THE NIGERIAN
The Nigerian
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PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 ART AND CULTURE Page 19 Understanding Birthday Culture
• Vol. 37 NO.278 • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • N100.00
Palm oil: Ihonvbere calls for backward BENIN CITY – Secretary to Edo State Government, Professor Julius Ihonvbere has emphasised the need for backward integration by way of manufacturing
integration
and processing in the oil palm industry. He made the remark on Wednesday night at the Pre-Annual
Pages 23 God of Elijah and our Lady of Mount Carmel
ABUJA - Senate President David Mark yesterday, declared open, Public Hearing on the Petroleum Industry Bill with a call on the International Oil Companies not to take undue advantage of Nigeria with a threat of pulling out of the country. intimidated. This is even as the IOCs The senate president expressed reserve over asserted that Nigeria workability of the draft PIB, has been fair to all the with Oil Producing Trade IOCs but warned, “we Sector (OPTS) submitting will not do business that that the Bill as it stands is detrimental to the would not deliver on its well being of our objectives and that it would country. reduce the oil and gas He underscored the industry contributions to importance of the PIB Nigeria. to the country’s Mark noted that although we need more investment Rivers crisis in our oil industry, we cannot afford to lower our integrity or allowed to be
STOP OIL BUNKERING of Edo State, · People Government has discovered that
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General Meeting (AGM) cocktail party of PRESCO Plc. Professor Ihonvbere who was speaking with
journalists at the event noted that the growth of the palm oil industry is good for Edo State, adding that it is doing well in the international Continues on page 2
Don’t threaten Nigeria, By JOSES SEDE
REFLECTION
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013
inspite of measures taken by security agents in the State to stop illegal oil bunkering, perpetrators of this shady business have continued unabated. The State Government is warning all those still involved in oil bunkering in the State to, in their own interest, stop this shady and dubious business forthwith as stiffer penalties await them. Any person or group of persons caught in the illegal business will be dealt with according to the law. All vehicles and equipment used will be burnt. Be patriotic, report any person suspected to be in the business of oil bunkering to the authorities concerned. Join Government to rid the State of enemies of progress. Edo State must continue to move forward. This message is from the Edo State Ministry of Information and Orientation
Mark warns oil coys
economy, noting that most investors he has come across so far have chorused that they were
waiting for the PIB to enable them to come and invest. To this end, the senate
president canvassed dispassionate contributions to the public hearing by
concerned stakeholders, stressing, “let it not be parochial issue on who Continues on page 2
Brief Jonathan, Govs tell Amaechi
PORT HARCOURTA delegation of eight governors has advised Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers, to personally visit President Goodluck Jonathan and brief him of the poor security situation of the state. They gave the advice when they paid a solidarity visit to Amaechi in Port Harcourt yesterday. The Governors are: Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti; Babatunde Fashola, Lagos State; Ibukunle Amosu, Ogun; Rauf Continues on page 2
INAUGURATION: L-R: Sports Minister, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, Deputy Governor of Rivers, Mr. Tele Ikuru and Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the inauguration of Nigeria Football House in Abuja yesterday.
Govt signs agreement with Oracle Corporation
By QUEENNETH OROBEDO BENIN CITY – Edo State government has signed the second phase additional
licence agreement with Oracle Corporation. Secretary to Edo State
Government (SSG), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere signed
on behalf of the state government, while Mr.
By THOMPSON ERHOMONSELE BENIN CITY – Edo State Government has waded into the
Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Midwestern
Zone, comprising Benin and Warri depots. Sequel to the directive
Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil Continues on page 2
EDSG wades into petroleum marketers of Edo State leadership crisis rocking crisis Governor, the State the Independent
Osaze Ezekiel endorsed for his corporation. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Prof. Ihonvbere remarked that before the enthronement of the Comrade Adams O s h i o m h o l e administration in Edo State, e-governance which encourages a c c o u n ta b i l i t y, Continues on page 2
THE NIGERIAN
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News
Don’t threaten Nigeria
Continued from page 1
She urged that the Bill should not be politicised, noting that, by the time the PIB becomes operational in the next five years, the incumbent president of other federation of Nigeria and the minister of petroleum would not be in office. The minister further explained that the Host Community Funds (HCF) was established to mitigate human conditions and to assuage host communities to the oil companies, as it would ensure that they are beneficiaries. Also in their separate presentations, Governors of
Niger and Kaduna states, represented by their respective attorneys-general, Abdullahi Bawa and Jonathan Kish, chorused that the HCF be expunged from the Bill on the premise that a lot of provisions have been made to compensate the oil communities in the country. They listed the provisions to include: Federal Ministry of Niger Delta, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Constitutional 13% Derivation Principle, and the Federal Government Amnesty
The SSG said he was aware of the operational challenges in The Nigerian OBSERVER, particularly the obsolete machines, adding that government was looking at the possibility of addressing them holistically. On the complaint of casual workers recently laid-off in the organisation, Prof. Ihonvbere said government did not give the directive, but only asked that their names be forwarded to be absorbed into the Youth Employment Scheme and other intervention programme for better remuneration. In a separate session with E.U and UNICEF, the SSG presented a project vehicle and motorcycle each to Ovia South West and Etsako West local government councils, Courtesy of E.U and UNICEF assistance for water and sanitation programme. The state Ministry of Energy and Water Resources also received a vehicle. Prof. Ihonvbere urged the beneficiaries to put them to judicious use in government efforts to address water, sanitation and hygiene challenges.
Mr. Chris Ebare said the E.U and UNICEF assisted programme is expected to be extended to other Local Government Councils across the state. The SSG also played host to a delegation of Patriots for Peace and Sustainable Justice Initiative and told the members that, “no society makes progress without peace. According to the SSG, corruption, bad governance, injustice, exploitation, domination and man’s inhumanity to man does not bring peace. State Co-ordinator, Patriots for Peace and Sustainable Justice Initiative, Mr. Felix Odigie sued for government support to enable them meetup their expectation. In a session with Man O War Nigeria, Edo State Command, led by Commander Monica Omokaro, Prof. Ihonvbere encouraged them to continue with their good record of character moulding and skill building, just as he noted the need for them to focus on individual awareness and self training.
and Gas, Ambassador Orobosa Omo-Ojo yesterday in Benin City held a stakeholders meeting with the two factions of IPMAN in the Midwestern Zone for the purpose of finding an amicable resolution of the impasse. At the meeting, Ambassador Omo-Ojo said the state government would take steps to ensure that the National Executive of IPMAN conducts election for the zone as soon
a deterioration of the current situation. He sued for peace among the IPMAN members and urged them to maintain the present status while payment of normal dues should continue unhindered. The decision emanated after representatives of the two factions spoke on the petition written to the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
The Executive Director, Petroleum and Gas Monitoring, Hon. Chris Okaeben, the Director Overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Dan Aigbavboa, other management staff in the ministry, Chief Solomon Ogbewe, Chief Sylvanus Idanwekhai, Mr. Fred Ufuah and other selected members of the association attended the meeting.
Continued from page 1
“We do feel strongly, having listened to him that it is quite important for him to actually go and brief Mr. President, who is our leader and the chief security officer of the country on the very challenging security situation here in Rivers. “We believe that our chairman and brother will give serious consideration to that particular concern we have expressed to him. “It is important, as the chief security officer of Rivers, to take the opportunity to go and brief Mr. President on the security situation in the state. “In our discussion with our brother, we talked on the importance for the hierarchy of our police authority, the Inspector General of Police, to help in restoring the
confidence of the people of Rivers in police. “For us, we believe that this is a matter that requires the moral authority of Mr. President as well; it is about saving the democracy; it is about ensuring that peace reigns in Rivers. Fayemi said that nobody should use any means to create tension in any place in the country. He added: “the tension in Rivers is avoidable and we want all parties to sheathe their sword and to help restore the peace and security of the state.’’ The Zamfara Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Anka, believed that Amaechi briefing Jonathan would help find a lasting solution to the crises.
benefits what and who does not benefit; don’t come with a fixed position; listen to all sides; if you are convinced that your side is the best, then, stay with it”. Also speaking at the Senate public hearing, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke noted that the draft PIB was in tandem with global best practices, adding that when passed, it would represent a win-win situation for all stakeholders as well as enhance the sector’s contribution to Nigerian economy.
Govt signs agreement with Oracle Continued from page 1 Corporation State Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources,
transparency and efficiency was
non-existent. He said the involvement of Oracle Corporation in the activities of governance in the state has helped to reduce paper work and unnecessary bureaucracy. Managing Director, State Information Communication Technology, Yemi Keri, said the signing of the second phase of the agreement with Oracle Corporation is worth celebrating in view of the achievement recorded so far. Business Intelligence and Sales Manager, Oracle Corporation, Osaze Ezekiel expressed gratitude to the state government for the partnership. In another engagement, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Observer Chapel, Mr. Kehinde Osagiede led a delegation on a visit to the SSG where he appealed to him to look into some challenges facing the media organization which include; training and retraining of staff, the plight of casual workers who were laid off, payment of weighing-in allowance and the need to provide modern printing machines for the establishment.
EDSG wades into petroleum marketers Continued from page 1 crisis as possible in order to avoid
Brief Jonathan, Govs tell Amaechi
Aregbesola, Osun; and Abiola Ajumobi, Oyo State. The Deputy Governors of Imo, Nassarawa State and Zamfara, represented their governors. They met with Amaechi in a close-door, while their spokesman, Fayemi, told newsmen that their mission was to stress the importance of their concern for the security of Rivers. Fayemi said that the issue of security in the country was “far more of a major concern to Nigerians”. According to him, “we have met with our brother and chairman of our forum in an extensive discussion and he has briefed us on the situation on ground here.
Program for repentant militants. However in his presentation, Chairman of Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency International, Mr. Ledum Mitee, submitted that there should be complete conformity in the treatment of all communities located in mineral producing areas, including petroleum. He therefore suggested that the HCF should be redrafted to make the oil company enter into development agreement with the host community on issues relevant to their well being before commencement of operations, rather than leaving the discretion and the 10% fund in the hands of the petroleum minister.
Ihonvbere calls for backward integration Continued from page 1
market and has not experienced any down turn. “The industry is growing rapidly as more companies are turning to palm-oil for the manufacture of a variety of things including Indomie that we eat. As I speak, we have more than six different companies on queue in Edo State asking for land to go into the palm oil sector. But we don’t just want people doing palm oil, we want backward integration. We want manufacturing, processing and the conversion of some of their products into finished goods for the local market to earn foreign exchange. It is more tax for us, it is more income for us,” he stated. “As our people get employment here, they too will earn income and improve the living conditions of their families. Overall, the growth of the palm oil sector is good for Edo State. “Indonesia makes as much money from palm oil, as we make from oil. So it is as lucrative. It is doing well in the international market and really has never experienced any down turn, even when synthetic oil was invented and was thought to replace palm oil, that romance didn’t last for long,” he further observed. He however pointed out that government has provision to assist local farmers grow palm oil through the ministry of agriculture, adding that so many people have taken advantage of it. Professor Ihonvbere however advised PRESCO PLC to strive to improve on its corporate social responsibility, and lauded the company for not being static and applying for more land for expansion.
Police parade 32 suspects By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON BENIN CITYThe Commissioner of Police, Edo State, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo yesterday paraded 32 suspected criminals, bringing to 92, the number of persons so far paraded by the state Police Command, in the past six weeks. The suspects were paraded in Benin City for various criminal offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearm / cultism, stealing, car theft, rape and defilement. The commissioner of police disclosed that the suspects were arrested at different hide outs across the state. According to him, their arrest followed a tip-off by operatives of the command, and covert investigation. He reiterated the command’s readiness to make Edo State uncomfortable for unrepentant criminals. Those paraded for kidnapping/ armed robbery yesterday included Peter Thomas, Efosa Okungbowa, Monday Igubor, 38, Victor Ogieriakhi, Sunday Ujiagbe, 33, Osato Samson, Blessing Isolor (F), 37 and her father, John Isolor, 64. Others are Akilo Adamu, Peter Nosa Uhunwangho, Felix Omokaro, Abubarkar Abdulahi, and Junior O. Ogbemudia, 40. Items allegedly recovered from
them included one locally made double barrel short gun, weeds suspected to be Indian hemp and a Toyota Corolla Car. Marked Dz 382 Ben belonging to one of their victims. Some of the suspects denied involvement in kidnapping but however admitted to have participated in car theft. Also, Saturday Nurem, Mantu Joseph, Ifeloju Amatoni, Musa Gabriel, Towei Gbadiya, Kabiru Omogbai, Abubakar Mohammed, Okpara Hope, Sunday Eromosele, Stanley Idogho, Atuma Sylvester, Stephen Osigwue and Ogbe Felix were paraded for unlawful possession of firearm/ cultism, armed robbery, rape and stealing. The police boss further stated that one Saturday Cole (35), Segun Oteru (42) and Pastor Eze Fedelis (47), at different times and at different locations separately defiled three girls of 11, 12 and 13 years respectively. Though some of the suspects confessed to the crime others denied their involvement. Commissioner Adebanjo stated that all the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigations. It would be recalled that 60 suspects were on two different occasions paraded by the command before newsmen in Benin City.
Revenue collection
Commissioner dialogues with council, community
BENIN CITY – Edo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil and Gas, Ambassador Orobosa OmoOjo (JP) yesterday in Benin City held a meeting with the Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area, Hon. Moris Ogunorobo-Ovia and the Solicitors of Evbonogbon Community in the council area over revenue collection from solid minerals operators. The meeting, which is to broker a truce between the local government and Evbonogbon, is a follow-up to a petition written to the State Commissioner for Environment and Public Utility and the state governor directed him to take charge of the controversy. Ambassador Omo-Ojo dwelt extensively on the functions of local government as contained in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and advised Evbonogbon to do a certified letter of the Community Development Association (CDA) to the ministry. While giving assurance that the matter would be resolved amicably without any victor or vanquished, the
Commissioner enjoined Evbonogbon community to help the council. Asserting that the Local Government has supervisory power over the community, the Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area, Hon. Ogunorobo-Ovia hinted that he had visited the Enogie of Evbonogbon on the issue that there was an understanding between him and the Enogie. Based on the needs assessment of the area, Hon. Ogunorobo-Ovia emphasised that he had to explore areas and modalities of generating revenue for the council especially as his aim was to boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Speaking on behalf Evbonogbon community, G.A. Revhiegie Esq. narrated challenges the community had faced with respect to revenue collected from solid minerals operators and that the council authority has stopped the community from the revenue.
The Lands and Surveys Commissioner described the workshop as enlightening, educating and productive. He further advised staff of the ministry to desist from any act of irresponsibility such as unnecessary delay of files, financial inducement and gratification, that any staff found indulging in any of these acts would be made to face disciplinary action and would be sanctioned accordingly. Barr. Osikhene-Boih Donald, however, stressed the need
for management and staff of the ministry to take their jobs seriously to guarantee efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery to enable the state achieve its set objectives. Other Ministries and Agency present in the workshop were: Ministry of Budget, Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA).
Misconduct: Commissioner Warns Workers
BENIN CITY- The Edo State Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Lands and Surveys, Barr. Osikhene-Boih Donald has warned Management and Staff of the Ministry not to engage in any act of misconduct that would drag the image of the ministry into disrepute. The warning was made when the commissioner held a meeting with Management and Staff of the Ministry of Land and Surveys in the Conference Room after a one day Workshop on Revenue Processes.
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FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013
Inside Edo Orhionmwon LG To Prioritise Healthcare
L-R: Presidents Alassane Ouattara (Cote D’Ivoire); Goodluck Jonathan (Nigeria) and Boni Yaye (Benin Republic), at the 43rd ordinary session of the authority of ECOWAS Head of State and Government in Abuja recently.
The wife of the Benin Monarch, Queen Esther Omoye Erediauwa (Eson N’Erie), (left) donating on behalf of her foundation to triplets who lost their mother 24 hours after delivery
ABUDU - The C h a i r m a n , Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Chief Roland Ibierutomwen said his administration would give priority attention to health care delivery in the locality. The chairman disclosed this in Iru during an inspection visit to the Iru Community Primary Health Care Center. He said the visit was to ascertain the state of the health center, with a view to fashioning out how best to make it function optimally. The Head of the Primary Health Care Center and council’s Director of Nursing Services (DNS), Mrs. Juliet Omoruyi had briefed the council chairman and his Vice, Hon Shola Erhatiemwenomo of
Oredo Council Boss Urges Support For Security Agencies
BENIN CITY-The Chairman, Oredo Local Government Council, Hon Osaro Obazee has called for public support to security agencies in the state in order to enhance the security of lives and property. He made the call when the Director, Military Base Hospital, Brigadier General Paul Amenayi led other officers on a courtesy visit to the council. Hon Obazee, urged security agencies to sustain their quality security service in the state, while applauding their past efforts. Brigadier General Amenayi who congratulated the council boss for emerging victorious at the fool assured
of the readiness of the officers under his command to partner with the council at giving people in the locality a sence of belonging. During the visit of officers of the Nigerian Prison service, led by the Deputy Comptroller of Prison, Mr. Ibiang Ibiang Otu, the Oredo council boss assured of his readiness to contribute his quota to the proper upkeep of inmate of the prison formation. Mr. Otu had sued for the council’ assistance in rehabilitating the prisons in the state in order to make then more conducive for inmates.
Also, the council boss expressed his commmtment to provide basic infrastructure including market health center and
primary school for Utagban community. The council boss commitment was in response to the prayers of
BENINCITYThe Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) has Invested the Chairman, Oredo Local Government Council, Hon. Osaro Obazee as member. Chairman, Edo State Local Organising Committee and National Treasurer of NIM, Chief Makole Omo Azugbene disclosed this when he led members of the state chapter of NIM on a courtesyvisit to the council
headquarter in Benin City. Chief Azugbere noted that their visit was to solicit the support of the council in empowering NIM members in the council to be able to partiapate in the forth – coming annual conference of the institute to be hosted in Benin City by the SouthSouth zone of NIM. Responding, the Oredo Council boss assured the visitors that he would ensure that the concerned staff are
the community’s spokesman, Mr. Augustine Ogieriakhi for the provision of some basic infrastructure to the community.
the challenges they had to contend with to be able to provide quality health care services to patients. Meanwhile, the Orhionmwon Council boss has assured people in the locality of the administration readiness to deliver divides of democracy to the entire local government area. He gave the assurance in Abudu, the administrative headquarters of the council when the Declub Noble 10 from Oheze N’aka paid him a courtesy visit. The visit according to the president of the club, Mr. Patrick Okpamen was to congratulate the council boss on his election and subsequent swearingin. Highlighting the programmes and activities of the club, the president also used the occasion for appointing one of their own, Mr. Osagie Eduhaen as one of his aides.
NIM Invest Oredo Council Boss As Member give greater sence of belonging to be able to participate in the conference. Meanwhile, Hon Obazee has expressed the council’s Commitment of providing housing for all staff of the council The council’s commitment was expressed when officials of the federal Mortgae Bank (FMB) visited the council to solicit for the council’s partnership
in providing housing for the council staff and other residents in the locality. Hon. Obazee appreciated the FMB’s initiative saying it was in consonant with the state government vision of creating housing for the people in the state at affordable rate. The bank officials were led on the visit by the South East / South Manager of the bank, Mr. Young-Tobi Ekechi.
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Inside Edo G9 Stakeholders Assembly Ends Delegate Conference By ADAMS OYIBOKE AKWA-IBOM - The G9 Stakeholders Assembly of Nigeria has ended its 2nd Delegate conference meeting in Eket Akwa-Ibom with a call on the Federal government and National Assembly to revisit the 13% derivation for oil producing states. The G9 stakeholders Assembly of Nigeria led by the National Chairman, Prince Omoba S. Ebuwa argued that the 1960/63 constitutional texts prescribed 50% for oil being states with the intervention of military in politics. The Group therefore maintained that the solution to Nigerian Federalism does not lie on sovereign constitutional conference both rather the urgent need by government especially the National Assembly to have retrospective book into the 1960/ 1963 constitution in order to salvage the myriads of problems facing Nigeria as a Nation especially the nine producing states of the country. Prince Ebuwa regretted that high level of backwardness presently experienced in most of the states where the chunk of Nigeria crude oil is explored.
Christ Chosen Church Hall, Parsonage for Dedication BENIN CITY – The dedication ceremony of Christ’s Chosen Church of God International (Anigboro Station) Ultra Modern Church hall and Parsonage has been slated for Sunday July 21, 2013. Venue is the church auditorium, No. 12 Anigboro Street, off Uselu – Lagos Road (By Efex Motors), Uselu, Benin City beginning at 10 a.m. The ceremony would have as its Chairman, Counsellor Godwin Ehigiamusoe, the Chief Executive Officer Lift Above Poverty Organisation, LAPO Group.
In a paper delivered by a legal luminary and Head of the department, private and property laws, University of Benin, Dr. Edoba B. Omoregie, entitled Resolving the crisis of Fiscal Federalism And Control of Oil Revenue in Nigeria. What Role for the subsidiary?’ said that Federal shed its numerous responsibilities to the units states and pay attention to more important National matters stressing that the 1999 constitution as amended gave the government of the Federal 60 item in the concurrent list and 38 in the exclusive list. He said presently the states and local governments are not working, adding that inability of government to address the problem of Fiscal Federalism and Control of Oil Revenue is the reason for clamour for sovereign constitutional conference to correct all forms of abnormalities. Dr. Edoba who also doubled as the National Legal Adviser of the G9 Assembly advised the reaffirmation of the Fiscal Federalism agreement in the Pre 1966 constitutional text should be reawakened in order to restore 50 % derivation and 30% percent distributable pool revenue allocation formular in intergovernmental physical transfer. Earlier in his opening remarks, the National Chairman, Prince Omoba S. Ebuwa thanked the host state for their warm reception and call on members to contribute meaningfully towards the discussion segment.
I Remain IPMAN Chairman - Ogbewe
By ROLAND OSAKUE
The SSG, Edo State, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (right), being decorated by Dr. Olusegun Ishola-Gbonla of Nigeria Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) during a courtesy visit yesterday in Government House. Photo: QUEENETH A. OROBEDO.
The SSG, Edo State, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (right), receiving a pack from Dr. Olusegun Ishola-Gbonla of Nigeria Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) during a courtesy visit yesterday in Government House. Photo: QUEENETH A. OROBEDO.
RRIN Ends Two-Day Conference By KESTER OGIESEWU
IYANOMO – A two-day training workshop on budding, exploitation and management of rubber, high value fruit trees and medicinal plants has ended in Iyanomo, Edo State. The training workshop which was organised by the Rubber Research Institute of
Nigeria in collaboration with other stakeholders including Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) and World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) had as its theme “budding exploitation and management of Rubber High Value Fruit Trees and Medicinal Plants”.
Orhionmwon Transformation To Attract Livestock - Ibierutomwen By INNOCENT OMOAKA
ORHIONMWON – The Orhionmwon Local Government Chairman, Chief Rowland Ibierutomwen said his determination to transform the locality is to attract investors to the area. The Local Government Chairman disclosed this during a consultative meeting with the Abudu community and cattle rearers.
Chief Ibierutomwen also declared his administration’s drive to improve the cattle market in Abudu and provide other basic amenities that would improve the cattle market environment. During the consultative meeting, the leader of the cattle rearer, Alhaji Ahmed Yelnue pledged the support and cooperation of cattle rearers in the locality to the council’s authority and the entire community. Alhaji Yelnue however
called for the assistance of the council in providing the cattle market with ultra modern facilities that would boost the economy of the area. The representatives of the Abudu community, led by the Odionwere, Pa. Benjamin Ehigie and the community youth leader, Mr. Luke Asemota called on cattle rearers in Abudu to avoid any activities that would lead to the breakdown of laws and order in Abudu.
In an opening address, the Executive Director, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, Professor O.I. Eguavoen stated that the overall goal of the workshop to enhance economically viable rubber cultivation in small holding through adoption of improved technologies and diversified farming system. Prof. Eguavoen disclosed that the workshop was organised as part of the implementation activities of a 4Year CFC-funded project in Nigeria which commenced in July, 2009. The Executive Director also said that the workshop which involves, Edo, Delta and Ogun State will also be extended to other states throughout the country, adding that the workshop is germane because the product is one of the commercial agricultural tree crops in the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. According to the Executive Director, there is the need to
exploit the benefits attached to the project maximally, adding that activities of rubber-based farming systems have concentrated on reducing costs of production, increasing yields and reducing poverty.
