Nigerian observer 19 02 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 38 NO. 423 •WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 . N 100.00 MIDWEEK MAGAZINE Pages 16-17 Leadership and sustainability of democracy

Senate approves ministerial nominees

By JOSES SEDE

ABUJA - Senate of the Federal Republic yesterday confirmed ministerial nominees forwarded to them by President Goodluck Jonathan last month

with a call that they work hard to further the cause of the administration’s transformation agenda.

In his remark after the screening and

confirmation, presiding Senate President David Mark noted that those confirmed must bring additional value to bear on their appointments,

stressing, they are not to run an independent government and that they should not see themselves as masters but as servants of the people.

Those confirmed Continues on page 2

Development Of Edo Central

NEW HORIZON Page 20

Paradise lost and regained

Royal fathers praise Oshiomhole

By ADAMS OYIBOKE

BENIN CITY - Royal fathers in Edo Central Senatorial district have commended Governor Adams Oshiomhole for fast-tracking development in their domains. respect of the road Led by the Onojie of networks in Edo State and Opoji, Ehidiamen 1, the royal fathers who paid a visit to the Governor in his office, yesterday, said that no other governor since the days of MidWest State has given recognition to royal fathers as the Governor Oshiomhole.

According to the Onojie, who spoke on behalf of his brother royal fathers, “we want to commend you for all you’ve been doing in

we in Edo Central look forward to more in this year’s budget.

“We don’t see you as an Etsako man, the Esogban of Benin, Kingdom once said

Oshiomhole is a Benin man, we are today saying you are an Esan man, because what we have not received from past Governors, you have done it for the Esan

people.

“The Esan people are indeed grateful to you and I’m asked to thank you specially by the traditional people that before your administration, since we

Oshiomhole confirms AAU VC’s appointment

BENIN CITY Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has confirmed the appointment of Professor Cordelia Agbebaku as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the stateowned Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, saying the government’s decision was borne out of the fact that the Vice Chancellor has brought stability and development to the university.

The Governor made

the disclosure when he received traditional rulers from Edo Central Senatorial district who were at the Government House, Benin City.

According to him, “we are confirming the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University. I believe she brought some stability to the institution.

They tried to politicise the whole thing by bringing ethnicity into it, but Edo will be driven by merit because we recognize merit.

Continues on page 2

TIT BIT “It may be praise-worthy for the man who spoke at all, than the man, who never spoke... but it is always safer for the man, who never spoke, than the man who spoke silence is golden when done appropriately.”

- Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

VISIT: L-R: HRH Samuel Obade II, Onojie of Ugbegun, HRH Ehidiamen I, Onojie of Opoji and Governor Adams Oshiomhole at the presentation of a certificate signed by royal fathers in Edo Central conferring the title of Adolo of Esan on the Governor during a visit to the Governor in his office yesterday.

got the Mid-West state to Bendel and then Edo State, we have had both military and civilian governors, none has given more recognition than the present Governor of Edo State, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole.

“We are indeed very grateful and we want to assure you that we will continue to partner with you in all your programmes that will bring development to the whole Edo people.”

The Governor who thanked the royal fathers for the visit said the government has approved the appointment of Prof Cordelia Agbebaku as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the Ambrose Alli University because of her track records.

According to him, “we are confirming the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University. I believe she brought some stability to the institution. They tried to politicise the whole thing by bringing ethnicity into it, but Edo will be driven by merit because we recognize merit.”

He thanked the royal fathers for the support that they have extended

2015: APC hires Foreign Consultant

ABUJA - The All Progressives Congress (APC) said it has engaged the services of an international political consulting firm, AKPD Message and Media, “to boast its electoral chances in the upcoming elections”.

The APC Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said in a statement yesterday in

Abuja that the U.S. firm has a strong reputation for supporting leading populist movements across the globe.

“As a party destined to bring change and

succour to all Nigerians, APC is proud and excited to work with one of the foremost exponents of change in the world,” the statement said.

It said that the Chicago-

based firm was best known for its leading role in President Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012.

“AKPD Message and

Continues on page 2

Media has worked with key Democratic Party candidates throughout the U.S., with a reputation for supporting leading populist movements Continues on page 2

Prisons, Police officials foil jail break break by the inmates

By ROLAND OSAKUE

BENIN CITY - Luck ran out of two inmates at the Benin Prisons,

along Sapele Road yesterday when their attempts to jump through the high perimeter fence around the prison walls

were foiled by the vigilant mobile policemen and prison officers.

The attempted jail

which occurred at about 5.30pm, however led to tension and palpable Continues on page 2

News

Senate approves ministerial nominees

Continued from page 1 included, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro (Lagos), Hon. Muhammad Wakil (Borno), Abduljelili Oyewale Adesiyan (Osun), Amb. Aminu Wali (Kano), Mrs. Akron Etim Eyakenyi (Akwa-Ibom), Lawrencia Labaran Malam (Kaduna), Dr Tamuno W Danagogo (Rivers), Asabe Asmau Ahmed (Niger), Gen.

Aliu Gusau Muhammed (rtd) (Zamfara), Mr Boni Haruna (Adamawa), and Dr. Khaliru Alhassan (Sokoto).

However, confirmation of Hadijia Jamila Salik ( Kano), was stood down till another legislative day. Yesterday makes the second time screening and confirmation of

APC hires Foreign Consultant

Continued from page 1 across the globe.”

APC claimed it had been working with the firm for the past few months, adding: “we shall leverage on the firm’s skill, experience and expertise throughout the upcoming campaign cycle”.

It said that company’s track record could be seen in political climate similar to Nigeria’s, including Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana.

It said that the partnership with the firm was an indication that the process of change in Nigeria had already begun and would not be stopped.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s political activities are gathering momentum with governorship elections scheduled to hold in Ekiti and Osun states on June 21, and

Prisons, Police officials foil jail break Continued from page 1 fears in the ancient city,

as passers-by who saw the inmates at the high barbed wire fence quickly contacted the prison officers and other security agents who promptly swung into action.

When The NIGERIAN OBSERVER visited the scene, the premises was cordoned off as the prison officers were seen wearing stern faces, well-armed, moving round the prison premises, apparently to douse the seeming tension.

An officer of the Prison Service, who refused his name on print told our reporter that the officers were doing their routine checks in their rooms when two of the inmates awaiting trial suddenly escaped and climbed the fence. When they were sited by mobile police officers, they released shots into the air.

The officer also explained that the officers on guard had no option but to climb the high fence to overtake them before the assistance of other officers.

All attempts to reach the Comptroller of Prisons in Benin, Mr Epowa however proved abortive as at the time of this report.

August 9 respectively.

The highlight of the activities is the scheduled presidential and National Assembly elections on February 14, while the governorship and state assembly elections are slated to hold on February 28, 2015.

the ministerial nominee is being stood down. No reason was given for the postponement.

The confirmation of Abduljelili Oyewale Adesiyan (Osun) was not without hitches, as Senator Olusola Adeyeye (Osun Central) rose in opposition of his confirmation on the premise that he had once been accused of having a hand in the murder of late Chief Bola Ige. In his opposition, Senator Adeyeye announced that the three senators from Osun state had opposed the nomination of Adesiyan, adding that besides this case,

they have always cooperated with the presidency in previous nominations amounting to five.

“We oppose this nomination because we do not believe his appointment will best serve the good of the country. He spoke at length”, even though he has denied killing Ige, should he be the only citizen to represent Osun State, the senator continued, but he was interrupted by Senator Mark, who remarked that: “this House cannot become a law court where we can arrest and prosecute. I do not see how your privilege has been tampered with”.

The SP therefore put the question and the nomination of Adesiyan was confirmed.

Obazele as the Head of Service of Edo State.

“Your action has again shamed your critics who believed you do not love the Esan people. We are particularly happy because you have not lived short of the responsibility of the Adolor of Esanland. When you appreciate any good, it is an indication that you expect more good. Sir, we

Professor Cordelia Agbebaku

Oshiomhole confirms AAU VC’s shall ever remain grateful to Continued from page 1 appointment you”, he added.

“We will continue to do our

best to make the point that

Edo is one and the same.

Politics of ethnicity is promoted by people who do not have ideas and there is nothing that is good for the Bini man that is bad for the Esan man and there is nothing that is good for the Esan man that is bad for the Bini man.

“Politicians create this divide. One of my objectives is to remind ourselves of our common ancestry and common dialect. I want to thank you for all you are doing to promote the cause of peace and sharing information with security agencies that has led to the reduction of crime in the state”, he said.

The royal fathers from Edo Central were led by the Onojie of Opoji, Ehidiamen 1, who thanked the Governor for the development in their domains said “we recall with nostalgia that in your first tenure as the governor of the state, you sacrificed the position of Speaker of the House of Assembly that was in your area to Esan people. This gesture of yours has again demonstrated how much you appreciate the Esan people appointing Mr. Jerry

Royal fathers praise Oshiomhole Continued from page 1 to his administration, adding

that they have been of tremendous help in shaping the policies of this government.

“We will continue to do our best to make the point that Edo is one and the same. Politics of ethnicity is promoted by people who do not have ideas and there is nothing that is good for the Bini man that is bad for the Esan man and there is nothing that is good for the Esan man that is bad for the Bini man.

“Politicians create this divide.

One of my objectives is to remind ourselves of our common ancestry and common dialect. I want to thank you for all you are doing to promote the cause of peace and sharing information with security agencies that has led to the reduction of crime in the state”, he said.

The Governor who said he

visited Edo Central at the weekend to inspect the ongoing construction works in the area expressed satisfaction that the jobs would be completed in scheduled time.

He said: “we have completed the road design for Ekpoma, and that work would commence this quarter in spite of the fact that there is a radical drop in our revenue. You have heard on the media, Edo State share is part of that.

“This year, we will flag off additional roads and we are also going to build more schools. I am committed to doing my very best so that when I am out of here when anybody comes tomorrow, he cannot give excuses. Nigeria has to change.

No country in the world has all the money, but if you have the will and determination, you would impact on the lives of the people”, he said.

volume of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) popularly known as Kerosene imported or refined in Nigeria for local consumption finds its way to Nigeria’s neighboring countries even as some of it is used for construction and other industrial purposes.

He further added that pipeline vandalism and sharp practices of some middlemen in the sector were also responsible for the shortages recorded in the distribution of kerosene.

“It is the wish of the government to make kerosene available. But our research from when we came is a total different picture to compare with the good intention of the government. It is diverted to neighbouring countries. It is also used for production and construction”, Momoh said.

The PPMC MD however told

of Kerosene, “the purpose of ensuring that it reaches the Nigerian people at the official price of N50 is outside my purview”.

Momoh also revealed that 11 millions Liters of Kerosene are being supplied on daily basis at the cost of 40.9k.

He further stated that Kerosene supply in the country was done from two major sources which included importation and local production

by NNPC. He detailed the statistics of general supplies of kerosene between 2010 and 2013 to stand at 6,944,831.3 metric tons According to him, a total of 2515,582.44 metric tons was supplied in 2010, 1,9922.262 in 2011, 2,66843.020 while 2671747.9 metric tons were supplied in 2013.

Kerosene Scam: NNPC GMD in Committee that though his dilemma the organization is a bulk supplier ABUJA - It was a mild drama

By EDITH IMOISILI.

yesterday as House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) headed by Hon Dakuku Adol Peterside currently investigating the kerosene subsidy scam put the question to the Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Andrew Yakubu who was unable to answer.

He was asked, “on whose authority does NNPC get subsidy?” And he was unable to give a concrete answer as he kept evading the question several times.

This took place at the investigating hearing on supply, distrubution, expedition and subsidy on kerosene.

While the Managing Director of Product Pricing and Marketing Company (PPMC).

Mr. Haruna Momoh told the Committee that the Greater

Tribunal orders re-run of Esan N’East Chairmanship BENIN CITY – The Edo election State Local Government Election Tribunal sitting in Benin City and presided over

by Justice Alero Eruaga has nullified the chairmanship election held on October 22, 2013 in Esan North East local government area of Edo State.

Consequently, the Tribunal also urged the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to accordingly conduct a re-run election for the chairmanship seat in Esan North East Local Government Area. She also ruled that parties (petitioners and respondents) should bear their costs.

Delivering the four hours judgement yesterday, Justice Eruaga, leading Justice Emma Aikhomojie and Justice Umugbe (Mrs.) evoked section 167(D) of the Evidence Act against the 5th and 6th respondents in the petition (Electoral Officer and Returning Officer who were assigned by the 3 rd respondent (EDSIEC) to conduct election in the locality.

Justice Eruaga said the 6th respondents absconded from his duty post and left the electoral process in crisis, which however, did not assist in the process of collating and declaring result before the parties in the local government. He further stated that section 45.7 of the Edo State Electoral Act inbuilds on the 6th respondent to firstly announce the result in the local government and not at the EDSIEC office in Benin City.

On the two different scores presented by the petitioner (John Ehibhationman Yakubu)

and the 1st respondent (Samuel A. Oboh), the Chairman of the Tribunal said it was not in their position to collate the election result as it would amount to approbation and reprobation at the same time.

He said, “on the scores of candidates, we will not continue to do that now as it will amount to the Tribunal to approbate and reprobate at the same time since the 6th respondent could not do his part in the process.

Not even the Tribunal petitioner or respondents can put on the toga of the Returning officer who ascended from his duty.”

Justice Eruage noted that burden of proof lies with the petitioner, who called thirtyseven witnesses to prove its case, while the 1 st and 3 rd respondents called ten and three witness respectively in their defence. He pointed out that the testimonies of the respondent’s witnesses were fatal to the case of the 1 st respondent and could not be accepted by the Tribunal, citing the case of ‘Ngudiri vs Nyako’ “Obasanjo vs Buhair.”

The Tribunal also refused to accept the submission of the learned counsel to the respondents that the agents of the appellant be shut out from hearing, which the Tribunal said was detrimental, citing “Ogunwumi JSA”.

The Tribunal, however, made no directive on when the re-run election would be held in the local government.

Meanwhile, Hon. Samuel Oboh (1 st respondent) has vowed to appeal the decision of the Tribunal, even as he boasted to win any subsequent election in the local government.

BENIN CITY - Edo State Government has banned revenue collection on the highways in the state.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information & Orientation, Mr. Louis Odion, the government said “following incessant reports of extortion and harassment of road users on roads and highways in Edo State, the Edo State Government hereby announces the prohibition of revenue collection under any guise by any person or group

acting on behalf of state or local government.

“Also, the State Government hereby prohibits the operation of Passengers Welfare Scheme in the state with immediate effect.

“Furthermore, the State Government hereby restricts the activities and operations of Drivers Welfare Scheme to designated motor parks and not on our roads or highways.

“This order takes immediate effect as anyone who disobeys it will be summarily dealt with and made to face full weight of the law.”

BENIN CITY- After over twenty five years in oblivion, bus-stop sign-posts have been re-invented into vehicular traffic system in the state by Edo State Government for other commercial vehicles aside the luxurious comrade buses.

Red Bus Stop signs were formally installed at strategic places along major roads in Benin City on Monday by Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Ambassador Orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP).

The Commissioner was assisted by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mallam Alasa Ikhelowa to install the bus-stop sign-post at Asoro Primary School, along Sokponba road, Benin City.

Hon. Omo-Ojo said “After 25 years, we are bringing back the era of bus-stop to Benin City,” adding that all commercial vehicle drivers and operators to avail themselves of the facility.

He warned both operators and drivers to always obey all traffic rules and signs while plying the roads.

Commercial bus drivers at the bus-stop on Sokponba expressed profound gratitude to the state government for designating the bus-stops and providing the sign-posts.

They admitted that the development would be of immense help to the commuters and commercial vehicle drivers as well as make vehicle traffic orderly especially as it would help the commuters to know where to hop in or alight from commercial vehicles.

Govt bans highway revenue collection of persons purporting to be

Edo re-introduces bus-stop for commercial vehicles

News Declare Your Assets, Bureau Urges Dropped Ministers

L-R: Majority Leader House of Representatives Hon. Mulikat Akande, Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo at the Nigerian Women Strategy Conference in Abuja on Monday.

ABUJA - The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has called on the ministers, who were dropped on Wednesday

by President Goodluck Jonathan from the federal cabinet, to declare their assets.

A statement by Mrs. Iyabo Akinwale, Head, Press and Protocol Unit of CCB in Abuja, said the directive was in accordance with “Paragraph 11 of the 5th Schedule, Part One of the 1999 Constitution.

The statement said that the schedule provided that every public officer shall within three months after coming

Philantropist Provides Scholarship To 850 Students

GOMBE - A philanthropist, Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma-Sale, said he provided scholarships to 850 students of Gombe State studying in various institutions in the country in the last four years.

Alhaji Sani Sabo, Coordinator of the Hamma-Saleh Special Scholarship Scheme, said this while presenting cheques to the fourth batch of 350 students of the scheme in Gombe.

He said each of the students got a cheque for N30,000 and that the gesture would be a continuous one.

The coordinator said the programme started in 2010 with 120 students, and that it increased to 150 students in 2011 and 230 students in 2012.

Sabo said priority was given to the less privileged before randomly selecting other beneficiaries.

He said that more than 1,500 students applied for the current period but that only 350 were successful.

The philanthropist called on

the beneficiaries to utilise the money given to them judiciously.

In a message, Hamma-Sale, represented by Alhaji Idris Bapparu, congratulated the beneficiaries on their success in securing the award.

He urged them to count themselves lucky as they were not better than others that did not get the offer.

Kaduna To Build 3,000 Houses ZARIA (KADUNA) - The Kaduna State Government has said that it would build 3,000 houses across the state before the end of this year to accommodate civil servants and the general public.

Alhaji Abdulsalam BabaAhmed, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Country Planning, made disclosure while addressing newsmen in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Baba-Ahmed said 1,000 houses would be built in each of the three senatorial districts of the state through PublicPrivate-Partnership arrangement.

“These houses will be built in Kaduna, Zaria and Kafanchan respectively and very soon construction of 1,000 houses in Zaria will commence alongside other zones.

“We have just got approval for Zaria and it’s due to commence as soon as possible. We want to build an extension of new Zaria.

“That is to have more layouts by expanding the town to become more efficient to contain all sorts of new houses,” he said.

On the target beneficiaries,

the commissioner said they were divided into two categories of civil servants and general public.

“For civil servants, it will be on ‘owner-occupier’ where a civil servant will stay in the house and the money will be deducted from his salary on monthly basis.

“And if he retires, the money will be deducted from his gratuity,’’ he said.

On the demolition at Kaduna Millennium City (Haying-Danbushiya), which

left many people homeless, Baba-Ahmed said government had already acquired the land from its rightful owners and paid them compensation.

“The land belongs to the government and it is being announced on television, newspapers and radio that people should not buy or sale land in the area, but it fell on deaf ears.

“But in spite of that, people are continuously encroaching on the land.

“However, government has no alternative than to reclaim its land and properly reallocate it to people,” he said.

into force of this bureau or immediately after taking office and at the end of every four years, submit to it a written declaration of all properties, assets and liabilities.

The statement, therefore,

urged the ministers who were yet to declare their assets to do so.

Meanwhile, the statement said the CCB was organising a sensitisation workshop for public officers in NAFDAC in line with the mandate of the bureau.

N2.5m Theft Man, 50, Arraigned SANGO-OTA (OGUN) The police in Ogun has arraigned a 50-year-old man, Aliyu Yahaya, for breaking into an office and stealing cash as well as other valuables worth N2.5 million.

Yahaya, of no fixed address, is facing a two-count charge of burglary and stealing in an Ota Magistrates’ Court.

The prosecutor, Insp Olumide Awoleke, told the court that the accused and two others at large committed the offence on January 30, at 6 a.m. at the Ifo College of Management and Technology, Ifo, Ota, Ogun.

Awoleke said that the accused stole N2 million and other valuables worth N500,000 belonging to college.

“The accused and two others at large entered the office after breaking the doors,’’ he said.

He said that the accused was, however, apprehended by a vigilance group in the area and

was handed over to the police.

According to the prosecutor, the offences committed contravened the provisions of sections 413 (1) (2), 515, 516 390 (9) of the Criminal Law of Ogun, 2006.

After the charges were read to the accused, he pleaded not guilty.

The Senior Magistrate, Mrs. A.O. Abimbola, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must be owners of developed property within the court’s jurisdiction and show evidence of tax payment to the Ogun Government within the last one year.

Abimbola also ordered that the sureties swear affidavit of means and submit their passport photographs to the court as part of the bail conditions.

She adjourned the case to March 25 for further hearing.

Taraba To Distribute Fishing Equipments

journalists at news farmers. conference in Jalingo.

The Commissioner for He said that the farmers Agriculture and Rural were those affected in the Development, Alhaji Isa 2012 flood disaster in the Musa, disclosed this to state According to Musa, the centres are: MayoRenewo, Mutum –Biyu, Bali, Ibi, Donga and Takum.

He said that the equipment would include: bundles of fishing nets, pieces of marine nets, floats and sinkers.

Musa said the inputs would ease the sufferings of the fishermen and increased their catch.

Reports state that the Federal Government (FG) had recently donated the fishing equipment to the A Toyota Camry Car with Registration number: Delta WWR 483AE that crashed into the Airport Road State for distribution to the partition by Oba Ovonramwen Square, Benin City yesterday morning. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE. farmers.

JALINGO - The Taraba Government has said that it would soon commence the distribution of fishing equipment to about 2,000

South West Hospital Records 150 Unclaimed Corpses SANGO-OTA (OGUN) Dr Babatunde Banuso, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), State Hospital, Ota in Ogun State, has said that the hospital recorded 150 unclaimed corpses in 2013.

He chief medical director told newsmen in Ota that the corpses were given mass burial on March 22 and March 23, 2013.

