Nigerian observer 12 09 2014

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The Nigerian

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 39 N o. 076 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2 0 14 • N100.00 ART AND CULTURE Page 19

Percussion staff in culture

Edo to renovate primary school

By DOROTHY EGBOBAMWONYI

UBIAJA - Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has assured the people of Idumebor Community in

Ubiaja, Esan South-East Local Government Area of his plans to renovate one of the schools in the community, Oghenyen Primary School.

Comrade Oshiomhole disclosed this during the

burial ceremony of Madam Elizabeth Edekhelen Eidaghese (nee Oaikhena), the mother in-law of Hon.

Abdul Oroh, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources held at the primary school.

The primary school Continues on page 2

Oshiomhole, Odubu, Kukah, others honour Igbinedion at 80

By INNOCENT OMOAKA

SOCIETY Page 21

Curbing menace of prostitution in Nigeria

BENIN CITY - Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State was one of the special guest that graced the thanksgiving mass held in Benin to mark the 80th birthday anniversary of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.

The mass was held at the celebration which started St Gabriel the Archangel several weeks back.

Catholic Church, Sapele Other special guest at Road, Benin City. the occasion included the It was part of the state Deputy Governor, highlights of activities that Dr. Pius Egberanmwen climaxed the birthday

Odubu and Chieftains of political parties.

In a homily, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Rev. Fr. Matthew Hassan Kukah

praised the Esama of Benin for his philanthropic gestures in his services to the society.

Kukah, however, called on every political office holder

in the country to strive towards rendering service for the development of the society.

Governor

Oshiomhole took the 1st lesson during the thanksgiving mass officiated by catholic Bishops and Priests from different parishes.

NCC seizes 30 containers ABUJA - The Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) says it seized 5, 896, 644 units of various pirated foreign and Nigerian products valued at about N6.3 billion from January till date.

The Director-General of NCC, Afam Ezekude, made this known at a training workshop organised for senior

officers of Entertainment and Creative Services of Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation.

Ezekude said that the commission also apprehended 403 suspected pirates in the period under review.

“Since January till date, the commission Continues on page 2

According to Mark “ Col. Onuka was a very disciplined soldier, administrator and officer who stood to be counted when it mattered. His death at this time is regrettable, but we cannot question the will of the Almigthy creator”.

He condoled the government and people of Kogi state as well as Edo state for this painful loss but asked them to take solace in the fact that the late military officer lived an eventful life worthy of emulation.

His brother Alhaji Mukaila Inakakana said Late Onuka who died in Abuja is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mariama Vangahun Onuka and five children.

He has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

Mark mourns Col Onuka, former Edo Milad

By JOSES SEDE

ABUJA - President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has described the death of former military administrator of Edo State, Col. Mohammed Onuka as unfortunate and devastating.

Reacting to the death of the former Military Administrator in Abuja, Senator Mark noted that late Onuka was one of the finest artillery officers in the Nigerian Army.

TIT BIT “Courage is what is takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”

- Winston Churchill

PROTEST: Kuje traders protesting over the location of Ebola Centre at Kuje General Hospital in Abuja yesterday.

Insurgency: Additional

500 troops deployed to N’East - Omeri

ABUJA - The military authorities have recently deployed more than 500 troops to the North-East to reinforce personnel on ground to flush out insurgents from some communities in the area.

Mr Mike Omeri, Coordinator, National Information Centre, made the disclosure in Abuja while giving update on security in the

area.

He vowed that the troops would soon flush out insurgents from

Gulak, Michika and Kunchinga and other communities in Adamawa, where they currently hold

sway.

“As part of efforts being made to check the incursion and Boko

Haram challenge, the military has continued to reinforce its presence in Continues on page 2

Oshiomhole calls for training of Girl Child

By INNOCENT OMOAKA BENIN CITY – Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has called for

the training and empowerment of the Girl Child which he said was “the smart thing to do for the development of the world with almost a 50 –

50 male and female population.

The governor made the call yesterday in Benin City when the Organisation for

Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), University of Benin (UNIBEN) Chapter paid him a Continues on page 2

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News

Edo to renovate primary schl

Continued from page 1 which had been in a dilapidated state over the years, however, came to the attention of the governor, consequent of which he declared to the residents and the elders of the community of intending government presence in the area.

Governor Oshiomhole, who expressed concern over the state of the school buildings said his administration was

committed to the development of infrastructural facilities in the school in order to create the enabling environment for effective learning.

Also at the occasion was the wife of the State Deputy Governor, Deaconess Endurance Odubu, Civil Commissioners, Special Advisers and Senior Special Advisers, Staff of the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and

Rural Development, exCommissioners, as well as ex-Permanent Secretary, Prince Matthew Ogedengbe.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, a son-in-law to the late Madam Elizabeth Edekhelen Eidaghese expressed appreciation to Comrade Oshiomhole, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu and his wife,

Additional 500 troops deployed Continued from page 1 not sack Mubi, adding to N’East did that “situation report several challenged communities in the NorthEast.

“Military authorities have confirmed the renewed deployment of more than 500 troops or about that to support

the expedition around that area.

“We believe that with this commitment and the additional deployment, the situation will be brought under control’’, he said.

Omeri said that contrary to media reports, the insurgents

indicates that Mubi town is calm.’’

He said that troops including the police and other services were patrolling the town to guard against any untoward incident.

Oshiomhole urges training of Girl Continued from page 1 entrepreneurs in actualising Child the industrialisation of the courtesy visit at the State Government House, Benin City.

According to the Governor, “there is every need for the existence of such an organisation to create awareness and inspire other young women to venture into the field of science.”

Oshiomhole added, “there is need for awareness among the people, especially the rural people, as the only way to eradicate poverty and empower the female gender is to give access to quality education to those in the rural areas.”

He said that, “the reason for the state government determination to develop the primary education, especially in the rural areas with restructuring of infrastructures is to make education and

going to school attractive to children in the rural areas”.

Oshiomhole who gave financial support to the organisation assured its members of his administration’s support for their activities in championing science education in the developing countries.

Speaking earlier, President of OWSD, Prof. (Mrs.) Esther Ikhuoria who led the organisation on the courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office, praised the efforts of the governor in the infrastructural development in all parts of the state.

Prof. Ikhuoria said, “the organisation is aware of the governor’s interest in human capital development and we are ready to provide expertise in science and technology in training investors and

state so as to combat poverty and create jobs for the youth.”

According to the president of the organisation, the organisation since inception has help in providing scholarship and grant to females in academic to facilitate their research interest in science and technology.

She added that the organisation in UNIBEN has 30 female scientists who have been invited to a world conference holding in Mexico to present their research in science and technology.

Prof. Ikhuoria praised the governor for his support to the organisation and efforts in supporting and promoting developments in the state.

noting that the figure was N4.5 billion lower than the N13 billion envisaged for that year.

Olottah expressed the hope that the command would meet its N13 billion revenue target for 2014.

He urged Nigerians to desist

nation’s economy.

“People should shun smuggling and embrace legitimate trade because by so doing, we will be helping the government in its transformation agenda,” he said.

By BETTY IDIALU

assurance from all stakeholders, including youths, men of the Nigerian Navy on the September 6, 2014 embarked on a peace mission to return the internally displaced people back to their various communities.

Speaking further the Commander, NNS Delta said the military was given a superb reception and his troops were even given accommodation by the community when they arrived Ugborodo about 4.30 before the youths led them to the palace of the traditional ruler (Olaraja) of Ugborodo for a brief discussion on the said day. This he said had never been.

He maintained that the only solution to the crisis in Ugborodo is complete militarisation.

Seme Customs Command generates from smuggling because of N781m its adverse effects on the

BADAGRY -The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos State generated 781.7 million revenue in August, an officials said yesterday.

The Command’s Spokesman, Mr Ernest Olottah, told newsmen in Seme that the revenue was N47 million naira higher than the N734 million generated in July.

Olottah attributed the increase to higher trading activities in August.

He said that the command recorded 76 seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N18 million in August.

According to him, the items seized include rice, vehicles, narcotics, frozen poultry products and general goods.

Olottah, however, told journalists that the command did not make any arrest during the period.

He said that the command was likely to generate more revenue in the ember months because of increase in trading activities.

“We are heading toward the end of the year; trading activities are likely to increase, and this might enable us to surpass our monthly target of N1.1 billion,’’ he said.

He said that the command generated N8.48 billion in 2013,

Navy assures of peace in Ugborodo

WARRI -The Commander, NNS Delta ,Captain Musa Gemu has said that though the peace process in the crisis-ridden oil rich Ugborodo community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, may seem slow, lasting peace will be achieved at the end of the day.

Gemu , who gave this assurance while briefing the press on the latest development in the Ugborodo crisis at the Warri Naval base however expressed displeasure about a few people who are out to scuttle the peace process despite their achieving about 80 percent of the peace resolution implementation in Ugborodo.

According to the naval chief, as part of the peace process and with the collaboration and

Deaconess Endurance for their show of love towards him and his family.

Oroh also acknowledged everyone who stood by them throughout the period of the burial ceremony.

The residents who were elated by the promise of the governor extolled his leadership qualities and pray God to give him more strength to carry on with his good works, adding that he has performed more than expectation.

NCC seizes 30 containers of pirated products Continued from page 1 has carried out 180 antipiracy operations at different locations in the country.

“This has resulted in the removal of 5,896,644 units of various pirated products valued over N6.3 billion with 403 suspected pirates apprehended,’’ Ezekude said.

He said that the enforcement action was backed up with vigorous prosecution which resulted in the conviction of 53 copyrights infringers, while 172 cases were at various stages of trial.

“Our ongoing anti-piracy campaign will continue to yield positive results, including the supports received from stakeholders,’’ he said.

Ezekude said the commission was committed to putting in place policies and programmes that would create a conducive environment for creativity to thrive and to ensure profitable investments in the industry.

The Minister of Tourism, Chief Edem Duke, commended NCC for its fight against piracy in the entertainment and creative industry.

“It is on record that the issue of piracy has been drastically reduced by your spirited efforts,’’ Duke said.

One of the resource persons, John Alewo, said the fight against piracy was a collective one, adding, “my job is to catch a pirate and prosecute him,’’ Alewo said.

Eunice Nweke, a participant, urged all stakeholders in the sector to join hands with the commission to address the menace.

The workshop was organised by the commission in collaboration with the ministry.

NECO

Stakeholders hail students performance ABUJA - Following the announcement of the 52 per cent credit pass of the 2014 National Examination Council (NECO), stakeholders in the education sector has applauded the performance of the students.

Newsmen spoke with the stakeholders on the disparity between NECO and the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

The Director, Learning Premier Academy, Mr John Olugbero, applauded NECO for the outstanding performance.

Olugbero said that WAEC and NECO results both had global recognition and acceptance, but the performance of students depended on the standard of questions set.

He noted that the standard of WAEC questions might be too high for the students.

The director urged Nigerians to learn to appreciate NECO and support it to ensure sustainability and improvement of the 2014 performance.

“As a teacher, WAEC has a global acceptance likewise NECO, Nigerians should learn to appreciate what we have and avoid apathy.

“I will like to say Kudos to NECO for this outstanding result’’.

Olugbero attributed the general drop in examination performance to lack of inadequacy and over pampering of children by parents.

He advised that parents should support their children and give them adequate attention to help improve their performance in schools.

He, however, charged parents to look inward and train their wards by helping them with assignments and

checking their notes.

Also, Mrs Zainab Dogara, a secondary school teacher, commended NECO result, and congratulated the council and the students.

Dogara, however, blamed the poor performance of students on lack of infrastructure in schools.

She said many of the school laboratories in government schools were dilapidated and empty, adding that some schools even borrow specimen for practical from other schools.

“There are no libraries in schools, even if there are, no books for the students, science labs all worn out.

“That is why students keep failing woefully in O’ level exams every year, these things need to be tremendously improved upon for better performances.’’

Similarly, Mr Joshua Ojobo, whose son just completed secondary school, also appreciated the NECO result, stating that it would make up for that of WAEC. Ojobo told newsmen that in comparing the two examination bodies, the standard of questions, marking schemes and conditions with which they were written were major factors contributing to the performance.

A NECO official, who pleaded anonymity, told newsmen that the council did their best, the usual curriculum and marking scheme was followed.

He, however, appreciated the students for their efforts and performance, expressing optimism that subsequent years would be better than 2014.

ABUJA - The Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, yesterday, canvassed for the withdrawal of academic certificates of proven corrupt public and private sector leaders.

The call is contained in a statement signed by Mr Paul Odenyi, the Agency’s Chief Press Secretary, made available in Abuja.

The statement quoted Omeri as saying that the certificate withdrawal would serve as deterrent to others and would help in building a corrupt-free society.

“It is time for us as a nation to look inward and find stiffer penalties to discourage leaders from acts of corruption,” he said.

The director general stressed the need for relevant and effective measures to rid the country of corruption.

Omeri congratulated the new Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof.

Michael Adikwu and urged him to seize the opportunity of the Agency’s programme on value orientation.

He called for collaboration between the Agency and the university toward sustaining the Agency’s programme.

“Do the Right Thing: Patriotism and Ethics First.”

He added that the university’s Institute for Peace and Democratic Studies should provide a platform for mutually beneficial partnership between the two.

“It is unfortunate that we don’t see problems as opportunities; our youths today are very restive.

“We can jointly collaborate to train and inculcate new values in them,’’ he said.

NOA urges universities to withdraw certificates of corrupt leaders

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Inside Edo PSN Honours Pharm Iyare BENIN CITY – The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Edo State branch has honoured an Assistant Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Edo State Hospitals Management Board, Pharmacist Chris Iyare for his immense contributions to the Pharmacy Profession in Nigeria.

The honour was conferred on him during the ongoing 2014 Pharmacy week holding in Benin City.

Pharmacist Iyare was among members of PSN members honoured for their distinguished service at an

award ceremony on Wednesday in Benin City.

A distinguished scholar, Dr. Evbade Arigbe-Osula while presenting the Merit Award, stated that the honour was in recognition of Pharmacist Chris Iyare’s contributions to the growth of PSN. Speaking to newsmen after receiving the Award plaque, an elated Pharmacist Iyare expressed gratitude to God Almighty as well as his colleagues for appreciating his commitment to the profession.

He pointed out that it was fulfilling to be recognized for whatever role he has played in

Defection Of Ikimi: Ex-Party Official Assuages APC Leadership

By RICHARD OKORO EWEKA

BENIN CITY – The former Co-ordinator of Abiola Campaign Organisation, University of Benin (UNIBEN) Chapter and Treasurer of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), UK Chapter, Mr. Tobi Idaomi has called on the leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) never to be disturbed by the resignation of Chief Tom Ikimi from the party.

Making the call in Benin City while speak with newsmen, Idaomi said the defection of Ikimi radiance to bad rubbish as he has not contributed meaningfully to the growth and success of the party but rather prefes to always be in the confort zone.

“He is not important to the party, he is free to go to any party he likes, cross carpeting is his hubby he does this to find confort and be in control. APC is not a party of the leaders, but that of the people”, he said.

According to him, the Comrade Governor is concerned about the welfare of the people and is doing everything to ensure he improves their lives those that does not want better life for the people are leaving the party for good, APC is better

for it as the people will now benefit more, he added.

Mr. Idaomi called on leaders of the party to forget about the defection of Tom Ikimi and concentrate more on how to win the forth coming election so that the party will continue with the developmental strides of the Comrade Governor.

APC as a party is focused on development and all those that are working against development and welfare of the people are leaving the people will be happy for it, he concluded.

moving the society forward, adding that he envisaged a PSN in Edo State that would grow from strength to strength, where pharmacists would be united for the common purpose of achieving a more dynamic and robust pharmaceutical society.

While Alluding to the theme of the 2014 Pharmacy Week, Pharmacist Iyare stressed the need for pharmacists to go into areas of extensive research in public health issues.

He called for the continuous observation of universal precautions and the use of sanitizers to contain the Ebola virus pandemic, as he commended the State government on its effort and steps taken so far to ensure that the state is Ebola-free.

Chairman, Ovia North East Local Government Council, Barr. (Mrs.) Lucy Omagbon (arrowed), in a group photo with Enigie of the Councils Area during their (chiefs) visit to the Council.

Elder Egharevba’s Burial Begins Today BENIN CITY – The death has occurred of Elder (Pa) Benjamin Amasiohu Egharevba (Odionwere of Akaterea Quarters) who passed onto glory on August 7, 2014, at the age of 88 years.

He is survived by a wife, Deaconess Maria Agnes Amasiohu Egharevba, nine children, 16 grand children, nephews, nieces and in-laws.

Amongst the children are Deaconess Patricia Amasiohu Osagie; Mrs. Helen Amasiohu Obanleowo; Abiodun Amasiohu Egharevba; Hon. Eseosa Amasiohu Egharevba; Mrs. Kate Amasiohu Omokaro; Pastor Frederick Amasiohu Egharevba (JP) Engr. Brown Amasiohu Egharevba; Engr.

Dickson Amasiohu Egharevba

AUCHI - The Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council of Edo State, Hon. (Barr.) Hassan Kadiri has assured members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the local government council and state at large that victory in the forth coming general elections is sure for the party.

The local government boss gave the assurance during a mega rally held at Ikelebe sports field in Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West local Government Area.

Speaking to the large supporters of the party, Hon Kadiri said APC has come to stay in the local government area and the state. He expressed certainty that the high number

September 14, 2014 at Christ Miracle Church of God, 2 Asibor Street, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City.

Late Elder Benjamin Amasiohu Egharevba

Mrs Igbinosun To Be Intered Today

The Chairman, Ovia North East Local Government Council, Barr. (Mrs.) Lucy Omagbon, presenting a financial assistance as empowerment fund to Mr. Ahmed Uwa Asemota recently.

2015 Elections: LG Chairman Assures Of

By LAMAI CASSIUS

and Engr. Douglas Amasiohu Egharevba.

According to the burial programme, today Friday, September 12, 2014, his body leaves Suyi Hospital to his residence, 14 Samson Idehen Street, Off Iyoha Road, Ikpoba Hill Benin City, for lying in state at 12 noon services of songs holds at 4pm at the same venue while interment and entertainment of guests follow immediately.

On Saturday, September 13, 2014, there will be social dance at 12 noon at Nosafiangbe Church, off Metro Road, Ikpoba Hill Benin City while outing service holds on Sunday,

APC Victory

of party faithful at the venue of the rally showed that APC is not a party to beat come 2015 general election in the country.

“Looking at the large crowd today, I am glad that I am in the party. I just wonder, with these large numbers who are those now in PDP?” The election is a settled issue, APC will surely win all the elective positions her candidate will vie for; I’m very sure of that”, he concluded.

The mega rally attracted aspirants that are vying for various elective positions with their supporters.

Meanwhile, APC in Etsako West local government held a crucial meeting to elect new leaders as a result of the demise

of the former leader, Alhaji Bello Unuakhe, while the former deputy leader, Otunba Usman Mogaji is now the deputy state chairman of the party.

The meeting which was held at the party’s secretariat in Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West local government area has in attendance, the State Deputy Vice Chairman, Otunba Usman Mogaji, the Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. (Barri) Hassan Kadiri and all ward leaders.

Welcoming party leaders across the wards in the local government area, the party chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Akokhai said, “as we are

approaching election year in 2015, there is need to chose new leaders for the party in the local government”.

Alhaji Akokhai thanked the leaders for honouring his invitation, adding that the meeting is being convened to elect new leaders by themselves to avoid any rumour of imposition.

The local government council chairman used the opportunity to appreciate the party leaders for their support so far and pledge his Unflinching loyalty to the party.

At the end of the meeting, Chief M.M. Momoh was elected as the new leader, Elder Imoudu Sule his deputy, while Alhaji Cassius and Sir J.S. Emoabino emerged as 1 st and 2nd vice chairman, respectively.

BENIN CITY – The remains of Late Mrs. Victoria Igbinosun (Nee Aghumuen) of the families of Aghumien in Evbuoarhue Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area and Igbinosun of Ihinmwin Community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, both of Edo State will be intered today Friday September 12, 2014.

There will also be a service of songs today after lying-instate at 3pm.

Tomorrow, Saturday September 13, 2014, there will be socials and entertainment of guests at No. 5 Ighomwenghian Streeet, opposite Oka Market, Upper Sakpoba Road, Benin City beginning at noon.

The burial ceremony will climax on Sunday September 14, 2014 with a thanksgiving service at the Church of God Mission Incorporation, No. 13 Omogiawe Street, before

Alexo Petrol Station, Upper Sakpoba Road, Oka, Benin City.