BENIN CITY The Uwayoba of Benin Kingdom, Chief Solomon Nosakhare Ogbewe said he remains the authentic Acting Zonal chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN), Midwest Zone, following his appointment by the national body of the Association. Chief Ogbewe, who spoke to newsmen yesterday at the Benin Airport on his return from Abuja stated that the purported election held by some members of the association was illegal, null and void. He urged the people to discountenance the claims of the said members who want to cause disaffection within the Association, describing their action as empty. The Zonal Chairman explained that all members of IPMAN as well as its zonal executives were merely holding forth for the National Executive Council, which is the highest decision making body in the association saying there is nothing like, “Elders Council” in IPMAN. He urged the people to find out some pertinent issues on who authorized the illegal Zonal election and who conducted it? Who was the national officer present at the election and where is their letter of credence given to them by the national body that they were officers of the Zone after the election? Chief Ogbewe, who displayed the letter re-appointing him as Midwest Zonal Chairman given him by the National Secretariat and duly signed by Alhaji Aminu Abdulkadir and Mr Mike Osatuyi, National President and Secretary of the Association respectively. He however challenged the so-called “elders council” to produce and display same to the public.
Trad Ruler Tasks Muslims By WINIFRED OSASOBO On Peace ANEGBETTEE As Muslims all over the world continue their fasting, HRH Alhaji Y.M. Ugbodaga, the Oliola of South Uneme Clan has urged the muslims in the country to show more love, kindness and to pray for peace and unity in the country during the Holy month of Ramadan. HRH made the plea while speaking with The OBSERVER in his palace at Anegbettee in Etsako Central Local Government council saying the Ramadan month is a month of peace where love, kindness and hospitality is shown to others irrespective of language, race or religion. While urging muslims faithful to prepare mentally, spiritually
and physically for one of the most important times of the year in Islam adding that the Ramadan was a month of spiritual and physical exercise which needed utmost preparation in other to attain spiritual fulfillment. The Oliola called on muslims to use the opportunity to pray for the peace of the country especially our political leaders to be able to govern well according to the constitution of the land. Alhaji Ugbodaga also used the opportunity to call on the Boko Haram members to trade on the part of dialogue offered by the Federal Government as that is the only way peace can return back to the country especially in the northern part of the country.
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South-South
Govs Call For True Federalism
PORT HARCOURT Governors of four northern states have called for the practice of true federalism in the country. The Governors are Dr Muázu Babangida of Niger, Dr Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Dr Rabiú Kwankwaso of Kano and Alhaji Murtala Nyako of Adamawa states. The governors made the call in Port Harcourt in a communiqué jointly signed by them after a solidarity visit to Gov. Chibuike Amaechi in Port Harcourt. The communiqué said that the current political crisis in Rivers had shown the importance of true federalism and the need for institutions to function freely without undue interference.
According to the communiqué, as federating units; states must be allowed to freely pursue sustainable developments that will improve the living standard of the people as provided by the constitution. The governors said that they were shocked at the role of the police in the state and condemned its clear partisanship in the fight that took place at the state House of Assembly. “As Chief Executives of our states who have sworn to protect lives and properties in our various states, we are particularly troubled by the development in Rivers. “We commend the House of Representatives for its proactive leadership in the crisis and appreciate the Senate
committee’s thoroughness in addressing the matter. “We wish to call on the Inspector General of Police to listen to the voice of reason and immediately redeploy and discipline the Rivers Commissioner of Police, Mr Joseph Mbu. “Mbu’s actions smark of unprofessionalism and political partisanship which is unbecoming of his office. “With the way the police is being used and abused, and with officers like Mbu in the police, we do not see the need for state governments to fund an antagonistic police.
PORT HARCOURT Mrs. Stephanie Harry, member, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), has advised men against bigamy, saying it is a criminal offence punishable with seven years in prison on conviction. Bigamy is the crime of being married to another person while the former marriage subsists. Harry, a Port Harcourt based legal practitioner, gave the advice in Port Harcourt during an interview with newsmen. “A man, who marries another woman while he has a subsisting marriage, be it court or customary marriage, is committing an offence contrary to section 370 of the criminal
Bigamy Is Criminal Offence code; and it attracts a penalty of seven years in prison on conviction. “That is bigamy. But in our culture, most times, we look at what the society will say, what the children will say and what the family of the man will say,’’ Harry said. She said that though a woman had the right to stop such marriage from being contracted, the Nigerian culture could make it difficult for her to do so. She said that women group would even be the first to criticise a woman fighting for her right. Harry said that FIDA had
-Legal Practitioner been advising men to do the right thing by dissolving their first marriage before marrying other women. She also cautioned young ladies not to marry married men “We frown at women playing second fiddle. “It is sad that parents allowed their 23-year old daughter to marry a man that is 50 years,’’ Harry said The legal practitioner also advised parents to investigate their sons-in-law to be in order to avoid giving out their daughters to criminal elements in society.
Widows Inheritance Cases
Judiciary Urged To Accelerate Justice
UYO - Senator Helen Esuene has called on the judiciary to ensure quick dispensation of justice in cases of inheritance as it affects widows. Esuene made the call at the 1st National Widowhood Summit convened by wives of South East/South-South Governors to commemorate 2013 International Widows Day. Reports say that the theme of the summit is: Louder Please! A call for Increased Advocacy and Interventions on Widow’s Rights in Nigeria. Esuene criticised the manner widows were deprived of their rights, including denying them of their late husband’s property by brothers-in-law. “The judiciary should take a second look on how to quickly discharge cases of inheritance as it affects widows. “I also appeal to our paramount rulers, clan heads, village heads and family heads to rise to the occasion and put an end to obnoxious practises surrounding widowhood. “Those old fashioned practises offer no value to the society in this 21st century, and the involvement of in-laws to maltreat widows is not a welcome development. “We are calling on our traditional rulers, husbands and female elders in the family, enough is enough, allow and help our widows to enjoy better life”, she said. Esuene, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs and Youth Development, said there could not be inheritance without death. She said that the couple should freely discuss how things should be in the unfortunate occurrence of death. “We need to note that the brothers-in-law who deny widows of their late brothers’ estate today could someday have their own family deprived of their estates also”, she added. The wife of Akwa Ibom Governor, Ekaette Akpabio, said that one of the most traumatic experiences in life was the loss of a spouse. “Upon such a loss, widows are subjected to discriminatory
customary practises that constitute violations of their human rights” “If Mary Slessor could come all the way from Scotland to fight for the widows and the twins, the time has come for us to stand up and fight for ourselves.” In a statement, UN scribe Ban Ki-Moon noted that about 115 million widows live in poverty and about 81 million, suffered physical abuse globally.
L-R: Vice-Chairman, ACP-EU, Michele Rivasi; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and CoPresident Par Interim, ACP-EU, Mr. Guelaye Abdullahi during the 10th regional ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Abuja recently.
Civil Servants Call For Foreign Training
ASABA - Civil servants in Delta State have urged the state government to organise foreign training for civil servants to enhance research skills for effective service delivery. A cross section of the civil servants said this when they spoke with Journalists in Asaba. They said that such research skills would go a long way in building the potential of talented civil servants. They also called on the state government to invest in practical training, especially for those in the technical field to boost their knowledge. The civil servants however commended the state government for its manpower development programme locally, but stressed the need to complement it with foreign training programme. Mr. Roland Magbulu, a civil servant in the state public service, noted that civil servants needed to acquire more skills, especially in the area of research. He said that this would go a long way in building the potential of civil servants in the state. Another civil servant, Mr. Oghenemena Avwenaghagha said that though the state government was doing very well in the area of capacity building, there was need to focus on practical training. “Apart from increasing our
knowledge on the job, it will also help to build confidence in our people when it comes to professionalism,’’ he said. Another civil servant, Mrs. Emuobo Okpubuluku said “no man is an island and for us to be effective as civil servants, there is need for training and retraining of public servants in the state.’’ She commended the state government for its efforts and urged that more civil servants be trained annually within and outside the country.
PORT HARCOURT The Police in Rivers have declared the Majority Leader of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Chidi Lloyd, wanted in connection with the July 9 crisis in the assembly. The Police Public Relations Officer of the command (PPRO), Mrs. Angela Agabe, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that Lloyd, the lawmaker representing Emohua constituency in the assembly, was wanted over alleged conspiracy, attempted murder, wounding, and willful
Rivers Assembly Crisis Police Declare Majority Leader Wanted damage. She said that the lawmaker was last seen in the assembly on July 9, and that he failed to respond to police invitation, which she explained, elapsed on July 15. “The Rivers State Police Command has declared wanted, one Honourable Chidi Lloyd, a native of Emohua, in
A Cross section of members of Africa Caribean Pacific -European Union (ACP-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly at the 10th regional meeting in Abuja recently.
Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State. “About 37 years of age, he is the Majority Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly. He was involved in a case of conspiracy, attempted murder, wounding, and willful damage on the 9th of July 2013. “The crime is being investigated by a special team from the Inspector-General of Police in collaboration with the state Criminal Investigation Division, Rivers command. “He was last seen at the Rivers State House of Assembly on the 9th of July 2013. All efforts to trace his whereabouts have so far proved abortive.“ Agabe urged the people of the state to give the police useful information that could lead to the arrest of Lloyd and assist the command to fight crime in the state. She said the command was determined to check crime and protect lives and property of the people in the state.
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South-West Adjustment Of Election Time-Table
2 Parties Sue Electoral Commission CALABAR The Progressive People Alliance (PPA) and the National Conscience Party (NCP) has sued the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) for allegedly adjusting the Sept. 21 council election timetable. Reports say that the two opposition political parties filed the suit in Calabar on Monday. According to the plaintiffs, the adjustment by CROSIEC was contrary to the provision of the Electoral Act and the Cross River State Local Government Election Law. They also alleged that by
Pray For Peace, Unity, Dep Gov Urges Muslims AKURE - The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, has urged Muslims to pray for peace and unity of the country during the Ramadan period. Olanusi also urged the faithful to refrain from any act that could tarnish their image. The deputy governor made the call in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daisi Ajayi, and issued in Akure. He said: “Peace is an essential ingredient of development and as such, we must all continue to ensure peaceful co-existence with our neighbours across the nation.’’ He expressed optimism that the nation would overcome all the security challenges it had been facing. Olanusi assured that the state government would continue to provide comfortable environment for all religious groups in the state.
adjusting the election timetable, CROSIEC had lost its credibility and might not be able to conduct a free, fair and credible election. They urged the court to
declare that the time fixed by the defendant, requiring political parties to fill and submit CROSIEC forms LGE001A and LGE002 expired on June 17, 2013.
The applicants are seeking a declaration that the sale of nomination forms to aspirants ended on June 21, and that only the claimants filled and delivered the required forms.
ABEOKUTA - An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court has remanded three cow sellers, Abdulahi Alihu, 30; Musa Ahmadu, 20; and Shehu Alilu, 25, in prison custody over an alleged murder. The accused persons— with no fixed addresses— were alleged to have murdered a man for stealing a cow. According to the Police Prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Eigbejiale, the offence was committed on June 30 at about 2 a.m. at Rounder Area, Ayetoro Road in Abeokuta. He said that the three accused persons killed one
Cow Sellers Remanded For Murder
AJODA (OYO STATE) Oyo State Government is to use the administrative building of Ajoda New Town, Egbeda Local Government Area, as the take-off point for the Technical University, Ibadan. Gov. Abiola Ajimobi made the statement during an
inspection of the 5,000 acres acquired for Ajoda New Town, Egbeda. Reports say that Ajoda New Town was conceived by the military government of Maj.Gen. David Jemibewon in 1976 to decongest Ibadan town. Ajimobi expressed surprise at the expanse of land and said the location would be conducive for the permanent site of the university. The administrative block, a three-storey building, has offices and large halls. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Alhaji Waheed Gbadamosi, in an interview with newsmen, said that the lack of political will was responsible for the abandonment of the project. He said the establishment of a university community within Ajoda town would bring faster development and fulfil the purpose for which Ajoda New Town was created for.
Jubril Yusuf, with machetes for stealing Alihu’s cow. The pleas of the accused were not taken. The prosecutor submitted that the offence contravenes Sections 316 and 319 (1) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun, 2006. In his ruling, the Magistrate, Mr. Martins Akinyemi ordered that the accused be remanded in Oba prison. He then adjourned the case to Aug. 8 for further hearing.
Oyo To Convert Town To Varsity Community
Edo state commandment, Nigerian Peace Corps, Patriot Mutairu Habib Odion, signing the visitors register during a courtesy visit to the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), publishers of the Observer titles. With him is the General Manager of the company, Pastor Monday Aigbe.
Kidnapping: Police ABEOKUTA - Two Chinese nationals who were abducted on Monday near the Military Cantonment in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun, had been rescued by the police. The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikemefuna Okoye, told newsmen in Abeokuta that the AIG Zone II, Mr. Mamman Tsafe, had earlier informed his command of the abduction. “I received the call just as we were rounding off our security meeting in Sagamu. I immediately ordered the Ogijo DPO to trace them because intelligence report had helped us know their direction.
Rescue 2 Chinese Nationals
“The DPO, SP Toyin Afolaogun, gave them a chase alone and was able to sight them at Sotubo village; he later got backups from the area commander in Sagamu. “The kidnappers headed into a very thick forest where their den is located, not knowing that the police was behind them,’’ he said. Okoye said that the kidnappers’ den, located about three kilometres off the Sagamu-Ikorodu expressway, was later surrounded by armed policemen.
He added that the situation led to an exchange of gunfire between the police and the kidnappers. “After serious exchange of fire, we were able to rescue the two Chinese without a scratch, at about 3. 10 p.m.,” Okoye said. He regretted that many of the kidnappers ran away with bullet wounds, adding that one was, however, caught, but with serious injuries. Okoye also said that two locally made pistols, large
quantities of live cartridges, a BMW car marked CK 737 LSD, were recovered from the suspects. He solicited the cooperation of both orthodox and traditional medical practitioners in the effort to apprehend other suspects currently on the run with bullet wounds. Okoye assured residents of the state of their security, saying that the police was in control of the situation.
Police Ban Use Of Unregistered the command would not Vehicles said relent in its war against
ADO-EKITI - The Police Command in Ekiti says it has banned the use of unregistered vehicles in any part of the state. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, made the disclosure in an interview newsmen in AdoEkiti. According to him, it will no longer allow the use of unregistered vehicles in Ekiti and the ban is part of the command’s renewed strategy to check crime. Wakama decried the poor attitude of some of the residents to vehicle
registration, adding that driving such vehicles was inimical to the owners and the passengers. “I wonder why people fail to realise that it is a criminal offence for anybody to drive an unregistered vehicle on the highway, not even police officers, are exempted from the law. “Henceforth, anyone caught flouting the law in this regard shall be made to face the law, no matter how lowly or highly placed,” he said. The police commissioner
criminals. He said the number of suspects arrested at various dark spots across the state recently was enough that the police meant business. Wakama assured that those yet to turn a new leaf would soon be tracked and made to face the music. Reports say that the command apprehended no fewer than 53 armed robbery suspects, 11 alleged rapists, among others, in May and June.
Immidiate Past Chairman of Evbuotubu Iguedaeyi Community, Chief Samuel Ugiagbe (right) handling over the mantle of leadership to the newly elected chairman of the community, Mr Sunday Osaro Evbonaye. With them is the Public Relations Officer of the Community, Mr. James Igiebor.
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Lagos Slained Officers: Police Pays N4.2m Compensation To
LAGOS - The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Command, says it has disbursed N4.2 million to 20 policemen, who died or were injured while on duty. The Spokesman for the zone, Mr Suleiman Lewi, a
Superintendent of Police, told newsmen in Lagos that the command included police formations in Ogun and Lagos states. Lewi said that cheques were
given to the beneficiaries by Mr Mamman Tsafe, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) for Zone 2, on behalf of Mohammed Abubakar, the Inspector-
Families General of Police. “Various amounts of money in cheques have been given to the widows and next-of-kin of
the deceased policemen. “Slain policemen got N500,000 each, while the injured received between N100,000 and N200,000 each, depending on their condition. “The money is part of the
Nigerians Spend N41.6bn On Medical Tourism LAGOS – Mr. Suresh Makhijani, the Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, said that 18,000 Nigerians were issued visas for medical treatment in India in 2012. Makhijani told newsmen in Lagos, that “In the year 2012, we issued 38,000 visas to Nigerian nationals travelling to India for different purposes. “Out of this number, we discovered that 18,000 of them travelled for medical treatment in different Indian public and private hospitals. “What this goes to show, is that many more Nigerians are today turning to India’s good quality, and cost effective health care services’’. The envoy said about 260 million dollars (about N41.6 billion), was spent by Nigerians that travelled to India for medical treatment in 2012. Makhijani said the Indian government would continue to create the right environment for Nigerians to benefit from its medical expertise. “Nigeria and India have come a long way in their diplomatic relations. “So, we will continue to welcome Nigerians to India’s affordable and good quality healthcare delivery system ,especially now that there is an increasing demand by Nigerians to visit India for medical attention,’’ he said. Makhijani also said his country would support Nigeria in its health sector development agenda by working with local health institutions.
Council Reopens Closed Market
Cross section of suspected criminals paraded by Edo State Police Command yesterday. Photo: MIKE OSAROGIAGBON.
Arms and ammunition recovered from suspected criminals displayed by the Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Adebanjo Foluso when he paraded 32 criminal suspects in Benin City yesterday. Photo: MIKE OSAROGIAGBON.
N25.7bn Fraud: IKEJA - An Executive Director of the former Bank PHB, Prof. Pat Utomi, on Wednesday said that the bank’s Managing Director, Francis Atuche, was a victim of injustice. Utomi stated this while testifying at the trial of Atuche and his wife, Elizabeth, before Justice Lateefat Okunnu of an Ikeja High Court. Reports say that the couple is being prosecuted, alongside a former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Ugo Anyanwu. They were charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly stealing N25.7 billion belonging to Bank PHB (now
welfare promised by Abubakar. “The package is to ensure that children of the slain policemen are taken care of, and to give psychological boost to those who suffered injuries,” Lewi said. He said that Abubakar initiated the compensation and other packages, like personal donations from course mates, to help families of the deceased. He said there was a plan by the police authorities to improve on the package.
Atuche Victim Of Injustice
Keystone Bank). Utomi, who was led in evidence by Atuche’s counsel, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), said he was a member of Bank PHB Board of Directors whilst Atuche was heading the bank. He told the court that the prosecution of Atuche was instigated by the greed of some public officials to take over Bank PHB. According to him, the bank’s fixed assets had grown from N25 billion in 2004 to N1 trillion in 2008, before it was forcibly taken over by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on October 2, 2009. Utomi, who is the first defence witness, claimed Bank PHB was
- Utomi
targeted for a takeover by the current CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi, after his appointment. According to him, the takeover plot was to the extent of sending petitions on minor allegations of cheque-biting against Bank PHB, to the presidency. He said this was further corroborated by a former presidential spokesman, Segun Adeniyi in his book “Power, Politics and Death: A Front-Row Account of Nigeria under the Late President Yar’Adua.” Utomi said:”There was a design to take over Bank PHB by
some public officials. “It was from that design that what has transpired since then took place. “As at 2009, Bank PHB was considered as a very strong bank. The CBN even invited the bank to help in rescuing Spring Bank— which was distressed at that time.” The witness said approval was sought from the bank’s board and funds were injected into Spring Bank to help revive it on behalf of the CBN. Utomi said Atuche, apart from being the managing director, was also the majority shareholder of the bank. “I was told that if Atuche was removed that it will be
acceptable to CBN and Bank PHB will be left intact. “The person that told me is the current CBN governor. He was a very good friend of mine until recently when these injustices were being carried out”. The witness said the bank consequently failed its Stress Test, following the refusal of the board to comply with Sanusi’s directive. Utomi said:”The reason that I have come out now is the same reason that I came out on June 12 to protest against the annulment. That was why I allowed myself to be beaten mercilessly by policemen because I hate injustice.”
LAGOS – Mr. Jide Jimoh, Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, has directed the reopening of the Kayode Market following the plea made by some community leaders in the area. Jimoh gave the directives in a news statement made available to Newsmen in Lagos. He said that before the reopening, the leaders had pledged to comply with all rules and regulations guiding the operation of markets in the state. The chairman also directed that henceforth nobody or trader should be allowed to sleep inside the market, stressing that the market must be closed to business by 6 p.m. daily. “The involvement of Abule Ijesha community leaders showed that government is about people, and that governance is give and take,“ he said. Jimoh said that the interest of the community leader in the market and their involvement for its re-opening was what democracy stood for. He said that the market executives and traders would be made to sign an undertaking to comply with all the conditions given by the government. The chairman however advised them not to convert shops in the market to residential purposes. One of the leaders, Alhaji Alli Dawodu, appealed in the statement, for the council chairman to forgive the market executives for their misconduct. Dawodu however urged the market men and women to obey the regulations guiding the market, saying that government’s concern was to ensure security within the market environment. Reports say that the market was closed about three months ago due to unsanitary conditions and the fact that it became an abode for criminals, a situation the market executives could not control.
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Across The Nation Jigawa Urged To Establish Rehabilitation Centres
DUTSE - The National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has urged the Jigawa State government to establish rehabilitation and skill acquisition centre to rehabilitate drug addicts in the state. The Commandant NDLEA in Jigawa State Malam Abubakar Abdu made the call in an interview with newsmen in Dutse. He explained that the call was imperative in view of the rate of jobless youths involved in illicit drug activities in the state. He said that the measure would serve as an avenue for skill empowerment and counselling for such youths with a view to assisting them to live a normal life. Abdu stressed the need to expose the drug addicts to socioeconomic activities that would reintegrate them and keep them away from the drugs and crimes. According to him, the command is running a temporary rehabilitation centre and cannot accommodate more than 40 persons.
Igbo Leader Tasks Muslims On National Unity
SOKOTO - Chief Charles Ejemeka, Igbo community leader in Sokoto has charged Muslim community to use the Ramadan period to strengthen national unity. Ejemeka told newsmen in Sokoto that the country was in dire need of God’s intervention in its current travails. He urged Muslims to offer special prayers for God’s guidance to enable leaders move the country forward. He noted that the current security challenges facing the country would be overcome only if we collectively seek divine intervention. “We should, irrespective of religious and political differences, come together to seek God’s intervention in all the happenings in our country today,” he said. He said that it was only by so doing that the senseless killings in some parts of the country would be curtailed. He also called on Nigerians to assist the security agencies with intelligence reports that could lead to the arrest of miscreants in the society.
He said that there was an influx of more drug addicts for rehabilitation. “The rate of consumption of illicit drugs in the state is becoming more worrisome to the agency,” he said. He urged the government to establish a rehabilitation centre with facilities that could accommodate more than 500 persons. “Parents and guardians must also monitor and ensure proper upbringing of their wards, to check drug abuse in the society,” he said. Abdu pointed out that the war against drug abuse was a collective responsibility and called on the public to volunteer information to the agency on drug dealers, users and traffickers.
Deputy Governor of Jigawa, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmud (left), receiving letter of recognition for establishment of Jigawa State University at Kafin Hausa, from Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie at the presentation ceremony in Abuja recently.
Hospital Raises Alarm Over Unclaimed Corpses
JOS - The management of the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos, has raised an alarm over the indiscriminate dumping of corpses in the hospital’s morgue by security operatives. “There are always unclaimed corpses dumped here. In fact, there are currently six unclaimed corpses in the mortuary,’’ the Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Mrs. Talatu Angi, told newsmen in Jos. “Sometimes these corpses are brought by your officers and other security agencies they do drop the corpses in front of the
mortuary with no information or details,” the management of the hospital wrote a petition, addressed to the commissioner of police in Plateau. “We solicit your assistance to enable us evacuate the corpses as some of them have decomposed beyond recognition,’’ the management further said in the petition, a copy of which was seen by newsmen. Angi explained that the
hospital’s authorities had to petition the police commissioner on the corpses because they were always brought by policemen. “Sometimes, the security personnel will just drop the corpses by the pavement of the morgue and leave unannounced. “Some of these corpses have been here for more than one year and they constitute serious problems to us, particularly as it
L-R: Vice Secretary, National Association of patent and proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED), Mr. Kingsley Nweke, First Vice President, Chief Bernard Obiagun and Director, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs. Ijeoma Nwankwo, at the NAFDAC/Christabels International Stakeholders Sensitisation Workshop in Lagos recently.
