Nigerian observer 16 07 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • V ol. 39 NO.035 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 16 , 20 14 . N100.00 POLITICAL PLATFORM Page 13

Udom Emmanuel When imposition becomes a virtue

Adamawa Assembly impeaches Governor Nyako

YOLA - The embattled Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako has been impeached by Adamawa State House of Assembly while the House approved resignation of his Deputy, Mr. Bala Ngilari.

Nyako was impeached even as the governor and his deputy were reported to have left Government House ahead of the impeachment. Nyako and

Police nab terror kingpin

By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON (With Agency Reports)

ISSUES Page 18

Winning the war against corruption

his deputy refused to attend the hearing on allegations of financial impropriety against them forcing the committee to seat without them.

The committee submitted the report to the House on Monday making the impeachment inevitable.

There are reports that his Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari resigned earlier to Continues on page 2

ABUJA - The Nigeria Police said its detectives attached to the Bauchi State Command arrested one Mohammed Zakari, 30, a senior member of the Boko Haram sect, even as the Edo State Police Commissioner gave terror prevention tips to Edo residents yesterday.

Notice of the arrest is following a massive contained in a statement onslaught by security against the issued by the Force forces Public Relations Officer, activities of insurgents in ACP Frank Mba, in the Balmo forest in Bauchi State.

Abuja.

It added that Zakari was The statement described Zakari, who arrested on Darazohails from Kaigamari Basrika road while fleeing from intensive counter village, Daptchari in Darazo insurgency operations Local Government Area around the forest.

The statement revealed of Bauchi State as “the self style chief butcher” of that Zakari was tutored in the art of insurgency at the insurgent camp.

The statement alleged Gombe forest under the that he was linked to the leadership of another recent slaughter of fleeing insurgent, Abba seven people, including Taura.

It said that the suspect women and children.

It said that the suspect moved to Balmo forest was arrested on only three months ago.

“He is discovered to Saturday at about 2 p.m,

. Release safety tips

have actively participated in the April attack against customs officers at Kari town, along Maiduguri road, Bauchi State,’’ it said.

Meanwhile, the Police High Command had urged people in the

affected area to be on guard for any suspicious or strange character fleeing from the forest.

Also, poised to remain proactive in fighting terrorism in Nigeria, Edo Police Command has released anti terror and

safety tips to residents of the state.

Also, 46 persons have been apprehended for alleged heinous crimes by the State Police Command.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Mr. Foluso

Adebanjo made this known while briefing journalists at the State Police Headquarters, Benin City, yesterday.

Acquainting the general public of the security hints, the police boss Continues on page 2

FIFA suspension

House moves to save

By EDITH IMOISILI Nigeria

ABUJA -The House of Representatives yesterday unanimously resolved to urge the Minister of Sports Tammy Danagogo and the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Gbenga, Elegbeleye to urgently summon all parties involved in the matter leading to the suspension placed on Nigeria by FIFA.

In a motion by Muhammad Wudil (APC, Kano), the House regrets that the decision, if not reversed would mean that no team or club side from Nigeria can have any international sporting contact with teams or club sides from any other county.

It is also worried that the suspension would deprive Nigeria of

TIT BIT “The man, who goes to the gathering of fools, and remains silent, is the one, who has contributed the most.”

- Kinglsey Ogbeide-Ihama

representation in any regional, continental or international competitions with the immediate impact on the upcoming FIFA U20 women world cup scheduled for 5th – 24th August in Canada.

It will be recalled that FIFA Emergeny Committee on July 9, Continues on page 2

NEWS CONFERENCE: L-R: Ex-Official Civil Liberty Organisation, Mr. Styvn Obodoekwe; Publicity Secretary, Mr. Livingstone Wechie and Financial Secretary, Mr. Mike Gbarale, at a News Conference in Port Harcourt yesterday.

Speaker assures Assembly workers

Promotion/Welfare:

By KEN ABU

BENIN - The Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly Hon. Uyi Igbe has assured Members of Staff in the state assembly that issues bothering on staff promotions, rights and welfare are receiving the desired attention of government.

Hon. Igbe gave the

assurance yesterday at the State House of

Assembly Commission while addressing

members of staff over the temporary relocation

from the Assembly complex to its C o m m i s s i o n headquarters due to the Continues on page 2

BENIN CITY - The Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) has inaugurated the Land Use

Enforcement/Collection Committee, with a charge on members committee to imbibe the spirit of courtesy, diligence,

tolerance and human face while carrying out their assignment.

Chairman of EIRS, Chief (Sir) Oseni

committee, warned against the collection of physical cash.

He said all payments Continues on page 2

Govt inaugurates Land Use Charge EnBy VICTOR OMOLAU Elamah, while forcement C’ttee inaugurating the

News

Speaker assures Assembly workers Continued from page 1 ongoing renovation work at the assembly complex.

He however appealed to the staff to carry on with their statutory work at the commission as frantic efforts were underway to provide

more offices to accommodate all Assembly staff while urging them to shun every attitude capable of leading them to dereliction of duty.

He further disclosed that it is a statutory duty of parliament to fight for the overall interests of members

of the general public through effective legislature.

According to him, the welfare and promotion of staff of the assembly are also being adequately protected by the parliament.

Responding on behalf of the

staff, the Chairman of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Edo State Chapter, Comrade Shugaba Haruna expressed appreciation of members of staff and pledging their unalloyed loyalty and commitment to duty.

Continued from page 1 suspended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) from all football activities alleging government interference in football administration after the NFF was served with court

proceedings and consequently an order preventing the president of the NFF, the NFF Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football was granted by a High Court

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The ban implies that neither NFF nor any of its members or officials would benefit from any FIFA or CAF development programmes, including courses or training

during the period of the suspension with adverse effects on the careers of Nigerian footballers and administrators.

Nigeria has up to July 17 to address the issue after the deadline was extended by two days or risk a total ban the world football body.

are not allowed to drop or abandon bags, boxes, fruit barrows/trollees, articles of trade in cartons or any wrapped or sealed containers in and around their premises.

Mr. Adebanjo however advised sellers of chemicals such as fertilizers, ammonium products, acid etc to be weary of persons that patronize them as they are sensitive binary components of Improvise

Explosive Devices (IEDs).

In case of bomb blast, The commissioner advised residents to avoid the temptation of rushing to the scene of bomb blast as terrorists detonate secondary explosives in order to harm innocent onlookers.

The 46 suspects according to Mr. Adebanjo were nabbed for crimes ranging from

armed robbery, rape, car snatching, kidnapping, defilement to cultism.

He revealed that they were arrested at different spots in Edo State. Arms, ammunition and seven vehicles said to have been recovered from the suspects were also paraded along with them. The COMPOL maintained that the suspects would soon appear in court.

ditch on the Igarra-Auchi road where two reportedly died while a female undergraduate was crushed to death by a fallen submerged wall.

When Our Correspondent visited the area, hundreds of displaced residents were seen wailing and counting their loses while some of them whose houses were merely submerged frantically engaged in cleaning and salvaging of property.

Some of the victims, Mesrres Ekharo Olatunde and Dele Aruna who lost substantial amount of property in the incident appealed to relevant authorities for support to enable them cope.

Chairman of the Council, Mr Joseph Akerejola who after inspection visit to the

victims expressed alarm at the magnitude of the disaster which he said was extensive and beyond the capacity of the local government.

Akerejola appealed to the federal emergency relief agency and its Edo state counterpart to come to the aid of the victims to enable them restart life due to the huge loses.

Also contacted, the Otaru of Igarra, HRH, Oba Emmanuel Adechie Saiki who said he was yet to get details concerning the incident explained that never had the community experienced any such devastating flood since he was born.

He also sent a Save Our Souls plea to Edo state government urging it to visit the area and see for itself with a view to appreciating the magnitude of the disaster for possible assistance to his people.

House moves to save Nigeria

Police nab terror kingpin

Continued from page 1 enjoins landlords to conduct background checks on their tenants while tenants are expected to observe their neighbours always.

He enjoined owners of uncompleted buildings to clear them of undesirable persons and freely request the assistance of security men to do so if need be to avoid such buildings being used as criminal camps.

Community leaders, park, hotel, garrage and shopping mall owners or operators are advised to properly scan vehicles before they are allowed to be parked in their premises as this would prevent explosive devices in their compound.

Churches, mosque, residential and other religious centres have been enjoined to install Close Circuit Television (CCTV) and other surveillance gadgets strategically on their premises to aid monitoring and capturing of criminal activities.

The security tips further maintained that empty containers, gas cylinders, dustbins and other receptacles not in use must be disposed off or kept away from unauthorised persons.

Residents have been told to ensure that unknown persons

Govt inaugurates Land Use Charge Enforcement C’ttee Continued from page 1

should be made through the various designated banks or point of sales (P.O.S) machine, using the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Cards.

While admonishing the team to be persuasive in the course of discharging their duties, Chief Elamah said the committee is also charged with the responsibility of ascertaining the assessment notice previously served on any member of the public.

He urged the committee to always submit monthly report for proper documentation.

Flood kills 4, destroys houses in Igarra

By MORRISON HAYBLE IGARRA - About four perrsons lost their lives while a total of 52 houses were destroyed at Igarra and evirons in Akoko Edo local government area Sunday evening following hours of down pour and its consequent massive flooding that wrecked the locality.

Eye witnesses account said the incident which occurred at about 8pm was aggravated by the high volume of water that emanated from the neighbouring rivers causing them to over flow their banks as the rain intensified.

Other adjoining villages which include Sasaro, Egbigere and Ikakumo also shared the bitter experience with the destruction of some of their houses but without lose of life.

A dramatic incident was said to have unfolded as a commercial vehicle with its occupants were swept into a

Adamawa Assembly impeaches Governor Nyako

Continued from page 1 save himself the embarrassment of impeachment.

Mr. Ngilari’s resignation letter was read at plenary by the Speaker of the Assembly, Umaru Fintiri, after which the lawmakers approved it.

The house sat yesterday amidst high security presence on the road leading to the Assembly and inside the complex. Speaker of the House, Umaru Fintiri will now step in as Acting Governor of the state.

Probe Agric Commissioner, CLO urges Gov Amaechi

By ELIZABETH AGBOEGBULEM

PORT HARCOURT- The Rivers State Branch of the Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, has called on Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, to order a probe of the Commissioner for Agriculture, Emma Chinda, over a hundred million counterpart fund on World Bank project for 2013, which it claimed the commissioner had allegedly embezzled.

The organization in an open statement to Governor Amaechi, signed by its Director of Publicity and Research, Livingstone Wechie, released in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the group alleged that the commissioner has allegedly converted the hundred million naira to himself and failed to remit to FADAMA and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, projects, the sum of fifty million naira each.

The group expressed dismay

that Chinda “has failed to remit to FADAMA and IFAD the sum of fifty million each even after the Accountant-General of Rivers State had in a written instruction dated March 31, authorized Zenith Bank Plc to pay the Ministry of Agriculture in Rivers State the sum of one hundred million naira only for onward remittance to IFAD and FADAMA accounts respectively for the benefit of Rivers people in the agricultural project”.

It noted: “We have been monitoring some activities of MDA’s in Rivers State and the ministry of agric in particular. We feel that the commissioner of agriculture, along with his cotravelers in some of the MDA’s are hell bent on running down Rivers State possibly without the knowledge of the governor, who has made several promises to Rivers people. It follows that if the governor fails to act now, Emma Chinda and his co-conspirators will join in running down Rivers State”.

Akoko-Edo storm victims

Edo Assembly canvasses

By KEN ABU palliatives BENIN CITY- Edo State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution calling on the state government and the state ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to as a matter of urgency provide relief materials and palliative measures to alleviate the plight of the rainstorm victims in Igarra in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

Also called upon by the state Assembly to come to the (SEMA), National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA), Akoko-Edo Local Government Council and other relevant agencies of government Parliament also directed the 18 Local Government Council and the Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities to embark on massive enlightenment programmes on the negative effects of deforestation, including as well as the expected rainfall this year and the need for the people to take precautionary measures to avert possible disaster.

The House urged residents in the state to embark on desilting of drains in front of their houses where applicable, while urging the state government and other relevant agencies to put machineries in motion to ensure that relief materials get to the affected victims of the rainstorm disaster in Akoko- Edo local government area.

The adoption of the resolution is sequel to the consideration of a motion under Matters of urgent public importance brought to the floor of House by Hon. Bamidele Oloruntoba (AkokoEdo 11) on the recent rainstorm disaster that wrecked havoc on the people of Igarra the headquarters of Akoko-Edo local government area.

Presenting the motion, Hon. Oloruntoba stated that the heavy down pour in Igarra on July 13, 2014 has left devastating effects on the people, including the death of three persons and the destruction of over 50 houses.

He noted that the disaster has inflicted great pains on the people, while urging the House to assist him in ensuring that succour is provided to the affected victims.

Olorumtoba noted that it is the statutory responsibility of government to provide for the needs of the people.

In their various contributions, other lawmakers, while empathizing with the people of Igarra, emphasized the need for government at all levels to embark on massive enlightenment on the importance of afforestation, stressing that it will go a long way to address the issue of rainstorm disaster in the state.

They urged the various tiers of government to embark on tree planting exercise, urging that relief materials be immediately sent to affected persons.

Meanwhile, at yesterday’s plenary, the House also adopted a resolution directing the state task force on Forestry to release the truck and sum fitches of wood intercepted by the committee to one, Mr. Ifeanyi since there was transaction approval from the relevant ministry.

The lawmakers urged the committee to refund the N144,000 and three cell phones or its monetary equivalent to Mr. Ifeanyi and his men and urged the State Ministry of Environment to handle its activities with human face and ensure that one Mr. Don Ehigiator and other over zealous staff are queried and sanctioned according over their manner of operation.

The adoption of the resolution is sequel to the consideration of the report of the House Standing Committee on Environment and Public Utilities on a petition titled “Display of act of Brigandages, Terrorism and Robbery” that men of the task force on Forestry under Major Lawrence Loye, (Rtd) Mr. Don Ehigiator, Dr. O.S. Ikponwonba and Mr. Omoregie (Deputy Director) seized a blue Iveco truck with registration no FUG 151 SA conveying from Uhiere in Ovia North East Local Government Area in Edo State to Onitsha in Anambra State.

Senate passes FCT, NDDC 2014 Appropriation

By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - Senate of the Federal Republic yesterday, passed the Federal Capital Territory 2014 Appropriation Bill of N271 billion for the 2014 fiscal year.

A breakdown shows that out of the total approval of N271 billion, N161.8 billion was allocated for capital expenditure while N49.2 billion and N60.37 billion was allocated for personnel cost and overhead cost respectively.

Highlights of the budget include the allocation of N31 billion for transport sector, N6 billion for security, N5 billion for education amongst others.

The Senate yesterday approved the sum of N322.6 billion as 2014 appropriation for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) The Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta,

Sen. James Manager said the 2014 budget of the NDDC was based on a revenue projection of N322.6 billion out of which N295.051billion is for development projects.

The total recurrent expenditure for 2014 is estimated at N25.268 billion representing 7.83 per cent of the total revenue of N322.6 billion while non-project capital expenditure is N2.28 billion.

In 2013, development projects were allocated N286.45 billion, while the total recurrent expenditure was N26.97 billion.

Also the 2014 appropriation for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) were approved by the Senate.

A total sum of N52.5 billion was passed as NCC budget for 2014 and N14.5 billion was approved for the (USPF) as their 2014 appropriation.

Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu’s 57th Birthday Anniversary In Pix (2)

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1. Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr Pius Egberanmwen Odubu (2nd right) with his wife, Deaconess Endurance (middle) and flanked by guests at a ceremony to mark the birthday anniversary in Benin City.

2. Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu with his wife, Deaconess Endurance bearing the offertory bowl during a Special thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel, Benin City.

3. Wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Deaconess Endurance Odubu (middle) with friends and relations cutting the birthday anniversary cake of her husband and Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu at a ceremony in Benin City.

4. Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu (9th left) in a group photograph with members of the State College of Permanent Secretaries who were in his office to felicitate with him.

5. Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu with his wife (3rd right) in a group photograph with members of Conference of Local Government Vice Chairmen, Edo State on the occasion.

6. Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu (10th right), his wife Deaconess Endurance (8th right) in a group photograph with guests and officiating priest at the Government House Chapel, Rev’d Father Andrew Obinyan (6 th left) at a special thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel.

7. Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu (3rd left) receiving a birthday greeting card from the Chairman of the Correspondent’s Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Mr. Simon Ebegbulen (2nd right) who led members of the chapel to felicitate with the deputy governor on the occasion. With them are Patrick Ochoga (left) Aliu Ozoriuva, Cajetan Amuta right and Patrick Ebojele.

Photos: MOSES OBOH

News Derivation: Uduaghan Charges Confab Delegates

BY BETTY IDIALU WARRI (DELTA) - Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has commended the mature disposition of delegates at the ongoing National Conference in handling the contentious issue of derivation but however appealed to them to work towards a compromise position that would be acceptable to all parts of the country.

Dr. Uduaghan noted that the oil producing states had pushed for “resource control that is 100 per cent but as we

also know that we are all Nigerians; so, there must be give and take.”

He revealed that there were some interactions between some of the governors from the oil producing states and their representatives where they shifted grounds to between 18 and 25 percent.

The governor observed that despite the controversy which the issue has generated at the conference, the delegates have displayed high sense of maturity in dealing with the matter.

“The people are all mature persons. I must commend

On Compromise

them because it has not resorted to violence. There are negotiations going on and that

is what it should be, give and take ...we meet at a point that is convenient for all of us. I

think that is where they are going to.

“I just think we should allow the negotiations to continue. It is good. It is good for us as a country. It is good

for democracy that we are on the same table negotiating.

“At the end of the day, we must realise that we are in the same country.”

Anglican Diocese Ordains Priests, Deacons, Others

By OSE EHEBHA EKPOMA-The Diocese of Esan, Anglican Communion has held it’s Trinity Ordination during which new priests, deacons, evangelists and lay readers were ordained.

The event which held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Idumebo-Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State featured the ordination of three priests, three deacons, 18 evangelists and nine lay readers.

Those ordained priests include Barnabes Ijiehon, Godfrey Imodeme and God’s Power Evru, while Joel Oseghale, Osamudiamen Obor and Andrew Omokhagbo were made deacons.

Among those ordained evangelists included wives of three clergymen, Mrs. Susan Isibor, Chioma Imarhiagbe and Ken-Uyi Okhifoh.

Speaking after performing the ordination, the Archbishop of Bendel Province and Diocesan Bishop of Esan, The Most Rev’d Friday Imaekhai, advised them to be worthy ambassadors of the gospel and faithful defenders of the word and sacraments.

Archbishop Imaekaih similarly admonished them to be wary of pitfalls of the devil,

noting that the temptations of Jesus Christ were still very much around.

“I advice them to be worthy ambassadors of the gospel and know that there is no crown without a cross. They should be faithful defender of the word and sacraments so that the people will be enriched by their ministrations”, he said.

He consequently warned them never to resign themselves to the pursuit of wealth at all cost, just as he urged them to avoid common sins that are capable of reducing their integrity.

Delivering the ordination sermon earlier, Venerable Andre Isibor urged the ordained ministers to be sure of their callings, warning them of the lethal consequence going into pastoral work without God’s invitation.

Isibor equally told them to expect persecution in the process of carrying out their pastoral assignments, but admonished them never to compromise their faith, as God expects them to be above reproach in all situations.

He congratulated them on their ordination, and assured them that God who called them will always provide them with the grace to succeed in their assignments.

Hon. Adjoto Kabiru, Chairman, Edo State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Youth and Sports (right) addressing the press while the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Victor Edoror looks on. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

Imongan For Burial July 17

Member representing Akoko-Edo Constituency (1) in Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adjoto Kabiru moving a motion on the floor of the house recently.

Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

2015: Ogoni Justifies Quest For Rivers Governorship

By ELIZABETH AGBOEGBULEM PORT HARCOURT- The People of Ogoni Ethnic Nationality in Rivers State have justified their demand for Governorship in 2015 while commending the leadership and developmental strides of Governor Chibuike Amaechi in Ogoniland.

They made their position known in a communiqué issued at the end of a one-day Mini Congress of Ogoni Ethnic Nationality, organised by the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers at Saakpenwa, Headquarters of Tai Local Government Area of the State.

The Ogonis also decried the

delay in the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland, by the Federal Government, almost three years after it was released.

The communiqué, which was signed by the President of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, King Godwin Gininwa; a delegate to the ongoing National Conference, Justice Peter Akere; the Gberemene Gokana Kingdom, King Barnabas Bagia; Gbenemene Babbe Kingdom, King Frank Noryaa; the paramount ruler of Ogale Clan in Eleme, Chief Godwin Bebe-Okpabi, representatives of MOSOP, KAGOTE, and Women,

demanded the immediate implementation of the report.

According to the communiqué,that the Ogoni people as a distinct and one of the largest ethnic Nationality in Rivers State are very peaceful and have contributed tremendously to the growth and development of Rivers State and Nigeria through its natural resources and human capital; “That despite our huge contributions to the peace and sustenance of Rivers state and Nigeria, we have been deliberately oppressed, neglected and marginalized socially, politically, economically and otherwise; “That we are deeply

troubled by the delay in the implementation of UNEP Report by the Federal Government of Nigeria almost three years after it was released, and therefore passionately demand immediate implementation of the Report; “That our agitation to produce Governor in 2015 is justifiable, we therefore seek the understanding, cooperation and support of other ethnic nationalities in Rivers State in the spirit of justice and reciprocation of Ogonis previous support to others; “Having met all the requirements for creation of a State, which include economic viability and

enormous capacity of statehood, we insist on the inclusion of Bori State among states to be recommended for creation; “That we commend the developmental strides of the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi in Ogoniland and urge our people to remain united and resolute in the actualization of the quest for social, political and economic advancement; “The forum expressed deep concern over the sacking of Ekporo Community in Eleme Local Government Area, and therefore called on the Government and other relevant agencies to wade into the issue with the urgency it requires.

BENIN CITY - The family of Imongan of Ivbieleke, Okpuje – Luleha in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo state has released the programme for the burial ceremony of late Mr. Friday Imongan, a retired police officer who died on June 9, 2014 at the age of 68 years.

A statement signed by Dr Wilson Imongan for the family indicated that the ceremony will commence tomorrow, Thursday July 17, 2014 with a service of songs at the deceased residence, No 16 Ekiomado street, off S and T Barracks Road, opposites Uselu market, Uselu, Benin City, beginning at 4 pm.

On Friday July 18, at 10am, the remains will be taken from the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Okpiye-luleha and a lying –in – state at his residence.

At 8pm till dawn, there will be Christian/social wake, followed by interment at his residence on Saturday July 19, 2014. at 5am.

The burial ceremony will climax on Sunday July 20, 2014 with a thanksgiving service at the Baptist church Ivbieleke, Okpuye-Luleha.

Late Mr. Friday Imongan

News

Confab Adjourns Plenary To Aug 4

By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - The plenary session of the National Conference drew to a close Monday following completion of debate and adoption of resolutions arising from reports of 20 committees that considered critical issues arising from the convocation of the Conference.

Conference Chairman and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi, said the next plenary session would be on August 4, 2014 when delegates would reassemble to consider and approve the final reports of the Conference for presentation to

the Federal Government.

Specifically, the Conference formally adopted the Report of the Committee on Devolution of Power but without conclusive decision on the vital issue of derivation principle and what percentage should be paid mineral producing areas.

After days of fruitless discussion by leaders of geopolitical zones at the Conference, Justice Kutigi and other principal officers of the Conference met with selected leaders of delegations to the Conference; co-chairmen, chairmen and deputy chairmen of all the Standing Committees to decide

on the matter.