Late Mrs. Igbinosun is survived by five children, 32 grand children and 12 great grand children the grand children include Mr. Oarhe Dickson is a Senior Writer South-South Zone for the Newsthrub Magazine and a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ.

Late Mrs. Victoria Igbinosun (Nee Aghimien)

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News Group Urges Sustainance Of ‘Delta

By UGAGBE STANLEY/ making Delta State an PIUS ABAH Beyond Oil’ economic hub in the country.

WARRI (Delta) – As Delta State clocked 23 years.

The Inspired Group (TIG) has called on indigenes of the state to rededicate themselves towards ensuring that Delta Beyond oil focus of the present administration is sustained beyond 2015.

The TIG gave this charge while commenting on the level of development achieved so far in the state.

Similarly the president of integrated Geochemical Interpretation Limited (IGI) Michael Tidi commended the efforts of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan towards leading the state to the dreams of its founding

fathers.

He charged the citizens to support the efforts of the state government towards

He stressed that the 23 years has been full of challenges hard work and hope for a brighter future.

By SURAJU RAJI

attack.

Addressing the press at the House of Assembly Press Centre, the Chairman House of Assembly Committee on Information and Strategy, Segun Olulade disclosed that the House of Assembly leadership has decided to take the legal means in addressing the story.

He remarked that what was written affects the executive, legislature, judiciary and people of Lagos state in general.

Hon. Olulade disclosed that the publication was posted on the Speaker’s Facebook Fan Page by an anonymous person who had previously “liked” the page as a fan.

He said that no open interview with the Speaker Ikuforiji was conducted by the person before the newspaper published its own version.

However, the Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji’s Social Media team reacted to the story with a disclaimer after Mr. Speaker had gone through the story and confirmed that the story was entirely fabricated by the unknown writer.

Hon. Ikuforiji was said to have disclosed that the writer had a calculated intention of rocking political crisis.

In addition, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji disclaimed the story. He said such statement could not have emanated from him saying he nevertheless expressed his high regards for Governor Raji Fashola and Dr. Muiz Banire who were both indicted in the publication.

Ikuforiji also described the writer of the story as people working to destabilize the state, party and government for selfish reasons.

Lagos Assembly Debunks Newspaper Report

LAGOS - The leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly has condemned media story entitled “My ordeal in the hands of Dr. Muiz Banire…Rt Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji” and a story published in a newspaper titled “Fashola is a Traitor” … Lagos Speaker Ikuforiji in a scathing facebook

Ebola: Jigawa Releases N14m To Sensitise Teachers DUTSE - The Jigawa government has released N14 million for the conduct of sensitisation workshops on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) for teachers in the state, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Haruna Wakili, has said.

Wakili made this known in Dutse at a one-day workshop on measures to prevent the disease.

The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Malam Abdullahi Hudu, said the workshop was to sensitise teachers on measures toward preventing the spread of the disease and safeguard students.

He said the ministry would raise a monitoring team, including officials

from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and the state environmental protection agency, to go round schools on daily basis.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Tafida Abubakar, said 5,000 participants drawn from public and private schools in the state were taking part in the workshop.

According to him, the training goes beyond measures to check the spread of the virus, as it will also sensitise them about the importance of hand washing and good hygiene.

Abubakar said the habit of regular hand washing would greatly improve personal hygiene.

By IKPONMWOBA OSAZEE JOEL

at Eliko Hotel, Refinery Road Opposite Ekpan Police Station Warri Delta State.

Miss Toyin Afekhuai a daughter to the Secretary to the Editor of The Nigerian OBSERVER, Mrs. Kehinde Afekhuai, hails from Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State while the groom hails from Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The traditional marriage rites which preceded the solemnization took place yesterday at the bride’s compound, Osagie Street, Ikhueniro Quarters, Ikpoba Hill Benin City Edo State.

Toyin Hooks Philip BENIN CITY – The solemnization of Holy Matrimony between Miss Toyin Mandy Afekhuai and Philip Pibira Ayaode has been slated for tomorrow Saturday September 13, 2014.

A release made available to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER indicated that, the solemnization would hold at Christ Embassy, Enerhen Road opposite Bendel Steel, Warri, Delta State by 10 a.m. while the reception holds immediately

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South West Aregbesola, Omisore Counsels Entangle Over Voting Materials A physical combat between counsels to Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the state People’s Democratic Party (PDP) August 9, governorship election flagbearer, Senator Iyiola Omisore, was averted as both quarreled over the listing of exhibits in the hearing of petition filed by Omisore before the state Election Petition Tribunal.

The Tribunal has earlier granted the prayer by the petitioner that the election materials used for the poll be inspected by the counsels in the Osogbo office of the state’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) .

A r e g b e s o l a OmisoreTrouble started when Counsel to Governor Aregebesola, Mr. Daud Akinloye, objected to a request by Omisore’s Counsel, Mr. Kehinde Adesiyan, to allow PDP agents make photocopies of some materials, maintaining instead, it was the task for the INEC officials. Similarly, Akinlioye held that it was INEC responsibility to make available to the petitioner and others, the certified true copies of the voting materials.

However, after the request was granted, the Governor’s Lawyer demanded the order obtained from the tribunal for the inspection should be

produced and ‘Exhibit A’ listed should also be produced.

This was opposed by Omisore’s Counsel, a situation that resulted to an attempt by both to entangle with each other. The scuffle which involved exchange of many vulgar verbal utterances was however averted by quick intervention of the INEC Head of Operations, Mr. Azeez Olatunji as well as its Counsel, Mr. Wuyep Ishaku.

L-R: Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr. David Parradang (left), receiving a sourvenir from Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa during his courtesy visit to the Governor in Lafia on Wednesday.

Ondo Assembly Passes Cremation Bill Ebola:

AKURE - The Ondo State House of Assembly has passed into law a Bill to provide for disposal of unclaimed corpses in the state hospitals through cremation.

The Bill, which had passed through the third reading, was unanimously adopted by the members of the House during a plenary in Akure.

The Bill was sent to the Assembly by Governor Olusegun Mimiko on September 1.

It was meant to provide for disposal of bodies by cremation and for other matters connected therewith with a view to preventing outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in the state.

The Speaker of the House, Mrs Jumoke Akindele, said that passage of the Bill was a response to the issue of Ebola disease ravaging the sub Sahara region.

Akindele said it was on record that “the best way to prevent the spread of the deadly disease is to ensure the bodies of affected victims are properly disposed of’’.

“The best way to prevent the body of victims who have been affected by Ebola is by cremation.

“Ebola virus is a very stubborn one which needs total eradication in the society. As the elders say,

prevention is better than cure,” she noted.

She added that people or family could still elect to be cremated after the Ebola crisis might have gone, saying it was part of everyone’s rights.

Mr Oleyelogun Bamidele, representing Chairman, House Committee on Health, said that no crematorium would be established or constructed without the necessary approval from relevant government authorities.

“Where there are unclaimed bodies in any of the stateowned hospitals for two years or above, the Health Commissioner shall, upon receipt of information from the Director of hospital, publish such information in one state and one national newspaper.

“A notice of intention to cremate such unclaimed bodies shall be given and upon the expiration of 90 days from the publication of the notice, the Commissioner shall direct that all such unclaimed bodies be cremated.

“The commissioner shall make regulations as to the burning of bodies, specification, maintenance and inspection of crematorium,” he said.

According to the lawmaker, any violation of such regulation shall be punished.

Pharm Chris Iyare, an Assistant Director of Pharmaceutical Service with Edo State Hospital Management Board (right) being presented with Merit Award by Dr. Evbade Arigbe-Osula on behalf of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Edo State branch last Wednesday in Benin City. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE.

OAU Matriculates 5,608 Students ILE-IFE (OSUN) - The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has matriculated 5608 students into its various faculties.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tale Omole,

said in his address that 22, 480 candidates had the university as first choice out of which 13, 605 passed the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

According to him, out of the 13, 605 candidates that passed UTME and sat for the post-UTME, only 7, 628 passed, and 5, 608 were admitted.

He congratulated the

Landlord’s Son Docked For Stabbing whereas the landlord always LAGOS- A landlord’s son, Tenant

Quadri Shosanya, has been charged with stabbing a tenant over electricity bill at an Oshodi Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

A resident of No. 30, Wahab Larinde St., Mafoluku in Oshodi, Shosanya, 39, is being tried for conspiracy, breach of peace and assault.

The prosecution told the court that the accused committed the offences on Aug. 25 at his residence.

The accused and his brother, Adeleke Shosanya, still at large conspired to assault and stab their tenant, one Mr Sulemon

Olarenwaju, over electricity bill, Cpl. Kehinde Olatunde said.

“The accused and his brother beat up the complainant and stabbed him with a broken bottle on his head.

“When they saw blood gushing out, they took to their heels.”

According to Olatunde, the complainant had requested for his electricity bill from the landlord since he was using a separate metre.

“When the accused presented the bill, it was discovered that the last time he paid was three years ago,

collects money from him every month,’’ he told the courtroom.

The offences, Olatunde said, contravened Sections 166, 171 and 410 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused may be sentenced to a minimum of three years jail term on conviction.

The accused pleaded innocence of the offences and was granted bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mr Akeem Fashola, adjourned the case till October 14 for mention.

matriculating students for being among the lucky ones that were admitted into the university.

The don said that the university had been adjudged the best university in Nigeria and “the leading light in Information and C o m m u n i c a t i o n Technology”.

Omole warned the students to shun all actions capable of truncating the smooth academic calendar of the school, saying the university offered the best academic environment for learning.

He said the matriculation oath they had sworn to was sacrosanct and irrevocable.

The vice chancellor also enjoined the students to take their personal hygiene seriously and avoid peddling false information about the Ebola virus.

He pledged to furnish them with adequate information on the virus regularly.

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Fire Destroys 50 Shops

LAGOS- At least 50 shops containing planks and other building materials were destroyed by fire in Abule-Egba area of Lagos State.

The Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Rasaq Fadipe, made this

N467,000 Fraud

2 Women Arraigned

LAGOS - Two traders — Funmi Saheed and Biodun Prince — were charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a fellow businesswoman of N467,126.

Thirty-year-old Saheed is a resident of No. 3, Manuwa St., off Keffi Road, Ikoyi, while Prince, 38, lives at No. 9, Olorunmishola St., Mushin, Lagos.

Both are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining commodities under false pretences.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Raphael Donny told the court that the traders committed the offences sometime in March at Police Inspectors’ Block, Falomo in Ikoyi.

He said the accused unlawfully obtained an unspecified number of bags of rice, beans and garri worth N467, 126 from one Mrs Florence Adamu, a businesswoman, with the promise of paying her at a later date.

Donny said the traders never fulfilled their obligations to the complainant and that all efforts by Adamu to recover the money yielded no results.

According to him, the offences contravene Sections 312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Reports state that Section 312 stipulates 15 years imprisonment for false pretences, while Section 409 provides a two-year sentence for conspiracy.

They, however, denied the charges.

In her ruling, the Magistrate, Miss M.O. OpeAigbe, granted each of the accused bail in the sum of N450, 000 with a surety each in like sum and adjourned the case to October 22 for mention.

known to the newsmen in Lagos.

He said that two vehicles and cutting machines were also burnt but gave the assurance that no life was lost.

Fadipe said that the incident happened at Sawmill, U-Turn Bus Stop, Abule-Egba.

He said that firemen put out the fire after fighting with it for hours.

Fadipe told newsmen that the cause of the fire had yet to be known.

Lagos Police Apprehend Robbery Suspects

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM

L-R: Managing Director, China Civil Engineering Construction Company, Mr. Li Beng; General Manager, Lagos State Metropolitan Transport Authority, Dr. Modupe Mobereola and Governor Babatunde Fashola, inspecting Lagos Light Rail Project recently.

Scene of a petrol tanker accident at Anthony Area of Lagos on Wednesday.

Don Wants Conferences, Weddings tourism potentials as Nigeria but they utilise Abroad Banned many their potentials to develop

LAGOS- Mr Wale Odeyemi, a Senior Lecturer, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Lagos, has advocated for a ban on conferences, weddings and other social engagements outside the country.

Odeyemi made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

He said that the new trend of holding such events outside the country was impacting negatively on the promotion of tourism.

“Most individuals, advertising agencies and multinationals do more of outbound (events outside the country) promotion than inbound.

“Most adverts on television, radio and newspapers are on the marketing of outbound products than the inbound.

“Some Nigerians hold conferences, seminars,

weddings and workshops outside the country.

“These are not helping the growth of our economy.

“The money, which is supposed to be spent in Nigeria, is being taken abroad to hold seminars and weddings.

“The government should discourage this and encourage the use of the Nigerian market,’’ he said.

Odeyemi urged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for investors to patronise Nigerian products and markets.

“Nigeria is blessed with enormous tourism potential that can attract visitors and tourists into the country.’’

Odeyemi said some of the tourism markets like the Ikogosi Warm Spring, Durban Festival, national parks, beaches,

monuments, museums and game reserves were enough to sell Nigeria to the international market.

“Kenya, Gambia, Tanzania and some other countries do not have as

their country,’’ he said.

Odeyemi, therefore, advised practitioners and government agencies to promote and encourage the use of inbound tourism for economic growth.

LAGOS -Two suspected armed robbers who had been terrorising residents at AgegeOgba area of Lagos State have been apprehended by the police while trying to ambush their victims at Oke-Ira, Lagos.

Authoritative source revealed that on the 4th September, 2014 at about 2pm policemen attached to Area ‘G’ Ogba while on patrol at Oke-Ira became suspicious about the way the suspects were lootering around the street when they noticed the presence of uniform men.

The suspects, Ugochukwu Dike ‘m’ of No.9, Adekunle Street off Modupe Street OkeIra and Rasaki Abowaba Baale ‘m’ of No.40, Fadeyi Street Ogba were accosted and forced them to surrender themselves for searching which led to the discovery of arms and drug from them.

Items recovered from the hoodlums are one locally made pistol and some weeds suspected to be cannabis.

The suspects were learnt to have been making useful information to the police on their past crime, others members and where they usually sell stolen goods too.

The case is presently under investigation at Directorate of Criminal Investigation Department (CID), PantiYaba Lagos.

The Police Public Relations officer, Lagos command, Braide Ngozi who confirmed the story, assured that other members of the gang will soon be arrest and taken to court.

Failure To Produce Credible Surety

Man, 28, Remanded LAGOS- A 28-year-old delivery officer, Oke Ibrahim has been remanded in prison custody by the Ogudu Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos until he produced a credible surety before the court.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs O.J. Awope said the accused lied to the court by presenting two different persons with same names, same address but with different faces as sureties.

Awope noted that the first surety died in prison custody, stressing that another man came with similar name and address.

She ruled that until the accused was able to explain and produce

one credible surety before the court, he would remain in prison custody.

Reports state that Ibrahim and another accused were arraigned on March 5 on a two-countcharge of conspiracy and stealing goods valued N14 million, while they were granted bail.

The prosecutor, Uche Simon told the court that Ibrahim allegedly stole 2,000 T-Shirts valued N14 million, property of NOVESA London Company Ltd, while the second accused allegedly bought some of the shirts.

The prosecutor said the second accused returned the value money of the shirts he collected from the first accused, stressing that the second accused would be used as a witness in the case.

He said the offences were punishable under Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

Section 285 prescribed threeyear sentence for stealing.

Reports state that the charge was substituted with the first accused standing alone on the two-count-charge of stealing 2000 T-Shirts, valued N14 million.

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News Jonthan Orders Removal Of ‘Bring Back Jonathan’s Campaign Banners ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan has directed the immediate removal of the “#BringBackJonathan 2015” signs and banners around Abuja.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said in a statement in Abuja that the signs were offensive and repugnant to Jonathan and many Nigerians.

The statement said: “Jonathan wholly shares the widely expressed view that the signs, which were put up without his knowledge or approval, are a highly insensitive parody of t h e #BringBackOurGirls hash tag.

“Jonathan appreciates

the enthusiastic show of support for his administration by a broad range of stakeholders.

“But he condemns the #BringBackJonathan 2015 signs which appear to make light of the very serious national and global concern for the abducted Chibok girls.

“The president assures all Nigerians and the international community that his administration remained fully engaged with efforts to rescue the abducted girls.

“He will not knowingly promote any actions that will fly in the face of the seriousness of their plight and the anguish of their families.”

L-R: Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra, Prof. Godwin Onu; Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Board of Trustees member, representing South-East, Mr. Chinedu Onu; Deputy Rector, Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Mr. Fidelis Okafor and Resource person, Dr. Bashir Bukar, at a capacity building workshop for Laboratory Technologist in TETFUND benefiting Institutions in Enugu on Wednesday.

Buhari Absent From APC Zonal Rally

SOKOTO- Former Nigeria military ruler and APC Chieftain, retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, was absent at the North West Zonal Rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto .

Five APC governors and its national Chairman, Chief

Court Remands 2 Men For Robbery

MINNA A Minna Magistrate yesterday remanded two suspects, Rabiu Lawali, 22 and Iliya Ante 25, in prison custody for suspected armed robbery.

The suspects were arraigned on a count charge of belonging to a gang of thieves contrary to section 306 of the penal code.

The Prosecutor, Cpl. Suleiman Mohammed, told the court that on March 22, officials of Munya local government informed Insp.

Napoleon Yakubu of the Criminal Investigation Department of the existence of a criminal hideout in the

area.

He added that based on the information, a team of policemen and vigilance group raided the hideout and recovered six cutlasses, one knife, six mobile phones, two unregistered Jincheng motorcycles and N13,000.

He said that the two suspects, who fled into a nearby bush, were later arrested in Zazaga area of Minna.

Mohammed said that during investigation, Lawali told the police he is a commercial motorcycle

(Okada) operator in Sarkin Pawa in Munya local government area.

He said that the Chairman Okada riders association in Sarkin Pawa told the police that there was nobody bearing the name of Rabiu Lawali among the members of the association.

He said that Lawali could not present any receipt of purchase of the motorcycle he claimed he was riding.

When the charge was read to the suspects, they pleaded not guilty of robbery.

The Magistrate Hafsat Abdullahi adjourned the case till September 18 to enable the complainant call more witness.

John oyegun, were however, in attendance.

They are Governors Aliyu Wamakko, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Abdulaziz Yari,

and Edo states respectively.

The event took place peacefully in spite of the large Roachas Okorocha and crowd that converged at the Adams Oshiohmole of Trade Fair complex, Sokoto, Sokoto, Kano, Zamfara, Imo venue of the rally.

Ebola: Partners Declare Commitment To Stop DAKAR - The partners of the Ebola Forum Communication and Prevention have declared their commitment to support affected countries and governments stop the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and control the outbreaks.

This is contained in a resolution reached by partners representing national, regional and global agencies, organisations and networks that converge in Dakar.

“We recognised as follows that the size and scope of the outbreak are unprecedented and are overwhelming the existing equipment, systems, procedures and capabilities in West Africa.

“That communities are fearful and worried that the health system has not been able to contain the disease rumours, myths, lack of trust and

Participants at a workshop on Ebola Virus disease preventive measure for Primary and Secondary School Teachers in Kaduna on Wednesday.

Spread

misinformation about Ebola are fuelling anxiety and confusion at all levels, hindering an effective response.

“That some socio-cultural practices, health behaviours and beliefs, including burial practices can facilitate the spread of the disease.

“That urban, rural and border areas are now infected, making it a regional and continental challenge for respective governments, health services and partners.

“That regional trade, interconnectedness of families, communities and fluid population movements within and between affected countries is contributing to Ebola’s geographic spread.’’

According to the resolution, the communication and social mobilisation is a key pillar of the WHO and other UN agencies and partners endorsed Ebola roadmap.

The resolution said that the African Union and ECOWAS had called upon policy makers, civil society organisations, African media and other stakeholders to work with governments on inclusive public health campaigns.

It stated that thousands of volunteer responders and health staff were playing a vital role at the frontline of social mobilisation and community engagement.

“The current outbreak has been declared as a public health emergency of international concern; we have a collective responsibility to mount a stronger and more effective response.

“Governments of affected

countries are demanding that global agencies and organisations better coordinate their support for effective communication and social mobilisation.

“Rising to the challenge requires immediate response and preventive measures that are massive, coordinated at country level with effective support at regional and international levels.’’

The partners pledged urgent communication and social mobilisation action to help national and regional authorities stop Ebola outbreak at earliest affected countries and prevent further spread of the virus disease anywhere.

They also pledged to mitigate the effect of the epidemic, including broader social economic impacts, through coordinated information dissemination, targeted communications and advocacy act and effective social mobilisation.

“We will act upon the voice of the community by scaling up two way engagement and ensure social mobilisation remains at the top of all prevention and epidemic control plan.