Mother, 32, Solicits N5m For Kidney Transplant
ADO-EKITI - A 32-year old mother of two, Mrs. Olawumi Gbadamosi, has appealed to Nigerians to help her raise N5 million to undergo an urgent kidney transplant to save her life. Her husband, Mr. Alade Gbadamosi, told newsmen in Ado Ekiti that it was discovered three months ago that his wife was suffering from chronic renal failure, which had reached a critical stage. According to the husband, who is an applicant, medical
doctors at the Federal Medical Centre, Ido Ekiti, where she had since been undergoing dialysis, said that the kidney transplant would cost N5 million in Nigeria and about N10 million in India. He said his wife, who is a native of Ikoro Ekiti in Ijero Council Area of the state, is an ad-hoc staff of the National Population Commission in the state. Elder brother to the ailing Olawumi, Mr. Lawrence Babatunde-Alo, a civil servant
with Ado Ekiti Local Government Council, who has been responsible for her medical expenses, appealed to philanthropists and kind-hearted Nigerians to help save the her life. Babatunde-Alo, who said that the family had expended all it had on the dialysis, said the amount was urgently needed for the kidney transplant. He said that already over N400, 000 had been spent on the dialysis twice per week since she began treatment at the hospital.
relates to space. “We had to bury six unclaimed corpses late last year to create space for the incoming ones; some of them were victims of the series of bomb blasts in the state,’’ she said. The spokeswoman said that the hospital’s management spent
a lot of money last year, to bury the unclaimed corpses. She said that the management had wanted to get a burial space from the authorities of Jos North Local Government but later decided to bury the corpses in the hospital’s premises.
Cleric Blames Poor Standard Of Education On Inconsistent Policies LAFIA - The Anglican Bishop of Lafia Diocese, Dr Miland Manza, has blamed the poor standard of education in the country on inconsistency in the education policies and programmes of government. He said this in Lafia in an interview with newsmen. He stressed the need for the government to be consistent and focus on its education policies and programmes in order to revive the sector from its present sad state. “Government inconsistent policies and programmes on education are responsible for the falling standard of education in the country. “The poor standard of education in the country today is uncalled for and needs to be revived in order to restore the lost glory of the sector. “I urge the authorities to rise up to their task and fund the system adequately for the benefit of all. “Education should not be compromised or politicised in any form, “I advise the government to adhere strictly to the policies of the sector in order to take it to greater heights,’’ Manza said. The Bishop also attributed the reason for the poor standard of education in the country on the “nonchalant attitude’’ of parents toward the education of their children. “You will discover that some parents give money to the authorities to pass their children; there should be no short cut to
education in this country. “Parents should avoid influencing teachers in awarding marks to their children and teachers should respect the ethics of the teaching profession by not collecting bribes to pass a student,’’ he said.
Council Donates N2m To Communities
BODE-SAADU (KWARA) The Moro Local Government Council in Kwara State has donated N1.9 million to two communities for the completion of self-help projects in the communities. The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Shuaib Jimoh, presented the money at Bode-Saadu, the headquarters of the Local Government Area. Jimoh said that the council decided to donate the money to encourage communities in the area to embark on projects. He assured the benefiting communities that the council would provide more incentives to encourage the execution of more self-help projects. “Other villages should emulate the two communities, instead of waiting for government for their needs,” the chairman said. Reports say that the two benefiting communities are Olokonla and Alagbede. Responding on behalf of the two communities, Alhaji Ibrahim Ajadi, thanked the council for the gesture
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Abuja
Strike: FG Appeals To ASUU
ABUJA - The Federal Government has again pleaded with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off its strike and return to the classes. The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, made the call in an interview with newsmen after a Workshop on World Bank Initiated Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) Project in Abuja. “We are still pleading with them, let them do all they can to make our students return to classes. “We are talking, and we will continue to talk. We are also meeting with all stakeholders to resolve the crisis, and we are confident that very soon, the strike will be called off,” Rufa’i said. Besides, the minister said, government was making concerted efforts to restructure the university system, which was the main demand by ASUU. Earlier speaking at the workshop, the minister said that the ACE project was a higher education project seeking to promote regional specialisation among participating universities within the Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) areas. According to her, it addresses particular common regional development challenges and strengthens the capacities of those universities to deliver high quality training and applied research. “You are here today to be updated on the ACE project and also to be guided on the procedures involved in the selection process and discuss focal areas for proposal submission. ‘You are also to discuss the criteria for participation and other necessary information that will help equip your institutions to be successful in the competitive process,” the minister told participants. She said that the workshop had come at a good time, when the Federal Government was on the verge of commissioning the Nigerian Research and
Education Network (NgREN). Rufa’i said the Federal Government and other stakeholders had invested a lot of energy and resources into the Network towards addressing some of the IT challenges of the Nigeria University System (NUS) in
the areas of learning, teaching and research. “So, with the resources at the disposal of the NUS, at this time, I challenge you to come up with good proposals that would ensure that you emerge as Centres of Excellence in Africa,” she charged
participants. Also addressing newsmen, the Executive Secretary(ES) of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, called on ASUU to look inward and fashion out ways of improving the structure of the university
system. “In the last three years, the Federal Government has provided every university with N3 billion annually to revamp the university structure. “Let them mop up what they have because we may in fact have excess facility
in the university system,” Okojie said.
According to him, all that government is insisting on is for the universities to have credible staff and student audit to aid in the sector’s development planning. The ES said government was also insisting that the universities gave account of the funds that were being pumped into the institutions as well show what kind of projects they planned to embark on before further release of funds. He said the Federal Government should not be blamed entirely for the failures or lack of development of the university system.
Army Denies Decorating Al-Mustapha
Senate President David Mark paying his last respect during Valedictory session in honour of Late Senator Pius Ewherido at the National Assembly in Abuja recently.
Car Watch: Environmental Board To Designate Special Areas
ABUJA - The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) is to designate special areas for car washing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Dr Emmanuel Akuchie, the Assistant Director, Community Sanitation and Clinic in the board, made this known during a special community environmental cleaning in Garki Village of the FCT. Newsmen reports that Garki Village is one of the ancient settlements within the Abuja metropolis. The village is unplanned as it awaits its permanent resettlement to Apo, a suburb of
the FCT. Akuchie expressed the worries of the board over both the social and environmental nuisance caused by indiscriminate car washing business in the capital city. According to him, the board has constituted a committee to designate special areas for the business as solution to the problem. He said that the designated areas, if allocated, would engender regulation in the business. He said that the sanitation exercise in the village was a
Senators paying their last respect during the Valedictory Session in honour of late Senator Pius Ewherido at the National Assembly in Abuja recently.
successful one, and commended the residents for their cooperation. The assistant director said that the board had decided to conduct the exercise on a work day rather than Saturday due to the attitudes of residents. He said that the board had constituted a Community Environmental Sanitation Tasks Force (CESTF) in the village that would sustain sanitation within its domain. “We have decided to choose a work day because most residents use Saturdays as their resting day and as such will not come out to
participate. “Today, as you can see, every shop have closed and all those who do one business or the other have being around to participate rather than sleeping in their houses. “We have a community based sanitation task force and they have been assisting us to monitor sanitation in the village. ‘‘They only report to us anytime they have challenges and they are also on ground to sustain the tempo after today’s exercise.
ABUJA - The Nigerian Army has dissociated itself from publication allegedly being circulated on the Internet that Al–Mustapha has been decorated with rank of Brigadier-General. This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru. “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a publication on the Internet about the purported decoration of Major Hamza Al–Mustapha “The Army as a professional force wishes to state that all administrative procedures are guided by extant administrative rules and regulations. “Such as the Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonised Terms and Conditions among others. “Army wishes to advice the media to always cross check facts before going to the press, clarification of facts leads to avoidance of misinformation, misinterpretation and sensationalism in reportage,’’ the statement said. Newsmen reports that AlMustapha regained his freedom on Friday after 14 years in detention.
Research, Development In Medical Sciences Ongoing -Jonathan
ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan said in Abuja that research and development was ongoing in the area of medical sciences in African countries, including Nigeria. Jonathan said this when he briefed newsmen after the adoption of the draft declaration of special summit of the African Union (AU) on HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. The two-day Summit, with the theme, “Ownership, Accountability and Sustainability to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Response in Africa: Past, Present and Future”, is being attended by most African leaders. “Of course, all know that without research and development, we cannot progress; research and development is going on in all
the countries in Africa, including Nigeria. “People are using different options even in term of using local herbs to improve the nutritional needs of the body, even in the exhibitions yesterday we saw some products based on research and development. “So while we are also getting from outside, within the continent too, a lot of work is going on but of course we know that in terms of medical sciences, before you can publish anything that will be acceptable that will not be controversial, the complex leads is very high. “You can see that they are all trials.’’ He said the issues addressed in the summit would not end
by 2015 not that people living with HIV must continue beyond the year 2015. Also speaking, the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, who is also the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), said the continental body was poised to commit all necessary resources to the fight against the three diseases. He urged African countries to take the lead in the fight against the diseases but also urged development partners to continue to provide the assistance to countries in the continent. The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr Nkosazana Zuma, said the establishment of African Centre for Disease Control would reduce the over dependence on foreign CDCs.
THE NIGERIAN
10
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013
Business + Economy FG Releases N50bn For Constituency Projects
L-R: Acting Director-General, National Population Commission, Dr. Tayo Oyetunji; Representative of the Chairman, Dr. Festus Uzor and the UNFA Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Dr. Beniot Kalasa during the visit of Regional Director in Abuja .
ABUJA - Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, said the Federal Government had released N50 billion for the execution of constituency projects in the 2013 budget. Okonjo-Iweala made the statement at an interactive session with the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Appropriation, Finance and Legislative compliance in Abuja. The minister said all monies appropriated for constituency projects would be warehoused in an account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) pending the readiness of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to
execute the projects. Okonjo-Iweala said the Ministry of Finance had opened a special account with CBN for constituency projects based on the directive of President Goodluck Jonathan. The minister said that the nation was having shortfalls from oil revenue and customs duties. She said Nigeria was losing about 400, 000 barrels of oil per day to vandalism and oil theft amounting to N160 million. “The biggest challenge to the 2013 budget was the `oil quantity shock’ as there is a shortfall of about 400,000 barrels per day of crude production, worth about N160 billion due to crude oil theft, “she said.
FG To Create 5m Jobs Through Micro Enterprises ABEOKUTA - The Federal Government is to create five million jobs by 2015 through expansion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, disclosed this in Abeokuta at a stakeholders’ validation workshop on National Policy on MSMEs. Newsmen reports that the Ogun chapter of the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) was also launched at the event. Aganga said that the step was part of the Federal Government’s effort to address the challenge of unemployment in the country. The minister said he would recommend that an appreciable percentage of government’s expenditure be spent on the MSMEs sub-sector annually to enhance the growth of the
economy. “‘If we must address the challenge of unemployment, then government spending must be tailored toward aiding development and job creation. “‘This is our only hope of reducing unemployment in the country. Yes, agriculture is important but MSMEs will create more employment opportunities for Nigerians,” he said. The minister said that no
Port Harcourt - Mr. Sterling Ellis, an Economist, has urged the Federal Government to remain focused on expanding the nation’s economic tentacles. Ellis, a Nigerian-in-thediaspora, made the remark during an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt. He said that achieving such expansion, the federal government should establish cross boarder business understanding and connectivity, not only with China, but also with the U.S. and the Europe Union. According to Ellis, the tentacles nurtured by America over the last decades, if instituted in Nigeria, would go a long way to solve the nation’s economic problems. “I believe, strongly, that bringing about some improvement in the various economic issues that currently
confront us would be the right way to move the country forward. “I believe also that the entire Nigerian economic space could be re-engineered to become institutions created to have global tentacles, specifically in the commodities and the petroleum market,” he said. Ellis said if cross-border business connectivity was established, the problem of unemployment and insurgence amongst youths would have been checked. “Cross-border business would bring about an unprecedented value addition to the Nigerian economic growth,” he said. Ellis, however, urged politicians to embrace dialogue in any dispute, to allow for the peaceful resolution of issues, adding that disputes would endanger economic growth.
fewer than 32 million indirect jobs were created in 2012 from 17.2 million MSMEs. Aganga promised to forward a proposal to the Federal Executive Council on the need to ensure production of school uniforms from ‘’Made-inNigeria’’ fabrics. He expressed optimism that such policy, if implemented, would promote the MSMEs
sub-sector. “School uniforms should be made from Nigerian products. There is no reason why school uniforms cannot be made, even from adire textiles,” he said. Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun noted that expansion of the MSMEs remained one of the fastest means of transforming the economy. Amosun identified employment generation, increased production and
PEF Blacklists 12 Marketers
ABUJA - The Petroleum Equalisation Fund (Management) Board (PEF) said that it had blacklisted 12 petroleum marketers for seeking underserved bridging payments through fraudulent means. The PEF General Manger, Corporate Services, Mr. Goddy
Economist Tasks FG On Expansion Of Economy
Nnadi, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja . Goddy, who declined to give the names of the marketers, said the marketers had also been banned from all bridging and equalisation transactions for six months. “The marketers currently undergoing investigation have been banned from all bridging and equalisation transactions for six months. “All the directors of the companies have also been barred and will not be accepted under different company names,’’ he said. Nnadi said the blacklisted marketers’ workers were involved in the stealing and swapping of tags affixed on petroleum tankers under the electronic loading scheme with the aim of defrauding PEF. The general manager, who decried the activities of the marketers, described their activities as an economic sabotage to the nation. He said the board had started sensitisation across all the depots in the country to warn marketers on the consequences of stealing the tags, which he noted, were being issued free of charge. According to him, the board has imposed penalties for the loss of tags as well as introduced new fees for the re-registration and
tagging of trucks with vandalised tags to serve as deterrent. “Marketers with damaged tags will pay a replacement fee of N50,000 and those who lose the tags will henceforth pay N50,000. Tagging of new trucks will continue to be free,’’ he said. Nnadi said the board was already collaborating with security agencies to ensure full prosecution of offending marketers.
consumption of services of home goods as well as wealth creation as part of benefits derivable from investment in the sub- sector.
Okonjo-Iweala said that in spite of the challenge, the implementation of the budget was moving on smoothly. She said this was because N600 billion capital component was released in the first and second quarters and cash-backed with N585 billion. The minister said that the 2013 budget utitlisation stood at 67 per cent. She said the economy was performing well with the external reserves at N47 billion, Sovereign Wealth Fund at one billion dollars and the External Crude Account at five billion dollars. She, however, denied making any statement to the effect that the economy would collapse at the end of September if the National Assembly did not pass the 2013 amendment budget. Newsmen recalled that the house had summoned the minister to appear before the joint committee over the statement.
Expert Seeks Public Englightenment
Cashless Policy: UMUAHIA - A stock analyst, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbonnaya, has called for a public enlightenment campaign in Abia on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) cashless policy. Ogbonnaya made the call in an interview with newsmen in Umuahia. “Much needs to be done here in Abia state because if you look at Abia state it is a civil servant area. The civil servants they also move with cash. There has to be a good networking system. It goes with a network; you don’t see what you are doing. “What we need do is to just create much awareness and give people much education. I believe as others benefit we will also benefit.``
Ogbonnaya said that the policy was a watershed in the economy, adding that the benefits outweighed the burden that would be borne by beneficiaries of the scheme. He appealed to the financial institutions and other stakeholders to come up with strategies that would benefit the less educated in the state, particularly in the rural areas. “Looking at it the other way round before people will actually embrace the idea there has to be good awareness. If a young man can operate his GSM phone very well and use the ATM very well I don’t think that our papa’s and mama’s in the villages can as well do that.
Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department, Nigeria Liquefied and Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), Mrs. Gloria Ikpeme (middle), hands over a cheque to the programme Co-ordinator, Nigeria Red Cross Society, Mr. Umar Mairiga as part of their social responsibility recently.
THE NIGERIAN
11
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY(18/07/13) Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
Value
MAYBAKER
2.86
2.94
0.08
22
585,864
1,722,538.16
1.57
1.57
0
5
153,500
218,867.50
7UP
65
65
0
47
488,197
31,225,137.54
MCNICHOLS
ABCTRANS
1.24
1.29
0.05
47
2,244,758
2,923,752.42
MOBIL
117.81
117.81
0
35
57,985
6,768,318.02
ACADEMY
2
1.8
-0.2
14
269,314
493,322.52
MORISON
2.01
2.01
0
1
35,000
63,350.00
ACCESS
11.15
11.3
0.15
211
20,109,526
225,209,414.35
MRS
20.9
22.99
2.09
20
155,313
3,562,191.34
7
7
0
58
2,100,935
14,745,167.04
AFRIPRUD
1.72
1.71
-0.01
47
663,640
1,130,470.65
NAHCO
AGLEVENT
1.45
1.45
0
3
8,997
13,915.50
NASCON
12.92
12.92
0
42
553,060
7,143,781.02
AIICO
0.93
0.94
0.01
32
1,169,548
1,084,902.96
NB
173.2
179.4
6.2
327
1,414,122
251,351,870.78
AIRSERVICE
4.46
4.46
0
7
69,900
330,597.00
NCR
18.7
18.7
0
1
300
5,610.00
1.3
1.27
-0.03
12
331,042
434,406.19
ARBICO
5.6
5.6
0
2
4
20.4
NEIMETH
ASHAKACEM
27.09
26.65
-0.44
52
662,062
17,557,007.11
NEM
0.72
0.73
0.01
29
7,526,243
5,429,628.87
ASOSAVINGS
0.5
0.5
0
1
2,000,000
1,000,000.00
NESTLE
1000
1000
0
54
326,639
326,578,513.86
BERGER
9.85
9.26
-0.59
9
97,671
904,795.17
NIGERINS
0.5
0.5
0
2
5,095
2,547.50
26.5
26.5
0
3
25,100
731,665.00
BETAGLAS
10
10
0
3
19,120
192,200.00
NNFM
BOCGAS
7.5
7.5
0
1
162
1,093.50
NPFMCRFBK
0.96
0.96
0
1
10,000
10,000.00
CADBURY
52.05
52.05
0
69
293,067
15,428,163.78
OANDO
13.39
13.69
0.3
276
7,048,804
96,417,272.46
CAP
45.05
45.15
0.1
17
615,998
27,835,307.91
OKOMUOIL
45
47
2
40
281,958
13,225,160.08
0.5
0.5
0
1
314,000
157,000.00
CCNN
10.3
10
-0.3
52
1,841,798
18,499,108.85
OMATEK
CHAMS
0.5
0.5
0
1
100,000
50,000.00
PAINTCOM
1.84
1.84
0
3
25,000
46,250.00
CILEASING
0.5
0.5
0
2
16,445
8,222.50
PHARMDEKO
2.07
1.87
-0.2
10
332,300
628,573.46
CONOIL
23
23
0
19
59,588
1,427,915.57
PORTPAINT
6.9
6.4
-0.5
24
539,900
3,490,197.80
40
40
0
30
99,850
4,003,320.05
CONTINSURE
1.28
1.16
-0.12
15
324,845
378,840.20
PRESCO
CORNERST
0.55
0.6
0.05
9
238,100
133,855.00
PRESTIGE
0.53
0.53
0
13
1,507,200
815,329.20
COSTAIN
1.32
1.45
0.13
29
1,986,952
2,720,390.38
PZ
40.29
44.3
4.01
63
520,577
23,011,402.93
COURTVILLE
0.68
0.68
0
17
2,373,800
1,612,834.00
REDSTAREX
4.75
4.75
0
12
51,575
232,976.50
9.06
9.06
0
1
266
2,649.36
CUSTODYINS
1.56
1.57
0.01
27
1,065,286
1,696,543.01
ROADS
CUTIX
1.8
1.9
0.1
14
482,539
890,232.41
ROYALEX
0.56
0.6
0.04
11
534,822
322,693.20
DAARCOMM
0.5
0.5
0
1
2,000
1,000.00
RTBRISCOE
1.5
1.55
0.05
34
1,037,483
1,641,728.89
DANGCEM
189.11
190
0.89
40
224,225
42,576,525.53
SKYEBANK
4.84
4.8
-0.04
104
5,993,342
29,082,020.46
100
100
0
1
100
10,000.00
DANGFLOUR
9.5
9.5
0
45
575,939
5,472,050.50
SKYESHELT
DANGSUGAR
12.28
12.45
0.17
78
1,506,106
18,519,431.34
SOVRENINS
0.5
0.5
0
3
267,500
133,750.00
DIAMONDBNK
6.85
6.85
0
78
5,639,211
38,608,878.99
STANBIC
15.39
15.39
0
26
119,920
1,846,339.24
DNMEYER
1.48
1.48
0
7
81,059
126,263.40
STERLNBANK
2.66
2.67
0.01
48
4,485,873
11,999,422.70
1.08
0.98
-0.1
1
50,000
49,000.00
ETERNA
3.33
3.15
-0.18
27
862,549
2,750,677.59
THOMASWY
ETI
15
15
0
111
3,449,317
51,581,730.62
TOTAL
159.99
159.99
0
17
8,992
1,449,367.02
EVANSMED
3.9
4.1
0.2
17
645,616
2,618,382.75
TOURIST
4.08
4.08
0
1
50
200
FBNH
18.7
18.69
-0.01
603
27,173,370
508,829,052.35
TRANSCORP
1.48
1.51
0.03
157
21,510,756
32,564,484.00
2.29
2.29
0
1
2,517
5,210.19
FCMB
4.84
4.84
0
53
14,663,968
70,999,574.37
TRIPPLEG
FIDELITYBK
3.05
3.09
0.04
120
9,102,958
27,921,869.45
UAC-PROP
15.99
15.99
0
40
356,536
5,500,824.10
FIDSON
2.05
2.04
-0.01
43
3,048,879
6,239,451.95
UACN
63
63
0
52
246,785
15,953,389.08
FLOURMILL
88
90
2
81
402,746
36,130,264.77
UBA
8.34
8.3
-0.04
240
11,310,727
94,345,414.50
1.14
1.15
0.01
76
4,871,647
5,501,821.14
FO
24.6
27.06
2.46
53
668,032
18,068,565.08
UBCAP
FTNCOCOA
0.5
0.5
0
2
15,000
7,500.00
UBN
12.17
12.4
0.23
69
1,287,786
15,712,631.13
GLAXOSMITH
55
55
0
77
2,604,985
140,439,045.91
UHOMREIT
50
50
0
1
2,000
100,000.00
GNI
0.5
0.5
0
9
2,010,500
1,005,250.00
UNILEVER
62.49
62
-0.49
82
521,496
32,340,139.67
0.63
0.63
0
1
3,500
2,415.00
GUARANTY
25.97
26.4
0.43
421
10,533,424
277,587,223.90
UNIONVENT
GUINNESS
260
260.2
0.2
56
484,443
125,967,175.75
UNITYBNK
0.61
0.6
-0.01
42
9,344,930
5,653,338.96
HMARKINS
0.5
0.5
0
12
6,921,500
3,460,750.00
UNIVINSURE
0.5
0.5
0
1
50,000
25,000.00
HONYFLOUR
3.37
3.31
-0.06
46
780,606
2,614,796.80
UPL
4.8
4.8
0
6
42,500
193,020.00
0.71
0.78
0.07
10
308,537
240,658.86
IHS
3.14
3.45
0.31
21
720,900
2,487,105.00
UTC
IKEJAHOTEL
0.94
0.94
0
3
60,500
54,740.00
VITAFOAM
4.4
4.45
0.05
20
566,525
2,510,038.57
INTBREW
25.5
24.94
-0.56
60
858,420
20,854,932.40
WAPCO
99.75
99.75
0
52
379,446
37,726,334.37
IPWA
1.08
1.18
0.1
15
504,274
595,043.32
WAPIC
0.93
0.91
-0.02
9
259,735
235,761.50
1.18
1.16
-0.02
42
624,351
710,081.12
21.4
21.5
0.1
251
8,789,875
188,902,917.03
JAPAULOIL
0.51
0.53
0.02
56
8,266,545
4,297,054.87
WEMABANK
JBERGER
81
83.75
2.75
48
348,799
28,956,814.82
ZENITHBANK
JOHNHOLT
1.4
1.4
0
2
2,420
3,458.00
JOSBREW
0.99
0.99
0
1
30,000
27,000.00
Stock
Close
Gain
Stock
LAWUNION
0.5
0.5
0
1
2,100,000
1,050,000.00
LEARNAFRCA
1.78
1.8
0.02
6
144,496
261,206.36
LINKASSURE
0.5
0.5
0
1
350,000
175,000.00
LIVESTOCK
5.05
4.97
-0.08
64
1,474,223
7,423,751.40
MANSARD
2.05
2.1
0.05
70
3,450,018
7,227,726.80
NB PZ JBERGER FO MRS FLOURMILL OKOMUOIL DANGCEM GUARANTY IHS
179.4 44.3 83.75 27.06 22.99 90 47 190 26.4 3.45
6.2 4.01 2.75 2.46 2.09 2 2 0.89 0.43 0.31
BERGER INTBREW PORTPAINT UNILEVER ASHAKACEM CCNN ACADEMY PHARMDEKO ETERNA CONTINSURE
TOP 10 GAINERS
TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Close 9.26 24.94 6.4 62 26.65 10 1.8 1.87 3.15 1.16
Loss -0.59 -0.56 -0.5 -0.49 -0.44 -0.3 -0.2 -0.2 -0.18 -0.12
THE NIGERIAN
12 THE Nigerian Education Bank Bill which has passed second reading at the Federal House of Representatives, as explained by the initiator, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila proposes to establish the Nigerian Education Bank, with the primary duty of granting interest-free loans to poor students seeking higher education in Nigeria. THE Bill seeks to make available to each benefiting student, a sum of five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000) repayable in two years after graduation. The repayment, according to the proponents would take the form of direct deduction of ten percent monthly deductions at source from salaries of beneficiaries or from the profits in the case of self employed graduates until the loan is liquidated. According to the provisions of the Bill, “applicants must have secured admission into any Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of education or any vocational school established by the Federal Government or the Government of the States of the Federation.” THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER commends the initiators and promoters of the Bill, which we consider progressive in a country where more than 70 percent of its population live below the I USD per day poverty line. For most Nigerians who have had to go through hell to obtain higher education, this is a watershed Bill not only welcomed by the poor, but groups marginalised by society such as orphans, physically challenged persons among others who do not have anywhere to turn to for higher education. IT is not much of news that students of tertiary school-Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Agriculture and Colleges of
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 THE NIGERIAN
The Nigerian Education Bank Bill education and others have gone through untold difficulties over the years to pass through such institutions. We are glad that the Bill is currently being considered by the lawmakers. IT is equally heartwarming to note that, with the proposed law, Nigeria is on the right track to join the rest of the world in subsidizing education for the poor. It is important to note that Scandinavian countries such as Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have developed sound qualitative education and almost tuitionfree higher education from cradle to grave. In fact, in Denmark, the tuition is free and, in fact, international students also enjoy free tuition provided they could show evidence of $6,000 feeding and upkeep fee per annum. ALTHOUGH tuition in Australia is not free, there are a lot of grants, scholarships and bursaries instituted for both the brilliant and poor students. These are best practices that this bill seeks to emulate. WE recognise that schooling anywhere in the world is not easy and hardly cheap, it is against
this backdrop that we welcome the move by the Federal House of Representatives to introduce a law that would take such a load off parents’ shoulders. We equally wish to call on the upper legislative chamber, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to con1ir the Bill as soon as it is passed by the lower house so that it can become a law in Nigeria. OUR support for the bill notwithstanding, we are of the opinion that Section 22 of the bill must be re-couched to read that “beneficiaries should be made to pay back the loan as soon as they are employed”, not the two years contained in the bill, given the high rate of unemployment in the country. IN our view, Sub-section 4 of the bill which stipulates punishments for offenders of the law in a case of default also requires a review to avoid the culture of impunity among young Nigerians who would take undue advantage of the benefits derivable from the law. Two years imprisonment or an option of fine of N500,000 being the same amount benefited by the beneficiary is not sufficient deterrence. We recommend five years imprisonment for offenders or a fine of N700,000 instead. WE believe the Bill also throws up the need for government at all levels to take urgent steps to improve the employment market in Nigeria to absorb the army of unemployed persons roaming the streets in search of jobs. Government should redouble efforts towards guaranteeing constant electricity supply, potable water supply, roads, railway system and other infrastructure needed to boost the nation’s industrialization, as a major way of making the law work efficiently when it eventually passed and assented to by the President.