The first meeting scheduled for Friday last week did not hold as most of the selected delegates scheduled had already concluded their travel plans in view of the imminent closure of Abuja airport that Friday afternoon for maintenance work on the runway.

As soon as the Conference resumed on Monday, Justice Kutigi said: “I’m still of the view that the Committee that is handling the matter of coming to a compromise will still do their job.

“We couldn’t have the meeting on Friday. So, I am proposing that we give them two hours to meet

L-R: His Royal Majesty, King Godwin Gininwa of Gbenemene Tai Kingdom; Chairman of the occasion, Justice Peter Akere (Rtd) and Sen. Magnus Abe at a Mini-Congress of Ogoni Ethnic Nationalities organised by the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers of Ogoni at Tai Local Government Area of Rivers at the weekend.

with us.” He then invited the “Fifty Wise Men, Committees Co-chairmen, Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen to meet now in our usual place.”

After five hours of close-door deliberation with the leadership of the Conference, both the southern and the northern delegates refused to agree on some of the issues thrown up in the initial meetings of some regional leaders.

From the presentations of the leaders, three issues were raised during their discussions.

The issues were: 18 per cent derivation for mineral producing area, five per cent for the development of solid minerals and five per cent for the reconstruction of states in the northern region ravaged by insurgency and internal conflicts.

The last seemed to have been the point of controversy as some of the leaders insisted that the intervention fund should be for the entire country where such was required.

The issue split the delegates along the north/south divide, but during meeting between the selected delegates and principal officers, it was suggested that since there are other areas that funds are being allocated from the Federation Account outside the issues being considered, it would be proper to have a technical committee to take a

global look at the revenue allocation framework and determine the appropriate percentages on the three issues under consideration and advise government accordingly.

However, before endorsing that decision, the meeting had critically examined the issues in contention and recognized the need to review the percentage of revenue allocation to oil producing states including those producing other resources; to reconstruct and rehabilitate areas affected by problems of insurgency and internal conflicts; and the diversification of the economy by fast tracking the development of solid minerals.

Conference chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi then conveyed the decision of the leaders to delegates at resumption of plenary.

Although some delegates kicked against the decision lamenting the irreconcilable positions of the delegates from both sides, majority of them agreed that the decision was not just a compromise position but a reasonable one in view of the technical nature of the revenue allocation infrastructure.

As delegates started reopening debate on the issue, the chairman declared, in line with the Rules of Procedure that having adopted the report of the

Committee, “this effectively brings us to the end of this debate.”

The Resolution reached at the meeting of the leaders and principal officers of the Conference reads thus: Having critically examined the issues in contention, Conference recognizes the need to: * Review the percentage of revenue to states producing oil (and other resources); * Reconstruct and rehabilitate areas affected by problems of insurgency and internal conflicts; and * Diversify the Nigerian economy by fast tracking the development of the solid minerals sector.

The Conference also notes that assigning percentages for the increase in derivation principle, and setting up Special Intervention funds to address issues of reconstruction and rehabilitation of areas ravaged by insurgency and internal conflicts as well as solid minerals development, require some technical details and considerations.

Conference therefore recommends that Government should set up Technical Committee to determine the appropriate percentages on the three issues and advise government accordingly.

APC Petition

We’re Ready, Says Ekiti REC

By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ekiti State, Halilu Pai, has expressed readiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission to defend the June 21 governorship election at the tribunal.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has submitted a petition challenging the results of the election won by the Peoples

Democratic Party’s candidate, Mr. Ayo Fayose, before the Ekiti Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ado-Ekiti.

INEC declared Fayose winner of the election ahead of the incumbent governor and APC candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, after polling 203,090 votes to 120,433.

The APC alleged that the election was manipulated using federal might in favour of the

Princess Felicia Omeka Dies At 59

THE family of Prince Jacob Evbounu of Uhunmwode Local

Late Princess Felicia Omeka

Government Area of Edo State has announced the death of their daughter, late Princess Felicia Omeka, aged 59 years.

Until her death, she was survived by husband, children and family relatives.

A relatives signed by the family and made available to newsman in Benin City, said body of the late princess Felicia Omeka leaves central hospital, Benin City Friday July 25, 2014 for Urhronigbe Village square in Uhunmwode Local Government Area for the burial rites.

PDP. Pai said the election petition filed by the APC was in line with the dictate of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended.

The Commission’s Public Relations Officer in Ekiti, Taiwo Gbadegesin, insisted that Fayose won the election gallantly.

“The candidate declared by INEC won the election gallantly having fulfilled all the laid down provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, during the election.

Any aggrieved Party or candidate who wishes to challenge the outcome is equally free to do so within the ambit of the same enabling instrument.

Election and Petition are collocational and we are always at alert after every election to receive such because no matter the effort and resources you put to electoral process, we have not developed to the level of accepting defeat without litigation.

We are prepared for them and after we are served, we will have to perfect our papers and get ready to defend our action in Court”, he continued.

Participants at the mini-congress of Ogoni Ethnic Nationalities organised by the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers of Ogoni at Tai Local Government Area of Rivers at the weekend.

Ekiti Scenerio Can’t Play Out In Edo - Ex-Party Officer

2016:

By RICHARD EWEKA BENIN CITY – A Former Treasurer of the Defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), U.K. Chapter, Mr. Tobi Idaomi said the result of the election in Ekiti State which favoured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is never a threat to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State, saying the performance of the Governor Adams Oshiomhole will give victory to the party in the 2016 general election.

In a chat with newsmen in Benin City, Idaomi said what

happened in Ekiti State can not happen here in Edo State because of the developmental achievement of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s led administration.

“Oshiomhole has shown the electorate the way, he has brought us out from darkness and 1 am very sure no one wants to remain in darkness as only APC is the answer.

“When you look at what played out in Ekiti State, you will see mighty hands of godfathers from the Federal Government dictating the pace in that election, but this can not happen here

because Oshiomhole has put an end to godfatherism in the state”, he said.

Mr. Idaomi said Oshiomhole is a grassroot politician and always at home with the people and as such, will be supported by all.

He called on all APC faithful and all electorate and citizens of the state that love development to continue to support the governor now and even during the election to elect a credible leader that will have the zeal and the love of the people to continue developing Edo State.

Across the Nation Obi Advises Against Advert Placement On His Birthday

L-R: Managing Director Olam Rice Nigeria, Mr. Srivatsan, Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-makura, President Goodluck Jonathan and Agric Minister, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina at the commissioning of Olam Rice Farm Nigeria at Rukubi Nasarawa State on Monday.

NSCDC Advocates Intelligence Sharing Centre KATSINA - Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Katsina, has urged the State Government to create a centre for sharing intelligence information by security agencies.

Musa made the call in Katsina at the opening of one-day security summit.

The summit was organised by the command to address the security challenges facing the country.

The theme of the summit was: “Synergy for proactive security

measures in Katsina state as a means of ensuring effective security coverage’’.

He said establishing the centre was necessary to bust effective collaboration among the security agencies in tackling security challenges threatening the country.

According to him, it is only when security agencies and other stakeholders work together that the desired peace would be maintained.

He also called for more support from the state government and

other stakeholders in the area of logistics and infrastructure to security agencies.

Musa also urged politicians to stop using thugs during political rallies and elections as the local government election in the state approached.

He also urged the media to intensify enlightenment campaigns on the need for the general public to be more security conscious and continue to assist security agencies with useful information on suspicious movements and objects.

AWKA -The immediate past governor of Anambra, Mr Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians not to place adverts for him in the media as he turns 53 on July 19.

Obi made the call when he spoke with newsmen in Awka.

He said the current situation in Nigeria calls for sacrifice by all citizens rather than engaging in what he called “epicurean indulgence” whether under the pretence of celebrating birthdays or other unnecessary occasions.

“When I look around, I notice that Nigerians celebrate for the wrong reasons. As the governor of Anambra, I celebrated excellence, not birthdays and related events that do not add value to our lives.

“Today, when you look around, you see Nigerians going to India for medical treatment but if you relate to the people, you will see that some Nigerians do not even have money to visit ordinary patent medicine dealers.

“We have a lot of poor people around us and I tried as much as I can to touch such lives, whether as a governor or not.

“As I am about to turn 53, may I appeal to Nigerians most of whom have already informed me of their intention to place adverts for me that I do not need that.

“I am happier if they utilise the money for adverts in helping the poor among us and rebuilding schools in their communities,” Obi said.

When reporters asked him what he would do on July 19 his birthday, Obi said: “It would be a day of reflection.

“A day I will ask how much of what God has blessed me with I have deployed to advance the cause of humanity.

“All I need from Nigerians, including journalists that day is to pray for me for God to

State Creation Will Quell Marginalisation Cry In South East - Cleric OWERRE -Ezukala (Anambra) The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, The Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has said that the proposed creation of states would quell the cry of marginalisation in the SouthEast geopolitical zone.

Ezeokafor made the remark during a pastoral visit to St.

Nigeria To Become Africa’s Largest Rice Exporter

RUKUBI - (Nasarawa State) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has projected that Nigeria would become Africa’s largest exporter of rice in five years.

Adesina made the statement during the inaugural ceremony of the 105,000tonne capacity Olam Rice Mill in Rukubi, Nasarawa State.

He said that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the private sector, was determined to make the country a net exporter of rice.

He said that the era of being the largest rice importer in the world would soon end.

“We will become the largest rice exporter from Africa into the global rice market.”

Adesina said that rice production and processing had attracted over one billion dollars of private investment.

This, he said, would not only position the country for wealth generation but also create employment for the teeming youths.

We have been able to attract over one billion dollars of private sector investors into commercial rice farming and processing.

“One of our investors expanded their investment in commercial rice farms and milling from 300 million dollars to one billion dollars – and that is just one investor.

“We are closing Nigeria’s rice milling capacity gap.”

Adesina attributed the ongoing revolution in rice to the immense support of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

He said that additional seven million tonnes of paddy rice had been produced since 2011.

In his speech, Olam Country Chairman, Mr Mukul Mathur, explained that the company is a Singaporean agro company that has been in Nigeria since 1989.

He said that in 2011, the company established 10,000 hectares of rice farm out of which 3,000 had been cultivated in Rukubi.

Mathur said Olam had the

largest farm on the continent and had employed about 2,500 women and youths

across the country.

He said the investment in the state was made possible by

grant us all, especially President Goodluck Jonathan, the wisdom to lead his people aright.’’

Obi, who looked happy and fulfilled, said he used the better part of his time now trying to raise money from organisations to assist the church to institute microcredit scheme for the poor through grants to bishops for loan revolving scheme.

He said: “So far, I have raised over N25 million and have also disbursed same to some Catholic, Anglican and Methodist Dioceses in the state.

“I will even double my efforts because such gestures guarantee us genuine happiness,” he said.

the friendly policies of the Jonathan administration.

The country chairman recalled that in the last three years, the company had invested over a 100 million dollars in Nasarawa State.

President Goodluck Jonathan inspecting some bags of harvested rice at the Olam Rice Nigeria at the commissioning of the Rice company at Rukubi Nasarawa State on Monday.

Patrick Catholic Church, Owerre-Ezukala in Orumba South local government area of Anambra to mark the silver jubilee celebration of the parish.

According to him, the cry of marginalisation by the people of the South East was fuelled partly by the lesser number of states in the zone compared to other zones.

“The larger the population of the people, the more need there is for state creation. The more states we have, the more we can cut down on ethnic differences and problems,” Ezeokafor said.

He commended the delegates to the ongoing National Conference for approving the creation of more states in the country.

Ezeokafor also called for amnesty to members of Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM).

“In as much as I am not in support of the attempt by BZM members to forcefully seize a radio station in Enugu, they are still not the main threat to country’s unity.

“I do not support their style of killing or trying to seize a radio station forcefully, but I also believe that it is their right to ask for anything they desire.

“The biggest headache of Nigeria is the Boko Haram sect, and I think the Federal Government should channel more energy into fighting them,” he said.

Lagos JAMB Insists On Computer Based UTME

LAGOS - The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said it would not go back on its decision to make the 2015 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) entirely computerbased.

The JAMB Registrar, Prof.

Dibu Ojerinde, said this in an interview with newsmen.

Ojerinde spoke to newsmen on the sideline of a three-day National Conference on Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) Education.

The conference was organised by the Department of Science and Technology Education, University of Lagos, with the theme: “Application of New Technologies in Science, Technology and Mathematics Education”.

According to the registrar, there is no going back on the proposed Computer-Based Test (CBT) for all UTME candidates in 2015.

“Preparations are on top gear to ensure that the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is successful.

“I want to assure the public that we are working round the clock to ensure that we record

huge success during our 2015 all computer-based test.

“We are creating more centres nationwide in addition to the existing ones.

“This is to ensure a successful migration into the CBT mode, and ensure that prospective candidates are carried along,’’ he told newsmen.

The registrar said that JAMB was looking forward to having about 1.6 million prospective candidates for the examination nationwide in 2015.

“These include the visually impaired, who we have also taken into consideration as we prepare for the examination,” he said.

Ojerinde said that there would be a slight shift in the date for the examination in view of the 2015 general elections.

According to him, the examination may come up in March instead of April.

Ojerinde advised prospective candidates not to register at cyber cafes to avoid problems.

He said that the 156 centres approved for the UTME nationwide would henceforth serve as registration points for the examination.

The registrar said that this

would minimise “the atrocities being perpetrated by operators of unapproved café’’.

Earlier, in his keynote address at the conference, Ojerinde said that the board had introduced innovative assessment practices in line with best practices.

He said that JAMB had

become a pace-setter in the application of technology, but noted that the CBT administration as a paperless test mode was not without challenges.

“The board has faced the challenge of having skeptics in the system.

“Lots of stakeholders cannot fathom how the technology will work, given the challenges of erratic power supply and lack of electricity in some rural areas.”

Earlier, Uju Esiobu, the Acting Head, Department of Science and Technology Education of the University of

Lagos, said that the conference was organised to discuss ways ICT could be used in transforming STM education.

Esiobu said that it would also provide a forum for researchers and policy makers to share and transmit ideas, research results and practical experiences on the use of ICT.

L-R: Lagos Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos and Chairman, Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Mr. Afolabi Issa, at the 2014 Tree Planting in Lagos recently.

Lagos Plants 5 Million Trees, Creates 75,168 Jobs LAGOS - The Lagos State Government has said that it planted no fewer than five million trees and created about 75,168 jobs in the last seven years.

Governor Babatunde Fashola gave the figures while inaugurating the state’s 2014 Tree-Planting Campaign in Ajah, Lagos.

He said that tree-planting was part of the state ‘s strategies to prevent flooding and mitigate the negative impacts of global warming.

“It is an incontestable fact that the global environment has been ravaged by eco-degradation leading to climate change.

“This results from the

cumulative effects of years of environmental negligence.

“Trees are known to make a huge impact in the fight against environmental problems including global warming.

“We have thought it expedient to put in our best efforts to rehabilitate the environment through our tree-planting programmes .

“When we launched the programme in 2008 ,our target was to plant one million trees in 10 years. “ But we have now planted over five million trees in seven years, which is a feat of 60 years achieved in just seven years,’’ he said.

Fashola said that the planting

of trees and other government’s greening initiatives had enhanced the aesthetics of the environment and created economic benefits for residents.

The governor said that the initiatives had created no fewer than 75,168 jobs, adding that the greening of open spaces at Ijora Causeway, Outer Marina ,Oba Akran Road and others had

transformed the environment.

Fashola said that he was glad that residents were already making tree-planting a lifestyle and that had appreciated the value of government’s greening initiative.

He urged them to continue to plant trees and protect the ones already planted for the sake of

BADAGRY (LAGOS STATE) – Mr. Huntonyon Bamgbose, the Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, has warned that cutting of trees would be punished.

Bamgbose gave the warning at

the Suntan Beach in Badagry at the 2014 Annual Lagos State TreePlanting Campaign.

“Cutting down trees is punishable under the law; violators shall be prosecuted according to the law,” he said.

their wellbeing and the environment.

Earlier, Mr Tunji Bello, the state Commissioner for the Environment, said that the 2014 tree-planting with the theme: “Life is Better with Trees“, took place in six ceremonial sites across the state.

He listed the areas as Ajah, Beckley Ojokoro, Apple Junction

in Amuwo Odofin, King‘s College on Victoria Island ,Gbagada General Hospital and Ikeja High Court.

Bello said that the essence of the exercise was to inculcate the tree-planting culture in the state with a view to improving and protecting the environment.

Badagry Council To Prosecute Tree Cutters He noted that cutting tree affects the eco- system.

“People should cultivate the habit of planting tree and desist from cutting trees.

“Since this place is a rural area, there are many fetish beliefs attached to trees; so, in some cases, people see trees as dangerous.

“They attach spiritual problems to some particular trees and they

believe that the best way to get rid of the problem is by cutting down the trees.

“They should know that trees help the environment in so many ways.

“We have been carrying out various enlightenment programmes on the importance of trees.”

Insolvency Practitioner’s

Financial Expert Seeks Regulatory Framework

Igbosere Magistrates’ Court under lock and key due to ongoing strike by Judiciary Workers in Lagos recently.

LAGOS - A financial expert, Mr. Bamidele Odunowo, urged the Federal Government to develop a framework to regulate activities of insolvency practitioners to reduce collapse of small businesses.

Odunowo, the President, Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN), made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

He said that about 40 per cent

of small businesses in the country went into extinction in the first three years of existence due to bankruptcy and poor credit system.

“There are so many businesses that are failing in this country on an annual basis, and we do not have insolvency regulation that can bring them back.

“When businesses fail, there should be a fresh start procedure or policy for them to pick up, especially if they are viable businesses.

Across The Nation

Change Of Passport Data Only At Hqts ABUJA - The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has said that all passport issues related to change of data should be directed to its headquarters to prevent abuse of the law.

Mr Chukwuemeka Obua, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the service, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

Obua explained that the policy was designed by the service to prevent dubious and mischievous persons from taking undue

advantage of the law to change their data information.

He noted that the service had observed that some members of the public were frequenting state offices demanding to change data information like name and age in their passports.

“It is suspected that women under the guise of marriage also take advantage of the law to change other information on their passport like age so as to suit a different purpose.

“Some persons go to state

ABUJA - The DirectorGeneral, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Mohammad Sani-Sidi, has called for greater cooperation among responders in emergency response and mitigation in the country.

Sani-Sidi made the call at a one-day ‘After action’ review meeting of stakeholders that responded to the Nyanya and EMAB Plaza bomb explosions in the FCT. He urged the stakeholders to be patriotic in providing solutions to emergency response and mitigation in the country.

The director-general, who said that the impact of the incidents could not be quantified, also said it had created constant fear and apprehension on the citizenry.

“It is a fact that terrorism is a global phenomenon and we have had our share of its destructive impact.

“We have a great responsibility to either fight it collectively to a standstill or allow it to destroy us as it has done in other parts of the world,’’ Sani-Sidi said.

He said the country’s quest for development and nationhood could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and respect for human dignity.

The Head of Search and Rescue, NEMA Abuja Operations Office, Mr Labaran Ahman, stressed the need for improved coordination in the roles played by responders during emergencies.

Presenting a paper on ‘the Role of First Responders in Mass Casualty Incident Resulting from the use of Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs)’, Ahman identified the Police as the lead agency.

Ahman said the police and Fire Service should be activated simultaneously if explosions occur.

“Disaster Response Units (DRU’s) of the Armed Forces should be activated when the incident overwhelms the capacity of civil response stakeholders.

“The Police Bomb Disposal

Unit or counter terror unit is to declare the incident area safe for rescue workers to access,’’ he said.

He gave the role of first responders during search and rescue operations in cases of fire and flooding as the fire service while the Federal Road Safety Commission should handle road crashes.

He said the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency should lead rescue operations in the event of marinebase disasters.

“In event of aviation accidents, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority should coordinate emergency response,’’ Ahman said.

NEMA Solicits Cooperating Among Rescue Responders

offices more than twice a year to change their age with the excuse that they previously gave a wrong age or their parents just informed them of their real age.

“The service knows that whenever an individual’s data is altered, his or her identity is affected which is a very sensitive issue, therefore, only the headquarters can resolve all matters related to that,” said Obua.

He said the service adopted the policy in 2006 when the epassport was introduced to prevent undue alterations on the passport and reduce cases of stolen or transfer of passport between siblings or friends.

Obua said that to make the Nigerian passport internationally acceptable, the e-passport was introduced with enhanced security features concerning picture and thumb print to make it exclusive to the individual.

“The e-passport is gender friendly, forestalls identity theft, the pages in the passport is now 64 instead of 32 to accommodate frequent travellers, the e-passport also takes care of low income earners and the aged.

“With its enhanced security feature, if you are caught with a passport and your thumb print does not match that on the passport, it is assumed you stole it, therefore, you will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

However, Obua said that other passport related issues like obtaining an e-passport, e-

passport renewal and replacement of stolen passport could be addressed by the state offices of the service.

But an applicant told newsmen on condition of anonymity that the policy did not consider the safety of the public as people had to travel far distances to resolve

- Immigration

such complaints.

The applicant observed that the cost of transportation was most times more than the cost of resolving the complaints, wondering if the state offices

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State acknowledging cheers during the inaugural flight to Dutse International Airport on Monday.

I Have Always Been Guided

By Fairness -Chidoka

ABUJA - Mr Osita Chidoka, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), said that he had always been guided by “fairness’’ in running the affairs of the commission in the last seven years.

L-R: NYSC Director-General, Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi; representative of the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Jones Afolabi and acting Editor-In-Chief, Mr. Lawal Ado during the visit of the Director-General to NAN headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

Chidoka made the remark when three newly promoted Deputy Corps Marshals and 15 Assistant Corps Marshals were decorated with their new rank.

He identified injustice as the root cause of all problems facing societies and violent reactionary movements in the world, saying that no system could thrive on injustice.

“In my time here as corps marshal, one word has always guided me – fairness that is why I sleep well.

“I have consistently remained true to my belief, true to the rules of the FRSC; I have also remained firmly committed to the promotion of the concept of fairness.

“The root of all problems in the world, the root of all violence reactionary movement in the world is injustice.

“Once there is injustice, there is no way the system can thrive,’’ he said.

65,000 Chinese Nationals In Nigeria - Envoy LAGOS - The ConsulGeneral of the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, Mr Liu Kan, has said that there were presently more than 65,000 Chinese nationals living and working in Nigeria.

Liu told newsmen in Lagos that the increasing number was an indication of the growing interest of Chinese investors and citizens in Nigeria.

“Today, more than 65,000

Chinese citizens live and work in different parts of Nigeria.

“Presently, hundreds of Chinese State-owned and Private enterprises are investing and creating employment opportunities for Nigerians.

“This is a solid evidence that the strategic partnership between China and Nigeria is deepening more and more by the day,’’ he said.

were incompetent or unreliable to handle the policy at that level.

The source advised the service to review the implementation strategy of the policy to allow states resolve such issues.

The consul-general also said that there was a growing cooperation between both countries in the areas of politics, economy, infrastructure, agriculture, communication, education and cultural exchanges.

Liu said that the visit of the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Nigeria in May, this year, had consolidated relations between the two countries.

The envoy said that the Premier’s visit had afforded both countries the opportunity to further strengthen relations in their areas of cooperation.

“The Premier’s visit has today injected fresh energy in the bilateral relations between our two nations.

“We hope to witness a better future in the growing relations and cooperation between our two nations,’’ he added.

The corps marshal maintained that with justice and fairness, losers would always accept results in a competition.