Banuso said the corpses included armed robbery suspects killed by the police and accident victims, while some were picked on the road.

He said the hospital management first placed an advertisement in newspapers in case anyone may want to claim any of the corpses.

The hospital chief added that after the expiry date as stipulated in the advertisement, the hospital gave the victims a mass burial.

He explained that the hospital management decided to do the mass burial because of inadequate space in the mortuary “after waiting for a long time for relatives to claim the corpses.’’

He noted that the hospital spent more than N500,000 to carry out the mass burial.

The burial was carried out in conjunction with local government officials, as the local government council gave out its caterpillar for the digging of the grave.

“The situation was beyond the capacity of the hospital as it could not reject accident victims and the armed robbery suspects killed by the police.

“The hospital currently has 60 unclaimed corpses in the morgue, which is also alarming.’’

He said the mortuary was taken over from a private organisation one year ago.

Man Slaughter

A Toyota Camry Car with Registration number: Delta WWR 483AE that crashed into the Airport Road partition by Oba Ovonramwen Square, Benin City yesterday morning. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE.

Man, 40, Hangs Self IBADAN - A 40-yearold man, Anthony Bankole, has committed suicide in Ibadan by hanging himself at his building site at Olodo

Man, 25, Arraigned

OKITIPUPA (ONDO STATE) - The police has arraigned a 25-year-old man, Ilemobayo Arogbo, in an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State for manslaughter.

The accused, who resides at No. 56, Hospital Road, Okitipupa, is standing trial on a two-count charge of dangerous driving and manslaughter.

The police prosecutor, Sgt. Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the accused drove a Toyota Carina II salon car

with registration number DE 765 LND dangerously on the highway.

Orogbemi said that the dangerous driving caused the death of a 20-year-old man, Seun Adegbayi, and also caused damage to an unregistered Qlink motorcycle, property of one Sunday Ogbonah.

The prosecutor said that the accused committed the offences on November 13, 2013 at about 7.30 a.m on the Ayeka-Igbokoda Road in Okitipupa.

Orogbemi said that the offences contravened sections 5 and 6 of the Federal Highway Act, Cap F13, Vol. 6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Magistrate Olalekan Awodeyi granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Awodeyi said the sureties must deposit copies of their national ID cards with the registrar of the court.

He adjourned the case to February 24 for further hearing.

area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

A family source told newsmen that Bankole left his rented apartment at Abayomi area of the metropolis at about 5.49 a.m claiming he was going to use the Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

The source, however, said that shortly after he left, he sent him a text message to inform him of his intention to kill himself.

“I never had an idea that he was going to kill himself because his wife had just died on Saturday.

“I even gave him money for his transport fare and told him not to stay out

The jeep canned into the stationary bus at New Lagos Road, Benin City on Monday. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE.

long.

“He lost his wife on Saturday and she is still in the mortuary; so I thought he needed money to arrange for her burial,” he said.

Reports say that Bankole’s wife, Kemi, who operated a business centre at the University College Hospital (UCH), died on Saturday.

A neighbour also told newsmen that the couple had a fight which led to the death of the woman.

The neighbour said the wife was rushed to UCH

while convulsing, but died immediately she arrived at the hospital.

‘We heard him shouting for help around 2 a.m. on Saturday and with the help of another neighbour, she was rushed to the hospital. “ Meanwhile, she was already foaming from the mouth,” he said.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Diran Fijabi, confirmed the incident to newsmen, saying it was a suicide case.

The corpse had been deposited at the mortuary of Adeoyo Hospital, Yemetu, Ibadan.

Osun Guber Poll

Police Boss Calls For Peaceful Conduct

OSOGBO - Ahead of the governorship election in Osun on August 9, Mrs. Dorothy Gimba, the state Commissioner of Police, has called for peaceful conduct from all residents.

Gimba made the call during a visit to the state Police Command in Osogbo by self-employed workers under the aegis of the Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria (FIWON).

She said that as the election was drawing near, FIWON should make it a priority to educate its members on how to conduct themselves and their families peacefully.

The police boss said the organisation’s strength could open doors of partnership with government and other agencies

to promote peace and security.

She said the police was willing to form a formidable partnership with the organisation in order to promote security and peace in the state.

Gimba also said the present policy of the Force revolved around community policing, adding that FIWON should join local vigilance groups recognised by the police to help minimise crime in the society.

Mr. Olayinka Ibrahim, the state Coordinator of FIWON, thanked the commissioner for the support the group had been receiving from the police in the past.

He called for further cooperation to assist the organisation in its activities.

News Parents Express Confidence In Public School WARRI (Delta) - Some parents and guardians in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta have expressed confidence in public schools in the state.

The residents expressed their feelings in interviews with newsmen in Warri.

They said that they were satisfied with improved education standards in the state.

Mr. Humphrey Tuoyo, Secretary of Ashe-Olu Community in Warri, attributed the improved

standards to the rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools by the state government.

Tuoyo noted that at least 50 schools were recently rehabilitated in the council area.

He said that the rehabilitation made the environment conducive for teaching and learning, and improved school enrollment in Warri.

Another parent, Mrs. Lizy Edema, also expressed delight at the rehabilitation of schools.

“ We have never experienced what we are seeing today in our primary and secondary schools before now.

“Most of our schools in Warri are wearing a new look, and the classrooms are now equipped with modern learning facilities such as white boards, good desks, chairs and ceiling fans, “she noted.

Edema commended the state government for the renovation,

Uhunmwangho, the Okaiya of Evbuozegbo Isi in Uhunmwode local government area of Edo state, will be buried on Friday, February 21, 2014, after a lyingin-state at his residence on number 46 Osemwende Street, Off Second East Circular Road, Benin City by 9:00 am, followed by interment and service of songs at the same venue by 3:00 pm.

On Saturday, February 22, 2014, a social dance in honour of the deceased will hold at Saint Mulumba Catholic Church field along Murtala Muhammed way,

close to Edo College, Benin City.

There will be interdenominational service at the Church of God Mission, Iguodala Branch, Off Murtala Muhammed way, Benin City by 8:00am.

Late Uhunmwangho who died on November 24, 2013, is survived by one wife, Mrs. Vero Aigbe, eleven children, eighteen grand children, three brothers and three sisters, including Mr. Murphy Aigbe Nekpen Uwague, Johnbull Aigbe, Miss. Enouyi Aigbe. He was 86.

and called on other parents and guardian to relocate their children and wards to public schools due to the transformation.

She said: “Apart from the conducive learning environment,

there are more qualified teachers in public schools than we have in private schools.”

Another woman, Mrs Blessing Okoro, told newsmen: Many private schools in the state cannot

provide these facilities we now have in public schools.’’

She appealed to teachers to reciprocate the government’s gesture by being more committed to their duties.

Uhunmwangho For Burial

THE remains of the Late Chief Aigbe Emmanuel

Late Chief Aigbe Emmanuel

Barr Esokpunwu Goes Home BENIN CITY – The death has occurred of Barrister Osayuwamen Frank Esokpunwu, aged 33 years.

Barr. Esokpunwu died on the 20th of January, 2014 at the UBTH, during a brief illness.

Until his death, he was a legal practitioner with H. O. Osatohanmwen (Onaiwu) chambers, Benin City.

The late Barr. Frank Esokpunwu, was born on October 12, 1980 to Mr. Y. A Esokpunwu and Mrs. M. O.

Barrister Osayuwamen Frank Esokpunwu

Esokpunwu.

Popularly called “the politician, the senator”, because he was very vast in political issues, the late Barr.

Frank Esokpunwu was a very focused young man full of

life, very respectful, neat, always well dressed humble and also very humorous.

The late Barrister is survived by parents, brothers and sisters as well as nieces and nephews.

L-R: Chairman of EDSOGPADEC, Barr. Vincent Osas Uwadiae and Mr. Wellington Okoh, member representing Edo Central Senatorial District on the Board of the Commission sharing some of the seats just supplied to Ekaladeran Primary School, Okada in Ovia North East L.G.A by Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission. Photo: SHARFT AGBONRHIENRHIEN.

NGO Distributes Nutrient Powder

YENAGOA - A NonGovernmental Organisation, Global Alliance for Improved

Some of the chairs and tables recently presented to Ekaladeran Primary School, Okada in Ovia North East L.G.A by Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC) Photo: SHARFT AGBONRHIENRHIEN.

Nutrition (GAIN), is to distribute 20 million doses of micro nutrient powder to malnourished children in Nigeria.

The Country Manager of GAIN, Mr. Larry Umunna, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Yenagoa.

Umunna said that a recent health survey indicated that two out of every five children in Nigeria were malnourished and stunted.

The country manager said that there was strong a relationship between nutrition and development.

He said that GAIN was determined to ensure development in Nigeria by supporting fortification of manufactured foods with essential nutrients.

EDSOGPADEC Distributes Chairs/Tables

IN fulfillment of its assigned mandate to make learning stress free, Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission has continued the distribution of chairs and tables to Primary and Secondary Schools within its jurisdiction.

At Okada, where the chairman of the commission Barrister Vincent Osas Uwadiae presented a set of 120 (one hundred and twenty) set of chairs and tables that can conveniently seat at least 240 pupils at a time to Ekaladeran Primary School,

the Edsogpadec boss said the gesture was the state government’s way of ensuring that learning is made more attractive to all by ensuring that receiving lectures while sitting on bare floor is eradicated from our schools, henceforth.

Meanwhile, the Edsogpadec team had also distributed the same 120 (one hundred and twenty) set of chairs and tables each to four model primary schools in lkpoba — Okha local government area, bringing to a total of 480 chairs and

tables.

Speaking while handing over the chairs and tables to the officials of Ugbekun, Isohon, Ugonerie and Ologbosere model schools, Barr. Vincent Uwadiae assured that nothing will be left to chance in the effort to ensure that Comrade Adams Oshiomole’s dream of a qualitative and affordable education for our children is achieved within the lifespan of this administration.

He said apart from ensuring that everyone is comfortably seated, other necessary

amenities like toilets and potable water will also be provided in the schools.

Earlier while expressing delight and appreciation at Edsogpadec’s gesture towards ameliorating the hardship hitherto experienced in most schools within the oil and gas producing local government areas, some of the pupils and officials of the benefiting schools further called on the state governor through Edsogpadec to bring in more of the Chairs and Desks as well as marker boards in order

to realize their dream of a better teaching and learning environment.

The Edsogpadec Boss was accompanied on the distribution exercise by the member representing lkpoba — Okha local government area on the board of the commission, Mr. Victor Ekhator, the member representing Edo Central Senatorial District on the Board of Edsogpadec, Mr. Wellington Okoh as well as some Management Staff of the commission.

He said that the organisation was seeking ways to collaborate with communities in the Niger Delta to ensure adequate nutrition for less privileged children.

“Prior to the establishment of our office in Nigeria in 2011, we funded programmes on largescale food fortification.

“We enriched staple foods such as wheat flour, vegetable oil and sugar with vitamins and minerals.

“Our aim is to ensure that when those at the grassroots consume these fortified staple foods, they will have a significant percentage of recommended daily quantity of nutrients,’’ he said.

Umunna said that the organisation had been working in conjunction with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

“We now want to start working with the communities themselves; that was why we commenced a pilot scheme in 2013 in Benue.

“A total of 111,000 children between the ages of two and five, who ordinarily would not have access to multivitamin formulations or fortified staple food, received micro nutrient powder containing 15 vitamins.

“Within the next few months, we shall, in collaboration with other partners, distribute 20 million doses of micro nutrient powder to be sprinkled on food,” he said.

Umunna said that GAIN was equally interested in improving nutrition for pregnant and lactating women in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country.

Lagos 2 Docked For Attempting To Set Policeman Ablaze LAGOS - A 40-year-old commercial bus driver, Laminu Rasidi, was charged before a Somolu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly attempting to set a policeman, Cpl. Ashafa Ahmadu, ablaze.

Also arraigned was Okikiola Bello, an alleged accomplice to the driver.

Rasidi and Bello who reside at Bashorun and Kadiri streets in Bariga respectively, are facing a two-count charge of assault and breach of public peace.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, ASP Akinlabi Adegoke, told the court that the accused committed the offences on January 28 along Jagunmolu Road, Somolu, Lagos.

Adegoke said that the accused assaulted Ahmadu by pouring petrol on him in a commercial bus with registration number XR 87-AGL, belonging to the driver.

“The accused were arrested for obstructing the flow of traffic and other traffic offences along

Jagunmolu Road on the morning of January 28.

“The policeman in an attempt to stop the accused from escaping sat in the bus.

“The duo then siphoned fuel from the tank of the bus and poured it on the bus and the policeman sitting therein while threatening to set him ablaze.

“They were consequently apprehended and taking to the police station,” he said.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 166, 172 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Bola Osunsanmi, granted each of the accused N200,000 bail with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till March 12 for trial.

Applications To Dismiss Fraud Charges

Court Adjourns Hearing Of Babalekun, Others

L-R: Primate of All Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh; Archbishop, Province of Ibadan, Most Rev. Segun Okubadejo; Archbishop, Diocese of Ibadan South, Ret. Rev. Jacob Ajetunmobi and Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa on arrival for a Standing Committee meeting in Ibadan recently.

Revive Textile Sector, Union Urges FG LAGOS - The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria has appealed to the Federal Government to revive the textile sector.

The President of the union, Mr. Oladele Hunsu, told newsmen in Lagos that “the revival of the sector would help Nigeria’s economy to grow.

“We know that the textile sector was the second largest means of employment after the Federal Government.

“It is a good means of creating employment for the large number of unemployed youths in the country.’’

Hunsu said that the union was strongly behind the efforts of government towards the industrialisation of the country’s economy, stressing that “ it can be done through the revamping of the sector.

“Our expectation this year is what we have been clamouring for years now that the textile sector should be revived.

“Government must intensify its effort in ensuring that the textile industry comes back to life to add to the gross domestic product of the nation.”

People crossing a narrow wooden bridge due to a diversion on Suleja-Bakin Iku Raod as it is being reconstructed in Suleja recently.

Cherubim And Seraphim Church Crisis LAGOS - A Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed February 19, to rule on an objection to a motion for joinder, filed by an elder of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church against five others over a leadership tussle.

The plaintiff, Prince Adepoju Arogundade, by his motion, prayed the court to join Remi Beckley, M. Oshode and the Corporate Affairs Commission

Court Adjourns Ruling

(CAC) as third to fifth defendants.

The Incorporated Trustees of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church (C & S) and one Elder Adebola Adewuja are the first and second defendants, respectively.

The case, which was initially slated for ruling, is now

adjourned to Febuary 19, at the instance of the court.

Reports state that the plaintiff had filed the suit in February 2009, seeking an order reinstating him as rightful leader of the C & S Church in Nigeria.

At the last adjourned date on February 14, Counsel to the plaintiff, Mr. Tunji Gomez, had

Drug Trafficking: Absence Of Interpreter The second accused was, LAGOS - The absence of an hall of the Murtala Mohammed interpreter has again stalled the however, granted bail in the sum Stalls Trial Airport, with about two trial before a Federal High Court, of five million naira with two kilogrammes of cocaine.

Lagos of a Portuguese woman, Roseangela Goncalves, charged with drug trafficking.

Gonclaves, 36, is charged along with Christopher Olua, 38, on a two-count charge of dealing on a restricted narcotic, cocaine.

They had both pleaded not guilty to the charge but the Judge, Justice Saliu Saidu, had ordered the remand of Gonglaves at the Kirikiri Prisons, following an application for remand by the Prosecutor, Frank Dinneys.

IKEJA - An Ikeja High Court has adjourned the hearing of an application filed by the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Ltd., Mr. Wale Babalakin, to March 14.

Babalakin, in the application filed before Justice Lateef LawalAkapo, asked the court to dismiss the N4.7 billion fraud charge preferred against him and four others.

Reports state the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged Babalakin and the other defendants to court.

They are facing a 27-count charge of conspiracy, retention of proceeds of a criminal conduct and corruptly conferring benefit on account of public action.

Babalakin’s co-defendants; Alex Okoh, Stabilini Visioni Ltd., Bi-Courtney Ltd. and Renix Nigeria Ltd, had also filed similar applications challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the charges.

They also challenged the competency of the charges, arguing that the EFCC lacked the power to prosecute them before a state high court without a valid fiat.

The EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), told the court that he sprained his ankle last week, in an accident.

Jacobs said he could not undertake the business of the day (hearing of arguments on the applications), due to the unfortunate incident.

sureties in like sum.

Reports state that when the case was called the court could not proceed with the trial of the accused, as defence counsel informed the court that there was no interpreter for the accused.

This prompted the judge to again adjourn the suit to March 25 for trial, while he ordered the prosecution to make efforts to secure an interpreter from the Portuguese Embassy.

It would be recalled that the

accused were arraigned in November 2013.

At the last adjourned date on January 23, the court had also adjourned the suit, due to a lack of an interpreter.

Earlier, the prosecutor had told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 21, 2013.

He said the accused were apprehended by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the arrival

He told the court that the accused had conspired with one Ikechukwu, who is now at large, to import the narcotic.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes the provisions of Sections 11 (a) and 14 (b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation 2004.

Reports state that the offence of drug trafficking attracts life imprisonment if convicted.

informed the court of his pending motion for joinder.

Moving in terms of the motion, Gomez argued that the CAC erred when it re-registered the C & S Church in 1993, which originally had been registered in 1930.

Meanwhile, Counsel to the CAC, Mr. A.I. Tijani, raised a preliminary objection to the motion for joinder, arguing that it had not been properly joined in the suit.

Tijani argued that the objection of plaintiff ought to have been raised three months from when the second registration was made.

He maintained that the law could not avail a party who slept over his right, adding that since the plaintiff failed to raise the issue when the act was done, it had been overtaken by time.

He, therefore, argued that there was no basis for joining the CAC in the suit.

After listening to the argument of learned counsel, Justice Ibrahim Buba had adjourned the case for ruling.

Reports state that the plaintiff averred in his statement of claim that the C & S Church, was founded in 1925 by Capt.

Emmanuel Abiodun, and registered in 1930.

He said the church had a constitution which clearly stipulated the mode of leadership succession.

“The constitution provides that after the death of a leader, the oldest in the church is to assume position as the next leader,” he said.

According to the plaintiff, after the death of his father, he became the oldest member of the church as of right to be appointed leader.

Arogundade stated that rather than appointing him as successor in line with the C & S Constitution, one elder Adebola Adewuja was appointed in his stead.

He, therefore, prayed the court to declare the appointment a nullity since it contravened the provisions of the church’s constitution.

In addition, Arogundade sought an order to re-instate him as the rightful leader of the church.

Across The Nation Petrol Scarcity: ILORIN - The Kwara Government has called on residents of the state to refrain from panic buying of petrol following reports of scarcity of the product.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Petroleum Monitoring, Alhaji Lawal Isiaka, told newsmen yesterday that there was no reason for panic buying.

“The vandalised pipeline on Ogbomoso road which supplies petroleum products to Ilorin had been repaired.

“So these marketers in Ilorin that closed their stations to create artificial scarcity because of bridging of fuel at Oke-Oyi depot will be disappointed. “l want to use this medium to warn fuel marketers who sell the product above the official pump price to desist forth-with as anybody caught will face the wrath of the law,’’ he said.

Our correspondent, who monitored the development, reports that residents had besieged the few stations where the product was being sold.

At Omu Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, no filling station was selling to consumers as at 3pm on Sunday.

Our investigations revealed that most independent operators closed shop in Ilorin, the state capital, while there were long queues at the NNPC stations and outlets of major marketers like Mobil and Total.

Govt Warns Against Panic Buying

When contacted, the state Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers’ Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Mr Bashir Olopade, attributed the situation to inadequate supply of the product to their members.

“Can you believe that over 300 of our members in this state were being supplied with two trucks only on daily basis?

“There is scarcity because we, the independent marketers, are not loading as expected; the loading is now a camouflage. “ What we do now is to go for bridging by approaching independent depots in Lagos,’’ he said.

The state Controller of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr Amos Jokodola, said that he was on leave and could not make any official comment on the situation until his resumption next month.

In Iseyin, Oyo State, long queues re-surfaced in many filling stations following the scarcity of petrol.

Reports state that most filling stations in the area had closed shop while the few selling had long queues.

Our correspondent, who monitored the situation, reports that filling stations owned by independent marketers at Koso, Bolamarck, Barracks and Oja-Agbe areas had long queues.

Reports state that only five

Kano Offers 6000 Patients Free Surgery KANO Kano State Government says it is offering free medical surgeries to 6,000 patients in the state.

Dr Abubakar Labaran, the Commissioner for Health, said this on Friday while inspecting facilities at Sheikh Jidda General Hospital in Fagge area of Kano metropolis, where the surgeries would be conducted.

He said that programme was being put together under the Kwankwasiyya Medical Mission, adding that different surgical ailments would be handled during the exercise.

He said that the exercise, which would last for two weeks, would be conducted and supervised by the ministry of health.

The commissioner said that the programme was part of effort to assist the lessprivileged persons suffering from Hernia, Hydrocile, Fibroid, Lipoma, among other ailments.

Labaran expressed

satisfaction with the level of preparations by the medical team for the exercise and urged people in the state to take advantage of the opportunity He said that the screening of patients for the surgeries had already commenced.

out of the 25 stations in the area were selling petrol.

Some motorists, who spoke with newsmen, said they had parked their vehicles in different stations since Sunday night to enable them buy fuel.

“I parked here around 8 p.m on Sunday because they stopped selling when it was

becoming too rowdy for them to control.

“So far, they have been selling and hopefully it will get to my turn soon, we just hope the Federal Government will intervene as soon as possible,’’ he said.

Another motorist expressed displeasure with filling station owners, accusing them of

hoarding the commodity.