“Implement, monitor and follow up commitments and attaché frame works for action for collective accountability and coordination at all levels,’’ the resolved.

Reports state that the Forum was co sponsored by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, UNICEF, World Health Organisation, BBC Media Action, WEST Africa Democracy Radio and ECOWAS.

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Abuja NMA Rejects Sept 22 Resumption ABUJA - Less than a week Date after the Federal Government Ebola:

backslided on the resumption date of the country’s Nursery/ Primary and secondary schools, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has kicked against Monday September 22, 2014 as a commencement date for the new academic session.

The association’s position was made public Monday by its National Secretary-General, Dr. Olawunmi Alayaki. The position of NMA according to him, was that all schools must remain closed until the existing confirmed and suspected Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases in various parts of the country were properly and completely managed and tested negative to the deadly virus.

Doctor Alternatively, Dr. Alayaki stated that NMA would prefer the resumption date for the schools to be extended till December, better still, early 2015. The association warned should the virus spread in any school, in any part of the country, the disease would take an alarming dimension, which might be very difficult to contain.

NMA therefore cautioned no parent should be in haste with respect to resumption date, as it noted the children could not “survive isolation like adults, warning of severe consequences if the virus takes a serious

dimension, as the country is densely populated unlike other sub regional African countries.

In the same vein, the Lagos state Chapter of the body has offered that the reversed resumption date should have been delayed till after the existing cases under surveillance and treatment in the state and Rivers were certified negative by the experts.

Its Chairman, Dr. Tope Ojo, observed that many of the public and private schools would after all fail to acquire basic hygiene and sanitary facilities, which they have been directed to provide to check the spread of the virus and prevent its infection on pupils.

Dr. Ojo declared that it would cost Federal government nothing if it had “waited till those under surveillance have completed the 21 days in all the states where they are being monitored”.

NMA’s position is against the background of about 500 suspected victims who are still under surveillance both in Lagos and Rivers state – the two states that have recorded casualties so far in the country. Still, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker on Monday, revealed that an 18 month-old baby had been quarantined in the state having shown some symptoms of the virus.

ABUJA- The Minister of Aviation, Mr Osita Chidoka, has said that the Ministry of Aviation would collaborate with U.S. experts on safety and security, to ensure safety in air transportation.

Chidoka made this known when the U.S. Ambassador, Mr James Entwistle, visited him in his office in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said Nigeria and the U.S. had been cooperating in the areas of capacity building,

and improvement in regulatory and commercial activities.

“The key focus of the sector is on safety and security at our airports and we will be talking with U.S. experts on safety and security.

“In the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Category One, we did a lot on safety and security standard at the airports.

“But now, we are going to deepen in that, to ensure that

Abuja.

“We have been moving round the FCC to inspect abandoned structures; we observe that some of them have been abandoned for a long time only for the developers to continue construction.

“Such structures could collapse after completion or even when construction is still on, and we are trying to reduce such incidences to an acceptable low,’’ he said.

The director said that buildings that have been abandoned for a long period experience depreciation which require review by the department.

experience changes in soil property, and there is possibility of depreciation and such a structure could give way if care is not taken.

“Such buildings do not necessarily need to be demolished; they might require some remedial works to make them stand and this is determined after a structural stability test has been carried out.

“Apart from the issue of structural safety, there is also a security implication to abandonment of structures as such could be used as hideouts by hoodlums.

“Our concern is with the safety

of FCT residents and we need their cooperation to be able to achieve results,’’ he said.

Besides, he advised developers to stop constructing additional floors outside the original design to their buildings to check collapse of such structures.

“Our target is to achieve zero tolerance to building collapse in Abuja and we need the cooperation of all residents to achieve this,’’ he emphasised.

Gabriel said that the building inspection, which presently concentrated in Abuja city centre, would eventually be extended to the satellite towns.

Military pensioners protesting non-payment of their pension arrears in Abuja recently.

US, Nigeria To Collaborate On Aviation Safety

FCT Hands Owners Of Abandoned Structures (FCC) with the aim of reducing “When structures are Ultimatum the spate of building collapse in abandoned for long, they usually

ABUJAThe FCT Department of Development Control has warned owners of abandoned structures in Abuja to complete them or risk demolition.

Mr Omotayo Gabriel, Deputy Director, Building Inspectorate Division of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) gave the warning while fielding questions from newsmen in Abuja.

However, Gabriel also advised the property owners to seek official clearance before completing such structures.

Gabriel said that the department had intensified inspection of such structures within the Federal Capital City

President General, Imo Community, Chief Ike Obasi (left), presenting Kolanuts to Governor Rochas Okorocha (right) of Imo, during the breaking of Kola Nuts at the inauguration of Imo Liaison Office in Abuja on Wednesday.

With them is Speaker, Imo House of Assembly, Mr. Ben Uwajumogu.

our system is of world class such that the U.S. FAA certification process will be just easy,’’ Chidoka said.

Earlier, Entwistle said that the essence of his visit was to talk on crucial areas of cooperation in the aviation sector.

He said that the U.S. Government was ready to work with the Nigerian aviation sector, noting that Chidoka would soon be discussing with some U.S. government agencies on safety and security.

“The U.S. and Nigeria have always worked closely, so we are just discussing on some new exciting opportunities in the aviation sector.’’

On Ebola challenge, he commended the Federal Government and public health officials for implementing effective containment measures.

“I visited your Emergency Operation Centre in Lagos and I must say I was impressed; they are doing a good job; and when the news of Ebola spread to Port Harcourt, the response was

also quick that was remarkable.

“And the key to this is contact tracing, public information and isolation; you had all these things and your government is doing a good job.

“The U.S. Government, especially the Centre for Disease Control is glad to help. The situation in Nigeria on Ebola is fundamentally different from the situation in Liberia and Sieore Leone.

“The important thing is that all the cases in Nigeria so far can be traced back to the original index case; that is good news because your contact tracing is doing a good job,’’ Entwistle said.

He said that of recent when he flew into Abuja from Europe he was impressed that everybody in the aircraft was given a form to fill, including their seat number. “ I believe this will help in case there is any challenge of one infected with the disease a contact can easily be traced.

Yam Traders Seek Special Market BWARI (FCT) - The Association of Yam-Tuber Traders, Bwari chapter, has appealed to Bwari Local Government Area to establish yam market in the area to boost business.

Mr Manu Jakare, the chairman of the association, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Bwari.

Jakare decried the absence of space for the traders to display their farm produce at the Bwari Central Market.

He said the situation had caused damage to their products by rains.

“We don’t have a place for selling our yam; it is sad because the month of August is usually the peak period for harvesting of yam in the area.

“If we don’t sell our produce now they will be damaged by the heavy rains.

“It is always very difficult for us keeping our yams by the main road in front of the Bwari General Hospital, even after we have paid our revenue to the authorities.

“We appeal to the council to provide a special market for us to encourage buying and selling of yam which is a major crop produced in Bwari,” the chairman said.

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Business + Economy

NAMA To Deploy Airspace Safety Equipment

Displaced Taraba State students from Federal Polytechnic and Adamawa State University Mubi, waiting to be evacuated to Taraba at the Adamawa NYSC Orientation Camp, at Bajabure Village in Girei LGA of Adamawa on Wednesday.

Property Development: Coy

LAGOS - Investment One Financial Services Ltd, has announced its plan to raise 7.5 million dollars (N1.2 billion) for the Landmark House project, a premium commercial property development in Ikeja, Lagos.

The company in a statement made available to newsmen said it would act as the sole issuing house in the capital raising expected to be through a combination of debt and equity.

It said that the property when completed would provide 4000 square meters office space on 3,500 square

meters of land in the city’s central business district area.

“We embarked on the project in pursuance of our Real Estate Advisory vision of

bringing international standard office space to the

To Raise

business class community in Nigeria,” the statement quoted Mr Nicholas Nyamali, Managing Director, Investment One Financial

Services Ltd, as saying.

It stated that the premium nature of the property reflected the tenants’ profile made up of large multinationals.

direction as any consignment coming into Nigeria in a container like this has to be offloaded for inspection by Customs officials. “ The importer of these seized items has not therefore conformed with the guidelines of importation of frozen fish. “ This particular specie of fish, Flipper Espado, is not allowed to be imported into Nigeria,” he added.

The Customs area controller said that the importer contravened the provisions of Circular Number 033/ 2014. “ This deals with the guidelines on the importation of frozen fish, stock fish and stock fish heads. “ The importation has completely breached the Federal Government’s policy on fish importation and

therefore liable to destruction in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service regulations,” Isyaku, said.

On the challenges posed by the Ebola virus disease, the Customs official said that the command was doing everything humanly possible not to leave anything to chances.

“The officers and men in the command, like their colleagues across Nigeria, are ready to face the problems. “ We will continue to discharge our constitutional duties diligently and patriotically just as the Federal Government is poised to ensure our sustained welfare, security and comfort.

Customs Destroys N9.23m Worth Of Frozen Fish

SOKOTO - The Sokoto/ Kebbi/Zamfara Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service has burnt 1,050 cartons of contraband frozen fish worth about N 9.23 million, its Controller, Mr Ahmed Isyaku, has disclosed.

Isyaku, who addressed newsmen during the destruction of the seized items, said that the contraband were intercepted on

NEMA To Destribute Relief Materials To Displaced Persons MAIDUGURI - The

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has acquired eight trucks of goods for the disruptions of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno, an official said.

The reports state that the exercise began with the distribution of materials to the victims of the Bama insurgency attack taking refuge at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Maiduguri.

Dr Zanna Mohammed, NEMA Director of Research and Planning, who represented the Director General (DG) of the agency, Alhaji Mohammed Sidi said that the objective was to provide succour to the victims who were in need of assistance.

Mohammed said that the action was sequel to a directive from President Goodluck Jonathan.

“I have been mandated to flag off the distribution of these relief materials to the IDPs in Borno on behalf of my DG.

$7.5m

LAGOS - The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has said that it will deploy Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) to further improve safety and efficient flow of traffic within the nation’s airspace.

The Managing Director of NAMA, Mr Ibrahim Abdulsalam, disclosed in a statement issued by the General Manager, Public Affairs of the agency, Mr Supo Atobatele, in Lagos.

Abdulsalam said that the agency, in partnership with

“This is based on a directive from the president that the agency should assist the victims of insurgency with all necessary items they require to survive,” he said.

Mohammed said that the relief materials included foodstuff, clothing, household and medical items.

“We want to ensure that all the IDPs have a minimal comfort in their camps, that is why we are providing these items,” he said.

Sidi said that NEMA also planned to provide additional items to the IDPs after they had returned to their homes to enable them start afresh.

“We also intend to follow up the distribution with additional items after the return of peace to enable the victims start up a new life,” he said.

Also speaking, the chairman of Borno Committee on Rehabilitation of IDPs, Alhaji Jidds Shuwa, thanked the Federal Government for the gesture and promised equitable distribution of the items.

September 6 at the Nigeria/ Benin Republic border at Kamba, Kebbi State.

According to Isyaku, the contraband was being transported from Tema in Ghana to Lagos in Nigeria.

“The seized fish was supposed to have gone from Ghana to Benin-Seme border then to Lagos. “ But we were surprised it came from Ghana to Benin to Kamba in Kebbi state, hence violated the actual route of import,” he said.

Isyaku said that the whole transaction became too suspicious.

He said that the importer was not licensed, while all such items must be off-loaded at the entry point into Nigeria for proper inspection. “ This was not done in this

Society International de Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Aeronautique (SITA), would deploy the CPDLC facilities to Lagos and Kano Control Centres.

He noted that the equipment would enhance long range data communication between Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) and pilots.

He said that the communication system would assist in the decongestion of busy ATC frequencies at the two centres.

According to him, the deployment of CPDLC will reduce ATC and pilot workload within the airspace.

“The installation of CPDLC will also enhance Air Traffic Management (ATM) capacity that will ensure accuracy of data, which will be exchanged between ATC and pilots of aircraft in flight.’’

The NAMA boss said deployment of the equipment would boost revenue collection by providing adequate, accurate and timely data for effective billing and collection.

He explained that with the increasing growth in air traffic and the growing demand for air navigation services, there was the need for NAMA to deploy appropriate infrastructure and technology.

He said that the installation of the equipment at the airport would enhance capacity in critical safety areas as well as Search and Rescue Coordination.

Children taking their breakfast at the internally displaced persons camp at Bajabure in Girei LGA of Adamawa recently.

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NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (11/09/2014) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

NASCON

9.79

9.6

-0.19

0

1,679,980

15,705,699.49

7UP

134

134

0

0

25,103

3,531,992.10

NB

177.01

177.06

0.05

0

896,773

158,823,123.90

ABCTRANS

0.74

0.73

-0.01

0

639,746

464,845.13

NEIMETH

1.05

1.05

0

0

50,124

52,930.20

ACCESS

9.6

9.8

0.2

0

38,838,796

368,186,594.30

NEM

0.76

0.79

0.03

0

1,368,000

1,078,670.00

AFRIPRUD

3.34

3.25

-0.09

0

4,080,743

13,303,935.55

NESTLE

1010

1010

0

0

57,363

57,996,238.55

AGLEVENT

1.52

1.52

0

0

10,000

14,500.00

NEWGOLD

1967

1958.99

-8.01

0

150

293,938.80

AIICO

0.8

0.8

0

0

4,966,767

3,992,856.51

NNFM

21.99

21.99

0

0

6,264

138,796.80

AIRSERVICE

2

2

0

0

37,256

78,207.60

NPFMCRFBK

0.99

1

0.01

0

901,000

897,040.00

1863.86

1857.6

-6.26

0

157,635,609

2,713,687,865.00

2018.98

2012.7

-6.28

0

175,927,957

2,850,238,364.00

ASHAKACEM

33.5

33

-0.5

0

329,912

10,881,907.94

NSE30

AVONCROWN

1.75

1.75

0

0

38,327

64,006.09

NSE50

BERGER

8.6

8.6

0

0

78,932

662,893.56

NSEASI

40885.4

40757.2

-128.2

0

267,099,744

3,060,524,240.00

431.98

431.29

-0.69

0

119,276,902

1,643,503,999.00

997.18

-0.37

0

12,785,314

448,520,181.80

BETAGLAS

18.85

18.85

0

0

699

12,582.00

NSEBNK

BOCGAS

5.48

5.48

0

0

68

354.28

NSECNSMRGDS

997.55

CADBURY

55.01

55.01

0

0

77,809

4,180,944.32

NSEINDUSTR

2657.84

2646.06

-11.78

0

2,906,239

142,290,234.50

142.52

142.56

0.04

0

10,045,502

7,676,336.61

2648.52

2644.02

-4.5

0

7,091,369

356,459,871.40

CAP

39.7

39.4

-0.3

0

577,640

22,752,872.36

NSEINS

CAPHOTEL

4.5

4.5

0

0

41,906

179,357.68

NSELOTUSISLM

CAVERTON

5.14

5.14

0

0

511,960

2,517,926.58

NSEOILGAS

461.09

458.88

-2.21

0

11,716,001

352,659,653.70

26

25.2

-0.8

0

9,529,751

239,998,812.60

33.5

33.25

-0.25

0

428,825

14,373,735.91

CCNN

14.5

14.5

0

0

781,130

11,099,736.08

OANDO

CHAMPION

7.91

7.9

-0.01

0

294,661

2,357,686.30

OKOMUOIL

CHAMS

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,341,500

670,750.00

PHARMDEKO

2.38

2.38

0

0

1,000

2,490.00

5.01

5.1

0.09

0

625,000

3,188,000.00

CILEASING

0.5

0.5

0

0

23,500

11,750.00

PORTPAINT

CONOIL

55.95

53.16

-2.79

0

233,375

12,462,292.89

PREMBREW

3.83

4.02

0.19

0

66,150

265,856.50

CONTINSURE

0.98

0.98

0

0

110,349

109,260.51

PRESCO

36

36

0

0

46,396

1,643,598.26

34.22

35

0.78

0

526,711

17,644,361.35

CORNERST

0.5

0.5

0

0

195,200

97,920.00

PZ

COSTAIN

0.96

1

0.04

0

3,717,970

3,712,866.53

REDSTAREX

4.79

4.79

0

0

129,143

588,892.08

COURTVILLE

0.55

0.55

0

0

286,200

157,410.00

ROYALEX

0.61

0.61

0

0

151,420

91,704.27

CUSTODYINS

4

4

0

0

60,350

238,762.78

RTBRISCOE

0.95

0.92

-0.03

0

766,532

717,865.44

DANGCEM

220

218

-2

0

330,656

72,181,701.35

SEPLAT

650

670

20

0

88,474

59,188,818.50

DANGFLOUR

6.97

6.97

0

0

67,310

447,759.30

SKYEBANK

2.93

2.93

0

0

6,576,824

19,225,545.14

DANGSUGAR

8.67

8.65

-0.02

0

5,517,749

46,966,036.99

SKYESHELT

100

100

0

0

78,077

7,807,700.00

DIAMONDBNK

6.3

6.2

-0.1

0

2,340,102

14,521,354.42

SOVRENINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

30,000

15,000.00

DNMEYER

1.15

1.1

-0.05

0

489,678

553,094.45

STANBIC

30

30

0

0

386,903

11,607,455.92

EQUITYASUR

0.5

0.5

0

0

29,100

14,550.00

STDINSURE

0.5

0.5

0

0

3,000

1,500.00

ETERNA

4

3.85

-0.15

0

1,251,680

4,918,125.88

STERLNBANK

2.2

2.25

0.05

0

1,343,563

3,000,073.39

ETI

18.2

18.4

0.2

0

1,934,461

35,490,515.54

TOTAL

180

180

0

0

7,509

1,345,671.07

EVANSMED

2.1

2.1

0

0

10,150

20,300.00

TRANSCORP

6.36

6.25

-0.11

0

16,130,838

100,927,921.90

FBNH

14.8

14.52

-0.28

0

6,992,166

102,294,002.00

TRANSEXPR

1.71

1.71

0

0

33,500

54,605.00

FCMB

4.15

4.18

0.03

0

2,410,116

9,982,025.85

UAC-PROP

15.3

15.3

0

0

126,501

1,923,747.30

FIDELITYBK

2

1.98

-0.02

0

7,414,396

14,806,072.78

UACN

59.05

59.05

0

0

102,925

6,056,148.68

FIDSON

3.3

3.4

0.1

0

317,812

1,080,875.80

UBA

7.3

7.2

-0.1

0

22,331,311

162,883,992.80

FLOURMILL

64.76

64.76

0

0

153,547

9,579,934.05

UBCAP

2.1

2.08

-0.02

0

34,026,192

70,679,865.77

FO

220.02

225

4.98

0

322,326

72,242,595.45

UBN

10.29

9.79

-0.5

0

1,671,130

16,541,152.43

FTNCOCOA

0.63

0.6

-0.03

0

12,845,313

7,790,408.44

UNHOMES

0.5

0.5

0

0

4,195,970

2,097,985.00

GLAXOSMITH

65

65

0

0

317,603

20,618,406.20

UNIC

0.5

0.5

0

0

500

250

GUARANTY

30

29.8

-0.2

0

21,474,169

640,768,786.60

UNILEVER

48

48.01

0.01

0

1,612,595

77,349,209.73

GUINNESS

173.5

168.04

-5.46

0

266,998

45,275,974.75

UNITYBNK

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,067,500

533,750.00

HONYFLOUR

4.07

4.04

-0.03

0

1,213,470

4,891,678.87

UPL

3.95

4.13

0.18

0

665,181

2,572,551.77

IKEJAHOTEL

1.24

1.3

0.06

0

7,127,627

8,981,711.01

UTC

0.5

0.5

0

0

15,496

7,748.00

12.08

12.08

0

0

253

3,036.00

18.61

18.55

-0.06

0

1,100

20,405.00

INTBREW

28.26

28.26

0

0

87,020

2,481,700.80

VANLEER

INTENEGINS

0.5

0.51

0.01

0

784,843

398,421.50

VETGRIF30

JAPAULOIL

0.51

0.51

0

0

5,378,531

2,773,479.51

VITAFOAM

4.3

4.28

-0.02

0

308,225

1,287,841.31

0.92

0.96

0.04

0

71,106

68,253.76

118

118

0

0

182,270

21,510,541.19

JBERGER

63.99

63.99

0

0

39,554

2,464,769.97

VONO

JOSBREW

2.46

2.46

0

0

1,489

3,484.26

WAPCO

LASACO

0.5

0.5

0

0

297,700

148,850.00

WAPIC

0.76

0.74

-0.02

0

2,407,958

1,765,670.97

0.91

0.93

0.02

0

1,118,414

1,012,250.45

24

24

0

0

15,352,150

368,079,911.80

LAWUNION

0.5

0.5

0

0

134,000

67,000.00

WEMABANK

LEARNAFRCA

1.6

1.6

0

0

20,010

30,415.20

ZENITHBANK

LIVESTOCK

3.19

3.18

-0.01

0

257,699

806,055.70

MANSARD

2.5

2.5

0

0

56,300

139,917.50

MAYBAKER

1.45

1.45

0

0

344,263

501,580.60

MBENEFIT

0.54

0.54

0

0

581,128

312,141.12

MOBIL

180

180

0

0

11,802

2,122,039.93

MRS

55.96

56

0.04

0

359,558

19,570,115.90

MTI

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,000,000

500,000.00

NAHCO

5

5

0

0

454,722

2,278,133.78

TOP 10 GAINERS

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS

Stock

Close

Gain

Stock

Close

Loss

SEPLAT FO PZ ACCESS ETI PREMBREW UPL FIDSON PORTPAINT IKEJAHOTEL

670 225 35 9.8 18.4 4.02 4.13 3.4 5.1 1.3

20 4.98 0.78 0.2 0.2 0.19 0.18 0.1 0.09 0.06

NSEASI 128.2 NSEINDUSTR 11.78 NEWGOLD NSE50 NSE30 GUINNESS NSELOTUSISLM CONOIL NSEOILGAS DANGCEM

40757.2

-

2646.06

-

1958.99 2012.7 1857.6 168.04 2644.02 53.16 458.88 218

-8.01 -6.28 -6.26 -5.46 -4.5 -2.79 -2.21 -2

THE

NIGERIAN

12 RECENTLY, the Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu announced that a Liberian, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, a WASH consultant in the Ministry of Finance in Liberia, who was in Nigeria to attend ECOWAS summit had died as a result of Ebola Virus Infection. The death of the 40 year old Patrick Sawyer in Nigeria has made the Ebola Virus Disease a very serious public health concern in the country.