Chidoka urged the newly promoted senior officers to discharge their responsibilities in line with the commission’s regulations, maintain discipline and stick to the FRSC “quality manual’’.

He also advised them to sustain one of the guiding philosophies of the commission – documentation of systems and processes.

“The process that you have gone through for the promotion is carefully documented, it is well written down.

“You that have benefited from an open system should continue to strive, work hard for the system to continue to be open, honest and fair to all concerned,’’ he urged.

Reports state that one of the three newly promoted deputy corps marshal, is Ms Ojeme Ewhrudjakpor, the first female to attain the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal since the establishment of the FRSC in 1988.

Mr Jonas Agwu, the Corps Public Education Officer, is among the 15 newly promoted assistant corps marshals.

He was appointed to that position in 2012.

Responding on behalf of the officers, Ewhrudjakpor pledged their commitment and dedication to duty.

Abuja Boko Haram: Army Re-

ceives New Weapons

By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah yesterday disclosed that the Nigerian Army was getting new equipment that will enable it fight against terrorism and combat the Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

He insisted that the Army is making progress in its counterterrorism campaign, adding that Nigerians must be patient with the service.

Minimah said this while fielding questions from journalists in Abuja, shortly after declaring open the ‘Chief of Army Staff, Third Quarter Conference 2014,’ comprising Commanders of Army Formations, Department and Units.

“Yes! We have equipment, and the federal government is also introducing fresh and newer equipment to us, which will soon be home.

The Nigerian Army is performing and I also know the expectation of the Nigerian citizens, the expectations is rather

too in haste, we need some time, we need patience, we are fighting terrorism, we are not fighting a conventional war,” he noted.

The COAS said the Army was aware that some soldiers were deserting at the war front, but noted that “desertion is part of warfare; we must accept that since the Carthaginian wars, soldiers have deserted from battle field.”

He explained that the Army had commenced recruitment of new intakes and many individuals who wanted their wards to join the service had been reaching out to the Army.

Minimah said, “We are doing our recruitment now, we are also receiving persuasions from people who want their wards enlisted in the army.

“Now if we don’t have a thorough recruitment, mind you, there is high level of unemployment on ground, most people want jobs, if that job means joining the army, fine!, it’s a source of employment, but when the reality of military service comes, he drops his rifle and runs away”, he added.

Minimah, while referring to the

recent mutiny in Maiduguri and the reported destruction of properties in Lagos by soldiers, charged commanders to put all measure in place to check acts of indiscipline, misconduct and unprofessional conduct by troops under their command.

He stated that he had put in place measures to enhance the capabilities of troops through improved training, equipment repairs, and attention to their welfare and motivation.

“These efforts should be replicated by Commanders at all levels, supported by staff officers at the army headquarters,” Minimah stressed.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Kenneth Minimah (4th right), with other officers at the Chief of Army Staff 3rd quarter Conference in Abuja on Monday.

Malala Condemns Boko Haram Insurgency ABUJA -Education activist Malala Yousafzai in Abuja asked Boko Haram terrorists to stop misusing the name of Islam by preventing young girls from going to school and indiscriminate killings of people.

In a message she delivered in Abuja to mark Malala Day, a day to advocate for the education of every child in the world, Malala

Girls’ Education Campaigner, Malala Yousafzai delivering a speech in Abuja on Monday.

urged the terrorists to release the Nigerian school girls abducted since April 14.

“I ask Boko Haram to stop misusing the name of Islam; Islam is a religion of peace; Islam allows every girl and every boy to get education, to go to school and education is compulsory in Islam.

“The word Islam means peace, and the first word that was revealed to Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) was Iqra (read).

“Islam gives the message of tolerance, patience, harmony and humanity.’’

She advised Boko Haram to lay down its weapons, release the abducted girls and respect the language and culture of other people.

“I ask Boko Haram to think about their own sisters; if they suffer in the same brutal and harsh situation how would you feel?

“If your sisters are homeless, if they are under the captivity of someone who is so violent and cruel how would you feel?

“Those who are under your imprisonment are like your sisters; Islam preaches a message of brotherhood; we are all sisters and brothers.

“Release the daughters of this nation; let them be free; they have committed know no crime. ’’

Fight Against Insurgency

The 17-year-old Pakistani girl dedicated the 2nd Malala Day to her “Nigerian sisters” kidnapped

by Boko Haram, whom she said have become victims of terrorists like her, after she survived a Taliban gun shot to her head.

She recalled that the maiden edition of Malala Day was celebrated in 2013 at the UN headquarters in New York and she used the occasion to demand world leaders to ensure free and compulsory education for every child.

Malala said she had been inspired by story of one of the Chibok girls whom she called “my sister” and they met on Sunday in Abuja.

“My Sister comes from the Nigerian village of Chibok. She is 16 years old and one day, when my sister was in school, some armed terrorists known as Boko Haram came and tried to steal her dreams.

“They kidnapped her but she was one of those luckiest ones who escaped from the abduction; before that, her father got killed and her mother and sister got injured in the unstable situation in the North of Nigeria.

“Because of insecurity and poverty, she can no longer go to school and her favourite subject is Biology and she wants to become a doctor.

“Every Day, Boko Haram terrorises the local people and

Group Advocates Nat’l Consensus

ABUJA - The Grand Alliance Against Terrorism (GAAT), an NGO, has urged Nigerians to join the crusade for national consensus in the fight against terrorism to make the country peaceful.

The Secretary General of the organisation, Mr. Ariyo Atoye, made the call at a news conference in Abuja .

He said the citizenry must support the security agencies and government to overcome the insurgency problem in the country, adding that “security remained everybody’s business.’’

He noted that “while we explore both local and international cooperation to ensure that our kidnapped students are released, we must ensure that we put an end to terrorism.’’

Atoye said the abduction and kidnapping of Nigerians, especially the girl-child and women, should be condemned by all.

The secretary general reiterated the group’s commitment toward ensuring that the abducted Chibok schoolgirls were reunited with their families safe and alive.

“We support every initiative by government, security agencies and sincere stakeholders to bring back our girls.

“This is one task that we must achieve as a nation to put terror to shame and defeat the axis of evil in our land.’’

He commended the presence of the Pakistani Girls’ Education campaigner, Ms Malala Yousafzai in Nigeria and her effort to ensure that the abducted Chibok girls were released.

The group also urged Malala and other international stakeholders in the fight against

terrorism to support Nigeria to drive a global consensus in defeating acts of terror in Nigeria and the world.

He said “we trust in God that our girls will come home.

“However, since Boko Haram has keyed into global terrorism, we need international support to block foreign support to the insurgents.

“It is beyond Nigeria. The world must support us,” Atoye said.

He, however, frowned at methods being employed by certain individuals, groups and

organisations, which he said were creating unnecessary tension in the nation.

“Let us always remember the saying that ‘united we stand, divided we fall.

“Let us learn from the bitter experience of our past and other nations. We have no other home.’’

Atoye commended the media for their reportage as the country battle the insurgency problem.

“The fight against terrorism is a collective responsibility and we urge you to remain vigilant and be on the part of Federal Republic of Nigeria to overcome the challenge,” he stressed.

over 200 girls were kidnapped and still have not returned; next week, it will be 100 days.

“Hundred days since they were taken; 100 days in captivity; 100 days out of school without parents and 100 days under fear.’’

The education advocate noted that the situation of insecurity was not peculiar to Nigeria, noting that similar conditions exist in the Middle East, Pakistan and African countries.

She said the insecurity in different parts of the globe such as Syria, Gaza, Ukraine and Afghanistan had forced many school age children out of school.

“Around 57 million children are out of school; 10.5 million children in Nigeria do not have access to education.”

According to her, in her native country, Pakistan, seven million children are deprived of basic education.

“In Pakistan children have to leave their homes for their safety because there is a military operation going on against the terrorists and many children do not have access to education and they are out of school.’’

She accused world leaders of keeping silent on the plight of children in Syria, Gaza and Palestine.

Malala said on her 17th birthday, her wish was for the world to listen to the voice of the escaped Chibok school girls and their parents.

Reports state that five of the girls and some parents of the kidnapped girls stood behind her throughout her 20-minute speech.

She also announced Malala Fund donation of 200,000 dollars to two Nigerian organisations working on education of the girlchild.

Malala also said she had earlier met with President Goodluck Jonathan who assured her that the government would use the best option to secure the release of the girls alive.

According to her, Jonathan also promised to meet the parents of the abducted school girls.

Malala also described Nigeria as a rich country not because of its oil deposits but because of its rich human capital.

She asked Nigerians to be united and not to “judge each other on the basis of religion, colour, creed or the languages that you speak”.

Business + Economy Anambra Seals 10 More Buildings Property Charges:

Head of Sociology Department, University of Ibadan, Prof. Ayodele Jegede (left), with other members of the anniversary committee unveiling the 50th Anniversary Banner of the Department, as part of activities marking the golden jubilee in Ibadan recently.

Abuja Airport Resumes Activities After 30 rescheduled.

ABUJA -The Nnmadi Azikiwe Hours Closure “ I got the information on the plan International Airport Abuja to close the airport three days to the resumed normal operations after a 30-hour closure of its runway in the second and last phase of its maintenance work.

Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, the Deputy General Manager, Corporate Communications Department of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), stated this in an interview with newsmen.

Yakubu said that the runway was officially opened for operations at 6 a.m.

She said all domestic and international flights had resumed operations as scheduled for landing and take-off at the airport.

“Lufthansa Airline and British Airways have landed and taken off this morning (Monday) after the maintenance work.

“The airport is busy now; all the terminals are full, especially the domestic section where we have the Arik and Dana booking areas.

She said that the essence of the maintenance work at the runway was to ensure safety.

“This is the last phase of the maintenance work at the runway, the Abuja airport will remain open to operations,’’ Yakubu said.

Reports state that human and vehicular movement into the airport was heavy, with people picking and dropping off travellers.

Mr. Niyi Adedayo, a businessman, told journalist that

the closure of the airport affected turnover of his business.

“Because of the closure I

could not meet an appointment scheduled for 9 a.m. on Monday because my flight was

closure and my appointment had already been booked two weeks earlier.

AWKA - The Anambra State Government has sealed up 10 more buildings in Awka, barely two weeks after a school and nine residential buildings were sealed up in Onitsha for refusing to pay property charges.

This brings to 36, the total number of buildings sealed up in the state by the Anambra State Property and Land Use Charge (APLUC).

Mrs Chinenye Okafor, the Head of Human Resources and Administration/Media, told newsmen after the exercise that it was part of government’s activities to boost the state’s revenue base.

She said that the enforcement was sequel to various Magistrate Court judgments delivered by Mrs Lauretta Okoye Awka.

“The consequence of such default is that the owners/ occupiers shall have the property sealed and liable for receivership and or to a term

with its executive council on July 1.

Reports state that the CBN extended the deadline to July 31 from July 15 within which BDC operators must comply.

of imprisonment of a period of three months or both until all outstanding charges, penalties and administration charges due are paid.”

She said that the affected buildings included eight hotels, an eatery and a primary school all of which owed a total sum of about N2.9 million between 2012 and 2013.

The sealed hotels are Hatfield (former Queen Suite), Century Guest House, De Pride Lodge, Malikwu Suites, Smithland, Chelekwu, Swiss Cottage and Nicon Lodge.

Also affected were Lynette Prime School, located at Agu-Awka and an eatery, Be Joy Centre Point, located at the popular Arroma junction.

“The defaulters were served with writ of summons and hearing notices in 2013, yet they did not appear in court until we got judgments against them to seal their buildings.

“The state government gave a 75 per cent discount on all buildings to enable people to pay up their charges,” adding that Anambra has the lowest property rate in the country.

Okafor said that 520 other suits were pending in various courts across the state and appealed to the people of the state to pay up their bills or risk closure of their buildings.

Adenagbe said that the banking industry which contributed about 70 per cent of daily market transactions on the nation’s bourse, would remain the toast of investors during the period, following improved companies results.

According to him, the breweries sector would experience increased activity as a result of year-end activities and surges in production and sales ahead of festivities.

He added that the release of N200 billion capital votes to government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) by the Federal Government would also boost activities in the construction industry.

Adenagbe identified Lafarge Wapco’s consolidation of its cement business in Africa into a single entity as another economic activity that would enhance investors’ confidence in the sector.

He, however, tied the capital market growth and development during the period to enhanced security as well as political and economic stability.

Market capitalisation last week fell by N66 billion or 0.46 per cent to close at N14.143 trillion compared with the N14.209 trillion achieved in the previous week.

Also, the NSE All-Share Index dropped by 148.99 basis

points to close at 42,882.82 points, from the 43,031.81 posted in the corresponding week.

Specifically, Airline Services and Logistics recorded the highest loss for the week in percentage terms, shedding 8.98 per cent or 22k to close at N2.23 per share.

Cutix came second, dropping by 8.63 per cent or 17k to close at N1.80, while Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals shed 8.33 per cent or 11k to close at N1.21 per share.

On the other hand, Forte Oil led the gainers’ table for the week in percentage terms, appreciating by 16.98 percent or N33.98 to close N234.06 per share.

NPF Micro Finance Bank followed with 16.67 per cent or 14k to close at 98k, while Ashaka Cement advanced by 12.24 per cent or N3.55 to close at N32.55 per share.

An analysis of the transactions showed that investors last week traded 1.83 billion shares worth N19.39 billion in 26,521 deals.

This was against the 2.27 billion shares valued at N28.62 billion transacted in 26,730 deals in the previous week.

The financial services sector led the activity chart with 1.31 billion shares worth N9.53 billion, traded in 12,356 deals.

The conglomerates industry accounted for 241.57 million shares worth N1.46 billion, exchanged in 2,788 deals.

It was trailed by the Oil and Gas Sector with a total of 118.22 million shares worth N2.77 billion achieved in 4,684 deals.

Recapitalisation: July 31 Deadline Not

LAGOS - The Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) said in Lagos that the July 31 deadline for its members to shore up their capital base was not feasible.

The association’s President, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, in a statement appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to extend the deadline by at least 12 months.

The statement said that such an extension had been a tradition by CBN in any recapitalisation exercise.

Besides, the association urged the CBN to reduce the new minimum capital base for the sub-sector to N15 million from N35 million.

“The deadline for compliance should not be less than one year as it is the tradition of the CBN in any recapitalisation exercise.

“We also recommend that the mandatory caution deposit should be eliminated as there

Feasiblesector.- ABCON

is no justification for such.

“BDCs are not deposit taking organisations; we operate on cash and carry basis.

“We pay for CBN dollars two days in advance. So there is no need for such deposits,” the statement quoted Gwadabe as saying.

It said that if CBN left the mandatory caution deposit at N35 million, it would force many of the BDC operators into liquidation.

The statement said the new requirements for BDC operations could empower few operators in the subsector, adding that ABCON also rejected the decision of the apex bank to limit the weekly dollar sale to BDCs. It said that the association appreciated the recent amendments on the requirement and other achievable reforms in the sub-

The state statement, however, said the amendments fell short of the association’s recommendations made during a meeting with the CBN Governor

4 Sectors To Dominate NSE Activities - Stakeholder

LAGOS - The Managing Director, Standard Union Securities Ltd., Mr. Sehinde Adenagbe, has projected that four sectors would dominate activities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) between July and December.

Adenagbe said in an interview with newsmen in Lagos that the three sectors are oil and gas, banking, breweries and construction.

He said that the various power sector reforms of the Federal Government and the acquisition of the assets of ConocoPhillips’ Nigeria by Oando Plc would also enhance investors’ drive for petroleum stocks.

Participants at a one day sensitisation workshop for 2014 Intending Hajj Pilgrims in M a i d u g u r i recently.

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (15/07/2014) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

MOBIL

135

140.15

5.15

0

88,826

12,312,892.67

62.43

62.43

0

0

27,548

1,633,871.88

7UP

100.03

100.03

0

0

86,005

9,026,238.90

MRS

ABCTRANS

0.86

0.87

0.01

0

1,124,960

987,671.00

NAHCO

4.97

4.92

-0.05

0

1,354,149

6,733,313.24

11.4

11.12

-0.28

0

959,270

10,632,394.42

ACADEMY

1.71

1.71

0

0

1,000

1,630.00

NASCON

ACCESS

9.76

9.74

-0.02

0

12,868,830

125,534,846.70

NB

174.6

172.22

-2.38

0

588,195

101,914,870.00

15.2

15.2

0

0

98,090

1,490,968.00

AFRIPRUD

3.36

3.33

-0.03

0

3,211,198

10,801,748.84

NCR

AGLEVENT

1.39

1.33

-0.06

0

167,003

224,062.99

NEIMETH

1.22

1.24

0.02

0

361,118

433,128.05

AIICO

0.8

0.83

0.03

0

14,958,421

11,871,026.77

NEM

0.82

0.81

-0.01

0

3,673,140

3,032,166.27

AIRSERVICE

2.23

2.34

0.11

0

406,260

948,209.00

NESTLE

1110

1112

2

0

41,854

46,499,237.37

ALUMACO

7.75

7.75

0

0

100

737

NEWGOLD

2069

2056

-13

0

12

24,672.00

ASHAKACEM

34.17

32.47

-1.7

0

3,803,281

123,993,851.60

NIG-GERMAN

7.36

7.36

0

0

150

1,050.00

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

0.5

0

0

2,000

1,000.00

NIGERINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,052,420

526,210.00

AUSTINLAZ

2

2

0

0

1,000

1,900.00

NPFMCRFBK

0.97

1

0.03

0

130,000

129,176.00

BECOPETRO

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,000

500

NSE30

1950.39

1952.06

1.67

0

133,867,660

2,646,716,113.00

BERGER

9

9

0

0

27,672

237,979.20

NSE50

2107.91

2109.65

1.74

0

190,024,545

2,858,849,941.00

CADBURY

74.25

74.25

0

0

112,261

8,088,317.77

NSEASEM

948.56

949.05

0.49

0

214,500

289,835.00

CAP

39

40.95

1.95

0

375,692

15,239,154.95

NSEASI

42930.63

42971.59

40.96

0

251,543,965

3,003,141,883.00

CAVERTON

6.79

6.79

0

0

144,250

958,157.87

NSEBNK

443.44

444.57

1.13

0

70,176,506

859,865,685.90 357,051,121.10

CCNN

11.4

11

-0.4

0

4,315,099

47,894,189.36

NSECNSMRGDS

1049.3

1046.1

-3.2

0

9,386,275

CHAMPION

10.17

10.17

0

0

15,000

145,050.00

NSEINDUSTR

2723.95

2755.24

31.29

0

11,553,072

631,926,487.40

150.34

149.43

-0.91

0

34,481,835

30,652,133.22

CHELLARAM

3.95

3.95

0

0

5,512

22,625.12

NSEINS

CILEASING

0.5

0.5

0

0

112,400

56,200.00

NSELOTUSISLM

2828.26

2846.03

17.77

0

15,005,172

828,061,823.30

477.9

481.38

3.48

0

10,140,752

370,365,795.30

CONOIL

65.6

65.6

0

0

132,731

8,561,726.26

NSEOILGAS

CONTINSURE

1.14

1.17

0.03

0

7,135,443

8,184,787.09

OANDO

28

27.7

-0.3

0

8,900,570

247,836,295.40

33

33

0

0

294,989

9,793,028.54

COSTAIN

1.31

1.25

-0.06

0

980,730

1,232,594.50

OKOMUOIL

COURTVILLE

0.58

0.58

0

0

350,206

203,373.60

PAINTCOM

1.4

1.4

0

0

16,000

22,560.00

CUSTODYINS

3.7

3.8

0.1

0

1,106,141

4,123,351.47

PORTPAINT

4.92

4.92

0

0

5,000

25,800.00

CUTIX

1.8

1.8

0

0

64,491

118,455.51

PRESCO

38.06

38.06

0

0

137,158

5,269,172.20

DANGCEM

241

240.99

-0.01

0

827,844

199,466,570.30

PRESTIGE

0.54

0.55

0.01

0

712,106

387,108.30

DANGFLOUR

8.2

8

-0.2

0

383,826

3,094,258.91

PZ

36

36

0

0

329,571

11,844,907.93

DANGSUGAR

9.43

9.36

-0.07

0

3,269,018

30,089,792.49

REDSTAREX

4.85

4.85

0

0

385,600

1,836,182.00

DIAMONDBNK

6.27

6.29

0.02

0

1,895,910

11,892,847.17

REGALINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,500

750

DNMEYER

1.26

1.2

-0.06

0

121,200

153,054.50

RESORTSAL

0.5

0.5

0

0

100,000

50,000.00

DUNLOP

0.5

0.5

0

0

122

61

ROADS

8.46

8.46

0

0

29,287

258,680.56

EQUITYASUR

0.5

0.5

0

0

40,000

20,000.00

ROYALEX

0.54

0.54

0

0

10,000

5,300.00

ETERNA

4.25

4.29

0.04

0

573,957

2,466,690.33

RTBRISCOE

1.09

1.04

-0.05

0

1,080,479

1,130,232.36

ETI

17.5

17.39

-0.11

0

6,387,980

111,033,719.10

SEPLAT

700

700

0

0

71,710

50,201,527.00

EVANSMED

2.3

2.3

0

0

36,265

83,772.15

SKYEBANK

3.28

3.27

-0.01

0

7,052,586

23,024,255.46

FBNH

16.29

16.25

-0.04

0

18,957,143

309,955,937.00

STANBIC

27.5

27.5

0

0

354,293

9,821,882.53

FCMB

4.24

4.15

-0.09

0

3,872,202

15,875,406.59

STERLNBANK

2.32

2.32

0

0

2,973,553

6,886,612.14

FIDELITYBK

2

1.95

-0.05

0

11,520,686

22,672,209.12

STUDPRESS

2.4

2.4

0

0

500

1,140.00

171.05

171.05

0

0

36,390

6,431,298.50

FIDSON

3

3

0

0

699,307

2,100,407.14

TOTAL

FLOURMILL

76.7

77.87

1.17

0

653,080

49,644,888.36

TRANSCORP

5.78

5.82

0.04

0

27,442,537

160,024,320.70

1.97

2.06

0.09

0

216,000

436,560.00

FO

241.99

240

-1.99

0

380,730

91,123,020.26

TRANSEXPR

FTNCOCOA

0.5

0.5

0

0

20,000

10,000.00

UAC-PROP

17.44

18.3

0.86

0

912,240

16,607,827.52

61.1

61.1

0

0

250,045

15,353,396.26

GLAXOSMITH

69

69

0

0

111,982

7,380,242.39

UACN

GUARANTY

31

31

0

0

10,299,639

320,799,346.80

UBA

7.85

8.09

0.24

0

10,923,106

87,119,935.43

GUINNESS

199.5

198.02

-1.48

0

266,020

52,726,767.35

UBCAP

2.24

2.18

-0.06

0

9,863,689

21,801,505.70

HMARKINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

100,000

50,000.00

UBN

9.21

9.54

0.33

0

410,579

3,883,965.05

HONYFLOUR

4.3

4.4

0.1

0

2,150,744

9,305,298.01

UNILEVER

50.24

52

1.76

0

428,146

21,832,015.98

IKEJAHOTEL

0.74

0.75

0.01

0

1,164,710

848,012.10

UNITYBNK

0.5

0.5

0

0

14,297,000

7,148,500.00

INFINITY

1.68

1.6

-0.08

0

111,700

182,016.00

UPDCREIT

10.47

10.47

0

0

84

835.8

INTBREW

29.5

29.5

0

0

74,151

2,082,932.04

UPL

4.4

4.4

0

0

96,140

420,339.40

INTENEGINS

0.51

0.5

-0.01

0

1,212,420

608,210.00

VETGRIF30

19.55

19.52

-0.03

0

3,264

63,790.86

JAPAULOIL

0.59

0.58

-0.01

0

9,731,323

5,845,550.67

VITAFOAM

4.38

4.38

0

0

29,134

124,151.58

JBERGER

66.01

67

0.99

0

899,987

59,847,417.81

WAPCO

113

117.6

4.6

0

2,117,993

244,927,926.40

JOHNHOLT

1.15

1.2

0.05

0

524,269

602,849.35

WAPIC

0.91

0.92

0.01

0

6,892,020

6,279,273.11

LASACO

0.5

0.5

0

0

350,000

175,000.00

WEMABANK

1.02

1

-0.02

0

6,655,514

6,661,266.20

LAWUNION

0.5

0.5

0

0

299,750

149,875.00

ZENITHBANK

25.15

25.16

0.01

0

5,843,637

147,017,949.00

LEARNAFRCA

1.65

1.65

0

0

1,155,500

1,913,270.00

LINKASSURE

0.5

0.5

0

0

36,300

18,150.00

LIVESTOCK

3.03

3.1

0.07

0

3,431,356

10,559,608.06

MANDRID

5.35

5.35

0

0

200

1,018.00

MANSARD

2.62

2.52

-0.1

0

180,500

455,728.84

MAYBAKER

1.77

1.8

0.03

0

851,151

1,525,000.23

MBENEFIT

0.56

0.54

-0.02

0

199,891

107,941.14

MCNICHOLS

1.34

1.35

0.01

0

214,500

289,835.00

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock NSEASI NSEINDUSTR NSELOTUSISLM MOBIL WAPCO NSEOILGAS NESTLE CAP UNILEVER NSE50

Close 42971.59 2755.24 2846.03 140.15 117.6 481.38 1112 40.95 52 2109.65

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain

Stock

Close

Loss

40.96 31.29 17.77 5.15 4.6 3.48 2 1.95 1.76 1.74

NEWGOLD NSECNSMRGDS NB FO ASHAKACEM GUINNESS NSEINS CCNN OANDO NASCON

2056 1046.1 172.22 240 32.47 198.02 149.43 11 27.7 11.12

-13 -3.2 -2.38 -1.99 -1.7 -1.48 -0.91 -0.4 -0.3 -0.28

AGAIN, Doctors in Public-owned hospitals on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 embarked on an indefinite strike to press home their demands for improvements on their welfare. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) President, Dr. Kayode Obembe while making the announcement in Abuja on Monday, June 30, 2014 said the decision followed the expiration of a two-week ultimatum which NMA earlier gave the federal government to meet its 24 – point demand.