THE NIGERIAN
13
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013
Celebration Of Life
My Predecessor In Office Was A Genius - Rev. (Dr.) Ogbomwan HUMBLE, very unassuming Rev. (Dr.) Godspower Ogbomwan is very alert and well, spiritually. When the OBSERVER team of Reporters and Editors approached him for this chat, he set aside what he was doing to attend to the “Press”. He apologized for even keeping them waiting thereafter, he ordered that a book on “Bitterness, A cancer in the Church” be shared for the reporters. Great, softspoken, and compassionate in soul winning and envangelisation, Rev. (Dr.) Godspower Ogbomwan is a reporter’s delight, anytime, anyday. TUNDE EIGBIREMOLEN, VICTOR AGHO and EMONINA IYORE UMUERRI anchored this interview:How was the journey to your Present position like?. I am Rev. Dr Godspower Ogbonwan. I am popularly know as Brother Ogbonwan . The title is just to let people know were you function. My life tells who I am if we are discussing how I came to this position, the only word I can use if not a sentence is to say that it is through the grace of God, because a man can receive nothing if not given to him from above. Before papa died, I have been the assistant but I was not in quote designated to be the G.S, but by the time papa left, the Spiritual Council put their heads together and by the grace of God they found something in me that would move mission forward. So if you say what have I gone through before coming to this place, I have gone through first, papa’s practical life. I have learnt so much from his practical life. Then I have been using what I have gotten to prepare myself for the tasks ahead. I have learnt from papa his patience, his love, his passion for the work of God. These are those things that prepared me for this position. Who was papa, how was he like? Papa was a practical man and not a man who was autocratic. He was a man who led by example. He gives you what you would want to be. He doesn’t just enforce things on you. The life which he lives before the people was a great challenge and was the inotivation for me in my present position. He is a man of peace. He is a man of constant patience, patience which one can describe as long suffering. He is a man who loves the people and not just loving the job he does. I know of people who lead by force. But papa was a different leader. He leads by example, one can learn so much from him. Is that the reason you celebrate him on a yearly basis?
Well, that contributed to the celebration because he is someone we can not forgot so quickly. It is a way to get people who do not know him or have the opportunity to meet him here on earth, to hear and watch some of his messages and to re-echo the kind of life he lived among us. Is this ministry a member of CAN and PFN?. The answer to your question is yes. Yes because we are the founding father. I am advisory member of the board in PFN. It is true I am not holding any position in PFN, I am an advicer in the PFN and CAN. So we are part and parcel of CAN and PFN. As the G.S, how do you coordinate your branches world wide? We have branches both home and in abroad. We have branches in Cannada, London and in Europe, and by His grace we are moving to India. What we do even though I am not at these branches abroad all the time, we have Foreign Mission Supredendent who reside is USA and he travel round. As we are talking now, he is presently in Torino and would move from there to Rome. We equally have District Pastors, we have provincial Pastors. We hierarchy and people who do their job so if I am not there, they are directly connected to me and they report back what they are doing there. What is your response on the world going churchy and the church going worldly? I can not say that the statement is totally wrong. The fact is that recently we see a lot of happening around from all these one can say that when you are taking care of a million people, you have a million problem. As the church is moving forward, one can not deny the fact that among twelve, there must be a Judas. So as the population of the world keeping growing, so also are the Judas
Rev. Dr. Godspower Ogbomwan, General Superintendent, Christ Apostolic Church of God Mission (CACGM)
in every twelve growing in number. I would like to say that great things are happening in our churches. As men are growing, the spiritual life of the church is equally growing. But it is not easy to say that among the many good people, one can not get Judas. I am not praying for more Judas In addition, the things imported from the western world is equally affecting the church. The fact that we had Christianity from oversees should not gurantee us copying everything been done over there. There are very pressing areas of concern that CAN and PFN are looking into. I think very many young men who just go to Bible Schools and pick up bibles to start up churches in the name of General Overseers and making a lots of mistakes, because if you
don’t have father, you can go further. So the problem is having many people just without the authority of God, the father. God does not use people who are under authority and so nobody calls them to rebuke them, no body discipline them if they are going wrong, because if you are a G.S and I am a G.S, all what we need to do is just to respect ourselves and that ends it. I can not tell you where you are going wrong. Another problem contributing to this, is the mode of dressing. This has gone into churches. What the young ones think is that the way your dress doesn’t matters is of serious concern, because it is said that the way you are dress is the way you will be address. So you see most of the sins and problems we are having today is the
way people dress. The fact that the whites are dressing in such a way does not mean we should do like wise. Our culture, I am not talking about idolatry, our customs and traditions should be taught to us. We still have the Indians still dressing like the Indians, while Nigerians have gone away from their culture, which is affecting our spiritual lives. In the area of growth, I have seen a lot of good things, we seen young people called to be pastors and are affecting lives positively. In this very office, an occultic person has come to confess and surrender his weapon. We rehabilitate him and today he is better for it. He has traveled out of the country. It is the world, which is choking up the people it takes the grace of God to redeem many persons who have been forced into sinful
lives. My conclusion on this, is that the church is doing her best, the only problem is that the field is getting wider. So we need to do more as more labourers are needed to do God’s work. What is your message for churches? I would say that people who are not called should not go into the ministry. The reason is that they should learn from Ghehazi who should have been the next great prophet Elija but because he never had good understanding of how the ministry is. He thought the ministry is all about enriching oneself. Like wise with many pastors who think the ministry is all about riding a big car, being a big man. But they are all getting it wrong. Men who are call should be the only ones doing the ministry’s work. Others can do well in other areas. One can function well in other areas even in the church. What is the mood of celebrating every year? This year took a different look, while we were celebrating him this year, we brought about 12 other men that needed to be celebrated. somebody once called me and asked, why celebrating the dead? I told him to read the bible. When God met Moses, He introduced himself to Moses as the God of Abraham, who was already dead. But he was celebrating Abraham. When you know Abraham then you would know the God you are talking about. So some people need to be celebrated, people who have advance God’s mission. The method we use this year is to celebrate twelve others with papa, people who assisted papa to succeed in the ministry. What we are doing is not bringing out papa as a person but to bring out some good things we saw in him things that were built in him likewise everyone has one or two things built in them as potentials. As I would always advice people not to be annoyed when people called them useless. What that means is that there are things in everyone called useless, which he or she has not really used. So, if papa can succeed, everyone of us can succeed. God bless you.
THE NIGERIAN
14
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013
CLASSIFIED:CHANGE OF NAME EBOILEKUN – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Patience Eboilekun now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekhator Patience. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. OKOLI – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoli Angela Chinonye now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Angela Chinonye Ibeh. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. UNUAJOHWOFIA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oghenero Deborah Unuajohwofia now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Itua Oghenero Deborah. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. AKPOLOGUN – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akpologun Josephine Joy now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ndiefe Osoname Joy. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and general public should please take note. UWAIFO – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sandra Ehimatie Uwaifo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akendayi Sandra Ehimatie. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note.
Miss Precious Abieyuwa Omoruyi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Precious Abieyuwa Ehizemwogie. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. ITOHANMWEN – I, formerly called Miss Amenze Excellence Itohanmwen now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Amenze Excellence ItuaEsebamen. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. OSADOLOR – I, formerly called Miss Rita Osadolor is now known and called Mrs. Rita Agbonsalo. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. OHIENGBOMWAN – I, formerly Miss Joyce Oghogho Ohiegbomwan now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Joyce Oghogho Ataga. All former documents remain valid. General public, particularly Igueben Local Government Area Education Authority, Igueben to please note. OTITE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Otite Ejiro Glory now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eseh Ejiro Glory. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, NIFOR and general public should please take note. ADEMILUYI – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abosede Anthonia now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abosede Anthonia Aremu. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note.
UKIRI – I, formerly known and addressed as Dr. Ufumwen Imade Ukiri now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. (Mrs.) Ufumwen Imade Atohengbe. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note.
EDO – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osasu Edo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osasu Nagy. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note.
EDEBOR – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osariemen Juliet Edebor now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Izekor Osariemen Juliet. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, University of Benin and general public should please take note. OMORUYI – I, formerly known and addressed as
ONELUM – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Judith Ogwugwua Onelum now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Judith Ogwugwua Agwai. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, PHCN and general public should please take note. OVUEHOR – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss
Racheal Ovuehor now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Racheal Andrew Akhabue. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. KANYI – I, formerly called Miss Ann Nyamurwa Kanyi now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Ann Nyamurwa Igbinedion. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. EHIOGHAE – I, formerly Miss Omoyemwen Precious Ehioghae now Mrs. Omoyemwen Precious Ogbebor. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) and general public should please take note. MOGAH – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mogah Veronica now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mattu Veronica. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Government House and general public should please take note. ERHABOR – I, formerly known and addressed as Erhabor Isoken now wish to be known and addressed as Sosa Isoken Linda. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. SIJUADE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bosede Mary Sijuade now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agbongiarhuoyi Bosede Mary. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. EME-UCHE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chimsom Eme-Uche now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. (Mrs.) Chimsom Ogu. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and general public should please take note. ORIAKHI – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esther Esohe Oriakhi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esther Esohe Benigilsu. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. OMORUYI – I, formerly Miss Helen Oyemwen
Omoruyi, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Helen Oyemwen Inobeme. NYSC, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi and the general public should please take note. NNAMANI – I, formerly Miss Francisca Ngozi Nnamani now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Francisca Ngozi Nnabuife. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi and general public should please take note. BOLARINWA –I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Taibat Iyabo Bolarinwa now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omoragbon Taibat Iyabo. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. IGUMA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Edith Iguma now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Edith Osazuwa. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. EHIMARE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esohe Igiede Ehimare now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esohe Igiede Ehimare Ahamiojie. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. EKUASE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekuase Aihanuwa Joan now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Egede Ekuase Joan. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. ERHAHON – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Stella Nowamagbe Erhahon now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Stella Nowamagbe Bright Ugbo. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. IGEBU – I, formerly known and addressed as Igebu Ikheowa Etim Tobias now wish to be known and addressed as Igebu Ikheowa Tobias. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. INUSA – I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Inusa Sadat now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Okon Bassey Sadat. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Zenith Bank Plc and general public should please take note.
OROH – I, formerly called Mr. Lemmy Oroh is now known and called Mr. Lemmy Osheoke Shaibu. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note.
EGHAREVBA – I, formerly known as Murphy Egharevba now wish to be known as Efe Moses. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note.
OGHOGHO – I, formerly called Miss Oghogho Ekhomagbe Justina is now known and called Mrs. Eguae Ekhomagbe Justina. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note.
ENORENSE – I, formerly known as Miss Omogiade Enorense now wish to be known as Miss. Omogiade Enorense Ann. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note.
SAIKI – I, formerly Miss Afeshemi Christabel Saiki now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Afeshemi Christabel Ologbosere. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. OWENAZE – I, formerly Miss Abiemwense Owenaze now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Abiemwense Imasuen. All former documents remain valid. University of Benin, Benin City and general public should please take note.
UGWU – I, formerly Miss Jessica Chioma Ugwu now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Jessica Chioma AniwigboAll former documents remain valid. NYSC. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
IBOI- EHIAWAGUAN – I, formerly Miss Theresa Onormuekpenmhen IboiEhiawaguan now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Theresa Onormuekpenmhen Ugwu. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
PUBLIC NOTICE
UNIQUE CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY
The general public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Pastor Abraham Osigbemeh Joseph (Chairman) 2. Pastor (Mrs.) Olusola Abraham (Secretary) 3. Deacon Kingsley Iyoha (Member) AIM AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach and teach the word of God. 2. To release men from captivity. Any objection to the registration should be directed to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, P. M. B. 198 Garki, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.
Signed: G.A. Izevbigie Esq G.A. Izevbigie, & Co. Legal Practitioners 126, Murtala Mohammed Way, Opposite First Bank Plc, Benin City. G.S.M. 08033535044
PUBLIC NOTICE
MAXIMUM IMPACT MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Pastor Eni Solomon Nosa (Chairman) 2. Pastor (Mrs.) Eni Solomon Bridget Oritsegbubemi (Secretary) 3. Mr. Collins Oni-Oludare (Member) AIM AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the Word of God to mankind 2. To preach the gospel of peace, empower men through the gospel of Jesus Christ Any objection to the registration should be directed to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, P. M. B. 198 Garki, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication. Signed:
G.A. Izevbigie Esq G.A. Izevbigie, & Co. Legal Practitioners 126, Murtala Mohammed Way, Opposite First Bank Plc, Benin City. G.S.M. 08033535044
THE NIGERIAN
15
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013
CLASSIFIED:CHANGE OF NAME CONFIRMATION/CORRECTION OF NAME I, Rex Osione Edward Aikoroje wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person called Rex Edward, Rex Edward Osione and Edward Aikonjies as appeared in some of my valid documents including my Primary School Leaving Certificate No. 99/20243 with candidate No. 090180054 of August 7, 1999 and to say that Akoroje was wrongly spelt “Aikonjie”. However, I am properly known and called Rex Osione Edward Aikoroje. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
PUBLIC NOTICE
CHRIST’S CHOSEN CHURCH OF GOD INTERNATIONAL The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the review of its constitution under Parc C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990. Any objection this amendment should be directed to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, P. M. B. 198 Garki, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication. Signed: G.A. Izevbigie Esq G.A. Izevbigie, & Co. Legal Practitioners 126, Murtala Mohammed Way, Opposite First Bank Plc, Benin City. G.S.M. 08033535044
CORRECTION OF NAME
I, Aigboche Monday wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Arigboche Monday. It should be known therefore that I am properly known and addressed as Aigboche Monday. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and First Bank Plc should please take note. RECONCILIATION OF NAME
I, Igbinedion David Oduwa is the same person as Ignitus David Oduro. I now wish to be properly known and addressed as Igbinedion David Oduwa. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note.
PUBLIC NOTICE BLESSED TRINITY PEOPLES’ ASSEMBLY The general public is hereby notified that the above named Christian Organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Pastor Engr. David Iyabor 2. Pastor Friday Idehen 3. Brother Kenneth Ojo 4. Mrs. Clara Iyabor 5. Brother Emwanta Edomwonyi 6. Brother Nosakhare Iyabor AIM AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in Nigeria and around the world. 2. To establish and build Churches in Nigeria and in other Countries. 3. To help the less privileged. Any objection to the registration should be directed to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, P. M. B. 198 Garki, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.
Signed: Ben Ohiorenoya Esq. (08039572567)
LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE EDO STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY BENIN CITY
WHEREAS the persons whose names are set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and at the place stated in the column; AND WHEREAS the persons whose names, addresses and claimed relationship to the deceased are set in the second column hereunder have applied to the Probate Registrar, High Court of Justice, Edo State of Nigeria for a grant of Letters of Admnistration of the real and personal property of the deceased. NOTICE IS BY THIS GIVEN that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE to prohibit the grant is filed in this Registry within TwentyOne (21) days from the date of the publication of this notice.
NOS NAMES APPLICANTS FOR GRANT 1. MRS. ELIZABETH PED/646/2013 OMOREGIE, Late of Igue-Iheya, Ovia North East L.G.A., who died on the 25th day of May, 2013 in Benin City.
Mr. Osayimwense Omoregie and Mr. Osazee .E. Omoregie of No. 2B, Evbomore Off Benin-Lagos Express Way, Benin City, sons of the deceased.
DATED THIS 17TH DAY OF JULY, 2013 Signed: H.I. ENEMAKU ESQ., PROBATE REGISTRAR
RECONCILIATION OF NAME
I, Juwobor Womoemi wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Aboluwa Juwanbor as appeared in my various documents. It should be known therefore that I am properly known and addressed as Juwobor Womoemi. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note. CONFIRMATION/ RECONCILIATION OF NAME
I, Mrs. Rose Osazee Ighodaro wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person called Rose Edokpolor and Osadebamwen Edokpolor as appeared in my NECO Certificate and Primary School Leaving Certificate respectively. However, I am now properly called Mrs. Rose Osazee Ighodaro as a result of my marriage. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities should please take note.
THIS SPACE IS FOR
THE NIGERIAN
16
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013
Insight
A country of about 160 million people, 36 States and 774 Local Government Areas (LGA), palliative care in Nigeria is disheartening, given-that in 1996, a-small-amount-of Nigerians initiated a crusade for palliative care. This promotion included opioids, which was aimed to manage pain. After that palliative care sponsorship there are only two centres across the country, where services to victims of chronic ailments like cancer and HIV/AIDS, renal failures, are being rendered. These centres are the Palliative Care Initiative (Ibadan), and Hospice Nigeria (Lagos). The management of victims in these centres is not unconnected without man made discomfitures, unalloyed to what victims are suffering from. Harangues are that Nigeria is too far to redeeming the burdens of this sector, incomparable to what obtain in other African countries and the United Kingdom (UK). Six years after the few Nigerians made that move to introduce palliative care in Nigeria, it was finally made public in 2003, through the Palliative Care Initiative of Nigeria (PCIN), now known as Centre for Palliative Care, Nigeria (CPCN). The year 2003 was when palliative care was properly established to the Nigerian government, policymakers and general public. On-theother-hand, palliative care is still novel to the country owing to the fact that it is not included as an area of acquisition for health professionals across the country. This could be as a result that in the time past, such non-communicable diseases like cancer, heart and kidney problems, stroke and so on, were farheard than they are readily
experienced among the people today. There are just two universities in Nigeria that offer the palliative course. One offers it in a revised undergraduate curriculum; while the other has prepared measures to offer it in a post-graduate diploma. Many just operate workshops. These schools are the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, which swaggers as the first unit in West Africa and has received students for clinical posting from Sierra-Leone, Gambia and Canada. The other is in Ilorin, Kwara State. Against that backdrop, accounts are that there were only 5 RT centers, 60 qualified pathologists, and 20 radiation oncologists serving the entire country, as in 2008. There was a team for RT, which did not include radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation technologists, and radiation nurses, which were supposed to be in partnership through the process of planning and the time to deliver RT to cancer patients. Physical approach: Authorities have bemoaned the need to progress on palliative care for patients with lethal infirmity in the country. It is believed that the first approach is to establish a communication link with the victim, investigate to know the beloved one that he or she would be comfortable to stay with, and how aware he or she was with the ailment. It is based on these findings that palliative care professionals can hint the enduring the content of information that he or she wants to be intimated. And, such threats from the patient like anger, remorse, meditation, a feeling of culpability and mood genuflections are
Perils Of Operating Pa
properly handled. Many victims of terminal diseases have died as a result of lack of knowledge about the palliative care. A professor of medicine in Nigeria on August 15, 2012, said that patients are referred late for care and by the time they get to the palliative care centre, most of them were already down. Lack of money is given as the major physical factor that endangers the patients from acquiring even their pain medications. The professor gave other problems associated with terminal illness as fatigue, shortness of breath, bowel and bladder problems, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, anxiety and preparatory grief. Spiritual impact on patients: Nigeria is one dodgy religious country. Apart from persons caught-up with old age and did not have extended family members to take care of them, many persons who are unfortunate to be befell by terminal diseases, attribute their predicaments to being spiritual. Such statement like, “God forbid, it is not my portion to suffer this disease”, “Holy Ghost fire”, are often heard among patients. Coupled with aboriginal philosophies, victims relent from going to visit experts. Many would rather prefer going to their religious organisations in what they call, “For divine healing”, instead of going for palliative rather than elusive curative approach. Many Nigerians, though, support this thinking, because it was said by the authorities that the toughest pain medication, which had been advocated for dealing with harsh pain in terminal illness is at-present, not
accessible in the country, unlike Uganda said to have been only the third African country to have made morphine obtainable and reasonably-priced to her patient residents. “One major hindrance in rendering palliative care in our environment is the taboo of speaking of an impending death. There seems to be a culture of “death denial” among patients, their relatives, and healthcare professionals. The Igbo of Eastern Nigeria have a culture of celebrating life (“Ndu bu isi”), while despising and fearing death, especially if the dead was younger than 60 years. Where death is accepted, Nigerians prefer natural prolongation of the dying process and want to be at home so that they can make their peace, say farewell, and give final instructions to immediate relatives. Hence one finds that many terminally ill keep away from medical treatment for fear of hospitalization,” say connoisseurs. Social and Psychological impacts: Many Nigerians would not want to be associated with terminal diseases. They believe that if the public comes to know about their state of health, it would bring dishonour to them and family. Because of stigmatisation, family and friends are not informed by many victims, to avoid family self-motivation, which would be troubled; and hopelessness, unalleviated superficial suffering that are associated. In a testimony of May 2004, a Professor of Anaesthesia & Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of
“Authorities have bemoaned the need to progress on palliative care for patients with lethal infirmity in the country. It is believed that the first approach is to establish a communication link with the victim, investigate to know the beloved one that he or she would be comfortable to stay with, and how aware he or she was with the ailment.”
