch as his double sealed a 2-0 victory over Andorra.

But following the match, Van Gaal praised his entire squad as they secured qualification with two games to spare.

The undefeated Dutch lead

Group D in European qualification by eight points, only dropping two points in eight games.

“We have done the job,” Van Gaal was reported as saying by EuroSport. “We could not have qualified quicker for the World Cup than the way we did. We are the first from Europe.”

On the game against Austria, Van Gaal added: “We did very well. We gave our all in the first half and we made the breakthrough after the interval. That’s just how we wanted it.”

THE NIGERIAN

31

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

I’m Happy At Chelsea

Brazil Friendly Excites Zambia’s Chisamba ZAMBIA midfielder

Mikel:

MIKEL Obi was linked with a move away from Chelsea and has only played a bit role this term, but he has insisted he is happy at ‘The Blues’.

In a special interview with MTNFootball.com also speaks on his big dream to feature at his first World Cup after injury stopped him from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

He declared the Eagles have unfinished business in Brazil after a not too impressive showing at the FIFA Confederations Cup in June.

Congratulations on the Super Eagles qualification to 2014 World Cup final playoffs next month?

MIKEL: Thank you.

How would you describe the road to the qualification for the final playoffs from Group F, which had Malawi, Kenya and Namibia?

It was a tough one because every game we played was so tough, but we did our best to top the group. Every team in Africa wants to beat us because we are the African champions. We have therefore been able to maintain our status by staying on top.

The draw for the playoffs will be staged on Monday, which team would you prefer to come up against?

At this point all the teams are good and strong, all the team for the playoffs will be tough so we are ready to take on any one of them.

Eagles have been on a steady rise, what are the factors responsible for this?

Well, that is the result of hard work and dedication. We are all determined to do our job, from players to coaches and everyone involved in the Eagles. Unity is the major factor in the team.

You did not feature at the

2010 World Cup in South Africa on account of an injury, how are you looking forward to the 2014 tournament in Brazil?

I have put the South Africa 2010 behind me. I am looking forward to helping my country qualify for the World Cup next year.

Eagles did not do well at FIFA Confederations Cup in June in Brazil....(cuts in) We have unfinished business in Brazil, we will make Nigerians proud at the next World Cup. I am sure we will qualify no matter the opposition.

We are a good side and we will definitely do well and represent African well.

Do you have a particular target for World Cup? I want to do well and I am sure the team will also perform very well at the World Cup, but our immediate focus now is to first qualify.

Chelsea have started the league well, what are your targets for the season?

I want to do well with my team. I want the English Premier League title and the Champions League back, memories of winning those trophies are still very dear to me. I want to keep on winning trophies, hopefully I will have such moments again this season.

Your national and club mate Victor Moses has joined Liverpool on loan, what do you have to say about that?

I wish him well and best of luck.

There were strong talks about you leaving Chelsea this summer, what happened?

There were links, speculations and discussions, but I am here at Chelsea and happy at Stamford Bridge.

A preliminary decision by the Nigeria league has awarded last week’s abandoned match between Sunshine and 3SC to the Akure club.

Sunshine were leading 2-1 by half time before Shooting Stars refused to come out for the second half, citing the manhandling of two of their officials by the home fans Sunshine vs 3SC abandoned A member of the League Management Company (LMC), Shehu Dikko, disclosed that Sunshine have been awarded the three points and three goals.

“The preliminary decision based on the match commissioner and centre referee confirms that no match officials or technical

personnel or player was harassed or beaten and there was adequate security at the venue and that 3SC deliberately abandoned the match in contravention of the rules,” said Dikko.

“Therefore in line to Article 4.2 (2) of the rules, the match has been awarded to Sunshine 3 points 3 goals and 3SC have been fined 3million Naira and also three points will be deducted from there already accrued points.”

Match commissioner speaks on botched game Dikko disclosed that a further hearing on the matter will take place on Friday in Abuja.

“However to further ascertain the veracity of the claims of the Oyo Commissioner that he and the

Crown Prince, Eheneden Erediauwa, Edaiken N’Uselu

Edaiken Cup Kicks Off Tomorrow

By KEHINDE OSAAGIEDE

ALL arrangement has been put in place for the Kickoff of the Edaiken N’Uselu annual football competition for U-17 boys and girls, tagged “Edaiken Gold Cup 2013” which begins tomorrow in Benin City.

