THE NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
The Nigerian
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 38 • NO.312 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 20 13 • N 100. 0 0 PERSPECTIVE Pages 16 - 17
Infertility Assisted Conception Technology To The Rescue
Money Laundering
Oronsaye calls for stiffer laws ABUJA - Mr. Stephen Oronsaye, the Chairman, Presidential Committee, Financial Action Task Force, yesterday in Abuja called for stiffer laws against terrorism and
money laundering in the country. Oronsaye made the call at the World Bank facilitated National Risk Assessment (NRA) Workshop for Nigeria.
Orunsaye said that the commitment of the task force to tackling such crimes was premised on the rising wave of money laundering, terrorist financing and
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction around the World. “The laws in Nigeria criminalise terrorists and are terrorist financing. Continues on page 2
War on Terror
VIEWPOINT Page 23 Deportation, Poverty and Symphony of a revolution
ECOWAS parliament commends FG By JOSES SEDE
ABUJA - The Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria on the successful war against terrorism and insurgence in Nigeria and West Africa as a whole. He gave the iota of tolerance for commendation at the terrorism and insurgence. “It has demonstrated opening of the 2013 Second Ordinary that Nigeria has the might Session of the ECOWAS and firepower to sack the Parliament in Abuja merchants of terror as well as the profound yesterday. Senator Ekweremadu compassion to forgive said: “The success of the those who truly repent subsisting State of and turn away from willful Emergency in some parts destruction of lives and of the country has left no property.” The Speaker who is one in doubt that Nigeria does not have even the also the President of the minutest space or any Nigerian Senate said that
Nigeria’s progress in the war against terrorism was
particularly important to the sub-region given
Nigeria’s “highly strategic position as a key player
in the integration project Continues on page 2
Sanusi launches revised payment system document ABUJA - Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has launched the revised version of the Nigeria Payment System (NPS) Vision 2020 Strategy Document. Sanusi, who launched the document during an International Conference on Payment System in Abuja yesterday, said that the document would ensure effective electronic payment system in the country. He said the revised document resulted from identified deficiencies in the existing market infrastructure. According to him, an outline document would be published by the bank indicating interim steps to achieve long term objectives. He said that the apex bank would strengthen the scheme governance structure to reflect greater responsibility of scheme
management covering all aspect of risks, business management and operational resilience. The governor said that the apex would ensure that each scheme management board carried out an annual self assessment. “An independent review should be undertaken every four years with the target to make the results public by end of 2017. “Open formal engagement channels with Continuous Link Settlement (C LS) as a first step towards Naira becoming a CLS settlement currency.’’ On challenges facing epayment system in the country, Sanusi named deficit in infrastructure like power and
communication, among others. He listed others to include slow adoption of e-payment due to prevailing cash culture and traders’ apathy to point of sales terminals due to transaction fees. The CBN governor said there was the need to provide mobile technology for financial
BENIN CITY – As Nigeria joins the rest of the International Community to
commemorate the International Day for the preservation of the Ozone Layer, the
Continues on page 2
AGREEMENT: L-R: Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Alhaji Mohammed Bature; Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga and French Minister of Foreign Trade, Mrs. Nicole Brico, at the signing of Nigeria-France Trade Agreement in Abuja yesterday.
EDHA urges resuscitation of Urhonigbe Ruber estate
By WINIFRED OSASOBO
BENIN CITY-Edo State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution calling on the state government to expedite action on the resuscitation of
Urhonigbe Rubber Estate under its Public Private Partnerships initiative. The adoption of the resolution during
yesterday’s plenary session was sequed to the consideration of the motion moved by Hon. Friday Ogierhiakhi
Executive Director/ Founder of the save the
Ozone, Nigeria, Mr. Ozaveshe Ade Balogun has called on Federal Continues on page 2
FG told to enact law on Ozone Layer
(Orluonmwon South) in which he said that the plantation, of revamped would generate revenue and create employment for the people of the state Ogierhiakhi said the rubber plantation presently generates about N2 million weekly after all expenses, adding that the state could earn
more if the plantation is resuscitated. The lawmaker said the plantation covers a total area of approximately 3, 974 Hectares of land, He further said that the plantation could have improved tremendously if there had been a sustainable programme Continues on page 2
THE NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
News
Oronsaye calls for stiffer laws
Continued from page 1
“The place to start really is to have robust laws and ensure that everyone involved in terrorist financing is not allowed to go outside the net,’’ he said Oronsaye said the NRA allowed countries to identify,
assess and understand its money laundering and terrorist financing risks, adding that these crimes would be curbed if countries adopted the right strategy. He said that the workshop was organised to proffer
solutions to all forms of financial crimes and also to trace the movement of all funds. “This workshop was organised for us to get the methodology and get to know the risks in our various sectors that is the banking sector, the
Sanusi launches revised payment system apart from the major cities. Continued from page 1 document She said efforts were being
services, especially in the rural area. He said that the draft National Payment System Bill, undergoing approval, would address legal barriers to electronic payment system. According to him, the ongoing implementation of biometrics solution as part of the requirements for opening of accounts would be expected to address the challenges of unique identifier
in Nigeria. He said that adoption of end to end electronic payments by ministries, departments and agencies for the payment of allowances to employees, pensioners and social beneficiaries would also boost card payment in Nigeria. Mrs Olubola Johnson, the Minister for Communication Technology, said that the ministry was working to ensure the establishment of infrastructure in some areas
made to make effective use of the post offices located in almost all the local governments in the country to boost network for effective epayment system. Johnson assured that the ministry would continue to partner with the apex bank to achieve results. Reports Say that the CBN gave awards to public and private sector operators who were outstanding in the use of e-payment system.
work of the Committee, noting that only peace and stability could guarantee true development in Nigeria and the entire sub-region. He pledged the support of the ECOWAS Parliament to every legitimate and wellconceived effort to promote peace and stability in the West Africa. The Speaker congratulated the government and people of Mali as well as the ECOWAS for the resounding democratic progress registered in Mali through the peaceful, free, fair, and credible election in the West African nation, noting that it was a huge leap for democracy, peace, stability,
security, and development for Mali, in particular, and the subregion in general. He however called on the political class in Guinea Bissau to find an enduring political solution to that country’s lingering political challenges. “Political structures should be allowed to grow and mature and all forms of interference by the armed forces of that country should cease forthwith, while all stakeholders should work to ensure a free, fair, and credible presidential election is held in the Gambia before the end of the year”, Ekweremadu emphasized.
environmental friendly vehicles and machineries into the country, while end users of products that are capable of destroying the ozone layers/environment should
Mr. Ade Balogun is a 2007 UN environment programme Award Winner to mark the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol Public Awareness Award.
ECOWAS parliament commends FG Continued from page 1
and indeed a pivot of political, social, and economic development in the subregion.” He called on the remnants of the insurgents to make haste to denounce terrorism and extremism in order to facilitate the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts in Northern Nigeria. Senator Ekweremadu urged them to lay down their arms to be able to qualify for the magnanimous amnesty that may hopefully accrue from the
FG told to enact law on Ozone consult experts before Continued from page 1 investing funds on any such Layer Government to ensure that the product. proposed law to protect the Ozone Layer is promulgated without further delay. According to him, the existing National State and Local Government laws which were enacted to protect the environment requires government sincere efforts geared towards compliance and enforcement. He said it was unnecessary to enact laws that cannot be enforced or complied with, saying that “Nigeria as a matter of urgency must join the international community to phase out HFC’s gases.” This classes of gases used mainly in automobile and industries, he said does not deplete the ozone layer, rather contributes to global warming and climate change. Mr. Ade Balogun also urged Government at all levels and corporate organizations to set aside a reasonable funds to protect the environment. Such fund, he said should be used to support non-profit environmental NGOs to create awareness as well as to address environmental challenges and adaptation strategies to climate change. He enjoined private sector practitioners to join the crusade for a better environment. Ade Balogun also enjoined importers to import only
NTDC to create 400,000 jobs ABUJA - The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in Abuja yesterday said it would create over 400, 000 jobs in 10 years. The Director General, NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, disclosed this while unveiling the strategic intent for rebuilding and growing the corporation tourism value chain for revenue generation and job creation. She said that the establishment of a nationwide travel hub would create a network of land and inland waterway travel hubs. “These hubs will redefine the concept of land and waterway travel, jetties and motor parks in the country. “We plan to establish one travel hub in each senatorial district under a franchise arrangement to create local small and medium enterprises. “The hub will also be established in each of the 774 local government areas in the country with a view to help in growing their revenue base. “Each travel hub will
support 400 new jobs at each of the established points; therefore, the full scope is estimate to create over 350,000 jobs. “The hub will span across a three year period due to the trickle-down effect of economies of scale and scope.
capital market, insurance and other sectors as well. “Once you know the risk and the vulnerability, you are now then able to have effective methodology to fight against this risk. “And also the resources we have which is very limited are then directed to areas of high risk and those that are of low risk, you deploy less resources and less effort,’’ he said. Mrs. Juliet Ibekaku, the Director, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, said that NRA was based on laws that Nigeria had already enacted on money laundering and terrorism financing. “What we are trying to do now is to understand where the risk lies most and what are the risks associated in money laundering and financing of terrorism. “This is so that Nigeria can begin to develop resources and expertise in a better way to strengthen those institutions and individuals that are working in these areas,’’ she said. Ibekaku said Nigeria has already put in place laws to prevent culprits of these crimes from going free. “I think Nigeria has done well in enacting and re-enacting its money laundering act. “We now have our own amended Money Laundering Act of 2012; we also have the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 2013. “ What this means in essence is that we have done everything possible to meet the requirements of the FATC standards in tackling these challenges,’’ she said. The co-Chair, Nigeria National Risk Assessment Secretariat, Mr. Blaise Ijebor, said that the NRA would use measures within the banking and financial system to block terrorist financing and other such crimes “We need to review what we have in place to make sure that they are sufficient in tackling all these crimes. “ This is because some of them were put in place a long time ago and therefore need to be reviewed for them to be water tight effective,’’ he said. The workshop was attended by representatives of financial regulators like the Central Bank of Nigeria and intelligence agencies, including the EFCC.
EDHA urges resuscitation of Urhonigbe Ruber estate
Continued from page 1 of development noting that rubber is still in high demand in the world market and can actually serve as alternative source of revenue against the over dependence on crude oil. He however lamented that the failure of the plantation has created scarcity and limited supply of latex, leading rubber as a major raw material for local production of rubber byproduct Other lawmakers who contributed into the debate identified poor maintenance
culture as a problem militating against government owned companies. They emphasized the need to set –up commercialization and privatization committee to privatize all government moribund companies and parastals with a view to making them more viable. Speaker of the House, HonUyi Igbe therefore directed the House Committee on Agriculture to investigate the where about of the N 2 million generated weekly from the farm
Cancer Awareness Campaign Kicks Off BENIN CITY – The 5th Breast Nov 1 Cancer awareness initiative in memory of Late Mrs. Clara Oshiomhole has been schedule to kick off from November 1st to December 8, 2013. The coordinator, Edo Cancel Cancer 2013, Ronnie Jacobs in a press statement yesterday said that the Breast Cancer Initiative is a follow up to the December 7, 2012 Breast Cancer event in memory of late Mrs. Clara Oshiomhole and implemented through the Ronnie J. Health and Beauty platform. According to the statement, the programme the second in Edo State is also supported by the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba of Benin and will include Breast Cancer tour to all the local governments in Edo State for two days each where Breast Cancer examinations and screenings will be carried out on as many women with any noticeable
abnormalities. The statement added that other activities within the twoday period will also include a 5 km health walk and cycling with a full health road show to help distribute Breast examination materials. “Our programme is an educative and entertaining Health and Beauty platform that has proven to be popular amongst the communities. In collaboration with prominent community members and breast professionals, we have been able to present a morally acceptable health awareness programme that engages the community and focus on breast cancer. Our vision is that through these programmes across the state, we will be able to reduce the rate of mortalities and morbidities caused by cancer in Africa,” the statement said.
BENIN CITY –The Women Fellowship of The New Apostolic Church will from 21-23 September, 2013 hold a three day women’s programme. The women in a statement signed by Women Leader, Mr. Lucy Edomwanuyi and Assistant Women Leader, Evang (Mrs.) Oriakhi E. I. Says the programme with the theme: “Faithfulness,” begins on Friday September 20, with a rally which begins at 4.00pm. There will be lectures and workshop on Saturday September 21. While the lecture focuses on “Sex, Love and Charity,” the workshop will take
participants through how to prepare ‘Ukodo,’ a local delicacy, cake and other confectioneries. Both events are billed for 10.00am. A power packed thanksgiving service will hold on Sunday to be spiced with drama, cultural display, family game show, Bible recitation, exhortation and lots more. All events are scheduled to hold at the church auditorium, 1c Edomwandagbon Street, Off New Lagos Road, Benin City. The District Head of the New Apostolic Church, Elder Samuel Airhienbuwa will lead other clergies in officiating the three day women and Daniel’s Group revival programme.
By INNOCENT OMOAKA/ ELOHOR OFOLUWA/ OSARIEMEN OMOKARO
for National Symbols among Nigerians. He said that “the better educated Nigerians are, the better citizens they become in respecting and service to the country’s National Symbols”. Mr. Omoigiade therefore called for compulsory and free education to all Nigerians, including improving facilities to ensure better education of Nigerians. The former State Director charged the political class to ensure better delivery of healthcare services and other social safety nets to Nigerians. State Director of NOA, Mrs. Magdalene Ummunah in her remarks, cried the utter disregard for the country’s national symbols by Nigerians and corporate institutions in the country. She however, reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians are conscious of their patriotic, civic, moral and constitutional duty to respecting the national symbols. Highlights of the event was the orientation of participants on the use of and ways of showing respect to national symbols.
The New Apostolic Church holds Women Programme Sept 20 - 23
Safety Net ’ll Promote Respect For National Symbols - Ex-NOA boss
BENIN CITY – A former Edo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Paul Omoigiade has called for the improvement and provision of social safety nets for Nigerians as a way of ensuring respect for national symbols. Omogiade made the call in Benin City at a ceremony to commemorate the second edition of the Ordinance Day by NOA . The theme of the event was “Respect for National symbols: Imperative for promotion of Attitudinal Change towards National consensus and Peaceful co-existence”. It was aimed at promoting the image of Nigeria and promoting the highest levels of patriotism among Nigerians in line with the transformation agenda of the federal government. According to Omogiade, safety nets such as improved education, qualitative healthcare services and employment to Nigerians is the answer to promoting respect
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
Inside Edo Egor LG Boss Gives Acount Of Stewardship BENIN CITY- The Chairman, Egor Local Government Council, Hon. Victor Enobakhare at the weekend held a Town Hall Meeting with the people in the locality where he gave account of his stewardship in the first five months of his three years tenure. Hon Enbakhare said the meeting was a step in his commitment to accountability aimed at carrying the people along in the governance of the people. According to him, on assumption of office, he embarked on a tour of all the communities in the local government area in order to identify areas where the peoples needs are greater, saying the result of the tour formed the nucleus of his administrations development blue print. He said his government within the period under review has positively impacted on the lives of the people in many areas, including education, road
maintenance, electricity, primary health care, environmental sanitation, protection of government property, community development initiatives and partnership with government agencies. The council boss disclosed that due to the heavy rains which makes road maintenance difficult, a committee has been set up with a mandate to come up with a most appropriate cost effective palliative programme for the roads. He said the administration has renovated several schools and provided over, 1,200 to schools saying that, “my tenure will bring an end to the practice of our children sitting on bare floors”. Beyond the physical structures of the schools, Hon. Enobakhare said the administration has keyed Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s campaign for attitudinal change among teachers and therefore appealed to the teachers to embrace the positive changes
that are ongoing in the education sector in order to justify government investment in the sector. In the first phase of electrification project, he said the local government has purchased and is presently installing transformers across the local government area while free medical programme is ongoing across the 10 wards in the locality. He thanked the people in the locality for their support, patience and understanding, adding that the council determination to give the people a greater sense of belonging is predicated on the need to build a local government area where the dreams and aspiration of everyone are achieved.
Mr. Tom Zongyion, PRO, Steel Company Ltd, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, with Ronnie Jacobs during an awareness campaign visit on Edo Cancer Campaign 2013 commencing November 1st to December 8, 2013.
Council Chairperson Empowers Widows Government Area, Hon Mrs. Ruth Aigbodion has donated grinding machines to two widows in wards 8 Ivwdohen Okpouje and ward 5 Avbiosi in the locality. Making the donation, of the grinding machines and beverages to the widows Mrs. Aigbodion said the gesture is part of her programme to alleviate the suffering of widows in the area. She urged the two beneficiaries to make judicious use of the machines to improve on their lives and
take care of their children with a promise that the gesture would be extended to others. Mrs. Aigbodion disclosed that her office would soon organise a special seminar and workshop for the empowerment of widows in the locality. She used the occasion to commend the council chairman, Hon. (Barr.) Godwin Aigbodion for providing the funds and support in her effort to alleviate the suffering of the widows in the area.
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, Mr. Chike Afah Ikpeouwu has paid a courtesy visit to Esan The Chairman, Egor Local Government Council, Hon. Victor Enobakhare (left) East Local welcoming an All Progressive Congress (APC) leader in the locality to a Town South Government Council, Hall meeting held at the weekend in the council Secretariat at Uselu.
Ubiaja. The Commandant who was accompanied by Babalola Akikae, Deputy Commandant, Obalim Chucks, Assistant Commandant and other members of the Corps was received by Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Solomon Oyedo. In his speech, the commandant thanked the council for taking good care of his men in the local government. He said that the council has a cordial relationship with NSCDC and thanked the Council for providing his men in the local government with a befitting office accommodation saying it would help them function
SABONGIDDA ORA-The Chairperson Women Development programme (WDP), Owan West Local
Responding on behalf of the beneficiary, the ward 8 Woman leader, Mrs. Idon Christiana thanked the chairperson and her husband for the kind gesture. She assured the chairperson that the items would be used for the purpose for which they were meant, assuring that she will monitor the progress of the beneficiary and report back to the chairperson.
NSCDC Visits LG Hq
Owan West Reiterates Need For SABONGIDDA of the workers and the ORA- The Chairman, Computer Training people of the local Owan West Local Government Council, Hon. Godwin Aigbodion has emphasized the need for local government to give due attention to the training of their workforce in order to be abreast with the latest technology, especially for the purpose of efficiency in service. Hon. Aigbodion gave the hint in Sabongidda-
Ora while declaring open, a two-day training exercise on computer technology for staff of the council. He said the training became inevitable in order to reduce the mess in paper work as well as enhance proper keeping of records of activities of the local government. The chairman, said the exercise was also to
create easy accessibility and global networking for staff of the council. According to the council boss, it was also aimed at ensuring proper accountability, thereby reducing the incidence of fraud occasioned by the movement of files. He assured that the ongoing computerization of the council’s activities is for the overall interest
government area to be abreast with on-going technological revolution in the society. In his remarks, the Chief organiser of the computer training workshop Mr. Oluwafemi Asala commended the council chairman for the initiative to train the council staff to be computer literate.
optimally. The Commandant appealed to the council to assist the Corps with a patrol van as this would go a long way in helping his men to combat crime in the area. to know how they are faring. Hon. Oyedo who appologised that his boss, the Local Government Chairman was unavoidably absent. He described the chairman as a boss everybody would want to work with because he is very accommodating. Hon. Oyedo adviced the NSCDC boss to key into the Chairman’s blue print on how to checkmate crime in the locality.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
News
Bayelsa To Stop Sponsoring Pilgrims YENAGOA- The Bayelsa State Government has said that it would gradually begin
First Batch Of Muslim Pilgrims Depart Katsina
KATSINA- The first batch of 530 prospective pilgrims from Katsina State has left the Katsina International Airport for Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj. Reports say that the pilgrims who were in the first flight, were from Kankia zone. The zone comprises Kankia, Kusada, Ingawa, Musawa and Matazu local government areas of the state. They boarded Boeing 747 of Max Airline at 1.45 a.m. It would be recalled that the governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, had urged the intending pilgrims to pray for peace, progress and unity in the nation. He gave the advice in his farewell message to them in Katsina.
to withdraw its yearly sponsorship of intending pilgrims for pilgrimages. Governor Seriake Dickson said this in Yenagoa when members of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims’ Commission, led by its Executive Secretary, Mr John-Kennedy Opara, paid him a courtesy call.
Christian Pilgrims’ Commission to begin to sensitise its members to our decision on pilgrims’ sponsorships,’’ he said. Dickson urged philanthropists, nong o v e r n m e n t a l organisations and corporate bodies to assist in the sponsorship of
pilgrims to reduce the burden on government. He however, gave the assurance that his administration would do its best within its available resources to assist intending pilgrims this year. Dickson, who recalled that the state government
The Secretary to Esan South East Local Government Council Hon Solomon Oyedo Flanked by members of the Nigeria security and civil Defence Corp who were in Ubiaja with the commandant on a courtesy call.
Assault:
ABAKALIKI- The FRSC says it will prosecute a Deputy Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi Police Command for allegedly assaulting its officers. Mr Chika Nwaka, the FRSC Enugu Zonal Commander, said this in Abakaliki during a public sensitisation rally held on the use of Speed Limit Devices. Reports say that the police chief, DCP Istifanus Shettima, and some officers allegedly assaulted two FRSC officials who were on duty on the Enugu-Abakaliki expressway. Nwaka vowed that the FRSC would pursue the case to a logical conclusion, alleging that Shettima was fond of assaulting FRSC officials. “This has been a regular occurrence and we are determined to make this incident the last. “It is absurd for him (Shettima) to allege that the FRSC does not have the constitutional right to operate within the town; that was why he assaulted our officers,” he said. Nwaka, however, said that FRSC officials should be constitutionally empowered to
He said that the decision of his administration to gradually jettison its sponsorship of annual pilgrimages had become expedient in view of competing developmental needs of the state. “Overtime, the government will pull out from the sponsorship of pilgrimages. “We expect the Nigerian
FRSC To Prosecute Police Chief
carry arms, as it would protect them from incessant assaults. “Lesser security outfits such as vigilante groups carry guns; so, I feel it is high time FRSC officials were empowered to carry arms,” he said. Mr Onyinyechi Chukwu, one of the assaulted FRSC officers, said that he was assaulted by Shettima while controlling traffic at the Presco Junction axis of the road. “I did not cause any accident; he just beckoned on me and said that I should be in the office or along the highway and not at the junction. “When I tried to defend my posting there, he came down from his vehicle and slapped me. “His men swooped on me and they wanted to put me inside the boot of their vehicle but I resisted, while my fellow officers rushed to the scene,” he said. Reacting, DSP Sylvester Igbo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, said that Shettima was visiting policemen posted to various duty posts along the
express road. “One FRSC officer, who was directing traffic, allowed vehicles from different directions to pass at the same time and this made a tricycle and motorcycle to collide. “The DCP, who was present at the location with his personnel, directed the FRSC official to accompany the victims of the accident to the Police Motor
injured ones to receive treatment. “The FRSC officer refused and hauled abuses at the DCP Traffic Division to give and subsequently assaulted statements, and for the him,” Igbo added.
sponsored about 400 pilgrims last year, reiterated his administration’s viewpoint that the spiritual exercise ought to be an individual obligation. He said that government would encourage churches that were willing to sponsor their members by offering slots to them to enable the less-privileged Christians to perform their spiritual obligation. “Government will reach out to philanthropists, NGOs and other groups to undertake the sponsorship of pilgrims. “We are going to offer slots to all churches that desire to sponsor pilgrims on their own without government’s assistance. “We will also ask churches to sponsor a number of people on the basis of need,’’ he added. Earlier, Opara said that they were in the state to encourage Christians to participate in this year’s pilgrimage so as to stir up their moral and spiritual rejuvenation. Opara, who commended the governor for his support for the Church, said that the commission had approved the allocation of 1,006 slots to Bayelsa. He also said that the commission had introduced a scheme known as “Family Pilgrimage’’ to enable families to partake in the pilgrimage.