“I don’t know why people are this wicked in this country; just because they heard that fuel is scarce in Ibadan, they started hoarding it; it’s not fair at all.

“These are the people that will be selling it a very high cost to transporters, this trend must be checked,’’ he said.

Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike (left), with the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku at the presentation of Federal Ministry of Education 2013 Annual Report in Abuja recently.

Kaduna Constitutes C’ttee To activities in the state.

Register Business He commended Governor KADUNA - The Kaduna State Government has constituted a task force to register business premises to improve its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

The state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Joshua Uchissa, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.

Uchissa said that the committee of 32 members was constituted under the chairmanship of the state Director of Industry, Mr Mamman Danka.

He said that the exercise would be conducted across the 23 local government areas of the state for a period of two months.

The commissioner said the

policy was designed to also reduce the state’s over reliance on monthly allocations from the federation account.

He said that the new arrangement would capture data on business premises and establish the exact number of companies in the state for easier access.

Uchissa said that most businesses in the state either underpaid the government or defaulted completely.

He warned that defaulters would henceforth face appropriate disciplinary measures or sanctions for not complying with the exercise.

According to him, the overall aim is to create the enabling environment to facilitate growth in economic

L-R: Senator Barnabas Gemade; Supervisign Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike and Director, Tertiary Education, Mrs Hindatu Abdullahi at the Presentation of Federal Ministry of Education 2013 Annual Report in Abuja recently.

Muktar Yero for earmarking N1 billion for Small and Medium Entreprises for 2014 to boost the economic activities of low income earners.

Uchissa reiterated the commitment of the administration at ensuring lasting peace and security across the state “to make commercial activities to flourish”.

Man Arrested For Rape NKPOR (Anambra) - The Police in Anambra has said a security guard attached to a church at Nkpor, near Onitsha, suspected to have raped a 14-yearold girl, has been arrested.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the command, Mr Emeka Chukwuemeka, told newsmen that the suspect and two others, now at large, allegedly committed the offence in a church compound in the community.

According to him, the three suspects threatened the girl with a machete before raping her.

“We have launched full search for other culprits and commenced investigation into the case, and when we conclude, the suspects will be arraigned,” he said.

The father of the girl, Mr Nzeyi Nwolisa, said the girl had been taken to hospital for treatment.

He appealed to the police to speed up investigation so as to apprehend the remaining suspects and charge them to court.

Reports say that the scarcity had led to an increase in transport fares in the metropolis.

Efforts to speak with officials at the filling stations did not yield result as they all declined comment.

Some, however, said that only their headquarters could speak on the situation.

Electricity Coy Decries Activities Of Vandals O N I T S H A (ANAMBRA) - The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), in the South-East, has decried the disruption of electricity in Onitsha and environs by vandals.

The Manager of EEDC Onitsha Business Unit, Mr Kingsley Aja, told newsmen in Onitsha that activities of vandals had made life unbearable for the consumers of electricity.

“Somebody will see a cable of 15 metres, go and cut about three metres out of it, thereby damaging N240, 000 worth of cable.

“I don’t know what they use it for, whether local earrings or so .They will not sell that thing more than N2, 000.

“You see a long 33 KV line that is connecting local governments, even states, somebody will go and fall the pole and he will start cutting the cable.

“I don’t know what is wrong with some Nigerians; I don’t think these things happen in any civilised society,’’ he said.

The manager, however, appealed to good-spirited individuals to be vigilant and help the power company to monitor electric installations within their communities.

He pointed out that it would be difficult for EEDC staff members and even the police to monitor the activities of vandals without the help of members of the public.

“It behoves of everybody in the neighbourhood, street and community to monitor these agents-of-darkness living among us,’’ he appealed.

Aja assured the public that the company would continue to offer prompt services to its customers while urging them to quickly report to the nearest business unit any complaint or irregularities.

The reports state that some streets and neighbourhoods in and outside Onitsha have been without electricity supply for weeks owing to activities of vandals.

Abuja Develop Cultural Industry, Promoter Urges FG ABUJA - Mr. Jonathan Obi, an Abuja-based culture promoter, has urged the Federal Government to develop the country’s cultural industry for revenue generation.

Obi told newsmen in Abuja that cultural industries were knowledge and labour-intensive, thereby creating employment and wealth.

According to him, cultural industry refers to establishments that combine the creation, production and

commercialisation of contents which are intangible and cultural in nature.

He named some of the industries as craft and design, printing, publishing, multimedia, audio-visual as well as photographic and cinematographic productions.

Obi stated that cultural industries fostered innovation in production and commercialisation processes.

Make Moringa Part Of Daily Diet, Nutritionist Urges Nigerians

ABUJA - A Nutritionist, Mr Philip Amiengheme, said in Abuja that Nigerians should integrate moringa plant into their daily diets because of its many health benefits.

Amiengheme, who is the President of Advocacy for the Prevention of NonCommunicable Diseases Initiative (APNDI), an NGO, made the suggestion in an interview with newsmen.

He said the plant had nutritional and medicinal values, including the ability to control the cholesterol level in the body.

Amiengheme said moringa also has essential amino acids and balances the sugar level, thus making it potent in the fight against diabetes.

The nutritionist said the body’s natural defence mechanism increases with the consumption of moringa in the daily diet pattern, while also stimulating immunity as prescribed for AIDS-afflicted patients.

He said moringa was rich in Vitamin A with as four times more Vitamin A or carotene than carrots, adding that “it is a

weapon against blindness.’’

The nutritionist said moringa leaves contain seven times more potassium than bananas and have large quantities of zinc.

“It is a rich source of Vitamin C; it contains Vitamin C seven times more than oranges.

“Normally, milk is said to be a rich source of calcium but the amount of calcium present in moringa leaves is way higher than in milk.

“If you are looking for nonsugar based energy, then moringa leaves are the answer as well as help in the weight loss process.

“It is especially useful for lactating mothers.

The consumption of moringa has shown dramatic increase in the quantity of breast milk.’’

According to him, it protects the liver, kidneys and can also be used as a water purifier.

Amiengheme said people suffering from insomnia find the use of moringa beneficial for it helps in regulating sleep cycles.

“It is known to nourish the eyes; therefore, people suffering from poor eyesight should include moringa in their diet,” he said.

“Government should encourage local production of books by developing regional market; raising reading habit and promoting regional bookshops.

“It should also help in combating piracy and ensure surveillance of the electronic market,’’ he said.

Obi said that expanding programmes aimed at the identification of sites and monuments of historic importance was necessary.

He noted that training of local artists in specialised schools and in creative workshops would help develop Nigeria’s cultural industries.

Obi, however, said that cultural goods related to Africa should at the same time adapt to modernity. “ Modernity requires adequate infrastructure,’’ he said.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the U.S., Prof. Ade Adefuye (left), with INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega at the meeting of Nigeria-U.S. Bi-National Commission on Good Governance, Transparency and Integrity in Abuja recently.

Gov Obi Seeks Laws On Made In Nigeria Goods

ABUJA - Governor Peter Obi of Anambra in Abuja advocated a federal law to compel local patronage of made in Nigeria goods.

He made the call at the launch of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

Obi said the law would assist to end the challenge of competitiveness faced by locally made products.

Specifically, the governor said, the executive should evolve policies that would be backed by statute that would compel Nigerians to buy products made in the country.

He added that with the inauguration of the local automobile factory by Innoson Group in Anambra by the President, he had made it mandatory for public establishments to buy vehicles from the company.

The governor noted that the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) being manufactured by the local automobile plant had become the

official vehicle in government establishments.

The buses made by the indigenous company were being used by public schools in Anambra State, he said.

“Government officials and schools are now using the vehicles in Anambra. If the products are not good today, they will be good tomorrow,’’ he said.

The Anambra governor commended President Jonathan for launching the NIRP and the NEDEP and called for the political will to implement the laudable programmes.

Speaking in same vein, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo said both programmes should be put into legislation so that successive administrations would not jettison them.

Mimiko also hailed President Jonathan for evolving the right policies and for the political will to implement them.

Specifically, he said, the Jonathan Administration had successfully implemented the privatisation of the power sector,

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield (left), with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi at the meeting of Nigeria-U.S. Bi-National Commission of Good Governance, Transparency and Integrity in Abuja recently.

which he said, seemed impossible for his predecessors.

He noted that the transparency in the power privatisation process and the achievements recorded in the agriculture sector had boosted international confidence in the Nigerian economy.

The Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, said the state created over 100,000 jobs through the Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) and the support of the Bank of Industry (BOI).

He said the state government had also created industrial

clusters to bring the SMEs together, as well as commodities training platforms.

He commended the President for launching the NIRP and NEDEP and reiterated the state’s support for the programmes.

The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Prince Adefemi Adesegun, said the right atmosphere created by the Jonathan administration had led to the evolvement of new industries in the state in recent times.

Adesegun said that with the establishment of the new companies, the state’s internally generated revenue had increased from N730 million to N3 billion monthly.

N26m Contract Scam

Court Threatens To Revoke Accused Bail ABUJA - An Abuja High Court has threatened to revoke the bail it granted an accused person, Henry Ogundayo, a former Deputy Director in the office of the Head of Service of the Federation.

Ogundayo is standing trial on a N26 million contract scam.

He was arraigned by the ICPC in 2006 on a two-count charge, bordering on acquiring private interest in a contract and making false statement to the commission.

The ICPC said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 12 and 21(1) of the ICPC Act 2000.

Justice Maryann Anenih gave the threat after the counsel to the accused, Mr. Isa Abbas, apologised for the absence of the accused.

Looking at the records, Anenih said, the last time the accused appeared in court was on February 7, 2013.

She added that “since then, the case has suffered adjournment six times and it is always at the instance of the accused.

“If by the next adjourned date the accused does not appear in court, his bail will be revoked and his surety will be ordered to show cause for the absence of the accused.’’

She then adjourned the case to April 8 for hearing.

Earlier, counsel to the accused had said that “the inability of my client to attend his trial is as a result of his health condition. He is currently receiving treatment in traditional medicine in the village.

“My Lord, we do not have medical certificate to prove that he is receiving treatment because the herbalist does not issue medical certificate.’’

The ICPC counsel, Mr. Shehu Yahaya, however argued that the accused counsel had not presented any document before the court to support his claims.

“My lord, the last time the accused came to court was in February 2013 and the counsel kept telling us that the accused had been ill and nobody showed us any medical report.

“We do not have his picture on the hospital bed either.’’

Yahaya, therefore, asked the court to make an order directing his surety to appear in court to explain the accused’s absence in court.

It would be recalled that the anti-graft agency alleged that the accused, being a public servant, used his office to enrich himself by using his company, TAHOG Nigeria Limited to obtain a contract for the construction of 11-km Irewole Ayetoro-Onikan feeder road in Osun State.

Business + Economy Operators Blame CBN Over Capital Market Downturn

LAGOS - Some capital market operators yesterday blamed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the sustained price depreciation of listed equities at the nation’s bourse.

Some of the operators, who spoke with newsmen in separate interviews in Lagos, said that the CBN’s tight monetary policies impacted the market negatively.

They said that the investing public was seriously concerned over the liquidity squeeze foisted on the market by the bank’s policies.

Mr. Emeka Madubuike, President, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), said that the association was not happy with the current market trend.

Madubuike said that the CBN’s proposed increase of Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) on the public sector to 100 per cent had created fear among operators.

He said that the development had created market instability and

equity sell pressure.

Madubuike, who is also the Managing Director of Compass Securities and Investment Ltd., said that the U.S. quantitative tapering contributed to the market’s instability with the exit of foreign investors.

He said that the rapid exit of foreign investors and the attendant capital flight had made it imperative for active participation of more domestic investors’ in the market.

According to him, the association will continue to map out strategies, aimed at increasing local participation and enhanced market stability.

Also speaking, Mr. Sehinde Adenagbe, the Managing Director, Standard Union Securities Ltd., said that the market value creation was not encouraging.

Adenagbe also attributed the downward trend in the market to CBN’s issues bordering on CRR and developments at the international financial industry.

ONITSHA (ANAMBRA) The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday commended the Federal Government for its commitment to the completion of the Zik’s Mausoleum in Onitsha, Anambra.

The President of the chamber, Dr Tim Anosike, however, told newsmen that there was the need to fast-track the project before the commencement of the rains.

“I have been monitoring the project myself and I have to thank God that it is gradually becoming a reality with the massive jobs from different sections of the project,’’ he said.

Anosike called on the government to ensure that the roads leading to the mausoleum were re-constructed to stand the test of time.

“We do not want a road that would fail after a few years since the mausoleum will be a centre

The president noted that the mausoleum would add value to the economic viability of Onitsha.

“It will definitely attract a lot of foreigners who will want to see the tomb and the rest place of the great Zik of Africa as well as the first president of the country, who worked hard for the unity and peace of our great country.

“The project will bring Onitsha to its pride of place of being one of the most important cities in the sub-Saharan Africa,’’ he said.

He also called on the state government to ensure adequate security in and around the mausoleum to check the activities of hoodlums.

“In fact, the army barrack close to the place should post soldiers regularly there to check the activities of hoodlums.’’

The project was rewarded in

He said that banks were exiting the market in preparation for the CBN’s recent pronouncement on CRR. Adenagbe added that scarcity of funds in the economy contributed to the development in the capital market.

He expressed his optimism that the market would likely rebound in the next couple of days.

Mr. David Adonri, the Chief Executive Office of Lambeth Trust & Investment, said that tight monetary policy would continue to slow down the equities market.

Adonri said that market regulators and operators needed to work together to enhance market liquidity and stability.

Reports state that the AllShare Index last week dropped by 4.92 per cent or 2006.21 points to close at 38,767.29 points against 40,773.50 points

achieved in the previous week.

Similarly, market capitalisation lost N643 billion or 4.92 per cent to close at N12.427 trillion, compared with N13.070 trillion posted in the comparative period.

Pfizer Products topped the losers’ chart, shedding 64k to close at N1.74 per share.

National Sports Lottery trailed with 11k to close at 51k, while Oando declined by N3.63 to close at N18.20 per share.

Conversely, 7UP Bottling Company led the gainers’ table, growing by N11.24 to close at N82.64 per share.

Julius Berger followed with N4 to close at N75, while Port Land Paints and Products gained 26k to close at N5.51 per share.

Overall, investors traded 1.92 billion shares worth N25.13 billion in 25,346 deals last week, compared with 1.59 billion shares, valued at N23.08 billion in 26,257 deals in the previous week.

The financial services sector led the activity chart with 1.47 billion shares worth N12.93 billion traded in 13,693 deals.

Chamber Of Commerce Commends FG’s Effort To Complete Zik’s attraction in Onitsha and January 2013 at the cost of Mausoleum ofAnambra N1.49 billion and is expected to State,’’ he said.

be completed within 13 months.

It comprises of a conference centre, a library and a gallery.

Medical Staff of Olusola Trado-Medical Hospital attending to residents of Odoguyan, a surbub of Ikorodu in Lagos during a free health service weekend.

Expert Decries Planned Removal Of VAT, Stamp Duty

ABUJA - The President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Mr. Mark-Anthony Dike yesterday said the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) and stamp duty on capital market activities would affect government revenue.

He said that government’s plan to remove VAT would equally affect provisions on capital goods and services.

Dike made the assertion in an interview with newsmemn in Abuja.

The Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Okonjo-Iweala had in December 2012 announced the removal of Stamp Duty and VAT from capital

market activities.

According to her, move is part of government’s policy aimed at revamping the nation’s capital market.

Reports state that in spite of government pronouncements, the capital market waivers have not been implemented.

He said that the key element of tax was for government to moderate economic development as well as raise money to provide for capital goods and services.

“Government either imposed high tax to dissuade an activity or reduce tax to encourage an economic activity as was the case with VAT and stamp duty on capital market.’’

Dike said that the removal of

VAT and stamp duty on capital market transaction would encourage investors to raise funds at a cheaper rate.

“The key issue essentially is to remove or minimise cost of doing business and encourage people to go to the capital market to raise funds at a cheaper cost “What government is trying to do is to use taxation to stimulate economic activity within the country.

“If wavering tax will spore more people to the capital market and create some level of stability and confidence in the Nigeria economy then, I support it,’’ Dike said.

He also described the payment of VAT and stamp duty on the

same transactions as double taxation that should not be encouraged.

“We have to make up our minds which one we want to impose because we cannot have VAT and stamp duty being imposed simultaneously on the same transaction,’’ he said.

On recapitalisation of the stockbroking firms, he said it was a welcome development that would engender market confidence and investors protection.

“The issue of recapitalisation is key, otherwise the ability of the business to payback in the case of financial difficulty becomes a problem when they have a low capital base.

SIM Registration: Agents Still Use Pictures Of Goats, Foodstuff -NCC

Partcipants at a one-day sensitisation workshop on drug abuse amongst women in Sokoto weekend.

IBADAN - Mr. Efosa Idehen, the Head, Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement of Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), yesterday said some SIM card registration agents were still using the pictures of goats and foodstuff instead of human beings.

Idehen, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan, said: “It may interest you to know that after the telephone operators might have completed their own part of the registration and forwarded it to us as the regulators; we sometimes find pictures of goats and yams.

“We also do find pictures of women with men’s name and vice versa.

“ When information got to the NCC that some people were buying SIM cards without their biometrics, it became worrisome to us because the main purpose of SIM card registration was going to be defeated.

“Our findings also showed that those SIM cards that were not registered were those used by criminals like kidnappers.

“It may also interest you to know that these already preactivated SIM cards are usually sold at a premium sum of N1, 500 as against N100 for the normal ones.

“We have had to sanction GSM operators in the past for not monitoring the activities of their

agents.

“Anyone who sells fully activated SIM cards is as guilty as the person who registers the card because they are not supposed to be registered before sale.

“In Osun state, I arrested some teenagers of 13 and 14 years of age, took them to their parents and verbally warned them that what their children were doing would land them in problem.”

Idehen said anyone found with pre-activated SIM cards would be prosecuted and may end up paying a fine of N200, 000.

Reports state that the NCC is mandated to create a credible data base of Nigerians using the GSM.

International Features

Egypt’s Energy Quagmire Could Sink Sisi EGYPT’S army chief, Field Marshal Abdel Fattah alSisi, won vast popularity by crushing the Muslim Brotherhood, but even a man seen by his followers as invincible may be unable to fix the mess in the politically sensitive energy sector.

Sisi, who toppled Islamist leader Mohamed Mursi in July and promised to bring calm to Egypt, is expected soon to stage a triumphal run for the presidency in elections due within months.

His first big challenge is likely to be power cuts and fuel shortages - the same issues that plagued Mursi and helped spur mass protests that enabled the army to oust him.

“Sisi is still very popular, but he realizes that Egyptians can go to Tahrir Square tomorrow if his administration is seen as not being as efficient as promised,” said Justin Dargin, a Middle East energy expert at the University of Oxford.

Cairo’s Tahrir was the hub of protests that ended three decades of one-man rule by President Hosni Mubarak in 2011.

To many Egyptians, Sisi is all-powerful, but industry experts, foreign oil and gas companies and Western diplomats doubt he can take bold steps to tackle Egypt’s energy nightmare.

Successive governments have failed to develop a sound strategy to tap major natural gas reserves even as an exploding population boosted demand for the fuel.

Egyptian gas exports began in the mid-2000s, but more than halved from 2008 to 2012. They have now slowed to a trickle, contributing to a global decline in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies.

Production from maturing gas fields is declining. The government forecast this month that consumption will outstrip output for the first time in the fiscal years starting in July.

The army-installed government is in a bind.

Gulf Arab donors have propped it up with aid that includes $4 billion in oil products from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, but their diesel is not compatible with Egypt’s gas-based power plants and big factories.

Qatar bailed out Egypt with extra gas during Mursi’s rule, but his ouster badly soured ties with Cairo. Like its predecessor, the interim government has failed to secure a means of importing LNG directly, so Egypt has nowhere to turn for gas.

A tender for a floating LNG import terminal has been pending since October. Even if it was in place, experts say nothing can match the favorable swap deal Qatar gave Egypt last year.

“We have enough installed capacity but the problem is with fuel,” said Aktham Abouelela, spokesman for the Electricity Ministry. “It is not good for power plants to

run on diesel.”

Egypt’s energy troubles are rooted in fuel subsidies that cost the government $15 billion a year, a fifth of the state budget. The money keeps pump prices well below market values, giving Egyptians no incentive to curb their consumption.

The subsidies, in place since the era of socialist President Gamal Abdel Nasser five decades ago, drains foreign currency that could instead be used to pay off debts to foreign energy companies and improve payment terms to encourage investment.

Ask any Egyptian minister about the subsidies, and he will say they must be reformed. But fuel, along with food, is a powderkeg issue in the most populous Arab state. In 1977, a cut in bread subsidies ignited riots against President Anwar Sadat.

Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi

People power has helped topple two presidents since 2011.

Like others, Sisi may take stop-gap measures to get through the hot summer months, when demand for fuel soars - although outages are now occurring even in winter.

Fearful of public anger over blackouts, the government will probably reduce gas feedstock to energy-intensive cement and steel factories.

“The situation is one of duress, of survival,” said Dargin, predicting Sisi will maintain the costly status quo even if it means breaking international commitments.

Companies forced to cut output in periods of peak electricity use in recent years will “have to consider if it’s

even profitable to stay in Egypt for the long term”, he said.

Industry experts also predict that Sisi will keep breaking contracts with foreign companies such as BG and diverting gas promised for export to satisfy domestic demand.

BG’s problems in Egypt have affected its LNG unit so much that it issued a profit warning last month. Blaming political turmoil in Egypt, BG cut production forecasts for the year and served “force majeure” notices to affected buyers and lenders.

Since the beginning of this year, Egypt has been diverting the maximum amount of natural gas produced

by BG and its Malaysian partner Petronas based on pipeline capacity constraints, said Martijn Murphy of Wood Mackenzie.

