CMYK
The Sunday
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968
RELATIONSHIP
Pg. 19
• Vol. XI NO.4,078 • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2014 • N 100.00
ENCOUNTER
What Your Partner Really Wants But Is Afraid To Tell You (1)
Pg. 7
Politics Is About Adding Value To Humanity - Obhakhan
Army Reaffirms Commitment To Win War Against Insurgency THE Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its determination to win the ongoing war against the Boko Haram insurgents. Col. Aba Popoola, acting Brigade Commander, 23 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Yola stated this yesterday, while decorating three senior officers of the brigade recently promoted. Popoola said that the battle could only be won when officers and men of the brigade and others deployed for the operation improved their skills and intelligence network. He gave an assurance that the Nigerian Army
would continue to provide all necessary logistics and encouragement to enable those engaged in the battle to excel. Popoola stressed that the welfare of such officers would be given special attention on regular basis. The acting brigade commander said that the newly promoted officers deserved their new ranks. “With my short stay with them, they have shown their ability to lead those behind them and total loyalty and commitment to the Nigerian Army,’’ Popoola said. Popoola reminded the Continues on pg. 2
COMMISSIONING: Hon. Aanena Jemitola, Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, exchanging views with the SSA to the Governor on Arts, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Daniel Ermomosele (Pikolo) as they prepare to lead a road show to kick-start the EDOFEST in Benin City yesterday.
APC Presidential Primaries, Model For Africa - Fashola
GOV. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has described the recently concluded presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a model for democracy in Africa. Fashola spoke on Friday immediate past Chief night at a State Dinner Judge of Lagos State, held in honour of the retired Justice Ayotunde
NATION 2015:
Countdown To Revolution? Pg. 9
Phillips and the incumbent Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade. He said that the primaries, which was won by retired Maj.-Gen. Muhhammadu Buhari was
YULETIDE
free, fair and credible. “As we celebrate these women, we are also sending out a statement to the whole of our nation that in this state and in this
Pg. 23
Need To Shop Wisely At Christmas
city, that our integrity is more valuable to us than all of our personal lives. “We are building a country that our children will be proud to inherit from
us and that one day they can look back and say thank you for helping us build this country. “From this city, we have sent a strong message about the politics that we will also play. If I am not mistaken, our gubernatorial primaries had the largest number of Continues on pg.2
POLITICS & ISSUES 2015: Buhari On The Path Of Stardom? Pgs. 16/17
NEWS Group Decries Proliferation Of Arms In Okpella By SUZAN AKPEBOR
THE Okpella Progressive Union (OPU) Northern Congress has decried the alarming rate of anti-social activities cum proliferation of arms among the youths in the Okpella Community and environs as 2015 general elections drawn near. In a communique issued at the end of its 25 th conference held in Kaduna at the weekend and jointly signed by the Union’s President, Mr. Abednigo Imagbedion and Secretary-General, Mr. Simon Imogie, OPU called on the State and Local Government authorities as well as
relevant security agencies to come to the aid of hitherto peaceful and lawabiding Okpella community and save it from the clutches of the disturbing activities of cultists and criminals. OPU also appealed to the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency revisit the abandoned Okpella water project which it stressed “was truncated in a q u e s t i o n a b l e circumstance”, while it cautioned individuals engaged in illegal sale of Okpella lands, extortion of companies and businesses operating in the community to henceforth desist from the
War Against Insurgency Continues from pg.1
officers that ‘’in the Nigerian Army, the higher one goes, the hotter it becomes, you should face the tougher tasks ahead’’. Those decorated with their new ranks were Col. Aminu Mustafa Garba, Col. Faruoq Umar
Mijinyawa and Maj. Solomon Alada Akinyade. Responding on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Garba pledged their loyalty to the army, saying the new ranks would ginger them to redouble their services to the nation.
“shameful and retrogressive behaviours in the collective interests of Okpella people. The resolutions adopted by the Northern Congress of OPU which had in attendance delegates from Ado-Abuja, Kaduna,
Zaria, Kano, Sokoto, Jos and other northern states, urged Okpella indigenes both home and abroad to shun all forms of bitterness and join hands in the quest to move Okpella to a higher pedestal of development.
Ugie Begins Today By RAYMOND OSOGBE THE 2014 edition of the annual festival (Ugie) of the Benin Monarch, Oba Erediauwa kicks off today. According to the palace programme schedule, today’s event will be an indoor traditional affair, to be conducted by the Monarch himself, in his palace. It will be recalled that after today’s event unveiling the so much cherished and celebrated annual festival of the Benin Monarch, there are other subsequent events scheduled to colour and give glamour to the international festival that attracts global attention. Meanwhile the Oba’s palace is wearing a new look in readiness for the kick-off of the annual festival.
Eghosa weds
Similarly a prayer session for the successful observance of the Ugie (festival) was held at the palace last week. The prayer session was led by Ohenosa Okao Harrison who is the official cleric of the Holy Arousa Cathedral, the Oba’s official church.
The solemnization of marriage between former Miss Eghosa Oviawe and Engr. Osadebamwen Obakpolor took place on Saturday 13th December 2014 at the Oredo Local Government Council Marriage Registry in Benin City. Amongst dignitaries present were Mrs. Blacky Omoregie (Edo State Women Leader/the mother of the bride) Mr Osayande Obakpolor, Mr. Pius Oviawe, family members, relation, friends and well wishers. Picture shows the couple at the Registry. Congratulations. Photo Sonnie. E
By RICHARD EWEKA THE Bible Society of Nigeria Edo State branch has urged Church leaders to set aside divisive tendencies occasioned by different denominations and come together to support the cause of the society. The call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of the 4th quarterly Edo area general meeting and jointly signed by the State Chairman Rev. Olu Aderibigbe and the Area Secretary Deacon Uyi Terry Ogiorio. The communiqué further appealed to church leaders to set up sub-auxiliaries of
the society in their churches as a way of creating the desired awareness among our brethren in all the denominations. The society assured in the communiqué that the Edo Bible that is currently reviewed would be expeditiously done to meet the spiritual yearnings of the Edo peoplenoting however that the churches should be ready to embrace the Edo Bible when it is finally published. The association wished her donors, church leaders of all denominations and all Christians a merry Christmas and very prosperous New Year, 2015.
APC Presidential Primaries Continues from pg.1
aspirants but we conducted it without rancour. “None of the candidates who contested have come out to say that the primaries were rigged or that there were more voters than those who were accredited. A candidate has emerged and we are moving on. “From Lagos, against all the odds, we played host in the pen ultimate 48 hours to a party’s national convention and primaries that were a model for democracy for the whole of Africa. “They are very strong statements that we are sending out that we can live by example. They are statements that make us stand tall.” Fashola commended the honourees, who are children of the late Justice James Williams, for their contributions to the advancement of the justice sector. He announced that the National Judicial Council had approved the appointment of three more judges for the state barely a month after four others
CHANGE OF NAME
Osadebamwen
Shun Divisive Tendencies, Bible Society Urges Church Leaders
ORIBHABOR – I formerly known as Doris Omonefe Oribhabor now wish to be known as Mrs. Doris Omonefe Omobhude. Former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public please take note.
were inaugurated. Mr. Ade Ipaye, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, said the succession of Phillips by Atilade was historic. “It is a first that sisters will succeed each other as chief judge in the history of the judiciary in Nigeria.” Other speakers including Justice Bode RhodesVivour of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and Mr. Alex Mouka, the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos branch also lauded the sisters. In her response, Phillips said her achievements during her two-year tenure, as chief judge was
the result of the cooperation given to her by all stakeholders in the justice sector. “I pray for my sister who has taken over from me, that she will do 10 times better than I did because that is how the Lagos State Judiciary will continue to improve,” she added. On her part, Atilade said her administration would be focused on improving the justice delivery system. She therefore sued for more cooperation between the judiciary and the other arms of government to achieve set objective.
Don Wants FG To Introduce Screening For Hearing Impairment In Hospitals PROF. Foluwasayo Ologe of the Department of O t o r h i n o l a r y n g o l o g y, University of Ilorin, has appealed to the Federal Government to introduce screening for hear impairment in the nation’s hospitals. Otorhinolaryngology (or ENT) is the study of ear, nose and throat conditions. Ologe made the appeal on Friday in Ilorin in a paper he presented at the 155th inaugural lecture of the University entitled: “Hearing Loss, the hidden handicap.” The don, a lecturer at the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, stressed the need to screen Nigerians to detect hearing loss early.
He also stressed the need for the government to develop a ‘robust’ ear, nose and throat disease programme. Ologe explained that awareness of the prevalence, causes, effects, prevention and management of hearing loss was poor in the country. He said that excessive noise from grinding machine poses serious threat to public health. “Grinding machine stationed close to the owners residence exposes the users, their families and neighbours to the risk of noise induced hearing loss,” he said, adding that some diseases such as diabetes and sickle cell anemia could lead to hearing impairment.
NEWS Offer Your Best In Thanksgiving, Osasuyi Charges Christians By AIGBE OSARO/ EVBADAZE FAITH
THE Spiritual Leader of Christ Chosen Church of God
International World Wide, Most Senior Apostle Joshua Osasuyi JP has charged Christians, irrespective of their denomination to offer their best
to God in thanks giving. Apostle Osasuyi, represented by Apostle David Unieife at the Festival of Ingathering held at Irhinmwen Branch 1 of the
church said feast of ingathering is a time to show gratitude to God. In a sermon Apostle William Isibor, the Superintendent in-
charge of Saint Saviour Divisional Headquarters enjoined Christians not to seek their pastor’s face before offering thanksgiving to God, as he pointed out that Christians should offer their best to God from their mind as a step to fulfill all righteousness. The man of God, who took his sermon from the book of
Proverbs 10:22 and genesis 4:3 enjoined Christians to be wise in tracing the signs of success as giving whole heartedly from the mind qualifies one to also receive from God. The Resident Pastor, Sunday Okpeye and other families of the congregation joined other men of God to offer prayers for the nation and children of God.
SURE-P To Empower 400 Youths, Women In Borno
Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau (2nd right) with the Plateau PDP gubernatorial candidate, Senator Gyang Pwajok (right), sympathising with the victim of bomb explosion at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos weekend.
JOHESU Strike: THE Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Gombe State, Dr Adamu Bojude, has called on voluntary organisations to assist the doctors in rendering medical service to patients. Bojude made the call in an interview with newsmen in Gombe at the weekend. He said that in spite of the strike by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), doctors had been rendering skeletal service to patients.
NMA Seeks Assistance From Voluntary Organisations
The NMA chairman said the doctors could not manage situation alone, adding that it was only the Red Cross that had been assisting them in the hospitals. He said the number of volunteers was limited, and called on other voluntary organisations to emulate the Red Cross. Bojude added that doctors could only render service to
outpatients at units like the Accident and Emergency units. He appealed to the public to visit the hospital if they had any health challenges, saying that they would be attended to by doctors. “I am appealing to people to come because the general impression is that the hospital is on strike. “We, doctors are not on
strike, patients should come, we are working,” Bojude said. He called on the Federal Government to look in to the JOHESU issue, with a view to addressing their plight where necessary. The NMA chairman also urged JOHESU to consider government’s demands with fairness.
committee Calls For Increased Security THE Committee on Dialogue In Nasarawa Crisis Prevention and Management of Communal Crisis in Nasarawa State has called for more security personnel to areas vulnerable to crisis in the state to guard against future occurrence. The committee was set up by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba. A member of the committee, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Adeola Adeniji (Zone 4), made the call on Friday in Lafia while addressing newsmen. Adeniji, who was the Chairman, stakeholders meeting that met with religious and tribal leaders affected by communal crisis, said the deployment of more security personnel would check escalation of crisis. He called on the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Yakubu Usman, to hold further meetings with aggrieved community and religious leaders to find a lasting solution to the crisis. He said “we have advised the commissioner of police to
continue to meet with those affected by the crisis and dialogue with them. “The more these tribes dialogue about their grievances the lesser conflict or no conflict at all that we will experience in the state.’’ Adeniji promised that the committee would continue its mandate of preventing and managing communal crisis
across the country until maximum security was guaranteed. He added that “we will continue to visit Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau and other states affected by communal clashes to resolve grievances and prevent further crisis. “That was the mandate given to us by the IGP.’’ Earlier at a meeting, the
Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Isa Mustpha, had said that most of the problems that led to the crisis were manmade. The emir, who was represented by Alhaji Ishaika Dauda, the Madakin Lafia, urged security agencies in the state to be proactive to guard against crisis becoming too late to be quelled.
in Lagos. “All eyes are on INEC in 2015 general elections, the electoral body should make use of the method adopted by APC in conducting its free and fair presidential primary. “It was an international practice in conducting election because people are waiting and looking forward to experience credible, free and fair elections in 2015,” he said. The lawmaker added that the party has imbibed the international practice of conducting elections, which
made it possible to achieve a free and fair presidential primary. Gbolahan noted that only true, credible, free and fair election would promote Nigeria’s nascent democracy. Mr Bisi Yusuf, another member of the House, also appealed to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Atthiru Jega, to follow due process in the conduct of the 2015 elections. Yusuf (APC-Alimosho I) noted that adequate preparations in term of logistics and training of personnel should be put in
THE Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE – P) will empower 400 youths and women in Borno as part of efforts to provide 50,000 jobs in the country. The Chairman of the Programme, Retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, made this known at a one-day Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) workshop in Maiduguri on Friday. Represented by Hajiya Salamatu Manga, a resource person of the SURE-P, Agwai said the scheme would sharpen the skills of participants, build human capital and prepare them for future challenges. Agwai said the workshop was designed to assist unemployed graduates to be self-employed, as well as to build manpower base toward attaining Federal Government’s Vision 20:2020. “It will also boost the chances of participants to gaining employment in their various firms of internship,” he said. The SURE-P boss said the
NDE Empowers 300 Physically Challenged Persons With N3m THE National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Nasarawa said more than 300 physically challenged persons had benefited from its N3 million Special Micro Empowerment Scheme (SMES2014) this year. The NDE Coordinator in the state, Mr. Monday Dalyop, told newsmen in Keffi Local Government Area of the state that the agency introduced the SMES 2014 to reduce poverty among unemployed youths,
2015: Lagos Lawmakers Urge INEC Not To Be Partisan MR Yishawu Gbolahan, a member of Lagos State House of Assembly , at the weekend urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to be partisan in the conduct of the 2015 general elections. Gbolahan advised the electoral body to emulate the method adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the conduct of its presidential primary. The lawmaker, who is a member of the APC spoke in an interview with newsmen
Programme, under the scheme, would ensure that youths were attached as apprentices in reputable public and private firms for a period of one year. He explained that the scheme had registered 50 firms in Borno, where participants would be attached according to their areas of specialization. He added that during the one-year internship, the Federal Government would provide N30,000 as monthly allowance to each of the beneficiaries. “Statistics have shown that over 300,000 Nigerian graduates from the university yearly into the labour market with little or no job opportunity. “That is why the Federal Government is trying to see that 50,000 people are employed across the 36 states of the federation.’’ According to him, over 180,000 graduates have so far registered across the country with over 7,000 firms that will accommodate them for a oneyear internship programme.
place before the elections. “Jega has to conduct credible elections in 2015 to protect our democracy. “The commission should follow due process and abstain from partisan politics to achieve free and fair elections,” he said. The lawmaker congratulated retired Maj.-Gen. Mohammadu Buhari for picking APC’s presidential ticket. He urged members of the APC to work for the success of the party at the forthcoming general elections.
unskilled, semi-skilled and vulnerable persons. The coordinator said the beneficiaries of the scheme were expected to use what was given to them to fight poverty and improve their standards of living. “The physically challenged persons have been equally and fairly selected from the state’s three senatorial districts and each person was given N10,000 cash in order to improve on the standard of their living,” Dalyop said. Dalyop assured the citizens of the agency’s determination to initiate more positive programmes aimed at fighting poverty, unemployment and youths restiveness. The coordinator then urged youths to embrace the agency’s skills acquisition programmes for them to become self-reliant. Through that, he said, youths would be able to contribute their quota to national development for the benefits of all. He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his initiative in fighting poverty, unemployment and other negative tendencies in the country and called for its sustenance.
NEWS
2015:
Be Sportsmanly, Stakeholders Urge Contestants
POLITICAL stakeholders and social commentators in Osogbo, Oyo State, have called on contestants to display spirit of sportsmanship in the 2015 general elections, to ensure peaceful polls. Mr Olusola Obafunwa, a social critic, told newsmen in
Osogbo that the country was at the crossroads and needed peaceful election to enhance its democratic dispensation. Obafunwa, however, called on politicians to be patriotic and see contests as mere sports where people would always win and lose for the fun of it, not to
Idogun Gets Award For Academic Excellence By ADAMS OYIBOKE IN an effort to recognize and reward academic excellence among students from diverse background in the University of Benin, Mr. Henry Imogiemhe Idogun has been honoured with an award of best graduating Masters of Business Administration, University of Benin, Benin City. The award was conferred on him by the Tony Elumelu Foundation at the 2014 convocation of the University of Benin held recently at the Institution’s Main Auditorium, Ugbowo, Benin City. Represented by the Leadership Development and CSR Manager, Kaita Schiller Nwafor Elumelu said, “You have been selected to receive the Tony Ehumelu Prize for Excellence as the best graduating (MBA) students of the University of Benin. This award programme is made possible through the generosity of our founder”. “As a recipient of this award you will be exposed to various opportunities such as mentoring and professional net-working with the foundation and our wider group of companies Receiving the award, Idogun who is also the Executive Director Public Procurement Agency, Edo State said. “I did not realize that this foundation was in place monitoring my academic and research work. Today, I am glad to say that for every input, them is more than commensurate output. “I also express my profound
Mr. Henry I Idogun
gratitude to my erstwhile Managing Director, S.S Afemikhe and Co where I earlier worked as Auditor and Rodco Group of Company. All I have achieved so far is to the glory of God Almighty”. Mr. Henry Idogun who hails from Afokpella-Okpello, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State attended the Bendel State University, Ekpoma now Ambrose Alli University where he studied Economics and graduated with a second-class upper division. Speaking with journalists, Mr. Idogun said “this award of excellence is dedicated to my boss and mentor Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole. “There is no doubt that hard work pays”. Mr. Idogun has attended several management courses locally and internationally. He is presently a Ph.D student of the University of Ibadan.
heat up the polity. He said that the success or otherwise of the forthcoming general elections would depend on the level of maturity exhibited by politicians vying for various elective offices. According to him, the postcentenary political era in Nigeria poses array of challenges that demand concerted efforts of every Nigerian for the country to survive and still remain as one entity. A don, Dr Akinola Sadiq, also called on politicians to play according to the rule of the game, saying that “nobody is above the law of the land”. Sadiq, who teaches Political History, Osun State University, Osogbo, said the 2015 general elections would the most peaceful in the history of election in the country. He, however, stressed that the success of the election would depend on the level of political maturity displayed by the contestants, politicians and their followers. According to him, political gladiators must also respect extant laws that guide electoral process, for the realisation of a credible, fair and transparent poll.
‘’Our politicians should be responsible enough as leaders, to obey every law that regulates electoral process; they should not be tempted to maneuver the process for selfish intent. “I am optimistic that the forthcoming elections will be
Police, Alhaji Salihu Garba, was present at the venue, to ensure adequate security and prevent the break down of law and order. Suswan commended the aspirants for the honourable way they conducted themselves and displaying high sense of maturity. He said that the outcome was a demonstration of internal democracy which PDP believed so much in as means of deepening the country’s fledgling democracy. Suswan expressed satisfaction that the election took place without rancour and called on all aspirants and stakeholders to work together towards winning the 2015 general elections. In his acceptance speech, Sen. Ajibola expressed gratitude to all delegates and the party faithful for giving him their votes. “We are all winners in this election; no victor, no vanquished and we should all work together to make today’s victory translate into winning Kwara for PDP in 2015.” Ajibola, therefore, enjoined other aspirants, PDP stakeholders, and the people of the state to make his emergence as the party’s flag bearer to be
the end of slavery in Kwara. Ajibola said: “I am a winner, five times I have stood for elections against Sarakis and five times, I defeated them flatly.” According to him, the confidence the party reposed in him has re-emboldened him to floor Saraki-led APC
excesses in their actions and described them as “jobbers and business men and women who are out to fish from the trouble water for selfish interest”. He, therefore, advised law enforcement agencies to live up to their statutory obligation by discharging their duties without fear or favour.
