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THE NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

CMYK

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PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

MEDIA Pg. 13

Social Media And The Challenge Of Reading Culture

• Vol. 37 • NO. 233 • THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013 • N 100.00

Youth employment, panacea to insecurity

BENIN CITY Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has identified youth employment as a sure way to end the security challenges presently facing the

nation.

Oshiomhole who spoke yesterday during a visit by the management of the

Nigeria Bottling Company said, “Government alone will never be able to provide all the jobs the citizens

require.”

According to him, “the challenge facing the nation, more than anything else is youth unemployment. It is now

Continues on pg.2

S-U-B-E-B HEALTHY LIVING Pg. 19

No money is missing

By EUBALDUS ENAHORO

Okpekpe Road Race AS Instrument For Rural Development

BENIN CITY- Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has debunked allegations that money was stolen from the State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB just as he reassigned the Commissioner for Special Duties in the Ministry of Women Affairs. that is constant in life, in The governor made public service is change. the statement at the What matters therefore swearing-in of Barr. is to know when to make Washington Osifo as the that change. Let me Commissioner for clear the air that no Higher Education at the money is missing . If government house in money is missing we will Benin City yesterday. find it because money According to him, “ doesn’t have legs.” there are speculations “It is only in societies as to why we made where public authority is changes. The only thing

dead that you talk of money missing. If money is stolen we will find it, money doesn’t simply get missing, not in government,” he noted.

The governor said “the challenge of running an efficient system is not

- Oshiomhole just about money missing or not missing, it is about how money is applied and there are all sorts of procedures that

the public service is obliged to follow. There are all sorts of rules regulations and laws that govern our action.”

He added, “in this business the end does not always justify the means. The means must be appropriate. My reply to the PDP is that their name in this state is synonymous to the theft

Continues on pg.2

SSG assures investors

By QUEENETH OREBEDO BENIN CITYSecretary to the Edo State Government, (SSG), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere has said, investors who want to take advantage of the enhanced infrastructure in the state will receive needed support from the state government.

The SSG gave the assurance in Benin City when he played host to a delegation of Stallion Group who paid him an official visit Prof.

Ihonvbere

expressed satisfaction that the re-awakened infrastructure in the state by the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s led administration is now a clear signal for investors to take advantage of the abundant potential in the state.

He said the indication by the Stallion Group to invest in the state in the area of agriculture among others is worthwhile.

The SSG assured of adequate partnership to achieve the vision since it would enhance job creation efforts of the state government and

TIT BIT

“As a delicious meal is achieved by moderate application of the needed ingredients, so too is life.”

- Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

the economic fortunes of the state.

B u s i n e s s Development Manager, Stallion Group, Mr. Sunil Dhermappa told the SSG that the company which has a vehicle assembling plants in Lagos and Kaduna, a solar energy system and agro-based activities is desirous to replicate them in Edo State.

In another Continues on pg.2

COURTESY VISIT: L-R: Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole with Mr. Ben Lagant, Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) and Mr. Adeola Adetunji, Managing Director, Coca-Cola during their courtesy visit to Government House yesterday. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.

Achebe: Senate canvasses state burial,

By JOSES SEDE ABUJA – The Senate yesterday, urged the Federal Government to grant a State Burial to

late literary icon, Prof.

Chinua Achebe who died in an overseas hospital two months ago.

The members of the

immortalisation country’s upper legislative chamber also

canvassed erection of a national monument and

EDHA wants Sokponba River Resort state.

By KEN ABU/ resolution calling on the The resolution is revived WINIFRED OSESOBO state government and sequel to a motion

BENIN CITY- The Edo State House of Assembly has adopted a

other relevant agencies to as a matter of urgency resuscitate the

Sokponba River Resort in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the

sponsored

by

the

Continues on pg.2

naming of a major federal highway or street in Abuja in honour of the deceased.

In addition, the Senate has delegated a 9member condolence committee under the chairmanship of Senate Leader Victor NdomaEgba, to commiserate with Achebe’s family, the people and government

Continues on pg.2

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

News No money is missing Continued from page 1 of public resources and Edo people agree to that. I ask them to explain to Edo people while they were in power for eleven years where is the vote which was reflected in their budgets, and they need to show the schools which they built with those funds.”

The Governor declared, “ I am happy that in this hall there is not one person who cannot point to what this government has done in his or her area. I will appeal to the Action Congress of Nigeria leaders not to be distracted by those tiny minds.”

To the Commissioner, Oshiomhole said, “what you must spend your time thinking about is those fresh initiatives that you need to bring on board in our determination to improve the quality of public education in this state, to sustain the fight against miracle centres, ensuring that those schools

recognized by government either private or public meet the basic requirements of government for running the school and to ensure that the Edo child who is in the school is in safe hands.”

The governor noted that, “by our actions and statement we have since demonstrated that education is a priority for this government. What we need to do is to restore integrity to public schools” Responding, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Barr. Osifo said his responsibility is to be sincere, loyal and dedicated to the responsibility and directives of the governor and government of Edo State.

According to him “ as Commissioner for Higher Education I will be alive to my responsibility in initiating new ideas. I am aware of the burning desire of our governor to revamp and reposition all educational

Youth employment Continued from page 1 settled in development literature that government will never be able to provide all the jobs the citizens require.

“It is also increasingly appreciated by Nigerians that the best jobs are not in the public sector, whether in terms of pay, compensation or security of employment.”

The governor noted that, “any responsible government will be delighted to deal with a company like Coca-Cola, considering the reputation that the company has established over the years.”

Oshiomhole stated that it was in the interest of the government to do whatever can be done to encourage businesses to locate in the state and those here to expand further.

“For us in Edo, your activities here are something that we cherish a lot and I am happy to learn from you that you are going to dialogue with us on your plans for investment and expansion. I can assure you even before I know the details that whatever it is that you want us to do, including providing land and constructing road, we will do them and provide any other incentive you require,” he added.

The Governor noted, “In my first term we focused on infrastructure and in my second term I am determined to focus on what we must do to increase the GDP of the state, encouraging businesses to expand and new businesses to locate, I want to thank you for the confidence you have shown in our state.”

Earlier, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Bottling Company, NBC, Mr.

Ben Langat commended the governor for the giant stride in infrastructural development.

He said, “we would like to thank you very much because of your programme which has enabled businesses to thrive in Edo State, we have seen a lot of things that is happening; the infrastructural upgrade that we see, we have seen road expansion, construction and renovation of schools; we have seen it in the health sector too, construction and renovation of hospitals.”

The Managing Director disclosed that the company has 592 workers in their employment out of which 200 are Edo indigenes, adding that about ten percent of its work force nationally is from Edo State.

institution to an enviable level, I shall key into this obvious passion of our

SSG assures investors Continued from page 1 engagement, the SSG took delivery of medical supplies and equipment from a NonGovernmental Organisation, PRESENS for Charity, U.S.A, in collaboration with Amazing Grace Medical Outreach, with a call on other bodies to always be prepared to complement the state government efforts.

Prof. Ihonvbere who commended the human efforts of PREZENS, noted that the heavy beauracy in government constitutes a major challenge in the distribution of scarce resources, hence the need for public spirited individuals and charity organisation to play their role.

He added that those in the rural hinterland need these kinds of strategic intervention to mead their health needs.

He equally assured that the present administration will continue to work out ways to lay a good foundation, to develop the state and improve the living standards of the people adding that those who will come in after Governor Adam Oshiomhole

“will have no chance but to improve on the existing standard.

President of Afemai world outreach and Principal partner , PREZENS for charity US.A., Dr Tony Akende said the little gesture is to mark the beginning of big things to come adding that government cannot do everything hence the need for private initiatives to support government in a symbiotic relationship.

Co-ordinator PREZENS activities and Director, Amazing Grace Medical Outreach, Dr. Princewill Igholalo Oyakhilome said the donation was their little way to contribute towards meeting the health needs of residents of the state, especially the less privileged.

Fecilitator of the donation and Executive Director, state Poverty Alleviation Agency, Chief Mrs. Evelyn Omokhodion said the medical equipment and supplies will be distributed to hospital in the three senatorial districts of the state.

Achebe Continued from page 1 of Anambra State.

Other members of the Committee include Senators Uche Chukwumerije, Shola Adeyeye, James Manager, Abdul Ningi, Mohammed Magoro, Philip Aduda, Remi Tinubu and Zainab Kure.

The red chamber also observed a one minute silence in honour of late Prof. Achebe who lived an exemplary life.

They noted that Achebe was a world figure and personality who brought fame and prestige to Nigeria and humanity through his literary talents and other works.

They agreed that some of his

EDHA Wants Sokponba River Continued from page 1 members representing Orhionmwon South constituency, Hon. Friday Ogierhiakhi and 10 other lawmakers.

Moving the motion during yesterday plenary session, Hon. Ogierhiakhi said the motion was informed by the need for the diversification of the state economy.

According to him, the resort has natural aesthetics and panoramic scenery, saying that Sokponba is a confluence of history and nature, which when properly harnessed can yield socioeconomic dividends.

He noted that tourism is a huge revenue earner in global economy and that the state can increase her internally generated revenue through investment in her enomous tourism potential,

governor in ensuring that our public educational institutions are attractive and competitive.”

stressing that if, adequately revamped it would create employment and boost the tourism potentials of the state.

The other lawmakers who aligned with the views canvassed by Hon. Ogierhiakhi included the majority leader; Hon. Philip Shaibu, Hon. Patrick Osayimwen and Kingsley Ehigiamusor stressed the need to resuscitate the resort.

They expressed the need to diversify the income of the state government saying that the sole dependency on oil revenue is not the best for the state.

Speaker of the House Hon. Uyi Igbe while summing up deliberation directed that clean copies be sent to the state Governor for immediate and necessary action.

several works of literature and essays had become instruments for his dogged and dynamic activism, while he lived.

However, the senate resolutions were brought about by a motion to that effect by Sen. Chris Ngige (Anambra Central), and 107 other senators.

In his presentation, Sen. Ngige described Achebe as a social critic, activist poet and principled personae who denied himself several personal accolades while marketing and exporting Nigerian and African cultures to several countries.

He noted that despite his incapability, Achebe had continued to be active in his work and intellectual contributions to life, arts and culture in Nigeria and Africa; the latest being “There Was a Country”.

He further noted that Achebe’s works had remained relevant both in Nigeria and in the circle of world literature, adding that he was a pioneer and trail blazer in quality literature who won several awards.

According to Sen. Ngige, Achebe had by living for another 23 years after his involvement in an accident that had paralysed him from the waist in 1990, defied doctors’ report which had indicated that he would not live beyond 10 years.

While noting that Achebe participated in partisan politics before his incapacitation, Ngige emphasised that he was a patriot who loved his country and was always in touch with Nigeria despite living in far away United States adding that he was courageous enough to criticise any acts he considered wrong in Nigeria, not minding the consequences.

EDSG to encourage female youths

BY CLIFFORD AGBAJOR BENIN CITY – Edo State Government has said it would continue to encourage female youths in the state to go into vocations that were deemed to be the exclusive preserve of their male counterparts.

The State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole made the remark at the graduation ceremony of the first batch of Lady Mechanics after a three-year formal training and internship programme.

The governor who was represented by the commissioner for special Duties, Mrs. Blessing Maijida stated that the state government has fostered women empowerment through the training of female youth drivers for the Comrade Buses for inter and intra-city transportation.

The governor noted that the present administration is ready to cooperate with any NGO and other private or public organizations in any venture that would benefit people of the state.

Comrade Oshiomhole urged the graduating students to see themselves as lady mechanics with a difference.

In a goodwill message, wife of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Deaconess Endurance Odubu said Nigerians have consistently clamoured for enhanced corporate social Responsibility from companies operating in the country.

She averred that the graduating students who have become certified automobile mechanics have been saved the burden of poverty, deprivation and pressure of social challenges.

The Managing Director, Lady Mechanic Initiative, Mrs. Sandra EkperuahAguebor said her mission is to be agent of change through the emancipation of the girl child.

At total of 47 Lady Mechanics graduated from the Lady Mechanic initiative which organized the programme in conjunction with coca-cola/Nigerian Bottling Company.

Application forms for Justices of the Peace now on sale

BY ROLAND OSAKUE BENIN CITY – Application forms for the appointment of Justices of the Peace for the year 2013 are now available at the Ministry of Justice, Ezoti Street, Benin City.

A release signed by the solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Edo State,

Oluwole O. Iyamu Esq stated that interested persons should collect their forms for a non-refundable fee of N50,000.00.

The release further stated that prospective persons should avail themselves of the opportunity by contacting the office of the solicitorGeneral in the Ministry.

Birthday: Don’t disclose

Oba’s age, palace warns BENIN CITY – The palace of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa has reiterated its advice to the Oba’s friends, relations and well wishers not to state the actual age of the Omon N’Oba in greeting cards, print and electronic media while wishing him well on his birthday.

A statement from the Oba’s Palace signed by the secretary to the Oba of Benin, O. Oronsaye Guobadia which serves as a reminder to an earlier release dated May 9, 2006 enjoined members of the public to abide by the order.

The statement reads in part “the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin has directed that this press release be re-issued.

“In a few weeks time (June to be precise), the Omo N’ Oba will be celebrating his Birthday Anniversary. We

wish to use this medium to invite attention to the Press Release issued on 9th May 2006, wherein we advised the Omo N’Oba’s friends, relations and well wishers that the Omo N’Oba’s actual age should no longer be stated in greeting cards, print and electronic media. It will be enough to simply wish the Omo N’Oba happy birth day.

“We hereby remind all about the Omo N’Oba’s directive in this regard. The Omo N’Oba prays God Almighty and his ancestors to richly bless you all.”

• Oba Erediauwa

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Inside Edo Agriculture: EDSG Committed To

Manpower Development

BY DOROTHY EGBOBAMWONYI

R-L: SSG, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Head of Service, Princess Mrs. Ekiuwa Inneh and the Chief of Staff to the State Govenor, Rt. Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon at the swearing-in of the Commisioner for Higher Education.

BENIN CITY - Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdul S. Oroh has re-affirmed the state government’s commitment to building a middle level manpower required in agriculture through the provision of seedling and mechanization as well as ensuring the accreditation of courses offered in the state owned college of agriculture, Iguoriakhi.

Hon. Abdul Oroh made this known while playing host to the Executive members of Coalition of state who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

The Commissioner commended the students for raising the standard of their institutions, stating that the

visitation panel set up by the state government to look into the problems militating against the growth of the college of Agriculture Iguoriakhi became necessary to make the college independent of the state government as well as to be self sufficient in the area of internal revenue generation.

He however assured them that whatever reports that emanates from the panel would be duely addressed by government, adding that government is resolute to developing human power which is key to the transformation that would drive the process.

Assuring the visitors of his continues partnership, Hon. Oroh further stressed that government is looking for private sector that would invest in the agricultural sector in the

LG Boss Swears-In New Supervisory Councillors

BY MORRISON HAYBLE

SSG, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (middle), Mr. Sunil K. Dharmoppa (left), Business Development Manager, Stallion Group, Mr. Lawrence Aghedo, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budgeting, during a courtesy call in Government House.

Ex-Police Officer Jailed For trailed him and arrested him 2 Years at Agbor Motor Park in the police force.

BY ROLAND OSAKUE

BENIN CITY - An Oredo Chief Magistrate, Peter Edo Asemota has sentenced a dismissed police officer Monday Ojo to two years imprisonment for threating to kidnap a medical doctor, Ochei Ebohon in Benin City, Edo State.

Delivering judgement in the case, Magistrate Asemota faulted the accused evidence –in Chief where he said he (accused) worked for the victim who is oweing him, N180, 000 claimed that he was not punctual while working for the medical doctor.

The court held that there was no witness or nexus linking the evidence of the accused person and the medical doctor to prove that he (Monday Ojo) actually had a contract with the victim as a security man having been dismissed from

Magistrate Asemota stated that the accused having demanded for a ransom of the said N180, 00,00 from the victim, unknown to him that the medical doctor had alerted the officers of the State Security Service(SSS), who

Benin City, while trying to collect the ransom.

The court however, discharged the commercial motor cyclist, Raphael Ehiosu, who took the convicated person to the motor park to collection the ransom for lack of evidence linking him to the crime.

IGARRA - Five Supervising Counsellors for Akoko-Edo Local Government have been Sworn-in by the Chairman of the council Hon. Akerejola Folorunsho Joseph with a charge to them to remain levelheaded and resourceful in order to bring about innovations that could make the locality viable and a better place.

They are: Messrs Ekhafe Collins, Odion Shaba, Monday Oseh, Ibikunle Agunloye and Faith Balogun (Mrs.) Chairman of the Council while administering the oath of office reminded the supervisors that they were holding their positions in trust for the people and urged them to see it as a call to service by contributing their quota to-enhance development of the area.

Hon. Akerejola Joseph remarked that the swearing-in of the supervisors indicated the completion of the machinery of governance for the proper take off and functioning of his administration in order to begin the process of delivering on their promises to the people.

He stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to pursue the aspiration of ensuring that the council area stood out for emulation.

The council boss used the medium to restate his promise to give the right leadership and accommodate constructive criticism that could add value to the local government.

He urged the people to seek their political differences and rancour in order to allow for meaningful development.

He therefore solicited cooperation and support of all stake holders including Traditional Rulers, party and opinion leaders as well as the entire people of the area in the task of meeting their hopes and aspirations.

while receiving the commandant and officers of the Peace Corps of Nigerian who paid him a courtesy call in Benin City.

Chief Obasogie noted that since the Police Commissioner assumption of duty, kidnapping for ransom has reduced to a barest minimum armed rubbery has been considerably curtailed, while criminal activities in the state have become random occurrences so much so that of the state people can now sleep with their eyes close.

He disclosed that, “ We are grateful to God Almighty and to all those who have been dutifully engaged in combating crimes in the State.

Chief Obasogie remarked that the palace will continue to partner with the Police and all other security agencies for the continued maintenance and substainance of peace in our land.

He used the occasion to appeal to aggrieved persons in the State to be very cautious, mindful of their utterances and to avoid making damaging and unsavory Statements that could

Isaac Osemwingie Dies At 60

BENIN CITY- the death has occurred of Mr. Isaac Osemwingie Aigbe at the age of 60 years.

The late Mr. Isaac Aigbe is survived by two wives, and 10 children, amongst whom are Mr. Osamudiamen Aigbe (son) Mrs. Eghosa Akhidue and Mrs. Merit Idahosa. Other are Miss. Faith Osarenokehe Aigbe, Miss Joy Aigbe, Miss Amenze Aigbe, Miss Efe Aigbe, Miss. Esohe Aigbe, Master Junior Ogieva Aigbe and Master Courage Aigbe.

According to the burial programme signed by Mr. Osamudiamen Aigbe, the Corpse of the late Isaac Aigbe will leave Stella Obasanjo Mortuary to his compound at Assembly Road, Ikhueiro on Friday, May 17, 2013, by 10am while the body will be interred same day and same venue by 9am.

This will be followed by social dance at his residence by 12noon on Saturday, May 18, 2013.

Late Mr. Isaac Osemwingie Aigbe

Elder Ewansiha Ogbeide Remembered

BENIN CITY - The children of Late Pa, Elder Andrew Ewansiha Ogbeide will today remember their late father, grandfather, and great-grand father who died exactly three years today (May 16 2010).

Until his death, he was a retired, Chief Accountant in the Governor’s officer, Benin City.

A statement endorsed by Air

LG Poll: Obasogie Commends Edo Compol BENIN CITY- Chief Eduwu Ekhator Obasogie, the Obasogie of Benin Kingdom has described as bold, effective and commendable, the tight security arrangements put into place by the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Folusho Adebayo before, during and after the Local Government Council Election in Edo State as highly commendable and his effort s at Combating Criminal activities in the state a delightful experience and joy to the people.

He made this assertion

state, nothing that the fallow land in the college, when put into use would be a source of income.

inflame embers of conflict and disaffection.

While lauding the efforts of the State Government, the palace of the Benin Monarch, his Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa and the combined efforts of all other security agencies in the state, Chief Obasogie enjoined all Edo people to be vigilant, law abiding and to cooperate with relevant authorities to flush out and to keep miscreants and enemies of peace out of business so that the state can move forward.

commodore Nose Ogbeide (Rtd) stated that, the children and other relations give thanks to God Almighty who kept and prospered the family he left behind.

The statement said they are continuously consoled by the good and exemplary life he lived, which has been a source of joy and inspiration to the family.

“Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord until the resurrection day”. It stated.

He is fondly remembered by children, grandchildren, greatgrand children, nephews and nieces.

Late Pa, Elder Andrew Ewansiha Ogbeide

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Inside Edo Council Poll Victim: Irumundomon Offers

By JUDE EHEBHA EKPOMA-Friends, family members, business and political associates of the chairman of Esan West Local Government Council of Edo State, Hon. Henry Irumundomon on Sunday gathered at the St. David’s Anglican Church, EbhoakhualaEkpoma as the council boss offered thanks to God for granting him victory at the recently concluded council poll.

Dignitaries including the state chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Hon. Thomas Okosun, former chairman of the Esan West Local Government, Hon. Monday Abulu, present chairman of Igueben Local Government Council, Hon. Ashuma Asemota, Owan East Council boss, Hon. Jimoh Ijegbai former Special Adviser to the governor, Capt. Felix Omokhodion, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Oshiomhole on Youth, Mr. Marcus Onobu and others graced the occasion.