OBEMBE who described the strike as “total and indefinite” also said that negotiations with the federal government had failed to yield the relevant results, hence the NMA had to take the painful route of an indefinite strike as its “silence and gentle approach to contending issues had been taken for granted.”

SOME of the major issues in contention according to the NMA include reserving the position of Chief Medical Director (CMD) to only Medical Doctors, appointment of Surgeon General of the Federation, passage of the National Health Bill and Providing Security for Doctors most of whom have become unwarranted victims of kidnapping.

OTHER demands are increase in duty, hazard and specialist allowances, as well as budget for residency training programme, reintegration of its members into the IPPIS platform and reserving the title of Consultants to only Medical Doctors, among others. No doubt, these demands are genuine and understandable.

FEELERS from the health sector are so disturbing that students in Medical

THE NIGERIAN

Time To End Doctors’ Strike Schools now reportedly unable to find places for their housemanship; the mandatory training that attaches them to medical facilities. This in itself is a sad reflection of the weak economy.

HOWEVER, while the members of the public fully appreciate the need for doctors to have a fair deal from the federal government, because of their most essential services to humanity, there can be no denying the fact that even the public is more concerned about the quality of medical services, both in the private and public hospitals. Obviously, the public has a longer list than the 24 demands which doctors are making. While the public can understand the pains and frustration of the doctors arising from their unmet demands, the same public cannot understand the logic behind the on-going avoidable loss of lives induced by this current doctors’ strike.

The Hippocratic Oath, to which all doctors subscribe, places saving of lives above every principle or consideration in the conduct of medical doctors. That being so, The NIGERIAN OBSERVER expects the doctors to respect this Oath while at the same time we call on the federal government to use the same well laid down best practices which have worked perfectly

well in other climes to cater for both doctors and members of the larger society in such a manner to arrest unending or incessant strikes.

MORE often than not, governments do not respect the agreements they voluntarily enter into with unions while they expect unions to abide by those aspects of the agreement that are binding on them. This is most uncharitable. For instance, the current NMA strike is being embarked upon despite a court order forbidding the strike by health workers an order, which the federal government had obtained from the National Industrial Court, Abuja. The court order also halted the implementation of agreements reached with government until the substantive case before it is resolved. So, before the federal government and the law, the on-going strike is illegal. But, to the doctors, you can tell that to the marines!

And where does this stalemate lead us?

WE are bothered that the federal government has taken a path that will make the amicable resolution of the impasse far-fetched. How do you approach a court to halt implementation of an agreement you freely enter, and expect the other party to take you serious?

IN the light of the above, we call on the federal government to urgently return to the negotiating table and make conscious effort at meeting some, if not all of the demands of the doctors, rather than playing the ostrich. The lives of Nigerians should be of paramount importance to both the government and the doctors, hence a quick and pragmatic resolution of the crisis is recommended.

Political Platform Udom Emmanuel: When

HOW time flies! In a matter of days, Governor Godswill Akpabio’s top shelf administration will be numbered in days. Days that certainly shall run with the speed of seconds. And that is the reality of power – it melts away like ice. Good for those who use it well like Governor Akpabio!

The beauty of Akpabio’s engaging chapter in the Akwa Ibom story is that nothing has remained the same again in Akwa Ibom since his emergence in 2007. Familiar sights have given way to strange sights. Everywhere one goes in Akwa Ibom, strange creatures loom large.

Akwa Ibom is now a big ripe apple that the world comes to burrow because life has meaning in the state and Akwa Ibom has a name of a big global brand.

As jumbo jets climb gracefully down from the clouds and croon their songs of triumphant conquest of the sky from Ibom International Airport, the message is that God had given Akwa Ibom victory through the leadership in the state since 2007.

Victory over poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy and infrastructural decay.

Akpabio is the signpost and inscription of that victory.

As his glittering administration winds down, the moral question on the lips of the over Four Million Akwa Ibom people is: This is Akpabio, whence cometh another? It is both a question and a petition on God’s table, and as time’s tiny feet pounds the pavement, God who cannot be hurried, and cannot be late, will surely give Akwa Ibom the ‘Right’ answer.

Like they say, God often gives a people the kind of leadership they deserve at a particular time. God is with us, and He will do it again.

In Akwa Ibom’s search for Akpabio’s successor, Richard Nixon, former American President’s words in his seminal book, Leaders, could be a good guide. He said: Fortune favours the brave, and history is made by a confluence of circumstances and leadership. A leader must give substance and meaning to opportunities.”

This aptly captures the reality in the brief but impactful tenure of Mr. Udom Emmanuel as the Secretary to the State Government. He has

invented a doctrine that leadership is measured more in deeds than in days. What took many people any years to fail to achieve, Udom has achieved in mere months, thus defying the law of longevity.

Never has any SSG hook such a strong connect with the people, and pitched his tent on the side of the masses. Udom Emmanuel has demystified the office, handling it like a skilled surgeon handles the scapel. Udom is like an accomplished gymnast who has seen the big league of professionalism but feels a strong pull for service at home, and he is working wonders. The same office Udom is occupying is the one that when others occupied in recent past, Akwa Ibom people wore anguish on their faces like tribal marks because the men of the moment were so busy to look down, and feel the pulse and wishes of the people. They were not patriotic enough till the sun came to melt the ice block of power in their hands.

Akwa Ibom is in the Maker’s plan, and He knows who will be the people’s Governor.

With Udom’s vast professional connections and pyramid of achievements, if God answers the prayer of Akwa Ibom, Udom is going to be a political masterstroke.

It will be a sad irony that after God used Akpabio to take Akwa Ibom to the Promised Land, the state will be forced into the Golgotha of broken dreams by bringing back people with the propensity of exploiting their position to amass wealth for themselves at the detriment of the masses.

There is no sense in recommending books that should be out of circulation if Akwa Ibom must go forward.

But Udom will ensure that Akwa Ibom functions with the efficiency of a 17-karat Swiss wristwatch. Udom is a man who sees excellence not just as an objective but as an article of faith, a way of life.

His record in the banking industry brightens with glowing testimony of a solid intellectual base. With this stickler of excellence, if God answers Akwa Ibom’s prayer, then the state will be guaranteed of an astronomic economic growth. Udom, evidently, is a political asset and a universal talent. Akwa Ibom is blessed.

Imposition Becomes A Virtue

By IMOH ETIMUDO

It is his brilliance and footprints even on marbled ground that pushed him to the highest rung of leadership at Zenith Bank even when he is not a ‘Yoruba man’. He towers as a shining example that hard work has no tribe.

At home, his ability to harness government departments to work for the overall good of the state puts him ahead of all

decides to join the governorship race, then he will be an imposition, and by extension, a stooge to Governor Akpabio. This naked assertion is bereft of logic, and deflecting of the tubes of moral conscience and blank sheet of history. Why do people forget so soon? When it was believed that Akpabio was supporting others, it was

The good thing is that Akwa Ibom people know the sound of empty promises with barefooted antecedents. That is an external consolation, and an undying hope that God is with Akwa Ibom. So, in the heat of satanic political games and even bankrolled banal journalism, excellence, visionary leadership and imaginative husbandry of human and natural resources shall remain the secret of

Gov Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State.

other runners. He may have started the race late but he knows that to meet up, he has to run faster, and today, he is the closest to the finishing line. If God should answer Akwa Ibom’s prayers in Udom, Akwa Ibom would have struck gold.

Shockingly but not expected, left wing ideologues are busy working on increasing their English register with “imposition” as the latest discovery.

In their school of thought, if God answers Akwa Ibom people’s prayers and Udom

not imposition but when it got to Udom, suddenly ‘imposition’ has Nicodemously crept into the dictionary.

Men. What a myopic and retrogressive theory. A theory that is blinded to the internationally-acclaimed lofty heights and sound credentials of a former captain of money industry is lame, deaf and short-sighted. So if I may ask, what is Udom’s crime?

His flagship credentials may have been acknowledged by Akpabio.

Emmanuel’s triumph.

It is good that Akwa Ibom people know that this discordant tune of ‘imposition’ is not actually targeted at Udom Emmanuel but a conscious plot of distracting Governor Akpabio in order to prevent his plane from landing smoothly. Is it not a race against the tide to run down a man who has packed a lot of achievements for Akwa Ibom in seven years? In his era, Akwa Ibom is in charge of the Governor’s Forum, Conference of Speakers, ALGON and even Children

and Youth Parliaments; what else do they need to know that God is in charge of the affairs of Akwa Ibom and that He has not finished with the State?

Could the intimidation have come from Udom’s Godly disposition? But no man is good enough to rule his people when God has not so sanctioned. In fact, he believes strongly that there is nothing two people cannot do if one of them is God. God is with Akwa Ibom. Therefore, that is an unnecessary fear. If they trust in their wealth and coins, and Udom hooks unto God, why not wait till when the wheat will be separated from the chaff!

In all, if despite all the shinning attributes and colourful credentials of Udom Emmanuel, career politicians still see him as an imposition, then the true meaning of imposition is now sounding very attractive. In fact, imposition would have successfully assumed the status of a virtue. Udom has all it takes to hoist Akwa Ibom on the totem pole.

Or are Napoleons afraid that Udom has done what they could not do? Is Udom scoring plenty goals at the blast of the whistle even when people played to extra time without a goal? That is the difference between good and bad players; Udom is a product of the big league; the Champions League of banking doyens.

But if in all these, few people still claim that Udom Emmanuel’s sterling qualities give him out as an imposition to few self-seeking politicians, then it is high time a review is effected in the English dictionary; in Udom, imposition may as well be a virtue.

So, who will go for Akwa Ibom? The answer to that teething question is buried in the belly Charle’s de Gaulle, “Nothing great is done without great men. And great men were great because they willed it”

“In all, if despite all the shinning attributes and colourful credentials of Udom Emmanuel, career politicians still see him as an imposition, then the true meaning of imposition is now sounding very attractive. In fact, imposition would have successfully assumed the status of a virtue.

Udom has all it takes to hoist Akwa Ibom on the totem pole.”

BY some accounts, Nigeria’s home ownership rate, currently put at 25 per cent, is very low when compared with the housing situation in some developing and developed countries.

Available statistics show that Benin Republic has home ownership rate of 63 per cent; Kenya 73 per cent; Singapore 90 per cent; the U.S. 70 per cent; South Africa 56 per cent, and Libya 41 per cent.

Commenting on the housing situation in Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan said that the country needed a minimum of N56 trillion to be able to bridge a deficit of 17 million housing units.

He said that the shortfall, which did not cover the cost of providing infrastructure, translated to an average cost of N3.5 million per housing unit.

Housing experts note that the housing deficit has continued to increase; saying that the development indicates that the government’s housing policy is not working as expected.

They note that the deficit rose from seven million housing units in 1991 to between 12 and 15 million units in 2008, while peaking at between 17 and 18 million units in 2012.

They insist that the deficit would continue to rise until the financial authorities are able to bring down interest rates to a single-digit level, so as to enable low income earners to access mortgage loans.

Mr. Gimba Ya’u Kumo, the Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, said that something urgent must be done to bridge the housing deficit.

“If nothing is done, there will be an estimated homeless population of 24.4 million people in Nigeria by 2015,’’ he said.

Mr. Chudi Ubosi, the Chairman of Association of Estate Agents of Nigeria (AEAN), blamed the poor housing delivery in Nigeria on the short mortgage tenure system obtainable in the country.

According to him, only a few primary mortgage institutions in the country

Housing Addressing Housing Deficit In Nigeria give mortgage loans that are repayable beyond 10 years.

Ubosi also described the 17-per-cent interest on mortgage loans as very high, as against three to five per cent charged in developed countries.

“The financial institutions in the country offer loans not mortgages.

This is because mortgage tenure, as practised in the many countries, is beyond a minimum of 20 years.

“In other countries, mortgage is given out at low interest rate but in Nigeria, those who need mortgage cannot access it,” he said.

Ubosi said that the high mortgage interest rates had discouraged many investors and Nigerians from aspiring to own their own houses.

He suggested that mortgage loans should be given out by mortgage institutions at single-digit interest rates.

However, Mr. Olayemi Shonubi, the Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), said that government could bridge the housing deficit by encouraging a pragmatic partnership between the public and private sector.

He suggested that individuals and organisations should be encouraged to come together to form housing cooperatives, as part of efforts to boost housing delivery.

Shonubi, however, advised the government to make land available to estate developers across the country in order to accelerate the construction of affordable houses.

Sharing similar sentiments, Prof. Timothy Nubi of University of Lagos identified difficulties in acquiring land as one of the factors responsible for the housing deficit in the country.

He said that the Land Use Act of 1978, which should have been an instrument of addressing land ownership and titles, turned out to be counterproductive.

He stressed that problems encountered in title transfer

By LILIAN CHUKWU and registration in Nigeria could be traced to perceptible defects in the Land Use Act of 1978.

Nubi said that under the Act, only the governor of a state had the power to issue a Certificate of Occupancy.

“This would have been

not be more than one per cent of the value or cost of the property.

“The processing time for title registration and governors’ consent should not be more than 15 days.

“The practice of asking for numerous supporting

okay if not for problems associated with time wastage, expensive processing and endemic corruption which undermines property transaction and investment,’’ he said.

Nubi also underscored the need to reduce the costs and bottlenecks in efforts to obtain title documents.

“The governors’ consent for transfer of title should

documents such as tax clearance, development levy, tenement rates, should be entirely removed as a requirement for the processing of title transfer.

“Government should also deploy more human, financial and technical resources to man the processing offices so as to curtail bureaucracy and reduce the level of corruption associated with

it,’’ he said.

All the same, Mr. Chucks Omeife, the former President of Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), urged the government to check the rising cost of building materials.

He said that the increasing cost of some

escalating,’’ he added Omeife, nonetheless, appealed to the government to subsidise the prices of building materials so as to boost activities in the real estate sector.

He particularly stressed that low income earners would gain a lot from

building materials had discouraged investors from investing in the construction sector and low income earners from building their own houses.

“The development of our housing sub-sector may be hampered if the prices of building materials continue to rise unchecked because the cost of iron rods, window and door frames and other building materials are all

government’s efforts to reduce the cost of building materials.

All in all, housing experts agree that one of the pragmatic ways of redressing the housing deficit in Nigeria is to make building materials affordable to the less affluent members of the society, who constitute the larger percentage of the population.

“The development of our housing subsector may be hampered if the prices of building materials continue to rise unchecked because the cost of iron rods, window and door frames and other building materials are all escalating.”

Viewpoint

Should The National Anthem Be Rendered As Entertainment Song?

UNARGUABLY, singing a national anthem elicits patriotism and pride from citizens of a country.

Political pundits agree that a national anthem symbolises the sovereignty of a country.

Nigeria’s first national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee,’’ adopted in 1960, was written by Miss Lillian Williams, a Briton.

The current national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,’’ was adopted in 1978 to replace “Nigeria We Hail Thee.’’

The stanzas of the current anthem are the products of five winners in a competition conducted by the National Publicity Committee of Nigeria.

The winners were -John Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P.O. Aderibigbe.

The words were put together to compose the anthem by the Nigerian Police Band, under the directorship of late Benedict Odiase.

In the past, because of the importance attached to national anthem, children were taught in school to stand at attention while singing the anthem.

For now, that practice appears to be waning, while the tune of the anthem, in some cases, has been altered by artistes.

They attribute the development to poor attitude of the public to the nation’s cultural heritage as well as ignorance of their civic responsibilities.

For instance, some few years ago, it was surprising that some political appointees, who appeared

By FOLASADE FOLARIN

for screening, were unable to recite the national anthem and the national

pledge correctly.

Worried by the inability of many Nigerians to sing the national anthem, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), advocates that the second stanza of the national anthem should be adopted as “prayer’’ in public functions.

The stanza reads: “O God of creation, direct our noble cause, guide our leaders right, help our youths the truth to know, in love and honesty to grow and living

just and true, great lofty heights attain, to build a nation where peace and

justice shall reign.’’

Mr Paul Odenyi, said that NOA would not relent in its efforts to popularise the national anthem.

Odenyi, who is the Chief Press Secretary to the Director-General of NOA, however stressed that the anthem should not be used for adverts or the rendition changed.

“We must retain the original rendition of the national anthem and those who do it differently

shouldn’t be doing it.

“The NOA has pointed out that we should try as much as possible to retain the original rendition, and

part of the problem is that many people don’t have the original copy and don’t even know the original lyrics.

“Like all national symbols, there are distortions that have emerged over the years, and even the “Coat of Arms’’ have differed in colour overtime.’’

He said that in the original lyrics of the anthem, there is no “shall’’ in the last line of the second stanza,

“Worried by the inability of many Nigerians to sing the national anthem, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), advocates that the second stanza of the national anthem should be adopted as “prayer’’ in public functions. The stanza reads: “O God of creation, direct our noble cause, guide our leaders right, help our youths the truth to know, in love and honesty to grow and living just and true, great lofty heights attain, to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.’’

“Our national symbols should be a source of pride to us and ought not to be mere ceremonial items, rather they should stand as the hallmark of patriotism and nationalism.’’

adding that no one knows where “shall’’ came from.

Odenyi however said that NOA has initiated an amendment of the ordinance act to address issues relating to national symbols; like wrong display of flags and to identify those entitled to use the Coat of Arms.

“The bill has been in the national assembly for the past two years and we’re hoping they will give it the attention it requires.

“It will help solve some of these problems, but the bigger duty for everybody is sensitisation so that people will know.

“Many don’t know that if you have the national flag displayed at your office, you should lower it by six p.m. or put on a light to indicate that the nation doesn’t sleep; and that there should be no company flag at the same level with the flag,’’ he said.

Mrs Magdalene Akujobi, a banker, stressed the need

to maintain the sacredness and originality of our national ethos.

“Our national symbols should be a source of pride to us and ought not to be mere ceremonial items, rather they should stand as the hallmark of patriotism and nationalism.’’

Mrs Stella Azi, a civil servant, said the national anthem is a national identity, “I don’t think it is right to sing or recite it differently from the original composition.

“When a football match is about to begin and the national anthem of any country is being sung, everybody stands and the rhythm tells you which countries is playing.

“But when they start singing it like jazz, I see it changing the identity and I’ve never been in support of that, ’’she said.

Dr Adinoyi Onukaba, a lecturer at the University of Abuja, said there was nothing wrong if the composition or version differed from the original as far as the message was not lost.

“There’s nothing wrong with it, the most important thing is to be faithful to the wordings of the anthem; in terms of trying to sing or recite it, it can vary; people should have the freedom to play with it.

“It’s like a play, a director could come and give it his own interpretation; the most important thing is that the interpretation must not in any way destroy the original vision or message of the author.

“He can decide to emphasise one aspect of it, and as a creative work the interpreter must have freedom to do whatever he wants with it,’’ he said.

Stakeholders want NOA to intensify its orientation and re-orientations programmes in order to return the nation to the good old days when national ethos were cherished and respected.

Midweek Magazine WHEN recently, the Second World War 70th anniversary, what is better known as the “D-Day”, was marked by world leaders, we were left speechless with the manner in which their veterans were treated like ‘delicate flowers’ that needs to be preserved for eternity.

It reminded us of what we observe here in Nigeria; where military veterans and pensioners are inhumanly treated with disgust and disregard. Such ill-treatment of our war veterans and pensioners, which is the exact opposite of what we find overseas, has made “life after service” a dreaded experience many Nigerians in active service never look forward to.

And as such, this has attributed greatly to the lack of zeal and commitment we see being exhibited by both our military personnel and those in the civil service.

Obviously, we need to take a cue from developed nations on how to plan for, treat and care for the aged among us that are no longer active in service.

On the D-Day anniversary, The Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, and other Heads of State including USA President Barack Obama and Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin came to mark the events of June 6, 1944. The world leaders had gathered in Normandy with veterans, politicians, and paid tribute to the “sheer courage” of the Allied troops who stormed ashore on D-Day 70 years ago to liberate Europe from the Nazi tyranny of Germany’s Adolf Hitler. In her address at the Elysee Palace banquet staged in her honour by President Francois Hollande of France, the Queen, who delivered parts of her speech in French, said that the commemorations honouring the veterans and their fallen comrades, had left the Duke of Edinburgh and herself “filled with emotions”.

Queen Elizabeth, who happens to be the only living Head of government that witnessed World War 2, also sounded a note of caution when she said: “Our peace and prosperity can never be taken for granted and must constantly be tended, so that never again do we have cause to build monuments to our fallen youth.”

Earlier, at the main ceremony on Sword Beach, Mr Hollande told world leaders they owed it to the sacrifice of those who took part in D-Day to build a “fairer world”. And he called

D-Day Anniversary: on people to show the same courage in fighting threats to peace, as the D-Day troops did 70 years ago. Britain’s Prime Minister, David Cameron had also urged leaders to set aside their differences on the “incredibly moving” anniversary of the landings.

Described by wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill as “undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult (operation) that has ever taken place”, D-Day proved to be a pivotal moment of the Second World War. It marked the start of an 80-day campaign to liberate Normandy, that involved three million troops and cost some 250,000 lives.