“The government priority will be on guaranteeing power generation, which accounts for the bulk of supply, so it will try and minimize shortfalls to this sector,” said Murphy.

“Industry is likely to bear the brunt of supply shortages.”

Companies will not press ahead with new development unless they get guarantees on future export volumes.

Egyptians expect miracles from Sisi. Foreign companies will look for signs he is willing to reform the energy sector.

The stakes are high.

If Egypt can’t persuade companies to exploit its gas reserves, it will be forced to spend more hard currency on energy imports, creating the same dilemma it faces with wheat.

Egypt is the world’s biggest importer of wheat because inefficiency and corruption undermine farming along the Nile.

Oil Minister Sherif Ismail hopes Egypt can satisfy its ever-growing energy demand from own resources, but acknowledges the government will have to resort to imports.

Until Egypt deals with issues obstructing gas output by foreign firms, it “will have to cover all its energy needs with imports, either gas or crude oil”, he told Reuters last week.

Doing so while keeping prices artificially low domestically will doom attempts to improve Egypt’s finances. Although foreign reserves have been boosted

by Gulf aid, they are only half pre-2011 levels, limiting the government’s scope to buy fuel.

Energy imports would also send a discouraging signal to foreign companies, which are becoming increasingly reconciled to the prospect of LNG exports halting entirely this summer, said Peter Hutton, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets in London.

He said Egypt was locked in a vicious circle given its inability to import LNG. “If you can’t get gas in, some tough choices will have to be made. The easiest is not to export.”

Courtesy Reuters.

“Like others, Sisi may take stop-gap measures to get through the hot summer months, when demand for fuel soars - although outages are now occurring even in winter. Fearful of public anger over blackouts, the government will probably reduce gas feedstock to energy-intensive cement and steel factories.”

THE basic needs of Nigerians are summed up in WATER-because water is life-giving, which should not be in short supply, even in Nigeria as a whole. He who has water hath life (Jn 4:1-4) so states the Holy scriptures. Foods, Shelter and clothing; but food is in water!

ON, Monday, February 18, 2013, a strategic meeting of stakeholders who believe in the importance of water and its significance to human life was convened at the instance of President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja to brainstorm on the funding and other related issues of this natural endowment.

DURING the summit tagged “Presidential Summit on Water�, several stakeholders including guests within and outside the country participated.

INDEED, we agree that the time for this Summit is long overdue, even as some speakers like former President Obasanjo noted at the Summit STAKEHOLDERS at the water summit appreciated the importance of water and came to the unanimous conclusion that water is an inalienable ingredient that sustains human life as ordained by God. Nothing can be truer than that.

IT was also a general consensus that there is the need for government at all levels to promote investment in water as an essential need not only for man but for other aspects of human life. Again, no one can controvert this.

IT is however important to note that for water to be made available to the people,

THE NIGERIAN

That Presidential Summit On Water And Sanitation first it must be accessible to the people both in the urban and rural areas. That is why government must be alive to its responsibility by providing potable water for the people and ensure that it gets to both the rich and the poor without any form of segregation.

UNDERSTANDABLY, water helps considerably in whatever circumstances in reviving the life of man. Little wonder then that a greater part of the earth is covered by water.

FOR instance, the agricultural sector, to a very large extent needs water because no farmer can boast of bumper harvest if water is not available and that is why water is important and should be protected by all.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER therefore calls on government at all levels to invest seriously in water projects with a view to boosting sensitive areas of the economy including the agricultural sector and the general wellbeing of the people.

ALSO, we believe that much as water remains an ingredient of paramount interest to human life, there is the need for preservation so as to prevent it from

negatively affecting the health of the people. The NIGERIAN OBSERVER commends the courage of government and other stakeholders in holding the presidential summit on water.

WE also note that whereas it is not in contention that water is strategic to human existence, because it occupies about 70 percent of human body, what matters most to us in the present circumstance is the political will of governments to fund the process of water availability and preservation. The Summit must be taken beyond rhetorics.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER opines that the views canvassed by a section of the Summit yesterday that part of the Sovereign Wealth Fund be deployed to make water accessible, affordable and available to the people of Nigeria must be given serious consideration.

THE Water Summit must not end up like other Summits before it, which were never translated into action. The only way for the President Goodluck Jonathan administration to demonstrate to the generality of Nigerians that it means well for them, is to conscientiously mobilise resources, will power and political apparatus to make water available, affordable and accessible to the people without further delay.

THE reason for the above position is that over the years, the issue of water and sanitation had become over politicised.

The time to remove water from the realm of politics is now. This therefore, is the crux of the matter.

Technology

Using ICT For Securities And Business Purposes

THE clamour for an egalitarian society where lives and properties are secured cannot be overemphasized.

Every individual, group of individuals, entrepreneurs, organizations ministries, agencies, churches, mosques, homes, hospitals, relaxation centres, shop malls local, state and federal governments need Information Communication Technology (ICT) for their security activities, operations, business purposes etc.

Where there is security as a nation or a society, there will be development. Every organization wants to play safe without fear of trouble borne out of insecurity. That is why the growing rate of insecurity and insurgency in Nigeria has become worrisome to every right thinking person.

We hear of armed robbers, assassination, kidnapping, bombing, rape and other acts of insurgency and terrorism day-in dayout.

So also in business, security is as important as blood is to the body.

In everything you want to do or you are doing, the first consideration you will have to make is how secured is your life, business etc. Lack of it brings confusion, trouble, hatred, lack, death, loss, great magnitude.

Security issues cannot

By ABAYOMI OLUGBOLAGA SHOYOMBO

be underrated judging from its importance.

Even in our day to day life, the overwhelming rate at which these tools of technology are churned out makes it necessary for everybody, governments, organization at all levels - who want to stay alive, maintain their stay, keep their properties and even stay relevant in the present, near present and future.

Technology has defined it as the making, modification, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems and method of organization, either to keep, search, maintain, solve a problem, improve a preexisting solution to a problem, achieve a goal, or perform a specific function.

Technology is proactive in security sense. It detects and hold back danger, threat, disaster etc any given time.

Technology as a tool helps you live better and do things faster in a more efficient manner, even in business.

Technology is the device that helps you rewrite, operate, control or have an advantage in the area of mobile communication in Nigeria, the (NCC) N i g e r i a n Communication Commission ordered the uses of mobile phone and network services to

register their sim cards, an exercise that would form a database of subscribers on the various telecom

and processing of critical business goals even for final and medium enterprises.

Technological innovations such as

networks. It was an efforts in a right direction to track fraudulent calls, threats and others heinous crime committed using the mobile phones from the security perspective.

On the business front, the last two years has seen the emergence of more consumer centred technologies that help facilitate better m a n a g e m e n t , interaction, data storage

video conferencing, social media and virtual office etc have removed work place boundaries that previously limited business expansion.

With these simple technological tools, business can now target a wider customer base and grow to higher levels.

At the government level, the federal government after much deliberation and consultation has

“Technological innovations such as video conferencing, social media and virtual office etc have removed work place boundaries that previously limited business expansion. With these simple technological tools, business can now target a wider customer base and grow to higher levels. At the government level, the federal government after much deliberation and consultation has deemed it right to deploy Information Communication Technology (ICT) to tackle the problems of terrorism, insurgency, killing; etc and address the high rate of insecurity in the country which has resulted to loss of hundreds of lives and properties. In this regard, Dr. Bello Mohammed, recently in Abuja, called on experts in the ICT sector to develop software solution that would be deployed to address the state of insecurity and related crime issues.”

deemed it right to deploy Information Communication Technology (ICT) to tackle the problems of terrorism, insurgency, killing; etc and address

the high rate of insecurity in the country which has resulted to loss of hundreds of lives and properties. In this regard, Dr. Bello Mohammed, recently in Abuja, called on experts in the ICT sector to develop software solution that would be deployed to address the state of insecurity and related crime issues.

At critical times in the history of the nation, he said that National security challenges had given rise to the world’s best known technologies in the history of mankind, and therefore, in order to overcome the present security challenges, all

stakeholders must work together to evolve new ways of doing things and building capacity in modern ICT. “Together we need to examine current technologies that will help us tackle current challenges and present a better way not only in acquiring such technologies but also sharing them among the defence and security community”, Dr. Mohammed stated.

In another development Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Managing Director of telecom group at an ICT stakeholder ’s forum with the theme “National digital security Emergency”, spoke on how ICT can help curb the growing trend of insecurity. He mentioned that, there is the need for deployment of modern beam technology in strategic location, like in developed countries, as a way of ensuring safety of lives and for national development.

Ekuwem also added that the establishment of data base, for online access at every point of transactions, and data retention systems, on reliable networks are ways in which ICT can be used for national security.

On the business side, a business man, Mr. Ihesie recounts how he has benefited immensely from a technological business tool most of us refer to as social media.

According to him “you can just advertise your product on social media and get unbelievable life patronage for your business.

He said a cloud computing is a certified technological application. It simply works like having your Continue on Pg 14

Technology

Using ICT For Securities And Business Purposes

Continued from page 13

information at an online sever instead of the computer. Cloud servers are actually different from the normal online services. This is simply moving your computing powers from a machine to the cloud and it gives you the opportunity for any work you have not finished on a system to be finished on another system in another geographical area. It is like having your computer online, so you can access information in it from anywhere in the world. An IT consultant Mr. Seye Ibironke, lists the technology tools needed in a fast paced business environment to include: a. Digital storage of data on desk drive where data can be asserted, irrespective of the

location it is being accessed from or easily moved to a different location? b. Digital back up using tape backup, where data can be recorded in an instance cohere the desk drives being damaged or not accessible. c. Corporate e-mail for security reasons and p r e v e n t i n g impersonation of a company staff. d.

Network infrastructure. A standard network infrastructure which allows rater connectivity between a company’s device and date. e. Network security — Network security to prevent unauthorized access to field. He also

m e n t i o n e d TEAMVIEWER which he said can be used to connect to any computer anywhere with just few clicks. f. Fit converter — according to him can be used to convert files from one format to another while type can also be used for voice, audio and text conversation. Save also can be used to recover data from a damaged desk drive.

There are also TABLET COMPUTERs with their sleek displays touch screens and builtin digital video cameras, technological application running on these portable computing devices will

prove especially as tools to be used while interacting with customers. He also said “with the video enabled collaboration applications, video chats and video enabled IP telephony are creating few expectation for the way that people collaborate in the work place. Video offers a way to stay better connected through contact, not to mention the fact that you might be missing act on visual uses that fell more on the “story” about what someone is saying.

On the importance of technology in the Nigerian Business environment, Okorie said that technology has

become a way of life for almost all areas of industry and that it is very essential for even common traders as they can make use of their mobile phones to communicate with their customers or surf the internet.

“I can tell you that some of the traders in Alaba market, Lagos, source their goods directly from China, and

majority of them don’t need to travel down there — they just have to go on line to check the manufacturers website, order their goods, make their transaction and their goods get delivered to them.

In the area of online payment, buyers can now order for goods and make payments without visiting the store.

POS machines have reduced the year of carrying huge cash purchases as a result of not holding cash.

“Network infrastructure. A standard network infrastructure which allows rater connectivity between a company’s device and date.”

Issues Birth Control: Between ‘Abstinence Or Abortion

By IFUNANYA ONYEKAOZORU

BEFORE we answer this question, it is best we know what abstinence and abortion is.

What is Abstinence? Abstinence is the practice of refraining oneself from indulging in something, it is also refered to as a voluntary prevention of oneself from indulging in bodily activities that provide pleasure, it is abstention from things like food, alcohol, drugs, (hard drugs), sexual intercourse and any other things that bring bodily pleasure to a person.

In this article we would base our discussion on sexual Abstinence which is refraining, preventing, abstention from bodily pleasure, then what is sexual Abstinence?

Sexual abstinence can be simply defined as voluntary prevention or refraining one self from engaging in any kid of sexual activities which include sexual intercourse, romance, watching of pornography, watching of naked/nude pictures etc. It means saying “No” to any of these activities. Sexual abstinence could be for many reasons, many people abstain from sexual activities so as to avoid being pregnant or so as not get infected with sexually transmitted disease like STI, HIV/AIDs, Gonorreha and so many other, some persons abstain because it is against their religions or teaching. They are so many reasons why people abstain from sexual activities.

We now know the meaning and definition of Abstinence, then what is Abortion?

Abortion can be defined as a deliberate termination of human pregnancy, it is the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a festus or embryo prior to viability. It is important to note that abortion could be done deliberately and can also occur spontaneously and when we say spontaneously we mean “ miscarriage”.

From the definition given to both abstinence and abortion, which do you think is the best way to control birth rate. Technically and religiously speaking, abstinences remains the best way to control birth rate although abortion has been legalised by some countries as a medium of birth control. Abstinence still remains the best. This is because abstinence does not hurt and doesn’t have side effect unlike abortion which is said to be more painful than child bearing and it also has side effect. It has been discovered by health personnel that

those who take pills to terminate pregnancy find it very difficult to take in again because most of the pills usually destroy the womb and even if they get pregnant again they might experience difficulty while giving birth. Also it has been discovered that many women die while terminating or aborting pregnancy. So abortion also increases the rate of mortality.

Abortion though is a medium of birth control is also a sin before God and humanity, it has to do with the killing, murdering, terminating of an unborn child due to some one recklessness. Instead

of you becoming a murderer abstain from sexual activities and it requires that the person has to be disciplined. The person should have self values and should be able to say “No” and mean it, because abstinence comes with many temptations.

For us to control teenage pregnancy and birth rate, government, parent, teachers and the society should teach the young ones abstinence. Abstinence should be taught in school, church etc. The media should also talk about abstinence just as sex education is also being taught. Parent should inculcate the teachings of abstinence in their children, they should teach their children about sex and also teach them the need of abstinence from sexual activities since abstinence would help prevent the rate of sufferings of children that are born unplanned especially among the teenagers.

Issues IN the many debate I have had with Nigerians on the future of Nigeria, there seems to be a common trend. I have noticed that the most optimistic Nigerians are those resident abroad and without a current plan of returning and resetting permanently in the country. This pride is usually based not on any conviction on the greatness of the country, but by their interaction with African communities in their countries of residence. The Nigerian community in most foreign countries is the largest African community due to the large population of country, and being able to identify with a large social group has advantages. Nigerians are more “Nigerian” when they leave the country, but return back to their ethnic camps as soon as they return to Nigeria.

Many Nigerians know something is wrong but very few ponder on what it is or practical steps to be taken in addressing the problems. They often say things like “we don’t need a conference, we only need to fight corruption.” This is an otherwise perfect correct statement, but I am more concerned about the corollary question to this argument-how?

What practical steps beyond offering banal statement, do we take to tackle corruption? How effective is condemning corruption an asking people to refrain from corrupt acts compared with insisting on punishment for those found culpable in corruption? For the records, unlike in Nigeria, I do not see a sovereign national conference as the solution to all our problems. The fact that many do puzzles me.

No doubt, the National Assembly has many of its own problems. The fact that many are asking for a sovereign National Conference is proof that Nigeria have lost faith in the national Assembly and the political establishment. The National Assembly is as imbalance in its representation of the Nigerian geopolitical zones as the parliament was in 1960 when the British left. The senate is meant to have representation of all geopolitical zones in equal numbers regardless of population, but the South East has 15 seats, the North West has 21, and the other zones have 18 each. This imbalance is the reason the Northern senators were able to delay the passage of the petroleum industry bill and even

National Dialogue: reatened to use their majority to vote against it.

Notwithstanding the structural and inherent deficiencies in the National Assembly, those who want change could achieve it by putting pressure on the legislators. If we wanted a more equitable representation of the geopolitical zones, for instance superior argument on the floor of the National Assembly for this cause can bring about this change. The media could do more to enlighten the populace by focusing on important subjects being voted on in the National Assembly, not just side attractions like the wrangling within the peoples democratic party (PDP). On their part, and societies could put pressure on the senators and members of the house of representatives to vote wisely. Bills with progressive policies could also be sponsored by these civic societies. We have members of the opposition parties that condemn corruption but we do not hear any of the representatives from these parties in the National Assembly reject their fat salaries or sponsor bills on fiscal federalism.

The real problem is ignorance-pervasive ignorance.

Too many Nigerians do not know what is going on or how and why we are this level of underdevelopment and strife.

Nigerians do not even know their history, and that is why we are in calling for a conference that already happened in Aburi, Ghana. It is ignorant to assert that the Nigeria-Biafra was due to fight over leadership.

The war on the Nigerian side was for the oil resources discovered on Biafran soil, while it was a war for survival on the Biafran side. Obasanjo admitted this much if that oil did not exist, or was not discovered at that time, Biafra would have seceded as easily as Singapore did.

However, no country should exist to serve the interest of other nations, it never works in the long term. The alarmist assertion that Nigeria’s collapse would set West Africa on fire is problems as old as Nigeria’s independence from Britain. It is also false. Nigeria did collapse during the civil war, and it is heading towards collapse with the rise of Islamist extremism.

If any other part of West Africa

is on fire, now or in the past, it is not caused by Nigeria’s internal problems. And there are very few conflicts on the African continent that Nigeria has addressed without the help of Europe.

There is pride among some Nigerians in their status. Nigeria as large country. They realize this gives the country a big sway in international affairs. Big nation states with large populations, they say, tend to dominate the affairs in regional and global geopolitics. For the most part, this is true. Countries with large landmass and big populations have innate

Road To Babel?

By JENNIFER EIGBOJIE

standard of living in a small country like Singapore, and this is evidenced by the number of Nigerians that get deported from such countries.

Despite the advantages of size, Nigeria does not have power in international regional affairs. If Nigeria was a powerful country, she would not have lost Bakassi to Cameroon.

Even if Nigeria had to lose a part of its territory to another country, why are the rights of the residents not protected?

Why do they have to be resettled in Nigeria instead of

different cultures. Nigeria was conceived and handled as a business to yield profits to the British. Every nation of the civil war is an uncomfortable subject to discuss in Nigeria.

Also, earlier parts of America history are controversialgenocide conducted against the Aborigines, colonization of Hawali, Slavery, racism etc the difference between the two is that America encourages discussion of these issues and sometimes makes reparations, while Nigerian censors controversial topics. Americans

staying in their ancestral land?

Whatever power any country has, or claim to have, should be exercised in the protection of the interests of the country and her citizens.

I also find it strange when people refer to Nigeria as a property or idea on which the black race has certain stakes in Nigeria was not established by the black race. Nigeria was part of the British “possession” in Africa, and Britain sought to maintain their influence on Nigeria to exist as a nation after independence.

Nobody conceived Nigeria to exist as a nation of peoples with

are made to know their history, while Nigerians are encouraged to substitute facts with fables.

These are two difference countries with different world views which is the reason American is progressing while Nigeria is retrogressing.

This is why comparing America with Nigeria is like comparing apples and oranges.

These countries have different histories. The initial 13 states freely chose to be members of the Union. The additional 37 territories were mostly bought and paid for Nothing similar event happened in Nigeria. The us also started on the right footing. Being a confederation of independent states, they could negotiate and resolve thorny issues-like the heavy weight bigger states could carry in National politics under proportional representationbefore coming together to fight the common enemy, Britain and other European colonial powers.

President Goodluck Jonathan

advantages over their smaller counterparts.

The large population of Nigeria is the reason Nigerians make a significant proportion of any country in Africa. This means that the interest of Nigeria can be served by Nigerians who can work for her interests around the world. The large population of emigrants from Nigeria means that Nigeria can recruit skilled Nigerians with international experience.

Most Nigerians resident in the country are more concerned about getting their daily bread than on how big the country is, even more would prefer the

“In order to address our challenges and move forward, discussion and negotiation is important. In whatever form, whether through a national conference or through the National Assembly; all national issues must be tabled and discussed without inhibitionsit is better to discuss it in a conference hall than on the battle field-if we cannot discuss important issues in peace time, we are only postponing that issues till a time when it must be discussed.”

Canada, for example, was not forced into the Union, Europe did the same with the European Union, subjects.

Like multiculturalism, freedom of movement, common currency, etc were and are still negotiated and agreed to by all before any member state can be bound by any Eu treaty.

If creating “Lands of opportunity” was done by merging territories to form big counties, Russia would be the biggest “Land of opportunity on earth. America is not a great country as a result of merging states; America is great because of the prudent management of the economy. Canada is the biggest country in North America in terms of landmass, but is not half as rich as the U.S and financial prudence can flourish only under the right national frame work. There is little incentive for the states in Nigeria to come up with new ideas on how to entourage businesses to set up and boost economic activities. Why wait for tax revenues from business when there is oil money to share.

The threat of succession of one region or the other is older than Nigerian independence, and the underlying cause was never addressed the precondition that the regionsNorth, East and West must be on the same page in the independence movement and none must succeed is a big part of the problem. Agreements must to freely made by the parties involved without the interference of foreign interests. The fact that America was too involved with the support of Turkish membership of the European Union (EU) caused suspicion in Europe and hurt Turkey’s chances.

In order to address our challenges and move forward, discussion and negotiation is important. In whatever form, whether through a national conference or through the National Assembly; all national issues must be tabled and discussed without inhibitionsit is better to discuss it in a conference hall than on the battle field-if we cannot discuss important issues in peace time, we are only postponing that issues till a time when it must be discussed. And the fear of Nigeria becoming a “Tower of Babel” should not arise because Nigeria can never be that, we must first agree to build a nation before we can entertain fears of Nigeria collapsing. The people of Babel agreed to build their towers, together, the Nigerian peoples never agreed on building anything together and that is the key difference.