Jubilant Mubi residents celebrate the return of the Emir of Mubi weekend at the Mubi Central Mosque
Ajibola Emerges Kwara PDP Guber Candidate SEN. Sule Ajibola PDP (Kwara South) has emerged winner of the party’s governorship primaries for the 2015 general elections in the state. The Chairman of the Electoral Panel, Governor Gabriel Suswan of Benue, declared Ajibola as the PDP governorship candidate on Friday, having scored 144 votes to defeat 11 other contestants. In a keenly contested primary, Ajibola beat the first runner up, Mr Dele Belgore (SAN), who polled 132 votes. Belgore was closely followed by Senator Gbemisola Saraki who scored 113 votes. Reports indicate that 680 delegates voted for aspirants at the primaries, 29 were absent while two votes were voided. Although there was tight security, the election was, however, conducted under a peaceful atmosphere. Reports state that Governor Suswan had earlier held a closed door meeting with the 12 aspirants, party executive members and PDP elders, to fine tune modalities for conducting a credible primary. The state Commissioner of
accused committed the offences on December 4 and December 8 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Sinari Daranijo St., Victoria Island, Lagos. Ejembi said the accused threatened the life of Gloria Williams, through text messages and letters demanding N500, 000 from her. The prosecutor said the accused told Mrs.Williams that she would lose her life if she did not comply with their demands. Ejembi said that the accused
through their conduct caused a breach of peace by causing panic to Williams. He said that the offences contravened Sections 166 (d), 300, and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Reports state that Section 300 provides that any person who with the intent to extort or gain anything from any person, demands any property by written threat, is guilty of felony, and is
government in Kwara. One of the aspirants, Deacon John Dara, congratulated Ajibola for his victory and lauded the outcome of the primary. Other aspirants also commended organisers of the primary, state and national bodies of PDP for providing
level playing ground and conducting the election in a free, fair and transparent manner. The aspirants expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the primary, saying it had doused all doubts that the exercise would lead to disintegration of the party.
others, went beyond the call of duty in carrying out their assigned tasks during the convention. ‘’What this shows is that with proper political leadership and guidance, our security agencies can be the best in the world. We are indeed gladdened by their sacrifice,’’ APC said. It said that the media also did not disappoint, as many journalists reported at the venue from 9.00 a.m. on Wednesday and did not leave until the results of the voting were announced at about 6.00 p.m. on Thursday. “All the while, they reported the event as it happened. ‘’As always, the Nigerian media played their watchdog role with a rare commitment and impressive professionalism. “They were there for us all through,’’ it said. APC said that the entire people of Lagos made a great sacrifice by bearing the inconveniences imposed by the convention without much complaint. ‘’For a city prone to gridlock, there is no doubt that the convention brought about extra inconveniences for the residents as they moved around to perform their daily duties. “But based on the feedback we
have received from across the state, the people believe that whatever inconveniences they suffered while the convention lasted were just a little of the sacrifice they have to make in the collective efforts to build a new Nigeria. “We appreciate this very much,’’ the party said. It said the party’s members and supporters, especially the delegates who came from all over the country, were simply outstanding in their contributions to the success of the convention. According to the party, this development has given it much hope and confidence that it can always count on its core groups for support. “With the fairness, transparency, violence-free and the overall success of the convention, APC has shown that it is indeed ready to bring the much needed change to Nigeria and make the country a proud member of the comity of nations. ‘’In the tough task ahead, we have no scintilla of doubt that we can always count on all those who have made our convention a success,’’ the party said.
APC Commends Security Operatives, Media For Successful Convention THE All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday commended the security agencies, the media, party supporters and Lagos residents for their immense contributions to the success of its two-day National Convention. A statement issued in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said going by the efforts and perseverance of these groups, it was now clear that Nigerians were ready to make the necessary sacrifice for change. The party said the military, police, DSS, civil defence corps and the various Lagos State security agencies, among
2 Gaurds In Court Over Threat To Employer’s Life
TWO security guards, Kingsley Orumo, 27, and Tobiloba Fabunmi, 26, who allegedly threatened their employer, using text messages, were on Friday docked before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The accused are standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, threats to life and causing breach of peace against one Mrs. Gloria Williams. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Austine Ejembi, told the court that the
peaceful if the political players play according to the rule of the game,’’ he said. Meanwhile, a member of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun, Mr Oladipupo Ishola, has blamed some politicians for the political challenges facing the country. He said this class of politicians usually displayed
liable to 14 years imprisonment. The Counsel to the accused, Mr. Adekunle Rufai, urged the court to admit the accused to bail on liberal terms. The Magistrate, Mrs. F.O. Botoku, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum. She said that the sureties must have credible means of livelihood and show evidence that they were taxpayers. Botoku adjourned the case to January 6, 2015 for trial.
Ugandan President Calls For Mass Africa Pullout Of ICC court UGANDAN President Yoweri Museveni said Friday he will mobilise African leaders to quit the International Criminal Court, accusing it of being used as a “tool to target” the continent. Museveni was cheered as he spoke at Kenya’s independence day celebrations, after the collapse earlier this month of the ICC’s crimes against humanity case against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. “I will bring a motion to the next sitting of the African Union to have all African states
withdraw from the court, then they can be left alone with their own court,” Museveni said, criticising Western nations. “They have used it as a tool to target Africa.” Kenyatta, 53, has said he was “vindicated” after The Hague-based prosecutor earlier this month dropped all charges accusing the him of allegedly masterminding Kenya’s deadly post-election violence in 2007-08. The trial of his deputy VicePresident William Ruto on similar but separate charges continues. Experts say the collapse of the case against Kenyatta
has been the ICC’s biggest set back yet. The AU has previously slammed the ICC for unfairly targeting Africans, calling the international court “racist”, and last year requested for the Kenyan cases to be deferred, a bid rejected by the United Nations. “The ICC has been undermining African states. We told them to wait to try Kenyatta and Ruto after they finish serving their terms, they refused,” Museveni added, speaking alongside Kenyatta. “Now, see, charges against Kenyatta have been withdrawn.”
Rescuers remove the body of a victim of landslides that swept away Jemblung village, Central Jaya, Indonesia, yesterday.
Indonesia Landslide Kills 18, Leaves 90 Missing
A mudslide set off by torrential rains rushed down hills into a village in central Indonesia and swept away scores of homes, killing at least 18 people and leaving 90 others missing, officials said Saturday. About 105 houses were swept away by the landslide late Friday in Jemblung village in Central Java province’s Banjarnegara district, said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency. Hundreds of rescuers, including soldiers, police and residents, dug through the debris Saturday with their bare hands, shovels and hoes, while others used bamboo to carry black body bags containing corpses. About 420 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters. Crying relatives watched in horror as residents and rescuers pulled out mudcaked bodies from the village, while distraught women screamed at a hospital, MetroTV video showed. Nugroho said some rescuers heard what sounded like calls for help
coming from the debris, but that a lack of equipment had prevented them reaching possible victims. “Mud, rugged terrain and bad weather hampered our rescue efforts,” Nugroho said. Tractors and bulldozers were later brought in to help with the rescue effort. Eighteen bodies were pulled from the mud and the wreckage of crumpled homes, and rescuers were
struggling to search for 90 people still missing, said Sutedjo Slamet Utomo, the district chief of Barnjarnegara, located about 460 kilometers (285 miles) east of the capital, Jakarta. Eleven badly injured villagers were being hospitalized. Residents in Jemblung village described how they were horrified by the mound of red soil that suddenly cascaded down hills and hit houses.
UKRAINE welcomed a US bill that would allow Washington to provide lethal military assistance to the embattled country, but Russia expressed outrage at the “openly confrontational” legislation. The bill — passed late on Thursday and due to get final approval in Congress on Friday before being sent to US President Barack Obama — opens the way for up to $350 million (280 million euros’) worth of US military hardware to be sent to Ukraine, which has been
fighting an eight-month war against Kremlin-backed separatists in its east. It also threatens fresh sanctions against Russia, whose economy is crumbling under previous rounds of Western sanctions and a collapse in oil prices. The threat of sanctions prompted a quick response from Russia with Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov saying Saturday Moscow would “not be able to leave this without a response.”
Ukraine Cheers Us Vote For Military Aid, Russia Outraged
THE ultimate goal of all genuine Christians is to make Heaven at last. The essence of
E. A. Adeboye On Sunday
Power To Move Heaven Jesus coming to die for humankind is to open the door of Heaven that had been shut against us. He opened this door that we may have access to the eternal bliss in Heaven. In Luke 19: 10 Jesus said: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” Nevertheless, only those that overcome will have the power to make it to Heaven. The question then is: “What are we to overcome?” First, we must overcome all the evil thoughts and imaginations of our heart. The Bible in Proverbs 23 :26 says, “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” When we allow Jesus to come into our wicked hearts, He gives us victory over the evil thoughts that defiles us, and that has made us candidates of Hell fire. The reason why Jesus needs to come into our hearts is that the heart of every man is desperately wicked according to Jeremiah 17:9: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and
desperately wicked: who can know it?” What exactly is in the heart of man that caused the Bible to declare it as desperately wicked? Jesus in Mark 7:21 -23 reveals this to us. He said: “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man”. Only those who overcome these ills will get the power to enter into heavenly bliss. This is the reason why we all need Jesus Christ who overcame sin and who possesses the power to live above it. The power that overcomes sin is the power we need to make heaven. Jesus Christ is ready to give you this power if you are willing to forsake Satan, sin and all forms of wickedness. Therefore, you must
make conscious effort to do away with all appearances of evil like Joseph did while in Potiphar ’s house (Genesis 39:12). I pray for you that the days of your struggle with sin are over today in Jesus’ Name. The power to “go and sin no more” as was given by Jesus to the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:11) shall be yours today in Jesus Name. POWER TO MOVE HEAVEN Memorise: To him that overcometh will 1 grant to sit with me in my throne, even also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Revelation 3:21 Read: Revelation 3:20-22 Bible in one year: Nehemiah 9:1-11:24 Ecclesiastes 9:1-6 Prayer Point: Father, l am tired of being a victim of sin; please empower me with in my inner man to manifest the reality of the truth that l am dead to sin in Jesus Name.
“THE ultimate goal of all genuine Christians is to make Heaven at last. The essence of Jesus coming to die for humankind is to open the door of Heaven that had been shut against us. He opened this door that we may have access to the eternal bliss in Heaven.”
First Class Macadamia Nut Case Prompts Korean Air Exec To Step Down A KOREAN Air Lines Coexecutive, whose dismay over the way she was served macadamia nuts led to a plane returning to its gate to expel the cabin crew chief, has stepped down as head of in-flight service, the airline said during the week. Korean Air apologized for Friday’s incident at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport in which Heather Cho, a vice president of the airline, took issue with a crew member for substandard service. However, Cho, the 40-yearold daughter of the airline’s chairman, Cho Yang-ho, will
remain a vice president with the South Korean flag carrier, the airline said. The incident aboard an Airbus A380 jumbo jet that had been pushed back from its gate bound for Incheon, near Seoul, provoked outrage in South Korea when it was reported. “I am sorry to our customers and the Korean people that I unintentionally caused social uproar and I ask forgiveness from anyone who has been hurt by me,” a company official, speaking to newsmen by telephone, quoted Heather Cho as saying late on Tuesday.
Cho Hyun-ah, Korean Air’s vice president responsible for cabin service and the oldest child of Korean Air chairman Cho Yang-ho, answers reporters’ question.
Baby Born In Flight Aboard Airliner Over California
A SOUTHWEST Airlines flight landed in Los Angeles with one more passenger than when it took off. A passenger gave birth shortly after Flight 623 took off from San Francisco during the week and the Phoenixbound jet diverted to Los Angeles International Airport. The woman was assisted by the flight crew and a doctor and nurse who were aboard, the airline spokeswoman Emily Samuels said. She said hopefully the airline has a new customer for life. Paramedics boarded the aircraft and the mother and newborn, whose names have not been released, were taken to a hospital in good condition, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Erik Scott said. The aircraft was taken out of service for cleaning and the other passengers went on to Phoenix to board another plane, arriving more than two hours behind
schedule. Passenger Julie Dafoe said she and Kurt Reed were sitting next to the woman. “One of the nurses that helped she said she was like walking around pacing in the airport so they were thinking she was having contractions,” Dafoe told Phoenix TV station KTVK. “All of a sudden I heard a baby cry like a gurgling sound, like a baby that had too much milk or whatever and I’m like ‘There’s no babies on this flight,’” Reed said. Passengers said they had heard the call for a doctor, but nothing about what the medical emergency was. “The captain announced congratulations for the arrival of this new baby boy,” another passenger Aarti Shahani told newsmen. “So we all started applauding, but it was confusing because we thought someone was going to die not be born.”
“I take responsibility for the incident,” the official quoted her as saying. The airline said during the week that although Cho was responsible for supervising in-flight service, it was “excessive” that the plane was returned to the gate to expel a crew member in a non-emergency situation. Cho was seated in firstclass when she took issue with a flight attendant who handed her macadamia nuts in a bag, not on a dish, according to an industry official briefed on the matter, who declined to be identified.
many as four Hudson Valley gas stations in one night. All the robberies came within about five weeks this fall. The complaint says in each case the robber was recorded or described by witnesses as leaving on a black BMX bicycle. It says
Odd News Complied By CHRISTIANA AKHIGBE
Man Swapped Furniture While Neighbours Away - Police
A WASHINGTON state man is accused of swapping furniture with his neighbors while they were away. Newsmen report that the Lakewood man and a friend who is accused of helping him pleaded not guilty to charges of residential burglary.
Court papers say a couple who returned to their apartment during the week found their love seat, matching chair and other belongings gone. A recliner and TV stand were left in their place. Information on a traffic
ticket and pizza receipt pointed to the neighbor. The man told police he thought the couple had moved and abandoned their furniture. Police say he told them he was drunk when he decided to switch furniture, calling his buddy for help.
Harvard Professor Apologizes To Chinese Restaurant For Rant A HARVARD Business School instructor who blasted a Boston-area Chinese restaurant for overcharging him by $4 on a takeout order apologized during the week for a lengthy and widely publicized email exchange with restaurant management. Associate professor Benjamin Edelman had threatened legal action and demanded the Sichuan Garden in Brookline compensate all other customers who might have been similarly overcharged after he said it charged him $1 more on each of the four items he ordered for takeout last week. But after facing wide criticism, Edelman posted a brief message on his personal website saying he has reached out to apologize to Ran Duan, who helps manage his parent’s restaurant business: “Having reflected on my interaction with Ran, including what I said and how I said it, it’s clear that I was very much out of line. I aspire to act with great respect and humility in dealing with others, no matter what the situation. Clearly I failed to do so. I am sorry, and I intend to do better in the future.” Based on the prices listed on the restaurant’s website, Edelman said he had expected to pay $53.35 for his order. In emails first made public by boston.com Duan acknowledged to Edelman that the prices listed on the restaurant’s website were out of date. He promised to update them soon and offered to refund the overages.
Bicycle Used To Flee 15 NY Robberies Or Attempts A MAN has been charged with robbing or attempting to rob 15 New York gas stations and convenience stores and making his getaways on a bicycle. A complaint filed during the week against Bernard Kilkenny says he hit as
Cho summoned the cabin crew chief to ask whether the flight attendant was following the in-flight service manual, and the crew chief could not
when Kilkenny was arrested during the week he was driving a pickup and had a BMX bike under a tarp in the back. Kilkenny is charged with 15 counts of robbery. He’s detained without bail. Defense lawyer Jason Ser won’t comment.
But Edelman, who consults for AOL, Microsoft, the NFL, Wells Fargo, the New York Times, among many others on “preventing and detecting online fraud,” according to his personal website, accused the restaurant of systematically overcharging customers. He demanded a $12 refund, arguing that he was eligible for triple damages under the state’s consumer protection statute. Edelman, a Brookline resident, also contacted local officials to demand the restaurant compensate all other customers who might have been affected. “It strikes me that merely
providing a refund to a single customer would be an exceptionally light sanction for the violation that occurred,” he wrote in one of the exchanges with Duan. “You don’t seem to recognize that this is a legal matter and calls for a more thoughtful and far-reaching resolution.” At one point, after a flurry of email exchanges, Duan, who generally remained respectful in his replies to Edelman, wrote: “Like I said, I apologize for the confusion, you seem like a smart man, but is this really worth your time?” Edelman later told the Boston Globe that Brookline officials declined to intervene. The restaurant, he said,
subsequently offered to refund him half the cost of his total bill after he requested it. Still the spat between the well-to-do professor and Duan’s self-described “mom and pop” restaurant became a flashpoint on social media. A group of Harvard Business School students even sought to “flip the script” and tamp down on what they saw as “negative stereotypes” being generated about Harvard and its elite business school. The students launched an online campaign asking donors to give $4 to the Greater Boston Food Bank — the amount Edelman was apparently overcharged. As of Wednesday evening, the campaign had raised over $3,300.
Utah Man Gets Stolen Gun Back After 37 Years RICHARD Pittenger was 16 years old and taking a girl out on a date when he walked out of a Utah restaurant in November 1977 to find the window of his truck smashed and his shotgun missing. Decades later, the Salt Lake City man got the weapon back during the week after it turned up at a sporting goods store in Albany, Oregon, and a serial number search showed it was stolen. Salt Lake City police Det. Rod Van Scoy said he wasn’t sure how to track down the owner, but he dug through old reports kept on microfilm and found Pittenger’s mother. Now 53, Pittenger said he was a little nervous when he got a message from the detective a few weeks ago saying he wanted to talk. Though he’s glad to have the gun back, he’s not sure what he’ll do with it. “I don’t know the history of it. I don’t know if it was used to hurt someone over the years,” he said. His father took him to buy the 20-gauge shotgun, and Pittenger used it to hunt rabbits with his friends. He said seeing it again brings back memories of his teenage years, when he was learning to play rock music
and performing with bands for the first time. Music has become a focus for him again, as he’s spent the last six years composing a rock opera. “I wish they could return my youth rather than just the gun,” he said with a smile. He bought a new gun to replace the stolen one. His hobbies eventually changed, and he didn’t think of the gun much, but the break-in stuck with him.
“It’s kind of traumatic for everyone, but when you’re a really young kid even more so,” he said. Property crimes are notoriously difficult for police, who often have little evidence to start an investigation, Van Scoy said. If investigators do find stolen items, it usually happens soon after the crime_Pittenger’s shotgun is the oldest recovered property case the detective could recall.
Richard Pittenger, the Utah man who filed a stolen property report on his 20-gauge shotgun 37 years ago, stands holding it with Salt Lake City Police Detectives Rod Van Scoy, center and Cody Lougy, right, after it was returned at the Public Safety Building Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014, in Salt Lake City.
GEDEON Obhakhan is the APC candidate for the Igueben/Esan Central/Esan West constituency He read Electrical Engineering from the University of Benin, and Masters’ in Communication Engineering from the University of Lagos and Business Administration from the University of Leicester, U K. He spoke to pressmen after his election on what and how he emerged the candidate to fly APC flag in the coming election into the House of Representatives
not tell them what I will not be able to do like others do. My going to the House is purely legislative, though I know I could influence projects, I didn’t go out telling them about projects that I know
constituency. There is insinuation that O s h i o m h o l e ’s administration has not worked in Edo Central, where you come from. How will you convince the average man to vote
E
ncounter
is a whole. Assuming the past administrations worked in the south and north of the state, this
with personal resources, what you can do when in position of authority in terms of influencing
for APC against this insinuation? What I will tell them is to take Oshiomhole as the governor of Edo State and not that of Esan land. You cannot say because he has worked much in Edo South and North, he must do same in Edo Central at the same time. We should realize that a journey of a
government would have perhaps focused on Edo Central. I will say Oshiomhole has done very well and there are projects to campaign with. What is your message to the electorate? Do not sell your vote because if they do they will not have the moral justification to hold politicians accountable. My advice is for them to access all the candidates,
projects, you can easily conclude that business and politics are not the same. It is really about adding value to humanity and I want to be able to contribute my quota to the development of my people by going to the House of Representative which I may not be able to do if I continue in the corporate world. It is something you have to learn. I am not saying one
thousand miles starts somewhere. We have to look at resources that are available to work with. We have to look at the past administration and the present, to bring out the fact that the resources he is using in all parts of the state were not available when PDP was in power. There was nothing to show for it. That is not to mean that this administration has not done anything for Edo Central. We have a lot of projects to showcase. Recently, he commissioned projects In Edo Central. I will say Edo
study them to know those who are sincere and vote for the right candidate. Corporate world is known for discipline, timeliness and honesty unlike Nigerian politics known for its treachery, Inconsistency and all that. How are you going to cope? Politics is not like corporate world. What you find in corporate is not what you experience in political environment. What prompted me really is to add value to the lives of my people, if you consider what you can do
should learn the bad side of it. What I try to do this time is to correct those that are bad in the system. Yes, you are right, in the corporate world discipline is a key word, keeping to time is also a key but when you watch Nigerian politics it is not entirely bad, so adjusting to it is not difficult as that. I will say I can leave in many worlds so to speak. Having worked in a multinational organisation, meeting lots of people, different ethnic colouration, I have got the experience in reaching all kinds of people.