THE Ebola Virus is the most dangerous virus affecting humans and other primates. The disease causes hemorrhagic fever in humans, and once it has been contracted, symptoms start manifesting as from two to twenty-one days. Some of the symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease include fever, headache, muscle pain, chest pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, seizures, bleeding, nausea and coma.

THE medical history of Ebola Virus indicates that it is found naturally in certain animals such as fruit bats, monkeys, chimpanzees gorillas, pig, antelopes and porcupine. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ebola Virus was first identified in Democratic Republic of Congo by a 27 year old Belgian Scientist, Peter Piot in 1976 and in the same year it was also discovered in Sudan. Since the first outbreak of the disease, however the most severe happened to be that of 1976 when it killed 280 people.

IN the year 2000 it killed 224 people; in 2012, 12 people were killed by Ebola Virus and that of 2014 has been described as the deadliest outbreak of the Ebola Virus, affecting people in countries like Sierra Leone, Mali, Liberia and Guinea, where over 467 people have died so far as a result of’ the epidemic.

THE Ebola Virus Disease is spread or contracted when an individual comes in contact with blood, sputum, or body fluid of an infested person. It is also a contagious disease and air-borne, which means that it can be

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 THE NIGERIAN

Checking The Spread Of Ebola Virus

inhaled when a victim dischargers the virus in the atmosphere whenever he or she sneezes or coughs. It can also be contracted when we eat animals that serve as host to the virus, and through sexual intercourse with a carrier of the virus.

ACCORDING to world Health Organisation,(WHO) the disease is spreading fast from rural communities to cities in some West African Countries, and calls for drastic action to curtail the scourge or epidemic before it becomes widespread and difficult to control.

According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ebola Virus affects multiple organs and systems in human body, thereby making it the most deadliest disease of man presently.

WITH the death of the 40 year old Liberian in Nigeria as a result of Ebola Virus infection, it therefore means that the disease has subtly found its way into the country. Medical experts say the disease is more dangerous and very contagious when one comes in contact with a dead victim, which explains why utmost care must be taken by health workers in handling the corpse of the deceased.

OTHER methods of preventing the spread of Ebola Virus generally, include isolation or quarantine of victims, killing and proper disposal of infected animals, proper cooking of all kinds of meat before consumption, wearing of protective clothes, hand gloves, mask by health

workers attending to Ebola Virus patients and washing of hands regularly. Victims should cover their mouth when sneezing or yawning and should dispose their sputum in a hygienic manner.

THE World Health Organisation says there is no cure or vaccine for now to combat Ebola Virus disease, hence the death rate resulting from the disease is very high, often between 50 to 90 percent.

The NIGERIAN OBSERVER therefore calls on the Nigerian government, and the Federal Ministry of Health in particular, to immediately adopt a health policy whereby any foreigner coming to Nigeria either through air, sea or land boarders should he thoroughly screened for Ebola Virus before being admitted into the country. That is the practice in developed societies against any disease posing serious public health concern such as Ebola Virus and other highly contagious diseases.

FURTHERMORE, the cows and other livestock slaughtered on daily basis in the various abattoirs should be properly screened by officers from the public health department in the local government councils in conjunction with veterinary doctors from the Ministry of Agriculture, in order to safeguard the health of the people.

THE Federal and State governments should as a matter of urgency, provide funds for the purchase of the necessary diagnostic facilities in hospitals across the federation, instead of depending on foreign laboratory services.

AS the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and in the case of Ebola Virus disease, there is no cure for now. So The NIGERIAN OBSERVER cautions Nigerians to be vigilant, mind what they eat, practice good personal and environmental hygiene, and adhere strictly to all the preventive strategies highlighted above, in order to avoid Ebola Virus infection and spread.

THE

NIGERIAN

13 O Muslims, fear Allah, may He be blessed and exalted, for whoever fears Allah, He will protect him and whoever puts his trust in. Him, He will suffice him O slaves of Allah, during these days every year, the Muslim Ummah approaches a great occasion; people look forward to it and their hearts long for it and the Muslims rejoice in it.

That occasion is the pilgrimage to the sacred House of Allah, where you find the holy places, the — where the revelation descended and the Prophet’s mission began, the place from which the light of faith since forth for all of mankind.

It is this place where tears are shed, mercy descends, relief is granted, status is raised, sins are expiated and the Lord of mercy bestows kindness and generosity.

O pilgrims to the sacred house of Allah, in order to gain the benefits of Hajj and attain the blessings and reward decreed for the pilgrims from Allah, everyone who heads towards this Ancient House must adhere to the Shar’i way and the guidance of the Prophet in the manner in which he performs this great obligation There are conditions and essential pads of Hajj, actions that are obligatory and Mustahabb (recommended), guidelines and etiquette to be observed and attention mast be paid to all of that.

Bringing to mind the importance of this obligatory duty, which is not just a trip or holiday. It is not to be undertaken as a habit or custom, or to copy someone else. Rather it is a spiritual journey, the atmosphere of which is filled with sublime meanings, noble alms and great opportunities to repent and turn to Allah and to adhere to His straight path, far removed from misconceptions in Aqeedah and thought and wrong behaviour and attitudes.

Bringing to mind the high esteem in which this Ancient House is held, the holiness of these blessed places and the reverence and awe that surrounds them, No blood is be shed here, no tree is to be cut, no game is to be disturbed and no lost property is to be picked up except by the one who will announce it.

Preparing for Hajj by acquiring practical knowledge, learning about the rulings and rituals of Hajj, and asking people of knowledge about anything you do not understand. It is not permissible to worship Allah on the basis of ignorance or to perform the rituals without knowledge — every pilgrim should pay a great deal of attention to this matter.

Striving to make sure that one’s Hajj will be accepted and doing e that could increase the Hasanaat (good deeds) of the pilgrim and perfecting the rituals, with the help of Allah Part of this depends on choosing good travelling companions. It also includes acquiring HaIaal (lawful) earnings, because that is one of the means of acceptance, by Allah’s leave.

The performance of Hajj which is the 5 Pillar of Islamic faith (in some aspects) is a revival to commemorate the tradition of our ancestor Prophet Ibraheem. In other words, no one can separate the life and t of Prophet Ibraheem from the activities of Hajj.

Take a look at the sacred Mosque where the Ka’abah and Maqam Ibraheem is situated, Prophet Ibraheem has connection with them.

Go into the origin of the running between Safa and Marwa and the Zamzam Water, the name Ibraheem is synonymous with them.

It is Almighty Allah Himself who has made the pilgrimage to His Sacred house incumbent upon all believers.

It is a house which He has destined to be an altar. A place of security, veneration, respect and prayers for all human beings. So whoever is interested in performing Hajj must take into consideration three important issues.

You must prepare yourself spiritually, physically and financially For Hajj to serve the spiritual purpose in the life of a pilgrim, certain steps must be taken before leaving home. They are as follows:Fine tuning the first four pillars of Islam very sincerely.

Packaging the intention to perform Hajj. (because actions shall be judged according to intentions Ensuring the security of the way.

Providing for the family and dependents at

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014

Voice Of

Islam

Every Friday With Mallam Abdulfattah Enabulele Chief Imam of Benin

Mina

Hajj And Its Benefits (1) home.

Pay all the outstanding debts including promises.

Ascertaining the condition of health Perfecting immigration procedures.

Assuming a mood of humility like that of a servant approaching his master.

Readiness to endure hardship and to tolerate fellow pilgrims attitudes.

Constantly bearing in mind that Hajj is a spiritual journey and not a mundane tour for leisure.

To regard Hajj as a mini judgment day here on earth.

Almighty Allah said: say, 0 Muhammad that Allah has (said or spoken) the truth in what He conveyed and legislated in the Qur’an.

Therefore, follow the religion of Prophet Ibraheem which Allah has legislated in the Qur’an.

This is the truth, there is no doubt in it and the perfect way, and no Prophet has brought a more complete, clear, plain and perfect way than he did (3:94) In another place of the Qur’an: Allah says: “Truly, my Lord has guided me to a straight path, a right religion, the religion of Ibraheem, the Hanifa, and He was not of the idolators. “(6:161) In another place of the Qur’an: Allah says: Then, We have sent the revelation to you (saying): Follow the religion of Ibraheem, the Hanifa, and he was not of the idolaters. (16:123) And remember when We showed Ibraheem the site of the House (saying), Associate not anything with Me, and purify My House for those who circumambulate around it, and those who stand up (for prayer), and those who bow and make prostration ( prayer).”

(22:25) “And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (Pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come by every distant track “(22:26) “Verily, the first House of Worship appointed for mankind was that at Makkah. It is full of blessing, and a guidance for Mankind and Jinn.”(3:96) (it is a guidance because it is the Qibla for all Muslims) It is said that the Ka’abah was first built by the Angels TWO THOUSAND YEARS before ADAM was created.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE KA’ABAH The Ka’abah has been built more than once; the most famous occasions on which it was built are five:

“Abu Hurairah reported that the Holy Prophet said: ‘Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed shall return from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him”

The first time it was built by the ANGELS The 2nd time it was rebuilt by ADAM The 3rd time it was rebuilt by IBRAHEEM The 4th time it was rebuilt by QURAYSH during the Jahiliyyah and this was witnessed by the Prophet The 5th time, by IBN Az-ZUBATR In it are clear signs especially the MaqamIbraheem - (The station of Ibraheem where his feet left a trace on the stone on which he stood when his son Ismaila was giving him stone to reconstruct the Ka’aba) It has remained to this present time.

- Another sign is that the reward for good deeds is multiplied therein.

- Whoever observe two Rakah therein is give One Hundred Thousand reward - It issaid that no Bird flies over it.

- And it vegetables is not cut except for medicinal purpose. Whosoever enters it, He has attains security.

And Pilgrimage to the Holy land (visit to Ka ‘aba) is a duty that Mankind owes to Allah.

For those who can afford the expenses. (Who are physically fit and mentally alert) And whoever disbelieves in Pilgrimage to Makkah, Let him remember That Allah is surely independent of all creatures (3:97) NOTE: (Whoever refuse to accept the truth regarding the preference of Ka’aba as the Holiest place on earth).

A scientist confirms this some years ago while viewing the earth from the Moon. He observed that there were only two places on earth that light was shining from (Ka’abah in Makkah and the Prophet Mosque in Medinah) The Months of Hajj are well known to everyone - (i.e. from Shawwah, Zul-Qadah and the first ten days of Zul-Hijja. Some scholars says Zul-Qadah as a whole) If anyone undertakes Hajj therein, let there be no obscenity (i.e. Obscene speech or Love talk with one’s wife except after the Hajj rites have completed (i.e from l3 of Zul Hijjah) Any acts of wickedness including arguments, quarrel, fighting, insultive language are all prohibited.

And whatever good you do, Allah knows it.

NOTE: Good words should replace Obscenity.

Righteousness and the fear of Allah should replace wickedness.

And Mutual understanding and praiseworthy manners should replace quarrel and fighting.

And take enough provision (along with you) But the best of provision is the right conduct (i.e., following all that is enjoined as far as possible and abandoning all that is forbidden.)

So fear Me. Omen of understanding (2:197) WHOEVER IS PERFORMING HAJJ SHOULD NOTE THAT: - there should be no unnecessary and bitter argument with any one.

- there should be no quarrelling and fighting.

- there should be no evil speech or nonsensical word — spoken or uttered.

- there should be no harsh criticism against anyone but only advise.

- to meet everyone with love, humility, humbleness and deal with them in a most friendly manner.

- there should be no sexual relationship not even with your wife when putting on the lharaam - Avoid commission of crimes. Don’t carry hard drugs like COCAINE, HERONIC, MARIJUANA. Whoever is caught, there is no I beg. It is death penalty.

SOME BENEFITS OF HAJJ AL-HADITH: Abu Hurairah reported that the Holy Prophet said: ‘Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed shall return from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.’

2. Abu Hurairah reported that the Holy Prophet said: Verily there shall be no reward for a righteous pilgrimage except Al-Jannah (paradise)

THE

14

NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014

THE

NIGERIAN

15

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014

Issues

Unchanging Get In A Changing World INTRODUCTION When we set out these themes in 2010, we did not fully realize the enormity of their presentations. As we study them, we come to realize that we can only give a sign post of them as bare bones for you to provide the flesh. Permit me to quote from Kevin S. Conner (1980:41) as a prelude to our understanding of God: The scripture give us the revelation of the eternal Godhead, who has revealed Himself as one God, existing in three Persons, even the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit; distinguishable but indivisible in essence, co-eternal, coexistent, co-equal in nature, attributes, power and glory.

There is but no one eternal Godhead, who is one undivided and indivisible essence; and in this one essence there are three eternal distinctions, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.’

We must appreciate the fact that the Bible does not attempt to prove the existence of God. The Bible simply declares it and the writers of the Bible accept God’s existence as a settled fact. This is evidenced by the opening line of the first Book of the Bible-Genesiswhich reads “In the beginning God...” (Genesis 1:1). We are aware as students of the philosophy of religion that many argument: Teleological Argument, the Anthropological Argument, the Ontological Argument.

The moral Argument, the Biological Arguments, the Historical Argument, the Christological Argument, the Argument from Congruity, etc. There are also theistic and non theistic views about God. As believers, we have never had a problem with the fact of the existence of God. We believe in Him as revealed in the Scripture. However, in the face of negating theology as to the nature of God and atheistic philosophical oppositions since the Great Awakening which marked the beginning of the Renaissance Era, otherwise known as the Age of Reasoning, it has become pertinent with our scholars as well as us to re-affirm that which we have so far believed to be true of God’s nature. This introduction shows the enormity of what is before us and what we intend to do. In

our investigation of the truth about God and His unchangeability in our changing world, our scope shall be narrowed down to the definition of concepts, biblical facts on the theme, the relevance of the theme, the indications of the changing world, advent of God in history — Jesus Christ, implication of the theme. Thereafter, the conclusion would be drawn.

APPROPRIATENESS OR RELEVANCE OF THE THEME The importance of the unchanging ability of God may seem unimportant to us when viewed on the surface. The idea is so abstract that we may not immediately realize its relevance. However, if we stop for a moment to reflect and imagine what it would be like if God could change, the importance of this doctrine will become clear. For example, if God could change (in His being, purposes, perfections or promises), then any change would be either for the better or the worse. But if God changes for the better, then He was not the best possible being when we first trusted Him. And how could we be sure that He is the best possible being now?

But if God could change for the worse (in His very being), then what kind of God might he become? And if He become, for instance, a little bit evil rather than wholly good? And if He could become a little bit evil, then how do we know He would not become largely evil or wholly evil? And there would be not one thing we could do about it for He is so much powerful than we are.

Thus, the idea that God could change leads to the horrible possibility that thousands of years from now we might come to live forever in a universe dominated by a wholly evil, omnipotent God. It is hard to imagine any thought more terrifying. How could we ever trust such a God who could change? How could we ever commit our lives such a God who could change? How could we ever commit our lives to Him? It is dangerous to believe in the changeability of God, If God would change with regard to His purpose, then even though when the Bible was written. He promised that Jesus

would come back to rule over a new heaven and a new earth.

He has perhaps abandoned that plan now and as a result, our hope in Jesus return will therefore be in vain, If God

believers. As observed by Grudem (1994:168): If God is not unchanging, then the whole basis of our Faith begins to fall apart, and understanding of the universe Begins to unravel. This is

adverse effects occasioned by the changing world. Here —in lie the relevance of this theme to our changing world bedeviled by all forms of evil

• Most Rev’d J Imaekhai, JP, Ph.D, FNIM does change how could we have trusted the Bible and its promises? If when the Bible was written, He promised forgiveness of sins and eternal life to those who believe in Christ and now, as a changing being, He has changed His mind on those promises, how could we be sure? Or, perhaps, will His omnipotence change someday that when even He wants to keep His promises He will be unable to do so?

Reflection on the exchangeability of God is a very important doctrine for

because our faith and hope and knowledge all ultimately depend on a person who is infinitely worthy of trust, because He is absolutely and eternally unchanging in His being, perfections, purposes and promises.

The creator of the world is unchanging, He knows His word, He knows the end from the very beginning. The world has changed and it is still changing and beliefs are changing. Changes are either for the better or for the worse.

Because our God is unchanging. He has answers to

“The importance of the unchanging ability of God may seem unimportant to us when viewed on the surface. The idea is so abstract that we may not immediately realize its relevance. However, if we stop for a moment to reflect and imagine what it would be like if God could change, the importance of this doctrine will become clear.

and vices. In our changed and changing world some say there is no God: That does not disprove that God exists. Some say that Jesus is one of the ways and not the way. That does not disprove the claim of Jesus that “I am the Way...”

Some say that a man can now marry a man and a woman can now marry a woman, that does not invalidate the marriage of a man and woman as ordained by God. The sexual permissiveness of man created in God’s own image and likeness. There is a new ‘gospel’ that promotes a variety of sexual preferences and immoral behavior as a universal human right. It claims God’s blessing for same-sex unions over and against the biblical teaching on holy matrimony. What a changing world created by an unchanging God! Furthermore, the theme is important as God sees events in time and acts in time.

CLARIFICATION OF CONCEPTS The following concepts are used in this theme: ‘Unchanging’, ‘God’,

‘Changing’ and ‘World’ Unchanging means “Remaining the same.

Showing or undergoing no change” God is often conceived of as the “Supreme Being and principle objects of faith” The essential attributes of God are: (a)God is Eternal (b)God is Self —Existent (c) God is Immutable (d)God is Omnipotent (e) God is Omniscient (f) God is Omnipresent The moral attributes of God include the following: (a) Perfect Holiness (b) Perfect Righteousness (c) Perfect Love (d) Perfect Faithfulness The aim of this exegesis is to enable us to know from which division God’s attributes we have drawn our theme. As concisely explicated above we have drawn our theme from one of the essential attributes of God. This implies that our theme is as fundamental as the doctrine of God Himself to Christianity, particularly in the times we are in. It must be clearly stated that no human pen or tongue can define God by many words, and the finite mind of man cannot explain the mystery of the Godhead. The scriptures do not attempt to explain the mystery, the simply affirm it.

We can define the unchangeableness of God as follows: God is unchanging in his being Perfections, purposes and promises Yet God does act and Feel emotions and He acts and feels Differently in response to different situations This attribute of God is also called God’s immutability. The laws of God being are eternal and unchanging. In His mode of being, as father, Son and Holy Spirit, God is unchanging and unchangeable. In His essential and moral attributes, God is unchangeable. Several statements in the scriptures attest to the fact that God is immutable.