According to the organizers of the competition, the Dynamic Youth Sports Development of Nigeria (DYSDON), Benin Technical college football field has been confirmed ready to stage the youth soccer fiesta.

The Organisers statement made available to OBSERVER SPORTS further revealed that some matches would be scheduled for Emotan College, adding that one venue will not be enough for all the matches that will be played.

Meanwhile, more than 28 football clubs have so far registered their interest to participate in the one-week football tourney specially packaged in honour of the

team’s camera man were attacked, all parties have been called to a meeting in Abuja on Friday for a hearing,” he announced.

“These are the Sunshine

and 3SC bosses, the match commissioner and centre referee as well as Gbolahan Salami, and the Oyo commissioner and 3SC camera man.”

Benin Crown prince, the Edaiken N’Uselu.

However, the host local government, Egor team, Amegor FC who were denied the chance of winning the first edition by Oredo’s B.J. Foundation have boasted ahead of this year’s final to be decided on 20th of September, 2013.

Chisamba Lungu says it will be a great honour to face fivetime World champions Brazil on October 15 in China.

And the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) has confirmed that Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team will face Zambia in Beijing next month.

Chisamba told MTNFootball.com from his base in Russia that he was looking forward to making the trip to China to play Brazil.

“It’s an honour to play with Brazil,” the midfielder from promoted Russian premiership club FC Ural said.

“We are going to get better each day with such games.”

And the CBF said Brazil will play Zambia three days after facing South Korea in another friendly in Seoul.

“On October 15, the team will play a friendly against Zambia in China at the Bird’s Nest Stadium,” CBF said in a statement on its official website.

CBF said kickoff time of the match has yet to be set.

Keshi Confident Eagles Will Get improving, and I am SUPER Eagles’ head coach Better confident the team will do Stephen Keshi on Tuesday in Kaduna expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance against Burkina Faso, assuring that the team would get better with time.

The reports that the Eagles

beat the Stallions of Burkina Faso 4-1 in an international friendly at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

The match was part of both teams’ preparations for the final round of the Africa Zone Qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Keshi said the goals his team scored during the game were to him not the important aspect of the match.

“It wasn’t the goals, but the fact that the game was meant to perfect tactics and help the players to have a better understanding of themselves,’’ the coach said.

Keshi said he had seen a fighting spirit in the players since during their 2-0 win over the Flames of Malawi on Saturday in Calabar.

The win over Malawi was both sides’ final Group F match in the qualifiers’ second round, with the victory earning the Eagles the group’s lone final round ticket.

“I am happy they are

better because we have been giving some other players chances to show what they can do,’’ the coach said.

He however said the Burkinabes’ lone goal during the game showed that the Eagles would have to work hard.

‘But above all, I am happy the players played well and were good in their marking ability because they have come to understand the teaching and coaching we have been giving them,’’ Keshi said.

Also, while speaking at the press conference, goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama commended his teammates, saying he believed they were moving higher to achieve their goal.

Enyeama, who was the Nigerian team’s captain during the match, said there was cordial relationship among the players.

“There is a cordial relationship in our team, and I want to praise my teammates because all of us played well,’’ he said.

Julian Draxler Happy To Stay At Schalke

League Rules Against 3SC On Abandoned Match

• Gabriel Adikwu, 3SC striker back from injury

CMYK

THE NIGERIAN

32

PDP Crisis: The Messier It Comes OUR readers deserve to know that their Column is interested in silent revolutionaries who are unsung and uncelebrated largely because of society’s default and its apparent preference for rabblerousers who only succeed in heating up the world around them. This is one way of explaining that today’s essay is dedicated to a Nigerian that fits the bill – Mr. Jimoh Afolabi Olawole, an up coming politician in Shao South West Ward, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Out of the blues and from the most unexpected quarters, we have Mr. Jimoh Afolabi Olawole, a PDP man, who had been successfully rigged into office, coming boldly forward to say that the victory he had been awarded does not belong to him: “I did not win that election. In all the eight polling units, APC won convincingly; we did not win. I am a loyal member of the PDP, but first and foremost, I am a Muslim and as a person, I won’t allow anyone to take what belongs to me neither will I take what belongs to another person”.