Speaking in an exhortation, the Vicar of the church, Rev. Kingsley Igwilo described Hon. Irumundomon as a man with uncommon faith in God, which he said earned him the victory at the polls.

The clergyman who titled his sermon, “Looking unto Jesus in all Circumstances”, called on all to emulate the council boss whom he said trusted in God and got rewarded with the election victory.

He said those who fail in life were those who attempt to undermine Christ in their endeavours, reminding the congregation that, “if God does not build a house, the builders build in vain”.

He equally admonished the congregation not to be deterred by challenges and obstacles, saying there would be no crown without cross.

“There is no crown where

there is no cross to carry, in difficulties, you must keep moving because victory will elude you if you do not persevere.

“For you to have the lion’s share, you must have a lion’s heart, people fail because they doubt their capacity”, he posited.

The Esan West Council boss, told newsmen after the service that he was in the sanctuary to offer thanks to the Most High for choosing him to lead the people of his local government area.

He re-assured the people of the Esan West of his commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to every home as promised during his electioneering campaign.

Wife of the council chairman, Mrs. Helen Irumundomon speaking in the same vein, expressed gratitude to God for granting her husband the privilege of piloting the affairs of Esan West and reiterated her spouse’s avowed commitment to transforming the fortunes of the

Thanks To God

Hon. Philip Shaibu, Majority Leader, Edo State House of Assembly (left) receiving a congratulatory card from Hon (Miss) Abibat Yakubu, Leader, Etsako West Local Government Council Area Legislative Arm during the Legislative Leader’s courtesy visit to the Majority Leader’s office in Benin City on Tuesday. PHOTO: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

Owan West Council Boss To Reposition BENIN CITY- secretariat. in Owan West would be The LGA ebb He is also reactivating the Determined to re-invent revered as a lot of commercial Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State with the provision of social infrastructure, the chairman, Hon. Godwin Aigbodion has begun to manifest his resilience with the procurement and installation of a 110KVA electric generating plant to supply electricity to the council

Sabongida-Ora Water Scheme for residents to have access to potable water supply. While the abandoned primary Health Care Centre in the community will be renovated soon.

The council boss made known while speaking with newsmen in Benin City Hon. Aigbodion said a total of 110 farmers comprising 10

farmers from each of the 11 wards, are being registered to receive fertilizer from Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity in the area.

According to him, commercial activities that were hitherto at the lowest

banks will be attracted to the area.

The Chairman disclosed that Owan West Mass Transit, the transportation company of the council presently with only few rickety vehicles, will be given a new lease of life with the provision of five brand new 18 seater Toyota Hiace Hummer buses

Ikpoba-Okha Boss Assures Traders Of Conducive chairman of the council.

Atmosphere BENIN CITY - The chairperson, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council Hon. (Mrs.) Itohan Osahon- Ogbeide

has assured traders in the locality of a conducive atmosphere for them to

Mr. Isaac Imue Irabor, Director of Information, Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC)

trade.

The council boss while playing host to tomatoes traders in Ute N’o Urekpoki community market in her office at Idogbo, advised them to co-operate with the Enogie, HRH Osagie Omoregie Osemwende and the people of the community in order to have a peaceful environment for their business and advised them to give the Enogie his full entitlement.

Earlier, the leader of the traders union told the council boss that they were in her office to congratulate her on her victory at the poll and her subsequent swearing in as the new Executive

In another development, the chairman of Ikpoba the council boss has promised the butchers in Government abattoir at Ikpoba- slope a conducive and healthy environment.

She made the promise when she played host to the butchers who were on a courtesy visit to her office at Idogbo.

She also promised to reactivate the existing water bole-hole, toilet facilities as well as the access road in the abattoir.

Earlier, the president of the butchers association of Nigeria chief Osamede Adun, congratulated the council boss on her assumption of office and intimated her of the challenges facing the Government abattoir.

local government and its people.

Others who spoke to newsmen, include state chairman of ACN, Rt. Hon. Thomas Okosun, former chairman of the Esan West Local Government, Hon. Monday Abulu, present chairman of Igueben Local Government Council, Hon. Ashuma Asemota, Owan East Council boss, former special adviser to the governor, Capt. Felix Omokhodion, and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Oshiomhole on Youth, Mr. Marcus Onobu expressed gratitude to God for installing Hon. Irumundomon as chairman of Esan West.

They were unanimous in their belief that Henry Irumundomon had the capacity to positively turn around things in Esan West Local Government Area.

The event later shifted to the residence of the council chairman, for a reception.

EDSIEC Appoints Irabor As Dir Of Information BENIN CITY- The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has appointed Mr. Isaac Imue Irabor as Director of Information.

Chairman of EDSIEC, Hon. Solomon Ogoh announced the appointment at a press conference at the commissions headquarters in Benin City yesterday.

According to him, the appointment was informed by the need to have a very competent and experienced information manager to handle the commission’s information, public affairs and research matters.

He used the occasion to disclosed that the date for the conduct of all rescheduled elections in the state would be announced as soon as arrangements are concluded and therefore sought the understanding of all stakeholders on the matter.

He named the areas concern as, Esan North East Local Government Area; Etsako Central Local Government Area, Ward 3 and 4; Ovia North East Local Government Area Ward 9 and 11 and Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Ward 8.

Mr. Irabor holds a masters degrees in Mass Media and Communication as well as political science respectively .

He had worked with the New York Times and the Columbia Broadcasting Service (CBS); he was at various times the publisher of Metro News, the Speaker and the Hope Newspapers and also the Chief Executive Officer, Madison Communications Association.

A non functional member of the Editorial Board of This-Day newspapers, Mr. Irabor is a political/publicity consultant and public affairs analyst.

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

South West

Osun Speaker Tasks Nigerians On Development

IBADAN - Mr. Najeem Salaam, the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, urged Nigerians to be united in the pursuit of the growth and development of the country.

He gave the advice in a lecture he delivered at the 2013 annual week of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State

(BCOS) NUJ Chapel.

Salaam, whose lecture was entitled, “A nation with the troubled table, ’’ said that the system would only change with the commitment of Nigerians.

“The system must be interrogated so as to determine how we are being governed without resorting to sycophancy

or systematic servitude.

“People should not just take whatever is given to them, questions must be asked,’’ he said.

The Speaker, who was represented by Mr. Ajibola Akinloye, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Osun Assembly, said it was not

L-R: Ogun Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Fatai Opeybiyi at the Ministerial press briefing to mark the 2nd year in office of Governor Ibikunle Amosun in Abeokuta yesterday.

PFN Applauds Eemergency Rule In 3 States

By VICTOR IMADE BENIN CITY - The National President of the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Dr. Felix Omobude has applauded President Goodluck Jonathan for imposing emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, respectively.

The cleric in a press statement made available to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER in Benin City stated that the emergency rule imposed on the three states on Tuesday by the federal government was long due.

Strengthen Security Agencies, Cleric Urges FG ABEOKUTA - A Cleric, Pastor Ajibola Odukoya, of the Christ Life Church, Abeokuta on Monday stressed the need for the Federal Government to strengthen security agencies to curb the worsening violence in Nigeria.

Odukoya told newsmen in Abeokuta that strengthening the agencies and providing jobs for the unemployed would reduce criminality in the country.

According to him, providing employment is the panacea for combating insecurity in the country.

“It is not everybody that is involved in violence that loves what he is doing. He is doing it out of frustration.

Dr. Omobude, who is also the President General of Gospel Light International Ministries, New Covenant Gospel Church, Benin City, Edo State expressed Optimism that the proclamation of the emergency rule in the affected states would soon check the activities of terrorists in the country.

According to the statement, he urged the federal government to go beyond the declaration by ensuring that all those involved in terrorist activities in the country are brought to justice so as to assuade the pains being suffered by victims of the Boko Haram atrocities.

He condemned in strong terms, the gruesome murder of Rev. Faye Umar, the SecretaryGeneral of the Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN), Borno state Chapter.

Dr. Omobude who described as “dastardly act”, the killing of Rev. Umar on Tuesday in his own house in Borno state, called on both the Borno state and the federal government to compensate his family and all other innocent Nigerians killed by the rampaging members of the Boko Haram sect.

The cleric however called on Christians in the country to continue to intensity their prayers to God to either touch the hearts of the terrorist to change from their evil acts or to bring them to justice so as to bring about peace and tranquility in the country. s

too late for Nigerians to effect change through the ballot.

He said politicians were no longer thinking of service but of what to steal in government while civil servants were assisting to promote corrupt practices.

Salaam said the electorates, who ought to use their ballot papers to effect change, were now selling them.

In the same vein, Mrs Monsurat Sunmonu, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, urged journalists to always promote ideas that could enhance national development.

Sunmonu said journalists should embrace accurate and truthful reportage, adding that they must be socially responsible to the government and the people.

She said that the legislature also have the role of making laws that would promote peaceful co-existence.

Mr Yanju Adegbite, the Chief Executive Officer of BCOS, said the role of the media in an ideal democracy should be that of agenda setting.

Adegbite, who was represented by Mr. Yomi Layinka, the Chief Operations Officer of BCOS, said the station’s NUJ should embrace multiple imperative perspectives which would ultimately help the organisation.

Mr Gbenga Olokede, Chairman, BCOS NUJ Chapel, said the programme was a platform through which journalists raise public awareness on issues that

concern their professional practice.

Olokede said that there was need for the media to find a permanent solution to the killings, torture and kidnappings which had characterised media practice under democratic governance.

Reports say that the programme was attended by Mr. Bayo Sanda, the Chairman of BCOS Board and Mr. Sunday Akinpelu who represented Mr. Ajibola Afonja, the Chairman of First Bank Plc.

Man, 29, Arraigned For Car Theft IBADAN - A 29-year-old, Muideen Oladipupo, was arraigned before an Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court for stealing a car valued at N250,000.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Foluke Adedosu, said the defendant was arraigned on a one-count charge of stealing.

She added that Oladipupupo committed the crime on June 25, 2012, at about 12 p.m. at Boluwaji area of Ibadan.

L-R: Member, 2Div Army Officers Wife Association (NAOWA), Mrs. Bolanle Lawal, President, Mrs. Uzman Jibril and Secretary, Mrs. Lauretta Omomia during the women empowerment programme in Ibadan.

Adedosu said the defendant stole the car marked Lagos MUS 404 AL and valued at N250,000, property of one Tosin Olajide.

Adedosu told the court that the offence contravened section 390 (a) of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vo. II Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge while his counsel, Tope Olayinka, applied for his client’s bail on liberal terms.

Chief Magistrate Adams Adeshina admitted him to bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to June 20.

Similarly, two men, Taiwo Adebayo,50; and Adewale Busari, 22 were arraigned before the court for causing a breach of public peace.

The prosecutor, Insp Oladeji Obayanju, said the duo were arraigned on a one-count charge of smoking Indian hemp.

He further stated that Adebayo and Busari committed the crime on Sunday at Isale-Ijebu area of Ibadan at about 11 p.m.

The prosecutor added that the duo were apprehended at a criminal hide out.

Obayanju said the offence contravened section 508 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol II Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

Security Guards Charged For Theft LAGOS - Two security guards attached to the Lagos High Court, Igbosere, were charged with the alleged vandalism of two buses at the court premises and removing their engine control units (brain boxes).

The duo — Saheed Oseni, 38, and Kunle Ogoji, 39 — are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful interference, stealing and criminal damage to property, at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court.

The prosecutor, ASP A. C. Orji, told the court that the accused allegedly committed the offences on April 26 at 2:00 a.m. at the court premises.

According to him, the accused and five other security guards from a private security outfit — Action Guard Security Ltd., — were on duty when the vehicles were vandalised.

Orji alleged that the accused broke the side

windows of two Toyota Hiace buses and removed their engine control units.

“Oseni claimed that he was asleep, while Ogoji said he was inside their security post during the night downpour and did not know when the items were stolen,’’ he said.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 285, 337, 338 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Reports say that the accused may be sentenced to a maximum of three years imprisonment, if convicted.

The accused, however pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Ms Abimbola Awogboro, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 each, with two sureties each, in like sum.

The case was adjourned till June 6, for further hearing.

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Across The Nation Man, 21, Charged With Theft In Church

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State receiving 2006 Census report from the Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission in Gombe, Alhaji Bala Magaji on Tuesday.

ABUJA - The police have arraigned one Aminu Yusuf, 21, of Apo in a Karu Upper Area Court, Abuja for allegedly stealing chairs and a generator belonging to a church.

The Prosecutor, Mr Israel Nando told the court that the matter was reported to the Apo police station by one Pastor David Okoye of NEPA Junction, Apo, Abuja, on May 7.

“The accused trespassed into Okoye’s church on May 7, at about 5a.m and stole 40 plastic chairs valued N60,000 and Tiger brand generator set valued N35,000.”

Nando told the court that the offences contravened provisions of sections 348 and 288 of the Penal Code.

Section 348 stipulates that whoever commits criminal trespass shall be punished with imprisonment for a term

Monarch Canvasses Effective Legislation To Protect Environment

AWGU (Enugu State) - A Traditional Ruler, Igwe Goddy Eko, has told the Enugu State House of Assembly to pass appropriate laws to check negative human activities that were detrimental to the environment.

Eko, who is the traditional ruler of the Community in the Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, made the call when the assembly’s Committee on Environment visited the area recently.

The committee was in Awgu, headquarters of Awgu Local Government Area, to assess erosion and other environmental disaster sites.

The royal father who is also the Chairman of the Awgu Traditional Rulers Council, said that the call had become necessary to give traditional rulers legal backing to apprehend

defaulters of such laws.

According to him, there is no legal framework under which soil excavators, illegal felling of trees, dumping of refuse in drainage and other unfriendly environmental activities can be prosecuted.

Eko stressed the need for trees to be planted along major roads as was done by the colonial masters, to beautify the environment.

The monarch said that the effort would also go a long way in absorbing gaseous emissions from vehicles, industrial machines, generators and air pollution.

He commended the lawmakers for embarking on the visit, saying that it would enable them to get first hand

information on the level of erosion, land-slides and earth

tremor ravaging communities in Awgu Local Government Area.

State Of Emergency:

By OSAZUWA AKONEDO BENIN CITY - Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, a nongovernmental organization based in Benin City has commended President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for declaring state of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States as measures to contain the security challenges in the country.

In a press release signed by the Executive Director of Africa Network for Environment and

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Donatus Uzogbado, said the committee embarked on the tour to get accurate data on erosion sites.

which may extend to one year or with fine......or with both.

Section 288 states that whoever commits theft in or from any building, tent or vessel shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or with fine or with both.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge saying, “all these allegations are not true.

“I am a visitor to Abuja, I just came from Kano State two days ago and the person I came to see travelled out of Abuja.

“I was defecating in a bush near the church when I was arrested.

“I did not enter the church,” he stressed.

The Presiding Judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N70,000 and a surety in like sum.

“The surety must be reasonable, have means of livelihood and reside within the jurisdiction of the court,” he said.

Kagarko adjourned the case to July 3 for further mention.

ANEEJ Commends Jonathan

Economic Justice, Reverend David Ugolor and made available to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER yesterday, ANEEJ said that the action has shown that the President still has a firm grip and control over the country, particularly as it concerns the lives of Nigerians which it said has continually come under threat since the emergence of insurgent groups in the affected states.

“The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) welcomes the

move by the President to guarantee security of lives and property in the affected states and we condemn the ambush and massacre of security men in Nasarawa, Bayelsa and others where mindless bloodletting has continued unabated.

It is reprehensible for any group in the country to take up arms against the state or security agencies for whatever reasons in a 21st century democratic setting”, said the ANEEJ Boss.

Furthermore, ANEEJ said it hoped that the emergency rule in

the three states would help mitigate the rising culture of impunity in the killing of helpless Nigerians including security agents in the country.

He added that, “As an organisation, we believe in nonviolent approach to resolving issues. We strongly condemn the impunity with which insurgents take the laws into their hands by killing innocent citizens who even know little about their angst, more so, where there are constitutional system to address such issues.”

2015: Nigerian Parties In UK To Merge

LONDON - Various Nigeria political parties in the United Kingdom, excluding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have perfected plans to merge into a formidable group.

This was disclosed to newsmen by executive member of the group. Mrs. Pauline George Bakare Taiwo.

The group to be known as All Nigeria progressive Merger group, United Kingdom is to be headed by Chief Ibrahim Emokpaire.

According to Mrs. Bakare Taiwo, the group was midwifed in March, 2013 and is to work in collaboration with Nigerian progressive leaders.

She disclosed that the objective of the group is to create a formidable Diaspora solidarity with progressives Nigeria.

Mrs. Bakare Taiwo further disclosed that the group’s June 2013 conference will be hold in London and will showcase its manifestoes as well as provide avenue for interaction with members of the British Parliament.

She used the occasion to commend all Action Congress of Nigeria ACN governors for their giant strides, describing Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole as a model.

Director General, Technical Cooperation for Africa (DTCA), Dr. Shuaibu Suleiman (left) with Director General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Prof. Longmas Wapmuk after signing MoU on Skill Acquisition Development in Abuja yesterday.

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Across The Nation Kwara To Disburse N4bn Car Loan To Workers IIORIN - The Kwara Government has concluded plans to disburse four billion naira loan to workers in the state this month to enable them buy cars.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Tunji Morounfoye, made the disclosure in an interview with mewsmen in Ilorin.

Morounfoye said that the car loan would cut across all cadres of civil servants in

the state.

He said that the beneficiaries of the loan were selected after the government had considered their ability to pay back within four years.

Morounfoye who did not disclose the number of beneficiaries said that beneficiaries were those whose appointments had been confirmed.

The commissioner said the government had disbursed one

billion naira as car loan to some civil servants in 2012.

Morounfoye declined comments on the amount each beneficiary would take but said that the loan would depend on

the grade levels of the workers.

In a related development, the commissioner said the government had commenced advocacy visits to flood-prone areas to persuade residents to

vacate river banks.

“We are fully prepared to guard against the occurrence of havoc created by flood in the state in 2012,” morounfoye said.

He expressed the

determination of the government to embark on more projects, aimed at uplifting the well being of the people at the grassroots.

Sokoto To Sponsor Students Abroad SOKOTO - Sokoto State Government said it would sponsor 100 of its indigenes to the Canadian University in Dubai for various degree programmes.

This is contained in a statement by Malam Sani Umar, the Special Assistant on Media to Gov. Aliyu Wamakko.

The statement said this is one of the fall-outs of Wamakko’s one-week visit to Dubai.

It said Wamakko returned to Sokoto on Monday from the trip . “ The officials of the university are expected in Sokoto in the next two weeks for the finalisation of the agreements on the sponsorship of the students,” it added.

It further stated that eligible candidates would be screened during the visit .

The statement said while in Dubai, Wamakko attended a 3day international conference on Arabic language which took place from May 7 to 10.

It further said the governor’s attendance of the conference was on the invitation of the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Muhammad Bin-Rashid.

Similarly, Wamakko met with the officials of two prominent International non governmental organisations who expressed willingness to assist the state.

The organisations are Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahayan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Foundation. “ All these are part of the

untiring efforts of Gov. Wamakko to boost education in the state,” the statement said It would be recalled that 150 indigenes of the state on May 12, left Sokoto for Master’s degree courses in Education Management at the International Islamic University, Mbale, Uganda.

Another set of 150 indigenes are billed to leave for the same university in September for first degree courses in various science fields.

L-R: Chairman, Gombe State Committee on Divorcees Marriage, Dr. Mohammed Usman, Alhaji Inuwa Lamido and Malam Bashir Kashere during the presentation of the Committee’s report to Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo in Gombe on Tuesday.

Lawmaker Tasks FG On Insecurity LAGOS - A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Gbolahan Yishawu, advised the Federal Government to adopt innovative measures in tackling the security challenges facing the country.

Yishawu (ACN-Eti-Osa I), gave the advice in an interview with newsmen saying the government needed to find urgent solution to the current insurgency in parts of the country.

The lawmaker noted that urgent solution was needed in solving the problem so as to avoid anarchy in the country.

“The Federal Government should provide urgent solution

to the present insurgency so as to avoid a state of anarchy.

“It is the duty of government and leaders to find innovative ways of solving problems; nobody said it is going to be a tea party. There is a problem and it has to be solved,” he said.

Yishawu said that the declaration of a state of emergency in the troubled states was also not the solution to the proc?Öm but was tantamount to taking over of the government through the back door.

He said that declaration of state of emergency was only to

be used when there was no other alternative.

Another lawmaker, Mr Segun Olulade, said that the current situation in the country had further emphasised the need for state police.

Olulade, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, urged the Federal Government to initiate a process for the creation of state police.

According to him, such a police force is necessary to tackle the crisis confronting some states in the Northern part of the country.

The lawmaker said that many Lagos residents, who participated in the constitutional amendment process initiated by the National Assembly last year, also supported the creation of state police.

“It is imperative to devote more powers to the state since state and local governments are closer to the people,” he said.

The lawmaker added that a considerable number of political parties, individuals and interest groups had also canvassed true federalism.

He said that only true

federalism would give room for performance and encourage effective policies and development of the economy.

Olulade said the beauty of democracy was such that it gave room for periodical assessment of the quality of service delivery by elected public office holders.

The lawmaker urged member of the public and various stakeholders to corporate with the government in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency currently threatening the country’s peace and security.

Threat To Life

Man, 24, Docked ILORIN - A 24-year-old man, Babatunde Kazeem, was arraigned before an Ilorin Magistrate Court for allegedly threatening to kill one Saka Owolabi.

