THE NIGERIAN
The Nigerian
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 38 NO.311 • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2 013 • N100.00 ARCHIVAL MATTERS cmyk
Page 21 Reconfiguring Unbiblical Daniel
INTERNATIONAL FEATURES Pg. 25
US-Russia Reach Agreement On Syria Weapons
Live exemplary lives, Oshiomhole urges Edos By QUEENETH A. OROBEDO
IULEHA – The people of Edo State have been enjoined to live exemplary lives worth
emulating, with lasting positive impact on those around them. Governor Adams
Oshiomhole gave the advice at the weekend at Iuleha, Owan West Local Government Area
of the state during the burial ceremony of the late mother of the Okumagbe of Iuleha, Oba Timothy Ayo OmoContinues on page 2
Edo Govt warns land speculators
BENIN CITY – Edo State Government has warned that any person or group that trespasses and sells government land to unsuspecting members of the public would be treated as criminal trespassers. earned money. The State He particularly Commissioner for Lands directed all persons who and Survey, Barr have acquired plot of Osikhena-Boih Donald, land at Evboriaria layout stated this in Benin City to urgently carry out when some members of checks with the Ministry Evboriaria Community of Lands and Survey, were invited by the Secretariat Building, security agencies to Sapele Road, Benin City answer questions on to avoid losing lifetime their involvement in savings to fraudsters. illegal transfer of the The Lands and Survey state government land at Commissioner also Evboriaria layout. used the opportunity to Barr. Osikhena-Boih urge ground rent used the opportunity to defaulters to make advice members of the payment as soon as public to avoid falling possible, saying that all prey to land racketeers payment would be who are out to defraud published in the media. them of their hard
He further requested applicants for C of O to come forward for collection of their
processed documents that were released in the last batch. On their part,
Evbuoriaria Community Youths led by one Mr. Osarobo Idahosa apologized for their
uncivilized action and promised to henceforth accord due respect to all Continues on page 2
Edo executes 186 Community devt projects BENIN CITY – The General Manager, Edo Community and Social Development Project (CSDP), Dr. Gbenga Daodu has said that the agency has executed 186 projects spread across 100 communities in the state, within four years of its operation. According to the General Manager, who disclosed this to newsmen yesterday, about N1 billion is required to execute projects in 500 communities in Edo State, adding that the communities concerned demanded for over 1000 (one thousand) projects. He said that the interventionist agency might not be able to grant the requests, owing to paucity of fund. He said that the
agency would have executed all the projects, if it had more funds at its disposal. Daodu, however, noted that the agency had achieved its mandate of assisting in providing infrastructure to rural communities. He said that because of the impressive performance of the CSDP in Edo, it had been able to attract N1.1 billion from the World Bank, the initiator of the programme. “The state is the chief sponsor of this
programme, with the support of the World Bank, which provides the credit facility and the template for the projects. Continues on page 2
NDA CONVOCATION CEREMONY: President Goodluck Jonathan (left) presenting Honorary Doctorate Degree Certificate to President Alassane Uoattara of Cote D’Ivoire at the Passing Out Parade/Convocation ceremony of 60 Regular Course Cadets of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna weekend.
Oando to build 50 mega stations nationwide
LAGOS - The Chief Operating Officer of Oando Marketing Plc, Mrs Olaposi Williams, announced in Lagos yesterday that the company would build 50 mega stations within the next five years to boost
petroleum products supplies nationwide. Williams made the disclosure at a ceremony to announce modalities for the building of the stations. She, however, did not put a figure to the cost of the project. She said
that each of the stations which would be built in major cities in the country, would have capacity to dispense at least three trucks of premium motor spirit per
2013 SEPLAT quiz competition begins By THOMPSON Orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP) in Edo theirThestudies. ERHOMONSELE at the weekend in Benin quiz competition BENIN CITY - Edo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil and Gas, Ambassador
City declared open the 2013 Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited Pearls Quiz for
Senior Secondary Schools in Edo State with an advice to students to focus on
is to be held in the three senatorial districts in the state with that of Edo Continues on page 2
day. The chief operating officer said that the new stations, which she described as one-stop shop, would be located in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and other key cities in the Eastern, Northern and Western geo-political zones of the country. According to her, Lagos will have the lion’s share of the stations with 50 per cent, the Federal
Capital Territory 30 per cent, while the East and North will get 10 per cent each. “We hope to build 10 mega stations every year in the next five years, which will bring the number to 50. We are repositioning our retail outlets across the country, especially filling stations which have been driving our volume. “Before now we had over 1,000 stations but we have 338 of them that are dispensing over Continues on page 2
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
News
Live exemplary lives
Continued from page 1
Bare II The Governor, who was represented by Secretary to the State government (SSG), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, in his condolence message remarked that considering the transient nature of life, it matters how it is lived, adding that it is the impact made in the lives of others that speaks after one has passed on. According to him, though the exit of Dame Florence
Bamidele Omo-Bare was a loss to everyone he however thanked God for the life she led and enjoined everyone to live likewise. In response, the Okumagbe of Iuleha and his entire family thanked the Governor for his support, adding that the message is indeed consoling. In another engagement in Afuze-Emai, Owan East Local Government Area, the SSG extolled the meritorious service of Prince Matthew
Ogedengbe, who celebrated his retirement with thanksgiving to God. Describing the retired permanent secretary as a man of vision, culture, values and integrity, who has touched many lives, Prof. Ihonvbere remarked that the retirement of Prince Matthew Ogedengbe is just the beginning of another sphere of hard work, to enable him move his constituency and the state at large forward. At a thanksgiving service at
Oando to build 50 mega stations
Continued from page 1
a million litres per month, about three trucks per day. In the last one year, we have upgraded 10 stations in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. Williams noted that the plan of the company was to build at least 10 stations in a year, noting that nothing would be compromised by the company in its bid to achieve the highest standards in dispensing fuel to customers. She said that the company had put a monitoring team in place to go round its retail outlets to ensure that customers were not shortchanged through underdispensing by unscrupulous petroleum products dealers. “We don’t compromise on this. We have our monitoring team that goes to our outlets daily to check. Any dealer caught in such act loses his or her contract with us. We don’t condone such act. “We tell them every day and it is also stated in the agreement we signed with them. Nothing will make us to compromise our stations’
Edo executes
Continued from page 1 “We have been able to draw over N1 billion from the facility, with more waiting to be drawn, if the state meets its own financial commitment to the programme. “I hope the state government will take a look at this soon, so that the agency can complete its ongoing projects and meet some, if not all the demands, being made.” he said. Daodu said that if the agency could execute the projects as requested, it would reduce rural-urban migration, create jobs and reduce poverty in the communities.
Speculators
Continued from page 1 government functionaries and agencies. They vowed before the security agencies that they will never go near the said land or encroach on any government acquired land in their community.
integrity. This is in line with our vision to have a quality station. If such station does not meet our standard we seal it up.’’ She assured that the company would continue to upgrade its mega stations across the country to meet international standards, saying, “we want to ensure that our fillings stations are beautiful and inviting to
customers’’. Oando Marketing is a fully owned subsidiary of Oando Plc, selling and distributing products using over 500 retail service stations and over 500 industrial customers in Nigeria. The company also has subsidiaries in Ghana and the Republic of Benin, operating more than 40 service stations in the two West African countries.
St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Afuze-Emai,earlier, the presiding Bishop, Prof. John Okao while commending the celebrant for his dedication and commitment to work, thanked God for the feat he had in the state civil service, describing his exit as a meritorious one. He enjoined everyone to look up to God rather than dwelling on what has not been achieved. The celebrant, Prince Matthew Ogedengbe expressed his appreciation to all present and thanked God for seeing him through to retirement. Amongst those that graced the ceremonies were; the Head of Service, Edo State, Princess (Mrs.) Ekiuwa Inneh, Commissioner for Agriculture and National Resources, Hon. Abdul Oroh, commissioner for Lands and Survey, Hon. Donald Osikhena – Boih, Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Stephen Idehenre, and the Aidenojie of South Ibie, HRH, Kelvin Danesi.
2013 SEPLAT quiz competition begins Continued from page 1 South already held at the weekend while that of Edo North and Edo Central will hold today and Tuesday at Our Lady Of Fatima College, Auchi and Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua respectively.
The Commissioner told the students to see the exercise as a normal classroom examination or test and not to be scared of the quiz competition but to do their best in order to be outstanding. He enjoined them to shun
Ikpoba-Okha donates chairs to schools OREGBENI - In a bid to ensure a conducive learning environment for pupils in all primary schools in IkpobaOkha, Local Government Area of Edo State, the Chairman, of the local government council, Hon. (Mrs.) Itohan Osahon Ogbeide has presented 180 chairs with desks to three primary schools. The schools are the Army Children Primary School, Iwogban Primary School and Ikpoba Primary School, all situated at the Old Army Barracks, Ikpoba Hill axis of the local government area. Presenting the chairs with desks to the benefiting schools, the council boss promised to reconstruct the dilapidated building at Ikpoba Primary School within the next four weeks. She assured that before the end of her tenure in office, sitting on the floor to learn would become a thing of the past in every primary school in the locality. Responding on behalf of Iwogban and Army Primary Schools, Mrs. G. Okafor thanked the council boss for her kind gesture and for giving the school quality
chairs with desks which would stand the test of time and assured of the security of the items. Also speaking, the Headmistress of Ikpoba Primary School, Mrs. C.O. Okoro thanked the council boss for coming to the aid of the school and promising to build another classrooms block. At Uteh Primary School in Uteh Community, the council boss, inspected the ongoing construction of a block of six classrooms and promised to demolished the old dilapidated building of the school so as to rebuild it to make it conductive for learning.
examination malpractice and in-take of hard drugs to enhance their immoral and criminal performances. While lauding Seplat for engaging in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to boost education in its host states, Ambassador OmoOjo wished the students success in the quiz competition. Manager, Public Affairs of Seplat, Mrs. Esther Icha explained that the quiz competition was part of the company’s series of Corporate Social Responsibility to its host states, pointing out that several others would begin to unfold in the near future, disclosing that the quiz would be replicated in Delta state. She confirmed that the overall winner of the officer quiz would emerge when the competition is rounded off in November this year. According to Charles Ifediba, in charge of Media Relations, Seplat, the oil and gas operator is already making plans for scholarship to be given to indigent students in its host communities.
Devt initiative: By QUEENETH OROBEDO BENIN CITY – The Secretary to the Edo state Government (SSG) Prof. Julius Ihonvbere has lauded the developmental initiation of the TY Danjuma foundation (TYDF) in the country, especially at the rural areas. The SSG made the remark during the Grant Award Presentation Organised by the Foundation at the
Devt: Surveyors give
kudos to UNIBEN VC By ROLAND OSAKUE/ INNOCENT OMOAKA
BENIN CITY – The Edo State Branch of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors has lauded the developmental strides of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Godwin Osayuki Oshodin. The Executives of the Institution during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor in Benin City commended his efforts at fighting corruption among staff and students of the institution since his assumption of office. The group led by its chairman, Surveyor Eromosele Iria Oboh commended the Vice Chancellor for his efforts at repositioning the university with his zero tolerance for corruption, idleness, sexual harassment and other social vices among the staff and students. Surveyor Oboh said the recent establishment of the Faculty of Environmental Studies and creation of the Department of Geomatics (Surveying) by the Prof Oshodin’s led administration is no mean feat that would enhance the activities of the Institution of Surveyor in
Nigeria. He however, pledged the readiness of the institution to partner with the University in making the newly created Department of Geomatics in the university the envy and pride of everyone in the country and beyond. In a related development, the Esan Students Association Worldwide has passed a voted of confidence on Prof. Godwin Osayuki Oshodin’s led administration. This was made in a statement signed by the association’s President and Secretary – General, Marxist Sunday Ogun and Alex Oseghale Orukpe respectively and made available to newsmen in Benin City. According to the statement, the efforts of the Vice Chancellor in repositioning the university in the areas of infrastructural development, students and staff welfare, laboratory upgrading and creation of new academic programmes are highly commendable. The statement added that the developmental strides recorded by Prof. Oshodin led administration have distinguished it from his predecessors’ led administrations.
By DOROTHY EGBOBAMWONYI AFUZE – Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and National Resources, Hon. Abdul Oroh at the weekend joined other family members, friends, associates and well wishers of Prince Matthew Ogedengbe, who retired as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for a special thanksgiving service. The service was held at the St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Afuze – Emai, Owan East Local Government Area of the state. Secretary to the State Government, Professor Julius Ihonvbere led members of the State Executive Council to the ceremony. At the service, officiating Minister and Bishop of Anglican Communion, Diocese of Sabongidda-Ora, Rt. Rev. Prof. John Akao said Prince Ogedengbe is one of the strong pillars who have supported the church till date. The clergy described him as a man who appreciates the blessing of God in his life,
stressing that any man who had no heart for meditation over the blessings God has bestowed on him but always looking ahead to see those who are ahead of him will never give thanks. The clergy who quoted copiously from the Holy Bible likened Prince Ogedengbe’s thanksgiving to that of the ten lepers who where made whole by Jesus Christ out of which only one returned to appreciate God. He said Prince Ogedengbe numerous blessings in his sojourn in the world of civil service was made possible by the love of God and not in righteousness or goodness and therefore urged everyone to cultivate the culture of showing appreciation to God for whatever blessings in their lives. Later at a reception held at the palace of Prince Ogedengbe, Commissioner Oroh described the celebrant as a man whose leadership qualities, acumen are unparallel, adding that as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Prince Ogedengbe’s advice were so invaluable.
the rural communities. Noting that the organization was leading the path to positive development, the SSG pointed out that there are other viable organisations that have the capacity to deliver if only they are given the opportunity. He assured of the state government’s readiness to partner with the organization towards bringing development nearer to the
rural duelers. Executive Director of the TY Damjuma Foundation, Dr. Florence Etta Akinaina noted that the foundation was founded in 2009 with focu on providing grants to NonGovernmental Organisations (NGO’s with a view to actualizing the set goal of alleviating the poverty level associated with the down trodden through community health, education and income generation.
Retired Perm Sec offers thanks to God
Edo SSG lauds foundation
weekend in Benin City. The SSG who was represented by a civil society crusader in the state, Mr. Austin Osakue described the organisation’s effort at alleviating the suffering of the common people through partnership with various NGOs/CBOs as that which aims at complementing the Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s led government at developing
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Eye Disorders In Auchi Worry Rotary By MORRISON HAYBLE Club AUCHI - Rotary Club of Auchi Metropolitan, District 9140 has expressed concern at the prevalent cases of eye disorders amongst people in Auchi and its environs and therefore called for a synergy between government, organizations and well meaning individuals in tackling the problem. Immediate past President of the club, Rtn. Dr. Helen Uhumwagho who stated this while on a medical outreach to some public schools in the area to determine the state of their eyes also lamented the dilapidating condition of the Eye Care Centre recently set up by the body. He expressed concern that owning to structural defects, the efforts behind it might be worthless if no timely intervention was given to redeem the centre, Dr. Uhumwagho described as disturbing, the large number of school pupils found having bad eye condition during the exercise and regretted that many who were referred to the Rotary Eye Centre for treatment declined for fear of financial commitment. The former Rotary President explained that the two bedroom Eye Centre now at the verge of collapse was in dare need of a befitting building to house all its operational facilities, including theatre as it was currently sharing one with the Central Hospital. Other thing lacking at the centre according to her are, office accommodation for consultants, equipment room and recovery room for patients after surgery. “We are even using the kitchen and everything, yet it
is not enough, so, if we are able to have a recovery room where those who are operated upon could recover for about three days before they go home, it will be Ok. But, as it is, we don’t have that space, so anyone needing critical attention, we usually take to the ward in the Central Hospital which is not ideal because they could expose the tender eye to other diseases in the process”, Uhumwagho lamented. She however disclosed that the eye centre has the capacity in terms of manpower and state-of-the art equipment, courtesy of the Indian counterparts of rotary Club, to render first class medical services, adding that another medical visit to Auchi by a team of doctors from India was being arranged within the current Rotary year to provide comprehensive treatment for patients free of charge.
Inside Edo
Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (middle), HRH Kelvin Danesi, the Aidenojie of South Ibie (right) and Prince Matthew Ogedengbe discussing during the retirement thanksgiving ceremony of Prince Matthew Ogedengbe at Afuze-Emai at the weekend.
EDSG To Establish GIS Unit In Housing Ministry
BENIN CITY - Edo State Government has put in motion plans to set up a Geographical Information System (GIS) unit in the Ministry of Housing and
Urban Development for the major urban centre in the state. State Commissioner for the
Medical Expert Warns Patients, Pharmacists Against Prescription By Non-Experts By FRIDAY OBANOR BENIN CITY- A Medical Practitioner, Dr. Bimbo Olowofela has advised patients and pharmacists against honouring any prescription by non-medical practitioners. Delivery a paper on, “prescription writing” at a one day seminar organised by Edo State Essential Drugs Programme of the Ministry of health in collaboration with Tyonex Nigeria Ltd, Dr. Olowofela said medication errors are preventable events that may cause or lead to the death of any patient. The consultant clinical pharmacologist, the department of Internal Medicine, University of Benin advised pharmacist not
to honour prescription that was issued up to 12 months back saying that prescriptions that have exceeded six months are no longer relevant and should be considered as expired prescription. She therefore warned that prescription should only be administered on the patient/s to whom prescription is meant for. While urging healthcare providers to always write in legible hand writings that people can read, she canvassed for the use of approved standard abbreviation for any prescription to be made by an expert. In another paper entitle, “ Drug Information” Prof. Patrick Erah, said drugs can potentially be dangerous when used inappropriately.
Prof. Erah, a clinical pharmacist at the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and pharmacy practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin informed that over 90 million people use Internet facilities in Africa, with the highest number of usage coming from Nigeria. He therefore urged corporate organisations to complement government efforts in setting up Drugs Information Library so as to have a well equipped medical library where research books and journals on health matters could be source. Speaking on the topic title, “Stroke” a consultant Neurologist of the University of Benin, Prof. Olubunmi Ogunrin said over 5.7 million people die of stroke worldwide yearly adding that those within the middle and low income countries are badly affected by the disease.
ministry, Hon. Francis Evbuomwan disclosed this when the State branch Executive of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyor and Valuers (NIESV) paid him a courtesy call. According to the Commissioner, a GIS, when implemented will assist in the mapping and planning of the major urban centres. He said GIS gives accurate information about the state of land, which allows for accurate planning and management of the land, including what the land can be used for, describing it as “a top notch technology for urban planning”. Addressing the officials of NIESV the commissioner stated that the Ministry is “professionalizing the building industry by insisting that only registered professionals can submit building plans approvals this is to help checkmate the
incessant collapse of buildings”. Hon. Evbuomwan disclosed that ministry just inaugurated a committee comprising all the relevant professionals in the industry to come up with a law that will govern the c building environment in the state. The seven professionals in the industry as recognized by the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are; Architects, Quality Surveyors, Engineers, Builders, Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Land Surveyors and Town Planners. Chairman NIESV Edo State branch, ESV. Isah Jatto thanked the Governor Adams Oshiomhole for establishing a Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, saying it will go a long way in addressing the need of the citizenry. He also used the opportunity to appeal for consideration of qualified Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the scheme of things.
LG Chairperson Donates To Prison UBIAJAThe Inmates gesture of the councils chairperson, Esan South
Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (2nd left), the Okumagbe of Iuleha, Oba Timothy Ayo Omo-Bare II (right), Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Hon. Donald Osikhena-Boih (2nd left), Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Stephen Idehenre (1st right), during the burial ceremony of the late mother of the Okumagbe of Iuleha, in Iuleha, Owan West Local Government Area at the weekend.
East Local Government Council, Mrs. Evelyn Ikpea has donated food items to the inmates of the Nigeria Prison in Ubiaja. The gesture which was made when she visited the prison, according to her was her own little way of expressing her love for them. She expressed joy that, inspite of their
predicament, they still see the need to identity with God. Assuring them that her visit to them would be a routine, she urged them to learn from their past mistakes and be responsible in life thereafter. Responding on behalf of the inmates, the chief Provost, Mr. Lucky Okeneme appreciated the
chairperson and prayed God to replenish her purse. Mr. Okeneme used the occasion to pray for her assistance in getting portable water supply and meeting other of their need. Other prison official who spoke at the occasion thanked the chairperson for identifying with the inmates, saying her visit was unprecedented.
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
News Internet Usage: Dame Jonathan Urges Caution
Corps Members Donate Equipment To Hospital CALABAR - Some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Cross River have donated medical equipment to the General Hospital Akampka in Akampka Local Government Area of the state. The equipment include 20 pairs of bed sheets and 10 combi 2 test trips, for the measurement of glucose level in pregnant women. The corps members, who belong to the Community Development Service Group on Charity, told newsmen in Calabar that the donation was part of their goodwill programme. The President of the group, Mr. Michael Obi, said that the visit to the hospital was one of the ways through which they could reached out to the needy in the society.
The Okumagbe of Iuleha, Oba Timothy Ayo Omo Bare II (left) and one of the traditional rulers, presenting the Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (right), with a bronze cast at the Palace of the Okumagbe for distinguished service to the community at Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State. Photo: QUEENETH A. OROBEDO.
ABUJA - The First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, in Costa Rica has urged mothers to educate their children from tender ages on the benefits and risks of using the internet. This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba, a Director of Information in the Presidency and released in Abuja. According to the statement, Jonathan made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the four-day Global Youth Summit: BYND 2015, which opened on September 8, in San Jose, Costa Rica. She said: ‘’The mother, as a child’s first teacher, has a
Hajj: Sokoto
Disqualifies Pregnant Pilgrims, 2 Others
SOKOTO - The Sokoto State Government has announced the disqualification of 10 pregnant women from performing this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia. The Chairman of the Hajj Medical Team, Dr Bello Ahmed, told newsmen in Sokoto that two men found to be sick were also disqualified. Ahmed said that the 12 intending pilgrims were eased out after medical screening of all prospective pilgrims across the 23 local government areas of the state. He said the affected pilgrims were from Tambuwal, Binji, Wurno, Goronyo, Silame, Kware and Rabah local government areas, while one other paid through a travelling agency. According to him, the 10 women were found to be pregnant above four months, while the other two male pilgrims were discovered to be suffering from severe hypertension. The chairman said the law also forbids persons with diabetes, blindness, deformities and old age from performing the Hajj. “The medical committee has six medical doctors, and six nurses and midwives; we will work diligently to ensure that all the intending pilgrims are healthy both in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia. ‘We will try our best to do this, and referrals would only be done when it becomes absolutely necessary,” Ahmed assured.
Prince Julius Ihonvbere (left), Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Hon. Donald Osikhena Boih and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdul Oroh during the retirement thanksgiving service of Prince Matthew Ogedengbe at St. Luke Anglican Church, Afuze-Emai, Owan East Local Government Area at the weekend. Photo: QUEENETH OROBEDO.
Commissioner Charges Indigenes To Protect AFUZE – Edo State commissioning of people – Commissioner for Local oriented projects barely five Public Property Government and Chieftaincy months into his administration. Affairs, Chief Lucky James has charged communities in Owan East Local Government Area of the state to ensure the security of government properties sited in their locality. The Commissioner gave this charge in Ogute in Owan East Local Government Area during the commissioning of the newly re-constructed six classrooms block at Evhiamen Grammar School by the Chairman of the Local Government Hon. (Barr) Jimoh Ijegbai. Chief Lucky James disclosed that government will not replace any vandalized property where the people of the benefiting community fail in their responsibility to provide the needed security. He remarked that the commissioning of Evbiamen
Grammar School was not only in fulfillment of Hon. Ijegbai’s electioneering campaign promise to re-build the school which roof was blown off two years ago, but getting it completely reconstructed with the provision of modern furniture. He said the development speaks volume of the council boss commitment to restoring Owan East Local Government. The commissioner therefore urged the teachers and pupils to make judicious use of the property, while commending the council boss for ensuring quality service delivery similar to those built by the Comrade Governor across the state. Spokesman for Ogute Community Mr. S. Eruanga, in an address, commended the council boss for liberating the
community from deprivation, under-developed and marginalization, adding that the restoration slogan of the chairman’s campaign was not rhetoric. He said the council chairman has started his restoration agenda with the
He recalled the efforts of the chairman during his campaign to draw Government’s attention to the blown off roof of Evbiamen Grammar School and pledged the community’s loyalty and unflinching support to the Ijegbai’s administration.
crucial role to play in educating children from their tender ages and making them aware of the benefits and risks of using the internet. ‘’Since children are being introduced to online activity at an increasingly younger age, mothers must create time to develop friendship and trust with their children...” The first lady also urged parents to open up communication channels with their children “so that children would feel free to discuss their online experiences with their mothers.’’ Jonathan said youths should not give out sensitive information about themselves to strangers online and stressed the importance of sensible management of time while youths are browsing the internet. She said such a policy would ensure that “they do not become addicted to the internet.” She also urged youths to ‘’understand and appreciate their own culture, while respecting other cultures so as to filter online contents that are not acceptable in their own culture’’. In her closing remarks, the President of Costa Rica, Madame Laura Chinchilla, stated that one of the objectives of the conference was to listen to the voices of the youths so that their safety online could be improved. Chinchilla said that although the internet was the “hope for the development and evolution of mankind, the freedom of the internet should also impose responsibilities on its users’’. The statement further stated that six youths drawn from the six geo-political zones of Nigeria participated in the conference. They are expected on their return to Nigeria to share their experiences and train other young people on online safety.
