Nigerian observer 18 06 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 39 NO. 015 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 20 14 . N 100.00

Return of stolen Artefacts

NATURAL MEDICINE

Priest commends Benin Monarch

Page 19

The Moringa crush

BENIN CITY- A traditional Priest and the Founder/Spiritual leader of Ogun Eromwon Temple Worldwide, Dr. Clement Okooboh has commended His Royal

Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku’ Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa CFR, the

Oba of Benin Kingdom for his efforts in ensuring the return of the stolen antiquities to their place

of origin.

Dr. Okooboh disclosed this in a chat with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER in his temple in Benin City, weekend.

Continues on page 2

Edo Assembly Crisis

Police arraign 15 more suspects

By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON

NEW HORIZON Pages 20&24

Who knows tomorrow?

BENIN CITY - Edo State Police Command has apprehended 15 more suspected political thugs alleged to have defied the command’s earlier warning and attempted to cause breach of peace in and around the state House of Assembly complex in Benin City.

The suspected thugs arraigned them in a were said to have stormed Benin City Magistrates’ the Assembly Complex in Court yesterday on a five charge of an unregistered bus and count armed with Edo State conspiracy, conduct House of Assembly Staff likely to cause breach of identity cards which were public peace, unlawful intended to use in gaining assembly, unlawful entrance into the complex. possession of Edo State It was further gathered House of Assembly that security operatives in identity cards with intent the complex who however to falsely represent suspected foul play themselves.

Meanwhile, the Edo subsequently arrested and

State Police Command said it remains non

political and should not be dragged into the murky

waters of party politics in the state.

These were contained in separate statements, endorsed by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Noble Uwoh and made available to The NIGERIAN Continues on page 2

ECOWAS to meet over security

ABUJAThe ECOWAS Council of Ministers said security, economic development and regional integration will top the agenda of its 72nd Ordinary Session in Accra, Ghana.

This is contained in a statement by ECOWAS Commission’s Acting Director of Communication, Mr Sunny Ugoh yesterday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the meeting will hold from June 19 to June 20.

It said that it would also consider the

memorandum on the “ECOWAS declaration on events in Northern Nigeria” due to insecurity in that part of the country.

Other items on the agenda included the swearing-in of the new commissioners and the financial controller who assumed duties in February, it added.

“There will also be presentation and consideration of the 2014 interim report of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr Kadré Ouédraogo,” it said.

The statement said the council would endorse the

TIT BIT “The events that will lead you to your destiny are somewhere in the multitude of other people’s own; life is just about possessing the skills to identify and select yours from other peoples’ own.”

- Kinglsey Ogbeide-Ihama

report of the meeting of the ministers in charge of the ECOWAS C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t Programme (CDP).

It will consider the report on institutional reforms, financial controller’s 2013 report and the status of tasks assigned by the 71st Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers.

Continues on page 2

CHRISTIAN/MUSLIM INTERACTIVE MEETING: L-R: President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Oche Job and Preacher, Banawa Central Mosque, Kaduna, Malam Ibrahim Sayyadi, at the Christian/Muslim Interactive meeting on peace, Unity and Justice in Abuja yesterday.

Scarce Resource Management

HOS lauds Gov Oshiomhole

BENIN CITY - The Edo State Head of Service, Mr. Igbaekemen Jerry Obazele has described the Governor of Edo State as a good manager of scarce resources.

Mr. Jerry Obazele, Head of Service, Edo State stated this when he received the leadership of the National Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter who

paid a courtesy call on him at Government House.

He disclosed that the state government is trying,

taking into consideration the paucity of funds available to her, saying that the development witnessed

ASUP demands:

ABUJA - The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has appealed to the Federal Government to attend to the demands of the

in the state is a miracle which only a good manager can achieve.

Mr. Obazele further

disclosed that the health needs of the citizenry is of primary concern to the

Continues on page 2

Poly students beg FG

Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) for their sake.

The President of NAPS, Mr Sunday Ogbonnaya made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in

Abuja.

He said that the appeal was one of the resolutions made at the end of its National Executive Council meeting.

“We are giving the Federal Government and NAPS two weeks to resolve their differences; otherwise we will shut Continues on page 2

News

Priest commends Benin Monarch

Continued from page 1 He noted that the reign of the Benin Monarch has not only brought peace, unity and love, but also abundant progress to the people since ascending the throne of his forefathers.

The Chief Priest also described the plans by Mr. Mark Walker, the great grand son of Captain Philip Walker to return the artefacts.

Captain Philip was one of the British Commanders that took punitive expedition to the great Benin kingdom in 1897, culminating in the deportation of the legend, Oba Ovonranmwen N’Ogbaisi to Calabar.

Dr. Okooboh said the return of the artefacts was a Mark of respect for the Benin Monarch and to commemorate his forthcoming birthday stating that it was the manifestation of the tireless efforts of our great Oba

in restoring peace and progress.

He described it as a laudable achievement to the Oba and the entire Benin Kingdom and indeed Nigeria.

He averred that the return of part of the stolen artefacts was a beacon of hope to the people that more stolen artefacts shall be returned in no distant time reiterating that the determination of the people of Benin kingdom has

NEW YORK - The UN Special Envoy for Global Education, Gordon Brown,

has urged the world to remember the kidnapped schoolgirls of Chibok, Borno.

Continued from page 1 down the entire system.

“We will make sure that we drag ASUU and other relevant unions in the education sector to be part of the protest.

“Federal Government and ASUP should take advantage of these two weeks to finalise and implement their agreements.

‘There is also the need for ASUP and the state chapters to be united in order for them to achieve their purpose.

“There is also the need for them to go back to the negotiation table to ensure final resolution to all the problems,‘’ he said.

Ogbonnaya said the 11 months old unending industrial disharmony in the polytechnic sector had affected the school calendar.

According to him, the meeting agreed that ASUP should sit with the FG delegation to end their crisis and call off the strike to save polytechnic education.

He said that the ongoing strike was making polytechnic education less attractive to young secondary school leavers.

The NAPS president said the ongoing strike was putting on hold the future of the students, which he said was dangerous for the country.

He urged the ministry of education to forward a memo to the National Assembly to request for a supplementary budget that would meet the demand of ASUP and COEASU. He commended the National Assembly for its intervention at bridging the gap between the HND and B.Sc certification.

He however appealed to the office of the Head of Service to commence the implementation of the recommendations for career progression for holders of HND in the civil service.

“We appealed to the Head

of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Aji to commence the implementation of past recommendations aimed at protecting the HND holders.

“The opportunity if given will put the HND holders at par with the university graduates.

“Since the job description of the HND holders are same with their B.Sc counterpart, that is the only way to avoid confrontation from polytechnic students in Nigeria,’’ he said.

He said that the meeting also appreciated the current committee set up by Federal Government to put finally to rest all issues concerning the HND discriminations.

The meeting however wondered why the HND holders were not the main constituent of the committee.

He said that the meeting called for the inclusion of HND holders as the only parameter of trust and confidence that polytechnic stakeholders could hold on to.

He said that the council also condemned the brains behind

Boko Haram militants abducted more than 200 girls from their school in Chibok, on April 14.

Brown, in a message to mark the Day of the African Child at the UN in New York, also praised the youth around the world as they mobilised to demand education for all.

The theme for this year is: “A child friendly, quality, free and compulsory education for all children in Africa.”

“Thousands of people have come together united with one cause: Safe schools for every girl and boy.

“While the global community has failed to deliver safe schooling, young people are demanding safe, quality schools for all children everywhere, and they are standing in solidarity with the northern Nigerian girls of Chibok, and all those around the world who face these struggles.”

The UN has repeatedly called for concerted efforts to tackle the insurgency in North-East, and reiterated its support for ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to secure the schoolgirls’ safe release.

UN envoy wants focus on Chibok girls

Poly students beg FG

become high to use the opportunity of these returned artefacts to cement the already good relationship between the kingdom and Britain and captain Philip’s families in particular.

On the issues of the traditional medicine, also known as alternative medicine practise he expressed sadness over the government neglect and non-recognition of practitioners across the country.

He posited that the nation’s forefathers used herbs throughout their lives and that they never recorded any prevalence in death rate.

Dr. Clement Okooboh

ECOWAS to meet over security

Continued from page 1

“It will consider the draft agenda of the 45th Ordinary Session of the authority of Heads of State and Government.

“The 15th Meeting of the Administration and Finance Committee (AFC), and budget performance of ECOWAS Institutions from January to May will also be considered,” it said.

HOS lauds Gov Oshiomhole

Continued from page 1

state government, hence the government will deploy all available human and material resources to ensure that the people of the state have access to good medical facilities.

The Head of Service assured that the state government will ensure that health institutions in the state attain a level that is acceptable worldwide, promising that the State School of Nursing and School of Health Technology will be up-graded to meet with modern trends. He said the School of Nursing and School of Health Technology were vital to the attainment of the health needs of the people hence the government of Edo State will pay adequate attention to the institutions.

On staff needs of the institutions, the Head of Service disclosed that the Health Commissioner and the Permanent Secretary were working assiduously to meet the staff needs of the schools. He reassured that when the employment into the Civil Service is approved, the Teaching Department of the Health institution will not be left out.

He announced that the State government is working on a bill for

Police arraign 15 more suspects Continued from page 1 OBSERVER in Benin City, yesterday.

The command decried the allegation credited to a political bigwig in the state that the police took sides in the crisis rocking the state House of Assembly.

While explaining that men of the command have conducted

themselves professionally towards ensuring that no life is lost or recorded report of wanton destruction of property since the crisis started, the command however noted that it would continue to give its best in the protection of lives and property in the state.

Primary Health Centers, saying that when the bill is pass/ enacted, specific areas that will improve the health needs of the local populace would have been tackled.

The Head of Service assured that the state government will ensure that the directive to local government to procure Hilux Pick-up Vans for Health Departments in the Local Government is implemented.

Mr. Jerry Obazele said the payment of the ten percent salary increase to all health workers in Edo State was met to boost the morale of the workers in that sector and enjoined the Association to collaborate with the government to realize the health needs of the populace.

Mr. Obazele thanked the Association for appreciating his efforts in so short a time as Head of Service, and assured that he will continue to work for improve welfare needs of the entire work force.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the National Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, Comrade Victor Irabor, said the appointment of Mr. Igbaekemen Jerry Obazele is eloquent testimony of his past records as Permanent Secretary in the state, adding that the payment of the ten percent is an indication.

Mr. Victor Irabor told the Head of Service that the Association is a registered body that manages clinical and community based diagnosis at all levels in the absence of a

medical doctor, emphasing that the main objective of the body is to promote good health as well as prevent and treat disease.

The Chairman of the National Association of Community Health Practitioners told the Head of Service of the conflict between it and Forum for Local Government Nurses and Midwives and said the matter is before the State House of Assembly for resolution. He thanked the Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Chief A.A. Amune for his role in the matter.

The Association appealed to the Head of Service to look into the manpower situation currently facing the School of Health Technology.

Present were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Peter Ugbodaga, Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Administration, Mr. E.T. Idahosa, Mr. Omorogbe Olaye, Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Establishments, Directors, Executive and members of the Association.

Mr. Igbaekemen Jerry Obazee, Head of Service, Edo State

2014 UTME Results: Prison official lauds inmates’ performance LAGOS - An official of the Ikoyi Prisons, Mr Olanrewaju Bamidele, yesterday described as excellent the performance of inmates who wrote the just concluded 2014 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Bamidele, a Deputy Controller of Prisons in-charge of Ikoyi Prisons, told journalists in Lagos that 14 inmates wrote the JAMB’s Computer Based Test on May 19.

According to him, 11 of the 14 inmates scored 150 and above, while two others had 148, while the remaining candidate scored 147.

“I am indeed happy with the performance of the inmates. In fact, it shows that if given an equal opportunity, the sky will be their limit.

“This performance is indeed an excellent and encouraging performance, going by the circumstance under which they enrolled, prepared and sat for the examination.

“It may also be of interest to know that the inmates were attempting this examination on the CBT platform for the first time.

“Of this number too, only about three or four of them are convicted, while the rest others are awaiting trial on account of one offence or the other.

“And with what they have done, I believe they have a lot to offer and must be encouraged to help reform them further, and get them

integrated into the society to start a new life,” he said.

Bamidele, however, appealed with the Federal Government to consider granting the inmates amnesty, to enable them to further their education.

He said that before now, the public perception was that nothing good could ever come from the prisons.

According to him, prisons are reformation centres where character and spiritual training programmes are carried out.

He noted that aside from the normal education, skills acquisition had been a major way of empowering the inmates in preparation for a better future.

“I want to appeal with the government to look into the cases of these inmates that achieved this feat under difficult circumstances.

“What they have just done should gladden our hearts and, therefore, we should consider granting them amnesty so that they can further their education, and in return contribute to national development.

“I also want to plead with the public to assist our prisons school with instructional materials, computers and its accessories, books, as well as volunteer teachers.

“I know that by the time all these are in place, the inmates will do more than they have just done in any public or external examination,” he assured.

LAGOS - Analysts has expressed divergent views

shallow.

“This is because despite their consideration for the plights of women, it must be known that poverty has no respect for gender.

“There are men whose situations are worse than that of some women.

“Therefore, delegates should rather call for the establishment of banks for all low income earners, peasants and petty traders.”

Raheem, however, argued that the essence of community banks had been defeated, noting that the community banks were charging interest above the authorised CBN rate.

In his view, Mr Mohammed Oyefeso, a former Electoral Commissioner of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, said that he was not in support of the establishment of the special banks.

“I do not agree with it as there are so many vulnerable groups that deserve it and not just the women.

“It is also suggestive of the fact that women cannot compete with men on a levelplaying ground,” Oyefeso said.

The National Chairman of the Advanced Congress of Democrats, Malam Yusuf Buba, however, urged women not to discriminate among themselves.

“Why are women underrating themselves?

What makes them think they are not equal to their male counterparts?

“It is not good at all, they should ask for equality not apartheid,” Buba said.

Analysts divided over special banks for women

on the recommendation made by the National Conference for the establishment of special banks for women in Nigeria.

Some of the analysts told newsmen that the recommendation was good, while others suggested that such banks should be established to attend to the needs of all low income earners in the country.

It would be recalled that the conference delegates made the suggestion while deliberating on the report of the Committee on Economy, Trade and Investment on June 11.

The delegates said that the proposed banks would provide women with access to low interest loans to finance their businesses.

The National Public Relations Officer of KOWA Party, Prof. Oluremi Sonaiya, described the call for the establishment of the bank as morally right.

“Women are not able to access loans easily since they usually do not have the kind of collateral required.

“Empowering women in this way will have a positive impact on the lives of their family,” she said.

Mr Toyin Raheem, the Secretary General of Campaign for Constitutionalism and Human Rights, a nongovernmental group, similarly, described the idea as good.

“It is a good recommendation, although the recommendation is quite

Inside Edo

Edo Assembly Crisis, A Conspiracy - APC Chieftain

By MATTHEW OKAGHA BENIN CITY – A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ikpoba-Okha, Local Government Area, Edo State, Elder Jolly Igbinovia has described the recent crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly as a conspiratorial attempt to derail the wheel of peace and

progress in the state.

Elder Igbinovia told The NIGERIAN OBSERVER in a chat in Benin City that some persons who are not comfortable with the pace of infrastructural development embarked upon by the Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole’s led government were bent on returning to the dark days of under-development

NACCRAN To Mark Day Of African Child Today

By IJEOMA UMEH BENIN CITY- As part of activities to commemorate the Day of the African Child, the society to Heighten Awareness of Women and Children Abuse (SOTHAWACA) will, in collaboration with the National Council of Child Rights Advocates of Nigeria (NACCRAN) hold a Roundtable stakeholders today, Wednesday, June 18, in Benin City.

The forum, with theme, “Educate the Girl Child, Educate a Nation” will draw stakeholders from both civil

society and all teers of government.

The ceremony will be charged by Hon. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Ativie, the member representing Uhunmwode Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly.

Speakers including Chief Etiosa Omuemu, Mrs. Margaret Udot, Co-ordinator, Naccean, Abuja; Anderson Archibong, Coordinator, CPN and Executive Director Child Rights Brigade.

Guests of honoour include Hon. (Mrs.) Blessing Maigida, Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and social Development; Mr. Washington Osifo, Edo State Commissioner for Higher Tertiary and technical Education.

and poor governance in the state.

The APC chieftain noted that under the leadership of Governor Oshiomhole, Edo people now enjoy good roads, with walk-ways for the first time in the history of the state.

He said the Upper Lawani Road in Benin City which had been neglected over the years by successive administrations, has been reconstructed in addition to various road projects embarked upon by the administration.

He urged politicians in the state to learn to put the interest of the above their personal considerations and eschew acts that would jeopardize the state peaceful atmosphere in the state.

Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Lucky James cutting the tape to officially commission Ekosodin Primary School, Ekosodin Ovia North East LGA renovated by the Local Government. He is flanked by the State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo (left) and the council chairman, Hon. (Barrister) Mrs. Lucy Omagbon. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.

Oba Erediauwa Voids Odionwere’s Installation

BENIN CITY - The Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa and the Chiefs in Council have faulted the installation of Mr. Napoleon

Edogiawerie as Odionwere of Uti /Egbiken Community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, declaring it null and void.

Also declared null and void is the Community Development Association (CDA) set up by Mr. Edogiawerie.

A statement by the information Officer, Benin Traditional Council, Robinson Osayamwen indicated that Mr. Edogiawerie installed himself as Odionwere of the community and also constituted the CDA without recourse to other members of the community, a development the monarch considers as anticommunity activities.

Consequently, the statement

quoted secretary to the Monarch, Osazuwa Oronsaye Guobadia as saying that”, Edogiawerie is sanctioned traditionally and must

Oba Erediauwa

appease the ancestors for the anticommunity activities”.

The statement directs Mr. Edogiawerie to relocate the persons he purportedly sold the land belonging to the Monarch to, “within two weeks, beginning from the date of judgement”.

The Monarch and Chief in Council have appointed Mr. Victor Okunoghae who has been the Okaighele of the community since the demise of the last Odionwere, Pa Idubor Aigiremwen as the community chairman and Okaighele respectively.

Mr. Okunoghae, according to the statement is also to take charge of all landed property of the Oba in the community.

Mrs Omorodion For Burial June 20 BENIN CITY- The Programme for the burial ceremony of Late Mrs. Victoria Oghomwenyemwen Omorodion (Nee Igiehon Aisien) has been released.

A statement by her eldest son, Mr. Godspower N. Omorodion indicated that the ceremony will commence on Friday, June 20, 2014 with Service of Songs, 4pm at her residence, No 23 Omene Dilapidated classroom in Lea Primary School, Ijah-Tampe Community in Kwali Johnson Crescent, Off Joromi, Ekewan Road, Benin City.

Area Council, FCT yesterday.

On Saturday June 21, 2014, the

corps will be taken from Gods Care Mortuary, Upper Ekewan Road, Benin City to her residence for lying -in-state / Interment at 10 am.

There will be entertainment of guests and social dance same day at her residence, beginning from 1pm.

The ceremony will climax on Sunday June 22 with a thanksgiving service at Holy Spirit Seed Assembly, No 2 Idehen Street, after Aso Rock Bus stop, Isiohor, Ugbowo, Benin

Development: Commissioner Commends Council Boss’s EKOSODIN (OVIA NORTH EAST) – Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Lucky James has commended the chairman, Ovia North East Local Government Council, Hon. Barrister Lucy Omagbon’s infrastructural development strides.

The commission made the commendation while commissioning blocks of six classrooms renovated by the Local Government in Ekosodin Primary School, Ekosodin.

Chief James who represented the State Government, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole at the commissioning ceremony

appreciated the council boss for keying into the state government schools infrastructural development programme, which he added, gave birth to the red roof revolution in the state.

Describing Barrister Omagbon’s feat in that regard as monumental, the commissioner noted, “inspite of the low financial resources available for the council since Mrs. Omagbon came, she could still manage to put something like this on ground”.

This is like a government project, she must be commended”, the commissioner said. He charged staff and pupils of the school to make judicious use of the

renovated infrastructure, especially the new chairs with desks and protect them against vandalism.

The primary school Head Teacher, Comrade Efe Aghayerinmwinre, on behalf of the pupils and staff commended the council boss and the councilors for the successful completion of the reconstruction of the school.

Comrade Aghayerinmwinre particularly thanked the council boss for making it possible for Ekosodin Primary School pupils to learn in a conducive environment.

He noted that they can now enjoy the use of marker’s board,

water closet toilet, new chairs and desks among others.

Pupils of the school in appreciation of the chairman’s effort entertained guest with their cultural dance and display.

In her address, the council boss thanked the Ekosodin Community leaders and youths for their support during the electioneering period, as well as the staff and pupils of the primary school for their patience throughout the period the reconstruction work lasted.

She stated that the school blocks reconstruction have been executed as part of fulfillment of her electioneering campaign promises to the people of

Ekosodin Community.

Meanwhile, the council boss has assured the people that as soon as the dry season sets in, the council will grade some earth roads in the community.

Dignitaries present at the occasion included the commissioner for Transport, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC), Ovia North East Local Government Area, Comrade Benson Edosomwan, former chairman of the party in the area, Pa Michael Igbinake and many other APC faithfuls as well as Ekosodin Community Leaders and youth representatives.

city.

Mrs. Omorodion passed on April 9, 2014 after a brief illness she was aged 62 years.