The accused was alleged to have written a threat letter and pasted it on the house of the complainant on April 4 at Fate road, Ilorin.

The threat letter also instructed him to pay the sum of N200, 000 into GTBank account number 4424715159 to avoid being killed by him.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Yakub Isaac, said the accused wrote in the letter that failure to comply with the instruction would lead to the death of the

complainant.

He said the accused was arraigned on two-count charge of criminal intimidation and attempt to commit fraud which contravened section 397 and 95 of the Penal Code Law. Isaac objected to bail of the accused on the ground that the alleged offences were not ordinarily bailable.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Magistrate Silifat Sambo, in her ruling, granted the accused bail in the sum of N300,000 and three sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case to May 22 for mention.

L-R: Desk Officer, Plateau Ministry of Environment, Mr. Levi Gofwan, Representative of the Commissioner of Environment, Mr. Gonap Gobin; Deputy Director Environment Conservation, Mr. James Adikaba and Deputy Director, Monitoring and Environmental Health, Mr. Gabriel Gofwan, at the Flood Reservation Awareness Campaign in Jos yesterday.

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Abuja Christmas Day Bombing: ABUJA - The trial of terrorism suspect, Kabiru Sokoto, continued on Monday before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja, with more witnesses giving evidence.

The accused, who is originally called Kabiru Umar, is standing trial for his alleged role in the Christmas day bombing of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger, in 2011.

Giving evidence, a blindfold police officer, referred to as “ABC’’ for security reason, said the Madalla attack was not a suicide attack but a coordinated attack.

He explained that the accused was privy to the arrangement that led to the bombing of the Church on Christmas day.

Helicopter Crash:

Airforce Releases Preliminary Report ABUJA - The Nigerian Air Force has released the preliminary report on the investigation into the crashed Mi-24B helicopter, which occurred on May 9 at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Port Harcourt.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, the Director, Air Force Public Relations and Information.

The statement said that a team of safety and engineering investigators, who investigated the accident, said the cause of the crash might not be unconnected with ‘tail rotor systems failure.’

It said that the engines of the helicopter and the gear box were in good serviceable condition at the time of the accident.

“The report said that mechanical machines are occasionally subject to failure as a result of system’s malfunction. “ The report also confirmed that the helicopter had flown 1,908 hours before the accident,’’ the statement said.

Following the crash of the helicopter, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh directed the grounding of the entire Mi-35P and Mi-24B helicopter fleet.

The statement, however, said that following their certification by investigators, the Mi-helicopters fleet had now been certified fit to resume flying.

“ABC’’ said the accused, with seven other alleged Boko Haram members, took steps at various intervals to plant explosives in the vehicle near the Church.

The prosecution witness further testified that the explosives caused the death of many people and injured many others.

Reacting to questions challenging the authenticity of the accused person’s confessional statement during cross examination, the witness said the accused voluntarily gave his statement.

“ABC’’ said it was not true that the statement was a figment of his imagination.

“My Lord, my evidence before the court is the whole truth and nothing but the truth.’’

In his evidence, another prosecution witness, an operative of the State Security Service (SSS), said he led a team of other SSS operatives to Sabongida in Taraba state in an attempt to re-arrest the accused.

SSS Calls More Witnesses

He explained that on Feb. 10, 2012 at about 4.30 a.m. the team stormed the residence where the accused took refuge after escaping from police custody.

“We arrested the accused

from one of the rooms in the uncompleted building where another suspected Boko Haram Commander, Suleiman Habib, was residing.

“On sighting him from

behind, we quickly recognised him as Kabiru Umar, a.k.a Kabiru Sokoto and we immediately arrested him and brought him to Abuja.

“At the point of arrest, he

L-R: AIG in charge of Zone 10, Sule Mamman; Governor Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi State and Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State, Sabo Ringim in Birni Kebbi on Tuesday

SURE-P Committee on Public Works inspects the rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna road on Tuesday

House Help Admits Forging Employer’s ABUJA - A 21-year old years in prison with an option house help, Elizabeth Linus, Bank Signature of fine or both. has admitted at an Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court that she forged her employer’s bank signature.

Elizabeth, a resident of Masaka in Nasarawa State, is standing trial on a three-count charge of theft, forgery and attempt to commit an offence.

The police arraigned her before the court presided over

by Senior Magistrate Oyeyipo Ademuyiwa sitting in Karu, Abuja.

She told the court that the devil pushed her to forge her madam’s signature in order to withdraw money from her bank account.

The prosecutor, Sgt.

Mohammed Garba, had told the court that Mrs. Elizabeth Ordia of Garki, Abuja, reported the matter at the Garki Police Station on May 10.

“The accused was employed by Mrs. Ordia on March 6 to assist her with domestic chores at an agreed monthly salary of N10,000.

“After collecting her first month salary, she packed her belongings and left the house on April 9 in her employer’s absence.

“The sum of N110,000 kept in the house was missing. The complaint tried phoning her, but the mobile phone was

switched off for days.

“The complainant also discovered that her bank withdrawal slip was stolen.

The bank’s branch in Mararaba called to confirm her signature on a cheque leaf seeking to withdraw N10,000.

“That was when the accused was arrested and handed over to the police,” Garba said.

The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravene sections 289, 304 and 80 of the Penal Code.

If convicted on all charges, the accused person risks 21

The accused person, however, denied stealing N110,000 before leaving the house .

Senior Magistrate Ademuyiwa granted her bail in the sum of N200,000 and two sureties who must be civil servants not below Grade Level 8, in like sum.

The sureties, according to the magistrate, must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court.

“Their recent photographs and that of the accused person must be submitted to the court Registrar.’’

The case was adjourned to June 17 for hearing.

was with a Nokia cell phone with six sim cards of various network providers.’’

According to the witness, the accused told him during preliminary interrogation that the N40 million sent to Boko Haram from a sister organisation in Algeria remotely caused the sect to split.

“My lord, the accused told me at that point that he had N500,000 as his share from the bounty,’’ he added.

However, the accused had on May 11, objected to the document admitted by the court as his confessional statement.

He said neither the police nor the SSS asked him to write any statement.

Meanwhile, Justice Ademola held that the admissibility of the document was based on its relevance to the case.

He, therefore, adjourned the trial to May 16 and May 17, while May 20 was fixed for the accused to open his defence.

Muslim Pilgrims To Undertake ERegistration ABUJA - Hajiya Fatimah Gumi, the Acting Director, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, has insisted on e-registration for 2013 intending pilgrims.

She said this in Abuja at a news briefing on preparations for the 2013 Hajj exercise.

According to her, the FCT has introduced the use of biometric data registration for intending pilgrims this year.

She said that the board had trained its staff in preparation for the exercise, noting that three centres had been designated for the exercise.

She said that the centres are AMAC and Bwari Area Council merged as one centre, Abaji and Kwali area councils as another centre, while Gwagawlada and Kuje area councils as a centre.

Gumi said that the board had taken measures to ensure that the permanent Hajj camp in Gwagwalada which was used for the exercise last year was upgraded before the next Hajj camping.

The board had been collaborating with the Department of Public Building and relevant agencies to continue with the construction work at the camp.

The board had also mapped out plans to educate pilgrims about their religious duties while in the Holy land as well as knowledge of Saudi Arabian rules and regulations.

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Media

Social Media And The Challenge Of Reading Culture

THERE is no doubt that the social media has come to represent a revolutionary trend in the way and means people now relate, socialize and communicate across the globe.

Effective and revolutionary as its existence suggests, the social media has equally come with a new way of thinking, new understanding, new language as well as a new interactive form of communications and relationship.

In other words, the social media is enormously embedded with inherent social, political, religious and cultural challenges that must not be underestimated, even in the relentless crave to belong and properly fit into the digital world.

Apart from the speed (pace), the reach, the capacity, convenience and its easy accessibility, which have seemingly created a sumptuous form of unparallel euphoria, a great deal of consideration and caution must be expressed in the unimaginable and unintended offshoots of the social media tools and their usage.

In Nigeria for instance, despite the fact that we are yet at the periphery of its potentials, the impact of the social media so far has been negatively phenomenal and unprecedented.

The larger part of the Nigerian populace, rather

than regularly read, comprehend, internalize and absorb the researchbased soft copy for the purpose of systemic development and visioning, we are quick to be carried away by the anti-intellectual engagement of ‘facebooking’ and ‘pinging’ at odd places and odd times. This, at best is antisocial!

Otherwise, how can you explain a supposed student who could not afford a single book in his personal library, but brags around with an expensive blackberry that cost between N50,000.00 and even N150,000.00. Apart from the fact that this student is always scantily dressed, continuously take pride in ‘pinging’ on top of a fast-moving motorbike or a crowded vehicle with little or no concentration?

Conversely, it is equally irritating to see a ‘gentleman’ or ‘lady’; rather than concentrate and listen to sermons in the church during service, continue to fondle with his/her phones throughout the period of the service or even at other social events.

It is no longer amusing to re-echo the fact that “when you want to hide something from Nigerians, you put it in a book.” This is because; most Nigerians are no longer interested in reading well researched

books. Those, both the elite and regular people, who manage to assess soft information, especially electronically, only fancy the entertainment contents of

only to pass examinations, the graduates read only for the purpose of intending interviews. On the other hand, those in government and positions

their self confessed lean resources into good researches and training of professional writers to help advance reading culture and by implication enduring knowledge that can encourage critical agenda

most cable and satellite televisions whose contaminated and misdirected contents have no gate-keepers to control assess.

It is only in Nigeria you find that majority of the masses do not read for enduring and applicable knowledge or for the purpose of visioning and doing things positively different.

While majority of Nigerian students read

of authorities do same impulsively to pick holes and acquire manipulative language to stand facts on their heads and intimidate the people.

In this wise, the governments’ position is more pathetic. By their actions and reactions, federal, state and local governments careless about the reading culture of this great nation. And this is dangerous.

Rather than commit

for police makers, they spend millions of money monthly on privatelyowned electronic media to fight oppositions, launder propaganda, deceive and intimidate the people.

When they want to use the print, they pay heavily and continue to service without vision, two or three paragraphs in private concerns, whose basic aim is maximization of profit

By OBOH SYLVESTER

“While majority of Nigerian students read only to pass examinations, the graduates read only for the purpose of intending interviews. On the other hand, those in government and positions of authorities do same impulsively to pick holes and acquire manipulative language to stand facts on their heads and intimidate

without recourse to knowledge and education which is the primary responsibility of a newspaper.

In fact, the challenge is great and overwhelming.

Apart from deliberate effort in trying to redirect our social-cultural and religious values, there is equally the urgent need to

be technologically competitive and assertive so as to be able to create effective gatekeepers.

There is the need to have close relation with the providers, operators and managers because of our large market and the stake we hold. We need to be able to exert some reasonable influence and subtle pressure by defining values and faithbased materials for practice and general consumption.

It has become absolutely necessary for us to create new local legislations that can effectively regulate primary, secondary and tertiary users of this powerful and phenomenal revolution called the social media. This we owe the next generation!

THE NIGERIAN

11

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY(15/05/13) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

LEARNAFRCA

1.97

1.97

0

6

207,504

406,657.28

7UP

50

50

0

11

16,718

843,342.15

LIVESTOCK

2.7

2.8

0.1

18

286,605

803,748.95

5.94

5.94

0

1

2,000

10,700.00

ABCTRANS

1.05

0.97

-0.08

21

1,136,700

1,171,935.00

MANDRID

ACADEMY

1.67

1.67

0

15

205,950

328,674.97

MANSARD

2.68

2.7

0.02

16

2,421,248

6,398,029.84

ACCESS

10.65

11

0.35

246

24,390,390

260,953,074.45

MAYBAKER

1.94

1.99

0.05

27

944,112

1,842,596.36

ADSWITCH

1.63

1.63

0

1

10,000

14,700.00

MCNICHOLS

1.3

1.3

0

1

3,000

3,540.00

114

114

0

33

93,214

11,165,621.88

AFRIPRUD

1.88

1.88

0

41

61,280

108,728.75

MOBIL

AFROMEDIA

0.5

0.5

0

1

1,000

500

MORISON

2.23

2.23

0

1

3,505

7,045.05

AGLEVENT

1.65

1.65

0

18

79,745

132,165.25

MRS

18

18

0

10

44,947

813,972.00

AIICO

0.92

0.88

-0.04

37

3,192,314

2,888,026.58

MULTITREX

0.5

0.5

0

2

10,000

5,000.00

AIRSERVICE

4.4

4.07

-0.33

17

461,310

1,945,367.51

NAHCO

6.48

6.5

0.02

44

508,547

3,305,489.13

ASHAKACEM

24.08

24.01

-0.07

67

841,316

20,358,344.06

NASCON

11.99

12.27

0.28

131

3,497,698

42,671,152.02

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

0.5

0

1

2,600

1,300.00

NB

174.8

173.03

-1.77

173

4,589,168

796,315,879.11

17

17

0

5

2,640

44,880.00

BERGER

8.25

8.25

0

11

72,036

642,287.66

NCR

BETAGLAS

9.8

10

0.2

7

2,340,937

23,409,370.00

NEIMETH

0.75

0.75

0

3

55,750

43,465.00

BOCGAS

8.5

8.5

0

9

111,971

896,162.80

NEM

0.75

0.8

0.05

25

3,136,117

2,451,056.95

CADBURY

43.51

42.01

-1.5

73

799,277

34,083,641.40

NESF

552.2

552.2

0

1

50

24,849.00

920.5

945

24.5

53

108,277

101,296,053.06

CAP

62.03

62.03

0

80

339,421

22,562,735.29

NESTLE

CAPOIL

0.5

0.5

0

1

500

250

NIGERINS

0.5

0.5

0

1

300

150

CCNN

9.45

9.37

-0.08

17

155,571

1,449,562.19

NNFM

23.8

21.42

-2.38

2

1,276,000

27,335,100.00

CHAMS

0.5

0.5

0

3

14,100

7,050.00

NPFMCRFBK

0.9

0.9

0

32

3,115,990

2,782,391.00

CILEASING

0.5

0.5

0

27

6,661,976

3,336,172.88

OANDO

15.9

15.5

-0.4

147

2,926,154

46,080,949.89

CONOIL

23

23

0

12

44,167

1,117,425.10

OKOMUOIL

50.4

51.02

0.62

178

2,259,178

123,478,975.95

CONTINSURE

1.13

1.14

0.01

9

10,635,000

11,915,850.00

OMATEK

0.5

0.5

0

2

81,000

40,500.00

1.45

1.45

0

5

49,621

74,730.45

CORNERST

0.5

0.5

0

17

1,222,400

611,200.00

PAINTCOM

COSTAIN

0.72

0.79

0.07

60

17,079,712

12,379,463.92

PHARMDEKO

2.07

2.07

0

2

61,564

123,128.00

COURTVILLE

0.73

0.8

0.07

11

3,205,000

2,564,000.00

PREMBREW

0.68

0.68

0

1

200

136

CUSTODYINS

1.82

1.76

-0.06

21

564,331

997,660.04

PRESCO

26.7

26.7

0

38

999,068

26,523,789.96

0.62

0.62

0

2

20,000

12,400.00

CUTIX

2.32

2.3

-0.02

15

813,850

1,814,779.00

PRESTIGE

DANGCEM

180

180

0

26

331,187

59,603,128.42

PZ

44

45

1

55

435,001

19,264,857.54

DANGFLOUR

9.17

9.18

0.01

69

575,650

5,282,109.58

REDSTAREX

4.4

4.4

0

18

259,673

1,126,926.20

DANGSUGAR

8.05

8.11

0.06

90

1,773,361

14,349,936.64

ROYALEX

0.6

0.55

-0.05

6

310,050

170,540.00

DEAPCAP

1.34

1.34

0

3

20,100

24,321.00

RTBRISCOE

1.98

1.98

0

43

2,361,903

4,644,034.30

DIAMONDBNK

7.15

7.11

-0.04

110

13,815,715

98,206,460.87

SKYEBANK

5.19

5.18

-0.01

207

7,429,916

38,321,800.46

DNMEYER

1.66

1.82

0.16

12

416,539

700,680.04

SKYESHELT

100

100

0

10

61,302

5,577,180.00

15.1

15.06

-0.04

67

1,953,089

29,563,537.74

DUNLOP

0.5

0.5

0

1

1,800

900

STANBIC

EKOCORP

4.8

4.32

-0.48

2

105,555

455,997.60

STERLNBANK

2.67

2.7

0.03

92

4,523,126

12,108,174.38

EQUITYASUR

0.5

0.5

0

1

30,000

15,000.00

TOTAL

158

172

14

22

209,271

33,948,429.10

ETERNA

2.97

3.26

0.29

41

637,861

2,037,043.50

TOURIST

4.53

4.53

0

4

696

2,839.68

ETI

15

15.15

0.15

74

9,121,272

136,847,734.02

TRANSCORP

1.15

1.26

0.11

117

21,864,888

27,050,207.76

ETRANZACT

3.47

3.47

0

1

100

313

TRIPPLEG

2.29

2.29

0

2

5,100

10,557.00

EVANSMED

1.49

1.63

0.14

8

1,164,749

1,885,038.81

UAC-PROP

17.49

16.5

-0.99

20

235,533

3,899,650.67

FBNH

18.96

19

0.04

705

27,679,111

521,397,715.44

UACN

70.5

70.6

0.1

75

1,897,815

134,079,253.27

FCMB

5

5

0

71

2,867,954

14,342,309.46

UBA

8.28

8.49

0.21

493

28,235,729

234,893,859.32

FIDELITYBK

2.91

3.1

0.19

172

39,832,554

118,927,822.42

UBCAP

1.29

1.34

0.05

159

8,129,502

11,225,574.05

FIDSON

1.56

1.55

-0.01

24

2,711,357

4,233,187.16

UBN

9.42

9.45

0.03

76

476,935

4,497,057.59

63.08

63.1

0.02

49

781,325

49,244,761.19

FIRSTALUM

0.5

0.5

0

1

43,000

21,500.00

UNILEVER

FLOURMILL

85.65

85.65

0

69

177,125

15,057,787.91

UNITYBNK

0.68

0.64

-0.04

49

3,420,160

2,232,196.06

FO

14.24

14.24

0

38

492,150

7,689,114.35

UPL

5.25

5.25

0

14

229,153

1,187,894.52

GLAXOSMITH

47.15

47.5

0.35

35

578,746

27,608,604.44

UTC

0.71

0.78

0.07

9

661,927

447,761.04

GNI

0.5

0.5

0

3

233,861

116,930.50

VITAFOAM

3.2

3.18

-0.02

38

1,007,323

3,228,818.10

GUARANTY

26.49

26.6

0.11

344

18,222,103

482,350,743.34

WAPCO

87.17

95

7.83

48

298,953

27,498,807.97

GUINEAINS

0.5

0.5

0

2

2,000

1,000.00

WAPIC

0.9

0.88

-0.02

15

376,885

334,335.70

GUINNESS

270.22

275

4.78

74

535,289

146,149,334.67

WEMABANK

1.24

1.29

0.05

54

2,240,545

2,777,695.81

HONYFLOUR

2.8

2.81

0.01

43

1,418,754

4,017,309.41

ZENITHBANK

21.56

21.65

0.09

346

28,711,845

621,027,459.54

IKEJAHOTEL

0.82

0.9

0.08

13

724,919

649,629.84

INTBREW

23

23.7

0.7

43

1,391,219

32,671,934.92

IPWA

0.66

0.7

0.04

7

270,994

189,885.80

JAPAULOIL

0.59

0.57

-0.02

104

23,098,394

13,597,016.68

JBERGER

51.5

53.59

2.09

23

2,815,794

146,674,573.40

JOHNHOLT

1.54

1.54

0

10

29,688

47,970.20

JOSBREW

1.33

1.33

0

2

5,000

6,000.00

LAWUNION

0.5

0.5

0

4

2,850,801

1,425,400.50

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock NESTLE TOTAL WAPCO GUINNESS JBERGER PZ INTBREW OKOMUOIL ACCESS GLAXOSMITH

Close 945 172 95 275 53.59 45 23.7 51.02 11 47.5

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain

24.5 14 7.83 4.78 2.09 1 0.7 0.62 0.35 0.35

Stock NNFM NB CADBURY UAC-PROP EKOCORP OANDO AIRSERVICE CCNN ABCTRANS ASHAKACEM

Close 21.42 173.03 42.01 16.5 4.32 15.5 4.07 9.37 0.97 24.01

Loss -2.38 -1.77 -1.5 -0.99 -0.48 -0.4 -0.33 -0.08 -0.08 -0.07

THE NIGERIAN

12

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

13

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

How Not To Destroy Your Marriage

MR. Okoro sat patiently, waiting for the out come of his wife’s delivery. He looked at his wrist watch and was amazed at how time flies.

He had been sitting down there for approximately five hours now and yet there was no news of the birth of his child.

He prayed quietly for the safe delivery of his child and well being of his wife. As he kept wondering about what must have caused the delay of any news concerning his wife’s delivery, a nurse walked in looking sober and unruffled.

Mr. Okoro stood up immediately on sighting her, forgetting all the aches in his waist and neck, while he was full of anxiety of what the nurse was about to tell him. He tried to read the expression on the nurse’s face but to no avail, for the nurse wore an expressionless face and so Mr. Okoro was left in the world of puzzlement.

Are you Mr. Okoro, the husband of Mrs. Monica Okoro? Asked the nurse.