Changing means (a) “To come to be different; (b)To give a complete different from or appearance to; transform” World : According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, the “World is common name for the whole of human civilization, specifically human experience, history, or the human condition in general, worldwide anywhere on Earth or pertaining to anywhere on earth” According Akogu, “the biblical word refers not only to the universe (‘Comos’, space) as an invisible source and principle of power, but also to the world as we know it in the sense of ‘earth’ in the history of mankind.”

EXHORTATION We begin this section by asking what bibl!cal facts there are to supply the affirmation of an unchanging God in the

Continues on pg. 24

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Insight

Introduction IN recent times, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has come under unjustified criticism from certain interests over its decision to sanitise the Polling Units (PUs) structure ahead of the 2015 general elections. The criticism has centred largely on an alleged conspiracy theory, to namely: that the Commission has done a disproportional distribution of the polling units across Nigeria under the new arrangement, which is aimed at foisting the dominance of one section of the country over the others for political advantage. It is quite understandable, albeit regrettable that, given the low level of public trust in governance institutions in our clime, and the acrimony that attends to the “distribution” or “allocation’” of virtually anything in our country, people tend to view every policy decision with some suspicion. But we must be careful not to reduce patriotic causes to primordial biases.

INEC’s decision to reconfigure the structure of polling units as well as create additional ones is driven by our collective aspirations as Nigerians to reform and improve upon the electoral process for free, fair, peaceful and credible elections in 2015 and beyond. There is no sectional or parochial agenda in this decision, as this press conference will prove, and there will never be any such agenda under this Commission.

The basic aim of the exercise we are presently undertaking is to ease the access of voters to the ballot box in the 2015 general elections and beyond, by: (i) decongesting overcrowded PUs and dispersing voters as evenly as possible among all the PUs; (ii) locating PUs more effectively within commuting distances of voters, given that movement is usually restricted on Election Day.; (iii) relocating the PUs from “in-front of” private houses, and such other unsuitable places, to public buildings or where this is not possible, to

Why, And How INEC Is Being An Address At A Press Conference On The New Polling Units Strucrture By Hon. Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru M. Jega, OFR, On Wednesday, September 10, 2014. public open spaces where tents can be provided; (iv) locating the PUs inside classrooms or such other suitable enclosures, in line with international best practices; (v) splitting large PUs such that they have on average of 500 registered voters; and (vi) creating additional PUs to cater for the splitting of large polling units as well as new settlements not serviced by any existing PU. Background and Context The present structure of polling units was created in 1996 by the defunct National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON), which created 120,000 polling units and 8,809 wards (Registration Areas). This structure of polling units has been used for the 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011 general elections. We are all witnesses to the congested polling units on election days in 2011 and since then in many parts of the country.

From 1996 to date, there has been an exponential growth in Nigeria’s population; and there have been severe demographic shifts resulting from new settlements in major urban areas. For example, in 1996 when the current polling unit structure was established, the estimated population of the Country was about 110m.

In 2006, after a national population census, the population was 140m. In 2011, when the voters’ registration was undertaken, the population was estimated to be about 160m. Today the population is estimated to be around 175m.

This represents nearly 60% rise in the population since 1996.

These factors have, among other things, translated to over-crowded polling units

and the fact that some established settlements are not serviced at all under the existing structure, as we witnessed in the 2011 general elections and in other elections thereafter.

This rise in population, with corresponding increase in the number of eligible voters was clearly manifested during the 2011 fresh voter registration exercise. At the end of the exercise, having subjected the data gathered in the field to Automated Finger-print Identification Software (AFIS) to detect and eliminate duplicate registrants, the Commission certified the total number of registered voters, post-AFIS at 70,383,427. This gives an average voter density of nearly 590 voters per PU with the current number of polling units of 119,973. The reality, however, for most of the large cities in the country, was different. For instance, the FCT with a figure of registered voters of 892,628, and a total of 639 PUs and sub-Units (562 Pus and 77 sub-Units), has an average of nearly 1,400 voters per polling unit, with some having over 3,000 and one even with over 4,000 registered voters!

For the same FCT for example over 80% of the polling units have 750 or more registered voters each.

For the rest of the Country, 17 states have at least over 30% of their polling units having more than 750 registered voters, with some having 60% or 50% of the polling units affected.

In order to ameliorate the challenges of managing polling units with large number of voters, the Commission introduced the concept of “Voting Points” (VPs); where polling units with large numbers of voters

are sub-divided into multiples of manageable numbers of about 300, with a maximum of 450 registered voters, which when exceeded, the polling units are split into 2

apart from the fact that the Commission will require some 250,000 card readers instead of the 160,000 it plans to use in the 150,000 polling units; thereby saving some 90,000 card readers and over 2 billion Naira in costs.

It is therefore imperative for the Commission to reconfigure and create additional polling units, if we are to improve on the conduct

Council, Union Homes along Tukpeki Road, there is no polling unit; in Bwari Area Council Kontagora Estate behind Hajj camp, and many others have no polling units.

From the foregoing, it is clear that to ensure the 2015 general elections are conducted under more orderly and conducive atmosphere, thereby creating an environment for free, and

• Prof. Attahiru Jega, INEC Chairman or more voting points, in multiples of about 300 registered voters per voting point.

The use of voting points has continued to elicit suspicion by political parties in the run-up to elections, with some even accusing the Commission of secretly creating additional polling units, while some parties are even demanding they be allowed to have polling agents at every voting point!

The continuation of the use of voting points is simply incongruent with the reforms the Commission is introducing in terms of the use of enclosures for more conducive voting environment, in tandem with international best practice,

“The use of voting points has continued to elicit suspicion by political parties in the run-up to elections, with some even accusing the Commission of secretly creating additional polling units, while some parties are even demanding they be allowed to have polling agents at every voting point!”

of elections and make 2015 better than 2011.

About 150,000 polling units are required to ensure rightsizing of our polling units based on the number of registered voters. There is no gain-saying the fact that there have been demographic shifts across the country since 1996 when the current structure was established.

Many cities have seen sizable new settlements developed. Most of the new settlements have no polling units located in them or in fact even within reasonable distances. This phenomenon was amply demonstrated when the Commission, working together with the office of the SurveyorGeneral of the Federation (OSGOF) and the National Population Commission (NPopC), developed composite maps showing satellite imagery overlain with communities and georeferenced locations of the existing polling units. In FCT, for example in AMAC alone, APO Gwari resettlement Area, Asokoro New Extension, FCDA Quarters Area 3/CBN Quarters before Garki village, Games Village, and many others have no polling units; In Kuje Area

fair election, and consolidating the gains of 2011 general elections, additional polling units must be created as described above.

Methodology for Reconfiguring and creating new Polling Units Using the 2011 post-AFIS voters’ register figure of about 70,383,427, and based on a figure of 500 voters per polling unit, there should be at least 140,000 polling units in the country. Taking into cognisance polling units in remote areas and difficult terrains, with less than 500 registered voters, as well as new registrants since 2011, a new total polling unit number nationwide of about 150,000 was approved by the Commission.

Since PUs are created to service registered voters, the fairest and most logical criterion to use in distributing the 150,000 PUs nationwide is the number of registered voters. At present the postAFIS (i.e. after removing duplicate registrants) figure of registered voters is the most appropriate figure of registered voters that is available nationwide, to use; hence the decision to use post-AFIS figures, as the

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Insight

Creating New Polling Units

basis for distributing the 150,000 polling units.

The simplest way to distribute the 150,000 polling units is to divide the number of registered voters in each state by 500 (maximum of registered per polling unit).

This is what is shown in column (e) in the attached Table 1 to this press statement. Comparing this column with that of number of existing polling units in each state, i.e. column (d) shows that some states have more than what they should have based on 500 registered voters per polling unit. Redistributing the 150,000 polling units based purely on 500 registered voters per state would mean these states will lose polling units, as they have more polling units than they should have.

The Commission took the view that no state should lose any polling unit as a result of this exercise, as it would be unrealistic to reduce the number of polling units from any state, notwithstanding the fact that they had exceeded their numbers.

Thus these states were allowed to retain their excess polling units.

In fact the Commission went on to give further relief to such states by providing that 15% of the 30,027 additional polling units be distributed equally across all states, including the states that had already exceeded their numbers. This was in the spirit that each state should have, no matter how small, some additional polling units during this exercise, in order to carter for new settlements, due to demographic shifts. As a result even the states that had exceeded their numbers, received additional 121 polling units over and above their retained excess.

This is how the distribution of 150,000 PUs nationwide as contained in attached Table I was arrived at. Table II shows an analysis state by state, of the number of polling units, related to the number of registered voters in each state, compared with the existing and new distributions in percentage terms. It is evident from the Table II that the new distribution of polling units is much more equitable than previously.

From the forgoing it is clear that the Commission has used very scientific, rational and equitable criteria to redistribute the 150,000 polling units. In fact in its effort to carry every one along, the Commission bent

over backwards to not only allow states with excess polling units based on their voter strength retain the polling units, but made it possible for them to even get additional polling units.

Spurious Allegations Critics have bandied about spurious allegations, which need to be specifically addressed. I wish to do so in what follows: Why did INEC adopt the Post-AFIS register of voters and not the Post-Business Rule register of voters as the baseline for calculating the number of PUs?: At the end of the general registration of voters in 2011, the Commission announced that the data of 73. 5 million eligible voters had been captured – warts and all; that is, including the records of multiple (Emphasis: not “ghost”) registrants. At the conclusion of data deduplication with the Automated Fingerprint Identification Software (AFIS), by which cases of multiple registrations were eliminated, the figure came down to 70,383,427 registered voters. These are genuine, non-multiple, identifiable registrants; and so, potentially eligible as voters. Critics have made much issue about this figure declining further in the ‘PostBusiness Rule Register.’ The fact, however, is that during the registration exercise, the general requirement was to capture the 10 fingerprints of every registrant. But as we have discovered in the process of data consolidation, some registrants did not have their fingerprints properly captured; and so did not satisfy the ‘business rule’ we adopted for producing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), namely that every registrant must have in his/ her biometric record a minimum of four fingerprints (two on each hand) so that the PVC will be machinereadable in the 2015 elections. The affected

persons remain potentially eligible as voters, and are expected to come out during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise

additional polling units from 15% of the total being newly created on the basis of ‘equality principle’ – regardless of the number of PUs already existing in each

to get their data recaptured.

For polling unit configuration that will serve in 2015 and well into the future, therefore, we cannot reasonably plan without taking account of this set of potentially eligible voters; otherwise we would need to undertake another exercise of polling unit creation when they come out to get their data recaptured, as they really are expected to do.

On alleged Zonal disproportion in the distribution of the polling units: Based on the statistical projections I earlier explained, the ‘need factor,’ more than political sentiments, informed the pattern of distribution of the PUs that we are creating.

Still, the Commission has not been unmindful of the political nature of the exercise; and that is why it took the decision that: (i) No state will lose any polling unit from its stock of existing PUs, no matter the statistical outlook when the voter population is disaggregated into units of 500 persons; and (ii) Every state will get some

state in comparison to the voter population. We have already made the computed figures in this regard public.

Contrary to the argument by critics, the Commission is not working on imaginary population sizes based on perceived patterns of migration by potential voters; rather, it is working with the documented register of voters as we have it at the moment. Furthermore, critics seem to only focus on the allocation of the proposed 30,027 PUs; what should be done is to compare total allocations state by state.

Thus we urge Nigerians to closely examine the attached tables and compare the proportional distribution of PUs presently in existence and the proposed new distribution. It will be clear that there is no significant variation in the proportional percentage allocation, amongst states, or between geopolitical zones.

On the numbers of polling units being allocated to respective state: The additional 30,027 polling

units, as I have observed, are being created to address the issue of crowd clusters under the present structure.

Therefore, the distribution

could not be even among all the states because the challenge being addressed is not evenly present in all the states. We have used voting points since 2011 to mitigate the problem of crowd clusters. Talking about numbers, critics of the exercise should ask: in which states have we had more voting points created in existing PUs than others since 2011; and then, they should check whether the distribution profile of the new PUs does not reflect the proportion of that informal arrangement.

Does the number of polling units confer any political advantage on a state / region? With the structure of the political process put in place by the present INEC, the answer simply is ‘No!’ Polling Units constitute a mere structural arrangement to ease the access of voters to the ballot box. They have nothing to do with determining the preferences of voters in making their electoral choices. In fact, the new configuration we are

“Does the number of polling units confer any political advantage on a state / region? With the structure of the political process put in place by the present INEC, the answer simply is ‘No!’”

putting in place will bring the PUs out to places where they can be accessed more easily – not only by voters, but by polling agents of political parties and election observers as well. This will enhance, rather than detract from the integrity of the electoral process.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission has not yet created the additional Polling Units. It has simply approved the framework and guidelines to facilitate the creation of these additional Polling Units by the Resident Electoral Commissioners and the State Offices of INEC. In collaboration with other government agencies, especially OSGOF, we have even produced Maps with the GIS location of existing Polling Units nationwide, in order provide the states a rational, scientific basis for the practical exercise of reconfiguring and locating additional PUs. It is only when the states have used the framework and guidelines and have proposed the new PUs for each state, that the Commission will create the PUs. From the explanation we have provided, I must therefore emphasize that the motive of INEC in restructuring the existing polling units and creating more is sincere and wellintentioned. The Commission implores all Nigerians to set aside primordial sentiments and view the exercise with dispassion and patriotism, taking into account the lofty objectives that the new structure of polling units is intended to achieve.

Finally, I wish to categorically state that all the conspiracy theories and mischievous assertions and perceptions of parochial intentions of the Commission are totally false. INEC remains focused and committed to taking patriotic decisions, which are in the best interest of our country and the voters, so as to keep on satisfying the aspirations of Nigerians for free, fair, peaceful and credible elections. We will continue to do this with the best standards of integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship expected of us an Election Management Body.

I hope that with this clarification, we will put the unnecessary and unwholesome controversy on the matter of additional polling units to rest.

Thank you.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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Art Alive

With Francis U. Odupute

The Place Of An Artist In The Society

By BLESSING OJEKHEBHOLO

WHO is an artist? Artist is a talented creative , focus and realistic person who think of something and brings it out in an aesthetic way.

An artist makes sure thoughts are brought to reality.

They use instruments in arranging ideas together. The people out there tend not to really understand the work of an artist. They see artist as just common crazy and unserious set of persons. In the society, the artists are not really respected because people think they don’t play real role in the society as a whole.

When people ask artists about their profession and find out they studied Fine and Applied Art in school, they tend to look down on the person even if he can draw, and sometimes, they say, “you mean you went to school to study how to draw”. But because they are ignorant of what an artist can really do, they start to look down on the artist. Many parents will say they can’t allow their children to waste away their precious time trying to be an artist. So they don’t even allow their children to go and study Fine and Applied Art. Because people are blinded by the quick cash thing, they will feel there is no life or future in being an artist, but they fail to realize that being an artist first, is about what you love, what makes you happy and what you love doing.

Some people are destined to creatc. They find joy in making things in building things and in discovering thing so there can be a big problem. If someone is not allowed to follow one’s heart. So first, being an artist is what gives you joy. It gives joy to see yourself create something beautiful that other people may admire and

praise for you for a work well done. People fail to understand that in art, its not all about drawing.

works are done in three dimensions. Sculptures originally are done with carving wood, stone,

Infact, in everything around us, there is little or many art in it, starting from the cloth we wear to the shelter, to the environment to our business to the books we read. There is art in all that we do. We have different specialization where an artist can specialize or rather, can perfect his skills. There is the painting, sculpture, ceramics, graphics, textile, metal and art history specialization.

In the painting department, there is the painter whose job is to apply a paint, pigment, colour or other medium to a surface. A paint is any liquid, liquefiable, or mastic composition that after application to a substrate in a thin layer.

The work of a painter is a practical work which requires a lot of attention and detailing.

The sculpture department is another place in the art department where art

metal amongst others.

Then, there is the Art historian whose job is to appraise and criticize works. The art historian writes books on art and also studies more about all the aspect of art. They hold seminars teaching students about art. The art historian helps to put value into art works. They

tell you the worth of an art work. The art historian are very important in the art field.

There is also the ceramist whose main job

appropriate shape of whatever they want.

There is the graphics designer whose work is to design, make advert pictures, cartoons, print

is to build with clay. They make cutleries like spoons, plate, cups and glasses. They are involved in the making of tiles, toilet seats, cookware and cast iron are beautiful works a ceramist can do in the art field. A ceramist works with most times, the wheel. It helps to get the

and make a beautiful drawing with the computer. These set of artists are mainly working with the computer. They draw with the computer and they can as well do all sort of things with the computer. Before an art work is produced, it is first designed in the

computer to see the outcome of the work.

Then, there is the textile specialization. In the textile field of art, these set of artists make use of materials like cloth, beads, cotton or wool to do something beautiful. The textile artist is mainly known for the tie and dye batik. They put designs in materials, They use compatible colours to make design on baft materials that are later used to sew. They can also be called the fashion department because they also make beads to form necklaces and earrings.

Not just that, but they can make chair rest, cotton bedspreads, foot mat, rugs, tablemat etc. well, I would rather call them ‘all-rounder’.

Then, finally, there is the metal designer whose job is to make fabulous works from metals such as gold, silver, copper or even iron.

They mostly work with iron. They make the gates, the dining tables, anything on metal works are all the works of an artist who is in the metal field. They also make jewelry with gold, silver or copper.

So, we all can now tell how important the role of an artist is in the society.

The artist is obviously in our everyday life. We meet or come in contact with every work they do.

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Art And Culture Percussion Staff In Culture PERCUSSION staff (Ukhurhe) is an idiophone that belongs to concussion idiophones, struck idiophones and shaken idiophones, made from resonant material.

Concussion idiophones are clapper sticks which are struck together in certain ceremony. Struck idiophones are made of resonant materials and are struck with beaters.

Shaken idiophones use rattles and jungles.

Percussion staff (Ukhurhe’)is not a musical instrument. It is used in connection with ceremonies for Ancestors and certain deities in order to ensure answer to entreaties, prayers and supplication.

They are sacred to individual ancestors, collective ancestors, association, clan or Chiefdom.

During prayers the staff is knocked on the ground in order to confirm the words.

The more important the worshipping unit is, the larger the percussion staffs. The material, the staff is made of, depends on the status of the worshippers, but generally “Ukhurhe” is produced from sacred tree call Ukhurhe-oho.

The branches of the tree have joints that only fall off when very old, hence “Ukhurhe-Oho maise ede ehi, eikpaen” some of the old Bronze plagues of Great Benin represent men with instruments of this kind

and are often described in the Literature in Edo Culture.

In communicating with the spirits world, Ukhurhe-Oho has represented a wide range of beliefs and has acquired tribal and traditional functions.

Spiritual power in the wooden objects is sometimes persuaded to act on other objects activated by carving or whose designs have both totemic and spiritual significance.

The percussion staff focuses on the mystical unity of the society in the belief that ancestor spirits could be kept in a god stick, just as wooden objects can lend psychological support to the individual who uses them in ceremonies.

In a similar way they can be used to further social ends by furnishing visible phallus (ekiaokpa, ukhurhe-okpa) in the symbol of social unity of the people. The numbers of percussion staffs in an altar tell the original and numbers of inheritants.

Sense of loyalty is encouraged by the knowledge of percussion staff that the people descended from common Ancestor and a representation of family tree showing different ancestral origins in many branches is usually an object of pride to members of that family.

A whole tribe sees a common descent as qualifying Characteristic

for membership of the group. The percussion staff (Ukhurhe)of the Ancestors are often used as focal point in the rites of knowing the past, present living descendants as photography, history would do nowadays.

The collective

makes regular offerings of prayers and victims at the Ogua-edion. There are also subsidiary altars to the past worshippers of deities.

Title associations have their own altars of which offerings are made regularly at promotions and at the investiture of new title holders.

ancestors are known as “Edion-Elders”. Their spirits are thought as the original occupiers of the land as all the elders who had since lived and buried, so all communities have Elders-‘Edion’ shrines which contain altar decorated with percussion staffs Ukhurhe.)

The right eldest man

Two types of percussion staffs may be distinguished. Individual ancestor’s percussion staff with specific genealogical reference and collective predecessors of a corporate group.

The individual ancestors are the object of domestic ancestor altar. When an old person dies, the Senior

“Sense of loyalty is encouraged by the knowledge of percussion staff that the people descended from common Ancestor and a representation of family tree showing different ancestral origins in many branches is usually an object of pride to members of that family.”

With AMBROSE EKHOSUEHI

son set up an altar of honour, and propitiates percussion staff (Ukhurhe) in that lineage where interceding prayers are held on behalf of all the children and descendants. Half brother may choose to have separate-Ukhurhe.