Olawole speaks further: “My rejection of the victory awarded to me by the Kwara State Independent Electoral C o m m i s s i o n , KWASIEC, became necessary because as a true son of Offa, I stand for equity and justice. One day, everyone would account for his deeds before God Almighty”.

The Olawole Initiative provides a lesson in honesty, even to the advanced democracies. Meanwhile, the PDP that would have tapped into the advantage it provides to show that there could be honesty even in size is too busy fighting for its soul after its “Special Na-

tional Confusion” of last fortnight.

Again, in the tradition of the bed-wetter who normally wakes up first, one should pray not to get used to the crooked ways of doing things for, once you do, decency eludes you. We hear that PDP is already trying to address the Olawole

the meat and the bile. Like the bile of an animal, the Olawole affair is starting in a small political unit but like what happens when the bile is not carefully handled that it ruins the entire meat; the PDP must know that if the Olawole affair is not handled with care, it possesses every potential to blossom into catastrophe,

concept, which holds that a man never sees himself as dead. While the PDP crumbles, all its leaders who have looked at it invariably conclude, “We shall come out of it stronger and more united.” We are not asking how.

It will be interesting to see how a situation where, for the first time, at the middle

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

more to make anybody strong and united. The two camps have boxed themselves to the tightest corners.

• President Goodluck Jonathan

• Bamanga Tukur, PDP National Chairman

Initiative its normal way, including trying to disown Olawole as its candidate.

Truly, the Olawole Initiative casts a credibility question on KWASIEC. Questions will now be asked about what happened in the other Wards and the entire Offa Local Government where the APC chairmanship candidate, Prince Saheed Popoola, is already shouting hoarse that his victory was swindled in favour of the PDP candidate. This apparently small problem may soon snowball into the entire State so that we may begin to question even the past gubernatorial elections.

Flowing from this little beginning, we shall get to the point where rigging will become unattractive as candidates will begin to decline unearned victories at all levels.

We remember the animal,

of their national convention a critical segment of the delegates walked out in protest will make them stronger and more united.

It will also be very interesting to watch how they will emerge stronger and more united from a situation where they are gliding from an overwhelming majority to a microscopic minority at the National Assembly.

The situation in Aruba State is getting messier by the hour. For all we know, there is nothing there any-

capable of aggravating its already bad headache.

Rationalisation is good.

It is a healthy defence mechanism that functions to enable individuals maintain self in situations that might be otherwise intolerable; attempting to soften the impact of failure and disappointment. But one must be careful to realise when rationalisation transcends the borders of crude irrationality.

There is the sociological

The penultimate week, the Senator Hope Uzodinma-led Committee needed just enough time to get to Jalingo before reading out a prepared script, in which it created two parallel governorship slots: Apparently because Suntai was too ill for now to resume as Governor, Garba should continue to act but in doing so, the healthy man must consult the unhealthy one on all important issues!

This turns logic on its head.

What we see here are

political demagogues who, in their anxiety to appear friendly and co-operative with everyone seeking their favour, leave the impression that the pleader’s will is to be earnestly followed while failing to explain the countervailing interests that must be also be taken into account. That is far from what is required to clear the debris in Taraba State. The situation needs people who can take the hard decisions and they must act fast before other varying interpretations such as religious colorations begin to enter into the equation.

Much to the chagrin of the Speaker of the State Assembly and his group, Suntai cannot even be declared incapacitated as the State Executive Council that would have kick-started the process as required under Section 189(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution has since been dissolved. Right now, there is no State Executive Council and it is wishful thinking to expect the House of Assembly to approve the new nominees for Commissioners.

Nothing short of the state of emergency can settle the Taraba situation for now. We shall quote President Goodluck Jonathan: “We must treat equals equally and treat unequals unequally.”

Whatever happened to the two people who were in Suntai’s helicopter that crashed – the two that were abandoned at the National Hospital, Abuja, when Suntai was flown abroad?

“Flowing from this little beginning, we shall get to the point where rigging will become unattractive as candidates will begin to decline unearned victories at all levels.”

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