Yes I am said Mr. Okoro, whose anxiety now had increased and was becoming uncomfortable. This is not how good news are reported, he reflected. Infact he had expected the nurse to run up to him without asking him of his name and give him a big smile before announcing to him that his wife has giving birth to a bouncing baby boy or girl. But in this scenario, he was apprehensive and wish the nurse could hasten up and give him the news.

At this junction, the nurse gave a weird smile said “the doctor wants to see you in his office”.

Okoro who could not help, but got angry felt like giving the nurse a dirty slap for putting him through this unwarranted suspense, yet he managed to asked one of the numerous question that have clouded his mind. “How is my wife and the baby? Calm down, Mr. Okoro, everything is under control calm down. Just go and see the doctor who is waiting for you in his office he will explain everything to you she said and left him there as he watched her go.

Quickly, Mr. Okoro gathered himself together and walked briskly to the doctor’s office.

He timidly knocked on the doctor’s door and held a faint sound telling him to come inside.

As he walked inside, he heard the doctor asked “ are you Mr. Okoro?

‘Yes doctor, I am Mr. Okoro without waiting for further response from the doctor, Okoro, could not hesitate any longer but pour out the numerous questions that have been in his mind.

“How is my wife and my

baby, Are they okay, why is the nurse not talking to me eh, Doctor what is happening?

“Please, Mr. Okoro have your seat, your wife is okay, the doctor said.

When he heard that his wife was okay he took his seat while his eyes were glued to the doctor’s face.

“Your wife gave birth to a bouncing baby boy, but few minutes after his birth, he developed some complication, this was as a result of excessive sugar in his blood. The baby weighed 6.7kg at birth which is abnormal most especially when it is her first delivery, is the baby okay now? Okoro cut in.

I am sorry, we lost the baby, the doctor said sadly Mr. Okoro who was dumb founded gazed at the doctor, with his mouth opened. It took quite a while before he realised that he was still in the doctor’s office. He tried to ask some questions but he discovered that his strength was failing him and he was sweating profusely.

The doctor who noticed this sudden change in him quickly put in some words of assurance.

It is going to be okay. “Your wife will still bear more children, when her diabetic condition is put in check.

“Diabetic condition? Doctor what are you talking about, what do you mean her diabetic condition”?

He asked becoming more confused than ever.

Are you telling me you are not aware that your wife is diabetic? He asked with some sign of surprise.

Bewildered by this revelation, again Okoro stared at the doctor unable to believe that his cherished wife was diabetic and she kept him in the dark. I’m so sorry that you are hearing this for the first time. There is nothing wrong with diabetic patient having children. It is just that your wife didn’t seek medical advice during the time of her pregnancy and again her sugar level which was very high infiltrated into the blood stream of the unborn child, resulted in death. He added.

Jesus Christ! Okoro finally exclaimed she never told me, she kept such an important information from me. Doctor I trusted her with my life. I had thought she was the best thing that has ever happen to me. I use to confide in her a lot, why would she choose to kill my son, Doctor, why? If she can do this to our child that means I am not save, she can also kill me to think she was the love of my life !he laughed hysterically.

When she gets home, you two need…..”which home? he cut

Relationship With IMOISILI EDITH 07089364470

in with that Okoro walked out of the doctor’s office.

The desire to marry the man or woman of one’s dream has made a lot of people to be deceitful in their relationships.

Naturally, the first thing that attracts a man to a woman, vice versa is the physical appearance of the person. There is also the indoctrination from childhood that make one to believe that a woman’s training is based on how to care for her husband when she eventually gets married. She should

cognizance, you will discover that there was little or no preparation at all for our young girls and boys to embrace any defect or deformity that might manifest on the body of would be wife or husband. Sickness is not what anybody bargain for nor is anybody happy to find his or herself in such situation.

It is an unpleasant development and it goes width stigmatization, therefore those who are ill, most especially with terminal illness tend to hide it from the society. There are different types of illness the first one is hereditary illness such as, cancer, diabetics,

or deformed and none of them are deliberately self-addicted.

Yet some families who want to pick a wife or husband for their children go extra mill to find out the kind of illness that are found in certain families before they seek their consent.

If they found out that madness runs in that family it becomes a no go area for their ward or children. Most parents are tribalistic. Not because they choose to, but because they find it difficult to get some vital

equally know how to take good care of herself, by looking beautiful, clean, intelligent educated and how to carry out domestic chores. The boys are not left in this type of training, they are also taught how to care for themselves treat a lady nicely as well as to a good husband and a father. A lot of young men take extra care of their bodies by going to the gym so as to have a strong and virile body that will attract the opposite sex.

When you take all this into

kidney failure, hypertension, epilepsy, insanity sickle cell anemia etc. The second category are contracted, such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases, STD, HIV etc.

The third are gotten through our life style e.g. ulcer, abortion, bleeding, liver and diseases etc.

While the fourth category is accident e.g car accident, plane crash, motorcycle accident and domestic accident etc.

These are some of the various ways people families can be ill

information concerning the family their child is going into especially if the person is from far distance tribe. In most cases parents often discourage their children from getting married outside their tribe. Their reasons are not far fetch it is very easy to gather information when the person is from their tribe or community with this, they are sure that their children are not entering into bad families for example where madness or epilepsy is.

These are some of the reasons

why some people will want to hide their sickness from their partner. They are already sad with the knowledge of this ailment they are in so they are scared of being rejected if their partner eventually finds out, thereby keeping the secret to themselves.

One thing that is unknown to them is that a day will come when the cat will be let out of the bag and they will have to face the truth, truth they say is bitter.

There are the few ones who will go ahead to inform their partner of their state of health.

This is not easy because in most cases that might be the last time they will set their eyes on them.

The fear of never going to be married and start having children of their own is another reason why they keep secret to themselves. Hoping that by the time their partner finds out they would have been married and with children. If they are lucky when they seek forgiveness from them they may be forgiven while others will hope that they might succeed in keeping it secret till eventually taking it to their grave when they die.

In whatever way we look at it, it is still advisable that the truth should be said, most especially before marriage. If the love your partner profess to you is genuine he or she will damn all consequence to be with you.

A veteran actress and cancer survivor muuatz, whose favorite co-stars Rajesh Khanna and Dora Singh passed away recently, say it is never wise to hide an illness. “What I don’t understand is, why does one have to hide one’s illness? when I was ill with cancer, my thyroid gland was gone because of that chemotherapy. That meant anything I ate went straight to my weight. I bloated up. But since my fans knew about my condition no one made fun of me” said the 65year-old.

“I was honest about my illness and I am honest about my age.

Fans love you for your honesty.

They all know that no matter how big the star, he or she will die one day” she added.

“The fear of never going to be married and start having children of their own is another reason why they keep secret to themselves. Hoping that by the time their partner finds out they would have been married and with children.”

THE NIGERIAN

14

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Book Review Book Title:

Author: Publisher:

Foreign Exchange Market And The Balance Of Payments:

Elements,Policies And Nigeria Experience Mike I. Obadan Goldmark Press Limited, Abuja And Benin Prof I. O. Taiwo other.

Reviewer: Introduction Professor Mike I. Obadan has asked me to say a word or two about one of his most recent books, Touring Exchange Market and the Balance of Payments: Element and policies Nigerian Experience, and I am delighted to oblige him. in our contemporary time, when official efforts are on to bring back the book” efforts such as this, by renowned scholars to enrich our storehouse of knowledge are very welcome.

The book lucidly explicates various concepts, theories, policies and issues relating to the foreign exchange market (FEM) and balance of ’ payments (BOP). It aims at providing public understanding of key economic concepts, policies and issues related to FEM and BOP that are seemingly common in public discourse but yet appeal esoteric to people. Many of the concepts and policy issues discussed are seldom understood in clear terms by many people, including those involved in macroeconomic policy making and governance and those in business.

Notwithstanding that these concepts are frequently in the news, the concepts, their content and their significance are not easily or clearly understood by public officials, and even economists. It is not surprising, therefore, that statements on the FEM and BOP by policy makers and others arc, at times, confusing.

Considering their global prominence and importance, and implications and consequences for national economic life, it is essential that informed effort be made to demystify and clarify the concepts, theories and issues related to FEM and BOP in the labyrinthine maze of concepts and ideas that populate economic discourse in today’s world. For, a wrong reading of these concepts and related ideas can spell doom for national interest and even economic relations between

nation.

This problematic of understanding provides the raison d’etre for this book that has come out at a very auspicious time in our national development efforts, and also considering contemporary challenges in international economic relations.

The Anatomy and Physiology of Forex Market and BOP As I mentioned a moment ago, this book presents simple analyses and explanations of basic concepts, theories and policies relating to the FEM and BOP. The presentation is backed with illustrations from the Nigerian experience. To achieve a good understanding of what are ordinarily technical terms and present them in a simple manner, the author structures the hook into 17 chapters, each deconstructing and clarifying a myriad of apparently confusing concepts and issues and laying bare their essential elements. The author presents blow—by—blow explanations in which the reader is carried along effortlessly. This way, the reader not only appreciates the anatomy or structure of the FEM and BOP, but is also enabled to come to terms with their essential physiology or functions. In addition, at the end of each chapter there is a summary of key points and conclusions, which provides a quick overview of the particular chapter. With this background, we can tell a story from the book.

The FEM is an important institutional framework for trading in international currencies, which are in turn required by countries to participate in international trade and meet payments obligations. No less a significant concept in international trade and finance is the BOP, which is one of the macroeconomic accounts that tracks payments with respect to international economic transactions.

Professor Obadan clarifies

the basic element of the FEM in Chapter 1, paying particular attention to the features of’ the market, concepts of nominal exchange rate, rate of devaluation/depreciation of a currency and issue of over valuation undervaluation. In

policy and regimes; factors to consider in choosing an appropriate regime fixed or floating, in the face of intensifying globalization; and significance, dimensions and roles of real exchange rates in attaining internal and external equilibrium.

Although empirical illustrations are provided as we read along, it is really in Chapters 14 to 1 6 that Professor Obadan goes to town in providing crisp empirical information on Nigeria’s BOP and investment flows, Nigeria’s forex market and the country’s experience with exchange rates to complement the preceding theoretical discussions. Of great value

Chapter 2, the author discusses the FEM activities of hedging, speculation and arbitrage, which arise because of uncertainties caused by changes in the exchange rate.

The need for proper understanding of ’ these Concepts is underlined by reports, not too long ago, that a contender to the top post of one of’ the Bretton Woods institutions, who eventually clinched the exalted position, once admitted to not knowing the concept of “fledge funds” before seeking private education on these economic concepts and ideas!

From Chapters 3 to 5, the author provides rich insights into FEM-related concepts and ideas of critical importance to developing countries like Nigeria, such as exchange rate

In Chapters 6—1 2, the author discusses the concepts and elements of the BOP, the theories of BOP and adjustments — with critical simplicity to enhance the understanding of payments disequilibrium and the nature of’ adjustments required. In respect of the latter, a whole chapter (Chapter 11) is dedicated to simplified overview of the various BOP financing and adjustment options, while Chapter 12 discusion policies for internal and external balance. And, in case you are wondering while the author lumped the treatment of FEM and BOP in the same textbook, Chapter 13 answers to this by providing the linkage between the FEM and the BOP on one hand and the rest of the economy on the

here is not just the copious data marshaled, which are quite impressive, but the “implications” deduced, which are of critical policy relevance’ including the insights on the macroeconomic outcomes and implications of exchange management and measures to achieve exchange rate stability.

The last chapter of the book, Chapter 17, continues with the style and pattern in discussing the problems of international transfers but also drawing implications thereof, including the requisite of adjustment in restoring equilibrium.

Beyond FEM and BOP Understanding Let us recap by stating that the raison d’etre of this book is to provide public understanding of key economic concepts, policies and issues

related to FEM and BOP that are seemingly common in public discourse but appear esoteric and are seldom understood in clear terms by many people, including those involved in macroeconomic policy making and governance, and those in business. I submit that Professor Mike Obadan successfully demystified and clarifies these concepts, theories and issues within the context of ideas that rule economic discourse today.

As we have just seen, the author deduces “implications” on these issues and offers remedial measures which are of critical policy relevance to Nigeria and beyond.

By this book, the author has obviously enhanced our understanding of the technical issues of FEM and BOP. But what do we do with this understanding? It would appear that even a greater value to be derived from this timely book is the latent challenge it poses to us all to ask if FEM and BOP concepts and issues are an island of their own. If not, how does understanding the concepts and issues help us surmount the several socio— economic challenges we face today in Nigeria, including mass poverty, unemployment, security challenges and in infrastructure deficits.

Contributions to knowledge in any Social Science discipline must directly or indirectly address ‘live’ challenges being society at this point in time, particularly the bread and butter, and even the life and death issues that fleet the people.

Finally, I observe that the author consistently discusses concepts and issues before BOP concepts and issues until Chapter 14 when that order is apparently reversed. Why Chapter 14 before 15 and 1 6?

Is there an underlying structural determinist message here which the author wants the reader to note in addressing the unspoken challenges we have just talked about?

Conclusion A textbook of Economics on very technical issues as and BOP could not ha e been better.

For this reason, the author deserves all the commendation we summon.

THE NIGERIAN

15

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Child Health & You Juvenile Delinquency: Implications For Child Health

THE discussion on this topic would start with definition of some terms as follows: • Juvenile: young people who are not yet adults.

• Delinquent: an underage person who engages in anti-social or illegal behaviour • J u v e n i l e Delinquency: a young person who is not yet an adult and guilty of committing crime.

As introduction, Juvenile Delinquent is a total negation of desirable behaviour. It is a conscious refusal to refrain from unfavorable activities.

The moral decadence that permits our modern society, the escalating incidence of students’ unrest, wanton destruction of school property, involvement in cult activities, stealing, cheating in school and public examinations, refusal to respect elders and other brutal, ugly activities engaged in by students, constitute indiscipline, which is tantamount to juvenile delinquency.

Common Symptoms of Delinquency include ability to impress and exploit others, ability to rationalize and blame others for one’s conduct, disregard for property and rights of others, deviant sexual patterns, disregard for rules and regulations, Frequent use of rude and abusive language, inability to postpone immediate pleasures, inability to learn from mistakes, incorrigible behaviour, lack of restraint, little regard for the freedom of others, little regard for constituted authorities, stealing and tendency to lie.

Causes of delinquency include: 1. Broken Home: Research findings have confirmed that delinquents often come from homes, broken through separation, divorce, death or prolonged absence of parents.

2. Inadequate Education: Inadequate school system that only cater for the very bright students

By OMOLARA FAMUYIWA

make delinquents of the below-average students and the emotionally disturbed brilliant students, who are often forced to drop out of school and join a life of delinquency and crime.

3. Lack of Guidance Counselor: Many schools do not have guidance counselors that would have helped in student’s maladjustment problems.

4. I n a p p r o p r i a t e Leisure Time Activities: Children and Adolescents need to spend their time wisely and not to engage in destructive activities. Adults in various societies should help and plan activities for them.

5. Lack of Vocational Preparation: When adolescents are unable to understand their abilities and prepare for such vocations they become delinquents.

6. N e u r o l o g i c a l Impairment: In some cases cerebral difunction is a significant factor in delinquency. Silverman, in an early research found that 80% of 75 criminal psychopaths had abnormal or border line brain waves as recorded by Electro-encephalograms. It is necessary for a delinquent child to undergo medical check-up.

7. Influence of Mass Media: The negative effects of current mass media upon the minds of children and adolescents in the Nigerian society need to be minimized and supervised. Printed materials cinema and television all leave their impact on the lives of our child.

8. Poor Sex Education: As a result of lack of sex education many adolescents become sexual deviants; with the attendant problem of underage fornication, pregnancy, sexual transmitted diseases including HIV/ AIDS. 9. Over Protection by Parents: Parental

overprotection often prevents the child from making his own decision. This may lead to low self-concept. The child in an attempt to develop individuality may join wild gangs as a hostile behaviour against the parent’s overprotection which made it impossible for him to grow up.

10. Parental Rejection: In some homes the parents find it difficult to accept their

disturbance. Many boys and girls who are delinquent actually use their delinquency as a cover up for strong underlying emotional disturbance.

13. W r o n g Companionship: There is a strong desire by adolescents to seek the companionship of their peer group. This desire is actually supported by the adolescent wish to feel accepted. Parents should check the type of friends their

children because they themselves have suffered rejection. Adolescents who have been rejected by their parents often turn to the streets and become delinquents.

11. Parental Conflict :many home have been turned into battlefields with a high degree of parental conflict. Children from such homes are often caught between the warring parents which often leads to emotional disturbances. This in turn leads them to seek satisfying experience outside the home and eventually to delinquency.

12. Severe Emotional Disturbances: Adolescent’s anti-social behaviour has been found to be a symptom of underlying emotional

children move with.

14.

Poor Living Condition:- In many parts of the country there are families whose circumstances prevent them from having adequate food, shelter, clothing and other important amenities of life. Some of the children brought up in such environment become delinquents. They hate the society and take to armed robbery in order to get back at the society.

EFFECTS ON CHILD HEALTH 1. Delinquency is a threat to lives and property.

2. It may lead to madness or premature death.

3. Delinquency may lead to ill health and cause damage to some parts of the body.

4. It may lead to prostitution

“The negative effects of current mass media upon the minds of children and adolescents in the Nigerian society need to be minimized and supervised. Printed materials cinema and television all leave their impact on the lives of our child.”

with the attendant sexually transmitted disease and HIV/ AIDS 5. Delinquency may lead to truancy and increase rate in school drop-out.

6. It may lead to cheating in both school and external examinations.

7. It may lead to frustration and suicidal tendencies.

8. Delinquency may lead to the killing of innocent people.

9. Delinquency may bring shame and untold hardship to the parents and siblings of the delinquent.

10. It may retard the progress of the delinquent and the nation.

MANAGEMENT

therapy, the counselor should understand how the individual current attitude and actions developed.

3.

An important management strategy for delinquency is Family Therapy. The whole family is expected to benefit from the therapy. The child is able to express his/her feelings, and the parents and other members of the family are able to see the Childs world through the Childs own perspective.

4. The therapist should assist the delinquent to gain insight into his/her own delinquent behaviour 5. Therapist should help the

STRATEGIES FOR DELINQUENCY The management of Delinquency needs careful, well-timed, and effective therapeutic strategies. An individual who wants to assist delinquents should be familiar with the following:a. Exhibition of prolonged disobedience and rebellion needs immediate attention. b. Teachers and parents should make early referrals of delinquent students and children to counsellors, psychologist and in some cases psychiatrists. c. Parents and teacher should seek professional help as soon as serious emotional problems are observed among children. d.

Referral to a neurologist:- A suspected delinquent could also be referred to a neurologist for a complete brain examination.

Some hints on management: 1. Initial step in managing delinquency is through a thorough diagnosis of underlying causes.

2. Through continuous

delinquent in all areas of life.

In conclusion, parents should monitor the activities of their children and endeavor to know the company they keep. School administrators should always try to know the needs of the students.

Members of the public should show good examples. Bad films, pornographic papers and films should be banned.

FAMUYIWA OMOLARA Research Fellow II & Counselling Psychologist, Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, Benin City Edo State, Nigeria ‘CHILD HEALTH AND YOU’, a Weekly Thursday Feature, is a collaborative initiative between the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, and the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Benin City.

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

THE NIGERIAN

16

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Spot light

Okpekpe Road Race As Instrum THE recent Okpekpe 10km road race through hills and sand was the first of its kind in Nigeria.

Apart form the quality of athletes of international repute and from the local scene, the event attracted dignitaries and sports enthusiasts from across the nation later.

Okpekpe is a m o u n t a i n o u s community surrounded by forest with a beautiful topography. It is located in Etsako East local Government Area of Edo state.

The people have very rich culture and they trace their origin to the ancient Benin Kingdom.

It should be noted that the people of Okpekpe are blessed with rich agricultural land, mineral deposits, beautiful environment, and rock shelters, which if properly harnessed can boost the tourism industry in Edo state.

Okpekpe town which had suffered neglect in the past especially in terms of provision of roads and other rural infrastructures had a transformation with the advent of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as Governor of Edo state.

The Comrade Governor constructed a modern express road,

linking Okpekpe to other parts of the state.

Today this singular effort mark a watershed in the history of this community.

Indeed, the construction of this road has not only boosted the economic activities of the area, it has enhanced.

Social interaction and the quality of life of the people.

Thus with the just concluded road race, Okpekpe has been placed on the world map of sports.

Now what are the benefits of this race to the people of Okpekpe and the entire nation? To these we shall now turn our attention.

As have earlier mentioned the Okpekpe road race has, come and gone but the memory lingers on, in the heart of the people of the area, the athletes, spectators and the organizers of the big event.

Here sports was clearly used as a formidable instrument for national unity, social cohesion and rural integration. It also to an extent, revealed the spirit of love and hospitality for which Nigeria is known over the years. The gains are innumerable especially now that Nigeria is facing serious security challenges.

Right from the eve of the event. former, Super Eagles chief coach, Shaubu Amodu and several others, organized a novelty football match for primary school

By ISABEMOEH JAMES ROY e l e m e n t a r y technicalities and knowledge to our budding youths at Okpekpe.

words “it is great to bring Africans together to show that Nigeria is working and rural economy is being

East Local Government Council host of the event Prince (Hon) Abdulmalik Suleiman Afeblla who expressed joy over the event promised to create the

Moses Masai of Kenya, the winner of Okpekpe 10 km Road Race, addressing newsmen.

pupils in Etsako East Local Government Area.

The joy of these children knew no bound especially as they each went home with a football.