NGO Donates 20,000 HIV Test Kits To Nasarawa LAFIA - An NGO, Enhancing Nigeria’s Response to HIV (ENR), has donated 20,000 HIV test kits to the Nasarawa State Government. ENR is an agency under the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID). Dr Zachary Mohammed, the state ENR Programme Manager, said while presenting the kits to the state commissioner for health in Lafia that the gesture was to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
“The very goal of ENR is to reduce the spread of HIV and also mitigate the impact on those that already have the virus,” he said. Mr. Anayo Ozomba, ENR’s System Technical Adviser, also said that 250,000 test kits would still be donated to the state by next week. Receiving the items, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, the Commissioner for Health, expressed satisfaction with the contributions of international partners in advancing health
care services in the state. “I tell you that these 20,000 test kits given to us today will be judiciously used. I use this opportunity to call on the people of Nasarawa state to avail themselves this opportunity to get themselves tested,” he said. Akabe lauded the efforts of ENR, saying their efforts would not be in vain. He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to effective health care delivery, especially the prevention of new HIV infection in the state.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
South South nPDP Office Sealed Off In Port stood Harcourt in front of their office, By ELIZABETH AGBOEGBULEM
PORT HARCOURT - The Rivers State Police Command has sealed the factional office of the New Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. The police squad that aborted the ceremony in which the flag of the PDP was hoisted was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Department, CID, Sam Ogaola, at 1.40pm. The Chief of Staff, Government House, Tony Okocha, had at 1.30pm, announced the opening of the Rivers State office of the factional PDP. The office of the splinter PDP is situated at No. 38, Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt. After briefing the press at the conference room of the factional office of the break-away PDP, which Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi used as his campaign headquarters in 2011, Okocha, then conducted journalists round the expansive edifice. Some members of the breakaway PDP were still in the process of hoisting the third PDP flag when Ogaola, suddenly entered the premises and ordered the young man who was hoisting the flag to stop. His order was challenged by those who came with Okocha, who demanded that he introduced himself. “Who are you?”, they shouted at him. But Ogaola continued: “stop, stop, stop”. As tempers rose with a cacophony of voices challenging him to identify himself, Ogaola, responded: “I am from the state CID. It is my duty to maintain law and order”. But the Chief of Staff and the other members of the splinter PDP who came with him persisted: “who are you? Identify yourself. Identify yourself”. He later introduced himself after the three Nigerian flags and the two PDP flags that had already been hoisted were brought down. Even the poles on which the flags were hoisted were also pulled down. Mission accomplished, he then introduced himself as the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State CID, Rivers State. “We are here to maintain law and order. We will not allow any act of illegality in Rivers State. Anybody who attempts to hoist any flag or open any office that is against the law will be dealt with “. The factional office is directly opposite the Divisional Police Headquarters, No. 37, Forces Avenue, Old GRA. Incidentally, Ogaola’s office is in that premises. While the flags were being hoisted, some uniformed police officers came out and
observing what was going on. The three Nigerian flags were hoisted before the PDP flags were hoisted. As soon as the first PDP flag was sighted, a senior police officer with a walkietalkie began communicating with the state police command, intimating them of what was happening. A Toyata Hilux Van was immediately dispatched to the police command at Moscow Road. A few minutes later, Ogaola came in and drove into the office of the factional PDP and begin barking out orders and instructions. At 1.55pm, a senior police officer, wearing a brown suit ordered that anyone around the premises should be arrested. At that point, the journalists who were on hand to cover the event protested vehemently against being threatened in the course of their professional duty.
Wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Deaconess (Mrs.) Endurance Odubu (right), receiving a certificate from the President, Nigerian Association of Women Enterpreneurs, Ada Ozongwu after Mrs. Odubu was decorated as Arch Angel by the Association during its Annual General Meeting in Benin City. Photo: MOSES OBOH.
Flood C’ttee Supplies Drugs To Health Centres
ASABA - The Delta Committee on the Management of Federal Government Grant to Victims of 2012 Flood has supplied drugs to 200 health centres in the state. The Chairman of the committee, Retired Justice Francis Tabai, told newsmen in Asaba that the N19 million worth of free drugs were for distribution to the affected residents. Tabai, who was represented by a member of the committee, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, said the 200 health centres were located in the affected 14 local government areas of the state. He listed the local government areas as Aniocha South, Bomadi, Burutu, Isoko South, Isoko North, Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West. Others are Osimili North, Oshimili South, Patani, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Udu and Warri South West. He said the essence of the free
drugs supply was to reduce the sufferings of the people and improve their health status. The drugs were mainly for the treatment of malaria, cholera, diarrhoea, cough and pneumonia, he added. The committee chairman
urged authorities of the health centres to ensure that the drugs were distributed accordingly. “We want the indigent sick persons in the rural areas to benefit from the free drugs so
as to take care of their health problems.” He said that the committee had, last year, distributed farm inputs such as cassava stems, yam seedlings and plantain suckers to farmers affected by the 2012 flood and gave N18
million financial assistance to Churches that were affected. The 12-member committee was set up to advice the state government on the effective utilisation of the Federal Government’s N500 million grants to the state.
patronise banks and instead prefer to keep money under their pillows. “If more money comes into microfinance banks, the better it will be for the operators to provide adequate services to teeming customers,’’ he said. Ososuakpor said that inadequate funds from the public was forcing microfinance banks to source funds from the commercial banks with high interest rates to transact their
businesses. “The funds we borrow from commercial banks always attract high interest rates and we cannot afford to lend at lower rates than the terms that we were offered. “I, however, lend at a single digit rates to my customers,’’ he said. Ososuakpor said that the recent Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) funds launched by the Central Bank of Nigeria would impact positively on lending rates.
Bad Loans: Operator Calls For More Enlightenment WARRI (DELTA) - The Chairman, Amju Unique Microfinance Bank, Mr Jonathan Ososuakpor, has called for more enlightenment on the issue of non-performing loans in microfinance banks. Ososuakpor told newsmen in Warri that many customers of microfinance banks ignorantly withheld borrowed funds beyond the stipulated repayment period. According to him, the development is starving microfinance banks of funds to
operate. The bank chairman said that the issue of bad loans in the subsector would continue if people were not adequately educated on the need to repay loans. “Many customers are fond of not repaying borrowed money in time and thereby starve operators of funds to lend to other customers. “A lot of Nigerians lack banking culture; they do not
Rotary Club To Spend N50m On Sanitation
All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader in Edo State, Mrs. Modino Emovon (right), Elizabeth Enima Agho-Otoghile and the President, Nigerian Association of Women Enterpreneurs, Ada Ozongwu during its Annual General Meeting in Benin City. Photo: MOSES OBOH.
YENAGOA - Chief Seigha Nyingifa, the President of Rotary Club of Yenagoa District 9140, said that the club would spend N50 million to improve sanitation in some communities in Bayelsa. Nyingifa made the plan known in an interview with newsmen in Yenagoa shortly after his installation as the 11th President of Rotary in the district. The president said that the club would also execute some water projects in some communities in the next 12 months. He said that the club would select communities to benefit from the projects, based on their
needs. The Guest Speaker on the occasion, Mr Henry Domospiff, explained that the essence of Rotary was to inculcate leadership qualities in the youth. Domo-Spiff urged the youth to take advantage of the community service orientation of Rotary to prepare themselves for the future. The immediate past assistant governor of the club, Zone 23, described the club as a sincere, united and unique organisation working for the future. He added that the objectives of Rotary included fostering the ideals of service in the younger generation as a basis for worthy enterprise.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
South South DBIR Seeks Partnership With Stakeholders By BETTY IDIALU
WARRI - The Executive Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR) Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has said that genuine partnership between the Board and the state Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) would go a long way in the actualisation of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s vision of Delta Beyond Oil, just as he said that the Board have concluded plans to post its staff to the MDAs for effective and improved revenue collection. Hon. Joel-Onowakpo made the observation during a
meeting with heads of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) held at Kayriotte Hotel, Effurun, saying that the Board’s decision to post its staff to the MDA’s which according to him will commence soon, is to monitor and improve revenue collection. He said that the board is more than ever before determined to ensure all avenues that could give room for lapses resulting in the lost of revenue among MDAs and corporate organizations are jealously checkmated. He added that the realization of Governor Uduaghan’s vision of
diversification of the state economy through creating avenues for more revenue, remain sacrosanct to the Board. “Today we held a meeting with Ministries, Departments and Agencies MDAs in Delta State. The meeting is to brief them about what is happening in Nigeria because of the dwindle oil revenue and what
the state government is doing in that direction. We told them also about Delta State philosophy of ‘Delta Beyond Oil’ and what it simply means is that everybody should try as much to be self sufficient in what they do. “We also told them what the board is doing to make sure that Delta Beyond Oil does not die, and how the MDAs can come
in. The essence of it also is to intimate the MDAs that with Delta State consolidated revenue laws which empower us to collect all revenue from all sources and MDAs. They should know that we are going to send our staff to all the MDAs to monitor and improve revenue collection in various agencies in the state,” Hon. Joel-Onowakpo
Recognise 2 PDP Factions, Court Orders PDP, INEC PORT HARCOURT - A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and INEC to recognise and deal with the two PDP factions in Anambra. The presiding Judge, Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa gave the order in Port Harcourt,while ruling on a motion by a factional chairman of the PDP in Anambra, Ejike Oguebego. Oguebego’s faction had filed a motion, praying the court to declare Sen. Andy Uba as the party’s candidate for the November 16 governorship election in the state. The faction also prayed the court to direct INEC and National Working Committee of PDP not to recognise, Ken Emeakayi’s faction of the PDP in the state, which produced Tony Nwoye as its candidate for the election. Nganjiwa in his ruling, directed that the order should stay pending the determination of a suit. The judge also ordered the two factions to maintain the status quo and obey the order made by a Federal High court
in Akwa, Anambra, on May 31 The National Working Committee of the PDP had recognised the Emeakayi’s faction of party that produced Mr. Tony Nwoye as its governorship candidate for the Novewmber 16 election. Mr. Jude NNodum, counsel to Andy Uba’s faction of PDP, said Ken Emeakayi had been suspended from the party and lacked the power to conduct a primary election that produced Nwoye. Reports say that the judge had after giving the order, announced that he was handing off the matter. He said his decision was due to a petition he received from Ekem Ekem law firm adding that he would inform the Chief Judge of Federal High Court and await his directive. ‘’ I will not hear this matter again until I see my chief judge,’’ Nganjiwa said. Mr. Mmecha Kanu, counsel to PDP said the judge should continue with the matter, having made the orders and described as it ‘’far reaching’’. Nganjiwa, however, adjourned the case to September 17.
L-R: Col Donatus Igboin, Grand Secretary, Benin Grand Commandery, Order of St. John International exchanging pleasantries with Brig.-General Joseph Ojobu, Grand President, Benin Grand Commandery, and his wife, Noble C.A. Ojobu during a reception in honour of the Grand President Benin Grand Commandery at St. Paul Catholic Church Isseluku, Delta State recently, while other members look on.
said while speaking to newsmen. He decried the under performance of some of the consultants in MDAs in the state, warning that any consultant performing below expectations will be axed by the state government. He added that the purpose of a consultant is to improve revenue collection in the state and if he is not doing that there is no need keeping such a consultant. “Some of the MDAs said that some of the consultants that are with them are not responsible to them. They do things at variance with terms of engagement. That simply means that the consultants are not under the control of anybody, they do things the way they like. If that is the case, DBIR owns the responsibility to ensure that government collect revenue maximally to ensure that those lapses either by the staff of MDAs or consultants stopped. “The intension of appointing a consultant is to improve our revenue status and if that environment is not improved, there is no need keeping that consultant. The intension of government of appointing consultant is to improve the collection of the DBIR, so we have a stake in it”, JoelOnowakpo stated.
Mandela Garden: Family To Attend Inauguration
ASABA - Family members of former South African President, Nelson Mandela are expected to attend the inauguration of the Mandela Garden in Asaba, the Coordinator, Chief Newton Jibunoh, said. Jibunoh, also the founder of Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE), an NGO, made this known at a forum organised by the Delta council of the NUJ in Asaba. He said that the establishment of the garden, located at the Asaba International Airport by the Delta Government, was at
The Grand President, Benin Grand Commandery, Order of Saint John International, Brig.General Joseph Ojobu (4th left), and his wife, Noble C.A. Ojobu in a group photograph with other members of the Commandery, during a reception organised in honour of Brig. Ojobu recently.
the request of the former president. The environmentalist explained that Mandela’s request was in appreciation of the efforts of the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan-led administration, toward environmental protection. Jibunoh said that no fewer than 98 trees had already been planted in the garden, adding that each of the invitees to the event, would plant one tree during the ceremony.
According to him, his experience during his travel from Europe to Africa by road inspired him to fight against climate change and desertification. “I want to assure you that the project will soon be inaugurated and I will ensure that four of Mandela’s family members will be here and plant trees in the garden.” The environmentalist said that he was already training some youths in the state, on how to
fight against the challenges of climate change. “I have started training young environmentalists to have the same passion that I have for climate change. “If I have the required support, I will like to train more youths and also take them on expedition.’’ He expressed regret that Nigerians had not taken his campaign on the need to protect the environment seriously, until the 2012 flooding occurred in the country.
EDSG Reiterates Commitment To Youths Development
UBIAJA - Edo State Government has assured youths in the state of it’s preparedness to improve on their welfare. The Executive Director on Youth Affairs to the governor on Agriculture, Mr. Marcus Onobun, stated this in an Interactive Session with Youths in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Agriculture. In his speech, the Executive Director, MR MARCOUS ONOBUN told youths present that the Federal Government has budgeted 32 Billion naira for Agriculture development in Nigeria and the Government is
aiming at 300,000 youths. He also told the youths that the only way they can benefit from the said arrangement is to form a Co-operative Society in Edo Central Senatorial District because the Government will not give out money to any individual except they form a co-operative society. On his part, the SSA to the Governor on Youth Affairs, Hon. Amos Cole Amahdin, advised youths to take advantage of the World Bank Initiative to support agriculture in Edo State, he also said that livelyhood is not all about white cola job, but some persons
should pick interest in agriculture. On his part the Supervisory Councillor for Agric Hon. Akojie said in his first meeting with Farmers in the Local Government, he promised them that Government at all level will come to their aid where necessary. He further said he has already made a case for the farmers before the Executive Chairman and that very soon the council will come out with some thing good for the farmers. Finally, he adviced youths in the Local Government to utilize the opportunity, he also thanked the Executive Director and the SSA on Youth Affairs to the Governor for coming.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Lagos Subscribers Threaten Boycott Of Telecom Services
Land For Mechanic Villages
Automobile Technicians LAGOS - Mr. Jacob Fayeun, Chairman, Nigerian Lobby LASG Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) in Lagos State, has urged the state government to allocate land for mechanic villages in the state. Fayeun made this appeal while speaking at the 2013 Workshop and Exhibition of the association in Lagos. “I want to use this medium to appeal to the Lagos State Government to allocate land to the National Automobile Council (NAC) to build modern and befitting mechanic villages for NATA members. “We thank the Federal Government, through NAC and Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, for initiating the development and upgrading of selected mechanic villages in Nigeria. “The aim of the exercise is to provide clean and conducive environment for mechanics and related artisans to work in. “This project will be financed by the Federal Government, but the only support required from the state is allocation of land,’’ Fayeun said. He said that the technicians were tired of the demolition of mechanic villages and relocation of their members from the road sides. According to Fayeun, the setting up of more befitting mechanic villages will not only benefit the technicians, but also generate revenue for the state. He also urged state governments to build training schools in their mechanic villages in order to breed more instructors to utilise the automobile equipment in technical colleges. “Technicians constitute 80
per cent of non-agricultural employment, 60 per cent of urban employment and over 90 per cent of new jobs in Nigeria, according to recent statistics. “We therefore need the support of the government in order to contribute more to the growth of the economy,” he said. Also speaking at the event, Mr. Alastair Noughton, Lubricant Director, Mobil Oil Nigeria Ltd., lauded the association for its efforts in embracing new technology. He said that the company had been supporting the technicians through continuous training and it had yielded results in their output.
Arc Francis Evbuomwan, Edo State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, (left), Estate Surveyor and Valuer, Isah Jatto, Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers and Peter Ikem, a former Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil and Gas, Edo State and member of the Institute.
Mixed Reactions Greet Introduction Of BCMR By Police
LAGOS - Motorists in Lagos has expressed mixed feelings at the plan by the Nigeria Police Force to introduce digital Biometric Central Motor Registration (BCMR). The spokesman for the force, CSP Frank Mba, had last week announced that the registration would begin today September 16, 2013. Mba said that the replacement of the analogue Central Motor Registration (CMR) with digital BCMR had become necessary because of security challenges. According to him, the spate of terrorism, car theft, kidnapping and other acts of criminality in the country will be tackled better with the technology. In interviews with newsmen in Lagos, some motorists hailed the initiative, while others said it would increase the problems of motorists. A taxi driver, Alhaji Suleiman Akingbola, urged the police to make the registration easy and less expensive. He said that the force should not allow unpatriotic officers and men to use the scheme to
harass or extort money from vehicle owners. “It is not a bad idea, but before you know it, the scheme may be an opportunity for the police to extort, harass and intimidate us,’’ Akingbola said. A businesswoman, Mrs. Olubunmi Adewale, advised the police to ensure that necessary equipment available before implementing the scheme to
guarantee success. “We are fond of multiple registration in this country, but the problem still remains that we do not have an authentic data pool that contains information on all Nigerians. “Can we say that the police have all it takes to do this, or it is just a copy cat of what operates somewhere in the world,’’ Adewale said.
Another commercial bus driver, Mr. Abidemi Adesoye, urged the police to ensure adequate public enlightenment before the commencement of scheme. However, some motorists described the scheme as a way of increasing the burden of vehicle owners and extorting motorists. An artisan, Mr. Adekunle Adewumi, said that the police ought to reduce the burden of car owners rather than multiplying them.
ICT Can Boost Agriculture Says Expert LAGOS - IBM West Africa Ltd. has advised farmers to exploit the benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to boost their productivity. Mr. Charles Moyela, External Relations Officer of the company, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. Moyela said that technology
An accident scene at Airport Road by the traffic light at Akenzua Junction last week. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.
contributed seven per cent to Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “This is because in Africa, mobile phones give people access to services that are available in traditional forms in the developed world, such as financial services, newspapers, games and entertainment. “So, the value of mobile phones is higher in Africa than elsewhere; this advantage can tremendously transform the agricultural landscape, if purposefully exploited.” Moyela said lack of transparent information was one of the challenges faced by African farmers, adding that mobile communication technology could address the problem. “Mobile communication technology can address the information asymmetry that exists where farmers are frequently disadvantaged pricetakers, often selling at a loss,” he said. Moyela said mobile communications technology also aided African farmers in the area of agricultural insurance which, he explained, could allow farmers to be better equipped against unforeseen
hazard. “Crop insurance has long been used in developed countries to address uncertain weather conditions; agricultural insurance has, however, traditionally not been available to most farmers in Africa. “One example of how ICT is being used to provide better access to crop insurance for farmers is the Kilimo Salama project in Kenya. “Mobile communications technology plays a central role in agricultural insurance because it is used for registration of new policies.” He said that ICT could also be used to improve irrigation efficiency and crop traceability. “Using good irrigation techniques can increase the efficiency and profitability of crop production as much as hundredfold, the use of ICT could have a positive effect on irrigation efficiency,” he said. Moyela said two projects from Egypt had been highlighted as examples of successful use of ICT to improve irrigation. “The first one, is the government-backed integrated water resource management action plan, which is being implemented on more than 2,000 kilometres of the Nile.
LAGOS - Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo of the National Association of Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Subscribers (NATCOMS) has threatened boycott of the services of the operators on September 13, over compensation for poor service. NATCOM’s President, Ogunbanjo, told newsmen in Lagos, that the association had given the operators a September 12 deadline, to compensate their customers. He said the association had written to the operators, under the auspices of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), demanding for N5,000 compensation for each subscriber. He said that the letter was sent to ALTON since July, and copied to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) but that the operators had not responded. “If nothing happens by September 12, then on September 13, we will definitely ask for another switch-off, and do not forget that the September 19, 2003 switch-off will be 10 years, this month.
Malpratice
Lagos Retires Principal, Vice, Others By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS - Nine officers including a school Principal, his vice and other senior teachers of a Senior secondary school in Lagos have been given compulsory retirement by the State Government over examination malpractice. It was alleged that the examination malpractice was committed during the last May/ June West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE). The affected officers are Mr. S. O Amure, School Principal on GL 17, Mr. V. A Joseph, the Vice-Principal on GL 16, Mr. K.E Ogunleye, the Mathematics teacher on GL 15, Mr. A. I Banjoko, the Examination Supervisor on GL 12, Mrs. L. D Akinterinwa on GL 15, Mr. A. O Araba on GL 15, Mr. V. O Towoshe on GL 14, Mr. S.I Oladipupo and Assistant Examination Supervisor on GL 08. The Officers, who are staffers of the State’s Senior Model College, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, were found guilty of aiding and abetting the students to cheat during examination on Mathematics.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Across The Nation L-R: Chairman, Lagos Wharf Landing Fee Collecting Authority, Alhaji Ademola Kekere-Ekun; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation, Mr. Abimbola Sodipo and Chairman, Lagos House of Assembly Committee on Finance, Mrs. Funmi Tejuosho, at a stakeholders’ forum on Wharf Landing Fee Collection in Lagos recently.
NHIS: NLC Pledges Enrolment Of Public Permanent Secretary in the were committed to Servants leadersHeinsaidLokoja. that the importance ministry, Alhaji Salau Aliyu, disseminating information on LOKOJA - The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has pledged to ensure enrolment of all public servants in Kogi into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Mr. James Odaudu, the Chairman of Kogi State Chapter of NLC, said this at the opening ceremony of the sensitisation workshop on the imperatives of the NHIS organised for labour
of the scheme to civil servants was too enormous to be ignored. Odaudu said public servants that failed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the scheme would be doing themselves a disservice. He said the scheme was designed to reduce the high cost of accessing health care services for public servants and their immediate family members. Labour leaders, he said,
Chamber To Resolve Issue Of Multiple Taxation
ABA (ABIA) - Chief Eleanya Okoroji, a former President of Aba Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), says the chamber will soon sort out problem of multiple taxation in the city. Okoroji made the promise in an interview with newsmen in Aba, Abia. He said that business people in the city were being levied under different guises by the Abia Government, with collectors stopping them at different points. Okoroji said the chamber had been working to end this “regime of obnoxious tax system.” “Our members have complained about this multiple taxation. They are not happy about it. We are handling it. “There is a committee set up by my administration to look into the issue of multiple taxes and to make recommendation to the state government on how to harmonise the taxes. “The recommendation will ensure that when you pay at one point, you will not be asked to pay again by another set of collectors within two or three kilometres away from where you made the first payment. “We are not saying that business people should not pay taxes. “We are saying that the taxes should be harmonised in such a way that people will still be able to remain afloat to continue their businesses. “We want our members to know how much they are to pay
the benefits of the scheme to all their members. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Idris Omede, said the state government was determined to improve health care delivery in the state. Omede said this had been demonstrated by the on-going free medical services being provided for communities across the state. The commissioner, who was represented by the
commended labour for intervening in the mobilisation of civil servants to participate in the scheme. Alhaji Abdulganiyu Onimajesin of Ilorin Zonal Office of NHIS said in a lecture that the benefits of the scheme included out patients care and diagnosis, tests as well as maternity care. He said subscribers were expected to pay 10 per cent of the cost of drugs and services.