Politics Is About Adding Value To Humanity - Obhakhan
When did you come into politics? I started politics long time ago with student unionism while in school and I started to participate in politics when I graduated when APC was ACN. But this is the first time I am participating in elective position. How will you describe your victory at the primaries? I will say I am happy, and I think it is also victory for democracy. Apart from that it gives credence to the fact that the comrade governor did well because he promised he was not going to impose any candidate on the people. And by my own assessment my election at the primaries was free and fair, immediately we finished, the other candidates did not see any reason to complain, they congratulated me. What is your message to your co contestants and constituency? My message to them is that we have to work for the party. We had a cordial relationship during the campaign for the primaries, we had sort of unwritten agreement not to tolerate violence, and we need to build on that to work with me for the success of the party. As it is now, it is not about me but the party, so we have PDP to contend with and so we have to join forces
to be able to defeat PDP. Does your party has the strength to dislodge PDP in your constituency? Yes, the reason is that if you look at what is going on now from two different perspectives, one .is the individual and two, if you look at the strength of the party, APC compared to PDP at the state level there is nothing to be afraid of because when PDP was in power in the state, there was no money for development but since Adams Oshiomhole came in, there is a lot of development, nobody needs to tell you about that. From individual perspective, I have lots of experience and I am one among the candidates who do not have any blemish. So comparing myself with the candidate with that of the opposition party. I do not see any match. Why do you think people went for you as a first time contestant? I think our people have grown above selling their votes. I must give them credit for that. I do not think people sell their votes in this part of the world any longer. Why I think people voted for me is that they saw through my sincerity. I was the only candidate as far as I know who told them the truth. I do not believe in telling lies Just to win their votes. What I told them was expected of the office I did
only the executive can execute. My sincerity was very transparent and they know what I have done for them in the past as general manager in MTN. What projects do you intend to influence or bring to your community when elected? I cannot tell you 100 percent what I will do. I
Mr. Gideon Obhakhan have never been there before so I do not know how much is voted for constituency projects so I cannot say for sure, but I can promise that when I get there I will do the needful for my
“My going to the House is purely legislative, though I know I could influence projects, I didn’t go out telling them about projects that I know only the executive can execute. My sincerity was very transparent and they know what I have done for them in the past as general manager in MTN.”
“They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, And their spears into pruning-hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore” The Holy Bible – (Isaiah 2 :4) is, whether successful or not Beaming our mental is the vox populi, casus Belli, binoculars alone the history and the all-embracing trajectory of what generally appurtenances that it comes constitute a REVOLUTION with and what it leaves and what an EVOLUTION behind.
Nicaraguan, former Yugoslavia, the Middle East, Rwanda and German revolutions etc. In his submissions on conditions for Socialist revolutions ‘Vladimir Lenin’ the then leader of the Bolshevik party of Russia said “Revolutions are not made to order and are not imported from outside,
evolutionarily on a platter of Gold. Since independence in 1960 the Nigeria Nation has been sunken in leviathan corruption of brobdingnagian and cyclopean proportion. The politicians and their military cohorts have formed a relay quarter of handing over the
N
ation
right, in faith and hope the world will disagree, but all mankind’s concern is charity; all must be faults that thwarts this one great end . And all of God, that bless mankind or mend”. We beg to disagree
and National psyche and that will be able to condemn in no uncertain terms the teratoid “political Circus” called consensus candidacy by the zombie-like contraption
2015: Countdown To Revolution?
is, implies some forms of dialectics and scholastic exegesis which will ultimately end up making the path and tunnel of search more tenebrous. It is in the light of this, that I take refuge in the words of professor John Stuarts in his book “CONVENTIONS AND STYLES IN WRITING” that “there are no immutable stereotypes in definitions, provided they are relevant to the subject matter. Therefore: Revolutions and Evolutions are connotative of ‘CHANGE’ – they could be social , economic, political, ideological, cultural etc. ‘CHANGE’. In a revolution the change is characterized by spasms of combustion, mutinous putsch, insurrection, rebellion and radical avant-gardism. Whilst an evolution is guided and based on the principles of “GRADUALISM” and “PROGRESSIVISM” orbiting around the wheel of f u n d a m e n t a l experimentation, innovative maturation and nationalized blue-print expansion, growths and development. An investigation into history of revolutions has shown that revolutions, in most cases do not come just like that (JLT). They are hallmarks and consequences of multi-dimensional socioeconomic, political, cultural, and ideological oppressions, suppressions, stagnations and despotism, exacerbated by leadership narcissisms and administrative wantonness etc. The ultimate judge or arbiter of what a revolution
A vast majority of people and countries experienced (ancient and modern) revolutions in their bid to shake-off the asphyxiating tentacles of colonialism to prevent their being given a simulacrum of phony independence. These struggles manifested themselves in modern times under ideological formats, especially during the “Cold War Era” – Capitalists bourgeoisies as represented by America, Britain and their allies, and socialistCommunists (MarxismLeninism), proletariat as represented by the old Soviet Union and it’s Allies. The advent of Glasnost and Perestroika successfully dismembered the Soviet’s ideological base, turning the world into a Unipolar “GLOBAL CAPITALISM AND MERCANTILISM” with America as the peremptory constable. China has followed suit. Revolutions have come in every aspect of human Endeavour and life. The doctrinal messages of Christ Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, Baghavita, etc gave rise to religious revolutions culminating in crusades, Jihads, Reformations and Protestantism etc. The struggle of the people for the recognition of their inalienable rights to self determination and freedom has also given rise to political revolutions. The French, the Bolshevik, the American, the Chinese, the Algerian, Irish, Burundian, Afghanistan,
they are caused by the development of internal contradictions and class antagonisms in each country” We have also had scientific revolutions etc. Whither goeth Nigeria? Is Nigeria fit in the present political dispensation for a Revolution or an Evolution? Nigeria evolutionarily – through constitutional
reins of leadership to themselves whimsically. There is a “POWER SYNDICATE” (PoliticianMilitary) shuffling the “cards of power” to their advantage. This stimulated the Nzeogwu led coup, putsch or revolution (Depending on who is talking or writing) in Jan 15th, 1966. The consequences and bandwagon political effect of
with, Alexander pope. The Nigerian situation is desperate and truly really bad and unprecedented. We need to be agitated by the form of Government in our country. What is the solution? A revolution or an evolution? I think and state with unambiguous clarity that Nigeria needs to evolve a “NIGERIAN BLUEPRINT” ( Not the vision without a mission 2020). An encyclopedic summation that
developments ranging from the 1946 Richards constitution, the Allan Burns 1951 constitution, the 1954 constitution, the independence and Republican constitutions of 1960 and 1963 down through the 1979 constitution etc. metamorphosed to it’s present situation of a blurlesque of political independence. Nigeria won her independence
misjudgement and the misconstruction of the intents of the “Revolutionaries” ultimately gave rise to the Nigeria civil war, rebellion or REVOLUTION (Depending again on who is talking or writing). But one thing is clear in our nation today. Nigeria as a Nation has come along way. The Nation is overdue for a political, socioeconomic etc “CHANGE” to deracinate it from the demons of power paranoia’s and cleanse its political Aegean sable. Yes, Nigeria is long overdue for a change. But a change to, for and with what? Alexander pope the poet and essayist warned that “For forms of Government, let fools contend. Whatever is best administered is best, for modes of faith let graceless zealots fight. His cannot be wrong whose life is in the
will encompass all the nuts and bolts of our growth and development. Taking into cognizance the need for power balancing, not the Monetized hypothecating of political conscience by the IGBO’S and the nauseating prevalence of a profoundly tribalised and politicized military institution. An evolutionary trend that will recognize the right of the minority, highlight the due process, apotheosize democracy, humanize the economy and revolutionise the leadership. A revolution of democratically elected civilian leadership that will be prepared to resist the rebarbative wiles of military incursion, that will be able to call cranks and faddist by their true names, that will be able to stand corruption on its head, sign its total exorcisation from our nation
By BOBSON GBINIGIE
“An investigation into history of revolutions has shown that revolutions, in most cases do not come just like that (JLT). They are hallmarks and consequences of multi-dimensional socio-economic, political, cultural, and ideological oppressions, suppressions, stagnations and despotism, exacerbated by leadership narcissisms and administrative wantonness”
TIMELINE: Wednesday 17 th September 2014, Washington DC. The venue was United States of America’s Premier Museum dedicated exclusively to the collection, conservation,
National Museum of African Arts during the opening of an International Exhibition titled: Chief S. O. Alonge: Photographer to the Royal Court of Benin, a retrospective major exhibition which
study and the exhibition of Africa’s traditional and contemporary arts – The Smithsonian National Museum of African Arts. The guests were well organized respected dignitaries and formidable invitees who listened with rapt attention as the unmistakable golden voice of the speaker blared across the auditorium. “The opening of a new exhibition is a very special moment in the Life of any museum this is why we look forward to sharing the pleasure of our excitement with you all. With this exhibition, we are acknowledging the centrality of photography as one of the visual arts of Africa. Photography in Africa and by African photographers is an engaging and effective way to provide insights into the continent from which we have all descended, yes, the continent that has some of the world’s fastest growing economies and indeed has an extraordinary array of diverse cultures and some of the most magnificent traditional and contemporary arts in the world’. Those were the words of Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, the Director of Smithsonian
showcases the works and photographs of a highly noted Nigeria Chief Solomon Osagie Alonge (1911-1994) one of Nigeria’s premier trained professionals and first official photographer to the Royal Court of Benin. Alonge’s historic photographs which covered over half of a century explicitly document the regalia, pageantry and even rituals of the Benin Royal Court. His works present a dynamic continuous record of the reigns of Oba Akenzua II (1933-1978) and Oba Erediauwa (1979 to the present) as well as political and social events surrounding the royal palace for over five decades. The Alonge exhibition which features an archival collection of more than 3000 images which includes glass plate negatives from the 1930s through to the 1990s represents an unprecedented visual history of Benin royalty and society in the 20th century. They can only be compared to the famous bronze plaques of the Benin Kingdom as modern visual records that preserve an important part of the history of Edo speaking peoples. Interestingly, these collections preserve the
important historical record of Benin arts and culture during the period of colonial rule and the transition to Nigerian independence in the 1950s and 1960s. Throwing it to the world at this time is
African Arts, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the Benin Royal Palace, the Alonge family and prominent sons and daughters of Benin Kingdom remains open to the American public up till
Brio
With FRANCIS ODUPUTE
symbol of a deeper synergy between the NCMM and the Smithsonian National Museum of African Arts.
speaking peoples to world heritage and culture. Born in 1911, Solomon Osagie Alonge
He expressed delight at the success of the collaboration and showered great appreciation at the complement of prominent Benin sons and daughters present at the opening who were willing to drive the vision of the exhibition to a successful end.
learned the craft of photography as a youth in Lagos in the 1920s and made the best of his distinguished career. He demonstrated an inclusive documentary perspective in his efforts to photograph many aspects of the world around him. He
The curator of National Museum, Benin City Mr. Theophilus Umogbai while shedding light on the project gladly mentioned that the Alonge exhibition will surely come to Nigeria next year September with collateral benefits which, among others, include an educational programme designed to connect middle school students in Benin City and Arlington, Virginia with a goal of creating rapport and reciprocity through cultural heritage and the arts. This nevertheless will increase awareness of youths in both countries about the contributions of the Edo
established the Ideal Photo Studio in Benin City through his efforts, and provided local residents with the opportunity to represent themselves as dignified African subjects. His portraits of an emerging elite society in Benin City not only illustrate the cosmopolitan and modernizing influences of the 20 th century in Nigeria, but also preserve the social history of Benin and its traditional leaders for future research and educational programmes in our schools and the Nigeria society at large. *Dapo Sijuade writes from the National Museum, Benin City.
S.O. Alonge Puts Benin On World Focus Lens Of History:
By DAPO SIJUADE
especially significant as Nigeria celebrates 100 years of a unified country therefore stressing the active role of Nigerian photography in documenting our own history and addressing
September, 2015 when it will return to Nigeria for permanent exhibition at the National Museum, Benin City. The DirectorGeneral of National Commission for Museums
issues of identity, nationhood and memory. This great exhibition which is a collaboration between the Smithsonian National Museum of
and Monuments (NCMM) Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman who was at the opening ceremony in Washington described the exhibition as an identity
“The opening of a new exhibition is a very special moment in the Life of any museum this is why we look forward to sharing the pleasure of our excitement with you all. With this exhibition, we are acknowledging the centrality of photography as one of the visual arts of Africa. Photography in Africa and by African photographers is an engaging and effective way to provide insights into the continent from which we have all descended, yes, the continent that has some of the world’s fastest growing economies and indeed has an extraordinary array of diverse cultures and some of the most magnificent traditional and contemporary arts in the world”.
Edo Primaries
As We Look Forward To 2015
THE quest to have full dominance of the political terrain of Edo State come (February) 2015 has clearly pitched the two major political titans- the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against the All Progressive Congress (APC). Both parties assiduously sought to put forward their best aspirants to clinch key public offices for the upward delivery of the dividends of democracy. Making the posters do the talk Even as posters journeyed to designated points in town, virtually defacing state party secretariats of the various political parties in order to assert the aspiration of individuals, however, concessions had to be made through subtle overtures even at the last minute to ensure the emergence of the more popular candidate of choice. The fate of female aspirants Interestingly, despite the 35% affirmative action for women with the free collection of nomination forms by women and the physically challenged, female aspirants no doubt had cause to salute the courage of Sarah Jubril whose only vote at the shot for presidency was the one she cast for herself in the 2011 PDP Presidential primaries. Few days before the primaries, one after the other, female aspirants in the APC began to pull out of the race for the Edo State House of Assembly. They pledged their allegiance to the party and other aspirants of choice.
By BERNADETTE IDALU
They unanimously revealed their willingness to collapse their structures into the structures of the party and the candidates of the party. As one or the other left the scene before the primaries, one was brave enough to sail her political dream to the end but she sadly crashed out of the race with no vote cast in her favour at Ugo. This was the case of Mrs. Doris Izevbigie an APC woman leader in Orhionmwon who gallantly watched fellow women casting their votes for other candidates of choice who incidentally were male. Despite the outcome she was nonetheless pleased with the orderly conduct of aspirants. Mrs. Efe Imaghodor an APC aspirant into the Edo Stare House of Assembly who also lost out said she is ready to work with other candidates who won the party ticket and the women of Egor, to move the party forward. However, she maintained that her vision will never die. She kept sealed lips when asked if she was asked to step down. This was however not the case with Hon. Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie, currently the only female legislator in the Edo State House of Assembly who coasted home to victory, winning the ticket to return to the Assembly on the platform of the APC. The surprise package The mood though high and the people full of
expectations, what suddenly awed political onlookers was the manner in which some decampees crashed out of the primaries in Edo
death by the whiskers when alleged hoodlums stormed his house. The invasion of privacy of the legislative quarters and s u b s e q u e n t hospitalization due to the beating he received led to accusations and counter accusations for both political parties. Accusing
Viewpoint
during the APC postcongress crises early this year are, under Labour Law, deemed to have absconded from service because they neither waited for their employers to accept their resignation nor handed over government properties in their possession properly, thus disqualifying
• Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, National Chairman, APC
State. The honourable members representing Esan North East constituency II and Igueben constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Okoduwa and Hon. Kingsley Ehigiamusor who left the APC to the PDP crashed out at the assembly primaries. This was the case of Hon. Abdul Rasak Momoh of Etsako West Constituency I who only recently narrowly cheated
“It is a season of surprises, concessions were made, and internal zoning of political seats to certain wards in order to build bridges and cement the unity of the parties did take place.”
fingers were even pointed at the police due to the breach in security of the legislative quarters. This fate also befell Hon. Jude Ise-Idehen who lost the PDP primaries to the House of Representatives having moved out of the APC. The riddle in the box Though Comrade Godwin Erhahon, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC openly derided and mocked all political decampees from the APC in an article titled, “Woes of APC Decampees in the PDP, Sad Lesson To Political Irritants,” on page 14 of the Nigerian Observer of December 3, 2014 where he made such to realize that under labour laws, “All those who resigned from the services of the Edo State Government
themselves from election under the electoral act,” it is worthy of note that the APC decampee and ironically, PDP acclaimed Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Festus Ebea retained his candidacy for Esan South East Constituency. Same feat was repeated by Hon. Monday Ehighalua for Esan west Constituency and Hon. Patrick Iluobe for Esan North East Constituency I. These candidates were all returned unopposed. Also unopposed was the incumbent legislator, Hon. Victor Edoror representing the APC in Esan Central Constituency New aspirants Interestingly, new names or budding politicians are emerging on the political terrain; a
departure from the hegemony of political ruling families or class who perpetually cling to power. The results of the PDP primaries into the Edo State House of Assembly in Edo North showed that in Akoko Edo Constituency I, Pastor Johnson Ojo Momoh won the primaries while Barr. Bisi Idaomi got that of Constituency II. Tijani Abubakar got that for Etsako Central and Moses Abokor got that for Etsako East. Mr. Blessing Agbebaku got that for Owan West. For Etsako West, Sylvernus Eruaga got the ticket for Constituency II. Racing against time Dr. Ogbeide Ihama who once was at the helm of affairs of the Labour Party but now a PDP aspirant to the House of Representatives, representing Oredo Federal Constituency emerged winner while the closest runner up trailed with 18votes. Johnson Agbonayinma who crossed over from the APC to the PDP clinched the ticket with 37 votes. In the Edo South Senatorial District for the PDP, Pharmacist Mathew Urhoghide won the ticket with 127 votes. He is known to have associated with other political parties but came back to roost in the PDP. The issue of consensus candidates It is a season of surprises, concessions were made, and internal zoning of political seats to certain wards in order to build bridges and cement the unity of the parties did take place. The use of the terms consensus and unopposed candidacy gained prominence in conversations by the hour during primaries into the Edo State House of assembly but it was not replicated in the primaries for the Federal legislative seats where all aspirants tested their popularity in the public domain. Skirmishes thankfully were on the low side for delegates and candidates conducted themselves in
WHEN the Federal Government recently announced it was dropping the N446.3bn corruption charge instituted against Muhammad Abacha, son of former Head of State, the late Gen. Sanni Abacha, a lot of tongues began to wag. The fact that millions of
this country budgets for the year and as such, one wonders what one individual could use such staggering amount of money for. Having N446.3bn in one’s personal account in this country can never be deemed to have been legally accumulated
accumulate an amount as staggering as N446.3bn without being conscious of the fact that such money could have been better channelled into many societal challenges begging for solutions. Many a time, this writer has asked the pertinent question above with little or no satisfactory
becomes someone else’s when we are, no more. It is an undisputable fact that a number of significant wealthy billionaires bestride the Nigeria sociopolitical space like a colossus. Interestingly, the wealthiest. Black man in the world is a Nigerian. To
Society massage the ego of political stalwarts and friends, promote political schisms or even go as far as intimidate people who depend on them for
‘us’ there cannot be ‘them’ and so when an individual becomes wealthy through the people, it is expedient and mostly imperative for the latter to do same by
survival. Some are known to go the extra mile to flaunt their wealth through the acquisition of fast and flashy cars, building of castles in Aso-Rock and even marrying new wives to add to the already saturated number of
giving back to that society in many ways. Rather than engage in charity works, what a number of our billionaires in this part of the, world does is to keep accumulating wealth and do it at the expense of wealth itself. They Jubilant accumulate so much wealth that they turn out not to know how to spend it (to quote a one-time politician) and at the end die without taking a dime with them to the grave. our penchant for primitive accumulation of wealth, especially at the detriment of the society we live is part of the reasons there exist a wide disconnect between the have and have not around us. Such accumulated wealth becomes so huge that it turns out to be our worst nightmare that we begin to fear the next man who we think has an evil intent even when such fear is unwarranted. There is a growing movement today which has taken up the banner of social justice and ultimately sparked a golden age of philanthropy unseen since the days of Rockefeller, carnegie and Morgan. A recent study conducted at Boston college discovered that 0.22 per cent of families with incomes of $1 million or more contributed about 13 per cent of charitable giving in the united States. Accordingly, the number of grant-giving foundations since the early 1980s doubled from a paltry 22,000 to some 65,000 today. This should not be a surprise to many as our contemporary international, political system have inadvertently been transformed with the power many states wield supplanted by powerful and emergent non-state actors who use their clout and influence in ways
Primitive Accumulation And The Lessons Of Philanthropy
Nigerians were not only shell-shocked by the sleazy announcement coupled with the series of protests that greeted the announcement from a section of the Nigerian society showed how unenthusiastic most were and still to the government’s action. While series of reasons have been deduced on all sides as to why such action was taken, one cannot but be surprised at the over turn of events on the Abacha case. corruption is one of the challenges that has come to characterise our political and social fabric such that when cases like those of the Abachas of this world are heard or those either perpetrated by people in both public and private sectors of our economy or even in high or low places, they become issues that readily should not be taken too seriously. The reason for this submission stems from the fact that most corruption cases, if not all, tend to end in favour of injustice—the hallmark of what we represent as a people in this country today. This writer has used the Abacha illustration as a pointer to ask the pertinent question of how much wealth an individual could amass to satisfy his or her personal needs. The billions of naira quoted above if we have to be statistical, amounts to almost half of the trillions
under our present predicament as a people. There is usually an apothegm that believes that for every wealthy billionaire fellow around the world, some form of blood may have been shed to have reached such
answers readily given. This is perhaps because many of those who acquire such digits, either legally or not
make the discourse the more startling, the wealthiest black woman in the world is also a Nigerian
enviable height in life. Whether there is some truth or not in such maxim remains a discussion for another day, yet the pestering question on the mind of this writer is why as a people we tend to
in this part of the world, feel such wealth were not only hard won and theirs alone to keep but should necessarily not be spent on anytime except on themselves. How soon many forget that our wealth
while several others who we do not even know or hear of top the billionaire list. Not surprising though, many of our wealthy personalities have placed much premium on using their wealth. to either
By RAHEEM OLUWAFUNMINIYI
“Interestingly, the wealthiest. Black man in the world is a Nigerian. To make the discourse the more startling, the wealthiest black woman in the world is also a Nigerian while several others who we do not even know or hear of top the billionaire list. Not surprising though, many of our wealthy personalities have placed much premium on using their wealth. to either massage the ego of political stalwarts and friends, promote political schisms or even go as far as intimidate people who depend on them for survival”.