She is survived by her husband, 10 children, 8 grand children, brothers, sisters and other relations, including Godspower Omorodion; Thompson Omorodion; Mrs. Bridget Godwin; Mrs. Lilian Eshibogwu; Luke Omorodion, Edward Omorodion, Celina Omorodion, Julian Omorodion, Mrs. Justina Jemegah and Faith Omorodion.

Until her demise, the late Mrs. Omorodion was a very humble and industrious philanthropist who touched so many lives positively as well as ensured the education of all her children.

Late Mrs. Victoria O. Omorodion

News

Naval Boss Cautions Against Scuttling Peace Process

Ugborodo Crisis:

By BETTY IDIALU WARRI- The Commander, NNS Delta, Captain Musa Gemu, has warned that any attempts by any person or group of persons to scuttle the Peace process of government in bringing about lasting peace in the troubled oil rich Ugborodo Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State would be visited with the full weight of the law.

“Captain Musa Gemu read the riot acts to all the communities that make up Ugborodo, including Madagho, Akpakpa, Ajudaibo, Ogidigben, Aroton ,when the joint task force embarked on a mop up exercise to rid the communities of illegal arms in their possessions.

Security Personnel present included the Warri Police Area Commander, ACP Rabiu Hussanin Head of Civil Defence

Corps and the Army who stormed the Ugborodo Community in gun boats.

Addressing youths in the various communities, the naval chief said “what we are doing is implementing the military aspect of the peace you people are looking for .

After fighting, we want to believe that the weapons are still here. Give us the weapons voluntarily and nobody will be arrested”.

But, if you refuse and we come back and find any one using arms to resolve problems in the community or find any arms with anybody, we will not hesitate to use the full weight of the law against such person(s)”.Gemu warned.

Expressing hope that peace has returned to the crisis ridden community, the naval boss urged

people who fled their communities as a result of the crisis to return, assuring that the navy would provide adequate

security for them.

At Ugborodo community, Captain Gemu commended the indigenes for their peaceful disposition, adding that it was

only at Ugborodo that he saw elders.

He told the youths carry placards that when the peace committee visit the

NDE Organises Orientation For GAP Participants BENIN CITY - The national Directorate of Employment (NDE), Edo State office has organized an orientation/ sentsitisation training for the 20 newly recruited participants in the its Graduate Attachment Programme (GAP).

GAP, according to the state coordination of NDE, Ayo Edegbai is designed to assist graduates acquire some work experience and have improved professional skills that would enable them get good job or be self employed.

The programme, she said will also create opportunities that may lead the participants to permanent jobs in the organizations of attachment.

According to her, it is part of the directorates re-strategies efforts towards addressing new challenges occasioned by unemployment.

She disclosed that the orientation/ sensitization training was meant to further acquaint participants on the need to apply

themselves to the discipline, rules and regulation of establishments they will be attached.

Presently, Edegbai said 450 unemployed graduates in Edo State have benefited from GAP since inception in 2004.

Since 1987 when the directorate was established in Edo State, she said over 100,000 persons have be been imparted directly.

Rather than allowing many skillful unemployment graduates wasted away their talent, she said the NDE decided to employ them temporarily and attach them to private and corporate industrial forms to acquire work experience under GAP for six months with a monthly stipend of N10,000.

She said, “NDE is systematic, committed, resolute and faithful to its promise and avowed vision of jobs for all”.

The Director General of NDE, Mallam Abubakar at the event by the Assistant Director, Special Public Work, Mr. James Abibola.

Donor of the police hospital at Dei-Dei in Abuja, Chief Billy Ofessi (right), presenting keys of the hospital to the IGP Mohammed Abubakar at the inauguration in Abuja yesterday.

CMO Honours Village Head

By MORRISON HAYBLE

AUCHI- Politicians in the state have been admonished to learn to be fair and just by redeeming their electioneering promises to the people.

The Village Head of IhievbeOgbe in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Chief Eboh Andrew Otokhina who spoke with newsmen shortly after receiving a merit award from the Catholic Men’s Organisation remarked that it was improper to rule a people with deception.

Chief Otokhina lamented what he called, complete neglect and absence of government presence in his community, adding that the people were challenged as a result to, “pull themselves up by their own boots strap” and take their destiny in their hands to provide social amenities for themselves.

He noted with disappointment that successive administrations in the state had paid deaf ears to their yearnings, hence they decided to toe the path of self help

development initiatives.

This according to him, had so far yielded the provision of water, electricity and a computer centre in the area.

The Village Head however be moaned a situation whereby revenue was being collected in the area by government without its corresponding presence in terms of development.

Chief Otokhina, a catholic faithful was honoured by the Catholic Men’s Organisation, Auchi Diocese for distinguishing himself in various ways including, promotion and development of the mission of the diocese.

communities, issues raised in their placards would be addressed.

No arms were recovered from all the communities visited despite the house -to -house search carried out by security operatives following the denial of the communities that there were no arms in their possessions.

Although there was relative calm in the communities, it seems that the crises were far from being over as there were accusations and counter accusations by the various communities that some of their youths have been bought over by the present leadership who have led them for over a decade.

Some of the youths who spoke with The Nigeria OBSERVER at Ugborodo community said they were neither against the gas project nor peace process, but were fighting against imposition of leaders on them.

“We are fighting for our rights, we are being marginalized; no light, no water, no electricity, no health center, no school; we are tired of modern slavery”.

The youths said that despite the abundant oil in their community, there was nothing to show for it, accusing the present leadership of enriching themselves and their immediate family and cronies while communities were left undeveloped with indigenes in squalor.

Expressing concern that their lives were being threatened by ocean surge, they also alleged that the contract for the shore protection was awarded to one of the present leaders who never executed it.

As at press time, a youth from Ugborodo community who spoke with The Nigerian OBSERVER via telephone said nobody had returned, saying that they want peace; but for there to be a lasting peace, basic issues must be addressed.

Recall that that Ugborodo is the host community to the $16 billion gas city project of the Federal Government which President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to perform the ground breaking ceremony soon.

Ex-Council Boss Advocates Spiritual Solution To Societal Problem

By MORRISON HAYBLE

Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Abduljelili Adesiyan (2nd left), inaugurating a police police hospital at Dei-Dei in Abuja yesterday. With hime are: IGP Mohammed Abubakar (3rd right) Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Sen. Paulinus Nwagwu (2nd right); Force Medical Officer, DIG. Grace Okudo (right) and the donor of the hospital, Chief Billy Ofessi.

AUCHI- Activities marking the tenth year anniversary of the Catholic men’s Organisation, CMO/Fathers Day in the Catholic diocese of Auchi climaxed weekend with a renewed call on Christiandom to seek spiritual solutions to the current social malaise dedevilling the society.

Chairman on the occasion and immediate past Transition Chairman, Etsako West Local Government Council Dr. Bruno Oshionebo who made

the call at Auchi noted that all hands must be on deck in the effort to revive moral values even as secular solutions to the emerging crime wave had not yielded positive result.

He observed that the current security challenges facing the country had overwhelmed the society with unnecessary stress and anxiety which had remained adamant to secular solutions, adding that only the embrace of Christ and His teachings could remedy the situation.

Dr. Oshionebo therefore enjoined Christians to look inward in seeking solution to the problem by emulating the

prayer ministry and preaching of Jesus Christ if they truly believe in the slogan: “Christ in building the diocese by mobilizing for the growth of CMO. A total of 25 persons who had dedicatedly given unflinching support to the diocese were honoured at the occasion.

They include the Majority Leader, EDHA Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Philip Shaibu, Chief Oseni Elamah chairman, Edo State Inland Revenue Service and the Village Head of IhievbeOgbe, Chief Eboh Andrew Otokhina.

News Expert Tasks Youths On Entrepreneurial ABUJA - A former Skills President, Nigerian Economic Society, Prof.

Akin Iwayemi, has advised youths to acquire entrepreneurial skills as alternative to endless search for white-collar jobs.

Iwayemi gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

“What I am saying is that our youths should think of what they can do for themselves rather than taking their Curriculum Vitae to government offices in search of jobs,’’ he said.

He advised young people to borrow a leaf from developed countries, particularly China, where youths were involved in entrepreneurial activities such as the production of cell phones and software.

According to him, the number of people entering the labour market each year are more than two million and we are growing rapidly as a people.

“We are the largest economy in Africa and our population is ever growing.

“So many people will be entering the labour market but the economy is not creating many jobs to cater for them, therefore, jobs are not adequate,’’ Iwayemi said.

He also said that there was the need for different stakeholders to be involved in solving the problem of unemployment in the country by creating job opportunities.

According to him, the Federal, State and Local Governments have their roles to play in addition to the collaboration between the private and public sectors to solve the problem.

“The development partners and civil society groups all have roles to

play.

“It is a multi dimensional task that should involve all the stakeholders and each should do what best he can do.

“There is need for all stakeholders to work together because it is common interest for us to deal with the youth unemployment,’’ Iwayemi said.

63 Cult Members Arrested

Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State (left), signing condolence register during his visit to the 11th Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu in Gombe on Sunday.

L-R: Board members of the National Population Commission (NPC), David Garnvwa, Aliyu Datti, Mrs. Roli BodeGeorge and the Chairman, Eze Duruiheoma, during their meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently.

Minister Advocates Free Education

ABUJA - Hajiya Zainab Maina, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, has called on all stakeholders to ensure that Nigerian children enjoyed a child-friendly, quality, free and compulsory education.

Maina, who was represented

by Mrs Helen Oji, a Deputy Director in the Ministry, made the call in Abuja at a show to commemorate the Day of the African Child (DAC), 2014.

“A child-friendly, quality, free and compulsory education for children in Nigeria is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, “including government at all levels, development partners, private sector, civil society organisations, parents, traditional and religious leaders.

‘It is therefore, on us as rights

holders and deputy bearers to reassess our efforts, our obligations to entrench a child-friendly and quality education that promotes the proper development of children in the society.

Maina said the theme for this year’s celebration: “A Child Friendly, Quality, Free and Compulsory Education for all Children in Africa” was apt in view of the present security challenges in the country.

“This theme is appropriate judging from the current acts of violence facing the Nigerian child in his bid to access quality education.’’

The minister, however, said in spite of the current challenges facing the Nigerian child, the Federal Government had demonstrated strong commitment geared toward

Terroism: CAN Declares Fast

OWERRI- The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Imo has called on Christians to embark on fasting and prayers to fight terrorism spiritually.

The Chairman of CAN in Imo, Bishop Stanford Nwogu, made the call during interview with newsmen in Owerri.

“Time has come for every Christian to embark on fasting and prayers. The battle is a spiritual one which should be tackled spiritually.’’

Nwogu enjoined Christians all over the country to join in

UYO - The Akwa Ibom Police Command has arrested 63 persons, suspected to be members of ‘Black Axe,’ a cult group.

DSP Etim Dickson, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), announced this while briefing newsmen in Uyo. He said that the suspected cult members were arrested during their initiation at Effoi village forest, near Eket.

The police image maker said that some of the items recovered from the cultists include two locally-made pistols, five live cartridges, two axes and two drums.

Other items are five black berets with ‘Aye’ insignia, three cars, one bus, two motorcycles, 10 cell phones; and a container, containing substance suspected to be blood.

He said that all the suspects confessed to being members of ‘Black Axe’ adding that they would be charged to court soon.

“All the suspects will be charged to court. You know the activity of cult group is becoming too rampant,’’ Dickson said.

He appealed to members of the public to volunteer information about criminal activities in their area to the police for prompt action.

the spiritual battle against attacks by terrorists.

“This spiritual fight should not be left to Imo alone, but should be a collective effort among all Christians”, he said.

The bishop said Imo Government should not take the matter for granted, but make sure that those involved in the wicked act were brought to book.

“This issue should not be politicised, everybody, irrespective of their political leanings, must join in the efforts to arrest the perpetrator

of the evil act.’’

He urged Christians to be more conscious of the happenings around them and report any suspicious movement to the security agencies.

It would be recalled that two explosive devices were defused by the Anti-bomb Unit of police in Imo on Sunday at the Winners Chapel on Port Harcourt road, Owerri.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abdulmajid Ali, said the devices were capable of killing people within the range of 50 kilometres.

quality education for the Nigerian child.

She said Nigeria was a signatory to various international and regional instruments on children such as the UN convention on the Rights of the Child, Millennium Development Goals amongst others.

According to her, government is equally refocusing attention on the issues of vulnerable children in the country.

“The Child’s Right Act has been domesticated by over 22 states in Nigeria and over 15 states have established family/ juvenile courts that handle issues that bother on the wellbeing of

the child.’’

Maina also said that the ministry was collaborating with relevant government agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of violence against children were brought to book.

She said the Federal Government had introduced free and compulsory universal basic education to increase access to quality education nationwide.

“Girl-child education is accorded priority attention given that education of girl reduces the incidence of early marriage with other attendant benefits.

“Such benefits include reduction in Vesico Vagina

Fistula and maternal and new born morbidity and mortality,” Maina said.

She, however, said that in spite of all the efforts in promoting the girl-child education across the country it was regrettable there had been some drawbacks.

She cited the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls as one of such drawbacks adding that governments were making concerted efforts to surmount such challenges.

“Notwithstanding this challenge, the President is working assiduously to ensure that the abducted girls are returned safely.

2015: Jonathan Cautions Against

ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan has again reiterated that his political ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian citizen.

The President said this while addressing politicians at the All Political Parties Summit, holding in the Federal Capital Territory.

He decried the discordant tunes from politicians since the advent of terrorism in the country and called on politicians to join hands with the Federal Government if the war against terror must be won.

Emphasizing the need to place national interest ahead of personal ambition, he also decried what he called antidemocratic tendencies of some politicians and the tension being created. He advised that no one should play into the hands of extremist elements who use the

Violence

campaign of terror against the country.

The President also applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the establishment of the Inter-Party Advisory Council and the transformation of the electoral process and called on politicians not to take this for granted.

The organisers of the event chose the very significant June 12 to meet, and uppermost in their minds was how to effect inter party collaboration, national stability and democratic consolidation.

The organisers chose the theme following discordant tunes in the polity following terrorism and abduction of Chibok schoolgirls.

The Chairman of the occasion, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, brought his understanding of what it takes to midwife the democratic process to bear, as he spoke about how politicians could sustain the Nigerian democracy especially in a charged atmosphere.

Also, security was said to be very important if democracy must thrive, as political upheavals in the country would bear serious consequences if the political class do not conduct themselves with decorum, no matter the political divide.

At the last count, over six major political parties in the country had their members represented, including some past Nigerian leaders, heads of state, and members of the diplomatic corps and other friends of Nigeria.

South - West

Osun To Construct Modern Abattoirs

Osogbo Residents Commend Aregbesola For Dredging River

Flooding:

OSOGBO - Osogbo residents have commended the Osun State Government for dredging the Osun River with a view to controlling flooding in the state capital.

Some of the residents, who spoke with newsmen in Osogbo, recounted their ordeal following the flooding in 2010.

One of the respondents, Mrs. Wusamotu Ajasa, a resident of Gbodofan area of the state capital, said: “It was a terrible experience for people like us living in this area, because of the proximity of this area to Osun River.

“We are always most affected whenever there is flood as a result of overflow of the river.

“We have been battling with this predicament for decades until the devastating rain of 2010. We had to vacate our houses for months. Many lives were lost to the flood. ‘’Obviously, I had never known that it was possible to dredge the river and prevent it from overflowing, which always resulted to the flood that used to ravage our area in the past. ‘’We are more than grateful to the governor for saving our lives and property from flood,’’ she said.

Similarly, Mrs. Ibukun Jacob, who resides at Alekunwodo area of the town, said the people of the area would never forget the havoc wreaked by the flood in 2010.

She told newsmen that her husband lost his cousin to torrent

of flood in Ikire, an ancient town in the state.

She commended the state government for its foresight in tackling the problem of flooding in the state. ‘’It is only a focused government that can think of doing this in the interest of all, irrespective of status; we are indeed happy.

“We can now sleep with our two eyes closed during this season,’’ Jacob said.

Nasiru Ajomale, a resident of Orita Gbeemu, observed that the dredging of rivers and the removal of the shanties in the state were major step taken to curb the menace of flooding in the state.

Pilfering Of Luggage Resurfaces At Lagos Airport

IKEJA - Pilfering of belongings of air travellers has returned in full force at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The development has left many victims with sour tales of how they lost their valuables after arriving at the airport from various overseas countries.

The victims alleged that their belongings were tampered with during the process of bringing their loads to the conveyor belts at the arrival hall of the airport.

According to them, any baggage not having padlock stands high risk of being pilfered by the ground staff of the aviation

Cyber Fraud: Man, 44,

Faces Trial

IKEJA - An aluminium fabricator, Emmanuel Okoebor, 44, who allegedly hacked into an e-mail account to dupe a man of N700, 000 has appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

Okoebor, a resident of No. 14, Akintoye Sogunle St., Unity Road, Ikeja, is standing trial on a four-count charge of fraud, stealing, forgery and impersonation.

The prosecutor, Insp Edet Okoi, said that the accused committed the offences on June 5, at No. 21, Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja.

He said that Okoebor hacked into the e-mail account of one Mrs. Ose Oyakhilome and through it, sent a mail seeking financial assistance from Mr. Chidi Ezinmako.

The prosecutor said that the accused falsely represented himself to be Oyakhilome and defrauded Ezinmako of N700, 000.

Okoi said that Okoebor received the money through his First Bank account.

The prosecutor said that the accused also forged the e-mail address of one Mr Tohi Fashina.

Okoi said that the offences contravened Sections 285, 312, 363 and 378, of the Criminal

L-R: Water sanitation and hygiene ambassador, Mrs. Ebele Okeke; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Baba Faru and Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe during the signing of MoU between her Ministry Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council, Cross River and Benue Governments, on the implementation of rural sanitation and hygiene promotion in Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.

Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Section 312 prescribes 15 years imprisonment for anyone convicted for fraud.

Okoebor, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Margaret Dan-Oni, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case till July 14, for mention.

handling companies at the airport.

One of the victims, Mrs. Sarah Ashafa, lamented that her luggage had been tampered with at the nation’s premier gateway after a recent trip overseas.

Ashafa lamented that she lost many personal belongings at the airport on June 3 on her return from a trip to the U.S., saying that she had suffered a similar experience before.

“When my bags got to me through the conveyor belt, I discovered that one of the bags that had my under wears, shoes and other items had been torn open with many items missing.

“I was very embarrassed; why should they steal my pants along with my shoes and clothes.

The authorities should do something about it because I know that this will be happening to other passengers. I believe it happened here in Lagos,’’ she said.

Another victim, Mr. Fred Uzo, who returned to Lagos on May 8, aboard a Delta Airlines flight from the U.S, also complained that he lost an expensive belt which he kept in an unlocked compartment of his luggage.

“I was amazed when I returned home to discover that

the belt was gone. I later realised that I kept the belt in an unlocked compartment of my luggage.

“I was totally embarrassed because I didn’t realise that such crimes would still be taking place at the Lagos Airport after all the measures put in place by the Federal Government.’’

Uzo said that he had thought that the era of luggage pilfering at the airport had ended, urging the authorities at the airport to step up security at the luggage area of the airport.

He said that he was not aware that he ought to have reported the incident to officials of the airline he used or to other relevant authorities at the airport.

A staff of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), who spoke on the development, said the management of the company was not aware that belongings of travellers were being tampered with at the airport.

The worker, who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the issue, said that no passenger had come forward to report the matter to the NAHCO management.

The official said that if such incident occurred, the passenger

L-R: Access to Basic Care (ABC) official, Dr. Abiola Kila; Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Dolapo Oyedipe; Medical Laboratory Scientist, Mr. Frank Azonabor at a news conference on creating awareness for cervical screening for women in Ibadan on Monday.

had the right to report the matter to the airline he or she used for the trip.

He argued that “such unfortunate incident may not have happened at the point of arrival because the luggage may have been tampered with at the point of departure.

According to him, any case of reported pilfering usually shows on the computer system of the airline, ground handlers and the security agencies involved for appropriate investigations to be taken.

“We advise the victim to formally report the incident either to the airline or the Consumer Protection Unit of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority at the airport.

“Once the case is reported, a copy of the report is electronically sent to the airline, ground handling company and agencies involved in scanning of luggage at the point of entry,” he said.

The official said that the investigation would lead to the arrest of the culprit, assuring that appropriate sanctions would always be taken against culprits.

OSOGBO - Mr. Wale Adedoyin, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in Osun, said the state government would construct six modern abattoirs in different parts of the state.

In an interview with newsmen in Osogbo, Adedoyin said the abattoirs, when constructed, would ensure safety and quality of meat being sold to the public.

According to him, the state government has also decided to rehabilitate the existing meat production facilities in the state to meet the required standard.

Adedoyin said the rehabilitation project had begun in Osogbo and Iwo Local Government Area of the state, in collaboration with a private firm.

“Governor Rauf Aregbesola has laid the foundation while the construction is expected to be completed in 15 months,’’ Adedoyin said.

The commissioner said the government would create employment opportunities for graduates and non-graduates through the project.

He pointed out that some veterinary officers had been employed by the state government as part of efforts to ensure the success of the project.

“Government’s intervention in the sector has informed the employment of nine veterinary officers and supporting staff for inspection of the abattoirs to ensure safety,’’ Adedoyin said.

According to him, the state government is committed to boosting the economy of the state as well as ensuring hygienic meat production for the public.