Ibadan, argues that such behaviour is very detrimental. He hinges his point, saying: The members of the palliative care team include physicians (family, surgeons, oncologists, radiotherapists, Palliative care/ pain experts), nurses (hospital, communitybased, private duty),
pharmacists, social workers, therapists (physiotherapy, occupational, music and recreational), chaplain, families, friends, volunteers. The hospice provides palliative care to meet the entire patient’s needs (emotional, social and spiritual) as well as the needs of the family. Further, experts argue that as a result that health practitioner/patients have poor knowledge of palliative care, individualistic approach becomes fad to the management of terminal cancer patients, unlike in few countries – South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Egypt – where established care, support/pain control exist. An account also adds that upon that diseases are global perils, the stigmatisation that is being
shown to victims of dead diseases in Nigeria, affec the socio-eco progress the country, as the suffere probably miss work, and a unemployed or sto working early. Government:
The Head, Centre f Palliative Care, Nigeri once remarked th palliative care increas excellence of care in a non-communicab diseases, stressing th
Prof Chukwu Onyebuchi,
THE NIGERIAN
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Insight
alliative Care In Nigeria By ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE
dly cts of ers are p-
or ia, hat es all le hat
people can die in peace with good palliative care, while their self dignity is not debased. It’s evident that government took the palliative care with a pinch of the salt and lack of approach, which have
enabled the bothersome, unavailability and inaccessibility to patients that are in entreaty of palliative care. “The problem with opioid analgesics is that we don’t have a system in
Minister for Health
place to monitor its constant availability and accessibility to patients that need them. The opioid analgesics stock expired since May, 2010 and many representations were made to the Federal Ministry of Health after which the Health Minister directed that some be imported for
trauma and surgery but no morphine,” the Head, Centre for Palliative Care, Nigeria, had said. It’s obvious that government has not grownup in this palliative care
direction, because accounts finger that individuals of poor status, are supposed to be treated without measure, if only government had addressed the issue of inadequate facility to train medical experts and acquire adequate health facilities, to enable everyone, irrespective of financial status, have excellent health care. They say that government is oblivious or swimming in deceit to not noting that the continuous restraints of people with the chronic diseases from having optimum health care, is betrayal to their human rights’ faithfulness. There is a depressing detail that Opioid importation rates about 15 times the cost in the developed world. As a result, there are strict laws in Nigeria to avert the misuse of opioid, with the Federal Ministry of Health as the sole importer of opioids, while the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is the dictatorial body. But these approaches have much succeeded in making the purchase of opioids for medical utilisation very boring. “At present, there are no parental preparations of morphine and pethidine available for use in the country. A ban placed on the compounding of oral preparations of drugs in our hospital several years ago was only lifted recently to allow for the preparation of liquid oral morphine used in the treatment of cancer pain in our patients,” says a report. Remedy: Palliative care involves the physical, emotional, practical, and spiritual aspects of the patient’s suffering in the course of the illness, say powers-that-
be. Nigeria has to improve on the hospice movement and modern-day palliative care, which credit was said, goes to Dame Cicely Saunders, who started it in 1967. It was said also that she was first a nurse, then a social worker, and finally trained and qualified to be a doctor; while a Canadian physician Balfour Mount, was credited as the first that coined the term “palliative care,” being a foremost in the Canadian hospice movement. Policymakers are of the opinion that sociobehavioural attitudes in our country must be drastically reduced, which invariably fosters the increase of terminal illness. U r b a n i s a t i o n , industrialisation, and westernisation of dietary, are other factors that have been mentioned that must be reduced. These were believed would reduce the ratio in HIV/AIDS commonness and death rate, which accrue from them annually. A large number of patients with terminal diseases and needing palliative care, should be encouraged to take solace in palliative rather than in religious homes. Sustainability: Palliative care has come to stay in Nigeria, as the story goes. A testimony says that a few privateowned and missionary hospices, which existed in murkiness in the country, before the official introduction of palliative care in the country, should not be obliterated. The CPCN, which launched its day-care hospice in 2007, within the UCH, must be upgraded to embrace the modern technologies, as are wont in the physicallydeveloped countries. ‘Our
Pain and Palliative Care Unit’, its policies and operations, have to be reviewed after it was established in September 2008, as fraction of the Multidisciplinary Oncology Centre of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu. An investigation reveals that physicians-anaesthetist and nurses from the multidisciplinary oncology unit, apart from being in services, they have to also be on a missionary journey to the localities to redeem patients, who are not informed that there exists a counteractive in palliative care, and encourage them of receiving conventional western medical treatment, than most of them are dispirited from looking for western medicine. The inculcation of traditional healers into palliative care education was said to be obligatory, since many patients prefer their advise. And, this will help to penetrate communities to accept palliative care. Authorities say that seeking for donours is indubitably and the donations should be judiciously utilised and, untrained professionals in this area must be eschewed. With the escalating patient fill, it has become imperative that palliative care should be integrated into the healthcare configuration. “A leaf should be borrowed from the Ugandan government that has prioritized palliative care, making it accessible to the population of her people,” says information. The Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Nigeria (HPCAN), must endeavour to making-sure that palliative care sooner-orlater has a place in medical education throughout the country. Drug unavailability, lack of
referrals, fears of mistreatment of compelling narcotics/underprescribing, lack of public awareness and inter alia, have to be re-addressed. Professionals are nonetheless saying that the attitude of Nigerian healthcare professionals inthe-direction-of the use of morphine and other opioids, and the fear to recommend strong opioids, the false beliefs about morphine side effects, addiction issues, and legal constraints, should be discarded to improve on the practice of palliative care; hence health professionals’ beliefs and narrowmindedness must be remodelled. “Terminally ill people have a right to be pain free, share quality time with family and friends and put their affairs in order. Hospice and Palliative Care Team can offer the required comfort and peace of mind as people get near to end of life’s journey. These must be incorporated into our national health plan,” says a professor. Another description says: Government support is needed to educate health professionals and to incorporate palliative care into health care curriculum and health care services in Nigeria. Also, government should make palliative care drugs available, especially oral morphine for severe pain. Awareness can be increased through incorporation of palliative care awareness into cancer and HIV awareness programme. This will help fund raising efforts and provide financial support for indigent patients. More non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations and individuals, should develop interest in establishing hospice and palliative care centres especially, in their communities.
“An investigation reveals that physicians-anaesthetist and nurses from the multidisciplinary oncology unit, apart from being in services, they have to also be on a missionary journey to the localities to redeem patients, who are not informed that there exists a counteractive in palliative care, and encourage them of receiving conventional western medical treatment, than most of them are dispirited from looking for western medicine.”
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Cultural Heritage By ALASAN U. MODUS
ONCE restricted to monuments, archeological sites, and movable heritage collections, the definition of cultural heritage now includes historic urban areas, vernacular heritage, cultural landscapes (tangible heritage, which include natural and cultural sites), and even living dimensions of heritage and all aspects of the physical and spiritual relationship between human societies and their environment (intangible heritage). Heritage can be cultural and natural, they are priceless, and you cannot attach value to them, they are irreplaceable possession of mankind. It is also an expression of the past manifested in the present which is closely related to the difference in cultural and natural diversity. Heritage is a comprehensive concept that consist of many diverse value like cultural, natural, historical, architectural, archeological and geological values. Heritage is a mirror of different ways of lives and habits, in other words, different cultures and eras of the mankind and the society they live in. A wellpreserved heritage enable communities to learn about their cultural history truly and chronologically. After the World War II, the world has seen a gradual increase in technology and urbanization result in a series of threat to heritage; social, environment and economical. Because of migration and industrialization, population density between rural areas and cities differs greatly. Globalization change people’s lives in an undeniable way, a way that is mostly stereotyped. This kind of fact post a great threat to intangible cultural assets. Heritage is not a renewable resources; therefore it should be conserved in the most efficient way. The word
“Preservation” has existed from the beginning of the very early time of human history, but its definition. Until recently preservation is nearly equal to just protect the physical assets, but now it is seen as a clear fact that when trying to protect heritage national, social, cultural and economical aspects of the protection, processes should be taken into account. It aimed to conserve, use and develop the heritage and to sustain it values and significant by giving the heritage a compactible use. It is worth of mentioning that, the most important innovation of the management approach involves the sustainability principle. C U L T U R A L HERITAGE Culture is a term used by social scientist for a way of life. Every human society has a culture. Culture include a society’s arts, beliefs, customs, institutions, inventions, languages, technologies and values. Culture produces similar behaviour and thought among most people in a particular society. This definition of culture is adopted Linton (1945) who says: the culture of a society is the way of life of his member; the collection of ideas and habits which they learn; share and transmit from generation to generation (World Book Encyclopedia, 2004). Cultural Heritage can be regarded as collective endowment of human existence or unique activities over a span of time and within a cultural area, which bear exceptional testimony to the culture, tradition, religion, and belief of the people. These properties form the basis of their living and existence, which are transfer directly or indirectly from generation to generation. In other words, a people’s cultural heritage, therefore, is their way of life and, in a broad sense their traditional behaviour including the ideas, acts and artefact which are passed on from one generation to another (Banjo,
Art Alive
With FRANCIS U. ODUPUTE
Left to Right: Olayinka Sangotoye, Curator LagosPhoto Foundation; Ebi Atawodi, Head High Value Events and Sponsorship Etisalat Nigeria; Wunika Mukan, Brand Director LagosPhoto Foundation; Steve Evans, MD/CEO Etisalat Nigeria; Azu Nwagbogu, Director LagosPhoto Foundation; Joseph Gergel, Curator LagosPhoto Foundation; Ronald Eze, Assistant Sales Marketing Manager, Eko Hotel & Suites, at a press conference in Lagos at the announcement of the 4th edition of Lagosphoto festival, recently.
1997). The preservation of cultural heritage is central to protecting a sense of who we are, a meaningful reference in our culturally diverse world. However, Sekler (2001) states that; “there are many ways in which a cultural identity is formed and maintained. Much of the process has to do with the intangible cultural heritage of a body of traditions and usages, rites, poetry, song,
and dance. A great deal of all these are passed on orally through generations. Consequently, its survival is always threatened…” RISK AND CHALLENGES OF CULTRAL HERITAGE · Cultural heritage is affected by primary risks, that is, direct damage from the natural disaster. · Cultural heritage is also threatened by secondary risks that arise during
recovery and reconstruction, including: (i) rescue and relief measures that are carried out with no regard to heritage value of damaged areas (e.g., water damage from fire fighting and debris removal with no regard to heritage value); (ii) looting of heritage buildings; and (iii) reuse of cultural and natural heritage resources as fuel, food, and
“Heritage is a mirror of different ways of lives and habits, in other words, different cultures and eras of the mankind and the society they live in.”
reconstruction materials. · Infrastructure repair or replacement (e.g., road widening) disregards or encroaches upon cultural assets. · Temporary camps are sited without regard to cultural heritage concerns. · Illegal and uncontrolled relocation and reconstruction spoil heritage landscapes or damage other assets · Financial assistance policies encourage demolition of heritage buildings. · Authenticity and integrity may be lost because of inadequate repair and retrofitting measures. Alasan U. Modus is the head of Conservation Unit, National Museum, Benin City.
CreativityIn Financial Security
ONE of the most valuable assets in all humans is the art of creativity. It is a known fact that our certificate is not a guarantee that one will be financially secure in this generation as a graduate of any tertiary institution. But whether one is a graduate or not, we all posses something that can serve as a guarantee to success and comfort throughout one’s life time if we develop our creativity The level of one’s creativity determines the height one can get to in
life in terms of making money and otherwise. Sadly though majority of the individuals do not see themselves as being creative because they associate it with inventing anything new technologically, writing great stories or books or like one of the big-pins of electronics invent a new electronic gagyet. What these people fail to understand is that creativity is not a complicated issue simply put, it means to improve.” .” When one is
able to improve on something by doing it in a different way the persons is being creative. Today, it is obvious that the graduates that are not making any headway in the business world are the ones who did not develop their creative mind while they were still students and because of this they get little or nothing even after serving a company for a long time. One thing is sure creativity positions one on the channel of Gold. Creativity determines what one gets at the end of the day not one’s credentials. Everyone who wants to be successful both financially
and otherwise should do well to be a –never graduating student of the school of creativity. Creactivity is very vital whether a graduate wants to be an employee or an entrepreneurs who will employ people himself. Creativity determines where one finds himself/ herself after living the four walls of the tertiary institution. By Mary Young Art History Section, Fine And Applied Arts Dept., University of Benin, Benin City.
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Art And Culture
With AMBROSE EKHOSUEHI
Understanding Birthday Culture
BIRTHDAY culture is the act relating to the day of ones birth, the day a person is born. The birth of a person shows exactly where the planets were at the time of a person’s birth. The character urges inclinations working in a person and of the forces that actually produced the person as a human being. Time of an event, the space characteristic or nature of it may also be determined in relation to people and events. People must have looked for various happenings in their lives. They must have wanted to know why people were different from one to another. It is interesting to note that as soon as a person learned to use tools or mind in any kind of calculation, the person turns to the regular movements of the sun, moon and stars to provide an answer; even to giving personal names. Humanity has natural instinct for order and has the desire to attached meaning to things. This demand for order has persisted, so that observing the regularity of the universe made it an understanding of the world. They observed that when the cluster of stars known as constellation is in sight, it was the time of fertility. They associated it with the Ram and noticed that the growth of plants and plant life corresponded with different phases of the moon, so that certain times were favourable for the planting of crops. In this way, grew up tradition of seasons. In the ancient, Seers were persons of great rank and position. The office was valued so highly that the king was kept informed of the daily and monthly changes. The office was said to be hereditary office. All human
accomplishments are important in varying degree but the achievements of a limited few have been very great indeed, for in any field of endeavour, some will lead, some will follow, some will succeed conspicuously, some moderately, others not at all. I n d i v i d u a l accomplishment marks the beginning of reaction extending its influences far and wide, and behind every advance of the human race is a germ of creation growing in the mind of some lone individual; an individual whose dreams waken in the night while others are contentedly asleep. Dreams of course mean creative genius, in science, in business, in education and in every other phase of human activities to develop and preserve. Tools and techniques can be acquired, the human qualities which go beyond them can be given by genes and chromosomes. Some persons are uncommon to extra-ordinary degree, some to lesser, perhaps the most uncommon of all is the common person whose achievements are beyond the expectation of the circumstances, whether of a nation, an organization or conduct as an individual that peoples behaviour varies with conditions. Few elements in nature have the volatility of the human spirit, as sensitive to its environment as the flower which opens its petals in sunlight and drops in dejection. The challenge is to create an atmosphere in which people of whatever talent gain through association with one another. Those of lesser gifts are drawn upward by the precept of those whose abilities are
greater and those of higher attainments are elevated toward new peaks of achievement. “Less than in the sum total of abilities people differ in the degree to which they use them” Child of spirit, child of will, child of muscle, brain and power, fit to cope with everything, this is wanted
ason). “Yield not to temptation for yielding is sin, shone evil companion, bad language disdain” yet every human person has destiny and has to do what is destined to do; that is, If a Person fails to do what is destined to do, the person may not prosper,
every hour. In Benin, birth day culture is life coming into being. The day a child is born is marked with certain traditional ceremony to welcome the new child into the family and to the mundane world. certain songs are song to caution the child to maintain the existing culture, not to take the night as the day and the day as the night. (Ghe ye ason khin avan, ghe ye avan khin
therefore celebration of birthday is glorification of life in spirit to live in mundane world, while at adult stage the child glorifies the parents for coming to be born. (rhunmwuda ede ne o ya bio-e.) There are many stories to illustrate human wealth, success and failure of peoples in the world. Once upon a time, a diviner gave an ointment to a person who was eager to send someone
“Humanity has natural instinct for order and has the desire to attached meaning to things. This demand for order has persisted, so that observing the regularity of the universe made it an understanding of the world. They observed that when the cluster of stars known as constellation is in sight, it was the time of fertility. They associated it with the Ram and noticed that the growth of plants and plant life corresponded with different phases of the moon, so that certain times were favourable for the planting of crops. In this way, grew up tradition of seasons.”
to the spirit world because the Later had much more than expected. The Diviner told the person that towards evening, a pregnant woman would be in labour. “When you get there rub your own eyes and the woman’s belly with the ointment, then, indeed you will see wonderful thing.
woman. Then the person saw the difference between the two babies for the second baby adorned with beautiful clothes, fanciful things and had people supporting his arms indicating that the child was predestined to be a ruler. So it is not here that such thing are decided, it is in the land of the spirits, that people are made rich or ruler and not in the mundane world.
When you have finished there people would call you to another woman and what happened the first time will happen again, but in different way”. On the way the person met some people who told him of a woman in difficult labour. The person went straight to the place where the pregnant woman was and did exactly as the Diviner had said and at once saw the child in the woman’s womb and found in a sigh of amazement, the child was delivered but is predestined to be a successful farmer of agricultural produce. Some of the people immediately begged the person to follow them to deliver a pregnant woman at their own house. The person went with them and did exactly as done with the first
Men and women congregate in groups and in organizations to meet complexities but regard the constellation rather than the star, the forest rather than the tree, the sea rather than the wave, thus represent cross section of the society the brilliant and the dull, the generous and the grasping, the expansive and the piety, the good and the bad but grouped together, the weakness in one is compensated by the strength in another and wisdom of the mature. Despite differences of personality, tastes and interests, most of the people manage to reach the common goal of understanding which is the basis of good manners, the happy way of doing things in birthday culture.
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Mid Day Encounter
Peeping Into A Demented Woman’s Bag
Continued from last week
“CAN I have it and see?” The laughter stopped suddenly and it was replaced by a genuine smile, even happiness and joy. It was as if no one had ever bothered to see what she had collected in that plastic container, a disposable plastic plate. She willingly let it go and snuggled close to me, excitedly. Carefully, I began to unwrap pieces of newspapers, cuttings from magazines and note books, dozens of them, all torn but neatly wrapped and kept in that plate. I wondered how all the papers could have fitted in that small disposable plate? I saw that she had probably picked them as she went about, because they were all moist from dew or drizzles, but… she had carefully selected what she wanted to read and she had them ‘filed’ away in her small plastic plate. The content of that small plate was revealing, clearly showing me everything I needed to know about the personality of this tormented young lady. The most attractive of the collection was a square 3 inches long hard paper label of a sexual enhancement drug, the U.S. A. Viagra 100. I stared at it for a long time and I felt dazed at the amount of sexual activity and vigour that could have come from taking this enhancer. Who knows, it could have contributed to this delusion. I read the ingredients – crocus sativa, Tibet snow flower, cordy cept, sea horse. It was said
to be applicable to: The person who suffer from premature ejaculate (as spelt out), less emen, dream ejaculate, ejaculate disfunction, weak libido and underdeveloped, penis. Dosage and usage – one tablet one hour before sex. Made by Sino- US Joint Venture of Kanda Health Food Company Limited, Lhasa, Tibet. I also saw her fashion sense. Most of the paper
to the street but I can’t accept that it should originate there” – Coco channel. “I don’t design clothes, I design dreams” – Ralph Lauren. “And now I’m just trying to change the world one sequin at a time” Lady Gaga.
Fashion page, Friday November 16, 2012 was also revealing: “Be special, Use Beaded Bracelet” and Shopping Right with Janice Nkoli Ifeme on clothes that stand the test of time. There was also Golf line with Tony Akhigbe on the Nation’s Sport Thursday May 11, 2013. She loves
FEMINIQUE With IJEOMA UMEH email: ladywithegoldenpen@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 08182382839 installations, receptions, summits, seminars, etc. she had marked them out with a blue ink. There was also the Vanguard Motoring page on Land Rover Free Lander on P.32 December 11, 2012 By Theodore Opara. Vivian Loved Exotic Cars. I also saw that she was keen about spiritual matters, even those with
• Paper cuttings from Vivian’s bag
contents were with regards to fashion, cosmetics and all round beauty of a woman. I saw a fashion ensemble from the Vanguard Allure Magazine. I saw some catchy phrases and sentences which she had highlighted with a pen: “I like fashion to go down
“The dress is a vase which the body follows. My clothes are like modules in which bodies move.” - Pierre Gardin I also saw a cut out from the Jehovah Witness Awake! Magazine with the caption: Why do we dress up for our meetings?” A cutting from the Nation
golf! There was a piece also captioned ‘For Women Only; an event at the Inner Wheel Club at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja; there was also a piece on the ‘Beach Affair? And on love so True. There was the events page – what and where Awards, anniversaries,
“I would keep her in the advocacy chain, to ensure she is rehabilitated, helped to be reintegrated into the mainstream of society again. Vivian needs to be helped. She wants people around her.”
political undertones. She had marked out page 16 of the Nation’s Society column where President Goodluck Jonathan had led
eminent Nigerians to Warri in 2012 to felicitate with the President of PFN (as it were) and CAN, Ayo Oritsejafor on the 40 th anniversary of his call. I also saw a cut out on the 2012 Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God titled ‘signs and wonders.’ She had marked out the designated viewing centres! She truly needed spiritual help! I knew Vivian from reading her collections. She had probably done drugs, but it didn’t remove anything from the fact that she was a society beau, a lady on the fast lane where the lights shone above the clouds. She lived a promising life, but only on the spur of the moment. I introduced her to the Pastor and they promised to ‘lay hands’ on her. I pray that would help her, but I would keep her in the advocacy chain, to ensure she is rehabilitated, helped to be reintegrated into the mainstream of society again. Vivian needs to be helped. She wants people around her. She asked me, “would the Pastor take us out?” “To where?” I asked her “To a restaurant, anywhere far far away from bad people.” That statement pricked my mind. But that is my testimony. That Vivian would get away! Concluded
Words on Marble Human beings yield in many situations, even in important and spiritual and central ones, as long as it prolongs one’s well-being – Alexander Solzhenitsyn Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a function – Garrison Keilllor Last night at twelve I felt immense, but now I feel thirty cents – George Ade The only service a friend can really render is to keep up your courage by holding up to you a mirror in which you can see a noble image of yourself – George Bernard Shaw
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News Analysis BY most ratings, Nigeria’s cultural assets and natural features are regarded as some of the best in the world. Tourism experts note that each of the ethnic groups in Nigeria has a unique cultural heritage that is capable of contributing immensely to the country’s economic growth. Apart from some wellknown tourist destinations, there are other natural or man-made tourist attractions across the nation. Observers consider Akata Fishing and Cultural Festival in Benue as one of the country’s potential tourism sites, although the event is still very much obscure. The carnival started as a local festival of the Tivs about eight years ago in KatsinaAla Local Government Area of the state. However, due to its striking cultural values, the festival is increasingly becoming more popular, with the growing involvement of the state government and the private sector. The fishing and cultural fiesta, whose setting is by Akata Lake, near River Benue, is celebrated every yearly and its fishing competition attracts the participation of contestants from neighbouring communities. Mrs Rosemary Duamlong, a consultant in charge of the festival’s organisation, described the Akata fiesta as “a celebration of the rich culture of the Tiv. “It is to promote Benue as a tourist destination; it also aims at bringing together people from local and distant communities for greater economic opportunities. “Fishing competition is the main event of the festival but there are accompanying activities such as traditional dances, singing, bike riding, wrestling, boat racing and archery, among others. “However, the major sideattraction is the traditional Tiv pageant, Miss Akata Beauty Contest, which is aimed at showcasing the beauty of the Tiv woman and her virtues,’’ she said. Observers note that the three-day event will soon attract increased privatesector participation, while bringing more economic benefits to the people of the state. They also believe that through the event, the vast tourism potential of Benue State will be further exposed to the outer world. All the same, many spectators were visibly thrilled by the beauty contest;
Popularising Ataka Fishing And Cultural Festival
an integral aspect of the festival, which also showcased the rich cultural values of the Tiv ethnic group. In this year’s edition of the beauty contest, held at the multi-purpose hall of the College of Education, Katsina-Ala, on June 27, Miss Stephanie Erdoo emerged the winner. In a message to the festival, Governor Gabriel Suswam expressed his government’s intention to use tourism and agriculture to create wealth and develop the economy. He pledged that the government would provide facilities for the Akata festival to boost its tourism and economic potential. He tasked relevant government agencies on efforts to give the site of the festival a befitting facelift. Suswam, however, promised to provide adequate security and relevant infrastructure at the Akata Lake area to enable tourists
to visit the lake anytime and not only during the festival. Besides, Mrs Yemisi Suswam, the wife of the governor, urged the state government to speed up the process of transforming the lake into an international tourist centre. The governor’s wife, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Elizabeth Allagh, commended the organisers of the festival, which she described as a good tourism event. She stressed that judging by the superb organisation of the festival over the years, the
By BAMIDELE JONES
fiesta would soon transform into a popular tourism event in the country. In his remark, Mr. Donald Gbough, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, called on the state government to build an administrative block near the lakeside. He noted that the lake and its environs were usually abandoned soon after the festival, saying that an administrative block should be constructed by the lakeside to accommodate workers
who would look after the area. Gbough also urged the people of the state to invest in fish farming, describing fish farming as a good means of livelihood, which could also aid the fulfilment of poverty alleviation efforts. The fishing competition was won by Mr Ezekanu Gwazu, who caught a fish weighing 14kg. He received the first prize – a deep freezer. Stephanie Erdoo, who was crowned Miss Akata, scored 4,645 points, while Emmanuela Lutter and
Queen Udegha won the second and third positions, with 4,289 and 4,272 points respectively. A commercial motorcyclist, Aondoawase Msuh, won the bike racing competition, beating Nnenge Moses and Gowin Aver to second and third places respectively. All in all, tourism experts and observers urge the organisers of the Akata Fishing and Cultural Festival to make concerted efforts to develop the festival into a world-class carnival and tourist attraction.