legitimate harems in their household. While this writer is not in any way opposed to how wealthy individuals should spend or use their wealth, they in fact should in whatever way they deem appropriate, yet it is known that this wealth is usually amassed at the expense of the very mass of the poor. Today’s billionaires cannot take away the importance of the millions of people around the world who serve as potential clients of the products they sell, one which ultimately adds monetary value to the pockets of big business corporations owned by these billionaire’s. Without
beneficial to mankind. These actors have today come to see the many challenges faced by humanity as theirs and as such have made it a point of duty to pull resources together to make our world a better place. Among this actors are wealthy individuals who through business sense, entrepreneurship ,and capitalism have emerged as leading philanthropists using their wealth to address challenges that otherwise go largely unaddressed by the State. A typical example is Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft
Americans who share the desire to help their fellow man, the wealthy class in Nigeria see this as an uncharitable venture. This writer, after a brief research, recently discovered that a paltry number of foundations set
Danjuma Foundation is arguably one of Africa’s largest charities set up with a $100 million endowment to “champion and promote causes in Education, free healthcare, policy advocacy and poverty alleviation”. Tony Elunielu
total of $1 million to Rotary International. He also committed another $ I million recently to fight Polio in the three
philanthropists in the world and just in 2010; the Gates Foundation launched alongside warren Buffet the Giving Pledge which served as a. commitment among the world’s wealthiest to pull a bulk of their wealth into philanthropy. Happily and
up by our wealthy class existt today in Nigeria. Top on the list include Tony, Elumelu Toyin Saraki , Aliko Dangote, TY Danjuma, Sir Emeka Offor Foundations to mention a few. Each of these foundations or charitable
on the other hand is termed as one of Africa’s top philanthropists. Apart from pledging $2.5 billion to President Barack Obama’s Power Africa programme few years back, the Nigerian economist, banker and investor is said to have
remaining endemic countries of Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan. His singular contribution has earned him the title of First Polio Ambassador in Nigeria. His philanthropic gestures are not limited to cash donations as according
...And The Lessons Of Philanthropy
• Dangote
corporation who helped pioneer ‘catalytic philanthropy’, an idea whose aim was not just to give money but fuel ideas that work, discarding those that don’t and expecting a tangible return on investment measured in social impact. This systematic problem—
Society
solving initiative. Have not only transformed the paradigm of non-profit work but also heralded social change and helped produce public policy tools on a scale never seen before. Bill Gates is one of the biggest
• Tony Elumelu
since 2010 when the initiative was launched, over 125 individuals and families have bought into the idea. This is simply to help fight a number of causes around the world. Back to Nigeria, one can hardly hear of such pretty initiatives pioneered by our wealthy class, unlike most
organisations was set up primarily to address many of the challenges our society face today. An interesting personality to look at is Gen. TY Danjuma, a onetime Minister of Defense, who is believed to be’ Nigeria’s biggest philanthropist. His foundation, The TY
“Our wealthy class owe it a duty to understand that the culture of ‘me’ and ‘thyself’ alone cannot bring fulfilled happiness and lifelong comfort. The reason we are faced with myriads of challenges in Nigeria today is because of the lack of love and it is until we all go back to our traditional culture of giving even when we have little, we may continue to run afoul of what is required of us not only as humans but as true children of God”.
much crave for and lustfully accumulate remains immaterial if we cannot channel them towards charitable ventures. There are a number of challenges we face as a people in Nigeria currently yet it is a truism that government cannot solve them all alone. It is the duty of these individuals who have more than enough to fill the yearning gap. If there are as much Tony Elumelus, Toyin Sarakis, Aliko Dangotes, TY Danjumas,
• Danjuma
donated a staggering $6.3 million in 2012 to help flood victims in Nigeria. His foundation among other objectives “strives to deploy its resources to generate solutions to challenges that inhibit the growth of the African private sector”. Aliko Dangote too is also in the business of philanthropy and has made useful contributions totalling $35 million. Another interesting Nigerian billionaire worthy of mention here and who recently has been in the news for his massive philanthropic gestures is sir Emeka offor, the Executive vice chairman of chrome Group. In July 2013, to boost the global, efforts in polio eradication, Sir offor was said to have donated a
to sources, he is. involved among others in massive educational initiatives like the Book For Africa project which helps to supply books to countries around the world through generous funding from individuals. sir offor is known as the largest donor in the history of Books For Africa, and the largest private sector donor in the history of the program. One could go on and on however, there is a reality today that philanthropy is meeting the needs that government and. private, sector have not. These individuals have not only led a movement capable of bringing much succour to the world but also played a critical role in advancing human progress. Today, the wealth we so
Sir Emeka offors among others in Nigeria who have a growing interest in key aspects of our daily lives, we may possibly be seeing an end to those very problems that today have become monstrous for us to solve. Our wealthy class owe it a duty to understand that the culture of ‘me’ and ‘thyself’ alone cannot bring fulfilled happiness and lifelong comfort. The reason we are faced with myriads of challenges in Nigeria today is because of the lack of love and it is until we all go back to our traditional culture of giving even when we have little, we may continue to run afoul of what is required of us not only as humans but as true children of God.
Eyebrow Shaping And Control BLACK women have naturally wellshaped and correctly defined eyebrows. The hair is soft and easy to control. We
brows will look like without make up. You may look quite ridiculous with halfshaven eyebrows. We must definitely avoid
corners. It should rest atop the bony promontory protecting the eye. The texture should be soft and
should not be at all anxious to try to radically alter the brows we were born with. Because the eyebrow hair is shorter and more fibrous than elsewhere on the body, it has a much slower growth cycleabout three months. This is one good reason to consider carefully before adopting an extreme eyebrow style. If it involves removing part or all of the eyebrow, it will take a long time to regrow. Also, since you will not (or at least should not) be wearing make-up at all times, you must imagine what your altered
the high-arch, halfmoon styles that are very old-fashioned and perfectly unbecoming; they are guaranteed to make the youngest face age ten years. This is also true of half-brows, pencil-thin brows, and no brows at all. We have strong, shapely, distinctive eyebrows. Let’s keep them. If you indulge in extreme alterations of your eyebrow shape, they may never return to their original, appropriate shape. E Y E B R O W SHAPING The eyebrow should not extend past the inner corner of the eye nor more than 1/4 inch beyond the outer
fluffy with no exaggerated growth or loss. All you need for this is petroleum jelly and a pair of clean-slant or bluntended tweezers. These are the easiest to use since they allow a firm grasp on each hair. You do not need a razor or scissors. The only safe and sure method of shaping brows is by plucking. Scissors never cut close enough and should not be wielded that close to the eye. A razor alters the shape of the growth pattern, creates stubble, and removes too much at a time. By plucking you remove only what you want, very slowly,
“We should not be at all anxious to try to radically alter the brows we were born with. Because the eyebrow hair is shorter and more fibrous than elsewhere on the body, it has a much slower growth cycleabout three months.”
and regrowth is natural. Do not try to bleach the brows. Brow bleaches lighten our skin and turn the brow hair yellow. Shape one brow at a time, using your magnifying mirror: I) Massage a thick coat of petroleum jelly into the brow. This opens the pores to minimize pain while plucking. This is even more effective if you apply while in a hot bath; the steam also opens the pores. 2) Petroleum jelly must remain for thirty minutes. 3) Wipe off excess. 4) Moisten a cotton swab and roll the end in a small quantity of soap. Using swab as a pencil, draw on your brow the shape and size of the brow you require, careful to draw in the direction of hair growth. The soap will dry white and indicate area NOT to be plucked. 5) With another cotton swab, apply petroleum jelly again
Beauty Shop With GLORIA OMORUYI
to hairs you wish to remove. 6) Commencing with the lower hairs, pluck out singly, puffing in direction of growth. Move toward the bridge of the nose and leave to the last the hairs on top of the brow. Pluck both brows before removing soap so that an easy comparison can be made. If you feel a mistake has been made, do not increase the problem by plucking haphazardly but wash the brows and start these instructions over again. 7) Dab brows with witch hazel to close the pores. Your brows will remain sore and bumpy for thirty minutes. Do not apply color until swelling has declined. 8) Our brows do not match, so it is futile and quite unnecessary to
attempt a perfect pair. E Y E B R O W CONTROL If you are satisfied with the shape and length of your eyebrows but the hairs are too curly or grow in the wrong direction, you will need an eyebrow brush-comb. This is a small instrument with a comb and brush on either side of one end and is available in any cosmetics store. In addition to this, it is useful to have a medium-hard bristle toothbrush with a fiat face. I) Apply a moderate amount of petroleum jelly to the brows. Substitute moisturizer if about to put on make-up. 2) Comb for at least one minute in desired direction. 3) Brush with toothbrush for at least five minutes.
MOST families have busy schedules. With parents facing challenging and stressful careers and kids engaging in a host of extracurricular activities, many families find that there is no time left to be together as a family. The added specter
noisy television or computer screens, active listening, and concentration are premium proficiencies to master. When you consider the extensive diagnosis and perhaps, over diagnosis of attention Deficit Disorder
p a i n l e s s l y , spontaneously, and meaningfully. Their vocabulary stretches playfully instead of by tiring tutoring. Board games encourages higher level thinking skills. Abstract verbal reasoning and
improving children’s humor and developing their social skills. Board games also help to teach good sportsmanship. There is probably nothing more difficult for children to learn than how to function well in a competition
Parenting Quality family time spent playing games allows parents to nurture their children and develop a trusting and caring relationship, which is so vitally important in these
And children whose parents use silliness to keep the day flowing smoothly are lucky indeed. Some parents say that unless they make
Family That Plays Together Stays Together
of a seemingly endless flood of unsettling news makes it more imperative than ever for families to set aside time to communicate. Board games are an affective tool for family communication. It’s easy to make conversation over a board game. Games set up a relaxing atmosphere, so laughing and sharing stories about school, work, friends and life in general, flow easily from parent to child, and child to parent. The security that family play provides to children and the manner in which family fun alleviates tension are only the beginnings of the perks of playing board games. Board games increase attention, listening concentration skills. Whether children are moving markers on a board, reading the rules, or determining what three apparently unrelated words have in common, they are concentrating and thinking. As children hear the silly statements which they try to make sense of in verbal games like Mad Gab, they are improving their listening skills. In a world where too many children spend passive time in front of over stimulating and
developing attention skills becomes even more critical. Board games also enhance vocabulary. Board games like Blurt and Tribond extend vocabulary. Kids
creative thinking are involved in Mad Gab and Malarky. They help kids employ several senses at once to determine the
world – learning to love to win and to cope graciously with losing go a long way toward coaching lifetime good
certainly don’t feel like they are studying or memorizing words that emerge at great speed for Blurt or when they connect three unlike items for tribond, but they are learning new words
correct answer, as they read phrases aloud while listening for the hidden solution. Many games encourage kids to think creatively on the spur of the moment. A little acting goes a long way in
sportsmanship. There’s no need to cheat when it’s all in the fun of a board game. All in all, a family that plays together, stays together. The bending communication, fun and laughter of game playing not only provides pivotal teaching opportunities, but will surely keep families close and secure in our pressured world. I recall with the most nostalgia the times of family game playing, the smell of the popcorn, the humor, the joke, the competition and that sense of kidding that took place.
BY AGBESE KINGSLEY
“All in all, a family that plays together, stays together. The bending communication, fun and laughter of game playing not only provides pivotal teaching opportunities, but will surely keep families close and secure in our pressured world.”
unsettled times. Playing together is an almost magical way to build connection. It’s one of the fastest ways to heal bad moods and minor relationship stress. It
brings the family into sync. It creates a happy feeling in your home. Sometimes it’s the only way to convince a toddler or preschooler to cooperate with your agenda. And given how hard life can be at times, my opinion is that we need to seize all the joy, silliness, fun and humour we can get. Research shows that humour is an invaluable part of smoothing over the rough sports of life, from royal goofs on our part to simple bad luck. Couples who can use affectionate humour to deflate anger have happier relationships.
instructions to their younger kids into a game, their children are so engrossed in play that they don’t even notice them. Which is likely to work better. “Little Gorilla, it’s time for breakfast, come eat your bugs and bananas!” and “Don’t you think your steam shovel wants to get in the car now so he can see the construction site on the way to the store?” or “Eat your break-fast now?” and “Get in the car.” Create fun traditions for your family to enjoy and look forward to them. Not all rituals need to be serious or spiritually joyous, some of the best are silly. But don’t wait for special times; any part of daily life can be made into a game. Use family voices. Trade roles at the dinner table so that each family member acts as someone else (kids portrayals of adults can be very hilarious). Have a race to get dressed and in bed for story time. Compete at making baskets with the dirty laundry while doing household clean up together. White funny song lyrics in the car. Gentle physical rough housing with some kids as they wake up in the morning can put everyone in a good mood for the day. Play can be the long sought bridge back to that deep emotional bond between parent and child. Play, with all its exuberance and delighted togetherness, can ease the stress of parenting. Playful parenting is a way to enter a child’s world, on the child’s terms, in order to foster closeness, confidence and connection.
and also lost but not with a great improvement on his previous records of performance winning majority votes in all but five in the 19 Northern States. His near zero performance in the entire
2015:
•Atiku Abubakar
FORMER Head of State General Mohammadu Buhari on Thursday December 11, 2014 emerged winner of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential Primaries. By that victory which he secured at the expense of four other contenders to the ticket including incumbent Governor of Kano State Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso who scored a total vote of 974 came second against the retired general‘s 3,430 votes. Multibillionaire former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar who has since 2007 bided to rule over the country unsuccessfully also failed in the current enterprise as he polled 954 votes to secure a distant third position in the race for the APC Presidential ticket beating only Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and Publisher of Leadership Newspaper Nda Isaiah who polled 624 and 10 votes respectively. Since Thursday when the APC National Convention Planning Committee led by immediate past Governor of Ekiti State Dr. Kayode Fayemi declared Buhari as winner of the Presidential Primary Election which many have described as transparent, fair and credible, attention has now shifted to the main battle on February 14, 2015 when he will
have to once more test his popularity against the People’s Democratic Party’s candidate and incumbent President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Although the PDP had been rumoured to wish that Buhari got the ticket as its members consider him as a familiar opponent who they won’t have any problems defeating as in previous contests since 2003; it must be noted that the circumstances leading to his serial defeats in the past have changed. Agreed that General Buhari remains the only Nigerian living or dead who had striven to lead the country but had failed in all three previous attempts as a result of his alleged pursuit of sectional agenda which is to ensure a return of presidential power to the Hausa Fulani north. In 2003, he ran against former President Olusegun Obasanjo and lost under the platform of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). The same party offered him its platform again in 2007 when he ran against his fellow Katsina born Umoru Musa Yar’Adua and lost too. Unsure of getting the ANPP ticket in the 2011 Presidential election, Gen. Buhari formed the Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) few months to the election, contested on its platform
South adversely affected his chances in that exercise which was hailed by both local and international observers as free and credible. In all these serial defeats, Buhari unsuccessfully went through the courts in a bid to have the elections cancelled over what he called obvious irregularities. Not a few Nigerians had criticised him for his obvious lack of statesmanlike attitude towards the elections which every one in the country knew he couldn’t have won barring the pervasive irregularities of the 2003 and 2007 presidential polls that had political parties with little or no national spread as the PDP does, participating. The PDP in those elections was always comfortable having no formidable opponents in the Presidential races which it won in all cases beginning with the 1999 presidential election which its candidate Chief Olusegun Obasanjo won
Governor Adams Oshiomhole
Politics And
With HAMEED BRAIMA
Buhari On The
• President Goodluck Jonathan
despite the joint All People’s Party (APP) and the Alliance for Democracy (AD) joint presidential ticket of Olu Falae. All that seems to have changed as the as the retired army general as
metamorphosed from being an ethnic bigot, Islamic fundamentalist etc to one who many now perceive because of his anti corruption credentials as the only one who can restructure the sociopolitical economy of the nation based on the principles of justice equity and fair play. This perhaps explains why the All Progressive Congress (APC) a fusion of hitherto mushrooming three opposition political parties, the ACN, ANPP, CPC and Governor Rochas Okorocha’s faction of APGA is out to give the PDP a run for its money using the General Buhari phenomenon. Little wonders that the PDP is said to be in panic as a result of developments in the APC’s camp. The PDP which the book makers said expected a rancorous
•
APC Presidential primaries owing to the intense and stiff competition among the five contestants is said to be very uncomfortable with the rancho-free atmosphere that pervaded the exercise broadcast live from the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Unlike the 2011 election when the ACN leadership allegedly betrayed their presidential candidate Nuhu Rubadu to support President Jonathan, the present APC governors will surely this time around work for the victory of their party’s Presidential candidate who incidentally is General Buhari. The PDP in fact is not expected to be comfortable with outcome of the APC Presidential Primary election that produced General Buhari as its flag bearer. Apart
fr na PD th co an of th Bu ha in co su ge pr
Bu it tim po op pr w in in su m W bo K by
d Issues
AH
you will provide the needed leadership to turn this country around. I have no doubt that you will work with dedicated Nigerians to protect our citizens, improve our economy, create jobs,
people. But who between the two presidential candidates of the two formidable parties, the APC and the PDP is best positioned to make positive difference in the governance of the country.
improve education, reform governance and fight corruption. Atiku’s statement clearly situates the challenges the next President of Nigeria will be expected to tackle by the mass of Nigerian
For the PDP presidential candidate, many Nigerians would want to point out those things they would have wanted him do differently and for that reason with hold their support for him. But the people are also worried that the towering anti corruption profile of General Buhari alone is not enough to turn things around given the array of persons who have at some point or the other been involved in fighting away the golden opportunities to putting this notion on the path of economic prosperity around him. They wish there could have been a ten Buhari in the current enterprise for the people to be definite as to what the character of a Buhari led Federal Government would look like. The people remain un decided on this matter as they fear that the conspiracy of the elite against the poor in the nation would continue as long as the current political elites remain relevant in the management of the affairs
Path Of Stardom?
General Buhari
rom the transparent ature of the exercise, the DP is shocked to realise hat none of the ontestants has alleged ny wrong doing in terms f the process that led to he emergence of General uhari, instead all of them ave pledged to ndividually and ollectively work for the uccess of the retired army eneral in the 2015 residential poll. You can call this uhari’s second victory as is happening for the first me in the nation’s olitical history that pposition party’s residential contenders would agree to sink their ndividual differences and nterest and work for the uccess of the party in the main election. Were it to be in the past, oth Atiku and Kwankwaso would have y now been crying blue
murder as regards the presidential primaries as a ground for them to return to the umbrella party the PDP who had most of the time been accused of sowing the seeds of discord in Nigeria’s opposition political parties in advancing its selfish political interests. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who many had expected to return to the PDP, which it had ditched on many occasions in his bid to get what the PDP had serially denied him as soon as he failed again to achieve his aims, has surprisingly pledged to support the candidature of the party’s flag bearer. Atiku in a statement shortly after the results were declared expressed his confidence in General Buhari’s ability to deliver as president when elected thus: “I’m confident that
Governor Kwankwaso
of this country This decision now lies with the electorate who will be expected to imbibe the character of the forthcoming election of being a purpose driven one and vote the right candidate not withstanding their ethnic, or religious sentiments. Unfortunately, ethnicity and religion as well as other primordial sentiments will sure play a deciding role in the coming poll. With the serious alteration of the political indices of the 2011 presidential election occasioned by the sheer determination of the opposition governors irrespective of their geopolitical zones to deliver General Buhari, the PDP is surely in hot soup. Unlike the 2011 election, President Jonathan will have to strive harder to win southern states like Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Edo, Rivers and Imo where he had overwhelming victory over Buhari.in the previous election. But the up coming electoral exercise appears to present a different character when viewed against the resolve by the APC governors from the afore-mentioned states to deliver Buhari this time around. This is enough to cause the PDP some headache, as Buhari who still enjoys a kind of cult following among the ordinary people of the north is sure to repeat the 2011 success streak when he won majority votes in 14 core northern states except the Middle Belt states of Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau in the presidential race which was generally regarded as free and fair. If this happens, Presidential Jonathan and his party the PDP would find themselves walking a tight rope in the forthcoming election as he would not be able to score majority votes to retain his office with the
remaining states should all the APC states in the south live up to their decision to deliver Buhari. To keep his re-election bid on track President Jonathan may need to use the remaining period before the election in February 2015 to give the masses of this country a reason to continue to put their hope on him. Tthe PDP is sure not to be taking recent political developments lying low as it is expected to sure up its propaganda campaign in the north with a view to winning the minds of many in that part of the country in order to prevent a repeat of Buhari swift victory in the north. This strategy again will make little or no impact at all on the psyche of the average northerner who is dead hungry for the return of power to the north going by the 2011 pattern of voting when they all returned General Buhari. Another problem the PDP will face is the degenerating standard of living among the populace, which the PDP 16 years in the saddle has not been able to provide an answer for. Many would without any prompting from any quarters decide to vote for General Buhari for the sole reason of his incorruptible credentials. They will surely expect a Buhari Presidency to eliminate corruption in the body politics of the nation, which many hold responsible for the social and economic woes besetting the nation. When this happens, the PDP will surely have itself to blame for undermining the core essence of governance, which is ensuring the well being of the majority and not the microscopic few in government who have indecorously reserved over 70 percent of the country’s annual budget to themselves.