Services marking their sacrifice were held at beaches and war cemeteries across the region. In Colleville-sur-Mer, Barack Obama joined Mr. Hollande for a service at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, where more than 9,000 soldiers are buried. In nearby Bayeux, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery, where 4,144 soldiers, 338 of them unidentified, are buried. And further along the coast in Arromanches, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a memorial service following a tea party with British veterans - many making their final trip to Normandy.

What really captivated us at the D-Day anniversary was the sort of honour, genuine love and care showed towards the few war veterans that were present at the event. The said veterans were all looking healthy, well-fed and kittedup in their military regalia.

One could see that these pensioners as war veterans were properly and adequately taken care of by their government and people. For instance, a reported 90-yearold man who made his way to Normandy without telling his nursing home said he will go again next year. The D-Day veteran who went “AWOL” from his care home to see DDay’s commemorations in France had returned to a hero’s welcome. Bernard Jordan, 90, was cheered and hugged by staff waving Union Flags at his nursing home in Hove, Sussex. In his words; “I had a great time. I am really pleased I did it,” he said after the Brittany Ferries ship Normandie arrived in Portsmouth. “It was good, it

gets even better as it goes on.”

The former Royal Navy officer was asked if he was ready to face the music from family and staff at the nursing home. “Yeah, I’m going to have to face that but it’s just one of those things.” Mr. Jordan said his wife had known about his trip. When quizzed on whether he would go back next year, he replied: “Yes, I expect so. If I am still here, definitely!” Brittany Ferries said Mr. Jordan enjoyed a breakfast of bacon, two fried eggs, sausage, orange juice and coffee during the seven-hour crossing. The pensioner would be given free crossings to the D-Day commemorations for the rest of his life, the company confirmed.

This is just one, out of the many examples of military veterans and pensioners in other nations and how they are being treated by their society and government. The situation is the opposite in Nigeria.

Time and again we have been inundated on the plights of several pensioners ranging from civil servants to military personnel. On several occasions, we have read that pensioners are owed several months of pension arrears with no hope for immediate payment. We have read of how pensioners die as a result of stress during the verification exercises as organized by our inept political leaders and government functionaries. It is saddening to note that even past Military Heads of State did not provide any hope to our suffering pensioners.

Worse still, we only pay attention to High-profile Generals and former Heads of State when it comes to taking care of their pensions. It is also the Police IGs that are remembered and treated well in Nigeria. What about the lower rank Police and military officers and foot soldiers, most of whom had sacrificed their lives in the line of duty? Are these ones not important as well? Even those that took part in Nigeria’s Civil War deserve more attention and care than what most of them are currently being made to pass through. The worst part is that we do not even have their accurate records or practice the culture of keeping such records of our past Force personnel, irrespective of

A Worthy Exam Pensioners S

their rank and file.

It is sad that in Nigeria today, our war veterans, often referred to as “Old Soldiers”, are only good for doing ‘gateman’ and other menial jobs just to survive and still fend for their families. We know of one Thomas Onokowve in Iwhrekan Community of Ughelli South LGA, Delta State, who was one of the Nigerian soldiers that took part in the Nigerian Civil War. He had severe injury on one of his legs that they had to take a chunk of his thigh flesh to patch. Today, Thomas Onokowve is managing to do ‘night-watch’ just to earn a living and fend for himself. There are countless many like him across Nigeria who have been forgotten by the society and its government, and they are never remembered for their “sheer courage” in defending the territorial integrity of our land. Those of them, who have become too old to do anything to survive, have become ‘dependants’ and even ‘burdens’ to their family members and relatives. And waiting for their pensions to come, is like waiting forever.

We have been privileged to listen to several church testimonies in which people testified of the goodness of the Lord in touching the hearts of our irresponsible past and present governments towards paying a couple of months of pension arrears. We want to state categorically that since pension and gratuity are part of the conditions of service, it is an inalienable right of the individual not a privilege. The time to canvas for a better tomorrow is now. If they continue to turn a blind eye, they should know that someday, they and their family members would be pensioners themselves and be subjected to the same terrible conditions. Our Nigerian government and their agencies must comply by paying pensions as at when due. Several government workers engaged in pension offices nationwide participate in all sorts of demeaning activities designed to fleece the poor pensioners to no end.

We have it on good authority that some of these disgruntled elements request the retirees to pay them a certain percentage of their expected gratuity before their documents would be processed. What a crying shame? What an injustice

By ZIK GBEMRE

crying to high heavens? How could a potential pensioner do this to a fellow human being?

We are reliably informed that where one fails to cooperate, it may take up to five years or more before the gratuity

Everyone wants to be sure of what to eat tomorrow; therefore thieves would continue to loot our treasury until we take action. The time is now. As at present, a lot of people dread retirement because of all the woes

The exerc consi the in under for ph refus engag the ka

World leaders at the 70th anniversary of D-Day landing, held in

would be paid. Even at that, no interest is calculated, taking into consideration that the money has been withheld for that long. This is pure wickedness.

We have also noted that sometimes the pension starts coming several months after one must have retired and the arrears may never be paid. Is this fair? How do we expect our elders to guide the youths in this perverse generation when they are literally hungry? What legacy are we leaving for the younger Nigerians? Is it to tell them that old age is a blessing or that it is a curse? How then do we tackle this corruption that has crippled every aspect of the Nigerian life including the revered judiciary?

associated with it. Like we said earlier, a lot falsify their documents as to stay longer on the job. How can we as a nation provide employment for the teaming Nigerian youths when the people in service would not retire?

Nobody blames them for staying on well above the retirement age. Someone once told a story of how some of the children of retired railway workers could not further their education to the tertiary level simply because pensions and gratuities of their expected sponsors where withheld. Is this fair to all concerned?

What patriotism would one expect from the victims of this wickedness? None at all we suppose.

of ret that a would assist docum be at Inste conti verif docu Nige finger autho consi start inform the m would consu design pensi exerc our re like th

Midweek Magazine

ple Of How Veterans And Should Be Treated

e usual endless pension verification cises must come to an end. We der it appalling and unacceptable njustice of bringing out the elderly r the scorching sun or cold weather hantom verification exercises. We se to accept the wickedness of ging a handful of staff to carry out angaroo verification for thousands

We parade and pretend to be the giant of Africa yet pensioners, the aged and the infirm die year to year as a result of lack of care occasioned by in depth corruption in the Nigerian Pension Scheme and the entire polity. Most of the

Paris France recently.

tirees. We consider it unacceptable able-bodied young men and women d waste man-hours and scarce funds ting their aged parents to get their ments verified when they ought to work if things were working right. ad of asking elderly people to inue to furnish the so-called fication teams with disused ments, we would suggest that ria must provide thousands of rprint machines. We have it on good ority that fingerprints remain stent throughout one’s life. If we now to collect this relevant mation for all our workers (both in military/police and civil service), we d definitely not require the time uming, money wasting, wickedly ned to decimate the population of ioners through stress verification ise. One’s fingerprint is enough. Let etirees be treated with dignity just heir colleagues all over the world.

suffering pensioners are people, who worked within the rank and file of civil and military/Police service. If we are serious as a nation in fighting corruption, shall we allow our pensioners to be passing through hell whilst those who are still in service look on? Be assured that mindless looting of our common wealth would never abate in the face of this maltreatment that is crying to high heavens for justice.

We have made life after retirement in Nigeria to become such a nightmare for prospective retirees that many engage in all forms of falsifications to evade retirement. They freely falsify their ages and credentials to help them postpone the

anticipated evil days. Upon retirement, several effects ranging from loss of social status, loss of privileges, loss of relationships and loss of authority are experienced by the retirees. We know that no amount of falsification can stop the inevitability of retirement, especially for the non-self employed who are pinned to a retirement age now 60/65 years which is the limit. While a self employed or a businessman works till he is tired and no longer fit before he retires. But it is expedient for the society to make life a lot easier for retirees.

Aside what we find happening amongst the military rank and file of retirees, what we find within the civil service is also worse.

One’s position, for example as an Executive officer in an establishment, often attracts a lot of societal recognition and privileges. When one is in such Executive position, it presents a lot of ‘attachedfriends’ of the same status, where parties/get- togethers, exchange of gift items and felicitations during festive seasons and anniversaries, all become part of one’s lifestyle.

But once one retires and is no longer occupying such an Executive position, all the attached friends will disappear, leaving one lonely.

Such societal isolation of retirees is absolutely wrong and should be condemned.

The Nigerian society is one where peoples’ relationships with others are primarily driven by what they would gain/benefit from such relationships. Once you are active and doing well financially and positionally in societal ladder, you attract friends like bees, most of who are sycophants and praise singers. But once the chips are down as a result of retirement, the retiree is isolated by the society and before you know it, the person dies out of frustration and loneliness. We do not even have Care Homes for the elderly and pensioners to be taken care of. Where they exist, little or nothing is coming from the government to take care of them; rather it is some private individuals and organizations that bears the burden. That is why most retirees in Nigeria do not live long. This is rather unfortunate and our society needs to change from this attitude.

For a society with poor ‘social security’, the fear of retirement in Nigeria is quite understandable. As staff of public and private agencies and companies, these civil servants and company staffs enjoy so much benefit in their active years that elude them

upon retirement. In office, they enjoy allowances, free cars, free flights, standard hotel accommodations, educational grants for their siblings, free health care, foreign trips and a lot of other privileges. Upon retirement, the full weight or loss of these privileges bears on these persons. The difficulty in benefiting the retirement stipends complicates the retirement situation. Before long, retirees often find their lives shattered in penury, deprivations and frustrations.

The crux of the matter is that we need to give more attention to our retirees and pensioners in Nigeria, be it in the military/police or civil service. We need to copy how developed countries like the United Kingdom treat and care for their pensioners/ retirees. In Europe, these retirees are known as “Senior Citizens” and they are given ‘free access’ and ‘preferential treatments’ in any public and private establishments. They must not be Major Generals or former Heads of State, like we find in Nigeria, before they are given due attention, care and respect. Those who took part in the Nigerian Civil War should not be neglected by the society, no matter their rank and file. With the poor way the Nigerian society and government are treating its retirees/pensioners in the military and police, how will those still active put in their best and be willing and ready to die in the line of duty? In Europe and America, those in the military and police are ready to go the extra mile in ensuring the security of lives and property because they know that their government and the society takes good care of them. All we do in Nigeria is to mark the Nigerian Army Day and after, nothing concrete and tangible is done to adequately care and take of those that are still alive but stricken with age. This has to change.

Today, we are blaming the Nigerian Army and Police Force for not doing enough in addressing the insecurity situation in the country. But nobody sits down to think of the above issues raised as factors that are contributing to the obvious ‘relaxed disposition’ and ‘lack of zeal and commitment’ prevalent among security operatives. It is really sad that despite the usual huge budgets and ‘Security Votes’ that are set aside for security and their personnel, little or nothing is seen as regards the welfare and ‘life after service’ of our security operatives.

Corruption has seriously continued to eat deep into the fabric of the welfare and pension scheme of our Nigerian operatives. The recent pension fraud in the civil service, which has not been adequately addressed, is

a good example of the sort of anomaly we are talking about. How will those in active service, be it in the civil and military, demonstrate the appropriate zeal and commitment in their line of duty when such serious issues are treated with kid gloves by the government?

There are serious welfare issues and operational logistics that still needs to be addressed holistically in the Nigeria’s security operatives for the issues of corruption to be checkmated. And most importantly, these issues when addressed would leave us with a more proactive and responsive security operatives. We all would agree with the fact that it is practically impossible to have men and officers of the military and police force to stay “committed” at their jobs and give it their “best” and all the creative skills they can muster, if their basic welfare, well-being and ‘life after service’ in relation to the job are not adequately taken care of or given the required attention.

For us to have a ‘crime-free’ society there is need to appropriately care for those that are responsible for providing the security service in the first place, and this include those that have participated in Peace Keeping Missions in Africa, or in the Nigerian Civil War. It is only when this is holistically sorted out, that we can now hold the men and officers of security agents still active, responsible for not doing their job efficiently, when lapses are observed.

Having said that, it is however wise for those still active in service to plan for their tomorrow and the life after service. In a country like Nigeria where there is no social security, especially for the aged and retired, the ideal thing for retirees to do is to “invest wisely”. It is sad that some of them are lured into going into politics or sponsoring political aspirants. And before you know it, their retirement benefit goes down the drain, and they begin to languish in penury. Retirement must be seen as a planned process. To guard against the growing difficulties of life after retirement in a society with poor social investment, would-be retirees must, more than ever, embrace planned retirement initiatives. What that means is that people must not be so careful to wait until retirement before facing the harsh realities of the life to follow. Rather, the wisest thing is to begin to

execute the planned retirement initiatives from their very active years in office. In specifics, people must embrace the nuclear kind of family planning and avoid polygamy. This would enable such a person to invest wisely in the immediate family, precisely the few children he would cater for. Of course, there is no better investment in your family than sending your children to the height of educational pursuit. This is one of the surest ways of saving for the raining day.

This is necessary because retirement is inevitable no matter how long one postpones it.

Would-be retirees must also invest in other direct income generating ventures while in active services. This does not directly translate into wasting money in buying and selling ventures one cannot manage.

Would-be retirees must also, in their active years in service, avoid such ostentatious lives through lavish parties, owning chains of choice cars, engaging in frequent social engagements and all that.

Conclusively, the Nigerian government at all levels must be seen to do more in ensuring that life after service of its citizens in active public service is made easier. We are not doing enough as a nation in taking care of our retirees/ pensioners that have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country. For instance, the erudite scholar Professor Chike Obi who passed on at the age of 87 was only remembered last year by former Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, who appreciated the late scholar’s wizardry in mathematics. All previous governments did not see that, why? We give honours to the dogs and ‘thieves’ instead of real achievers. We understand that Chike Obi retired as far back as 1985 from the University of Lagos. The scholar ought to have been engaged by the government to give talks to students in schools on mathematics and the sciences.

This was a living legend ignored by our governments. If Chike Obi had been in a civilized nation, thousands of mathematicians would have arisen as a result of inspiration drawn from him.

Having conquered the field of mathematics, he died without a single national honour. What a sad story. Today we still have “retired living legends” in all fields of human endeavour that would go to their graves without passing on the torch of great achievements, courtesy of our ‘uncaring’ and ‘insincere’ governments. This has to change.

Zik Gbemre, National Coordinator Mandate Against Poverty (MAP).

Issues

Winning The War Against Corruption

U N A R G U A B LY, corruption is a global cankerworm which does not spare any nation; but of recent, comments about the level in Nigeria are worrisome.

In spite of the comments, Nigeria was not even listed as among the 23 most corrupt

the crew keeps dilly dallying without taking off as they wait for you to pay them to fly the plane.”

Ironically, the corruption rankings in the world when Mugabe made the comment, ranked the corruption level in Zimbabwe worst than that of

By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO

country, but to come from a sitting president of a brotherly country is most unkind and very dishonourable, ’’ he said.

President Goodluck Jonathan, at a meeting with the Nigerian community in

Mohammed Abubakar, I.G of Police

countries in the recent rating released by Transparency International.

Just recently the Federal Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Zimbabwean Head of Chancery, Stanley Kunjeku, to lodge a complaint over remarks credited to President Robert Mugabe.

Mugabe made the remarks during his 90th birthday luncheon hosted by service chiefs.

Mugabe said Zimbabweans are now almost behaving like Nigerians who had to be corruptly paid for every service.

“Are we now like Nigeria where you have to reach your pocket to get anything done?

“You see we use to go to Nigeria and every time we went there we had to carry extra cash in our pockets to corruptly pay for everything. “ You get into a plane in Nigeria and you sit there and

Nigeria.

Dr Martin Uhomoibhi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, described Mugabe’s comment as “vitriolic and denigrating on Nigeria and Nigerians.

“We were very concerned when we read that on the occasion of the 90th birthday of President Mugabe, he took off considerable time to vituperate about Nigeria.’’

He said Mugabe’s comments reflected “what we consider to be a strong aversion of our country, remarks which we consider denigrating and unstatesmanly on Nigeria and Nigerians in general.

“He was reported to have said Nigerians are corrupt people when he hosted service chiefs on his 90th birthday.

“We want to present the strongest protest in that statement; not only does it not reflect the reality in our

achievements.

The president gave the directive recently in Abuja at the swearing-in of ICPC Commissioner, Alhaji Bako Abdullahi.

“ICPC and EFCC must

attack government of corruption.

“They say the president’s body language shows that he is not fighting corruption or he is not ready to fight corruption.

“And sometimes it is even the very corrupt people that are making these statements,

you secured convictions you should be able to tell Nigerians from time to time so that people appreciate that these two agencies are working.

“I know you are working, but not everybody knows you are working,’’ he said.

Ibrahim Lamorde, EFCC Chairman

Namibia, had said that corruption in Nigeria had been blown out of proportion.

According to him, corruption is everywhere but it is over-celebrated in the country to the extent that the nation and its people are stigmatised.

The president stressed that while his administration would not condone the menace, using big stick would not be a solution to end corruption.

The president said that with the promulgation of decrees and relevant laws stipulating capital punishment for armed robbery, the menace had not stopped.

He called on every Nigerian to resolve to do the right thing and support the government in its efforts at building a new Nigeria.

In order to highlight the activities of anti-graft agencies, Jonathan has directed ICPC and EFCC to publicise their

make Nigerians believe that they are working. I know what you are doing, but not everybody knows what you are doing.

“Ordinarily, these are agencies whose activities are not supposed to be made too loud because you don’t celebrate a situation where you send 100 or 200 Nigerians to prison,’’ he said.

The president contended that contrary to the erroneous impression being created by some critics, his administration had done creditably in the fight against corruption.

He said that majority of those criticising his government of not fighting corruption were even those that are “very corrupt’’.

“The society is so funny that these days, anybody who wants to claim any element of credibility at all will go to the television and

because if you attack government you are insulated, you become an angel.

“If you want to be an angel, just attack the government, so whatever you have done is covered,’’ he said.

Jonathan stressed that to correct such negative impression, the anti-graft agencies “must prove to Nigerians and show to Nigerians that you are working.’’

“Recently, the EFCC published a list of about 250 people they had convicted, and that is a huge number of people, and they said the government is not fighting corruption.

“How many countries have convicted half that number of people within a space of time?

“But before the publication, so many people did not believe that the EFCC are even going to work.

“So in a situation where

Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, has also reiterated that the commission was committed to combating economic and financial crimes, adding that more than 773 convictions were secured since the inception of EFCC in 2003.

Lamorde stated this recently in Sokoto while inaugurating the Usman Danfodiyo University chapter of Zero Tolerance Club, an anti corruption club.

Lamorde, represented by Deputy Director, Public Affairs Department of the commission, Mr Osita Nwajah, said the war against corruption and financial crimes would only be won through collective efforts.

Corruption is a global cankerworm which does not spare any nation, and could only be checked through collective efforts as suggested by experts and stakeholders.

(NAN)

“Ironically, the corruption rankings in the world when Mugabe made the comment, ranked the corruption level in Zimbabwe worst than that of Nigeria.”

Natural Medicine

STINGING nettle, also called nettle, is a natural herb on which several studies have been done.

From such studies done, its health benefits are now well-known. This makes it not just an ethno medicinal herb which health values are based on anecdotes, hear says or unscientific pronouncements by traditional healers.

These studies prove that nettle is good for inflammation, a health condition caused by toxins, allergens, physical trauma, infection poor blood supply to tissues or so many other factors. When we talk of inflammation, in case you don’t know, we are making a reference to a sort of swelling in any part of the body.

Some researchers say that overweight or obesity in certain cases is due to mild inflammation. Invariably, nettle can be used as a combination therapy for managing such a condition.

Also, nettle is indicated for use in combating infection caused by fungi, viruses and bacteria. Infact, herbalists like Dr. Vogel asserts that nettle is beneficial for tuberculosis a form of infection. Hear him. “Many sufferers of tuberculosis would not have died had he but gone out of his way to gather nettle and avail himself of its goodness.

Are you sick, malnourished or recovering from an illness?

Then, you need nettle because it is both a nutritional and a medical herb. Similarly, it is useful for preventing sickness. In other words, it is a prophylactic herb, true it is

Stinging Nettle advisable to eat well.

However, it is equally good to be “addicted” to drinking a herb like nettle daily for health maintenance – not only your regular table beverages.

High blood pressure is lowered by nettle, also, when routinely taken with or without pure, natural honey. The herb, however is not a replacement for anti-hypertensive medication. What I mean is that nettle may help to manage your high blood pressure used in between your drug administration after due consultation with your natural medicine practitioner. All said, beyond this, I strongly advise that no natural herb should be taken together with a pharmaceutical drug. If a need arises to use a herb, it should be either in place of the drug, or a time lag is allowed after a drug administration before a herb is used.

Why? There could be drug – herb interaction or contraindication which may lower the mutual effectiveness of these substances or potentiate them. Alternatively, a toxic product may be produced by the drug – herb interaction that leads to harmful adverse reactions in a person. Who knows.

If you are looking for one of the best herbal blood purifier, your search ends at the doorsteps of nettle. This herb, taken regularly, ensures your blood is healthy. Therefore, you are

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predisposed to have a strong immunity. Also your blood has the capacity to carry a full load of oxygen

functions normally. The blood functions optimally.

However, when the PH drops to 7.0 there is

functioning or recovery from a mysterious, debilitating illness.

Furthermore, nettle is a

Finally, nettle contains several phytoceutical ingredients including, magnesium, iron, chlorophyII, calcium, steroids and Vitamin D. The calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D in nettle contribute to strong bones.

and nutrients for delivery to your cells just as the blood can now effectively take up waste, metabolic products from the cells for elimination outside the body.

This isn’t all. Nettle is equally good for anaemia, most especially if it is caused by iron deficiency.

Moreover, nettle has stypic properties. Hence, it stops internal bleeding. What is more, nettle helps to alkalinize the blood/body.

When the PH, that is the alkaline/acid score of the body, is 7.32 the body

problem for the body. It begins to lose its ability to hold oxygen in the blood as well as the cells because oxygen absorption is considerably poor.

Infact, a slightly acidic body with PH at below 7.0 may put the body a 100% disadvantage in the absorption and use of oxygen in the body. From the foregoing it is crystal clear that it is unhealthy to have an acid body and blood. Here in lies the utility of nettle. With it, you can de-acidify the body thus preparing it for proper

very effective diuretic that studies have demonstrated has more health benefits than the synthetic brands.

This is why it is a herb of choice for eliminating excess fluid/water from your body which may be contributing to high blood pressure, overweight obesity or oedema.

At this juncture, I must not fail to point out that nettle is beneficial for enlargement of the prostate. It should be stressed here, neverthess, that nettle is not a cure for the disorder. Rather it can inhibit the progression of the ailment as well as relieve symptoms of it by specifically inducing urination in patients with the problem.

Also, nettle is good for joint/nerve pains as well as rickets.

Similarly, lymphatic disorders respond well to nettle.

The calcium in nettle is highly absorbable. Because of this factor, nettle helps in cases of glandular disorders often caused by calcium deficiency occasioned often by poor calcium absorption from the diet. Then, of course, the magnesium in nettle aids sleep, relaxes muscles of the colon to prevent calcium-induced contractive constipation, alleviates neuralgia and fibromygia as well as psychiatric disorder caused by “tense” brain or tort musdes in the neck, face and head.

Moreover, the magnesium in nettle prevents the deposit of calcium in eye tissues which predispose them to adhesions that may cause blockage of the tear duct and eventually glaucoma. Put simply, nettle reduce glaucoma risk.

Glaucoma patients equally need it.