Midweek Magazine

WE all know the problems or challenges of leadership in Nigeria and Africa. Let me state clearly that it is the failure of leadership that has landed us in the wahala we all face today. If the LEADERS have been in charge just before and since political independence, then can we say that they have succeeded or done well? Some Nigerians even believe that life was better under colonialism.

This is unfortunate because life can never be better under slavery, discrimination, domination, and colonization.

However, such statements are simply a measure of the general frustration and disillusionment with our contemporary leaders.

Let us look at the problems of Nigeria in the last twenty years: poverty, unemployment, insecurity, lack of water, lack of adequate housing, crime, corruption, rural underdevelopment, low industrialization, technological backwardness, nepotism, ethnic distrust, religious violence, deteriorating infrastructure, illiteracy, poor pay for workers, lack of social security, unreliable power supply, poor public transportation system, malnutrition, high maternal and child mortality, inadequate health services, political instability and rascality, I can go on and on.

Now tell me, are these problems not still with us today? Are they almost solved’? Are they 50% solved?

Are Nigerians happier today?

That is the crux of leadership and democracy. Bad leadership cannot enhance democracy.

Bad leadership cannot promote accountability, discipline, social justice and good governance. Bad leadership cannot encourage discipline, productivity, creativity, unity, and patriotism. Bad leadership and bad governance are directly related. But what exactly is good governance?

By good governance we refer to the existence of an environment that promotes accountability, social justice, fiscal discipline and responsibility, transparency, service delivery and accessible leadership. Good governance requires that the people remain primary in the deployment of

Leadership And Susta In Nigeria

By PROF. JULIUS IHONVBERE

governmental powers, the allocation of programmes and policies as well as resources.

Good governance demands a leadership that emanates from the people and functions within the context of dialogue, consultation, and constitutionalism. In an environment of good governance, the public will and public good dominates and the people, their communities and constituencies are consulted before governmental actions are taken. Good governance is about the people, their hopes, dreams, relationships, cultures, values, and general sociocultural environment. Can we say that we have been experiencing and enjoying good governance in Nigeria and Edo State in particular? I leave that to your judgment for now.

The truth is that our leaders have, in large measure, failed us. Not only have they failed to promote economic development to improve the living conditions of the people in general but they have also done everything to undermine all laid down rules and regulations that guide socioeconomic and political development. The evidence is around us in dilapidated infrastructure, massive unemployment and underemployment, breakdown of public institutions, general inefficiency, unbelievable corruption and waste, and the contamination of the souls of our people.

In government, political parties, educational institutions, businesses and at home, bad leadership spells disaster for all.

A business under bad leadership accumulates debts, declining profits, structural fragility and eventual collapse.

A home without leadership also culminates in crisis, violence, indiscipline, and collapse. A state or government with bad leadership lacks focus,

discipline, credibility, capacity to deliver, and ends up inflicting pain and punishment on the people. Democracy is about the people, their security, prosperity, progress and living conditions. Any leadership or government that can not ensure and assure these conditions, or at the very least, be seen as capable of meeting these conditions, can be described as useless.

As a young African leader put it not too long ago, Good leadership brings hope and energy to the people. It attracts the best minds as well as local and external support. Good leadership brings about quality and good governance, progressive policies, happiness in the people, and general dynamism. Good leadership brings out the most purposeful, creative and innovative qualities of citizens and expands the capacity to share the pains of reform and to establish strong platforms of tolerance, mutual support, cooperation, innovation, and social justice. In fact, no matter the level, there is no alternative to purposeful, honest, focused, dedicated, and patriotic leadership. A good leader encourages the emergence of other leaders, encourages people to take charge and to want to make a difference (President Faure Eyadema, 50th Birthday Lecture for Prof.

Julius Ihonvbere, Benin City, 2006).

Of course, we do have some very good leaders in our country. Those that we can call Islands of integrity and dedication. Their efforts, unfortunately, are often contaminated, compromised and undermined by ‘the others that are just political rascals.

There are also those that often find it difficult to distinguish between populism and realist environments, between opportunism and actual

delivery and between government and governance.

For instance, government is the existing structure that you can fight, challenge, even overthrow.

However, governance is that process you organize, consolidate, and operate to serve the people. The former, government, any one can fight. The later, governance, requires commitment, dedication, capability, education, discipline, sensitivity, experience, exposure, positive networks and long term commitment to the steady transformation of existing socio-economic and political structures and institutions.

A final word on leadership.

What exactly have we, the people done to offend our leaders that they inflict so much pain on us? Why do they relish in lying to us again and again?

Why do they waste our resources on white elephant projects and frivolous travels?

Why they engage in criminal mis-governance and arrogance of power? Why do they fail to realize the importance of education, a clean environment and good roads? Why can’t they see the direct linkage between unemployment and criminality? Why are they so blind to the poverty around them? Why do they relish in manipulating class, religion, ethnicity, profession and other primordial considerations to get power? Why can’t they play a politics of credibility and democratic discipline? Why do they relish in the imposition of candidate manipulation of primaries and elections, and discrimination against women and credible aspirants for political office? Why have many so called leaders turned elections into a business thus virtually bankrupting aspirants before they become candidates? The questions can go on and on. The truth is that

“In government, political parties, educational institutions, businesses and at home, bad leadership spells disaster for all. A business under bad leadership accumulates debts, declining profits, structural fragility and eventual collapse.”

we have many rulers and selfappointed leaders but very few leaders and statesmen.

We have been lucky in Nigeria. In spite of our peripheral commitment to true democracy, accountability and transparency, have recently celebrated 10 years of unbroken civil governance. Some like to call it, democratic governance because the worst democracy, the saying goes, is much better than the best military form of domination. In large measure, this is very true. But how do we sustain this civil a and ensure and assure good governance, good leadership and true democracy: one that involves the people, their communities and constituencies, gives privilege to their needs and dreams, that accountable, respects due process and the rule of law, believes allowing the will of the people to prevail at elections, and where parties operate as peoples organizations rather than the property of a few individuals.

How do we consolidate democracy with the situation in the Niger Delta, violence in many states, continuing ethnic distrust, the violation of human rights, abuse of office, on-going waste and misplaced priorities, and unbelievable cases of corruption that we hear and read about daily- TranscorpHilton, Wilbros-Halliburton, Siemens, power sector, and Federal Ministry of Health to mention a few? I do not need to remind you of the hundreds of billions of naira that have been frittered away by the Nigerian power elite. How can we consolidate democracy with 30% interest rates, with industries closing down, with millions of graduates unemployed, with kidnapping now a very lucrative business, and with elected leaders that are not accountable to the people?

For our democracy to be consolidated we must take ourselves more seriously. We must take the people seriously.

All this nonsense about primitive accumulation, political rascality and violence, social irresponsibility fiscal indiscipline, and parties that function more like mafia gangs must stop. We must begin to generate the capacity to vision and to take merit seriously. We cannot continue to experiment with opportunists, false leaders, herbalists, crooks, ex-convicts and vagabonds in power (VIPs). Let me begin to

conclude by identifying some major steps or actions that must occur for our democracy to become sustainable and consolidated: 1. Political parties Our political parties must begin to function like true political parties. The proliferation of parties is not a measure of the strength of democratic practice.

In fact, it shows lack of ideology, focus, consensus on national issues, and crass

i a f c d E c p t W e s o N v i p

Professor Julius Ihonvbere,

opportunism. Parties must practice internal democracy, learn to cooperate in their programs, mobilize and educate their members and the populace, prepare manifestoes or platforms that guide their performance in office, identify and present the best aspirants and candidates for political office, commit to free and fair elections, restrain their members from involvement in electoral mal-practices, and define a clear mechanism for sanctions against members that behave in undemocratic ways.

2. Elections We must see elections as opportunities for exercising the civic rights of citizens and not as war. The do-or-die approach to politics is wrong and should have no place in any modern society. It encourages political arrogance, rascality and violence. 1t is embarrassing that even after two years, cases on the 2007 elections are still

c i f n t t r d b d 3

d w b n f b i e p g o e t e p p

Midweek Magazine

ainability Of Democracy

in the courts. Of course, a free and fair election can only come from a responsible and corruption free police force, a disciplined and unbiased Electoral Commission, cooperation among political parties and the preparedness of the people to protect their votes.

We must not only focus on elections at the national and state levels. Elections within organizations including formal NGOs, social clubs and other voluntary bodies are just as important. When we fail to practice internal democracy and

them to political positions, allow plea bargains for convicts, and have endless litigations while those accused of corruption remain in office?

We make a lot of noise and no one is in jail. The EFCC says the lawyers and judiciary are the problem. There is no amount a Nigerian can not steal knowing that nothing would happen. We have run down all our public institutions in the name of corruption. No one believes in doing anything the normal way. We all look for short cuts. Even to run for

conduct free and fair elections in civil society, we lay the basis for similar practices at the national level. I believe that there is national consensus today that without electoral reforms, our fledgling democratic experiment is bound to be compromised or demolished.

3. Corruption This country and its democratic efforts will go no where if corruption is not brought under control. No nation in the world is corruption free. However, in Nigeria, it is brazen and almost institutionalized. Corruption exists in the family, work places, political parties, government, religious organizations, trade unions, educational institutions, and in the private sector. So, how on earth are we going to make progress when we worship and protect corrupt persons, appoint

office, many begin by looting public funds directly and indirectly, then bribe some socalled godfathers and leaders, bribe the police and security forces, bribe electoral officers, even bribe some journalists, and there you go, the criminal gets into office. Now you know why our hospitals, roads, schools, and social institutions are not working. Until we take the fight against corruption seriously, there would be no hope for sustaining or consolidating our democracy.

4. Leadership I have said a lot about this already. The sort of leaders that we need to widen, deepen, sustain and consolidate our democracy must embody character, commitment, courage, exposure, commitment, honesty, discipline, sensitivity, compassion, knowledge, humility, responsibility,

positive world-view, vision, creativity, innovation, respect for history and culture, and Godliness.

5. Agents of Change We can only consolidate and sustain our democracy when all office holders, including bureaucrats, youth groups, and those in the private sector transform themselves into agents of change. This will build the much needed collective spirit to shun violence, waste, nepotism, corruption and the arrogance of power. We have no future without this critical development in our political economy and the younger generation can never be inspired along positive and progressive lines. Those in power, appointed and elected, owe the rest of us this debt.

6.

Constitution and constitutionalism That the 1999 Constitution is flawed in several sections is no longer the issue. But you can all see how badly the review process is going. The fight is over chairmanship and cochairmanship and at bottom of the fight is the control of money. When are the politicians going to grow up and keep the interest of Nigeria at heart? People are being killed or kidnapped daily in the Niger Delta, there are disputes on resource allocation, there are debates on the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists and, per issues of state police. Yet, we are fighting over chairmanship If the National Assembly cannot work together, what hope do we have that they can harmonise their reports and conclusions? Until the constitution is adequately amended to reflect the interest of Nigerians, it can not serve as the foundation for democratic sustainability. The process must be accountable, transparent, people- driven, consultative, and issue-driven. We must engage in comparative constitutionalism to learn from the experiences of other nations. I will particularly recommend South Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda and

Ghana as special successful examples of consultative, inclusive and participatory constitution-making. Then, after the review, we must develop a culture of constitutionalism, where the document becomes a living document because it comes from the people and structures are created to mass produce, distribute, abridge and teach the Constitution to the people.

When they see and understand the constitution, then it can be deployed to defend their individual and collective interests. Not just lawyers and parliamentarians having access to the document and quoting it to defend narrow interests. As you can see, we have not started on this journey.

7. Development By development I am speaking of a process of systematic structural transformation, anchored on the creative energies and needs of the people, that moves a society towards a capacity of meeting the basic human needs of the vast majority of the people.

While on the one hand development requires and promotes progressive propeople planning, infrastructural development, holistic peoplecentred policy making, its end point is to ensure and assure adequate housing, access to health services, education, employment, and services for the enjoyment of life here on earth. It is only under such conditions that democracy can thrive in modem society.

Please, note that it is possible for a nation to achieve and sustain high growth rates without development and this may not redistribute wealth, provide appropriately for women, the youth and the aged, provide social amenities for the majority, guarantee freedoms and rights, and consolidate democratic practices and institutions. Though Nigeria today is not moving in the direction of true people-centred development, it is still possible to get it right with the correct leadership, necessary political will, a check on waste and

corruption, and putting the right people in positions of responsibility so we stop starting everything all over every time, including the renovation of Government offices, governors lodges and so on.

8. National discipline and ideology A nation and people must believe in something that unites, energizes, motivates and propels them to seek higher grounds. It cannot be soccer or rebranding. True, Nigeria is a nation-state composed of many nations. We must find strength and a mission in the general commitment to collective struggles for democracy and development. In our country today the culture of impunity reigns. People do and say what they like. The arrogance of power is suffocating democratic spaces. The rich and well connected believe they can get away with anything and quite often they do. They believe that they can loot the treasury, murder innocent people, destroy communities, promote violence at elections rig elections, run down public institutions, suffocate democratic spaces and bastardize democratic processes and nothing would happen. This sort of indiscipline compromises the emergence of a national philosophy, contaminates democratic discourses, and tears our people and their communities apart. A process designed to contain or stop this trend must go beyond conferences, sloganeering, publicity stunts and the careless use of public funds to support narrow interests. We must give our people something to believe in as they plan their lives and communities for democratic existence.

Conclusion Democracy is clearly better than dictatorship. The rules of democracy are very well known to all. However, the sustenance and viability of democracy depends on how the operators and the people respect the rules, deepen and widen the system,

give meaning to their collective dreams, strengthen democratic institutions, and commit to social justice and fair-play. To date, we toothache and bellyache about democracy and its dividends. Yet, we do so much to undermine, contaminate and.. compromise democracy, its institutions and processes. In fact, we do not show that we understand the linkage between democracy, peace, progress and development. Our goal is to take all we can for private ends and leave nothing for posterity.

Then when such actions breed militants, angry youths, alienated communities, and disgruntled public officials, we complain, and resort to prayers.

God will certainly not answer such prayers because we are the architects of our misfortunes.

It is not too late. If we all in the hall commit today to democracy, due process, merit, and the struggle against corruption, imposition of political mediocres and opportunists, we would have started something if we decide not to be deceived by opportunistic and noisy politician to study them well before giving them our votes, to demand that parties should respect their own rules, we would have contributed to building a truly democratic society. If we take things for granted, try to manage bad leaders, and allow our present and future as well as those of our children to be toyed around with, history may not be very kind to us. Clearly, we can only move forward and enjoy the good things of life if, and only if we strategize together, plan together, work together struggle together and put our true leaders in charge of our affairs.

Talk is cheap. Anyone can talk.

Go to the motor park or the markets and you will see a lot of talking. However, action, focus, serious mindedness, discipline, commitment, and democratic conduct can only be found in few places and in fewer people. A word, they say, is more than enough for the wise.

“Democracy is clearly better than dictatorship. The rules of democracy are very well known to all. However, the sustenance and viability of democracy depends on how the operators and the people respect the rules, deepen and widen the system, give meaning to their collective dreams, strengthen democratic institutions, and commit to social justice and fair-play.�

Opinion

Character As A Sustaining Tool CHARACTER matters a lot in your life.

The way you behave speaks about you. Your character is your personality, it is your dignity- without you being of good character, you are useless in your society.

So for you to be recognized and respected you must have a good character in your thinking, talking, working e.t.c WHAT IS CHARACTER? Character is the metal qualities distinctive to an individual character is also known as the distinctive nature of something.

The dictionary definition of character is said to be the “stable and distinctive qualities built into an individual’s life which determines his or her responses regardless of circumstances”.

Character is what you live with, wherever you go it is with, you. Character is a pattern of behaviour, BELSHAZZAR was the last King to rule Babylon, he reigned nearly the end of 70 years long Jews exile.

On the very night that the medes and the Persians united together to defeat and execute BELSHAZZAR, he was celebrating a great feast with a thousand of his lords and drank wine in the presence of the thousand (Daniel 5:1) what made this feast so wicked and detestable was that they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the Temple of the House of God which was at Jerusalem, and the King, and his princes, his wives and his concubines drank in them (Daniel 5:3). As his guest drank, they praised the gods of gold and silver (5:1) suddenly the fingers of man’s hand (5:5) appeared and wrote on the wall. This proud King panicked and his knees smote one against another (5:6) in fear, he cried out to his astrologers and sooth

thoughts and feelings based on universal principle, moral strength and integrity-plus the guts to Live by those principles everyday. Character is evidence by your life’s virtues and the line you never cross”. Character is the most valuable thing you have and no body can ever take it away.

According to Abraham Lincoin he said “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow.

The shadow is what we think of, the tree is the real thing.

Our character is much more than just what we try to display for others to see, it is who we are even when no one is watching.

Your character determines your thinking.

If you don’t build up your self then bad character follows.

Character is divided into two part.

1. Good character 2. Bad character WHAT IS GOOD

By IZUEGBU NKECHI GIFT

CHARACTER ?

Good character is the quality that distinguishes you as someone worthy to become a citizen through respect for laws and values of the society.

Qualities of good character 1. TrustworthinessBe honest, don’t deceive people or steal. Do what you say you will do. Have the courage to do the right thing and build up a good reputation.

2. Respect- Learn to

respect others, treat others the ways in which you treat yourself. Do not look down on people and also learn to consider the feeling of others.

3. Responsibility, learn to take responsibility and do what you are supposed to do, plan ahead, Always do your best, keep on trying never give up.

4. CompassionateBe caring, kind and learn to express gratitude, also learn to forgive others.

WHAT IS BAD CHARACTER? Urban dictionary defines bad character as a descriptor used to indicate lack of moral or ethical strength in an individual.

Bad character is very common now in our society. You see children disrespecting their parents and their elders. When you fail to respect your elders you can not respect yourself because respect is the number one key to successful life. Even the bible says “If you can humble yourself and pray,

“Bad character is very common now in our society. You see children disrespecting their parents and their elders. When you fail to respect your elders you can not respect yourself because respect is the number one key to successful life.”

Trusting In God’s Faithfulness Sayers to interpret the message. But they were speechless. Then the queen reminded Belshazzar of the prophet of God who had been a prominent advisor when Nebuchadnezzar ruled. Let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation (5:10-12). In desperation, Belshazzar Summoned Daniel, who appears to have been ignored by the King for perhaps ten years or more.

Daniel boldly proclaimed to Belshazzar, you have lifted yourself up against the lord of Heaven – and have praised the gods of silver and gold. And the God in whose hands you breath is – you have not glorified. This is the interpretation – God has numbered (the days of) your Kingdom, and finished it (5:23-26) that night, Darius the mede took the Kingdom (5:31) After some time, it pleased

then will I hear from heaven and I will heal thy land”. So for you to succeed you must build in you a good character.

Relationship, marriages are broken up today because of bad character in you and failure to plan ahead.

HOW TO AVOID BAD CHARACTER 1. You must be obedient 2. You must learn from your mistakes 3. You must learn to respect others 4. And you must learn also to respect yourself.

5. Avoid trouble in every thing you do.

By GIFT ONAGHAMA

Darius to set over the Kingdom 120 princes which should be over the whole

Daniel (6:1,3-4). After conspiring together, these man preferred a decree

Kingdom. Then this Daniel was preferred above the president and princes. The president and princes sought to find occasion against

which was a test of Daniel loyalty to the Lord. appealing to the King’s pride; these 122 men devised a plan to destroy

Daniel, saying to the King, we have consulted together to established a royal status and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, except you, O King he shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O King, establish the decree that it be not changed (6:78) Daniel could have reasoned that since the decree might lead to his death and was for a mere 30 days. It would make no real difference if he just prayed secretly. He was not asked to worship an idol, but only to refrain from public prayers for just months. So why not cooperate? But Daniel remained faithful, regardless of the circumstances- Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went to his house and his windows being opened in his chamber to Jerusalem,

he kneeled upon his kneels three times a day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he did before (G:10) if a similar decree existed today would it make any difference in the live of many Christians.

Who already disregard the word of God, and who desecrate the Lord’s day and His tithe by using both for self-interest in either business, or pleasure?

Although Daniel was an exile in Babylon his loyalties were with the Kingdom of God. Yes Daniel had to face the den of Lions, but following that ordeal he could say to the king. My God has sent His angel, and has shut the Lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me (6:22).

Though Daniel faithfulness, all doubt was removed from the heathen king that the God of Daniel is the living God that shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto, the end (Daniel6:26).

Natural Medicine

With Dr Mao 0803071734

The Flipside Of Plastic Wares IN the days of yore, we used certain plant leaves as wrappers for food items. However, we are in the modern age.

Therefore, some people claim it is uncivilized to deploy plant leaves as wrappers moreso since they cannot even meet the huge demands of society.

The result is that plastics items have replaced plant leaves as wrappers.

Everywhere you go, you find either soft or hard plastics in use or discarded after use. Just name it. People use soft plastic to wrap moimoi, eba, amala, plantain chips and bread.

Also, soft plastic is used for holding or keeping water, soft drinks, beer as well as other drinkable items. In markets, most particularly, plastic wrappers are equally employed for packaging tomatoes, crayfish, garden eggs, pepper, vegetables, oil and other food items.

What is more, some people have converted sofo plastic containers into eating bowls. Such people purchase food like rice, stew and meat/fish which are placed inside soft plastic wares and eaten from them, thereafter. They don’t care about aluminum plates, glass or earthenware dishes any more, later on, they down the food with “pure” water contained in a plastic containers.

Check out fruit sellers.

Chopped or cut-up fruits like pineapple, water melon, pawpaw, mango, cashew, etc are packaged in soft plastic wares. How about takeaways from restaurants or eateries?

Trust, they are placed in plastic containers for customers. If you provide a non-plastic ware for

food storage the people around you would make a laughing stock of you.

They would call you a “village man”.

What is more? Extreme temperatures degrade plastic wares making them to excessive heat and freezing coldness.