The Good Shepherd Knows His Own
“I am the good shepherd and know my sheep and and known of mine”. John 10:14. There are so many sheep that have gone astray for circumstances within the power of the great shepherd who is the Alpha and omega of the entire universe psalm 24:1 John 10:11 states “I am the good shepherd the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep”. The good shepherd can never deny his own mercy when they sincerely seek him. “My sheep hear my voice and I knew them and they follow me”. John 10:27. There are so many good things associated with this great shepherd. He is an epitome of love. He bore the sins he did not commit in order to salvage our soul from eternal death “for God so loved the world that the gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16. Being the prince of peace he has assured us of his peace in
the course of our life journey Isaiah 9:6 John 16:33 points out that Jesus said “these things I have spoke unto you, that in me. Ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. The good shepherd protects his own from being destroyed the psalmist states. If it had not been the lord who was on our side when men rose up against us then they had swallowed us up quick, when the wrath was kindle against us. Blessed be the lord, who hath not given up as prey to their teeth”. Psalm 124:2-7. The great shepherd is the rewarder of those that diligently seek him Heb 11:6. He could decide on his own to grant his mercy and compassion on whom he so loved. Romans 9:15. Jesus raised from death “the only son of his mother and she was a widow when all of life was lost, he appeared at the neck
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eflection With RICHARD IMARHIAGBE
“MY son, attend to my words; inclined thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes, keep them in the midst of thine heart, for they are life unto those that find them, and health (medicine) to all their flesh Prov. 4v2022. The word “health” means medicine according to the Hebrew meaning. This means that God has prescribed His words for our healing and our health! Pastor. (Mrs) Excel Imarhiagbe who was
healed of cancer by the power of the word said “By His stripes is more powerful than drugs”. The word of God is a cure for your eye disease, ear disease, heart disease, blood disease, cancer, barrenness, fibroid, arthritis, fever etc. Medicine, even in the natural, won’t do any good unless you take it according to prescription. You could get the best drugs prescribed by the doctor, if not taken as prescribed, it will not
of time to bring him back to life. He said “young man I say unto these arise” Luke 7:12-15. The Blind Bertimaeus sought him and he did receive his sight. Mark 10. 46-52. The woman with the issue of blood also sought him when all hope was gone and her last hope of survival was only in Jesus. Mark 5.25-30. Beloved there is no one he does not know his/her predicament what he only expects from you is to
acknowledge and invite him into the situation. In mark 4.37-39, his own displaces had to content with life threatening storm that fear gripped them and they quickly sought the lord’s intervention Jesus arose and rebuild the wind and said to unto the sea, peace be still. And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. It is important to note that when the great shepherd moves, there is always an outstanding miracle
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unday Diet
With ERNEST IKHUREIGBE
showcasing his presence. When Lazarus was reported sick. He said not register his presence until four days after he had been buried John 11.39. And when he decided to visit Lazarus’s house, he met mourners who were there to sympatise with the family. He also kept John 11.35. The great shepherd’s presence at any seen can never be unnoticed. He requested to know where Lazarus was buried John 11:34. The dead man was raised
“There are so many good things associated with this great shepherd. He is an epitome of love. He bore the sins he did not commit in order to salvage our soul from eternal death “for God so loved the world that the gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16.”
from the grave and God’s glory become evidently manifested. John 11: 45-46. Beloved the great shepherd knows his own and his own would always showcase his glory whenever we believe and trust him. He expect us to live within his instructions and also spread the good news to all that are yet to hear it. The battle of life can not be fought with arrows and swords, rather the word of the lord should be armour to fight our course. Ephesian 6:12-14. Also it’s important that when we decide to overcome the battle of life, the word of God must be read, heard, used and be obeyed at all time. Josh 1:8-9. There is hardly anything good that can be recorded in life with Christ who over bolds contrary views or belief is living in a fool’s paradise. In no time it will be glaring. May God give us the grace to lead to the clarion all in good time. Remain blessed.
God’s Word Is Medicine work. Your sickness will get worse. When you complain to the doctor that you paid so much to see him and bought your drugs as prescribed, still your situation got worse, the doctor first will ask, are you taking the drugs as prescribed? The medicine, irrespective of how good and expensive it may be, will not work if not taken as prescribed. For it to work, it must be committedly administered as prescribed. God’s word (medicine) will not work just because you have a Bible with you.
But it will work if you get it down on the inside of you (into your heart or spirit). And not just by reading it and forgetting it but by meditating upon it until it becomes a part of your inward man and then confess it continually until the symptoms disappear. This calls for commitment and dedication in meditation and confession of the word. Rom “For with heart man belie veth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (freedom, healing, Peace, Joy and deliverance).
According to Prov.4v20-22, there are three things we are told to do with the word of God; 1. Attend to it(let it be first) 2. Listen to it (on the television, radio, CDs, and cassette) 3. Keep it in the midst of our heart (meditating on the word of God will help to achieve that). We all are instructed to do the above because they are life unto those who find them, and health (medicine) to all their flesh. Hebrew word defines “word” as medicine. This
means, for anyone who believes God’s word in his or her heart, it shall become medicine to his or her flesh. The word of God is the best and most reliable treatment for any sickness and disease in your flesh. Confession: The words of God in my heart are life and health (medicine) to flesh. The words of God in my heart are working on me to effect healing in Jesus name. I receive grace to attend to God’s word, to put it first in my life and listen to it For I believe God’s word is health to my flesh
“Medicine, even in the natural, won’t do any good unless you take it according to prescription. You could get the best drugs prescribed by the doctor, if not taken as prescribed, it will not work. Your sickness will get worse. When you complain to the doctor that you paid so much to see him and bought your drugs as prescribed, still your situation got worse, the doctor first will ask, are you taking the drugs as prescribed?”
woman can’t be caught whining. “Some women want to live up to that strong Black woman image, and we act as though our feelings can’t be hurt,” says adult psychologist Joyce Miller. ‘We project this image of 1 will survive, I will move on,’ and consequently,
WHILE Sisters have historically complained that Brothers don’t understand them, many Black men believe they are the ones who are the most misunderstood—whether it’s in the work place, at home or even in the bedroom.
“They rely on snap sayings, the old rules, the old clichés. They rely on what other women tell them,” says William July II, author of Understanding the Tin Man, Why So Many Men Avoid intimacy. “But they aren’t taking the time to talk to the guy, to ask him what
This self-destructive attitude produces a shell of a man who is ill equipped to deal with the complexities of a relationship, or life for that matter. There has recently been a push by some Brothers to get women to drop the preconceived
Indeed, many times it is a break down in communications, a disconnection between what a Brothers says or feels and a Sister hears or believes that is at the root of infidelity, financial problems, physical abuse, spiritual bankruptcy or any other obstacle that threatens fruitful relationships. Dr. Nathan Hare, a San Franciscobased psychologist and co-founder of the Black Think Tank, says men in particular are in a tough situation because they don’t usually express themselves as well as women’ Many times when a man keeps things bottled-up inside of him,” Hare says, “it gives his lady the go-ahead to define him as she wishes,(giving her) the go ahead to decide for herself what he likes and dislikes, what emotions he feels, when he feels them, how long he feels them and whether he should ever feel them again. Soon she believes she knows what is best for him.” The best-kept secret in the Brother-Sister game is that women for the most part are not even close in their assessment of the needs and hopes of their men. In fact, many women don’t know the men they are with-they only know the men they have helped to create.
he wants. Women need to do a lot more listening to men.” So what would a man really like to tell a woman about his wants, needs and desires? What would a Brother tell his lady if he felt like he had the freedom to do so and if he felt that his honesty would not result in misunderstandings, misinterpretations, hurt feelings or ugly arguments? According to psychiatrists, barber shop counselors, and locker-room experts and relationship experts, he would probably say: 1. HE WANTS YOU TO REALLY UNDERSTAND HIM. Some relationship experts say many times men bury their true being under a facade of masculinity. July calls it the “Tin Man Syndrome,” a state of being amongst men who feel they either have no heart or have no freedom to display their emotional side. The Houston-based lecturer and author says women have been a major cause of pentup feelings that men experience. “Women are not free of responsibility,” he writes. “In fact, they’re willing participants in much of the ‘macho male’ belief system. Some women are often culprits in the very schemes they say they want to end.”
notions they have about men. In case you didn’t know it, your woman has been trying to tell you something. It’s been on her mind for quite awhile, but every time she comes this/close to having that heart-to-heart talk with you, she loses her will. She
there are a lot of hurt women out there.” Although the Black woman is strong, she wants to be loved, appreciated, complimented and pampered. She wants good sex, financial security, a comfortable quality of life and shots of excitement. But
has no intentions of letting you go on with your merry way while she’s knee- deep and sinking in the quicksand of relationship discontent but, as you know, a Black
most importantly, she needs to feel romantically secure— she wants to be No.1 in your life, and she wants to know upfront whether you plan to grow old with her, or if you are just another rolling stone destined to waste her time. Your woman has been dying, almost literally, to tell you something but in her mind, silence is a virtue on two fronts: She’s been conditioned to believe that being truthful with a mate has dire consequences and if she speaks her mind, chances are he’ll leave nothing but dust behind. Secondly, competition is fierce for Black women, so she refrains from telling you
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“like it is” because she fears losing you to some passive desperado wailing in the wings, so says psychologist Julia Hare, executive
most. Your woman may be reluctant about telling you what she wants, but she has no trouble whatsoever spilling her guts to her
director of the Black Think Tank and author of Crisis and Black Sexual Politics. “We do have a male shortage, which has caused many women to live their lives in quiet desperation,” says Dr. Hare. “Sometimes a woman feels insecure about being open and honest
trusted hairstylist—proving the old cliché only her hairdresser really knows reeks with truth. Realistically, most men don’t sit alongside their ladies in the salon. So the age-old dilemma remains: If a woman isn’t communicating her needs, how does she expect the man to give her what she wants? Well, Brothers, there is no longer a need for guesswork. Here is an honest, in-yourface list of what your Black woman really wants, but is afraid to tell you. SHE WANTS YOU TO BE THE MAN. No mailer how independent and strong she may appear, there is nothing more attractive to a Black woman than a strong, Black man to make her feel like a lady at all times. Yet, in her quest to be the superwoman that her image demands, she may inadvertently come across as challenging the realms of your manhood, according HE WANTS YOU TO ENCOURAGE HIS OPENNESS. To be a man—especially a Brother—means never showing emotion. But while most men won’t admit it, what many long to do is to cry, to laugh, to love, to lower their! Guard and not feel like they have to always be oblivious to the softer side of life. There’s only one problem—men believe women will call them weak if they show emotion. It has been said that there are only five situations in which a man truly feels free to show emotion-during war, while playing sports, while intoxicated, during a fight, and at a funeral. This pent-up emotion is at the root of much of the anxiety, frustration, and a general sense of powerlessness a man feels. Called from Ebony
What Your Man Or Woman Really Wants But Is Afraid To tell You (1)
“Some relationship experts say many times men bury their true being under a facade of masculinity. July calls it the “Tin Man Syndrome,” a state of being amongst men who feel they either have no heart or have no freedom to display their emotional side.”
about her needs because of the male shortage. Or in other cases, when a woman complains, the man will tell her that ‘If you don’t like it, I know someone who will,’ which also discourages her from disclosing her needs honestly.” But, as many experts will agree, silence isn’t golden when it comes to relationships; it’s downright deadly. And the kick-in-thewindpipe truth about some women and communication is that they are indeed talking about their relationship needs for the most part, they just aren’t talking to you, the man who needs to hear it the
s h o W b i z
GLAM Africa Fashion To Hold February 15 GLAM Africa Fashion Night (GAFN) will be held on Sunday 22nd of February 2015. . The event which will hold at the prestigious Porchester Hall, Bayswater London, is a unique fashion event that will attract 500 fashionable guests and it will hold during London Fashion Week, February 2015. GAFN which will be the first of a series of
such annual events will showcase exquisite collections from 6 luxury African Fashion designers. They will be mainly established African designers most of whom have clothed international celebrities. Names of participating fashion houses, peforming acts, sponsors and partners will be announced shortly. The fashion event which is being tagged A
Night Of Fashion, Glamour and music will also feature performances and entertainment from African and British artistes. Confirmed guests for GAFN include high profile personalities and celebrities, some of whom will fly in from different African countries to grace the event. Tickets are on sale and available at Glam Africa
official website. V.I.P ticket holders will enjoy a host of special privileges like V.I.P
seating at catwalk shows, an exquisite goody bag, access to the executive lounge, after
party (which will hold in the executive lounge) and photo ops with invited celebs.
Tonto Dikeh Seeks Prayers in the news for the From MFM Church being wrong reasons, which IT seems controversial actress has resolved to draw closer to God like she used to before becoming a household name in Nigeria’s showbiz industry, after she participated in a movie talent hunt show in 2005 and emerged first runner-up. Recall that in an exclusive interview with Nigeriafilms.com in December 2011, Tonto confessed that she used
to be an ‘SU’, a word used to for ‘born again Christians’, before having a breakthrough in the Nigerian movie industry in 2006. In 2011, she shocked many when she drew a big tattoo on her back, which attracted hot criticisms from many people, including her fans. But lately, the actress seems to have stopped
• Tonto Dikeh
some have commended. Recently, Tonto Dikeh was at the Lekki branch of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry (MFM) to pray for 2015. It was gathered that her stylist took her to the church. This might excite some of her fans, who would be glad to have a less controversial Tonto Dikeh. But some have closely observed that when many think Tonto has mellowed her controversial lifestyle, she came up with another. For now, fingers are crossed. Tonto, speaking on her visit to MFM church, said, “I have an amazing Friendship with @swankyjerry And am glad I do,We have our Flaws but Respect love n well wishes is all we are.
• GLAM Africa
2Face, Faze, Black Face Reunite Again NIGERIA’S pioneer RnB group, Plantashun Boi, made up of 2face, Faze and Blackface reunited once again on stage at the 2014 Hennessy Artistry grand finale, bringing back memories and nostalgia to those in attendance. Guests at the event which held at the Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos on December 6, 2014 were thrilled to see the former dynamic group, Plantashun Boiz together again, after years of their split.
Uche Jombo Keeps Mum Over Pregnancy Rumour
VIRAL rumours have been making the rounds in the media suggesting that Nollywood actress, Uche
Uche Jombo
Jombo, may have had miscarriage as she is yet to put to bed, yet the actress has failed to respond to the
rumours but rather kept silent on the issue. The sultry actress, who travelled to the United States of America (USA) some months back to live with her husband, Kenney Rodriguez, recently wrote a touching message to her fans that happiness is necessary because it helps one to forget its challenges. According to her, “To be Happy, sometimes we just have to Forget what’s gone, Appreciate what still remains and Look forward to the good that’s coming Next. Happy Sunday UJ Lovers.” Uche also shared a picture of herself with a friend and her husband but used a sweater to cover her belly which has made fans
detection of the baby bump difficult.
2face came on stage first and performed some of his recent hit tracks. He then surprised the crowd by calling out Faze and Black Face to join him on stage and they performed the classics, Plantashun Boiz, Don’t You Know, Cousin’s cousin, Knock Me Off, among many other hits. Other artistes who performed at the event include, Daddy Showkey, Baba Fryo, Mavellous Benji, Blackie, Jazzman Olofin, Olu Maintain and Ruggedman. ? Several contemporary artistes such as EME’s Shaydee, RunTown, Reminisce and Lil Kesh also took to the stage. Wizkid, one of the headliners performed songs
• 2Face, Faze, Black Face on stage
off his 2014 album, Joy. While performing on stage, he was said to have been handed stacks of N500 denomination by his crew members which he threw into the crowd, causing a stampede as fans. The event was graced by celebrities like Cobhams, Freeze, Yaw, Ayo Animashaun, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Kelechi Amadi Obi, DJ Spinal, Sasha, Praiz and Uti Nwachukwu, among others. This is not the first time they would be reuniting on stage. In 2007, the group briefly reunited and released a reunion album titled Plan B. They also performed together at 2face’s Buckwyld and Breathless concert on Monday, April 30, 2012.
With VICTOR OMOALU - 08078811406
Mercy Johnson Gets Accolade At Nigerian Embassy
Kissing In Movies Helps Tell The Story Better THE world premiere of MUM, DAD, MEET SAM took place last on 6 Decenber 2014) in London at the Genesis Cinema. What people are saying about the movie MDMS: Authentic, relatable and very current. Mary Shittu, Businesswoman and TV Presenter MDMS is a sublime thinking man’s comedy;
expertly narrated in a subtle but impressive style. I would go as far as saying that this is the best Nigerian film I am seeing this year. Obi Emelonye, Director of Last Flight to Abuja and other Box Office sell-out movies. Very good story-line, good actors and consistently very funny. Sam Onigbanjo, Founder of
Women4Africa and NEL Awards The film has raised the standard of Nollywood movies. Very comical and Unpredictable. Collins Archie-Pearce, Film Producer I would not normally sit down to watch films during its premiere but as for MDMS, I laughed thoroughly. Thank God I did not crack my camera lens. Lol. I must watch it again. Daniel Sync
Kim Kardashian Blames God For Her Weight
• Kim Kardashian
SUPERSTAR reality TV personality and mother Kim K, is blaming God for her weight gain. Kim Kardashian explained to Elle UK while shooting the
cover for its January 2015 issue that she believes that her pregnancy weight gain was a lesson from God. The 34-year-old Reality TV star and mum of 1 told Elle ìIím an Ar-
menian girl, I have shape, and it turned out people liked that. That makes me feel good about myself and about other women for being so supportive. I am a confident woman, but I didn’t just arrive confident it has built over the years and that is a big part of who I am now, Kim said. ìIíd think God was doing this for a reason. He was saying: “Kim, you think you’re so hot, but look what I can do to you.” Kim was attacked a lot by fans while she was pregnant with her baby North West for how much weight she gained during her public pregnancy; but it seems she has a valid explanation for why she put on that much weight.
Oritsefemi’s Marriage Recovering
FOLLOWING the controversy that ensued with Oritsefemi’s car crash, Adepitan Dankuí Yusuf, who was driving
• Oritsefemi
the singerís new Range Rover Evogue when it crashed in the early
hours of Saturday Dec. 6th finally talks from hospital bed ìI give glory to Almighty that protects my life. I thank my fans home and abroad that have been calling, sending quick recovery messages to me. May you never be chased by armed robbers as we are approaching festive period.î, he said from his hospital bed. Danku, whose legs & hands were hit at the spot of the accident, is said to be responding to treatment
• Kissing scene in movies
Chidinma Ekile Mourns Father MUSIC star, Chidinma Ekile has just lost her dad. He passed away on the 9th of December, Tuesday after a brief illness. The 23-year old MTN Project Fame 2010 winner is yet to say a word about it but she posted some tweets in the last few days, urging fans to pray for her family. A few weeks ago, Chidinma released a song dedicated to her mum, Martha I was conceived and certified totally blind at birth. For fifteen nights this woman held me in her
hands and wept uncontrollably, with my father calling on God to bless newly born Chidinma with sight. On the 16th day, I opened my eyes. And they’ve been open ever since.. I was born a very fragile baby with some health conditions. Her prayers took it all away. Today I dedicate my entire life selflessly and earnings to catering to visually impaired/blind people. Life is such a wonderful and colourful piece of art and it must feel like hell not to envision God’s creation, she had disclosed.
N O L LY W O O D actress, Mercy Johnson, has hipped praises on the Nigerian Embassy in Washington DC after she was well attended to with so much love. Mercy who was shocked at the warm reception, disclosed that she never knew that some good people still existed seeing the so much love she has gotten. In her words, “Good morning peeps, again I
visited the Nigerian embassy at Washington DC and got great love. Yeah, thanks to all the embassy staffs in DC, am humbled. It’s our month of thanksgiving peeps thanks again for all the love.” The actress, who took a break since July for the birth of her second child, is still in happy mood after safe delivery and the various gifts she got from her husband especially.