Employment Fraud

Fake Doctor Docked ABEOKUTA - A 32-yearold man, Emmanuel Olurinde, who claimed to be a medical practitioner, has appeared before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court at Isabo, charged with defrauding six employment seekers of N100,000.

Olurinde, whose address is unknown, is standing trial on a three-count charge of fraud, impersonation and theft.

The prosecutor, Insp Sunday Eiagbejiale, told the court that the accused committed the offences on May 20 at Kemta, Idi-Aba, in Abeokuta.

Eigbejiale said that the accused presented himself as an orthopaedic surgeon, a.k.a. Dr Emmanuel, and defrauded six persons of a total of N100,000.

“Olurinde defrauded one

Michael Bokunrin, Babatunde Onabanjo, Abosede Ishola, Abiodun Abiola, Akeem Owasege and Promise Obasuyi, respectively.

“The accused defrauded the job seekers on the pretext of assisting them to obtain employment forms at the Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital, Sagamu,” he said.

Eiagbejiale said that the offences contravened Sections 419, 383 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the threecount charge.

The Magistrate, Mr. Martins Akinyemi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case till October 20, for mention.

Lagos Market Women, Others Attend Late Mogaji’s Fidau Prayers

L-R: Assistant Director, Consumer Protection Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Lartey Bolaji; Assistant Director/Head Complain Management Division, Mr. Chris Sokan and Deputy Driector/Head, Consumer Education Division, at a news conference to mark the commencement of the consumer awareness campaign in Ibadan.

LAGOS - Market women, politicians, and well wishers gathered at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos for the one year Fidau prayers of the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji.

Report states that Mogaji, who was Iyaloja of Lagos and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, died on June 15, 2013, at the age of 96.

In a sermon at the event, Imam Al-Shakirudeen AbdulGafar, the Senior Special Adviser to Governor of Lagos State on Islam, said that the late Mogaji was very prayerful during her lifetime.

He said that death was a debt that everyone had to pay and enjoined all present to live good

President, Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni, United States of America chapter, Mr. Baron Lugard (2nd right); Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Prof. Godwin Unu (3rd right) and other members of the Alumni during their donation of books and computers to the institution in Oko, Anambra on Monday.

Lagos Deputy Gov Advocates Stiffer Penalty For Rapists

LAGOS - The Lagos State Deputy Governor., Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has advocated for the stringent sentence of life imprisonment, without an option of fine, for rape offenders.

The deputy governor said this at a news conference to commemorate this year ’s International Day of the African Child.

The day was celebrated yearly since 1991, to honour over 700 black high school girls massacred in Soweto, South Africa, in 1976.

Orelope-Adefulire said that the sentence would bring about a maximum reduction in rape cases.

“Despite various instruments and laws enacted to protect the rights of the child, we have continued to witness rape cases and other forms of abuse, including sexual harassment, forced marriages, domestic violence, among others,’’ she said.

The deputy governor noted that with the increase in rape cases and sexual harassment, there was need to make psychiatric tests compulsory for some men, especially perpetrators, as part of routine checks.

“A situation where a father impregnates his own daughter or a blood brother impregnates his

sister or an uncle impregnating his cousin, cannot be explained and calls for concern.

“I notice psychopathic tendencies in some men; so we require full support of the law enforcement agencies and the courts to ensure justice and successful prosecution of such offenders,” she said.

The deputy governor also urged Nigerians to break the culture of keeping silent on rape cases and violence.

According to her, parents should not hesitate to report such cases to the police, in order to expose and prosecute the

offenders, to serve as a deterrent to others.

“The problem we are having is that people, especially victims, do not speak out and report; even when they report to the police, the perpetrators lure them to drop the case,” Orelope-Adefulire said.

She also urged parents to be jointly responsible for the upbringing, welfare, safety and security of their children.

“Parenting is not meant only for the mothers, our fathers too should take full responsibility of providing leadership and direction in the family.

“Mothers too, should be able to

balance their careers with their duties at home,” she said.

Orelope-Adefulire also reiterated the clarion call for the rescue of the abducted Chibok girls, urging the Federal Government to ensure that the girls were brought back alive.

She said that there was need to start counselling and motivating the children to allay their fears that their rights, safety and security would be guaranteed.

“The incidence in Chibok, no doubt, has created a lot of trauma in some children, even outside Borno State and all over the country, hence the need for us to reassure them that all is well,” the deputy governor added.

Travel Agent Docked

N730,000 Fraud: LAGOS - A 31-year-old travel agent, Idowu Ayilara, who allegedly duped a man of N730, 000 on the pretext of helping him secure a flight ticket, has appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Ayilara, who resides at No. 8, Epetedo Street, Ogudu, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, ASP Chidi Okoye, said that the accused committed the offences on April 14, at Femi Okunnu Estate, Lekki.

Okoye said that the complainant, Mr. Wale Adegbite, contacted the accused to help him secure a flight ticket to travel to the U.S.A. He said that an airline later contacted Adegbite and informed him that his ticket was fake and had been cancelled.

The prosecutor said that when Adegbite tried calling the accused on phone to recoup his money, he was unreachable and

subsequently switched off his phone.

Okoye said that the offences committed contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Ayilara, however, denied the charges brought against him.

The Chief Magistrate, Ms Abimbola Awogboro, granted the accused N100, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case till July 9 for further hearing.

lives while on earth.

“What are you going to achieve for those number of years that you have sojourned on the surface of this earth, because two days are very important in the life of man.

“The day when man came into this world crying and the day when man shall return to his Creator.

“It is now very important for you to live a kind of life that would give you an opportunity to be laughing wherever you are going,’’ he said.

The cleric said that the late Iyaloja-General lived a life that was worth emulating.

Sen Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he missed his mother dearly.

“I thank all of you who have come for this prayer; all of you market women.

“I know I miss my mum dearly, but you’re there for us, you would continue to be there, your children would achieve greatness too,” he said.

On her part, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja of Lagos, said: “What mama has taught me in the past has been very helpful – being accommodating and giving your shoulder out for people when necessary.

“Also, giving the less privileged opportunity that they haven’t got out there and fighting for justice, especially for those who haven’t got a voice.

“It has been very helpful and we thank God for her life, and she still lives in our lives,” she said.

Mr. Francis Abosede, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, described the late Iyaloja-General as a special woman.

“She was always looking for the welfare of mothers; she was always caring for the children of the market women.

“She was a fantastic woman; she lived a good life,” he told newsmen.

Dignitaries who were present at the event include former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State.

The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji; former Interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande and National Publicity Secretary of APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, among others, were also present.

Defilement Politician Advocates Sex Education LAGOS - A Lagos-based female politician, Mrs. Janet Malin, has advocated early sex education and vigilance on the part of parents to curb the incidence of minor defilement.

Malin, the Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward G2, Surulere Local Government Area, spoke in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

The politician, who is also SURE-P Coordinator in the area, advised mothers to guard against negligence, noting that carelessness was responsible for many cases of rape.

“Some women are shy of talking to their girls about men, puberty, and general sex education but parents must be bold to educate both boys and girls.

“Parents should not expose their children to the opposite sex at any given time; no matter how close, we must monitor and study our neighbours and everybody around us before we leave our children with them.

“We must also teach our children’s care givers to always be alert and must not be careless with our children, no matter the age.

“This is because carelessness contributes to about 80 per cent of minor defilement,” she said.

Malin urged women to lead the campaign against stigmatisation of victims of rape and their families, to change the

perception of people toward them in the society.

According to her, such effort will make more victims to speak out and get help.

She said that many rapists continued in the act, knowing that victims would be ashamed to speak out.

“I have seen cases where a father rapes a child and people would blame the mother or guardian for encouraging the girl to speak out.

“If families do not speak out, government will not be able to do anything.

“Women groups should come together and champion the cause to carry out enlightenment campaigns, to encourage victims to speak out.

“Women need to bring the society together to speak in one voice against rape and stigmatisation,” she said.

Malin advised mothers to make their daughters their friends so that they would confide in them if they noticed anything strange in their bodies.

She also stressed the need to strengthen the legal system, to ensure quick prosecution of rape suspects and punishment of those found guilty, to serve as deterrent to others.

According to her, the perpetrators of rape also need rehabilitation because they might be psychologically sick and in need of help.

Across The Nation Association Honours Emir Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar (left), inspecting Rail Track at the celebration of the completion of 100km of Track Laying for AbujaKaduna Rail Project at Doka in Kaduna State.

LAFIA - The National Association of Oduduwa Students at the University of Ibadan has conferred an award of excellence as an icon of integrity on the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Isah Mustapha-Agwai II. Presenting the award in the palace of the monarch in Lafia, the National President of the association, Mr Adekunle Micheal-Adeniyi, said the award was conferred on the emir because of his contributions to peace in the society.

Michael-Adeniyi said the emir’s cordial relationship with the law enforcement agencies among others brought about the award.

He congratulated the royal

to Nigerians.

On the night of April 14, more than 200 female students were kidnapped from the Government

Secondary School, Chibok, Borno.

The kidnappings were claimed by Boko Haram, a terrorist organisation.

GOMBE - Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has expressed the hope that the insecurity bedevilling the north eastern part of the country would end soon.

Yuguda expressed this hope when he spoke with newsmen in Gombe.

He said although the problem had lingered for long, it had not defied solutions as the issue would be resolved at the appropriate time.

“Everything has its own time; efforts are being

made by both the States and Federal Government to address the security problems in the country.

“I assure you that it is just a matter of time; there is time to start something and there is time to end it when it comes to issues that have to do with security challenge.

“Nigeria is not the only nation that has security challenge.

“But we pray that very soon we see an end to some

of these security challenges that we are confronted with particularly the ones in our zone here, the north east”, he said.

The governor had condoled with the government and people of Gombe State over the death of the Emir, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar.

He advised the new emir, Alhaji Abubakar ShehuAbubakar to emulate his late father’s leadership qualities.

Cleric Calls For Intensified Prayers

Abducted Girls:

in this kind of mess because people are teaching and preaching what they are not supposed to teach or preach.

“With the Boko Haram insurgency, a lot of people are homeless because some people have decided to take laws into their hands.

“Our society today has changed; Nigeria of today is no longer what it used to be because there is no respect for human dignity.

“God does not permit anybody to kill because no one has the power over His creature,’’ he added.

While expressing optimism that the insurgency would soon become a thing of the past, Emmanuel appealed to Boko Haram leaders to make their grievances clear

the association for the honour and promised to work hard to develop humanity.

The ruler also assured the students of his continued support to the plight of the Nigerian students, and advised them to shun any form of social vices.

He tasked the students to realised that “the future of this country is in your hands as leaders of tomorrow.

“I advise you all to face your studies with all seriousness and not to engage yourselves in any form of things that will tarnish your image.”

Sheath The Sword, Tambuwal Urges Insurgents KADUNA - The Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has called on Boko Haram members to sheath the sword and embrace peace for the stability and development of the country.

Tambuwal made the call during a conference organised by Jama’atul Naasril Islam (JNI) in Kaduna, Kaduna State.

According to him, “ as a political leader, it is incumbent on me to preach peace and unity that should give way for progress of the country.’’

He said all well meaning people and community leaders across the country must take steps to intervene in the current security challenge confronting the country.

“We must preach peace and unity to unite our country and our immediate society,’’ he said.

Tambuwal said dailogue was the utmost solution to curtail insurgency in Nigeria, as according to him, confrontation would prolong terrorism in the country.

“We need to dialogue and ensure that those recalcitrant citizens are brought back to normal social fold.

“But the state would not fold its arms and watch while other innocent citizens are being killed.

“The state will continue to use its military might to defend the territorial integrity of the country

Construction workers laying the Rail Track during the celebration of the completion of 100km of Tracking for Abuja-Kaduna Rail Project at Doka in Kaduna State.

KARU (NASARAWA) Rev. Fr. Patrick Emmanuel, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Karu, FCT Chapter, has called for intensified prayer sessions for the release of the abducted school girls in Chibok, Borno.

Emmanuel made the call during a prayer session in Mararaba, near Abuja, advising worshippers to be more security conscious at the worship centres across the country.

He noted that the people had waited too long for the release of the girls and had, therefore, decided to seek the divine intervention.

“As people who preach justice and peace, we are worried because, for sometimes now, these girls have not been set free,’’ he said.

“We have found ourselves

father on his 40th anniversary on the throne and wished him many more years with good health to pilot the affairs of his people.

Micheal-Adeniyi urged the three ties of government and traditional rulers to find a lasting solution to the insecurity in the country.

Responding, Alhaji Isah Mustapha-Agwai said he was delighted with the honour, and assured the students that it would spur him to do more for the country to move forward as one united nation.

The traditional ruler thanked

Yuguda Sees End To Insurgency

until victory is achieved’’, he said.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad, said peace was the bedrock of development, adding that “you cannot see development without peace.’’

He called on Muslims to continually offer prayers for the peace, progress and stability of the country.

The theme of the conference was: Practical Steps in Uniting The Nigerian Muslim Ummah and the JNI Annual PreRamadan Meeting.’’

Quality Education

Board Tasks Teachers

SOKOTO - Prof. Musa Maitarshir, Chairman, Sokoto State Universal Primary Education Board, has said that the state government would provide enough modern infrastructure in public primary schools for quality education.

In an interview with newsmen in Sokoto, Maitarshir said the board had also proved the government’s commitment by providing seats in some primary schools in the state.

According to him, the board has released 400 seats to GidanDare Primary School in Sokoto North Local Government Area of the state to avoid sitting on the floor by the pupils to receive lessons.

The chairman said the board had taken measures to provide learning materials to be distributed to all pupils in the primary schools across the state.

He therefore, urged the teachers to redouble their efforts towards providing sound education, noting that government had planned to design teachers’ refresher courses on modern techniques of teaching.

He called on parents to complement the efforts of the government by sending their children to school.

Abuja

AUMTCO Installs Anti-Explosive Devices In Buses

ABUJA - The Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company Limited (AUMTCO) has said it had installed anti-explosive devices in more than 100 of its High Capacity Buses plying various routes around the territory.

Mr. Tunde Akintola, Head, Marketing and Communications of the company, told newsmen in Abuja that all the 100 buses recently launched had the device.

Akintola said that AUMTCO carried out the installation in conjunction with the FCT Administration’s Security Department.

Aside all the 100 newly acquired buses, Akintola said that the device was also installed in some of the old ones to detect explosives or metals.

According to him, the installations are being done in

batches, adding that “the company will soon complete the installations in all the 400 buses.

We are doing the installations on both the old and the new ones”.

He said arrangements had been concluded by the company to instal the devices in all the major loading parks of AUMTCO, to avert further terror attacks in the territory.

“We are also introducing electronic security devices in all our major loading points such as Nyanya, Zuba, Area 3, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Lugbe among others.”

However, he said that out of the 100 high capacity buses launched recently, 50 had begun operation, while the remaining buses were awaiting registration.

He said the company, which had 25 routes of operations, had

spread the new buses according to the routes, adding that it would help to augment the existing ones.

“We have assigned 20 buses to Nyanya; 20 to Zuba; five to Bwari; five to Gwagwalada; 10

to Lugbe; 10 to Kubwa; 15 to Life-Camp and 15 for the city centre,” he said.

Akintola said the company had zero tolerance for reckless driving and was ready to sanction any of its drivers found

violating traffic rules and drunk while driving.

He said the company would soon employ more drivers, adding that the new 100 buses would be assigned to the company’s old drivers for better management.

However, he said the fares for the new buses would be different

from the old ones because they would run on air conditioners.

“A little premium will be added on the new buses because the airconditioners will be fully on at all time for commuters.

“During the peak period, the new buses are designed to carry 45 people on the seats and 45 standing.”

Open Defecation

Board Advises FCT Residents ABUJA - The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has advised residents of Abuja to desist from open defecation and cultivate the habit of using toilet facilities to avoid spread of diseases.

Mrs. Kate Ocheze, AEPB’s Assistant Director, Environmental Health and Safety, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Monday.

Echeze said that human waste, if not properly managed, posed a serious threat to public health and the environment.

She said that in spite of the health hazards associated with open defecation, many residents of some slums in Abuja still indulged in the act.

“Human excreta is a major threat to public health and the environment if not properly managed through provision of toilet facilities.

“Many people end up in hospitals as a result of consuming water contaminated by faecal water or untreated sewage,” she said.

The assistant director said that

the absence of public toilets for Abuja residents would endanger the capital city and advised business owners to allow the public to use their toilet facilities as a social responsibility.

“If toilet facilities are not adequately provided in the FCT, the territory would risk being polluted, resulting in a rise in preventable diseases such as cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea and polio among others,” she said.

“Some people residing in the suburbs of FCT sleep in shopping malls, markets and under the bridges and they end up polluting the city by defecating and urinating into drains and open spaces.

“The need for corporate outfits to provide toilets for public use should therefore be encouraged to prevent environmental pollution,’’ she said.

Echeze advised residents to collaborate with the FCT administration in its campaign to eradicate polio and other preventable diseases by avoiding the culture of open and indiscriminate defecation.

IGP Mohammed Abubakar (right), addressing policemen deployed for the Ekiti Governorship Election in Abuja recently.

Democracy: INEC Boss Tasks Politicians

ABUJA - Prof. Attahiru Jega the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has asked politicians to always promote the principles of democracy in the country.

He made the appeal on Abuja at the opening ceremony of the All Political Parties and Political Stakeholders Summit.

He said parties have an “enlightened self interest” which was to promote democracy and must, therefore, do everything to protect democracy.

The theme of the Summit was:

“Inter- Party Collaboration, National Stability and Democratic Consolidation”.

Jega said that through inter party collaboration, political parties could function effectively thereby ensuring national stability and the consolidation of democracy.

He said inter-party collaboration provided mediating and moderating functions necessary for stability in the polity.

The INEC boss also said that inter party collaboration should

serve as a platform for defining the character of socio-political socialisation.

Jega said the lessons that should be learnt from what happened on June 12, 1993 were that politicians should consolidate on the gains of democracy.

“June 12 represents the actualisation of the aspirations of Nigerians for free and fair elections,” he said.

In his remark, the PDP National Chairman, Adamu Muazu, said there was the need for politicians to close ranks in the fight against terrorism.

“We must do all we can to ensure the release of the abducted Chibok girls,” he said.

Also speaking, former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, said Nigerians must resolve to work for free and fair election in 2015.

He urged the law enforcement agencies to be “more neutral in discharging their duties”.

Former Governor of Anambra, Peter Obi, who represented APGA, said “the greatest enemy of Nigeria was terrorism” and as such all political actors should fight terror.

ABUJA -The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has honoured six of its outgoing judges with a valedictory court session in Abuja.

The judges are Justices Awa Daboya, the president of the court (Togo), Hansine Donli (Nigeria), Anthony Benin (Ghana), Benfeito Ramos (Cape Verde), Clotilde Medegan (Benin) and Elima Potey (Cote ‘D Ivoire).

In her valedictory speech, Daboya charged the incoming judges to discharge their duties courageously without fear or favour and in the interest of justice.

“I urge you to abide by your oath of office and the objectives

of the court,’’ Daboya added.

Donli, the first president of the court, now a dean, paid tribute to a colleague, Justice Soumana Sidibe from Niger Republic, who died in 2011.

Earlier, Mr. Tony Maidoh, the Registrar of the court, said the special court session was to outline the achievements of the judges during their career.

“The greatest achievement of the court lies in the profundity of its jurisprudence. By their judicial pronouncements, their lordships have placed ECOWAS on the world map.

“This action has earned the court a reputation as a virile and independent regional court in the West African sub region,’’ Maidoh said.

ECOWAS Honours 6 Outgoing Judges

Policemen and dogs deployed for Ekiki Governorship Election before their departure from Abuja recently.

Business + Economy Tourism Promotion

Association Seeks Involvement Of State Govts ABUJAMr Tomi Akingbogun, the President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), has called for the involvement of state governments in the promotion of tourism in the country.

Akingbogun told newsmen in Abuja that there were lots of tourism investment opportunities in states which could generate income for the economy if harnessed.

“The states have not realised the importance of investment in tourism in Nigeria. States are supposed to showcase their relative advantages to investors,’’ he said.

The FTAN president also said it was necessary for members of the association to train workers in the sector so as to stimulate growth in the business.

“Tourism actually affects a lot of people and that is why we always create a forum for investors to showcase their potential.

“Tourism needs a lot of development and investment and what we can do to help is to train those who want to establish a tourism school or hotel,’’ he said.

Akingbogun said FTAN was willing to work closely with all arms of government which are ready for the real development of tourism.

He said tourism had been identified to be the most effective tool for removing poverty and that it had the highest downstream circulatory effect on the population.

“We call on all arms of governments to invest in the country by investing in several opportunities provided by tourism,’’ the FTAN official said.

Accident scene at Goza on Airport Road in Abuja on Monday.

Commission Wants Data Base

Infrastructure Distribution: ABUJA- The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has called for a comprehensive database for equitable infrastructure and manpower distribution in the country The Director, Monitoring and Enforcement in the commission, Mr David Fakeye, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

“The database would ensure equity and fairness.’’

Fakeye said inadequate data had made it difficult to ascertain the distribution of infrastructural facilities and

projects.

It would be recalled that the second mandate of the commission is to monitor the distribution of socio-economic amenities, projects and programmes to ensure equity and fairness.

“A comprehensive database in key sectors of the economy will enable the commission to track, monitor and evaluate whether they meet the geographical spread,’’ Fakeye said.