While speaking to newsmen, Amodu said “you play football.

These words instilled

In the Okpekpe race however, culture and investment received a synthesis. It was in this context that Comrade Oshiomhole thanked the minister of Sport Mr. Bolaye Abdullahi for realizing the connection between sports and rural development. In his

moved forward” In the same tradition, the Onwueweko of Okpekpe, HRM Peter Osigbemhe called on the business community to take advantage of the economic and culture potentials of the area and engage in investments.

The Chairman, Etsako

enabling environment for those who wish to invest especially in the area of Tourism and agriculture.

The Nigerian Sports Minister said that the energy vision and purpose of sports is to ensure national unity, development and health.

“In the Okpekpe race however, culture and investment received a synthesis. It was in this context that Comrade Oshiomhole thanked the minister of Sport Mr. Bolaye Abdullahi for realizing the connection between sports and rural development. In his words “it is great to bring Africans together to show that Nigeria is working and rural economy is being moved forward”

THE NIGERIAN

17

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Spot light

ment For Rural Development According to him the Okpekpe race has created hope for the people of the community and its environ. He promised to sustain the road race and make it an annual event.

Some of the big business names, involved in the Okpokpe road race Included International Athletic Federation, Athletic Federation of Nigeria and Conference of African Athletics as partners. The sponsors includes Edo state Government, NDDC, Setraco, Globacom, AIT, Super Sports.

Malta Guiness, Cocacola, adidas, Fourteen Africa, Daily Times Nig. Hot sports and PAMODZI. With the above list, it could be argued that the road race was more than mere sport. The economic angle and benefits become glaring as it is capable of bringing huge investment to Edo state.

It is relevant to note at this juncture that the old athlete ravalryamong Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda was once more rekindled at Okpekpe.

Our local athletes from Nigeria were not ignorant of the i n t i m i d a t i n g international records of the East Africans and the Ethiopians hence

they prepared for the race. The huge number of those who participated justify the above reasoning. Similarly the monetary reward for the winners added motivation and tonic to the event.

The organizers, officials and security operative at the event proved themselves.

The logistics, health facilities and workers were indeed a pride to the nation.

Now the eventual winner of the race, Moses Masai of Kenya who applauded the hospitality of Nigerians, promised to be here in subsequent editions. He carted away a prize of $25000 (twenty five thousand dollars).

The overall female winner, Rono Georgina also a Kenyan, won $20,000as against the $10,000 earlier earmarked for the prize.

This difference was however made by Oshiomhole on behalf of Edo State Government.

The Comrade Governor saw the huge gap between male and femal prizes as discrimination.

Again, the race has added colour to the clamour for gender equality and to this end, Oshiomhole has scored a beautiful goal to the admiration of not only Nigerians but the international community.

This is now a reference

point for future competitions.

The 7th winner and the 1st Nigerian, was Ismail Sanjop. He called for adequate training for Nigerians in subsequent) road races.

We can not conclude this piece without reference to comrade Oshiomhole who came up in the 13 1st position having completed the race in 59.03 minutes.

He was able to prove that sports is not only meant for the youths or

those seeking financial rewards. He also showed his love, close identity with the youths and sheer commitments towards rural development. It is hoped that other Nigerian leaders will learn from Oshiomhole’s example.

Oshiomhole success in the race can not be clearly avoided. With his teaming supporters who right from the beginning of the race

were hailing Osho Baba” The Governor soon realized that his popularity extended beyond political rallies to sports themselves. The man Oshiomhole is strong and remain a significant factor in the development of Edo State.

The presence of dignitaries such as Senator Domingo Obende, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Comrade Peter Akpatason, Chief Lucky

Jame, Hon. Omorede Osifo, President Athletic Federationof Nigeria, Solomon Ogba and notable Nollywood actors revealed the significance of the event.

Thus the hope of engaging the youths, communities, people and building new champions was clearly achieved in Okpekpe road race. It will forever serve as a reference point for historians, sports administrators and the business community.

A cross section of Athletes who participated in the Road Race.

“Again, the race has added colour to the clamour for gender equality and to this end, Oshiomhole has scored a beautiful goal to the admiration of not only Nigerians but the international community. This is now a reference point for future competitions.”

THE NIGERIAN

18

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Security Issues

With OBUSEH JUDE

Instigationism And Conflict Entrepreneurship EVERY violent conflict has its beneficiaries. These beneficiaries are the people who hide behind iron masks to stoke the fire of violence; the secret players behind the scene; the evil hands hidden in velvet gloves waiting to pounce on any opportunity presented by war to make profit; the neutral shadow parties whose selfish interests must be satiated irrespective of whose ox is gored; unscrupulous businessmen whose unbridled quest for profit supersedes all other rational considerations. I am talking about the war profiteers and instigators. This two sets of war mongers play mutually complementary roles in times of war; roles which ultimately defines and determines the dynamics and directions of most violent conflicts at both their latent and manifest stages. The roles of the conflict entrepreneur and his instigationist counterpart in warfare form the fulcrum of this excursion. So, who are conflict entrepreneurs and instigators?

A conflict entrepreneur is any individual, group or organization that profits from violent conflicts through the sale of weapons, goods and services to both the parties at war, and to civilian noncombatants. I am talking about the businessman profiteer who leverages on the opportunities created by violent conflicts to enrich himself. A conflict entrepreneur evokes two stereotypes in popular culture: First, you have the

image of the rich businessman selling military hardware to warring parties, and, secondly, the quasicriminal black marketer, selling commodities to common folk. The image of the conflict entrepreneur carries the implication of massive influence and power used to actively cause wars for personal gain, rather than merely passively profiting from them.

An instigator within the context of this discourse connotes an individual or group who stirs up violent conflicts to gain political, business and other private concessions. By stoking the fires of dissent, instigators seek to disrupt the peaceful relations among nations to feed their selfish desires.

Labeled “Chicken-Hawks” by American commentators, these individuals provoke wars through their propagandistic, manipulative, conniving behaviour. Instigationists and entrepreneurs, as earlier noted, play complementary roles in causing and determining the dynamics and outcomes of wars.

Instigators seek both power and profit, while entrepreneurs have their eyes only on the money.

Conflict entrepreneurs range from: Arms dealers, Commodity Dealers, Military Contractors, etc.

Arms dealers make their profits by marketing their wares to parties at war.

While some arms dealers operate independently, some others profit by

cooperating with the authorities. For instance, during the Chaco War, Basil Zaharoff’s Vickers Company sold weapons to all the parties, while

made by the regular commodity brokers, the role of black marketers is quite instructive here, for we must endeavour to make a distinction between war profiteers who gain by sapping military strength and those who gain by

foreign peace keeping missions (ECOMOG et al) the country has been involved in, where some Nigerian (civilian and military) businessmen made enormous profits from the supply of essential war time materials.

companies like Opel and IBM cooperated with the Third Reich during World War II. International arms dealers could either be well structured organizations or unstructured black market operators.

Commodity dealers also benefit or profit from violent conflicts. Wars usually lead to a shortage of essential commodities.

This scarcity results in higher prices and equally higher revenues for the suppliers of goods and services. Apart from profits

contributing to the war.

During WW II, stupendous profits were made by individuals selling rationed goods, such as cigarettes, butter, coffee and chocolate on the black market. In the US, dishonest military personnel given oversight over valuable property sometimes diverted rationed goods to the black market to make untaxed profits. Cases of individuals benefiting from wars also played out in Nigeria during the Civil War, the defunct Niger Delta Crisis, and the several

Military contractors constitute another group of war profiteers. Big war players like Northrop, General Dynamics, Raytheon, Grumman, Boeing and Lockheed, Nour USA Ltd, Custer Battles, Aegis Defense Services, Bechtel, CACI and Titan, to name but a few, have the potentials of profiting from actual wars, or the threat of wars. Old military materials has to be discarded due to age or is lost due to fighting, and new and different military material needed by the military to maintain strategic advantage over the military technologies of foreign nations which are hostile or may become hostile. Military contractors have very strong lobbies in the parliaments of countries with bellicose dispositions.

The US is a classic case in point of countries where defense contractors influence war policies.

“Conflict entrepreneurs range from: Arms dealers, Commodity Dealers, Military Contractors, etc.

Arms dealers make their profits by marketing their wares to parties at war. While some arms dealers operate independently, some others profit by cooperating with the authorities.”

Defense contractors are always happy whenever war rears its ugly head anywhere in the world.

Defense contractor, Brent R Wilkes was reported to have been ecstatic when hearing that the US had declared war on Iraq because of the m o n e y - m a k i n g opportunities the conflict provided for his company.

He and some of his top executives were said to be really gung-ho about the war.

The political class also profit from violent conflict through the roles some of them play in times of conflicts. From supporting pro-war lobbies, to taking bribes and favours from corporations involved with the production of war equipment, politicians constitute some of the major beneficiaries from conflict situations. They occupy very significant positions in the war establishment. US Senator, Dianne Feinstein and her Husband, Richard Blum, made millions of dollars from Iraq and Afghanistan contracts through his company, Perini. Feinstein voted for the resolution giving President George Bush the authority to invade Iraq.

To be continued

THE NIGERIAN

19

A]. INTRODUCTION: Just as numbers can be split into factors, polynomials can also be split into factors 5 and 6. However, to factorise completely, we have 30 = 6 x 5 = 2 x 3 x 5. Notice that 2, 3 and 5 are

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Example 2 Factorise 3x 3 + 4x 2 - 13x + 6 completely’ given that x - 1 is factor (UME, 1981) Solution: P(X) = 3X3 + 4X2 - 13X + 6

Mathematics With Stanley Osobase 08023454887 Osobase2001@yahoo.co.uk

Polynomials 2 - The Factor Theorem all prime numbers.

Similarly, the polymial 3 x - 7x - 6 has the factors (x + 1) and (x2 - x - 6). To completely factorise x 3 - 7x - 6 we have x3 - 7x - 6 = (x + 1)(x - 3)(x + 2).

The idea of the theorem is that a factor divides completelu leaving a zero remainder. Thus if P(x) is a polynomial and p(a) = 0, then (x - a) must be a factor of p(x).

Essentially, you will be expected to be able to factorise any quadratic polynomial and certain cubic polynomials (where the highest power in x is 3) using the Factor Theorem.

Note: (1). The Actual factorisation of a quadratic can be done either by inspection or by a longer process.

Thus to factorise ax2 + bx + c = 0 Check to see if b2 - 4ac is a perfect square. If it is, then the equation factorises (b). Find two whole numbers, p + q = b. (c). Use p and q to factotise the equation.

(2). To factorise a cubic polymial, we start by searching for a value of X (usually a small positive or negative whole number) which makes p(X) = B]. APPLICATION EXAMPLES Example 1 If (x - 2) and (x + 1) are factors of x3 - 3x - 2 = 0, find the third factor Solution: Given (x - 2) and (x + 1), let the third factor be (a + b). Then x3 - 3x - 2 = (x -2)(x + 1)(a + b) :- x3 = X x X x a x3 = ax2 :-x3/x2 = x and -2 = -2 x 1 x b -2 -2 = -2b :- b = -2 =1 Hence, the required factor is (x + 1) Ans

Try a value of X that makes P(X) = 0 :- P(-3) = 3(-3)3 + 4(-3)2 - 13(-3) + 6 = 0 Since x = -3 makes P(X) = 0 then (x + 3) is a factor Now with (X - 1), (X + 3) as factors, let the third factor be (a + b) 3x3 + 4x2 - 13x + 6 = (X - 1)(X + 3)(a + b) such that 3X3 = X x X x a 3X3 = aX2 :- a = 3X and 6 = -1 X 3 X b 6 = -3b :- b = -2 :- (a + b) = 3X - 2) Hence complete factorisation is 3X3 + 4X2 - 13X + 6 = (X - 1)(X + 3)(3x - 2) Ans

Example 4 Factorise x 3 +2X 2 - X - 2 Completely.

Solution: Let P(X) = X3 + 2X2 - X - 2 P(1) = 13 + 2(1)2 - 1 - 2 = 0 :- (X - 1) is a factor Also P(-1) = -13 + 2(-1)2 -(-1) - 2 = -1 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 0 :- (X + 1) is a factor.

Since the highest power of x is 3, we need three factors. Let the third factor be (a + b), then X3 + 2X2 - X - 2 = (X - 1)(X + 1)(a + b)

X3 = X x X x a = aX2 :- a = X Also -2 = -1 x 1 x b = -b :- b = 2 Example 3 Hence (a + b) = (X + 2) 3 If (X - 2) and (X + 1) are factors of X :- X3 + 2X2 - X - 2 + PX2 + qX + 1, What is the sum of P = (X - 1)(X + 1)(X + 2)Ans and q? (UME, 1984).

Solution: We observed in example 1 and 2 above that whenever the highest power of x is 3, we make use of three factors. :- X3 + PX2 + qX + 1 = (X - 2)(X + 1)(a + b) Where X3 = X x X x a and a = x Also 1 = -2 x 1 x b and b = -21

:- (a + b) = (X - 1/2) X3 + PX2 + qX + 1 = (X-2)(X + 1)(X - 12 ) or X3 + PX2 + qX + 1 3 3 = X3 - 2 X2 - 2 X + 1 Equating terms, we have -3 P = -32 and q = 2 :- p + q = =

-3 2

-

-3 2 3 2

+ ( -32 ) =

-6 2

= -3

Example 5 Factorise 2X3 - 3X - 11X + 6 (SAT) Solution: Let P(X) = 2X3 - 3X2 - 11X + 6 Since factors are not given, we look for values of X to make P(X) = 0 X = -2 i.e P(-2) = 2(-2)3 -3(-2)2 - 11(-2) +6=0 :- (X + 2) is factor X = 3 i.e. P(3) = 2(3)3 - 3(3)2 - 11(3) + 6=0 :- (X - 3) is a factor since two of the factors are found, we can assume the third factor to be (a + b), where a and b are to be found.

Thus, 2X3 - 3X2 - 11X + 6 =(X + 2)(X - 3)(a + b) 2X3 = X x X x a 2X3 = aX2 :- a = 2X Also 6 = 2X - 3 x b 6 = -6b :- b = -1 :- (a + b) = (2x - 1) 2X3 - 3X2 - 11X + 6 = (X + 2)(X - 3)(2X - 1) Ans

THE NIGERIAN

20

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Motoring With OSAGIE AIFUWA 08023412452

Avoiding Collusion At Round About

Defensive Driving Techniques NOWADAYS driving according to the rules and regulation of the road by a driver does not necessarily guarantee his or her safety.

This is because you may be driving well and still be driving well and still be involved in accidents. Bad drivers (killer) often decide the fate of so many innocent road users.

The problem could be traced to the fact that majority of the drivers plying our road may not be mentally, emotionally psychologically and physically stable coupled with the basic truth that great percentage of the motorists are not discipline and dedicated to their developing positive driving skills and attitude perceptions. Many drivers do not concentrate behind the steering thus driving with absent mind.

The solution to the problem is an individual approach called defensive driving and safe driving. Practice widely termed defensive techniques.

Defensive driving could be described as driving techniques to avoid accidents thus saving lives, time, money and properties in spite of incorrect actions of other road user e.g. motorist, cyclist, tricyclist, pedestrians, truck pusher, etc.

A driver should always avoid a situation where his safety depends mainly on the response of another driver of a vehicle.

Element of defensive driving practices lies in the driver conviction that: Every other road user is a potential threat to him and that he is also a threat to other road user: Every other road user should be regarded as a mad person: He should be ready to protect himself against all kinds of accident causing situations: A defensive driver should always react in the correct manner when faced with unexpected emergencies: A driver should be able to re-organize hazards: understand the defenses and act in time to prevent accidents and he should not panic at any emergency situations AIMS: Preventing or avoiding accident or collision;

Reducing the effect of collision or accident if it could not be avoided and Survival driving, to stay alive.

Drive with care, stay alive and alert, reap the fruit of your good driving Be sure that all safety gadgets (brake light, brake reversing lights, rear-lights horn, trafficators, rear and side view mirrors, speedometers etc. are functioning properly. In the raining season when the road is wet, always reduce speed to avoid problem on slippery surface and when the rain is heavy, apply common sense speed.

Limit and drive with caution and turn on your parking lights as a warning to other motorist.

Limit your speed to the approved commended limit. Expressway 100 Kmp. Highways 8OKpm Urban/local road 5OKmp. The speed limit is subject to local condition only not applicable at adverse road conditions. Defensive driving is the art of pre-emptying the attention of other motorist on the road with or without them trafficating or signaling their attention. The knowledge will always prepare you to be in a better position to avert danger on the road since you will not trust anybody on wheel.

There are many things we can’t control while driving but we can control our behaviour and actions. Driver error accounts for more than 70 per cent of all collisions. If you are a young driver remember that though your reaction time may be fast, inexperience may cause a fast but incorrect reaction. Drive within the speed limits and pay attention to your driving.

Practice scanning down the road instead of directly in front of your vehicle. This will help you spot hazards in time to act correctly. Stay alert; don’t think that because you have experience behind the wheel you can’t be involved in a collusion. * If you are stressed or anxious. Change your state of mind before mind before getting behind the wheel. * Change your driving habits to fit your physical abilities. * Drive shorter distance, stay out of heavy, fast traffic * Stay on familiar roads and streets.

“Defensive driving is the art of pre-emptying the attention of other motorist on the road with or without them trafficating or signaling their attention. The knowledge will always prepare you to be in a better position to avert danger on the road since you will not trust anybody on wheel.”

* Be watchful * Don’t assume field of way either to the left or right * Give way to traffic on your left don’t change lanes indiscriminately * Trafficate your exit (turning) on time * Maintain your exit lane in good time Never face traffic round about. * The condition of the driver that could affect his/her driving ability vision * Poor vision can impair driving ability.

Many people suffer from night blindness. While others are prone to glare blindness. Others suffer from reduced vision caused by glaucoma or rarely, a vitamin. A deficiency, other drivers use drugs that can reduce vision and some drivers require to wear glasses for contact lenses fail to do so. What is night blindness? Night blindness is an inability of the light sensitive cells (roads) in the retina of the eye to work effectively. This may also result in limited vision in low light blindness may have difficulty in distinguishing movement of shape of objects in subdued light or darkness. They may also have difficulty in judging distance and speeds of moving objects such as on coming traffic or vehicle ahead or behind them, when driving in adverse conditions

How To Prevent Collusion And Defence Ahead * You must keep safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead; * You may use two seconds rules by reciting e.g. saver safer. * You must decrease your following distance on wet road or adverse weather condition by using four seconds rule: * Always have good anticipation during an emergency situation; * Always have adverse foresight on the vehicle ahead of you, collision with the vehicle behind. * You have to be alert to study situation and condition around you.

You have to be alert all the time and make use of your mirror always, imbibe in the LSM (look signal movement) look at your mirror. Signal your intention by making use of your tafficator indicating your next direction * Show your intention in good time before and not after your turning.

Discourage trail gaiters always, allow them to pass.

Always stop safely and smoothly when necessary.

Collusion With The Vehicle You Are Blessing * One of the causes of head on collision is improper overtaking and passing * How do you determine if the pass is necessary or legal? * First ask yourself if the pass is necessary and safe (legal or illegal). * Maintain proper following distance; * Look ahead * Look behind by using your side mirror and the inner mirror; * Trafficate or signal left; * Check behind sport places you cannot see with the aid of your mirrors unless by using direct looking with your eyes * Tap your horn to fore-warn the vehicle ahead of your that you be seen; Move left, into the passing lane, do not overtake or pass a vehicles through the right lane because you may not be seen while making the illegal passing; * Increase your speed by accelerating if necessary; * Signal right.

THE NIGERIAN

21

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Development

Reducing Carnage On Nigerian Roads ANYTIME I am on the road, I feel sad and ask myself many questions about my country.

Big lorries that have turned upside down, cars that have being torn to shrewd by accidents, goods littering the road and sidewalks.

All these are sights that “beautify” the Nigerian roads.

Nigerian roads, have gradually turned into death traps. Roads, are constructed to ease the mobility of goods and services in every nation.

However, the current state of roads in Nigeria, leads much to be desired in terms of easing human and goods mobility.

According to world Health Organization (WHO), traffic fatalities kill about named Nigeria as the highest country in terms of road mishaps globally. Why would such a huge number hole ridden Nigeria roads?

Most times, drivers swerve around them, sometimes putting the lives of those in the vehicles and others around them in danger.

So roads are so deplorable that floods have rendered them impassable.

According to an article on USA Today by Lexa W. Lee, Nigeria has about 120, 546 mile

By EGOBIAMBU EMMANUEL

network of roads.

Although in 2010, the federal government budgeted $1 billion for road infrastructure, the story has not changed.

The Federal Road Safety Commission, has also been doing their bit to ensure that Nigerian roads are passable.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), has attributed road accidents to human error occasioned by bad vehicles and disobedience to road regulation . Can we then say that these accidents, should be allowed to continue?.

Talking about the Nigerian road, so much dangers are visible.

Firstly as noted earlier, over 50,000 persons die annually in Nigeria due to bad roads (World Health Organization).

Just about one month ago, over 51 persons lost their lives on the BeninOre Highway. Can we talk about another accident that happened on the Yobe-Gashua road in Yobe state, killed 20 persons (All Africa. com, 16 April, 2012) Again, not less than 17 people were killed in an alto crash on the AbujaLokoja highway. It is now like the norm to hear news on radio about people who lose their

lives on the way(roads).