N1.58bn Post-Election Violence Fund: C’tte Begins Sitting BAUCHI - The committee set up to disburse the N1.58 billion relief fund to the 2011 post-presidential election violence victims in Bauchi state has begun sitting in the state. At the committee’s inaugural meeting Alhaji Sagir Aminu, the Deputy Governor of the state and chairman of the committee, said that the committee had two weeks within which to complete its assignment. He said that the committee would, among other things, disburse the funds to the victims of the violence whose names appeared on the authentic list made. According to him, the committee will liaise with the Sheik Ahmed Lemu Presidential Committee on the 2011 Postelection Violence, as well as Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to obtain the authentic list of the victims. The final report would be submitted to the State governor through the office of the Secretary to the State government. Aminu said that the committee’s main task, however, was to distribute the N1.58 billion released to Bauchi State Government by the Federal Government to give succour to the victims of the violence. “Our assignment is to distribute the N1,580,000 released by the federal
government to give succour to the victims of the 2011 postpresidential election violence in Bauchi state. “The task before us is not however an easy one. The N1,580,000 is a colossal sum that may not be easy to distribute to the victims of the 2011 postelection violence across the state. “Although the task is onerous, it is not insurmountable. All we need to do to execute that assignment successfully is to bring into play our wealth of knowledge, experience and work as a team. “There is also the need for us to sacrifice our time and energy to not only finish the assignment within or before the two weeks given to us, but also do a thorough work, “ he said. The chairman said that members of the committee were drawn from the federal and state governments as well as the Bauchi State Traditional Council which was constituted by the Bauchi State Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda. He sued for dedication, commitment and sacrifice on the part of all the members. He noted that the opportunity to serve in the committee was a manifestation of the confidence reposed in them by the federal and Bauchi state governments. He gave assurance to the federal and Bauchi state governments as well as the people of the state that the committee would abide by the terms of reference.
Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ado Mohammad, addressing a news conference in Abuja recently, on level of polio eradication in Nigeria. With him is World Health Organisation Country Representative, Dr. Rui Vaz.
in a year and to be able to budget for it based on the harmonised taxes,” he said. Okoroji said that the chamber was poised to improve the business environment in Aba. He said ACCIMA had been working hard with the state government, the Army and Police to ensure that Aba was secured since no business could thrive without security. He said that the chamber had provided a platform to provide Aba businessmen international exposure to lure foreign investments to the state and the country.
Create Awareness On Waste Management,
GOMBE - The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has urged civil society organisations (CSOs) to create awareness on waste management for sustainable development. Mr. Audu Ndagi, the Senior Technical Officer of NESREA, North East zone, Gombe, made the call in a paper entitled: “Role of Civil Society Organisations in Improving Waste Management”. Ndagi made the presentation at a workshop on solid waste management within the context of flooding. He urged the CSOs to take a leading role in the campaign for consumers and households to imbibe the culture of reducing, re-using
and recycling of waste. “As end users, they need to reduce, re-use and recycle waste wherever feasible and dispose off this waste responsibly. “They should be aware of the environmental impact of the product they buy and pass on a sense of environmental responsibility to families and colleagues. “NGOs, non-profit organisations, Community Based Organisations Cooperatives and Trade Unions, play important roles in all phases of the waste management hierarchy, including in recycling initiative, delivery of waste management services, compliance monitoring and education and advocacy.
“Civil society formations are encouraged to participate in the development and implementation of national waste management strategy.” He advised that civil society organisations should adopt advocacy visits, interschools quiz competitions, media programmes, among others, in creating awareness. He said NESREA had collaborated with the relevant stakeholders through awareness campaign, public enlightenment and school education, to disseminate environmental messages to the society. Also speaking, Mr. Jediel Appolos, the Head of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Gombe office, appealed to the people to
NESREA Urges CSOs
change their attitude of dumping refuse in drains. He also urged them to desist from littering the environment with old tyres, bottles, nylons and plastic containers as well as avoid bush burning and indiscriminate disposal of papers and food wrappers. Represented by Mr. Sa’idu Inusa, Senior Planning Officer, NEMA Gombe, Apollos said the workshop organised by the NEMA Gombe office, was to create awareness on the role of stakeholders in ensuring proper waste management. In his remark, the Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Gombe State, Mr. Ado Solomon, urged households to
separate liquid and solid wastes before disposing them, to ensure easy recycling. Solomon also urged health facilities in the state to adopt proper waste disposal strategies, to protect patients and their relations from contacting new diseases while in the hospital. The Senior District Head of Gombe, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar, appealed to the people to stop dumping waste in drains and building on waterways, to reduce the menace of flooding. Reports say that the workshop, organised by NEMA Gombe Operations Office, attracted relevant stakeholders.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Abuja Council Urges Lawyers To Help The Poor Access ABUJA - The Legal Aid Justice
Council of Nigeria (LAC) has appealed to lawyers in the country to help alleviate the plight of the poor that are languishing in prisons by providing free legal services for them. The director-general of the council, Mrs. Joy Bob-Manuel, made the call at a media briefing in Abuja. She said many indigent Nigerians had spent several years in detention because they could not afford to get lawyers to represent them in court due to the cost implication. She stressed that the council would not rest on its oars in ensuring that indigent Nigerians had better access to justice through free legal service. “We are not trying to invade people’s privacy, we are only appealing to the conscience of lawyers and other stakeholders to come to the aid of the poor among us,” she said. She said that in view of the resolve to enable the poor have access to justice without having to pay for the services of a lawyer, the council would be holding a conference in Lagos on October 19. The director-general said the theme of the conference, “Advancing the Frontiers of Probono”, was chosen to chart a new course for free legal service in the country. According to her, more than 300 people are expected at the conference to deliberate on how to help reposition the justice system, particularly with regard to the poor in the society. “In 2010 there were only 80 lawyers working in the council but we have been able to employ about 284; but it is still not enough to cater for people who need our services in the 36 states of the federation. “We hope the conference will help us to get more lawyers to register with us and we will not relent in reminding them of their pledge,” she said. She encouraged lawyers to see their service to the poor as service to humanity and a way of contributing to the development of the nation. Bob-Manuel said nobody who offered assistance to the poor would ever go unnoticed, adding that such carried great blessings. She urged lawyers to register with the council in the struggle to put smiles on faces of people who could not cater for themselves. The Chairman of the Conference Planning, Committee, Adelodun Adebayo, said the conference would address ways of getting lawyers to offer free legal services to complement the few lawyers working for the council. Adebayo, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said all hands must be on deck to salvage the poor in the society to restore people’s confidence in the judiciary. “Pro bono will go a long way in filling the gap because right now the Legal Aid Council has only 284 staff to take care of the 36 states and the indigent account for more than 60 per cent.
“That is why the Legal Aid Council is taking all these steps to see that we elicit the support of other critical stakeholders. “The forthcoming conference is the second one in the series and the theme, Advancing the Frontiers of Pro bono is apt,” he said. He said the council was working in collaboration with the Nigeria Bar Association and other relevant stakeholders to make pro bono mandatory for all lawyers. “We are working toward making pro bono mandatory and we are hoping that very soon the Legal Practitioners Act will be amended, especially the professional ethics.
IPAC Urges FG To Resolve ASUU Strike
Board members and guests, at the inauguration of Governing Boards of Parastatals under the Ministry of Education in Abuja recently
The Agora of Zuba, Alhaji Bello Umar, receiving his certificate of installation and Staff of Office, from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, at the ceremony in Abuja. With them is the Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide.
ABUJA - The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has appealed to the Federal Government to resolve the lingering strike by the university lecturers, by honouring its agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The National Chairman of the council, Alhaji Yinusa Tanko, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. “We are worried that students are at home doing nothing; the Federal Government should exercise more commitment while ASUU should respond accordingly. “If we continue to sit on the fence, these leaders of tomorrow will continue to suffer,’’ he said. He said that no nation should allow her learning institution to be neglected for that long. Tanko also advised ASUU to call off the strike adding that the strike is an embarrassment to the nation. Also speaking on the same issue the National Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Mr. Gilbert Agbo, said that “the unacceptable level of decay in the education sector” led to the recurring strike by ASUU. He said that due to the challenges in the education sector most of Nigerian students prefer to go overseas for higher studies. Reports state that ASUU began the nationwide strike on July 1, due to what the union said was the inability of the federal government to honour the agreement it signed with it since 2009.
Reassignment Of Case: PDP Chieftain, 2
Others To Wait ABUJA - Justice Jude Okeke of an Abuja High Court has asked a PDP chieftain, Alhaji Musa Muhammed and two others to wait till October 15, when their case will be reassigned to another judge.
Muhammed, filed the suit, praying the court for an order stopping the PDP from conducting ward congresses in Kano State. Okeke who was the vacation judge, told Muhammed,
Hajiya Rabi Shehu and Alhaji Lawal Alhaji the court‘s assignment will come to an end as from September 14. Okeke said that the court, being a vacation court, will no longer hear nor determine cases. The judge adjourned the case to October 15, for the acting chief judge to assign to the case to an appropriate court.
Council Chairman Scores Self High GWAGWALADA - The Chairman of the Gwagwalada Area Council in the FCT, Alhaji Abubakar Giri has announced in Gwagwalada that the administration had made remarkable achievements in the past six months, in spite of challenges. Giri who made the claim in an interview with newsmen, named the achievements as provision of portable water, electricity and roads for the populace. “Since we assumed office six months ago, the council has recorded remarkable achievements in the area of electricity provision, potable water and roads. “The council, for instance, procured many transformers with which it has greatly
improved power supply to communities within the GiriZuba axis and Gwagwalada township. “The hitherto, epileptic power supply situation in those areas is now a thing of the past.’’ “We have awarded contract for the drilling of boreholes in all nooks and crannies of the council and these will be completed and commissioned in the next couple of weeks. “Water, they say, is the source of life and we decided to give it priority attention in our service to the people.’’ Giri said the council was also constructing a N100 million road project, the Gwako township road, which he said, was about 40 per cent completed.
“There are so many such physical projects which we inherited from the immediate past administration worth millions of naira which I took upon myself to ensure their completion. “If we can achieve all these in just six months, I am sure that by the time we are one year in office, the dividends of democracy will be seen on the entire Gwagwalada landscape.’’ The chairman said that remarkable peace had also been recorded in the council, noting “in spite of the security threats elsewhere, Gwagwalada has remained calm to date. “We appreciate the exemplary leadership style of the minister of the FCT, which has helped us to achieve so much in such a short time.
Earlier, counsel to the plaintiff, Mr. Adebowale Aderogba, had told the court that the respondent had filed a memorandum of appearance, dated September 4. Aderogba also said that the respondent filed a notice of preliminary objection to counter the plaintiffs’ affidavit. “Both parties have decided
to resolve their dispute out of court and parties have commenced negotiation with a view to settling the matter. “My lord, we agreed to meet sometime in October that is why the national legal adviser of the respondent wrote to the court to inform the court about the resolution” he submitted.
ABUJA - The police has arraigned Uche Ifemebede of Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja, in a Karu Upper Area Court for cheating and criminal breach of trust. The prosecutor, Insp. Philips Akogwu, told the court that two women, Mrs. Eucharia Okeke and Mrs. Evergreen Ani, who reside at Airport road, Abuja, reported the matter at the Utako Police Station on August 29. He said the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, FCT Command on September 3. “Ifemebede paraded himself to the complainants as an estate developer with some documents from FCDA and fraudulently collected N4.7 million from them. “Police investigations revealed that the accused is not an estate
developer, “Akogwu said, adding that the offences contravened sections 312 and 323 of the Penal Code. The accused, who denied parading himself as an estate developer, to the complainants, however admitted that he collected the money from them. His counsel, Mr. Kingsley Okey, asked the court to grant his client bail with a promise that a ‘reliable’ surety would be provided. The trial judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted the accused bail in the sum of N4. 8 million with two sureties, who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court. He said that one of the sureties must be a civil servant, and adjourned the case to November 6 for hearing.
Cheating:
Man, 63, Docked
THE NIGERIAN
10
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Business + Economy Arik Air Enhances Customer Offering With Mobile Commerce By AYO AYENI
Hon. Amos Cole Amahdin, SSA to Edo State Governor on Youth Affairs, addressing Youths in Edo Central Senatorial District at Ubiaja during the interactive session with youths and the Executive Director on Youth Affairs to the Governor on Agriculture, while the Executive Director, Mr. Marcus Onobun looks on.
Sanusi Suggests Ways To Grow Foreign Reserve
ABUJA- The Central Bank Governor (CBN), Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi , said that West African countries could grow their foreign reserves by developing the different classes and sectors of their economies. Sanusi said this in Abuja at the opening of the ‘West African Regional Course on Optimising Reserve and Foreign Exchange Management for Income Generation’. The course was organised by the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), for the foreign exchange and reserve managers of the apex banks of countries in West Africa. Sanusi was represented at the event by the CBN’s Deputy Governor (Operations), Mr Tunde Lemo. “In order to optimise returns on external reserves, the central banks need to introduce initiatives that will mitigate risk and increase returns on their country’s foreign reserve portfolios. “This could be achieved through diversification into different asset classes, sectors and geographical locations. “This, therefore, calls for skills enhancement and capacity building in reserve management,’’ he said. The CBN chief said one of the major challenges facing the central banks in the region was how to generate
income from their foreign reserves without compromising reserve management objectives. According to him, liquidity and safety measures are very crucial in reserve management. Lemo said that the course was aimed at creating a platform on which participants from central banks in the sub-region could exchange ideas to help build the skills of reserve managers. He said, “it will provide deeper knowledge and understanding on various means to optimise reserves and foreign exchange for income generation.“ He commended WAIFEM for organising the course and urged participants to use the lessons of the course and interaction to contribute meaningfully to the development of the region. The Director-General of WAIFEM, Prof Akpan Ekpo, said also that the course was designed to equip participants with critical techniques and skills in managing fixed income instruments. He added that the training would also impart the art of active reserves management that were central to investment decisions in reserve and foreign exchange management. According to Ekpo, some of the topics that will be discussed during the course include Reserve and Foreign
Exchange in the Macroeconomic Context; Portfolio Theories; Financial Mathematics; Bond Yields; Valuation and Indices. He said, “Some of the other topics are Portfolio theories, financial mathematics that involves yields, valuation analysis, valuation, fixed income instruments, derivatives, foreign exchange markets and products, the international security markets. “All these are for market information and movements, technical and fundamental analysis, liquidity analysis and reserve tranching, investment policies and guidelines, as well as Risk Management in portfolio management.“
He expressed the hope that the course would better equip the participants to face future challenges in the management of the foreign reserves of their various countries.
LAGOS- ARIK AIR, West and Central Africa’s largest commercial carrier, has introduced a new mobile booking service to further boost its passengers experience. The disclosure follows Arik Air ’s decision to partner with mobile commercial firm, SlimTrader, to provide the service as part of a raft of changes in the coming months, aimed at revamping its technology offering and enhancing the airline’s customer experience. The new features provide customers with a convenient way to book and pay for flights, along with access to important travel information, using their mobile phones and tablets. The flight booking service is currently available to anyone with a Nigerian bank card. Dr Michael Arumemi-
Ikhide, Arik Air’s Global Chief Executive Officer, said. “The popularity of mobile commerce has increased massively in Africa of late and we decided to introduce the service to empower our customers. “Mobile penetration far exceeds the reach of the Internet in Nigeria and West Africa and this new mobile gateway enhances our customers’ ability to search, select, book and pay for our services. The adoption of such innovations positions us as a 21st Century operator, using cutting edge technology to improve ease of service and customer interaction. “We will be making a number of additional upgrades to our technology offering over the coming months in a bid to further enhance the service we offer travelers who fly with us.”
Expert Tasks Investors On Regular LAGOS- An energy expert, Power Supply countries.
Mr Charles Fashola, has advised the new investors in the power sector to make efforts to provide stable electricity supply in the country. Fashola, who is the Managing Director of Seacof Engineering Company, told newsmen in Lagos that stable electricity supply would facilitate economic development. According to him, reliable
power supply will stimulate industrial and agricultural development, improvement in transportation, communication and employment generation. The managing director said the irregular power supply in the country had, over the years, led to the collapse of many businesses, while some companies had relocated to Ghana and other African
Fashola advised the investors to collaborate with consumers and industrialists to resolve issues affecting effective service delivery. He urged the new investors to stop the meter maintenance fee and the high tariff regime. The company boss commended government for accelerating the privatisation of the power sector and urged it to also tackle other challenges in the economy.
L-R: National ex-Officio of NUJ, Mr. Mukhtar Gidado; Chairman, Bauchi State NUJ, Mr. Dahiru Mohammed and Secretary, Mr. Sanusi Hamid, during NUJ Bauchi State Council Congress in Bauchi recently.
THE NIGERIAN
11
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT FRIDAY (13/09/13) Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
Value
LINKASSURE
0.5
0.5
0
1
380
190
7UP
72
72
0
18
112,959
7,400,979.20
LIVESTOCK
3.97
4
0.03
29
1,102,935
4,412,482.15
ABBEYBDS
1.65
1.65
0
1
100
149
MANSARD
2.16
2.07
-0.09
22
966,400
2,007,641.28
2.04
2.04
0
5
24,440
49,281.60
ABCTRANS
0.85
0.8
-0.05
12
726,448
581,804.76
MAYBAKER
ACADEMY
1.9
1.9
0
3
40,000
73,000.00
MCNICHOLS
1.5
1.5
0
2
3,000
4,050.00
ACCESS
10.4
10.41
0.01
131
5,878,412
61,161,949.96
MOBIL
106
106
0
15
10,132
1,088,659.60
AFRIPRUD
1.95
2
0.05
23
227,548
451,232.75
MULTITREX
0.57
0.52
-0.05
2
735,207
382,307.64
AGLEVENT
1.55
1.55
0
3
7,200
11,700.00
MULTIVERSE
0.5
0.5
0
1
1,000
500
AIICO
0.84
0.8
-0.04
38
5,240,910
4,334,952.22
NAHCO
6.24
6.13
-0.11
30
662,062
4,054,589.53
AIRSERVICE
3.35
3.35
0
7
82,800
277,380.00
NASCON
11.6
11.61
0.01
21
382,719
4,447,987.98
ARBICO
5.05
5.05
0
3
67,679
308,039.45
NB
163.48
162
-1.48
94
272,880
44,206,204.95
ASHAKACEM
21
21
0
47
325,829
6,656,114.19
NEIMETH
1.05
1.05
0
6
104,882
110,556.10
ASOSAVINGS
0.5
0.5
0
1
2,000
1,000.00
NEM
0.71
0.7
-0.01
17
1,487,700
1,040,653.00
935
938.26
3.26
58
139,856
131,376,144.57
AVONCROWN
1.71
1.71
0
1
1,000
1,540.00
NESTLE
BECOPETRO
0.5
0.5
0
1
2,600
1,300.00
NIG-GERMAN
7.36
7.36
0
1
479
3,175.77
BETAGLAS
11.87
11.87
0
2
1,600
19,107.00
NIGERINS
0.5
0.5
0
1
700,000
350,000.00
CADBURY
49
49
0
44
118,063
5,579,817.57
NPFMCRFBK
0.77
0.78
0.01
4
454,000
354,120.00
CAP
43.4
43.4
0
16
50,786
2,145,352.58
OANDO
11.78
11.77
-0.01
111
742,927
8,714,248.39
CAPOIL
0.5
0.5
0
1
2,000
1,000.00
OASISINS
0.5
0.5
0
5
190,000
95,000.00
CCNN
8.63
8.72
0.09
23
405,600
3,559,492.62
OKOMUOIL
46.48
47.42
0.94
51
2,298,300
108,156,310.51
CHAMPION
15.99
15.55
-0.44
1
50,000
777,500.00
PAINTCOM
2.04
2.04
0
3
25,750
54,595.00
CONOIL
28.8
28.8
0
27
77,009
2,016,789.60
PORTPAINT
4.96
5.45
0.49
13
560,200
3,052,364.00
CONTINSURE
1.2
1.2
0
17
6,414,900
7,681,877.04
PRESCO
37
37
0
18
55,496
1,907,508.16
0.55
0.55
0
3
48,374
27,055.70
COSTAIN
1.2
1.25
0.05
32
970,700
1,187,889.64
PRESTIGE
COURTVILLE
0.72
0.72
0
13
237,000
159,250.00
PZ
39.9
39.9
0
36
158,900
6,055,903.56
CUSTODYINS
1.35
1.34
-0.01
11
409,403
548,090.41
REDSTAREX
4
4
0
7
34,131
138,215.31
CUTIX
1.93
1.93
0
10
71,936
139,066.24
RESORTSAL
0.5
0.5
0
1
75,000
37,500.00
DAARCOMM
0.5
0.5
0
1
5,000
2,500.00
ROYALEX
0.55
0.55
0
3
23,991
13,326.71
DANGCEM
193
190
-3
17
214,408
40,753,489.68
RTBRISCOE
1.35
1.38
0.03
7
121,182
166,765.82
DANGFLOUR
9.01
9.01
0
51
852,944
7,704,306.16
SKYEBANK
4.21
4.26
0.05
112
6,774,012
28,598,634.46
DANGSUGAR
10.4
10.46
0.06
62
1,623,383
16,981,627.71
STANBIC
18.26
18.08
-0.18
22
1,318,197
23,778,374.87
DIAMONDBNK
6.2
6.22
0.02
56
5,549,486
34,410,601.42
STERLNBANK
2.44
2.46
0.02
53
2,118,260
5,079,435.32
DNMEYER
1.9
1.9
0
1
500
950
THOMASWY
0.66
0.72
0.06
3
92,638
66,699.36
157.9
157.9
0
11
15,089
2,347,210.00
DUNLOP
0.5
0.5
0
1
20,000
10,000.00
TOTAL
ETERNA
2.82
2.82
0
6
26,126
73,419.32
TRANSCORP
1.35
1.35
0
102
10,059,348
13,593,905.88
ETI
13.95
14
0.05
70
6,672,748
92,932,766.76
TRANSEXPR
1.03
1.13
0.1
6
126,614
142,833.82
EVANSMED
3.1
3.1
0
14
636,090
1,967,519.18
UAC-PROP
15
15.06
0.06
23
359,967
5,419,468.22
FBNH
15.2
15.65
0.45
412
7,365,890
114,493,570.34
UACN
54.99
54.51
-0.48
39
425,698
23,276,744.96
FCMB
4
4.01
0.01
47
1,541,784
6,166,783.37
UBA
7
7.05
0.05
200
3,796,722
26,774,241.70
FIDELITYBK
2.59
2.5
-0.09
79
10,548,255
26,947,680.18
UBCAP
1.3
1.3
0
47
7,103,372
8,931,181.98
FIDSON
1.98
2
0.02
29
838,022
1,608,367.92
UBN
10.39
10.39
0
76
182,970
1,889,901.34
FLOURMILL
83
83
0
35
89,170
7,085,189.13
UNILEVER
58.75
60
1.25
68
8,075,103
476,623,767.47
FO
35.7
35.7
0
16
61,177
2,241,055.57
UNITYBNK
0.5
0.5
0
68
23,528,206
11,764,363.00
10.5
10.5
0
2
12,000
118,650.00
FTNCOCOA
0.5
0.5
0
1
1,000
500
UPDCREIT
GLAXOSMITH
64
64
0
7
38,216
2,411,338.33
UPL
4
4
0
3
52,000
219,050.00
GUARANTY
25
24.9
-0.1
259
10,487,555
261,602,798.65
UTC
0.67
0.65
-0.02
18
485,008
316,231.16
GUINNESS
248.5
248.5
0
44
554,237
138,424,783.00
VITAFOAM
3.74
3.74
0
13
83,777
314,510.17
HONYFLOUR
2.89
2.82
-0.07
20
803,156
2,263,405.36
VONO
1.81
1.94
0.13
51
12,915,242
23,144,900.03
IHS
3.63
3.31
-0.32
46
6,452,813
22,453,627.02
WAPCO
92
92
0
42
242,910
22,065,688.38
IKEJAHOTEL
0.88
0.82
-0.06
4
131,100
107,432.00
WAPIC
0.99
0.9
-0.09
4
330,000
297,300.00
INTBREW
20.04
19.97
-0.07
22
152,472
3,033,249.52
WEMABANK
0.98
0.97
-0.01
43
2,827,324
2,782,612.60
INTENEGINS
0.67
0.63
-0.04
20
633,000
420,090.00
ZENITHBANK
19.43
19.65
0.22
271
14,341,358
281,535,107.32
IPWA
0.83
0.83
0
5
100,768
81,614.40
TOP 10 GAINERS
TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS
JAPAULOIL
0.5
0.5
0
15
1,035,181
517,590.50
JBERGER
76.95
76.95
0
7
11,200
827,300.00
Stock
Close
Gain
Stock
Close
Loss
JOHNHOLT
1.26
1.26
0
3
5,636
7,353.36
JOSBREW
6.84
7.52
0.68
25
1,405,004
10,565,630.08
LASACO
0.5
0.5
0
1
1,000
500
LAWUNION
0.5
0.5
0
1
2,000
1,000.00
LEARNAFRCA
1.78
1.8
0.02
2
83,000
149,400.00
NESTLE UNILEVER OKOMUOIL JOSBREW PORTPAINT FBNH ZENITHBANK VONO TRANSEXPR CCNN
938.26 60 47.42 7.52 5.45 15.65 19.65 1.94 1.13 8.72
3.26 1.25 0.94 0.68 0.49 0.45 0.22 0.13 0.1 0.09
DANGCEM NB UACN CHAMPION IHS STANBIC NAHCO GUARANTY FIDELITYBK MANSARD
190 162 54.51 15.55 3.31 18.08 6.13 24.9 2.5 2.07
-3 -1.48 -0.48 -0.44 -0.32 -0.18 -0.11 -0.1 -0.09 -0.09
THE NIGERIAN
12
FOR the second month running, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is prosecuting an indefinite strike action to press home their demand for the implementation of a 2009 agreement reached with the Federal Government and a Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the same government based on the 2009 agreement and how best to implement. FROM our understanding, the crux of the matter is the Federal Government’s irresponsibility as it enters into agreement with the striking teachers only to renege on implementation. We consider the action of government as irresponsible and we condemn such official rascality, given the fact that ASUU in 2011 also dislocated the nation’s public universities for the same grievances. WE are deeply concerned with the severe impact of strike actions on our public Universities across the country, which has led in the past to even loss of academic calendar and incalculable losses as it pertains to dislocation of learning process by affected university students. STRIKE actions have also contributed significantly to the decline in the quality of graduates of our public universities as students are hurried with lectures as soon as such strike actions are called off. Also, as a result of hurried academic calendars, little attention in most cases is paid to research, which is an important component of academic pursuits. THE on-going ASUU strike undoubtedly has disrupted examinations in a number of public universities and paralysed academic activities in all others. This is unacceptable
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 THE NIGERIAN
Resolving ASUU Strike and we urge both parties to the dispute to always consider the future of the students first, above all other considerations. IN the light of the forgoing, while we believe that the university lecturers will from time to time have legitimate grounds to be angry with their employers, the frequent resort to the strike option is also unacceptable. WE are, however, disappointed at the poor handling of the dispute between it and the University teachers by the Federal Government as evident in the empty claims of the former Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai who merely tells the teachers to call of strike action after some poor coordinated meetings of some officials. WE urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to be a responsible corporate citizen who respects agreements with other parties and institutions. Government disputes with university teachers lately have been largely due to broken promises and unfulfilled agreements, very often on the part of government. WE expect ASUU to equally resort to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms used by organized labour in other parts of the world to safeguard our public University system, which is the only option available to children of the poor who would not be able to afford private university education.