“This isn’t all. Nettle is equally good for anaemia, most especially if it is caused by iron deficiency. Moreover, nettle has stypic properties.

Hence, it stops internal bleeding. What is more, nettle helps to alkalinize the blood/body.”

New Horizon

With VICTOR ANIUKWU

More Than Just A Religion FIRST of all let LIS examine the word religion.

The Oxford Advanced Learner ’s dictionary of Current English, says that Religion is the belief in the existence- of a god or gods, and the activities that are connected with the worship of them. But in Sanskrit (the oldest language) in the world, the word most used is dharma. But dharma denotes more than just a particular sect one joins for worshipping God. The dharma of sugar is sweetness, the dharma of fire is heat. The ancient Vedas of India, the oldest scriptures on earth, give the explanation for the dharma of human being. The Supreme occupation (dharma) of all humanity is that by which men can attain to the loving devotional service unto the transcendent Supreme Lord (Srinia-Bagavatam 1 .2.6 In other words, the duty of every human being is to love and serve the Supreme God. It doesn’t matter whether one is a Christian, a Buddist, a Hindu, or a member of any other group. If he is been taught and is practicing religious principles, he is on the spiritual path and will make progress toward knowing God. But Krishna consciousness is snore than just a sectarian religion. In Krishna consciousness one can learn about the highest knowledge of the absolute truth, or the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and that knowledge is essential for one to progress towards the goal of awakening pure love of Cod. It is not possible to love someone unless you know something about that person. If I tell you that I have a friend whom you arc really going to love, but I don’t tell you anything about this friend, what his interest are, what he likes and dislikes, how he looks, what kind of person he is, it would be very difficult for you to love him, wouldn’t be?

Similarly, it isn’t possible for us to fully love God (and thus want to be reunited with him in loving service) unless we know exactly whom it is we are supposed to love. The

Vedic literature gives this concise definition of the Supreme Cod, which says that learned transcendentalists who know the Absolute truth call this non dual substance which represents the realizational aspects of realizing Cod in

effulgence of the body of the Supreme Person.

The next feature of God is Paramatma or the Super soul. God is within the Heart of every living entity, traveling with the individual souls from body to body as they try to enjoy in this material world.

Yet

present.

Many religionist accept that God is a person, but beyond that they don’t have much knowledge of what kind of person He is. They may know that He is powerful or great, but that alone will not enable them to

God is full of Bliss, Knowledge and Eternal. And of course Heaven is not an eternal place but a place that will pass away anytime as stated in the Holy Bible.

When Heaven and earth were created, Krishna was residing in the Spiritual

full, which is Brahman, Paramatma and Bagavan realization Thus it explains that God whose eternal form is composed of Knowledge, Bliss and Eternity has three features. Brahman is His impersonal feature, what many call the ‘White light”, or the energy of God. One who realizes the Brahman feature of the Supreme God, attains eternity but no knowledge nor bliss. In the caitanya - caritamrta, it is stated that what is described as impersonal Brahma (S the

Paramatma is but a portion of God, and realization of Ibrings one eternity and knowledge but not bliss. The highest realizatiQn of God is Bhagavan, or the Supreme person. As we are persons with forms, relationship! and activities, so is also God in I- abode. In fact, He is the source of all other persons, as he is the original creator of everything and every one, It is only in the Bhagávan feature or aspect of God realization that eternity and full Knowledge and Bliss of the Supreme God are

love God as they would love someone in the world whom they know intimately. For intimate knowledge of God, we must again turn to Vedas whore the complete description of God can be found. God the Supreme Lord conies to this material world in many incarnations to accept the service of His devotees and teach them how to return to Him. But the original name God is Krishna He lives in the Spiritual world, known as Goloka Vrndavan, and not Ileaven. That Kingdom of

world (Goloka Vrndavan.

People can have various relationship with ‘the Supreme Father in Five different ways: - (1) In neutrality, as one who is adored. (2) In servitude, as one who is served with great awe and reference. (3) In friendship, in which lie plays with his boyfriends much as children play in this world.

(4) In parental affection, in which He becomes the loving child under the protective care of his devotees; and with his confidential devotees as

“Many religionist accept that God is a person, but beyond that they don’t have much knowledge of what kind of person He is. They may know that He is powerful or great, but that alone will not enable them to love God as they would love someone in the world whom they know intimately.”

lover or husband. (This conjugal relationship with the Supreme Lord is not the same as relationships in the material world. God is pure; and his relationships are also pure and untainted by lust).

Note that all such personalities who associate with the Supreme Lord are also pure in heart, for the Pure in Heart shall see God. These relationships are known as rasas. The relationships we have with living beings on earth are all attempts to rekindle the feelings we experienced in our rasas with Krishna (The Supreme Lord) in the Spiritual world and not heaven. As Heaven and earth shall pass away, so it is said in Isaiah 34:4 that, “All the Host of I-leaven shall rot away”. But in the material world, our friends move away, our parents grow old and die, and our spouses divorce us. Thus the only truly perfect relationship we can have is with the supreme Lord — God, who will never grow old, never leave us, and never die.

The happiness we arc searching lo life after life in relationship after relationship, is only to be found in our original relationship with the supreme person, Krishna.

Therefore, since Krishna consciousness teaches this fullest knowledge of God in his topmost feature, it is described in the Bagavad — Gita (9 — 2) in this way.

“This knowledge is the king of education. The most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct perception of the self by realization, it is perfection of religion. It is everlasting. And it is joyfully performed. By chanting Hare Krishna arid singing and dancing in the company of like minded devotees, one gets the realization within his own heart — that we are not talking of the Lord for there are so many LORDS in the material world, but here we are referring to the one Supreme Lord — Krishna.

Infact glorifying the Supreme Lord is indeed the supreme religion and the easiest way to return back home to the spiritual world Continues on Pg 24

Place Of Prayer

200 Nuggets For Life A humble man humbles proud men by his humility.

A made up mind accepts no excuse.

A man is not assessed by his commencement, but by his completion.

A man that sincerely believes does not consider contradictions.

A man who has not found purpose has not found life.

A man who knows his vision is a man qualified for provision.

A man will only be celebrated in his correct geography of operation.

A man with a passion has urgency in his spirit.

A man without direction will never arrive.

Activity does not guarantee eternity.

Anger is the mother of murder.

Anointing does not take the place of your responsibility.

Anointing is not given to the hungry but to the thirsty.

Anyone that is tired of knowing God is tired of life.

Anyone who is afraid of shame will never have fame.

Anything done, not of meditation, does not produce result.

Anything you can’t remember, you can’t manifest.

Appreciation drives away depreciation.

As long as the source is still available, you don’t go sourcing.

Association affects acceleration.

Belief is not an idea that you possess; it is an idea that possesses you.

Challenges operate in seasons and seasons are not forever.

Children of God don’t breakthrough, they walk through, Consistency is the mother of manifestation.

Consistent sensitivity is the key to consistent hearing.

Continuity is a baby of documentation.

Desperacy without restriction will lead to insanity.

Don’t dance to the tune of people’s music; determine the music you dance to.

Don’t look at what you don’t have, appreciate what is left.

Don’t speak the situation, speak your expectation.

Don’t try to expand God; He is wider than your expansion.

Dreams are not realities; they are mere information seeking for your reaction.

Endowment with power is a product of submission.

Every blessing you have is an evangelistic tool.

Every choice has its consequence.

Every encounter with divinity enhances humanity.

Every manifestation is a product of meditation.

Every sin begins with a thought.

Faith is the action you take against contradiction.

Fear is the credential for defeat.

Find out what God calls you; advertise it and people will buy it.

For there to be a move, there must be movers.

God does not place a cloud of confusion around His

commission.

God does not work in an atmosphere of doubt.

God does not work with inconsistent men.

God is not available in ignorance, He dwells only in light.

God is not moved by your activity but by your life style.

God is too good to deny you goodness.

God speaks in the light but He tests your belief in the dark.

God works with you when you do His work.

God works with your faith, the devil works with your fear.

Gratitude is the key that unlocks the door to your next level.

Grudge is the imprisonment you put upon yourself because of the foolishness of another person.

He that is resident in God’s presence becomes President of all situations, He that shuts his mouth shuts his life He that spends time with God need not fight the devil.

If God’s agenda is your priority, then your destiny will become His priority.

If sin takes you away from grace, you will meet with disgrace.

If the gift takes away the given from the Giver, then the Giver will take away the gift from the given so that the given can return to the Giver.

If you believe the lie of the devil, you will lie down.

If you can picture it, God will feature it.

If you close your mouth you close your future.

If you do not live holy, you will not experience glory.

If you don’t believe it, you can’t become it.

If you don’t live right, you are not right.

If you eat the devil’s pleasure, you will miss eternal pleasure.

If you forget your identity, you lose your ability.

If you have no time with God, He will have no time for you.

If you keep your mind on the pain, you will not get the gain.

If you miss the pattern, you will not get the package.

If you refuse to pray in pleasure, you will pray under pressure.

If you think backward, you will go backward.

Ignorance is a cancer that eats up ability.

Ignorance is the vehicle that takes believers into captivity.

Ignorance of instruction is not an excuse from destruction.

Impartation is not by hand laying, but by service. Impartation is not imitation.

Ingratitude frustrates your next opportunity. In disobeyed is destruction accepted. Intimacy is a journey not a destination. It is in your correct location that you have your allocation. It is not all movement that is progress.

It is not the size of the activity that counts; but the consistency of the activity.

It is only the anointing and grace you celebrate that responds to your needs.

It is your confession in your confusion that brings the

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conclusion to a particular issue in your life.

It takes intimacy to know your right geography.

It’s not being busy that counts, but being relevantly busy.

Jehovah cannot be kept in a leather box, He is everywhere.

Knowledge of your identity establishes your ability.

Living right is painful but gainful.

Love is an attitude, a commitment, a form of behaviour, passionately

humanity to divinity.

Say what the word says, not what your senses tell you.

Talent is the greatest enemy of spiritual performance.

Thanksgiving qualifies you for another receiving.

The”I’ that fills your mouth is the”I” that rules your life.

The ability of God is not disabled by your disability.

The ability of God is restricted to your knowledge of Him The best pain killer is hope.

when disqualification is present.

The trial shall become your triumph and the test will turn into your testimony.

The value you place on your product is the value people will place on it. The word of God you

demonstrated for the benefit of another, without intentionally expecting a reward.

Maturity is tested in the season of change. Meditation begets understanding. Meditation compels manifestation.

Ministry is not done by imitation but by revelation.

No one keeps looking back and walks straight.

Only God can produce a material without raw material. Only revelation defeats deception.

Perfection is a product of consistency.

Performance is the baby of remembrance.

Power, without character, is like flying with one wing.

Prayer informs God, but praises invite Him. Pride is the beginning of iniquity, but humility is the end of it.

Problem is the laboratory where God’s power is shown.

Prophesies are not products of observation but babies of revelation.

Punctuality is not an accidental occurrence; it is a product of serious preparation.

Pursuit is only possible when the object of your pursuit is visible.

Remembering your identity puts a restriction on your abnormalities.

Responsibility is to claim acceptance; irresponsibility is to blame others for your failure.

Revelation brings elevation.

Righteousness does not guarantee prosperity; the key of financial blessing is giving.

Royalty is moved by relevance: when you satisfy royalty, get ready to be satisfied.

Salvation is a translocation from

The certainty of your future is guaranteed by the strength of your foundation.

The certainty of your glorious future is attached to the sustenance of your intimacy with God The darker the darkness, the more valuable your light The direction of your praise is the direction of God’s action in your life.

The effect of addition is not seen when the force of subtraction is strong.

The extent to which you can intercede is also the extent to which you can save.

The good thing, done at the expense of the right thing, becomes an obstacle to your miracle.

The level of your understanding determines your level of fruitfulness.

The mind has a magnetic field that captures what you are able to imagine.

The more men mock you for God’s sake, the more God makes you.

The New Testament believer is not a prayer warrior but a praise warrior.

The power of God is put under restriction where there is no utterance.

The secret of boldness is in the consciousness of God’s presence.

The secret of dominion is submission.

The secret of manifestation is meditation.

The secret of open reward is secret service.

The strength of deception is ignorance.

The strength of love is defined

speak creates your world.

There is danger in trying to meet the need at the expense of the pattern.

Those who focus on enemies are always defeated by enemies.

Those who refuse to learn by teaching will learn by experience.

To remove your mind from consciousness of God is to walk in darkness.

Trust the caller; He will prove the calling.

Unction is a product of passion, and passion is activated by observation.

Until love is the root of the seed you sow, you will not see the tree.

Until you appreciate God’s best (Jesus), you will not get the rest.

Until you are accredited secretly, you will not be celebrated openly.

Until you comprehend your supernaturality, you will be a victim of circumstances.

Until you see the picture from the scripture you cannot secure your future.

Until your mind agrees with your mouth your testimony will not be heard.

We don’t pray for victory, we pray from victory.

What you don’t appreciate will not be appreciated in your life.

What you don’t behave, you don’t become.

Whatever you are conscious of is attracted to you.

When a superior calls you, he calls you by the virtue of who you are; but when he sends you, he sends you by the virtue of who he is.

When God campaigns for you, even the devil will vote for you.

When God speaks your destination, do not consider the

restrictions.

When it is your turn and your time, the enemy is insignificant.

When life is tough, seed breaks the barrier.

When you are in touch with your source, your resource in life is guaranteed.

When you believe, you insist.

When you do not give the devil attention, he will pack and go.

When you dwell on the strength of the enemy, you will certainly lose the battle.

When you lose consciousness of your value, you downgrade your status.

When you spend time with God, He will make people spend their life a you.

When you think too much about your background, you will be relegated to the background.

When your motivation is wrong, your decisions will be wrong.

Where your mind goes is where your life goes.

Whosoever is afraid to fail will never celebrate success.

Without communion, there is no dominion.

Worship has value in the midst of contradiction.

You become valuable when you enter God’s vacancy.

You can’t be restricted when you are consistent.

You can’t come from the city of gold and be wearing brass.

You cannot associate with divinity and remain human.

You cannot be trusted until you are tested.

You create your world with your words.

You don’t need holiness to receive from God, but you need holiness to keep it.

You will become what you behold constantly.

Your allocation is found in your correct location.

Your attitude in the time of contradiction determines your arrival.

Your attitude is more important than your activity.

Your attitude reveals your class.

Your belief system controls your experience.

Your calling is your covering.

Your change is a factor of what you behold constantly.

Your dress is your first address.

Your escape from destruction is in your obedience to instruction.

Your future will feature the scripture you picture.

Your good offering can remove your suffering.

Your life attracts what your mind imagines.

Your mandate is your insurance.

Your meditation is a path finder for your destination.

Your relevance to God’s purpose keeps you alive.

Your speed in manifestation is a product of advertisement.

Your valuables do not determine your value before God. Your victory is determined by the size of your mind.

For The Record

Chris Ogiemwonyi

A Godly Man In The Assembly Of The Ungodly

A Solidarity Message

by Edo State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Godwin Erhahon at the Launching ceremony of Chris Ogiemwonyi Movement for Edo State, C.O.M.E. in Benin City, on July 8, 2014.

I thank and welcome you all to this historic occasion. May God bless the organizers of this forum. I am sure we all know what this forum is about: A call on Engineer Chris Ogiemwonyi to come home and serve his people, having served the nation meritoriously.

This is a non-partisan forum otherwise Chris being in PDP and I in APC, I would have had no business being here.

Service to which Chris is being called is beyond partisanship.

The organizers of this forum deemed it necessary to extend invitations to leaders across political divides and beyond.

They probably share my view that the colossus called Chris Ogiemwonyi is above partisanship. Again, I thank you all the organizers for your noble initiatives and I thank all invitees here present for honouring your

invitations.

This call on Chris Ogiemwonyi to come and serve could not have come at a more auspicious time than now when desperate political infidels and enemies of progress in Edo State have ran amok.

The Holy Book tells us in Proverbs 30:21-23 of four things that make the earth tremble: A slave who becomes king.

A rebel who prospers.

A bitter woman when she finally marries.

A servant girl who marries her mistress’ husband.

One of the reasons why democratic rule failed so woefully in Edo State from 1999 till 2008 was because loafers who never served anywhere except in under-world gangster-ism found themselves in leadership position for which they were ill-prepared. That was a typical case of “a slave who became king” and “a house-girl who succeeded her mistress as ‘Oga wife’. Because these loafers have always been enemies of society in their underworld coven, their sudden assumption of

political power made them typical examples of “a rebel who prospered” and “a bitter woman who finally marries”. They only use their ill-gotten power to oppress the patriotic and law-abiding citizens. That was why I call them “sadist capitalist regime” “evil government” and “agberu administration” in my days as State Publicity Secretary of APP which later became ANPP, under the edifying tutelage of our father, Chief D. U. Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin. May God continue to bless him!

I am proud to be here just as am proud to be associated with Chris Ogiemwonyi. It pleased the Almighty God to send both of us to the earth through lyekeorhionmwon, a remote part of Benin Kingdom, the most exploited and most cheated Local Government Area in Nigeria. I served as a Journalist, Chris served as an Engineer. Both of us are incorruptible and credibly outspoken. No wonder why Chris did not last as a Minister in the administration of the most indolent leader that has ever ruled Nigeria; a leader who shies away

Chris Ogiemwonyi

from hardwork but waits idly for goodluck even when such goodluck becomes badluck to our country.

Chris Ogiemwonyi initiated the reconstruction of the dilapidated BeninAbraka Road, the access route to Iyekeorhionmwon.

Construction work on that road is abandoned at the level which Chris left it over two years ago when he was removed as Minister of State for Works because his lazy master felt he was too hard- working.

All the above are my thoughts as Comrade Godwin Erhahon, anointed by God to speak the truth in defense of the oppressed.

Now I bring you the message of my political party, APC, in my capacity as State Publicity Secretary. APC appreciates Chris Ogiemwonyi as a wellbred Edo son who rose by thorough study and quality service to become a global celebrity in his chosen career. APC sympathizes with Chris as a good man who finds himself in a bad political party, trying to serve sincerely where service and sincerity are abominations.

APC believes that Chris Ogiemwonyi being a guru in oil industry, appreciates the fact that our home Local Government Area, Orhionmwon, is one of the leading Oil and Gas

producing areas but ironically the most neglected, cheated and exploited in Nigeria.

From Oben Gas Plant, Nigeria supplies gas to Togo, Benin Republic and other neigbouring countries to power their electricity supply. Yet PDP-led Federal Government continues to deny Orhionmwon of electricity, good roads, water, industry and other basic amenities. They pretend not to know that:” there is God oo!”

Therefore APC extends hand of fellowship to Chris Ogiemwonyi and all of you who seek the progress of our state and desire the prosperity of all.

God bless you all as you do that.

“APC believes that Chris Ogiemwonyi being a guru in oil industry, appreciates the fact that our home Local Government Area, Orhionmwon, is one of the leading Oil and Gas producing areas but ironically the most neglected, cheated and exploited in Nigeria.”

International

US Teams Complete Assessment WASHINGTON- US military Of Iraqi Forces teams have completed an assessment of Iraqi security forces, the Pentagon said on Monday, amid reports that the American officers came away with bleak conclusions.

The teams were deployed to Baghdad this month after Sunni militants swiftly advanced across the country in a string of disastrous battlefield defeats for Shiite-led government forces.

“The assessments from the teams in Iraq have reached the Pentagon,” spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby told reporters.

According to The New York Times, the assessment warned that any American troops serving as advisers would face safety risks given infiltration of the Iraqi army by Sunni extremists and Iran-backed Shiite troops or militia.

Citing US officials, the newspaper said the classified assessment also found that only about half of the Iraqi army’s units are capable enough to be worth advising by American troops.

Kirby declined to comment on the report’s details but acknowledged the danger posed by “insider threats” and that the military had drawn lessons from its experience in Afghanistan, where some NATO troops have been attacked and killed by Afghans in uniform.

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

I, Joy Imagbenikaro wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Evelyn Imagbenikaro.

Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Joy Imagbenikaro. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities, UBA Bank and the general public should please take note.

“It would be imprudent, irresponsible not to think about the insider threat,” he said.

The assessment took two weeks to prepare and looked at the strength, cohesiveness and leadership of Iraqi units at the brigade level, officials said.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and top military commanders will review the assessment and then recommend possible missions for American military advisers, he said.

But at the moment, the roughly 220 US advisers on the ground are solely focused on evaluating the Iraqi army and not providing tactical advice in Baghdad’s fight with the Sunni extremists, he said.

“The initial work is done, additional assessment work continues. We have not moved to an advisory capacity at this point,” he said.

Kirby’s remarks left open the

possibility the White House might decide not to send more advisers or to provide more hands-on help to Baghdad’s troops.

President Barack Obama has not ruled out air strikes but he and top military leaders have said the crisis in Iraq can only be resolved through a settlement with leaders of the country’s Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish communities.

The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, told National Public Radio last month that air strikes could have the objective of targeting senior leaders among the Islamist militants, safeguarding infrastructure or “blunting attacks” by large numbers of militants, possibly to counter an assault on Baghdad.

Dempsey told lawmakers last week that Iraqi forces had shored up their defenses but would be hard-pressed to regain lost territory without outside help.

Features

Bethel University Celebrates Its President

By TUNDE EIGBIREMOLEN

TWO significant events took place in Benin City at the weekend which opened the flood gate of awards of Honourary Doctorate and professorship Degrees in Community Development as well as Certificate of Excellence conferred on wellmeaning and deserving individuals in the society.

The first was the celebration

Among the thousands of leaders and Pastors who have passed through Bethel University is the fire-blasting Apostle Johnson Suleiman, of Omega Fire Ministries who incidentally bagged a Professorial award for global evangelism at the 20 th Anniversary celebration of the University on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Other notable Entrepreneurs and men and women of God

Turkey PM Accuses Israel Of State Terrorism Over Gaza

ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday stepped up his rhetoric against Israel over its deadly air offensive on Gaza, accusing the Jewish state of committing “state terrorism” against the Palestinians.

Presenting himself as the sole world leader speaking up for the Palestinians, Erdogan said that any normalisation in the troubled ties between Israel and Ankara was currently out of the question.

“Israel is continuing to carry out state terrorism in the region.

Nobody, except us, tells it to stop,” Erdogan told members of his ruling party in parliament, accusing Israel of perpetrating

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

EDOMWANDAGBON – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sandra Edomwandagbon now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sandra Radax. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

AMIEGHEME – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amiegheme Iguehi Oseyomon now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ofotokun Iguehi Oseyomon. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Adamu Nasiru Aishat wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Nasiru Aishat as appeared in my Primary School Leaving Certificate. Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Adamu Nasiru Aishat. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

AIGBE – I, formerly Miss Ordia-Akota and Miss Aigbe Aituaje Doris now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Ehinomen Aituaje Doris. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank of Nigeria Plc and the general public should please take note.

a “massacre” of Palestinians.

“To what extent will the world remain silent to this state terrorism?”

Supporters from his Islamicrooted Justice and Development Party (AKP) often interrupted his address by shouting slogans like “Murderer Israel!”.

His comments came after a week of the deadliest violence in the Gaza Strip for years which has claimed at least 192 lives, sparking international condemnation.

Israel on yesterday accepted an Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire, despite a Hamas decision to turn down the US-backed truce.

Erdogan welcomed the ceasefire proposal as “very positive” and “precious”.

“I hope this ceasefire will be secured,” he said.

“But it appears that the blood of innocent Palestinian children is being exploited in the dirty politics of the Middle East,” he said.

Erdogan is due to host Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in Turkey for talks on Friday.