Over the years, he said the commission had consistently mobilised Nigerians, especially the major stakeholders to buy into the concept of nation building through collective fair sharing of opportunities.

“The frightening lopsidedness in the manpower distribution of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) is a product of history and redress will take gradual process, particularly at the entry level’’, he added.

Inflation Rate Up By 0.1 Percent ABUJA- The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said that inflation rate stood at 8.0 per cent in May, 0.1 per cent higher than the 7.9 per cent recorded in April.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Statistician-General of the

Federation, Dr Yemi Kale.

Kale, in the statement, said, “the price increases seen in May were as a result of higher prices in groups that contribute to both the food and core sub-indices.

“Specifically, food prices edged higher to 9.7 per cent, up

from 9.4 per cent in April.

“Prices were pushed higher as a result of higher prices in the bread and cereals, fish, dairy, fruits, and vegetable groups.’’

The statistician-general said the price increases in the food sub-index were however

A bad spot on Iganmu Apapa wharf road in Lagos on Monday.

weighed down by relatively slower increases in the meats; oils; fats; potatoes, yams and other tuber classes.

He said prices measured by the “All items less farm produce or Core sub-index” increased at a faster rate in May from April.

Kale added that groups that contributed to the increase in the core sub-index included furniture and furnishings, garments, rental prices, as well as liquid and solid fuels.

“Urban prices increased at a faster rate in May, 8.2 per cent, up 0.3 percentage points from April, after growing at a constant rate in March and April (7.9 per cent yearon-year).

“Rural prices increased by 7.8 per cent in May, also up by 0.3 percentage points from April, and the fastest since Jan. 2014.

“On a month on month basis, movements in the urban and rural indices have largely mirrored the headline index this year’’, the statistician-general said.

He said in May, the urban and rural all-items indices rose by 0.8 per cent and 0.77 per cent respectively.

Kale explained that this was about 0.2 percentage points higher than the rates recorded in April.

He listed none advertisement of vacant positions and not giving the stipulated duration of advertisement notices by various government offices as part of the commission’s challenges.

Others are none submission of candidates’ short list to the commission prior to interview, not allocating slots to states or zone prior to interview, and refusing to summit nominal rolls and quarterly returns.

He said there were other offices that had refused to declare vacancies arising from deaths, resignations, dismissals, retirements, among others.

“These are the ruinous infractions, if left unchecked, could risk not only the

commission’s principles, but the corporate existence of the country.

“This explains why the commission has been mobilising all stakeholders, especially the MDAs to buy into the principles of the commission.

“Unfortunately, most elites feel a sense of exclusive privilege and entitlement regarding certain governmental positions occupied by them; they use such positions to entrench their interests.

“This is inimical to unity and peaceful co-existence of the nation’’, he said.

Fakeye added that the commission would continue to discharge its duties and would not be deterred by the activities of some Nigerians, who he described as “unpatriotic.’’

Increased Rice Production

Industrialist Seeks FG’s of about 500 bags.

Support “We are turning out 5,000 of

LAGOS - Mr Adetunji Oluwaseun, the Director of Crystal Gold Mills & Agro-allied, in Ekiti State has urged the Federal Government to support local rice production with enhanced agro-allied machineries.

Oluwaseun told newsmen in Lagos that the company had the capacity to produce five tons of rice per day or 1,825 tons per annum.

According to him, the company currently produces 2.5 tons of rice per week and given more support the local rice processors will meet the nation’s domestic consumption and for export.

“We process 2.5 tons in a week, but with minor changes to our machinery we can process as much as five tons per day.

“That means 10 tons of the raw paddy, what we get will be 5 tons.

Now, we are talking about 10kg

1kg per day. If a company is rolling that out, you can imagine the number of people that we will be reaching out to.

“Those are the areas we are looking forward to improve on.

“As I said, we are young, we are hungry, we want to work for people; we want to serve.

“We want people to recognise that there are still young people with the heart to lift up the country from where we are at the moment.

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has projected that rice output in Nigeria and Ghana for 2012 would outpace consumption, resulting in an upward revision of five million tonnes in 2013.

FAO also said that the world rice stock-to-use ratio was forecast to rise to 35.5 per cent in 2013 from 33.6 per cent in 2012.

REGRETTABLY, several thousands of lives have been wasted by the dreaded Boko Haram sect since bared its fangs. In Kano, over 60 lives perished recently, following the suicide bombing of a bus, at a motor park in Kano. In an attack traceable to Boko Haram. The unfortunate event which shook the city of Kano to its foundations came at a time when some powerful forces in the North are asking for amnesty for Boko Haram.

SINCE the incident, a lot of condemnations and protestations have trailed the blast from the UK, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and lawyers of note in the country.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER strongly condemns this latest Boko Haram orchestrated terrorist attacks. But beyond that, we call on the Federal Government to urgently prosecute those already arrested and others with records of complicity. The reason for this position is not far-fetched.

ALMOST on a daily basis, there are accounts of several security threats arising from armed robberies, assassinations, armed militancy and banditry, kidnapping, bombings and of recent, the blood-let from a religious sect called the Jaamatus Alhus Sunnah Lid Daawatis Wal Jiliad (otherwise called Boko Harm) who say they are opposed to Western education and are ready to attack every vestige of western civilization.

INDEED, the rate of crime and criminality, as exemplified in the high incidence of kidnapping, bombings and other organised crimes has sadly moved from the realm of security threat to an area of real and present danger.

THE frightening security condition in Nigeria has not only been a source of worry, it has also dented Nigeria’s International status.

FOR instance, on August 26, 2011 the terrorist group, Boko Haram bombed the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s Federal capital city. The consequences of that attack, as of today, are yet to abate.

THE NIGERIAN

Need To End Boko Haram Insurgence Now IN the wake of the UN building attack, Nigeria, lost her hosting right of the global food security meeting of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) which was moved from Abuja, to Senegal.

The meeting was an assemblage of experts and food administrators all over the globe.

ASIDE the UN building bombing on August 26, 2011 that claimed 23 lives including 11 UN personnel, local Islamic fundamentalist sect, Boko Haram, had until late, been orchestrating series of isolated attacks predominantly in Northern Nigeria. The sect is believed to be targeting centres of international attraction, especially in the Federal Capital Territory.

CURIOUSLY, the presidential committee on security challenges in the North East Zone has identified security lapses, inter-service rivalry and lack of collaboration as factors that have encouraged the proliferation of security crises in the Northern part of the country. It also blamed the security breaches on high level of poverty, unemployment and other social ills.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER is however of the considered opinion that serious security collaboration and intelligence sharing must be urgently evolved to arrest security breaches and this needs to go beyond the shores of the nation.

The federal government must build inter-agency cooperation through diplomatic channels/pacts, and international intelligence to ensure that crime of whatever scale is nipped in the bud.

MOST importantly, there is the overriding need to promptly move to demilitarize the Nigerian

society and reduce the heavy influx of arms and ammunition in the country which have unfortunately gone into the wrong hands.

TO this extent, the Customs and Immigration Services, in tandem with the Ministry of Interior should work round the clock to protect the porous Nigerian borders.

SOMETHING fundamental equally needs to be done to reduce, if not totally eliminate the existence of private militias that were established, funded and used by politicians and individuals who later dumped them after having been trained to handle arms.

ALSO, the various security agencies, beside the need to be technologically equipped and funded to carry out their assigned tasks, would need to be restructured. The structure and duties of our security agencies must be revisited so as to ensure that each organ very well knows its specific roles and function, while the laws establishing these agencies must be made clear on who does what.

THE government at all levels, particularly the federal government, urgently needs to carry out reforms in the security sub-sector to eliminate inertia created by inter-agency rivalry and react decisively to security threats with dispatch.

ON their part, the citizens must cooperate with the security agencies by supplying them with prompt, useful and relevant information on likely security breaches. This can be facilitated by the existence of a well-coordinated biometric database of Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike indicating where people live, their nature of jobs and background. This will assist in fishing out the bad eggs in the society.

DECISIVE steps should be taken to cripple Boko Haram Sect and their operations as well as end their menacing reign. If anything, a safe, secure and peaceful environment is what the present democracy needs to be strengthened and sustained, as such the government and people of Nigeria cannot afford to leave this to the whims and caprices of miscreants.

View Point

Is Nigeria Under Siege?

NIGERIANS on April 14th 2014 woke up to the shocking news of the kidnap of over two hundred (200) girls from government girls secondary school in Chibok, Borno state by Islamic Sect, Boko Haram while writing the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Ever since, these girls are still in captivity despite the intervention from the International community by sending troop to support our security agents to combat terrorism in the country.

Yanyan Motor Park in Abuja was bombed twice, Jos terminal in Plateau state has also been bombed. Several attacks have been carried out in the determination of the Sect to Islamize Nigeria by all means, without taking into consideration the human lives destroyed in the process of achieving their goal to stop western education in Nigeria.

They have moved a step further by attacking the traditional Institutions as the Sect killed the Emir of Gwoza and seriously wounded two other Emirs (Uba and Askira).

The action of Boko Haram has elicited reactions and world condemnation. The killing of innocent citizens of this nation and even foreigners have forced the group to be blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by the

methods and approach to fight the enemy and is now holed in like the time

By RICHARD OKORO EWEKA sacred has now been of bible story of Jericho. attacked and the leaders “We have not yet utilised I n t e r n a t i o n a l started, they were killed like chickens all our might and Community and have attacking Christians, damming the resources in combating joined forces together to burning Churches both consequences. Christians this insurgency, the only human and material are worst hit and affected apparatus we have used defeat the Sect.

Commenting on the resources of the Church but today it is now a to fight insurgency so far activities of this dreaded but Christians refused to national and is our security agents.

Islamic Sect Boko react because of the international issue. I pray The affected: The church, Haram, the former respect they have for the the various groups don’t individuals, tribes, national Chairman of the federal government but fight back”. Majority of citizens affected directly Youth Wing of Christian little or nothing was done those killed in Abuja, are all still bearing the Association of Nigeria to arrest the situation and Borno and Jos bombings atrocities, but when it (YOWICAN), political today it is now are other Nigerians, gets to a boiling point we analyst and everybody’s business. I young people that would will all join in the fight. commentator, Dr. Oluwatade said the issue of insurgency would have been reduced if not completely brought to an end if only the Federal Government has implemented a full scale emergency rule in the three Northern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe instead of what is obtainable today. “I don’t know why the government decided to embark on half emergency rule.

“If it was a full scale emergency rule, the governors, legislators, political office holders would have all lost their jobs and would be forced to join hands with the federal government to stamp out terrorism as it President Goodluck Jonathan becomes the only way to restore them back to their pray the Christians don’t have to lead this nation In a siege situation, all position. But since the lose confidence in the tomorrow”. methods, approach and When asked if Nigeria emergency rule did not government, when that resources have failed and affect them they are less happens, it’s a signal of is under siege based on such a nation has not been concerned about the the worst to come. The the series of attacks that able to resist the enemies destructions of lives and church has not responded have led to the lost of who have now property by Boko and presently don’t have lives and property worth surrounded that nation Haram. The failure of the the capacity to respond. millions of naira, Dr. and closing in on them.

Federal government to The Sect now attack Oluwatade said Nigeria Any country under siege implement full scale everybody irrespective is not under siege is a country that is emergency rule has cost of who you are and what because any country hopeless, hapless and siege has you do, even traditional under the nation her peace. helpless; Nigeria has not “When this insurgency Institution which is exhausted all her gotten to that stage or level yet. You see why I said we are not under siege. Boko Haram may think they are doing President Jonathan but don’t know they are also doing themselves and creating problems for their people”.

“Political analysts and commentators see Nigeria as a paradise on the verge of collapse but Dr. Oluwatade said if Nigeria collapses, it will give birth to other paradise that will last.”

Political analysts and commentators see Nigeria as a paradise on the verge of collapse but Dr. Oluwatade said if Nigeria collapses, it will give birth to other paradise that will last. If she collapses, it will be to the benefits of the people. If the name Nigeria fails to survive, the people are favoured.

Head or tail, Nigerians are better for it. Nigeria need to be restructured as the citizens will benefit from such steps but if not the nation will collapse. Whatever happens, the citizens will benefit, and they will not lose. The name of the nation will only be changed but the people will remain when the name is gone.

Some analysts believe that the action of the present administration led by Dr. Ebele Goodluck Jonathan is geared towards 2015 general election, Dr. Oluwatade frown at this step saying if the government tread softly because of 2015 it will be dangerous for the nation. If the president is too soft on our enemies, the nation might become threatened.

“If the federal government failed to protect the lives of over two hundred girls in Chibok while writing an examination, tell me how the government will protect the lives of voters during 2015 general election? Election can not take place in those troubled states. We should not forget, elections are usually conducted in schools, if the life of students can not be guaranteed while writing exams who will guarantee the lives of voters during elections?

How will INEC secure the lives of people in those areas? Election is Continues on pg 14

View Point Continued from pg 13

sacred; we need a conducive environment to conduct a free, fair and credible election. We all are waiting for the outcome of the confab to show us the right way to go as a nation, if not, 2015 will be a dream impossible”.

Speaking on the confab, Dr. Oluwatade believed the exercise is the right step at this time in the life of this nation and a necessary arrangement to discuss

some important and critical grassroots issues hindering our growth and development. He said President Jonathan should stand tall to guide the nation to stable equilibrium, some people already believe that he may be the last president of a together (not united) Nigeria.

“Federalism appears to be another big problem facing this nation. True federalism or parliamentary will not work without cutting

Is Nigeria Under Siege? down the number of states, the more states, the more problems we have. The state of California in the United State of America is half the size of Nigeria but controlled by one governor. Let us imagine that the South-West, South-East and the South-South about the size of California is ruled by one governor, we will be able to save more

money for development.

Nigeria is 1/10 of USA and we have 36 states while America has 50 states, you see how we waste our resources?

Nigeria is creating jobs for politicians and political office holders in the quest of grassroots administration. We are helping our politicians to get richer and making politics a very attractive venture. The weight of

... All Hope Is Not Lost!

LIFE has become meaningless in Nigeria as we wake up daily to hear how hundreds of lives have been destroyed by the Boko Haram group that have vowed to Islamise Nigeria against the wishes of Nigerians.

The group has continued their activities of kidnapping, bombing, raping, beheading innocent citizens, setting properties ablaze, and attacking military formation and a whole lot of other dastardly act with impunity. The Nigeria nation, the security outfits appeared to be helpless as the excesses of this nefarious group is yet to be put under control.

To check the rage of insurgency in the nation, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states, the most volatile region to checkmate the spread of terrorism carried out by Boko Haram group.

Despite the declaration of state of emergency in these states, the killings of innocent citizens by Boko Haram is still on-going as they appear unstoppable with their heartless activities. They kill, bomb, kidnap and are still in business without fear of security agents.

International community have all come to join our security agents to fight this scourge of terrorism and yet the Islamic sect has

By RICHARD OKORO EWEKA

continued to rage terror on the citizens without fear.

This act has elicited reactions from citizens of the nation.

Commenting on the security situation and terrorism in Nigeria, the former Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Edo state chapter and the general overseer of Habitation Church of God International, Rev. Olu Aderibigbe blamed the insurgency on lack of proper funding and adequate training of men of the security agency in the nation. “Those in charge of security are not properly funded and trained. There is no proper equipment for them. Before you can win a war within, you must fight that war within. The nation and its leadership have not fought the war within the system. Internal security has to take place before inviting other foreigners to join you in the fight or else when you invite them to assist you without doing your own bit, their presence will not make any difference. All the foreign troops we have

invited to help us fight the insurgency are already on ground for weeks now but yet the kidnapping, bombing and terrorist activities still go on daily in our society unabated.

We must do our bit first before their coming can make any meaning to rescue the situation”.

commentators, feel all hope is lost as Nigeria is gradually moving to disunity and divisibility but Rev. Aderibibge feels contrary. He said all hope is not lost, Nigeria as a nation still has hope and sure, the nation will over come the present challenges with prayers.

“We have hope as a nation.

When you make mistake,

With the rate of killing, bombing and terrorism experienced on a daily basis in Nigeria, some political analysts and

you then make effort to amend the mistake. This is the right time to make that correction. I think the military has woken up from

“They should educate and enlighten the younger ones about the danger in terrorism and the true tenet of Islam since they say Islam is a peaceful religion.”

governance is becoming overbearing on the nation and if this continues, it will become difficult for the nation to survive with any form of government” he said Dr. Oluwatade called on our leaders to revisit the presidential system of government they copied from America and study the structure very well and implement it not copying the

presidential system of government without copying the structure that will make it work.

“This is one of the major issues the National Confab should address.

Once we get restructuring right, other things will certainly fall in line. The structure is the root of corruption and underdevelopment” he concluded.

their sleep to their responsibility. There is hope especially with the prayers of the righteous and across all religion. The God we serve will deliver us from Boko Haram insurgency”.

Rev. Aderibigbe called on religious leaders and their followers to call on God who is their refuge in time of troubles. “There is no other security other than God Almighty who said in Psam 91 that he that

front role to deliver this nation from the present state. Believers should forget about denomination, policy and political affiliation, we should all join our hands together to fight this scourge to a stand still.

“The crisis is affecting the Muslims more now as such it’s time for Islamic religious leaders to call their followers to pray in unity for the liberation of the affected states as well as Nigeria at large. They should educate and enlighten the younger ones about the danger in terrorism and the true tenet of Islam since they say Islam is a peaceful religion. They should likewise join their hands together with other religious leaders to fight this scourge to a stand still.

It is time to fight the insurgency before it destroys Nigeria.

Information should be freely shared as it will go a long way to help us and save the situation at hand”.

Rev. Aderibigbe calls on all Nigerians to be vigilant and watchful and report any suspicious movement around their vicinity.

Report to the appropriate authority if they discover bags they never kept around their home or any abandoned vehicle to the police. He added that information should be shared adequately to help improve security in our nation.

dwellet in the Secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. The Almighty has a shadow which is Jesus, no wonder the bible says the righteous run to Jesus for safety at this time of the nation. We need to unite and run to Christ for safety in this time of trouble. It is time to pray for this nation and the Church should take the

Osazua

The

Ivbaze 08143143897

Column

“In the days of the prophets of old, Kings were regularly rebuked whenever they erred and deviated from observing Divine Ordinances. The Elijahs, Elishas, John the Baptist did not spare wicked and sinful men in authority. Our saviour Jesus Christ rebelled against the transaction of business in church.”

Commercial Prayer ‘Warriors’ WHEN I left the Church on Sunday I drove to my office, BNCL, publishers of Observer titles to collect the day’s edition of my Newspaper and other national papers. I met a middle aged man at the security office who was going through all the newspapers on the table.

I politely told him to give way so as to enable me collect my papers. He looked straight into my eyes and, with some pride intermixed with anger and arrogance, he boasted “so you don’t know me. I am one of the great Pastors praying for the state governor” He was referring to a governor who, despite his two terms of eight years did nothing to lift the state above the conditions he met it.

I was pleasantly surprised and angry, “What is the big deal about being one of those praying for the governor”. I asked.

Hear his answer “It shows that I am well known and respected in high places. So, if you say you don’t know me, it means you don’t know what is happening” I became angrier and fired back at him: “How many times have you gone to the hospitals to pray for the sick? Do you go to prisons to pray and how about rural evangelism where you cannot get monetary rewards for your prayer.”

With those words violently delivered, his eyes fell. I entered my car and drove off.

Not long ago, on invitation I was at the Headquarters of one of the local governments in the state. The chairman had phoned me to come over for coverage of the commissioning of some projects he had executed.

Before 9.30 am I was there but could not get entry into the chairman’s office. I wanted to discuss with the chairman before the arrival of the then governor of the state who was

billed to commission the projects.

As I waited in the office of chairman’s secretary I heard babel of voices each calling on Holy Ghost fire to destroy those who were against the chairman. Only the prophets of Baal could have ever prayed with the curiosity with which they made their demands from the Holy Ghost fire.

“What is happening over there?” I asked the chairman’s secretary whereupon he said that the prayer ‘warrior’ had held the chairmen hostage for over two hours. He also revealed that they just came; pounced on the chairman telling him they had come to pray for him.

Before going into prayers, they had perhaps succeeded in convincing the chairman that there were enemies after his job and life.

As they strolled out of the chairman’s office, (about ten of them), what I saw were young men in continental suits with Italian shoes to match. They were on their way to another local government chairman to pray for him. I didn’t know how much they were able to rake from the chairman but the expressions on their faces was that of satisfaction.

All over the country, there are many of such prayer ‘warriors’ who move from one big office to another to pray for their CEOS. What they first do is to work on and manipulate the sensibilities of these big men.

The hypocrisy of these men can be discovered in their prayer points. Rather than asking God to change the selfish corruption-riddled and oppressive hearts of men in authority, they approach the Holy Ghost fire to kill their socalled enemies.

In the days of the prophets of old Kings were regularly rebuked whenever they erred and deviated from observing

Divine Ordinances. The Elijahs, Elishas, John the Baptist did not spare wicked and sinful men in authority.

Our saviour Jesus Christ rebelled against the transaction of business in church.

It is no longer so. Once a man climbs to a higher level on the ladders, he is seen as sinless by our new generation of commercial preachers.

Whereas it is our leaders who actually need deliverance from the sins of stealing, corruption and bad governance, these mobile prayer warriors shift their focus to what they call enemies of our leaders.”