• Mercy Johnson
Olamide To Quit Alcohol
• Chidinma Ekile
Zoe Saldama Welcomes Twins
ZOE Saldana has given birth to twins! The ‘Avatar’ star had her children on Monday December 8 in a Los Angeles hospital few weeks after she was spotted flaunting her huge bump at a Hollywood event. The twins – whose genders are yet to be confirmed – are Zoe’s first kids with husband and artist Marco Perego, 35. “Zoe and Marco are delighted, Zoe has been ready to drop for some
time and they are both ecstatic to be meeting the twins,” a friend said. Adding that, “This is a dream come true for both of them, they are absolutely delighted. They have been looking forward this day for the last nine months.... Both want a big family so this is the start.” In October Zoe showed off her bump when she was the cover star of the American Elle magazine. Congrats to the couple
YOUNG talented rapper Olamide has promised to quit his drinking habit. The ‘Story For The Gods’ crooner who made the announcement via a post on Instagram, said he will be taking a break from alcohol until the end of the year, until
• Olamide
he is through with his upcoming concert “The Beast”. The singer is currently preparing for the big concert, and in a recent Instagram post, he wrote: ‘Lol on alcohol break till we are done with OLIC.’
AS politicians are warming up to the countdown to 2015 general elections in the country gathered momentum, political parties and their aspirants are lobbying their parties
Despite we always failed to learn from other people mistake, the political parties should try as much as possible to learn from the two last elections in the country that is Ekiti and Osun
executives to win their hearts as to emerge flagbearers in 2015. The big question begging for an answer is that how well these aspirants are known by their people at the grassroots. Today, elections in Nigeria is beginning to reach a new crescendo and it is imperative to dissect the single most important factor that motivates electorates in deciding whom they cast their vote for. Glaringly, aside “stomach infrastructures” which many in some opinion believe it’s the closest to the grassroot, other factors such as competency, previous antecedents and party affiliations becomes less important. It is now glaring that people no longer vote for political parties but for a candidate that is suitable for the job and also a candidate that is attached to the people at the grassroot. Gone are the days when a city based politician will be coming to his people at the rural area to seek for their support whereas such candidate is not known at home or done any meaningful development that will be of beneficial to the people.
states governors’ elections. In the case of Ekiti state, people voted for Ayo Fayose against the incumbent governor Kayode Fayemi as what it could be referred to as change by the people. The people discovered that the incumbent governor was not with the common man who has the majority of the votes decided to seek for a change and favour in the eyes of Ayo Fayose. To me not because of Ayo Fayose is from the PDP that made him to win but they see him as better alternative to the incumbent governor Kayode Fayemi. In Osun state election, Rauf Aregbosola won Omisore as against the huge federal support given to him which was not able to deter the wishes of people as it was definitely triumph power of incumbency and federal might. For Fayemi, many opined that inspite of his glaring achievements in the state, there was still a huge disconnection with the common man at the grassroots while others prefer to agree that the heavy presence of armed security personnel alien to the people of Ekiti affected the turn out and whatever the reasons for loss, it appears that the
opposition party has ginned some useful experience to propel them in future elections Testament to that is the Victory recorded by the incumbent governor Rauf Aregbesola to the dismay
positions. As the political parties primaries are in top gear prior to the 2015 election in the country, the parties should not field any unpopular and not sellable candidate for any elective
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and wild criticism from the citizenry, and even local and international election observers.
the INEC will not play the fiddle role in the electioneering and result declaration processes.
position or else, such party will definitely loss such position to the opposition party. The people have learnt from the past where “leaders chooses a candidate for the people and where their votes don’t normally
Nigeria is going to be once more tested by another bloodsucking entity called general elections. Is it possible to conduct free and fair general elections, the one that is not grossly marred by corruption? Is it possible that general elections would hold in
I believe that Nigeria is ripe for an intellectual revolution. I believe that Nigeria can do it right this time. I believe that it is time to take our destiny in our own hands. It is time, not only to say no to political thuggery, no to stereotyping our intellectual capacities, no
count but today, the electorate determine who lead them. The democratic processes of electing these citizens into positions of choice are not novel in Nigeria. The novelty in Nigerian electioneering processes, in the final conduct and in the outcome of the elections is the fierceness, intolerance, do or die inclination of politicians and to a large extent, the confusion and tension it creates. Since 1999, it can be comfortably argued that no general elections had been conducted without loss of lives, destruction of property
Nigeria without a Nigerian killed? Yes, it is, at least if top politicians can practically display that the election of any of them is not worth the blood of any citizen of Nigeria; Yes, at least if money politics will be minimized in Nigeria politics; at least if the youths will not be held hostage by the politicians to do the dirty jobs of stuffing of ballot boxes, multiple thumb-printing and intimidation/killing of the oppositions in any stronghold of a party; at least if the opposition will be allowed to fully participate without hindrances; and at least if
to mismanagement/ massive looting of our God-given fortunes, no to ethno-religious gangsterism, no to electoral corrupt practices – all of these that have become diehard in the mainstream of our political lives – it is also time to rejuvenate the spirits of Sir Tafawa Belewa, Dr. Nnmadi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and my own father Ajah Ogwu who was ever prayerful that one day faith and love would defeat evil and wickedness in his little world, nay Nigeria.
Beyond Stomach Infrastructures By GLORIA ONI
of the ruling party. Expectedly, the tides turned and mistakes of the Fayemi loss were effectively corrected at the polls. Security Intimidation, arrest of party stalwarts, molestation of citizens perceived to be in the opposition, the use of federal power to intimidate junior election officers and many others were endured and overcome by the APC this time around. The political terrain in Nigeria has changed, gone are those days when Federal might will always triumph over the will of the people but now in Nigeria, if a candidate is not popular I bet you he or she will always loose elections and its only a leader that is close to the people that can know the problems the people are facing and also profer possible solutions to those problems. It sounds so funny to me when some groups of politicians without any political structure claim they want to win an election, these sets of politicians has got nothing attached to the grass root, they can’t even win their wards not to talk of other elective
“The political terrain in Nigeria has changed, gone are those days when Federal might will always triumph over the will of the people but now in Nigeria, if a candidate is not popular I bet you he or she will always loose elections and its only a leader that is close to the people that can know the problems the people are facing and also profer possible solutions to those problems.”
OH Christmas! It is the most wonderful time of the year it is here again, the time for giving and sharing of gifts with family and friends. As much as we want to celebrate and be jolly during this festive season,
and gift exchanges for Christmas parties. Think of a gift – For each person in the list, think of a suitable gift that you will like to buy for him/her. If you are not very sure at this point, have a few potential items
we also have to be careful about spending so that we don’t spoil the festive mood. From past years experiences the challenge with Christmas shoping has always been overspending. Retailers are really good at running promotions and coming up with the latest gift ideas to entice shoppers to spend more money than buyers really want to. Once at the shopping mall, you are faced with opportunities to buy, buy without realizing it, multiple small purchases accumulate into big amounts which gives you a big shock when the credit card bill comes later. This year, I’m going to be prepared for my Christmas shopping by having a shopping list and budget before I head down to the mall. Here are some tips to prevent overspending and bursting your pockets this Christmas. Have a list. List the people who you are going to buy a Christmas gift for. This is a good place to start as the exercise will help you see the ‘magnitude’ of shopping you need to do. Here are some of the people who you will probably include in this list. For instance, family, close friends, colleagues
listed so that you at least have something in mind when you are in the mall. Start a budget:- For each gift, estimate how much you would spend on that gift. Total the prices for all the gifts you have listed and that will be your budget. If you have a few possible items listed for one person, use the price of the most expensive items to calculate the budget. You want to make sure you are prepared for the worst case scenario. Take a look at the total. Is this budget affordable? If not, you may have to review step 2 and 3 unit you have a final budget is realistic is to do some online research before you actually head down to the mall. Not only is this a good way to gather gift ideas and market rates, it also saves you time and energy you would waste going to the crowded mall simply for research purpose. Here are some great sites to start you off. Amazon.com – the grandfather of online shopping for books, electronics, CD/DVD for music and movies. Now, it even includes apparel, jewelry, tools and sports zears. Do your shopping – Here’s where the real action starts. Get down to the shopping mall or go to
online stores to do your shopping. Also, note that retailers like to run promotions during the Christmas season to encourage consumer spending. At the malls, be prepared to be tempted by irresistible offers and
to lower the spending on other items to make up for differences. Likewise, if you make some savings on certain items, then you will have more slack to play with on other items. Keep doing this for the entire shopping list and you will
Yuletide
children on your list will be next year and consider what skills or interests they will most likely have at that age. (Maybe you
You may discover that Christmas shopping is a real joy when you get it out of the way during after Christmas sales. In the
will also have to think back to what you enjoyed at that age) growing up doesn’t mean that a child’s personality changes completely from year to year, however, if a child has a basic interest in one field, such as art or science or sports, look for something in that field that is a bit more advanced
future, you may even find yourself trying to convince your family to hold off celebrating for a few days so that you can buy the gifts on December 26 and give them on December 27. That way, you can save money on gifts and not even have a find a place to store them. Be sure that you have a specific purpose for everything you buy. When shopping for gifts, have particular people in mind to receive them, even if its “the next friend to get married” or “my day daughters teacher next year”. An item bought simply because its something nice at a good price that you could give as a gift often wind up languishing forgotten in a drawer until it’s obsolete or hopelessly out of fashion. A man once said “you buy what you need and not what is good or beautiful”. So, next time you are about to take your leave for shopping think vividly of what is vital to you most. Panic happen when we leave the planning and purchasing of Christmas presents until the last minute. Buying under pressure can lead to bad and sometimes costly decisions. You can also end up overspending when you buy presents bit by bit with out thinking, but with a little forward planning and budgeting you can enjoy the festivities without feeling the pinch. Finally, always know that December can be an expensive month. So, it’s no wonder that more than half of the people in the world especially Nigerian say worrying about finances keep them awake at night. All this chilling details are for you to secure your money in the presence of waste.
Need To Shop Wisely At Christmas By EHIS OKOROH
promotions. Having the shopping list and budget in hand will certainly help you stay focused. You are less likely to get distracted into opportunistic shopping which will result in you bursting your pockets. Review actual spending against budget
be able to constantly track your actual spending against budget. This is vitally important to help you keep within your shopping budget. It does take some challenges effort to plan your Christmas shopping. However, the effort will
for each actual purchase that you make update your budget with the actual money spent. If you have burst your budget on some items then you will have
allow you to shop with focus and saves you time and money later on. With the above tips, I hope you will enjoy a splendid (excellence) and worry free holiday. There will not be any nasty surprises when the January bill comes in as you know very well how much you have spent. When buying for your children, remember that they will age a year before next Christmas children’s interests and abilities change rapidly, especially when they are young. Think ahead to the age the
“From past years experiences the challenge with Christmas shoping has always been overspending. Retailers are really good at running promotions and coming up with the latest gift ideas to entice shoppers to spend more money than buyers really want to.”
than what he likes this year. Write down where you store any gifts you buy. Next December’s calendar page is a great place to record the storage place. If you have to keep the hiding spot secret from snooping children, write it in a code only you will understand. Few things are more frustrating than knowing you have gifts stashed somewhere but not remembering where, and you will wind you wasting money instead of saving if you have to go out and buy something else.
A slave named Androcles once escaped from his master and fled to the forest. As he was wandering about there he came upon a lion lying down moaning and groaning. At first he turned to flee but finding that the lion did not pursue him, he turned back and went up to him. As he came near, the lion put out his paw, which was all swollen and bleeding and Androcles found that a huge thorn had got into it, and was causing all the pain. He pulled out the thorn and bound up the paw of the lion, who was soon able to rise and lick the hand of Androcles like a dog. Then the lion took Androcles to his cave, and every day urged to bring him meat from which to live. But shortly after wards both the Androcles and the lion were captured, and the slave was sentenced
Gratitude BY JOY ABADA
to be thrown to the lion, after the latter had been kept without food for several days, the emperor and all his court came to see the spectacle and Androcles was led out
C
hildren’s World With
LOVETH EKEMOGIE
The Bible BY CHRISTIANA AKHIGBE
THE Bible contains the mind of God The state of man The way of salvation The doom of sinners And the happiness of believers Its doctrines are holy Its pilgrims are binding Its histories are true Read it to be wise Read it to be safe And practice it to be holy It contains light to direct you Food to support you And comfort to cheer you.
Do You Know? BY CHIDINMA CORNELIUS
DO you know that brain uses about 20% Oxygen and Calory in take? Do you know in each kidney there are I million filters that clean around 1.3 litre of blood every minute and push out close to 1.5 litre of urine every day? Do you know that every individual that has a unique smell expect twins? Do you know that ovaries contain over 5,000,000 eggs but only two get the opportunity to create life? Do you know that you have about half a million sweat glands that produces a part of sweat everyday? Do you know that your bones, pound for pound are four times stronger than concretre? Do you know that in 30 minutes your body can produce enough heat to boil half gallon of water? Do you know that your cartilage compress throughout the day? Do you know that there are more than 300,000,000 capillaries in your lungs and if stressed out tip to tip, they would reach approximately the distance between Atlanta and Los Angeles? Do you know that everyone has a unique tongue print just like everyone has a unique finger print? Do you know that your nose can remember over 5,000
into the middle of the arena soon the lion was let loose from his den, and rushed bounding and roaring towards his victim. But as soon as he came near to Androcles
he recognized his friend and frown upon him, and licked his hands like a friend dog. The emperor, surprised at this, summoned Androcles to him who told him the whole story where upon the slave was pardoned and freed, and the lion let loose to his native forest.
scents but it is not as sensitive as dog’s? Do you know that Dolphins sleep with one eyes open? Do you know that the buzzling sound of a fly is on tune with key F? Do you know that the muscles that control your eyes contract about 1,000,000 times in a day, that is equivalent to giving legs a walkout about 50 miles? Do you know that your tongues is the strongest muscle in the body? Do you know that you are 1 centimetre shorter when you go to bed at night compare to when you wakeup in the morning? Do you know that your brain is 5kg weight and consist of 73% water? Do you know that a woman blinks more than a man? Do you know that pereguine falcon is the fastest animal not cheater? Do you known that it takes your finger and tool nails half a year entirely to grow a new nail from the base to top? Do you know that you dehydrate while sleeping through breathing? Do you know that it takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 muscles to smile? Do you know that an average human being produces enough saliva in their life time that can fill two swimming pools?
Quote
BY HELEN OGIDI
“I really had a lot of dreams when I was a kid, and I think a great deal of my dream grew out of the fact that I had a chance to read a lot.” “Every book is a children’s book if the kid can read.” “Everyone wants to be appreciated, so if you appreciate someone, don’t keep it a secret.” “If you can’t make it good, atleast make it look good.”
Tough Exams
Mother: How was your exams? Son: It was fine mum. Mother: I am very sure you cleared all the questions. Son: Ya mym! They gave me questions I don’t understand, so I gave them answers they don’t understand.
It is the travellers’s map The prisoner’s staff The pilot’s compass The soldier’s sword And the Christian’s chapter Here paradise is restored Heaven opened and the gate of hell Be closed. Amen.
The Grace Of God BY BLESSING AGBEDIA
Help me oh Lord not to loose your grace! As I run this race Keep me within your space Because my desire is to be in your place It’s not a mistake That am here to relate, migrate to your place of abundant grace Help me to celebrate, jubilate And appreciate That I may not be a disgrace Who lost out in a race Help me to be grateful For the girts of your fruits Oh! Thou faithful Lord In your place Where I have found grace
KNOWING God means we are well informed about him, we are acquainted with him, we are recognizing and respecting him as the supreme being and we are relating and endearing
and to depart from evil is understanding (Job 28:28) that verse explains saving faith, both fearing God, and departing from evil takes place initially at conversion so you begin to be wise when you fear
ourselves to him. Knowing him or fearing him or loving God is a person’s deliberate choice. An individual chooses to discipline him/herself in consciousness of God’s supreme worth. We need a life that worship God, honoring him both in words and deeds. Wisdom can be defined as a person’s ability to live intelligently, judiciously and morally for that person’s own benefit and for the benefit of others. Although most people are born with some degree of wisdom, it is only acquired in the course of grappling with life. The bible connotes in (psalms 111:10) that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and understanding God defines wisdom this way “Behold, the fear of the lord, that is wisdom
God by trusting him within and repenting of your sins. As long as you have only human wisdom or to put it in James words that which is earthly natural demonic, (3:15) you cannot know God or true wisdom without that critical step of relationship to the giver of all wisdom and understanding. On the other hand, if you have submitted to the gospel of accepting Jesus as your lord and personal saviour, you know the only wise God as your father. His scroll of wisdom is open to you as a believer.Why then do we still have sinful tendency to look first to man’s wisdom and ignore the sufficiency of God’s wisdom? I think if we truly understand the stark contrast the absolute opposite of the one to the
other, we will leave behind the elementary understanding of the world to embrace the riches of the divine wisdom of God. Also according to the bible ones knowledge or fear of God
person to make decisions and choices which are valuable to him/her family or group etc the only word for such decisions and choices is wisdom. God has given man the strength to study analyze,
Religion
spiritual dimension, he has no control to change his own heart, lack of understanding to solve his
result that he will escape the consequences of yielding to such temptations, self control is therefore another fruit of
spiritual problems and no resources to satisfy his soul he is spiritually importent. The wisdom of men never makes contribution in the spiritual, God’s wisdom is rich and does not need supplement. The fear of God also influences a person to have self control when faced with tempting situations on the road of life, with the
wisdom and grand child fruit of godliness. Don’t turn to human wisdom to solve spiritual problems If the world had anything to offer, the best of its citizens would not have crucified the Lord (Cor 2:8) As a true believer, anchor all your confidence in the word of God the only source of your wisdom.
Knowing God As The Source Of Wisdom By JOSHUA IGBOANLEN
is the starting point of one’s gaining true wisdom. The fear of God entails loving God. For instances, deliberately living morally upright, dealing with people with compassion etc for the sake of honoring him. Naturally people who tend to stay away from godliness are likely to be morally tempted which may lead them to bad or even destructive choices and due to lack of accountability to God. But a person who practice godliness learns more and more to differentiate good from bad and also right from wrong. That experience teaches that
categorize and develop the physical resources of this earth to benefit physical life. But that’s where his wisdom ends. Because of sin, his mind is totally unable to know the
“The fear of God also influences a person to have self control when faced with tempting situations on the road of life, with the result that he will escape the consequences of yielding to such temptations, self control is therefore another fruit of wisdom and grand child fruit of godliness.”
Leave Wrong Environment And Discover God Purpose For You
FOR you to attract God’s blessing into your life you need to be in the right place. There are diverse places, for diverse visions. Now to walk with God, you should be able to understand where He wants you to be otherwise you may begin to go round the clock without being fulfilled in life. Then he spoke many things to them in parables, saying. Behold a sower
went out to sow. And as he sowed some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them, some fell on stony ground where they did not have much earth and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among
By OGHOYONE SANDRA
thorns and the thorns sprang up and chocked them. Both others fell on good ground and yielded a crop. Some a hundred fold some sixty some thirty matt 13:3-8. You discover that about four kinds of
environments were mentioned here the same kinds of seeds also were mentioned. But the difference is that they did not all fulfill the sower’s purpose. Reason, some of them did not enter the right environment. You cannot continue to live in
“You cannot continue to live in sin and think you can fulfill God’s design for you life, no it cannot happen. Just like some of the seeds did not do well, so are many today, not doing well. Because they negate God’s plan in their life, due to sinful life style.”
sin and think you can fulfill God’s design for you life, no it cannot happen. Just like some of the seeds did not do well, so are many today, not doing well. Because they negate God’s plan in their life, due to sinful life style. God knew that Abraham, if he remains in that land, Canaan he will not be able to live the life that (God) wants him to live. The scripture tells us that Abraham native town is idolatrous. And Joshua said to all the people, thus says the laid God of Israel. Your fathers including Teral, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, dwelt on the other side of the river in the old times and they served other gods. Joshua 24:2.
Can Abraham be righteous in the presence of this idol worshipping people without the danger of compromise? He would not have been able to live for God in his home land. God saw it. God knew it. He called him out. It could be that God wants you out of a particular company you have been keeping for his divine purpose to be shown you or he is calling you into another area of life. And you have been finding it difficult to obey. It is better to do so or else you would be living in disobedience and that is sin. Remember he (Abraham) had the right to have rejected God’s proposal, but he did not. He knew God’s ways are better for him so it is for you also.