With these persons losing their lives the nation’s human capital, is “showing red light” Oliver Wendell Homes, once said that the biggest tragedy is the

waste of human resources. No nation can develop when able and capable hands are not there. It is not only lives that are also lost, properties/ goods worth millions of naira, perish daily on Nigerian roads.

(Nigerian village square. com, April 26th, 2013).

Similarly, precious time lost. The adage that

says time is money is gradually been rendered ineffective by bad roads in Nigeria. “Go slow” has made precious time which would have been used for more profitable ventures waste away.

For instance, the Benin –Ore road has caused the

journey from Benin to Lagos that will normally take about 2 hours, now take about 4-5 hours,.

Recounting this, Patience Eguma, a commercial vehicle operator, said that “ before when the road was good, it will take me one hour 30 minutes to Asaba because of the bad spots” on the road

“Talking about the Nigerian road, so much dangers are visible. Firstly as noted earlier, over 50,000 persons die annually in Nigeria due to bad roads (World Health Organization). Just about one month ago, over 51 persons lost their lives on the Benin-Ore Highway.”

(m.voa news. Com Nov 26, 2009).

Furthermore, Gilbert da costa(2009) in his work on VOA online, titled “ Nigeria’ Bad Roads Are Getting Worse”, armed robbery was itemized as a threat on Nigerian roads. In the work, Costa quoted a taxi driver in the Niger Delta as saying that “At times, we will be in a hold up because of the bad spots. And it is an opportunity for the

common man unable to get some basic necessities of life and renders him “unprofitable” to the economic growth of the nation.

Also the bad nature of Nigerian roads, have cost implication on road users (Costa, 2009).

Costa (2009) noted while quoting Patience Aguma that in some instance, driver work/ earn N2, 000 daily, but spends N6,000 on

robbers to rob because as you slow down at the bad spots, they rob you.

They rob us like that because of the bad roads”. This is a common scenario on Nigerian roads. Little wonder every public office holder, wants to fly over this ugly menace with his/her private jet. Most times, during these robberies lives and properties are lost. This has greater implication on the economy. When goods are brought from one part of the country to another, the cost of the risk made “riskier” by bad roads, is inputed to the price. This makes the

repairs. This is as a result of potholes that are too big, too bad on Naija road that destroys my vehicle” In some cases, a driver may get over 25 potholes within two kilometres.

Any Nigerian who uses the road frequently, will attest to this fact.

Therefore, the task before us is to make sure that all stakeholders come together to fight for our common good.

We all want progress which means getting nearer to the place where we want to be (Cael Lewis). Therefore, our roads should be fixed if we want to be where we ought to in terms of development.

THE NIGERIAN

22

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Issues

Stories Of A Master Story Teller THERE are always persons in every successive generations that are so passionate about preserving the cultural norms and values of their origin for future reference and learning.

These persons are always very few in the society. While the larger group of the society engages in other activities of human endeavours, these persons tenaciously evolved indepth research that enhances cultural knowledge of the people.

Though the name Onions Gabriel Edionwe may not be well known by all and sundry, but he is one fellow that is conscientiously committed to the substance of great Benin history.

Onions has successfully joined the league of Benin history writers with his varied works on every aspect of Benin culture. His exceptional approach to documenting Benin history

WHILE my parents were growing up, they spoke their native diolects at home and English in school, as well as other spoke their English, correctly. I can’t remember any of their friends of same education qualification who speaks English with grammatical errors.

When I was a child, there were lots of indigenous languages spoken, but in formal setting, English was accepted (correct as standard English). In establishment, standard English was spoken among staff or with clients.

Pidgin was spoken mainly among to the uneducated.

Today, we have a totally different scenario. In same formal settings pidgin is used for clients and staff who now hail from different localities, with different native languages, have accepted pidgin as their media of communication.

With the drastic fall in the eco of native languages, the Nigeria pidgin has rise to a position where t can termed a language of its own. The Wikipedia encyclopedia points out that pidgin official status despite its common use in the counting.

A beautiful point to note is the way pidgin evolves. It is easy for people to create new words and terms daily

through drama documentary and prose, has attracted the exceptional attention of the sole custodian of Benin heritage, Oba Erediauwa.

The revengred Oba of Benin after critically appraising the frequency and constituency of Onions Butterworth productions, awarded Onions Gabriel Edionwere, the sole producer and director, his rare royal bead.

Significance of this is that Edionwe’s effort in preserving and justifying Benin Culture evolves is not in vain. He is appreciated, for that matter, by the Iconic King of Great Benin Kingdom.

For this singular purpose, Edionwe the author of the celebrated “Aisikuoba and witness to survival, kingdom vs kingdom” send that he will forever remain grateful to the Oba for the recognition, he bestowed on him.

The former Nigerian

By RAYMOND OSOGBE

• Onions Gabriel Edionwere

television Authority (NTA) creative editor/producer reteirated his determination to refocus his attention on the sustenance of Benin arts and culture via documentary and book work.

Edionwere is a

multitalented persons he operates the filling camera with high degree of proficiency, writes his scripts with the ease a weaker bird’ build his nest.

Again, he produces and directs his productions, just

as he directly takes charge of his end products himself. All these he said he acquires from NTA and DBN both electronic media.

Going down memory lane, Edionwe disclosed that among the epic works he had edited while in NTA includes a documen6tary titled “Oil Palm Tree”, Born To Survive”, “Oba Aware”.

Also, he unfolded that he edited the constant and popular “Hotel De Jordan” series and as well as Bendel Play House of the Jos. He is however, full of praises for the NTA, which according to him was his leaning ground. Edionwe said that he learnt production from the NTA. As a private producer, he said that he has so far produced 17 documentaries on Benin arts and culture.

These includes, Aisokuoba, the 38th Oba of Benin-Oba Erediauwa, Igue and Ewere

Pidgin: A New Lingua from their environments phrases gain and lose power based on the season, so phrases like “you wanting”, “na you biko”, how far now wetin day? Hot an, match am, fain where step, I dey tonsillitis, I hail oh; etc give vivid examples of the evolution of the pidgin because each group of phrases say the same thing in ways acceptable at different paints in time.

The Wikipedia encyclopedia also notes that borrow from native languages also exist in pidgin. “For example, se you day come” is an example cited of the way a Yoruba man will speak pidgin. An Edo speaker may just say you go come? Also, cited in the Wikipedia encyclopedia is an example of what an Ibo man way say. “Nna, that test had no be small”. From my own we, an Edo speaker on the other hand may say that test had oh eh ‘that test wan break my head’.

The music industry has gone on to glamourize this medium of communication as it has adapted words, terms, phrases which bring the industry home to every

Franca?

By OMONEFE O. ERVATOR

• Labaran Maku, Information Minister

ethnic entity. This has given our music a unique place, even in international settings.

We cannot over look the comic scene, where stand up comedians who have imbibed the watti style thrill us daily with a genre full of slangs, melody and humour.

I can conveniently say that pidgin is the language of comedy in Nigeria because

those who don’t use it are very few.

It is strong enough to break the barriers of social class as oga and boy can communicate freely without embarrassing pauses due to grammatical blunders by the boy. While this helps the self esteem of those who do not speak English well, it can be a blocked to their guest for

ex-general lackadaisical attitude towards speaking correct English. This has given rise to an acceptance of a substandard variety of English spoken confidently with sentences like ‘he said I should cogo him; dress for him to sit down’ gi me my ball, he is making me to provoke.

I listen to people from older generations and I am thrilled over and over by their good command of English, even by those who did not complete the educational journey. It is clear that they received tutelage from good sources as English was Lingua franca.

Today, it’s a different ball game altogether, Pidgin is now used for clients almost everywhere. It has its good side to help those who do not speak it, but it also robs people of an opportunity to standardize their use of English. Also, staff who now hail from different localities use pidgin as their medium of communication. This in educational settings doesn’t help as some teachers who speak pidgin regularly mix up tenses and pass

festivals in Benin Kingdom, Oba Akenzua II and Uselu N’Egua Edaiken and Isobar.

According to Edionwe, he is the only one today, that provides documentary in video format through most African sub-region.

The Ace Producer however appeals to well meaning individuals corporate organizations and government to aid him in form of sponsorship to enable him realize his maximum best.

Against the backdrop of perceived openly to our culture, arising from foreign cultural imperialism via modern telecommunication, persons such as Edionwe should be cherished as a local counter force.

The sustenance and prominence of our cultural norms for showcasing to our children in the face of today’s western cultural invasion is a fundamental topical issue of a sober reflection.

grammatically incorrect sentence like those I listed earlier to children who look up to them. “imagine a teacher saying have you do your correction? ‘Pin-pin instead of pick-pin.

Have we wondered over time why children say jangolava’ instead of ‘dangle over? How would you feel if your teacher said ‘you came late and you are standing at the domat. Funning right?

But imagine uneducated parent hearing that he may not know its grammatical status that it is incorrect because he will understand the meaning immediately.

I believe the government should pull its educational resources together and look critically at the issue of the Nigerian pidgin. Do we standardize it? Can we specify environments where it is sued. Do we have enough English teachers in schools to teach children correct English so the cases of borrowing are minimized?

Is there a dictionary of pidgin or should we let the language evolve daily?

We need to take a stand on this, not just for today, but the future because I believe mere people speak pidgin, than standard English, and to me the same goes for those that understand it.

THE NIGERIAN

23

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Religion pregnancy; you might be forced to marry somebody you had not thought you would have married to cover the shame. Adultery leads to mistrust in the home and can be the foundation for the break up of a marriage - what follows next the problem of separation and if you have had children in your marriage; they suffer the brunts of a broken home.

S O C I A L CONSEQUENCES Adultery and fornication would seem to be momentary

cursing people and the one in her private part she used to ruin men.

Any man who slept with her was doomed. “Some face tribulations and mountain of problems. They lose their jobs, they will not have peace, their business would fall, if they were rich before you know it they became as poor as church rats”. This is the result of adultery and fornication.

Do you also know that fornication and adultery are the twin evils largely responsible for contracting and spreading venereal diseases including the

effect f AIDS, the twin agencies noted further in their annual report for the year 2001 that “Three million people would have died from AIDS in 2001, and another five million are likely to have become infected with the Human immune’ Deficiency Virus (HIV2. This indeed is a sad story for the whole world.

Fornication has led to teenage pregnancies, abortions and in some cases teenage marriage with its attendant problems. Dr. Derex Briggs of the National AIDS Control Programme conducted a series of researches on this issue of teenage problem. Derex “series

pleasurable satisfaction of fleshly desires but with grave spiritual, moral and social implications; common sense tells you to weigh the pros and cons then you will surely be a wise person to run away from adultery and fornication.

“My son be wise ... A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and arepunished” prov 27:11,12.

Elizabeth until her conversion to Christianity was of the marine world and she said this as a warning to men involved in adultery in her confessional statements “Men should be Careful of the women they sleep with because alot of us have probably heard the story of the existence of the ‘Ogbanjes’ and the ‘Emeres” Elizabeth was possessed of these spirits and confessed to having six dangerous powers in her body.

She said; “I have six dangerous powers. I have six of these power in my mouth, eyes, stomach, legs and private part. The ones in my private part is’ the one I use to destroy men totally” she confessed that the power deposited in her eyes and legs she used to seduce and attract men, the one in her stomach for

dreaded Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Even though AIDS can be acquired by other sources but chiefly through promiscuity. A commentator once observed that “hetero-sexual transmission of AIDS has remained the most predominant mode of transmission’s. This writer like other moral theologians strongly supports the view that rather than apply artificial method to check the spread of AIDS, which still encourages promiscuity; the best solution is fidelity in marriage and abstinence by the unmarried.

This pamphlet teaches how to attain this level. This will help to check the spread of AIDS. This devastating disease has been described by the world Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nation Agencies on AIDS (UNAIDS) as “the most devastating disease mankind has ever faced. Since the epidermic began more than 60 million people have been infected with the virus. HIV/AID is now the leading cause of death in Subsaharan Africa, world-wide, It is the fourth-biggest killer. AIDS threatens human welfare, developmental progress and social stability on an unprecedented scale”!

Continuing on the devastating

of research show that up to 55 percent of girls under 16 years old are sexually active.’ That 10 percent of children are born of teenagers between 15 and 19 years”3. This gives actual cause for concern. Teenage marriage is not encouraged because persons who are too young to understand what marriage is all about are forced into it by circumstance of fornication by the parents of either the bride or the bridegroom. They have not married from love. Take this example of teenage marriage; “Ebonyi State Police Command has ‘arrested a teenager for attempting to bath his one-month old son with a substance suspected to be acid. The 19 years old father who allegedly impregnated another teenager, attempted to bath the baby with acid after the mother left him with the child to ease herself. The suspect was a junior secondary school (JSS) two student before the problem.... and the mother of the child.., in primary five when the suspect impregnated her” 4 Another immediate fall out of adultery and fornication usually is prostitution. Once a male or female develops the habit of fornication for pleasure he or she may soon turn into fornication for money and this is

The Shrillness Of Lust (5) FORNICATION and adultery are twin evils and are very deadly sins spiritually speaking. So the Bible warns: “flee fornication”. They are more deadly because these sins easily make the individual lose contact: with God almost instantly; the Holy Spirit who dwells in you if you are a believer, lives only in the body that is kept undefiled as the real temple of God. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you?” I Cor 3:16.

Therefore you are warned not to defile that temple because not only could you lose the Holy Spirit; you can incure the wrath of God, because you cannot compel God to evacuate his house which is your body by sinning with your body with impunity; and then expect him to take it kindly with you. Hear what the Bible says on this: “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” I Cor. 3:17.

The believer must not toy with his body; because not only has his whole being already been purchased and possessed; he is also God’s own property, and God determines his life for him through the Holy Spirit dwelling in him.

“Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price” I Cor. 6:19-20.

You are further warned thus: “Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” I Cor. 6:20.

This means God owns your body, once you have given your life to Jesus and invited the Holy Spirit into your life. So you have got to resist every attempt of Satan to get you disconnected with God. You have got to resist him no matter the negative pressure he puts on you; adopt the strategies outlined in this book; you will surely become a victor and live a disciplined Christian life.

Oh child of God; flee fornication like Joseph did to the wife of Portiphar. He fled from the woman; he gave her a distance you don’t go too close to the opposite gender and don’t expect a negative impulse; you are exposing yourself dangerously. If a lady is not your wife you are advised to have limited social contact to avoid undue exposure to sin; the same applies to a lady (Sister) in relation to a brother who is not your husband. A reference of this is seen in the wisdom of Paul, the Apostle who was a gifted celibate yet concerning his private life he had this to say: But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection lest that by any means,

when I have preached to others, I myself should be a cast away” I Cor. 9:27.

No matter your level of libido - whether high, moderate or low, it is advisable not to expose yourself to gender temptation, otherwise you may fall into the sin of fornication or adultery.

Paul strongly admonished the church in Corinth to flee fornication because if is a sin against the body.

“Flee fornication, every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committed fornication sinneth against his own body” I Cor. 6:18.

Do you know the gravity of sinning against your body? You may lose the Holy Spirit, and if you lose the Holy Spirit you have lost a lot! Remember when David sinned against his own body with his adulterous relationship with the wife of Uriah - Bathsheba, he lamented seriously while composing psalm fifty-one where he cried bitterly saying: “Have mercy upon me; 0 God according to thy loving kindness.... create in me a clean heart 0 God; and renew a right spirit within me, cast me not away from thy presence; and take not the Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation... “Ps. 51:1, 1012.

How weighty these words are on account of adultery. By the sin of adultery the following spiritual actions had resulted from the above verse: His heart or spirit had become unclean and needed to he cleansed His personal spirit had become affected also; the Holy Spirit was going away and Satanic Spirit was going to live inside him in replacement - his salvation was also threatened and his joy had disappeared; the peace of God had left him and confusion was setting in; he was losing the presence of God. So David had to cry out passionately for Gods infinite mercy. David might have been fortunate to have the mercy of God - but not all persons have had that opportunity or privilege, for as we have read in the Bible the Sons of Eli died for their adulterous lives (1 Sam. 2:22, 3:13). Amnon died for is life of incest (2 Sam 3:32): Shechem also died because of the sin of fornication (Gen. 34:2, 25-26).

Dear reader come to think also of the social implications of fornication and adultery; the many medical problems that may arise including the contracting of venereal diseases; infertility problems; problem of unwanted pregnancy; problem of abortion leading to the destruction of the womb; the problem of contacting the dreaded acquired immuned deficiency syndrom virus!

(AIDS). what about the social problem of having to be forced into early marriage even at a time you were not prepared for it, just because of unexpected

With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA

prostitution. Nobody wants to be labelled a male or female prostitute because of the social stigma that bears on prostitution; yet fornication or adultery if not checked can slide or degenerate into prostitution. Prostitution has its many moral and social problems that even national governments are fighting to control it, if not eradicate it completely. Prostitution has led many to their untimely death either due to contact of venereal diseases or becoming victims of ritual killing Indeed prostitution

is one very dehumanising and very debased act which no right thinking person should engage in for its obvious moral and social hazards. The Bible condemns strongly prostitution which is described by a moral theologian as “sexual indulgence for gain”.

Biblically prostitution dates back into patriarchal times (Gen. 38:15) and is synonymous with the term harlotry “used in the Bible to designate a person of either sex who is lewd and Licentious”5. (Joel 3:3, Amos 7:17; Josh 6:17). The Bible condemns harlotry ipso facto prostitution: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God ... shall I then take the members of Christ and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? Know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body?... flee fornication” (1 Cor.6:9, 15:-18).

Adultery and fornication could also lead to the psychopathic state of nymphomania, which is a degenerated human state of concupiscence. “Practice makes perfect” the aphorism goes; equally reckless indulgence in adultery or fornication can lead to this sorry state of nymphomania. Which is a psychopathic state in which the sufferer is restless about his or her sexual desires.

THE NIGERIAN

24

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

International

Compiled By OKHUELEIGBE FAITH

Thousands Of Palestinians Mark 65 Years Since Displacement

This image taken from video obtained from Ugarit News, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows Syrian rebels preparing to fire a rocket at Mannagh air base in Aleppo province, Syria.

Russia Expels US Spy

This picture shows a man claimed by FSB to be Ryan Fogle, a third Secretary at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, is detained in Moscow,

Syrian Internet Down For Second Time In 2 Weeks DAMASCUS - Syrian residents and a U.S. Internet monitoring company say Syria is experiencing a nationwide Internet outage. It is the second such blackout in two weeks.

The U.S.-based Renesys Corp. says Syria went offline yesterday morning at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Syrian government websites, including the SANA state news agency,

Series Of Bombs Kill At Least 14 People Across Iraq BAGHDAD - A series of bombs across Iraq killed at least 14 people yesterday, police and hospital sources said.

Two of the bombs, in the city of Kirkuk, killed 9

people.

(Reporting by Mustafa Mahmoud in Kirkuk and Kareem Raheem in Baghdad; Writing by Suadad al-Salhy; Editing by Louise Ireland)

appeared to be down as well.

But SANA reported on its twitter account a technical problem. It said maintenance units were working to restore the Internet as soon as possible. It did not elaborate.

Syrian authorities have cut phone and Internet service in select areas in the past to disrupt rebel communications when regime forces were conducting major operations.

Such widespread outages, however, have been rare. The reason for the May 7 outage is still unclear.

MOSCOW — Russian state television has aired footage provided by Russia’s security services claiming that another alleged American spy was expelled earlier this year.

Russia on Tuesday ordered a U.S. diplomat to leave the country after the FSB claimed to have caught him red-handed trying to recruit a Russian agent in Moscow. The FSB alleges that Ryan Fogle, a third secretary at the U.S. Embassy, works for the CIA. In the footage aired yesterday, a man identified only as an FSB operative and sitting in near darkness said a “CIA operative” was expelled in January.

The U.S. Embassy had no immediate comment.

RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinians clashed with Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank yesterday during demonstrations to mark 65 years since what they call the Nakba (Catastrophe) when Israel’s creation caused many to lose their homes and become refugees.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is to return to the region on Tuesday in another bid to revive peace talks frozen since 2010.

But a resolution remains elusive and many Palestinians cling to a desire for refugees and descendants to return to ancestral lands now in Israel - an idea Israel rejects, saying it would spell the end of the Jewish state.

Protesters skirmished with Israeli forces outside a refugee camp near the West Bank city of Hebron and at a prison near Ramallah, leaving several Palestinians injured.

Thousands also rallied in the main square of Ramallah, the Palestinians’ de facto capital while Jerusalem remains under Israeli control, holding up placards with the names of villages depopulated in 1948 and old keys, symbols of lost homes.

“For the sake of my future and to return to my family’s land, I don’t want any more useless negotiations but the path of resistance and the rifle,” said Ahmed al-Bedu, a gangly 15-year-old Palestinian who holds Jordanian citizenship.

Local Arabs and the armies of neighboring Arab states failed in a 1948 war to stop the Jews settling in

Egypt Judges Suspend Talks With President CAIRO— Egypt’s top judicial council has suspended talks with President Mohammed Morsi after a renewed push by Islamist lawmakers on a controversial bill that would remove thousands of senior judges.

Critics say the bill aims to install Islamists and solidify Morsi’s power while backers say it seeks to remove remnants of Hosni Mubarak’s regime.

The state MENA news

agency carried a statement by the Supreme Judicial Council after an emergency meeting yesterday in which the judges announced a suspension of their talks with Morsi, saying it’s the result of maneuvers by his Islamist allies in parliament to resume debating the law.