LG Immunises 120,000 Children Against Polio, Other Diseases He said that the exercise had
UNGOGO (KANO STATE)-The Ungogo Local Government Council in Kano State has immunised more than 120, 000 children against polio and five other
killer diseases in the first round of the exercise. Malam Baffa Kurawa, the Information Officer of the local government council, made this known while speaking with newsmen in Ungogo.
Front Row Chairperson, Esan South East Local Government Council Mrs Evelyn Ikpea (middle) and some officials of the Nigeria Prison Service, Ubiaja during her visit to the Nigeria Prison Ubiaja.
recorded a huge success in the area in spite of some resistance at Tudun Fulani which, he added, was promptly neutralised. Kurawa stressed that the Tudun Fulani ward was mainly inhabited by non-indigenes, a factor which, he noted, was responsible for the residents’ unresponsiveness toward the vaccination programme. He, however, noted that Alhaji Abdulkadir Chedi, the District Head of Ungogo, had directed all the ward heads in his domain to mobilise the people for immunisation and ensure its success. Kurawa also commended Alhaji Babasharu Dala, the Interim Management Officer of the council, for his proactive efforts to ensure a hitch-free immunisation in the area. Reports say that the September round of the polio immunisation, which began on September 7, will has ended on September 15 in all the 44 local government areas of the state.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
South South Sure-P Empowers 950 In Delta Central -Co-ordinator Chairperson, Esan South East Local Government Council, Mrs. Evelyn Ikpea (right) the officer incharge of the Nigeria prison Ubiaja, Mr. Mark Iroegbu (left) on the Chairperson’s arrival during her visit to the prison formation.
JTF Arrests 6 Suspected Oil Thieves Destroys YENAGOA - The Joint involvement in illegal oil 56 Illegal Refineries alleged Task Force (JTF) in Niger bunkering in Bayelsa. Delta codenamed “Operation Pulo Shield” said it had arrested six suspected oil thieves and destroyed 56 illegal refineries. Notice of the arrest is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Yenagoa by the JTF Media Coordinator, Lt.-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu. He said the suspects were arrested at a recent anti-oil theft operation near Escravos in Delta. According to him, the group procures illegally refined petroleum products from the
Niger Delta for sale abroad. He added that the gang, made up of six Nigerians and one citizen of Republic of Benin was being interrogated at the JTF Headquarters in Yenagoa. Nwachukwu said that a locally made boat containing 11 large plastic reservoirs and a speed boat were recovered from the suspects. He said seven suspects operating illegal oil distillation sites were also arrested by the JTF in another operation, where 16 illegal oil distillation camps were destroyed.
Also destroyed, he said, were seven illegal distillation sites in Moboko, Irhado, Agbekudo and Obodo camp all in Delta. He noted that some of the sites were located at Ajeosoho, Sapele Water Side and Omere in Ethiope West, Okpe and Sapele local government areas. According to him, operatives of the Operation Pulo Shield also arrested seven suspects for
The suspects were arrested on board a Barge, MB LILLY, which was intercepted by JTF operatives along the Akassa creek. Also in Bayelsa, he said, the Gun Boat Company of JTF deployed to Gbaram, Azagbene and Izetu in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw local government areas uncovered and dismantled 40 illegal oil refineries.
ASABA - The Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P), has empowered 950 indigent persons in Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta, under its Community Services, Women and Youths Employment (CSWYE). Chief Abovi Erute, the Zonal Coordinator of the programme in the district, told newsmen in Asaba that they were engaged to clean markets and motor parks. According to Erute, some of them also clean the surrounding of health centres, while others are engaged as vigilantes and traffic controllers. He said that the programme had helped to alleviate poverty at the grassroots, noting that the poor in the area embraced the opportunity with joy. “Many people are happy about this and wish it continues; they believe that they will fare better after some training under the programme. “In my senatorial district, 950 women and youths benefited from this programme and we are advising them to learn to
manage these funds well, to enable them live better life. “As you know, before now, many of the beneficiaries were operating at a near zero income level. Now, each of them earns N120,000 in 12 months, and we expect them to effectively utilise the funds,’’ Erute said. The coordinator said that the selection exercise for the beneficiaries was transparent in all the communities in the local government areas. Erute said that the program was successful in the area, and commended President Goodluck Jonathan for initiating it. “The programme is a success already; all we need do now is to improve on what we have on ground. He called for the provision of vehicles and offices for the coordinators and members of the implementation committees, to enable them function more effectively. Erute suggested that government considered providing grants for SUREP beneficiaries, to enable them to establish businesses after disengaging from the programme.
C/River Treats, Rehabilitates 57 VVF Patients CALABAR - Cross River Government said it has performed successful surgeries on 57 patients of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) this year, and rehabilitated them. Mrs Patricia Endeley, the state Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, said this in an interview with newsmen in Calabar. Endeley said that the ministry organised a sensitisation workshop on VVF for the wives of Local Government Chairmen in the 18 council areas of the state in June. “The aim was to sensitise people about the presence of VVF in our midst and the need for medical intervention, provided by USAID in collaboration with the state government. “So far, the government, through the ministry, has treated 57 of such women and rehabilitated all of them,” she said. She said that Governor Liyel Imoke has approved the release of funds for the treatment of another group of 38 identified women living with this condition. “We have concluded
preparations for the surgeries at the VVF Unit, General Hospital, Ogoja, and are waiting for the USAID team to confirm the dates,’’ she said. According to Endeley, the state government has procured land for the building of a comprehensive rehabilitation centre in Ogoja, for the treated patients. The commissioner said that the Federal Civil Service Disability Multi-purpose Cooperative Society had pledged to assist in building the rehabilitation centre. She also said that the ministry was collaborating with MTN to conduct a verification exercise to identify persons with disabilities. Endeleye said that the aim was to enable them to provide mobility aids and other assistance to the physically challenged by September. “Nineteen persons have already been assisted. Approximately 700 persons living with disabilities were verified and are to be given mobility aids,” she said. She expressed hope that more corporate organisations would collaborate with the ministry to provide financial and other assistance to the physically challenged in the state.
Chairperson of Esan South East Local Government Council, Mrs. Evelyn Ikpea (2nd right) and officials of the Nigeria Prison, Ubiaja with the food items she donated to immates of the prison.
A/Ibom To Establish College Of Nursing
UYO - The Akwa Ibom Government has concluded arrangements for the establishment of a degreeawarding college of nursing at Ikot Ekpene, its Commissioner for Health, Dr Emem Bassey, has said. Bassey told newsmen in Uyo that other schools of nursing in the state would be satellite campuses of the proposed institution.
He said that the executive bill for the project would soon be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for the enactment of the enabling law. The commissioner said that the proposal was in tune with the current high demand for more qualified nurses in health institutions in the state.
He said that it was also aimed at making nurses in the state eligible to hold higher positions in the health sector. “In the Federal Civil Service, for instance, if you don’t have a B.Sc in Nursing, you cannot grow beyond the Chief Nursing
Officer cadre,” The commissioner said that the college would be affiliated to the Akwa Ibom State University for the award of degrees. Bassey said that the state currently had nine schools for the training of health personnel, and that four of them were for midwifery, one for psychiatrics and four for nursing.
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South West NBA, Sagay Flay Ozekhome’s Call For Amnesty To Kidnappers LAGOS- Some prominent lawyers in Lagos and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have frowned at a call to grant amnesty to kidnappers. In interviews with newsmen, the lawyers said that the call would encourage young Nigerians to take to crime. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome, who regained freedom from his abductors last Thursday, said that the Federal Government should grant amnesty to kidnappers. Ozekhome said that initiating amnesty programmes for kidnappers would reduce crimes in the country. However, the NBA Chairman, Lagos branch, Mr Taiwo Taiwo, told newsmen that amnesty to kidnappers would increase crimes. Taiwo said: “I am totally against it. This will only take criminality to a higher level and make people to believe that crime pays. “You cannot place kidnappers on the same scale with Niger Delta militants who were clamouring for judicious use of their resources.”
A constitutional lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), said that kidnappers had no moral justification to terrorise and inflict pains on innocent Nigerians. “They are modern day robbers and lazy people who are looking for any excuse to inflict pains and sufferings on innocent people so that they can get money cheaply. “These people are criminals and don’t deserve amnesty,” Sagay said. Mr Mussodiq Sanni, the Chairman, Lagos Chapter, Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria, told newsmen that amnesty was not ideal for kidnappers. He, however, urged the Federal Government to provide employment opportunities for positive engagement of the citizens, especially the youth. “The major problem in Nigeria is unemployment, and Federal Government should tackle it.” Mr. Wale Ogunade, also a lawyer, urged collective efforts in tackling unemployment to reduce crimes.
A retired Permanent Secretary in Edo State Ministry of Information and orientation, Mrs Betty Igbei (right) being decorated by the President, Nigerian Association of Women Enterpreneurs, Mrs Ada Ozongwu during the Association’s Annual General Meeting in Benin City. PHOTO BY MOSES OBOH
2 Employees Charged With Bolting With N5.5m IBADAN- Two men — Adelaja Olusola and Ibrahim Olaosebikan – have been brought before an Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged theft of N5.5 million, property of their employer. Olusola, 31, and Olaosebikan, 38, both employees of Solace Global Company Ltd, Akere in Apete area of Ibadan, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. The prosecutor, Insp. Ade Adebusuyi, told the court that Adelaja and Olaosebikan allegedly stole N942, 770 being sales from 8,570 litres of petrol, N2. 9 million from sales of 18, 503 litres of diesel and another N1.68 million from sales of 12,
983 litres of kerosene. He said the stolen money belonged to one Alhaji Lasisi Kamilu Adewale, the employer of the accused. The offences were committed between May and December 2012 at the company, a contravention of Section 309 (9), 383 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000, Adebusuyi said. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olusola Adetujoye, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the case to October 8 for mention.
3 Men Arraigned For Kidnapping, Robbery IKEJA- Three men have been arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Ikeja, Lagos State, for alleged kidnapping and robbery. The three men, Peter Falola, 27, Mumini Kudoro, 29, and Shaib Kudoro, 34, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, kidnapping and robbery. The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Edet Okoi, told the court that accused and others at large committed the offences on October 16, 2012 at Oko-Afo Secondary School, Oko-afo, Lagos. He said that the accused allegedly kidnapped Adeniyi
Adelakun and stole some cash and property valued at N580,500. Okoi said that their offences contravened Sections 269, 295, 297 and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, Nigeria 2011. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate, Abimbola Oshodi-Makanju, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum. The magistrate later adjourned the case to October 28 for mention.
Col Donatus Igboin Grand Secretary, Benin Grand Commandery, order of St John International delivering an address, while Prof Ignatus Onimawo (left) looks on, during a reception in honour of Brig Gen Joseph Ojobu, Grand President, Benin Grand Commandery at St Pauls Catholic Church, Delta State.
Efficient Management Of Resources Neccessary For Nation Building - Director
OSOGBO- Mr. Abombola Oso, the Director of Industries in the Ministry of Commerce in Osun, has said that efficient management of resources was important to the development of a nation. Oso made the observation in an interview with newsmen in Osogbo. He said that it was surprising that many Nigerians were still poor in spite of the abundant natural resources that could be harnessed in the country. Oso said that this situation arose because many Nigerians lacked requisite ability and discipline to efficiently and effectively manage resources for the betterment of all. “It is a paradox that in spite of the available resources, a man can still suffer lack of consumable materials. “One incontrovertible reason for this is ineffective management or mismanagement of resources. “Both human and material
resources should be effectively managed for sustainable development. “Effective management of resources for sustainable development is therefore of paramount importance,’’ he said. The director also said that efforts should be made to reduce production cost by minimising the cost of materials used in production without compromising
quality. “The ability of the business operator to procure materials of the best quality at the lowest price will boost economic activities without hindrance. ‘’It is also important to stress that business managers should endeavour to employ the Just-In-Time (JIT) approach to purchasing. ‘’This approach is taking
OSOGBO- The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Osun has officials treated 2,397 application from motorists for driver’s licence between the months of July 2013 and August 2013. The commission’s Osun Sector Commander, Mr Imoh Etuk, told newsmen in Osogbo that FRSC has recorded a high turnout of applicants in recent times.
“The applications are for the driver’s licences and new number plates,’’ he said. Etuk attributed the increase turnout to the high number of rallies and public enlightenment campaigns carried out by the commission to sensitise motorists on road use requirements and behaviour. “Drivers are using the opportunity to upgrade their number plates and put their motor
delivery of required materials just at the point and time of need. ‘’This eliminates the cost of transportation and holding costs, it is one approach that enhances profitability, promotes and sustains a business venture,’’ he said. Oso urged all stakeholders and government agencies to join hands to effectively manage the vast human resources in the country.
Over 2,000 Motorists Apply For Drivers’s Licence In 2 Months -FRSC documents and licences in order too,’’ he said. The FRSC official owever advised intending applicants not to patronise touts in the procurement of their driver’s licence as they may be issued fake licences. He said any member of the public who was interested in applying for the new driver’s licence should visit the FRSC website for details.
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Lagos Establish Agency To Tackle Cyber Crimes, Group Urges FG LAGOS- Mr Bayo Banjo, the President of the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), has urged the Federal Government to establish an agency that would deal with cyber crimes. Banjo told newsmen Lagos that the agency would ensure that persons facing cyber security challenges were assisted, while the culprits were arrested. The Internet expert underscored the need for the government to have an agency that would specifically monitor and track cyber crimes and perpetrators. “The challenge of cyber security in Nigeria is that there is no agency to report to; an agency that would tackle issues relating to cyber security. “If you are ‘scammed’ online, if your system compromised, if there is a violation of your privacy or if you have a website that is constantly defaced; who do you report to? “We need an organisation that will be able to advise citizens on how to secure their mobile phones and their computers against attacks,’’ he said. Banjo said that cyber security was all about threats to the individual, to an organisation, to the government and to the nation. He, however, stressed the need for collaboration with global agencies on the issue as transnational barriers were often breached. “You have international scammers scamming in Nigeria; how do you resolve that?” he asked. He reiterated the need for the government set up an agency to monitor and track cyber crimes as well as the perpetrators.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (2nd right), his Deputy, Hon. (Mrs.) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (right), Interim State Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Henry Ajomale (3rd right), Asoju Oba of Lagos, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas (3rd left), first Civilian Governor of Lagos State, Chief Lateef Kayode Jakande (2nd left) and his wife, Mrs. Abimbola Jakande (left) during the rendering of account of stewardship by Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) to commemorate his administration’s 2,300 days in office in Lagos State at the weekend.
Cross section of C o m m u n i t y Development A d v i s o r y Committee, Lagos State Community Development Council, traditional rulers, invited guests and other stakeholders during the rendering of account of stewardship by Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) at the weekend.
Public Schools Record 41 Percent Pass In WASCE - Fashola
LAGOS Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State said 21,193 out of the 51,604 students in the state public schools, who sat for the 2013 May/June WAEC, had credits in five subjects.Fashola revealed this in Ikeja while speaking at a programme to commemorate the 2,300 days of his administration. WAEC conducts the West African School Certificate Examinations (WASCE).Fashola said that the five subjects included English Language and Mathematics. He said the performance translated into 41.06 per cent pass rate, adding that it was an improvement on the 39 per cent recorded in 2012. Fashola said that the performance showed that the various government interventions in education, especially the “Secondary School EKO Project, paid off.” “If one recalls that we started with a pass rate of seven per cent in 2007,one will appreciate how far we have
come, to now record an over 41 per cent pass rate. “Similarly, the results of our 2013 JSS placement examination showed that more pupils are getting into our secondary schools as 95,255 candidates passed. “This translates into 96 per cent pass rate and the number of candidates who passed almost doubles the 49,316 that we had in 2012. “All of these are indeed good news for us and it only means that, as far as our children’s education is concerned, we are heading in the right direction,” he said.Fashola, however, said that the government would not rest on its oars, as it would continue to give attention to schools’ infrastructure and other essentials to improve performance.The governor appealed to stakeholders, especially proprietors of private schools, to
co-operate with the state government in delivering qualitative education in the state. He urged proprietors to adhere
to approved curriculums and uphold other standards prescribed by government. “I also use this occasion to appeal
for the co-operation of all school proprietors towards achieving a unified school calendar for our state.
access to the BRT services at all times. While pledging government’s resolve to undertake regular maintenance of the buses, the governor warned residents against vandalising them. “You vandalise these buses because you are angry, because you are protesting. This is not right. It adds to the problem of bad buses and the access we are talking about,” he said. Fashola stressed that the government would provide more buses and revive water transportation by improving
infrastructure and acquiring more ferries. According to him, government intervention has facilitated the movement of more than 1.8 million passengers monthly through the 44 ferries operated by different licenced companies in the state. He said the 59 additional ferries would be provided to widen water transport services in Lagos. The News reports state that former governors of the state, civil society groups, politicians and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, were among the prominent people that graced the occasion.
200 Faulty BRT Buses Undergoing Repairs - Fashola IKEJA- No fewer than 200
faulty buses operating under the Lagos State Bus Rapid Transport (BRT)system are being repaired by the state government, Governor Babatunde Fashola, has said. Fashola, who disclosed this in Ikeja at a programme to commemorate his administration’s 2, 300 days in office, said they were being repaired at a government facility in Ojota. He said the government took the step because of the rickety nature of the vehicles and the need to provide residents full
“We expect all our schools, whether government or privately owned, to open on the same day and close on the same day. “There are many positive consequences for these- ranging from transportation, planning, career development and we hope they will show understanding and comply,” he said. Fashola said the various sectors of governance had recorded positive development in the last 100 days. He said his administration, through support for the police, had been able to keep crime rate at bay, adding that some criminals who had terrorised the state had been nabbed. Fashola stated that the judiciary had been able to secure landmark judgments for the state during the period. He listed some of the favourable judgments as the Supreme Court’s verdict which gave the control of hotels to the state and the one ordering the National Population Commission (NPC) to conduct fresh census in 14 local government areas.
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Across The Nation
Jonathan Tasks Cadets On Anti-Terrorism Crusade KADUNAPresident Goodluck Jonathan has charged the graduating cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to participate in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insecurity in the country The president made the call at the passing-out parade, convocation and oath-taking ceremony of the 60th Regular
Course Cadets of the NDA in Kaduna. “You must join your colleagues in the military to tackle the mirage of insecurity in the country and rescue it from internal and external forces. “Your commitment to the country’s safety must be unwavering and absolute; nothing short of exemplary life
must be exhibited by you. “Those who cause disaffection within our midst must be dealt with, while the virtue of peace and uncommon purpose is imbibed,” he said. Jonathan said that the cadets had an important role to play in the transformation of the armed forces, in line with the transformation agenda of his
administration. The president said that his administration was committed to promoting merit and the rule of law, while urging the graduating cadets to exhibit the skills and virtues they had acquired in the military training. He, however, stressed that judging from the quality of the training which the cadets had received, he had no doubt that they would do the country proud. Jonathan said that the NDA had done the country proud, adding that its commitment to military
training had earned the admiration of other countries. He noted that NDA had played a leading role in efforts to ensure the safety of all Nigerians, adding that the academy deserved a global recognition. The newsmen reports state that cadets from Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Benin Republic, Togo, and Central Africa Republic were among the graduating cadets. The reports say that the President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire is one of the dignitaries who attended the
ceremony. The reports say that awards were presented to deserving cadets who distinguished themselves during the training. Cadet A.C. Oguntoye won the Gold Medal in the Army category; Cadet S.O. Akere won the Gold Medal in the Navy category; while Cadet A.D. Abayomi won the Gold Medal in the Air Force category. Besides, Cadet A.B. Dolor from Liberia won the Best Allied Cadet Award, while Cadet A.B. Libson won the Commandant Award.
Post Election Violence: FG Releases KANOThe Federal N944m To Victims Government has released N944
L-R: Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State welcoming President Alassane Quattara of Cote D’Ivoire and President Goodluck Jonathan at the Kaduna Airport weekend.
million for disbursement to victims of the 2011 post election violence in Kano State. Mr Hassan Katchima, an official of the Disbursement Committee from the Federal Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the state acting Governor . Dr Abdullahi Ganduje on Saturday in Kano. Katchima explained that the amount would be shared among the 120 victims based on the quantum of their losses during the crisis. According to him, the committee would commence the
disbursement of the funds to the victims after necessary screening and verification. He called on the affected persons to give the committee the necessary support and cooperation to ensure the success of the exercise.
Vice Principal Suspended Over Misconduct
ABAKALIKIEbonyi Government has announced the indefinite suspension of Mrs Azu Awa, Vice Principal, Girls Secondary School, Azuiyiokwu in Abakaliki Local Government Area. The state Commissioner for
Expert Tasks Jonathan On Appointment Of Environment Minister
ABUJA- Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, the Executive Director, Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST), has called for the appointment of a person
with requisite knowledge of environmental themes as Minister of Environment. He made the call while speaking with newsmen in Abuja. The reports state that
President Goodluck Jonathan had on Wednesday dropped nine ministers, including the Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Mailafia, in a major cabinet reshuffle. Nwajiuba also appealed to
Ikole Residents Want More Bank town like Ikole-Ekiti to Branches ahavebigonly one functional bank,
IKOLE-EKITI (EKITI) Residents of Ikole-Ekiti and its environs in Ekiti State have urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to direct commercial banks to open more branches in Ikole Local Government Area of the state. The residents, in separate interviews with newsmen, said that the inadequate banking facilities had slowed commercial activities in the state. The reports states that Ikole and 24 other communities in the council area have only two commercial banks located in Ikole-Ekiti and Ayedun Ekiti towns. The report further reports that the inadequate banking facilities in the area has created long queues of customers on daily basis. Mr Isaac Ayeni, a resident, told newsmen that the inadequate banking facilities in the area had also posed threat to economic activities of the people. According to Ayeni, prospective bank customers spend an average of two to three hours in the banks for a transaction due to congestion in the banking halls.
“People do come early to queue before the banks are opened and before the arrival of bank officials to avoid the crowd. “Using ATM is even worse because of the long queues and most times, the two machines would read ‘Out of Service’, which aggravates the problems.“ He appealed to the management of other commercial banks to come to the aid of the communities by opening more branches to ease banking transactions. An Electronic Merchant, Mr Victor Nduka, said: “Most people travel to the state capital, Ado-Ekiti, where there are more banks and prefer to buy their needs once they withdraw the money there. “ It is not easy for those of us trading here to save our money in the bank after sales.’’ A Youth Corps Member, Miss Glory Oliseh, said she preferred travelling to Ado-Ekiti, about one hour journey away, for any banking transaction. Oliseh said it was not good for
adding that this could deter rapid development of the town. Another customer, Mr Ifeoluwa Olaoye, said he preferred patronising operators of daily contributions where he could easily access his money.
the Federal Government to approve, ratify and implement the National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change in Nigeria (NASPA-CCN). He said that the efforts of the environment ministry toward the implementation of the “Rio+20’’ agreements should be guided by commitment and sincerity of purpose. It would be recalled that more than 100 Heads of State and Government converged on Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, on June 22, 2012 to establish some goals for sustainable human development.
In his remark, Ganduje tasked members of the committee to ensure justice and fairness in the discharge of their responsibility. He also urged them to work out effective modalities for equitable distribution of the funds as directed by the Federal Government.
Rio+20 is a UN programme aimed at promoting economic growth, the environment and social inclusion. Besides, Nwajiuba urged the Federal Government to intensify adaptation and resilience programmes, while contributing to global mitigation efforts against climate change. “Political will is required to drive a vision that is allembracing along the lines of the NASPA-CCN that has specific roles for the government, the private sector and communities,’’ he said.
Passing out parade/convocation ceremony of 60 regular course cadets.