Imagine. Even in some hospitals satchet water is heated in ovens to provide hot water for tea or emergency eba. Also water satchet is put in deep freezers to block or left out in the open, hotsun instead of at room temperature inside the house of course these mistreatment of satchet water render them toxic over time.

Lastly but not the least, have you opened a canned food and looked inside the can properly? If you do, you will discover that the inner sides of the can are lined with a coat of plastic. Don’t forget too, plastic bottles are similarly used for keeping oil, palm wine, soft hot drinks, salt, pepper, medicines and table water.

Indeed, we live in a world that glorifies plastic wares. However, it is not a win-win score for this category of products.

There are bad sides to their use, according to Dr Al Sears.

After painstaking researches into the world of plastics, here are his unassai lable findings. First of all, he explains that the normal ratio of testosterone/ estrogen in a man is 4:1.

But due to the abundant, frequent use of plastic wares by man, this ratio is distorted. This is because plastic items leak zenoestrogen, a synthetic form of estrogen, into our foods/drinks and thereafter into our bodies

resulting in an increased level of total estrogen in them. Whenever their is an abnormality in the ratio between testosterone and estrogen a man experiences health disorders, he tells us.

For instance he says that a man suffering from such

infertility.

Furthermore, Dr. Al Sears warns that the use of plastic wares increase a man’s risk factor for prostate cancer. This is not all. In women, excess estrogen in her body arising from the use of plastic wares according to

can predispose a woman or man to cardio vascular ailment, cancer, obesity, early puberty and Type-2 diabetes.

What is the way out? Dr Al Sears offers some suggestions. To start with, he advises that we should use glasswares for

zenoestrogen easily.

Fifthly, he educates us on the need to allow foods/ drinks to get cold before putting them in plastic containers so as to limit zenoestrogen leakage into the foods/drinks.

Sixthly, he insists that we should only patronize food contained in plastic wares that is “BPA free.”

BPA stands for Bisphenol

a disturbed hormone imbalance is predispose to have weak sperm cells.

Therefore, the man has sperm cells with poor morphology as well as frail tails which easily break off. The result is that the ability of the sperm cells to swim fast towards the egg in the fallopian tube for fertilization is impaired.

Also, the sperm cells tend to glue together. All these conditions can cause male

Dr. Al Sears-can lead to period pains, breast/ ovarian cancer and high prolactin level. In case you don’t know when the level of prolactin rises above normal limit in women, her breasts usually secrete a milky substance when she is not pregnant. Under this condition, she cannot become pregnant.

Generally speaking, Dr. Al Sears reveals also that the use of plastic wares

holding, keeping and storing of our foods/ drinks. Secondly, he counsels that we filter water sourced from PVC pipes. Thirdly, he says that we should avoid shower curtains made of vinyl.

Fourthly, he directs that we shouldn’t shop for baby toy made from soft plastic because of the likelihood of the toys being put in the mouth by babies and even chewed.

Soft plastic wares leak

– A, which is a major ingredient in the manufacture of plastic items. BPA is poisonous.

Seventhly, he asks us to check for certain numbers at the bottoms of all hard plastic wares. If you see 1,2 or 25 written on their bottoms, the wares are safe. When you see 3 or 7 on them such wares are not safe for holding food/ drinks. A word is enough for the wise.

“In case you don’t know when the level of prolactin rises above normal limit in women, her breasts usually secrete a milky substance when she is not pregnant.

Under this condition, she cannot become pregnant.”

With Victor Aniukwu

New Horizon

Paradise Lost And Regained THE word paradise indicates a special place prepared for special people. Paradise also exist both in Heaven and on earth but they are related as illusionary paradise. In the material paradise there are no restrictions, for you can be there only to do your own thing in your own style but in the Paradise prepared by God, there are codes of conduct. The ancient days Paradise was very close to man but due to the erring of man against God paradise has been taken far away from man.

That also made man to be far from God. God in his infinite mercy created the world and provided every thing necessary to exist.

The Sun, Moon, Night and Day, Vegetation, Springs, Rivers, Seas, Air, Fruits, Valleys, Mountains, Rocks, Animals, Aquatics, etc and the chief. host the human beings. There is no reasonable parent who does not from time to time put across some test for his children so as to capture their reasoning power. And so God did by creating the Garden of Eden.

He created this Garden and it’s good to the Lord for habitation. And out of compassion, the Lord placed Adam to dwell in this Garden. God is a highly disciplined personality and so wanted his children to be self disciplined. By this, God called Adam and instructed him to live in this Garden with all kinds of animals and to eat all kinds of fruits inside the Garden but that fruit in the middle of that Garden must not be eaten for any reason. Adam accepted and lived by this moral code of the Lord.

Adam lived happily amongst dangerous animals such the Cobra, Python’s, Lions, Tigers, Elephants, Wolves, Vultures, etc. These animals were the great companions of Adam in the Garden. When Adam wants

to sleep, he sleeps right in the centre of coiled cobra snake and has the lion and tiger as his pets. Then Adam understood ‘the language of the animals, Adam was never tired living with the animals nor ever afraid as in today’s world. Adam was not getting the full benefit of association from these animals because animals are of lower intelligence.

Adam never complained nor thought otherwise. In any situation, the Supreme Lord who creates and maintains understands our temperament at any pint in time and will respond accordingly. God who know our heart desires saw it necessary for Adam to have a corresponding companion in the Garden.

And when Adam was asleep, the Lord from Adams ribs, made a woman to manifest, in whom, the Lord gave the name Eve. Adam, the man to bear a higher burden and Eve means the helper to bear the lower burden.

Adam instructed Eve about the codes of the Garden.

Eat all fruits but don’t eat that in the middle of the garden. Adam and Eve lived successfully, sharing the presence of the animals and giving names to the animals. Adam was happy having Eve as his direct helper Adam and Eve never saw any difference between himself and the animals nor did Adam and Eve kill any of these animal’s for food. They lived by Genesis 1:29 according to the written words of God which states that:. “And God said,

Behold, I have given you herb bearing Seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree yielding seed, to you it shall be for food”. Adam and Eve were vegetarians who never kill animals nor

which may lead to total breakdown.

This breakdown was’ present in the garden of Eden — the breakdown of law and order. God gave Adam the law which he passed on to Eve but Adam failed to

life is finished. Generally everything about this body had been regulated by nature but the human beings don’t want to hear nor believe in anything regulatory.

Without regulatory process in our

eat them. They were non violent which is part of the purity of man.

Today, violence is the key of existence. Go to, the East part of the world, always boiling with great tension. We must have to believe in ourselves before we believe in others. This violence all over the world also, erupted in the garden of Eden which Adam could not contend but fell prey to it. When a men fail to control his subjects, there is always a counter reaction

play the role of a man who should protect the law and not break or be part to break it. Eve became sin conscious and called on Adam to share this sin with her, and Adam who underplayed his rights part took in the act. The presence of a woman can make generals to wither from their positive nature to degradation. Generally, if you look at a woman, it is dangerous, if you talk to her, it is more dangerous, and if you touch her your

living, lots of things go wrong materially and spiritually. One who does not regulate his living is not better than an animal. That person is just acting by instinct without the application of ’ his intelligence. We go out of control when we cannot regulate our thoughts, words and actions and this is the soul cause of sinful life. When sinful life is rampant, things will generally go downwards in most of the sectors. We are

“Today, violence is the key of existence. Go to, the East part of the world, always boiling with great tension. We must have to believe in ourselves before we believe in others.”

talking about corruption which is a grave sin and a canker worm. How much has this been checked — just below 25 percent?

Who are the culprits?

Majority of them are not disclosed. Look at the case of Ibori, if he was to be tried in Nigeria, we will still have the case pending for want of enough

evidence, been adjourned or quashed for one flimsy reason or the other.

Nigerians know most of the corrupt people in the country but will they be arrested, tried and presented accordingly as a deterrent to others. EFCC is trying to do its best but so much compromise through influential big guns who will throw their weight on the issue on ground thereby putting the case to rest nor ending up with keep in view that may lead to the disappearance of the entire file in due course of time.

The intricacies of karma is yet unknown to a high percent of people all around the world. The ignorance of this fact is that people always feel that one can do anything good nor Continues on Pg 24

Place Of Prayer

The Father’s Love

LOVE is the chief attribute of Jehovah; the length and breadth and height and depth of which are beyond comprehension, for they are infinite. God’s love is an infinite fatherly affection; towards sinners, it is immeasurable compassion. It is shown in all His works and ways, but it most signally displayed in the gospel, John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. We see more rendering of this great love in the scriptures below: But God commendeth his love toward us; in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:8. behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…1st John 3:1, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it, Ephesians 5:25.

An understanding of the nature of God’s love is important in moulding a wholesome attitude of reverence and fear for God. God’s love is not based on any selfish reason; we were sinners doomed to die, but He looked away from our sin problem and became the sacrifice for our redemption. Our merit or demerits were not in any way the consideration.

God’s Love heart was reason for this lavish demonstration.

That the Father loves the inhabitants of the earth is no more news; He has proved it beyond reasonable doubt. What greater love can a man show than to sacrifice His only son just to win over man that cared little about Him? The love of God cannot be illustrated by any human example because no man has the capacity to love like God loves. Can you, for example, ask your son to die in place of a dear friend? Talk less of an

enemy? God did something no man is capable of doing.

His son did not come to die for people that sought after Him, but for people that did not care at all about Him. While we were yet lost in sin, He sent His son to die and then changed our status from strangers and enemies to being His legitimate sons by adoption. Your Father is a loving Father. If He could show such love to you while you were yet lost in sin, how about now when you have found your way to Him and have a Fatherson relationship with Him? Many a man can love only when the object of their love is completely in unison with their expectation. But God’s love is perfectly demonstrated towards us in that while we were sworn enemies, He looked away from man’s notoriety and reached down to sin laden humanity in hopes to die the death on his account- and He did. Had God stopped at just dying for man, it would not have satisfied His majestic and lavish royal desire to do man good. He took yet another wise move to ensure that being reconciled with God, man will be the manifest expression of the display of His love. ‘He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32) Notice from this scriptures that we are simply planted in His wealth.

We are the apple of His blessed eyes; that is how precious we are to Him. In His love for Israel He killed the hosts of Egypt and left a decree that no one must touch His anointed, nor do His prophets any harm.

God’s love surpasses the hate of man. God killed the first born of Egypt to prove that He greatly loves His people. Furthermore, Romans 5:8 buttressed the merits of Divine benevolence. God’s love is not as a result of man’s

With Pastor Samuel O. Osaghae SMS Only 08030809339

goodness or some form of moral and religious morality; rather it is born out of His knowledge of our hopeless state. He took pity on man and assumed the role of propitiation for man so we can be restored. He loves us enough to give to us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.

‘According as his divine

enough to kill their enemies, we are assured that He will do much more for us who have been adopted as His children.

Every torture Jesus bore on the way to mount Calvary and on that rugged cross was a show of how far reaching His love for man is, and Isaiah perfectly describes the intentions of

good and perfect gifts come from the Lover of our souls.

‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither

WILL NOT GET THE REST. When Christ left heaven, it was as if heaven was empty. If you do not appreciate a gift that empted heaven, what more do you want from Him?

power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…(2 Peter 1:3). To show the extents of His love, God had to die for humanity in order to purchase us.

Divine life was the price for mankind. Indeed we are precious to God; see yourself as loved by God. If in the old covenant, which He had with the Jews who were not related with Him as sons, He loved them

divine Love: ‘But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. ‘(Isaiah 53:5) Please worship His Majesty for so great a Love for us.

See Him as your lover and not your enemy. Never associate any evil experience with the God who died for you. Only

shadow of turning. ‘(James 1:17). Worship the one who loved you and gave His son to die for your sake.

We owe God a duty of appreciation for this great love He freely bestowed on us. He gave us His best so we can have the rest of Him. If you have not appreciated His best, how can you get more from Him? UNTIL YOU APPRECIATE GOD’S BEST (JESUS), YOU

When you commonise the gift of Jesus then you are practicing religion. Until you appreciate the gift of Jesus, you will not get anything else from God. In this season of love, show love to God by spending time in deep intimacy with Him, and show love to people around you by sharing gifts with them.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

“We are the apple of His blessed eyes; that is how precious we are to Him. In His love for Israel He killed the hosts of Egypt and left a decree that no one must touch His anointed, nor do His prophets any harm. God’s love surpasses the hate of man. God killed the first born of Egypt to prove that He greatly loves His people.”

International

3 Killed In Bangkok Clash

BANGKOK - Gun battles erupted between Thai police and anti-government protesters in Bangkok yesterday and three people were killed and dozens wounded as authorities made their most determined effort yet to clear demonstrators from the streets.

In a day of tangled developments in Thailand’s long-running political crisis, the country’s anti-corruption body announced it was filing charges against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra relating to a rice subsidy scheme that has fuelled middle-class opposition to her government.

In a related development, the Government Savings Bank (GSB) said it was calling back a loan to the state farm bank, that manages the rice subsidy scheme, after a high volume of withdrawals by GSB depositors apparently intent on undermining the government’s subsidy program.

The clashes were the most intense in the latest installment of an eight-year political battle broadly pitting the Bangkok middle class and royalist

establishment against the poorer, mostly rural supporters of Yingluck and her billionaire brother, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Reuters witnesses heard gunfire and saw police firing weapons in the area around Phanfa Bridge in the old quarter of the city.

Police said they had come under fire from a sniper on a rooftop in the area and that M-79 grenades were also fired.

“One policeman has died and 14 police were injured,” national police chief Adul Saengsingkaew told Reuters. “He was shot in the head.”

Security officials said separately four police officers had been wounded by shrapnel.

The Erawan Medical Center, which monitors hospitals, said on its website that two protesters, both men aged 52 and 29, had also been killed. The center said 59 people had been wounded. It did not provide a breakdown of

how many of the wounded were police and how many were civilians.

Security officials said earlier that 15,000 officers were involved in the operation, “Peace for Bangkok Mission”, to reclaim protest sites around central Bangkok’s Government House and other government offices in the north of the capital.

Yingluck has been forced to abandon her offices in Government House by the protesters, who have also blocked major intersections since midJanuary.

Police said about 100 protesters had been arrested in an early morning operation to clear demonstrators from another protest site near the Energy Ministry.

Trouble started with clouds of teargas near Government House and soon police were crouching behind riot shields as officers clashed with

Michael Kirby, Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea holds a copy of his report during a news conference at the United Nations in Geneva.

Japan’s Abe Faces Challenge To Broaden Recovery

TOKYO — Japan’s prime minister Shinzo Abe has ticked off the easy items on his to-do list for economic revival. factories are churning out more Flashy indicators show that cars and electronics. Corporate profits are up. Stock prices have surged 30 percent in the past year.

2 and 3 percent from late 2009 Despite his brash declaration that “Japan is back” in a speech through mid-2011.

Addition fiscal measures signed by last September to the New York the president that also contributed to Stock Exchange, Abe faces a the recovery, the CEA says, include thornier challenge in ensuring that his “Abenomics” recovery a temporary payroll tax cut, spreads beyond boardrooms to extensions of emergency the Japanese people. unemployment compensation, and Over the past two decades Japan’s system of salaried jobs expanded business tax incentives.

Washington Hails Economic Recovery WASHINGTON - Five years after Obama signed the Recovery Act, the White House credits the stimulus with saving millions of jobs and contributing to long-term economic growth. Republicans call the plan a failure and a waste of taxpaper money.

Monday is Presidents Day, but to President Obama, it’s a redletter day of another sort: the fifth anniversary of his signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a.k.a. the stimulus.

In its final report on the impacts of the stimulus, the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) is touting some numbers.

On its own, the stimulus saved 6 million jobs, and when combined with additional fiscal measures

that followed, 9 million jobs were saved through the end of 2012, the CEA reports.

“The investments made through the Recovery Act will have a positive impact on long-run growth, raising the economy’s potential output and ultimately offsetting much of the Act’s initial cost,” CEA chairman Jason Furman said in a blog post Monday.

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The stimulus was initially priced at $787 billion, but later revised upward to $830 billion. According to the CEA report, the Recovery Act alone raised the level of gross domestic product by between

with full benefits has crumbled as companies struggled to stay afloat in cut-throat global markets, shifting much of their manufacturing overseas. Steady jobs in manufacturing and finance that moved abroad or became obsolete were replaced by low-paying service jobs such as clerking in convenience stores and delivery work, especially for workers under 40.

About 40 percent of Japan’s workers, or triple the figure of just 30 years ago, are employed

China Rejects UN Report On North BEIJING - China rejected Korea what it said was “unreasonable she said was a “hypothetical criticism” of Beijing in a new U.N. report on human rights abuses in North Korea, but it would not be drawn on whether it would veto any proceedings in the Security Council to bring Pyongyang to book.

North Korean security chiefs and possibly even Kim Jong Un, the leader of the country, should

Syrian army soldiers loyal to Syria’s President Bashr al-Assad walk in Talet Alghaliya, after claiming to have regained control of the area.

face international justice for ordering systematic torture, starvation and killings comparable to Nazi-era atrocities, U.N. investigators said on Monday.

The unprecedented public rebuke and warning to a head of state by a U.N. inquiry is likely to further antagonize Kim and complicate efforts to persuade him to rein in his isolated country’s nuclear weapons program and belligerent confrontations with South Korea and the West.

The U.N. investigators also told China, the North’s main ally, that it might be “aiding and abetting crimes against humanity” by sending migrants and defectors back to North Korea to face torture or execution, a charge that prompted a sharp rebuke from Beijing.

“Of course we cannot accept this unreasonable criticism,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a briefing on Tuesday.

“We believe that politicizing human rights issues is not conducive towards improving a country’s human rights.

“We believe that taking human rights issues to the International Criminal Court is not helpful to improving a country’s human rights situation.”

Hua would not answer what

question” on whether China would use its veto powers if the report was brought to the U.N. Security Council for further action. Diplomats have said China will most likely block any such proceedings.

Asked why China blocked U.N. investigators from going to the North Korean border, across which many North Koreans cross illegally, Hua said she could not comment and would have to look into the matter.

“These people are not refugees. We term them illegal North Korean migrants,” she added.

China deals with these people appropriately “in accordance with international and domestic laws and the humanitarian principles”, Hua said, declining to provide an estimate for how many of these people have cross into China.

The investigators told Kim in a letter they were advising the United Nations to refer North Korea to the International Criminal Court to make sure any culprits “including possibly yourself” were held accountable.

In a statement in Geneva, North Korea “categorically and totally” rejected the accusations set out in the 372-page report, saying they were based on material faked by hostile forces backed by the United States, the European Union and Japan.

under part-time or non-regular contracts that pay far less than “salaryman” type jobs of the past.

That hollowing out is undercutting the domestic demand that powers nearly three-quarters of business activity within Japan, compounding the effects of a shrinking and aging population.

“Up to now, it’s all been a minus,” said retiree Takeshi Onodera, when asked about Abenomics. “I don’t see any signs it’s made a difference.”

“Really, it hasn’t reached us.”

Economic growth picked up modestly last year to 1.6 percent but fell short of expectations in the fourth quarter, prompting the Bank of Japan to yesterday top up its already plentiful stimulus.

Onodera’s pessimism is shared by some experts. They say the social and economic forces at play in Japan for more than a generation, are too powerful to be overcome by Abe’s prescription of big government spending, lavish monetary easing, a weak yen and dismantling barriers to competition.

Japan’s median household income of 3.8 million yen ($38,700) in 2012 was down from 4.5 million yen in 1997. Today’s workers are worse off than their parents and their incomes continued to fall in 2013 even as the initial successes of Abe’s policies rolled in.

On top of that, living costs are rising as Abe’s weak yen policy that favors Japan’s exporters pushes up the cost of imported fuel and other goods.

Employers are reluctant to raise wages, a measure vital for an enduring recovery. Japanese consumers will take another hit in April when sales tax is raised to 8 percent from 5 percent to help bridge the government’s yawning budget deficit.

“Our parents just saved money in the bank without really thinking about it. For us, it’s really difficult to save money,” said Hideo Sone, a 40-year-old machinery factory woproxy of Thaksin, a former telecoms tycoon toppled in a military coup in 2006.

International CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Ojo Omosekhovba Anthony wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Ojo Antonio as appeared in my Primary School Certificate. Henceforth, I am properly known and addressed as Ojo Omosekhovba Anthony.

All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Omoluyi Maria wish to bring for the information of the general public that my actual name is as stated above and not Omoluyi Mavis as erroneously stated in some of my documents. All documents bearing the erroneous name remain valid. Concerned authorities, College of Education, Igueben and the general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Uwugiaren Saturday Edward wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Obazee Ogiegbe as appeared in my Primary School Leaving Certificate.

Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Uwugiaren Saturday Edward. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

DIBIE – I formerly known as Miss. Vivian Akwuadikanwa Dibie now wish to be known as Mrs. Vivian Akwuadikanwa Atakpu. Former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public please take note.

South Sudan Rebels Say Seize Oil-Producing State Capital JUBA - South Sudanese rebels said they had taken control of the capital of oilproducing Upper Nile state yesterday, in the first fighting in a major town since rebels and the government signed a ceasefire in January.

The Juba government confirmed an assault was launched but denied rebels controlled the town, which lies 650 km (400 miles) north of the national capital Juba. It is also located on the fringes of one country’s main oilproducing areas.

The clashes will fuel concerns over the security of South Sudan’s northern oil fields - an economic lifeline for the world’s newest state and raise pressure on both camps to revive stalled peace talks in neighboring Ethiopia.

Gathoth Gatkuoth, commander for rebel forces in Upper Nile who is a close ally of former vice president Riek Machar, told Reuters by telephone his forces struck Malakal yesterday morning and swiftly retook the dusty market town.