“Fishing competition is the main event of the festival but there are accompanying activities such as traditional dances, singing, bike riding, wrestling, boat racing and archery, among others. “However, the major sideattraction is the traditional Tiv pageant, Miss Akata Beauty Contest, which is aimed at showcasing the beauty of the Tiv woman and her virtues.’’
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Opinion
Civil Servants And Chieftancy Titles
WHEN it was recently reported that the Federal Government, in its bid to sanitize the Federal Service, has banned its workers from accepting chieftancy titles and other sundry awards except after retirement or disengagement from the service, we could not have agreed more and in support of the development. This is hinged on the fact that over time, we have witnessed public service workers who display exorbitant lifestyles and take chieftancy titles that are often in disparity with their annual earnings as civil servants. Without a doubt, the move, many may see as a welcome development from the part of government in view of making civil servants to be free from undue political interests or manipulations as enshrined in the civil service rules. In a circular sent to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, said that it has come to the notice of government that some civil servants are in the practice of soliciting for chieftancy titles and sundry awards, an act, he described as inimical to the principles of anonymity, integrity and political neutrality which are the core values of the civil service. The truth is that the thirst for titles, awards, honours; even by persons who do not necessarily qualify to having the attributes to be given such societal recognition, have become one of the craziest standards we have adopted and
encouraged as a culture in Nigeria. The situation is so pathetic that many wellrespected institutions, corporate bodies and the Government have sold their birth rights and dignity for ephemeral benefits attributed to having titles/ awards. What ordinarily should have been a sign of societal recognition for one’s selfless-service and worthy accomplishments, have been turned into a ‘product’ that can be bought with money or given in the name of favouritism/ nepotism. To the extent that the ‘value’ of such honours/ awards and titles have been rubbished and made worthless. The Nigerian Civil Service is not only the one with the problem or craze for titles. The Nigerian society as a whole is one that encourages this trend where almost everyone wants at least a title appendage attached to his or her name, whether they merit it or not; real or fake. Some have gone to the extent of insisting that they been addressed by such titles. Some of which includes: Chief, His Excellency, Pastor, Honourable, Senator, Ambassador, Double Chief/ tripple Chief/High Chief, Sir, Dame, Professor, Comrade, Architect, His Lordship, His Eminence, His Worship, Evangelist, Deacon/Deaconess, Prophet, Surveyor, Engineer, Barrister, Apostle, Bishop, Archbishop, Alhaji, Haijia, J.P, Ovie, Oba, Olorogun, Oguefi, Pere, Igwe, Obi, Emir, Obong, Amanayabo, Ichie, Ozor, SAN etc. The one that troubles us
By ZIK GBEMRE
most is that of the national honours/awards that has been reduced to nothing. The recipients and the character/personality of most of them forces one to ask; is it indeed true that the 3,924 recipients of the national honours since it began in 1963, have honesty
accountability, etc? Now back to the situation of the Nigerian Civil Service and their thirst for chieftancy titles. Perhaps this development is obviously a reflection of the sort of corruption that thrives in the Nigerian Civil Service. The level of
one an achiever or one that wields great respect and command in the society as a result of the impacts they have/ have not made. A man with a chain of titles and awards who fails to contribute positively to the mental, social, economic, political, spiritual, emancipation and development of his/her people is like a tree that is in the forest today. When it is gone tomorrow, it is forever forgotten. We think majority if the Nigerian citizenry are very indolent people who like to spend quality time and resources to chase mundane
President Goodluck Jonathan
contributed to national development in various field of endeavours? If it is true, how come Nigeria is greatly underdeveloped and is rated as one of the poorest nations on earth albeit endowed with abundant natural resources? Could it be that the awardees are being honoured for bringing Nigeria to her present state of insecurity, lawlessness, corruption, impunity, injustice, lack of
corruption in the Nigerian Civil Service has always been a great source of concern. From issues of pension fraud, ghost workers, to the arbitrary awards of government contracts to persons that would serve their interests. Those in the Nigerian Civil Service and infact the entire Nigeria citizenry should realize that having/ receiving titles and awards does not translate to making
“The Nigerian Civil Service is not only the one with the problem or craze for titles. The Nigerian society as a whole is one that encourages this trend where almost everyone wants at least a title appendage attached to his or her name, whether they merit it or not; real or fake.”
things. History remembers people for what they have achieved in the lives of others not by the titles/awards that they have received. It took less than 20, (not 2,000 people) led by Lee Kuan Yew to transform Singapore from an observed Sea Port town to one of the most developed place on earth. We are not sure if Lee Kuan has decorated himself with one silly title in order to earn the respect of his fellow citizens and global community. We doff our hats to our dear late Prof. Chinua Achebe for rejecting the Nigerian national Honour/Award on two occasions. He, Achebe, is known world-wide due to his literary prowess and not because of a local title. It is the same reason we, and many other well-
meaning Nigerians, greatly frowned at the last National award by the current administration, where serving government officials were conferred with the national honour. Many like us, wondered why the Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan should give national awards to Governors who are still being ‘tested’ in good governance and whose tenures have not ended? Would it not have been more appropriate if such Governors were considered for the national honours after they have left public office and have positively affected the citizenry during their time in office. What happens if after these governors and public officials, that were awarded national honours, leaves office and it was discovered that they ‘plundered’ their states/positions resources with reckless abandone and impunity? A classical example of this is that of former Delta State Governor, James Ibori. Aside the fact that the Nigerian Civil Service is bedeviled with corrupt practices of high proportions, the issue of corruption is an intricate one that permeates the fabrics of the Nigerian society. The crux of the matter is that there is something intricately wrong with our “value system”. It is alien to our culture and heritage to value money, fame, status, titles and awards over worthy virtues like hardwork, honesty, integrity, empathy, love for one another, unity, peace etc; which the African society is traditionally known for. Let us state categorically that the worth of a man is not measured by the number of titles or awards he/she received while on earth, but rather by the time tested, concrete, meaningful, valuable, and enduring contributions and achievement which he/she makes towards the lives of those in his/her immediate and remote environment. Let us crave for that which is worthwhile and lifeimpacting rather than titles that are ephemeral and unworthy.
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FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013
Reflection
God Of Elijah And Our Lady Of Mount Carmel IF you have ever visited the Holy Land then you must have seen or at least heard about the famous Mount Carmel. In fact, you don’t even need to visit Holy Land to be acquitted with Mount Carmel and its spiritual splendor. If you are familiar with the Christian Bible or Muslim qur’an then you must have read about Mount Carmel and prophet Elijah. In the book of I kings chapter 18, Mount Carmel was presented as the mountain of the Living God, a mountain of spiritual encounter and contest, a mountain where Prophet Elijah fought and defeated the prophets of Baal. It was also the mountain where our Lady, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ was venerated by the Carmelites under the title: “Our lady of Mount Carmel”. The Carmelites and the Catholics all over the world usually celebrate the feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16th of every year. Most pilgrims all over the world usually visit Mount Carmel for prayer, especially in the month of July when the feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated. Why is Mount Carmel so special to the Jews, the Christians, and even the Muslims? What is the spiritual significance of this great mountain? What is the relationship between Prophet Elijah and Mount Carmel? Who is our Lady of Mount Carmel? What is her role in salvation history? Who are the Carmelites? What is the Charism of the Carmelites? Do we have Carmelites in Nigeria? Mount Carmel is a well know Mountain in Palestine. It is not particularly high. Its peak only reaches 546 meters above the sea level. It is sprawled between the Menashe Plateau in the south, the Haifa Bay in the north and the Jezreel Valley on the east. Mount Carmel has been a symbol of beauty. It is popularly known as the ever-green Mountain. Approximately 670 different species of plants grow on this mountain; they are fondly refers to as ‘flower of Carmel’. All through the year it is particularly suitable location for pilgrimage, family hikes and recreation pastimes.
It was on this beautiful mountain that Elijah challenges 450 prophets of Baal to determine whose deity was genuinely in control of the Kingdom of Israel. The challenge was to see which deity could light a sacrifice by fire. When it was their turn to demonstrate their power the prophets of Baal took the bull which was given them, and they prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice and no one answered” (I Kings 18:26-27) Baal could not answer them because he was a dead god! After the prophets of Baal had failed to achieve this, Elijah had water poured on his sacrifice to saturate the altar and then he prayed, saying, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that thou has turned their hearts back.” Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt offering, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. When the people saw it they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God; the Lord, He is God” (I Kings 18:36-39). After defeating the prophets of Baal Elijah said to people, “seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” They seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook kishon, and killed them there (I Kings 18:40). With this Elijah finally establish absolute faith in the one living God. That was how the practice of polytheism which is belief in so many deities was brought to an end. With this Mount Carmel became a unifying mountain. It is held sacred by Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Bahá’ís alike. These world religions took Elijah as the source of their inspiration. One thing that they all share in common is their faith in the one living God. Carmelite is one of the ancient orders that were
inspired by the life of Prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel. The title ‘Carmelite’ is derived from Mount Carmel. They are those who practice the spirituality of Prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel. “Among venerable biblical figures Elijah stands out as Carmel’s source of inspiration, as he contemplates the living God and burns with zeal for his glory. We look upon his
(Discalced Carmelite Constitution, no 2). The Carmelites emulate Mary’s virginity and purity of heart. It was through our Lady of Mount Carmel that the famous devotion to the Brown scapular was received and established. With the spirit of Prophet Elijah and inspired by the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Carmelites pledge to live
With REV. FR. JOHN DAMIAN ADIZIE PHONE: 08076635886
your mother” (John 19:2527). Mary was not only handed over to John. Using John as a point of contact Jesus handed his mother over to his true and faithful disciples. If you are one of those Mary is your mother as well. She is the mother of the motherless. Mary was at the upper room where the disciples were praying and waiting for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14). The Carmelites call themselves ‘brothers of our Lady of Mount Carmel.’ They see Mary as their spiritual sister, their mentor
When I heard this, I remembered the role Mary played in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. She was not just a mother. She was a motivator. While Jesus was procrastinating, waiting for the ‘right time’ Mary knew that God has deposited something great in her son. She knew that her son was capable and she knew quiet well that it was the appropriate time for him to perform his first miracle. Even when Jesus said it was not yet time for him to act, Mary did not take no for an answer. She went to the disciples and whispered to them, saying, “Do whatever he tells you.” With
and companion in faith. Just as Mary was with the Apostles at the upper room, they believed that Mary is always there with them interceding for them and praying with them; just as she did at Cana in Galilee when the marriage attendants ran out of wine. She went to her son and said, “They have no wine.” Although Jesus was not yet ready for this miracle, he even said, “My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4) But because of her mother’s persistence he granted her request. I still remember the day the Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomole was introducing his mother to the Nigerians after his swearing in ceremony. He said, referring to his mother, “whatever I am today it is because of this woman.”
this, Jesus was able to perform his first miracle. After this first miracle Jesus gained his boldness and breakthrough. As we celebrate the feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel we need chaste and faithful Christians who will live an exemplary life of our Lady of Mount Carmel. We need courageous and steadfast prophets like Elijah. We need prophets who are determined to proclaim faith in the one living and true God. We need prophets who are not ready to compromise with their faith in the living God. We need prophets who have the ability to call down fire from heaven. We need prophets who have the zeal to liberate people from idol worship, witchcraft, occultism and other forms of bondage. What kind of prophet are you? Are you the prophet of the living God or among the prophets of Baal?
The Nigeria Carmelitea with Fr Charles Nowel prophetic charism as the prototype of our own vocation to ponder God’s word and proclaim it to the world.” (Constitution and Norms of the Discalced Carmelite, no 2) With the spirit of Prophet Elijah, Carmelite is considered as a prophetic Order. Another important devotion that developed on Mount Carmel was devotion to our Lady of Mount Carmel. In the twelfth century a group of helmets gathered themselves together on Mount Carmel and formed a religious community known as the Carmelites. They took the title, “Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. “Taking Mary as the mother and patroness of the Order, we look upon her life and her sharing in the mystery of Christ as a model of religious consecration”
a life of allegiance to our Lord Jesus Christ. They take the three religious vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. They live a life of contemplative prayer. They listen to God in prayers. As they listen to God in prayer they are also inspired in their apostolic ministry. They live as intermediaries between God and the people. They are the voice of the voiceless and the defender of the defenseless. Carmelites came to Nigeria in the year 1988, barely twenty five years ago. Our Lady of Mount Carmel played an important role in the history of salvation. Besides being the mother of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, she was also the same woman Jesus handed over to the beloved Disciple when he said, “Woman behold your son” to John he said, “son, behold
THE NIGERIAN
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FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013
International
Compiled By OKHUELEIGBE FAITH
Russian Jails Opposition Leader
KIROV, Russia - Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was sentenced to five years in jail for theft yesterday, an unexpectedly tough punishment which supporters said proved President Vladimir Putin was a dictator ruling by repression. Navalny, an anti-corruption campaigner who led the biggest protests against Putin since he took power in 2000, hugged his wife Yulia and his mother, shook his father’s hand and then passed them his watch before being led him away in handcuffs. “Shame! Disgrace!” protesters chanted outside the court in Kirov, about 900 km (550 miles) northeast of Moscow. Some of his supporters burst into tears and
other opposition activists could barely hide their shock and anger. The United States and European Union expressed concern over the conviction, saying it raised questions about the rule of law in Russia and Putin’s treatment of opponents. Russian shares fell on concerns the ruling could provoke social unrest. In a last message from court, Navalny, 37, referred to Putin as a toad who abuses Russia’s vast oil revenues to stay in power and made clear he expected his supporters to press his campaign. “Okay, don’t miss me. More important - don’t be idle,” he
wrote on Twitter. The opposition said they planned a series of protests, starting later on Thursday in Moscow where police were out in force. State prosecutors had asked the court to jail Navalny for six years on charges of organizing a scheme to steal at least 16 million roubles ($494,400) from a local timber firm when he was advising the Kirov region governor in 2009. But even a five-year sentence means he will not be able to run in the next presidential election in 2018 or for Moscow mayor in September as he had planned. Some political analysts had expected the court to hand down a suspended sentence to avoid prison time but still rule out any political challenge.
Russian protest leader Alexei Navalny attends a court hearing in Kirov
Greece Approves Scheme To Fire Thousands Of Public Workers
ATHENS - Greece’s shaky coalition government scraped through a vote on Wednesday on a bill to sack public sector workers as thousands chanting anti-austerity slogans protested outside parliament. The vote was the first major test for Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’s two-party coalition since losing an ally over the abrupt shutdown of the state broadcaster last month, which left it with a scant five-seat majority in the 300-seat parliament. After midnight on Wednesday, 153 lawmakers out of the 293 present voted in favor of the bill, whose passage was required to unlock nearly 7 billion euros ($9.2 billion) in aid from European Union and International Monetary Fund lenders. The bill includes deeply divisive plans for a transfer and layoff scheme for 25,000 public workers - mainly teachers and municipal police
- that had triggered a week of almost daily marches, rallies and strikes in protest. About 5,000 Greeks flooded the street outside parliament as the vote neared, with some chanting: “We will not succumb, the only option is to resist” and holding aloft black balloons - though turnout was much smaller than in protests last year. “After 12 years on the job, they fire us in one night,” Patra Hatziharalampous, a 52-yearold school guard in uniform said between sobs. “If they have any guts, they should say no to the bailout and take some of the bill’s articles back.” The reforms were passed hours before German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble - Europe’s leading proponent of austerity blamed by many Greeks for their woes - arrives in Athens for his first visit to Greece since the debt crisis began in 2009. Before the vote, Samaras
announced Greece’s first tax cut since its crisis began nearly four years ago, in a bid to placate protests and an increasingly restive public mood. “We will not relax,” Samaras said in a surprise television address to announce that valueadded tax (VAT) in restaurants would be cut to 13 percent from 23 percent starting August 1. “We will continue climbing up the hill, we will reach the top, which is not far, and better days will come for our people.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting
Netayanhun’s Spokesman Denies Israel Open To 1967 Border Formula
JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesman denied yesterday Israel had agreed to a formula for new talks with Palestinians based on the border of their future state being drawn along lines from before a 1967 war, with agreed
land swaps. An Israeli official had earlier told Reuters that if the Palestinians accepted the formula, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry could announce the relaunch of peace talks. He would describe the future Palestine as existing
alongside a “Jewish state” of Israel. But Mark Regev, a spokesman for Netanyahu, called Reuters and said “the report is untrue”. Netanyahu’s office had earlier declined to comment on what had been said by the first official, who spoke on condition of
Right-Wing Candidate Quits Chile Presidential Race
SANTIAGO The conservative coalition’s candidate in the Chilean presidential campaign has dropped out of the race because he suffers from depression, his son said Wednesday. The surprise resignation by Pablo Longueira was expected to further weaken the chances for the governing conservatives to beat former President Michelle Bachelet of the Socialist Party, who is the front-runner for the Nov. 17 vote. “Our father is sick,” the son, Juan Pablo Longueira, said at a news conference. “After the
primary election, and after taking some days of rest, his health deteriorated as a result of a bout of depression that was medically diagnosed.” Longueira, 55, is a former economy minister and one of the founding members of the conservative Independent Democratic Union that supported Gen. Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship. He entered the race three months ago when Laurence Golborne, a businessman who had been seen as the centerright’s best hope for holding on to power, was forced out by a financial scandal. Longueira, who supports free-market
economic policies and opposes gay marriage and abortion, won a primary held last month by the center-right Alliance for Chile bloc to choose its candidate to replace conservative President Sebastian Pinera. “We respect any decision taken by him,” Patricio Melero, head of the Independent Democratic Union, said at news conference in the port city of Valparaiso. “Once he knew of this illness that is troubling him, and
taking into consideration the opinion of doctors, he was brave to make this decision that puts the interest of the country above anything else,” Melero said. Party leaders will meet yesterday to pick a replacement for Longueira, an industrial engineer by training and a career politician who was close to Pinochet. “This was such a surprising event. It wasn’t considered under any political scenario because the campaign is on its final stretch. This is a crisis for the right-wing coalition,” said Guillermo Holzmann, a political science professor at
the Universidad de Valparaiso. “This political crisis gives Bachelet an important electoral advantage,” Holzmann said. Bachelet, who ended her 2006-10 presidency with high popularity ratings, is campaigning on promises to use a second term to fight Chile’s vast income inequality, change the Pinochet-era constitution and reform taxes and education. “This has shocked me for many reasons, but above all as a human being,” Bachelet said after hearing of Longueira’s decision.
anonymity. Kerry is visiting the region and hoping to find enough common ground for Israel and the Palestinians to renew peace talks stalled since 2010. Israel has previously balked at agreeing to the 1967 borders as a basis for talks. Netanyahu demands that the Palestinians explicitly recognize Israel as a Jewish state. Asked about Reuters’ initial report that Israel had agreed to the 1967 formula, a U.S. official cautioned that “there is a great deal of inaccurate information out there right now and our focus is continuing to work through details with both parties”. Kerry said on Wednesday after talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Jordan that gaps between the sides had “very significantly” narrowed. An Arab League committee said proposals for resuming peace talks made by Kerry, which have not been made public, “provide the ground and a suitable environment to start negotiations”.
THE NIGERIAN
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FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013
International
Compiled by FAITH OKHUELEIGBE
Italy President Warns Against Endangering Government Stability ROME - Italian President Giorgio Napolitano warned political factions on Thursday against endangering Prime Minister Enrico Letta’s fragile coalition government, which is facing its most serious threats since being formed three months ago. Explicitly mentioning the legal problems of former premier Silvio Berlusconi and uproar over the hurried deportation of the family of a dissident Kazakh oligarch, Napolitano said the stability of the government must not be called into question. “The damaging effects on our international relations and on financial markets would be seen immediately and could be impossible to recover from,” he said in a speech to a journalists’ association. Napolitano’s speech came with Letta’s uneasy coalition of traditional rivals on the left and right under increasing strain over issues ranging from Berlusconi’s future to tax and economic policy. As well as a July 30 verdict
on Berlusconi’s final appeal against a tax fraud conviction, which could see the billionaire media tycoon barred from public office, the government will confront a vital test on Friday over the future of Interior Minister Angelino Alfano. Alfano, the secretary of Berlusconi’s centre-right PDL party and deputy prime minister, faces a noconfidence vote over the deportation of the family of dissident Kazakh oligarch Mukhtar Ablyazov in May. The head of his office in the interior ministry has already resigned over the scandal. The government has rescinded the deportation order, although the family is now in Kazakhstan, and ordered a shake-up of the various public offices involved after acknowledging severe failures in the way the case was handled. Letta is firmly backing Alfano but a group within the prime minister’s centre-left Democratic Party has urged a vote against the minister,
BRUSSELS - The monarchy, along with soccer and beer, is viewed as one of the rare things that unify linguistically divided Belgium and when Prince Philippe becomes its new king on Sunday he will try to prove this is still so. The early signs are that he has work to do. In a poll conducted by the private TV stations VTM and RTL, just under half of all Flemish respondents believed Philippe would be a good king, compared to two-thirds of respondents in Wallonia. The political bickering between French-speaking Wallonia in the south and Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north extended into the debate about the future monarch even before King Albert II announced his plan to abdicate two weeks ago. Far-right Flemish separatists Vlaams Belang will not attend Sunday’s coronation ceremony. The more moderate Flemish separatist party N-VA will be
represented, but not by its figurehead Bart De Wever, the mayor of Antwerp. “The idea that we need a fundamentally undemocratic institution such as the monarch to ensure political stability in this country, which I doubt, tells you more about this country than about the monarchy,” De Wever wrote in an open letter to the prince in May. In the neighboring Netherlands, the monarch no longer has a role in politics. In Belgium, although the institution is largely ceremonial, laws need the king’s signature to come into force and, after an election, he appoints mediators to aid the formation of a governing coalition - typically a protracted process. Philippe drew criticism when he entered the political debate in 2004, accusing Vlaams Belang of trying to rip Belgium apart. “I can assure you that such people will have me to deal with,” he told Story magazine in
despite warnings from the PDL that the government will collapse immediately if he is forced to resign. Napolitano made no direct comment on the noconfidence vote but was severely critical of the way the “inconceivable” case had been handled by officials and of the role of the Kazakh authorities in pressuring Italian authorities into the deportation. The strength of the combined government majority in parliament should ensure Alfano survives the vote, unless a large body of PD parliamentarians break ranks, but the case has shone a harsh spotlight on the tensions within the government. Letta’s administration is also awaiting the unpredictable outcome of the July 30 verdict in which Italy’s top appeals court will decide whether or not to uphold a four-year prison sentence and five-year ban on holding public office against Berlusconi.