As We Look Forward To 2015 Continued from pg. 11
peaceful and refined manner during the primaries. But, one wonders if the tempo is going to be sustained when the chips are down. The governor speaks Governor Adams Oshiomhole while casting his vote as a delegate of the APC in Azama Primary School, Jattu, Edo North, tried to popularize a new party slogan which incidentally sounds different from the popular “One man …one vote.” Instead he reiterated that election riggers do not fit into the “change” slogan of the APC. Such persons he said will be excused from the party. This keeps pundits asking, “Has something changed?” One thing is for sure this time around, the two parties do not want their members to leave even if they do crash out during the primaries. Shortly after casting his vote, the governor stated, “I will be surprised if anybody who participated in this transparent election decides to leave simply because he did not win. If such people want to leave, we will escort them out because they cannot fit into the logic and philosophy of change.” Major upsets The theory in the power of incumbency in retaining power or political seats was once more put on hold as Hon. Patrick Ikhariale lost out to Joe Edionwere in his quest to retain the seat in the Esan West/Esan Central/Esan East Federal constituency. Hon. Friday Itulah also lost the battle to reclaim the Esan North and South Federal Constituency seat to Barr. Ogun; Magnus Odion
Ugbesia lost the candidacy to the Edo Central Senatorial seat to Engr. Clifford Odia. Rumbles in the house Despite the hushed allegation in certain quarters that delegates were mandated or enticed to vote for certain aspirants, none came forward to state their findings, backed by evidence. This was however to change when three aspirantsMessieurs Etinosa Onaiwu, Osayemwenre Edosa and Kelvin Aigbe vying for the Ovia Federal Constituency Seat into the Federal House of Representatives boycotted the PDP primaries alleging the manipulation of candidates by the leader of the party in Edo South who doubles as a former deputy governor of Edo State, in the person of Chief Lucky Imasuen. They accused him of manipulating delegates to vote in favour of the daughter of the Esama of Benin, Ms. Omosede Igbinedion. This boycott made her the sole candidate for that seat. Stakeholders speak Next step on the issue of alleged manipulation of delegates Mr. Olusola Oke the PDP returning officer during the Edo South primaries for the senate stated, my guideline is to conduct elections. Nobody has submitted any petition to me. I guess they know who to give. Elections appeal panel that will come after me will receive petitions. Need for honesty Jim Adun of the APC who asserted that winners should know that victory belongs to God and the people, stated however
that there was need for leaders at every stratum to be honest. Affirming that he read the protest of the aggrieved aspirants in the press, he upheld the view that there was the need for honesty in the PDP since it was being rebuilt. When leaders are not honest he said, they will get into trouble. He
constituency at the House of Representatives ventilated that consensus is democratic. It shows maturity and awareness. Even if this did not work at the senatorial level it however pointed to the fact that democracy is in place. The best candidate should emerge as long as it is free and fair. There
Viewpoint that the people and the aspirants were well behaved. This is the new PDP. Forget what the opposition has to say but seeing is believing. Winning a primary election does not mean winning a general election. We will start the second phase by going
• Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, PDP National Chairman
however stated that the party will look into the issue; any leader who is not honest or transparent should not go into the next election we are going into. They should gladly give way and allow human beings to run the elections, he maintained. Consensus candidacy is democratic Commodore Andrew Osas Agbonwanegbe who lost the APC ticket to represent Egor/Ikpoba Okha Federal
should be no impositions; no one should adopt any candidate. The conduct of the election is good; no one mentioned anything about consensus to me. People have rights; no one should trample on them, he persisted. At the primaries Chief Lucky Imasuen speaking on the expected outcome of the PDP Primaries for the Egor/ Ikpoba Okha ticket into the House of Representatives revealed
into the general elections to see how the member representing Egor/Ikpoba Okha constituency will come from the PDP. The beauty of patience Chief Ken Owie speaking on the PDP ticket to represent the party in the forthcoming general elections at the senate by Pharmacist Mathew Urhoghide stated that the aspirant had been in the race since 1992. The campaign was started during the tenure
of Chief John Odigie Oyegun as governor of Edo State. Victory was lost narrowly due to some minor misunderstandings hence the present need to work as a family, to make PDP come back to power in Edo State, he revealed. Conclusion With the present ousting of some political bigwigs in the primaries denying them a place in the forthcoming elections, it becomes clear that the race to clinch public office will be herculean this time around. The electorates incidentally are now more enlightened and assert their rights. The need to become the political party of choice in the state is a source of worry for the PDP which is doing all within its power to reclaim the state while the incumbent APC is doing its best to retain its clutch at the helm of affairs. No candidate can lay claim to victory at the stakes the way things are presently hence parties are fast to state that the result of the primaries are different from the main election. They need to put in more effort into the electioneering process. The chance of winning or loosing is peaked at a 50% ratio. Females have become reticent, they feel beaten into the back seat yet they smilingly assert their intent to work with the candidates of choice of their parties. Predominantly, the conduct of the aspirants and their parties at the primaries was quite encouraging devoid of hooliganism. The presence of security operatives was a plus for immediate interventions.
Despite the hushed allegation in certain quarters that delegates were mandated or enticed to vote for certain aspirants, none came forward to state their findings, backed by evidence.
YOU can read all the guides you like and watch all the motivational videos you can stomach and it will still depend on you to make changes
President Obama’s case in point! YES YOU CAN! 3. Positive mental attitude will make you a better friend Your positivity will
where you are going 6. Positive mental attitude will make you more appreciative and grateful for what you have
you and. count your blessings, you will see that they are greater in number, than you thought! 7. Positive mental attitude will make
Motivation
it’s hard to give time and attention to those around you. With positive mental
zone; where you, finally, will feel comfortable You will start to
attitude, you can give so much more to your children, your family and your friends and work 8. Positive mental attitude will push you out of comfort
welcome change. Your new self-confidence will enable you to face change, rather than fear it. A negative thinker assumes that all change is bad and scary but, a person with a positive outlook welcomes change, as an opportunity for new beginnings. 9. You will be able to accept criticism more constructively A positive mental attitude will help you to see criticism as a useful means of pointing out things that you might do differently, rather than just a negative comment about you. Criticism can be harsh, cruel and unnecessary, but sometimes criticism, taken the tight way, can be a good teacher of valuable lessons too. 10. Positive mental attitude will help you to become a better person life is a series of ups and downs, opportunities and mishaps, but each twist and turn can bring you a new understating of who you are. Think positively and you will find that every experience, both good and bad, helps you to become a better person, you will begin to see life, as a series of worthwhile, precious lessons.
Why You Should Cultivate Positive Mental Attitude needed to have a positive outlook on lift. Think positive, look on the bright side, have faith, whatever you use to describe it, cultivating a positive mental have a positive impact on Just about every aspect of your life read on proof: i. Positive mental attitude will help you to laugh more Taking the optimistic view will help you laugh more and laughing is good for you in many different ways. Gradually you wilt learn to laugh and feel great about the good things in life and eventually, you’ll be able to laugh off the bad things that happen too. 2. Positive mental attitude will help you to cultivate an ‘I can do anything I set my mind to’ mentality Instead of always thinking ‘I can’t, you will begin to think ‘I can’. This ‘can do’, attitude will lead you into new and exciting possibilities in your life and give you the confidence to try something different
rub off on those around you and people will come to respect your views and advice more. Because you have the confidence within you, you will be able to inspire those around you to achieve their goals as well. 4. Positive mental attitude will help you respond better to challenges When faced with a difficulty, you will see it as a challenge, rather than a problem or a defeat with a positive and optimistic attitude you will be looking for ways to deal with the challenges life throws at you and not just cave in to them. Remember tough times never last but tough people do. 5.Positive menial attitude will help you control your own destiny Instead of being pulled from pillar to post by external factors, you will be able to start making proactive decisions about your life. You will stop the constant firefighting and start to take more control of
Instead of constantly worrying about what you don’t have, you will start to appreciate more what you have lit Take a look around
you more generous You will be able to give more to others. When you are wrapped up in a cycle of negative thinking,
“When faced with a difficulty, you will see it as a challenge, rather than a problem or a defeat with a positive and optimistic attitude you will be looking for ways to deal with the challenges life throws at you and not just cave in to them. Remember tough times never last but tough people do.”
A L T H O U G H transportation has liberated man from static ways of life, making him more mobile, his increasing reliance on road transportation, in particular, has facilitated the expansion of the scope of his activities.
world. The commission noted that the report indicated that road accidents now accounted for more deaths than malaria and tuberculosis. Observers, however, say that reckless driving, wrong overtaking, excessive
motorists should adopt the best road traffic practices as part of efforts to promote road safety and prevent road crashes. He also underscored the need for motorists to abide by the recommended speed limits for various categories
radar guns to monitor motorists’ speed on the highways. “ Our aim with this robust strategy is to make the roads safer for all road users and ensure a reduction in road crashes as we begin our end-
T
ransportation
was working hard to ensure a smooth flow of traffic on the roads. The corps marshal, however, encouraged
or fail to maintain our vehicles. “We should be aware that majority of the people who die in road traffic accidents
motorists to renew their driver’s licences, whenever they expired, and obtain new number plates. As part efforts to create more awareness on road safety, the FRSC has initiated a campaign, involving some schools and members of the National Youths Service
fall within the 16 to 45 age bracket, which is the productive age. “Also, when they die, a lot of calamities and sufferings befall their families, children and everyone around them,” he said. Ajayi, therefore, appealed to the public to be seriousminded in efforts to promote safety on the roads, saying: “Driving is a complex matter that must be handled with care.’’ Meawhile, the FRSC has reiterated its plans to enforce the compulsory use of speed limit devices by commercial vehicles, come June 1, 2015. Corps Marshal Oyeyemi said that the enforcement had become imperative in view of the increasing rate of road traffic crashes caused by speed limit violations by motorists across the country. Oyeyemi, who bemoaned the recklessness of some drivers on the highway, said that speed limit violations accounted for 39 per cent of road crashes in the country between January and August 2014. “This development informed the decision of the Stakeholders’ Forum, convened by the FRSC, to embark on aggressive public enlightenment campaigns,’’ he said. The FRSC boss stressed that the speed limit devices would help to control the maximum speed of commercial vehicles, while serving as a powerful tool for speed management. “Active speed limiters directly control speed by applying counterforce on the accelerator or through the engine fuel injection system,’’ he said. All the same, observers appeal to drivers to be more careful, particularly during the festive periods when the volume of traffic on the roads is usually high. They also urge the drivers to consider other road users, insisting that there is no justifiable reason to claim undue rights on the road while driving.
Reducing Incidence Of Road Accident
In spite of the myriad advantages of road transportation as the commonest and most extensively used form of transportation, the spate of road traffic accidents, the world over, has remained a source of concern to many observers. Without doubt, road traffic accidents have been the focus of great international concern, as accidents on the roads are the major cause of deaths all over the world. Concerned observers note that the Nigerian situation appears dire, saying that it has reached an alarming proportion, even to the point of frustration and near helplessness. This, according to them, is because Nigeria continues to feature in the list of countries that are mostly affected by road accidents. For instance, the former Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, in 2012 quoted a report of the World Health Organisation (WHO) as indicating that Nigeria had the second highest road traffic accident fatalities among 193 countries under the study’s focus. Chukwu said that Nigeria recorded 162 deaths per 100,000 road traffic accidents, adding that the trend was adversely affecting the country’s health system. Sharing similar sentiments, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), which also cited the same WHO report, said that in terms of deaths caused by road accidents, Nigeria was the second worst country in the
speeding and overloading of vehicles are some of the major causes of road accidents in the country. They also note that some motorists engage in drunk driving or use of hard drugs, adding most Nigerian drivers are also guilty of always being in a hurry. However, Mrs Susan Ajenge, the FRSC Sector Commander in the FCT, said that the commission had initiated some measures to address the menace, adding that the FCT Command of the FRSC had taken steps to enforce the extant ban on the sale of alcohol at motor parks. She said that the command was already working with transport unions at the parks and the police, in efforts to ensure the relocation of liquor sellers from motor parks so as to promote safety on the highways. Ajenge blamed most of the road traffic accidents in the country to drunkenness and recklessness on the part of motorists. Observers commend the FRSC for its efforts to promote road safety and restore sanity on the nation’s roads. They note that the FRSC have arraigned many motorists before mobile courts for possession of fake driver’s licence, number plates and hard drugs, among other offences. Dr Akin Adana, a health information management consultant, noted that many motorists across the country did not obey traffic rules and regulations, saying that
By JACINTHA NWACHUKWU
of vehicles, while plying the highways. “Not everyone on the road gets to his or her destination alive; some lost their lives before their time because of sheer impatience,” he said. The menace of road
of-year patrol operations,’’ he said. Oyeyemi advised motorists to avoid drunk driving, excessive speeding and vehicles’ overloading, insisting that such factors accounted for most of the
accidents in the country has become so worrisome to such an extent that the FRSC has concluded plans to put in place a robust strategy, aimed at reducing road crashes as the year comes to an end. The Corps Marshal of FRSC, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, said that the strategy included the deployment of patrol vehicles along strategic road corridors and the use of speed detection devices such as
fatal accidents that occurred on the highways, particularly during the Yuletide period. Oyeyemi also urged the motorists to ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles before embarking on journeys. He, nonetheless, vowed that the FRSC patrol teams would not hesitate to arrest and sanction any motorist who violated traffic rules, adding that the commission
“Without doubt, road traffic accidents have been the focus of great international concern, as accidents on the roads are the major cause of deaths all over the world. Concerned observers note that the Nigerian situation appears dire, saying that it has reached an alarming proportion, even to the point of frustration and near helplessness.”
Corps (NYSC). The corps members have been collaborating with the FRSC in dissuading motorists from making phone calls while driving or engaging in drunk driving. “Use your seatbelt’’, “Okada man, use your helmet’’, “Ear piece is a distraction to you’’ are some of the warnings they usually give to motorists on the roads. Explaining the rationale behind the campaign, the FRSC Sector Commander in Anambra, Mr Sunday Ajayi, said: “Road safety is a collective responsibility”. He lamented that many children had lost their parents because of little things done wrongly on the highways. “We either use our phones while driving or refuse to fasten our seatbelt; we also engage in excessive speeding
Lazio ’ll Not Sell Klose
LAZIO coach Stefano Pioli has preferred Filip Dordevic up front in Serie A this season with the Serbian striker notching 10 starts from 14 appearances, while Klose has been restricted to just four starts from 12 games. Despite that, Klose (three) has scored half as many goals as Dordevic (six) and the 36-yearold German has previously hinted at a desire to leave Lazio if Pioli does not use him more. But with Tare dismissing that possibility, Klose seems to have changed his mind, telling Deutsche-Welle: “I assume I’ll be here this year and next year, just look around, life’s not bad here.” Not only does Lazio have no plans to sell Klose, they are considering keeping the forward
Bayern Sure Of Winning Race For Odegaard BAYERN Munich president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says he is confident the German champions can land teenage sensation Martin Odegaard. The 15-year-old became the youngest player to appear in Norway’s top flight earlier this year, and quickly claimed the same record for his country as a string of impressive displays for Stromsgodset earned him a callup to the national team. The attacking midfielder has wowed scouts from across the continent, with pretty much every one of Europe’s biggest clubs desperate to secure his signature, while the player himself has admitted it would be a “dream” to represent Liverpool as he continues to visit top outfits from across the continent. However, Rummenigge believes Bayern are in a strong position to win the race for one of the game’s most prodigious talents. “We will try very hard to him, and I think we have a good chance,” Rummenigge told Bild. “He is an absolutely exceptional talent and a good guy, very mature for his age.” Odegaard has spent time with a number of clubs in recent months, including Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. Last week, he left Kolo Toure impressed at Liverpool and he has now also been put through his paces with the Bayern first team.
beyond his fourth season with the club. “He is definitely not leaving Lazio this winter,” Tare said. “He has a contract with an option that could be extended automatically by a year.” Klose played a key role in Germany’s triumph at the World Cup in Brazil earlier this year, scoring two goals in five games, which made him the most prolific scorer in World Cup history. Tare insisted Lazio appreciate the type of player they have in the Italian capital: “Of course it’s great to have a world champion [at Lazio] - one of the best players from Germany, a man who has made football history.” Klose, however, could not resist reminding everyone of his abilities, despite being closer to his 37th birthday than his 36th. We do tests every two or three months to see how fit we are,” he said. “The tests show I haven’t lost much performance. “When you’re one of the fastest or even the fastest at Lazio, of course, it makes you proud.”
GARY Neville was critical of United’s display in their 2-1 win at Southampton, while Paul Scholes said United were at risk of falling behind rivals Manchester City after the latter opened a £200million academy and training complex.
Van Gaal was unflustered by the pair - who represented United a combined 900 times in the league - and was particularly
CROATIA icon and current national team coach Niko Kovac feels that Chelsea, Bayern and Juventus have the beating of their domestic opponents, but says the race for La Liga could go down to the wire. Real Madrid currently have the advantage at the top of the Primera Division, but Barcelona are close behind, with Atletico Madrid also keeping pace. And Kovac feels the fight for the title could go all the way. “I expect a tight battle in Spain,” he told Goal. “Barcelona and Real Madrid will follow each other till the end – and hopefully [Mario] Manduzkic’s Atletico can stay in the race. “In Germany, that’s easy: Bayern. Juventus will win Serie A in Italy and Chelsea are the strongest in England.” Staying on the subject of battles in Spain, Kovac gave his comments on the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and admitted it is tough to separate them in the race for the Ballon d’Or.
done,” the 47-year-old said. “It was an important match to continue our excellent run at home against a potentially dangerous opponent. They could have hurt us on the counter. “We put a lot of pressure on the ball carrier and we scored early. We were dominant throughout the match. “We had to stay alert and focused and we defended very well. We played intelligent football and didn’t rush things.”
dismissive of Scholes’ claims. Neville slammed Sunday’s clash between United and Liverpool as comparable to a clash between pub sides - “the Dog and Duck versus The Red Lion” - but Van Gaal was not moved on the former captain’s assessment. “I don’t know the context, how he [Neville] said that, so I cannot answer that,” Van Gaal said, when asked about Neville’s criticism. “I can only say what I have already said; as a legend, or exlegend, or as a commentator you have to pay attention to your words.”
West To Listen To Zarate Offers Loius Van Gaal
Chelsea, Bayern, Juventus ’ll Win Their Leagues - Kovac
Dominant Lyon Thrill Fournier FOURNIER’S team took the lead in just the seventh minute with Alexandre Lacazette scoring from the spot, as Lyon worked towards their eighth consecutive victory at home in Ligue 1. The win saw Lyon move to 36 points in third - just two behind leaders Marseille, who are yet to play this round - and Fournier argued his side had put in a complete performance. “We are happy with a job well
Van Gaal Shrugs Neville, Scholes Criticisms
“Both,” he said, when asked who he would prefer in his team.
“Cristiano on one side and Leo on the other. “I don’t want to say who I
HAVING spent the peak of his career banging in goals across Europe, Diego Milito’s return to Argentine football in June prompted many to suggest we had heard the last of ‘El Principe’ as a difference-maker at the top of the world game. When he said goodbye to Inter after five years at San Siro, he did so as a 35-year-old shadow of his former self. No longer the man that bagged 30 goals in 2009-10, including the winners in the Serie A decider, Coppa Italia final and Champions League final, he was now a perennial substitute looking to rediscover some kind of form following a horrific cruciate ligament injury. At Racing Club, Milito was expected to see out his time on the football field with little fuss, but instead he has been a key member of a side threatening to break a 13-year title duck against all the odds. A regular starter, the Argentine has brought a sense of structure to the Academia forward line and chipped in with goals and assists at crucial moments to boot. His pair of strikes against Rosario Central in the penultimate game of the Primera Division campaign maintained Racing’s two-point lead over River Plate at the top of the table.
since the 2001 Apertura in which Milito also played a part. Victory over Godoy Cruz on Sunday would clinch only a second league win in 48 years. Milito himself has admitted to Goal that it has come as a huge surprise to find himself on the verge of winning another title with Racing. “To be honest, it’s not easy to imagine these sorts of things,” he said. “I always have dreams, and when I came back to Argentina I was thinking positive. But I think we are doing something very few imagined. “It’s not easy to build a team so soon – we had 14 players coming in this season, as well as new coaching staff. Yet we have progressed a lot over these few months and we have followed our coach Diego Cocca’s plans.” Success is nothing new for Milito. Besides winning the treble with Jose Mourinho at Inter in 2010 he also racked up 60 goals in two spells with Genoa and became a crowd favourite with Real Zaragoza, for whom he scored four goals in a particularly memorable 6-1 Copa del Rey semi-final win over Real Madrid. He also played 25 times for Argentina, including at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. His peak was undoubtedly the
voted for [to win the Ballon d’Or] – they are the best in the world in their positions. “And we must remember: it takes 11 players to make a team.”
Milito Set To Lead Racing To Title That 3-0 win leaves them within 17-day spell in 2010 when he Glory 90 minutes of their first title was the decisive player in the Nerazzurri’s treble. The decision to scandalously omit him from the list of Ballon d’Or contenders retains the air of a bad joke even four years on. But even considering his achievements at San Siro he has a particularly special place in his heart for Racing, and a second title win would mean a huge amount to the crowd favourite. Yet he knows they have to manage the situation well to achieve their ultimate goal.
Diego Milito
WEST Ham are grudgingly ready to listen to offers for summer signing Mauro Zarate. The 27-year-old has impressed when given the chance, with two goals in five league starts for the Hammers, but the early season form of the likes of Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia saw him pushed down the pecking order. With Andy Carroll also now back and fully fit, Zarate’s chances of action look even less likely - and the South American wants first-team action to cement a place in the Chile squad ahead of next summer’s Copa America. There is interest in Brazil, Spain, Germany and Italy but Zarate is eager to remain in England, and his UK representative Barry McIntosh has confirmed that they are ready to listen to offers. “Mauro is very happy in England and happy at West Ham, but he wants first-team football, and he has the Copa America on his mind,” McIntosh told Goal.