ON funding, ASUU must understand that Government (Federal or State) alone cannot fund university education in Nigeria. It is important for ASUU and university authorities to begin to look inwards for internal revenue generation. Elsewhere, public Universities’ research and business activities operated by the universities generate substantial amount of income for funding teaching and learning. A situation where public universities depend almost one hundred percent on government is deplorable. IT is on this score we want to call on the federal government to immediately revisit the issue of university autonomy with a view to divesting its grip on the nation’s universities and provide a policy framework for responsible internal revenue generation and transparent as well as accountable and judicious use of such revenues for the overall development of each of the public universities. ALSO, we call on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to respect its 2009 agreement with ASUU and implement all provisions to the letter. LASTLY, we want the federal government to carry out a comprehensive review of all conditions of service of all government workers whether academic, non-academic, hazardous or non-hazardous with a view to harmonizing all wages/salaries, allowances and entitlements across its workforce and eliminate all disparities that tend to fuel all kinds of chain agitations from various trade unions and professional associations with an ultimate goal of ending the resort to strike actions once and for all.
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
IN Article 3 of the OPSC, attempt to commit, complicity in, or participation in, acts relating to the sale of children should also be criminalised. In addition, punishment by appropriate
sometimes overlap, the sale of children is not a necessary element of the definition of “child trafficking”. By way of example, recruitment of a child can take place using deceit and with no element
penalties should take into account the “grave nature” of the offence. Unfortunately, however, Article 3(1)(a)(ii) of the OPSC seems to suggest that States Parties are obliged to punish intermediaries only, and that “buyers” and “sellers” of children fall beyond its scope. This is premised on the wording of the Article that States Parties shall ensure that, “improperly inducing consent, as an intermediary, for the adoption of a child...” is covered under their criminal law. Fortunately, often the view of the CRC Committee on this matter is that States Parties should criminalise and prosecute all actors involved in the sale of children for the purpose of adoption. This can be inferred from its concluding observations on States Parties Reports. Furthermore, the Committee’s interpretation gathers support from Article 3(5) of the OPSC in terms of which States Parties have to take “measures to ensure that all persons involved in the adoption of a child act in conformity with applicable international legal instruments” (empha22 Unfortunately, it is submitted that there seems to be a tendency by States to assume that criminal law provisions on trafficking are sufficient for addressing child buying and selling. However, this is not always the case. While child trafficking and the sale of children might
of sale involved. Therefore, children who are recruited through deceit can be trafficked for, or through, adoption without any element of sale occurring throughout the entire process.23 As a result, it is advisable to have legislation that explicitly criminalizes child selling and buying, as well as the conduct of other persons who are involved in such a process in different capacities, for example, as intermediaries.1 Adoption and child laws in Africa Many African countries have a plethora of legislation relating to matters which affect children. A number of factors characterize this legislation in Africa. Some countries which did not recognize adoptions at all before their colonial period might have been forced to recognize it during the period that colonial legislation was inherited. It is Article 4 of the CRC and Article 1 of the ACRWC that provide an obvious basis for assuring that legal reform is a core obligation that States Parties agree to undertake. In this respect it is true that, increasingly, inherited colonial legislation is being overhauled and replaced with modern, more accessible, and often more comprehensive, dedicated children’s statutes. However, a significant amount of existing
Law
legislation relating to matters which affect children in Africa is still outdated (and mostly predates the CRC and the ACRWC). An assessment of children’s rights in Central
the area of adoption laws in Africa, too. Malawi’s Adoption Act, for instance, falls within this category. Enacted originally as the Adoption of Children Ordinance in 1949 in preindependence Malawi, it
African Countries (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Sao Tome and Principe) has found that judicial systems that are still reliant on colonial era
was formally adopted as the Adoption of Children Act, forming part of the Laws of Malawi. Zambia’s Adoption Act was enacted in 1958, before Zambia attained independence. The Zambian Government admits that the statute conforms to the
of existing legislation on children. Even where comprehensive assessments have been undertaken, the study recommends that there is need for continuous review and revision of laws. There are examples of some child law reform
Protection Act definition of “trafficking” imitates its South African counterpart and includes “the adoption of a child facilitated or secured through illegal means”. Burkina Faso also has Law No. 038-2003/AN of 31 July 2003 relating to the definition and
legislation make implementation more difficult. In relation to Botswana’s Children’s Act, which was enacted in 1981, questions have been raised whether “the Act fulfils the objectives that were paramount in the minds of the legislators then, or whether …its provisions are still relevant in the light of today’s circumstances. The observation that a number of outdated laws exist is specifically true in
requirements of the CRC only to “some extent”. The Adoption Proclamation of 1952 of Lesotho is also a colonial piece of legislation which is outdated. One of the main recommendations of a subregional study involving the review of 19 Eastern and Southern African countries is that States need to undertake a holistic, multi-sectoral, and inclusive audit and review
processes that have been completed and the final statutes passed by parliament, too. However, on a positive note, the South African Children’s Act provides a more advanced definition of child trafficking as it explicitly includes also the adoption of a child through illegal means. Child buying, and selling for the purpose of adoptions also fall within this provision. The fact that the Children’s Act has extended the definition of trafficking to include “the adoption of a child facilitated or secured through illegal means” implies that all the relevant provisions on trafficking are applicable to children adopted through illegal means. In Namibia, the draft Child Care and
punishment of child trafficking. Article 3 of this Act defines child trafficking as any act by which a child is recruited, transported, transferred, lodged or hosted within or outside of Burkina by one or more traffickers for purposes including illegal adoption. Still, despite these and other similar legislative measures, progress is frustrated as a result of a number of reasons. For instance, the fact that penalties for child trafficking are not severe enough to deter persons who target children for purposes of abduction, trafficking and sale, or other forms of exploitation, compounds the problem.
With IKHUEBOR VIKRAM OSARUMEN
Child Buying, Stealing, Kidnapping, Trafficking Within Intercountry Adoption System
“However, on a positive note, the South African Children’s Act provides a more advanced definition of child trafficking as it explicitly includes also the adoption of a child through illegal means. Child buying, and selling for the purpose of adoptions also fall within this provision.”
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
View Point ISSUES surrounding Federal Government’s development efforts under President Goodluck Jonathan’s two years in office were highlighted recently at an international news conference. Information minister Labaran Maku had the task to present and analyse the issues on September 5, 2013 when he addressed the press as part of activities to wrapup some matters arising from the various ministerial platforms. The platform sessions were to sustain public awareness of government’s effort to get democracy dividends to the door-step of the populace. He said that the conference was meant to keep the flow of information between the government and the governed, insisting that the Nigerian economy had grown faster, and was attracting investors from around the world in the period under review. Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), he said, grew from six per cent to seven per cent by the end of 2012, and noted that it is one of the fastest growing GDP in Africa. “There has been a consistent stability in the economy in the past three years because of the policies this government has initiated. “Therefore, I can tell you that the economy is receiving greater confidence from investors from around the world,’’ he said.
“Let me say this clearly again that the economy is doing well; when an economy is doing well, you see it from the confidence investors have in it,’’ he said. He noted that the flow of investment from General Electric, Chevron and Dangote Group, among others, would not have been possible if the economy was bad. He added that the deregulation of the downstream sector had opened the oil and gas sector for investment. The minister recalled that Dangote Group recently signed a 3.3 billion dollar facility with a consortium of local and international investors to build the biggest refinery in Africa in Ondo State. He said that gas flaring, a perennial problem in the oil and gas sector, had been reduced from 18 per cent to 15 per cent with a plan to eliminate it in the next three years. Maku said that the recently concluded National Economic Summit had focused on the challenges of food security in the country. “We have launched a programme that will revolutionalise agriculture at the grassroots; no fewer than 750,000 young farmers will benefit from the agriculture sector under the programme. “Fertilisers are now available and being supplied to farmers without government’s involvement; we want to develop internal capacity to develop our raw materials,’’ he said. Maku noted that grain
Highlighting Government’s Development Programmes
reserves had been established, adding that 12 rice mills were established to process paddy rice for domestic market. He said that Nigeria produced 1.1 metric tonnes of rice in 2012 in line with effort to ensure self-sufficiency by 2015. He, therefore,
By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO
to the northern parts of the country had reduced pressure on highways, adding that the PortHarcourt-Maidugiri rail line would be completed soon. He said that the Abuja-Lokoja and Benin-
transformation in the last two years of Jonathan’s administration. Noting that the SouthEast was the only zone that never had an international airport since 1960, he stated that international flights had
• Maku Labaran, Information Minister
appealed to Nigerians to patronise local rice, saying it was better than imported varieties. On the transport sector, the minister said that work had reached advanced stages on the Abuja-Kaduna and WarriAjaokuta rail lines. According to him, large scale haulage of goods by rail from Lagos
Ore road would also be completed soon, and noted that contracts had been awarded for the rehabilitation of ApapaOshodi road, and for complete check on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. On air transportation, Maku said that the sector had witnessed a
“We still have problems at the borders, particularly with the Republic of Cameroon; once we secure our borders, it will reduce the inflow of arms.’’
commenced at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. According to him, 11 airports across the country are also being remodelled to meet international standards. “We have brought aviation equipment at par with what is obtainable elsewhere in the world, and we have provided alternative power supply mechanism for the runway in Abuja,’’ he said. Maku said that the federal government was making progress in the privatisation exercise, adding that seven out of the 10 power stations across the country had been completed.
He also spoke of progress in the education sector, noting that “N100 billion has been set aside for infrastructure development in schools; and this sum is different from the normal budgetary allocation’’. “More than 38 new projects have been completed at the University of Benin through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, 12 new universities were approved, while nine of them have taken off.’’ He, however, noted that what government owed the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was allowances and not salaries, and appealed to ASUU to go back to work while negotiations on the payment of the allowances continued. He said that the state of emergency declared in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa had yielded results. “We still have problems at the borders, particularly with the Republic of Cameroon; once we secure our borders, it will reduce the inflow of arms,’’ he noted. Maku said that the Nigerian security forces had demonstrated their capacity to defend the country without external involvement. Observers lauded the various efforts by the federal government to enhance the nation’s economic development and improve the quality of life of Nigerians. They, however, agreed that the relevant government agencies should ensure that the achievements impacted on the lives of the people, especially in the health and housing sectors.
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Success World
With
Ado Erhirhi 08167600251 poor home and her teacher. It was the end of the year and the class teacher was teaching her pupils about the essence of Christmas. “It is the time that God gave his only son for our salvation,” the teacher taught. “Make sure you practice the act of giving and sharing with those around you.” The class finally agreed to set a date where everyone would bring a gift for someone. As the class dismissed at the end of the lesson, the young girl began to ponder on what she could get as her gift. “My parents do not have much and can’t afford to give me money to buy a gift,” she said to herself, “what can I get for my teacher?” she asked herself. Then she remembered that her father usually takes them to a far away beach to pick beautiful sea shells that her mother takes to the market
Giving, The Attitude Of Living Right
A very rich man once moaned to a friend, “Why is it that everybody is always criticizing me for being miserly, when everyone knows I have made provision to leave everything I possess to charity when I die?” The friend paused for a moment and then said, “Well, I guess it’s like the story of the pig and the cow.” “What do you mean?” The rich man asked. The friend said, “The story goes that the pig was lamenting to the cow one day about how unpopular he was. “People are always talking about your gentleness and your kind brown eyes,” the pig told the cow, “they only speak
of me in degrading terms. It seems grossly unfair. Sure, you give milk and cream, but I give even more. I give bacon and ham. I give bristles. They even pickle my feet! Yet nobody likes me. Why is it?” The cow thought for a moment and then responded, “Well, maybe it’s because you only give while you’re dead and I give while I’m still living!” Anthony Robbins, renown success coach and author made a profound statement in his book Unlimited Power, he said, “Only those who have learned the act of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy: true fulfillment.” Like
the rich man in the story above, many people live their lives as misers, hoping to do something good some day, or worse, bequeath their belonging and wealth to others after death. They fail to learn the act of giving and contributing to others to make living better while they are still alive. The truth is, they cannot experience life’s joy of real fulfillment because they know not how to give. I think of no greater priviledge and honour than to be able to contribute to someone else’s life and for
you to see that your contribution matter. Imagine the feeling of fulfillment you get by seeing someone’s face beam with a smile in grateful thanksgiving and relief when a need is met or for doing something worthwhile. Yet you see people hide under the excuse, “I don’t have what to give.” Everyone has something to give and contribute to make life better for others and for himself. I remember the story about a young girl from a
to sell. The day came when everyone was to bring a gift and the young girl brought a gift for her teacher. It was a beautiful sea shell. With great excitement, the teacher asked, “Where did you get this?” The child told her that such shells are found only on a certain far away beach. The teacher was deeply touched, because she knew that the girl had walked many miles to find the shell. “You shouldn’t have travelled so far to find a gift for me,” the teacher said. The little girl smile
and replied, “The long walk is part of the gift.” Giving makes living full of joy. And no form of giving goes unnoticed. No matter how insignificant we think our contribution or giving is, it brings back great reward to us. Calvin Coolidge, America’s 30th President said, “No person was ever honoured for what he received. Honour has been the reward for what is given.” As the Holy Scriptures simply puts it, “Give and it shall be given back to you.” Don’t wait to die before you donate to some charity or pass your wealth to someone. Make a difference in someone’s life today and enjoy the feeling of fulfillment that comes from contributing to make life better for someone. Just this morning, I read an article online detailing that 15 of the world’s richest men have pledged to give most of their wealth away during their lifetime. Most of them are giving to causes and stuff they have no relationship with at all. The awareness to give is spreading like wildfire. If rich and successful men who should feel greedy and hold on to the wealth can make up their mind to give and contribute to make life better. What are you waiting for? Give and contribute to make life better for others and experience the blessedness of true fulfillment. Till we meet again. Ado Erhirhi is an insightful speaker and writer. He coordinates MirrorView Services, a Human Resource Development outfit.
“Don’t wait to die before you donate to some charity or pass your wealth to someone. Make a difference in someone’s life today and enjoy the feeling of fulfillment that comes from contributing to make life better for someone.”
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Focus
THE Imperativeness of an ideally cultivated ,strengthened and absolutely cherish-able legal framework to backup the ongoing strategic and monu-mental exploits of the nation’s health boosting and life saving organ- the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) cannot be underplayed. In line with the saying that where there are no laws, there are no sins, it has become imperative for the Nigerian Government through its parliamentary and Judicial arm to restrengthen the legal instrument backing the agency’s enforcement activities. The considerable age long adage which says “spare the rod and spoil the child” is emphatic of the need for appropriate or better put commensurate disciplinary measures for indiscipline acts. Consequently, a country that lacks strong anti unpatriotic acts laws cannot effectively maximize its Judicial machinery to inculcate patriotism and absolute discipline in its citizenry. Emphatically, drug adulterators or fakers are “murderers” who deserve no less than capital punishment when caught, prosecuted and eventually convicted by the law courts. In other words, this act could be tagged wilfull determination of a group or individual to commit a grievous act of “genocide” by placing greed and love for money above consideration for human life. Observably, it has become out-rightly imperative for government to re-strengthen its
commitment towards the ongoing NAFDAC engineered war against Pharmaceutical products counterfeiters by urgently mandating the Nigerian Parliament to critically overhaul and reform the agency’s enabling laws such that it would allow for very stiff and commensurate penalties to be adopted for persons found guilty of pharmaceutical, as well as NAFDAC regulated products faking. To avoid suffocating and thereby impeding the clarity of my though and purpose in this presentation, reference must be made to the practice in countries like India and China where majority of the nations pharmaceutical products are imported. For instance, owing to protest and complaints from the Nigerian government through NAFDAC under the leadership of Dr. Paul B. Orhii, the government of China had to sentence six of their citizens to death for manufacturing and shipping into Nigeria, Cloned and counterfeited pharmaceutical products. It would be recalled that In-view of the passionate status of the international community towards its commitment to human right issues which recently culminated in their call for the abolition and expending of the “Death sentence” clause from constitution and laws of countries worldwide India and china have entrenched a capital punishment of “Life jail” for convicted drug counterfeiters. The onus now rest on Nigeria to out rightly exhibit her resentment for drug fakers in action by entrenching
NAFDAC And Approp
punitive anticounterfeiting measures in the laws regulating NAFDAC operations. Notably, it would be out rightly frustrating for patriotic and committed NAFDAC officials to embark on laborious, energy-sapping and highly demanding enforcement exercises leading to apprehension, prosecuting and conviction of counterfeiters of the agency’s regulated products particularly drugs only for such offenders/ convicts to be treated with kid gloves by the Nation’s law courts through the imposition of laughable sentences and fines, a legal decision and action which invariably is predicated on the provisions of the agency’s aged parliamentary act which evidently has been overtaken by modern development as regards desire to maximally sanitize health care practices. The bone of contention however is that event seems to have overtaking certain provisions of the agency’s enabling laws particularly those that have to do with the weight and size of punishment to be metted out to persons who are found to have acted contrarily or sabotaged the agency’s efforts at entrenching and sustaining a healthy society for all. All over the world, the wealth of a nation is predominantly determined by the healthiness of the mass of its citizenry. A little wonder that globally, “good health is considered as good wealth”. In Nigeria, an internationally acclaimed giant of Africa
By MARTINS F.O. IKHILAE
for instance, the commitment of the president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan led democratic administration towards guaranteeing, providing and sustaining a healthy Nigerian populace through critical overhaul and repositioning of the nation’s health boosting
culminating in the apprehension, persecution and securing judicial convictions against disgruntled and criminal elements involved in acts capable of thwarting or truncating the nation’s desire for a modernised and world class healthcare delivery practices.
conveniently confr modern practices challenges in glo healthcare deliv practices. Currently competently manned by internationally adjud dynamic and posit result orien management team be ably coordinated by Paul. B. Orhii, an as
Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, Chief Justice of the Federation
machineries is arguably not in doubt. Exemplarily, the National Agency for food, Drug administration and Control- NAFDAC is mandated with the onerous responsibility of entrenching outright sanity in the nation’s healthcare delivery system through regulatory and enforcement activities
“The “monumental footprints” so far engraved by the agency in the nation’s healthcare delivery sector through dynamic innovations and sophisticated approaches towards confronting and conquering healthcare delivery retarding “cankerworms” are indeed laudable and will continuously remain memorable in the minds of every Nigerian.”
Established and empowered by decree no 15 of 1993 as amended and now ACT cap NI laws of the federation of Nigeria(LFN ) 2004 and consequently accorded a comprehensive mandate which empowers it to regulate as well as control the manufacture, importation, exportation, d i s t r i b u t i o n , advertisement, sale and use of food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, chemicals and packaged water, the agency has remained focused and maximally committed not limited towards ensuring that the aspirations of its founding fathers are met, but also to re-strategize and reposition it to
m o t i v a t i o n administrator, a med icon and world renow legal luminary who equally an outstand achiever with integr NAFDAC has indeed d the nation pro incontestably. The “monumen footprints” so far engra by the agency in nation’s healthc delivery sector throu dynamic innovations sophisticated approac towards confronting conquering healthc delivery retard “cankerworms” are ind laudable and w continuously rem memorable in the mind every Nigerian. Howe the bases of t
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Focus
riate Legal Frame Work
ront and obal very
and y an dged tive nted eing y Dr tute
a l dical wned o is ding rity, done oud
ntal aved the care ugh and ches and care ding deed will main ds of ever, this
presentation which incidentally appears to be the bone of contention is that events in global healthcare services fortification seems to have overtaken the age long legal policies governing NAFDAC operations. Unquestionably, the amendment seeking aspect of the Agency enabling laws is particularly the
management of resources apparently anchored on discipline, accessibility, transparency, there is indeed no doubt that a new and innegligable vista has unquestionably be opened in the annals of Nigeria healthcare services sanitization and fortification. But all those strenuous efforts, mouth- watering
bakery in Osogbo, Osun State capital to prevent the bakers from using deadly and cancer causing flour enhancer popularly known as potassium bromate outlawed by NAFDAC in accordance with international health practice as part of measure to enhance a health populace. In response to this
and award earning achievements of NAFDAC will amount to merely “pouring water into a wasteful basket” if urgent measures are not adopted by the nation’s Judicial arm of government (i.e. office of the Attorney General of the Federation, National House of Assembly as well as the Nations House of Representatives to alter the disgusting and out rightly laughable statusquo which amount to treating capital health offences with levity. A good example in this regard is the recent manhandling and unbelievable assault on officials of NAFDAC who were on inspection of a
ugly and intimidating trend, a Federal High Court in Osogbo Convicted the bread baker Mr. Afolabi Nurudeen for obstructing NAFDAC officials while performing their lawful duties while the accuse, Mr. Afolabi was arraigned in the court on may 12, 2011 for committing an offence under section 25 (1) of the Agency’s Act. Cap. 1
Dr Paul Orhii, NAFDAC DG
clauses which have to do with the weight and size/ degree of punishment/ penalty stipulated for persons found contravening the agency’s Acts by acting contrarily or sabotaging its efforts towards entrenching and maximally sustaining a healthy society for all. Come to think of it, having being endowed with a vibrant and ideally focused chief executive whose leadership style encompasses the fostering of an all inclusive healthcare management Strategy and thereby successfully striking a chord with the Nigeria populace by guaranteeing a new and modernized hope hinged on deft
Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under section 25 (1) of same Act. On March 15, 2010 at Isale Agbara Street in Osogbo, the convict was said to have attacked NAFDAC Assistant Director Mrs. Yedunni Adenuga and other officials of the agency when they found prohibited potassium bromate in his bakery. Delivering his judgment Justice Babs Kuewumi Pronounced Mr. Afolabi guilty of the offence as charged cum leveled against him and summarily sentenced him to one year imprisonment with an option of N4,000 (Four thousand Naira) in lieu. Although the judgment which eventually resulted in very light sentence is not the fault of the Judge as it was in accordance with the nations legal provisions in that regard, it is a very ridiculous punishment which lack the strength and ability to forestall future similar occurrence. Also worthy of mention is the much celebrated my Pikin Teething mixture which was credited with the death of some Nigerian Children in 2008. The Agency successfully secured a court judgment against the producers of the deadly product on May 17, 2013. A Federal High Court in Lagos Presided over by Justice Okechukwu Okeke, ordered that the firm (i.e. My Pikin Producers) Barewa Pharmaceutical company be compulsorily wound-up in accordance with the provisions of the law while its assets be forfeited to the
Federal Government. However in apportioning punishment for offence committee, the presiding judge, justice Okeke sentenced the firm’s production manager, Mr. Adeyemo Abiodun as well as the firm’s quality assurance manager Mr. Egbele Eromosele to seven years each for conspiracy to sell dangerous drug and equally handed them another seven years for selling dangerous drugs although both sentence were to run concurrently. Unfortunately, the Judge discharged and acquitted them of the remaining four counts relating to a d u l t e r a t i o n , manufacturing and distribution which would have earned for them more years of imprisonment. This judgment was also in line with the miscellaneous offences Act M17 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 as well as section 1 (18) (a) (ii) and punishable under sections 1 (B) (a) (ii); 1 (18) (b) (ii) and 3 of similar Act. Although these and other convictions so far secured by the Agency potends a radical and patriotic departure from the past when this feet was unachievable, making it a premier historic initiative and accomplishment in the history of NAFDAC, there is the need to further encourage the agency’s officials in their zeal to meaningfully entrench sanity in the nations healthcare delivery sector through a total overhaul of the agency’s enabling laws to enable it prescribe very stringent punishment which will also grant powers to take away the incentives from drug faking and counterfeiting business.