Education, Mr Ndubuisi Chibueze-Agbo announced the suspension at a news briefing in Abakaliki shortly after his meeting with school principals and vice principals. Agbo said Awa would proceed on indefinite suspension for “insubordination, misconduct and dereliction of duty”, pending the report of a disciplinary committee that would look into the alleged offences. Agbo warned that government would not tolerate indiscipline or acts capable of truncating the transformation programmes of the state government. “Let me say it again that this government is well determined and focused in its efforts to reposition the education sector in the state. “In pursuing this goal, we shall remain focused and resist any attempt to derail our cause. “It is therefore important that our teachers, head teachers, vice principal and principals who are critical stakeholders sit up and be supportive of government. “What we have done (suspension) is to reinforce our zero tolerance to mediocrity, unproductiveness and indiscipline in the system,’’ Agbo said.
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News ECOWAS To Strengthen Conference Of Speakers ABUJASenator Ike Ekweremadu, Speaker, ECOWAS Parliament, has said that efforts were underway to strengthen the Conference of Speakers of West African Parliaments to enhance interparliamentary cooperation among member states. Ekweremadu said this at the meeting of the 4th Conference of Speakers of West African Parliaments in Abuja. He stressed that the strengthening of the conference would reinforce the justification for its establishment and facilitate the attainment of ECOWAS Vision 2020. The Conference of the Speakers of West African Parliaments was set up in 1999 with the aim of strengthening the
democratic process in West Africa. The conference has hitherto remained dormant due to inadequate follow-up actions to the resolutions of its meetings. Ekweremadu said that the current meeting would address challenges which hindered the stability of the conference and efforts to transform it into a “permanent, operational platform for inter-parliamentary dialogue”. He, however, noted that the Speakers’ cooperation would facilitate the integration of the West African region. “The Conference of Speakers has always seen the future of the Community in the existence of a veritable regional parliament that would serve as the voice of the
efforts to actualise this noble cause,” he said. Ekweremadu said that the conference wanted to develop allinclusive capacity building programmes for national parliaments, as part of efforts to strengthen democracy in the ECOWAS sub-region. He said that the meeting would also debate the current challenges facing the conference as well as the roles of national and regional parliaments in the integration agenda of West Africa.
Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Sagir Saleh (M), with members, Committee on the disbursement of relief fund to victims of 2011 Post Election violence after their inaugural meeting in Bauchi recently.
Mark pledged the support of the National Assembly for efforts aimed at achieving the aims of the conference. He noted that the sub-region shared similar experiences, particularly those relating to insecurity and terrorism, stressing that the enhanced cooperation of national parliaments would promote the sharing of ideas in line with best practices. “We must strive to create a proper synergy in our activities; hence the need to view this gathering as crucial and critical in fostering democratic ethos within the body politic of the subregion “We are confronted with homegrown terrorism and insurgency of immense proportion. “The nature of terrorism is such that it is difficult for us to pinpoint where it originates and where it terminates. “Put differently, terrorists and insurgents know no borders. They move in and out of countries at will. “It has become necessary for us to establish a perfect collaboration among our parliaments, with the aim of creating a common front in addressing these ugly phenomena. “No one country can address it alone; there is the need for multilateral action across national boundaries,” he said.
DUTSESome corps members under the auspice of Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences club, have secured the release of an inmate in Garu prison, Dutse in Jigawa. The president of the club, also known as ICPC club, Mr Job Ibi, said that the gesture was part of the club’s Community
Development Service (CDS). Ibi said the club members had earlier visited the prison and discovered that many of the inmates were convicted for minor offences and had no money to pay their fines. Ibi said during their visit to the prison they were told by prison officials that the prison meant for 50 persons had 136 inmates.
He said it created the need for the club to commence its contribution towards decongestion. “We felt challenged to come in, however little we can, to free some of them; we just secured bail for one person and we shall do more,” Ibi said. The beneficiary, Alhassan Yakubu, thanked the corps
members for their kind gesture which he described as a big relief. Yakubu said that he was convicted for buying a stolen sheep from someone and could not pay the fine of N10,000. According to him, he is to serve a jail term of one year before the intervention of the corps members.
ABUJA- The InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, last Saturday married, Zarha, the daughter of a one-time FCT Minister, Mr Ibrahim Bunu.
The wedding “fatiha’’, which took place at the National Mosque, Abuja, was conducted by the Chief Imam of the mosque, Ustaz Musa Mohammed, who prayed for the success of the marriage. Dignitaries at the wedding include Vice-President Namadi Sambo, two former Heads of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the FCT Minister, Alhaji Bala Mohammed, and members of the National Assembly. The reception, which was held at the ThisDay Dome in the citycentre, was attended by Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe state, the Acting Governor of Taraba, Alhaji Garba Umar, Senators Andy Uba and Paulinus Igwe. Others dignitaries at the reception include the former Chief Security Officer to late Gen. Sani Abacha, Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, business moguls Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola as well as Chief Akin Oshuntokun, a former Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Alhaji Adamu Bello, who spoke on behalf of the bride’s family, described the turnout for the marriage as “fantastic’’ and
expressed gratitude to the Allah for the event. Bello urged the couple to live according to Islamic tenets for the success of the marriage.
In his remark, Oshuntokun also noted that the large turnout was a reflection of the goodwill which the I-G had from all the nooks and crannies of the country.
people and as a rallying point for national parliaments. “Meanwhile, we are aware of some of the teething challenges that the Conference of Speakers needs to surmount for it to be well-established. “These include the need for a constitution, proper structures, standing secretariat and regular meetings to facilitate organised dialogue, cooperation, and synergic interventions. “The ECOWAS Parliament is willing and ready to support
On the enhancement of the parliament’s powers, Ekweremadu said that the parliament would assume legislative functions by 2014 once the Act, which would enhance its powers, was adopted by the Heads of State and Government. In his address, Senate President David Mark lauded the efforts of the West African parliamentarians to ensure the revival of the Conference of Speakers.
Use Islamic Art,
Calligraphy To Promote Peace, Sambo Urges Muslims ABUJA- Vice-President Namadi Sambo has called on Muslims to revive the love for Islamic arts and calligraphy to strengthen the bond of friendship and unity across the country. Sambo made the call when he declared open an Islamic Art and Calligraphy exhibition organised by Abuja Muslim Forum at the National Mosque, Abuja. He lauded the initiative of the organisers of the exhibition for the choice of the theme; “Islamic Arts for Peace and Unity”, which he described as appropriate, considering the desire of government to promote peace and peaceful coexistence. ‘‘This theme is indeed noble, novel and ingenious and in tandem with our desire to promote peace and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians from all walks of life. It is also in line with our pursuit of global peace and unity,’’ he Said. He, therefore, enjoined organisers of the exhibition to strive to make it an annual and international cultural event that would attract tourists and participants from across the world. Sambo noted that such exhibitions would project the noble Islamic culture and civilization to the world at a time when there was a generational
gap in the understanding of the great contribution of Islam to the contemporary world of knowledge and arts. The Vice-President, who commended the organisers of the exhibition, stated that ‘‘Islamic Arts is of universal application and not related to religion’’. In his remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Forum, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, stated that the event was organised to bring to the fore, the significance of Islamic Art and Calligraphy. He said the exhibition was also aimed at the propagation of divine massages, promotion of humanity and fraternisation between different groups of people, nationally and internationally. Ahmed, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, urged visitors to patronise the collections for their homes, offices and essential places requiring such beautiful moralistic and divine protection. The first exhibition was organised by the forum in 2007. The Abuja Muslim Forum was established in 1991 with the objective of enhancing the unity of Muslims and to serve as the focal organisation for the Muslims in the Federal Capital Territory.
Corp Members Free Inmate
IGP Weds Ex-Minister’s Daughter
The Secretary to Esan South East Local Government Council, Hon. Solomon Oyedo (left) listening to the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Deffence Corps, Edo State Command, Mr. Chick Afah Ikpeouwu who were in the Council on courtesy call.
NGO Wants FG To Create Enabling ABUJAConnected Development, a Non- Environment Tourism:
Governmental Organisation, has urged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for the country’s tourism industry to thrive. Mr Hamzat Lawal, the Information and Technology Officer of the group, told newsmen in Abuja that the development of the tourism sector would stimulate the growth of the national economy. He noted that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was working toward the diversification of the economy, adding, however, that the tourism sector should be given priority attention in the project. He said that efforts to boost the economy should focus on the development of the tourism sector.
Lawal said that if the tourism sector was developed, it would create job opportunities for Nigerians, particularly the youth. He, however, stressed the need to formulate a policy that would attract private investors to the tourism industry. “The present government is working toward diversifying Nigeria’s economy. “This is the right time for government to have an enabling policy that will make tourism sector thrive in the country. “The government should also try to bring together various stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors,’’ he added. Lawal noted that Nigeria was blessed with enormous tourist attractions, which if explored and developed, would aid the country’s economic growth.
THE NIGERIAN
10
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
Across The Nation FRSC Sensitises Motorists In Enugu
Photo shows the debris of an accidented car that ran into the partition on Siluko Road by Aunty Maria Junction as a result of reckless driving recently.
ENUGU - The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has commenced the sensitisation of motorists in Enugu state on the need to install Speed Limiting Device in their vehicles. In his speech at the occasion, the Corps Marshal, Mr. Osita Chidoka, urged unions, fleet operators and other stakeholders, to cooperate with the commission in its efforts to use the device to check excessive speeding. Chidoka, who was represented by Mr. Chike Nwaka, the Enugu Zonal Commanding Officer of the FRSC, said that the device was an effective means of controlling speed. “Let me stress that this
nation has suffered enough trauma from road carnages caused by drivers who get thrilled by speeding. “But now is the time to let people know that though speed thrills, it kills. “The most effective way of curtailing crashes is to ensure that speed limiting device is installed in vehicles to voluntarily restrain drivers from speeding.’’ He said that the commission embarked on the sensitisation to enable the stakeholders realise the consequences of speeding. He added that the exercise was also intended to sensitise motorists on the benefits of
using the device to check avoidable crashes. Also speaking, the Enugu State Sector Commander, Mr Funmibi Olawoyin, said that excessive speeding was responsible for the large number of road crashes in the country. “If we consider the multiplier effects of death through road accident, we will agree that the introduction of the speed limiting device is long overdue.’’ He said that the use of old vehicle number plate and driver’s license would become illegal by Oct. 1 and urged vehicle owners to change them before the expiry date. Olawoyin also cautioned motorists to exercise caution during the ‘ember’ months.
Poly Trains 91 Artisans
Photo shows the debris of an accidented car that ran into the partition on
replace faulty rails, pins and sleepers. Njoku said that apart from rehabilitating some existing trains, government acquired new Diesel Multiple Units train to support some of the
locomotive engines in the NRC fleet. He urged enthusiastic passengers to keep faith with the corporation and gave an assurance that business would, once again, thrive in all the rail stations within the zone.
refrigerator repairs in the past. He, however, said that the polytechnic was also soliciting the collaboration of the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) in the training of surveyors. Elelu stressed that part of the polytechnic’s vision was aimed at overhauling and modernising the practice of artisans in the state. Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Mr Clement Ojo, President of the State Plumbers Association, thanked the institution’s management for the training opportunities given to its members. He, however, urged the polytechnic to make the training programme a continuous exercise so as to update the knowledge of plumbers and other artisans.
teaching, preservation and research of the Igbo language. This is contained in a statement signed by Ngozi Onyeocha, a media aide to Gov Rochas Okorocha, and made available to newsmen in Owerri. It said the move was in response to concern that the future of the Igbo language and culture was in jeopardy, unless concrete steps were taken to ensure their survival. The statement said the
centre would evolve ways to preserve the language and culture of the Igbos for the future generation and serve as an archive for Igbo cultural edifice. It said that the present administration was determined to export the Igbo language to Ndigbo in the Diaspora, to ensure its survival. It called on Ndigbo to be proud of their culture, adding: “a people without culture are considered as people without future.”
the commitment of the government to re-brand cultural festivals in the state and make it a destination for cultural tourism. “It is based on this that the government introduced the ‘Ada and Okpara Imo Cultural Beauty Pageant.” The statement added that the Okorocha administration would organise more cultural festivals to encourage communities to showcase their cultural heritage.
ILORIN - Alhaji Masud Elelu, the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, has expressed the determination of the polytechnic’s management to produce middle-level manpower for the nation’s economy. The rector conveyed the resolution in Ilorin, while presenting certificates to 91 artisans trained by the Consultancy Services Unit of the polytechnic. Elelu noted that it was the first time the polytechnic
would be training people for the award of certificates in Plumbing Craft and Computer Studies since its inception. He underscored the need for artisans to be 21st Century-compliant in their occupation nowadays. He urged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the polytechnic, while discharging their professional duties diligently. Elelu said that the unit had trained some people in air conditioner and
NRC To Begin Passenger Transportation On Estern Routes
UMUAHIA - Passenger service on the Eastern railway route will commence before the end of December, an official of Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), an official. The District Manger, NRC, Eastern zone, Mr. Felix Njoku, made the plan known in a telephone interview with newsmen in Umuahia. The Eastern route of NRC stretches from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri through Makurdi and Kuru ,near Jos,’’ Njoku said. He said that the December date was based on the successful rehabilitation of some parts of the Eastern rail route. “We told the public before now that barring all odds, railway operations along the Eastern route would start in August. “I am happy to state that government and the firm executing the job from Port Harcourt to Makurdi were able to achieve that target with the movement of train from Port Harcourt to Enugu,’’
Njoku said. Reports say that residents of Umuahia and adjourning communities have witnessed train movements across the area in the recent weeks. Njoku explained that trains noticed along Port Harcourt/ Enugu end of the Eastern route were conveying equipment from Port Harcourt Wharf to Ehamufu Railway Station in Enugu State. He said that with the successful movement of the train from Port Harcourt to Ehamufu, the corporation was happy. “With this feat, the NRC hopes that trains would once again move on the Eastern rail line after years of suspension of operation,’’ the manager said. Njoku explained that the contract for the rehabilitation of the Eastern track was subdivided into three to ensure fast realisation of the project. “Work is moving as expected on the Port Harcourt
to Makurdi route which is my area and work is equally progressing from Makurdi to Kuru, near Jos, given the privileged information I have,’’ he said. Njoku said that the project on the third end, from Kuru to Maiduguri, was hampered by security challenges in the area. He said with the reconnection of all the disconnected rail lines from Port Harcourt to Enugu, NRC hoped to commence passenger service before December. “The Enyiama Bridge, which collapsed sometime, has been reconnected. ‘’ The rail line disconnected at Elekohia area in Port Harcourt has been reconnected and that made it possible for the train to move from Port Harcourt to Ehamufu,’’ Njoku said. He explained that the materials being moved from the wharf would be used to
Imo To Launch Centre For OWERRI - The Imo Igbo The Studies Government says it will soon launch a centre for the statement pledged
THE NIGERIAN
11
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (16/09/13) Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
Value
MOBIL
106
106
0
17
31,241
3,298,952.27
7UP
72
72
0
20
53,541
3,575,409.36
MORISON
2.01
2.01
0
2
250
452.5
ABCTRANS
0.8
0.81
0.01
10
337,346
271,739.70
MRS
36.14
36.14
0
2
9,828
319,704.84
ACADEMY
1.9
1.9
0
3
8,807
16,842.64
MULTITREX
0.52
0.5
-0.02
2
177,678
88,839.00
ACCESS
10.41
10.45
0.04
200
14,868,987
155,347,387.64
MULTIVERSE
0.5
0.5
0
1
500
250
AFRIPRUD
2
1.9
-0.1
39
254,143
482,741.10
NAHCO
6.13
6.13
0
34
466,886
2,842,362.46
AFROMEDIA
0.5
0.5
0
1
100
50
NASCON
11.61
11.65
0.04
22
167,363
1,955,180.25
162
159
-3
146
534,054
85,849,829.79
AGLEVENT
1.55
1.55
0
1
1,158
1,968.60
NB
AIICO
0.8
0.8
0
38
2,452,938
1,980,374.78
NCR
16.83
16.83
0
2
115
1,742.25
AIRSERVICE
3.35
3.68
0.33
5
110,000
400,308.00
NEIMETH
1.05
1.15
0.1
12
455,020
515,630.00
0.7
0.7
0
17
465,615
330,533.50
ASHAKACEM
21
21
0
51
474,552
9,876,190.17
NEM
AVONCROWN
1.71
1.71
0
3
285
438.9
NESTLE
938.26
940
1.74
77
158,993
149,506,420.39
BERGER
8.7
8.7
0
6
6,080
49,913.40
NPFMCRFBK
0.78
0.79
0.01
4
428,290
337,071.20
11.77
11.5
-0.27
116
1,037,503
11,922,319.49
0.5
0
1
100
50
BETAGLAS
11.87
11.87
0
1
1,000
11,870.00
OANDO
BOCGAS
6.5
6.5
0
2
11,900
69,615.00
OASISINS
0.5
CADBURY
49
49
0
33
163,048
7,481,557.96
OKOMUOIL
47.42
45.53
-1.89
46
519,787
24,054,588.52
2.04
2.04
0
3
20,400
40,800.00
1.85
1.85
0
1
945
1,578.15
CAP
43.4
43.4
0
16
48,137
2,060,085.42
PAINTCOM
CCNN
8.72
8.72
0
7
27,811
241,849.62
PHARMDEKO
CHAMPION
15.55
15.55
0
3
12,000
168,000.50
PORTPAINT
5.45
5.45
0
8
196,615
1,058,978.75
0.74
0.74
0
1
1,000
810
CHAMS
0.5
0.5
0
1
500
250
PREMBREW
CILEASING
0.5
0.5
0
1
20,000
10,000.00
PRESCO
37
37
0
19
90,377
3,080,167.97
CONOIL
28.8
28.8
0
16
21,469
557,643.75
PRESTIGE
0.55
0.6
0.05
20
667,866
400,627.56
39.34
39.34
0
9
17,150
674,681.00
CONTINSURE
1.2
1.13
-0.07
3
166,660
188,585.80
PZ
CORNERST
0.5
0.5
0
6
289,305
144,952.50
REDSTAREX
4
4.02
0.02
15
520,000
2,096,740.00
COSTAIN
1.25
1.17
-0.08
10
150,800
175,062.00
REGALINS
0.5
0.5
0
1
100
50
0.5
0.5
0
1
5,000
2,500.00
COURTVILLE
0.72
0.75
0.03
12
222,267
158,308.90
RESORTSAL
CUSTODYINS
1.34
1.35
0.01
9
395,267
534,951.78
ROYALEX
0.55
0.53
-0.02
8
137,093
72,456.09
CUTIX
1.93
1.93
0
5
55,247
105,026.71
RTBRISCOE
1.38
1.38
0
21
296,333
387,289.76
DANGCEM
190
189.15
-0.85
86
2,116,314
402,073,481.01
SKYEBANK
4.26
4.28
0.02
68
2,575,181
11,017,541.83
DANGFLOUR
9.01
9.01
0
39
116,702
1,059,593.34
SOVRENINS
0.5
0.5
0
1
100
50
DANGSUGAR
10.46
10.4
-0.06
67
948,686
9,930,104.58
STACO
0.5
0.5
0
2
370
185
DIAMONDBNK
6.22
6.22
0
45
59,604,270
370,663,721.17
STANBIC
18.08
18.01
-0.07
23
1,232,725
22,179,496.60
ETERNA
2.82
2.82
0
13
168,580
457,606.25
STDINSURE
0.5
0.5
0
1
100
50
ETI
14
13.75
-0.25
70
1,338,750
18,502,136.77
STERLNBANK
2.46
2.45
-0.01
47
3,286,100
7,962,912.32
EVANSMED
3.1
3
-0.1
9
130,178
394,280.19
THOMASWY
0.72
0.79
0.07
1
100,000
79,000.00
FBNH
15.65
15.6
-0.05
435
5,574,943
86,929,272.39
TOTAL
157.9
157.9
0
12
16,635
2,509,836.74
FCMB
4.01
4
-0.01
67
6,063,010
24,249,461.93
TRANSCORP
1.35
1.41
0.06
127
16,087,995
22,195,897.46
FIDELITYBK
2.5
2.54
0.04
95
8,582,146
21,651,235.29
TRANSEXPR
1.13
1.16
0.03
11
479,009
554,940.98
FIDSON
2
2
0
27
1,454,800
2,719,833.00
UAC-PROP
15.06
15.79
0.73
21
389,293
6,116,684.45
FLOURMILL
83
83
0
37
93,747
7,314,836.40
UACN
54.51
55
0.49
49
1,037,273
57,041,597.80
FO
35.7
35.7
0
39
241,093
8,815,201.23
UBA
7.05
7.1
0.05
209
4,978,694
35,219,501.54
FORTISMFB
6.6
6.6
0
1
485
3,395.00
UBCAP
1.3
1.3
0
66
1,839,848
2,365,610.63
FTNCOCOA
0.5
0.5
0
2
1,600
800
UBN
10.39
10.39
0
64
270,004
2,782,566.75
GLAXOSMITH
64
64
0
32
194,991
12,500,972.05
UNILEVER
60
58.11
-1.89
51
243,665
14,475,448.96
GUARANTY
24.9
24.01
-0.89
344
5,453,232
134,082,218.09
UNIONDAC
0.5
0.5
0
1
270
135
GUINNESS
248.5
250
1.5
50
756,109
188,853,350.85
UNITYBNK
0.5
0.5
0
52
11,353,706
5,676,853.00
HONYFLOUR
2.82
2.8
-0.02
18
642,601
1,794,653.92
UNIVINSURE
0.5
0.5
0
2
92,000
46,000.00
IHS
3.31
2.98
-0.33
39
1,452,560
4,362,128.80
UPL
4
3.6
-0.4
14
128,915
465,994.19
IKEJAHOTEL
0.82
0.81
-0.01
17
424,460
345,781.00
UTC
0.65
0.65
0
10
231,557
146,579.34
INTBREW
19.97
19.97
0
28
213,856
4,160,346.70
VITAFOAM
3.74
3.74
0
10
120,554
471,126.69
1.94
1.84
-0.1
34
7,705,695
13,659,738.86
92
92
0
47
145,873
13,298,014.40
INTENEGINS
0.63
0.6
-0.03
7
326,460
196,406.00
VONO
IPWA
0.83
0.75
-0.08
9
307,000
247,270.00
WAPCO
JAPAULOIL
0.5
0.5
0
14
457,793
228,896.50
WAPIC
0.9
0.81
-0.09
14
2,310,694
1,871,912.14
0.97
0.98
0.01
38
12,517,621
12,097,393.27
19.65
19.61
-0.04
222
3,002,878
58,834,348.18
JBERGER
76.95
76.95
0
22
129,940
10,144,878.51
WEMABANK
JOHNHOLT
1.26
1.26
0
2
9,927
11,416.05
ZENITHBANK
JOSBREW
7.52
8.27
0.75
40
795,050
6,575,063.50
LASACO
0.5
0.5
0
1
100
50
LAWUNION
0.5
0.5
0
1
107,958
53,979.00
LEARNAFRCA
1.8
1.95
0.15
15
873,000
1,689,295.00
LIVESTOCK
4
3.98
-0.02
25
735,347
2,930,485.29
MANSARD
2.07
2.1
0.03
8
175,700
368,161.00
MAYBAKER
2.04
2.04
0
11
71,090
148,320.90
MBENEFIT
0.5
0.5
0
4
300,270
150,135.00
MCNICHOLS
1.5
1.5
0
1
7,500
10,125.00
TOP 10 GAINERS
TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS
Stock
Close
Gain
Stock
NESTLE GUINNESS JOSBREW UAC-PROP UACN AIRSERVICE LEARNAFRCA NEIMETH THOMASWY TRANSCORP
940 250 8.27 15.79 55 3.68 1.95 1.15 0.79 1.41
1.74 1.5 0.75 0.73 0.49 0.33 0.15 0.1 0.07 0.06
NB OKOMUOIL UNILEVER GUARANTY DANGCEM UPL IHS OANDO ETI EVANSMED
Close 159 45.53 58.11 24.01 189.15 3.6 2.98 11.5 13.75 3
Loss -3 -1.89 -1.89 -0.89 -0.85 -0.4 -0.33 -0.27 -0.25 -0.1
THE NIGERIAN
12
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
IN spite of the outcry against the imposition of three thousand pounds (£3,000) announced by the United Kingdom authorities against tourists visa seekers from six Commonwealth countries: Nigeria, India, Kenya, Sri-Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh in June, Britain has formally announced that the scheme will commence in November 2013 as reported by Financial Times of London which quoted Home Office as saying. The United Kingdom considers Nigeria and other affected countries as “high risk” countries. According to the Home Office, some visitors under the scheme, will be asked to pay the sum of £3,000 cash bond in return for visas that allow them to stay in the UK for up to six months. THE Home Office in a statement in London recently said that “only individuals deemed “high-risk” would be asked to pay the bond. He argues that in the long run, the UK is interested in a system of bonds that deters overstaying and recovers costs if a foreign national has used its public services.” FIRST, we condemn Nigerians who indulge in circumventing immigration rules who are the reasons for the new policy which will now be visited on innocent travelers who ordinarily will indulge in overstaying their visa permits. HOWEVER, we fault the new policy because, the world over, there are other laid down policies and rules that can help check the activities and influx of overstaying visitors. The UK could even resort to surcharging them at point of departure without necessarily over burdening an innocent tourist with a whooping three pounds bond who comes for visa. WHILE we recognise the sovereignty of policies of the United Kingdom, we join the Nigerian
THE NIGERIAN
UK £3000 Visa Bond Government to protest this imposition which we consider as prejudiced. To say the least, it fails to take into record, the age-long diplomatic ties between both countries from the colonial era till date. WE contend that Britain has benefited more from the relationship of both countries than Nigeria and, therefore, do not see any cogent reason being advanced by the UK for the latest visa policy for tourist visa seekers from Nigeria. Even though a UK official data explains that “these six countries accounted for more than half a million visa application in 2012”, we find this explanation pedestal because, in our considered opinion, there are several other ways of tackling the observed overstaying of some tourists. WE equally welcome the denunciation of the bond imposition by the business community in UK, some of whom mull over the plan as “insulting deterrence,” and a move capable of hitting sales in the UK and damaging London’s reputation. WE are pleased that the Federal Government through the then Foreign Affairs Minister, Olugbenga Ashiru, had in June registered “the strong displeasure of the government and people of
Nigeria” over the “discriminatory” policy even as he warned the British High Commissioner Andrew Pocock that the move would “definitely negate” the two country’s commitment to double trade by 2014. We call on the Nigerian government to call the bluff off the United Kingdom because, we believe strongly that Britain needs Nigeria more than Nigeria needs her. THE Federal Government should know that it has a responsibility to take appropriate measures to protect the interest of Nigerians who may be affected by the obnoxious policy. To this end, we recommend that government should equally retaliate with a stiffer visa condition for all Britons entering Nigeria for business purposes. We are aware that Britons equally overstay in Nigeria beyond the time permitted in their visas, yet such measures have not been visited on them. The Nigerian immigration must move quickly against such Britons, no matter their mission in Nigeria. FINALLY, we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to make effort to develop Nigeria, particularly through the provision of basic infrastructure such as electricity, potable water, railway, road, health facilities, as a long lasting way of deterring Nigerians from leaving the shores of their father land. Nigeria should turn to China and Japan and other Asian Tigers for trade and business as the new move by Britain sends a dangerous signal for both countries. Nigerians who are keen at going to the United Kingdom should begin to change their levers to other more friendly nations of the world as a better way of calling the bluff of the nation’s excolonial masters.