Who is the first enemy of progress in Nigeria – a well – blessed and richly endowed country with many dying of hunger resulting from poverty and lack. And we know that the situation would have been better if these leaders commit the resources available to

improvement in the living standard of the highly dehumanized people.

The prayer we need is that God should deliver this country from the hands of wicked and evil leaders.

Bad, murderous and satanic as Abacha was he had ‘prayer w a r r i o r s . ’ Actually around the late dictator, were about 400 marabouts who saw themselves as the mediators between the Head of State and the spirits.

In any case, what is happening today is not unexpected. In the Holy Bible, Christ said many shall come in His name claiming to be Christ.

He said they shall deceive many and even perform signs and wonders, but in reality they are sons and daughters of iniquities.

Some of these commercial Pastors who move from one

office to another have found such strategy more lucractive than establishing a Church.

Like salesmen, they command the power of sweet talk. They can talk fears into the heart of the gullible and then exploit it to their momentary advantage.

That is yet the state we have degenerated today. If you add that to the dirty politics in most churches, then you will discover that many are actually called but only few will be chosen.

When the former Head of State was sick, many high ranking Pastors went to pray for his recovery. And they came back to tell us that the Late President was recovering. But the man died. May his soul rest in peace.

Tunde Bakare, a fiery Lagosbased Pastor, prophesied in 1999 that though Obasanjo had been elected president, he would not survive in office.

What he meant was that Obj would die either through military intervention or natural expiration.

The ways some Pastors conduct themselves have encouraged and even hardened criminality. When a man brings millions of naira to the church and the Pastor makes no attempt to find out the man’s means of livelihood, what is he doing. That man could be a criminal.

Commercial prayer ‘warriors’ are invading offices of Local Government chairmen, top political appointees and high ranking CEOs commanding the Holy Ghost fire to destroy the enemies of these men in positions of authority. And yet they cannot go to the hospitals and prisons to pray for the sick and distressed respectively because no monetary gratification can come from such visitations.

Midweek Magazine WE all can agree with the fact that when it comes to insecurity, especially internal insecurity, it is not a problem that is unique to Nigeria. The US, the UK and many other countries, face the challenges of insecurity within their borders on a daily basis. The difference between them and our country, Nigeria is “how they manage” the threats; how knowledgeable and prepared they are; how they deploy resources against the threats; how effective they are; how patriotic and united these people are against threats of insecurity. This makes all the difference between countries that are today, all faced with criminality of varying proportions. It is therefore imperative for the Nigerian Government and Security Operatives to adopt what is working for other countries in their fight against crime and seek for help in addressing ours, especially in the fight against terrorism.

In a report published in 2012, it was revealed that Nigeria was contesting among countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and Somalia, and accounts for 136(20%) of the 978 terrorist attacks experienced in Africa in 2011 alone. That statistics has already gone up today judging by the increased level of insecurity in the polity between 2012 and now. We condemn in its totality the obvious increased recent terrorist’s attacks by the Boko Haram sect, on innocent Nigerians and the Nigerian nation. It is as if the Nigerian Security Operatives and our political leaders are becoming helpless by the day, and running out of options on how to tame the growing insurgency activities and terror attacks perpetuated by the Boko Haram sect. Hardly had the outrage over the Nyanya Park attack in Abuja on April 14, 2014 by the Boko Haram terrorists subsided that insurgents struck again recently at another park close to the Nyanya Park. This is aside the recent abduction of over 200 school girls in the town of Chibok, Bornu State.

The mystery behind the missing school girls is yet to be unraveled and solved as at the time of this write up, by relevant authorities.

With the litany of terrorist

attacks around different parts of the country and the manner in which these attacks are perpetrated by the Boko Haram sect, one is left to wonder if the Nigerian Government and relevant Security Operatives can actually address or manage this problem. It is as if the more the Nigerian Government and Security Operatives reiterate their resolve to fight terror, the more they are dared by these terrorists who unleash their terror at will on innocent Nigerians. They have ‘dared’ the Nigerian Government and Security Operatives from all angles with their terror attacks on Churches, Mosque, Schools, Media and corporate buildings, and even the Army Barracks and Police Stations/ Headquarter are not left out.

One begins to wonder if there is any hope for the poor Nigerian masses that now daily live with fear and uncertainty about their security. But in other countries like the USA and the UK that have experienced terror attacks and different manner of crime, they have been able to prove to a large extent that they can actually ‘manage’ and curtail the spate of these criminalities in their countries; thereby guaranteeing the security of its citizenry to a large degree.

In a recent report on Sky News, it was revealed that overall crime in England and Wales has fallen to 15% in a year, with a big drop in violence. The report noted that crime continued to fall last year, down 15% to the lowest level since records began more than 30 years ago.

Figures published by the Office of National Statistics in the UK showed a sharp fall in violence, which was down by more than 20%, and vandalism, which fell by 15%.

There were 7.5 million crimes against households and adults in the year to December 2013.

Data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales showed an increase in shoplifting of 6% and a big jump in fraud of 25%. The drop has been linked to improvements in recording in the wake of concerns about the quality of data. Crime Prevention Minister, Norman Baker said: “We can have confidence that England and Wales are safer than they have

Crime Reduction : been for decades, with crime at its lowest level since the survey began in 1981. This is something that we seriously pray to witness in Nigeria one day. It was also noted that “the Government has a strong record on reinforcing the independence and accountability of the statistics.”

One of the major problems we obviously have in this country when it comes to addressing crime or any issue for that matter that bothers on public welfare and security, is the inability to collate, maintain and sustain Data and progressive records that would help relevant authorities in addressing issues. For instance, despite all the number of bomb blasts that have bedeviled the nation in the last decade, all that authorities could muster are usually figures of victims, most of which are always inconclusive or based on speculations. There are no names or faces of pictures of victims of terror attacks by the Boko Haram sect. It was only after the global condemnation and protests by Nigerians about the abducted girls in Chibok that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) recently released the names of the abducted female students.

Even at that it was only about 180 names were made public out of the over 250 that was reported missing. But the bottom line is that there seems to be no sense of value attached to human life in this part of the world. When such terror attacks occur, all that matters to the government and relevant authorities are the number of victims and nothing else. A look at the way we treat human life in this country clearly shows there is no value to human life, especially when those concerned are not related to us. This is not the case in developed nations like the USA and UK. For instance, all the names of the nearly 3000 victims of the US 911 (September 11,2001) terror attack were inscribed in marble-stones surrounded by the fountain of water that was built at the sites of the attacks. And every

year, Americans gather at the various sites of the attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania to pay tribute to the memories of the 911 terror attack victims. And after that attack, the US Government have done everything possible to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and they have been succeeding in doing that; to the extent that the brain behind the 911 attacks, Osama Bin Laden, was killed in a secret mission

by US marines. But here in Nigeria, it is a different ball game. Aside the fact that all that we are left to remember is the number of victims (which cannot be said to be accurate), that are no more as a result of terror attacks by the Boko Haram sect, their insurgency has continued unabated since 2009 to date.

A report released a day before the appointment of the current Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, in 2012 revealed that the Boko Haram insurgent group has killed at least 935 people since 2009, including more than 260 in the first weeks of 2012. The Report by Human Rights Watch said Boko Haram, which means “Western education is sinful”, is loosely modeled on Afghanistan’s TALIBAN, and over the years, their attacks is becoming more daring and outrageous. The report said 550 people were killed in 115 separate attacks by Boko Haram in 2011, mostly in Borno State, where the sect was founded in 2002. Of course, these figures have long climbed with the incessant bomb attacks in different parts of the country from 2012 till now. Gone were the days when the group was into drive-by shootings and petrol bombs. Now it is suicide attacks using large and increasing sophisticated explosives, Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs), which of course are products of Western education that the Boko Haram sect says it is a “sin” – what an irony! But the question is, how long will the government and security operatives treat these insecurity concerns with kid gloves?

“One of the major problems we obviously have in this country when it comes to addressing crime or any issue for that matter that bothers on public welfare and security, is the inability to collate, maintain and sustain Data and progressive records that would help relevant authorities in addressing issues.”

Need For Nige

By ZIK GBEMRE JP

Our Nigerian Constitution, 1999 or whatever Constitution we operate under, specifically states in Chapter 12, Section 14, (FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVES AND DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY) that: (13) It shall be the duty and responsibility of all organs of government, and of all authorities and persons, exercising legislative, executive or judicial powers, to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of this Chapter of this Constitution.

From this, we see that it is expressly stated in our Constitution that the Government(s) is ultimately responsible for the security of lives, property, etc of the people of Nigeria.

Unfortunately, that has not been the case, as successive governments have failed to prevent, manage and address to a large extent, these criminal tendencies that are daily claiming innocent lives.

What we are talking about is not merely petty crimes, armed robberies, etc, but terrorism and bombings,

etc. Th than o of Bor have b repeat insurg all the emerg milita about forces dread countr his/he North Nation Wha sophi Haram

armed insurgency, e.g. the Niger Delta problem, which seemed to have died down, after all the hullabaloo of Amnesty; Jos ethnic/ religious killings, Boko Haram massacres and bombings in Abuja, Bornu and other northern states/ cities, have taken a more worrisome dimension. What every Nigerian should be doing is asking and demanding answers on what has been done so far since October 1st, 2010 Independence Day Twin Bombing in Abuja FCT. Not to mention numerous bombings in Bornu, Bauchi, Kaduna, Yobe and Adamawa

they h move equipm and fo object fear a suffic percei effecti area. T are the of th attribu form o noted govern provid soone proper is hem Wha

Scene of Nyanya Bomb blast

(14) (1) The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a State based on the principles of democracy and social justice.

(2) It is hereby, accordingly, declared that: (a) Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority; (b) The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government: and (c) The participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

Midweek Magazine

erian Govt To Adopt UK Example

hough, some states are worst hit thers. For instance, the rural areas rno, Adamawa, and Yobe States become ‘unliveable’ as a result of ted attacks by the Boko Haram gents. . And it is most strange that ese happen in spite of the state-ofgency and a heavy presence of ary task forces made up of just every component of the security s. As it is now, a lot of Nigerians travelling to that part of the ry. No parents would even allow r child to go to that part of the h to serve in the compulsory nal Youth Service Corps program. at is also baffling is the sticated methods of the Boko m sect, the brazenness with which

imprinting on the psyche of Nigerians is that the government security apparatus is incapable of guaranteeing the safety and security of its people. This would, therefore, impact on the general human security of the people as the situation promotes fear, while at the same time limiting the peoples’ ability to develop economically. At the same time, the country’s capacity to attract investors becomes limited as a result of the insecurity. On different terrorist attacks, listen to what leaders with political will had

have, at will and unchallenged, d large numbers of men and ment over wide geographical areas or many hours to achieve their tive to plunder, destroy and spread among the populace. These are cient reasons for Nigerians to ive a palpable inadequacy in the iveness of military presence in the The question cannot but be asked: ere fifth columnists within the ranks e military or is the problem utable to mere insufficiency in one or another? Like a news editorial , “these are questions only the nment and security operatives can de sincere answers to, and the est the better because lives and rty are being destroyed as Nigeria morrhaging too much. at the current trend of insecurity is

to say: On 9/11 US attack: “This is an act of war against the United States. We’ll hunt down the terrorists. They can run but they can’t’ hide...” George Bush.

On London Bombing: “We’ll track down the terrorists and bring them to justice” - Tony Blair On UN House Bombing in Abuja: “Terrorism is a global phenomenon. May be it is Nigeria’s turn.” - Goodluck Jonathan So what our supreme leader is saying is that, “why not, it’s our turn to start getting blown up”. How much more should we expect? That shows you

the depth of intelligence and care of our leaders.

As noted in a report, “Nigeria is in a state of war” and the management of the situation appears awful. Too many security personnel are being killed by a presumably less trained terrorist group.

Even far more innocent civilians are falling victims. It would appear that the command structure and the reporting line between the men in the trenches and the military headquarters in Abuja are too long and bureaucratic. But the present situation cannot tolerate redtapism. Nor can it allow unhealthy rivalry among the fighting forces as the President hinted recently. The fight against Boko Haram is for the country and not for self or group glory; so, it requires trust, collaboration, and coordinated strategy among the forces. Nigerians would want to see more robust military and government response to the Boko Haram threat. This of course includes that the forces are given all needed support – material and non-material resources – to overpower the sect.

The issue of effective and efficient intelligence gathering cannot be overemphasized if we are to win this fight against terrorism in the country. If the relevant security operatives, especially the State Security Service (SSS) are doing what is expected of them in Intelligence Gathering, we strongly believe that by now they should have been able to identify and expose those that are sponsoring and aiding the Boko Haram sect in their terror activities. The SSS should have also been able to identify the source of the armory and arsenal/IEDs used

by Boko Haram to perpetuate their crime. If the relevant authorities are serious with their work, by now Nigerians should have known those financing the Boko Haram sect. And if anyone is found wanting, no matter how highly placed they are, they should be dealt with the full wrath of the law. So, instead of the SSS for instance, wasting time in showcasing

themselves on national television or parading their men, they should maintain the “discreet nature” of their job and effectively use Intelligence Gathering to expose those behind Boko Haram terrorists activities.

The truth is, the frequent occurrence of bomb explosions, orchestrated by the acclaimed religious extremists in the northern part of the country, has assumed a worrisome dimension and should not be treated with kid gloves. An estimated number of about 2,000 lives have been lost to bomb explosion from 2010 till date. According to security information released

by Crime Guard, a security monitoring group, between March and December 2012, there were a total of 153 successful explosions in the country which claimed several lives. We can imagine the added number of explosions from that time till date. Thus, the inability of the security agencies to address the country’s security challenges during these inauspicious periods raised yet another critical question on the preparedness of Nigeria to attain desired political, social and economic heights in the year 2020. It further poses serious threats to the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria as a sovereign state. Therefore, addressing the security challenges in Nigeria ultimately requires not only the causes of threats but also a critical evaluation of the performance of security agencies in handling the situation in Nigeria.

There is need for decisive and proactive actions on the part of our political leaders and security operatives in addressing the insurgency rampaging Nigeria. We might say the terror attacks in excluded is the Northern Nigeria, but the truth is that we are all affected by the activities of the Boko Haram sect. an attack on one State of the country is an attack on the whole nation. An attack on any citizen of this country is an attack on all of us. We are all affected by this. Nigeria’s image, especially amongst international community, is at

stake. Hence, there is need for every dick and harry to put heads together in the fight against insurgency in Nigeria. The members of the Boko Haram sect are not ghosts. They are human beings living and moving around amongst us in various communities concerned. That is why we believe that with the strong will of the government and security operatives and cooperation of the people, we can address this rising tide of insurgency in the country. One of the ways to address/prevent the indiscriminate attacks by the Boko Haram sect, on our Students in the North-East, is for Security Operatives to mount permanent Security Posts/Camps/Checkpoints on every School with a Boarding facility, including those in Abuja.

In a situation where a Senator was indicted in 2012 as a result of having links with the Boko Haram sect, but at the end of the day he was set free and allowed back into the Senate Chamber.

How would anyone take the government seriously as being sincere in addressing the security concerns of the country? In our own opinion, the current administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has scored zero in terms of security assurance of the citizenry, It is no news that there are elements in high places of government circles that are the sponsors, the source’ fueling the insecurity threat posed by the Boko Haram sect. Otherwise, how else can we explain the level of sophistication of weapons, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), armory and Hilux vehicles used by the Boko Haram sect in perpetuating their crime?

They are obviously being sponsored by powerful individuals/groups in high places. These are areas where government’s WILL and security operative intelligence should come into play. How come no single person, especially those in high-places of government, have been made to face the full-wrath of the law despite the frequent occurrence of these bomb attacks target on

innocent Nigerians? The sort of bombs, guns, and ammunitions often used by the said Boko Haram sect are obviously something not anybody can afford or have easy access to.

It has been noted that the “infiltrating” and “compromising” tendencies and governments “interferences”, observed in Nigerians political circles have made it impossible for some Security Operatives that are serious minded, not to be given the “free hand” to address some of these security concerns holistically. Greed, corruption, quest for power/ wealth and what have you, have blinded the conscience of our supposed leaders in government circles not to have an idea of the sort of pain being experienced by the poor masses whose family members, friends, relatives, colleagues and neighbours are lost in these bomb blasts.

The government is today seeking for the U.S.A and European Union support and assistance to address the increasing insecurity in Nigeria. But the truth is that these advanced nations can do little to help us with our insecurity problems without us first helping ourselves. We must be seen to be serious as a nation in “putting our acts together” to sincerely address the insecurity challenges before us, then and only then, will other advanced countries readily support us with their technological advancement and expertise in security issues. The reported reduction in crime in the UK did not happen by the wave of a wand neither was it an overnight success. It happened as a result of hard work, dedication, cooperation, sincerity of purpose, political will and ‘proactiveness’ by the UK government, its security operatives and the entire citizenry. We are strongly of the opinion that if the Nigerian government at all levels sincerely and seriously wants to address all the security challenges in the country presently, they know exactly the right buttons to press and the appropriate steps to take to end or reduce it to the barest minimum.

Hence, we urge that the “right things” should be done for posterity sake.

“It has been noted that the “infiltrating” and “compromising” tendencies and governments “interferences”, observed in Nigerians political circles have made it impossible for some Security Operatives that are serious minded, not to be given the “free hand” to address some of these security concerns holistically.”

Opinion

Challenges Of Credible Election In Nigeria

AS the nation’s political parties strategise ahead of the forthcoming general elections, analysts say that one major headache is how to address the challenge of conducting credible and acceptable elections in 2015.

The origin of election in Nigeria can be traced to the pre-independence period, when the Electoral Commission of Nigeria (ECN) was established for the purpose of conducting the 1959 general elections.

In 1960, the Federal Electoral Commission (FEC) also conducted the postindependence federal and regional elections of 1964 and 1965, respectively.

The Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) was constituted by the military regime of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, which organised the 1979 general elections that ushered in the Second Republic.

FEDECO also conducted the 1983 general elections before the military interruption.

Besides, the National Electoral Commission (NEC), which was established by the former Military President Ibrahim Babangida , also conducted the June 12, 1993 election, annulled by the same administration.

Also, in December 1995, the military government of late Gen. Sani Abacha scrapped NEC and established the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON), which also conducted local government councils and National Assembly elections.

However, the sudden death of Abacha on June 1998 aborted the process of inauguration of the elected officials.

In 1998, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar-led military

By SANI ADAMU

administration dissolved NECON and established the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which ushered in the Fourth Republic on May 29, 1999.

To consolidate its existence as a truly independent electoral body, INEC has so far conducted three major general elections – 1999, 2007 and 2011.

Pundits, however, argue that most of the previous elections conducted by INEC were either marred by allegations of rigging, ballot snatching, ballot stuffing, bribery and corruption or outright irregularities, thereby casting doubt on their credibility.

Available records show that while the 2007 election was generally described as flawed, the 2011 election was marred by electoral violence.

It is, perhaps, against this background that the President of the Senate, David Mark, urged INEC to do everything within its powers to conduct credible elections in 2015.

Mark gave the advice in his contributions on a motion for the extension of ongoing voter registration and distribution of permanent voter cards in the country.

He said that the 2015 elections were very critical and charged the commission to take the preparatory stages as voter registration and permanent voter cards distribution, seriously.

According to him, if people are disenfranchised from the early stages of election preparation, then there will be problem with the general elections.

He said that INEC did not give adequate publicity to the permanent voter cards distribution, adding that the quality of the card also

needed to be improved upon.

“I think that the publicity given by INEC is not enough.

We must get it right and if there are complaints, even if from only two persons, INEC should look into it.

“Some wards are very far from local government headquarters; so, between now and Dec. 5, they must rectify

all these issues. The quality of the card is even very poor,” he said.

Mark advised INEC to embark on massive publicity at the local government and ward levels, of its ongoing activities, adding that the publicity should be continuous.

To allay the fears of people like Mark, INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, assures Nigerians that the 2015 elections will be the best ever conducted in the country.

He said his optimism was based on the strategies put in

place by the commission well ahead of the elections.

Jega spoke in Paris, France, at a luncheon in his honour by the staff of the Nigerian Embassy, saying that the commission would spare no effort to make the 2015 elections, not only the best in Nigeria’s political history, but also the most acceptable to the citizenry

and the international community.

“Between now and 2015, INEC will put many structures in place to ensure that the 2015 elections are not only the best in the history of our country but also the most accepted by our citizens,” Jega said.

According to him, among the measures put in place are the ongoing consolidation and updating of the voter register and the issuance of permanent voter cards to all eligible voters.

“I assure Nigerians that

“We just extended the state of emergency and it will expire in November. We hope that by then, we would have contained the insurgency. If elections come and there is still insecurity, we will still hold election because we have had local government elections in the North-East despite the state of emergency.”

INEC will achieve a seamless integration of the data of voters and institutionalise continuous voter registration before the 2015 elections,” he said.

Jega said INEC had set up databases at the national level and in all the states and the Federal Capital Territory, aimed at institutionalising a system of continuous voter registration.

“We are now working very hard to clean up that data and consolidate it and to ensure that both the states’ data and the national data are well integrated.

“Our hope is that before the end of this year, we will have the technology sorted out so that people can register continuously.

“And it will not just be fresh registration; but people who have changed their addresses can apply, following a stipulated procedure wherever they are, to have their registration status updated,” he stated.

He said if INEC could achieve that, there would be no need to continue to do a major registration before an election.