Ties between Israel and Turkey hit an all-time low after Israeli marines stormed a Gaza-bound Turkish ship in 2010 while in international waters. Ten Turks were killed.

Encouraged by the United States, there had been progress toward a normalisation of ties.

But Erdogan said this could not be considered as long as the Israeli offensive continued.

“The Israeli state must know that it is out of the question to normalise our relations if those massacres continue,” he said.

Erdogan sees himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause and is also keen to underline his credentials as a global Muslim leader ahead of August 10 presidential elections in which he is standing.

Rev. (Prof.) Fred N. Okonne of the 20th anniversary of the existence of Bethel University College of Biblical Studies, Benin City Study Center, established in 1994 and the second event was the 50 th birthday anniversary of the vision bearer and National President of Bethel University of Biblical Studies, Rev. (Prof.) Fred N. Okonne, born on July 7, 1964 in Jos, Nigeria.

Both events attracted dignitaries from all walks of life who came from far and near to rejoice with the Bible Institute and especially its President, Rev. Fred Okonne, whose vision, innovation, commitment, leadership and creativity became the subject of discourse at the forum; qualities many agreed, gave birth to Bethel University 20 years ago.

Bethel University is a Theological Institution providing high-quality, Bible and Human Resource degrees through a proven conventional and distance learning programme. As at today, the Institution is said to have mentored and trained over 30,000 graduates who have made and are still making tremendous impact in World Evangelism.

who were honoured at the event, besides Apostle Johnson Suleiman, include Barrister Alex Iyamu, the South –South Zonal Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Management and Chairman, Benin and District Society of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria Pastor Beatrice Ukhun, an educationist and administrator of the Life Light Group of Schools, Warri, Delta State and Dean of Studies, Victory Bible College; Engr. Gideon Osazonmwangie Nosakhare Eghobamien, Director, Nosakhare Enterprises Limited and Nosakhare Model Educational Centre.

Others are Mr. Vincent A Efionayi, Managing Director, Brightling Business Ventures and Chief Executive of Citizen Hotel Services, both in Benin City; Hon. Valentine Asuen, Chief Executive officer, DVD Oil/Gas Nigeria Limited; G.O.G Ume-Ezeoke (KSM), Chairman Chief Executive, Betty George Enterprises; Rev. Cletus Diolu, Bishop, Victory Bible Church Int’l Warri, Delta State, and Mr. Owen Chamber lain Obaseki; and Comrade Julius Amadin, Managing Director J. Amadin Global Resources Ltd. Speaking on why the twin

celebrations of his 50 th birthday and the 20 th anniversary of Bethel University had to be used to honour deserving individuals, the Chief celebrant, Rev. Fred N. Okonne stated that the awardees were men and women who have contributed immensely to the growth and evolution of Bethel University as well as his success so far in ministry. He remarked that in the 20 years of existence of the University, the school had advanced from a Diploma awarding to a Doctorate Degree awarding in Ministry.

“Today, we are using the occasion of the 50th birthday anniversary to appreciate men and women of Edo State origin and other Nigerians of note for their contributions to the growth and development of the University we have been able to move from simple and nothing to 30,000 graduates in the last 20 years.

It’s not been easy. We lost many things, we gained many things, but we do not count on our losses, we are diversifying our service line.

We are taking our training centres to nations of the world”, the facilitator of Bethel University, declared.

The cleric also used the occasion to caution leaders on the need to lay aside their interests and let kingdom interest and the place of the word of God take hold of their lives, adding that the Boko Haram menace would come to an end very soon by faith, stressing that the activities of the religions sect had done incalculable and collosal damage to the nation, just as the civil war of 196770 prosecuted by late Odumegwu Ojukwu. He advised the youths to shun being used by politicians who are systematically destroying their future through violence and thuggery.

Rev. (Prof.) Fred N. Okonne is also the Executive Director of the African Chamber of Commerce, USA, Inc; with headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana, a Multilateral Chamber of Commerce established to serve as “a gateway between African and American businesses”. Prof Okonne presides over a number of other enterprises; these include Train to Reign Ministries International, the Pan African Centre for Human Resource Management, Bethel College of Biblical Studies, Youth World Outreach Int’l and Congress of Entrepreneurs and leaders in Nigeria.

New Horizon Continued from Pg 20

and be with the Supreme Lord. Some say it is not possible but your Bible, my Bible, our Bible says - The pure in Heart shalt see God. Just remove yourself from the position of a doubting Thomas, and if you strongly believe in what has been pronounced, and begin to think positively about it, you will and can be redirected from the Heart to where you can find such reaHzation. Some religions say, “Just join us and be happy and perfect”. But one can judge a thing by its result materially and spiritually Mary religions points out the path back to God, but they can also he examined as to how they can lead one to the Supreme Lord .destination.

By chanting Hare Krishna, one can feel his material propensities decreasing day by day, and thus Hare Krishna devotees are easily able to follow the strict religious principles of no eating meat, fish nor eggs, no gambling, no form of intoxication, no illicit sex (sex out side marriage) which most religionists Und it impossible to follow. Yet only by avoiding these pillars of sinful life and concentrating or activities that please the Supreme Lord can we ever hope to see God in truth, serve Him in truth and rejoin Him in truth there in His abode.

As Krishna says in Bagavad - Gita ‘Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto mc. I shall protect you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear.”

Therefore Krishna consciousness is more than just a religion. It is the topmost science of God consciousness over revealed to man and anyone is welcome to sample it and see what stuff its made of

More Than Just...

through the chanting of the Holy name of Krishna, the Huge volumes of Vedic literatures, there glorifying Vedic music and dancing and the- direct and indirect preaching network all around the world. Krishna (God) realisation is possible only if you find yourself in the right school and not “A Square peg in a round hole syndrome). You cannot be part of that abode in the near future -try and find the right place to practice and the door is now open.”

VEGETARIANISM AND RELIGION Avoidance of meat has been a part of religious practice in nearly all faiths.

Some Egyptian priests were vegetarians, avoiding meat in order to help them maintain vows of celibacy.

They also avoided eggs, which they called ‘liquid flesh.” Although the Old Testament, the foundation of Judaism, contains some prescriptions for meat eating.

It is clear that the ideal situation for making rapid spiritual progress is vegetarianism. In Genesis (1:29) we find God proclaiming: ‘Behold have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of the earth, and every tree, in that which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed: to you, it shall be for meat! In the beginning of creation, as described in the Bible, it seems that not even the animals eat flesh. In Genesis (1:30), God says, And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creepth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat, and it was so.” Genesis (9:4) also directly forbids meat-eating. “But flesh with

the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shalt ye not eat. And surely your blood of your lives will I require; in later books of the Bible, major prophets also condemn meat eating. Isaiah (1:5) states, “Saith the Lord: am full of burnt offerings of

our spiritual progress. In the Bible we also find the glory of Daniel who while imprisoned in Babylon refused to eat meat offered by his jailers, preferring instead simple vegetarian food. Major stumbling blocks of many Christians

rams, and the fat of fed beasts, and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats. When you spread forth your hands, I will hide nine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear, for your hands are full of blood.”

And according to Isaiah (66:3), the killing and strangulation of cows is particularly abhorrent. “He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man.” I this spiritual equation of killing a cow that is rampant even in churches that preach the Holy Bible.

What we hear, say and practice from the Holy Books are very important to

are the belief that Jesus Christ ate meat and the many references to meat in the New Testament. But close study of the original Greek manuscripts shows that the vast majority of the words translated as “Meat” are trophe, brome, and other words that simply mean “food” or eating” in the broadest sense. For example, in the Gospel of St. Luke (8:55) we read that Jesus Christ raised a woman from the dead and commanded to give her meat.”

The original Greek Word translated as “meat” is phago, which means only “to eat.” So what Jesus Christ actually said was, “let her

“Avoidance of meat has been a part of religious practice in nearly all faiths. Some Egyptian priests were vegetarians, avoiding meat in order to help them maintain vows of celibacy. They also avoided eggs, which they called ‘liquid flesh.”

With VICTOR ANIUKWU

eat.” The Greek Word for meat is Kreas (Flesh), and it is here used in connection with Jesus. No where in the New Testament is there any direct reference to Jesus eating meat. This is in line with Isaiah’s famous prophecy about Jesus appearance.” Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his

a sense of equity, and yet we have become worse than wild beasts.” St. Benedict who founded the Benedictine order in A.D 529, stipulated vegetable foods as the staple for his monks. The Trappist order Uniformly prohibited meat and eggs, and other flesh foods from its founding in the seventeeth century. The

name Immanuel, Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil and choose the good” Clement of Alerandria, an early Church father, recommended a fleshless diet, citing the example of apostle Matthew, who partook of seeds, and nuts and vegetables, without flesh” Jerome, another leader of the early Christian church, who gave the authorized Latin version of the Bible still in use today, wrote, “The preparation of vegetables, fruits and pulses is easy, and does not require expensive cooks.” He felt such a diet was the best for a life devoted to the pursuit of spiritual wisdom. St. John Chrysostom considered meat eating to be a cruel and unusual habit for Christians” We imitate hut the ways of wolves, but the ways of leopards, or rather we are even worse than these.

For them, nature has assigned that they should thus feed, but as God hath honoured us with speech and

regulations were relaxed by the Vatican council of the 1960s, but most of the Trappists will follow the original teachings.

Remarkably enough, however most Trappists monasteries raise cattle for slaughter just to support them selves financially.

Finally, the largest concentration of vegetarians in the world is found in India, the home land of Buddhism and Hinduism. Buddism began as a reaction to widespread incessant animal slaughter that was being carried out through perversion or religious rituals. Lord Buddha advented to put an end to these practices by propounding his doctrine of “AHIMSA” or “NONVIOLENCE”. Now, is the world ready to come to this level of “AHIMSA” of Lord Buddha that can single handedly cleanse the contaminated Heart of man from violence to n violent ways of living, next to nature?

Spiritual Platform Breaking Ancestral Evil Hold THE sins of our forefathers have been a problem to many people families and communities. Our forefathers and even some of our parents engaged and have continued to engage in practices which run counter to the commandments of God. Some of these practices date back hundreds of years before you were born.

The consequences follow the descendants of the forefathers until the third and fourth generations, Exodus. 20:5 which says: ‘You shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the Iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me”.

Numbers 14: 18 brings in more grounds for this curse when it says “The Lord Is longsuffering and abundant In mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but he by no means clears the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation’ The meaning of this is that you may be suffering from the consequences of what your forefathers did years and years ago even before you were born.

Your navel links you to your ancestors. This is the reason why when some prayers are being said people are asked to put their hands on their navels.

Ancestral problems are also foundational problems to which you are advised in your own interest to pay attention. “If the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3. The sins of our ancestors arise from the following sources: • ancestral worship/idolatry • family gods evil trees •evil rivers/streams, •marine/water spirits • serpentine spirits •evil dedication •evil altars •placental manipulation •occultism Individuals and families that have engaged in these things or are still indulging in them have contravened the laws of God. They amount to disobedience even though our ancestors were not Christians. Jeremiah 11:1014 describe the consequences of indulgence in these ancestral practices and worship when it says “They turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers who refused to hear my words, and they have gone after other gods to serve them; the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers, therefore thus says the Lord; “Behold, I will surely bring calamity on them which they will not be able to escape; and though they cry out to me, I will not listen to them. Then the cities of Judah and the Inhabitants of Jerusalem

will go and cry out to the gods to whom they offer incense, but they will not save them at all in the time of their trouble. For according to the number of your cities were your gods, 0 Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem you have set up altars to that shameful thing, altars to burn incense to Baal. So do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry out to me because of their trouble.

people are a reproach to all those around us”.

Curses came into life or into families from the day, when out of ignorance, our forefathers transgressed the law of God. Curses from God are automatic.

When transgression occurs, lives and families are cut off from God and Satan steps in to cause problems. Many evil things start to happen, e.g.

-Untimely deaths -Strokes/inexplicable diseases - impotence/barrenness

from the iniquities of your forefathers.

Disobedience is a serious affront to God and for hundreds of Years God has left families to stew in their ignorance. You know what happens, if God abandons you, Satan takes over.

The consequences are described by references to the scriptures.

Lev. 26: 38-40 says: “You shall perish among the nations, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up. And those of you who are left shall waste away in their fathers’ iniquities which are with them, they shall waste away. But if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers with their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to me, and that they also have walked contrary to me”.

Exo 20:5 “You shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me”.

Dan 9:16-17 O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, I pray, let your anger and your fury be tuned away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your

-Evil covenants - Bondages/ curses -Destiny abortion -Wreckage in life.

-Moral weakness -Family quarrels/divisions -Proneness to accidents -Evil patterns - Household Wickedness These are terrible things, which afflict life because of the activities of our ancestors. When the evil things outlined above continue to occur families or individual lives, steps have to be taken to deal with them.

broken completely; Command all demons associated with that curse of destruction to leave you at once in the name of Jesus.

Since some of the evil practices you are now dealing with may have been in existence in your families for hundreds of years, you have to continue to pray and do not give up easily. Violent or warfare prayers are very efficacious in dealing with the problems arising from them; Read the following scriptures and thereafter, pray the following prayer points between the hours of 12 midnight and 3am for better results: Colossians 1: 13,2: 15 2 Timothy4: 18 Hebrews 2: 15 Psalm 27: 2 Leviticus 26: 40-42

The following steps should be taken:Confess your sins and the sins of your forefathers and ask God for forgiveness. Proclaim that you are in Christ, asking God to completely separate you

Since God puts automatic curses on disobedience you should take the following steps: Command all demons placed on your life as a result of this dedication to leave at once in Jesus name; In the name of Jesus Christ take authority over the curse of destruction that was activated through your broken dedication, and command it to be

With Rt Rev (Dr.) C. I. Umane GSM: 0803579951 These are confessions assuring you of God’s intervention. Our God is merciful and if you pray seriously he will answer you. He is faithful to his promise.

Prayer Points.

1. Every hold of the evils of ancestral worship of my

forefather’s gods over my life, break by fire In Jesus name.

2. Every covenant with water spirits, desert spirits, Witchcraft spirits, spirits in evil frees, rocks, hills; family gods, evil family guardian spirits, family/village gods, serpentine spirits, masquerade spirits, inherited spirit husbands /wives, be broken by the blood of Jesus. (Take them one by one).

3. Every evil soul tie and covenant with the spirits of my dead grand father, grand mother, occultic uncles, aunties, custodian of family gods /oracles/ shrines, be broken by the blood of Jesus 4. Every decision, vow or promise made by my forefathers contrary to my divine destiny, loose your hold by fire In Jesus name.

“Since some of the evil practices you are now dealing with may have been in existence in your families for hundreds of years, you have to continue to pray and do not give up easily.

Violent or warfare prayers are very efficacious in dealing with the problems arising from them.”

5. Every generational curse of God resulting from the sin of idolatry of my forefathers, loose your hold in Jesus names.

6. Every ancestral evil altar prospering against me, be dashed against the Rock of Ages in Jesus name.

7. Every ancestral placental manipulation in my life, be reversed in Jesus name.

8. Every hold of any sacrifice ever offered in my family or on my behalf I break your power in my life in Jesus name.

9. I vomit every evil food offered to idol, eaten by me in Jesus name.

10. Any ancestral bloodshed of animals or human beings affecting me, loose your hold by the blood of Jesus 11. Every garment of ancestral infirmity, disease, sickness’ untimely death, poverty, dishonor, shame and failure at the edge of miracles passed down to my generation be roasted by fire in Jesus name.

12. Every ancestral evil river flowing down to my generation l cut you off in Jesus name.

13. Every evil ancestral habit and weakness of moral fairness manifesting In my life, loose your grip and release me now, In Jesus name.

14. Any power from my family background seeking to make me a big failure be destroyed by the fire of God In Jesus name.

15. Every anger of ancestral and family spirits resulting from my being born again, be quenched by the liquid fire of God in Jesus name.

16. I recover every good thing stolen by ancestral evil spirits from my forefathers, my immediate family and myself in Jesus name.

17. Every ancestral embargo in any area of my life be lifted in Jesus name.

18. The sin of my ancestors shall not cage my life in Jesus name.

19. I refuse to die prematurely In Jesus name.

20. Every satanic coffin constructed against my family, burn to ashes in Jesus name.

21. 1 cut myself off from inherited poverty In Jesus name.

22. I cut my life away from the effects of any ancestral cause of poverty in Jesus name.

23. Let every evil ancestral law programmed into my blood be terminated in Jesus name.

24. I separate my life from all evil idols present in my place of birth in Jesus name.

25. I separate my life from all evil streams present in my place of birth In Jesus name.

26. I separate my life from all evil shrines in my place of birth In Jesus name.

27. I vomit every evil consumption I have been fed with as a child in Jesus name.

28. I purge myself of every evil water drunk from any shrines in Jesus name,

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Sanchez Connection Excites ARSENAL winger Theo Walcott Walcott believes he and Alexis Sanchez can form a potent partnership that will strike fear into opposition defences next season.

Sanchez joined the Gunners for a fee in the region of £35 million from Barcelona, where he scored 47 goals in 141 appearances.

The 25-year-old forward also scored two goals for Chile at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

“Sanchez is a world-class player and I enjoyed watching him play for Barcelona and for Chile at the World Cup,” Walcott told Arsenal Player.

“He’s still very young as well and he is going to show so much pace and power, which we lacked a bit last year.

“With me and him on the flanks, a lot of teams won’t be looking forward to playing Arsenal this year.”

The signing of Sanchez represents something of a coup for Arsenal, who splashed out £42.4m on Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil last year.

Walcott believes both transfers demonstrate the ambition of the club and admits he is excited to see who else will be brought in.

“There’s a great buzz around the club at the moment,” Walcott said.

“He is a marquee signing and something that the club has pushed on to - first you had Mesut Ozil and now it is Alexis Sanchez. Who knows where it is going to stop?

“It is great to learn from these players, and I cannot wait to play alongside him. I am really looking forward to it.”

Walcott is returning to fitness after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round victory against Tottenham in January.

The England winger refused to set a date for his comeback but insists he is pleased with the progress he has made.

“The knee is going really well, I am doing some good stuff with the physios and fitness coaches and we have worked really hard throughout the summer,” Walcott said, “Things are looking really good and I have worked very hard for the last five months now.

“The most important thing is getting the strength back and it has pretty much nearly healed - it is just about building up that stability and strength again.

Nicklas Bendtner Frustrates Frankfurt NICKLAS Bendtner is unhappy about his lack of playing time at Arsenal.

Nicklas Bendtner could yet join Franfurt, but talks are on ice.

Eintracht Frankfurt have put their pursuit of Nicklas Bendtner on hold after the former Arsenal striker opted to cover the World Cup final for Danish television rather than linking up with a new team.

Denmark international Bendtner, 26, is a free agent after his contract with Arsenal expired in June, ending his nineyear association with the London club.

Frankfurt offered him a deal last week, but are now considering other targets after being made to wait.

“We are not getting anywhere — therefore we have to focus on other things,” new Frankfurt

Sami Khedira

Arsenal Need A Player Like Khedira

ARSENE Wenger has realised that to make his team better he has to finally address the weaknesses that have plagued Arsenal for almost a decade, and the prospective signing of Sami Khedira would certainly do that.

For 10 years, you have needed that they would be one of the convincing about Arsenal. easiest clubs in the world to sign When they are at their best you players for because what they are know they can live with any missing has always been so team in the world. You don’t glaring, and never gets worry about them. But they are addressed. always capable of imploding, as At least now they are they did at Liverpool, Chelsea addressing one of their big and Manchester City last season. weaknesses: having that Capturing Khedira from Real formidable presence in midfield.

Madrid would be a huge step in Khedira is the type of player that the right direction towards Arsenal need and who can help curing Arsenal of their inherent them when they are not playing weakness and it is good news well. He is physically strong and, that Wenger is keen to address if he does indeed sign for the these shortcomings. If they can club, will give them something cut out the hidings to rival clubs, extra. perhaps they could be genuine It does slightly surprise me that title contenders. with him being available at a That is why Khedira would be good price, Chelsea and Jose a superb signing for Arsenal. Mourinho haven’t pushed more I’ve always said about Arsenal to sign him. Khedira performed

Markovic Set To Complete £20m Liverpool Deal

LIVERPOOL are set to complete their fourth signing of the summer with the capture of Lazar Markovic.

The Benfica winger has been on Merseyside to undergo a medical and Press Association Sport a deal is likely to be finalised on Tuesday.

His arrival will take Rodgers’ spending close to £60 million after Liverpool triggered the 20-year-old’s £20m release clause just a year after the Serbian moved to Portugal.

Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Emre Can have already been added to the squad while negotiations are continuing in an attempt to sign Belgium’s Lille striker Divock Origi.

Rodgers is looking to strengthen further following the £75m departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona, which is expected to be completed later this week.

Sevilla have also confirmed they have agreed to take Liverpool forward Iago Aspas on loan for the season.

very well under Mourinho at Real Madrid but perhaps they feel Nemanja Matic is a bit ahead of him.

Wenger, conversely, seems to have developed a strategy with Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and now possibly Khedira, where he picks up players from the two Spanish giants as soon as they are deemed expendable, and it’s not a bad strategy to go with. You know they have quality, suit a style that is conducive to Arsenal and are used

to playing with pressure. You are already halfway there.

If he does come to Arsenal then I think it would have to be at the expense of Mikel Arteta.

They have an awful lot of midfield players at the moment and Arteta looks vulnerable in the first XI. Wenger has realised that increasingly it’s a running game in midfield and you have to be able to get around. You have to have many qualities.

proposed move to Manchester United, pointing out he is already at a “great team” in Juventus.

The Chile international has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford as United look to rebuild under new coach Louis van Gaal following a dismal season that saw them miss out on European football for the first time in 25 years.

However, recent speculation suggests United’s interest in the 27-year-old has cooled due to Juve’s reported B£35million valuation of the midfielder.

If that is the case, and Vidal does not end up at United, then the former Bayer Leverkusen and Colo-Colo player admits he will be happy to stay at Juve although he says his focus right now is on enjoying his postWorld Cup break and not thinking about his future.

He was quoted as saying on www.chilevision.cl: “I’m not thinking of where I’m going to go, I want to take advantage of my holidays with the people I

love. Right now I’m thinking of other things.

Afterwards, when I arrive in Italy, I’ll see.

“I’m already at a great team, Juventus, so I will be just as calm if the Manchester United option

coach Thomas Schaaf told kicker on Monday.

Premier League transfer spending set a new 760 million pound record.

According to the paper, the Bundesliga club’s initial contract offer did not match Bendtner’s demands.

Frankfurt refused to improve the terms, and were reportedly irritated when the player broke off negotiations to travel to Brazil for the final.

However, Schaaf insists he has not given up all hope of signing the player, adding: “To put it on hold does not mean that negotiations will not continue at some point.”

Meanwhile, Die Adler are also exploring other options, with Modena attacker Khouma Babacar, 21, reportedly a strong target.

Bendtner took to Twitter on Monday to express his joy at being able to attend the tournament, for which Denmark did not qualify.

Nicklas Bendtner

Vidal ‘Happy To Stay’ If United Move falls through.”

ARTURO Vidal will not Fails United, who on Monday panic if nothing comes of a

Arturo Vidal

announced a B£750million sponsorship deal with adidas, have already made two bigmoney signings this summer in defender Luke Shaw and midfielder Ander Herrera but are being linked with a host of other players

Suarez In Spain For Barca Deal

L-R: Suarez, Neymar and Messi

Blatter Eager To See Suarez Return

FIFA president Sepp Blatter hopes to see Luis Suarez back in action soon as the controversial striker’s move from Liverpool to Barcelona nears completion.