Dortmund In A Relegation Battle BORUSSIA Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has conceded that his side are now facing a real relegation battle despite last week’s victory. BVB finished second behind Bayern Munich in the last two campaigns and were expected to challenge for the Bundesliga title this season, but a series of shock defeats has left them languishing fifth from bottom after 14 games. While the 2011 and 2012 German champions eased through the Champions League group stage, their league form has become increasingly alarming for Klopp, despite the win over Hoffenheim last time out. “It’s a relegation battle,” he told the press.
“We are aware of our situation and see [Saturday’s clash with Hertha] as a chance to take a big step forward. This will be a hardfought affair. “We need stability, and we need to regain our confidence.” Klopp is also hoping Saturday will see the return to action of Sebastian Kehl and Mats Hummels. “We are hopeful that both will recover in time,” he said. “But it’s not certain yet.” Dortmund have won just two of their previous 11 Bundesliga matches and have started even worse than they did when they suffered relegation in the 197172 season, though three points against Hertha could see them rise as high as 10th in the table.
LUIS Enrique says his Barcelona team will never be the finished product, insisting they must be in a constant state of evolution. The Spanish side beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 on Wednesday to finish the Champions League group stage as pool winners - their eighth consecutive victory in all competitions. Despite the resounding victory and the fact his side are just two points behind Real Madrid in La Liga, Luis Enrique insists his team must never believe they are perfect. “A football team has to be in a permanent state of construction and evolution,” he told reporters. “There will never be a day when we will say that the team has given 100 per cent of itself. We have to be as unpredictable as possible, but also effective. “Everything is important to me. If we get results is because we have played well. The most important thing is to have the ball in the opponent’s half.” The Blaugrana take on Getafe on Saturday and the coach maintains his players will not lack any motivation despite coming off the back of a huge win against the French champions in midweek. “It’s complicated. When you play in Europe against a team of that level and then return to the
league it has all the necessary ingredients to be difficult.
Barca ’ll Never Be Complete - Enrique
Luis Enrique
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
Ronaldo And Messi Should Share Ballon d’Or
CRISTIANO Ronaldo and Lionel Messi should share this year’s Ballon d’Or, according to Manchester United legend Denis Law. these guys have. And in a way, it While Law – the only Scot to might be nice to see someone be crowned European Footballer else win it. of the Year back in 1964 – has “Neuer is a great keeper and a praised Bayern Munich world champion, after all. But goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for his exploits in making the three-man shortlist for the game’s most REAL Madrid coach Carlo prestigious individual award, the Ancelotti suggested captain Iker 74-year-old cannot look past Casillas was the match-winner either Ronaldo or Messi following his penalty save in collecting it on January 12. Friday’s 4-1 victory over Real Madrid star Ronaldo was Almeria. victorious in 2013 and 2008, Following a a scratchy first with Barcelona talisman Messi half, Madrid looked set to be selected four years in a row in reeled in at 2-2 just after the hour between. mark, when Marcelo fouled However, Law does not feel Edgar Mendez in the box. there is a clear-cut winner this Almeria’s Verza, who had time around, prompting the idea struck the home side’s earlier of the first time that the trophy equaliser, stepped up to the spot has been shared. but his tame effort could not beat “They’re extraordinary; two Casillas, who dived smartly to of the best we’ve ever seen,” his left to palm the shot away. Law told Fifa’s official website. “The penalty save was a “I don’t envy the people voting, decisive moment and everything trying to separate those two. got easier after that,” said “It’s completely different to Ancelotti. my era as we didn’t have two Having remained in front, players dominating in the way Real wrapped up their three-goal victory in the closing stages, with Cristiano Ronaldo striking twice in seven minutes to stretch the winning streak of Ancelotti’s side to 20 matches in all competitions. “It wasn’t smooth sailing,” the Madrid coach added. “They put a lot of pressure on us but our quality came through and we were able to win.” The victory capped off Real’s year in La Liga with the capital outfit moving five points clear at the top of the table ahead of the Christmas break, although Barcelona (34 points) and Atletico Madrid (32) will be
it’s not like he’s up against two ordinary players. “It would actually be nice if there could be a joint-winner because it’s so hard to split Messi and Ronaldo this year. They’re
both fantastic, exciting players to watch and play and score goals at such a consistent level. “When you think of Messi, the size he is and the tackles he has to face every game, I’m full of admiration for him.
“But then Ronaldo is outstanding too, and has that physical presence too. Whichever of them wins will deserve it, and whichever of them loses can consider themselves very unfortunate.”
by European teams. “We finished the year well in the league and now it is time to concentrate on the Club World Cup, we have to win it,”
grade, they would get a very high mark. We aim to win every competition we play in. There is a good atmosphere and we will go out there to win.”
La Liga: Casillas Made Everything Easier Ancelotti continued. - Ancelotti “If I had to give the team a expected to reduce that margin when they play on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Real will now turn their attention to the Club World Cup, where they will face either Cruz Azul of Mexico or Australia’s Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday. Ancelotti was not interested in playing down expectations ahead of his team’s trip to Morocco, with six of the past seven editions having been won
Carlo Ancelotti
Pogba Brothers Dream Of IT’S not often that three Link-Up brothers from the same family all become professional footballers, but Juventus star Paul Pogba has two siblings also plying their trade in Europe.
Florentin, a defender for Saint-Etienne, and Mathias, who operates as a striker for Serie B outfit Pescara, have also carved out careers in the game and dream of one day playing together at club level. While Paul opted to represent France at international level, his brothers decided to play for the country of their birth, Guinea, but the trio still hope to share the same dressing room in the future. “It is my dream,” Florentin told Goal. “If that happens in the future then I can retire from football with no regrets. The three of us in the same team has been all of our dreams since we were children. “It would be amazing to win titles together.” Florentin, 24, has become a regular for Saint-Etienne this term, making 16 appearances in all competitions, though brother Mathias has made just four appearances for Pescara after joining the club from Crewe over the summer.
Saka Urges Patience Over Falcao Injuries
Pellegrini Wants Lampard To Stay At Man City MANCHESTER City boss Manuel Pellegrini has made clear he wants to prolong Frank Lampard’s loan and hopes a decision can be made soon. Former England international Lampard, who was released by Chelsea at the end of last season, has made a strong impact after joining the champions on a shortterm move from sister club New York City. That arrangement is due to expire at the end of December with the plan for the 36-year-old then to report to New York for pre-season training ahead of the new club’s first Major League Soccer campaign. But Lampard’s form has raised the possibility of the loan being extended and, with fellow midfielder Yaya Toure set to play at the African Nations Cup from January, that would especially benefit City. Pellegrini, from his point of view, wants Lampard to stay in Manchester but he is also aware of the bigger picture concerning City’s bold project in the MLS and he also wants to respect the player’s wishes. That makes the decision less than straightforward and Pellegrini, despite being asked repeatedly, cannot yet confirm anything. He said: “Before December finishes we will have a decision but, as I repeat, I think Frank is a very important player for us and I hope we will not have any problems for him to stay here. “But I cannot say just from one side what will happen with him. “He has a loan just until the end of December and there is another club involved. The MLS is involved also. There are a lot of parties with an arrangement. It’s not just depending on one
opinion. “But I hope we can have a decision as soon as possible because it’s important for us and the players.” Asked again at a press conference on Friday if he wanted Lampard to stay, Pellegrini said: “Of course. He’s a very important player for us and we need him in this moment. “He couldn’t start in the US until January or February, so prefers to stay here until December. If he can finish the year here, better - but I think that the MLS is a very important league also and I think that Frank Lampard will be very happy in the United States.” Pellegrini admitted he does not know yet when he will actually lose the services of Toure. Toure’s Ivory Coast play their first match of the tournament in Equatorial Guinea on January 20.
saying I couldn’t do anything wrong six or seven months ago. That is the way football works. You have to accept that as a manager and fight even harder to bring success. This period has ensured I will do that for sure.”
players make is to push themselves too hard when trying to return from injury,” Saha told Goal. “Having experienced the same time and pushing myself, I would experience setbacks four or five weeks down the line with the same injury. “He must take his time and make sure everything is fine and he will have much sharper fitness on the pitch to sustain the pressure and intensity on the pitch. Mental strength only gets you so far, you can always play two or three games but after that you will struggle again. It’s a really hard part of football.” Saha, who also played for Everton, Tottenham, Newcastle and Sunderland among others, believes Falcao should trust his own body and not the opinion of others with different agendas. He added: “I wish I listened to my gut feeling more than those telling me what to do and what not to do. I knew I was trying too hard at times as it was my body and my injury but I couldn’t do anything about it. “You want to play so you listen to advice, but sometimes that advice is not beneficial to you and only there to cover themselves. Sometimes people are trying to use you in a way. “It’s normal. They put pressure on players who may be injured but they don’t listen because it’s a job and you have to do your thing. You just have to listen to your body more and decide if it’s right for you.
Fernando Torres back at Anfield? The most interesting report from today’s papers suggests Spanish striker Fernando Torres could end up back at Liverpool. Torres’ stock has plummeted at Chelsea and loan side Milan no longer want him at the club. The Daily Star claim Brendan Rodgers could try to recruit the 30-year-old in January. Paper Round’s view: Now this
would be the story of the window, if it happened. Would lightning strike twice at Liverpool for Torres? Unfortunately, the Star aren’t exactly the most reliable of sources but with Torres now linked with returns to both of his successful former stints, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, perhaps that is the only way to get the best back out of the misfit forward.
FORMER Manchester United striker Louis Saha has urged Radamel Falcao to be patient as he looks to overcome injury troubles and kick-start his Old Trafford career. The striker joined from Monaco on a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day, with United paying a large fee and the majority of the Colombian’s +380,000-a-week wages, but has scored just once after being restricted to seven Premier League appearances due to niggling fitness concerns. Falcao missed the World Cup after damaging his knee in January, with some fearing the player is yet to fully recover after a string of setbacks since his return. But Saha, who also struggled with injuries while at Old Trafford, has urged caution during his continuing rehabilitation. “Sometimes the mistake
Brendan Rodgers
I’m The Best Man For Liverpool
BRENDAN Rodgers has insisted he is still the best man for the job at Liverpool after their season took another disappointing turn when they were knocked out of the Champions League by Basle in midweek. be anyone better to do the job Liverpool travel to Old here,” he told several national Trafford on Sunday lunchtime to newspapers. “Seven months ago face rivals Manchester United, we nearly won the title and Rodgers can barely afford unexpectedly, I had time to work another defeat with his team with players and we took them languishing in mid-table. beyond where the club has been It is all a far cry from last in a long time. season, when they took the title “This has been a difficult start race to the last day of the season with new players, less coaching before finishing second to time, young players; we are Manchester City. virtually starting again. I don’t Rodgers has borne the brunt think there is anybody better of the criticism but said he was equipped to deal with that having working hard to turn the corner. been here for the last two and a “I think the message from me half years and experienced what is clear: I don’t think there would this club is about and seeing what
we get from the players whenever we are at our best. “Criticism comes with the territory when you don’t win games. Football is very short term. The same people who are criticising me now were maybe
... Reds’ Incredible Attempt To Resign Torres
ARE Liverpool really that desperate for a spark up front that they’d consider trying to re-live Chelsea flop Fernando Torres’ glory days at Anfield? That and the rest of today’s gossip from the newspapers.
Sunday Pools Guide Week 23 Wolves; Swindon For “X” SAYS DR. J.K. POOLS
HAPPY Xmas Celebration with Wolves Vs Brighton at No 15 and Swindon Vs Don caster 26 both from championship and English leagues Division respectively. Again, they are Nos 15 and 26. Really if form sequence and follow the letter (FL) is anything to go by both must undoubtedly supply two draws. That is hundred percent at the weekend. In the same vein, Bury Vs York at 30 and Plymouth Vs Dagenham at 35 for another “X” on the card. In summary No. 15 – 26 – 30 and 35 for at least two draws. This week Wolves Vs Wolves at No. 15xx15xx plus two naked draws for Xmas celebration. They must supply the winning I bet. Another inseparable on coupon this week are the two controversial pair in Enlighs Division two. They are AFC Wimbledon Vs Mansfield at 28 and Acrington Vs Wycombe at 29. A visit to English Division one 1 fancy Bradfords Vs Scuntrope at No. 17 crawleg Vs Portvale at 19, Gillingham
Vs Closter field at 21, Mictonks Vs Oldham at 22 and Swindon Vs Doncaster at 28 for at least three draws. A look at championship, these six games for at least three drawn. They are Blackburn Vs Charlton at 7, Black-pool Vs Bourmouth at 8, Hudderfield Vs Birminghamat 11; Ipswish Vs Middlebro at 12, Wolves Vs Brighton at 15, and Wigan Vs Rotherham at 14. Please watch out this week of harvest of draws for Xmas. HOT Line 07039275802 8 TREBLE CHANCE 1. Wolves Vs Brighton 0–0 2. Ipswish Vs Middlbro 0–0 3. Swindon Vs Doncaster 1–1 4. Yeovil Vs Colchester 1- 1 5. Bury Vs York 2-2 6. Plymouth Vs Dagenham 2–2 7. Bradford Vs Scuntrope 3 -3 8. Gillingham Vs Chesterfield 3 -3 3 HOT PAIRS (A) 15 – 16 (B) 12 – 17 (C) 30 – 35 Good luck says DR. J.K. Pools Box 34 Irrua or opposite Police Station Irrua Edo State.
Fernando Torres
CMYK
2nd Edo Boxing Tournament: Okoh Seeks Incentives For THE Chief initiator of the annual Edo Boxing Tournament, Hon. Wellington Okoh has renewed his appeal to individuals and corporate bodies to support the effort aimed at reviving boxing and adding glamour to the Yuletide in Edo State. Hon Okoh told Edo indigenes and some and OBSERVERSports in Benin City some major corporate bodies to yesterday that plans were on to help sponsor this year’s event make the 2nd edition of the and we are optimistic that their boxing fiesta billed for response would be positive,” December 26, 2014 at the Hon Okoh stated in a telephone Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium a that with OBSRVERSports. memorable event. He explained that the Edo He said the event will bring Boxing Tournament, apart from youths and sports enthusiasts adding glamour to the Yuletide from across Edo State and celebrations, is also aimed at beyond together in an providing a robust platform for atmosphere of friendship and the young boxers in Edo State to exciting sports entertainment. sharpen their skill in the roped “We are working round the square. clock to make this years event “This boxing tournament when which will be the second edition, sustained now and in the future, a boxing tournament to cherish. will become the tonic our boxers “We are reaching out to need to excel in both national and individuals, especially prominent
Antidoping Seminar Should Be Regular - Showunmi
A Lagos State Athletics Coach, Ibrahim Showunmi on Friday advised the authorities to ensure that regular anti-doping seminars were organised for existing and upcoming athletes in the country. Showunmi told newsmen in Lagos that the step would help to educate athletes on the dangers of getting involved in doping. He said that experts from world anti-doping agencies should be invited as resource persons to pilot the seminars as a way of cubing the menace of doping in athletes. “ We must adopt a realisable measure to ensure that our athletes do not embarrass the country by failing in dope test when they go for international competitions. “Another important thing is to use the medium to secure the future of these athletes so that they can achieve their objectives and bring glory to the nation. “ Such seminars will guide them, even when they need to take medication during illhealth, they will not go into selfmedications as they are already aware.’’ He also advised that such programmes were necessary and should be made part of federation’s activities in the year as a way of encouraging athletes to develop. According to him, Nigeria has capability and quality athletes who can make the nation proud, if given proper mentoring and training in every area. “We are blessed in this country, the talents are there but we must put things in order and make sure that athletes’ careers were thoroughly guided,’’ he said.
international competitions. “This is why we are appealing to the state government and some
must have a football stadium as part of conditions for registering for the 2015 season. A statement by Olushola Ogunnowo, the Executive Secretary of the NNWL in Abuja on Friday said the condition was part of the ongoing restructuring in the league. It said that the would-be sponsors of the NNWL also
Hon. Wellington Okoh
Eagles Beat Ghana 7-5
Nigeria’s Sand Eagles having the upper hand as they recorded their fourth goal through Tale, before Ghana’s Kwevi replied and made it 4-4. It became a nervous moment for the defending champions as they put all they had and recorded another goal through star player, Azeez. Ghana’s determination yielded for them as Sema scored and made it 5-5, reenacting the old rivalry between the two countries. However, with eight minutes left on the watch, Nigeria’s Tachi and Badmus scored and made it 7-5, after a spirited performance in their defence, to the delight of the fans. Tale told newsmen in the sidelines of the match that they
had the confidence they would carry the day. ‘’We were never nervous, even when Ghana did everything to come back each time we went ahead. ‘’We were confident we will win in the end and fought very hard to get a very good result. ‘’We will stop at nothing to win this title for the fourth time,’’ Tale said. Meanwhile, Ghana’s star player, Kwevi said that the team had done very poorly in the defence and it was a very painful loss ‘’We did what we could but lost the match because of our poor defence, We hope to correct this next time,’’ he said. Meanwhile in other first round matches played, the
Nigeria U-23 Plan Overseas Tour NIGERIA’S Olympic team headed by coach Samson Siasia
Coach Samson Siasia
work hard and excel in the future,” Hon Okoh further noted. He disclosed that trophies, cash prizes and souvenirs will be presented to the boxers as incentives to encourage and spur them to greater heights.
NNWL Urges Clubs To Build THE Nigeria Nationwide Stadium League (NNWL), said club
Beach Soccer: Sand THE Sand Eagles of Nigeria on Friday began the defence of their Copa Lagos Beach Soccer Championship title on a good note as they beat Ghana 7-5 in Lagos. The Eagles had begun the match by scoring three goals through Victor Tale, Abu Azeez and Babatunde Badmus, in the first period of the match. Shockingly, Ghana’s Frederick Kwevi brought his team back to contention by scoring two goals, while his team mate, Michael Selma, scored and made it 3-3 in the close of the second period. The final period was a tight encounter as both teams tried earnestly to convert more scoring chances. The third and final period saw
Boxers
local government councils as well as individuals and corporate organizations to support this initiative so that our young men and women who have taken to boxing can be encouraged to
are working on a training tour of Dubai and a European country
in January, officials disclosed. “The team are working very seriously on a training tour of Dubai and a country in Europe,” said a team official. “This is to ensure we have a formidable team in time for our first major test against Gabon at the end of February in an All Africa Games qualifier.” The Dream Team VI are due to take on newly promoted Wikki Tourists in Bauchi next week as part of their build-up for the 2015 All Africa Games and 2016 Rio Olympics qualifying matches in the New Year. The Nigeria U23 team have since last month been trying out thousands of hopefuls in Abuja and only last week the country’s foreign-based stars who are eligible to play for the team have begun trooping in to camp.
Beach Soccer team of FC Barcelona of Spain beat Pepsi Football Academy 7-3, while Cote d’Ivoire beat Senegal 62. Enyimba International of Aba defeated Stationery Stores of Lagos 1-0. Ex-international Peter Rufai, the President-General of Nigerian Football Supporters Club, Rafiu Ladipo, and the Pepsi Academy proprietor, Ian Nelson, were among notable individuals who watched the matches. Reports state that the fourth edition of the Copa Lagos is holding at the Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island. The tournament ends on Sunday.
gave that as part of conditions to enable the league to enjoy sponsorship. “Only football stadium will be accepted as a match venue; the venue must have a dressing room for both teams and match officials. “The venue must have functional toilets to serve the teams and the spectators and must also have a functional score board. “The venue must have a sitting terrace for a minimum of 3,000 spectators with a covered team reserve bench. “The venue must have perimeter fence with a functional electricity system and at least six video camera stands,’’ the statement said. The statement added that clubs must comply with the directives as inspection of the stadia would hold between January 8 and January 11, while registration would begin on January 12 and end on January 30, 2015. It stated that registration would be concluded before the league’s Annual General Meeting and unveiling of its new sponsor scheduled to hold on January 23, 2015. The statement also said that arrangements had been concluded for the kick-off of the pre-season tournament on January 25 and the commencement of the Division One league on March 5.
2015 W/Cup: Nigeria Cricket
Fed Begins Training
THE Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) said on Friday that its contingent would in January start intensive training for the Division 4 Cricket World Cup holding in Hong Kong. The president, Emeka Onyeama, said in Abuja that a foreign training tour would follow the invitation of players to camp. “We are going to be calling the boys to camp early in January. We have a tour to undertake. “Dr John Abebe, the pillar behind Cricket, is also giving the under-19 players, mixed up with the national team, an opportunity to tour in the first week of January. “We are undertaking a tour of Dubai and we are going to be playing different club sides in Dubai in preparation for the
World Cup and also for the under-19 that is coming up in February. “We have the World Cup, under-19 championship which Nigeria will equally be playing in. This time around, we hope to advance our cause. “So, we are going to be forming a grade A team which will be brought back into camping in January both for the U-19 and the senior men,’’ Onyeama said. He noted that the just concluded National Cricket Men’s championship afforded the federation the opportunity to select some players to be invited for the January camping. Onyeama pointed out that a team of selectors discovered some quality bowlers and batsmen who would do the country proud at the World Cup.
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