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano waves to reporters at the Quirinale palace
New Belgian King Faces Tough an interview at the time. Task N-VA calls for the monarch’s
role to be purely ceremonial, while the French-speaking parties, including the Socialists of Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, oppose this. “It’s not always clear whether it is a fundamental debate about a republic versus a monarchy or whether it’s about Flanders versus Belgium. I think it’s the latter,” said Dave Sinardet, politics lecturer at the universities of Antwerp and Brussels.
Free Syrian Army fighters take positions during what they say is an offensive against forces.
Syrian Refugees Demand Help From Kerry
ZAATARI REFUGEE CAMP, JORDAN - Syrian refugees angrily told U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday that the United States should set up a no-fly zone and safe havens in Syria to protect them. Visiting a camp that holds roughly 115,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan about 12 km
(eight miles) from the Syrian border, Kerry spent about 40 minutes with half a dozen refugees who vented their frustration at the international community’s failure to end Syria’s more than two-year-old civil war. He told them Washington was considering various options, including buffer zones for their protection, but that the situation
Tainted Meal Sickens Indian School Children, of 5 and 12, got sick soon after PATNA, India - The children official in charge of the free meal 22 Die eating lunch Tuesday in started falling violently ill soon scheme in the school and after they ate the free school lunch of rice, lentils, soybeans and potatoes. The food, part of a program that gives poor Indian students at least one hot meal a day, was tainted with insecticide, and soon 22 of the students were dead and dozens were hospitalized, officials said Wednesday. It was not immediately clear how chemicals ended up in the food at the school in the eastern state of Bihar. One official said that the food may not have been properly washed before it was cooked. The children, between the ages
Gandamal village in Masrakh block, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of the state capital of Patna. School authorities immediately stopped serving the meal as the children started vomiting. Savita, a 12-year-old student who uses only one name, said she had a stomach ache after eating soybeans and potatoes and started vomiting. A protestor vandalizes flower pots at the office of the free school lunch scheme in Patna, India, We … “I don’t know what happened after that,” Savita said in an interview at Patna Medical
College Hospital, where she and many other children were recovering. The lunch was cooked in the school kitchen. The children were rushed to a local hospital and later to Patna for treatment, said state official Abhijit Sinha. In addition to the 22 children who died, another 25 children and the school cook were in hospital undergoing treatment, P.K. Sahi, the state education minister. Three children were in serious condition. Authorities suspended an
registered a case of criminal negligence against the school headmistress, who fled as soon as the children fell ill. Angry villagers, joined by members of local opposition parties, closed shops and businesses near the school and overturned and burned four police vehicles. Sahi said a preliminary investigation suggested the food contained an organophosphate used as an insecticide on rice and wheat crops. It’s believed the grain was not washed before it was served at the school, he said.
was complex and much was still under consideration. “Where is the international community? What are you waiting for?” a Syrian woman, who did not give her name, told Kerry at the United Nations’ Zaatari refugee camp. “We hope that you will not go back to the States before you find a solution to the crisis. At least impose a nofly zone or an embargo. “The U.S., as a superpower, can change the equation in Syria in 30 minutes after you return to Washington.” Waving a pen in the air and tapping it on the table, the woman referred to the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which ends in three weeks. She said: “Mr. Secretary, if the situation remains unchanged until the end of Ramadan this camp will become empty. We will return to Syria and we will fight with knives. “You, as the U.S. government look to Israel with respect. Cannot you do the same with the children of Syria? Kerry made an aerial tour of the tents and pre-fabricated, container-like homes that form
by far the biggest camp for Syrians in Jordan. Meeting refugees afterward in a fencedoff administrative section, he acknowledged the anger. “They are frustrated and angry at the world for not stepping in and helping,” Kerry told reporters. “I explained to them I don’t think it’s as cut and dry and as simple as some of them look at it. But if I were in their shoes I would be looking for help from wherever I could find it.” Kerry did not enter the area of the vast camp where the refugees live, but kept to the adjacent, fenced-off administrative area where humanitarian officials work and live. The half dozen refugees came to meet Kerry in a conference room within the administrative zone. “We are not satisfied with the American answer. We never were. We just need ... action,” a second woman told reporters after meeting Kerry. During the meeting, Kerry told the refugees that many young Americans had died or lost their limbs “fighting for the freedom of Iraq” and “fighting for the freedom of Afghanistan”.
THE NIGERIAN
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FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013
International
Afghanistan: KABUL - Insurgents pulled over a minivan with eight young laborers on their way to work at a U.S. base in eastern Afghanistan yesterday, forced them out and then shot them dead, officials said. The killings near Forward Operating Base Shank, a U.S. base in Logar province, were the latest in a militant campaign of intimidation against Afghans working for the government or the international coalition. The attack took place just after dawn near Puli Alam, the provincial capital. “They were eight ordinary laborers going to work at that base. They were day laborers,” said Logar deputy police chief Raeis Khan Abdul Rahimzai. “This is very hard to believe. It is an inhuman and un-Muslim act against innocent people.” He said the eight were heading for temporary day jobs at the base and were not part of the facility’s local staff. The gunmen let the driver of the minivan go and did not harm him, Rahimzai said. Provincial spokesman Din Mohammad Darwesh said there were four gunmen on motorcycles who pulled over the minivan. “They just took them out of the car and shot them. They are all in their late teens and early 20’s,” Darwish said. Both officials said it was unclear if the incident could
Insurgents Kill 8 Labourers
have been in reprisal for a coalition airstrike that killed 18 Taliban fighters in another part of the province on Wednesday. Logar, located just south of Kabul, has seen a sharp increase in insurgent activity this year, The Afghan army last week carried out a large operation against insurgents operating in the province. The Taliban have said they will not stop fighting during the holy month of Ramadan, which began last week, and will instead step up their attacks. About 1,000 Afghan civilians have been killed and more than 2,000 wounded in the first half of the year, according to the United Nations. That marked a 24 percent increase in casualties compared to the same period last year. As the NATO-led coalition last year started a withdrawal that will see most foreign troops gone by the end of 2014, the Taliban and other groups have unleashed a wave of bombings and assassinations around the country, testing the ability of Afghan security forces to respond with reduced help from NATO troops. The Taliban have said they would go after government workers and anyone working for the U.S-led coalition as part of
their campaign against President Hamid Karzai’s administration. The Taliban have in the past killed people working at the Logar base. Last November, militants shot and killed two translators as they were heading to work on the base. Last month, a Taliban suicide bomber struck outside of Afghanistan’s Supreme Court, killing 17 people in the deadliest attack in Kabul in over a year and a half. In April, insurgents assaulted a courthouse and government offices in western Farah province, killing 46 people, including two judges, six prosecutors, administration officers and cleaners working at the site.
A series of interviews by The Associated Press with defense, security and intelligence officials paint a picture of a president who intended to flex his civilian authority as supreme commander of the armed forces, issuing orders to el-Sissi. In turn, the military chief believed Morsi was leading the country into turmoil and repeatedly challenged him, defying his orders in at least two cases. The degree of their differences suggests that the military had been planning for months to take greater control of the political reins in Egypt. When an activist group named Tamarod began a campaign to oust Morsi, building up to protests by millions
Outgoing head of British Army General David Richards
West Must Fight Assad To Topple Him - UK General
LONDON- The outgoing head of the British Army said yesterday the West would need to fight a war against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if it wanted to have a “material impact” on his calculations. In interviews to two British newspapers, General David Richards said there were arguments for and against such a course of
Disputes Between Morsi, Military Led To Egypt Coup nationwide that began June 30, CAIRO — The head of
Egypt’s military, Gen. AbdelFattah el-Sissi, sat with a polite smile in the front row listening to President Mohammed Morsi give a 2 1/2-hour speech defending his year in office. ElSissi even clapped lightly as the audience of Morsi supporters broke into cheers. It was a calculating display of cool by an army general plotting the overthrow of his commander in chief. Just over a week later, el-Sissi slid in the knife, announcing Morsi’s ouster on state TV on July 3 as troops took the Islamist leader into custody. The move was the culmination of nearly a year of acrimonious relations between el-Sissi and Egypt’s first freely elected — and first civilian — president.
Compiled by FAITH OKHUELEIGBE
it appears to have provided a golden opportunity for el-Sissi to get rid of the president. The military helped Tamarod from early on, communicating with it through third parties, according to the officials. The reason, the officials said, was because of profound policy differences with Morsi. El-Sissi saw him as dangerously mismanaging a wave of protests early in the year that saw dozens killed by security forces. More significantly, however, the military also worried that Morsi was giving a free hand to Islamic militants in the Sinai Peninsula, ordering el-Sissi to stop crackdowns on jihadis who had killed Egyptian soldiers and were escalating a campaign of
Investor Carl Icahn speaks at the Wall Street Journal Deals & Deal Makers conference in New York.
action and the British government was still debating its options on Syria. But if a political decision was made to try to change the tide of the conflict to put pressure on the Syrian government, which has notched up military gains in recent months, Britain would need to intervene in the same way as it did in Libya, he said. “If you wanted to have the material impact on the Syrian regime’s calculations that some people seek, a nofly zone per se is insufficient,” Richards told The Daily Telegraph. “You have to be able, as we did successfully in
Libya, to hit ground targets. If you want to have the material effect that people seek you have to be able to hit ground targets and so you would be going to war if that is what you want to do.” Free Syrian Army fighters carrying food run to avoid … Free Syrian Army fighters carrying food run to avoid snipers loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-As … The West would need to destroy the Syrian government’s air defenses as well as its tanks and armored personnel carriers, he added. “That is rightly a huge and important decision.
WASHINGTON - The United States blamed China on Wednesday for a breakdown in trade talks aimed at eliminating tariffs on a new generation of technology products and everyday consumer electronics like speakers and flat-panel displays. “The United States is extremely disappointed that it became necessary today to suspend negotiations to expand the Information Technology Agreement (ITA),” U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said in a statement. “Unfortunately, a diverse group of members participating in the negotiations determined that China’s current position makes progress impossible at this stage,” Froman said. China is one of 20 World Trade Organization members, along with the United States and the 28-nation European Union, that have been negotiating for months to expand the 1996 Information Technology Agreement to
eliminate tariffs on additional goods. Negotiators had hoped to finish the deal this week, working from a draft list of 256 technology products targeted for tariff elimination. But apparently under pressure to protect domestic industries and preserve tariff revenues, China identified 148 “sensitive” products that it either wanted to exclude from tariff cuts or reserve for long tariff phaseouts. “We are hopeful that China will carefully consider the concerns it heard this week from many of its negotiating partners, and revise its position in a way that will allow the prompt resumption of the negotiations,” Froman said. A spokesman for the Chinese Embassy was not immediately available for comment. The United States is the world’s largest producer of information and communications technology products and holds a 26 percent
There are many arguments for doing so but there are many arguments for not doing so too.” Richards separately told The Sun newspaper that Britain would have to act if it saw chemical weapons proliferation as a result of the Syrian conflict. “We have contingency plans for everything,” he said. Britain has been in the forefront of international opposition to President Bashar al-Assad and has frequently called on him to step down. Prime Minister David Cameron was also instrumental in rallying foreign military support for the Libyan rebels who eventually toppled Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
US Blames China For Breakdown Of Trade Talks share of the global market, according to a 2012 report by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. U.S. industry has pushed for an expanded ITA pact covering an additional $800 billion in trade, which the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation has estimated would boost U.S. exports by about $2.8 billion annually. Canada’s ambassador to the WTO, Jonathan Fried, informed negotiators of the decision to suspend the talks in a letter distributed in Geneva, where the talks were being held. As a practical matter, the earliest that the talks could reconvene is September, trade experts said. The Consumer Electronics Association, which represents about 2,000 U.S. companies, urged countries to strive now for a deal no later than December, when all 159 members of the WTO will be in Bali for a ministerial meeting.
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EVERY FRIDAY WEEK 01, 2013 LAST SEASON RESULT Anderson Richwell 1.2. X. Forecast
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Arsenal Can Afford Rooney - Wenger ARSENE Wenger insists Arsenal can afford Wayne Rooney’s wages, but concedes Cesc Fabregas will not be leaving Barcelona in the near future. Wenger, speaking after Arsenal’s 7-1 win over Vietnam XI in Hanoi, indicated that the Gunners remain in contention to sign Rooney, despite the England forward being heavily linked with Chelsea. Pointing to United’s
Wagne Rooney
Kone Set For Everton Debut NEW Everton striker Arouna Kone is set to make his debut for the Blues on Wednesday evening against Accrington Stanley. Assistant boss Graeme Jones told EvertonTV that the Blues will have several senior players to add to the squad for the pre-season friendly, and that Kone could feature in an Everton shirt for the first time. “We’ve got a session this afternoon with Seamus Coleman, John Heitinga, Arouna Kone and Nikica Jelavic, so we need to assess where they are physically,” he said. “They’ve had an individual session and a group session this morning, so we need to take any information from their work this evening to decide what kind of minutes we give them on
Wednesday. “We had five youngsters, six including Mason Springthorpe in the Austrian trip, which I think is a great incentive and experience for them. They
did fine and maybe we’ll be cutting that number down to one or two with the other pros coming back. But the one or two that stay, they’ve earned that.”
purchase of former Arsenal captain Robin van Persie last year, Wenger says he would not be surprised to see Rooney move on this summer. “It happened to us last year and it can happen to them,” he is quoted as saying in the English press. “Rooney is under contract and has two years to go so it’s United who make the decision. But we would not have a problem with the wages of Rooney.” Wenger also revealed defender Thomas Vermaelen will be out for “two months at least” with a stress fracture to the back. Meanwhile, both United and Arsenal have been linked with Fabregas in recent days. The midfielder, though, will not be leaving the Camp Nou in the next 12 months, Wenger says. “Fabregas has decided to stay one more year at Barcelona,” Wenger
Spurs To Double Bale’s TOTTENHAM will offer Wages Gareth Bale the chance to double his wages should he decide to stay at White Hart Lane next season, according to AS. Bale, 24, who spoke recently about his admiration for Spanish football, has been linked with a number of big clubs in Europe, but Real Madrid seem most reluctant to give up on securing the Wales international’s signature. And AS claims that Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is keen to meet Spurs
Aruna Kone
Moyes Tight-Lipped Over Rooney Speculation MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes avoided talking about the burning question of Wayne Rooney’s playing future, but club legend Bryan Robson insisted the star striker was “not for sale”. Moyes, preparing the Red Devils for Saturday’s preseason match against Australia’s A-League All Stars, remained tight-lipped about the Rooney transfer speculation at an official team lunch in Sydney. Jose Mourinho has launched his new reign at Chelsea with a sensational offer for Rooney, saying in Bangkok where his team is on tour that the bid, for a
explained. “Unless he has changed his mind, I don’t know... but that’s what I’ve been told. “We have the [firstoption] clause in the contract so we would be on alert but at the moment that’s not something we’re after.” But United legend Bryan Robson is confident Fabregas could be bound for Manchester in the coming weeks. When asked about the links with Fabregas and reports that executive vicechairman Ed Woodward left United’s Australian tour to secure a deal with the Barcelona midfielder, Robson said: “I think Fabregas is a fantastic player and hopefully he’s playing for Manchester United. So I hope Ed is very successful if that’s what he’s gone back to England to do.” Also speaking at the official Manchester United lunch in Sydney, former United striker Dwight
reported 10 million pounds was “clean” and “ethical”. But United’s longestserving captain said the club was firm in its refusal to part ways with Rooney, who is back in England after leaving the Red Devils in Bangkok with a hamstring injury just a few hours into their preseason tour. “David Moyes has said Wayne Rooney is not for sale. As far as we’re concerned, that’s the end of it,” Robson told reporters in Sydney, where he is accompanying the team. The former England midfielder added that the ongoing speculation about Rooney had not distracted the team from their pre-season
preparations. “They’re getting on with training. Unfortunately Wayne got the hamstring strain, which he didn’t want — you don’t want any of your top players out at this stage of the pre-season. But it hasn’t been a disruption to the other boys,” he said. Former United strikers Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, also accompanying the Red Devils in Australia, said they want Rooney to stay at Old Trafford. ‘’I’d love him to stay — and I think everyone wants him to stay,’’ Cole said. ‘’But now we’re going to get asked this question again
and again until it’s resolved. Wayne is a fantastic player, and we’re all hoping he stays. Every Manchester United supporter hopes he’ll be at Old Trafford next season.’’ Despite the rising swell of talk about a transfer away, Yorke believes Rooney will see out his contract under Moyes. ‘’There’s nothing to feel bad about — except that he’s not here in Australia and had to go home and get treatment for his injury,’’ he said. ‘’We all know the speculation, we all know the talk, and that’s what happens when you’re a big player. But I believe he’ll be a Manchester United player for the next two years.’’
chairman Daniel Levy in London this weekend to discuss Bale’s future, following his side’s pre-season opener against Bournemouth on Sunday. After missing out on Neymar to Barcelona this summer, Perez is more determined than ever to bring the former Southampton man to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and partner him in attack with Cristiano Ronaldo. However, although last season’s PFA and Football Writers’ Player of the Year has given no public guarantees that he will be staying in North London, the forward, who scored 21 league goals last term, has not expressed a desire to leave either.
Yorke shared Robson’s optimism. “Well if we can get him it would be a magnificent scoop, he’s a fantastic player, we know that. The great thing about him is that he has had so [much] experience in the Premier League. “Him and Van Persie had a great understanding so we know he’s a top player and we would be delighted if we can get him because he’s been an outstanding player for the last five years or so.”
City Is A Huge Club - Negredo
ALVARO Negredo says although he was happy at Sevilla, he could not resist the opportunity to join a big club like Manchester City. The 28-year-old forward is set to join the Citizens after the two sides agreed on a transfer fee that is estimated in the region of 28 million euros. “I’ve had four amazing years here. It’s been like a dream,’ Negredo told reporters in Seville before departing to undergo a medical in England. “I’d like to thank the president for believing in me when I was a nobody and for everything he’s given me. The way he’s treated me has been firstclass. “You go through different phases in football. My time here had come to an end. City is a huge club and it was a no-brainer”. Negredo will be reunited with former teammate Jesus Navas, who recently completed his move to the Etihad Stadium.
Man City Ship Out Maicon MANCHESTER City said To Roma yesterday they have sold Brazilian full-back Maicon to Roma on a permanent deal. City signed the 31-year-old Maion a year ago from Inter Milan. But he struggled to win a starting place and made only 11 appearances, just four in the league as he found competition from Pablo Zabaleta and Micah Richards too strong. City confirmed the transfer on their website and stated: “Everyone at Manchester City wishes Maicon good luck at his new club.” New City boss Manuel Pellegrini said at the weekend that Maicon was not part of his plans and the Brazilian did not
take part in the pre-season tour of South Africa. Pellegrini said: “Maicon didn’t come here to the pre-season and he will not be in the squad at Manchester City this year.” City are furthermore on the brink of signing Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, who is to move to the Etihad Stadium once he has completed a medical. Sevilla held a farewell press conference late Wednesday for a player who scored 25 Primera Division goals last season and who will cost City a reported 23 million euros. Negredo said on Sevilla’s website he had enjoyed “four fantastic years” with the club but now wanted to move on.
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Drogba Shines In Galatasaray Friendly DIDIER Drogba showcased his best at Meadow Lane as he helped Galatasaray pull off a prolific display against Notts County in a preseason friendly. The former Chelsea man stepped out for the Turkish outfit in their 21 victory. The 35-year-old came off the bench at halftime as the Turkish side played their second game on English soil following last Saturday’s victory over Shrewsbury Town. Drogba played a part in the triumph over the Shrews and received a resounding welcome from the fans. Galatasaray boss Fatih Terim introduced Drogba and other big names at the restart after having failed to take the lead in the match despite the copious amount of chances. Drogba was denied a
simple tap-in by Mustapha Dumbuya just nine minutes after making his entrance, before Bartosz Bialkowski held his 25year free-kick. In between the Ivorian’s two chances, the Magpies did manage to grab the lead. Enoch Showumni muscled his way past a challenge on the left, attempting a low cross that was deflected into the net by Dany Nounkeu. As the game entered its final quarter, Burak Yilmaz managed to grab a goal but Wesley Sneijder smashed a 25yard screamer off the post deep inside the seven minutes of stoppage time. Drogba’s inspirational performance saw him rewound his performance back to his glory days.
Ancellotti Is A Fantastic Manager - Vilanova
Tito Vilanova, Barcolona Manager
Bundesliga Set For Blood THE German Football probability - also carry out Tests League is to introduce blood tests during training.” blood doping tests when the league kicks off on August 9, German media reports. According to the German news agency SID, the German Football League (DFL) and the German Football Association (DFB) will step up their fight against doping in football. Instead of the currently used urine samples,
Bundesliga professionals will face blood tests after Bundesliga games, the news agency reports. “The agreement with Nationale Anti Doping Agentur (NADA) is about to be finalised,” Rainer Koch, the chairman of DFB’s anti-doping commission, said. “It all developed very positively, the NADA will - in all
which includes hosts Borussia Moenchengladbach, Hamburg, Bayern Munich and Dortmund. Borussia could meet Bayern in Sunday’s final, in what would be a repeat of May’s Champions League final won 2-1 by Munich, but the only fly in Dortmund’s ointment is the ankle injury to new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan, which means a four-week layoff. “It’s basically a stupid thing to happen, especially for a
newcomer, but we have all seen that Henrikh fits in here like a fist in your eye or a backside on a bucket,” said Klopp colourfully after Mkhitaryan cost 27.5 million euros (US$36m). “What he offers is what we need in our game.” Mkhitaryan is expected to fill Dortmund’s central midfield role vacated by Mario Goetze’s departure to Bayern.
However, only 15% of the doping tests will be blood tests, according to the report. NADA had carried out 2,144 urine samples during the 2012 calendar year, with 500 controls in training and 1,644 on match days. “In conjunction with DFB the league has taken a stand for it,” DFL general manager Andreas Rettig said. “Football subsists on the credibility of a thrilling competition. This credibility has to be protected.” Blood doping tests have already been carried out during the last two European Championship tournaments and in early July UEFA widened their blood doping test in the European club competitions. Last season, all 1,374 doping tests – all of which were urine samples – carried out in the two club competitions were negative.