The council’s six judges met Morsi last month, and the two sides agreed to form a committee of legal experts that would draft legislation to reform the judiciary.

Palestine, who cited biblical ties to the land and a need for a Jewish state, which up to that time was under British colonial control.

Many Arab residents fled or were expelled by force from their homes and prevented from returning.

Only Jordan, which now has a peace treaty with Israel, gave the refugees citizenship.

According to official Palestinian figures published this week, 5.3 million Palestinians - almost half of their total number in the world - are registered by the United Nations as refugees in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, the West Bank and Gaza.

Many of them live in the concrete warrens of overcrowded camps, with poor access to employment and basic services.

Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Westernbacked Palestinian Authority and himself a refugee from a town now in northern Israel, stoked Palestinian outrage last year by telling an Israeli news channel he did not seek to return home.

Saeb Erekat, Abbas’s top negotiator with Israel, said on Wednesday that sectarian conflicts in Syria and Iraq endangered Palestinians there and that Israel’s “refusal to assume responsibility for the refugee question” and to agree on a “just solution” for them was harming prospects for peace.

The Palestinian Authority seeks an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem as its capital - all lands captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war. Israel deems Jerusalem its “eternal and indivisible” capital.

Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules Gaza, refuses to recognize Israel or renounce violence against it, saying a refugee return can be attained only through force.

“Any initiatives and solutions that do not secure the return of our full rights will be rejected by our people. Our holy land is not for sale or bargain,” the group said in a statement.

“Resistance by all its forms, and foremost armed resistance, will remain our way to extract our rights.”

THE NIGERIAN

25

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

International

Compiled By FAITH OKHUELEIGBE

Critics Assail Israel Silence On Arab Peace Plan

JERUSALEM — On the surface, the Arab League’s improved peace initiative offers Israel everything it ever dreamed of — normal relations with an entire region that has long objected to the very existence of the Jewish state, and even the chance to keep some war-won land.

But two weeks after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry persuaded Arab leaders to reissue their 2002 offer with new incentives, Israel is maintaining a striking silence, and critics are accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of missing a historic chance.

“We are speaking of an opportunity that must be seized to renew the diplomatic process,” former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told The Associated Press in a statement. “It’s a very important development.”

When it was first issued in 2002, the initiative was a breakthrough. It countered the Arab League’s famous “Three No’s” that followed the 1967 Mideast war, when Israel captured the West Bank and east Jerusalem from Jordan, the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt and the Golan Heights from Syria. At a summit in Khartoum, Sudan, the Arab countries passed a resolution saying no peace, recognition or negotiations with Israel.

The 2002 initiative, endorsed by the Arab League and the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation, offered Israel normalized relations in exchange for a full withdrawal from territories captured in 1967. However, it was overshadowed by IsraeliPalestinian fighting and was

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greeted with skepticism by Israel.

Now the initiative has gained new life thanks to interest from Kerry, who has been trying to restart peace talks between Israeli and the Palestinians, frozen since 2008. Palestinians refuse to talk unless Israel stops construction of settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. Netanyahu calls for talks with no preconditions.

In a significant breakthrough, Kerry last month persuaded the Arab League not only to renew its peace initiative, but to sweeten it by saying the final borders between Israel and a future Palestine could be modified from the 1967 lines through agreed land swaps.

This small but significant amendment could open the way for Israel to keep some of its Jewish settlements as well as holy sites in east Jerusalem.

Netanyahu’s chief peace negotiator, Tzipi Livni, welcomed the gesture as “good news,” but the prime minister has said little. In veiled criticism, Netanyahu declared that the conflict with the Palestinians wasn’t “territorial,” but instead was due to their refusal to recognize Israel as the homeland of the Jews.

Other issues besides borders have plagued the negotiations for decades. Palestinians insist on the “right of return” for the descendants of about 700,000 refugees who fled or were driven from their homes in the war that followed Israel’s creation in 1948, now estimated at 7 million people.

Israel rejects the return of refugees to what is now Israel, saying their home should be the future Palestine. The Arab

initiative calls vaguely for a “just solution” to the refugee issue, but negotiations would be difficult.

Also, agreeing to share Jerusalem and its holy sites would pose a tough challenge.

Twice in the past, in 2000 and in 2008 under Olmert, Israeli offers based on the 1967 lines and territorial swaps, a formula similar to the present Arab initiative, did not result in peace accords, partly because of the other stumbling blocks. Olmert says he made great progress.

In contrast, U.S. officials have noted that once borders are agreed on, the settlement issue would be resolved automatically.

Israel unilaterally removed 21 settlements from Gaza when it withdrew from the area in 2005, as well as all its settlements in Sinai when it returned the territory to Egypt under a 1979 peace treaty.

Netanyahu’s spokesman, Mark Regev, said the Israeli leader was keeping quiet to avoid jeopardizing Kerry’s efforts to restart talks. Kerry has been shuttling between the sides in recent weeks and is expected to return to the region later this month.

“If we are going to achieve ... a return to talks, it will be done through the success of a very discrete negotiating process going on at the moment,” Regev said. “It would be wrong to interpret silence as either acceptance or rejection” of the Arab plan, he said.

American officials have tried to play down Netanyahu’s silence, saying they are pleased with Livni’s public embrace of the Arab plan’s modifications. Arab League officials did not respond to requests for comment.

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THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

27 THE world is not infinite.

It is the material Creation, that is, the work of the Creator, This work like every other work, stands beside the creator and as such is finite.

So called advanced thinkers often pride themselves on having the recognition that God rests in all Creation, in every flower, every stone, that the driving forces of nature are God, thus, everything that is beyond investigation, what is sensed but cannot really be grasped. An ever active primordial Energy, the source of power, itselfeternally evolving a new.

The unsubstantiated Primordial light. They consider themselves mightily advanced in the consciousness of finding God everywhere, of encountering Him every where, as an all pervading driving power, ever working towards the one goal of further development to perfection.

Abd-ru-shin the author of Grail message says it is only in Certain sense is this true.

What we encounter in all Creation. He says is only His will (God’ will) and thus, His spirit, His power. He Himself stands far above Creation.

From its very inception, the material creation was bound to the unalterable laws of evolution and dissolution, for what we call the laws of Nature are the Creative will of God which in its activity is continually forming and dissolving worlds. This creative will is uniform in all creation, to which the Ethereal World and the gross material wolrd belong as one.

The absolute and immutable uniformity of the Primordial laws thus, of the Primordial will, ordains that in the most minute process of the gross material earth the course is always exactly the same as it must be in every happening, thus, also in the most stupendous events of the entire creation and in the Creative process

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

The World

itself.

Abd-ru-shin says the strict form of the primordial will, is plain and simple, once it is recognized we easily discover it in every thing.

The complexity and incomprehensibility of many happening lies solely in the manifold interlacing of the detours and by –paths formed by the varied volitions of men.

Thus, the work of God, the world, is as creation subject constant in all things and perfect, it also, issued from them and is therefore, finite.

The artist, for example, also, is in work, merges with it, and yet personally stands beside it. The work is limited and transient, but not the talent of the artist on that account. The artist, that is, the creator of the work, can destroy his work, in which lies his volition, without himself being affected by it.

Nevertheless he will still remain the artist.

We recognise and discern the artist in his works, and he becomes familiar to us without our needing to see him personally. We have his work, his volition lies in them and influence us, he confronts us in them and yet may himself be living his own life far away from us.

The Creative artist and his work faintly reflect the relation of the Creation to the Creator.

It is only the cycle of Creation, in its continuous coming into being, disintegration and reformation, that is eternal and without end, thus, infinite.

All the revelations and prophecies, too, are fulfilled within this happening.

Finally the “last Judgment” for the earth will also, be fulfilled in it.

The last, that is, the Final Judgment, comes one day for each material celestial globe, but it does not take the place simultaneously in the whole of Creation. It is a process necessary in that

particular part of Creation which reaches the point in its cycle where its disintegration must set in, so that it can form itself a new on its further course.

This eternal cycle does not refer to the orbit of the earth and other stars around their suns, but to the great and mightier cycle which must in turn be followed by all the solar systems, which they themselves also, carry out their own movements separately.

Again, by reason of the consistency of the Natural laws, the point at which disintegration of each

transformation, the opportunity for a further development. Then the hour of the “either-or’ has come for every human being.

Either he is raised high towards the light if he strives for the spiritual or he remains chained to the world of matter to which he clings if out of conviction he declares that only material things are of value.

In that case, through the lawful consequence of his own volition, he is unable to rise from the World of matter, and on the last stretch of the way he is drawn with it into disintegration, This

celestial globe must begin is precisely determined. A very definite place at which the process of disintegration must develop, irrespective of the condition of the celestial globe concerned and of its inhabitants.

The cycle drives every celestial globe irresistibly towards this point, the hour of disintegration will be fulfilled without delay, as with everything in creation, this actually denotes only a

then is spiritual death Equivalent to effacement from the Book of life itself.

This process, in itself quite natural, is also, designated as eternal damnation, because he who is thus, drawn along into distingnation “must cease to be personal”. It is the most dreadful thing that can befall man. He is considered as a rejected stone, which cannot be used for a spiritual building and

“It is only the cycle of Creation, in its continuous coming into being, disintegration and re-formation, that is eternal and without end, thus, infinite. All the revelations and prophecies, too, are fulfilled within this happening. Finally the “last Judgment” for the earth will also, be fulfilled in it.”

Man And Nature With O.C. MADU 08056379608

must therefore, be ground to dust.

This separation of spirit from matter, likewise taking place by reason of quite natural processes and laws is the so-called last Judgment, which is connected with great upheavals and transformations .

Surely Abd-ru-shin opines that every one will readily understand that this disintegration will not take place in one earth day, for in world events, a thousand

remaining attached to the world of matter and being drawn with it towards complete disintegration.

Those who strive for the light, however, will gradually become detached from the world of matter and will finally be uplifed to the home of all that is spiritual.

Then the division between light and darkness will be finally accomplished and the Judgment fulfilled.

It is not “the world” which will perish thereby, but the

years are as one day.

But we are well into the early stages of this epoch.

The earth now approaches the point at which it diverges from its hitherto existing course, which must also, make itself strongly felt in gross matter. Then the separation among all men, which has already been prepared for sometime, but which until now has only manifested itself in opinions and conviction, will set in more sharply.

Abd-ru-shin explains that every hour of an earth life is therefore, more precious than ever. He who earnestly seeks and is willing to learn, should exert all his strength to tear himself from base thoughts, which must chain him to earthly things.

Otherwise, he is in danger of

celestial globes will only be drawn into disintegrating process when their course reaches the point of dissolution and with also, the preceding separation, due to set in.

This is accomplished through the natural effect of the Divine laws, which have lain in Creation from its very beginnings, which brought forth Creation itself and which also, now and in future unswervingly bear the will of the creator. In the eternal cycle, there is a perpetual creating, sowing, ripening, harvesting and dissolving, so that, newly invigorated through the change in the combination other forms may again evolve, speeding towards a new cycle.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Mourinho Needs King’s Cup To Salvage Season

JOSE Mourinho faces ending a season without a major trophy for the first time in a decade if his Real Madrid side fail to beat city rivals Atletico Madrid in the King’s Cup final at the Bernabeu on Friday.

2010, having led the Italians to an Since starting out in his first historic treble, culminating in full season as a coach with their first European Cup victory Porto in the 2002/3 campaign, in 45 years. through spells with Chelsea, Mourinho’s Real won the Inter Milan and Real, the King’s Cup by beating Barca 1-0 Portuguese has amassed two after extra time in 2011 and a Champions League trophies, a record-breaking La Liga title in UEFA Cup, seven league titles 2012 but a third successive and six national cups.

Champions League semi-final In what looks increasingly exit and Barca’s league triumph likely to be his last campaign last weekend have left his third with Real, however, the selfyear looking pretty thin. styled ‘Special One’ could be A Spanish Super Cup victory about to end his three-year reign over Barca back in September is in Spain with a less than his only silverware to date this impressive record. season, which he himself He joined the world’s richest dismissed as irrelevant, leaving club by revenue from Inter in the much-maligned King’s Cup as

Pellegrini Free To Leave MANUEL Pellegrini has Malaga been told he is free to leave Malaga at the end of the season according to reports in Spain, with the club confirming his 4 million Euros buy-out clause will be waived.

Andalucian paper Diario del Sur claimed on Wednesday that Pellegrini’s agent Jesus Martinez had negotiated a deal so that the Chilean coach, who has two years left on his contract, can leave on June 30 without any new club paying the 4 million Euros release clause. “Manuel Pellegrini will leave Malaga, barring a miracle being produced,” the paper said.

That is being reported as confirmed on Wednesday morning with the Chilean expected to be named as Roberto Mancin’s successor at the Etihad at the end of the Spanish season on June 1.

AS say that Isco could potentially follow Pellegrini to City, who say Monaco’s interest in the player has accelerated City’s talks with the Boquerones starlet, with sporting director Txiki Begiristain having already agreed terms with his representatives, although Malaga are holding out for the 35 million Euros price included in the contract signed earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Malaga’s chances of playing in Europe next season have been given a

Manuel Pellegrini

boost after the Spanish FA [RFEF] granted the club a licence to play in European competition next season.

Clubs are only supposed to get the green light from their national federations if they have settled all debts by December 31 of the previous year. A Malaga ‘source’ told El Pais the RFEF decision showed their appeal of their current one year UEFA ban imposed due to “financial irregularities” - would now be overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport [CAS] on June 4.

“This is good news for our interests, which shows that we have fulfilled [their obligations] and that the appeal we have presented to the CAS has all the sense in the world,” the source said. “Malaga fulfils all the requirements to play in Europe.”

More ‘sources’ told Marca that planning for next season is already under way at Malaga, with four players having agreed to join, and interest in both Giovanni dos Santos [whose Spurs contract ends this summer] and his brother Jonathan dos Santos [who has rarely played all season at Barcelona]. This planning would also reportedly include exits for current highearners including Joaquin Sanchez and Jeremy Toulalan, who have been linked with moves to Russia and Atletico Madrid.

his last chance to sign off with a flourish.

However, a cup triumph would only paper over the cracks of a disintegrating campaign, with dressing-room divisions coming to the fore since the club’s defeat to Borussia Dortmund two weeks ago.

Mourinho’s public belittling of popular captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas and defender Pepe, and his declarations of love towards English football have turned many dyed-in-the-wool Real fans against him.

The looked-down-upon King’s Cup was not the title he was brought in to win for them; they wanted a tenth European Cup. On the pitch, Mourinho’s main concern is with the defence where Raphael Varane is out injured, but Sergio Ramos and Marcelo look set to be available again after recovering from their respective problems.

Despite their off-field problems, Real head into the final as the overwhelming favourites as they have not lost a Madrid derby with Atletico since 1999.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico have little to lose, having

achieved their objective for the season with a third-placed finish in La Liga assuring them of Champions League football again after a three-year absence.

Recent history dictates against Atletico ending their 14-year derby misery.

Only last month a second-string Real side, distracted in the middle of their Champions League semifinal with Dortmund and without Cristiano Ronaldo, still managed to win 2-1 at the Calderon.

“We aren’t looking backwards,” Atletico’s Uruguayan defender Diego Godin told reporters.

“Obviously the statistics of how many times they have beaten us are there...but we are in a good run of form and have the same desire and chances to win as they do.”

Atletico have a good record in finals over the last few years, winning the Europa League and the European Super Cup in 2010 and 2012, beating Fulham, Inter Milan, Athletic

Bilbao and Chelsea, though they lost the 2010 King’s Cup final 2-0 to Sevilla.

Argentine Simeone, who helped Atletico to win their last Cup as a player in 1996, has a full squad to choose from and in Brazilian striker Diego Costa has the tournament’s leading scorer with seven goals.

Playing at the home of their neighbours has not proved to be a problem for Atletico in the past.

Eight of their nine Cup triumphs have come in the Bernabeu, three of which were against Real Madrid, in 1960, 1961 and 1992.

Jose Mourinho

...Ramos Boost For Real SERGIO Ramos returned to Real Madrid training on Wednesday morning, having the previous afternoon overseen a squad dinner aimed at building

team spirit ahead of Friday’s Copa del Rey final against Atletico Madrid.

Ramos had been Madrid boss Jose Mourinho’s main injury worry for the game, having been

Dortmund Hopes To Have Gotze At Wembley BORUSSIA Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp said Wednesday he is optimistic of having injured Germany midfield star Mario Goetze back from a hamstring injury in time for the Champions League final against Bayern Munich on May 25.

The 20-year-old limped out of Dortmund’s 2-0 semi-final defeat at Real Madrid on April 30 with a torn hamstring and Klopp says next week will be key to see whether Goetze runs out for the Wembley final, in what will be his last game for Dortmund.

“We will intensify training and the plan is that he will begin to train with the team next week,” said Klopp in Wednesday’s press conference.

“Then I hope everything stays as it is, after that we will decide whether it works or not.”

The Wembley finale will be Goetze’s last game in a Dortmund shirt after last month’s announcement that he has actioned a release clause in his contract to join German champions Bayern on July 1 for

37 million euros (US$47.7m).

Dortmund reached the Champions League final with a 43 aggregate win over Real in the semi-final and are bidding to win the European title for the second time after their 1997 success.

Having won the Bundesliga title in both 2010-11 and 2011-12, Dortmund have had to settle for second behind Bayern this season.

sidelined by a muscle injury since the Champions League second leg against Borussia Dortmund on April 30. But the Spain international returned to full training with his teammates in the rain at the club’s Valdebebas facility, and now looks set to start alongside Raul Albiol at centre-back in the ‘derbi’ decider.

Brazilian left-back Marcelo also made a surprise comeback to training on Wednesday, although he remains unlikely to start the final at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu having not played since tearing a hamstring against Real Betis on April 20. Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira, Alvaro Arbeloa and

Robben Dismisses City Link Speculation ARJEN Robben has dismissed speculation linking him with Manchester City, saying he has no desire to leave Bayern Munich.

It has been claimed that incoming Roten coach Pep Guardiola has already deemed the Netherlands international surplus to requirements, prompting further speculation that the winger could end up returning to England.

City are said to be interested, but Robben insists that there is no truth in the reports, which have come as a most unwelcome distraction for the former Chelsea star in the leadup to this month’s Champions

League final clash with Borussia Dortmund.

“I still have two years on my deal so why should I leave?” the 29-year-old asked reporters during a press conference on Tuesday. “It is all about performance on the pitch and in the past games I have shown I can contribute here at Bayern.

“There has been so much speculation in the past month but I am concentrated only on one thing and that is Bayern. All these rumours have come up way too often during recent weeks.

Gonzalo Higuain all appeared to come through the session without any recurrence of their recent injury issues.

“The squad completed at Real Madrid city its third session of the week ahead of the Copa del Rey final,” said a statement released via the club’s official website on Wednesday morning.

“The main news at training was the return to working with the group of Ramos and Marcelo.

[Raphael] Varane, after his knee surgery, has begun his process to return to the pitch.”

The previous afternoon saw Ramos also playing a major role at a team-bonding dinner, which brought together all squad members apart from the convalescing Varane. Medical and training ground staff from the club also attended, although neither Mourinho nor any of his coaching team were reportedly invited. AS claimed this to be another sign of a breakdown in relationship between the coaches and players, given Mourinho had always attended similar meals in the past.

The Andalucian defender, who will likely captain the side this weekend in Iker Casillas’ continued absence, tweeted a photo of himself seated at a table with Casillas, Pepe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Coentrao and Gonzalo Higuain, most of whom have clashed with Mourinho in recent months.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Arsenal, Chelsea Could Play-Off For UCL Spot ARSENAL and Chelsea could face a play-off for the final automatic Champions League place if they finish with identical records after Sunday’s games, the Premier League has confirmed to ESPN, but finding a date will prove problematic.

The two teams go into the final round of matches two points and one goal apart in

terms of goal difference with a realistic possibility that they could end up inseparable. Both

• Arsene Wenger

teams would have the same points, goals scored and goals conceded.

The team which finishes third in the Premier League will go directly into the Champions League group stage, while fourth place will enter in the play-off round, with the tie to be played over two legs on August 20-21 and 27-28.

Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Wigan on Tuesday means a 2-1 victory for the Gunners at Newcastle, coupled with a 0-0 draw between Everton and Chelsea, would force a play-off. The same would apply to any scoreline between the two clubs which adds a goal to all four teams: so 3-2 and 1-1 or 4-3 and 2-2.

Premier League rule C.14 states: “If at the end of the season either the League Champions or the clubs to be relegated or the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be

Remy Arested Over Alleged Rape

QUEENS Park Rangers striker Loic Remy has been arrested along with his cousin and a friend on suspicion of rape, the Metroplitan Police has confirmed.

Remy, 26, joined QPR from Marseille in January for a fee in the region of £8 million and has scored six goals in 12 Premier League appearances but was unable to prevent the club being relegated to the Championship.

The Metropolitan Police has released a statement which reads: “Officers from Sapphire are investigating an allegation of rape which happened on 6 May in the west London area.

“The allegation was passed on to the MPS by Kent Police on 8 May after the 34-year-old

female victim reported it to them on the previous day, 7 May. The victim alleges she was raped by three men.

“On the morning of Wednesday, 15 May three men, [A] aged 26; [B] aged 23; [C] 22 yrs, were arrested at an

Werner Hopes Caragher Will Return LIVERPOOL chairman Tom Werner has told the Liverpool Echo he wanted Jamie Carragher to play on for another season and insists there will always be a role for the centreback at Anfield.