Such a review must include the inculcation of clauses that will allow for the establishment of special courts for trials of offenders, imposition of stiffer penalties leading to life jail without any option of fine, making drug counterfeiting a non-bail able offence, outright confiscation of counterfeiters assets for compensation of victims as well as allowing for adequate financial compensation for whistle blowers who successfully provide useful information leading to the arrest and prosecution of these saboteurs. The grievousness of regulated products counterfeiting could be best understood when compared with activities of the usually detested armed benefits. While an armed robber provides its victim with an option of choosing between parting with his money or be shut dead, the counterfeiters offers no option rather than willfully killing and even in many instances committing mass murder otherwise known as “Genocide”. Conclusively, it would not amount to an over statement to posit that the laws establishing the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control – NAFDAC is out rightly outdated and obsolete and thus the urgent need for its review to bring it in tune with modern practice in health care delivery globally. The current precarious situation has brought about the need for a concerted effort towards tackling this anti-enforcement catalyst through the provision of a more effective and very pro-active legal policy frame work.
“Although the judgment which eventually resulted in very light sentence is not the fault of the Judge as it was in accordance with the nations legal provisions in that regard, it is a very ridiculous punishment which lack the strength and ability to forestall future similar occurrence.”
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Discourse
Reviving Nigeria’s Moribund Industries
BACK in the 60’s and 70’s, Nigeria boasted of thriving industries empires/companies then, there was the Otukpo Burnt Bricks factory in Benue State, Asaba Textile Mile, Bendel glass at Ughelli, Anambra State Manufacturing Company (ANMAMCO), Emene Flour Mills and others. However, these companies have become moribund. In most of these industries dilapidated structures, overgrown grasses and the likes, have taken over. These industries use to be the pride of the nation. The growth that was experienced in manufacturing industries in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria, gave the zone famous names: “Taiwan of Africa” and Japan of Africa”. Basically, experts in the manufacturing sector, have decried the moribund nature of these industries DURING the battle for independence, Nigeria patriots as Nnamdi Azikiwe Tafawa Balewa, Ernest Ikoli, Obafemi Awolowo, to mention but a few, were knitted by the desire to see the British Union Jack lowered with the Nigerian flag hoisted, taking its place. On that memorable day, the British colonial Lords, lowered their Union Jack with the “Green, White, Green” of Nigeria, taking centre stage. The battle for that independence, opened doors to some unique symbols that have continued to reflect the country’s multi-cultural composition. Today, the nation has symbols as the Coat of Arms, National Flag which harp on love. Peace and unity; etc. However, instead of according these symbols their due respect, Nigerians have developed a contrary habit. According to section 24, subsection 9 of the 1999 constitution, “it shall be the
By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU
that were beacons of hope before now. Notably, a large number of Nigerian were gainfully employed in these companies. They had something doing and could not think of things as kidnapping and the likes as there was food on the table. Juxtapose the situation then with what is obtainable now, it will be discovered that the situation is getting messier by the day with the army of Nigeria’s unemployed, increasing By the second. Similarly, reviving the numerous “dead” industries, will generate more money into the economy. Millions of dollars are being lost daily in foreign exchange. In Nigeria, almost everything is imported. Even the crude oil that is in abundance, is taken to refineries abroad thereby leaving out the
monies that are supposed to circulate in Nigeria to other nations. Also, the nation’s over dependence on oil is a
Managing Director, Peter E. Venture Nigeria Limited, Chief Sir Peter E. Ezemegwara, “Nigeria is not one of the industrialized nations today not because we don’t
President Goodluck Jonathan
direct consequence of the dead industries. According to Chairman, and Group
have the resources but we refused to pay attention towards that direction
probably because of the money the country is earning from oil and gas, our leaders do not see reason to channel resources into industry that can create jobs for millions so that crime and other social vices can reduce.” Invariably with moribund industries dotting the Nigeria landscape, in substandard and unfriendly (environmentally, and healthwise) products, are been shipped into the country. This is very common with clothings and electrical products. It is a common sight in streets across cities and towns in Nigeria to see army of men, bending “down” and “selecting” clothes or electronic gadgets from other countries. Instances abound where people have lost their lives while using them. Speaking, the Director General of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, noted that more than 85% of products in Nigerian markets were substandard with 80% originating from the Asian Tiger, China. He explained that even some local
manufacturers that manage to scale through the hundles of production, come out with products that fall short of international or national standards. Despite efforts made by SON, the absence of industries, has created a lacuna as the piper (foreign manufacturers) are dictating the tune (products that come into the country and their standards). Observers have said that for the country to revive these moribund industries, there is need to tackle the poor power supply in the country, Chief Ezemeagwara stated that poor power supply is making it difficult for industrialists to invest in the country while also explaining that the stifling environment in terms of high interest and tax rates, are major contributors. It is against this background that adequate measures must be put in place by the government and other players, to resuscitate these dead industries. Nigeria cannot afford to ripe the sour fruits if the moribund industries are allowed to continue in the rof.
According National Symbols Their Rightful Place
duty of every citizen to abide by this constitution, respect its ideas and its institutions, the National Flag, the National pledge, the National Anthem and legitimate authorities.” From the wealthy to the poor, literate to illiterate, young and old, Nigerians have mastered the art of subjecting these National symbols to disgraceful levels. It is more lice “wetin concern me” mindset when it comes to giving these symbols their pride of place. The manner in which these symbols are treated is even more worrisome in most public institutions/ government parastatals. A vast majority of offices (institutions) do not even have the National Flag hoisted in their premises. For those that even has it hoisted in their offices, it is either half-torn by the element or they are crying: “change me oh, I don old!”
It is disheartening to say the lest that flags in most institutions can best be fit for rags. Regretably, the country’s National Anthem is given the lest of priority by a vast majority of Nigerians; high and low. One would not be surprised to discover that reciting the first line of the National Anthem, will be harder than, the proverbial cow’s head passing through the needle’s eye, for some Nigerians. What about singing/reciting the second stanza of the National Anthem? Don’t go there as it will amount to what some will call “eating” of the mouth. Many will even “form” deaf and dumb when such a situation, to recite the anthem, presents itself. With this low-level of patriotism showcased
By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU
through inability to respect nationally accepted symbols, there is great work to be done by bodies/ agencies responsible for attitudinal shift. In this case, the federal body, National Orientation Agency, (NOA), must map out strategies to adjust the perception of Nigerians about national symbols. On Tuesday, 14th August, 2012, the NOA, in response to the poor attitude of Nigerians as regards these symbols, flagged of a campaign to correct the abnormality. During the kick off, the body noted that “the nation’s national symbols are rallying points of unity which should always bind Nigerians together with a high sense of love,
patriotism and brotherliness”. In light of the present situation, the NOA should and must equally lead the way in regularly distributing flags and ensuring that institutions like schools, ministries to mention just a few, have them hoisted in their premises. It should not just end there as they should also make defaulting institutions face the music when they fail to comply or even hoist rags as flags. Similarly, schools should not just take the National anthem as mere formality as most students cum pupils have been found to replace the Iyrics of a line of the anthem with, “To serve Nigeria is not by force”. Also, as individuals,
Nigerians must botch that idea of “Na me go repair Nigeria?” and take up the challenge by giving the national symbols their pride of place. An average American does not joke with the stripe and stars of the country. Infact, they can go all the way to prevent an individual from abusing or disrespecting them. No body will respect these symbols if Nigerians don’t start from their little corners. They can be placed in offices, homes and other places instead of putting American or British’s flags. Certainly, the national symbols are the identity of Nigeria and Nigerians and as such, disrespecting the nation and vice versa. The change that the nation needs, is indeed from within!.
THE NIGERIAN
19
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Economy
Echoes From 2013 Nigerian Economic Summit
THE annual Nigerian Economic Summit has for more than one and a half decades proffered suggestions and previews for the way forward for the Nigerian economy. This year’s summit tagged: “Growing Agriculture as a Business to Diversify Nigeria’s Economy”, was no less important and strategic to the thoughts and direction of the Federal Government’s Transformation Agenda in the agriculture sector. The three-day 19th Nigerian Economic Summit, organised by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), like others before, dwelt extensively on the way forward for the Nigerian agriculture. It featured eminent scholars in agriculture, economics, farmers, local and international entrepreneurs, representatives of international organisations and government officials. It was, therefore, a thinthank session whose outcome was expected to pave way for a bright future for the nation’s near comatose development strides. At the end of the exercise, the participants were in agreement that Nigeria has no reason to import food as God had blessed it with human and material resources to produce enough to feed its people and neighbours. It was also agreed that Nigeria should deploy effort to unlock its potential in the agricultural sector through the federal government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA). The participants stressed the need to encourage young entrepreneurs, farmers and private sector participation to achieve the objectives of ATA. Presenting the recommendations, Mr Frank
By EDITH NNAJI
Nweke Jnr, the Group’s Director-General, urged the National Assembly to give legislative backing to the key components of ATA. “It is imperative to encourage access to funding by banks through women cooperatives and improved access to agricultural land by small-holders, especially women and youths. “There is need for fiscal incentives to encourage private sector research and development institutions, as well as the development of climate index for farm insurance purposes,’’ he said. The participants also stressed the need for effective transportation networks across the country to connect rural farmers to markets. Air and sea port infrastructure, they said, should be upgraded to support agro-export, as well as the provision of improved electricity infrastructure for rural farmers. The Nigerian agriculture has over the years been characterised by smallholder subsistence farm holdings, whose practitioners are largely old men and women. Therefore, the need for fresh and young hands in the industry cannot be overemphasised. It was against this background that President Goodluck Jonathan launched the “Young Nigerian Farmers’’ otherwise called, NAGROPRENEURS, at the summit. To add pep to the launch, the President said that government was planning a low-interest rate loan to help boost agro-business in the country. “A team headed by the finance minister is working on how government will link up with the private sector and the Central Bank of Nigeria
to make sure that farmers get loans at very low interest rate. “I am convinced that agriculture as a business holds a bright future for our country, especially for the youth. “Unemployment among our youths is one of the biggest challenges; the time has come to create jobs and
agriculture as a spring board for Nigeria’s industrialisation. Perhaps to further explain his boss’ pronouncement; Vice-President Namadi Sambo announced government’s approval of a N15 billion loan package for farmers at single digit interest rate. He said that the fund would
Market for agricultural produce. “We want nothing but the best in this country; and the idea is to have a Nigerian commodity exchange this time that will be private sector-owned and run, not government-owned and run. It does not work that way. “Other countries have done it; if we need to achieve what we want to do, it needs to be private sector-owned and run. “New systems and procedures, storage infrastructure, and of course new legal framework. Our
Dr Akinwumi Adesina, Minister of Agriculture
lay a good foundation for Nigeria’s economic growth. “There is a need to get younger farmers, especially young graduates and school leavers, to take on agriculture as a business,’’ he said. Jonathan, therefore, urged the youth to key into the opportunity to develop their skills and become commercial agro dealers, adding that the goal of government was to use
be managed by the Bank of Industry, adding that the idea was to assure Nigerians that government was ready to unlock the potential in the sector and move the country from its mono-economy status. Industry, trade and investment minister, Olusegun Aganga, said that government would partner with the private sector to establish a world-class Commodity Exchange
“Unemployment among our youths is one of the biggest challenges; the time has come to create jobs and lay a good foundation for Nigeria’s economic growth. “There is a need to get younger farmers, especially young graduates and school leavers, to take on agriculture as a business.’’
vision is to have a worldclass commodities exchange,’’ the minister stated. Aganga said that the commodity exchange which is currently self-regulatory needs to be properly regulated, and stressed the need to amend the law establishing it to make it more viable, and to establish a Warehouse Receipt Regulatory Agency. “In terms of the bill, it has been done already and is in the Presidency, and should be going to the National Assembly very soon. “In terms of the warehouse receipt infrastructure, the idea is to have about 18 delivery warehouses, a national standards grading system for commodities and market days assistance to provide intenders.
In terms of electronic trading system, he stated that the idea was to have tradable commodities like cotton, cocoa, sorghum, sesame and cashew nuts. He expressed optimism that farmers would get significant value for their agricultural produce by the time the exchange becomes effectively operational. Analysts argue that to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector would amount to huge capital investment given its current characteristics. This position was no less agreeable to Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. He told the summit that for the objectives of the ATA to be achieved, 10 per cent of Nigeria’s annual budget should be allocated to the agriculture sector. “At the moment, we are not spending enough on agriculture. As we go forward, we have to restructure the modes of financing the sector. “We need to make at least 10 per cent of our budget to go to agriculture if we want to sustain this particular agenda. “The issue of getting financing from the private sector is key. Nobody is going to do agriculture and borrow money at 25 per cent interest rate and also make profit. “So, we need to find new institutions, new arrangements and new platforms that will allow us to get affordable financing as well as long-term financing. “So, we really cannot get far until we tackle this particular issue,’’ he said. Adesina also said that adequate funding of research and development institutions that are geared towards innovative agriculture discoveries was important. “I think it is very crucial for us to invest heavily in research and development because no nation in the world has been able to achieve this without spending money on innovative technologies. Analysts agree that the way forward for the Nigerian economy to move forward is to ensure religious implementation of the outcome of the summit in order to make Nigeria selfsufficient in food production.
THE NIGERIAN
20
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Issues
Key To Achieving Organisation’s Success
Job Motivation:
THE management of people at work is an integral part of the management process. To understand the critical importance of people in the organization is to recognize that the human element and the organization are synonymous. A well-managed organization usually sees an average worker as the root source of quality and productivity gains. Such organizations do not look to capital investment, but to employees, as the fundamental source of improvement. An organization is effective to the degree to which it achieves its goals. An effective organization will make sure that there is a spirit of cooperation and sense of commitment and satisfaction within the sphere of its influence. In order to make employees satisfied and committed to their jobs, there is need for strong and effective motivation at the various levels, departments, and sections of the firm. Motivation according to Luthan, is a process that starts with a physiological deficiency or need that activates behaviour or a drive that is aimed at a goal incentive. He also went further to assert that, motivation is a process that arouses, energizes and sustain behaviour and performance. That is, it is the process of stimulating people to action and to achieve a desired task. Job is defined according to Concord Dictionary as a paid position of regular employment. Another definition of job is a trade of time, skill, and spirit for something of value, usually money. The question we should then ask ourselves is, why do job exist? The answer is very simple, job exist
because somebody needs something done and either can’t or doesn’t want to do it himself and so, he employs someone he/she feels is got the skill, time and spirit to do the job. Work motivation ‘‘is a set of energetic forces that originates both within as well as beyond an individual’s being, to initiate work-related behaviour, and to determine its form, direction, intensity, and duration.’’ Motivation is a person’s internal disposition to be concerned with and approach positive incentives and avoid negative incentives. An incentive is the anticipated reward or aversive event available in the environment. While motivation can often be used as a tool to help predict behaviour, it varies greatly among individuals and must often be combined with ability and environmental factors to actually influence behaviour and performance. Managers and management researchers have long believed that organizational goals are unattainable without the enduring commitment of members of the organizations. According to Stoke, motivation is a human psychological characteristic that contributes to a person’s degree of commitment. It includes the factors that cause, channel, and sustain human behaviour in a particular committed direction. Stoke, goes on to say that there are basic assumptions of motivation practices by managers which must be understood. First, that motivation is commonly assumed to be a good thing. One cannot feel very good about oneself if one is not motivated. Second, motivation is one of several factors that go into a person’s
By PRAISE EGHWRUDJE
performance. Factors such as ability, resources, and conditions under which one performs are also important. Third, managers and researchers alike assume that motivation is in short supply and in need of periodic replenishment. Fourth, motivation is a tool with which managers can use in organizations. If managers know what drives the people working for them, they can tailor job assignments and rewards to what makes these
behaviour and performance, it is a key for organisations to understand and to structure the work environment to encourage productive behaviours and discourage those that are unproductive. There is general consensus that motivation involves three psychological processes: arousal, direction and intensity. Arousal is what initiates action. It is fuelled by a person’s need or desire for something that is missing from their lives at a given
people “tick.” Motivation can also be conceived of as whatever it takes to encourage workers to perform by fulfilling or appealing to their needs. To Olajide (2000), “it is goal-directed, and therefore cannot be outside the goals of any organization whether public, private, or nonprofit”. Due to motivation’s role in influencing workplace
moment, either totally or partially. Direction refers to the path employees take in accomplishing the goals they set for themselves. Finally, intensity is the vigour and amount of energy employees put into this goal-directed work performance. The level of intensity is based on the importance and difficulty of the goal. These psychological processes results in four
“No matter how automated an organization may be, high productivity depends on the level of motivation and the effectiveness of the workforce.”
outcomes. First, motivation serves to direct attention, focusing on particular issues, people, tasks etc., it serves to stimulate an employee to put forth effort. Next, motivation results in persistence, preventing one from deviating from the goalseeking behaviour. Finally, motivation results in task strategies, which as defined by Mitchel and Daniels, are ‘‘patterns of behaviour produced to reach a particular goal.’’ Strategies for motivating workers
Salary, Wages and Conditions of Service: To use salaries as a motivator effectively, personnel managers must consider four major components of a salary structures. These are the job rate, which relates to the importance the organization attaches to each job; payment, which encourages workers or groups by rewarding them according to their performance; personal or special allowances, associated with factors such as scarcity of particular skills or certain categories of information professionals, or with long service; and fringe benefits such as holidays with pay, pensions, and so on. It is also important to ensure that the prevailing pay in other same establishments is taken into consideration in determining the pay structure of
their organization. Staff Training: No matter how automated an organization may be, high productivity depends on the level of motivation and the effectiveness of the workforce. Staff training is an indispensable strategy for motivating workers. Each sections of the organization must have good training programme. This will give the workers professional opportunities for selfimprovement and development to meet the challenges and requirements of new equipment and new tech-
niques of performing a task. Information Availability and Communication: One way managers can stimulate motivation is to give relevant information on the consequences of their actions on others. To researchers, it seems that there is no known organization in which people do not usually feel there should be improvement in the way departments communicate, cooperate, and collaborate with one another. Information availability brings to bear a powerful peer pressure, where two or more people running together will run faster than when running alone or running without awareness of the pace of the other runners. By sharing information, subordinates compete with one another.
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Archival Matters
Reconfiguring Unbiblical Daniel ANYTIME, the SUPER EAGLES are defeated in a game, Nigeria doesn’t only parade coach Stephen Keshi but over 70million coaches. Yes, every adult becomes a coach semonizing on what ought to have done to beat our opponents. Among these emergency coaches are people who cannot even tell you whether a football pitch is a square, rectangular triangular or trapezoidal in form. Similarly, today, millions of Nigerians instantaneously have transformed into sociologist with specialisation in social work and social welfare administration. Why? Because of Daniel Oikhena, the stowaway Kid who flew in the wheel compartment of Arik Airline from Benin to Lagos on August 24, 2013. However, methinks, Daniel Oikhena is only an evil genius, simpliciter, invariably, today, we have two evil geniuses- namely former president Ibrahim Babagida and Daniel Oikhena. But does Nigeria need evil geniuses? That is the question. Secondly. It beats me hollow for anyone to seek ecclesiastic refuge in religion to rationalise Daniel Oikehna’s escapade as having God’s endorsement. Therefore, it is wrong to compare him with biblical Daniel. The truth is that we have before us are two Daniels. Yes, we have the biblical Daniel whose total obedience to the will the divine grace to rout the lions in the den. But, in contradistinction, there is the other unbiblical Daniel Oikhena, the serial sinner. Without God’s grace who survived the Arik plane incident by a stroke of luck. Not God’s intervention because God is never associated with the evil machinations of any sinning Daniels, young or old. Thirdly, some commentators argue that because Daniel Oikhena had no evil intention in boarding the Arik airline, he cannot be accused of committing any crime. I agree. A legal maxim states: Actus non facit reum, nisi mens sit read. Translated into English this means that the physical act of a man doesn’t establish guilt unless the mind is guilty. But wait-oo. A mind without evil intention and is guiltless can still causes havoc. Although, Billy had no evil intention, it was the letter bomb he delivered to his father Dele Giwa in 196 that killed him. Indeed, young Daniel Oikhena didn’t commit any “crime” by transgressing the sancrosant Benin Airports perimeter fence and traveling in Arik airline with a ticket a boarding pass and security clearance!! Anyway, has there ever been a ownishable crime in Nigeria of today and has our archaic laws ever been patriotically revised to moderanise them? Is there any difference between a crime fighter and a criminals in our sick country? Go
By MICHAEL ODIGBE
and ask ARFICAN OHINA. the musician. He will tell you why we uncrimminalise crime in Nigeria in our statute books and beer parlour talk. So far, so good. Beyond the polemics generated by Daniel Oikhena’s incident, let’s look at what we should immediately do with the stowaway boy who is only 13 years of age. To begin with, he needs a team of expert care-givers diligently co-ordinated and supervised by
control the mind and how you think, you can be said to have a BRAIN. On the other hand, there are people who knowingly or unknowingly reconstruct their minds to take over control of their brain. Such persons have a SUPER BRAIN. They are the CAN-DO people who can accomplish good or bad tremendous feats by merely using their mind to assign jobs to their SUPERBRAIN. It is not surprising you hear such a statement that “the human mind resides in all the 14billion cells of the
Daniel Oikhena government at this critical stage of his life. For instance, he needs the rehabilitative assistance of a psycho-neuropsyhologist, medical physician, clinical psychologist and a sociology with specialization in social work and social welfare administration. The work of the psycho-neuro-psychiatrist is to diagnostically establish the neurological status as well as mental state of Daniel Oikhena and then treat him accordingly. He needs the psycho-neuro-psychiatrist’s tender care because from my preliminary obsevation Daniel Oikhena comes off as kid suffering from delusion of grandeur, paranocdal fixation with traveling to America and a pathological deficiency in differentiating between realities and actualities in life. Also, the job of the psycho-neuro-psychiatrist is to study Daniel Oikhena’s mind- brain control complex to determine whether he is under the control of his brain or super brain. Usually, the mind is generated or powered by the brain. But the mind can become a controller of the brain. When you allow the brain to
“It may interest the reader to know that I once had a case like Daniel Oikhena in my hands. Enter Deltan Nwafenna Uwerumor. He was in JSS 3 at Adolor College, Benin when his Superbrain invented a small, plastic car that was powered by dry-cell batteries. I took him to Delta State military administrator, Group Captain Ibrahim Kefas, who gave him a scholarship from JSS 3 to university. To ensure that he fully used the scholarship award, I arranged with the mother (a widow) and the Delta State Ministry of Education to transfer him from Adolor College, Benin – a public schoolto Lumen Christi College, Uromi a private institution.”