On the conduct of the 2015 general elections in the three northern states under emergency, Jega says the successful conduct of byelections in Yobe is an indication that the commission will be able to conduct elections in the affected states.

The by-election was for the Nangere Constituency of the State House of Assembly, when the seat became vacant after the member representing the constituency, Adamu Degubi, was killed by gunmen in June 2012.

“From all the reports that we received, the by-election was one of the best elections that we have conducted so far in terms of turn out and in terms of commencement on time. All polling units were ready for the election before 7.30 a.m.” Jega said.

“If anybody had any doubts as to our preparedness to conduct any election in the three states, this is clear evidence that we are prepared to do it and do it well under any circumstances,” Jega said.

Re-enforcing the optimism of Jega, the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, says the 2015 elections will hold in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, in spite of the emergency rule in the affected areas.

Ekweremadu, who spoke recently in Abuja when a delegation from the European Union visited him, said the right to vote is fundamental human rights, even under emergency rule.

“We just extended the state of emergency and it will expire in November. We hope that by then, we would have contained the insurgency.

“If elections come and there is still insecurity, we will still hold election because we have had local government elections in the North-East despite the state of emergency,” he said.

Perceptive observers, nonetheless, advise INEC and the security agencies to also look at the issue of pockets of insecurity in other parts of the country particularly in the Niger Delta region.

Political analysts, however, insist that Nigerians cannot abandon the issue of election credibility to INEC and the government alone, adding that the citizens must see themselves as stakeholders in making it work.

They say that Nigeria needs credible election in 2015 for the country to survive beyond 2015, noting that the fight against corruption and bad governance will also be a mirage as long as the legitimacy of elected leaders is questionable.

Natural Medicine

The Moringa Crush SOME months ago, specifically in 2013, there was the scramble for Moringa Oleifera (aka Moringa) herb by the Nigerian public. In Edo State, it was Moringa all the way. Marketers of the herb were all over the place while Edo residents were falling over themselves to purchase it. To them, it was a cure-all, wonder herb.

Put simply there was what I call The Moringa Crush everywhere. At the time, some of us in natural medicine laughed. Why? We were amused at the one-stop attitude of Nigerians to health.

Imagine, most Nigerians always think that to get well and stay healthy means taking only one medication or herb. That is all.

Lies. This is the biggest untruth of the century. See, to stay relatively healthy a lot of things are involved.

You have to combine several healing systems in caring for your health like helitherapy, apitherapy, hydrotherapy, acupressure, acupuncture, homeopathy, herbology, massage etc.

Just name it.

In other words, achieving relatively good health is not a cheapget. Please, notice that I am using the words “ relatively good health”. I do so to tell you that no man born of woman is TOTALLY HEALTHY. No matter the depth of your medical knowledge, you can only achieve some level of optimal health throughout your lifetime before you die. Only God isn’t sick and is permanently health.

Therefore, don’t be deceived by anyone promising you a 100%, optimal wellness. This isn’t possible in our physical world. Any day, you are 90% healthy, you have tried.

Now, with this theoretical exposition on health in our mind, I will now give you some health tips on how to stay relatively healthy. First of all, always strive for mental, emotional and spiritual balance in life.

Without this, your body cannot achieve health equilibrium and keep out disease.

Secondly, learn to

visualize that you are healthy. It is through this mental process that the healthy force in your body can be released to prevent illness as well as assist in ensuring any medication that you are using works efficiently.

Thirdly, keep, hate anger and negative thoughts out of your mind. They perpetually make you ill through your parasympathetic nervous system fourthly, avoid overeating. Too much food is toxic to the body. It imprisons the body’s healing force, thus preventing it form accomplishing its vital role of keeping the body healthy. Also, fast at regular intervals so as to

rest the body, detoxify it and unleash its healing, restorative power. Be informed, I am talking about natural-not spiritualfast.

Fifthly, you must engage in physical activities. All work and no play is hazardous to the body.

Sedentary life kills.

Exercise therapy is it.

Don’t forget Nigerian medical doctors who ignored this fact in the past have now taken to exerasing. That is why the NMA inaugurated a biannual sporting event code-named ( LET’S THE DOCTORS’ PLAY It kicked off from February 17- 22nd, 2014 at Eket in Akwa Ibom State.

Sixthly, it is imperative you have adequate rest,

With Dr Mao 0803071734

relaxation and sleep daily.

Once, you have sleep deficits over time, you will be half-awake during the day time of productive, economic work. Also, poor sleep means your organs were still working throughout the night.

Because of this, they suffer tremendous wear and tear each day. You age fast and die early, therefore.

Seventhly, drink a minimum of eight glasses of clean, acid –free water daily if you an adult.

Without water, your body cannot function well. Try as much as possible to avoid using soft drinks and alcohol for hydrating the body. Water should be all you need as a body hydrant. Nothing more.

Eighthly, cultivate the habit of eating right. Limit intake of junk foods or completely cut them out.

Go for natural, whole and unprocessed foods.

Consume plenty of seeds, nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Simply put, ensure that at least 80% of your food intake is raw.

Keep away from fried foods. Prefer fish to meat.

No red meat please.

Neither should you over use saturated foods.

Invariably, you have to be choosy in what you eat so as to ensure you only eat what nourishes the body.

Then, of course, you may need nutrient supplementations from time to time, if the occasion demands to meet your full daily allowance of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, hormones, antioxidants and other lifegiving substances. That is, if you suffer from nutrient deficiency from inadequate food intake.

Ninthly, you need a

knowledge of deep breathing techniques so as to fill up your body with the elixir of oxygen without which we will all be dead.

Also through these techniques, we expel all noxious byproducts of respiration from our bodies. Researches have shown that when oxygen uptake and use in the body as well as elimination of gaseous wastes are poor, a favourable condition for disease growth is created.

Tenthly, we must strive for all the healthy balance physiologically prescribed for body. Namely, they are sodium/ potassium balance…… Acid/alkaline balance….. Omega. 3/ Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acid balance …

Esentical amino acid/Nonessential acid…Calcium/ Magnesium balance …Estrogen/ Progesterone hormone balance among others.

Without these balances, you cannot achieve good health. You will be sick.

Finally, you need to do your checkups regularly at a registered hospital, medical centre or clinic approved by government check-ups helps you to know your health status, periodically. It is better to know if you have early, unnoticed signs of an ailment.

From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that it is a long walk to good health. You don’t get it free of charge.

So, now that the Moringa Crush is over, Nigerians should sit back and think more realistically how to achieve sufficient health that will give them a joyous journey through life until God’s time to die comes.

“Simply put, ensure that at least 80% of your food intake is raw. Keep away from fried foods. Prefer fish to meat.

No red meat please. Neither should you over use saturated foods. Invariably, you have to be choosy in what you eat so as to ensure you only eat what nourishes the body.”

With Victor Aniukwu

New Horizon

Who Knows Tomorrow?

KARMA cannot be denied by anyone, individually nor collectively, State wise nor Federal wise. Karma is strongly related to the law of retributive justice which says that — “Do unto others, as you would want others to do unto you. And secondly, what ever action one performs has an equal and corresponding reaction now nor in the future.

Karma is so strong that it cannot be side-tracked nor overtaken by events. The reaction will surely come to pass. In one Shakespeare writing, it is clearly stated that, “The evil that men do, lives after them”, and now the evil that men do does not only live after them but can have an immediate reaction. It could be individual karma which is personal nor collective karma which relates to Community, State nor Country.

Collectively and individually one must’ be extremely careful and calculative in whatever action we try to carry out at any point in time. All over the world today, action and counter-actions are going on simultaneously and spontaneously directly nor indirectly. These are experienced through ganging up, false accusation, pretension, invasion, treats, diplomacy, rioting, force, ritual killing, attack and counter attack, suicide bombing etc. all these mentioned above when applied negatively attracts negative reaction now and the future. One or a

country may act negatively and forget because the resultant effect was not immediate. But I tell you that when it will come to one nor to a country it will seem as herculean task thereby calling for prayers, applying force nor diplomacy and at a stage imploring the services of foreign aid because the situation is catastrophic There is a negative action performed in the past by oneself nor an incumbent dictator. It has being largely established that in Nigeria in particular and the world in general, dictatorship is very rampant. This is going on now and then and the control signal to this inferno is not yet holistic.

That is why there is always re-occurrences even if they seem to be checked. QUOVADIS where do we go from here. In the past, maggot does not eat maggot, but in the recent dispensation, maggot eats maggot. This proves to mankind the level of demonic tendency the entire world is dwelling into. The Bible warns-man know thyself. But up till now, it’s unfortunate that 90% per cent of men don’t know thyself, the women are taking advantage and even going to gain more ground. Even at home, if you don’t know thyself your wife, your children will take advantage over you.

Man at all time must know thyself, because the world is full of cheaters and the cheated. 75 per cent populace of the world are

full of vengeance. That is the result of attacks and counter attacks the world over. Countries are ganging up to fight these attacks from different angles. Will that probably solve nor remove that mask on the face of all those concerned? They are

keeps the precepts or rules will be protected and by such attitude, one can live without fear, knowing that when God want to save someone, no one can kill, and if God want to kill someone, no one can save.

That’s why it is said that our destiny lies in the hand

when he or she will die and how it could be shelved for eternity. That reminds me of the mighty reign of that great mystic called DLawrence. He was seen as an exceptional someone who had so much feats to display at any point in time to his followers. D-

hard-hearted and inconsiderate. On Mount Palomar in California, the giant telescope mounted on its top can see a distance of 7,038,835, 200,000,000,000 miles ahead. What is the aim behind this telescope?

Enemies everywhere and so everything must be put in place to avert them at the shortest possible range. A leader nor a person who

of God. When the destined time comes, take that king or queen nor president to the best hospital in the world, before all the expert doctors, that person will be declared — DEAD. Death is one of the greatest phenomenon to testify the direct presence of God Almighty. Whoever refutes this ideal fact should come out to tell the world how,

Lawrence declared it boldly that he will die and rise again in three days.

Actually at the time of death for D-Lawrence, he could not stop death but died like every other person and was buried. On the third day, the great mystic tried to rise again in the mist of his followers who were there at his tomb to usher their great leader back to earth. Factually the Tomb of D- Lawrence tore open and there was jubilation from the crowd but Alas a thunder bolt struck from the sky straight to the tomb of D-Lawrence and there and then shattered this tomb to pieces. There was great pandemonium as some took to their heels, others

“It has being largely established that in Nigeria in particular and the world in general, dictatorship is very rampant. This is going on now and then and the control signal to this inferno is not yet holistic. That is why there is always re-occurrences even if they seem to be checked.”

lie face to the ground, others were deafened, others dumb founded. That was the painful horrific moment of Dr. DLawrence. This story is strongly related to karma. Which way we try to transgress the laws of God, there is an equal and a corresponding reaction. No one can claim proprietorship within the three wor1ds.

This story sounds as a strong warning to all and sundry and most especially the honourable leaders of the entire world who when in office veto decision that will in future bring great agony to the people.

Negative decision of the world leaders culminate to the imbalance of Global administration and continuous disagreements and rancor in world human relations. There has been a colossus hang over from leaders, that is the cause of the world insecurity.

Leaders of the world must completely show their pattern of leadership in their countries and extend Continues on Pg 24

Place Of Prayer

Coming Out Of The Wilderness (3)

Key Two: Believe It Will End Well SUFFERING for a while is a part of Christianity. Waiting and delay are experiences that we all must encounter at some points in our Christian race.

The bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:10- But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Your unpleasant experiences are not always caused by demons. Delay is a wilderness experience that tests how much you believe in the dark, what was told you in the light. God speaks in the light, but He tests your belief in the dark. If you do not believe what He told you in the light, you will spend a long time in the wilderness when the light is removed.

Why must there be a wilderness after a promise?

The wilderness experience is allowed by God to test your belief in the promise; for God cannot guarantee that you believe His promise until you are tested in the wilderness.

For God to implement His promise to you, He has to test your belief, and your belief can only be tested in adversity and lack. It is only when you believe inspite of the contradiction, that the promise is fulfilled.

Therefore, a wilderness experience is necessary for the implementation of a promise.

The wilderness necessitated the promise. For every promise you have in the bible, it is a signal that there will be a wilderness experience. It is the inevitability, certainty, indispensability and reality of the wilderness that necessitated the promise. God knows there is something to

fear, so He told you several times ahead of time: “Fear not”. He knows that there will be a wilderness of loneliness, so He told you ahead that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

He knew that there will be a wilderness called barrenness so He spoke ahead of time that none shall be barren in the land (Exodus 23:26). He knew that some people will experience the wilderness of being cast down and so He declared ahead that if you fall seven times, you will rise again (Proverbs 24:16). He knew that many will go through the wilderness of abandonment, where those they depended on will forsake them, and so He spoke prophetically through David: ‘Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord shall take me up (Psalms 27:10).

Belief is the second key to coming out of the wilderness.

Belief is an unshaken disposition in the time of contradiction. Belief is staying positive in the midst of a protracted negative experience.

It is a demonstration of positivity in a situation of negativity.

When belief is demonstrated, then the implementation of the promise becomes compulsory.

No matter how tenable your situation is or how protracted it has been, believe that it is working out your testimony.

Believe that it will end well.

In 2kings 4:26, the Shunammite woman whose only child died, did not speak the situation but spoke her expectation. When asked if all was well with her and her family, she said ‘It is well’.

Her profession was positive because she believed that God would bring her son back to life through His Prophet,

Elisha.

Sarah passed through a wilderness of childlessness.

God did not fulfill the promise of Isaac until she ended up believing God in the midst of her situation of hopelessness.

See Hebrews 11:11- Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age,

in the name of Jesus, amen.

Judgement comes after careful analysis of the facts of the case. The person that is able to escape from the wilderness is that person who has analysed the contradiction side by side with God’s antecedents of faithfulness to His promises and concluded that God is faithful to do that which He has said He will do.

because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Sarah delivered her miracle, even though she had passed the biological age of childbearing, because she judged God faithful who had promised. Belief is a conclusion on the faithfulness of God in the midst of seeming unfaithfulness. Your strength to conceive and deliver your job, house, baby, marriage, etc, is a product of belief. May the faith you need for your conception and delivery rest upon you today

Although the manifestation is yet to be seen, He believes that it has been concluded in the heavenlies and so He gives no room to doubt in his heart.

Belief is the only credential you need for fulfillment. The wilderness tests you in order for you to get the credential.

Once belief is on ground, implementation is inevitable.

In Mark 9:23, Jesus said unto the father of the possessed young man, ‘If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

All things, including coming

“Suffering for a while is a part of Christianity. Waiting and delay are experiences that we all must encounter at some points in our Christian race.”

With Pastor Samuel O. Osaghae SMS Only 08030809339

out of the wilderness are only possible to them that believe and it is only in the wilderness that your belief is tested.

In Romans 4:17-21, we see Abraham’s account of faith: (As it is written, l have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things

promised was also able to perform. It was a dead situation, yet he did not stagger at the promise of God through unbelief, No wonder God’s promise to him came to manifestation.

You need to believe to become. No matter how long the fulfillment of that which you believe takes, do not

which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to form.

God told Abraham, ‘I have made thee a Father of many nations’, yet with the passage of time, it seemed like he had not been made. In the hopelessness of the situation, Abraham believed. Inspite of the contradictions, Abraham believed that He that had

change your disposition. You can give glory to God in the midst of the wilderness only if you believe.

The bible admonishes us in Hebrews 12:2- Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. You can only endure the cross (the wilderness) if you take your eyes from the cross and focus on the joy ahead.

Do not meditate on the delay; rather, you must always meditate on the testimony. Do not ponder on the contradiction; see the glory that is set before you.

Meditatively see the joy ahead; this will give you strength to endure the pains of the wilderness.

International

Attack On Kenyan Coast

Islamist Militants Kill 15

MPEKETONI Kenya -Somali-linked Islamist militants killed at least 15 people and torched houses in a second night of attacks on Kenya’s coast, a day after an assault on a town left almost 50 dead.

Armed men went door to door hours before dawn in Poromoko village, ordered people outside and made them recite the Islamic creed, said one witness. He did not see what happened to anyone who failed.

Somalia’s al Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for the two days of attacks and said it would continue its campaign in the east African nation, whose tourist industry has been battered by a rise in militant RECONCILIATION OF NAME I, Obiebi Eseoghene Faith wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Obiebi Ese and Moses Faith Ese. Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Obiebi Eseoghene Faith. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

violence.

The militant group has said it is punishing Kenya for sending troops to Somalia to confront its Islamist fighters.

Sunday’s assault on the town of Mpeketoni was the worst since al Shabaab gunmen stormed Nairobi’s Westgate shopping mall in September, leaving 67 dead.

The new attacks have fuelled mounting public criticism of the government for failing to do more to prevent a string of grenade and gun attacks on the coast and the capital since Westgate.

Al Shabaab on Monday declared Kenya a “war zone”, telling tourists to leave the country or stay “at their own peril”.

Kenya has said it would not CORRECTION OF NAME I, Paul Chukwumah Rapu wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Paul Chukwuma Rapu and that the name Chukwumah was spelt in error as Chukwuma.

Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Paul Chukwumah Rapu. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

IFEOGOME – I, formerly Miss Elizabeth Oghomwen Ifeogome now Mrs. Elizabeth Oghomwen Ehanire.

All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

IJEREMEN – I, formerly known and addressed as Festus Ijeremen now wish to be known and addressed as Festus Ikhine. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

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withdraw its forces from Somalia and has promised to track down the gunmen.

“These attacks are unfortunate and the perpetrators must be held accountable,” Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku told residents in Mpeketoni, where he was jeered by locals.

The minister said 15 had died in yesterday’s assault.

“This government is full of talk and no action,” said one angry resident in Mpeketoni, speaking as the minister arrived in the town. “They keep saying the country is safe, and we keep on suffering in the hands of terrorists.”

Al Shabaab’s military operations spokesman, Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, said the group’s gunmen had killed as many as 20 people in the latest assault, including police men.

“Our operations in Kenya will continue,” he told Reuters.

Omar Awadh Salim, a 48year-old father of two, said masked men in military fatigues broke into his house and other properties in Poromoko just after 1 a.m. yesterday.

“They ordered all of us to get out of the house, and then asked us to recite ‘shahada’. We all did and they let us back into the house and proceeded to the next,” he told Reuters.

Ole Lenku has defended his government’s security efforts.

But many Kenyans have publicly called for him and other top officials to be fired for security shortcomings including failings during the four-day Westgate siege, where some soldiers involved were found to have looted the mall.

The tourist industry has been taking a hammering since the violence prompted Western nations to tighten travel advisories for their citizens.

Some hotels on the palmfringed coastal region say they face closure, while hotels which offer safaris up country say bookings are down 30 percent - a worrying sign as the July-to-September peak tourist season approaches.

Buses working on the tourist route from Mombasa to Lamu, an historic Arab trading post that is a popular attraction, said they were now struggling to find enough passengers.

“It is not safe to ply the route anymore because you can’t know if attackers will be waiting for you on the road and harm passengers, and besides we also have very few bookings,” said Abudullah Hassan, operations manager at a local bus company.

The Red Cross had previously put the death toll for Mpeketoni assault at 50 but on yesterday said the total figure was 49. That number did not include victims of the latest attack.

International Hunt For Missing Youths: Israel Aims To Break Hamas

JERUSALEM - Israel stepped up efforts to crush Hamas in the West Bank yesterday as the hunt for three Israeli teenagers believed kidnapped by the Islamist movement entered its fifth day.

Thousands of Israel troops engaged in the search for the youths turned their attention during the night to the northern West Bank city of Nablus and surrounding area, arresting 41 Palestinians, the army said.

So far, Israel has arrested around 200 Palestinians, most of them Hamas members, as it conducts a vast search operation for the students, two of them minors.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused militants from the Islamist movement of kidnapping the youths last week.

“We are here in the midst of a complex operation. We need to be prepared for the possibility that it may take time. This is a serious event and there will be serious consequences,” Netanyahu said on Monday evening.

Israel has said it holds Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas responsible for the safe return of the three, with Netanyahu phoning him to demand his help in the search efforts in what was their first direct political contact since 2012.

So far, there has been no formal claim of responsibility, and Hamas has dismissed Israel’s accusations as “stupid”.

At a meeting of the Israeli security cabinet on Monday, ministers decided to expand moves against Hamas in order to smash its political and social infrastructure in the West Bank, officials said.

“As long as our boys remain abducted, Hamas will feel pursued, paralysed and threatened,” said Lieutenant Peter Lerner, the military’s official spokesman.

“We are committed to resolving the kidnapping and debilitating Hamas terrorist capacities, its infrastructure and its recruiting institutions,” he said in a statement.

A series of punitive steps aimed at decapitating Hamas in the West Bank were discussed on

Monday by ministers, who examined the possibility of banishing its senior members to Gaza and demolishing their West Bank homes, Israeli media reports said.

Ministers were reportedly meeting again yesterdayd.

“Israel has decided to perform a root canal to uproot everything green in the West Bank,” said army radio, referring to the colour representing Hamas.

Economy Minister Naftali Bennett, who was at the meeting, told the radio Israel had decided to “dramatically” change its approach to the Islamist movement.

“We will bring about a situation in which Hamas people will become a nuisance for the Palestinian population, and that their presence in Judaea and Samaria (the West Bank) will cause harm everywhere,” he said.

“In other words we will turn membership in Hamas into an entry ticket to hell.”