The dead parent on the symbol of the percussion idiophone is conceived of standing in much the

of the Family offers sacrifices at the percussion staff altar.

Kola-nuts, drinks, food cooked, shared and eaten.

Specific dance call ‘Ohogho’ performs during ‘Eho’ festival.

‘Eho’ festival usually takes place in the month of September. It ends the Benin Agricultural year and begins the

same relation to the descendants.

He punished certain offences and any family members suspected of wrong doing are often asked to take Oaths upon the percussion Idiophone to prove truthfulness.

There is an annual festival known as Eho in honour of parents, Father and Mother, at which all the descendants, their wives and children, kneel one by one before the altar, presenting kota-nuts, wines and other offerings, praying for their own wellbeings and that of their families.

The most Senior son‘Omodion’, ‘Oka-egbee’

Agricultural year when new yam festival is celebrated, new yams are eaten, and tributes are made to the Monarch as well as harvest thanksgiving begins.

Percussion Staff (Ukhurhe) unifies kindred of common descent, promotes family heritage of greeting and respect, creates forum for social understanding and social ends by furnishing visible symbols of Phallus and family greetings-Ukhu na tue and a sense of Loyalty encouraged by the knowledge brought together from a common ancestor through the representation of percussion staff in culture.

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Opinion FAVORITISM in churches today has become another monster that is also contributing to the rapid decay of the entire church system, thereby making most contemporary churches very cancerous to the body of Christ.

The experience of segregation, segmentation and fragmentation of various kinds, have become common practices in most assemblies in such that there even exist cabal with common interests inside the church.

These evil processes in the church have obviously been responsible for the various antagonistic relationships that exist internally and externally within particular churches, and also between denominations.

The Holy Bible in the book of James chapter 2verse 1-9 makes it explicit that the act of separating and treating people differently according to their class and position, is an aberration that should be treated with ignominy.

However, the selfish nature of humans will always make them to remain under bock and key in such that even when they know that it is totally unacceptable for people who profess to be Christians, to be engrossed with such unscrupulous composition, they still find it difficult to overcome this monster.

Verse 1 of James chapter 2 is to the effect that the faith that should be expressed by Christians should not, on whatsoever ground, be fused with respect of persons. The implication of this statement simply goes to tell Christians that the act of selecting the kind of people you deal with on grounds of capacity or common interest, should be completely dismantled.

In verse 2-4, it is written that. “ For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, sit thou here in a good place; and say to the

poor, stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool; Are ye not then partian in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Under this arrangement, it is crystal clear to the point that ‘even the blind can see’ that the way rich people are treated and paraded in churches today is quite different from the way the poor in such assemblies are treated and related with.

The rich and educated people in church enjoy certain positions in the church as a result of their exposure or the substance that they

have to offer, whereas the poor are relegated to the background in such that most of them feel cheated and rejected in the congregation, and some even leave the assembly completely to either join another assembly or they totally stop attending any church service.

Before the eyes of the Almighty God through His son Jesus Christ whom Christians preach, in accordance to evidential report as written in the Holy

Nepotism In Churches Is Damnable

Bible, nepotism as experienced and practiced in church today, could be likened unto “ putting a square peg in a round hole”.

It does not just fit in!

The hallmark of Christianity is love. Any form of expression whatsoever, that does not reflect the foundation of love which may be described as the tree, and other element like fair treatment and equality which may also be interpreted to mean the branches, then

kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him.

This portion of the Holy Bible should tell Christians that the poor even have better hope than the rich in the ‘hereafter life’ because Jesus once said in Mark 10: 24 that it would be difficult for them

whatever that is practiced by whosoever is anti-Christ.

Verses 2-4 of James chapter 2, is an explicit eye opener to further buttress the position that people should not be regarded on grounds of what they have achieved in life, but that they should be regarded on grounds of equity.

In verse 5 it is written that “Hearken , my beloved brethren, Hath not God Chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the

that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God. And in verse 25, he went further to say that “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Verse 6 clearly explain the dangers of giving these rich and famous people prominence in the church above others who may not be as rich and influencial as they are. Here, it is presented that even the so called rich people

By OMEIZA ROBINSON

“It also reveals that any Christian, whether leaders or members, who engage in favouritism in and outside the church, is a sinner. One with such attitude, parading himself as a Christian, already is a condemned criminal that needs cleansing.”

who are given a ‘pride of place’ in the church, are oppressors in disguise.

They, in most cases, determine the kind of messages that church leaders teach and preach because of the fear of losing them, if they are engaged or involved in ungodly practices, their sins would be covered because it

is believed that when they are exposed and disciplined, the favours that comes with their presence in the assembly would be grounded to a halt.

It also goes to mean that when people are treated specially in churches, they tend to disrespect God’s instituted instructions and authorities here on earth because they eventually make themselves to become objects of Irrelevance in association as a result of their behavioral pattern which eventually will betray them to the point of making them become like remote controlled objects in the hands of these specially treated group in the church.

In verse 7, it is also written that even the rich people in churches, or, the people who are treated specially do blaspheme that worthy name by which Christians are called. This, of course, is another reflection that goes to

play in such that the same people who are treated specially above others in the church, will impliedly tell the church leaders that they do not really know what they are doing.

These people also know when church leaders are either right or wrong in their judgement and treatment of people and cases in church.

They also know to some extent what the Holy Bible projects in particular area and cases.

Therefore, they lose regard and respect for sacred things because the people who ordinarily should keep these things Holy as to please the Lord, are also engaged in acts that could be described as Unholy. As a result, they bring or institute legal actions against their fellow ‘Christians’, and also blaspheme the name by which the Christians are referred to, because there exist an error that has not been addressed.

In verse 9,it is written “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinces of the law as transgressors”.

The position of this potion of the Holy Bible is an empirical evidence to the effect that many church leaders are actually candidates of Hell fire (because most Christians believe in the existence of Heaven and Hell fire).

It also reveals that any Christian, whether leaders or members, who engage in favouritism in and outside the church, is a sinner. One with such attitude, parading himself as a Christian, already is a condemned criminal that needs cleansing.

Obviously, it seems that in this contemporary dispensation, the memory of these Biblical instruction which bothers on refraining from the act of nepotism among Christians may have been completely obliterated from most Christian teachings today; without caution to the fact that the dangers that lurk around the corner may be detrimental, with monumental effects if christains do not throw such behavioral pattern into the garbage among other practice which are anti-Christ, then all their efforts in the system would have been totally useless as it will not count before God on Judgment day!

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Society “These girls were created for something meaningful but for some reasons, they are now victims of circumstances. They fall prey to different kinds of diseases and ailments that are spread easily to the innocent people through different means.”

Curbing Menace Of Prostitution In Nigeria ACCORDING to English Dictionary, Prostitution is to put one’s talents to an unworthy use. Meaning putting your God-given talents to something unreasonable and unworthy.

That is, something that does not yield moral benefit.

While the word prostitute means someone who performs sexual acts or intercourse in return for money.

In the general view, prostitution is the selling of one’s pride and integrity for money, material things or other valuables.

Prostitution has limited Nigeria’s pride and position around the globe because some Nigerians are known to prostitute local and internationally. This act calls for international awareness and enlightenment. This act has also brought bad name and has dented the image of Nigerias worldwide.

As at 2003, there was a great awakening to every Nigerian, home and in diaspora to the challenges that was prompted by Nigerian prostitutes abroad,

By OMORODION LAWRENCE /IKPONMWOBA OSAZEE

especially those that reside in Italy.

It was told that the Nigerian prostitutes abroad engaged in several evil and sacrifices which alerted the government of Italy to collaborate with the government of Nigeria to eradicate and curb the menace of prostitution in Italy. This move was however successful because many Nigerians were deported back to their various homes in Nigeria while some were made to serve jail terms before deportation.

This particular act was not done by those girls alone but they were highly supported

and financed by different sponsors, who intend to make profit of what they invested in the trafficking of the girls.

The most annoying and most disappointing part was on the part of the government of Nigeria who made several promises to those girls before deportation, and lied to the Italian government that there were a lot of jobs for the girls.

These were all lies. It was only a means of escape from international embarrassment and shame. However, it is no news to the world because they are all aware of what is going on in Nigeria.

I will therefore, say that those massive deportation increased street prostitution

and unemployment in Nigeria.

Every street you see in some parts of Nigeria e.g.

Lagos, Port Harcourt etc, there are no fewer than three prostitutes, roaming the street at night looking for their prey who they refer to as clients as if they are into any serious business.

These girls were created for something meaningful but for some reasons, they are now victims of circumstances. They fall prey to different kinds of diseases and ailments that are spread easily to the innocent people through different means.

There are different ways the government and other

Non-Governmental Organizations could help to control and curb the menace called prostitution. But in my own view, the concerned and well meaning Nigerians who want to control and curb the menace of prostitution should start making concerted efforts towards the reduction of prostitution rate in Nigeria because when the rate at which girl prostitutes are not brought to a minimal level, there wouldn’t be any room for corrections and control.

The government must be serious about improving the education sector, that is, investing more on education than the way they are doing at the moment. There should be room for academic scholarships for female students who are academically qualified.

There should be a proper awareness, enlightenment and nation-wide campaigns on the importance of morality and self-respect. They should be told and taught on how to preserve and take care of their body, because it is the most important asset they have as long as they are alive.

They should be given the time and space to express disappointment and joy in whatever they engage in and whatever they see.

Jobs should be made available to those in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. The ones at home, that is the graduates and non-graduates can be trained in any field to improve and develop the society the best way they can.

Why should we insult them when we know they are helpless and confused.

“Prostitution has limited Nigeria’s pride and position around the globe because some Nigerians are known to prostitute local and internationally. This act calls for international awareness and enlightenment. This act has also brought bad name and has dented the image of Nigeria worldwide.”

Some organizations are not helping matters at all, while most of them worsen the case by introducing and encouraging prostitution among their staff to sleep with men in order to bring investors and partnership to their companies.

Most cases are being reported on a daily basis on how bosses are oppressing their female staff who refuse to adhere to the insane policy of the company which they call “target”. In order to meet a specific target, things (immoral) has to be done by them to please their clients and investors so as to continue with or retain their shares in the company.

Every parent should try as much as possible to always train a girl child in school and abandon those beliefs that say: ‘girl child is worthless’. I think the issue of gender inequality contribute to the issue of prostitution in Nigeria because the girl child see herself as not valuable or important to herself, family and even to the society which she belong. Every parent should try and enlighten their female wards on how to live their lives morally upright.

They should also try and provide for their female children financially, that is, giving them material things that are necessary and important. Even if all their needs are not met but at least 70 percent should be made available to them in order for them not to sell their body to men.

Cultural values enlightenment should be introduced to those who seem to have lost their way.

They should be reminded of their cultural background and also try to convince them to live within the sphere of their cultural heritage and values. They should be reminded that they are the future mothers and by that they should behave morally and serve as good example to their female children.

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Religion The Origin Of The Lord’s Supper And Its Importance Part 1 GOD spoke to Moses the very night He was to deliver Israel from their bondage in Egypt; that He would execute judgment upon all the first born of both man and beast in Egypt and judgment against all the gods of Egypt as written in Exodus 12:12, I quote “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD” .

In order to deliver the children of Israel, the people of God, from the judgment, God gave them specific instructions through His servants Moses and Aaron, as written in Exodus 12: 3-8, and I quote “Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take

it out from the sheep, or from the goats: And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.” This ordinance given by God through Moses, to the children of Israel is known as the LORD’S PASSOVER. This means passing over to the LORD. In Exodus 12: 23, it is written “For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you”. This meant that all those Israelites that lived in houses where the side posts were stricken with the blood of the lamb, were spared and protected from this terrible judgment of God, by which all the first born of the land of Egypt were smitten to death.

In Exodus 12:14, it is

written and I quote “And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.”

This meant that this ordinance of the LORD’S PASSOVER, shall forever be remembered from generation to generation by the children of Israel; and must be kept as a holy feast unto the Lord forever, and as a service.

All the children of Israel till date keep this ordinance of the Lord’s Passover.

Those exempted from partaking in the Lord’s Passover amongst the Jews were:∗ Strangers or foreigners living amongst Jews as written in Exodus 12:43,45, and I quote “And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the Passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof”.

Except these male strangers or foreigners were circumcised, as written in Exodus 12:48.

• Any Jew that had been defiled by dead bodies as written in Numbers 9:6-10, but having been cleansed must take it.

In Exodus 12:47 it is written “All the

congregation of Israel shall keep it”. This meant that it was a compulsory ordinance that must be kept by all the children of Israel. It meant that even those who had been defiled by dead bodies must make sure that they were cleansed, and strangers/foreigners must ensure that they were circumcised, to be fit to keep it.

Therefore, there was no excuse whatsoever for any one of them to forsake or neglect the Passover Feast. In Numbers 9:13 it is written “But the man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the Passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.” It was therefore sin of disobedience not to have kept it, which would have led to the spiritual death of the disobedient Jew. Jesus Christ while here on earth obeyed this ordinance of the Jewish Passover, as written in Luke 22:7-8 and I quote “Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the Passover must be killed. And He sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the Passover that we may eat” This ordinance or feast or service of the Lord’s Passover was a shadow

With

REV. OLU GEORGE that eventually gave way to the Lord’s Supper which was received of the Lord

by Apostle Paul, and delivered to the church, as written in I Corinthians 11:23 “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread.”

For us, born again Christians, who are spiritual Jews or Israelites, Jesus Christ became our Passover Lamb who was without blemish as written in I Corinthians 5:7b “For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us” As God commanded all Jews through Moses to keep the

Lord’s Passover as a memorial from generation to generation, so also God in this dispensation of grace commanded all born again Christians, born of the Spirit of Truth, to keep the Lord’s Supper, as a memorial, as a service.

The Lord’s Supper therefore is in remembrance of the Lord’s death till He comes, as written in I Corinthians 11:26 “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come.”

TO BE CONTINUED C O U R T E S Y: SERVANT OF THE MOST HIGH GOD OLU GEORGE CHRISTIAN GOSPEL CHURCH. (The Truth Centre).

“Truth, to keep the Lord’s Supper, as a memorial, as a service. The Lord’s Supper therefore is in remembrance of the Lord’s death till He comes, as written in I Corinthians 11:26 “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come.”

“In Exodus 12: 23, it is written for the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you”.

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Reflection

With REV. FR. JOHN DAMIAN ADIZIE PHONE: 08076635886

Exaltation Of The Cross And Essence Of Suffering

LET’S start with this famous song: “On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suffering and shame, And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best, For a world of lost sinners was slain. Ref: So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it someday for a crown.”

This hymn says it all. It is the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. It is the Exaltation and glorification of our Lord Jesus Christ, the suffering Messiah. We are here to celebrate the Cross of Calvary, the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are here to express our love for that noble cross, that old rugged cross, where our dearest Saviour hanged. We are clinging to the old rugged cross, hoping that one day God will exchange it for a crown of glory.

In this hymn the cross was depicted as the emblem of suffering and shame. It is not just an emblem of suffering and shame it was also considered as a curse for someone to die hanging on the cross. The book of Deuteronomy states, “If a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but you shall bury the same day, for a hanged man is accused by God” (Deuteronomy 21:22-23).

Death by hanging, on a tree, is considered as an abomination in most cultures.

In the Late Professor Chinua Achebe’s famous novel, “Things Fall Apart.”

Okonkwo, the great hero of the novel was not given a befitting burial; he was even thrown into the evil forest because he hanged himself on a tree. The villagers could not even touch his dead body because the people of Umuofia consider hanging on a tree as an abomination.

If the cross is a symbol of suffering, of shame and also

an abomination before men, why did God allow His only Begotten Son to die such a shameful death? There is no better explanation to this question than the one provided by St. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us – for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree – that in Christ Jesus the blessings of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Galatians 3:13-14). The death of Christ on the cross is indeed a necessary evil.

Jesus transformed the image of the cross from an emblem of shame to a symbol of blessing and victory. St. Paul presents the cross as the ladder through which Jesus was exalted: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philip 2:5-11). Our Lord Jesus Christ was exalted through the Cross.

The Cross as a symbol of healing, Number 21:4-9: when the Israelites spoke against God and Moses in the desert, God sent a fiery serpents among the people; their bite brought death to many in Israel. The people repented and pleaded for mercy. God told Moses to make a fiery serpent and put it on a standard. If anyone is bitten and looks at it, he shall live. Moses fashioned a bronze serpent which he put on a standard. Those who gazed at the bronze serpent

survived the bite from the poisonous serpent.

In the Gospel of John chapter 3:14-17, our Lord Jesus Christ told Nicodemus, “the Son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may

me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” He then added: “what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or

have eternal life.” In the Old Testament God used an ordinary bronze serpent to rescue the Israelites from death. In the New Testament gave his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ so that whoever believes in him will not perish but will have eternal life.

The Cross is the path to salvation, Luke 9:23-25: Our Lord Jesus Christ said to all, “If any man would come after

forfeits himself?”

This is the first and most important condition for becoming a Christian or a follower of Christ. If you must be a true Christian then you cannot avoid the cross.

The cross is one of the necessary certificates every Christian must carry along. It is the ladder through which we can climb into heaven. It is the surest way to heaven.

Where is there is no cross

“Jesus assured his followers: “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will lament, you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world.”

there is no crown. Our Salvation was worn by our Lord Jesus Christ through the Cross of Calvary.

Nowadays, most preachers are gradually avoiding the message of Cross. They would rather preach on prosperity, breakthrough, success and favour. Nobody wants to hear anything about suffering and no one wants to suffer. Suffering is seen as an

evil that must be averted at all cost. Ironically, the more people are trying to avoid suffering the more they find themselves in suffering situations.

Realistically, is there anyway we can completely avoid suffering in this present world? No way! Life itself is full of challenges. Since Adam and Eve committed sin and were driven from the Garden of Eden, this world has become a battle field. The world is even described as a survival of the fittest, a place hursling. After the sin of disobedience the man and the woman were punished with suffering. God told Eve, “I will greatly multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth your children, yet your desire shall

be for your husband, and he shall rule over you” (Genesis 3:16). This is the origin of suffering among women. The peak of their suffering is the labour pain. This suffering came as a result of Eve’s sin.

God did not spare the man when he said it was the woman who gave him the fruit to eat. God also told Adam, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth to you” (Genesis 3:17-19). This is the origin of men’s suffering. Men are suffering today because of Adam’s sin.

Our Lord Jesus Christ came to save human beings from suffering, death and eternal damnation. You may quickly ask, if Jesus has saved the world from suffering why then are we still suffering? Jesus did not come to remove the physical suffering.

Rather, he brought a complete meaning to people’s understanding of suffering. The suffering of an unbeliever leads to death whereas the suffering of a believer is temporary and it leads to life eternal.

Jesus assured his followers: “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will lament, you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world.

So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”

Child of God, your own suffering will soon turn into joy!

Christian suffering has expiring date. Our Lord Jesus Christ assured his disciples, “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:11). Our Lord Jesus Christ was exalted after his own suffering. Child of God, you will not suffer forever. God will use your suffering to purify you soul.

Your suffering will lead to your own exaltation. It shall be well with you in Jesus name – Amen!

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Issues

Unchanging Get In A Changing World Continued from pg. 15

midst of changing scenes life.

The biblical facts are contained in some of the passages below: a. God is the father of light and there is no variableness nor shadow of turning with Him (James 1:17; Psalm 33:11). b. Jesus Christ is the same yesterdays, today and forever (Hebrews 1 3:8; 1:12; Psalm 102:27) c. I am the Lord, I change not (Màlachi 3:6) d. I am that I am (Exodus 3:14-15) e. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8) f. The strength of Israel will not repent (1 Samuel 15:29; Romans 11:29; Numbers 23:19) g. Two immutable things are God and His word (Hebrews 6:18) h. God’s purpose, plans, power, perfection, being and promises change not (Romans 4:20-21; Isaiah 46:10; Roman 11:29).

The most categorical of the attestation statements are: (1)1 am that lam (Exodus 3:14) (2)1 am the Lord, I change not (Malachi 3:6) It is worthy of note that the most fundamental pillar of our belief in God as well as our worship of Him is that He does not change. All the other attributes hang on this theme. “the immutability of God”. We worship and reverence God for who He is.

At this stage, in this discourse, it is necessary to know the challenge posed by process theology and the problem of evil to the immutability of God. THE CHALLENGE POSED BY ADHERENTS OF PROCESS THEOLOGY The advocates of Process Theology have in recent years denied the unchangeableness of God. It is a theological position that says that process and change are essential aspects of genuine e and as a result, God must be changing over time.