THE NIGERIAN
13
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
Cutting Edge
Between Religion, Politics And Social Justice Continued from last week
This is meant to create fear in the minds of believers and deter them from reacting to any infringements on their rights from the operators of the leviathan. Texts from holy books are copiously used in buttressing the need for obedience to the state, patience with its policies, subservience and reverence for its institutions. Damola Awoyokun (The Guardian Newspaper, Thursday, May 22, 2008:97) musing on the hypocritical stance of religion and the stupidity it breeds in the mind of Nigerians, stated concisely in these mordant words that: In the North, a shepherd boy with a small stick (Saanda) can order around thousands of cows with bighorns on their heads with PhDs. In the expressway churches, anybody with a pocket-size Gideon bible in the hand can tell tens of thousands of “educated” people that 2+2=13 has been revealed as the truth, they will jump up and shout Ameeen and begin to dance around! That is the depth to which we have sunk. The political elite knowing how fickle-minded the flock is capitalize on this most potent weapon of mass control to further stupefy the “block heads”. To this end, government supports religious bodies overtly and covertly, despite our Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999; Chapter 1, Part 1, Section 10) stating expressly that Nigeria is a secular state, by allocating large portions of tax payers money running into the billions on a yearly basis to sponsoring pilgrimages to the various holy lands by re-
ligious adherents, including some of our rulers. The ones, whose religions don’t have holy lands abroad, pay their homage to their own gods in their local Holy of Holies: local shrines, spending hugely in the process too. But these blasphemers’ support for religion does not stem from their concern for its adherents or reverential love for God; it is all part of their satanic attempts at furthering their indecencies and justifying their detestable crimes against the people. Thus, the worship of God becomes mired in the intoxicating cocktail of politics with all its crazy superfluities. This last sin is the greatest and most absurd sacrilege against the most high and His perfect standards. . Today, when you go to any of our worship centers, you will be appalled at the shameless manner confirmed thieves, who have robbed this country blind are venerated with titles and other privileges. This is very appalling, for when the supposed agents of God on earth, the shepherds of His flock, who are supposed to speak out against all shades of injustice in the society, abandon their divine callings to pursue personal benefits, no one is safe anymore; when religious leaders begin to hunger for political appointments instead of concentrating on performing their primary tasks, it lives much to be imagined; when respected guardians of the faith begin to speak from both sides of their mouths; when they begin to murmur what Frantz
Fanon refers to as, “shrill litanies and nauseating mimicries”, something must be seriously wrong somewhere. Had they been physically present today, the likes of Jesus Christ, Prophet Mohamed and other avatars of old - who some of these false prophets impudently claim to be patterning their lives after - wouldn’t have
vices; progressive mavericks who stood for the truth and nothing but the truth. Unlike the modern money mongers whose sacrileges have tainted the spotless stewardships of these pioneers, these mighty men of faith stood against all the systemic incongruities that afflicted their societies, putting their lives on the line for their flocks, risking the ire
tolerated the scandalous hypocrisies … the absolute nonsense currently going on in this country, for these renowned men of faith were radical revolutionaries who attacked the prevalent malpractices of their times. They were agents of change who did not compromise on their high moral standards, but spoke out boldly, bluntly against corruption, maladministration, poverty, intolerance, greed, inequality, violence and other social
of the secular authorities. Some “preachers” among us might glibly interject at this point that since Jesus Christ was not a politician, I should keep Christianity as far away from politics as possible; likewise Islam, since Mohamed was not a politician either; not to mention adherents of other religions that claim to be secular in orientation. But with particular reference to Christianity and Islam, the chief religions in Nigeria, I
“Today, when you go to any of our worship centers, you will be appalled at the shameless manner confirmed thieves, who have robbed this country blind are venerated with titles and other privileges.”
With Obuseh Jude would like to state categorically that the origins and evolutions of both religions have had far reaching political consequences for the whole world since their inception, as they still have today. Both Christ and Mohamed were accused of fuelling rebellions against both the political and religious authorities of their individual societies because of their no-nonsense stands against the several debilitating injustices that the people were subjected to, which they saw as affronts to the loving wishes of the almighty creator; they were
people; guilty of complicity in the mass murder of Nigerians, and the several other depraved crimes against humanity that have been systematically executed against Nigerians by the demoniacs in our midst. They have stained their hands with blood and will never go unpunished. Our God is a God of love and justice; a God whose love for his children is boundless. Therefore, any religion that claims to be a path to this God of justice must act as an agent of social change in any society within which it operates.
persecuted for objectively speaking their minds on the issues of those times; condemned for calling spades, spades and campaigning for paradigm shifts in the customary order of things. Whether anybody wants to accept the truth or not, I want to categorically state here that by failing to discharge their sacred duties as God’s servants, to His children, choosing rather to toe the lines of infamy and take sides with Lucifer and his itinerant lieutenants – the desperately wicked members of the political establishment - our religious leaders stand condemned by their actions and inactions, which constitutes pure consent to the several sins of this shylock state against its
The heads of the several religious bodies in Nigeria must do an immediate u-turn from the current ignominious roles they are currently playing in Nigeria, by beginning to demand for improvements in the deplorable living conditions of Nigerian citizens from the drivers of the vehicle of state. They must withdraw all their covert and overt support for the political establishment and come to the side of the people. Religious bodies are supposed to be non-governmental organizations committed to the wellbeing of their members – in this case, the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In their general pronouncements and conduct, religious institutions must begin to show Nigerians
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Nutritional Health And Dietetics
Stay Young And
EVEN extreme old age need not be marred by diseases and infirmities, if one has been raised up and has continued to live in accordance with the principles of modern hygienic knowledge and has avoided harmful habits. I have known many women among my patients who continued to menstruate up to the age of 50 who were not worse of physically, mentally or sexually, because of it and who showed no signs of premature aging when the change of life (menopause) finally arrived. This proves that even a late change – of – life with the rapid involution of the womb and ovaries incident to this period does not necessarily affect adversely a woman’s health or appearance. If she has given herself the proper care through the proceeding years. The normal rate of ovarian involution does not cause premature aging. There is no doubt, however, that laceration and mutilation of the womb cause by too frequent pregnancies or by incompetent attendance at delivery with the resultant chronic inflammation of the internal genital organs from other causes are the real reasons for complete degeneration of the delicate ovarian structure and the consequent ill health and premature aging of women. Women who kept themselves well nourished at all times by not having resorted to starvation diets for the purpose of weight reduction, who have not indulged in drinking and smoking, who have spaced their pregnancies to at least 2year intervals and women who have had competent medical care during pregnancy and delivery, will not suffer any ill-health at 50 or after and will remain their youthful appearance to an extreme old age. Hygiene of Advancing Years – With slight modification of some points
Live Long (2) and emphasis on others, the hygiene of advanced age is no different than the hygiene of earlier life. Care Of The Mouth And Teeth – The teeth and gums can be preserved in their original health state to extreme old age, provided scrupulous care is exercised as to diet and cleanliness of the hands and mouth. Frequent message of the gums with the fingers and brush helps to maintain good circulation and prevent sponginess and softening. Care of The Skin – Exactly the same daily care must be given the skin as in youth. Lukewarm showers followed by an alcohol or witch hazel sponge and a brisk rubdown with first or Turkish towel are of great benefit in preventing colds. Very hot or very cold bathing must be avoided by the age. Care of the Bowels- At least one thorough daily evacuation is absolutely necessary. A proper diet will prevent constipation, fermented milk, ripe fruit, fruit juices, well – cooked vegetables, whole wheat bread and whole grain cereals will prevent constipation. Roughage, like bran and raw and rough vegetables or the skins and seed of fruits and vegetables should positively be avoided by the aged. In the aged, even very digestible foods may leave large residue in the bowed because of incomplete digestion, which by the way is often also, the case in young people who have inherited or acquired a poorly functioning digestive tract. The accumulation and retention of large volumes of fecal matter in the intestines may cause dangerous obstruction or produce such symptoms (of intestinal auto-intoxication). Intestinal auto intoxication is characterized by headaches,
dizziness palpitation and anginal pains in the heart, fatigue, mental depression, impaired eye-sight, loss of appetite and disagreeable taste and odour of the mouth and skin and finally, hastens arteriosclerosis and shortens life. The proper diet for the aging and the aged. Eat a balanced diet that
vegetable, whole grains, brains and oats. Eat only when you are hungry. Cut your calorie intake. Avoid alcohol, chemicals in food, drugs, pesticides, smoking and contaminated drinking water. These items, along with pollution, poor diet and malnutrition, shorten life
includes raw vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds and nuts. Eat quality protein. Avoid alcohol, coffee, red meat, salt on the table, smoking, white flour and white sugar. Decrease food consumption, but increase intake of raw foods. Include broccoli, cabbage, egg – yolks, fish, fruits, whole grains, nuts, eat, seeds and soybean. A high-fiber diets is important. Take extra fibers by eating plenty of fresh
span. You can lengthen your life by changing your life style. Consume steam distilled water. Drink even when you don’t feel thirsty, your body needs plenty of water. Improve your blood and oxygen with deep breathing exercise. To keep your skin healthy, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, use creams and lotions to keep your skin from becoming too dry. By keeping up your appearance,
“You can lengthen your life by changing your life style. Consume steam distilled water. Drink even when you don’t feel thirsty, your body needs plenty of water. Improve your blood and oxygen with deep breathing exercise.”
With
O.C. Madu GSM: 08056379608 exercising every day and becoming involved in hobbies or other activities, you can keep your mind active and this is important. Canned and preserved foods, generally cause putrefaction and bacterial accumulation in the intestine which lead to auto intoxication and its ill effects. If you must have canned food, boil it for a few
athletes and great drinkers don’t live to a great old age. Food or drink should be taken warm or hot except in very hot weather when it may be taken lukewarm or cool but never ice cold or very hot. Rest after meals and if sleepy, lie down and have a nap. Some are mentally disturbed and sleepless because they are
minutes before eating. Just heating is not enough. Large and too frequent meals are positively harmful, intervals of at least 5 hours should intervene between meals. Foods should always be chewed well and eaten with relish. A small glass of beer or a little light wine may be indulged in occasionally with meal, but strong drinks or even tight wine and beer taken in excess or too often are harmful. Don’t whip a tired horse, give him a rest and he will get you where you want to go aging organs and functions will continue to perform well, if you don’t try to whip them up by over stimulation. Over strain and over stimulation are just as futile and harmful for the young as for the age, great
obsessed with fears for the future or with fears engendered by superstition or dogmatic religion as the fear of hell and purgatory which drives some ignorant and gullible people to mania. Daily long walks or repeated short walks will supply both appropriate exercise and fresh air. Undue exposure to dampness and chilling must be avoided in order to prevent irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract, rhinitis, laryngitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Fresh air during the day and during sleep is even more necessary for the aged than for the young. The oxidation process of the body lag in the aged and a plentiful supply of fresh air will greatly aid digestion, assimilation and oxidation.
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Media
Media Participation In Conflict Resolution MEDIA practitioners in Nigeria have been charged to imbibe the practice that promotes peace and unity of the country in the discharge of their duty. They were also urged to shun sensationalism, personal interest and reports that are capable of causing conflict or escalate it. Speakers, which include the State of Osun Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere, Director General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Owah, Representative of United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Mathew Alao, Vice President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone G, Mr. Bamidele Atunbi and the Zonal Director SouthWest, Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Ojone Ofonoku gave the charge at a workshop/capacity building on Conflict Sensitive Reporting and Good Governance in Nigeria. At the workshop held at Royal Park International Hotel, Iloko- Ijesha, Osun State, organised by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution in collaboration with the United Nation Development Programme, the speakers asserted that there is the need for journalists to be mindful of the interest of the country and be conflict sensitive in their reportage. Noting that this is the only
By RAHEEM IBRAHIM
capacity building workshop, the UNDP boss said this will ensure a change in the way the media in the country works and promote conflict sensitive reporting. “It is important as media practitioners to understanding between publicity and cheap popularity, most times you
way by which peace and peace and not crisis. We unity can be promoted in the should mind our language country, they unanimously about what we write as this tasked the media may make or mar our practitioners to engage in corporate existence. Please work in the interest reports that can promote peace and shun that which of the nation and not that of is capable of promoting a particular person, do not assist prophet of doom to conflict and discord. The speakers who further make their prediction come spoke on good governance, tasked Nigerian journalists to do more of good governance advocacy in their reportage, stressing that this will assist in sensitizing government at all level to be alive to their responsibilities. The state Osun commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Akere who declared the workshop open, charged journalists to always promote issues that will unite the country and not that which will divide it and that they should be mindful of languages as what they write will make or mar the country. Akere, who further charged that media practitioners should work in the interest of the nation and not that of a particular Labaran Maku, Information Minister person or region, also tasked them not to assist the to pass”. have not border to look for prophets of doom in the The IPCR boss, Dr. Owah the fact of a story, therefore accomplishment of their in his opening address noted you create more damage predictions, saying such that the media in Nigeria has than resolving it”, Dr. Owah will not do the nation any the capacity to create and remarked. good. In his own contribution, resolve conflict, adding that His words, “The media it seems it has created more the UNDP representative, should look at things that conflict than resolving it. Mr. Alao emphasised that unite the country and not Stating that this informed journalists are likely to that which divides it, we the resolve of both UNDP promote conflict itself should sing the song of and IPCR to organise the rather than minimizing it if
“It is important as media practitioners to understanding between publicity and cheap popularity, most times you have not border to look for the fact of a story, therefore you create more damage than resolving it”
they are not conflict sensitive in their reportage, adding that it forms the reason UNDP is committed to the training of journalists on how to do their work in order to promote peace in the country. Alao disclosed that the UNDP will soon organised a peace summit where stakeholders will brainstorm on how to ensure that conflict is minimized in the country, adding that the agency is doing everything possible to ensure all stakeholders join in the peace process.
As a media practitioner, the NUJ chieftain maintained that journalists must be objective in their reportage, saying the absence of this will create conflict. According to him, media practitioners have the social responsibility to protect the interest of the nation and must de-emphasise that which will divide the country in their reportage. The firebrand unionist and activist who was critical about the country’s 1999 constitution, called for the abrogation of section 22,
The NUJ Vice President Zone G, Mr. Atunbi remarked that conflict occurred on daily basis earth domestically or nationally, but noted that its management has always been the major challenge. He stated that the position of the NUJ on conflict resolution has always been fairness on the part of all and sundry, while asking if government at all level have been fair to the led. Talking about good governance, he said, “we must talk about development, we must take a critical look at how the wealth and resources of the country are being distributed and its fairness to the people”.
saying it hinders the workability of chapter 2, noting that it prevents media practitioners to sue their employers while occupying public positions. Speaking in the same vein, the NBC South-West Zonal Director Mrs. Ofonoku noted that conflict is being magnified through the manner in which headlines are cast, stressing that this further escalate rather than minimize the situation. While describing the workshop as timely, she applauded the organisers for their efforts at ensuring the promotion and advocacy of good governance in Nigeria and conflict sensitive reporting, saying they all catalyze to peace and better society.
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Perspective WHEN a man and a woman becomes husband and wife, the next thing people expect is children from the union which they see as the sign of fruitfulness of the marriage and when it’s not forth coming pressure begins to mount especially on the woman which is later transferred to the husband and the entire family become confused and if not properly handled can lead to the end of such union. In African society especially in Nigeria, children are seen as the sign and the blessing of a successful marriage and when this is lacking in any union it is seen as a failed marriage and it has brought many union to unceremonious end, for childlessness is not tolerated in the African society. When a man and a woman becomes one, it is expected that children follow such union except when the couple chose not to start having children but if not and they have been having intercourse and yet no result then there is a problem medically. In medical palace, such a situation can be traced to infertility. Talking about infertility, Wikipedia define it as the biological inability of a person to contribute to Fertilization”conception. Infertility may also refer to the state of a woman who is unable to carry a pregnancy to full term. There are many biological causes of infertility, including some that medical intervention can treat. Infertility has increased by 4 percent
since the 1980s, mostly from problems with \o “Fecundity”fecundity due to an increase in age. About 40 percent of the issues involved with infertility are due to the man, another 40 percent due to the woman, and 20 percent result from complications with both partners. Women who are fertile experience a natural period of fertility before and d u r i n g Ovulation”ovulation, and they are naturally infertile during the rest of the \o “ M e n s t r u a l cycle”menstrual cycle. Fertility awareness Fertility awareness methods are used to discern when these changes occur by tracking changes in cervical mucus or Basal body temperature”basal body temperature. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines infertility as the inability to conceive a child. A couple may be considered infertile if, after two years of regular sexual intercourse, without contraception, the woman has not become pregnant (and there is no other reason, such as breastfeeding or postpartum \o “Amenorrhoea”amenorrhea). Primary infertility is infertility in a couple who have never had a child. Secondary infertility is failure to conceive following a previous pregnancy. Infertility may be caused by infection in the man or woman, but often there is no obvious underlying cause. Infertility can be the major cause of childlessness in marriages
Infertility: Assisted Conce across the world. The problems of infertility can either be from the man or the woman. It is a major problem in Africa but same can’t be said of the western world because of their culture which doesn’t lay emphases on children in matrimony. It is equally lesser also due to advancement in technology. Before you treat the problem of infertility, you must first diagnose it and the instrument of carrying out this test is not available and if it is, it is very expensive out of the reach of the common man facing this problem. Treating infertility is a very expensive exercise and involves a lot of activities which must be done abroad and also now in Nigeria. If you are poor and can’t even afford three square meals a day and you are facing these challenges in Africa, then you have no option than to accept your faith and live on. The problem of infertility has been greatly attended to in Nigeria since 1989 by an Edo born professor of gynacology and obstetrics supported by WHO and the effort has yielded result as several breakthroughs has been recorded through the available conception technology with several Invitro fertilization (IVF) conception and delivery here in Benin city Nigeria. Who is this said professor? He is Professor Augustine A l e n e z e l a Enowoghomwenma Orhue.
Professor Augustine A l e n e z e l a Enowoghomwenma Orhue is a medical graduate of the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI), trained as Obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in 1975 to 1978. He was once the senior Registrar in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department UBTH Benin City. Professor Orhue was once the Principle Officer of the University of Benin with the job as Administrator Ekehuan Campus of the University of Benin. He is an author of many journals, speaker in numerous workshops and seminars both at home and abroad. Member of several organizations and bodies and has received a lot of awards for his contributions to improve the lives of people troubled with infertility. He is well travelled and an expert in geanacology and obstetrics, Professor Orhue recently planted his foot-print on the sand of time in the history of infertility treatment at the UBTH and Nigeria as a whole when he led a team of doctors to perform the first ever in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer as treatment for infertility in almost 40 years history of the existence of the UBTH. This was the second in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer to be performed in a public funded hospital in Nigeria and the good pregnancy
“The problem of infertility has been greatly attended to in Nigeria since 1989 by an Edo born professor of gynacology and obstetrics supported by WHO and the effort has yielded result as several breakthroughs has been recorded through the available conception technology with several In-vitro fertilization (IVF) conception and delivery here in Benin city Nigeria. Who is this said professor? He is Professor Augustine Alenezela Enowoghomwenma Orhue.”
outcome of this treatment which now has involved over 900 couples has been sustained in the last 5 years at the dedicated infertility programme in UBTH which he established in 1989 with a WHO research grant award. A professor of Gynaecology, Professor Orhue headed a new sub-
the purpose of produ babies unlike in Eur which have differ purpose for marria Professor Orhue s Assisted Concept Technology has com rescue childless cou from infertility. “In part of the wo marriages are contra
specialty which is called Infertility and Assisted Conception Technology (IACT) in UBTH. “By God’s grace and His glory, I founded this academic unit with the support of WHO back in 1989. Recently, the Unit is the talk of the town due to the breakthrough made in the Conception Technology with the first IVF conception and delivery in this hospital. Since then we have not looked back but advancing the cause of the Unit and the field of fertilization”. Marriage in the African setting is consummated and procure exclusively for
without the consent of partners but it is seen instrument that br families together as families come togeth give their children o strengthen relationship wit considering the opini those involved. T strange births (hus and wife) come to k each other through march making of family and sometimes not love themselves, w this becomes the case offspring becomes th of such couple espec the woman”. “Childlessness in African setting is seen
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Perspective
eption Technology To The Rescue By ONYENWELI MERCY
cing rope rent age. said tion me to uple this orld, acted
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shame and a disease that need to be avoided through all means. It is an abominable disease in our community and also in the bible where it is said to be a reward for your past sin. Childlessness is always seen as the problem of the woman not the man. The women get all the bashing
from the family, I tell you, infertility is a serious problem in Africa which must be treated with the urgency it deserved before it breaks more homes”. “We came in some years ago to assist if not solve the problem of infertility in Nigeria. We have over the years contributed our own quota to fight and reduced the trend in the nation. If you count 10 consultations in gyneacology in Nigeria and Edo state, it will certainly be for child bearing. The prevalence of the illness is high, this is so because the pressure is high on the woman, women till date are still held
responsible for infertility”. Speaking further, Professor Orhue frown at the societal believe that women are the cause of infertility when the problem may be from either partners. “In my 4 decades of practice in gyneacology , women are more aggrieved and even when it is obvious the man is the one with the
problem, the woman will bear it to save her home and husband from shame or embarrassment. She protects the man from his family and the society, risking her own image”. The practice of gyneacology according to Professor Orhue is loaded with a lot ethical issues. We carry out our consultation with both partners to ascertain where the problem is coming from. It is quite challenging and challenge younger doctors are not prepared for, you must have the passion for it to be able to meet the many challenges that come with
solving the problems. Many people are doctors, many practices gyneacology but not all have the knowledge. “I am a servant of the people, put here to bring happiness to families faced with infertility problem. Touching lives of families with the
knowledge given to me by my creator. In the last 38 years of my practice, I have not gone on sabbatical leave. I share the faith to stick with the sick, treat them and make them whole and clean again through the help of God Almighty. In December 1989, we are
11 consultant but by June 1990, I was the only consultant in this department for seven years. I thank God for the strength to remain relevant and solving the infertility problems breaking homes in the country, I want to be remembered for the knowledge I shared to put smiles on the faces of
peoples. I have also over the years trained several gynaecology that are now relevant and contributing their quota to the development of the society, among them today is my deputy in the IVF programme. If God asked me what I did with the talent he gave me, I have an account to show. I am like the man with seven talents and I traded with them and have something to show for my trading”.