BARCELONA forward Lionel Messi believes Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will be their biggest rivals this season. The Argentine believes the Bavarians will continue to be the team to beat in Europe after winning the treble last season, while the Whites will continue to push them all the way in La Liga. “Bayern is a great side,” he said. “It won the Champions League quite easily and with the arrival of Guardiola, it will be stronger still. “Real Madrid is very strong for both what the club
means and the players it has. In fact, every year it is stronger.” Messi also reiterated that he was looking forward to playing alongside the Catalans’ new recruit Neymar. “He (Neymar) is a great player and he won’t have any problems adapting. Away from the pitch he’ll have no problem either. He is a good lad,’ he added. “He will give a lot to the side. In a one on one he is very difficult to stop. He will make a big difference. It is only the press that has said we will not get on”.
Borussia Boss Draws Line Under Lewandowski Saga
BORUSSIA Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp said yesterday he has drawn a line under want-away striker Robert Lewandowski’s bid to leave the Champions League finalists. “He feels right at home in The 24-year-old the team and we have chosen Lewandowski became the to draw a line under last first player to score four goals season and this season, in a Champions League semi- getting rid of everything in final last season, but made no between. “We will find out what secret of his desire to leave comes next. There are no Dortmund, despite being problems with Robert.” under contract until June Dortmund take part in a 2014. pre-season friendly Having been heavily linked tournament this weekend, to European champions Bayern Munich, Lewandowski and his advisors had repeatedly insisted a transfer was imminent, but Dortmund have received no offers and have held the Poland star to his contract. With 35 goals last season, including 24 goals in 31 league matches, Klopp has said he expects the same from Lewandowski when the new season starts on August 9. “He’s been great, not only professionally,” said Klopp of Lewandowski as Dortmund finishes their pre-season training camp in Switzerland. “We are quite relaxed about the situation, so is he. Robert Lewandowski
BARCELONA coach Tito Vilanova is hopeful that new Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will make a positive impact in La Liga. The 54-year-old has enjoyed a successful managerial career with teams like AC Milan, Chelsea and Paris SaintGermain before securing his move to the Santiago Bernabeu. “He (Ancelotti) is a fantastic manager that’s won titles in England, Italy and France,”
Messi Wary Of Bayern, Madrid
Vilanova told reporters. “I hope he can make a contribution to Spanish football.” Vilanova also commented on the partnership between Lionel Messi and new signing Neymar, stating that he was not concerned about the two players fitting in toghether. “I’m very happy to have a player like Neymar,’ he said. “Messi is the best player in the history of football and Neymar has to show his qualities in a league like La Liga. “I think they complement each other well as players. If Neymar joined another team, we would be worried.”
Malouda Signs Deal With Trabzonspor
FRANCE midfielder Florent Malouda has signed a two-year deal with Turkish first division club Trabzonspor, the six-time champions announced yesterday. The international winger will receive 2.5 million euros a season after being released by Premier League side Chelsea and spending last season in the reserves. The 33-year-old played his last game for the Londoners during their victorious triumph over Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final but since found himself left out by managers Roberto Di Matteo and his successor Rafael Benitez. The Turkish club based in the north-east of the country won six domestic titles between 1975 and 1984 and reached the Turkish Cup final last season before finishing the campaign in ninth place. Their run to the Cup final where they were beaten 1-0 by Fenerbahce, qualifies the team for the Europa League next season.
Florent Malouda
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EU Court Slaps Down FIFA, UEFA Over World Cup, Euro TV The European Court of Justice dismissed yesterday long-running appeals by FIFA and UEFA over countries’ right to declare their World Cup and Euro football championships flagship events that must be aired on free-to-view TV. The ruling upholds earlier judgements supporting decisions in Britain and Belgium to prevent pay-to-view broadcasters from grabbing exclusive rights to the final tournament phases of both competitions, alongside other so-called ‘crown jewel events.’ The EU’s highest court sympathised with the world and European football governing bodies insofar as it held that not all matches during the tournaments need necessarily be declared priority events of major national interest. In future, the “tournaments must be regarded as events which are, in principle, divisible into different matches or stages, not all of which are necessarily capable of being characterised
• Sepp Blatter, FIFA President
Blatter To Discuss Winter 2022 Mundial In Qatar
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has reiterated his desire to hold the 2022 World Cup in the winter to avoid the searing heat of the Qatar summer. down the whole country.” Blatter, who has previously Temperatures can hit 50C in stated it would be “not rational” summer in Qatar and the plan as to play the tournament in its it stands is for stadiums to be airusual June-July window, intends conditioned. to discuss the issue at October’s A move to the winter would FIFA executive committee cause major upheaval for meeting in Zurich. domestic leagues and would Blatter said: “There is still therefore likely face enough time. I will bring this up considerable global opposition. to the executive committee. FIFA then announced that its “If this World Cup is to executive committee will become a party for the people, convene in October to discuss you can’t play football in the the issue. summer. You can cool down the A spokesman said: “As stadiums, but you can’t cool mentioned by the FIFA
Ahly, Zamalek Set For CAF Champs League Clash Next Week
IT appears as though the CAF Champions League clash between Al Ahly and Zamalek will be played on Wednesday next week. The Group B encounter was scheduled to be played on Sunday, but has been shifted for what were termed marketing reasons. There was initial confusion over when the game would be moved to, but a Zamalek official has told the club’s website that it will be played in Gouna on Wednesday at 16h30. There is still no official confirmation from CAF though. The match was moved away from Cairo over security fears and will have to be played in daylight hours, despite the fact that it is the holy month of Ramadan, as the stadium in Gouna does not have adequate floodlights. The other Group B match between Orlando Pirates and AC Leopards will be played on
Saturday night. The fixture between CotonSport and Sewe Sports in Group A has also been postponed to July 27 while Cameroon’s football federation continue to have talks with FIFA over their suspension due to government intervention in their football.
president yesterday, he will bring forward the matter of playing the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar in winter to the
FIFA executive committee on the occasion of their next meeting scheduled for October 3 and 4, 2013. “This matter will now be with the executive committee and we
as an event of major importance,” the Court said. As a consequence, countries must give detailed reasons to the European Commission — guardian of EU business competition interests — “justifying why they consider that the final stage of the World Cup or the Euro constitutes, in its entirety, a single event of major importance for society in the states concerned.”
Brazillian Congress To Investigate World Cup Spending THE Brazilian Congress is to investigate the amount being spent on the 2014 World Cup, following the protests which marred the recent Confederations Cup. Protests and rioting took place throughout the tournament, which the hosts went on to win, against the spending on stadiums ahead of next year’s competition. It is felt by some Brazilians that the money would be better off spent on healthcare and education, while an increase in the cost of public transport did little to temper their frustration. The government is projecting that $13.3 billion will be spent on stadiums, airport renovations and other projects for the World
Tennis: Federer, Haas Progress In ROGER Federer came from a set down to beat Daniel Brands 3-6 6-3 6-2 on his first appearance since Wimbledon at the German Open in Hamburg. Having passed up two break points of his own, Federer was punished when Brands broke at 4-3 before serving out the first set to take the advantage. However the world number five, who was debuting a new, larger racket, rattled off the next two sets with ease. Such was the Swiss’ dominance, he only lost two of 22 service points in the second set and, despite
Hamburg
missing two match points at 5-2 in the third, he wrapped up the win in one hour and 25 minutes to progress to the next round with his next match point. Joining the 17-time Grand Slam winner in round three is second-seed Tommy Haas, who also needed three sets to progress having beaten qualifier Blaz Kavcic 6-1 46 6-4. Fifth seed Juan Monaco, meanwhile, saw off Gael Monfils with two well-timed breaks of serve in as many sets. ATP Hamburg round two
results 1-Roger Federer (Switzerland) beat Daniel Brands (Germany) 3-6 6-3 62 2-Tommy Haas (Germany) beat Blaz Kavcic (Slovenia) 6-1 4-6 6-4 4-Jerzy Janowicz (Poland) beat Robin Haase (Netherlands) 6-4 3-6 7-6(4) 5-Juan Monaco (Argentina) beat Gael Monfils (France) 6-4 6-4 Marcel Granollers (Spain) beat 6-Andreas Seppi (Italy) 6-2 1-6 6-1
Serena Too Strong For Karatantcheva SERENA Williams enjoyed a In Bastad (Bulgaria) 6-1 6-3 comfortable afternoon on her first WTA appearance since Wimbledon on the red clay of Bastad, Sweden. The world number one and top seed was too strong for Sesil Karatancheva of Kazakhstan as she raced to a 6-1 6-2 victory. Williams is the red-hot favourite for the tournament with the second seed in the event – Romania’s Simona Halep– being ranked only 23rd in the world. Still it is a popular event on
the tour and was voted WTA’s tournament of the year in 2012. A packed crowd watched Serena in action but the contest last only 64 minutes as world number 131 Karatancheva found the step up in class a little too much. Next up for Williams is a clash with Georgia’s Anna Tatishvili, who defeated Swiss wild card Belinda Bencic in three sets. WTA Bastad round one results Andrea Gamiz (Venezuela) beat 4-Tsvetana Pironkova
1-Serena Williams (U.S.) beat Sesil Karatantcheva (Kazakhstan) 6-1 6-2 6-Lesia Tsurenko (Ukraine) beat Anastasia Grymalska (Italy) 6-3 5-7 6-1 Richel Hogenkamp (Netherlands) beat Lara Arruabarrena Vecino (Spain) 63 6-3 3-Klara Zakopalova (Czech Republic) beat Ellen Allgurin (Sweden) 6-1 6-1 Nina Bratchikova (Russia) beat Lesley Kerkhove (Netherlands) 6-3 6-1
That leaves the door open for the rights owners at FIFA and UEFA to maximise over time the commercial returns on lesser games for instance during group phases However the judges concluded that Britain and Belgium were entitled to-date to ring-fence these tournaments as a whole without such detailed explanations and so rejected the appeals by FIFA and UEFA.
• Roger Federer
Cup and 2016 Olympics, with an estimated $3.5 billion on venues. “In the wake of the protests, Congress must change its attitude and open this investigation demanded by the people,” Reuters reports senator Alvaro Dias as saying of the main opposition party PSDB, which initially requested the probe. “No doubt there will be major revelations.” Reflecting on the events that took place at the Confederations Cup, FIFA president Sepp Blatter told German press agency DPA: “If this happens again we have to question whether we made the wrong decision awarding the hosting rights. “We didn’t do a political debriefing, but we did emphasize the fact of this social unrest being there for the entire duration of the Confederations Cup. The government is now aware that next year the World Cup shouldn’t be disturbed. “To me, these protests were like alarm bells for the government, the senate, the parliament. They should work on it so that this is not going to happen again. Though protests, if peaceful, are part of democracy and therefore have to be accepted ... we are convinced the government, and especially the president, will find the words and the actions to prevent a repeat. They have a year to do so.”
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Moses, Ameobi Return As Nigeria Prepare To Honour Mandela
Nigeria have recalled Chelsea’s Victor Moses and Shola Ameobi of Newcastle United for next month’s friendly against South Africa in Durban. Moses returns after injury forced him out of the Confederations Cup in Brazil.
• Shola Ameobi
Ameobi was not at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa after he made his long-awaited debut for Nigeria in November in a friendly against Venezuela in the United States of America. Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike and Obinna Nsofor, who features for Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow, have also been selected. Nsofor returns to the team after nearly two years in the international wilderness. Long-serving goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who has captained the team in the
absence of Joseph Yobo, has been left out. Coach Stephen Keshi has placed three players from the domestic league — defenders Benjamin Francis and Solomon Kwambe and striker Gambo Mohammed — and little known Norwaybased Samuel Aaron on standby. Nigeria squad: Goalkeepers: Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva/ISR), Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers) Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea/ENG), Efe Ambrose (Celtic/SCO), Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars), Azubuike
Jonathan Inaugurates Nigeria Football House, Pledges Commitment To Youth Development PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in Abuja restated the commitment of his administration to the development of youths through sports. He made the commitment when he inaugurated the Nigeria Football House in Abuja. The president, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, renamed the football house as “Sunday Dankaro House”. He expressed the hope that the project would serve as catalyst for better football administration and greater achievements in football.
Adeogun Urges Sports Directors to Focus On Trad Sports SUNDAY Adeogun, a former member, Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria (TSFN), yesterday urged Directors of Sports in the states to focus on the development of indigenous sports. Adeogun told reporters in Lagos that efforts to enhance the popularity of native sports in the country, without grassroots support from the states, have remained fruitless. “It will certainly be difficult to promote and sell our traditional sports outside our borders if we continue to give them second class treatment in our approaches. “What belongs to us is ours, and the way we handle them determines how people outside our environment will take them. ‘‘Traditional sports have a very long history, but have failed to grow due to poor grassroots programmes, “ he said.
Jonathan further assured that no effort would be speared until government achieved its objective in the sports sector. Cue in audio (Sambo) ‘’The significance of this project reaches far beyond the physical structure for football and other sporting activities as Nigerians. ‘’I, therefore, hope that this project will serve as a catalyst for better football administration and greater achievements in football. ‘’I would like to assure you that this administration is committed to the development of our youths through sports.’’ Cue out audio He said that the Presidential Retreat on the Sports Sector, hosted by the Presidency, was a clear demonstration of government resolve to reposition sports for the full realisation of the nationís potentials in sports. President Jonathan commended the Presidential Task Force on FIFA 2010 World Cup (PTF) for executing the project through the balance of funds raised in the course of its assignment. ‘’I commend the chairman
and members of the PTF, not only for their foresight in conceiving this project, but also for the tenacious manner they pursued its execution to a successful completion.”
Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga/POR) Midfielders: John Obi Mikel (Chelsea/ENG), Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC/NOR), Victor Moses (Chelsea/ ENG), John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra/POR), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio/ITA), Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan/ITA), Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev/ UKR), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United/ENG), Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow/RUS), Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow/ RUS), Uche Nwofor (VVV Venlo/NED) Standby: Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars), Benjamin Francis (Heartland), Muhammad Gambo (Kano Pillars), Samuel Aaron (Sarpsborg ’08/NOR) sam/dj
NFA Rules Out Automatic Shirt For Golden Eaglets
THE Nigeria Football Association (NFA) said Wednesday in Abuja there would not be automatic shirt for any players of the national under-17 men’s football team, the Golden Eaglets. A statement by the team’s Media Officer Morakinyo Abodunrin quoted NFA’s Technical Committee Chairman, Chris Green, as telling the players “to renew stiff but healthy competition’’. The reports that the team had on July 7 opened a camp in Abuja to screen new players to strengthen the team. The Eaglets are preparing ahead of the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, scheduled for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Oct. 17 to November 8. The technical crew is planning
to pick some new players to complement the team which won the silver medal at the African Youth Championship (AYC) in Morocco in April. The statement quoted Green as telling the players that “both the new and old players will be starting from ‘ground zero’. “This is because the NFA is desirous of seeing the Golden Eaglets mount the podium as world champions yet again, since their last accolade in 2007 “I hope you know we are the best country in the world at the under-17 level. But it has been a long time we won the trophy. “That is why we are encouraging the coaches to
Keshi Says Yobo Remains Eagles Captain SUPER Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, said on Wednesday in Abuja that Joseph Yobo remained the team’s captain in spite of his not being called up recently. A statement from the team’s media officer, Ben Alaiya, quoted Keshi as saying: “I have a lot of respect for Yobo. “This is because of what he has done for the nation and I cannot invite him to the team only to put him on the bench. “It will not be fair to invite Yobo to the national team and ask him to be on the bench, it will be a huge disgrace and I
• Victor Moses
won’t be part of that. “When the team needs him he will be recalled and will definitely start as captain, even if along the line we will substitute him.’’ The statement added that Keshi praised the pro-active manner in which the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) had been handling the national team players’ affairs in spite of lean financial resources. “I call for more support for the NFA so that it can meet its obligations to all the national teams,’’ he said. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles
will today take on FC Abuja, a Nigeria National League (NNL) club, in a friendly match. According to the statement, the match is to test the Eagles’ readiness for their African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan. The reports that the team resumed camping in Abuja on July 16 in preparation for the second leg scheduled for July 27. The Eagles won 4-1 against the Ivorians during the first leg game in Kaduna on July 6.
assemble only the best players who can do us proud in the UAE. “You must have seen the standard of this team. So, there is no automatic shirt for any player in the Golden Eaglets or in any of the national teams for that matter. “You must have something extra to break into the team,’’ he said.
The statement also quoted NFA’s Director of Technical, Emmanuel Ikpeme, as advising the players to be focused in order not to jeopardise their future, “The NFA will not condone any conduct that shows indiscipline in the team. “And I want to let you know that nobody is sure of his position in this team until the final list is made for the World Cup,’’ Ikpeme said.
2013 Fed Cup: Top Guns Cup holders Heartland, Kano Pillars and Enugu Rangers all advanced to the Round of 16 of the Federation Cup on Wednesday. Pillars came from a first-half goal to beat fellow Nigeria Premier League rivals El Kanemi Warriors 2-1, Rangers stopped Samba Kurna 2-0 and Heartland pipped Ingas of Enugu 1-0. Nafiu Ibrahim was outstanding as Pillars showed great character against El Kanemi in Lafia. Bello Kofarmata drew Pillars level on 64th minutes, before Samuel Tswanya grabbed a late winner. However, there were some shocks as top-flight Kaduna United crashed out of the cup competition when they lost 2-1 to lower league side Abia Warriors in Lokoja and Akwa
Fire On
Starlets put out Dolphins 4-2 via penalties after a goalless affair. Other results in the round of 32: Akwa United 0 FC Vs Makwada FC 0 (4-2 pen) – Katsina Ala Rangers 2 Vs Samba Kurna FC 0– Abuja Warri Wolves 1 Vs Spotlight 0 – Ilorin El-Kanemi Warriors 1 Vs Kano Pillars 2 – Lafia FC Taraba 0 Vs Gombe United 2 – Lafia Nasarawa United 4 Vs COD FC 0 – Ilorin Nembe City 1 Vs Sunshine Stars 2 – Rojenny Remo FC 1 Vs Enyimba FC 2 – Lokoja 3SC 1 Vs JUTH FC 0 – Minna ABS 0 Vs Bayelsa United 0 (5- 4 Pen)– Benin City
CMYK
THE NIGERIAN
32
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013
Examining Issues In CBN’s Cashless Policy Mixed reactions have continued to trail the cashless policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in January 2012. The implementation of the policy commenced in Lagos in 2012 but it was extended to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers, Kano, Ogun, Anambra and Abia states in July 2013. While some die-hard cynics describe the policy as just another economic jargon that may not be feasible, others say it will boost the countryís economic growth in line with global best practices. The policy aims at reducing the amount of physical cash in circulation; thereby encouraging more electronic-based transactions in payment for goods and services The policy, as enunciated by the CBN, entails “cash-based transactions and stipulates a cash handling charge on daily cash withdrawals or cash deposits that exceed N500,000 for individuals and N3,000,000 for corporate bodies.íí The CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, explained that the cashless economic policy was designed to “promote financial intermediation and financial inclusion, while minimising revenue leakages and eliminating incidence of robbery. “It will also reduce the amount of cash payment and encourage electronic payment,íí he added. Sanusi said that the policy became imperative because the cost of cash and associated risk of cash-driven economy to Nigeriaís financial system was ever increasing. “The policy on withdrawal allows individual customers to make a free cumulative withdrawal of N500, 000 daily across the counter and ATM. Withdrawal above the free limit will attract processing fee of three per cent for every N1, 000 above the limit. “Corporate customers
are allowed to make free cumulative withdrawal of N3,000,000 daily. Withdrawal above the free limit will attract a processing fee of five per cent for every N1,000 above the limit. “The policy on lodgment allows individual customers to make a free cumulative lodgment of N500, 000 daily. Lodgment above the free limit will attract processing fee of two per cent for every N1, 000 above the limit. “Corporate customers are allowed to make free cumulative lodgment of N3, 000,000 daily. Lodgment above the free limit will attract a processing fee of three per cent for every N1,000 above the limit,íí he said. Sanusi said that the appropriate mechanism for epayment had been deployed to facilitate the smooth running of the scheme. The CBN governor listed the mechanism as Point of Sale (POS) Terminals, Automated Teller Machine (ATM), Web, Mobile Phones, Internet Banking, among others. Mr Tunde Lemo, the CBN Deputy Governor (Operations), said that all constraints to the smooth operation of the scheme were being addressed. “We know there will be constraints; the constraints are there for us to see. “Of course, we will solve all those complaints; now we know the areas that are well served, we know the areas that we need to deploy technology and we know where we just need to overlay services because we know the facilities are just there. “Of course, that was why we deferred the payment of charges for three months, exactly the same thing we did last year, just to allow some adjustments so that in the next three months, it will be very comfortable using those channels. “So, within the next six months, it might be convenient for us also to roll out to the entire country because we are quite aware that it
is possible for people to arbitrage by moving cash around states that are very close to areas where we are implementing the cashless policy,íí Lemo said. However, the House of Representatives has advised the CBN to imple-
adequate to meet the demands of a cashless society,” he said. Besides, Dogara said that the peopleís low literacy level and the absence of constant power supply would discourage most citi-
By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO By OKHAREDIA properly enlightened about the policy. Dairo noted that the pilot scheme, which started in Lagos State in 2012, had not been very successful due to poor public enlightenment, inadequate Point
• Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, CBN Governor
ment the cashless policy in phases. The House also urged the apex bank to remove the charges or limits on daily cumulative withdrawals and deposits to encourage small businesses. This resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by Rep. Yakubu Dogara (PDPBauchi) and 38 others. Leading the debate, Dogara conceded that even though the policy could save costs in the financial sector, it did not, however, imply real sector growth. He noted that the majority of retail and commercial payments were usually made in cash by a large percentage of the population who did not operate bank accounts. The lawmaker also noted that the CBN had not achieved the needed 40 per cent expansion of ATMs. “The financial infrastructure in Nigeria is grossly in-
zens from embracing the policy. Contributing to the debate, Rep. Aisha Ahmed (PDP-Adamawa) said that Nigerians had been variously defrauded of millions of naira through electronic transactions. Rep. Albert Sam-Tsokwa (PDP-Taraba), who supported the motion, lauded the policy but said that it was premature to introduce it in Nigeria. He noted that most communities in the country lacked banking facilities that were designed to implement the policy. Nevertheless, Prof. Samuel Dairo, the President of Certified Board of Administrators of Nigeria (CBAN), said that the policy would impact positively on the national economy if well implemented. He said that it would help to regulate the volume of cash transactions in the economy, adding, however, that the citizens ought to be
of Sales (PoS) machines and poor network services, among others. “The introduction of the cashless policy in 2012 is yet to have its full effect on the economy due to persistent network failure, inadequate PoS machines and poor electricity supply. “Ignorance on the part of most of the end users is also another major challenge. A lot of people are sceptical about the policy due to the perceived risks it could expose them to,íí he added. Such comments notwithstanding, some experts have commended the CBN for postponing the payment of charges to October, saying that the shift would give the CBN more room to create the needed infrastructure for the smooth implementation of the policy in designated states. Mr Samuel Durojaiye, the President, Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN), said that the cur-
rent test-run of the policy in Lagos had provided the needed platform for the evaluation of the feasibility of the cashless policy. Dr Tunde Adeoye, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, University Lagos, described the postponement as a healthy development, stressing that it would aid efforts to rectify perceptible lapses in the policy. He, nonetheless, stressed that the poor power supply situation in the country, which made network connectivity somewhat difficult, was a major challenge facing the cashless policy. “Lack of adequate power supply is another impediment to the success of the policy and government must be proactive in tackling the problem,” he said. All the same, Adeoye advised the CBN to step up a nationwide awareness campaign on the policy, so as to educate the citizenry on the workings of automated transactions. He noted that lack of confidence in the financial system, coupled with the losses which many Nigerians incurred in the capital market, had impacted negatively on the acceptability of the policy. “The ability of CBN to restore the peopleís confidence in the banking sector and the commencement of a sustainable rural banking system will also enhance the policy,íí Adeoye said. All in all, policy analysts want the CBN to embark on aggressive public enlightenment campaigns to educate the people about the workings and gains of the cashless policy. They note that the cashless policy it is already working in several countries across the world, adding that Nigeria should not be an exception. The analysts, nonetheless, underscore the need to put in place the necessary infrastructure that would facilitate the smooth implementation of the policy. • (NANFeatures).
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