Charles Hartshorne, the Father of process theology, would say that “God is continually adding to Himself all the experiences that happen anywhere in the universe and as a result, God is continually changing. The real appeal of process theology comes from the fact that all people have a deep longing to mean something, to feel significant in the universe.

Process theologians dislike the doctrine of God’s immutability because they think it implies that nothing we do can really matter to God. If God is really unchangeable process theologians will say what difference do we make or how can we have any ultimate meaning? In response to this question, process theologians

reject the doctrine of God’s immutability and tell us that our actions are so significant that they have an influence on the very being of God Himself.

To them, as we act and as the universe changes, God is truly affected by these than what He was) Advocates of process theology often mistakenly accuse evangelical Christians or the biblical writers of believing in a God who cannot respond differently to different situations. Somewhere we have said that our God is both immanent and transcendent.

We think that process theologians missed the point in two ways — 1. Scripture is clear that our ultimate significance comes not from being able to change the being of God, but from the fact that God has created us for His glory and that He counts us significant.

2. Scripture denies that assumption of the process theologian that God must be changeable like us men or the universe He created when it says, You, Lord did found the earth in the beginning, and the heaven are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all grow old like a garment... they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end, Psalm 102:25-27; Hebrews 1:10-12.

THE PROBLEM OF EVIL AND THE CHANGELESSNESS OF GOD The problem of evil has been the most potent and greatest objection to the existence of God. The atheistic philosopher attempt the destruction of the credibility of God’s nature of which the unchangeableness of God is one by advancing the following premises: a. God is good b. God’s world is good c. Evil exists in the world d. God is powerful e. God is unwilling to remove evil.

Their logical conclusion is that if God is good and He created a good world and evil came into the world against the wish of God and He has not removed the evil, it means God is unwilling to remove evil since he is both holy and detest evil and also has the power to remove evil. In that case, God either to be said to like evil or He is evil Himself, but if He had wanted to remove evil and He could not, it means therefore, God is not omnipotent. What has given rise to this is the Christian traditional belief in God as the unique uncreated, eternal, personal Spirit, absolute in goodness and power. The problem therefore is if God is perfectly good, He must want to abolish all evil; if He is unlimitedly powerful. He must be able to abolish all evil; but evil exists; therefore, either

God is not perfectly good or He is not unlimitedly powerful.

It can further be put in this way: God either wishes to take away evil, ‘and is unable: or He is able and is unwilling: or He is neither willing nor able, or He is both willing and able, If He is willing and is unable, He is feeble, which is not in accordance with the character of God; if He is able and unwilling, He is envious, which is equally at variance with God; if He is neither willing nor able, He is both envious and feeble, and therefore not God: if He is both willing and able, which

among us” (John 1:14). He came into the world through the Blessed Virgin Mary in a mystery known as the INCARNATION — God becoming man. What did He come to do? According to Him, “... I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10”). How was He to do this? “... to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). “... because without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrew 9:22). This is because “For God so loved the world that He gave....” (John 3:16). The Wycliffe Dictionary

alone is suitable to God, from what source then are evils or why does He not remove them?

(John Hick 1977:5)’ However, Christian philosophies through the ages have refuted these assertions though providing a theodicy that exonerates God from evil.

God has created man as a free being and as a result, man takes absolute responsibility for his sins and failures. What we are saying here is that the fact that God knows that evil will befall someone does not make Him the causes of such evil.

We have been talking about God all along and it is pertinent to ask which God are we talking about?

THE ADVENT OF GOD IN HISTORY: HE CAME INTO THE WORLD In the Athanasius Creed, it is stated “.... We worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity... for there is one person of the Father, another of the Son and another of the Holy Spirit. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit is all one ... so the Father is God, the Son is God and the Holy Spirit i God, but one God”. All we have been saying about God in the foregoing discussion is automatically applicable to this person of the blessed Trinity.

His personality was revealed when God put on flesh and came into the world. “And the World became flesh and dwelt

(1975:1463) lend credence to this by saying “Jesus Christ Himself as the Son of God is God’s supreme revelation to man” (Hebrew 1:1.3)14. God’s plan for mankind does not change despite the depravity and perversion of man. In the incarnation God entered into the world He created.

We must not compromise either the uniqueness or universality of Christ or both, It is possible to be committed and creative in our missionary approach while at the same time being clear about how God has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ, how through His sacrificial death He has set us right with Him and how the resurrection of Jesus not only casts a new light on the whole creation. But is also transforming it according to God’s purpose, beginning with us.

Having identified this God as Jesus Christ, who is the same in the Old Testament day, in the Gospel day and will be so His people forever, let us briefly xray the features of the changing world. This will be treated under the following headings — religiously, economically, politically, socially and scientifically before an attempt is made to draw a conclusion.

RELIGIOUS SPHERE There is a fast and systematic from the Orthodox faith once delivered to the saints. There is the acceptance

and promotion of a different ‘Gospel’ (Cf Galatians 1:6-8) which is contrary to the apostolic gospels. This false gospel advocated by the revisionists undermines the authority of God’s word written and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the author of salvation from sin, death and judgment.

Many of its adherents claim that all religions offer equal access to God and that Jesus Christ is only a way, not the way, the truth and the life, it supports and promotes a variety of sexual preferences and immoral behavior as a universal human right. It has advanced to the extent of claiming God’s blessings for same- sex unions over and against the biblical teaching on holy matrimony. What used to be sacred is now seen as secular and ordinary. The doctrine of sin is being redefined. The Church is under serious persecutions all over the world and it is suffering from heretical teachings of the West.

There is no more respect for human life as Islamic terrorists believe that killing Christians will lead them to heaven.

There is also the preaching of prosperity as opposed to the preaching of salvation messages. The reverence, awe and fear of God are no longer seen in modern Churches. God is now seen as common and ordinary in a bid to demystify the God of all creation. The religious superstructure has witnessed syncretism, heresies, deceits, manipulation of gullible believers, interpretation of scripture to justify evil and egoism.

The Cross, which is central to the teaching of Jesus Christ, has been removed from Christianity. It is another form of heresy because if there is no cross there cannot be a crown.

Michael Nazir — All (2012:55) says, The universal implications of the cross remind us of the socalled classic ideas of atonement: the central point here is that in the conflicts between God’s will and those elements of his creation that resist his will, Christ, through the cross, has defeated the devil and all his works, winning a decisive victory and, among other things, liberating us from bondage to sin and death.

Many believers have been kidnapped from or on their way from Church services. The Church is in the world and as light, it ought to give the world its standards but the contrary is the case. Believers are killed for their faith even while in Churches to worship their God. In the religious spheres, our God is still unchanging and He is calling the Church to bear an effective witness to the salvation wrought by Jesus Christ through His one, full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice on the cross for all.

ECONOMIC SPHERE The Nigerian economy is a

mono-product economy and remains over dependent on the capital intensive oil sector which provides 95 percent of foreign exchange earnings and almost 68 percent of government revenue. The reliance on oil as the major revenue yielding venture in the country led to the neglect of the agricultural sector which was the main source of revenue in the 1960s. He lgbikiowubo observed that “Although the oil and gas has generated revenue in excess of $500 billion in the last 54 years. It has failed to catalyze industrial growth and economic development of the country” Furthermore, most of the minerals are lying fallow untapped.

The largely subsistence agricultural sector has not kept up with the rapid population growth and Nigeria.

Once a large net exporter of food, now imports some of its food products particularly rice.

It must be pointed out that the economic environment is harsh in the absence of adequate power generation to drive the manufacturing sector. Some of the manufacturing concerns have relocated to neighboring countries while many of those remaining operate much below rated capacity. An economy that was hitherto predicated on the value of honesty, fear of God and hard work is now bedeviled by corruption.

Advanced Free Fraud (419), money laundering, unemployment, poor investment climate, the absence of adequate infrastructure (power, roads, water) which has adversely escalated the cost of doing business in Nigeria and has forced companies to migrate to neighbouring countries.

To discuss nation-building in our context without recognizing the religious factor which undergirds our moral values, tradition and thinking is to miss the point. There is no doubt that religious of the world claim to have a perspective on the pattern of development to the extent that they claim the control of the whole person and the society.

Each has a set of social ethics which should govern the direction of development. If we define development as liberation (emancipation of man from poverty, fear, exploitation, ignorance, dependence on foreign money exports, dirty environment) it is unreasonable to ignore the religious factor in planning national and economic development. Planning for the development a human community must consider the whole garment of what makes a human being. For example, scholars have always said that the problem of Nigeria is leadership. As the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ, not left us with the pattern of servant leadership?

How have we appropriated this leadership style in all spheres of life?

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International Features

Putin Promises New Weapons To Fend Western Threats RUSSIA will counter military moves by the U.S. and NATO with an array of new nuclear and conventional weapons, President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday as the military successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine.

At the same time, he emphasized that Russia will not enter a new arms race and will tightly control its military budget to avoid overburdening the economy.

Putin accused the West of using the crisis in Ukraine to reinvigorate NATO, warning that Moscow will ponder a response to the alliance’s decision to create a rapid-reaction “spearhead” force to protect Eastern Europe.

The statement appeared to signal that the Russian leader is determined to pursue a tough course in the face of more Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis that has sent Russia-West relations plummeting to their lowest point since the Cold War. Addressing a Kremlin meeting on w e a p o n s modernization, Putin ominously warned the West against getting “hysterical” about Moscow’s re-arming efforts, in view of U.S. missile defense plans and other decisions he said have challenged Russia’s security.

“We have warned many times that we

would have to take c o r r e s p o n d i n g countermeasures to ensure our security,” Putin said, adding that he would now take personal charge of the government commission overseeing military industries. “I would like to underline that we only take retaliatory steps.”

Putin claimed that some in the West would like to pull Russia into a new arms race, but “we will not enter such race, it’s absolutely excluded.”

He argued that Russia needs to upgrade its arsenals to replace Sovietdesigned weapons approaching the end of their designated lifetime.

Putin’s comments came as the European Union was mulling a new wave of sanctions against Russia intended to persuade it to honor its part of a cease-fire agreement signed last week.

A decision is expected later this week.

Putin said Russia’s weapons modernization program for 2016-2025 should focus on building a new array of offensive weapons to provide a “guaranteed nuclear deterrent;” re-arming strategic and long-range aviation; creating an aerospace defense system and developing highprecision conventional weapons.

He would not elaborate on prospective weapons, but he and other officials have repeatedly boasted about new Russian nuclear missiles’ capability to penetrate any prospective missile shield.

The Kremlin has bolstered defense spending in the past few years under an ambitious weapons modernization program that

runs through 2020 and costs the equivalent of $540 billion.

Russia inherited most of its arsenal from the Soviet Union and has struggled to develop new weapons systems after the post-Soviet industrial meltdown.

With

seem to have cured the glitches, and the navy boasted of a successful launch of the Bulava from a nuclear submarine on Wednesday. Two more launches are set for the fall.

Putin’s emphasis on highprecision conventional weapons reflected

Washington’s plans to develop new conventional weapons that could strike targets anywhere in the world in as little as an hour with deadly precision.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who is in charge of weapons industries, told reporters

arms makers may find hard to replace. Western nations also have cut exports of military components to Russia.

Ukraine and the West have repeatedly accused Moscow of fueling the insurgency in mostly Russian-speaking east of the country with arms, expertise and even its own troops, accusations Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin (2nd left) and China Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli (right) at a ceremony marking the new China-Russia gas pipeline, near Yakutsk recently.

hundreds of subcontractors going out of production, Russian arms manufacturers often had to make components themselves, swelling costs and affecting production quality.

The difficulties faced by the Russian arms industry have been highlighted by the long and painful development of the Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile, which has suffered repeated launch failures.

Its designers finally

government concerns about the U.S. and other NATO countries enjoying a significant edge in that area.

The comparative weakness of Russia’s conventional arsenals have prompted Russia to rely increasingly on a nuclear deterrent, with the nation’s military doctrine envisaging the possibility that Russia may use nuclear weapons first in response to a conventional aggression.

Talking about potential threats, the Russian president specifically pointed at the U.S. missile defense program and

“Putin’s comments came as the European Union was mulling a new wave of sanctions against Russia intended to persuade it to honor its part of a cease-fire agreement signed last week. A decision is expected later this week.”

after the meeting that Russia will respond to the U.S. challenge by developing its strategic nuclear forces and aerospace defenses.

Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said the military will focus on developing defensive systems to counter the socalled Prompt Global Strike programs developed by the United States, but could also develop a Russian analogue of that, according to the Interfax news agency.

Putin said Russian defense industries must rid themselves of a dependence on imports and quickly become capable of producing key components at home.

Faced with a pro-Russian insurgency in the east backed by Moscow, Ukraine has already cut arms exports to Russia.

They include missile components, helicopter engines and turbines for naval ships that Russian

denies. In late August, NATO estimated that more than 1,000 Russian troops were operating on Ukrainian soil, helping to turn the tide of the war in the rebels’ favor.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Wednesday that a ceasefire deal signed last week in Belarus envisaged the “restoration and preservation of Ukrainian sovereignty” over the regions engulfed by the mutiny.

“Ukraine has made no concessions with regards to its territorial integrity,” Poroshenko said during a televised Cabinet meeting.

He sought to cast the deal as a victory, saying that since the agreement, 70 percent of the Russian troops in Ukraine have been withdrawn.

He also said 700 Ukrainian prisoners had been freed from rebel captivity and expressed hope that another 500 would be freed by the end of the week.

Courtesy: AP

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International

China, Russia To Build Seaport

BEIJING - China and Russia will build one of the largest ports in northeast Asia on Russia’s Sea of Japan coast, reports said, in a further sign of the powerhouses’ growing alliance.

The seaport is expected to be able to handle some 60 million tonnes of cargo a year, China’s state-run People’s Daily Online reported late Wednesday — comparable to Britain’s busiest port Immingham or Le Havre in France, according to European Commission statistics.

The new facility will be located in far eastern Russia, just 18 kilometres (11 miles) away from the Chinese border.

The region is also close to North Korea.

Chinese and Russian leaders

inked a deal on the port at May’s Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Shanghai, the report said.

The move represents the latest step by Beijing and Moscow to boost their energy and infrastructure ties.

Resource-hungry China is seeking to diversify its sources of energy amid booming domestic consumption, while Russia — at odds with the West over its annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula — is seeking to refocus its gas and oil exports towards Asia.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli attended the groundbreaking of

BEIJING - Vietnam has nearly doubled its military spending, Japan is requesting its biggest-ever defense budget and the Philippines is rushing to piece together a viable navy.

Several Asian nations are arming up, their wary eyes

fixed squarely on one country: a resurgent China that’s boldly asserting its territorial claims all along the East Asian coast.

The scramble to spend more defense dollars comes amid spats with China over

WASHINGTON - The United States said it was “deeply troubled” Wednesday after the world’s chemical watchdog confirmed the systematic use of chlorine as a weapon in war-torn Syria.

President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the rebels fighting it have both accused the other of using chemical agents, including chlorine, in the bloody uprising that began in March 2011.

Damascus promised to hand over all its chemical arms, and tonnes of chemical agents have been destroyed by international monitors.

But a mission by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons found “compelling confirmation” that a toxic chemical was used “systematically and repeatedly” as a weapon in villages in northern Syria earlier this year.

The OPCW said in a statement that the reporting team had been able “to conclude with a high degree of confidence that chlorine, either pure or in mixture, is the toxic chemical in question.”

Chlorine is a widely available chemical that is non-persistent and so conclusively proving its use is a challenging task.

“We are deeply troubled by this report,” said US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf.

Syria did not have to declare its stockpile of chlorine — a

weak toxic agent that can be considered a chemical weapon if used offensively — as part of a disarmament deal agreed last year because it is widely used for commercial and domestic purposes.

a gas pipeline that will help Russia supply China under a huge energy deal.

After a decade of tough negotiations Chinese and

Russian leaders inked a 30-year deal, $400-billion agreement in May that will eventually involve 38 billion cubic metres of gas annually.

Picture by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement shows some of the $65mn in cash recovered during a coordinated multi-agency bust in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Asia Arms Up To Counter Growing Chinese Might US Deeply Troubled By Syria Chlorine Report

contested reefs and waters.

Other Asian countries such as India and South Korea are quickly modernizing their forces, although their disputes with China have stayed largely at the diplomatic level.

Asian countries now account for about half of the world’s arms imports, with China leading the way by quadrupling its annual military budget over the past decade.

The growth in military spending has largely kept pace with economic expansion,

although it’s been pulling ahead in China, Vietnam and several other countries this year.

China’s goal is to dislodge the U.S. as the dominant power in the Pacific, said Robert D. Kaplan, chief geopolitical analyst for the U.S.-based intelligence research firm Stratfor. Among the stakes are vital shipping lanes in the South China Sea and potentially lucrative pockets of oil and natural gas under East Asian waters.

Police Raid Drug Cartel

LOS ANGELES, USA Police staged mass dawn raids in Los Angeles on Wednesday, seizing at least $65 million in cash and funds allegedly linked to money-laundering for Mexican drug cartels.

In what was dubbed “Operation Fashion Police, nine people were arrested as some 1,000 officers fanned out in the Fashion District in downtown Los Angeles, which one official called the “epicenter of narco-dollar money laundering.”

One business targeted in the huge crackdown was alleged to have laundered ransom payments which secured the release of a US national who was tortured while held in Mexico, prosecutors said.

Police executed dozens of search warrants on businesses suspected of using so-called “Black Market Peso Exchange” (BMPE) schemes to launder narcotics proceeds for international drug cartels.

Some $35 million in cash was found in one warehouses alone. Police released pictures of the money crammed into cardboard boxes.

“We have targeted money

laundering activities in the Fashion District based on a wealth of information that numerous businesses there are engaged in Black Market Peso Exchange schemes,” said Assistant US Attorney Robert E. Dugdale.

“Los Angeles has become the epicenter of narco-dollar money laundering with couriers regularly bringing duffel bags and suitcases full of cash to many businesses,” he

added.

In all, three indictments were unsealed Wednesday, revealing details of alleged moneylaundering and other criminal activity.

In one case the notorious Sinaloa Drug Cartel allegedly beat, shot, electrocuted and waterboarded the victim in a ranch in Culiacan, before relatives paid $140,000 in ransom for his release.

ISMAILIA, Egypt Residents in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula said on Wednesday they found a beheaded corpse bearing a note signed by an Islamist militant group linked to the Syria and Iraq-based Islamic State, accusing the victim of being an Israeli spy.

The beheading is the eighth claimed by the group in Sinai in under a month in a surge of brutal killings seemingly inspired by Islamic State, which has been internationally condemned for its atrocities and has been the target of U.S. air strikes.

Residents from a village south

of the town of Sheikh Zuweid in northern Sinai told Reuters by phone that the decapitated body bore a note signed by Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, saying he was an agent for Israeli spy agency Mossad.

“This is the fate of all who prove to be traitors to their homeland,” the group said in the note, according to the villagers.

A senior Ansar commander told Reuters last week that Islamic State, an al Qaeda offshoot that controls large swathes of Syria and Iraq, had been advising the Sinai-based group on how to operate more effectively.

Islamist Militants Leave Signed Note On Beheaded Corpse

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014

Scholes Weighs In On Van Gaal’s ‘Biggest Problem FORMER Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes manager Louis van Gaal’s greatest challenge is accommodating the attacking options he now has at his disposal.

And he also thinks the Dutchman must sort out the Red Devils’ suspect defence if they are to secure a return to the Champions League this season.

The £59.7 million arrival of Argentina winger Angel di Maria and on-loan Colombia striker Radamel Falcao means Van Gaal now has to fit them into a team which also has England and Holland captains Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, Spain international Juan Mata and precocious teenager Adnan Januzaj.

Falcao could make his debut at home to QPR on Sunday but it remains to be seen how the United boss will set up his side.

Asked if the biggest problem is fitting everyone into a starting XI, Scholes told MUTV: “It is yeah, but it’s not a bad problem to have.

“Fans have been moaning about the type of players that were at the club and now you can’t do that.

“I think Ed Woodward (executive vice-chairman) has done his job brilliantly during this transfer window with some great signings.

“The calibre of player we have brought in is top quality, like Di Maria and Falcao.

“These are proper players.

We just have to find a way of getting them all in the same team, playing well and scoring goals - which we have struggled to do a little bit.

“Now it is over to the manager to sort everything out and make us a good team again.

“Defensively we haven’t been great either so he needs to sort that out. Then, I’m sure we can be vying for Champions League places.”

Di Maria has proven his versatility in a number of positions for club and country but Scholes feels he has to become the go-to winger for his new side.

“I would like to see Di Maria play wide,” Scholes added.