Anxiety In Relationship ANXIETY is a wily reactive afflictions, it can be described as “a feeling of nervousness or worry about something”. Have you ever felt nervous when confronted by an angry dog? How will you feel when the dog goes away? The nervousness and worry do also, don’t they? What then is Anxiety in relationship? Anxiety in relationship refers to whatever that could create emotional instability in their dealings. It becomes chronic when it continues even after there is no more need to feel anxious. Anxiety can cause a strong damage when it is not well restrained. However, Anxiety can arrive mysteriously like a sudden fog on a clear day and can hang on far too long. The feeling can be seriously unpleasant with tightness in chest muscles and almost nauseating fearfulness. It also impede performance, it’s definitely a feeling that most people wants to get rid of as soon as possible. People who suffer from Anxiety often have trouble within their personal relationships, according to Anxiety Disorder Association of America (ADAA). The good news,
By MBA P. NGOZI
however, is that as the anxiety was treated, the relationships improved. In a survey completed by ADAA over 1,000 people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) were questioned of the role anxiety played in their relationships. Although anxiety has impacted all relationships including those with children and co-workers, the survey showed romantic relationships being impacted on a greater scale. Anxiety can undermine relationships if it blocks you for interacting together about sensitive relationship issues. Fortunately, the better you skills for communicating as a couple the more likely that confidence will replace your difference about relationship issues that need fixing. So, the most common causes for anxiety is “distance”. Distance among partners affects their relationships and most times causes anxiety. This includes both a physical connection and a loss of communication, anxiety in one partner can easily carry over to the other, creating something
like a vicious circle where each partner’s behaviour increases the anxiety of the other. This can lead to the physical and emotional pain. However, another causes of anxiety in a relationship is “frequent worry” Anxiety is most often characterized by extreme or constant worry. This worry is often unsubstantiated, but, even so, the persons with anxiety cannot stop. When worry finds it’s way into a relationship, it can appear as jealousy or suspicion. You may know your partner is faithful but may continue to worry about what would happen if he or she were not faithful. This can lead to questioning your partner unnecessarily or feeling as if your partner doesn’t care or the anxiety sufferer needing constant reassurance. Both partners can end up feeling frustrated and angry. More so, another cause of anxiety is “panic of publics”. Attending social functions and getting together for family events are normal part of being in a relationship. When one partner is fearful of being in public, in crowded place
or has begun to avoid getting together with other people, it can place a large strain on the relationship. How To Help Partners – Comfort one another Always try to listen to one another, even when one is hot the other should try as much as possible to confront he or she; get what the issue is before you can react on the issue. It may help you to understand better what the problem is. Be honest about the relationship – There is a saying which says that actions speaks louder than words. If you’re insecure because of how your partner is acting towards you, then, that’s something to explore. Sometimes there can be a legitimate reason for why we’re feeling a certain way. Learn more about each other – when a relationship is enacted, it is adviseable for the both partners to learn more about themselves, also know both weakness and strength. Be supportive – If anxiety has disrupted a relationship, one partner need to remind the other that they should go for counseling or individual counseling to seek for proper solution to the problem.
Be honest about the relationship – There is a saying which says that actions speaks louder than words. If you’re insecure because of how your partner is acting towards you, then, that’s something to explore.
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VARIOUS experts have identified halitosis as the most common mouth ailment. Generally known as mouth odour or bad breath, halitosis is an oral health condition in which one’s mouth emits an offensive odour. Dr Lojede Oluseye, a Dental Surgeon at National Hospital, Abuja, said that the three types of halitosis were halitophobia or psychological halitosis, physiological halitosis and real halitosis. “Halitophobia is a situation where the person doesn’t have halitosis, but due to some certain things that have been discovered, he just believes that he has it; that is why it is called psychological. “It is seen mostly in people that are stressed up or those who lack confidence; it is very dangerous because it could lead to suicide,’’ he said. Oluseye said that physiological halitosis, which affected virtually everyone, was due to the habit of not brushing the teeth before going to bed. “The bacteria in the mouth take care of the remnant food deposits in the mouth and those activities produce mouth odour; “So, everybody has that condition, but when you wake up in the morning and you brush your teeth, it is gone,’’ he said. For real halitosis or mouth odour, Oluseye said that its origin could either be local or systemic. “The local causes are usually within the mouth. Here, the dentist examines you and is able to see it by checking the mouth for
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plaque or calculus or if there are cavities in your mouth. “What the plaque does is that it hangs between the teeth and the gum; these are the bacteria colony that takes a bit of the food eaten and sticks it to the teeth. “This could cause irritation to the gum and when you are brushing you see traces of blood; this will cause some foul odour. “If that is discovered to be the cause of a patient’s halitosis, we scrape the teeth to remove the plaque, polish the teeth and probably put the patient on some medication. “If yours is caused by cavities, once the tooth is straightened and refilled and you improve your oral hygiene, the halitosis should go,’’ he said. On the other hand, Oluseye said that systemic halitosis involved the malfunction of some parts of the body or the entire body system. “If a patient has long standing catarrh or cold or blocked nostrils, he or she has what we call natural rhinitis. “Other systemic causes are that in some patients, their blood reagents and urea level could go high and the patient may have renal problems, causing the kidney not to filtrate well. “By this, the urea level is bound to go up and some of them will escape to the chest and from the chest to the nose,’’ he added. Nevertheless, Oluseye stressed that halitosis was not hereditary or caused by fasting. “Fasting has nothing to do with mouth odour but I’ve discovered that some
Issues View Point Coping With Mouth Odour By FOLASADE FOLARIN
people believe that they shouldn’t brush their mouths during fasting, and this is wrong,’’ he added. Oluseye, nonetheless, noted that there were kinds of food which could cause mouth odour, adding that there were other foods that could promote the cleansing of the mouth. “When you eat fruits, the fibre does some kind of
“Generally, you are supposed to see your dentist once in six months, don’t ever believe that you have a clean or healthy mouth until a dentist says you do. “Ideally, once a child starts having teeth; from six months, he is a candidate for a dental check-up,’’ he said. Besides, Dr Machu
cleansing. If you check people’s mouth, it’s very easy to know what side the person chews with. “This is because if you are a one-sided chewer, the side you chew with is often cleaner than the other side. “Therefore, we encourage people to eat fibrous fruits and not allow the blender to do it all for them.
Abraham, the Chief Executive Officer of Graceland Oral Health and Medical Care Initiative, said that the common symptoms of halitosis were bad smell, bad taste or taste changes, among others. “In most cases, halitosis originates from the gum and tongue, the odour is caused by bacteria from the decay of food particles,
“When you eat fruits, the fibre does some kind of cleansing. If you check people’s mouth, it’s very easy to know what side the person chews with. This is because if you are a one-sided chewer, the side you chew with is often cleaner than the other side.Therefore, we encourage people to eat fibrous fruits and not allow the blender to do it all for them.”
other debris in the mouth and poor hygiene. “The decayed debris produces a sulphur compound that causes an unpleasant odour,’’ he added. Abraham, nonetheless, said that drugs, gum diseases, heavy metal accumulation, liver diseases, poor diet, poor dental hygiene, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption and tooth
combat bad breath,’’ he added. Dr Bimpe Adebiyi, the Director, Dentistry Division of the Federal Ministry of Health, said that people should form the habit of brushing their mouth twice daily — before breakfast and before going to bed. She also advocated the use of dental floss, instead of toothpick, to remove particles from the teeth.
decay were other causes of halitosis. He, however, noted that many people with halitosis were not even aware that they had the condition. “It is easy to diagnose bad breath; you can lick your finger, let it dry for a few seconds and smell the area or cup your breath,’’ he said. All the same, Abraham said that daily intake of plenty water would encourage saliva production which would, in turn, control mouth odour. “One should also get sufficient sunlight, exercise and sleep as well as seek practical ways to relax and resolve stressful conditions as measures to
“Dental floss is like a thread, usually medicated; it is applied in between the teeth and it works like a magnet because it usually comes out of the teeth with the food particles. “Dentists encourage dental flossing above tooth picking, because sometimes, a tooth pick pushes whatever you want to remove from the teeth into the gum, thereby injuring it and bleeding occurs,’’ Adebiyi stated. All in all, dental experts insist that the most potent way of guarding against mouth odour is to maintain sound oral hygiene. “The mouth should be kept clean at all times,’’ they add.
THE NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
Drumbeats
Ingredient For Living A Successful Life Continued from last week
ONE of the reasons why majority of us are not succeeding in our endeavor is failure to learn from the failure of other people. For example, I learn more from my failures than my successes. As a business man, politician, banker, contractor and a government worker, please note that success attracts and failure scares, people away from us and causes retrogression, reproach and stagnation in our lives To enjoy the dividends of ‘Christianity, you must be willing to learn from the failures of others, so as to avoid making the same mistakes. “And he said a certain man had two Sons; And the younger of them said to his father, father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me, and he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together and took his journey into a far country, and there wasteth his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent a there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And lie went and joined himself to a Citizen of that country; and lie sent him into his field to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, how many hired servants of my fathers have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, father, I have sinned. Against heaven, and before thee and am no more worthy to be called they son: make me as one of thy servant And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way of his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck, and kissed him, and the son said unto him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and hi thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servan4 bring forth the best robe, and put it on him and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. And bring hither the calf and kill it and let us eat and be merry: for
this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost, and is fount And they began to be merry”. Luke 15:11-24. Friends you will agree with me on the above scriptures that the reason why the prodigal child got himself back into his fathers wealth was his ability to realize his mistake and his willingness to go back to his father and apologize for his failure. He never apportioned blames to some body else, how many of us will behave like this prodigal son and, genuinely repent of our sins and admit your failure? For you to have and enjoy ingredient for living a successful life, you must daily learn from your own mistakes and the mistakes or failures of others to avoid further failures. Be Diligent In Your Duties No goad thing comes easy, for you to h4ve’and enjoy ingredient for living a successful life, then you must be diligent in your duties. How diligent are you in your political ambition, business, pastoral, banking and in your academic life? Your quest to be the governor of your state, President of your nation and the greatest Evangelist in the world. can only be achieved when you are diligent in your duties. “Go to the ant, thou sluggard consider her ways, and be wise Which having no guide, overseer or ruler. Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathered her food in the harvest how long will thou sleep, O sluggard? When will thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep. So shall thy poverty comes as one that travelleth, and thy want as in armed man”. Proverbs 6vs 6-1I. The word of God admonishes us tolerant from the ant. Why if you may ask? Because of their diligence woman. Laziness attracts poverty, sickness and failures to our lives. “Now jephthah the gileadite was a might man of valor and he was the son of harlots, and Gilead begat Jephthah. And Gilead’s wife bare him sons,
With Apostle Dr. Raphael O. Ayemere 08035459593
and his wife’s sons grew up, and they trust out Jephthah, and said unto him, thou shall not inherit in our father’s house, for thou. art the son of a strange woman. Then jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Job, and there were
bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the Lord deliver them before me, shall be your head? And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthan, the Lord be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy
discover and develop his potentials. He gathered vain men, developed their potential’s and fought to earn a living. Never underestimate the power of diligence, in duties, because its, your gateway to success,
gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with hint. And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel. And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthan out of the land of Job. And they said unto Jephthan, come and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon. And Jephthan said unto the elders of Gilead, did no ye hate me, and expel me out of my father c house? And why are ye conic unto me now when ye are in distress? And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthan, therefore we turn again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitant of Gilead. And Jephthan said unto the elders of Gilead, if ye
words. Then Jephthan went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them and Jephthan uttered all his word before the Lord in Mispeh” Judges 11 vs 1 -11. Friends from the above passage of the scripture you can see that diligence pays. If Jephthan had given up his faith and be idle what would have been his end result? I say to you again, that idleness and laziness will never enhance your greatness, but your ability to be persistence in your duties will lead you into a place of prominence a fulfilled future. Friends I agree with you that at times life could be painful, discouraging and bitter. Do you think that Jephthan never faced dfficu1ties in his life? He was incasirated, beaten, abused, rejected and forsaken by his brethren, but what later gave him an edge over his brethren was his ability to
Spend Quality Time In Studying And Obeying Gods Word The word of God holds your destiny, and the more you study and obey it, the more God will reveal to you ingredients for living a successful life. Your strength, intelligent, knowledge and willingness to succeed in life is not enough to guarantee your success, but your ability to study the word of God, often and obey it will help you to succeed easily and be great. The more of the word of God that you have inside you, will be used by God to determine the measure of peace, comfort, success, satisfaction add safety you will enjoy in this world. The quality of times we spend with our wives win help us to know the strength and weakness of our wives. The same goes with the word of God. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth
but thou shall meditate therein day and night, that thou sayest observe to do according to all that is written therein, flit then thou shall make thy way prosperous and the thou shall have good success”. Joshua. I v8 Majority of us want success, desire it and need it urgently but the big question is, how many times do we study and obey the word of God? Weeping will certainly not help you to obtain and achieve success, but your ability to meditate in the word of God day and night will help you to achieve it and enable you to enjoy the dividends of Christianity. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy worst With my whole heart have I sought thee oh let me not wonder from thy commandment Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou o Lord teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the Judgment of thy mouth. I have rejoice In the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways I will delight myself in thy statutes, I will not forget thy wont Deal bountful1y with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth, hide not, thy commandments from me” Psalm 119:9-19. From the above passage of the scriptures you can see the level of devotion, task and desire David had in Gods word. He knew that without God and his word he couldn’t achieve anything on earth. Don’t spend all your time. Pursuing contracts, fame, power, and money, but spend quality time to study, meditate and obey Gods word. It is only in Gods word that you will find genuine success satisfaction, wealth fame and peace of mind. To be continued
THE NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
Issues
Oghada Town: A
Sleeping Beauty?
MY dream for Oghada is to be one of the most progressive communities in Isi and to do that, we all have to play an important role. We have got to work very hard to accomplish what ever goal we set out to accomplish. This is what we have to do as members of this great community. We have got to be accountable, responsible and tolerant. I honestly think that with these tasks in mind we can accomplish our goals Enogie of Oghada When Prince E n w a e n s e f e Iyiewuaefo-Eweka ascended the throne of his father as the new enogie on Satuday, May 11, 2013 there was merriment, jubilations and celebration, but not many took him serious when he said he will not be an absentee enogie but will live among his people and will always be on ground to feel their purse and understand how life is in Oghada Town. Oghada Town is in Isi Clan in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, of Edo state, a predominantly farming
holding to his word by staying close to his people living among them and feeling their purse. The enogie has shown the true character of a leader well expose and well travelled. He has shown that leaders ought to be servant, serving the people and doing their will. This he displayed recently when
politicians and that of traditional rulers with normal routine of the royal blood can society with the women delivering speeches in never be classified as engaging in trading such occasions. one. He promised his activities to support the The enogie wants to people to stay and live men. It is a loving, accommodating and hospitable society with peace loving people who seek development in all sphere especial education, agricultural, industrial and economic development. The enogie appear to be the messiah that this Town needs to lead the way to the desired destiny as his coming on board with his many vision especially that of citing a University in the Town will surely draw investors, student and the likes to the community. The speech he delivered on the day of his coronation speaks volume of his vision and mission for the town and his people, the speech was full of hope, aspiration, and a light to the future for Oghada people. When he read his speech on that faithful Saturday, not many people took him serious; the speech was Prince Enwaensefe Iyiewuaefo-Eweka, Enogie of Oghada taken as one of those normal political prove his critic wrong with them. Recent he hosted his people and statements which are and let them know that development point to community at his palace just read to fulfill the speeches read by the fact that he is in Oghada. Entering Oghada town for the first time as a reporter, I wonder aloud and imagine what Prince Enwaensefe Iyiewuaefo-Eweka, a well travelled and educated man doing in the mist of Oghada people? The level is parallel, exposure, not comparable, intelligent, By RICHARD OKORO EWEKA
“He promised his people to stay and live with them. Recent development point to the fact that he is holding to his word by staying close to his people living among them and feeling their purse.�
something worth having, but yet chose to lead and live in Oghada. I discovered that it’s just the love of his people and the patriotic zeal to truly server and develop the land and her people that has kept him in the town, I tell you not many like him will take the decision of living with their subjects in
expense of their comfort. Friday 23 rd August 2013 is another important day that will never be forgotten in a hurry by the people of the town as the enogie hosted his people in his place and they all discussed freely how to move the town forward. The gathering was not just like the normal Continues on page 21
THE NIGERIAN
21
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
Issues Issues
Continued from page 21
gathering where the gap between leaders and followers is wide but this is extra-ordinary, the people had a lot to eat, drink and took to their various homes. They all contributed in their own wisdom on how to move the town forward. There was a lot to learn from the gathering especially to some of us who are youth and will become leader of this nation tomorrow. As intelligent, educated and a well travelled man, he gave room to even the least educated in the town to contribute to the discuss. He never shot anyone down but listen to them with rap attention, with smiles of satisfaction not for the contribution but for bridging the gap and allowing people to speak their mind and contribute to the discuss on moving the community forward. Throughout the duration of the gathering, the enogie smiled and the smiles is that of hope for the people and the town of Oghada. The entire discussion went smoothly, if not for the separation of seat, it would have been difficult to point out the enogie in the mist of the people; this is the true character of a leader who is committed to leading his people into development. Speaking to the people at his palace, the enogie
of Oghada town, His Royal Highness Prince E n w a e n s e f e Iyiewuaefo-Eweka, explained to his people why the gathering is coming late. He said the occasion should have happened earlier but due to reasons beyond my control we have to shift it till today. “I chose this day to discuss with my people, I want us to join our hands together as a family to chart a course of the land. I want to outline some of the changes we need in this town to move it forward. The changes should be in the area of RESOURCES M A N A G E M E N T; E T H N I C DIVERSITY and RESISTANCE TO CHANGE. The enogie said, the above mentioned areas should be the major focus for the people of the town and vigorously pursued and achieved, the effort will surely transformed and develop the town and investors will key into the dream and Oghada will be a place to live in. “These are the three main challenges, we all we confront as a family. When we do this with subsequent robbing of mind in a gathering like this, am sure the huddle facing us will be addressed and will become a thing of the past”. “When I became the enogie of this community, I noticed that the market in the
... A Sleeping Beauty?
community was not in use but rather every one sells his or her product at home. I called some of my subject and we reasoned together on how to put the market back to use. So we formulated a law that will enable us punish who ever sells at home. When we brought this law before the people they all agree to return back to the market and
day is a true picture of how Oghada should be. “What you see today is that the people who have no opportunity to rub minds with their enogie have that opportunity and now they can voice out their intention for the community. This is a sign that Oghada is on the way to development in all spheres and sector of the town. I believe in
they speak, I listen to them”. Speaking on how to develop the town, the enogie of Oghada His Royal Highness Prince E n w a e n s e f e Iyiewuaefo-Eweka, told his people that they all need to reorganize the town in such a way that will be attractive to outsiders and prospective investors. He said this is the first
“Changing the mentality of Oghada people lies in reorganization of the land and market. The land as a brand to standout and attract people to come from far and near to join hands with me to develop the land and wake up Oghada a sleeping beauty. My people should not resist
Prince Enwaensefe Iyiewaefo-Eweka interacting with his subjects.
today the market is functioning and we go there to buy whatever we want to buy. This is one positive change and more changes like this are still going to come”. Speaking further, the enogie of Oghada town said the event of that
my people because they are the reason why am the enogie today, if they are not here who do I lead? So they are important to me that is why I respected them all no matter their level and I’ve created room for everyone to speak while
“Changing the mentality of Oghada people lies in re-organization of the land and market. The land as a brand to standout and attract people to come from far and near to join hands with me to develop the land and wake up Oghada a sleeping beauty.”
step towards wooing investors to the town to invest in the growth of the community. “In few years time we dream of managing our land and the people from different background and ethnic group residing in the community to all pursue one course i.e development of the town. The town must be open to both indigene and non indigene alike. This is the first step towards achieving our altimate goal of developing the town”.
change especially now in the era of technology as positive change is the roots to development. When we embrace change we will acquire all that we plan and desire to achieve like,
a University, Police station, Hospitals ect. I will do my best to impress the Oba of Benin and probably inviting him to pay us a visit at Oghada, this will be our biggest achievement if it sure happens, we pray it should.”
THE NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
Issues Political Platform
Why 2015 Won’t Favour Gov Orji
NO matter the clattering of the government of Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji about 2015, it will never be easy for it to impose its choice successor as the media is awash that people are holding-tightly to succeed him. He was just successful in 2007, due to the aweinspiring personality of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, who was a governor of the state that compelled the masses of Abia State to vote for him. In 2011, Governor Orji won with executive aura. But in 2015, no matter his managerial position, our people are wiser. Hardly did anyone believe that the electorates would vote and guide their votes in the 2011 elections; hardly did anybody believe that such number of electorates, as was experienced in 2011 elections, could be trendy; but they braved up, no matter what were experienced in certain quarters, where the oldstock-approach of intimidating people with security personnel were upto-the-minute. Governor Orji was declared the gubernatorial winner of the 2011 elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as against the views of people like Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba and Prince Paul Ikonne, who took to judicial redress, fingering excess irregularities in that election, having contested
By ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE
in different political parties, aside the Orji’s PDP. Following what has turned out to be the rob of good governance in Abia State under Governor Orji, it is imperative to say that whoever Gov. Orji might anoint for the 2015 gubernatorial elections in Abia State would fail woefully. This is because our people will not like a repeat of Governor T.A Orji in that state, which was once known as God’s Own State, but has turned out to become Goons’ Own State under him. Our people didn’t actually come out in 2011 to vote for Governor Orji; he, rather, took the advantage of the overwhelming support of our people to President Goodluck Jonathan. NdiAbia did not want Governor Orji in 2011, after his two-faced statement against Dr. Kalu in 2009 that the latter was a thorn in his neck that lame-ducked him not to perform in the first term. Yet, we have not seen meaningful Infrastructure, Healthcare, qualitative Education, clean Environment, ubiquitous Security, Job Creation, Economy and Investment, booming Agriculture and Youth engagement, since he estranged himself from Kalu. Governor Orji decamped from the Progressive Peoples
Alliance, PPA, in 2010, under which platform he was elected governor, to pitch tent with the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and finally with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
promises of how he would make Abia State a Utopian state, which in all has turned out to be a mirage. It is hopeful that people like Kalu would be laughing at his onetime Chief of Staff (CoS), who has become the most-upsetting governor that Nigeria has ever
“Kalu had challenged detractors that the documents were there for anybody to verify. Kalu vowed that he never owed any bank money, which some people now say Abia State is repaying.” But come to think of it, if Governor Orji is given beyond 2015, assuming it is constitutional, he would not do more than telling us how he was in bondage and all that crass that are only good for fairy tales or tales by moonlit.