“The rebels have violated the ceasefire and attacked Malakal this morning,” Philip Aguer, spokesman for the government army, told Reuters, denying the town had fallen.

Aguer said that fighting continued in Malakal’s southern area although he said communication had been lost.

Aguer’s comments came after a spokesman for Upper Nile’s regional administration told Reuters clashes began at around 7 a.m. (0400 GMT) and that the army was engaged in battles in Malakal’s northern, southern and central zones.

A Reuters photographer, who had been travelling with rebels in February, said the forces had been moving towards Malakal.

The rebel move on the town may be aimed at strengthening its hand before

a second round of peace talks.

Situated on the banks of the White Nile, Malakal first fell to rebels after fighting broke out in mid-December before government forces recaptured it last month.

President Salva Kiir’s government and rebels who support Machar have both accused the other of violating the January 23 ceasefire deal brokered by neighboring east African states.

Thousands of people have been killed and more than 800,000 have fled their homes since fighting was triggered by a power struggle between President Kiir and Machar, his former deputy whom he sacked in July.

U.N. spokesman in South Sudan, Joe Contreras, said a U.N. camp in Malakal, where many of the displaced people had fled for protection, had been caught in the crossfire.

South Sudan says it has been forced to cut oil production by a fifth to 200,000 barrels per day, all of which is pumped from Upper Nile. Oil accounts for 98 percent of government revenues.

Malakal lies about 140 km (90 miles) from Paloch, an oil complex where a key crude oil processing facility is situated.

“All the oil from the fields around Upper Nile is pumped to Paloch,” said Jacob Jok Dut, director of the Centre for Democracy and International Analysis who follows the oil industry closely. “If Malakal comes under rebel control, then definitely there will be tension in and around Upper Nile.”

Oil firms in South Sudan, a country the size of France, include China National Petroleum Corp, India’s ONGC Videsh and Malaysia’s Petronas. Work in some fields has been suspended.

Peace talks had been due to resume last week, but were held up by a rebel demand that four remaining political prisoners held by the government be released and the Ugandan military, which is supporting Kiir ’s army, withdraw from South Sudan.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AUCTION SALES There will be A public auction sales of accidental, abandoned and unclaimed vehicle, motorcycles and household items at The Nigeria Police Force, Ugbor Division, Edo State Command. Date of Sales is three weeks from this publication. Items are: Mitsubishi Lancer Bus, TVS Star Motorcycle, 2 Daylong Motorcycles Reg. Nos. QC 275 AKU, Jungun Motorcycle, Lifan Motorcycle and other household items.

Contact: Abu Osodionahon Police Auctioneer.

07060382828, 08074007087

Italy Recalls Ambassador To India Over until Monday.

Trial Delay hearing India has ruled out the

ROME — Italy recalled its ambassador to India yesterday after the South Asian country’s supreme court delayed a decision on trying two Italian marines held without charge since 2012.

Foreign Minister Emma Bonino said in a statement that this “latest unacceptable” delay proved that India was “incapable of handling this situation.” She said Italy’s main priority was to bring the two marines home and that she was recalling Ambassador Daniele Mancini for consultations.

The marines have been held in India in the deaths of two Indian

fishermen. They were part of a military security team on an Italian cargo ship and fired at the fishermen. They said they mistook the two men for pirates. The marines are on bail pending trial, and are living and working at the Italian Embassy in New Delhi.

India’s supreme court was to hear arguments from both sides yesterday on whether to try the marines under India’s severe anti-piracy statute.

But the court delayed the

possibility that the men might face the death penalty, but the marines could face up to 10 years in prison under the statute.

Italy has objected for two years over India’s handling of the case, insisting at the outset that the firing occurred in international waters and that Italy had jurisdiction over the case. It has denounced India’s planned use of the anti-piracy statute, saying it was “absolutely out of proportion” with the purported crime and implied that Italy was a terrorist country.

UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

137TH INAUGURAL LECTURE THE Vice-Chancellor, Professor O.G.Oshodin (JP), on behalf of Senate, Staff and Students, cordially invites the general public to the 137th Inaugural Lecture Series of the University of Benin to be delivered by: PROFESSOR MARY OLIRE EDEMA • Ph.D (Organic/Medical Chemistry), University of Benin, Benin City- 1997.

• M.Sc (Organic Chemistry), University of Benin, Benin City-1986.

• B. Ed (Chemistry), Second Class, Upper Division, University of Benin, Benin City1982.

• Higher School Certificate-1979 • West African School Certificate, Division One-1977 • FICCON, FCSN PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY TOPIC “HELP FROM NATURE, ADDITION TO NATURE: WHAT DOES IT CONTAIN?” The Lecture will be delivered under the distinguished Chairmanship of Professor O.G.Oshodin (JP), Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Benin City.

Date: Thursday, 20th February, 2014 Venue: Akin Deko Main Auditorium, Ugbowo Campus Time: 4.00 p.m Prompt Guests are to be seated by 3.30p.m.

Signed: G.O.OGBOGHODO (MRS) Registrar

With Victor Aniukwu

New Horizon Continued from Pg 20

bad and -get away with it.

People generally conclude that whenever one is in a shape, it is because he is clever, educated, wise, intelligent or powerful. But when not in shape, it becomes the work of the devils. And everything will be done to stop that devil.

People generally don’t accept nor want to see themselves responsible for the ugly situations in their life. This aspect on our “lives is related to peoples disbelief in re-incarnation.

If there is no birth, their will be no death. Because we have dislodged from our original identity we are committed to die. Our original identity is that we are “Aluirn Bainasmi” I am a spirit soul, part and parcel of God. Right now, we deny ourselves of that fact and see ourselves as “Aham Bramasmi” I am just this body which is nothing but lump of ignorance — the entire source of sin to man. Until one changes this mentality, birth and cannot be stopped. When you live with the view to enjoy this body always, you are bound to die and be born, again, life time after life time. But if you realize that you are spirit soul, you can begin to think higher above this body thereby realizing that you are held responsible for all your negative actions and not the devil. If you ever think of any devil, you are just the devil. Devil is connected to all sins and evils. But who commit these sins? Is it not I and you? Who is the devil? If you understand this science, you can avoid that

...Lost And Regained mentality and have nothing in connection with the devil whether it exist or not.

Without understanding this knowledge you will always remain with the idea that the devil exists and it is your duty to always stop the devil from coming to block your way.

For example when, you are walking on a lonely dark lane at night, you will come to a point when you’ll develop some fear which will run into hallucination.

In some cases such people scream out and even run at top speed just to escape.

Escape from what just nothing at sight. And from here, people will speculate as much as they tell — That is a ghost, that is .a devil — they are just waiting for you and so you are very lucky otherwise they would have killed you or cursed you. Go and see the man of God to deliver you.

Did this man see any ghost no devil —. No but mere hallucination that leads one to nowhere.

Fear is out of cowardice and cowardice is out of unsteady situation of the mind. What about the heavy panting of your mind. Out of fear, your heartbeat will almost jump out of your body. There is a lot to learn about the control of your thoughts, words and actions. That makes you a better human being otherwise you are not better than an animal.

When an animal is frightened it runs for it’s dear life because it act by instinct. But a human being does not act by instinct because he has a higher

intelligence. A human being can consider to do good or bad, to help or not to help, to speak truth or lie, to lead or mislead, to reject or accept, to serve the supreme God, small gods, or demi- gods. But the animals don’t have enough intelligence for such

Professor, Chief, or lawyer.

These are bodily identification which leads one into great materialism.

This level is just below your nose.

Try to breast out and think beyond your nose level and you will begin to realize your real identity

consideration. Animals think of three major things in their life time. One -to look for food. Two to defend themselves, three — To have sex. These activities are not major activities of the human beings. Human should be able to go beyond such mundane activities. The Holy Bible warns — man know thyself. Know thy self is not to know yourself as an engineer Doctor,

that you are a spirit soul, part and parcel of the Supreme God. And at that stage, you are just beginning your journey back home, back to Godhead which if you attain, there is no more coming back to this prison yard called the material world — an abode of illusion. Let us see the garden of ’ Eden as the Kingdom of God where there is no room for sin nor

“Animals think of three major things in their life time.

One -to look for food. Two to defend themselves, three — To have sex. These activities are not major activities of the human beings. Human should be able to go beyond such mundane activities.”

disobedience. And Adam lived and enjoyed sinless in this garden of Eden. And when Adam and Eve sinned in that Garden, God did not waste any time in deporting them to the sinful world where we are now living. So it is said in the Bible that “We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God; We have come short by the glory of

Supreme is far beyond the Heavens. Remember that the Bible told us that, Heaven and Earth shall pass away but a jot of my word shall not until it is fulfilled”. Yes, the kingdom of God is eternal, it does not pass away for anyone’s reason nor desire.

The Bible also stated that, “God made the Heavens and the Earth ‘ That shows

God means that we are no, more qualified and Holy to live in that abode of God which is sinless. And so we are all thrown down to earth to learn our lesson of revival which if qualified to become pure in Heart, we can see God and live with him and will live eternally with God. We were all once with God and in God but due to envy of God, we were thrown out like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Only sin separate us from God. Right now we can go to Heaven without being pure in Heart but you cannot go to the Supreme Kingdom of God without being pure in Heart. That is the difference. Heaven is not, I repeat, is not the Kingdom of the Supreme God. The Kingdom of the

that Heaven is not God abode, God was in His abode — the spiritual world when he made the Heavens and the earth and they shall pass away after the duration of their span of life. Heaven is a temporary place where the god of sun, and of moon, god of’ Air, god of Heaven resides, and they are served by the Angels. Finally, the garden of Eden made lastly for all of us to live a better life but was lost by Adam and Eve during the testing stage through SIN of the flesh. We are warned to be careful about whatever goes with the flesh, for it is like a two edged sword — Sweet at beginning, better the end, and more so it does not go well with the giver nor the receiver. And with what we see today, when will that lost Garden be ever regained? Now or Never.

Health Garlic-garlic contains allicin, a substance which has antibacterial, antioxidant, lipid lowering and antihypertension properties. In a pilot study made at clinical research centre of new Orleans on whether garlic could lower blood pressure, nine patients with severe hypertension were given a garlic preparation containing 1.3% allicin. Sitting blood pressure fell with a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure only five to 14 hours after the dose.

Cinnamon-cinnamon does not only prevents heart disease, it can also prevent diabetes, the centre for applied health sciences in ohio conducted a study of 22 subjects, half of which were given a 250mg of water soluble cinnamon daily while the other half were given placebo. It was discovered that those who drank cinnamon had a 13 to 23 per cent increase in antioxidants connected with lowering blood sugar levels.

Onions –onions contain quercetin, an antioxidant flavones found to prevent heart disease and stroke.

In a research study published in the journal of nutrition, subjects with hypertension experienced a decrease in their blood pressure by 7mmHg systolic and 5mmHg diastolic as opposed to those who were taking placebo.

Role Of Herbs In The Treatment Of Hypertension

By GODSTIME OYIBO

HYPERTENSION (HTN) is the medical term for high blood pressure. It is dangerous because, it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), besides increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

HTN can also lead to other conditions such as congestive heart failure.

Some of the Effects of Hypertension (HTN) are stated below.

Hypertension can lead to damage of kidne and kidney diseases in human body. It can increase the risk of heart disease and this can also lead to stroke. It contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) HTN can also contribute to moderate elevation of arterial (BP) and lead to shortened life expectancy.

Classification of (HTN) HTN is usually classified based on the systolic and diastolic BPS, systolic BP is the BP in vessels during a heartbeat. Diastolic BP is the pressure between heartbeats.

A systolic or the diastolic BP measurement higher than the accepted normal values for the age of the individual is classified as pie HTN or HTN. HTN has several sub classifications including, H HTN stage1 HTN stage11 Isolated systolic HTN Isolated systolic HTN refers to elevated systolic pressure with normal diastolic pressure and is common among the elderly people in the society.

These classifications are made after averaging a patients resting BP readings taken on two more office visits, individuals older than the ages of 50 yeas are classified as having (HTN) if their BP is consistently at least 140 mmHg systolic or go mmHg diastolic.

Patients with BP’s higher than 130/80 mmHg with

concomitant presence of diabetes or kidney disease require further treatment, HTN is also classified as resistant if medications do not reduce BP’s to normal levels.

Some of the causes of hypertension are given below Sedentary lifestyle -Stress -Visceral obesity -potassium deficiency (hypokalemia).

-Intake of excess alchohol -Salt (sodium)sensitivity -Vitamin D deficiency that increaser the risk of developing HTN -Some inherited genetic mutations -Having a family history of HTN An elevation of rennin, and enzyme secreted by the kidney is another factor of hypertension -Eating of food that contains excess fats and also the consumption of meat with too much cholesterol by humans can also contribute to hypertension and heart attacks if not properly checkmated ways of controlling hypertension through the use of natural herbs that help to lower high blood pressure. Below are some examples

Olives-This herb is a significant part of the Mediterranean diet, recogpized to be one of the healthiest in the world. Oil made from olives has been found to reduce blood pressure, in a pilot study conducted on the importance of olive oil, Dr. L. Aldo Ferrara, associate professor at the frederico 11 university of Napels in Italy discovered that the daily use of 40 grams of olive oil reduced the dosage of blood pressure medication in hypertensive patients by about 50 per cent. Polyphenols in extravirgin olive oil was credited for the significant reduction of blood pressure.

Oregano-This herb contains the compound carvacrol which has been proven to be effective against blood pressure. In a study conduced on animal subjects by researchers from Eskisehir Osmangazi university in Turkey, carvacrol was found to reduce heart rate, mean arterial pressure as well as the systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

Hawthorn –This herb has been traditionally used to treat high blood pressure.

In one study conducted in Reading, UK 79 type2 diabetic patients were radumised to receive 1200mg of hawthorn.

“Eating of food that contains excess fats and also the consumption of meat with too much cholesterol by humans can also contribute to hypertension and heart attacks if not properly checkmated.”

EVERY WEDNESDAY, WEEK 32, 2014 LUCKY 1.2. X SELECTIONS 16 INTERNATIONAL NOS. HOT PAIRS 17 3 18

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By SAM EHEBHA GSM:08056626091

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Mourinho Casts Doubt On Cole’s commented: “I cannot JOSE Mourinho has cast doubt Hopes Mourinho think in national teams at the over Ashley Cole’s hopes of

Steve Bruce (left)

Traore Eyeing FA Cup Glory LACINA Traore believes he can help Everton win the FA Cup after scoring on his debut in Sunday’s fifth-round win over Swansea.

The Ivoirian, who joined the Goodison outfit on-loan from Monaco in January, scored an impressive backheeled goal in the Toffees’ 3-1 victory over the Swans.

“It was a pleasure to start my first game and to cap it with a goal was great,” he told the club’s website.

“I think we can go all the way, hopefully. We’ll be fighting hard to get to the final in this competition.”

Everton will next come up against Arsenal in the quarterfinals of the competition on the 8 March, by which time Traore should be fully recovered from the hamstring strain he sustained on home soil.

“When you think it’s been nearly five months since I played a competitive game, it was great to get 60 minutes under my belt,” added Traore.

“I’ll start to feel even better when I’ve had a few more games, but I feel good now. I will start to get my full match fitness and continue improving.

“I’m hoping to get to my top level, my peak fitness as soon as possible - and it’s only with working hard in training and playing those minutes out there on the field in games that that will happen.”

breaking back into the Chelsea team for the title run-in, but believes the left-back will still feature for England at the World Cup. England coach Roy Hodgson has hinted that Cole faces a fight to secure a place in his squad for Brazil this summer unless he is playing regular first-team football, and that does not seem likely any time soon.

Southampton’s highly rated 18year-old Luke Shaw, who coincidentally has been linked with a move to Chelsea in the summer, has been tipped to go in Cole’s place.

When asked whether Cole is set for a run in his side in upcoming matches, Mourinho said: “I don’t know, I’m very happy with the way Cesar Azpilicueta is performing.”

Cole, 33, is out of contract at the end of the season and speculation is mounting that his days at the Stamford Bridge club may be edging towards a conclusion.

Mourinho earlier this month suggested a move to Major League Soccer could tempt Cole.

However, Mourinho indicated that he still believes Cole’s hopes of playing in a sixth major tournament for his country could be fulfilled.

Though not mentioning his own player by name,

same time as thinking about my team. There are national team managers that are very clear: they go with their players. It doesn’t matter if their players are playing in the club or if they are not playing, they go with their players.”

Ashley Cole

Bruce Angry At Fixture Pile-Up

HULL manager Steve Bruce and Brighton counterpart Oscar Garcia have hit out at the fact their FA Cup fifth-round replay will come little more than 48 hours after this weekend’s league matches. and taking the tie to a replay at Leonardo Ulloa’s quality first- the KC Stadium. half goal had put Brighton on UEFA regulations mean the course for not only their first match will be replayed next quarter-final since 1986, but a Monday after important league mouth-watering home clash games for both sides on Saturday, with Sunderland and former angering and perplexing Bruce. manager Gus Poyet.

“I find that ridiculous, I have However, Yannick Sagbo’s to tell you,” the City boss, whose strike five minutes from time side travel to Cardiff in the snatched that away from them, Premier League, said. earning the Tigers a 1-1 draw “Surely we could play on the

Mata Relishes Dubai Trip

JUAN Mata believes Manchester United’s mid-season break to Dubai has helped him settle into life with the team.

With United out of the FA Cup, David Moyes took his team to the Middle East for warmweather training for five days after the 0-0 draw with Arsenal last week.

The Spaniard has made a steady start to life at Old Trafford following his £37m move from Chelsea in January and says Dubai has helped him further integrate with the squad.

“These kind of breaks always help to make the group even stronger and to switch off a bit from the different competitions and the tight schedule,” he wrote on his personal blog.

“Personally, these days are good for me to settle even more in the team and share these moments with my team-mates and also, obviously, to train hard and get used to the new working patterns after just three weeks in the club.

“These are long days, with training sessions and events with sponsors; we spend a lot of time together.

“The club thought a few days of work far from Manchester

would be good for us, in order to recharge our batteries with a view to the final stage of the season.

“Tomorrow we fly back to Manchester to get ready for our next game in the Premiership and we hope to start a good run of results.”

United currently lie seventh in the Premier League, 11 points off the Champions League qualification places.

same night as the Champions League, you would have thought.

“I think it is a UEFA rule, which reads nobody plays on the same night as the Champions League.

We’ll have to take it as it is and deal with it as it comes.

“It is quite a bizarre one, isn’t it?

For them to say to the FA that we can’t play the same night as they are playing the Champions League.

“I don’t think there will be many tuning out of Barcelona against Manchester City to tune into Hull versus Brighton, no disrespect.

“But there you have it, they think it’s going to clash. Is it going to be a real problem for them? I somehow doubt it.”

Garcia echoed those sentiments after the match, with Wigan heading to the Amex Stadium before Brighton head to Hull on Monday.

“I don’t think it is good for anybody to play two games in three days, but it is what we have to do and we will do it,” the Brighton

manager said.

“Of course the travelling will not go in our favour. Now we have to start focusing on Wigan to try and win.

“For me, they have the best squad in the Championship, can play with three different starting line-ups and be fighting for the promotion places. We have to be focused on the next game.

“Of course it is not the best scenario for us, but the competition is like this.”

It could have been so different had Albion held out for what would have been a deserved victory. Ulloa wasted a glorious chance to double their lead before half-time, but could have lost in the latter stages as Hull pushed on following the equaliser.

“I think in the first half we were the better side,” the Spaniard added. “In the second

half, the game was very even and we had the chances to win.

“But the game could have gone either way. I am really pleased with the performance of all my players, especially the younger ones.

“I think we had chances to win and when you concede late on, you can be a little bit disappointed.

“But my feelings are really good, I am really happy, not the final result but that my players can play in the Championship and most of them in the Premier League.”

For Hull, the biggest positive from the match was the return of Sone Aluko. Making his first start after four months out with an Achilles injury, the 24-year-old forward played the full match and provided the assist for Sagbo’s equaliser.

“He got better as the match went on,” Bruce added. “I wasn’t planning 90 minutes for him.

“I was speaking to him every 10 minutes and he was okay physically and it was his bit of magic that kept us in it.

“It will be good for him next Monday as well, so he can pencil that one in.”

Curbishley, Wilkins ‘Sacked By Fulham’

ALAN Curbishley and Ray Wilkins have left Fulham with immediate effect, but Rene Meulensteen still remains under contract, according to reports.

It has been a whirlwind few days at Craven Cottage, with Friday’s shock appointment of Felix Magath as first-team manager resulting in Meulensteen’s spell at the helm ending after just 75 days.

The deposed head coach claimed on BBC radio that

chief executive Alistair Mackintosh had told him that he had been “released”, although the Press Association, the Daily Mirror and the Daily Telegraph all report that he has not left the West Londoners.

However, the same cannot be said for first-team technical director Curbishley and assistant manager Wilkins, who are understood to have left the club following talks with Magath.

Curbishley, 56, was brought in to work alongside Meulensteen on Christmas Eve, while 57-yearold Wilkins joined the coaching

staff on Dec. 30. While those two are said to be leaving the club, the future of Meulensteen remains uncertain and Magath will no doubt face further questions this week about the Dutchman’s role as Fulham prepare for Saturday’s trip to fellow strugglers West Brom.

As of Tuesday morning, Fulham were yet to confirm the situation publicly.

Following the sacking

of Martin Jol after a poor run of form, former Manchester United coach Meulensteen — appointed head coach under his compatriot just weeks earlier — took control of first-team duties on Dec. 1.

Speaking to Fulham TV over the weekend in his first interview since taking up the reins, Magath would not be drawn on the future of Meulensteen, preferring instead to focus on his belief that bottom-placed Fulham can beat the drop.