brain”. To me, Daniel Oikhena seems to be a kid with a SUPERBRAIN. This suggests why he is considered intelligent by government officials. Nevertheless, it is imperative a psycho-psychiatrist positively reprogrammes Daniel Oikhena’s mind. If this isn’t done, his SUPERBRAIN will work against his successful use of government scholarship granted him. It may interest the reader to know that I once had a case like Daniel Oikhena in my hands. Enter Deltan Nwafenna Uwerumor. He was in JSS 3 at Adolor College, Benin when his Superbrain invented a small, plastic car that was powered by dry-cell batteries. I took him to Delta State military administrator, Group Captain Ibrahim Kefas, who gave him a scholarship from JSS 3 to university. To ensure that he fully used the scholarship award, I arranged with the mother (a widow) and the Delta State Ministry of Education to transfer him from Adolor College, Benin – a public school-to Lumen Christi College, Uromi a private institution. Before doing this, our innocence didn’t give us the insight to ensure his superbrain was positively re-wired through psycho-neuro-psychiatric rehabilitation. Therefore, before we knew it he had abandoned his education at elitist lumen Christi College, Uromi and flown out to Libya en route America to which he was pathologically fixated about traveling for the golden fleece. But he got stuck in Libya from where he was repatriated to Nigeria. Again, he tried to go to America via Cote D’ Ivoire but hit the brick wall. Frustrated, he returned to Nigeria still with America on his mind until he passed on in a fatal road crash on the Abuja-Benin road. And so an intelligent kid and a genius in electrical engineering died in cold blood without self-realisation
THE NIGERIAN
22
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Science
Classification Of Plants PLANTS are classified according to: 1. Their mode of reproduction 2. Their structure 3. Presence of flowers BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION 1. THE THALLOPHYTES They are simple plants, which are chlorophyllous in nature. Examples are the algae. They are of an older group of plants, lacking roots, stems, leaves or flowers. Found in their group is also fungi, which are non-chlorophyllous plants. 2. BRYOPHYTA They possess stem-like and leaf-like structures, but lack roots or flowers. They mainly reproduce by spores and possess rhizoids which represent their roots which acts in the form of root to absorb mineral salts from the soil. The bryophytes are mosses and liverworts that live in damp places like walls. 3. PTERIDOPHYTA They have primitive vascular system. They also reproduce by spores and possess roots, stems and leaves but do not have flowers. Some Pteridophtas are ferns like Dryopteris, Neproleps, Platycerium and Adiantum. Some are conebearing plants. Example is Selaginella. 4. SPERMATOPHYTA The flowering plants are also known as the spermatophytes or seed plants. They can be further classified into Angiosperms and Gymnosperms. The Angiosperms have seeds, which are enclosed in protective structures while the Gymnosperms have seeds which are naked and do not have protective structures. Flowering plants have four main organs namely the stems,
roots, leaf and flowers. The flowers are mostly the reproductive organs, which finally forms the seeds. Angiosperms are further divided into Dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants. DICOTYLEDONS A. Dicotyledonous plants possess a taproot used for mineral absorption. B. They possess two cotyledons like the beans. C. The leaves have net venation. D. Flowers are in four or five multiples. MONOCOTYLEDONS A. They have a single seed or a cotyledon e.g. maize seed. B. The leaves have parallel net venation. C. Flowers are in threes or multiples of three. D. They have fibrous root system. AGRICULTURAL CLASSIFICATION Plants are classed based on their economic significance. Examples: Spices e.g. pepper and ginger Latex e.g. rubber plant Fibres e.g. cotton, jute, hemp and sisal Cereals e.g. maize, rice, millet, sorghum, guinea corn Tuber crops e.g. yams, cassava, sweet potato, cocoyam Tree crops e.g. cocoa, oil palm, cotton and coconut palm. Fruits e.g. pineapples, pawpaw, mangoes and citrus fruits Beverages and drugs e.g. coffee, cocoa, sugar cane, kolanuts Legumes e.g. beans, soyabeans, cowpeas and ground nuts. CLASSIFICATION BASED ON LIFE CYCLE, HEIGHT AND STRUCTURE OF STEM Flowering plants can also be divided into trees, shrubs and herbs.
With Oyakhilome Clementina
HERBS These are plants that are leafy in nature, they do not grow very tall and they are not woody, instead, they have very soft tissues. Herbs can also be classified into annuals, biennials and perennial crops. ANNUALS These are crops that complete their lifecycle in one year. Examples are maize, yam, tomatoes, rice, garden eggs. While some annuals have very short life-span, which can be completed in a few weeks, while some others can complete several lifecycles in one year. They are known as ephemerals. Examples are peperomia (the shining bush and Ageratum conizoides (goat weed). BIENNIALS These are herbaceous plants that complete their lifecycle in two years. Examples is carrot and onion of the tropics that would use the first year of its production to produce just the bulb, while in its second year, it would now produce flowers, seeds and will eventually die, after completing its cycle. PERENNIALS They are also herbaceous plants that complete their lifecycle in more than two years e.g. mangoes, oranges, ginger, harmattan lily. These plants live for many years. SHRUBS They are larger in size than the herbs, but are smaller than trees. They possess wooden stem that form many branches close to the ground. These shrubs are also perennials. Examples are hibiscus tree and allamanda. TREES Trees are taller than shrubs, woody in nature, either branched or unbranched in nature, with branches that are high up on the trunk and not close to the ground. It is important to note that annuals and biennials are all herbs while perennials may either be herbs, shrubs or trees.
THE NIGERIAN
23
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Opinion
Watch That Habit, It Could Be Dangerous BOTH Christianity and Islam, and indeed all religions, abhor sexual immorality, especially outside matrimony. In homes, parents take time to tutor their children and wards against illicit relationships with the opposite sex, all in an effort to guide against unwanted pregnancies and contracting of diseases, and their consequences. However, medical records show that the occurrence of sex-related infections have been in the increase especially among the youth. Besides the known cases of HIV, many other sex-related ailments have also been on the increase, all due to reckless sexual indulgencies. Linus (not real name) was recently diagnosed of having contracted a sexrelated ailment. Until his diagnosis, Linus was a proud exponent of oral sex as he was fond of intimating his friends of his escapades in the act. To him, oral sex, the stimulation of a partner’s genitals with mouth, lips or tongue, is a way of deriving sexual satisfaction. Linus had to undergo a medical check-up when some of his friends complained he had developed an offensive mouth odour. Beside the odour, he had on many occasions been treated for some ailments with symptoms
like red or white patches on the lining of his mouth or tongue. Later, he complained of mouth ulcers that did not heal for weeks, causing him pains when he swallowed food. He was subsequently advised to undergo a comprehensive medical examination. According to Linus, the test indicated that he had cancer of the mouth, and was immediately placed on treatment. Linus recalls how often he had engaged in oral sex, using his tongue to caress the genitals of several female partners that might have been infected. Sharing his experience, he says he was further told by medical experts of other consequences of his habit which confirmed that oral sex could cause herpes, gonorrhea, or any other sexually transmitted disease. Linus, therefore, concluded that oral sex might not be safe after all, even as medical experts differ on whether or not the act is safe. For instance, Mrs Terri Warren, a nurse and owner of Westover Heights Clinic in Portland, Oregon, U.S, says oral sex “is safer sex; but it is definitely not safe sex’’. Mr Richard Shaw of British Cancer Research believes that the rising cases of throat cancer, particularly among the youth, are caused by Human Papilloma Virus
caused by a certain type of HPV. “HPV is common, but it does not always cause cancer; if you are not exposed to HPV during oral sex, you are not at risk for cancer. “Both men and women can have an HPV
and herpes can also be transmitted through such habits. “A few of the sexually-related infections such as gonorrhoea may be carried in the throat and the persons carrying it may not know. “So, if a person who carries it engages in oral sex it may be transmitted, and if somebody has syphilitic ulcer on the genital and the partner kisses that organ, he can acquire syphilis. “The other aspect which is a very serious one
says herpes could also be contracted through kissing. “You will notice in some people; once they have fever, they have blisters on their lips. That is oral herpes. “You acquire it from kissing; at least more than 98 per cent of the cases are from kissing,’’ he said. Whether or not oral sex is safe, medical experts hold the belief that avoiding it totally is the only way of preventing infection via oral route. They insist that
infection in the throat; it doesn’t discriminate by gender.’’ In spite of this opinion, Dr Kenneth Iregbu, a microbiologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, posits that sexually transmitted diseases can be contracted by deep-throat kissing and oral sex. Iregbu notes that diseases such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV
is HIV. Assuming one’s partner has HIV and then he goes so deep in kissing, the virus can be transferred; we have heard such stories. “The danger lies in the event when the HIV infected blood touches the partner’s lips or gum at any point where there is an abrasion, then it can be transmitted. The microbiologist
although oral sex is said to carry a lower risk of transmitting infections than sexual intercourse, it is still not safe. All the same, moralists insist that although there is no law against oral sex; its risks, disadvantages and moral restrictions should influence decisions when there is the temptation to engage in the act.
By IFEANYI NWOKO
(HPV), transmitted through oral sex. According to him, oral sex is also called fellatio— when a man is the recipient, or cunnilingus— when a woman is the recipient. However, Dr Otis Brawley, Chief Medical
Director, American Cancer Society, has a different opinion. He insists that “it is not oral sex per se that causes cancer; but HPV that can be passed from person to person during sex, including oral sex. “Researchers have found that some cancers of the oropharynx — the middle of the throat and tonsils, are probably
“So, if a person who carries it engages in oral sex it may be transmitted, and if somebody has syphilitic ulcer on the genital and the partner kisses that organ, he can acquire syphilis.”
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
International Assad’s Forces On Attack After US-Russia Arms Deal
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius (left), shakes hands with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi before their meeting at the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing yesterday. Fabius met with Wang yesterday in a continuing diplomatic drive to end the two-and-ahalf-year civil war in Syria.
DAMASCUS Syrian warplanes and artillery bombarded rebel suburbs of the capital yesterday after the United States agreed to call off military action in a deal with Russia to remove President Bashar alAssad’s chemical weapons. President Barack Obama said he may still launch U.S. strikes if Damascus fails to follow a nine-month U.N. disarmament plan drawn up by Washington and Assad’s ally Moscow. But a reluctance among U.S. voters and Western allies to engage in a new Middle East war, and Russian opposition, has put any attacks on hold. Syrian rebels, calling the international focus on poison gas
agreement will ease the current tense situation that may be triggered at any moment in Syria and creates new prospects for resolving the chemical weapon issue in Syria through peaceful means,” said Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He spoke at the beginning of a meeting with his French counterpart, Laurent Fabius, who was visiting Beijing in a continuing diplomatic drive to end the two and a half year civil war. Fabius said later that questions over the deal remained, including what measures should be taken if the Syrian government fails to
adhere to it. France firmly backs the Syrian rebels and has strategic and historic interests in the region. It urged military action after a chemical attack on Aug. 21 that Paris and Washington blame on Assad’s government. In contrast, China and Russia have consistently blocked resolutions at the U.N. Security Council aimed at sanctioning Assad’s regime. After Sunday’s meeting, the French foreign minister said the deal on destroying Syria’s chemical weapons was “a significant step forward, but it’s a first stage.”
“On one hand, we are going to move forward with the destruction of chemical weapons — bravo — but on the other hand, hundreds of deaths every day are mounting in Syria and that’s also what we must tackle, that is to say find a political solution to the Syrian crisis,” Fabius said. He said he would discuss the agreement and its implementation at a meeting today in Paris with U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry and British Foreign Secretary, William Hague. On Tuesday, he will meet with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in
biggest. Berlusconi’s centre-right allies have threatened to sink the government if Wednesday’s vote goes against him. Letta’s left-right coalition, which needs the backing of Berlusconi’s People of Freedom party to survive, has bickered since it was formed in April but the infighting has intensified since Berlusconi was sentenced last month. Barroso, the president of the European Commission, said he did not want to interfere with Italy’s internal politics but it was his duty to demand a greater sense of responsibility from all political forces. “Italy needs systemic stability. It’s one of the big countries of the euro zone: when signs of political instability emerge there are repercussions on the markets,” Barroso told Rome-based daily il Messaggero. “In this moment being wise is fundamental” Letta himself made an impassioned appeal for political stability on Saturday, warning that a political crisis would push up borrowing costs and throw Italy into chaos. In the latest auction, borrowing costs on three-year bonds reached their highest level in almost a year.
Rehn said he was confident Italy would find a way to meet its targeted budget deficit of 2.9 percent of output this year, adding that it was up to the government to decide how to
China Welcomes US-Russia Deal On Syria
BEIJING - China yesterday welcomed a Russia-U.S. agreement on securing and destroying Syria’s chemical weapons, saying it was a peaceful solution to the stockpile issue that could ease the tense situation in the war-torn country. In a diplomatic breakthrough that averts the threat of U.S. military action against Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime for now, American and Russian diplomats in Geneva agreed Saturday on a deal to secure and destroy Syria’s chemical weapons. “We believe the framework
EU Pressures Italy To Keep Govt Afloat ROME - European Union officials warned Italy on Sunday not to let politics ruin recovery prospects and upset debt markets in a week that could signal the end of Erico Letta’s fragile fivemonth-old government. Olli Rehn and Manuel Barroso threw their weight behind Letta, who also appealed for stability this weekend before a Senate vote on Wednesday on whether Silvio Berlusconi should be expelled from parliament following a conviction for tax fraud. “I believe it is of paramount importance to keep political stability in the country to ensure a recovery, mainly because the latest data show the economy remains relativity weak, without clearly indicating a return to growth,” Rehn, the EU’s top economic official, told Italian business daily Il Sole 24 Ore. Italian industrial output was much weaker than expected in July, falling 1.1 percent and undermining expectations that the country might emerge from its longest post-war recession in the third quarter. Political instability has thwarted attempts to make the economy more competitive and whittle down Italy’s government debt burden, one of the world’s
achieve that. However, he said Italy had done less than was expected of it in terms of economic reforms and this had weighed on growth and employment.
A man walks through a flooded street during heavy rains caused by Tropical Storm Ingrid in the Gulf port city of Veracruz, Mexico at the weekend. Mexican authorities rushed to evacuate neighborhoods located near riverbanks in eight Veracruz townships as Ingrid lashed the coast with heavy rains, threatening more damage in a state where landslides and flooding have killed dozens of people in recent weeks.
a sideshow, dismissed talk the arms pact might herald peace talks and said Assad had stepped up an offensive with ordinary weaponry now that the threat of U.S. air strikes had receded. International responses to Saturday’s accord were guarded. Western governments, wary of Assad and familiar with the years frustrated U.N. weapons inspectors spent in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, noted the huge technical difficulties in destroying one of the world’s biggest chemical arsenals in the midst of civil war. Assad’s key sponsor Iran hailed a U.S. retreat from “extremist behavior” and welcomed its “rationality”. Israel, worried that U.S. leniency toward Assad may encourage Tehran to develop nuclear arms, said the deal would be judged on results. China, which like Russia opposes U.S. readiness to use force in other sovereign states, was glad of the renewed role for the United Nations Security Council, where Beijing too has
a veto. The Syrian government has formally told the United Nations it will adhere to a treaty banning chemical weapons but made no comment in the day since U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov patched over bitter differences between Washington and Moscow to set a framework for the United Nations to remove Assad’s banned arsenal by mid-2014. BOMBARDMENTS Air strikes, shelling and infantry attacks on suburbs of Damascus through Sunday morning offered evidence in support of opinions from both Assad’s Syrian opponents and supporters that he is again taking the fight to rebels after a lull following the August 21 gas attack that provoked the threat of U.S. action. “It’s a clever proposal from Russia to prevent the attacks,” one Assad supporter told Reuters from the port of Tartous, site of a Russian naval base.
Hurricane Threatens Mexico
XALAPA, Mexico - Tropical Storm Manuel bore down on Mexico’s southwest Pacific shoreline yesterday as thousands on the country’s Gulf rim sought shelter from approaching Hurricane Ingrid amid the threat of heavy rains, dangerous flash floods and mudslides along both coasts. Manuel and Ingrid appeared set to wallop Mexico with a onetwo punch and mar several planned observances of the country’s September 15 and 16 Independence Day celebrations. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Ingrid, the second hurricane of the Atlantic storm season, could reach the Mexican mainland early Monday after gathering strength over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It was packing top sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph). Manuel, sustaining maximum winds of 70 mph (110 kph), was about 40 miles (65 kilometers) from the Pacific coast near the Mexican port city of Lazaro Cardenas early Sunday. Forecasters said that storm was moving toward expected landfall. The Mexican government late Saturday issued a hurricane warning for the country’s Pacific Coast from Lazaro Cardenas to Manzanillo. That came as forecasters said early Sunday that Manuel still had a small possibility of becoming a hurricane before its center reached land. The storm was expected to rapidly weaken once it began heading into the Mexican interior. Forecasters warned, meanwhile, that both storms
presented dangers. Manuel was expected to dump 10 to 15 inches of rain over parts of the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero with maximums of 25 inches possible in some isolated areas. Authorities said those rains would present an especially dangerous threat in mountains, where flash floods and mudslides were possible. Hurricane Ingrid also was expected to dump very heavy rains. It was centered early Sunday about 160 miles (290 km) east of Tampico, Mexico, and moving northwest at 7 mph (11 km). A hurricane warning from Ingrid was in effect from Cabo Rojo to La Pesca. In Tamaulipas state to the north, where Ingrid is expected to make landfall, the government said in a statement that Independence Day festivities were cancelled in the cities of Tampico, Madero and Altamira. The September 15 and 16 celebrations commemorate Mexico’s battle of independence from Spain. Officials in the Gulf state of Veracruz began evacuating coastal residents Friday night, and civil protection authorities said that more than 5,300 people had been moved to safer ground. Of those, about 3,500 people were being housed in official shelters with the rest staying with family and friends. There were no immediate reports of injuries blamed on the storm. More than 1,000 homes in Veracruz state have been affected by the storm to varying degrees. and 20 highways and 12 bridges have suffered damages.
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International Features AFTER days of intense negotiations, the United States and Russia reached agreement on a framework to secure and destroy Syria’s chemical weapons by mid2014 and impose U.N. penalties if the Assad government fails to comply. The deal, announced by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Geneva, includes what Kerry called “a shared assessment” of the weapons stockpile, and a timetable and measures for Syrian President Bashar Assad to follow so that the full inventory can be identified and seized. The U.S. and Russia agreed to immediately press for a U.N. Security Council resolution that enshrines the chemical weapons agreement under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which can authorize both the use of force and nonmilitary measures. President Barack Obama made clear that “if diplomacy fails, the United States remains prepared to act.” Russia, which already has rejected three resolutions on Syria, would be sure to veto a U.N. move toward military action, and U.S. officials said they did not contemplate seeking such an authorization. “The world will now expect the Assad regime to live up to its public commitments,” Kerry told a packed news conference at the hotel where negotiations were conducted since Thursday night. “There can be no games, no room for avoidance or anything less than full compliance by the Assad regime.” It was not immediately clear whether Syria had signed onto the agreement, which requires Damascus to submit a full inventory of its stocks within the next week. Russia does have a close relationship with Syria and holds influence over its Mideast ally. Kerry and Lavrov emphasized that the deal sends a strong message not just to Syria but to the world, too, that the use of chemical weapons will not be tolerated.
US-Russia Reach Agreement On Syria Weapons
Lavrov added, cautiously, “We understand that the decisions we have reached today are only the beginning of the road.” The deal is considered critical to breaking the international stalemate blocking a resumption of peace talks to end the Syrian civil war, now in its third year. Under the framework agreement, international inspectors are to be on the ground in Syria by November. During that month, they are to complete their initial assessment and all mixing and filling equipment for chemical weapons is to be destroyed. The deal calls for all components of the chemical weapons program to be removed from the country or destroyed by mid-2014. “Ensuring that a dictator’s wanton use of chemical weapons never again comes to pass, we believe is worth pursuing and achieving,” Kerry said. Noncompliance by the Assad government or any other party would be referred to the 15-nation Security Council by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. That group oversees the Chemical Weapons Convention, which Syria this week agreed to join. The group’s directorgeneral, Ahmet Uzumcu, spoke of adopting “necessary measures” to put in place “an accelerated program to verify the complete destruction” of Syria’s chemical weapons, production facilities and “other relevant capabilities.” The U.S. and Russia are two of the five permanent Security Council members with a veto. The others are Britain, China, and France. “There is an agreement between Russia and the United States that noncompliance is going to be held accountable within the Security Council under Chapter 7,” Kerry said. “What remedy is chosen is subject to the debate within
the council, which is always true. But there’s a commitment to impose measures.” Lavrov indicated there would be limits to using such
have Obama retains the right to launch military strikes without U.N. approval to protect American national security interests.
development facilities.” International inspectors, the U.S. and Russia agreed, should be on the ground in Syria by November and
U.S. Secretary of State Kerry and Russian FM Lavrov shake hands after making statements following meetings regarding Syria, at a news conference in Geneva.
a resolution. “Any violations of procedures ... would be looked at by the Security Council and if they are approved, the Security Council would take the required measures, concrete measures,” Lavrov said. “Nothing is said about the use of force or about any automatic sanctions.” Kerry spoke of a commitment, in the event of Syrian noncompliance, to “impose measures commensurate with whatever is needed in terms of the accountability.” The agreement offers no specific penalties. Given that a thorough investigation of any allegation of noncompliance is required before any possible action, Moscow could drag out the process or veto measures it deems too harsh. Kerry stressed that the U.S. believes the threat of force is necessary to back the diplomacy, and U.S. officials
“I have no doubt that the combination of the threat of force and the willingness to pursue diplomacy helped to bring us to this moment,” Kerry said. But a leading U.S. senator expressed concerns that without the threat of force, it’s not clear “how Syrian compliance will be possible under the terms of any agreement.” Republican lawmaker Bob Corker of Tennessee said Syria’s “willingness to follow through is very much an open question” and he did not want the negotiations to signal a “retreat from our broader national interests,” including support for “moderate” opposition forces in Syria. Under the deal, the U.S. and Russia are giving Syria just one week, until Sept. 21, to submit “a comprehensive listing, including names, types and quantities of its chemical weapons agents, types of munitions, and location and form of storage, production, and research and
complete their initial work by the end of the month. They must be given “immediate and unfettered” access to inspect all sites. Kerry said the two sides had come to agreement on the exact size of Syria’s weapons stockpile, a sticking point. U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the negotiations, said the U.S. and Russia agreed that Syria had roughly 1,000 metric tons of chemical weapons agents and precursors, including blister agents, such as sulfur and mustard gas and nerve agents like sarin. These officials said the two sides did not agree on the number of chemical weapons sites in Syria. U.S. intelligence believes Syria has about 45 sites associated with chemicals weapons, half of which have “exploitable quantities” of material that could be used in munitions.
The Russian estimate is considerably lower; the officials would not say by how much. U.S. intelligence agencies believe all the stocks remain in government control, the officials said. U.N. inspectors are preparing to submit their own report this weekend. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon said Friday that he expected “an overwhelming report” that chemical weapons were indeed used on the outskirts of Damascus on Aug. 21. A U.N. statement said Ban hoped the agreement will prevent further use of such weapons and “help pave the path for a political solution to stop the appalling suffering inflicted on the Syrian people.” Britain’s foreign secretary, William Hague, said Saturday’s development was “a significant step forward.” Germany said that “if deeds now follow the words, the chances of a political solution will rise significantly,” Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said. Obama called for a limited military strike against Assad’s forces in response, then deferred seeking congressional approval to consider the Russian proposal. The commander of the Free Syrian Army rebel group, Gen. Salim Idris, told a news conference in Turkey that the Russian initiative would “buy time” and that rebels will continue “fighting the regime and work for bringing it down.” He said that if international inspectors come to Syria in order to inspect chemical weapons, “we will facilitate their passages but there will be no cease-fire.” The FSA will not block the work of U.N. inspectors, he said, and the “inspectors will not be subjected to rebel fire when they are in regimecontrolled areas.” Idris said Kerry told him by telephone that “the alternative of military strikes is still on the table.”