Gov Theodore Orji
How can a man with this type of meandering behaviour be trusted again? And, since he came to the PDP, Governor Orji would always tell those who care to listen to him that he regretted his first term. Conversely, that regret has not abated. In his second term of office, he is defocused and confused and continued to give one excuse to another and
produced. As we know, a lazy man always quarrels with his tool. Governor Orji has not given the Abia people the true meaning of democracy, but 2015 is now waterlogged on his ill-fated menu. He blamed godfatherism as his constrictions, but now that he has become his own godfather, there is no near limitation to misgovernance.
“Our people didn’t actually come out in 2011 to vote for Governor Orji; he, rather, took the advantage of the overwhelming support of our people to President Goodluck Jonathan.”
Much as Governor Orji has even confessed that he has not found being a governor easy, saying that as a governor instead of sitting down and planning for development, he is sitting down to plan on how to retain his seat. This invariably implies that once an election is lost, the purportedly loser should go and rest and wait for another time, instead of heading to the tribunal. He would tell those that care to listen to him that the resources, both from the federation account and the internally generated revenue to do the job wasn’t coming as expected. His lazy man’s excuse was that what he met ‘here’ as IGR was N200- N250 million every
month. Much as we know, Dr. Kalu had said that he never left any debt for Theodore Orji as governor. Kalu declared that he wanted this to be on record that he left no debt the day he was leaving Umuahia as governor of Abia State. He said that he had heard people say that he owed banks N28 billion before he left. Putting the story straight in an interview with a national daily on September 9 2012, Kalu said that his government was only banking with Hallmark. Hallmark stopped, and his government went over to Bank PHB. The day he left office, the account was N1.7 billion in overdraft, because the now exPresident Olusegun Obasanjo asked the Ministry of Finance to withhold the money. On June 6, 2007, the overdraft cleared. Kalu had challenged detractors that the documents were there for anybody to verify. Kalu vowed that he never owed any bank money, which some people now say Abia State is repaying. Since Kalu made that statement, neither the state government had challenged him nor the political demagogues that sing the praise of Orji. What the government has been bent on doing is to manufacture serial lies. This is why Governor Orji will never find it easy in imposing any candidate against the wish of our people in 2015. Governor Orji has to know that he is only popular in the media, but the grassroots churlish him.
THE NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
View Point Deportation, Poverty And Symphony Of A Revolution By CHIEF BOBSON GBINIJE
“Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves”. William Pitt. (House of Commons Speech. 1783) “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains” Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract) “It is still my maxim, that there is no scandal like rags, nor crime so shameful as poverty”. George Farquhar When a thief is caught I N F L A G R A N T E DILECTO (red handed), no amount of verbal acrobatics, legal permutations, politicization and intellectualization of the criminal and shameful act, calculated to obstruct the trajectory of justice and cover the crime with a gossamer of objectivity and projectiles of prejudices will work, except in an anathematized and recondite Nation like Nigeria. The structural cosmopolitanization of State Capitals through Environmental Sanitation, Beautification and Urban Renewal Projects etc have led to people’s relocation, ghetto disruptions, mass movements and demolition of peoples’habitation. The demolition of illegal structures and caravans has rendered many, especially poverty-stricken Nigerians homeless and discarded. Indeed, it is a platitudinous practice of or by most states in Nigeria to immediately deport nonindigenes, especially those in the throes of impecuniosities as a result of the spread of the octopoidal tentacles of so – called infrastructural development. It is on record that on the 14th of December 2011 the Peter Obi-led administration of Anambra State deported 29 povertystricken Nigerians to their states of origin, i.e Akwa Ibom State and Ebonyi state. In other to revamp its Civil Service the Abia State Government resolved to flush out non indigenes in 2012. In Delta State the ongoing Urban Renewal Policy has left many dislodged and displaced
poverty -stricken people scampering to their villages and it is the same story in other States. So we now have intra and interstate deportations. On the 21st of June 2011, the Federal Capital City Territory Government deported 129 poverty-stricken Nigerians and in May 2013, hundreds of poor Nigerians were deported from Abuja to their States of Origin. On the 2nd of August 2013, the River State Government deported almost 200 poverty-stricken Nigerian Citizens to their States of Origin. The deportation blues attained its crescendo on July 27, 2013 when the Governor Babatunde Fashola-led Government of Lagos State deported 14 poverty-stricken Nigerians of Anambra State Origin to Onitsha. The furores, press war, buck passing, blame game, ethnic jingoism and parochial irredentism that followed on the hills of this deportation remains unprecedented. It has been a standard practice of government to do inter and intra State deportation of poverty- stricken Nigerians when carrying out their so – called Urban Renewal Projects. These acts of the various State Governments are a reflection of the mortal moral reprobacy, spiritual dwarfishness, ungodly, wicked, illegal and unconstitutional acts. There no known provisions in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that approves of these wanton molestations and deportation of the poor from their abode to anywhere in Nigeria. Indeed, section 14 subsections 2(b) under Fundamental Objectives and Directives Principles of State Policy Posit that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”. In the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), it is clear that poverty-stricken Nigerians have a right to the dignity of their human person (section 34), personal
liberty (section 35) freedom of movement (section 41) and the right of residence in any part of Nigeria (section 43). The deportation of the poor by the Federal and State governnment is a desecration of section 15 of the constitution which has imposed a duty on the estate to promote national integration. It
cramping and chronic lack that throws one upon public charity for support and a condition that makes one appeal for indiscriminate private charity. It is a sacrosanct fact that 85% of Nigerians are luxuriating in the oubliette and tenebrous labyrinth of stupefying poverty caused by the leadership (1960 – till
Nigeria continue to turn the other check while their leaders take turns to tighten the noose of poverty and oppression on their jugular. The poor in Nigeria loves their servitude like the comrades of Ulysses who loved their slavish conditions. When will the poor and oppressed speak out in Nigeria? When are we going to stop papering over the cracks? When are we going to say ENOUGH IS A ENOUGH in this country? Are we not overdue for overthrow and replacement of
President Goodlucky Jonathan
is therefore clear from the foregoing that these acts are horrendous profanation and abuse on the rights of the poor in Nigeria. The pedagogy and dynamics of poverty shows that it is the State of being poor and in a state of penury and without competent subsistence. It is the condition that relates to the absence or scarcity of requisite substance. A lack or meagerness of supply of necessities of life, it is beggary, destitution, distress, indigence, pauperism and mendicancy. The sociology of poverty unravels the truism that it is characterized by chameleonic ventriloquisms. It denotes a condition of below that of easy, comfortable living, a painful lack of what is useful and desirable, a lack of ordinary means of subsistence, comforts and necessities of life,
date) that is and has been sunken in psychotic Prebendalistic graft and sordid corruption sending droves of frustrated beggers, poverty-stricken, massive job seekers, lunatics, Kafkaesque rejects, kidnappers, assassins, thugs, pipeline vandals, oil thieves, burglars, graduate yahoo!yahoo!!419ers and unemployables etc litter every nook and crannies of Nigeria. Instead of finding solutions to the pitiable condition of poverty-stricken Nigerians, the Federal and State Governments under the guise of Urban Renewal, infrastructural development, non-indigenship, environmental sanitation and cosmopolitanization have declared war on the poor in Nigeria masqueraded as DEPORTATION. The poor in
electoral dictatorship, democratic tyrants and economic dehumanization in Nigeria? The Orange Revolution, the American Revolution, Chinese Revolution, English Revolution, French Revolution, Arab Springs, Russian Revolution etc did not see what the Nigerians are experiencing before they staged their uprisings against the LORDS OF THE MANOR. All Great Books and masters agree with the Bible and JESUS THE CHRIST that he who mocks the poor mocks at his master and creator. The Federal Government and some States Governments have mocked at the poor in Nigeria through their oppressive manipulations and wicked
Urban Renewal Programmes coded as DEPORTATION. The essayist Alexander Pope posits that “mischief thou art afoot take what course thou willeth and “let the ends of things disjoin, it is the whole world that suffers.” When will the poor and oppressed people in Nigeria “SPEAK OUT” The assertion by a northern oligarchcal hegemonist that the Nigerian Nation is a mistake of the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates and substantiated by Chief Obafemi Awolowo that Nigeria is a mere geographical expression is made an indefatigable truism by the apotheosization of ethnography, ethnicity, tribalism and indigeneship in Nigeria against all constititutional provisions. It is so because the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress is submerged in parenthetical placidity as Minimum Wage is a about to be moved from the Exclusion Legislative List to Concurrent Expenditure. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Union of Teacher (NUT), NUPFNG, PENGASSAN, and virtually, All Trade Unions in Nigeria are in eschatological slumber and Nero-like Nuctambulistic stargazing, whilst Nigeria is cascading down the slope of disintegration and total annihilation because of the oppression of povertystricken Nigerians and megalomaniacal corruption. Who will Bell the cat? Nobody but you and I. Finally, in his Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire the essayist and historian Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) observed that “so long as mankind shall continue to lavish more praise upon its destroyers than upon its benefactors war shall remain the chief pursuit of oppressed and ambitious minds” and this is buttressed by Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) in Mein kampf “that it must be thoroughly understood that the lost land will never be won back by solemn appeals to the good God, nor by hopes in any league of Nations but only by the force of arms.” CHIEF BOBSON G B I N I J E M A N D AT E AGAINST POVERTY (MAP) WARRI 08023250378
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
International Indonesian President Struggles To Find Successor
JAKARTA - Beset by a foundering economy and graft investigations into senior members of his party, Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is struggling to find a successor. Yudhoyono, 64, is due to step down in 2014 after he reaches his limit of two five-year terms at the helm of Southeast Asia’s largest economy. For much of the early part of his rule, Yudhoyono and his party were wildly popular, seen as reformers in a country tired of prolific graft. Eleven names floated by his Democratic Party to replace him reflect a dramatically changed reality: a party mired in corruption scandals and dwarfed by more popular rivals, and a dearth of candidates with enough appeal across the country, a strung-out archipelago of 250 million people. In a country where politics are often dominated by personalities rather than ideologies, the
Democratic Party’s candidate convention, which includes relatively unknown figures such as Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan and Yudhoyono’s brother-in-law, Pramono Edhie Wibowo, is unlikely to pose a threat to early frontrunners in next year ’s presidential race. It lacks, in short, star power. “The figure or personality really matters in Indonesian politics and the Democratic Party doesn’t have a star,” said Effendi Gazali, a political commentator and independent member of the Democratic convention committee. “Some of (their) candidates are quite good but for sure their benchmark is Jokowi.” That is a reference to the governor of Jakarta, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, whose clean image and effective style of governance have made him an early favorite in almost all opinion polls, even though his party, the opposition Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), has yet to nominate him as its
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presidential candidate. Widodo’s meteoric rise from small-town mayor to frontrunner in the presidential race has shaken Indonesia’s political landscape, which is otherwise dominated by familiar figures from the reign of former authoritarian president Suharto. Widodo is trailed closely in opinion polls by Prabowo Subianto, who is popular with young and rural voters but has a tainted human rights record from his time as commander of special forces under Suharto. Less popular contenders include former chief of the military, Wiranto, and businessman Aburizal Bakrie who, like many of the 11 names fielded by the Democratic Party at the weekend, are members of the old guard. The Democratic Party surged to power in Indonesia’s first direct presidential election in 2004 and won re-election in 2009 on an anti-corruption platform. But its popularity has fallen dramatically in recent years as major corruption scandals engulfed senior party and cabinet members, leaving Yudhoyono without a credible successor. “(Yudhoyono’s) inability to groom a suitable successor and more generally his failure to build a sound Democratic Party around him have been his key failures as
president,” said political analyst Kevin O’Rourke. “The consequence of that has clearly been poor performance in cabinet and parliament.” The Democratic Party enjoyed 40 percent of national support at its peak in 2010, but is projected to garner only 7 percent of the national vote in 2014, according
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party in the next administration by stitching together an alliance with smaller parties. “Yudhoyono’s strength has always been his ability to build coalitions, and it should not be underestimated,” said Karim Raslan, chief executive of KRA Group, a consultancy with offices in Jakarta and other Southeast Asian cities.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry pauses at a news conference, following meetings regarding Syria weapons.
Philippine Aircraft Attack Rebels
ZAMBOANGA CITY, PHILIPPINES - Philippine forces launched air strikes to root out rogue Muslim rebels from a southern city, stepping up efforts to end more than a week of clashes that have killed scores of people. The fighting has been a stark reminder that decades-
old grievances fester in the Catholic-majority country despite strong economic growth and an agreement with the biggest Muslim rebel group that was meant to pave the way to peace. The army said at least 62 people have been killed, including 51 of the
Yemen Jails 3 Al-Qaeda Members For Plot To Kill President SANAA - A Yemeni court sentenced three al Qaeda members to jail on Sunday for plotting to kill President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and target foreign diplomats, including the U.S. ambassador to Sanaa. Yemen is battling one of the most active franchises of al Qaeda, known as al Qaeda in the Arabian
to pollsters. Failure to get at least 25 percent of the national vote will relegate the Democrats to the league of less influential, mostly religious parties and exclude them from even nominating a presidential candidate. Some analysts said Yudhoyono could yet ensure a place for his
Peninsula, which has carried out a number of foiled attempts to attack U.S. targets, including airliners. The Sanaa court of first instance sentenced Abdullah al-Kheishani to seven years in prison, Maher al-Ramim to five years and Omar alNajjar to one year, state news agency Saba said. The public prosecution had accused Kheishani and Ramim of monitoring, planning and preparing for the assassination of Hadi outside his residence using booby-trapped vehicles, it said. Hadi was elected in February 2011 after his predecessor Ali Abdullah Saleh was eased from power as part of a U.S.-backed power transfer deal which came after months of popular protests that brought the country to the brink of civil war.
Saba said Kheishani and Najjar were also found guilty of planning and preparing to target military officers and the U.S. ambassador to Sanaa. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula last year offered a reward of 3 kg of gold for the killing of the U.S. ambassador in Sanaa or 5 million rials ($23,000) for an American soldier in Yemen. In Libya, U.S. ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans were killed in Benghazi last year when dozens of Islamist gunmen attacked a U.S. diplomatic compound and a nearby CIA annex. The Sanaa court ordered a fourth member of the militant network, accused of involvement in the plot, to be released because he had already served time in prison, Saba reported.
independence-seeking rebels and five civilians. The fighting, in its eighth day, has been largely in three coastal districts of Zamboanga City on the southern island of Mindanao. About 70,000 residents have been displaced. Soldiers traded mortar and machinegun fire with the rebels, who are from a breakaway faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), while two helicopter gunships fired rockets at their positions, an army spokesman, said. Another army official, Lieutenant-Colonel Ramon Zagala, justified the use of helicopters despite the fact that the rebels are holding dozens of civilian hostages, saying the aircraft were part of an intensification of a “calibrated response”. “We need to use them in order to finish this at the soonest possible time,” Zagala said. Up to 300 rebels are believed to be in the city. They object to a deal signed last October with the main Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and are trying to derail the pact aimed at ending 40 years of conflict. But they are not expected to succeed, analysts say. The clashes could tarnish the image of the Philippines as a destination for foreign investment but financial dealers said the violence has not had an impact on markets. The peso was around the session high of 43.66 per dollar in the early afternoon
and Manila stocks jumped nearly 3 percent, outperforming most Southeast Asian peers. Mindanao has reserves of gold, copper, nickel, iron, chromite and manganese, which account for about two-fifths of total reserves in the country. But Zamboanga is far from most mining operations, at the end of a peninsula in the southwest of Mindanao, which is about the same size as South Korea. President Benigno Aquino has been in Zamboanga since Friday overseeing the security operation and relief efforts. He rejected a ceasefire plan brokered by his vice president and soldiers went on the offensive on the weekend. Nearly 50 rebels had been captured as troops take more ground. Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas said rebels were trying to escape and one was caught pretending to be a Christian hostage, clutching a rosary. He was exposed when he was unable to recite the Lord’s Prayer. While the fighting has yet to have an impact on the wider national economy, it has brought the largely Christian city of Zamboanga to a halt. It usually does daily business worth about 50 billion pesos ($1.14 billion), said Cholo Soliven, president of the city’s chamber of commerce. Production of sardines and carrageenan, a product from seaweed used in the food industry, has been disrupted while hundreds of homes, and several public and commercial buildings have been destroyed. Flights and ferry services are suspended.
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International
US, France, Britain To Pressurise Assad PARIS - The United States, France and Britain agreed on Monday to step up pressure on President Bashar al-Assad to stick to the terms of a deal under which Syria is to give up its huge arsenal of chemical weapons and avoid U.S. military strikes. The three Western permanent members on the United Nations Security Council agree to seek a strong resolution in that forum that sets binding deadlines for the removal of Syria’s chemical weapons, French President Francois Hollande’s office said. The statement followed talks in Paris, two days after the United States reached a deal with Assad’s ally Russia on chemical weapons that could avert U.S. strikes on Syria. After Hollande met Kerry and British Foreign Secretary William Hague and their French counterpart
Laurent Fabius, an aide to Hollande said: “The idea is to stick to a firm line.” “They’ve agreed to seek a strong and robust resolution that sets precise and binding deadlines with a calendar,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Syria’s government at the weekend hailed as a “victory” the Russianbrokered deal, which rebels who have been fighting to overthrow the government in Damascus since 2011 says has benefited their enemy in the civil war. Assad briefly dispersed his forces to protect them from strikes threatened by the United States as punishment
for a chemical weapons attack in Damascus on August 21 which Washington says killed more than 1,400 people, many of them children. Government jets and artillery hit rebel suburbs of the capital again on Sunday in an offensive that residents said began last week when President Barack Obama delayed air strikes in the face of opposition from Moscow and in the U.S. Congress. The deal reached in Geneva has put off the immediate threat of air strikes but Obama has stressed that force remains an option if Assad reneges. U.S. forces remain in position.
Russia still opposes military action but now backs possible U.N. sanctions for noncompliance. Kerry has responded to widespread doubts about the feasibility of what he called “the most far-reaching chemical weapons removal ever” by insisting the plan could work. The Syrian government has told the United Nations it will adhere to a treaty banning chemical weapons. The U.S.-Russian framework agreement calls for the United Nations to enforce the removal of existing stockpiles by the middle of next year.
pact that the rebels fear has bolstered their enemy in the civil war. President Bashar al-Assad’s jets and artillery hit rebel suburbs of the capital again on Sunday in
an offensive that residents said began last week when Obama delayed air strikes in the face of opposition from Moscow and his own electorate. Speaking of the U.S.-Russian deal, Syrian minister Ali Haidar told Moscow’s RIA news agency: “These agreements ... are a victory for Syria, achieved thanks to our Russian friends. Though not close to Assad, Ali was the first Syrian official to react to Saturday’s accord in Geneva by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Bridging an angry East-West rift over Syria, they agreed to back a ninemonth U.N. programme to destroy Assad’s chemical arsenal. The deal has put off the threat of air strikes Obama made after
Assad has less than a week to begin complying with the deal by handing over a full account of his chemical arsenal. He must allow U.N.-backed inspectors from the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to complete their initial on-site checks by November. Assad told Russian state television last week that his cooperation was dependent on an end to threats of war and to U.S. support for rebel fighters. But it seems likely that Moscow can prevail on him to comply, at least initially, with a deal in which Putin has invested considerable personal
prestige. While Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed in Geneva that the pact did not include any automatic use of force in the event of Syria’s failure to comply, Western leaders said only the credible prospect of being bombed had persuaded Assad to agree to give up weaponry which he had long denied ever having, let alone using. Experts say the removal of up to 1,000 metric tons of chemical agents will be highly problematic in the middle of Syria’s civil war, although they assume that the dozens of chemical weapons sites remain under government control.
poison gas killed hundreds of Syrians on August 21, although he has stressed that force remains an option if Assad reneges. U.S. forces remain in position. Russia still opposes military action but now backs possible U.N. sanctions for non-compliance. French President Francois Hollande called for a U.N. resolution on Syria backed by the threat of punitive action to be voted by the end of this week. Hollande also said the option of military strikes must remain on the table. Kerry, visiting Israel, responded to widespread doubts about the feasibility of the “the most far-reaching chemical weapons removal ever” by insisting the plan could work. And he and Obama sought to
reassure Israelis the decision to hold fire on Syria does not mean Iran can pursue nuclear weapons with impunity. Obama embraced the Syria disarmament proposal floated last week by Russian President Vladimir Putin after his plan for U.S. military action hit resistance in Congress. Lawmakers feared an open-ended new entanglement in the Middle East and were troubled by the presence of al Qaeda followers among Assad’s opponents. Obama dismissed critics of his quick-changing tactics on Syria for focusing on “style” not substance. And while thanking Putin for pressing his “client the Assad regime” to disarm, he chided Russia for questioning
Assad Hails Victory On Arms Deal, Troops Attack DAMASCUS - Syria’s government hailed as a “victory” a Russian-brokered deal that has averted U.S. strikes, while President Barack Obama defended a chemical weapons
Fire Breaks Out On Russia’s Nuclear Submarine
VLADIVOSTOK, Russia - A fire burned for five hours on an atomic-powered submarine undergoing repairs near Russia’s eastern port of Vladivostok yesterday, but naval and shipyard officials said there was no risk of a radiation leak and nobody was hurt.
Cambodian Opposition Rallies For Second Day PHNOM PENH- Thousands of opposition supporters gathered in Cambodia’s capital yesterday, a day after police used force to scatter protesters challenging a disputed election win by Prime Minister Hun Sen, sparking clashes in which one man was shot dead. Hun Sen met opposition leader Sam Rainsy for talks and officials said they had agreed to look at how future general elections are held but the long-serving premier refused to give in to demands for an independent inquiry into the July 28 poll. Prak Sokhonn, a senior official of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), told a briefing the two parties had agreed to respect King Norodom Sihamoni’s call for calm. But the election had been decided and parliament would open as planned, he said. “There won’t be a delay ... This meeting of parliament will go ahead with or without the
participation of the CNRP,” he said, referring to Sam Rainsy’s Cambodia National Rescue Party. The protests present the biggest challenge in years to Hun Sen’s 28-year, iron-fisted rule. Around 10,000 protesters had gathered in Freedom Park in Phnom Penh, a Reuters reporter said. Some had defied the authorities by camping there overnight. Clashes had broken out in several places in Phnom Penh on Sunday as supporters of the CNRP tried to remove razor-wire barricades and refused to limit their protest to the designated site in Freedom Park. Chan Soveth, a worker for human rights group Adhoc, said a man was shot in the head and died when CNRP supporters tried to move barricades set up by the authorities in the Kbal Thnal Bridge area near their party headquarters.
He said the man was not a political protester but one of a group of residents of the area angry that they could not reach their homes. Chan Soveth said he had visited five other people in hospital who had been shot. “These bullets came from where the authorities were,” he told Reuters. National Military Police spokesman Kheng Tito said police had used only teargas, batons and smoke grenades and he could not say how the man died. “I don’t know how he was killed. We didn’t use live bullets,” he said. The CNRP said in a statement on Monday it “strongly condemns the violent, brutal act of police who fired guns and beat people who were just travelers who tried to cross the bridge, leaving one dead, many injured and others detained”. The party has called for
peaceful protest and said on Sunday it did not recognize the “small group of opportunists” who had stirred up trouble. The capital has been tense since the election but protests have been mostly calm until now and the security forces, prone to cracking down on dissent in the past, have been restrained. PROTEST TO CONTINUE Electoral authorities say Hun Sen’s CPP won the election with 68 seats to the CNRP’s 55, a much-reduced majority that, even before the protests, signaled dissatisfaction with Hun Sen’s authoritarian rule despite rapid economic growth in a country seen for decades as a basket case. CNRP spokesman Yim Sovann told reporters after the meeting of the leaders that the protest rally would continue until Tuesday as planned and his party would still push for an inquiry into election irregularities before parliament starts next week.