Africans To Help Cancel Milan’s Spanish Hoodoo AC MILAN will hope new coach Clarence Seedorf can end a run of UEFA Champions League exits against Spanish opposition when they host Atlético Madrid on Wednesday evening.

The Rossoneri have failed to progress past the final 16 when faced Spanish opposition and they will be looking to write their wrongs when Seedorf makes his coaching debut in the competition.

The Dutchman is one of the most prestigious players in the tournament, having won four titles with three different clubs and becoming the only player in the history of the competition to do so.

Since his induction on the Milan bench, Seedorf has acquired ten points from a possible 12 and he will be hoping to continue on that run when he takes on an in-form Spanish side.

He will however be without the services of Riccardo Montolivo and Sulley Muntari, both are suspended for the clash, but he will welcome the arrival of African duo Michael Essien and Adel Taarabt.

The two have been crucial in Milan’s previous two league outings and are expected to play

an important role when facing the Spanish title chasers, and Seedorf is confident his players will up their game.

“It will be another great opportunity to take another step forward in the competition,” Seedorf said on Friday after the 1-0 win over Bologna.

“Atletico are well organised, strong and have great forwards.

But I know we will raise our game for the Champions League and I’m looking forward to getting reacquainted with the San Siro that I got to know so well in this competition.”

Atletico Madrid have been one of the most refreshing packages in La Liga over the past two seasons and their impressive form has seen Diego Simeone’s side turn the usual two-horse race into the three-way affair for the title.

It will be the first time Seedorf and Simeone will face off as coaches, but they were well acquainted as players. The pair met for the first time in a Madrid derby with Seedorf’s Real Madrid prevailing 3-1 at home on 14 June

Jese Eyeing World Cup Spot REAL Madrid striker Jese Rodriguez says he is optimistic that he can work his way to the Spain squad for the upcoming World Cup. The 20-year-old increased his La Liga tally to five goals in 15 appearances during Sunday’s 30 win over Getafe and he believes his current form may grab the attention of national team coach Vicente del Bosque.

“I’m very happy with the goals I’m giving the team and the idea is to keep it up,” he said. “I’m dedicated to helping the team and taking advantage of my minutes, which is what I have to do.

“I need to keep making things difficult for the manager. I

Jese Rodriguez

think I’m in the best form of my career, but I’m not satisfied, I want more.

“Maybe this is crazy, but I don’t think it’s impossible for me to go to the World Cup. “There is a whole generation of very important players, who are already champions and thank God Spanish football has improved a lot.

“That being said, it looks very difficult; that’s why it’s important to keep playing, with consistency.”

While Alvaro Negredo has been scoring regularly for Manchester City, experienced strikers like Roberto Soldado and Fernando Torres have not been impressive this season, while David Villa has struggled with injuries.

1997, before going on to face each other during their time in Italy.

Their personal duel can only be expected to be carried over on the sidelines when they meet in the dugout and Madrid player Koke is confident a positive result can be obtained.

“Milan have a lot of history in

this competition but we must never be afraid,” he told the club’s website.

“The San Siro will bring up difficult things, which does not scare Courtois because, as he acknowledged, we are used to the Calderón and other major stadiums, so the atmosphere of San Siro will not bother us.”

THE Spanish Professional League (LFP) have confirmed that the next Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday 23rd March at 21:00.

The much-awaited clash will see current leaders, Barcelona, visiting second-placed Real Madrid in their backyard with the two sides currently tied on 60 points each.

A win for either side would see them creating a gap at the top of the standings, but a draw would benefit third-place Atletico Madrid, who are also currently on 60 points.

When the two sides met at the Camp Nou earlier this season the match ended 2-1 in favour of Barcelona.

However, Real Madrid have gone on a great run since that

Clasico Date Conmatch, winning 12 and drawing two of their last 14 firmed league matches.

Barcelona on the other hand have recently suffered a 3-2 home loss to Valencia but have managed to bounced back to hold on to the top spot.

The two sides are also set to meet in the final of the Copa del Rey later in the season after Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals, while Barcelona also eased past Real Sociedad.

Napoli Chief Prefers Higuain To Cavani NAPOLI president Aurelio de Laurentiis has branded former striker Edinson Cavani “a bit egotistical” and claimed Gonzalo Higuain is more of a team player.

Cavani, 27, left Napoli for Paris Saint-Germain in an estimated 64 million euro move last summer after finishing top scorer in Serie A last season. The Uruguayan has impressed in the French capital, not only with his goals but also his industry in a wide attacking position in Laurent Blanc’s preferred 4-3-3 formation.

However, De Laurentiis, told Fox Sports that Higuain, who arrived from Real Madrid in the

Gonzalo Higuain

Bayern Wary Of ‘Stronger’ Arsenal

BAYERN Munich are expecting a much sterner test from Arsenal in the Champions League last-16 this season, but remain confident they will emerge victorious to advance to the quarterfinals.

Arsenal gave Bayern a scare last season as the Bundesliga team went on to win the European crown. They showed their class at the Emirates and beat Arsene Wenger’s team 3-1, but in the return leg they escaped with a 20 defeat that was enough to make it to the last-eight on the away goals rule.

“This game is different to last

year. Arsenal is never easy but they are a better team this time,” Javi Martinez insisted.

“They made us suffer in Munich last year and we know how important it is to score in London.

If we can do that, then we believe we can go through. But they have better players, a confidence and Mesut Ozil is a decisive player for any club. I am still surprised Real Madrid let him go.”

On Monday, Bayern centre-back Jerome Boateng echoed Martinez’s thoughts and said that Arsenal are “much stronger” this season.

“Mesut Ozil is their key figure,” said Boateng who was wary of his Germany teammate. “We have to go out there and show we’re superior. We don’t want to be chasing a result in the return.”

Bayern captain Philipp Lahm is also optimistic, believing that should Bayern stick to their possession game and create chances, then Pep Guardiola’s side will be able to exploit Arsenal’s weaknesses in defence.

“We won’t be playing for a goalless draw. Obviously, we want to win in London,” Lahm said. “It won’t be easy. Their confidence will be soaring after they beat Liverpool at the weekend.”

says he would be keen on another season in Naples.

“I’m very happy here and my family’s happy too,” he told Piuenne television. “I’ll be here right to the end, but not even I know what will happen after. I’m here now, but I’ve got to return to Liverpool, although it’s unlikely I’ll stay there.”

As long as compatriot Rafael Benitez is in charge, he expects he will be wanted again in 2014-15.

“Benitez was the most important figure in me arriving here,” Reina said. “He convinced me to join this ambitious project at a great club.

Obviously I also wanted to get to know a different league while it was Liverpool who took the first step by not wanting me anymore because they were placing their faith in a younger goalkeeper.”

Before Reina does leave — whether he returns or not — he is

keen on crowning the season with some silverware. Napoli have reached the final of the Coppa Italia, where they will face Fiorentina in May, while they are into the last 32 of the Europa League and not yet entirely out of the hunt in Serie A. “We need to take things game by game, fighting on all fronts,” said the Spaniard. “Roma and Juve are not giving an inch, but now we’re thinking about Europe. Thirteen points is a long way to be behind Juve, but we’ve always got to think positively, regardless of them.

“It’s unlikely that they slip up now considering the pace they’ve sustained thus far, but it’s up to us to do the impossible. We play every competition to win it. Now we’re in the final [of the Coppa Italia], we want to win it, but we also know that Fiorentina are a

wake of Cavani’s depature, is more selfless than his predecessor.

“I am always proud of what I do, so I respect Cavani,” De Laurentiis said. “He’s a great player, but a bit egotistical. He put the team in the position to have to work for him. Higuain is more a team player. He also allows the others to express themselves, such as [Dries] Mertens.”

Cavani was reunited with former Napoli teammate Ezequiel Lavezzi upon his arrival in the French capital.

While the former has been an unqualified success, Lavezzi has not completely fulfilled expectations since his summer 2012 switch to PSG. With only a bit-part role in the French championship campaign last term, the Argentina international has been linked with a move out of the Parc des Princes. De Laurentiis, whose team will play host to PSG in a friendly next summer, said his coach Rafa Benitez would have the final word on whether the club should attempt to bring Lavezzi back to the Stadio San Paolo.

“It’s up to the coach,” De Laurentiis said. “If Rafa Benitez thinks it’s good to have him with us, why not?

But there has been absolutely no contact whatsoever.”

Pepe Reina Keen On Napoli Stay NAPOLI goalkeeper Pepe Reina hopes he will return to the Serie A club next season, although it is not yet clear whether he will be welcomed back.

The Spaniard is on loan from Liverpool until the end of the season, but the Azzurri are not taking it for granted that the 31year-old will return to them and they have already taken Catania custodian Mariano Andujar under contract from July.

Furthermore, 23-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper Rafael has proven to be a reliable deputy for Reina, who has not been spared the Napoli fans’ criticism during a recent dip in form.

And according to Sky Sport, Napoli are considering an approach for Hannover ’s Germany international RonRobert Zieler — although Reina

great side.

“We’ve taken the first step, playing well against Roma and deserving to win and I’m delighted that we’re now so close to winning.

Pepe Reina

Howard Webb Escapes Demotion

Howard Webb

HOWARD Webb has escaped being relegated to the Football League after his refereeing of Arsenal’s FA Cup win against Liverpool drew intense criticism from the Anfield club and from pundits.

The official will take He initially came under charge of Cardiff’s Premier fire from Liverpool League match against Hull manager Brendan Rodgers on Saturday and he has and captain Steven Gerrard reacted to storm for denying Luis Suarez surrounding his what appeared to be a clear performance by trying to penalty in Arsenal’s 2-1 end discussion of his off- win at Emirates Stadium field activities. on Sunday.

Webb has had his name However, he was also removed from a celebrity heavily criticised by website advertising his former top-flight referee services for after-dinner Mark Halsey, who made speaking following the claim that Webb had suggestions he had lost his been distracted by his offfocus on refereeing. field interests and needed to take “a good look at himself.”

Webb’s apparent reaction Gunners, for whom he remains has been to have his name, their record goalscorer .

“I feel good in New York, but profile and references to my life is in London,” he said. his speaking activities “I have my daughter there, my house. I think my future is in that erased from an agency

Thierry Henry Has No Plans To Retire

THIERRY Henry has said he has no plans for retirement as he prepares for the 2014 MLS season with New York Red Bulls in the final year of his contract.

Henry, who helped his team claim the Supporters’ Shield for registering the best regular-season record in 2013 and earned himself the Best MLS Player ESPY Award in the process, sees his current deal in the Big Apple expire in December.

Red Bulls technical director Gerard Houllier hinted back in November that the upcoming season could be Henry’s last, but the ex-Arsenal and Barcelona forward told El Mundo Deportivo he will at least enjoy the coming MLS campaign, which kicks off next month, before considering his future.

“I’ve got a year left on my contract and I still feel good,” he said. “So I’m going to enjoy it and we’ll see come the end of the year.

“You know yourself when it’s the moment to go. When I get that feeling, I’ll stop, but that’s not yet the case. But when I do retire, I think I will stay connected to football in some way.”

Henry added that he has enjoyed

life in New York, where he moved in 2010, but is set on a return to the English capital, where he continues to be revered by fans of the

city.”

Donovan Likely Looking At ‘Last Chance’ LANDON Donovan knows In an exclusive interview that this summer’s World Cup with ESPNFC, the U.S. national in Brazil will likely be his last. team’s all-time scoring leader,

Landon Donovan

who turns 32 on March 4, said he can’t see himself participating as a 36-year-old at Russia 2018.

“It’s hard for me to imagine, sitting here, that I’ll be able to walk in four years, much less play soccer,” Donovan said Monday at Red Bull Arena, where MLS hosted its annual media day.

“So I would guess that this is my last chance of making a World Cup.” This year’s tournament would be Donovan’s fourth.

As a 20-year-old in 2002, he had two goals in five games to help the U.S. reach the quarterfinals. Donovan went scoreless as the Americans were eliminated in the group stage at Germany 2006, but scored three times in four games at the 2010 tournament in South Africa as the Yanks advanced to the

Saturday.

He is considered to be the country’s top referee and will represent England at the World Cup in Brazil.

The Premier League are reluctant to demote officials unless they have produced a bad run of games and try to avoid reacting too quickly to what can be one-off errors.

Rodgers may dispute that Webb’s decision on Sunday was an isolated error. The referee may have given Liverpool one penalty in the game, when Lukas Podolski fouled Suarez, but the manager pointed to a previous incident at Chelsea when his Uruguayan striker was also denied a spot kick.

Brazil Govt Denies Cuiaba Cups WORLD Cup tournament.

Problems in“Atheteam preparations are on target at of technicians will the venue of Cuiaba, Brazilian sports Minister Aldo Rebelo said Monday, shrugging off reports an October fire had caused structural problems.

“I visited the statdium at Cuiaba last week and work is ongoing (but) there is no work ongoing in terms of concrete or metal structures — all has been completed,” Rebelo told a news conference in Brasilia.

Rebelo said that the government deemed an initial report from constructors insufficient

Thierry Henry

website.

Webb was listed as a client of the website comedians.co.uk, which represents numerous highprofile figures from sport, politics and entertainment.

His fee was listed as between 2,000 pounds to 4,000 pounds, according to the Daily Telegraph, and the paper claims someone acting on behalf of Webb asked the agency to remove his details because of the criticism it had brought him.

Webb does, however, reportedly remain a client and available for motivational talks. The spotlight will remain on the official, however, as he returns to action on

Round of 16.

Donovan is a shoo-in for this year’s squad despite missing the first six World Cup qualifiers in 2013. But he insisted he’s not guaranteed a starting spot on what he called the deepest U.S. team he’s been on at any point during his 15-year international career.

“Personally, I realize very clearly the competition involved,” he said. “More likely than not I will be used as a midfielder in some way, and there’s a lot of midfielders pushing for a few spots in the wide positions.”

Donovan wouldn’t shut the door on 2018 completely, however. “You never know,” he said. “We’ll see, but if it is [my last Word Cup], I want to make sure that it’s very enjoyable and I take advantage of it.”

and had called for an additional independent assessment.

But speaking alongside visiting FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke, Rebelo insisted that “last October’s small fire has not compromised any structure fundamental to the functioning” of the stadium, which will host four group phase games.

While Cuiaba strains to complete preparations FIFA was Tuesday to determine if Curitiba has made sufficient progress to remain as a venue.

Valcke noted Monday: “It is impossible to have a World Cup stadium without the proper supporting amenities.

But he stressed: “So far FIFA has not vetoed any of the stadiums.”

In a statement on FIFA’s website Valcke added: “We are working with the host cities so that they are all used

be in Curitiba tomorrow. Our final decision will be based on their report.”

A further doubt emerged last week over the venue at Porto Alegre when the chairman of local club Internacional warned the stadium could be removed from the host city list owing to the cost of temporary facilities the club says it cannot meet.

Giovanni Luigi said the club could not afford to pay the 30 million reias ($12.5 million) foreseen in the stadium contract with FIFA and was in talks with local and Rio Grande do Sul state authorities on how the costs might be shared.

FIFA said late Monday in a statement that the club and the state and city authorities would unveil a “joint solution” by Thursday, prior to the stadium’s official inauguration that same day when President Dilma Rousseff is due to attend.

Sepp Blatter, FIFA President

Clubs Risk Home Ground Bans SEVERAL clubs risk having to play their home matches away from their bases because they are not fit to stage Premier League matches.

MTNFootball.com has learnt that several of the proposed match venues for the forthcoming season will not get approval from the League management Company and as such they the affected clubs would need to pick alternative venues.

Kaduna United, for one, will move their home games to the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna after

Ahmed Musa Fires Warning To Mexico

AHMED Musa hit target for CSKA Moscow in a preseason game as next month’s World Cup warm-up against Mexico approaches.

The Nigeria international forward scored the second goal against Videoton FC in Spain in the 75th minute after Ivorian striker Seydou Doumbia netted the first goal.

The former JUTH FC of Jos winger told MTNFootball.com he is looking ahead to the friendly against Mexico as well as the restart of the Russian league.

“I am always happy when I score a goal and contribute to my team’s victory. I am working hard in pre-season to be at my best as I look forward to the resumption of the league in Russia as well as the friendly against Mexico in the USA,” Musa told MTNFootball.com Ahmed Musa scored five goals in 19 games in the first round of the season.

CSKA will face Sokol Saratov in the Russian Cup quarterfinal on March 2.

The army club are fifth on the Russian Premier league table with 34 points from 19 games.

the Ranch Bees Stadium was found unsuitable to host top league games.

Newly promoted Crown FC will play their matches in Ibadan as the Ogbomosho Stadium will soon be renovated.

Other clubs likely to move to alternative venues are Lobi Stars, El Kanemi Warriors, Sunshine Stars and Nasarawa United.

The new league season is billed to begin on March 7.

Snubbed Obasi Won’t Give Up On World Cup

Chinedu Obasi

NSC Submits Nigeria’s World Cup Plan To Presidency

THE National Sports Commission (NSC) said on Monday that Nigeria’s plan for the Brazil 2014 World Cup had been submitted to the Presidency to ensure the early release of funds.

Super Eagles to prepare The Minister of Sports, well for the tournament.

Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, told He noted that firenewsmen in Abuja that timely brigade approach had release of funds would enable

Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi

characterised previous preparations to the World Cup mundial.

“The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) has submitted their financial plans to the National Sports Commission (NSC) and we have worked on it.

“We have sent it to the appropriate quarters. We believe that it will receive due attention.

“So, I have no doubt in my mind that the plans for the World Cup will go very well.

“We will give all the support that is necessary to the NFA to succeed because if they succeed, everyone is happy,’’ Abdullahi said.

On the plans by the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) to lure Stephen Keshi, the Super Eagles

handler, to tutor the Bafana Bafana, Abdullahi said it was a wrong move as Keshi’s contract still existed.

Abdullahi, however, said that the NFA had the right to decide on Keshi’s stay with the national team.

“He is employed by the Niger Football Federation (NFF) and they know the terms of his employment and the Federal Government did not hire Keshi.

“We are happy with the work that he is doing and the NFF said they were happy with the work he is doing, that is all I know, ’’ Abdullahi added.

FIT-AGAIN Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi has told MTNFootball.com that he still believes he has a place in coach Stephen Keshi’s team even after he was snubbed for next month’s friendly against Mexico.

Obasi, who has won 18 international caps for Nigeria, has been upbeat he will soon earn an Eagles recall after he bounced back from a long-term injury.

“The coach’s decision is final, you can’t query him for that, but that does not mean the door is closed for me,” Obasi told MTNFootball.com.

“The best way to be in the team is to support them despite not being there. I am a Nigerian, a proud one. I got a lot from Nigeria and I am happy to be a patriotic citizen.”

He added: “As a matter of fact, I don’t have anything against ‘Big Boss’ Keshi. Of course, I want to still play for Nigeria for long period like any other player, but the truth is that we can’t all be there at same time and some won’t even be there.” .

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Silver medalist said he will keep working hard for an international recall.

“I don’t expect the coach to give me an automatic invitation, and maybe my best is presently is not good enough, but I will keep working hard,” Obasi told MTNFootball.com

Utaka Injured, Raheem Lawal Impresses

JOHN Utaka suffered a thigh injury and Raheem Lawal again impressed as their Turkish clubs clashed on Monday night.

Utaka, who was a 46th minute substitute for Sivasspor was stretched off the pitch injured in the 79th minute and he was replaced by Ozturk.

Compatriot Raheem Lawal was key to Eskisehirspor getting a point in a 2-2 draw at home to

Sivasspor.

The midfielder, who started the game and lasted for 87 minutes, gave an assist for Eskisehirspor’s second goal in the 85th minute, when he set up Aycat Kara for equaliser after he dribbled past two Sivasspor players.

The former Mersin Idmuyurdu midfielder said that he is happy with his contribution to this team and

contented with the draw.

“I am happy that I have been contributing positively to my team since I come here,” he said.

“It was a good game for me and I assisted Aycat for the second goal, the equaliser. We wanted a win but draw is better than losing.”

Eskisehirspor are sixth on the league table with 31 points, while Sivasspor are fourth with 36 points.

John Utaka

flopped.

Ozor who failed to disclose the details of the contract, said the deal would run through the 2013/ 2014 league season.

“We cannot disclose the details of the contract but he has signed for Enugu Rangers for the new league season in line with the rules and regulations of the League Management Company (LMC).

“He (Uzoenyi) is thanking the club for giving him all the support that helped him to succeed at the 2014 CHAN in South Africa.

“The other players are also

happy with him because of the way he relates with them,’’ Ozor said.

The 2014 CHAN most valuable player had already joined the rest of his team mates in the team’s training camp in Oba near Onitsha in Anambra.

He commended the LMC for its approval of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, as venue for Rangers FC home matches for the season.

“This is one of the best stadia in Nigeria and we have two others as alternatives.

“We have the UNEC Stadium

Uzoenyi Signs New Deal With Rangers FC

Ejike Uzoenyi

EJIKE Uzoenyi, the most valuable player at the justconcluded African Nations Championship(CHAN), has signed a fresh contract with Rangers International FC of Enugu.

The General Manager of the club, Paul Ozor, made the disclosure in a telephone interview with reporterson Monday.

Uzoenyi’s new deal comes after his professional deal with South African clubs Orlando Pirates and Memolodi Sundowns,

and the Rangers camp football pitch,’’ he said.

The Rangers GM noted that the postponement of the kick-off date for the new NPFL season from Feb. 23 to the weekend of March 7 would give the clubs more time to prepare.

Ozor further pointed out that the postponement would also give the LMC time to carry out a thorough inspection of the stadia selected for the NPFL matches.

He urged the LMC to be firm in taking decisions in the forthcoming NPFL season to instil sanity in the league.