Carragher will play the 737th and final game of his 16-year first-team career at the club

Cabaye Hints At Premier League Move YOHAN Cabaye has doused speculation he could return to France with Paris Saint-Germain though stopped short of committing himself fully to Newcastle United.

Cabaye, 27, has been linked to the newly-installed French champions after proving a rare success in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Newcastle.

However, the French international, who signed a five-year deal when he swapped Lille for the northeast of England in summer 2011, told RMC he hoped to continue his career in the

address in Fulham on suspicion of rape - they remain in custody at a west London police station.”

Remy is considered to be one of QPR’s most saleable assets as they look to cut costs after dropping out of the Premier League. He has been linked with both Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks.

determined because two or more clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding league matches on neutral grounds, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the board.”

Chelsea won both league games this season 2-1 but the Premier League does not recognise head-to-head as a tiebreaker, unlike the Football League and most European leagues.

Scheduling a play-off would prove very difficult for the Premier League. Wembley Stadium would be the logical choice as a neutral venue in London, but it is booked for the Champions League final on Saturday, May 25, the Championship play-off final on Monday, May 27 and England’s friendly with Ireland on May 29.

England will expect to have their players released by both clubs, as would the many other national teams whose players represent the respective sides.

There are international games scheduled every day at the start of June, with Brazil facing England in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, June 2. Even if that Saturday was a viable date for the clubs, Wembley is already booked for the International Stadiums Poker Tour.

Premier League, though not necessarily as part of Alan Pardew’s squad.

“For the moment, yes,” he replied when asked if he counted on remaining at St. James’s Park. “There’s one game left, we’re going to try and finish well before the holidays. With regards a transfer, I have agents who take care of that aspect of things.”

He added: “[PSG] are a big club with a great project. But I’ve been playing in the Premier League for the last two years. I feel good here. I would be happy to continue in England.”

when he faces Queens Park Rangers in the final Premier League game of the season on Sunday.

The 35-year-old, who has been with Liverpool since he was nine and who made his senior debut in January 1997, is retiring to become a television pundit.

Werner called Carragher “a man of remarkable integrity”, and believes that he could have played on for another year.

“We hoped he would play on for another season but we fully respect his decision to retire,”

the Boston-based chairman told the paper. “He wants to leave the party before the last call and I understand that.

“I have nothing but admiration for him – both on and off the field.

• Rafael Benitez

Lampard Signs Chelsea Contract Extension FRANK Lampard has agreed a new one-year contract with Chelsea according to reports in the Telegraph as the midfielder prepares to lead his side into Wednesday’s Europa League final.

Lampard, 34, is in line to captain the Blues against Benfica in Amsterdam in the absence of John Terry, who looks set to miss out through injury. He also wrote himself into the club’s history books on Saturday by becoming Chelsea’s all-time leading goalscorer when his two goals in the 2-1 victory against Aston Villa took his tally to 203.

The midfielder has been keen to commit to a new deal for two years, although with ongoing uncertainty over the club’s manager and the team’s playing style he has not been offered an extension to his current contract, which expires this summer.

A number of clubs have been linked to Lampard, who could

move on a free transfer, including Manchester United, Fiorentina and LA Galaxy.

However, now that Jose Mourinho looks set to return to Stamford Bridge, a manager who Lampard excelled under previously, it is believed that the way has been smoothed for him to continue for one more season before considering offers from abroad.

In Chelsea’s pre-match press conference for the Europa League final on Tuesday, Lampard talked about the one other time he had been close to leaving the club.

“The closest was Inter Milan with Jose in 2008, the idea of challenging myself to do something different and going with him because he was such an influence on my career,” he said.

“In the end I wanted to stay for personal reasons, because of my mum and the attachment I

City Caretaker Kidd Stunned

By Mancini Exit CARETAKER Manchester City manager Brian Kidd admits to being shocked at the sacking of Roberto Mancini after overseeing his side to a 2-0 win at Reading.

Kidd saw his side win 2-0 at

• Brian Kidd, Man City Caretaker Coach

relegated Reading but said after the victory that the sacking of his former boss came as a surprise to him.

Manuel Pellegrini remains overwhelming favourite to become Manchester City manager following the sacking of Roberto Mancini - a move that came as a surprise to players and staff.

The Italian saw his three-anda-half-year reign at the Etihad Stadium brought to an abrupt end on Monday - a year to the day after bringing City their first league title in 44 years.

It was also announced that assistant manager David Platt, who was offered the chance to stay on, had decided to join Mancini in leaving.

Failure to retain the Barclays Premier League crown and a poor showing in the Champions League pushed Mancini towards

the exit door, with Saturday’s surprise FA Cup final defeat to Wigan proving the final straw.

Malaga coach Pellegrini is favourite to replace the former Inter Milan boss, having been heavily linked with City since rumours of Mancini’s demise began to surface.

Despite such reports, the sacking came as a shock to his assistant Brian Kidd, who oversaw a 2-0 win at relegated Reading on Tuesday night.

“What has gone on in the last 24 hours was a shock to the staff, and before the game I would have just taken the result, to get the three points and take second place,” he said.

“It’s all credit to the players they are the ones who have had to put up with stuff off the pitch.

I am pleased for them because it would have been a travesty if we hadn’t finished second.

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Enyeama, Moses Lead Eagles For Mexico Friendly SUPER Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi has invited Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Vincent Enyeama and Chelsea’s Victor Moses to lead 23 others for an international friendly match against Mexico.

The Media Officer, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire in a statement yesterday in Abuja said that the friendly would hold on May 31 in Houston, Texas, U.S. The statement said that the friendly was to prepare the Eagles for its 2014 FIFA World Cup two qualifying matches in June.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eagles will play against Kenya on June 5 and Namibia on June 12 before proceeding to Brazil for the FIFA Confederations Cup from June 15 to June 30.

According to the statement, the invited goalkeepers alongside Enyeama were Chigozie Agbim of Warri Wolves and Austin Ejide of Hapoel FC. The defenders included Efe Ambrose of Celtic, Elderson Echiejile of Sporting de Braga, Kenneth Omeruo of ADO Den Haag and Godfrey Oboabona of Sunshine Stars.

Other defenders were Solomon Kwambe of Sunshine Stars, Francis Benjamin from Heartland, Odunlami Kunle of Sunshine Stars and Azubuike Egwuekwe from Warri Wolves.

Included on the midfielders list alongside Moses were Chelsea’s duo John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi of Lazio, Sunday Mba of Enugu Rangers, and Reuben Gabriel from Kilmarnock.

John Ogu of Academia de Coimbra and Obinna Nwachukwu from Heartland and Michael Babatunde of Kryvbas Kryvyi are the other invited midfielders.

The strikers, the statement said, included Joseph Akpala of SV Werder Bremen, Brown Ideye from FC Dynamo Kyiv, Kalu Uche of Kasimpasa Spor Kulübü and Anthony Ujah of FC Koln.

The others were Nnamdi Oduamadi from Varese, Italy and Gambo Muhammad of Kano Pillars.

Vincent Ennyeama

Softball Players Call For Regular Competitions SOME softball players at the ongoing Felicia Kisira Super 5 softball Championship in Ilorin, on Wednesday called for more competitions to hone their skills in the sport.

The players told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that lack of regular competitions had hindered the growth of the sport in the country.

Cynthia Sunday, a pitcher in team Lagos, said that regular competitions would broaden the scope of the players in the sport.

Sunday commended the wife of the Kwara Governor, Mrs Felicia Kisira, for sponsoring the competition after a long absence of such an event.

“I can’t remember when last a national softball competition was organised for players.

“We can only get exposure through regular competitions,’’ he said.

Ada Oteikwu, the captain of Team Niger, urged the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Federation

(NBSF) not to relent on their effort to attract sponsors for their programmes.

“The NBSF should put more effort and ensure that they seek for funds to organise regular competitions,” Oteikwu said.

Patience Ozoemene, a Team Delta player, stressed the need for the authorities to strive towards organising events on a quarterly basis to keep the players regularly engaged.

“Players should be engaged in quarterly competition to improve their capabilities,’’ she said.

Mariam Sambo, a player of Double ‘T’ of Ilorin, said regular competitions would prepare players ahead of major international events.

Sambo added that the NBSF should come up with more programmes that would attract sponsors.

“We need more of such competitions to prepare us for competitions outside the country.

The week-long competition will end on May 18.

Flying Eagles Draw Brazil, Portugal In Toulon Tourney

NIGERIA’s under-20 men football team have been drawn against Brazil and 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup rivals, Portugal, in this year’s Toulon International Tournament which kicks off on May 28.

Samm Audu, the team’s Media Officer, said in a NPFL Crowd Violence: statement yesterday from Germany where the team are presently camping, that the Flying Eagles are in Group SOCCER stakeholders have attitude gave the home team an B of the 10-team blamed the crowd violence advantage over the visiting team.

“The match would have ended at tournament. witnessed at the Nigeria “The Flying Eagles will on Professional Football League 1-1, but for the prolonged time frame May 29 meet defending (NPFL) week 11 tie between of the encounter that made Nasarawa champions Mexico whom Nasarawa United and Wikki United to beat the Bauchi side by 2they lost 1-4 to in another Tourists of Bauchi on the match 1,” he said.

Okwuchukwu Emechebe, Head invitational tournament in referee.

Panama preparatory to the The News Agency of Nigeria Coach of grassroots club, Y.M.D 2011 World Cup in (NAN) reports that the centre Babes of Ojo, said that the referee’s Colombia. referee of the match, Chrisantus action was appalling.

Emechebe then called for stiffer “On June 2 they will meet Okoro, the Assistant Coach of Belgium, and on June 4 they Wikki Tourists, Yakubu Yankari sanctions against the referee to serve will then go on to face world and others were beaten up during as a deterrent to others. the fracas.

NAN reports that Okoro, after the 90 minutes stoppage, added during league matches.

FANS of Rangers International eight minutes injury time but FC of Enugu have appealed to the Mr Bernard Okoye, a which he exceeded by four Nigeria Football Association civil servant, described minutes during which the hosts the ban as infringing on (NFA) to rescind the four-match scored their winning goal, to end their rights, adding that ban that will prevent fans from the match at 2-1. the punishment was not the team’s home matches.

Players and coaches who spoke commensurate with the The News Agency of Nigeria to NAN in Lagos said that the offence. referee’s conduct during the (NAN) reports that the NFA match was unprofessional and slammed the ban on Rangers in “I remember that the they called on the Nigeria April, following an alleged fans were not happy with Referees Association (NRA) to assault on a referee at the Nnamdi the poor officiating of the sanction the referee. match by the referee, but Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Chinedu Efugh, the Captain of he was not beaten.

The referee had officiated in the Heartland FC, said he wondered “But in Kaduna, the fans Rangers versus Warri Wolves FC whether the referee’s personal beat up a referee and encounter, where the referee was time was different from the one nothing was done about it. displayed on the stadium’s said to have been assaulted by scoreboard.

It is not fair,’’ he said. fans of the Enugu club.

A Heartland player, Isah Akor, Mr. Emmanuel Ejiofor, Some of the fans told NAN in said that the unprofessional Enugu on Wednesday that the a businessman, urged the conduct of the referee stirred the ban had denied them the NFA to curb the excesses pandemonium. of referees in the league. opportunity to support their club “The referee’s unprofessional

Stakeholders Blame Ref For Crisis

champions Brazil who incidentally failed to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.

“Their final group game is against Portugal on June 6,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Flying Eagles will open their 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign on June 21 in Kayseri against the Portuguese.

Audu said the Flying Eagles held Portugal to a goalless draw in Lisbon in 2011, before losing to the same team 2-0 in a preWorld Cup tournament in Panama.

“Portugal later went on to reach the World Cup final, where they lost to Brazil,’’ Audu said

Fans Bemoan Closed-Door Ban On Rangers “Some of these referees are corrupt so the NFA should check their excesses,’’ Ejiofor said.

When contacted on the development, Rangers’ Media Officer, Mr. Foster Chime, said that the team had already completed the punishment.

“The Technical Director has left for Abuja to meet with the disciplinary committee of the NFA to lift the ban.

“I hope that after the hearing, something will be done,’’ he said.

Chime stressed that the club had incurred a massive financial loss, alongside the stadium management, due to the ban.

in the statement.

A of the Toulon tournament has the U.S., Colombia, Congo DR, France and South Korea.

Winners of both groups will slug it out in the final on June 8, with the runners-up to battle for the third-place medal.

Victor Moses

Egbe Uzebu Greens To Make Women League Debut Proprietor To Support Women Football

By KEHINDE OSAGIEDE

A Benin based female football club Egbe Uzebu Greens will make their debuts in the Nigeria Women League this season in the second division.

The Club proprietor, Engineer Egbe Uzebu who informed journalists in Benin said the club is ready to vie for National honour this term, having been developing through the grassroots tournaments in the past years.

Engr. Uzebu who also has a male football team, Egbe Uzebu Rockets FC in the Edo League, said that he decided to take his female club to the National League so as to

expose the girls, and to afford him the opportunity to further contribute to football development in the country.

“I am very much interested in Youth development because they are the leaders of tomorrow of this country hence I invest in soccer development”, he stressed.

Engr. Egbe Uzebu

THE NIGERIAN

31

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Bayern Deny Rooney Interest

Ferdinand Calls Time On England Career MANCHESTER United defender Rio Ferdinand has announced his retirement from international football with England.

Ferdinand, 34, has just celebrated winning his sixth Premier League title with United and his desire to continue playing for the English champions was central to the decision.

“After a great deal of thought, I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international football,” Ferdinand said in a statement on the FA’s official website.

“At the age of 34, I feel it is right for me to stand aside and let the younger players come through, which allows me to concentrate on my club career.

“The team looks in great shape and there is an influx of young, talented players coming through the ranks which bodes well for the future.

“I regard it as a great honour and a privilege to have represented my country at every level from Under17s upwards. I have always been very proud to play for England. I would like to wish Roy and the team all the best for future tournaments.

“A big thank you to all the fans, managers, coaching staff and players that I have worked alongside - the journey has been incredible “ England boss Roy Hodgson said Ferdinand, whose last England

Rio Ferdinand

game came in 2011, could be proud of his achievements for the Three Lion over a 14-year international career.

“It is important to pay tribute to someone of Rio’s stature and the achievements he had in a senior international career with England over 14 years at the highest level,” Hodgson said.

“To have captained his country, to play at three World Cups and indeed score in one of those, marks him out amongst a very special group of players. I appreciated the call from Rio to inform me of his decision, which clearly he had spent much time considering before reaching this point.

“I wish him all the best in his club career, and I’m sure the former managers he played under and every England fan will join me in thanking him for his service.”

Qatar 2022: FIFA president Sepp Blatter has cast further doubt on the scheduling of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, telling L’Equipe: “ It’s not rational or reasonable to play in June-July.”

With summer temperatures soaring into the 40°Cs, a number of highprofile football figures, such as UEFA president Michel Platini, have stated their opposition to hosting the 2022 World Cup in its habitual summer time slot.

Blatter, 77, believes the scorching weather in the Gulf state is not as much a problem for the World Cup as a football tournament, but rather a threat to its status as a multicultural event.

Sepp Blatter

Blatter Favours Winter “We can have airconditioned stadiums,” he said.

“But the World Cup is more than stadiums, it’s all the social and cultural activities around the competition. It’s not rational or reasonable to play in June-July. Our technical report, which was available to all members of the executive committee before the vote in 2010, showed up those problems.”

With FIFA rejecting calls for the bidding process to be restarted, Platini has suggested the tournament should be held in winter when temperatures average around the mid-20°Cs. Such a move would require a radical logistical overhaul of the European season, though that can only be put into motion if the tournament organisers

Brazil Name Squad For Confed Cup BRAZIL coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has named his squad for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup with former stars Ronaldinho and Kaka being the notable exclusions.

While kaka has battled to hold down a regular place at Real Madrid this season, Ronaldinho has featured regularly for Atletico Mineiro, but the 33-year-old has missed out due to stiff competition in the midfield.

“It’s natural that it was difficult

Neymar

to make a decision, they are all great players and they all could be on this list,” Scolari told reporters.

“I made the choices based on the matches we played and based on some personal criteria.”

The tournament will take place from June 15 to June 30 and will feature host Brazil and continental champions Spain, Nigeria, Japan,

Mexico, Uruguay and Tahiti, as well as Euro 2012 runners-up Italy.

Brazil squad for the 2013 Confederations Cup: Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers), Diego Cavalieri (Fluminense), Jefferson (Botafogo)

themselves request a switch.

Blatter added: “For the moment, they haven’t done that. It’s a matter which we’re following. My friend and colleague Michel Platini has said that we couldn’t play in Qatar in summer. But to play in winter, we have to change the whole international calendar. Should we do it just for a season? In any case, I’m in favour of the World Cup playing its sporting, social and cultural role. In 2022, in Qatar, we cannot play in summer.”

The choice of the Persian Gulf state to host the 2022 finals surprised many. Blatter, however, insisted there had been no foul play during the voting process by members of FIFA’s Executive Committee.

“There were interventions at different levels for it to go to an Arabian country.

Geopolitics did its work. But no one has proved that there was any malpractice so that Qatar was chosen. The Ethics Commission can open an enquiry. It would be good to prove that it was done properly,” the Swiss said, adding English complaints the

... Scolari Defends Neymar very well from our point of view.

Form It’s what we expect.”

BRAZIL coach Luis Felipe Scolari has played down concerns over the form of star Neymar, insisting the Santos striker will deliver for his country in the Confederations Cup next month.

Neymar, 21, has come under criticism for his performances in international fixtures this year but never seemed in doubt to earn a place in Scolari’s team for the tournament.

Scolari moved to defend Neymar by suggesting his team selection was based on domestic form in recent months.

“Neymar has been playing well,” the Selecao coach said. “I understand some people are going to disagree. He’s playing

Brazilian veterans Ronaldinho and Kaka were the most notable omissions from Scolari’s squad and the 64-year-old suggested the two are not currently suited to his line-up, although he refused to rule out a place for them in next year’s World Cup side.

“Many times we’re criticised for picking A, B or C. I was criticised several times for having Costinha on my team when I was in Portugal,” Scolari said. “Costinha gave me everything I needed in a defensive midfielder, and he wasn’t unanimous at his own club either. That’s the criteria I adopt here, how important a player can be for the team.

2018 World Cup was attributed to Russia should not be directed at him.

“Before a World Cup or Olympics is given to a host, there is a meeting of politicians.

We had one here in Zurich.

They influence the voters.

England didn’t get the 2018 World Cup, and since there’s a cold war with FIFA.”

BAYERN Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has ruled out a move for wantaway Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney in the summer, insisting he doesn’t “know what Rooney would bring to the Bundesliga”.

Rooney has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford after a frustrating season for United which saw him shifted into the midfield and omitted from Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting line-up for the crucial clash with Real Madrid in March and left out of the squad altogether for Sunday’s final home game against Swansea.

Although incumbent manager David Moyes praised Rooney earlier this week and suggested he will talk to the England international over his future, Ferguson revealed the 27-yearold has already issued a transfer request.

Bayern were among the possible destinations for Rooney, but Sammer claims there is no validity to speculation that the German champions are chasing the United player.

“I don’t know what Rooney would bring to the Bundesliga,” Sammer said. “I can’t answer that. I can answer that we have great respect for Wayne Rooney but there has been no contact with him. There is no contact and he’s not on the agenda. No, no. Absolutely not.”

Messi Risked Fitness Espanyol and For Barca Valladolid, Malaga, in order to equal an allJORDI Alba says Lionel Messi took risks by playing with a hamstring injury to ensure Barcelona won this season’s La Liga trophy.

Messi has not been 100% fit since injuring a muscle in his right leg during Barca’s 2-2 Champions League quarter-final first leg at Paris Saint-Germain on April 2, but sprang from the bench to score key goals against Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis to keep his side on track for the title.

After further aggravating the injury in last weekend’s 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid, a game played after Barca had been confirmed as champions, the Argentine was ruled out for two to three weeks, suggesting his club season was finally over.

Alba, talking to reporters as he presented a football summer camp for kids in his hometown of Hospitalet de Llobregat near Barcelona, said Messi had been “annoyed” that the injury had not cleared up more quickly and had taken risks when trying to play through it.

“He is the best player in the world,” the full-back said. “It is normal that he got annoyed about his injury, but he took risks to be with the team. When he did not play it was because he could not.

I do not know about ‘Messidependencia’ but he helps a lot. On many occasions we depend on him, but we also have other players who are very good.”

Barca are now focused on winning their last three Primera Division matches, against

time points record set by Real Madrid last season, Alba said.

“There are three games left and we will try and win them,” he said. “We want to equal Madrid’s record and reach 100 points.”

The Blaugrana players celebrated a fourth championship in five seasons with an open-top bus ride through the Barcelona streets on Monday evening, something which Alba said topped off what had been a good season for him personally.

“It was a really nice experience,” he said. “I experienced something similar in Madrid after winning the World Cup, but never at club level. You have a phenomenal time. To sign for Barcelona is maybe the best thing that could have happened to me. We went through difficult moments, but at the end we were able to lift the club to a trophy as important as La Liga.”

Asked about potential new arrivals at the Camp Nou this summer, including Santos attacker Neymar, Alba was diplomatic.

“I do not know if [Neymar] will come or not,” he said. “He is a great player. In Brazil he is showing he is a different type of footballer. But you would have to ask the board. The coaches and directors will reinforce the team where they believe it is needed. The team looks good to me, with a future and a present.”