Black smoke poured from the submarine Tomsk, which is powered by two nuclear reactors, after it caught fire at the Zvezda shipyard in Bolshoi Kamen, about 25 km (15 miles) across a bay from Vladivostok on the Sea of Japan, authorities said. The fire was the second on board a Russian nuclear-powered submarine in less than two years. “There is no threat of radioactive contamination,” the state-run Itar-Tass news agency cited an unidentified official in Russia’s Pacific Fleet command as saying. Regional emergency officials said radiation levels in the area were within the normal range. After the fire was extinguished, firefighters continued to douse the area to ensure it did not flare up again, the state-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation, which operates the shipyard, said in a statement. It said there were no casualties and both reactors had been shut off and were in “safe condition”. The firm also said there had been no weapons aboard the ship, which normally carries up to 24 guided missiles, when the fire broke out. When a blaze engulfed the atomic-powered Yekaterinburg at a shipyard in northwestern
Russia in December 2011, official statements said there had been no nuclear missiles on board the sub, but a respected magazine later cited several unnamed sources as saying this was untrue. Navy sources said yesterday that, in addition to two firefighting vessels, a ship that monitors radiation levels had been sent to the area, Russian news agencies reported. The fire started in a ballast area of the submarine during welding works after an acetylene torch was used to cut through a grate, setting a rubber seal, cables and paint on fire, RIA cited an unnamed official at the shipyard as saying. The official said the cistern was outside the sealed core of the submarine where the reactors are located, according to RIA. Russia’s navy has suffered several fatal accidents since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The nuclear-powered submarine Kursk sank in the Barents Sea in 2000, killing all 118 crewmen aboard, and 20 people died aboard the submarine Nerpa in 2008 when its fire extinguishing system went off, flooding compartments with deadly gas.
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International Features UN: ‘Rockets Containing’
Sarin Used In Syria Attack THE U.N. inspectors’ report on chemical weapons use in Syria was handed by the head of the mission, Professor Ake Sellstrom, on Sunday to the Secretary-General at his residence in New York, but limited details of the report were made public inadvertently with the publication of a photo showing its cover in close enough detail to read the writing. As those details emerge, diplomats at the U.N. say the report already appears to be shifting the thinking about whether a use-offorce clause should be included in the U.N. resolution being negotiated this week in New York based on the groundbreaking framework agreement announced Saturday by Russia and the U.S. to identify Syria’s chemical weapons, place them under control of the international community. The framework states that the U.S. and Russia agree that, in the event of non-compliance by Syria, including the unauthorized transfer, or any use of chemical weapons by anyone in Syria, the Security Council “should impose” measures under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter. The U.N. weapons report was being distributed to all 193 member states of the General Assembly Monday morning, including the 15 members of the Security Council, and was to be made public later in the morning after the Secretary General and Sellstrom brief the Council on its findings. But the Letter of
Transmittal from The Hague, dated Sept. 13, 2013, was visible in photos released by the U.N. of Sellstrom handing the document over to Ban. “The conclusion is that chemical weapons have been used in the ongoing conflict between the parties in the Syrian Arab republic,” the report’s cover says. “In particular,” it states that the “samples we have collected, provide clear and convincing evidence” that “rockets containing the nerve agent sarin was used” in several locations in the Ghouta area of Damascus,” referring to a poison gas attack in the eastern suburbs of the Syrian capital on Aug. 21, which prompted the United States, France and other nations to call for military strikes against the Syrian regime. With the evidence of the report in hand, diplomats from the U.S., U.K. and France now say that accountability needs to be a part of the U.N. action — either in the form of an International Criminal Court referral in the resolution, or as part of an international conference which U.N. and Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi is negotiating. “The world will now expect the Assad regime to live up to its public commitments,” said Kerry in Geneva, as he worked on the framework agreement with Russia. On Monday, Kerry’s language grew more adamant: “The framework purely commits the United States and Russia to impose measures under
Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter in the event of non-compliance.” The language reflected Russia’s opposition to a Security Council resolution authorizing the use of force, but alludes to the possibility of a second resolution, if Syria did not comply. The ambiguity of the language also left wiggle room, however, for the Security Council to put the language of Chapter 7 within the first resolution, as an automatic trigger, if Syria fails to comply with the Organization for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which will oversee the destruction of the chemical stockpiles. Syrian President Bashar Assad has said it was rebel forces that fired the toxic gas into Ghouta on Aug. 21, not his own forces. Russia has also suggested that possibility, but called for firm evidence. The Obama administration and many of its allies have concluded that only Assad’s military could have been behind the attack, which the White House says left more than 1,400 people dead. The U.N. inspectors’ mandate was to determine only if chemical weapons had been used, and if so which ones, not to assign guilt for the attack to one side or the other. However, evidence of the specific delivery systems and composition of the toxic chemicals used in Ghouta from the U.N. inspectors could prove key to convincing a skeptical Russia that Assad was behind the attack.
Diplomatic shutting in progress.
How The US, Russia Arrived At Deal On Syria’s Chemical Weapons BY midday Friday in Geneva, progress had been made in nearly round-the-clock meetings between U.S. and Russian negotiators and experts on Syria’s chemical weapons, but it was not enough. Although the two sides were close to agreement on the size and location of the Syrian arsenal, they remained far apart on other issues, including how to collect and destroy the weapons. It was clear that the Russians would not agree to a U.N. Security Council resolution that authorized an automatic use of force if the Syrians reneged on any deal. And Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was packing up to go home that night. As the two sides gathered at the table after lunch, Secretary of State John F. Kerry successfully appealed to Lavrov, saying that he and his team would stay as long as it took. He would talk into the night, he said. He would get up as early as necessary the next day. According to a State Department official’s account of the negotiations, which began Thursday evening and ended Saturday afternoon with a framework accord to secure and eliminate
Syria’s chemical weapons, it was a deal that almost did not happen. In the end, the deal was written entirely by the U.S. side. The Russians agreed to it in an impromptu poolside conversation between Kerry, Lavrov and their deputies, who dragged over chairs to join them. Kerry made final edits to the draft on an iPad in his hotel room. The version of events offered Sunday by the senior State Department official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the c l o s e d - d o o r conversations, was both riveting and self-serving. Russian officials offered no recounting of their own, except to emphasize that the deal was their idea, discussed in general terms over the past year but not seriously addressed until they proposed it last week. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who had no representative in Geneva, was similarly closemouthed. In an interview with RIA Novosti, the Russian news agency, Syrian National Reconciliation Minister Ali Haidar said the agreement would “help Syrians come out of the crisis” and had “prevented the war against Syria by having removed a pretext for
those who wanted to unleash it.” In Moscow, the Foreign Ministry refused to comment on the course of the Geneva talks, but the n e w s p a p e r Kommersant reported that the Russian delegation was unsure until almost the end whether the United States would accept international control of Syria’s chemical weapons. If Kerry had balked, the effort would likely have collapsed. The Russian press portrayed the agreement as a diplomatic triumph for Russia, though noting that the outcome was beneficial to the United States and President Obama as well. Not everyone agreed. “It is Putin and not Obama at all who is applauded for prevention of the war in Syria,” Alexei Pushkov, head of the foreign affairs committee of the lower house of parliament, wrote in a tweet. “Half the world backed Russia in this tug-of-war with the United States.” Nikolai Zlobin, a political analyst, was quoted in the Vedomosti newspaper as saying that, having shouldered responsibility for the agreement on Syria, “Russia will have a lot on its plate.”
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
Healthy Living “Because the ones that are not organic have health implications. If we must use those ones that are not organic, we must use them according to regulations.”
Health Hazards of Forcing Fruits To Ripe MRS Amara Egwu, a London-based Nigerian, returned home and bought some bananas for her child only to found that they did not ripen naturally. Her friend was quick to alerted her that most fruits sold in the market were forced to ripe through the application of carbide and other ripening chemicals. “I was really shocked when I noticed the whitish substance on the banana; but I never gave a thought that it was carbide. “The effect of calcium carbide on fruit is that it appears to be ripened and therefore look attractive to a customer, while it is not as sweet as it ought to be had it matured naturally,” Egwu observed. Experts say that ripening is the final stage of
By OKON EDEM/EDITH NWAPI
the maturation process in fruits when they change colour, soften and develop flavour, texture and aroma. It is a process when fruits become more palatable, sweeter, less green, and softer; and it occurs naturally. However, most fruit dealers and traders now engage in the habit of forcing fruits to ripe prematurely by applying chemical substances including carbide. Experts warn that this practice is dangerous to human health and can cause damage to the liver and other vital organs of the body. Miss Ebere Nwachukwu, an industrial chemist, condemned the
practice of forcing fruits to ripe through the application of chemicals. Nwachukwu said that this practice could cause fruits to lose their natural ingredients and supplements they were meant to provide. “Fruits are widely distributed in nature, commercially important and nutritionally indispensable food commodity. “Being part of a balanced diet, fruits play a vital role in human nutrition by supplying necessary growth enhancing ingredients essential for maintaining normal health.” Nwachukwu said that treating fruits with carbide
was hazardous to health as they contain traces of arsenic and phosphorous which, when dissolved in water, produces acetylene gas. She explained that acetylene was a chemical compound not good for the body. According to Nwachukwu, the consumption of such fruits might affect body organs and cause health problems like headaches, dizziness, mood disturbances, sleepiness, mental confusion, and memory loss. She stressed that the practice of ripening fruit with chemicals should be discouraged due to the associated health hazards. “Even though the acidity of fruit increases as it ripens; its higher acidity
“However, most fruit dealers and traders now engage in the habit of forcing fruits to ripe prematurely by applying chemical substances including carbide.”
level does not make it sweeter.” The industrial chemist further explained that the harmful effects of diseases like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disorder and cancer could be limited by the potentiality of fruits, if they were allowed to ripe naturally. Corroborating Nwachukwu’s views, Dr Adamu Onu of Garki Hospital, Abuja, said that forcing fruits to ripe prematurely was dangerous to health, adding that it could cause damage to the liver and other vital organs of the body. Onu added that the application of chemicals on fruits can distort the natural taste and flavour of fruits. Prof. Peter Onwualu, Director-General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), also warned against the use of nonorganic substances to ripen fruits. Onwualu agreed that some non-organic chemicals if applied on fruits could be harmful to human health. According to him, organic substances refer to a class of molecules that contain carbon, adding that the class of molecules includes everything likely to be considered edible. Onwualu advised people to be careful of the kind of fruit ripening substance they apply, adding that some could be injurious to health. He called for a regulation that would discourage the use chemicals for fruit ripening. He said that the use of chemicals for fruit ripening was an issue for regulatory
agencies like the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and NAFDAC to take seriously. He urged the regulatory agencies to conduct checks on those who use nonorganic chemicals to ripen fruits and bring them to book. “Some of the chemicals are dangerous; what the council recommends is that if people must use fruit ripening materials, we recommend more of organic-based ripening substances. “Because the ones that are not organic have health implications. If we must use those ones that are not organic, we must use them according to regulations. “Because there are regulations that say it must not be more than a certain concentration, so that it does not affect the health of people,’’ Onwualu said. He advised Nigerians to embrace natural means of ripening fruits, saying that natural means were the best. Mrs Alice Akudo, a fruit seller at the Wuse market, said she cannot deny the practice among her colleagues. “It is true that most of our fruit dealers indulge in the use of strong chemicals to force fruits to ripe prematurely. Experts say that calcium carbide is a dangerous and corrosive chemical compound that is made of carbon and iron, and commonly used for welding purposes. They advised that the relevant agencies should educate fruit dealers on the danger of using carbide to ripen fruits for human consumption.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
Pardew Praises Ben Arfa Influence
NEWCASTLE United manager Alan Pardew has praised Hatem Ben Arfa’s influence following the Magpies’ 2-1 win over Aston Villa on the weekend. The French midfielder produced yet another outstanding display, again showcasing his importance to the Tyneside club. Ben Arfa opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Christian Benteke leveled matters with a towering header after the break. Yoan Gouffran, though, made sure the Magpies left Villa Park with all three points when he found the back of the net 17 minutes from time. “Hatem [Ben Arfa] was unplayable. He was on fire, magnificent no one could deal with him,”
Yohan Cabaye
Refs Warned Over Contacting Managers PREMIER League referees have been reminded not to make direct contact with managers after Mark Halsey revealed he rang former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson last season. Halsey, who retired from refereeing at the end of the 2012-13 campaign, has, in his book ‘Added Time’, claimed to have had a good relationship with Ferguson. The ex-official has revealed how he contacted Ferguson to ask the Scot to support referee Mark Clattenburg, amid allegations that he had racially abused Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel — of which he was ultimately cleared. In The Sun on Sunday,
Halsey also alleged that Mikel said “I’m going to break your legs” to Clattenburg, and the threat led to referees considering a strike. The Daily Mirror quotes Halsey as writing in his book: “I took matters in my own hands and rang Sir Alex asking him to speak out. “He agreed and used his Friday press conference to say he could not conceive of Mark saying such things. It helped the situation a great deal. “It took time to gain Sir Alex Ferguson’s respect but in the end we had a very good relationship. “One thing should be made clear about my relationship with Sir Alex. I may have
United’s Euro Adventure MANCHESTER United Begins will begin their UEFA Champions League campaign this midweek against Bayer Leverkusen before facing Manchester City in the Premier League on the weekend. David Moyes will get his first taste of the group stage of the Champions League when the Red Devils welcome the German side Leverkusen to Old Trafford on Tuesday evening (20h45 CAT). United will then have five days to gear up for a trip to Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City in another crunch domestic encounter on Sunday (17h00 CAT). Moyes will be hoping for an improvement on his side’s weekend performance, which
saw them defeat Crystal Palace 2-0 but still fail to really hit their stride.
spoken to him a lot and shared texts but he knew when I crossed that white line there were no favours. “Players and managers would not respect you if you gave decisions based on friendship.” But the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, which provides match officials for all Professional Football matches played in England, has warned referees against such behaviour. A spokesman said: “At the beginning of the season all our referees were reminded of the importance of adhering to the PGMOL protocols. “This covers a number of issues, including making direct contact with managers and players, which for integrity reasons is
prohibited. “Any new publicity will only heighten awareness of adhering to these important PGMOL guidelines.”
lost his balance again when Kagisho Dikgacoi challenged him and referee Jonathan Moss sent off the South Africa international and awarded a penalty — even though replays suggested it was outside the box. Young’s yellow card — when Dikgacoi was also the Palace player involved — was the first for diving in his United career but he has been booked for simulation playing for both England, in the 0-0 draw with Montenegro in 2010, and his former club Aston Villa.
And Premier League spokesman Phil Dorward told The Sun: “If a player is continually booked for diving, and it becomes a problem, we’ll visit the club and talk the player through what is a dive and what isn’t. “Diving is seriously frowned upon in the English game by everybody, including the players, because it’s seen that you’re conning a fellow professional.” United manager Moyes said on Saturday: “I’ve always
said Pardew. The Magpies next face
newly promoted Hull City on Saturday.
... Likens Cabaye To Rooney NEWCASTLE United manager Alan Pardew insists that retaining Yohan Cabaye was the equivalent of Manchester United keeping hold of Wayne Rooney. Pardew’s frustrations over a lack of activity this summer only increased when Arsenal made a late bid for France midfielder Yohan Cabaye. The 27-year-old’s head was subsequently turned, resulting in him failing to play in the Magpies opening two games of the season. However, all seems to have
been forgiven and Pardew handed Cabaye his first start in the 2-1 win over Aston Villa on the weekend, a game in which the Frenchman underlined his vast importance to Pardew’s team. “Yohan is just as important to us as Rooney is to Manchester United,” said Pardew. “He is a player who carries the heartbeat and the rhythm of the team, and it’s the rhythm of the game that he can dictate that wins Premier League games, there is not many players that can do it like he can.”
Van Persie Keen On ROBIN van Persie wants to extend his stay at New Deal Manchester United beyond the remaining three years of his contract. Van Persie enjoyed a stellar debut campaign with the Old Trafford outfit, collecting a second successive Golden Boot prize as he fired United to the Barclays Premier League title. It justified the Dutchman’s decision to leave Arsenal for
Robin Van Persie
a major domestic rival. And, speaking to former United European Cup winner Paddy Crerand in an exclusive interview for MUTV, Van Persie revealed he intends to stick around for a while. “I have three more years to go and I would like to stay longer,” the 30-year-old said. “I know, and I see people around me, making decisions where I think these guys will look back and say ‘was that a good one?’. I don’t want that. “I want to play as long as possible at the highest level.” Winning trophies is a key motivation for Van Persie, who had not won anything at Arsenal since their FA Cup final victory over United in 2005. Already he has added the Community Shield to his collection. And he does not feel United should be settling for that. “That (winning trophies) is what it is all about,” he said. “Last year we got one trophy in four. Now we have to look at it from the opposite side.
Prem May Visit Ashley Young Over Driving
MANCHESTER United’s Ashley Young has been warned that he could face a visit from the footballing authorities if he carries on diving. The winger was cautioned for going to ground dramatically in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, a decision that was supported by manager David Moyes, who rebuked him for diving. But Palace chairman Steve Parish called for divers to be shown a red card after Young
said I don’t like diving. He deserved to get booked. I don’t want any of my players diving, I don’t want anybody doing it. “If you look at it (the penalty), 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.” Young had already acquired a reputation for diving, particularly in 2012 when he won controversial penalties in
consecutive weeks against QPR, whose midfielder Shaun Derry was sent off for his challenge, and Aston Villa. Sir Alex Ferguson, who was then United manager, said he “had a word” with Young at the time. Since making his Premier League debut in 2006, Young has won 12 penalties, the joint most by anyone in the division’s history, while Dorward said he is the only player booked for diving so far this season.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
Ronaldo Best Paid In History
Record Real Spending Faces First European Test REAL Madrid will get their first indication on Tuesday of whether unprecedented spending on players of more than 600 million euros over the past five years can secure the 10th European crown they have been chasing since 2002. World-record signing Gareth Bale, who alone cost 100 million euros ($133 million) when he joined from Tottenham Hotspur this month, is likely to line up with 94-million-euro man Cristiano Ronaldo when Real begin their Champions League campaign at Group B rivals Galatasaray. Wales winger Bale scored on debut in Saturday’s 2-2 La Liga draw at Villarreal, while Portugal forward Ronaldo netted his 203rd goal in as many official matches for the Spanish giants. Real, the world’s richest club by income, have splurged 611 million euros on players in the last five years, according to the latest Prime Time Sport Football Transfer Review. Their outlay is almost three times as much as European and Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, who have spent 227 million, and only English Premier League side Manchester City come close with an outlay of 549 million. Real were boosted by the news on Sunday that Ronaldo had agreed a contract extension until
the end of the 2017-18 season and club president Florentino Perez said the deal was in line with the club’s long-term policy of fielding the world’s best players. “(Former president) Santiago Bernabeu showed us that this team should always count on the best,” the construction magnate told reporters. “This is one of the main facets of our identity and with Cristiano we have the best,” he added. “Those of us lucky enough to have seen Alfredo Di Stefano play always say that in Cristiano we have the continuation of such unique giants of the game capable of making history.”
NAPOLI coach Rafael Benitez has played down his side’s title challenge after they moved two points clear of a host of Serie A rivals who failed to take maximum points at the weekened. Benitez took over from Walter Mazzarri after Napoli’s secondplace finish behind Juventus last season and has steered the Partenopei to three wins in as many game to lead the Italian top flight ahead of Inter, Fiorentina and Juventus. Juventus spurned late chances to take all three points in a 1-1 win at Inter Milan on Saturday while
AC Milan had to battle to secure a late and rather fortuitous draw away to Torino. Fiorentina had hoped to capitalise by securing a win at home to visiting Cagliari that would have moved La Viola up to second, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw that was made worse by injuries and a late sending off. Roma visit Parma on Monday, when a win for Rudi Garcia’s visitors would hoist them up to at least second place. Napoli, meanwhile, emerged with the biggest bragging rights after goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Jose Callejon secured victory
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo And Bale Will Thrive Together, Says Clement
GARETH Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s two most expensive footballers, will have no trouble forming a potent partnership at Real Madrid, according to assistant manager Paul Clement. with Real at the weekend worth Both scored in Real’s 2-2 draw a reported 17 million euros each with Villarreal in La Liga on year, remains the fulcrum of the Saturday as Bale made his side and is unlikely to be handing eagerly-awaited debut having over free kick responsibility to signed from Tottenham Hotspur the Welshman. However, despite the highin a record 100 million euro deal. Portuguese forward Ronaldo, profile of both players who signed a new five-year deal Englishman Clement, who also
worked with Real coach Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea and Paris St Germain, says there will be no ego clash. “There’ll be no issue between those two, none at all,” Clement was quoted in British newspapers which carried extensive coverage of Bale’s opening game in La Liga. “Good players like to work with good players. They’ll help
Benitez Plays Down Napoli Hopes As Rivals Slip
Rafael Benitez
over 10-man Atalanta at the San Paolo. However former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Benitez says it’s too soon to be dreaming of a first league title since the Diego Maradona era and the side that won titles in 1987 and 1990. “The championship is decided at the end of the season, not after three games,” said the Spaniard, whose side host Borussia Dortmund in their opening Champions League group game on Wednesday. “We still have things to improve and we need to be ready for our next game.” While Napoli look forward to their European challenge, Fiorentina were counting early defeats which may come back to haunt them in their domestic and European bid for honours. After Mauricio Pinilla scored in the 89th minute to level Valero Borja’s 71st minute strike for the hosts, it emerged that Mario Gomez could be out for up to three months after spraining ligaments in his right knee following a clash with Cagliari ‘keeper Michael Agazzi. If confirmed, Gomez would miss key Serie A games as well as Fiorentina’s group campaign in the Europa League, which begins Thursday at home against Portuguese club Pacos Ferreira. Fiorentina are also sweating on Colombian midfielder Cuadrado, who had to be replaced after suffering a dislocated shoulder in a clash with Radja Nainggolan. And the hosts finished the game
with 10 men after David Pizzaro saw red in the dying minutes for dissent. Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella was furious at what he said was unfair treatment of his side on the part of match officials. “I can accept if we’ve done something wrong on the field of play, but how is it we are punished for this while you see players from other teams insulting referees so blatantly and are not punished?” said Montella. Lazio, meanwhile, made amends for their 4-1 humbling by Juventus a fortnight ago with a 3-0 rout of Chievo, with firsthalf goals from Antonio Candreva, Luis Pedro Cavanda and Senad Lulic. It moved Vladimir Petkovic’s men up to seventh just behind promoted Livorno, who had Paulinho to thank for a brace in a 2-0 home win over Catania, a defeat which left the Sicilians second from bottom. While Napoli sit top, Genoa were as arguably in more joyful mood after routing hosts Sampdoria 3-0 in a rain-hit Genoese derby. Luca Antonini scored a superb volley after nine minutes and Emanuele Calaio doubled their lead shortly after the interval. Francesco Lodi virtually sealed the points, and Genoa’s first win of the season, with a superblystruck free kick on 66 minutes to push Fabio Liverani’s men up four places to 14th.
each other to achieve things for the club, I’m sure, and if they keep scoring, everyone will be happy.” Bale lasted an hour before being substituted and Clement said fans should be patient with the Welshman whose pre-season has been disrupted by the drawn-out transfer to Madrid. “He seemed to grow when that goal went in,” Clement, who is helping Bale communicate with the non English speaking players in the squad, said. “I’m sure it was quite a relief. “The transfer was a long saga and ate into his pre-season, and I’m sure he’s glad to get that game out of the way. “This is not easy for him but he’s got a lot of support here. He’s got a good friend here in Luka Modric who played with him at Spurs and is almost acting as an interpreter. “Carlo speaks good English too but Gareth seems relaxed already in the dressing room.” Bale and Ronaldo are expected to be in tandem again when Real begin their Champions League campaign in Turkey against Galatasaray on Tuesday.