“Whether van Gaal is going to play with wide players I’m not too sure, but we saw the other night that he was devastating for Argentina against Germany in wide areas.

“Whether it is the right or lefthand side, his pace is frightening.

“He can go past players and score goals. That is something we have been missing.

“I am sure he can play in the central areas as well, but if I was picking him then it would be in the wide areas.”

Agbonlahor Signs New Villa Deal ASTON Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has signed a new four-year contract at the club.

The Birmingham-born 27-year-old, who has made more than 300 appearances for Villa, had no hesitation in extending his stay at the club he joined as a youngster.

“It’s a great feeling to be signing for Aston Villa,” he told AVFC TV. “It was not a hard decision, for myself and the club it was easy to get it sorted.

Gabriel Agbonlahor

“The club has been great to me and the fans have been great through hard times and the last three or four years have been hard times for the club.

“They have stuck by me as a player and hopefully I can pay them back through my performances over the next four years.

“It’s a fantastic feeling for me to commit my future to Aston Villa and I’m excited for this season and I’m excited for the next four years.”

United Targeting Top-Three Finish -Woodward

MANCHESTER United have set a target of finishing in the top three of the Premier League this season, the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has revealed.

Woodward said a top-three finish was what club chiefs had budgeted for this season - and he also played down the possibility of further new signings in January to boost Louis van Gaal’s squad.

He said the club are “at the start of something special” under van Gaal despite admitting income will fall by up to £48million as the price for missing out on Europe.

Woodward announced record revenues of £433.2million for last season, while it was revealed the club paid out £5.2million in compensation payments to sacked manager David Moyes and some members of his coaching team.

The United vice-chairman said in a conference call with club investors: “Our budgets assume a third-placed finish, as is ordinarily the case.

“The 2013-14 season was a very challenging and disappointing one. But under Louis there is a real feeling at the training ground that we are at the start of something special.

“We are very excited about the

future and believe it’s the start of a new chapter in the club’s history.

“I’m confident with Louis as our manager, with a clear philosophy and a reinvigorated squad, we will get back to challenging for the

title and trophies.

“His track record for delivering top level teams speaks for itself. We’ve had an excellent summer having signed Angel di Maria, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo and Radamel

Paul Scholes

Only Wenger’s Opinion That Matters -Ozil MESUT Ozil has again defended his record since joining Arsenal and insists the opinion of Arsene Wenger is the only one that counts.

Wenger, who smashed the club’s transfer record last summer by paying +50 million for the 25-yearold, recently praised Ozil, saying “everything he does is intelligent” despite criticism in some quarters for his performances at the Emirates.

And the former Werder Bremen playmaker revealed that as long as he retains the faith of his manager he will have the confidence to perform.

“I’m not so sure about the praise.

You always have to deliver on the pitch,” Ozil told the club’s official website. “I’m so proud to play for

a club with so many fans but my goal is firstly to help the team on the pitch and I do that.

“What’s most important for me is what the boss thinks of me. He gives me his trust and he knows the potential I have.

I’m just thankful that he’s given me his faith and I think that if he says I play intelligently, then he’s probably right!”

The Germany World Cup winner endured a difficult first season in English football and has started the current campaign slowly following his exploits in Brazil this summer.

However, the ex-Real Madrid star believes the number of assists he provided

last season - nine in the Premier League - should have provided enough evidence to silence his many doubters.

“I’m very proud of my assist record,” Ozil added. “Often there is a lot of talk or a lot written about goals and not necessarily about who has given the assist, which is normal. But you can’t forget that the assists are just as important as goals,” he told the club’s official website.

“But it doesn’t matter who sets up the goal or who scores it, the most important thing is that we are successful as a team. I’m a player who doesn’t score that many goals but gives a lot more assists.

Falcao on a one-year loan.”

Asked about the prospect of more ‘cap-ex’ - capital expenditure on new players in January. Woodward played down the likelihood.

He said: “We don’t intend to significantly increase capex in January. We will continue to monitor in association with Louis his view of the squad and which areas we want to strengthen and which areas we want to sell. The usual three in, three out is par for the course in the numbers in and out each year, typically in the summer.”

The annual figures also show that the club made a £23.8million profit, down from £146.4million in 2012/ 13 but that huge sum was entirely due to a one-off tax credit from USA assets of £155million.

United’s wage bill rose 19 per cent to £214.8million, an increase of £34.3million “primarily due to the impact of player acquisitions and renegotiated player contracts”, according to the annual report.

The figures reveal United’s sponsorship income increased by 49 per cent last year with a number of new deals coming on stream.

Woodward said the new £750million Adidas deal was a major boost for the club.

He added: “Commercially we continue to go from strength to strength. The record deal with Adidas underpinned our attempts to compete for the next decade.

“The £750million Adidas deal is a record, not just in football, but in all sports. This is the culmination of four years of hard work. We had offers from more than 20 companies around the world.”

Agbonlahor made his Premier League debut in March 2006 at the age of 19, scoring in the 4-1 defeat to Everton.

He insists he still feels the same playing for the club today as he did back then.

“It has gone quickly. I can still remember my debut and the past 10 years have gone by crazy quick,” he added.

“You still get that buzz of pulling on the Villa shirt, that doesn’t go.

“It is still a dream come true for me to sign on for another four years and continue playing for the club I love.

“To be able to contribute for 10 years and hopefully the next four years is of great pride for me.”

Fellaini Vows To Prove Worth

MAROUANE Fellaini insists he will fight to prove his worth at Manchester United this season.

The Belgium international was the subject of interest from Serie A side Napoli in the summer, with Louis van Gaal reportedly deeming the £27 million signing from Everton expendable.

However, no permanent deal materialised and Fellaini remains at United, with the midfielder now outlining his intention to cement his place in the starting XI as the season progresses.

“I want to fight for my place,” Fellaini said. “The coach wants to play with the 11 players who make the best team. I want to be part of that.

“I’ve had a meeting with the coach before the start of the season where he told me that there is a lot of competition in midfield. I told him that I wanted to compete with the other players for a place in the starting XI. “Louis van Gaal is a good coach. We have a lot of team meetings and he analyses much - other teams, our own players at training, a lot.

Everywhere he has been, he was successful.”

United added to their midfield in the summer, acquiring Ander Herrera, Angel Di Maria and Daley Blind ahead of the transfer deadline.

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Bastia Reacts Over BASTIA have reacted Fan Ban angrily to the French

Tevez Joins Juventus BAD news for Juventus, Injured List as Carlos Tevez has joined Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo on the treatment table.

Tevez pulled up during today’s training session in Turin and reports suggest he has suffered a muscular

Carles Teves

injury.

That would rule him out of this weekend’s Serie A game against Udinese, while he’d also be at risk for the Champions League clash with Malmo and the next fixture at Milan.

Today it was confirmed Vidal will be out for at least a week due to a thigh problem he picked up while on international duty with Chile.

Pirlo and Alvaro Morata are also out of action, while Andrea Barzagli is recovering from Achilles tendon surgery.

Giorgio Chiellini continues his suspension.

Alonso and Angel Di Maria.

The titleholders have collected four points from their opening two matches, while Saturday’s hosts sit 10th in the table at the moment with three points.

Interior Minister’s decision to ban Lens fans from travelling to Corsica for Saturday’s Ligue 1 fixture.

Bernard Cazeneuve took the step in response to violence at Bastia’s home game with Marseille on the opening day of the season, when pitched battles outside the Stade Furiani left a reported 44 police officers injured.

Though no such step was taken for Bastia’s home game with Toulouse last month — as the southwesterners have very small travelling support — the measure was considered necessary given the much more significant following Lens would bring with them from northern France.

In a statement released on their official website,

Bastia expressed their “consternation and anger” at the move, and claimed it was “seriously defamatory vis-a-vis our supporters.” They also argued that their fans were being stereotyped.

The statement added: “Without denying that against Marseille certain youngsters had their faces covered, we remind the Minister that the Sporting Club of Bastia is neither the Ku Klux Klan and nor should the Stade Furiani be confused with holy week in Pamplona.”

The club added they reserved the right to take counter-measures against the Minister’s decision, and stated Cazeneuve had acknowledged mistakes had been made in explaining the reasoning behind it.

BAYERN Munich attacker Franck Ribery has insisted that he has no intention of making a France comeback after retiring from international football earlier this summer.

The 31-year-old was heavily criticised for his decision to say farewell to the national team by Michel Platini and the Uefa president even threatened Ribery with a ban if he were to ignore a call-up from Didier Deschamps.

However, Ribery - who missed out on the World Cup through injury - has stressed the matter has long been

sorted with Deschamps and he is keen to focus on his club duties from now on.

“I have already said before I have retired from international duty and I will not go back on my decision,” the attacker told Der Welt.

“I have discussed this with France coach Deschamps and we reached an agreement on it.

“I want to focus completely on Bayern Munich in the future. That’s all I want to say about the matter. I am not going to get involved in all the politics surrounding my decision.”

Ribery made 81

international appearances for France, scoring 16 goals.

Simeone

Who Will Win The Madrid Derby?

REAL Madrid host Atletico Madrid on Saturday in what is already the third Madrid derby of the 201415 campaign.

League final (4-1 aet) as well The Champions as in the 2013-14 Copa del League holders had to Rey (5-0 agg).

In La Liga, the Bernabeu settle for a 1-1 draw at outfit hold a superior record the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the over Atletico, winning 85 of Supercopa de Espana on their 154 encounters up to August 19, before they date, while drawing 33 and were beaten 1-0 in the losing just 36.

However, the Calderon return at the Vicente Calderon three days later side were the stronger of the following Mario two in the league last season, Mandzukic’s early goal. winning 1-0 in the away Atleti have not always game, while drawing 2-2 at been this successful home.

Diego Simeone’s men against Madrid, though, as they were beaten by eventually won their first La their arch-rivals in last Liga title since 1995-96 after year’s Champions bagging four points against

their cross-town rivals and they will be desperate to repeat that feat this term.

Atletico might have lost star players Thibaut Courtois, Filipe Luis and Diego Costa, but they brought in some fine replacements in Miguel Moya, Cristian Ansaldi and Mario Mandzukic, while they also secured the services of Antoine Griezmann and Alessio Cerci.

Madrid, meanwhile, spent big to lure World Cup sensation James Rodriguez and Germany star Toni Kroos to La Liga, although they lost Xabi

Simeone ‘Transformed The Madrid ATLETICO Madrid “Hopefully, as has Derby’ defender Juanfran says that happened many times in Madrid derbies are no longer the same since Diego Simeone arrived as boss.

The Champions visit the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday and Spanish international Juanfran has assured Atleti fans that Simeone, who took over in December 2011, will also never alter his philosophy.

Since the arrival of the Coach we have worked in a way and planned matches so that we are closer to winning games than losing them,” he told a Press conference.

“Years ago it would have been unthinkable that Atletico would win the derby. I heard Madrid fans saying it was impossible for us to beat them, but since Simeone took over

things have changed.

“Even so, the boss will not change and neither will the players, so I’m convinced we have prepared as best we can for Saturday, when we can get three very important points.”

Juanfran believes that the mental toughness Simeone has instilled in his squad does not allow for any kind of relaxation.

“There will never be any over-confidence, not with Real Madrid or any other team. We go into every match the same way with the idea of winning.

“We leave any false confidence in the dressing room and it’s true that since the boss came in the derbies have been very close.

“We have managed to break the losing streak we had with Madrid for so many years and their players and supporters now view us differently.

previous years, we can win again at the Bernabeu.

“That is what we are going there to do,” he warned.

Salvatore Sirigu

I Will Not Make France Comeback - Ribery

Franck Ribery

Sirigu Happy With PSG Extension ITALY goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu is delighted to have put pen to paper on a new contract at Paris Saint-Germain.

“I wanted to continue this great adventure with PSG,” stated the man signed from Palermo in the summer of 2011.

It is beautiful from a sporting and human point of view.

“We are only at the beginning of something special and we can still win so much together.”

Sirigu, second choice for the Italian national side behind Gigi Buffon, is now tied to the French outfit until June 2018.

The custodian has won the Ligue 1 title on two occasions so far – in 2012-13 and 201314.

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NFF Crisis: NIGERIAN football as an entity has not known peace since the end of the FIFA World cup tagged; “Brazil 2014,” where Nigeria crashed out in the group of 16, after suffering a 2-0 defeat in the hands of france.

Shortly after the super Eagle’s loss, President of the Nigeria football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Aminu Maigari, was abruptly sacked on the allegation of “financial impropriety and maladministration in football matters” but he was later reinstated after directives from the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) in August.

Maigari’s return sparked another round of bickering at the headquaters of the NFF in Abuja otherwise known as the Glass house. His reinstatement was greeted by a fire outbreak at the NFF building which destroyed vital documents in three offices belonging to the president, accounts department and the secretary general.

When Maigari returned to office, his seat was already taking by his former deputy, Mike Umeh, as acting president pending elections. This created more confusion as Umeh held his ground and claimed that Maigari has resigned; The next president had to come in through an election.

The Federal government stepped in and through the secretary to the Federal Government, Senator Pius Anyim, mandated them to settle their differences and sell forms to those who were not allowed initially. In that meeting, Anyim made it clear that Maigari could not contest again. With

When Will It Stop?

his seemingly out of the race, Maigari shifted his support to another candidate Shehu Dikko.

Maigari had 20 delegates on his side out of the 45 that were eligible to vote. Prior to

By EDET ELIJAH/UGAGBE STANDLEY/ MBADAUGHA KINGSLEY

conducting the elections, which the other faction opposed, because they believe his presence would influence the outcome of

Suites, while the other group held theirs at Chida Hotel.Both Hotels were in Abuja and were held at the same time Chris Giwa was elected

the election. The congress split into two and the election went on, as Maigari’s loyalist held theirs at Bently

as president at Chida Hotels.

Maigari’s group decided to meet again to draw a roadmap for the election, which they scheduled to hold in Calabar when Nigeria would play against Dr. Congo in the qualifiers for the forth coming African Cup of Nations.

When Maigari insisted on conducting the NFF

Tammy Danagogo

the election, when they got to the venue, security men arrested Maigari on the claims that he insisted on

Aminu Maigari

election, the minister of sports, Tammy Danagogo presented a letter of resignation written by Maigari, even though Maigari said he did not resign. FIFA has said that the NFF must go back to the status quo but it was pointed out that he officially resigned after the World Cup. Though the NFF had been riddled with crises in the past, this one seems to be different.

Since Maigari and his executive committee assumed office, the NFF has contentled with over 45 court cases.

While dissolving M a i g a r i ’ s administration, the NFF congress gave reasons that included the ability of the NFF to resolve issues of finance with the Super Eagles ahead of the 2014 World cup, especially the bonus crisis that caused the country an embarrassment, as the players almost boycolted the rest of the tournament.

Maigari’s administration was accused of abuse in its constitution in its Electoral committee, by altering the list of persons approved by the congress at the 2013 general assembly in Delta state and inaugurating a different committee.

The congress also accused Maigari and his team of hindering grassroots football

development by failing to avail state football associations of their annual grant.

It was also gathered that Maigari grew ire of most of the F.A chairman because he did not pay their subvention from FIFA for three years.

However, apart from his perceived failing, Maigaris achievements cannot be wished away.

It is on record that the success achieved by the national football teams in the past few years were during Maigari’s tenure. They include triumphs at the FIFA U17 World cup, and the Africa cup of Nations followed by qualification for the FIFA World cup in Brazil.

It has become a sort of tradition for NFF presidents to come into office “by the swords” and leave the same way. Many observers of Nigerian football posits that the problems go deeper than the personalities involved so, whatever becomes of Maigari, if he leaves or stays, and whoever take over from him, the more important questions are, Will football administration improve? Will there be sanity in NFF? Will the division in the football body and many court cases on its back vanish? Will there be a new era in the NFF? What will happen after Maigari?.

“It has become a sort of tradition for NFF presidents to come into office “by the swords” and leave the same way.”

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Matters Any Hope In Sight? I n F o c u s

Bridging Polytechnic-University Degree Dichotomy:

THE discrimination between Higher National Diploma (HND) and university degree holders when it gets to job placements and career progression has been a source of grave concern, particularly to HND holders.

Educationists describe polytechnic education as a system of education that places considerable emphasis on practical training and technological knowhow.

On the other hand, university education is designed to produce graduates with theoretical understanding and competence in various disciplines.

Observers, however, underscore the need to maintain fairness in dealing with issues relating to the products of the two categories of tertiary education.

They note that while it takes four years of academic studies with practical applications in the polytechnic to acquire HND, a university degree, on the other hand, is obtained after undergoing undergraduate studies for four or more years, depending on the courses.

However, HND holders claim that they face some discrimination with regard to their career progression in different organisations, as some ceilings are placed on their career advancement.

They argue that the disparity in the treatment of HND holders and university graduates has made the public to view polytechnic education as inferior to university education.

They note that on several occasions, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics protested against the disparity.

Observers, nonetheless, note that the disparity and the public perception of the quality of polytechnic diplomas vis a vis university degrees have somewhat put additional pressure on university admission processes.

They say that the removal of the discrimination between HND certificates and university degrees was one of the kernels of ASUPís demands when it embarked

on an indefinite strike in October 2013. The strike was, however, called off in July 2014.

In a bid to address this controversy, the Federal Government in May 2014 inaugurated a committee to examine the difference between the polytechnic education and university education.

The committee is mandated to review the curriculum for HND studies, including the possibility of introducing a bridging course that can enable polytechnic graduates to attain the highest positions in the public service.

It is also expected to look into ways of designing a programme that would enable polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) degrees.

Inaugurating the committee, Mr Nyesom Wike, the Supervising Minister of Education at that time, said that the committee was set up as part of efforts to resolve one of the key demands of ASUP. Wike urged the committee to work hard within stipulated time to resolve the challenge posed by the dichotomy.

Observers, however, commend the Federal Government for the initiative, insisting that the review will address some salient issues in education sector.

Mr Akin Shogunle, a lecturer in Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, said that the harmonisation of HND certificates and university degrees ought to have been done before now.

He, however, noted that the training, which HND holders received, was expected to complement that of the university degree holders, particularly in the area of technical studies.

“University degree and HND holders should be accorded the same recognition; it will go a long way in bringing peace and stability to the tertiary education system.

“This is because people are no longer interested in going to polytechnics because of the perceptible differences,íí he said.

Shogunle, nonetheless, lauded the governmentís

commitment in efforts to resolve the differences between the holders of the two certificates permanently.

However, Mr John Bassey, a civil servant, recalled that the former Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, once set up a similar committee to address the disparity.

Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra, said that the action of the Federal Government was quite encouraging.

She said that students in polytechnics across the country had serious reservations about the countryís education system.

“The whole thing is very frustrating; I hope and pray

other major issues affecting the polytechnic system in the country.

Mr Abraham Owolabi, the Director of Osun Board for Technical and Vocational Education, also under-

that government will expedite action in implementing the report of the committee,íí she said.

Besides, Mr Abdulwahab Oyekanmi, a student of Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger, also commended the government for the action.

He, nonetheless, called on that government to resolve

scored the need to address the disparity existing between polytechnic graduates and degree holders in the country.

Owolabi, who partly attributed the snail speed of Nigeriaís technological advancement to the disparity in the remuneration of HND holders and university

By VICTOR ADEOTI (NAN)

• Ibrahim Shekarau

He urged the members of the current committee to be knowledgeable on the issues involved, saying that Nigerians were optimistic that the committee would do a thorough work on the assignment.

Sharing similar sentiments, Miss Philomena Udeze, a student of Federal

graduates, stressed that the development had created unhealthy rivalry between workers.

“Any nation, which has developed technologically, would have given priority attention to technical and polytechnic education,íí he said.

In his views, Assemblyman Folorunso Bamisayemi, the Chairman, Osun House of Assemblyís Committee on Education, said that that there was no need to differentiate between HND and university degrees.

“I donít think there is any need for this dichotomy because HND holders and university graduates have the same process of training,íí he said.

He said that competence should be the benchmark for assessing HND holders and university graduates, and not the certificate which an individual was holding.

N e v e r t h e l e s s , Bamisayemi commended the Federal Government for constituting a committee to resolve issues relating to the dichotomy between the two categories of graduates.

He also said that harmonisation of both certificates was long overdue but urged members of the committee to “tread softly, so as not to bruise the ego of degree holders.íí All in all, observers underscore the need to enlighten the public on how to promote harmony among the two certificate holders, as the nation awaits the governmentís White Paper on the report which the committee has submitted.

• (NANFeatures).

“Observers, nonetheless, note that the disparity and the public perception of the quality of polytechnic diplomas vis a vis university degrees have somewhat put additional pressure on university admission processes.”

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