Writing in the top-selling Yediot Aharonot, Alex Fishman said the kidnapping had created a “one-time operational opportunity” which Israel would use “to castrate” Hamas and suppress its “strongholds in Palestinian Authority territory to the greatest extent possible.”

Pundits said Israel was also seeking to bring about the collapse of a newly-formed Palestinian unity government backed by Hamas, the firstfruits of a reconciliation deal between rival leaders in the West Bank and Gaza which has been furiously denounced by the Netanyahu government.

“The purpose of the Israeli actions ... is to drive a wedge between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, and stop

the reconciliation process that began some two months ago,” wrote Amos Harel in Haaretz newspaper.

By crushing Hamas’s infrastructure, it would weaken the movement ahead of

Palestinian elections which under the unity deal are supposed to take place before the end of the year, Fishman said.

“Removing the political leadership from the West Bank is supposed to weaken Hamas in

advance of the Palestinian presidential elections,” he said.

But as the manhunt entered its fifth day, commentators voiced concern about growing reports of clashes around the West Bank, sparking fears that an already

Israeli soldiers walk on a path in a single file during an operation in the West Bank town of Hebron yesterday.

Car Bomb In Eastern Syria Kills 5

BEIRUT — A car bomb exploded yesterday in eastern Syria near the border with Iraq, killing at least five people, including a local rebel commander, opposition activists said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

said blast struck the eastern province of Deir el-Zour near the offices of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and another group, Ahrar al-Sham, in the village of Shmeitiyeh.

The Observatory, which relies on a network of activists on the

officers, government officials and civilians, which took innocent lives, caused huge property losses and seriously endangered public security,” the official news agency Xinhua said.

Xinjiang is the traditional home of Muslim Uighurs who speak a Turkic language, and China has blamed previous attacks on Islamist separatists it says seek to

establish an independent state there called East Turkestan.

Exiled Uighur groups and human rights activists say the government’s own repressive policies in Xinjiang have provoked unrest, something Beijing denies.

The 13 executed men were involved in attacks in different parts of Xinjiang, including one

ground, said an Ahrar al-Sham commander in the area and an Islamic judge affiliated with the Nusra Front also were among those killed.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombing.

The two groups have fought

RECENT occurrences in the state bear witness to an urgent need for peaceful resolution to our daunting problems. All around us are signs of disagreement. The scepter of violence and lawlessness are daily haunting us, kidnappers are stalking the streets like vultures, political disagreement and organized thuggery are shattering our peaceful coexistence. There are signs of conflict

against a rival Islamic faction, known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, in the oilrich province since April. The rebel infighting has killed more than 640 people on both sides and uprooted at least 130,000 civilians from their homes.

China Executes 13 Persons For “Terrorist” Attacks In Xinjianga BEIJING - China executed 13 persons on Monday for “terrorist attacks” in the far western region of Xinjiang, state media said, while another three were sentenced to death for a lethal attack at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.

“The 13 criminals had planned violent terrorist attacks and ruthlessly killed police

Issues

last June that killed 24 policemen and local residents, Xinhua said.

In the Tiananmen case, five people were killed and 40 hurt when a car plowed into a crowd in the square and burst into flames.

Those killed included three people in the car.

As well as the death sentences for that attack, another man was

Need To Live Together In Peace

By EDUWU EKHATOR OBASOGIE JP

tense situation could rapidly escalate.

On Monday, a 19-year-old Palestinian was shot dead by troops during clashes in Jalazoun camp north of Ramallah. And during the night, troops shot and seriously wounded a Palestinian who was trying to infiltrate a Jewish settlement in the same area, military radio said.

everywhere; this is creating too much anxiety and tension in the state.

It is common knowledge that we cannot attain and sustain any level of meaningful development without peace and harmony in our state and as a people that are heterogeneous, we should begin to see ourselves as five fingers that make up one limp, though we stand separated and distinguished, yet we should stand in unity and in peace. Therefore, let us tackle the various

Chief Eduwu Ekhator Obasogie JP

challenges that create problems among us, et us work together as members of the same family, from the same accessory to stamp out conflict, yes there will be disagreement over various issues but let us be mature in using democratic means and measures to resolve issues that may separate us.

Peace comes through cooperation beyond the boundaries of political and religious affiliations; we must therefore live for the sake of

sentenced to life and four others received jail terms ranging from five to 20 years, Xinhua said.

Footage of the trial on state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) showed suspects in orange jumpsuits at a Xinjiang courthouse, with Uighur women in tears as they watched the proceedings.

others as a means and a way to reconcile the divided family. Let us’ hold firmly to the fact that dissenting opinion can be resolved and harmonized through our collective efforts and commitment to progress and development on this land of inexhaustible resources.

Let us remember we are one family created by God. Do not wait any longer to come let together and live in peace.

Chief Eduwu Obasogie is the Obasogie of Benin Kingdom and Edo State Chairman, Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee.

With Victor Aniukwu

New Horizon

Continued from Pg 20

same to other countries. In the entire, world leadership, there is love every Dick and I-larry claims to be sharing with one another. But there is no real love.

No real love among leaders of the world. World leadership is like a club where leaders group themselves as one entity to fight for or against one another. That in turn becomes survival of the fittest! We can see the case of Israel and Palestine, the raid and killing is still going on with both parties keeping sleepless nights.

We can see America and Afghanistan. Now that America is trying to pull out of Afghanistan, the news came of how an American soldier killed 16 civilians. What must have happen when all the troops were there in Afghanistan?

Who should be trusted for the safety of the people of the world? What about the case of America Saddam Hussein and the people of Iraq. Despite the presence of America and the backing of some world powers, there remains no peace and settlement in African countries. Who now is his brothers keeper in the leadership of Africa. Who now is his brothers keeper in the leadership of the Asian continent. And who is his brothers keeper in the leadership of the European countries? One country is eye the other just to determine at any giving time, the economical and military strength of that country so as to cry out to other allied countries for

... Knows Tomorrow? possible checks and restrictions based on various terminologies to be introduced for such group exercise.

At the end of it, such country may be sanctioned, restricted nor has its foreign account frozen. All these are hell one earth.

Inhumanity to man in the

should be careful of the white man tricks, diplomacy and indirect dominion over other countries especially in Africa. European countries had overgrown, Asian counties have grown but African countries are yet to grow and yet what Africa cannot attain are been

Despite all said and done, there is a still lot more to talk about energy supply.

When you go to Federal and State Ministries, parastatals, companies, schools, Homes, etc and try regulate the level of charging of phones and other gadgets, you will conclude that power

withdrawing from the use of their generators thereby increasing the workload on the general energy consumption. This means that it will really take’ long time the teaming masses to feel positive impact on power generation to the people as it is in Ghana.

Whatever project we want

bid to exist and build a strong defence within ones territory. This is not allowed especially within African countries despite the granting of independence for self governance yet African countries still remain’ slaves to the white people.

With Yes Sir, Yes Sir to the white man; African countries will remain poorer and poorer. Africa

forced on them in the name of technology. This further complicates the safety catch of our foreign reserves When cell phone was introduced, the Government failed to realize that our country is backwards in energy capacity. And with that backlog our energy will further dwindle as it is since 1999 and before.

generation to satisfy the masses have a long way to go. The same goes with a lot number of computers and its consumables, all around, before you talk of individual consumption.

One should say that more than 60 per cent of the country is operating on generator As the government tries to improve on energy, those using generators will be

to embark in the country, our growing population must be in consideration.

Nigeria population not being checked, is growing daily especially when we are backwards in that direction. Whatever we are going through now are due to improper consideration in the planning methodology.

When planning for execution, look at what is outstanding, deficit, normal nor surplus.

When normal think of reaching the climax of surplus. When in deficit, you have the task of bringing up . deficit level to normal then to the surplus level;. This last point is very daisy and needs articulated planning and execution at both ends.

All of the above goes with gross dishonesty, lack of

“No real love among leaders of the world.

World leadership is like a club where leaders group themselves as one entity to fight for or against one another. That in turn becomes survival of the fittest!”

sense of purpose, lack of proper supervision and dubious reports, that confirm that a wrong peg is very good in a round hole. This is a negative report but in most cases accepted as right. All these practices are linked up to group karma of the Nation. Otherwise with huge easy flow of power remains a doubtful affair where people come and do their own thing and just get away with it unnoticed, and if noticed, no one cares becomes the standard of judgement.

With what we see on ground now, can we say that vision 20 20 20 is realistic in good terms?

Take the answer at your own time. For me, it’s not realistic because the government has so much iron inside the fire yet to be melted and more iron are still been added to the fire. That makes the mission impossible, because too many cooks spoil the brooth. Nigerian government must learn to be expert goldsmith to understand this language.

DIGEST THIS ECLOGUE-NIGERIA -A HUGE ELEPHANT ACCEPTED E L E C T E D POLITICIANS ARE THE BUTCHERS-TEARING THE MEAT OF THE HUGE ELEPHANT EVERYDAY NON - STOP. EFFECT ON THE ELEPHANT - THE ELEPHANT IS IN A PITIABLE CONDITION, DYING GRADUALLY IN SERIOUS PAINS. SOLUTION -ELECTED POLITICIANS TO STOP BUTCHERING THE MEAT OF THE HUGE ELEPHANT NIGERIA. OTHERWISE DREAD IS IMMINENT.

Agriculture

Revitalising Agricultural Extension ON several occasions, agriculturalists have stressed the importance of extension services to food production.

They insist that as Nigeria aspires to become one of the 20 largest economies in the world by 2020; pragmatic efforts ought to be made to boost farming via the adoption of agricultural extension services.

However, the Federal Government is somewhat conscious of the usefulness of agricultural extension services in plans to improve the country’s food production.

Prof. Tunji Arokoyo, National Team Leader, Agricultural Extension Transformation Agenda, said that efforts were underway by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to revive agricultural extension services.

“The Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, is passionate about extension services and he is making frantic efforts to revive the dying extension services in Nigeria as a key to agricultural transformation,’’ he said.

He said that agricultural extension workers were the bridge between farmers and research institutes, adding that they also functioned as the

By MOHAMMED LAWAL link between farmers and the government.

“This is because they play a key role in disseminating information to and from both sides for enhanced agricultural production,’’ he said.

Arokoyo said that agricultural extension services involved the provision of educational services to farmers in the wide range of agricultural enterprise.

“So, agricultural extension services encompass all activities carried out by extension agencies to create positive change in the farmers’ living standards through increased productivity and enhanced income,’’ he said.

Drumming support for the provision of quality agricultural extension services, Dr Mohammed Khalid-Othman of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said that although agricultural extension services in Nigeria had been somewhat inactive, their importance could never be undermined.

“Extension services are suffering from a number of constraints such as underfunding, ageing and

dwindling staff arising from low employment rate and retirement of the old staff.

“Presently, life is being injected into the agricultural extension services through various strategies and programmes championed by the Federal Government, “For the first time, the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension was established in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

“The department is responsible for policy formulation and coordination of agricultural extension activities,’’ he said.

In the same vein, Malam Sani Miko, the Country Director of Sasakawa Africa Association, a Geneva-based International Agricultural Development Organisation, said that his organisation was collaborating with the Federal Government to revive agricultural extension services in Nigeria.

“This collaboration will facilitate the free flow of information about new technologies from researchers to grassroots farmers.

“It is the responsibility of extension workers to convey information from government

Services In Nigeria

and researchers to farmers on how to improve agriculture in Nigeria,’’ he said.

Miko said that the capacity of the extension workers would be built through seminars, workshops and other means, with the hope that they would convey the message to farmers.

“We want to teach the farmers how and when to cultivate their farms; how to use improved seeds; when and how to apply fertiliser; when and how to harvest.

“We will connect them with banks where they could obtain loans; we will ultimately connect them with markets where they can sell their yields at higher profits,’’ he said.

However, Miko observed that many extension service workers were not satisfied with the job because they possessed qualifications, which they thought could not take them beyond Salary Grade Level 14 in the civil service.

He, nonetheless, said that the challenge was being addressed via an arrangement between the organisation and Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, to enable Higher National Diploma holders

among the extension workers to obtain degrees from the university within a specified period.

“This will maximise their job satisfaction and it will also encourage them to work harder,’’ he noted.

Mr Daniel Jacob, the Director of Agricultural Services in the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Project, who underscored the need for more agriculture extension workers across the country, observed that the extension workers were inadequate.

“For instance, the ratio of extension workers to farmers in Kaduna State used to be 1:1,500; however, the present ratio stands at 1:3,240.

“This is grossly inadequate and highly disturbing because the World Bankrecommended ratio stands between 1:800 and 1:1,000.

“Unfortunately, the number of extension workers we have is on the decrease, while our population is on the increase,’’ Jacob added.

In view of this shortfall, experts underscore the need for private-sector participation in the funding and delivery of agricultural extension services so as to

meet the needs of the farmers.

They argue that agricultural extension services have been dominated by the Agricultural Development Programme in Nigeria for a long time.

The experts insist that the traditional extension services, linked with production objectives and blanket recommendations, can no longer meet the farmers’ expectations.

They stress that pragmatic efforts should be made to encourage the private sector to provide agricultural extension services, while the government can play a strategic role by identifying gaps in the provision of such services.

Although many observers laud this suggestion, they nonetheless, call for the adoption of pragmatic strategies to change the orientation of agricultural extension workers, as part of efforts to improve their service delivery.

All the same, they concede that structured private-sector participation in agricultural extension service delivery will consequently boost agricultural production in the country.

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We ’ve A Team That Can Go Far In Brazil

GODWIN Izilein, former Coach of Golden Eaglets and Super Falcons, says Nigeria has a team that can go far in the World Cup if they can overcome their stage fright.

Nigeria drew Iran in their first The coach said this in game in the ongoing 2014 an interview with World Cup in Brazil on newsmen in Benin after Monday.

He said though result of the game against the Iranian team was not what was expected, Nigerians should congratulate themselves for not losing.

He said the result gave the country better opportunity to prepare well against the Bosnia team.

Izilein noted that all the Super Eagles players needed was to overcome their stage fright and play a purposeful football against the Bosnians.

“If we had lost the match, it would have been a different Nigeria’s Shola Ameobi (right) fights for the ball with Iran’s Amir-Hossein ball game.

Sadeghi during their 2014 World Cup Group F Soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba on Monday.

Bore Draw Does Nothing For Iran IRAN and Nigeria It’s a decent chance Or Nigeria WIDE: were responsible for the created by Moses but first bad game of the 2014 World Cup as they played out a 0-0 draw in Curitiba and were booed by supporters in the stands.

The stats on the night said it all as neither side created many clear-cut openings, with less than 10 chances on goal making for grim viewing.

Nigeria dominated in terms of possession but failed to break down a well-organised Iran defence and it was Iran who created the best chance, Vincent Enyeama doing well to beat away Reza Ghoochannejad’s

point blank header.

Peter Odemwingie and Shola Ameobi provided some spark coming off the bench in the second half but failed to inspire the victory that Nigeria hoped for.

The result will do neither side any favours with Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina to come.

6’ – NIGERIA GOAL RULED OUT: It’s put into the back of the net but Mikel is perhaps harshly penalised for a foul on the keeper.

8’ – ONAZI SHOOTS

Onazi’s final effort isn’t great.

30’ – HAGHIGI SAVE: He is almost caught out by some quick thinking by Musa from the free kick but scrambles across to palm behind for a corner.

33’ – GREAT SAVE ENYEAMA: He saves Ghoochannejad’s pointblank header from Dejagah’s corner.

90’ – GREAT DEFENDING POOLADI: He gets in front of Ameobi from Oshaniwa’s cross to prevent the striker from scoring.

“Though the result is not what we expected, I am optimistic that we have a team that will go far for us.

“Because majority of the boys are playing in this stage for the first, they had this problem of stage freight.

“All we need before the next game is a psycologist to work on them,” he said.

The former Golden Eaglets coach, however, faulted the replacement of Victor Moses for Shola Ameobi.

According to him: “I feel it would have been

wise if Azeez, who was lost in the game, was replaced and leave Moses to run down the Iranians who our players could not contest all aerial balls thrown in their area with.

“Perhaps the coach knows better but I am also happy that Vincent Eyeama is still himself.”

Nigeria is in a group that also involves Bosnia and Argentina.

Argentina on Sunday defeated Bosnia 2-1 in the first game of the group.

Nigeria’s next game will be against Bosnia while Argentina takes on the Iranians.

Susic Thrilled With Nigeria-Iran with four points we can Draw SUSIC saw his team

beaten 2-1 by Argentina in their Group F opener on Sunday, leaving them in a potentially tricky position as they attempt to make the last 16 at their maiden FIFA World Cup. However, Monday’s 0-0 stalemate between the pool’s other two nations means Bosnia-Herzegovina are just one point adrift of second place with two games left to play.

Nigeria’s Ramon Azeez (right) fights for the ball with an Iranian player during their 2014 World Cup Group F Soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba on Monday.

- Izilein

And while Susic was impressed with what he saw from both Iran and Nigeria, he is satisfied with the position his side find themselves in.

“I saw two teams with which we will have a lot of problems,” he said.

“0-0 is a good result for us. The most important thing is that neither of the teams won, which means that

go into the next round of the World Cup. So, we have a chance provided you do not lose any of the remaining two group games. Nothing is yet known. Everything is in our hands.”

B o s n i a Herzegovina’s next opponent will be Nigeria, who they will play in Cuiaba on Saturday, before they face Iran in Salvador four days later.

throughout 90 minutes, it was a game of very few clear-cut chances for both sides.

“I am excited at the scoreline because my expectation was that Nigeria will win the match by at least three goals.

“But I would have loved to see a goal in the match in favour of Iran,’’ Kozeechi said.

With the result, both teams now have a point to place second in the

group behind Argentina who has three points after defeating BosniaHerzegovina 2-1.

Nigeria will now meet BosniaHerzegovina on June 21 in Cuiaba in their second group match while Iran will face Group F leaders Argentina in Belo Horizonte earlier that same day.

The 32-team World Cup final, which is in its 20th edition, started on June 12 and will end on July 13.

Barren Draw Excites Iranian Envoy

IRANIAN Ambassador to Nigeria, Saeed Koozechi, has expressed excitement at Nigeria’s 0-0 draw against Iran in their Group F opening encounter at the ongoing 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Koozechi told newsmen on Monday after the match that he was excited at the scoreline, though he would have loved to see Iran score.

The African Champions struggled to a goalless draw in the match played on Monday at the Arena Da Baixada, Curitiba.

Although the Super Eagles dominated the play

Klinsmann Keeps Up Incredible World Cup Record

JUERGEN Klinsmann extended his perfect record in opening analyse them and show the World Cup matches when the United States beat Ghana 2-1 but players.” after their late winner he was more concerned with the flaws The former Germany striker exposed in his team. played in three World Cups, Clint Dempsey’s early goal moment when the goal came, helping his team start the gave the US the perfect start when a late goal like this happens tournament by beating Yugoslavia and, after Andre Ayew then you see a bench jumping up 4-1 in 1990, Bolivia 1-0 in 1994 equalised for Ghana, John full of joy and excitement,” he and the United States 2-0 in 1998.

Klinsmann also coached Brooks powered home an 86th- said. “(But) the match showed us a Germany to a 4-2 victory over minute header to grab the win and maintain the coach’s 100 lot of areas we have to do better Costa Rica in their first game of per cent record in World Cup for the second game. We gave too the 2006 tournament on home much of the game to Ghana. We soil. openers.

Goalscorer Dempsey claimed a The 49-year-old, a World Cup will take all those pieces and winner with West Germany in 1990, said his captain’s strike, officially timed at 29 seconds after kick-off, had perhaps come too early.

The whole bench was jumping around,” he said. “If you score after just a minute you think there can’t be anything better than that.

“After that it maybe wasn’t so good because we sat back and let them come to us, that is why I was screaming on the sideline to take control of the game. We had problems controlling the ball and making passes.”

Klinsmann said he always believed the US would win even when Ghana equalised but knows they will have to improve some aspects of their game for the Group G games US Coach Juergen Klinsmann celebrates at the end of with Portugal and Germany.

Ghana at the World Cup. “It was a very enjoyable

little bit of tournament history for himself at the Dunas arena, becoming the first American to score at three World Cups.

The 31-year-old ended the contest with a suspected broken nose after taking a blow to the face from a Ghanaian boot but he was not going to get much sympathy from his coach.

“I broke mine three or four times,” said Klinsmann. “It’s alright. He’ll be alright in a few days ...”

Today’s Matches 5:00 PM 8:00 PM 11:00 PM

Australia v Spain v Cameroon v

Japan To Keep Attacking

Group G match against

GOALKEEPER Kawashima played as Ivory Coast came from behind to win Saturday’s Group C clash 2-1, as strikes from Wilfried Bony and Gervinho reversed Keisuke Honda’s opener.

The defeat means Alberto Zaccheroni’s men face a difficult task to qualify from the pool, and they face a potential make-orbreak encounter with Greece who were humbled 3-0 by

Germany Have Touched Perfection

THE German press has reacted with astonished delight to Germany’s 4-0 win over Portugal, lavishing praise on hat trick hero Thomas Muller and coach Joachim Low. Die Nationalmannschaft swept woeful Portugal aside in Salvador to reawaken memories of Italy 1990, when a 4-1 win over Yugoslavia in the opening match paved the way for what would be the crowning of the pre-reunification generation.

Twenty-four years on, the hammering of Portugal left the German public with “more than just a good feeling,” as broadsheet Suddeutsche Zeitung put it in a headline, while Sport Bild, quoting a Venezuelan network, reported Argentina legend Diego Maradona as saying that “Germany have touched perfection.”