“I have no doubt that the combination of the threat of force and the willingness to pursue diplomacy helped to bring us to this moment.”
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International Features
NSA Revelation Helping US Technology EDWARD Snowden’s unprecedented exposure of U.S. technology companies’ close collaboration with national intelligence agencies, widely expected to damage the industry’s financial performance abroad, may actually end up helping. Despite emphatic predictions of waning business prospects, some of the big Internet companies that the former National Security Agency contractor showed to be closely involved in gathering data on people overseas - such as Google Inc. and Facebook Inc. - say privately that they have felt little if any impact on their businesses. Insiders at companies that offer remote computing services known as cloud computing, including Amazon and Microsoft Corp, also say they are seeing no fallout. Meanwhile, smaller U.S. companies offering encryption and related security services are seeing a jump in business overseas, along with an uptick in sales domestically as individuals and companies work harder to protect secrets. “Our value proposition had been that it is a wild world out there, while doing business internationally you need to protect yourself,” said Jon Callas, co-founder of phone and text encryption provider Silent Circle, where revenue quadrupled from May to June on a small base. “Now the message people are getting from the newspapers every day is that it is a wild world even domestically.” PROPHESIES OF DOOM Shortly after Snowden’s leaked documents detailed collaboration giving the NSA access to the accounts of tens of thousands of net companies’ users, the big Internet companies and their allies issued dire warnings, predicting that American businesses would lose tens of billions of dollars in revenue abroad as distrustful customers seek out local alternatives. In a federal court filing last week, Google said that stillunfolding news coverage was causing “substantial harm to Google’s reputation and business”. The company
said that could be mitigated if it were allowed to comment with precision about its intelligence dealings. Likewise, last month, six technology trade groups wrote to the White House to urge reforms in the spy programs, citing what it called a “study” predicting a $35 billion cumulative shortfall by 2016 in the vital economic sector. That number, it turns out, was extrapolated from a security trade group’s survey of 207 non-U.S. members and the group, the Cloud Security Alliance, had explicitly cautioned that its members weren’t representative of the entire industry. “I know you want sectors and numbers, but I don’t have it,” said Ed Black, president of the Computer & Communications Industry Association, one of the trade groups behind the letter. “Anybody who tells you they do is making it up.” The trade groups aren’t the only ones issuing dismal, and headline-grabbing, forecasts. Forrester Research analyst James Staten wrote of the $35 billion figure: “We think this estimate is too low and could be as high as $180 billion, or a 25 percent hit to overall IT service provider revenues.” Staten’s comments generated dozens of media stories, some of which neglected to mention that Staten said the worst would come to pass only if businesses decided that spying was a bigger issue than the savings they gained from a shift to cloud computing. In an interview with Reuters, Staten said he didn’t believe that would be the case. “I don’t think there’s going to be a significant pullback,” he said, though the rate of growth could slow for a couple of years. LITTLE IMPACT Google employees told newsmen that the company has seen no significant impact on its business, and a person briefed on Microsoft’s business in Europe likewise said that the company has had no issues. At Amazon, which was not named in Snowden’s documents but is seen as a likely victim because it is a
top provider of cloud computing services, a spokeswoman said global demand “has never been greater.” In the more than three months since Snowden’s revelations began, no publicly traded U.S. company has cited him in a securities filing, where they are required to report events that are material to their business. One reason that the
why they have dropped the OneHub service elicited this reply from an unspecified Bertelsmann unit in Austria: “Headquarters is banning storage of company data in the U.S. or with U.S. companies altogether because of the NSA datamining and industrial espionage. You should watch out for that. Maybe you should think about hosting in Iceland, Sweden or some other place known for
president called for laws that would require local data centers for the likes of Google and Facebook. But former senior Google engineer Bill Coughran, now a partner at Sequoia Capital, said that even in the worstcase scenario, those companies would simply spend extra to manage more Balkanized systems. Another possibility is that tech-buying companies elsewhere believe that their own governments have
complying with their own privacy legislation.” Bertelsmann spokesman Christian Steinhof said the company couldn’t confirm that the exchange had occurred and therefore wouldn’t comment. FEW GOOD ALTERNATIVES There are multiple theories for why the business impact of the Snowden leaks has been so minimal. One is that cloud customers have few good alternatives, since U.S. companies have most of the market and switching costs money. Perhaps more convincing, Amazon, Microsoft and some others offer data centers in Europe with encryption that prevents significant hurdles to snooping by anyone including the service providers themselves and the U.S. agencies. Encryption, however, comes with drawbacks, making using the cloud more cumbersome. On Thursday, Brazil’s
scanning procedures that are every bit as invasive as the American programs. Some think it’s just a matter of time, however, before U.S. industry suffers significantly. “Industry is still in denial,” said Caspar Bowden, once the chief privacy officer at Microsoft and now an independent researcher and privacy advocate in Europe. “It’s like Wile E. Coyote running over the cliff, his legs are still turning but he hasn’t started falling yet.” BOON FOR ENCRYPTION SECTOR As for the upside, so far only a minority of people and businesses are tackling encryption on their own or moving to privacy-protecting Web browsers, but encryption is expected to get easier with more new entrants. Snowden himself said that strong encryption, applied correctly, was still reliable, even though the NSA has cracked or circumvented most of the ordinary, built-in security
• President Barack Obama
prophecies of business doom are getting such a wide airing is that both the U.S. industry and its overseas detractors have been saying the same thing - that customers will stop buying from U.S. cloud companies. Politicians in Europe and Brazil have cited the Snowden documents in pushing for new privacy laws and standards for cloud contracts and in urging local companies to steer clear of U.S. vendors. “If European cloud customers cannot trust the U.S. government, then maybe they won’t trust U.S. cloud providers either,” European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes told The Guardian. “If I am right, there are multibillion-euro consequences for American companies.” There have indeed been some contract cancellations. Charles Mount, chief executive of business filesharing service OneHub, told Reuters that an automated system that asks customers
around Web email and financial transactions. James Denaro, a patent attorney with security training in Washington, was already using Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), a complicated system for encrypting email, before the Snowden leaks. Afterward, he adopted phone and text encryption as well to protect client information. “One of the results we see from Snowden is an increased awareness across the board about the incredible cyber insecurity,” Denaro said. Some early adopters of encryption have senior jobs inside companies, and they could bring their habits to the office and eventually change the technology habits of the whole workplace, in the same way that executive fondness for iPhones and iPads prompted more companies to allow them access to corporate networks. “Clients are now inquiring how they can protect their data overseas, what kinds of access the states might have and what controls or constraints they could put in with residency or encryption,” said Gartner researcher Lawrence Pingree, formerly chief security architect at PeopleSoft, later bought by Oracle. Richard Stiennon, a security industry analyst and author, predicted that security spending will rise sharply. A week ago, Google said it had intensified encryption of internal data flows after learning about NSA practices from Snowden’s files, and consultants are urging other big businesses to do the same. Stiennon said that after more companies encrypt, the NSA and other agencies will spend more to break through, accelerating a lucrative cycle. “They will start focusing on the encrypted data, because that’s where all the good stuff is,” Stiennon said. Already, in a fiscal 2013 federal budget request from the intelligence community published this month by the Washington Post, officials wrote that investing in “groundbreaking cryptanalytic capabilities” was a top priority.
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Culture
African Core Values And Identity On Precipice By PAUL OKOMAYIH
CULTURE, in its simplest definition, is the people’s way of life. Culture is peculiar to the human race, which is to say that every tribe, nation or entity in the world have cultural traits ‘which is peculiar to it, and which serves as its identity. One of the most interesting things about culture is that it is dynamic and it evolves. It is what gives the society its meaning. Above all, it helps transmit memory form one generation to another; it involves belief and behavioural patterns, shared attitudes and values that are central to a people or groups of people. Culture encompasses the language, dressing, cuisine (food/dishes), religion, arts, crafts and music of any given entity. Africa, as we know, has a very rich cultural history, which perhaps is one of the fascinating things about the black race. However, westernisation, over the decades seems to be edging out core African values and putting it on the precipice. As earlier noted, every nation, people and race on planet Earth has their peculiar values and traits which distinguish it from other entities. Our blind imitation
and inculcation of some western values, however, can be to the detriment of our identities as Africans and most especially as Nigerians. A close observation at most African countries would vividly reveal how Africans are neglecting their core values which in essence is our identity to follow the trend of westernisation. The western world sees Africa as a ‘Dark Continent’ and thus, we have been relegated at all fronts to the backwater of humanity, yet, thousands of years before the West or East, Africa was the center of the universe, the beginning of mankind and the source for all living things. One of our cultural traits that are dangerously on the edge is our language. Mote often nowadays, we hear and read of expert opinion saying that Nigerian local languages may be on the verge of extinction. Most Nigerians, youths especially, cannot write in their local languages proficiently as they can in English. In virtually all Nollywood movies, we hear our thespians speak in exaggerated western accent. The storyline of some of our
movies don’t even reflect African realities and portrays not much of our cultures. The Nollywood thespians are not alone in this regard. Television and
unique by the everyday Nigerian. What would Americans think if their newscasters, thespians and their citizens speak in Yoruba, lgbo or Hausa accents? For example, I read about an American,
the way Africans and Nigerians in particular speak English with exaggerated accents and how Nigerians cannot speak in their local languages extensively without mixing it up with English words. Another societal value that has almost eroded-away is respect or regard for elders. Nowadays, it is almost
Edem Duke, Minister of Culture
radio broadcasters/ presenters, flight announcers at airports and many others seem to speak through their noses. Perhaps by so speaking, they think they would be perceived as being special or
Kevin Barry recently, who is very proficient in speaking and writing in Yoruba language. He prides himself in being able to say anything in Yoruba and also put it in writing too. But he could not hide his disdain for
“True; westernisation has brought with itself a whole deal of good, like scientific and technological breakthroughs as well as globalization, not forgetting the enlightenment that comes with it. Indeed, culture is dynamic, adaptive and transmittable.”
rare to see youths stoop, prostrate or kneel down in greeting elders in western Nigeria, for instance. It is mostly ‘hi” and hello’’ with heads bowed reluctantly, if it all. The most disturbing aspect of our blind imitation of western values to the detriment of our cultural values’ as Africans and Nigerians is our dressing. While this is no an attempt to take a swipe at western fashion, however, we seem to have taken a firm grip of the low sides
of it. More often, we now have women wearing synthetic hairs, fake nails and stenciled eyebrows. At the extreme are women with breast implants and silicone buttocks. At organized fashion shows, we see models distastefully clad, looking like extraterrestrial beings. Not to be outdone and in a bid to blend with the trend, some university students dress shabbily, looking like nuisances and weirdoes. Someone noted jokingly, recently, that ladies seem to be waiting for one of them to be daring enough to wear just under wears to a function for the rest of them to endorse it as a fashion trend! All we seem to be doing is to copy and imitate the west, especially the United States and Britain. Like parrots, we imitate without understanding why the west act or Jive their lives in certain ways. We imitate ideas, social scripts, fashion and arts so much that we are rapidly becoming a shadow of our real selves. True; westernisation has brought with itself a whole deal of good like scientific and technological breakthroughs as well as globalization, not forgetting the enlightenment that comes with it. Indeed, culture is dynamic,
adaptive and transmittable. There is nothing wrong in imbibing the finer aspects of cultures of other climes. But to gleefully embrace other cultural values while neglecting ours and leaving it to go down the line of extinction is what we should avoid.
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Villas-Boas Salutes Eriksen’s Spurs Bow
Mourinho Demands Chelsea Show Killer Instinct JOSE Mourinho has warned his Chelsea stars they must develop a ruthless streak after the Blues fell to their first Premier League defeat since the manager’s return. Mourinho was left to rue his team’s failure to convert chances at Goodison Park on Saturday as Steven Naismith earned Everton a 1-0 win with a goal on the stroke of half-time. Chelsea consequently passed up the opportunity to claim top spot as Mourinho discovered there remains work to be done if he is to mark his first year back at Stamford Bridge with another title. Samuel Eto’o, making his debut following his arrival from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, was particularly guilty with a series of misses — the biggest of them a failure to convert with the goal gaping after Everton debutant Gareth Barry made a fine last-ditch tackle. “We didn’t score goals. We had chances and didn’t score,” Mourinho said. “People with experience in football, we all know this happens week after week. If you don’t score, what you create means nothing. “If they don’t have it (killer instinct) they have to get it. Samuel was a killer all his career. Even so the situations where he was involved in the game makes me happy.” Mourinho refused to accept a lack of sharpness on Eto’o’s part was to blame for the chances missed by the former Barcelona star. “I don’t think it is a question of sharpness,” he added. “Andre Schurrle’s pass gives time for Barry to come, if it is a fast ball, boom, Eto’o scores. “Maybe one day we have three chances, we score three goals, we win 3-0. We had 21 shots, nine on target. “Before they scored a goal, we had easy chances. Eto’o’s is an easy one. The other one, Schurrle over the bar is an easy one. “Eto’o’s header is an easy one. Ramires in the second half is not a difficult one. The players are good so sooner or later we will score goals.” It was a deserved win which represented Everton boss Roberto Martinez’s first in the league since replacing David Moyes. They remain unbeaten and, on this evidence, look capable of continuing the progress they made under Moyes. Chelsea were left to rue their misses in added time at the end of the first half when Nikica Jelavic, at the back post, nodded Leon Osman’s clipped cross back into Naismith’s path and, with Petr Cech caught in between, Naismith, on his 27th birthday, powered home a header into the roof of the net. More Chelsea chances went to waste after the break — but Leighton Baines almost doubled the advantage in the closing moments with a free-kick against the crossbar.
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey (C) celebrates with Kieran Gibbs (L) and Olivier Giroud during their match on September 14, 2013
TOTTENHAM manager Andre Villas-Boas praised Christian Eriksen following the Dane’s debut in the 2-0 victory over Norwich at White Hart Lane. Eriksen, making his first appearance since his move from Ajax, set up Gylfi Sigurdsson’s opening goal on Saturday before having a hand in the Iceland midfielder’s second goal. It was Spurs’ first league goals from open play this season and also meant three points in their first game since Gareth Bale’s departure for Real Madrid. Eriksen has been brought in for £11.5 million (13.7 million euros, $18.3 million) to provide creativity in Bale’s absence and the Dane made an immediate impact. “It was a great debut for
Wenger Reveals Ozil Gamble
ARSENE Wenger revealed he took a gamble in handing a Premier League debut to Mesut Ozil in Arsenal’s 3-1 win at Sunderland. The Arsenal manager’s high-risk strategy paid off as the £43 million (51.3 million euros, $68.3 million) record signing played a key role in his English top flight bow on Saturday. Under-the-weather Ozil almost missed out due to a stomach bug, but he was pressed into immediate action far from 100 per cent fit, after his high-profile move from Real Madrid, due to injuries to the depleted Gunners’ squad. Ozil was taken off late on after an impressive introduction as two secondhalf goals from Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey helped seal victory to make it three wins from four games for the Gunners. After seeing his side strengthen their place among the early pace-setters thanks to two assists from his new arrival, Wenger revealed: “Mesut was like the team, he had an outstanding first-half and dropped physically in the second.
David Moyes
“He was sick on Thursday night and I only decided this morning to play him because he had a stomach bug. “His first-half performance was outstanding but if Santi Cazorla had been fit, Ozil would have been on the bench as he was sick and I wouldn’t have taken a gamble otherwise.” Olivier Giroud, who opened the scoring from Ozil’s pass, is a major doubt for the midweek Champions League trip to Marseille with a knee injury and Wenger conceded he is likely to be without Spanish midfielder Cazorla until the end of October. The Frenchman added: “Cazorla’s ankle problem means he will be out for a few weeks. I don’t think he will play before the next international break. Giroud has a knee injury and we are very thin now.” Sunderland levelled through substitute Craig Gardner’s penalty and were denied a second equaliser by a
controversial call from referee Martin Atkinson to rule-out a ‘goal’ for United States international Jozy Altidore. The Black Cats are bottom of the table after collecting one point from the first four games, head coach Paolo Di Canio’s frustration compounded as he was sent from his technical area by Atkinson at the death. “The referee has the power to wait and see what happens with the outcome of the incident with Altidore. He made a mistake. It’s a key moment and it’s decided the outcome of the game,” Di Canio said. “I protested to him about the amount of time he was adding
at the end of the game. I was calm. I said to him ‘if you want to complete a perfect day today, then you only have to send me off’.” Di Canio, who handed full league debuts to Swansea loan midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung and Greece winger Charis Mavrias, insisted his 14 new summer signings must be given time to gel. “We were too shy and passive in the first half and Arsenal were on top,” he added. “But in the second half we dominated for long spells with determination, desire and quality. If we can continue to play like that we can have a good season.
admitted he plans to speak to England winger Ashley Young in the wake of his controversial booking for diving in the 2-0 win against Crystal Palace. Young was at the centre of drama in Moyes’s first victory at Old Trafford on Saturday, winning the pivotal penalty on the stroke of half-time after going down under a challenge from Kagisho Dikgacoi. Palace midfielder Dikgacoi was shown a straight red card for the incident but the visitors were incensed, especially since Young had already been booked by referee Jon Moss for diving earlier in the half following a clash with the same player. Young was spoken to by Moyes’s predecessor Alex Ferguson two seasons ago in similar circumstances and the new manager made it clear that he too will not tolerate diving from his players. “I’ve always said I don’t like diving. He deserved to get booked,” said Moyes. “I don’t want my players diving, I don’t want anybody doing it. “If you look at it, the boy
definitely throws his leg out and Ashley’s leg goes into it. I think Ashley has put his leg into it. “But I will definitely say to Ashley that it is not what I want.” Moyes was more sympathetic about the penalty incident and claimed the referee made the correct decision in awarding United a penalty, which was converted by Robin van Persie. “In real time it must have been very difficult to make a decision,” said Moyes. “He called his linesman and between them they gave a penalty kick and we had earned or merited it because we had threatened so many times.” United’s second goal came from Wayne Rooney, the England centre-forward returning a week ahead of schedule after suffering a painful head wound in a training ground incident two weeks ago. Rooney played wearing a protective headguard and scored with a superb 81st minute freekick to prove that any suggestions of his lack of enthusiasm at playing for Moyes and United are clearly a thing of
Christian,” Villas-Boas said. “For a player of his age, he has great experience and he’s a pure number 10, a creative player. His individual quality made a difference. “He bonded very easily. When you have individual quality you are able to jump into a team straight away.” The first goal came in the 28th minute when Eriksen teed up Sigurdsson with a fine pass. The second goal arrived four minutes after the break when Eriksen fed Paulinho, who crossed for Sigurdsson to tap in. “Sigurdsson was man of the match for me. He returned with a dead leg from international duty but made himself available. He has a great attitude,” Villas-Boas added. Villas-Boas is hoping the victory will help his new signings settle in at the club. “It’s very early but I want to gather as many points as we can up to the October international break,” he said. “But we have a difficult trip to Cardiff and then a game with Chelsea. It’s a better start than last season but I hope it means we don’t have a blip later. “It was a very good performance from the team, outstanding. We had so many levels of quality. We dominated physically and tactically.” Norwich boss Chris Hughton was also impressed with Eriksen’s performance, adding: “I think Eriksen is going to be a real star. “At 21 he must have 40 caps for Denmark and have played 150 games. He’s almost an experienced young player.” He has demanded a response from his own team — beaten for the second time this season — when they play Watford in the League Cup in midweek.
Moyes ‘ll Speak To Young Over Diving Storm MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes has
the past. “It was a difficult decision, we only got the headband on Friday,” Moyes added. “Until then we hadn’t even got it and we wanted to see how he felt. When we saw him, he felt okay with it and thought he could wear it. “I don’t know what sort of headband it is, we didn’t have it specially made. I think it’s something sumo wrestlers wear! “There was no reaction, he looks fine and he went for a couple of headers. “I told him I would try and get him 90 minutes because it will help with his overall goal of match fitness and match practice.” Beaten Palace manager Ian Holloway watched from the stand as he served a touchline ban following an £18,000 ($28,573, 21,492 euros) fine for criticising the officials after a recent loss to Spurs and he refused to condemn Moss for his penalty decision. “My opinion doesn’t count and I’ve just got to deal with it,” said Holloway.
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Lennon Sets Celtic’s Champions deadline day, had League Ambitions High transfer only been on the pitch for
Robbie Keane of L.A. Galaxy (R) controls the ball as Fernando Llorente Torres of Juventus (L) defends during the second half of their Guinness International Champions Cup soccer match at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles,
CELTIC manager Neil Lennon has set his sights on qualifying from their tough Champions League group as they prepare to open their campaign away to Italian giants AC Milan on Wednesday. The Hoops have been drawn in a tricky Group A alongside the Serie A side and fellow European giants Barcelona and Ajax. However, after making it through three qualifying rounds and making an unbeaten start to their defence of their Scottish Premiership crown, confidence is high in the Celtic squad that they can cause some shocks in the tournament. Last season the Hoops made it through the last 16 following a famous win over
Madrid Held Away By Villarreal
REAL Madrid had to settle for a point when they played to a 2-2 draw against Villarreal in their La Liga clash at the El Madrigal on Saturday night. save to deny the forward. Debutant Gareth Bale Then four minutes later it cancelled Cani’s opener in the was the away side who came first half before Cristiano close to leveling matters Ronaldo put the visitors when Sergio Ramos ahead midway through the connected with Isco’s corner second half. However, former Barcelona man Giovani Dos Santos netted the equaliser to maintain his side’s unbeaten run after four matches. The home sides threatened to take the lead in the 14th minute when Jaume Costa found Jonathan Pereira unmarked on the right, but his volleyed shot was blocked by Diego Lopez at the near post. However, the Yellow Submarine eventually opened the scoring six minutes later when Bruno Soriano released Pereira, who twisted past the Madrid defence before offloading for Cani to smash the ball into the back of the net. Marcelino Garcia Toral’s men should have doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Pereira released Javier Aquino with a back-heel, but Lopez pulled off a double Gareth Bale
at the near post, but his header was blocked by Sergio Asenjo. The equaliser did eventually arrive in the 39th
minute when record signing Bale came in sliding at the far post to bury the ball past Asenjo, connecting with Dani Carvajal’s low cross. Bale came close to grabbing his break a minute into the second half when he unleashed a powerful strike from long range which flew just over the crossbar. Villarreal should have restored their lead in the 54th minute when Pereira squared the ball for Costa, but somehow the left-back shot wide with an open net in front of him. Instead, it was the Whites who went ahead for the first time ten minutes later when Karim Benzema forced a low save from Asenjo, but Ronaldo was on hand to bury the rebound with the aid of a deflection. However, the hosts managed to grab a point as Giovani fired home in the 70th minute after Lopez had been unable to hold on to a shot from Cani.