Suarez was sent home early in shame after biting Giorgio Chiellini in Uruguay’s group stage win over Italy, and FIFA’s disciplinary committee subsequently banned him from “all football-related activity” for four months.

That sanction — which also sees him suspended from the next nine international matches — means he will not be able to make his debut for Barca until Oct. 25, and will not even be allowed to be publicly unveiled once he finally signs a five-year contract at the Camp Nou this week.

There was outcry in Uruguay at the ban, but Blatter said the record punishment was completely out of his hands.

The leader of world football’s governing body said he was

sorry to lose Suarez early from the tournament, and he hopes the 27year-old will be ready and determined to represent his country again soon.

Luis Suarez committed to a new contract in December.

“As a footballer I feel with him that such a punishment... it hurts, it hurts,” Blatter said at his final news conference in Rio. “But as FIFA president I have to accept the decisions that are taken by our independent committees.

“I do hope that this player will come back to football because on the pitch what he has shown so far... I have seen his capacity technically and tactically to do what he can do — his smelling of the goal...

“I do hope he will be back, he is now in one of the greatest clubs

in the world.”

Prior to the World Cup there were serious fears about security, transport and stadia, but Blatter thinks Brazil 2014 passed the test with flying colours.

The Swiss rejected an invitation to describe the tournament as the best in its 84year history, but he did give Brazil a glowing report — even though it was delivered in a bizarre fashion.

“We were calculating last night using all the computers and “Facebooks” and all that, and then out of 10 we came 9.25,” Blatter said. “Brazil has improved since South Africa (whom he rated as nine out of 10).

“Those who get a clear 10 at universities have deals with the professor.”

On the whole, Blatter’s final address was an upbeat one. The Swiss brushed off the fact that he was booed at several grounds

around the country.

“If you are in this business you have to live with that,” he said.

But Blatter did snap at one female reporter when it was put to him that FIFA was corrupt.

“Listen lady, when you speak about corruption then you have to present evidence,” he said.

WORLD Cup record goalscorer Miroslav Klose has yet to decide whether to continue his international career — but the president of the German Football Association wants to give him a farewell appearance on home soil if he chooses to bow out.

Klose, 36, crowned his career on Sunday as Germany beat Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup in his 137th international

- Schweinsteiger

Germany to go on and win many trophies in the near future.

“This will give us hunger now, absolutely,” the midfielder said.

“We want to do it again at the next tournament. The important thing is that the young guys have the

Bastian Schweinsteiger

experience of this tournament and we will go to France (for Euro 2016) and try and do it again for sure.

“It won’t be easy because we have a young team. But we have some players like Philipp Lahm, Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker who have the experience. This mix makes a big difference.”

No European nation had previously lifted the famous trophy on South American soil in four attempts.

So Schweinsteiger was understandably proud of his teammates for writing history in Rio. “We are the first European team to win the title in South America, the first team from Europe so it has been special,” the 29-year-old added.

Liverpool fans: “He is now at one of the greatest clubs in the world.”

Cruyff Predicts Messi-Neymar Suarez Disaster BARCELONA legend Johan Cruyff has his doubts about the club’s forward line for next season.

With Luis Suarez signing from Liverpool, the Uruguay international is expected to play alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar in what many would consider a formidable front-three.

However, the former Blaugrana player and coach has insisted that the trio are too individualistic to function properly as a unit.

“I can’t see how Barca intends to continue playing the same way, with a keen focus on team play if Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez are in the side,” he told De Telegraaf.

“The three of them are too individual. In signing him, the club are showing a preference for individual genius over a team that plays great football.”

Miroslav Klose Could Get Home Farewell

More Success To Come

BASTIAN Schweinsteiger is targeting further glory with Germany after finally winning his first major trophy with the national side.

Ever since he made his international debut in 2004, Schweinsteiger had become used to just coming up short in major tournaments.

Of the five he played in prior to Brazil, Schweinsteiger reached the semifinals on three occasions and at Euro 2008 he was part of the Germany team that lost to Spain in the final.

All that changed on Sunday night, though, when he and his teammates beat Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup in the Maracana.

Schweinsteiger does not want this to be the last time he lifts a trophy, however. With a young squad in place, he feels there is plenty of potential there for

LUIS Suarez has jetted in to Spain to finalise his transfer to Barcelona.

The Uruguayan striker will not be presented at Barcelona’s Nou Camp stadium, since the conditions of his ban from football prevent him from taking part in any footballrelated activity.

He will however be permitted to complete a move said to be worth anything between £55 million and £75 million.

Suarez was on Monday’s flight to Barcelona from Montevideo, accompanied by his wife Sonia and children Delfina and Benjamin, according to Spanish media reports.

He was then collected at the airport by his agent Pere Guardiola, who is brother of Bayern Munich boss - and former Barca coach - Pep Guardiola.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter spoke in praise of Suarez on Monday despite his fourmonth ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini, saying, “This player will come back to football on the pitch and what he has shown on the pitch, we saw his tactical and technical capacity and his smell for goal.

I hope he will be back.”

However, Blatter’s next few words are sure to anger

Miroslav Klose

match.

That appearance total makes the striker the second mostcapped Germany international behind 1990 World Cup winner Lothar Matthaus, who clocked up 151 appearances.

Lazio player Klose left his international future up in the air on Sunday, telling reporters he

would make a decision in the next few days. “I don’t know if I will continue,” he said.

His two goals at the 2014 World Cup took his total for the competition to 16 in 24 games over four tournaments, putting him one ahead of previous record-holder Ronaldo.

And should he choose to call it a day, DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach said he wanted to ensure that he could make one last appearance in front of his own fans.

“I would like to enable him to say goodbye at home,” he told reporters in Rio on Monday. “I have not talked to the coach about it, but he has absolutely deserved it.”

Germany boss Joachim Low joked: “Everything’s possible with Klose. Maybe he’ll play for another four years.”

Klose’s Lazio president Claudio Lotito told kicker: “Miroslav Klose is part of football history. I am convinced that he will retire from football here. That’s a very special honour for us.” The striker is under contract with the Serie A club until next year.

Germany will take on Argentina in a friendly rematch of the World Cup final in Dusseldorf on September 3.

2014 FIFA World Cup.... 2014 FIFA World Cup...

Argentine President In World Cup Gaffe

Germany Paraded the World Cup trophy around on an open-top bus.

Germany Given Heroes’

GERMANY’S World Cup-winning squad returned home yesterday to celebrate the country’s fourth title in front of thousands of fans. carried the trophy off the Die aircraft to cheers and a Nationalmannschaft’s chorus of “Football’s plane touched down at Coming Home” from fans Berlin’s Tegel Airport in gathered on the airport’s the morning after circling viewing terrace. the “fan mile” in front of He was followed by the landmark Brandenburg midfielder Bastian Gate.

Schweinsteiger, draped in a Captain Philipp Lahm

Welcome Home

German flag and sporting a bandage under his right eye — the result of a cut following a blow from Sergio Aguero in the 1-0 win over Argentina in the final on Sunday.

From the airport, the team set off for downtown Berlin in a bus painted

World Cup Ticket Fugitive Surrenders To Brazil Court RAY Whelan, the fugitive chief executive of a Swiss hospitality company implicated in an investigation into the illegal resale of VIP World Cup tickets, surrendered to a Rio de Janeiro court on Monday, a court spokeswoman said.

Whelan gave himself up to the Rio de Janeiro-state Justice Tribunal in downtown Rio and would be picked up by police, the court said.

Rio state prosecutors have accused 12 people of engaging in criminal organisation, bribery, money-laundering and tax evasion in connection with a World Cup ticket “scalping” ring.

Scalping, or reselling tickets for profit, is illegal in Brazil.

Briton Whelan is chief executive of MATCH Services which had been granted the exclusive right to sell VIP tickets for the World Cup from FIFA, the world soccer governing body.

MATCH is the main provider of hospitality packages for the World Cup and paid $240 million for the exclusive rights to sell corporate hospitality at the 2010 World Cup and this one.

In a statement, MATCH said all sales followed FIFA’s procedures, denied Whelan participated in any illegal scheme to resell tickets and vowed to collaborate with the

Brazilian police.

“We are confident that the investigations carried out by the Brazilian authorities will bring more transparency to the facts and will clear MATCH’s staff and show the probity of its work,” the company said in the statement.

A judge approved detention for 11, including Whelan, on June 10. Police allege that Whelan fled the Copacabana Palace hotel shortly before they arrived to detain him.

Shortly after the failed arrest, Whelan was declared a fugitive and his name was placed on an international Interpol watch list.

with the years of Germany’s World Cup victories — the previous occasions were in 1954, 1974 and 1990.

They were to make the last part of the trip to the Brandenburg Gate on an open-top bus. The “fan mile” started filling up hours before their arrival, with some waiting overnight to get a place at the front.

“We’re all excited to see what it will be like,” Schweinsteiger told ARD television. “This time, thank God, we have the cup with us. ‘’It will only sink in for us in the next few days.”

Germany’s plane was about an hour behind schedule, with its departure from Rio de Janeiro delayed after a luggage truck hit the aircraft, while damage to

the paintwork had to be inspected.

ARGENTINA were greeted by a huge number of fans as they returned to the AFA training centre just outside Buenos Aires.

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has revealed that she failed to watch any of the nation’s World Cup matches.

The Albiceleste recorded their best display at the tournament since 1990, reaching the final, where they lost 1-0 to Germany on Sunday.

A day later, Fernandez received the squad in the country’s capital of Buenos Aires, giving each of the disappointed players a consolatory hug.

“As you know I’m no soccer fan,” she said. “I didn’t see a single match, not even the one yesterday.”

Fernandez added that she rang Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella after the game to congratulate him and the team as it felt like they had beaten Germany.

“That’s how I felt and how 40 million Argentines felt too,” she said.

Fernandez has since come under fire in Argentina for not watching any of the nation’s World Cup games, with critics saying she has failed to capture the national mood.

“It sort of underscores that she lives in a world of her own more and more,” political analyst Felipe Noguera is quoted as saying by Reuters.

World Cup Final Sets Viewing Record THOUSANDS of fans gathered at Munich’s Olympic Stadium to watch Germany seal a fourth FIFA World Cup crown following a 1-0 victory over Argentina at the Maracana on Sunday.

A record 34.65 million Germans watched Sunday’s World Cup triumph — the highest-ever viewing figures for German television.

As the country came to a virtual standstill with Joachim Low’s side battling for a fourth world title, ARD TV took the lion’s share of the huge viewing figures for the 1-0 win over Argentina with 86.3 percent.

The overall figure beat the previous highest-ever German total, set as 32.57 million people tuned in to the 7-1 thrashing of hosts Brazil in the semifinals.

And several million more also followed the World Cup final at public screenings in parks, streets, pubs and bars throughout the nation.

The 2014 World Cup had already been an outstanding success for broadcasters ARD and ZDF. Germany’s games averaged 28.93 million viewers,

translating into a marketing share of 84 percent, meedia.de reported.

On Monday, German TV stations changed their schedules as most aired extra programmes looking back at the World Cup triumph.

On Tuesday, some 500,000 people are expected to welcome Die Nationalmannschaft back home to Germany.

The players will parade the World Cup trophy trough Berlin, before joining the big party at the Fanmeile in front of the Brandenburg Gate.

Meanwhile, U.S. viewers made the World Cup final the mostwatched football match in American history.

Associated Press quoted the Nielsen company as saying that 17.3 million people had tuned into the game on ABC, with a further 9.2 million watching on the Spanish-language Univision network.

The figure eclipses the 24.7 million who watched the U.S.Portugal match earlier in the tournament, while the same number of Americans tuned into the 2010 World Cup final.

Doping Ban: Court Clears Powell And

JAMAICAN sprinters Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson have had their 18-month drug suspensions cut to six months and are free to continue competing, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Monday.

Simpson To Compete

months after they had tested positive for the stimulant Oxilofrine at the 2013 Jamaican world championships trials.

The sprinters appealed

“The CAS decided to reduce their period of ineligibility to six months, which has been already served,” the global court said in a statement on its website.

CAS said it would announce a reason for its decision in a few weeks.

Powell and Simpson, who had tested positive for a stimulant last year, both said they were elated with the decision.

“I feel total relief and that we have finally been vindicated,” Simpson said in a statement. “Our actions were not intentional and CAS has recognised that. I am truly thankful.”

Powell added: “I always felt that the 18 months was not in line with a first time positive test result and it being proven it came from a tainted supplement.”

Jamaican officials said they would abide by the decision.

“We see and note the ruling

by CAS and we will abide by the ruling as it is from the final court,” Jamaica AntiDoping Commission executive director Carey Brown told Reuters.

A Jamaican anti-doping disciplinary panel had suspended former 100 metres world record holder Powell and 2008 Olympic 100m silver medallist Simpson for 18

CECILIA Arinye, the first female Nigerian table tennis umpire to be invited to officiate at the Commonwealth Games, on Monday attributed her nomination to hard work.

Arinye, a blue badge umpire, told newsmen in Lagos that her selection was based on merit.

The Commonwealth Games

will hold from July 23 to Aug. 3.

Arinye, the Director of Sports, University of Lagos, said that her passion for the game earned her the status. ‘’Invitation to officiate in such a global competition does not come on a platter of gold because it requires some formalities. ‘’Umpires’ records and

achievements are some of the requirements for selection. ‘’My hard work and contributions to the sport both in Nigeria and outside the country earned me the slot. ‘’I ensure that I go for trainings as regards table tennis umpiring. ‘’I make sure that I attend officiating programmes both

“Alice literally set the bar with her accomplishments at the 1948 Games, but Olympic champion is only part of the incredible legacy she leaves behind,” United States Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun said in a statement.

“Alice Coachman Davis has inspired generations of athletes to be their best and she will be missed,” Blackmun said.

Coachman, who was born in Albany in 1923, the fifth of 10 children, took an interest in high jump after watching a boys track meet and trained herself in the sport using home-made equipment, according to a biography issued by Albany State.

The university said Coachman was denied access to public training facilities because of segregation but worked herself into competitive shape, in part by running barefoot on dirt roads.

After the 1940 and 1944 Olympics were canceled due to World War Two, Coachman was

able to compete in the Olympics for the first time in 1948 and won the gold medal by setting a record for the high jump.

She won a total of 34 national titles, was inducted into nine halls of fame and became the first black woman to endorse an international product when Coca-Cola signed her as a spokeswoman in 1954, according to Albany State.

She married Frank Davis and was the mother of two children.

“Although she will sorely be missed, her achievements outside the fields of competition are on par with the great accomplishments within the athletics lines,” the university’s athletic director, Richard Williams, told the Albany Herald newspaper.

“We will continue to honor her legacy within the athletic department at Albany State University,” Williams said.

and CAS granted a stay of the decision, allowing them to run beginning last month while it decided the case.

Simpson ran at the Jamaican championships last month and both she and

Powell

First Black Woman Olympic Gold Medalist Dies At 90

Alice Coachman

200m gold medallist Veronica Campbell Brown by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the Jamaica Athletics Administration Association (JAAA).

It said there were flaws in the testing procedure by the Jamaica Anti-doping Commission.

JAAA president Warren Blake said he was happy the sprinters were free to compete.

“The disciplinary committee will have to look at the ruling and hopefully learn from the rulings and judgments and use that to decide how to proceed if they are any future cases,” Blake told Reuters.

DOUBLE Olympic and world champion Mo Farah may not be fit enough to take part in the Commonwealth Games which begin in Glasgow later this month, he said on Monday.

“It’s a good question. I don’t know,” said Farah, when asked on BBC radio if he was going to be fit for the Games.

“Hopefully I should be good. I have missed a bit of training, but we’ll make a decision further down the line.”

The 31-year-old is due to run in the 5,000m and 10,000m.

Farah was admitted to hospital in the United States with abdominal pains at the start of the month and has had further tests in the United Kingdom.

He said team doctors have given him the all-clear to return to training but he has not confirmed whether he will run in his next scheduled race, over two miles at the London Anniversary Games on Sunday.

The 5,000m final is on July 27 and the 10,000m on August 1.

Farah May Not Be Fit For Commonwealth Games

Nigeria Female Umpire To Officiate At C’wealth Games

ALICE Coachman, who overcame segregation to become the first black woman to win a gold medal in the Olympic games, has died in Georgia at the age of 90.

Coachman, who won her gold medal in the high jump at the 1948 summer Olympics in London, died on Monday at a hospital near her home in Albany, Georgia, according to Albany State University.

Powell, who has not yet run because of a tight hamstring, are scheduled to compete on Tuesday in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Their original suspensions had been scheduled to expire in December.

The CAS ruling marked the second time in three months it has reduced a doping suspension imposed by a Jamaican anti-doping disciplinary panel.

CAS in May cut 18 months from a six-year ban imposed on Jamaican 400m runner Dominique Blake.

Earlier this year, CAS also dismissed a two-year ban imposed two-time Olympic

locally and internationally; I make additional efforts at all times,’’ she said.

She urged other Nigerian umpires to update themselves in modern techniques in officiating.

“All they need to do is to keep abreast of the latest techniques in the game and constantly attend training programmes.

“They need to be up-to-date with happenings in the game; this will help them to be considered for officiating at international competitions. ‘’If I can be considered, any other female umpire can also be considered.’’ Arinye said.

Another Nigerian, John Peters, will serve as a deputy referee for the tournament.

Table tennis will feature in five events at the tournament.

Mo Farah

Squash: NSE Invites 15 Athletes To

ADAMU Erena, the President of Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF), on Monday in Abuja said 15 athletes were being expected at its training camp ahead of the Junior World Squash Championships.

The Junior World Squash Championships are scheduled to take place from Aug. 6 to Aug. 21 in Windhoek, Namibia.

Erena told newsmen that the camp which officially opened on Monday would run for three weeks to ensure that the athletes

Camp

were fit enough to compete at the championships.

“We decided to open the camp early enough to make sure our athletes are well groomed and trained to compete favourably with the rest of the world.

“There are so many new rules and techniques in the game which our athletes need to be acquainted with, thus the need for adequate training.

“So, the camp is expected to

run from July 14 to Aug. 4.

“Today (Monday) is the arrival date and we are expecting no fewer than 15 athletes in camp,’’ he said.

The NSF president explained that the championships would involve male and female players in both the singles and doubles categories.

He also said this was the federation’s first time of participating in any world championships, and it was preparing its athletes well in order to give a good account of themselves.

CMYK

Oshiomhole, Ogboru And The Shoe-Shiner

I was amused, weekend, when I read a news report carried by an online publication, DNA Nigeria, of one Julius Ogboru’s characterisation of the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, as a shoeshiner in terms of development of Edo state compared to what Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has done in Delta State. I consider this unprovoked attack quite unnecessary and uncalled for, particularly as it was reported that Ogboru, described as a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Uduaghan on Community Affairs, ‘’made this statement while commenting on the finishing strong slogan of the administration’’. It is evident from the report that Ogboru was not asked his opinion on the performance of the Comrade Governor of Edo state nor was he asked to do a comparative analysis of the developmental efforts of the two governors.

Julius Ogboru was quoted as saying: ‘’When you are far from the government, you feel the government is not doing anything but having started working with the state government, I now see that sometimes we stayed at a distance and start criticising the government over things we know nothing about.

A close look at what the administration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has done and that of our sister state, Edo, you will agree with me that Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is shoe shiner as against the impression the people are having’’.

If Julius Ogboru who has been living in Delta state did not know what Governor Uduaghan of

the PDP was doing in Delta until recently when he was asked to “come and chop” with Uduaghan, how would he be expected to know what massive infrastructural development Comrade Oshiomhole of APC has brought to Edo State where he does not live in?

It is doubtful if Julius Ogboru, a brother of Chief Great Ogboru, has travelled through or stepped foot on Edo soil in the last five years. If he did, surely he would not have failed to see the change noticeable everywhere in the state unless he has glaucoma and has a blurred vision.

As is always the case with political mischief makers, I am sure Julius Ogboru’s sense of judgement was beclouded since he can now see clearly after his invitation to the dining table of Ogboru, a sentiment he did not express before he openly betrayed his blood brother who has been in running battle with Uduaghan for the seat of Delta for almost eight years now.

It would have been more appropriate not to dignify Julius Ogboru with by writing this piece, but considering his age and antecedents, I consider this necessary in order that he will not go thumping his chest before Governor Uduaghan that “I have delivered, bring more ‘pepper’ ’’, as they say in Warri. There is no basis whatsoever for comparing the two governors. They govern two different states with different endowments in terms of people and places, resources and needs.

Even the platforms which brought them to office at different times are not the same.

While Uduaghan has been in office as governor in Delta state for close to eight years, Comrade Oshiomhole has done only five and half years in Edo state.

While

Uduaghan started from the foundation laid by his predecessors, Comrade Oshiomhole had the misfortune of clearing the debris left behind by PDP administrations in the state and laying a foundation for the rapid transformation and development of the state.

amount, Comrade Oshiomhole has maintained a motivated workforce paid as at when due; built, renovated and reconstructed primary and secondary schools across the state; rehabilitated, reconstructed and constructed health

Matters In Focus With BLESSING YAKUBU be termed a genius in financial management, prudence, accountability and transparency.

Who is Julius Ogboru?

His only pedigree is that he is a brother of Chief Great Ogboru, a former governorship candidate on the platform of the DPP in Delta. Julius

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Governor of Edo State

It is necessary for the information and education of Julius Ogboru that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is acclaimed in Edo state and Nigeria as one governor who has demonstrated a commitment to turning around the infrastructural decay which he inherited from the previous PDP administrations. The opposition party which is presently harbouring migrants like Julius Ogboru acknowledges the developmental strides of the present administration in Edo state headed by Comrade Oshiomhole.

With a meagre monthly allocation of an average of two billion naira and an internally generated revenue of less than same

facilities; built and reconstructed roads and streets designed and completed with covered drains, walk ways and street lights; provided communities across the 18 local government areas in the state with portable water and electricity as well as flood control, environmental sanitation and beautification. Benin City, the Edo State capital, is undoubtedly a cleaner, safer, orderly and beautiful city compared to the decay of the past.

Compared with Governor Uduaghan’s huge monthly allocation of an average of twenty billion and internal revenue receipt of eight billion, Comrade Oshiomhole by all standards qualifies to

Ogboru requires a lesson or two on how not to cause friction between the governments of two sister states, then it is unfortunate that Governor Uduaghan, in an attempt to score a political point, chose the wrong person to do a job meant for saner minds.

Annabel gave insight into the personality of the man when she wrote concerning Julius

Ogboru’s defection from the DPP to PDP while Great, his brother, was campaigning to be Delta State governor in the following words: ‘’The Bible says that a man’s enemies are people of his own household.

Nothing portrays the veracity of this statement than Julius Ogboru’s infamous, totally disgusting, despicably repulsive and politically p r o s t i t u t i n g misadventure. The man, Julius Ogboru, has only reduced himself to a mere political dog, fit only for sacrifice before a malevolent deity in the political arena. No politician worth his onion can trust Julius Ogboru’’.

I dare say no deity worth the name and honour would accept sacrifice of a politically leprous, malnourished dog with a drooping jaw unable to contain his draining saliva. The earlier Governor Uduaghan throws this liability of a dog away, the better.

An independent Observer would be better to assess the two states based on income and output. The slogans “Delta Beyond Oil” and “Finishing Strong” which have become slogans in Delta State, may remain what they are, mere slogans, if someone like Julius Ogboru is part of the team to drive the change.

Julius is no doubt a shoe-shiner, whose sole intent is to polish his master’s ego and bring himself into political limelight having stayed in the shadows of his more illustrious brother over the years.

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