CRISTIANO Ronaldo’s new contract with Real Madrid reportedly has him as the highest paid player in the world and in history. The 28-year-old was announced on Sunday as having extended his deal with Los Blancos by three more years, committing through until June 2018. Initial reports have suggested that the Portuguese star’s deal was set with an improved salary of 17m Euros a season, net, to make him the best paid player in La Liga and in the world currently. However, AS are today running the line that his earnings are actually going to be closer to 21m Euros every year after tax. Whilst also representing an outlay of around 40m Euros a year for Madrid to pay, this new amount would place Ronaldo as the best paid player ever, surpassing the believed 20m Euros net salary that Samuel Eto’o was picking up from Anzhi until this summer.
Alves Offered To Donate Liver To Abidal ERIC Abidal has told a Spanish radio station that former Barcelona team-mate Dani Alves offered to donate part of his liver when the Frenchman required a life-saving transplant. Abidal, 34, had to undergo the operation in April 2012 after suffering a bout of hepatitis. His cousin, Gerard, was the one who provided part of his own liver for the Monaco defender. However, Abidal told Catalunya Radio that Alves, who this season has taken the France international’s old No. 22 shirt in homage to his former team-mate, had also approached him about providing the organ necessary for surgery. “My relationship with Dani goes much further than him taking my old No. 22 shirt. When I had to
undergo surgery, he offered to donate his liver. Of course, it’s completely out of the question because he is a professional footballer. Our relationship goes much deeper than friendship.” Following the operation, Abidal returned to play for Barcelona last April. However, the Catalan club decided against extending the defender ’s contract allowing him to join Monaco this summer. Abidal underwent liver surgery to remove a tumor in March 2011 and returned to play for the final part of last season, including Barca’s Champions League final win over Manchester United.
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Europe’s Big Three Ready for Opening Night
EXPERIENCED as they are there will still be a few first-night nerves this week as Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho set off on new Champions League journeys with plenty to prove and reputations to polish. Ancelotti, after his brief stay at Each with two Champions League triumphs on their Paris St Germain, will be managerial CVs, two of them are expected to deliver Real Madrid’s attempting to work their 10th European Cup without European magic in new delay, having twice led Milan to surroundings while the third has the summit. Mourinho, who Ancelotti has returned to the club at which the continent’s biggest club prize replaced in the Spanish capital, will seek to steer Chelsea all the proved elusive. After a year-long sabbatical, way to the final in Lisbon having having twice taken Barcelona to returned to London determined to European glory in a glittering win club football’s biggest prize reign, Guardiola has arrived at with a third club. Guardiola’s Bayern open the Bayern Munich tasked with retaining the trophy won in such defence of their crown at home style by Jupp Heynckes in May. to CSKA Moscow, Real Madrid
Laces May Give Homophobia The Boot PROFESSIONAL footballers in England and Scotland have been invited to support a campaign addressing homophobia in the game by wearing rainbow laces in their boots next weekend. Sets of laces have been sent to all Premier League and Football League clubs, plus the 42 teams in the Scottish Professional Football League by gay rights charity Stonewall, who are being backed by bookmaker Paddy Power. The Right Behind Gay Footballers campaign is focused on changing attitudes in football rather than urging players to come out and wants players to wear the laces in games on September 21 and 22. Stonewall deputy chief executive Laura Doughty said: “It’s time for football clubs and players to step up and make a visible stand against homophobia in our national game.” Doughty added: “By wearing rainbow laces players will send a message of support to gay players and can begin to drag football into the 21st century.” There are no known openly gay footballers in the English and Scottish professional leagues. Former Leeds and United States winger Robbie Rogers retired in February, announcing his sexuality and claiming he could not have continued his career due to the “pack mentality” that changes the way footballers behave. He later reversed his decision to quit the game and signed for the LA Galaxy. Before Rogers’ revelation, only two footballers had publicly said they were gay. Former England Under-21 international Justin Fashanu was the first professional footballer in Britain to come out, in 1990, before he took his own life eight years later, aged 37. Swedish lower league player Anton Hysen - son of former
Liverpool defender Glenn Hysen - also came out in an interview with a Swedish football magazine in 2011.
will unleash Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in Turkey against Galatasaray while Chelsea face Swiss side FC Basel at Stamford Bridge. Rafa Benitez, another manager with a proven Champions League pedigree, will have to hit the ground running as his Napoli side host last season’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund in what looks like being a devilishly difficult Group F. With so many Champions League masterminds among the 32 coaches setting off this week, Manchester United’s David Moyes and Barcelona’s new coach Gerardo Martino look like rookies in comparison as they prepare for their first ventures in the groups stages of the tournament. Moyes will need all his steely calm and self belief as he plots United’s first Champions League campaign in the post-Alex Fergsuon era.
The Scot will have a tough baptism with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen first up on Tuesday in a group that also contains Real Sociedad and Ukraine champions Shakhtar Donetsk. A good start in Europe will go a long way to helping Moyes establish himself but the Champions League, as even Fergsuon would testify to, can be an unforgiving place. “(Ferguson) said he thinks this is one of the hardest draws United have had in the Champions League,” Moyes, whose only flirtation with the competition was a final qualifying round defeat while in charge at Everton, said. “If that’s coming from him it must be tough.” Martino has started life confidently at the Nou Camp and with Lionel Messi already having scored six league goals and with Brazilian Neymar about to make
his Champions League bow, Barca will again start as one of the favourites. The Catalans are in Group H the only section comprised of all former winners - with Celtic, Milan and Ajax Amsterdam who they begin against on Wednesday in one of the ties of the week. While Moyes may be a novice at this level, albeit with a team containing the likes of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, rivals Manchester City have recruited a vastly-experienced European coach in Manuel Pellegrini. City’s away tie against Group D minnows Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday will be the Chilean’s 45th in the Champions League and the club’s owners will be expecting a vast improvement on the previous two seasons in which they have managed only three wins in 12 group games. Bayern are also in City’s group, but Pellegrini, who steered Malaga to the quarter-finals last season, has warned against taking Czech side Plzen or CSKA Moscow lightly. “If we think we are going to qualify for the last 16 because the other teams are weak we will be making a mistake,” he said. Mourinho, who announced himself as a coaching heavyweight by taking Porto all the way and repeated the feat with Inter Milan, will be taking
charge of his 108th Champions League game when Chelsea host Basel on Tuesday. The Portuguese’s last Champions League game in charge of Chelsea was a 1-1 draw against Rosenborg in 2007 - a result that signalled the end of his first spell in charge of the club. Chelsea bowed out of the Champions League at the group stage last season when they were the holders, but with Mourinho back at the helm and a kind group which also includes Steaua Bucharest and Schalke a strong run is expected. Ancelotti, who like Mourinho suffered Champions League disappointment while at Chelsea, has a mouthwatering array of talent at his disposal but finding the best system to incorporate the likes of Ronaldo, Bale, Luka Modric and Isco will be key to his chances of succeeding where others failed. An away match at Galatasaray will offer some early clues. The Italian clubs are not being touted as potential champions this year but Napoli, Juventus and Milan will all bring plenty to the party in the coming months. Paris St Germain, one of only two French clubs in the group phase, begin away to Olympiakos on Tuesday while Marseille host English regulars Arsenal on Wednesday.
Lethargic Bayern Told To Show Some Enthusiasm
Sepp Blatter - FIFA President
Six Charged With Soccer Match-Fixing with eight counts linked to SIX men including a Malaysian In Australia night corrupting the outcome of a and a Briton have been charged following an investigation into multi-million dollar match-fixing in Australian state soccer, reports said yesterday. The charges relate to the alleged manipulation of results mainly for overseas betting at an obscure second-tier Melbourne side called Southern Stars. The Australian Associated Press identified the prime accused, Segaran ‘Gerry’ Gsubramaniam, 45, as a Malaysian who was the contact man with players. Victoria state police said he faces 10 charges linked to corrupting the outcome of a betting event. Melbourne magistrates on
Monday adjourned Gsubramaniam’s bail application until Friday. Detective Scott Poynder told the court receipts for foreign currency worth more than Aus$200,000 ($185,000) were found at Gsubramaniam’s rented accommodation and he had been booked to leave Australia on Monday night. “On a worldwide scale (Gsubramaniam) is not the big wig, Australian-wise he is,” Poynder said. Goalkeeper Joe Wooley, 23 reportedly a British national, and the team coach were among five other men each charged Sunday
betting event. They were all bailed to appear before magistrates, also on Friday. Four other men arrested on Sunday were released pending further inquiries. The Sydney Morning Herald said the authorities suspected the “world’s biggest match-fixer of masterminding” the scam. Singaporean Tamil Wilson Raj Perumal was at the centre of the investigation and was believed to have recruited British players from minor leagues, despite being under Hungarian police protection as a supergrass in local match-fixing cases, it said.
BAYERN Munich have been told to show some passion and enthusiasm when they begin the defence of their Champions League title against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday. The visitors, meanwhile, will be hoping they can help Russia make some impact on the competition after a dismal campaign last season when the country’s two sides, Spartak Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg, managed just three wins between them on the way to group stage elimination. Bayern’s treble-winning season was always going to be hard to live up to and there has definitely been an anti-climatic feeling about the start to the new term, despite the arrival of new coach Pep Guardiola. Even though Bayern have taken 13 points out of a possible 15 in the Bundesliga and won the Supercup, they have been overshadowed by a much more flamboyant Borussia Dortmund team who have won all their league matches and scored 15 goals to Bayern’s nine. Bayern have also suffered with injuries to Javi Martinez and Bastian Schweinsteiger as well as new signings Mario Goetze and Thiago Alcantara. There was definitely a run-of-themill feel to Bayern’s 2-0 win over Hanover 96 on Saturday, which angered sporting director Matthias Sammer.
“We played lethargically at times, we played football without emotion, we worked as if we were following rules,” Sammer told German media. “We must get out of our comfort zone. It’s nothing to do with lack of effort, we’re lacking that last five percent,” he added. Bayern have won 12 of their last 14 home games in Europe, suggesting that Tuesday’s Group D match, the first-ever meeting between the teams, could also be something of a formality. However, Russian champions CSKA have also started the season well and are unbeaten after eight league games. The former Soviet army club, in the group stage for the seventh time, reached the quarter-finals in 2009/10 under coach Leonid Slutsky, who is still in charge. CSKA, who spent a modest 10 million euros during the transfer window, suffered a blow at the start of the month when their Ivorian striker Seydou Doumbia was ruled out for around six weeks with a back injury. But they have reinforced their attack by signing 19-year-old Brazilian Vitinho who made his professional debut for Botafogo this year and quickly turned into their most important player. Vitinho, however, could find the Champions League a huge step up from the ponderous defences in the Brazilian championship.
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Ethiopia Face Nigeria For World Cup Place
Giantkillers Ethiopia were drawn against Nigeria yesterday in the 2014 World Cup Africa zone play-offs. Ivory Coast face Senegal, crowd violence forced the Tunisia meet Cameroon, game to be abandoned during Ghana tackle Egypt and the second half. Burkina Faso play Algeria in The west African derby pits the other ties created by a French coaches Sabri draw in Cairo. Lamouchi of Ivory Coast and The two-leg showdowns Alain Giresse of Senegal are set for October and against each other. November and the winners Egypt edged Ghana 1-0 qualify for the World Cup in when they clashed in the 2010 Brazil next June and July. Cup of Nations final with Ethiopia were the only Mohamed ‘Geddo’ Nagy side to upset the seeding in snatching a late winner. the mini-league previous Ghana, who reached the stage, finishing two points 2010 World Cup quarterahead of top-ranked South finals, are looking powerful Africa. with Andre and Jordan Ayew, But they will face much Kevin-Prince Boateng and tougher opponents in Michael Essien available Nigeria, who beat Ethiopia again. 2-0 en route to winning the A major handicap for Egypt Africa Cup of Nations in has been the lack of crowd South Africa last February. support with home games While the ‘Super Eagles’ played behind closed doors or use a mix of local and in front of tiny crowds due to Europe-based stars, the bulk security concerns. of the ‘Walias Antelopes’ Tunisia must find a coach squad is home based. before hosting Cameroon as Didier Drogba-captained Nabil Maaloul quit after a Ivory Coast will draw home loss to Cape Verde comfort from their Islands last weekend. dominance of Senegal in a The Cape Verdeans were 2013 Cup of Nations later disqualified for fielding qualifier. a suspended defender, The ‘Elephants’ won 4-2 allowing Tunisia back into the in Abidjan and were two competition. goals ahead in Dakar when Former Dutch star Ruud
Krol, who coaches local club CS Sfaxien, is the man Tunisian officials want as they seek a fifth World Cup appearance. Burkina Faso are among the
most improved African sides and hope to build on a shock 2013 Cup of Nations final appearance by overcoming Algeria.
Enyimba coach Salisu Yusuf is now a Federation Cup legend as he has won the cup competition as a player and coach. The former FC Taraba coach
had won the FA Cup now Federation Cup a player with El Kanemi Warriors back to back in 1991 and 1992, when they defeated Kano Pillars and
Keshi
“It was a nice draw. Though I am not afraid of any team, Ethiopia will get thrashed. I am not saying they are not a good team but they are no match to us. We will give our very best as individuals and as a team,” Mikel told MTNFootball.com Playoffs: Nigeria head-to-head CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa told MTNFootball.com that they will give their best as usual to beat Ethiopia and get the 2014 World Cup ticket. “We couldn’t have asked for better opponents. With all due respect to them, they will be beaten well in both legs. We know what Nigeria expect and that is
Ivory Coast v Senegal Ethiopia v Nigeria Tunisia v Cameroon Ghana v Egypt Burkina Faso v Algeria First leg: Oct 11-15, second: Nov 15-19 Note: Winners qualify for 2014 World Cup in Brazil
Enyimba Coach Yusuf Joins Cup Legends
Salisu Yusuf
Mikel, Eagles Vow To Crush Ethiopia
Super Eagles led by Mikel Obi have vowed to crush Ethiopia in the final playoffs so as to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. The draw was held in Egypt yesterday morning and Nigeria will face Ethiopia with the first leg in Addis Ababa between October 11-15, while the return leg in Nigeria will be between November 15-19. Nigeria have won five of the previous seven matches against Ethiopia, while the Eagles lost to their rivals in 1994 and there have been two draws. Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi told MTNFootball.com there will be no hiding place for Ethiopia.
The Draws
outright victory. We won’t look down on them but we will prepare hard for them,” Musa assured. Efe Ambrose told MTNFootball.com that Nigerians should not lose sleep over the opposition as they the players are ready to crush any team on their way to 2014 World
Cup. “They are not a threat to us at any point so they won’t be now, we will not underrate them. We will do our best and see that we beat them. I know they will want to come at us, but we are superior and will prove that again,” Ambrose stated.
Keshi Off To US, Defends Mikel Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has left for a short break with his family in the US as he took time to defend Mikel Obi over injury rumours. Keshi watched Sunday’s Federation Cup final in Lagos, which Enyimba won after penalty shootout, before he flew out of the country to be with his family till the end of the month. Before departing the country, Keshi took time to defend Mikel against rumours that the Chelsea star feign injury so as not to feature in last week’s friendly against Burkina Faso. Keshi maintained Mikel was injured even before the Malawi match but out of patriotism he offered to play the World Cup qualifier. “In the early part of the game the calf injury nearly recurred, but
when the doctors signalled to him over what the situation was, he offered to continue the game,” Keshi said. “But after the game we had to review the situation and asked him to go for proper treatment at his club before their next game, instead of risking him against Burkina Faso in the friendly.” Mikel said he is always willing to play for his country. “It’s sad if people hold such views about me, but I am and will always be glad to play for Nigeria. But there is nothing I can do if I am injured and I am sure that Nigerians understand that fact,” he said. “My teammates also understand because many of them have been excused from the team in the recent past on account of injuries.”
Stationery Stores respectively. The coach told MTNFootball.com he is honoured with his achievements in the country’s cup competition. “It is great when you win trophies as a player or as a coach. I am excited to have been privileged to win the Federation Cup as a player and now as a coach,” Yusuf told MTNFootball.com On the victory over Warri Wolves in the cup final, the former Pillars coach said Enyimba deserved to win their third cup competition. “It was an interesting and explosive game. We both gave a good account of ourselves, but we deserved the victory,” he said. As a player, Yusuf featured in three FA Cup finals - in 1987 with Ranchers Bees, losing to
Abiola Babes and winning twice with El Kanemi in 1991 and 1992. Enyimba players have also hailed their latest cup conquest. Fidelis Saviour, who came on as a substitute to score the allimportant penalty that gave the Aba club victory, said he is delighted with his second cup winners’ medal. “I am excited to have won my second Federation Cup. It was an exciting game. I thank God I won with Enyimba because my first winners’ medal was with Kaduna united and it was Enyimba that we beat,” said the experienced Saviour. Striker Chimezie Amanfor added: “I am on cloud nine to have won the cup at my first attempt. I give God all the glory. I knew we will win.”
Abduljaleel Ajagun and John Utaka have opened their goals’ account for their respective clubs in Europe. Ajagun came to the rescue of his Greek club Panathinaikos as they salvaged a point at Platanias. The Nigeria U20 skipper came off the bench in the 72nd minute and 10 minutes got his team’s equaliser. The draw on the road means Pana have climbed to 10th place on the table with four points from
as many matches. Utaka opened his own goals; account with Turkish Super League team Sivasspor when he scored in his team’s 3-2 win over Eskisehirspor. Utaka scored his team’s first goal to draw them level before they went on to win. The ex-Montpellier striker joined Sivasspor this summer as a direct replacement for compatriot Michael Eneramo, who left for Besiktas.
Ajagun, John Utaka Open Goals’ Account
Ajagun
THE NIGERIAN
CMYK
32
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
Today Is The Future Of The Nigerian Children
NIGERIAN leaders in different tiers of government and endeavours have done everything humanly possible to elevate the status of the Nigerian children, but with slim results. Their efforts range from the enactment of Corporate Social Investment (CSI) to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); from Basic Education policies to Parent Teacher Association; from Insurance to essay competitions, and others. They are of the opinion that the children are the future of tomorrow. But from all indication, there will be no utopian future for the children if the ground is not softened for them today. There is manifest that the Nigerian children will not measure up with their counterparts in other climes if today is not put up properly for them to attain the future, full of hope and aspirations. One calculation is that the Nigerian children need insurance today to guaranty their future. Writing, Sunday Ojeme, a media expert said that any well-meaning government of the day should not wave the matter of insurance with the back the hand. He, however, stressed that this medium has been relegated to the background, due to the uneasiness to claim payment from the insurers. “Insurance, which ordinarily should command more respect in this regard, has been relegated to the background due to the long standing credibility problem, especially as regards claims of payment. In the developed world, insurance remains an institution that the government of the day does not toy with; hence enough provision is always made to ensure that everybody is well covered,” he said. Further, Ojeme held that for example, President George Bush of the United States and the US Senate once had to argue over the State Children’s Health
Insurance Programme; the senators had demanded that more money be budgeted for the programme. In his account, another example was from the Managing Director of Trevor Investments, Mr. Chuka Nwabunor, who was of the philosophy that the operators of insurance companies needed to convince parents beyond words in order for them to gear up interests in insurance to guaranty the future of their children. Ojeme squabbled that insurance is essential for the children to secure money to back endowment plans. Notwithstanding, he advised that in the event that parents wanted to plan for their children through insurance, they should be acquainted with how much they would earn and at what year that the money would be due. Child labour would be sent on errand, if parents deposit in insurance. But many backgrounds accept child labour, which has been characterised by individuals and organisations as an inimical form of bringing up a child, as normal. Nonetheless, there is no ruling out the fact that children in the country also have responsibility. Another media professional, Ebere Nwiro would not have said that there was a report by The Nigerian NGOs, which revealed that a staggering 15 million children under the age of 14 are working across Nigeria, if the children’s future is guaranteed through a portal like the insurance. Nwiro frowned that these Nigerian children are exposed to long hours of work, but especially, in hazardous and injurious environments. Like Ojeme warned that if the future of the children is insured, it is conspicuous that there would be no tendencies of them carrying too much liability for their age. Yet, working with little food, small pay, no education and no medical care, Nwiro cried. Nwiro had this to say concerning the reason behind the children’s suffering: “While children have always worked in Nigeria, the figures have significantly increased over the years. The end of the oil boom in the 70s, coupled with mounting
poverty, has driven millions of children into labour.” Studies and reports, especially from the International Labour Organization (ILO), according to Nwiro, showed that child labour has been made worse in the recent times, because some of these children have no solid background, no education and no parental care. “In the circumstances, they become street hawkers.
was established and passed by virtually all the 17 southern States in Nigeria; regrettably, only three out of the 19 northern states had passed the Child Rights Act. The law, it was learned, seeks to promote the rights of children to a better life and protect them against the vagaries of exploitation, abuse and exploitation. Rabiu Musa, UNICEF Communications Officer had stated.
MATTERS IN FOCUS With ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE might, will power and strength of character, we ensured that after all is said and done more is done than said,” reportedly said Deo Avante. Investigations have revealed that the authorities can still ensure that “more is
President Goodluck Jonathan
They work in the streets during the day, and work even at night in some cases. Such lifestyles become very dangerous and nomadic types of life. There is little wonder therefore, that the future of these children is very dark and bleak,” he said. These children who are subjected to carry their family responsibilities today, without doubt, have a bleak future. Many are hidden from public view, because of the harsh situations they work in. While their parents hinge their actions on their children on poverty, Nwiro had to posit that Child Rights activists also submitted that lack of access to education is a major reason for the child labour bog. On the other side, government at all levels is not carving a niche for the children today, to attain a beaming future. Apparently, a meeting held in Kaduna by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), showed that about three years after the Child Rights Act
Not even the UNICEF’s engagement of parents, the three tiers of government and institutions, including NGOs, to address issues of child labour and trafficking, have curbed the bad situation that the Nigerian children are facing today. No Nigerian is sure what could have happened to the children if the Nigerian Government had not in August, 2003, officially adopted three International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions setting a minimum age for the employment of children. Even by going as far as signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in cooperation with ILO to launch a country programme under the International Programme for Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC). “When this Nation has attained its true height in the near future, let it be our known that as true citizens of this great nation we ensured that by conscious effort,
done than said” to the Nigerian children today for their better future. Connoisseurs on the wellbeing of children had reiterated that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child has to be reinvented and implemented, since it defines a child as any human being under the age of eighteen. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, which is composed of members from countries around the world, has to monitor the compliance of this law, since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention and opened it for signature on 20th November 1989 (the 30th anniversary of its Declaration of the Rights of the Child), and it came into vigor on 2 September 1990, after it was put through by the expected number of nations. Nigeria should remember that she is one of the 194 countries, as of November 2009, that have ratified it. “When the various
human rights documents are considered, even though they are applicable to all human beings, they are not necessarily child specific and fail to address the peculiar needs of children. For the rights of the child, an International law or “International Convention” was required; hence the convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). And in addition, the OAU Assembly of Heads of States and Governments adopted the African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (CRCW) in July 1990,” expressed Dominic E. Obozuwa, LLB, BL, Associate, Wali-Uwais & Co in “Nigeria @ 50, Protecting The Future Of This Nigerian Child – The Future Leaders Of This Nation: A Look Again At The Child Rights Act.” Gordon Brown, former Labour prime minister in UK, significantly pointed out in “Challenges of educating Nigeria’s out of school children” that Nigeria has to see to her nearly 1.3 million shortage of teachers, and the lack of basic infrastructure, and the shortfall of up to 1.2 million classrooms. She should also arrest the issue of gender and religious biases, and sheer cost for poorer families that are constraints, which are among the major factors that allow only fewer children in school each year. Estimations are that leaders in different tiers of government and endeavours in Nigeria should not foster in the denying of any boy or girl the right to education for the future. These judgments posited that money amounting to billions of dollars from international donors have to be properly utilised. It is not sugarcoated position that 10.5 million primary school-age Nigerian children are not in education, and that Nigeria is home to the world’s largest out-of-school population.
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