“This will make Joachim Low’s job a bit easier,” the paper said. “He had been under fire after the European Championship knockout against Italy in 2012. Now the Bundestrainer, despite all the distractions in the run-up, has perfectly prepared the team and taken the DFB XI into their 100th match at a World Cup. There are a few indications that, in retrospect, it might be much more than just a nice anniversary match.”

Berliner Kurier had a picture of Muller and Sami Khedira

celebrating one of the Germany goals, and a smiling Michael Schumacher in the bottom right corner. “Schumi awake, Portugal swept away 4-0 — Oh Happy Day,” it headlined.

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung singled out Low for “finding the right solutions” and said: “The Guardiola-like structure, the holding midfield around [Philipp] Lahm, turned out to be the key decision in the centre of the game.

“Also the surprising modification of seeking playful and attacking luck with Mario Gotze was a subtle answer to the huge challenge in the opening match.”

The third main broadsheet in Germany, Die Welt, said that — for now — the optimists had won over the pessimists.

“It was an ecstatic, a wonderful win in which we should rejoice,” it said. “Of course, this win can only be the first step towards the pinnacle on which the golden trophy is placed. But it was big step. It not only takes the German team three points closer to the last 16, but moreover is proof of their strength against a strong opponent.”

The tabloid Express praised Muller for having the “killer gene,” and Bild wondered whether the Germany attacker, who has now scored eight times in only seven World Cup games, could target Ronaldo’s all-time tournament record of 15 goals.

“Should he keep on scoring, that’s anything but unrealistic,” it said.

Netherlands Chile Croatia

Germany’s Thomas Muller celebrates scoring his team’s third goal, his second goal for the match, against Portugal during their 2014 World Cup match.

Colombia in their opening game - on Thursday.

But despite the mounting pressure, Kawashima is adamant Japan have no intention of sitting back in Natal.

“For four years now we have focused on attack,” he told FIFA.com. “We want to keep the ball and move it forward, using all of our qualities and technical ability to score goals.

This is how we will play. We will attack.

“This is the way Japan should play. Japanese players have very good technique and the agility to play fast. This is the way of football that is comfortable and natural to us.”

While Kawashima’s main role in the team is to prevent the opposition from scoring, the Standard Liege keeper believes he also has an important part to play in Japan’s attack.

He added: “It’s my duty to support the team when we struggle. My role is to stop the opponents’ shots, and I try to support from behind so the forward players can go right for goal.

“It may sound strange, but I have to do my part to begin the attacks.”

German Star Dedicates Victory To Schumacher

GERMANY forward Lukas Podolski dedicated his nation’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Portugal to his friend Michael Schumacher, who awoke from

Michael Schumacher

a six-month coma on Monday.

Podolski, who joined the

action as an 82nd minute substitute, said the Germany squad had been lifted by the news about the retired seventime Formula One world champion.

Schumacher suffered a serious head injury in a skiing accident last December.

“It is important to all of us to hear that news that he’s come out of hospital,” Podolski said. “He’s doing well and he’s getting better and it’s really good news.

“When you hear the news about a good friend it always

helps and you get a little bit of a boost and I was very happy when I heard about the news.

“He’s a good guy and he’s also crazy about football.

Maybe he watched the game or he knew about the result. Yeah if we win the title of course it would also be for a good friend as well as ourselves.”

Thomas Meuller scored a hat-trick and Mats Hummels headed another as Germany began their quest for a fourth World Cup in menacing fashion at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador.

Portugal Coach Accuses Referee Of Favouring Germany

PORTUGAL coach Paulo Bento suggested the referee was biased in favour of Germany after his side had a penalty awarded against them and a player sent off in their 4-0 World Cup defeat on Monday.

Portugal’s coach Paulo Pepe in the Group G Bento reacts the Group G opener.

Germany went 1-0 football match between ahead through a Thomas Germany and Portugal at the Fonte Nova Arena in Mueller penalty after Mario Goetze wriggled Salvador “These were the two away from Joao Pereira things that seemed to show and was hauled down.

Pepe was sent off for bias and they were both shoving his forehead into decisive,” he told a news Mueller’s before the end conference of the penalty of the first half. decision after 12 minutes “The penalty was and the 37th-minute sending-off of defender forced,” added Bento, seemingly suggesting that

Paulo Bento

Protesters March Through Natal

AROUND 200 anti-World Cup protesters gathered in the city of Natal before Monday’s match between the U.S. and Ghana to demonstrate against the cost of hosting the tournament.

Demonstrations against the cost of the World Cup — the most expensive and lucrative in history, with $11.5 billion having been spent by Brazil so far — began when the country hosted the Confederations Cup last summer, and have continued.

Many feel the money would have been better spent addressing the country’s problems with poverty, education, healthcare and transport — but in a nationally televised speech last week, president Dilma Rousseff urged “pessimists” to back the tournament.

On Monday, protesters were joined by striking union workers as they called for more to be spent on education and healthcare. They

claimed the government had put the World Cup above the well-being and safety of Brazilian citizens.

Their anger was fuelled by the heavy rainfall that has brought

THE AC Milan great says youthful exuberance is no longer an excuse for Italy striker’s wayward behaviour and that he must start producing on a consistent basis Paolo Maldini has told Mario Balotelli he is now at an age where he should be mature enough to rise above the behavioural troubles that have plagued his career.

The striker scored the winner as Italy beat England 2-1 on Saturday, with many backing the AC Milan player to at last perform on a consistent basis and develop into the star he has long been tipped to become.

Balotelli has never been

far from trouble during spells at Inter, Manchester City and Milan, and Maldini says now is the time for the 23-yearold to show he has learned from his mistakes.

The Milan great told Gazzetta dello Sport: “He has played a lot and a lack of experience can no longer be an excuse.

“I hope that he has found the peace of mind that he needs and that he becomes an important player on the field.

“He is now at an age where he should be mature.

There is nothing better than a World Cup to become a real man and a real player and to consecrate his talent.”

Off the field, Balotelli has

floods and landslides to some areas of Natal, and protester

Sepp Blatter

Daniele Gomez Silva, a student, told Reuters: “It seems the government is more worried about providing security to the Americans who are arriving to the stadium or making a good impression for the tourists.”

The protesters were prevented from reaching the stadium by police.

Meanwhile, police in another host city, Curitiba, fired rubber bullets at demonstrators after another 200-strong antiWorld Cup protest.

News website G1 reported that the protesters stopped a bus that was carrying fans to the Iran-Nigeria match and barricaded some streets with piles of burning rubbish.

After some protesters dispersed, others returned to the city centre. Police said the protesters attempted to storm banks before the rubber bullets were fired.

Balotelli Can’t Make Excuses - Maldini at least showed signs of

emotional maturity after

Balotelli

announcing his engagement to girlfriend Fanny Neguesha.

Mueller, who was sitting on the turf when an incensed Pepe came back to accost him, was guilty of instigating the situation that had the Portugal defender red carded by Milorad Mazic of Serbia.

“I don’t know if he was sent off because of his reputation,” said the coach.

“I’m not saying it was the referee’s fault only,” he added. “We did make mistakes, not only in our defence but also in the sharpness of our attack.

“For us the game was over by halftime and although we tried a bit in

the second half, we didn’t show much either.

Germany controlled the game by holding the ball and the two decisions threw us out of balance.”

Bento said he faced having to make several changes in the next match against the U.S. in Manaus on Sunday with Pepe suspended and Fabio Coentrao and Hugo Almeida going off injured on Monday.

“The initial prognosis does not look good,” he said of their chances of appearing in the next game.

THREE Chinese football fans have died after staying up all night to watch World Cup matches broadcast from Brazil, reports said yesterday.

The report said a 39year-old Shanghai man died on Sunday after watching World Cup games for three consecutive nights.

It added that the man, identified only by the surname Zhou, died of a stroke while watching the match between Uruguay and Costa Rica.

It said that he had been in reasonable health but had a history of high blood pressure, the newspaper said.

Another 25-year-old

man was found dead at his computer room at 7 am on Saturday in the eastern city of Suzhou, Jiangsu province.

The official provincial news website reported that he died of suspected exhaustion after watching a World Cup group match between Chile and Australia.

Former professional footballer Li Mingqiang, 51, died from a heart attack in the north-eastern city of Shenyang on Saturday after watching the game between Spain and the Netherlands.

The report said that Li’s friends called emergency services but they were unable to revive him.

3 Chinese Fans Die

Messi Denies Snubbing Mascot LIONEL Messi has denied deliberately ‘snubbing’ a mascot before Argentina’s opening game against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Barcelona star appeared to leave the small child hanging as he stretched out his hand before both sides’ World Cup opener, and Messi was asked about the incident at a press conference on Monday.

“How could it be that

I did not want to greet the boy?” Messi said. “I just did not realise he was there. In fact, I spoke to two other children in the line.

“I would never do such a thing when I have a nephew and young son, I would never do such a thing with a boy.”

Here is Messi’s ‘snub’. Do we believe that he really didn’t see the kid? Well, yes, of course we do.

Ashiru Hails Nigeria’s Participation In World Para-Talkwondo Championships

GEORGE Ashiru, President, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) on Monday said the nation’s maiden participation in the forthcoming World P a r a - Ta e k w o n d o Championships in Russia was a welcome development.

Ashiri told newsmen in Lagos, that one athlete would represent the country at the championships scheduled for June 19 to June 22 in Moscow.

“This is the first time we

will participate in the World P a r a - t a e k w o n d o championships and it is a plus for the development of taekwondo.

“We have been nursing the ambition of expanding our participation beyond competitions for the able bodied. I believe this is the right step in the right direction.

“This is an avenue for us to have a good relationship with the International Parataekwondo body and also feature in subsequent

competitions,’’ he said.

The president said the participation would usher in a positive drive that would assist in promoting the sport at the grassroots.

He added that the federation had set up a complementary

commission to monitor the progress of the sport at grassroots.

Meanwhile, Damilare Agboola, the athlete who will represent Nigeria at the championships, said that he had prepared adequately for the competition.

He said that he was hopeful of having a good outing and commended NTF for the ensuring his participation.

The athlete added that it would create more awareness about the sport and also attract more physically challenged people to engage in it.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity given to me to represent the country. I have prepared very well to ensure that I put in my best.

“With this participation, more people will get to know about Para-taekwondo,’’ he said.

World Junior Games 45 Athletes In Camp RENOWNED athletics coach Tobias Igwe on Monday said that 45 athletes were currently in camp in Sapele, Delta, in preparation for the forthcoming World Junior Games, holding in America.

Igwe told newsmen in Lagos that the camp opened on April 4 to select athletes to represent the country at the championship, tagged “Oregon 2014”, from July 22 to July 27.

About 2, 500 athletes are expected to participate in the championships in Oregon.

“We are gearing up, the athletes are focused which is important. They are hard working, so they are good to go. I am in charge of the girls for 400 metres.

“For now, their best time falls between 52 minutes and 54 minutes, which is not

bad? It can be better, I’m positive that we will clinch a medal in 400 metres relay race.

“We have been in camp for long, which is good. We will get good results,’’ Igwe fondly called Toblow, said.

The athletics coach said that the forthcoming Calabar Tracks and Field championships from June 19 to June 21 would serve as a benchmark to asses the performance of the junior athletes.

The last edition of the World Junior Games was held in Barcelona, Spain, in 2012.

Team Nigeria experienced delay in issuance of visa by the Spanish Embassy which resulted in their late arrival in Barcelona.

The late arrival consequently affected the performance of the athletes who did not win any medal.

Nigeria’s Kenneth Omerue contested for the ball against an Iranian player during their 2014 World Cup

NCF Wants Inclusion Of Cricket In National Fiesta THE Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) on Monday appealed to the National Sports Commission (NSC) to include cricket in the forthcoming National

Sports Festival (NSF).

The 19th National Sports Festival will hold from Nov. 27 to Dec. 10, in Calabar.

The President of NCF, Emeka Onyeama, told newsmen in Abuja that no

games should be pushed aside.

He said even the sports that were not counted as relevant sports in Nigeria still had their international pathway that could get youths employed if taken as a career.

Onyeama urged the commission to make NSF open to all sports, including

Zenith Bank Women’s B’ball Playoffs

FCT Angels Pick Femi Ticket FCT Angels of Abuja on Monday defeated IGP Queens of Lagos 68-64 in their final group match in the ongoing Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball Championship Playoffs in Lagos.

The victory ensured the qualification of the Abuja team for the semi-finals of the playoffs.

Angels won two of the three matches they played in the group A in the preliminaries of the of the playoffs.

The Coach of Angels, Sunday Assah, told newsmen on the sidelines of the match

that his team had performed well to earn a semi-finals spot.

“We played well to earn our spot in the semi-finals stage; it is our first semi-final in our two years experience of playing in the playoffs.

“We are happy and very proud of our achievements in this year’s campaign, so, we look forward for the semi-final match.

“The players are more confident and ready for the next stage of the competition,’’ Assah said.

Theresa Mac-Dangusu, Angel’s Assistant Captain, said that they had worked hard to beat IGP

Queens.

She said the team was full of hope to meet their opponents in the semi-finals.

“We are exited about our win, we will be playing with more fire as we go into the next stage, because right now we fear nobody,’’ MacDangusu said.

IGP Queens had the game in their hands leading in all the four quarters of the game but lost their composure toward the end in the regulation time.

IGP Queens recorded 19-10, 32-26 and 46-42 scorelines in the three quarters but allowed

Angels to tie the match at 62-62 few seconds before regulation time.

FCT Angel’s player, Ebere Okeke led her team to victory by scoring a total of 24 points.

The Police team coach, Abraham Ogaba said that girls lost the match due to inexperience.

“We were careless in the dying seconds of the match; my players became wasteful with the ball and were not as determined as they were when they were leading.

“They made many mistakes and allowed FCT Angels get back into the game and snatched

the victory from their hands.

“However, we are still a young team and we will continue to build and gather the necessary experience we need to thrive in the competition,’’ Ogaba said.

FCT Angels came second behind First Bank of Lagos who had recorded two straight games and ahead on points in the group stage.

FCT Angels lost their first group match to First Bank.

The Angels await the winner between First Deepwater of Lagos and Dolphins Club of Lagos in the last group A match to know their semi-finals pairing.

cricket, adding “they will be shocked at the other sports that many youths have interest in.

“We will continue to plead with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to use their position, their own platform, to make sure that all games are represented at the National Sports Festival.

“Everybody cannot be a footballer or be in athletics, each sport has its international pathway.

“Even the least important sport has its international bodies with the potential that can give someone a career.

“Crickets and every other sport that is not represented in NSF should be included to help our youths to develop their game of interest,’’ he said.

Onyeama said the NSF was the only national avenue where new talents could be showcased, stressing that “all sports have the potential of making the country proud’’.

He said the federation was committed to sustenance of the sport in the country through its inclusion as part of the extracurricular activity in all secondary schools.

CMYK

In The Eyes Of The International Community BY now the best way to describe Edo state governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, would be to refer to the biblical injunction which states that a prophet is without honour even in his place. That much was demonstrated on Monday, May 9, 2014 , when Peter Carter, Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, came to Government House, Benin City, on a mission that left no one in doubt, a message that the international community not only appreciates the governor’s development commitment to the state but also are aware of the level of his seriousness to seeing that development indices are self evident everywhere across the state. The envoy, who was in the state to kickstart what he referred to a relationship that will be of mutual benefit to both the state and the United Kingdom, expressed the satisfaction of his home government about the governor’s development strides He equally made known the UK’s willingness to collaborate with the administration in the realisation of its set objectives in the areas of human capital development, economic diversification, arts and culture. The deputy high commissioner also informed the governor that his home governor was willing to assist the Oshiomhole administration provide basic teaching skills for teachers in the state.

It is on record that Carter’s visit is not the first time members of the international community have come to the state with offers to collaborate with the Oshiomhole administration. What is important with the visits is that having assessed and concluded that the administration has taken (is still taking) well considered steps towards ensuring that the state becomes a yardstick for ensuring sustainable development in the country. they took the well considered option of collaborating with it ostensibly to encourage other state governments on the need to pursue people oriented programmes. To the administration’s credit, a team from both the European Union, United States of America, USA, UNICEF and a number of others have been in the state for the same purpose.

Uniquely

however, the visit of the British envoy brought to the fore the fact that members of the international community have identified the administration as a credible example of good governance. In other words, they have made the point that the Oshiomhole administration has performed commendably well enough to attract the attention of genuine investors across the globe.

Of course, the best way to demonstrate that confidence is the visit of representatives of very credible agents of leading global governments and international organizations.

Remarkably, the visit by the british envoy is target specific-a proof that his home government is abreast of the state’s development needs. For instance, one of the areas it wishes to collaborate with the Oshiomhole administration is on the need to re-energise economic diversification policy. Others include, boosting its quest to acquaint its public school teachers with basic teaching skills and adding pep to its human capital development drive.

No one needs to rationalise the reasons behind the selection here as each of them is very instrumental to economic development. For instance, It has been argued that the time has come for the country to consider taking concrete steps towards implementing its diversification and privatisation policies. For a start, stakeholders are united on the need to move away from its current mono economy anchored almost entirely on revenue acruing from crude oil given that it is not inexhaustible. For so long, even as the need to diversify the economy has been adjudged inevitable, it is on record that attempts by the federal government to concretise the decision has cosmetic, more or less.

Thankfully however, it appears that some state governments, led by Edo and Delta, decided not to be affected by the lethagy at the centre. Even at that, there is an urgent need to accelerate the diversification process as it represents the only viable option for a truly sustainable economic growth and ensuring that the country reap the bounty of its, for example, overwhelming agricultural potentials. This is the same point the British envoy made when he noted that the country must begin to look beyond oil as its major revenue earner since it is increasingly becoming clear that oil as a major source of energy is not only

exhaustible but also on the decline That, he added, is part of the reasons his home government decided to visit the state with a view to finding possible avenues for cooperation.

On his part, the governor made the point that indeed, diversification has become an inevitable option the country must not delay its full implementation if it is truly committed to sustainable development. However, in

policies.

The governor pointed out that across the globe, economic development is dependent, in the main, on stable power supply. That perhaps explains why Nigerians celebrated severally, attempts by the central government to privatize the sector, believing that it is genuine. But as it turned out, the process has proven to be more of a policy decision in name as the

Matters In Focus With ERNEST OMOARELOJIE remains high as it currently is, businesses would be stiffled as non will be able to meet its financial obligations at its current 20 per cent rate before reaching any level of profitability. The case would be different if interest rate is in single digit.

The governor showed particular interest, for obvious reasons, in the intention of the British

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Governor what appears to be In an obvious attempt to prove that Edo state recognises the danger in mono economy, the governor pointed out that the state has undertaken a number of development initiatives that are not the result of oil funds. He ascribe the success of the project to deliberate and concerted agricultural policies.

According to him, the state achieved the feat due largely to its decision to develop not only the service sector but also the entrepreneurial potentials of the people in order that they may become self sufficient.

Regrettably, the governor pointed out that even as the diversification option is an official federal government policy, there are still a number of certain government self imposed impediments that have no business in present day diversification or privatisation reality. He cited the examples of half hearted power privatisation and inappropriate monetary

federal government still maintains a monopoly of sort over vital economic main planks, including power generation. For instance, non of those involved in power generation is allowed to independently sell what it generates as only the central government has the monopoly.

“There are impediments to diversification. No state can develop power independently without selling it first to the federal monopoly. In other words, we still have issues with power reform as the power sector is still centralised,” Oshiomhole pointed out.

The Comrade governor, as he is better known, also frowned at the issue of inappropriate monetary policy which he noted is obviously against the principles of entrepreneurial development.

He emphasised that there is the need for a single digit interest regime if business is to thrive in the country.

According to him, if interest

government, as enumerated by the envoy, to collaborate with his administration in providing basic teaching skills for teachers in public schools in the state. His interest is obviously not unconnected with the administration’s desire raise the educational standard of its public schools given the premium importance the sector is placed. Not least is the fact that for some time, the administration has had to contend with the challenge of making the teachers themselves see the need to be acquainted with basic

teaching requirements in order to be effective in the discharge of their professional obligation. In the main, the real challenge is that despite making the point that all investment in the education sector may amount to an exercise in futility if the teachers lack what is required to make them function well, the teachers refused to undergo the prescribed competency test solution as they adjudged it, having been politicized, a backdoor attempt to relieve them of their appointments.

Despite the set back, the administration has not relented on its determination to pursue the objective given its intrinsic relevance to the overall development of education in the state. Arguably, the offer by the British government to be of help may turn out to be the needed panacea particularly as it is familiar with issues at stake. The reality is not lost on the administration. Even more so is the fact that what needs to be done must be done fast to stem the rot in the system because as the governor puts it, the need for, for example, competency test arose only because a lot of people who have no reason being in the classroom are there as teachers.

“No training has been conducted for them over the years even though a lot of people in the classrooms are not qualified teachers.

Secondly, despite the fact that state policy is clear that no one must be a teacher without obtaining basic teaching qualification, they found their way through political patronage of successive governments.

We are aware that any other initiative in the education sector, including new school buildings, will amount to nothing if the right man power initiative is not put in place. That is why we initiated the assessment test. Although it became a major political issue, we are determined to ensure that it is conducted as we must find a satisfactory solution soon.”

This may well be the satisfactory solution.

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