Barcelona in the group stages and Lennon has set his ambitions on repeating last season’s heroics. “My target is to qualify, basically. I don’t care how many points we get if we could finish second — or first — that would be amazing,” the Celtic manager said. “But I want us to play well and compete. It’s a different style and level of football with a different intensity to the game so it is a step up but the players have got the experience of last year. “They are international players so they’ve played at this level for a long time some so it won’t faze them.” Lennon’s side warmed up for the trip to the San Siro with a 3-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday. Celtic will go into the match in Milan as underdogs but Lennon says this could work in their favour. “I think we are used to being favourites so it doesn’t really affect us. Sometimes we play better when we are the underdog and play with that sort of freeness,” the Celtic manager said. “However, I wouldn’t say we are massive underdogs. The way we are playing and the confidence in the squad means I think we can surprise a few people again in this group again.” Celtic, who sit second in the Scottish Premiership behind Inverness after their win at Hearts, were given a boost when new signing Teemu Pukki scored on his debut for the Parkhead club. The Finnish striker, who signed from Schalke on
Esperance Through To The ESPERANCE became the twice for the Tunisian side Semis first side to book their place and Oussama Darragi added in the semifinals of the CAF Champions League when they defeated Recreativo do Libolo 3-2 at the Stade Olympique de Rades on Saturday night. Yannick Ndjeng scored
... Ancelotti Hails Bale Attitude
REAL Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed world record signing Gareth Bale’s attitude after the Welshman scored on his debut in the Spanish giants’ 2-2 draw with Villarreal. Bale levelled for Real with a simple finish from close range just before half-time to cancel out Cani’s opener for the hosts. The 24-year-old was withdrawn by Ancelotti along with fellow debutant Asier Illarramendi on the hour mark due to their lack of match fitness. Cristiano Ronaldo then briefly put Real ahead before Giovani Dos Santos, like Bale a former
Tottenham player, struck 21 minutes from time to ensure the spoils were shared. Ancelotti was happy with the contribution of his new players against a confident Villarreal side. “I think they did well. I didn’t want to run the risk of playing them for 90 minutes because it is not good for them in their first game for a while,” he said. “I think Bale is happy because he has scored for the first time with Real Madrid which is very important for him. It was a difficult game for all of us but he played well and showed a
good attitude.” As Ancelotti had indicated in his pre-match press conference, Bale lined up on the right side of the attack with Ronaldo featuring mainly down the left. However, the two did exchange positions at time and Ancelotti expects that is something they will be able to do to even greater effect with more playing time together. “It was the first time that they have played together. Now and again they are going to change positions because the movement that they have, but it wasn’t a specific point we had instructed
them to do.” Bale’s debut was also hailed by Real’s director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueno. “It is great news that he has scored on his debut,” he told Canal Plus. “It was his first game with his teammates and he has only had three days with them, but he is a player with enormous potential.” The real star of the show for Madrid though was goalkeeper Diego Lopez as he responded to calls by some for Iker Casillas to be reinstated as number one with a string of fine stops to save his side slipping to their first
only 12 minutes when he headed home a clever flicked pass from Anthony Stokes into the net from three yards out in the 86th minute. Stokes himself had fired past Jamie MacDonald to restore Celtic’s lead in the 65th minute just seven minutes after Jason Holt had hauled Hearts level. It was Hearts’ first defeat at Tynecastle this season to leave the Edinburgh side, who started the season with a 15-point deduction for entering administration, rooted to the bottom nine points from safety. However, Hearts manager Gary Locke felt aggrieved at Kris Commons’ 19th-minute opener from the spot after the Hoops were awarded a contentious penalty when Jamie Hamill was adjudged to have deliberately blocked a Stokes header with his arm, despite the Jambos player being able to do little about it. “I think there was only one man in the stadium who thought it was a penalty but unfortunately for us it is the most important one,” Locke, whose young side had an average age of 19, said. “You can kind of tell decisions by the reaction of the opposing team and there wasn’t one Celtic player on the pitch who appealed for a penalty and none of their dugout appealed yet. “It’s another harsh decision we’ve had but he’s made his decision and there’s nothing you can do to change his mind so you’ve just got to accept it and that’s one of the most galling things.”
defeat of the campaign. However, Ancelotti said he would stick by his decision to start Casillas for the first time this season when Real open their Champions League campaign against Galatasaray on Tuesday. “Diego played very well. He was ready and reacted very well,” said the Italian. “I don’t know if he saved us because with more attention to detail in midfield we could have won the match. “The decision for Tuesday has already been taken. The two keepers know it and there will be no problem.”
the third, while Rúben Gouveia replied with his own double for the visitors. Ndjeng opened the scoring in the 4th minute to hand his side a 1-0 lead going into the break, but the Angolans were back on level terms soon after the restart as Ruben netted his first goal of the night. Darragi put the home side ahead for the second time in the 53rd minute, but Ruben responded at the other end two minutes later as Recreativo tried to earn a valuable point away from home. But it wasn’t to be as Ndjeng completed his brace late in the game to ensure that his side walked away with all points on offer. Esperance remain in top spot in Group B with 12 points, five ahead of secondplaced Coton Sport, who will face Sewe Sport in Abidjan on Sunday.
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Aussie Police Smash Football Match-Fixing Ring TEN people were arrested in a multi-million dollar match-fixing probe involving an Australian state soccer competition, police said Sunday, with reports that a number were British footballers. Victoria state police said they made the arrests after executing search warrants across the city of Melbourne, following a racket that had been under investigation since August on a tip-off from the Football Federation of Australia. “Ten people were arrested in relation to a number of matches in which the results are alleged to have been manipulated,” the FFA said in a statement. The group included nine current players and a coach from the second-tier Victorian Premier League club Southern Stars, with reports that some were from Britain and were playing in Australia during their offseason. FFA chief David Gallop said the governing body tipped off the police after their international betting watchdog Sportradar detected suspicious activity. Media reports put estimated winnings in Australia and overseas from the fixed matches at more than Aus$2 million ($1.85 million), with organised crime syndicates winning big on Asian betting markets. The players allegedly received kickbacks for conceding goals or throwing matches. “We’re determined to keep football clean. Alongside other sports bodies in Australia and globally, we must eradicate corrupt behaviour from sport,” Gallop said. “The integrity of football is paramount.” Police said those arrested were expected to face match fixing charges, which could attract a 10-year maximum jail sentence. They will also be punished for breaching FFA’s national code of conduct, which could result in lifetime football bans, applicable worldwide. Victorian police deputy commissioner Graham Ashton said that Australia was susceptible to international match fixing. “Further match-fixing risks are imminent in Australia,
partly because of localised overseas betting on Australian sporting events due to our favourable time zone,” Ashton told reporters. “It is vital that we continue gathering intelligence to take preventative action to make it difficult for organised crime to infiltrate our sporting codes. “We will continue to work with the relevant sporting codes and the Australian Crime Commission to create an environment that is hostile to those seeking to engage in illegal activities involving our sporting codes.”
Cycling
Cavendish Hopeful Of British Tour Title
• WBC/WBA Junior Welterweight Champion Danny Garcia (left) of the U.S., connects on Lucas Matthysse of Argentina during their title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Mayweather Unifies Titles
FLOYD Mayweather Jnr further cemented his legacy with a light-middleweight title unification majority decision over Saul Alvarez to go 45-0 in Las Vegas. Competing for the second boxing against a top time in a calendar year for the opponent. first time since 2007, Alvarez matched Mayweather looked sharper Mayweather’s 152lb and more majestic than in his catchweight at the weigh-in, last several fights as the but entered the ring at around previously-unbeaten Alvarez 165lbs with Mayweather looked to become the first saying after the fight that he man to ‘crack the code’ of the woke up Saturday morning at incomparable American. around 147 before scaling Though Canelo surprised just before bell-time at 150. his foe with his early Hoping his size advantage sharpness, leading to Mayweather’s father and cornerman Floyd Snr to urge DANNY Garcia entered a him to relax, relax was supreme all-round boxing exactly what ‘Money’ did performance to retain his from there as he began to WBA and WBC lightfrustrate the Mexican with welterweight titles via his uncanny ability to switch unanimous decision against gears and pick off crisp shots Lucas Matthysse. as he pleased. Few people expected the Whenever Alvarez was highly-anticipated encounter able to dig deep and find a between the Philadelphia new approach to the fight, Mayweather would have an champion and the big-hitting answer in another Argentine to go beyond six masterclass in top level rounds, such is the reputation
would help him find the power punch finish, Alvarez started tentatively, giving the Michigan man a taste of his own medicine with some snap counter-shots. Once Mayweather came to terms with his opponent’s refusal to play into his hands, his superior conditioning and multi-faceted ring generalship soon underscored the gap in quality. Alvarez began to overcome
his own frustration in the latter rounds, and admitted as such after the fight, and though he was able to impress in a couple of rounds with sheer resolve and work rate, he did not come close enough to finding the stoppage he now needed if he were to stay unblemished. While a more open fight than the usual Mayweather clinic, there was still surprise to be had when the decision came back as majority, not unanimous.
Garcia Out Classes Mathysse of both men for quick finishes. But with both men soaking up the other man’s offense with impressive resolve, it was the cerebral game plan of Garcia that won through, closing Matthysse’s right eye in the middle of the bout and knocking him down in a spectacular penultimate round. It was the first knockdown
Ireland Considers Republic qualification hopes were all FORMER Republic of but ended by defeat in Return Ireland midfielder Stephen Austria, and Ireland would Ireland is willing to consider ending his international exile under the national team’s next manager. Ireland is attempting to resurrect his career on loan at Stoke this season after falling out of favour at Aston Villa. His club fortunes are his immediate priority but if his Potters spell proves successful, there could be a route back on to the international stage following the departure of manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
Ireland, 27, has not played for his country since he lied about the death of both of his grandmothers after pulling out of the squad for a European Championship qualifier in the Czech Republic six years ago. Trapattoni, appointed the following year, attempted to bring him back into the fold but talks proved unsuccessful and Ireland later branded the veteran Italian as “arrogant”. Trapattoni left his post in midweek after his side’s World Cup 2014
be pleased to take a call from his successor. He said: “I think I would like to get together and have a chat and try to put everything on the table, put across ideas and just have a good general chat. “If nothing comes out of it, nothing comes out of it, but I think it would be nice just to have a chat. “First and foremost it is just Stoke City on my mind. “I need to get 10, 15, 20 games under my belt first and see how I go with that.
of Matthysse’s career as Garcia took all three judges’ scorecards by 115-111, 114112 and 114-112 after being docked one point for a low shot in the equally-exciting final three minutes. In the opening contest of the PPV portion of the event, Britain’s Ashley Theophane was defeated by Pablo Cesar Cano via split decision. Cano had Theophane in trouble during the early rounds more than once with heavy-handed offense, but the Londoner was able to remain vertical before pulling the contest back to even standings with smooth counter-boxing. Catching a second wind, the Mexican started to hurt Theophane again in the final two rounds, which was enough to secure the victory over 10 rounds in the eyes of two of the three judges. And Las Vegas’ own Ishe Smith, the first boxer born and raised in ‘Sin City’ to hold a world title, lost the IBF junior-middleweight crown in his first defence against Carlos Molina, also via split decision.
MARK Cavendish insists he could one day win the Tour of Britain - though not this year. Cavendish won three stages of last year’s race and believes it could be possible for a sprinter to win the eight-stage event. But the profile of this year’s edition - with a 10km time trial next week and some demanding climbing, including a first-ever summit finish - means he’ll have to wait for his chance. “With time bonuses, given the right course, there is a year I believe I could win here,” said Cavendish, who won the sprints and points jerseys in the 2007 race, his debut professional season. “This year there is a 10-mile time trial, so it’s a very British route in some ways. “It is a very difficult race so, as a pure sprinter, it’s not possible this time. But who knows in the future, if the course is different.” Last year massive crowds lined the roads for the week long event, despite miserable weather, as Britain basked in the glory of their Olympic achievements. And Cavendish memorably won the final stage in Guildford to conclude his year in the world champion’s rainbow jersey. “To be able to get that win was very significant for me,” he added. “I was unfortunate not to win my first race in the jersey, I was sick, but I won my second race in it. So to win my second and last race bookended quite a spectacular year. “I was honoured to be able to finish that off, in front of home crowds. That was superb.” This year’s race starts on the Scottish Borders and will move through the Lake District, Snowdonia and Dartmoor before concluding with a showpiece finish in central London that will be a key Cavendish target. Former Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins is among the race favourites along with Nairo Quintana, second behind Britain’s Chris Froome in this year’s Tour. Watch every stage LIVE and in high definition on British Eurosport, 15-22 September
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Preparations Intensify For Maiden National Sports Beauty Pageant PREPARATIONS have commenced for the maiden National Sports Beauty and Style Pageant, known as “the Face of Mark-D-Ball.’’ event was being organised Marks Sports This was contained in a by statement issued on Foundation, in collaboration Saturday by James Oche, Media Co-coordinator of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the event. It said: “The idea was to showcase the new face of sports in Nigeria.” The statement said the
with Debonaire Concepts and Entertainment Fixing, and had been designed to be an annual event. “Our target is to use the
Martins Back With A Bang NIGERIA striker Obafemi Martins has returned to action for MLS club Seattle Sounders after injury layoff with a goal. Martins opened scoring for Seattle in the third minute to help his team record a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake FC on Saturday. Seattle Sounders now top the MLS Western Conference table with 49 points from 27 matches. The former Levante and Rubin Kazan of Russia striker now has eight goals and three assists to his credit this season. Last week, Martins returned to action against Chicago Fire after four weeks on the sidelines. The powerful forward had not played since suffering an ankle injury on August 10.
Obafemi Martins
PETER Utaka outshone compatriot Yakubu Aiyegbeni in a China Super League match when his brace helped Beijing Guoan beat Guangzhou R&F 60. Utaka scored to give his side
a 4-0 lead in the 70th minute, before he completed his brace with the sixth goal in the 90th minute. The younger Utaka now has 10 goals to his credit in the league and his team Beijing
Guoan are third with 40 points from 24 matches, while Yakubu’s Guangzhou R&F are fifth with 32 points from 24 matches. Aiyegbeni was substituted in the 42nd minute by Rostyn Graffiths.
after a Manisaspor defender handled the ball in the vital area. However, Lawal was then given the marching order in the 45th minute. Lawal told MTNFootball.com he was disappointed that the numerical disadvantage of his team caused them to lose the game.
“I was happy when I scored, we had the game in our control, but the red card spoilt the game,” Lawal lamented. “What happened was that their fans were throwing bottles to the pitch, so I threw the bottle out of the pitch and I was shown the second yellow card, which amounted to a red card. I will miss the next game, but hope to return fully reloaded.”
NIGERIA midfielder Raheem Lawal scored before he was sent off while in action for Turkish club Mersin Idmuyurdu. Lawal gave Mersin 1-0 lead in a Turkey second division game they lost 3-2 to Manisaspor. He netted from the penalty spot in the 10th minute
grand finale of the beauty show had been fixed for Dec. 30 in Otukpo, Benue State, while the screening exercise would commence in Abuja in October. “The star prize is a brand new car, plus a cash prize, while the first and second runners-up will go home with mouth-watering cash prizes and scholarships, respectively. “The crowned winner is expected to represent the country in the 2013 Edition of the Miss International, being hosted in Okinawa, Japan.
“Interested contestants are directed to The Face of Mark-D-Ball website, www.markdball.org.ng, to download the forms. “Forms are also available at some strategic places across the states of the federation,’’ it said. The statement also said that the sports beauty show would parade cultural content that reflects the new African thinking and approach to beauty pageants. It added that the pageant would trail the Mark-D-Ball basketball tournament, held annually during the Christmas period, in Otukpo.
Israeli Club Dispute Asec Claims
Kayode Transfer:
Peter Utaka Outshines Yakubu
Raheem Lawal:
platform of the pageant to renew our hope. It is also to create a new face for our nation. “We also want to use it to rekindle our spirit and belief that although Nigeria is walking at the moment through the valleys of pains and discomfort, surely this moment shall pass away, some day. “We believe in collective struggle to guarantee that Nigeria’s future is that ‘period of time in which our affairs prosper, our friends are true and our happiness is assured’’. The statement said the
Hero To Zero In Turkey
ISRAELI club Maccabi Netanya have disputed claims by Ivorian club Asec that they still have a contract with Olanrewaju Kayode. They have also contested Asec claims that they have a FIFA ruling to the effect that Kayode is still under contract with them. MTNFootball.com has correspondences between the two clubs over the raging transfer controversy surrounding the Nigeria U20 striker Kayode, which looks to be heading to a higher FIFA court this week. Netanya have signed a contract with Kayode till May 2014 and have requested for the International Transfer Certificate of the player from his last club Asec. The transfer window in Israel will close on Tuesday. MTNFootball.com can specially report today that Asec have fired back at the Israeli second division club, saying they have a contract with the player and as such they do not expect the Ivorian football federation to honour the Israeli club’s request for
the player’s transfer papers unless there is an agreement between the two clubs. Asec general manager
Benoit You told Maccabi Netanya: “I have read that your club signed a contract with the player Kayode Olanrewaju.
Olanrewaju Kayode
Taiwo Ogunjobi: I Am Cleared
Raheem Lawal
“I inform you that the player Kayode Olanrewaju is registered in our club and his contract will expire on 30th November 2014. “Please find attached a copy of the license at the Ivorian FA, the TMS system. “Therefore, the contract you signed with this player is not valid and the Ivorian FA (FIF) will reject the request of ITC.” However, Netanya president Gil Lev has contested Asec’s claim that the player is still under contract with them.
“Your club has no valid contract with the player. We have signed a contract with the player in good faith,” he argued while demanding the Ivorian club send a copy of the contract they claim they have with Kayode till November 2014. Kayode himself has said on his Facebook page that it is not true that FIFA have ruled that he has a contract with Asec. “fans u al shuld pls discard any information concerning my contractual case dat d world
football governing body FIFA has ordered me 2 go back 2 ASEC MEMOSA FC 2 n settle my case. As u al know FIFA are still awaiting their(ASEC MEMOSA’S)response to d and authourisation FIFA has given them which they ve not done till nw.so pls i urge all of my fans to once again ignore any bad information dat wil misguard al.Tnk,” Kayode wrote on his Facebook wall. The Israeli club have equally raised eye brows over how a
FIFA correspondence sent to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the matter reached Ivorian club, who subsequently sent it to Maccabi Netanya as proof that FIFA have intervened in this case. A source told MTNFootball.com: “It clearly showed that there are some elements in the NFF secretariat who are working for some people with vested interest in this matter.”
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
THE soul of man is divided into three parts, intelligence, Reason and passion. Intelligence and passion are possessed By other animals, but reason by man alone. Reason is immortal, All else mortal”. PYTHAGORAS (582-500BC). In the anatomy of cocooned and deadlocked photoperiodism, it is by contretemps and clearly and explicitly articulated that photophilous and photophobic organisms respond to pungent illuminations differently. Hence, when there is a concatenation of Salmagundi as 37 religious, traditional, Members of the Royal socio-political events, family came out with a collectivities, states, statement, disassociating individuals and kingdoms themselves from the respond in declaration made by HRM multidimensional OGIAME ATUWATSE II, formats. Is this what is OLU OF WARRI. They happening or has posited that historically, happened to the Itsekiri when Prince Ginuwa left nation and its’ aristocratic Benin to become the first echelon. Monarch at about 1480, it Recently, our highly was with the authority and revered OGIAME blessing of his Father ATUWATSE II OLU OF (OLUA, the then Oba of WARRI KINGDOM made Benin) to reign over the a hagiologic release and Rivers, hence the Title declaration to the Itsekiri “OGIAME” meaning king nation entitled “The New of the Rivers. Order of Iwere Kingdom”. They further observed In the said release, the that the whole gamut Warri monarch said that of history behind the the “OGIAME” title which Itsekiri throne is captured had been in existence for or encapsulated in the title over 500 years would “OGIAME”. That the cease to exist following property in the title the dedication and “OGIAME” belongs to the consecration of the Itsekiri people who have so kingdom to God. addressed the monarch He renounced the right from inception over traditional title “OGIAME” 500 years ago, saying we on the ground that it is consider the history/ associated with a sea pedigree of OGIAME title g o d / g o d d e s s , as sure as the the Itsekiri UMALOKUN water deity people hold it dear and and also dissociating sacrosanct to the extent himself from some agethat it should not be long traditional practices. cancelled for whatever He also said he was reason. renouncing all pagan The Delta State religious practices of his Governor Dr. Emmanuel ancestors till date and Ewetan Uduaghan swung submitted Warri Kingdom into action immediately and its’ people to Jesus and tried to broker peace Christ the son of the living between the Olu of Warri God as a born again and his subjects and this Christian. has yielded result as at the The Warri monarch’s time of my typing this action triggered-off a article. chain of mélangeThe OLu of Warri has oriented events from the retracted and recanted his Itsekiri People, the renunciation of his royal Chiefs, Youths, Women OGIAME title. In this his Groups and indeed, the action, the Executive totality of the Itsekiri Governor of Delta State, nation. In the face of the His Excellency Dr. tense atmosphere Emmanuel Ewetan members of the Ruling Uduaghan,the Itsekiri House of Warri Kingdom, Council of Chiefs, Chief the EMIKOS went into J.O.S Ayomike, Chief the Palace to discuss Gabriel Mbiaku, Itsekiri with the monarch on the Leaders of the Thought way forward. (ILT), Members of the The meeting was
Ruling House of Warri Kingdom, EMIKOS, Youths, led by Prince Omolubi Newuwumi, Diasporic Itsekiris and Itsekiri Women led by Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor
By BOBSON IHIMEKPEN GBINIJE ByCHIEF OKHAREDIA
Olu Of Warri Vs Hagiarchy
“Give Unto Caesar...” etc, must be commended for restoring peace back to
discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State
the enviable Itsekiri Kingdom – the Masters and Emissaries of cosmopolitanism But a kaleidoscopic historical overview shows that the issue of Monarchs being torn between their religious conversions/ convictions and the customs and traditions of their people remains a ubiquitously platitudinous one. The Crusades, Holy wars, Jihads, Revolutions and Fatwa’s were declared and fought because of one form of conversion or the other. Indeed, the Ovie of Emede in Isoko, Monarch of Agbarotor etc were converted like St. Paul on ‘The Road to Damascus’ and they drew the ire and sanguinary bellicosity of their subjects. In his radio broadcast to the English people on 11 Dec, 1936 Edward VIII torn between love for his wife and national responsibility submitted that “I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and the
without the help and support of the woman I love”. He honorably vacated or abdicated the throne in consonance with the admonition of the essayist Oliver Goldsmith that “friendship is a disinterested commerce between tyrants and slaves”. It was the writer O’Higgins that said “principles are the either wholly kept or wholly sacrificed. Any concession on matters of principles implies an abandonment of principles”. But matters of religious conversions are beyond individuated principles. It is Divine afflatus laced with the spirit of Salvationism superimposed in Celestial and Pentecost u n c t u o u s n e s s transcending the transmogrification inherent in Egyptological metempsychosis. In this regard the Olu of Warri is/ was right, because it was a Liturgical Spirit and Panegyrical evocation of
power beyond human comprehension. The Olu of Warri wanted to create a theocracy in fits of Secerdortalism and the lebensraum of Hagiarchy in utter inadvertent disregard for the customs and traditions of the Itsekiri People. A tradition that has been in existence for over 500 years. It is indeed, a MISSION IMPOSSIBLE and by their vociferous disavowal of the his action the Itsekiri people spoke with unequivocal clarity in the words of John Adams (1735-1826) that “The die was now cast, we had passed the Rubicon. Swim or sink, live or die, survive or perish with my country was my unalloyed determination”. It must however be noted that the Itsekiri People constitute a miniscule microcosm in a macrocosm in Nigeria like the Jewish People in the Middle East. But a fearless group of power brokers in Nigeria. They are not a minority you handle with kid gloves, because they understand the architectonics of power, the chemistry of politicking and the sociology of M a c h i a v e l l i a n acrobatics.Their customs and traditions constitute building blocks and catalyst totems for their existence, trials and tribulations and it cannot be wished away. It is indeed, the dexterous horticulturist that makes the garden of their lives blossom. We call on all Itsekiris to sheathe their swords, lay down their arms and let sleeping dogs lie. Their bonds of unity and zeitgeist are the envy of the whole world. The Olu now realizes that He must give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar and unto God what belongs to God or
abdicate the Throne. The culture of a people is the hallmark of their identity and desecration of their cultural relics and plinth will precipitate a total loss of the core essence of their humanity and soulfulness. Now that the Itsekiri nation and its people have returned to their traditional status quo ante we beseech them to bury all vulpine temperaments and bellicose rhetorics in the ponderous thickets of peace, love, God Almighty Jehovah, The High Potentate Yahweh and Christ Jesus who is the only demystifier of the tetragrammaton, causeless cause of causes and the generalissimo of the cosmogony. He only, is the way, the light and the truth. A NATION WITHOUT CHRIST IS SANDWICHED IN CRISES. Finally, we take solace in the admonitions of REIN HOLD NIEBUHR (18921971) to the Olu of Warri and the Itsekiri nation “God grant us the serenity to accept things we cannot change, courage to change things we can and wisdom to know the difference” and the words of Thomas Moore (17791852) “shall I ask brave soldiers who fights by my side in the cause of mankind, if our creeds agree! Shall I give up the friend I have valued and tried, if he kneel not before the same altar with me. Let the God be honored and vindicated with time.” and let the Itsekiri nation be blessed. LET THERE BE NO SANCTIONS AGAINST HRM OGIAME ATUWATSE II, OLU OF WARRI. ITSEKIRI RONU!!! CHIEF BOBSON GBINIJE, Mandate against Poverty (MAP), Warri-08023250378
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