Nigerian observer 21 03 2014

THE NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

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PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 RELIGION Page 11 Idolatry in Christianity

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

• Vol . 38 NO.445• FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014 • N100.00

School of Health Technology re-opens open the school state School of Health

By FRIDAY OBANOR soon yesterday in her office Technology, Benin City. while receiving the report

BENIN CITY – Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr (Mrs) Aihanuwa Eregie has assured that academic activities are soon to commence at the

The State School of Health was closed down on Wednesday 29th January 2014 by the Ministry of Health following students

unrest owing to nonaccreditation of some courses at the institution.

Dr. (Mrs) Eregie disclosed plans to re-

of the panel of inquiry constituted by the ministry to look into the remote and immediate Continues on page 2

Education

Oshiomhole blames rot on poor leadership

By ADAMS OYIBOKE

REFLECTION

Page 23 Lenten reflection

The significance of prayer

ABUJA - Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has blamed the rot in the Nigerian education sector on poor leadership over the years, saying Nigerian leaders must act with courage, conviction and be decisive to stem the rot in the sector.

Oshiomhole who was Guest Speaker, yesterday, at the 20th National conviction and being Economic Summit in able to act. We do need Abuja with theme our political leadership to “Leadership & Ownership go back to the basics and in Nigerian Education in not the symbolism we Focus” said “leadership is currently witness. about courage, about “At the heart of the

us leaders to go back to the basics and ask ourselves what are the issues”, he said.

He wondered “there was a time in this country when students threatened

question is the issue of leadership. From the 50s to 60s Nigeria produced the best brains. I think as the

quality of the Nigerian leadership deteriorated from the days of the Military up to the moment that we got our priorities

wrong that we began to see the kind of wrath that characterized our schools.

“The way forward is for

to shut down their schools and the authorities had to engage them not to boycott classes.

Continues on page 2

State Police re-echoes

By JOSES SEDE in Senate

ABUJA - The need for a decentralised police force for effective

ALL SET FOR EDO TEACHERS’ ASSESSMENT TEST THIS is to inform teachers in public Primary and Secondary Schools in Edo State that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure a hitch-free assessment test scheduled for Saturday, March 22.

We have received firm assurances from the Teachers Assessment Committee under the leadership of Professor Dennis Agbonlahor that various test batteries to be administered on the teachers are ready.

The exercise will hold simultaneously at three locations across the state: Auchi Polytechnic (Edo North); Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (Edo Central) and University of Benin (Edo South).

Teachers are to be tested only in their respective area of training.

Also, adequate security arrangement has been made to ensure the exercise holds in a conducive atmosphere devoid of intimidation or molestation.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Edo State Government encourages our teachers to make themselves available for the assessment exercise as failure to do so will deny the government an objective criteria to establish their suitability to remain to teach in our classrooms.

Teachers will be admitted into the halls only on presentation of their biometric slips.

Accreditation starts 8 a.m, please.

Signed: LOUIS ODION Commissioner for Information & Orientation

coordination and regulation in the country reechoed yesterday at the Senate of the Federal Republic, as senators debated ongoing crises between Fulani herdsmen and Tivs.

This is even as the senators resolved to mandate their Committees on Interior; Security and Intelligence; Defence and Army; and Police Affairs, to undertake a fact finding mission on the recent attacks in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna and other parts of the North Central and report back to the Senate.

Continues on page 2

20TH NIGERIAN ECONOMIC SUMMIT: L-R: Mr. Frank Nweke (Jnr), Director-General, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili and Mr. Funso Phillips, Chairman Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) at the 20th Nigerian Economic Summit held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, yesterday.

Chartered Air-Services

Reps to probe Deziani over N10b

By EDITH IMOISILI ABUJA - House of Representatives yesterday resolved to

probe an alleged reckless spending of N3.120billion in two years, by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Deziani Allison-

Madueke for air charter services.

To this end members present at plenary mandated the Public Accounts Committee,

(PAC) to investigate what they called financial recklessness of the minister and report back to the House within three (3) weeks.

ANEEJ canvasses more funding for police

BENIN CITY - Going by the outcry against underfunding of the Nigeria Police Force, the Africa Network for Environment

and Econmic Justice, ANEEJ, has called on the Senate to shore up

to Nigerians.

Executive Director of the 2014 budget of the ANEEJ, Rev David Police if they must meet Ugolor in a statement their constitutional roles Continues on page 2

The move was initiated by Hon. Adejare Samuel ( APC) Agege Federal Constituency, Lagos, in a motion entitled: ‘Urgent Need to Investigate the Waste of Resources on the Arbitrary Charter and Maintenance of a Challenger 850 Aircraft for Non-Official Use’.

Adejare had in his submission argued that Continues on page 2

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

News

School of Health Technology re-opens soon

Continued from page 1

causes of the students unruly behaviour outside the school premises which led to the closure of the school by the ministry.

The commissioner who said Edo State Government has put in a lot to improve on the infrastructural development of the school, however warned that the ministry and the state government will not tolerate any act of indiscipline from students or staff of the institution.

Dr. (Mrs) Eregie therefore enjoined the students to ensure that they obey the school authority as run by the management of the institution at all times.

She sued for cordial relationship between the students and staff in the interest of peace and harmony.

“Government is not happy that the school is shut down, but with this report, we will study the details, look at the recommendations and as soon as possible the school will be re-opened and let me use this medium to commend the committee for a job well done”, she stated.

Earlier, the chairman of the Committee and Director, Primary Health Care, Ministry of Health, Dr. Eghe Abe said the committee was inaugurated on Tuesday February 11th, 2014 with a mandate to investigate the breach of peace at the School of Health Technology Benin City by the students on January 27th, 2014.

Dr. Abe further stated that the committee sat nine (9) times, invited the principal,

some staff and students including the Executive of the school’s Student Union.

Government (SUG) to testify adding that the committee received both oral and written petitions / answers as well as

paid assessment visit to the school premises.

He said these steps were taken with a view to finding the remote and immediate causes of the breach of peace at the school as well as proffering lasting solution to

the issues.

High point of the ceremony was the handing-over of the report and all other print and audio evidence to the commissioner, Dr. (Mrs) Aihanuwa Eregie for further action.

Continued from page 1 the minister allegedly frittered away over N10bn in the maintenance of the Challenger 850 Aircraft and its crew in the last 2 years. He noted that” in these days of scarce National Resources where public finance is shrinking in the face of ever increasing national needs such as roads, health, education and power, amongst others an official of government could waste

public funds on such luxury as chartering a Challenger 850 Aircraft for extra official use.

Stressing further Adejare said that “in recent times, most States of the Federation have been facing acute shortage of allocations due to the dwindling National Revenue which has reduced the quality of governance and deprived the people of dividends of democracy”. He disclosed to the House that his submission on the issue

“is based on reliable evidence, the Hon. Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke has been committing the sum of 500,000 Euros (N130 Million Naira) monthly to maintain the Aircraft, thus in two years, the Minister had committed at least N3.120 Billion in maintaining the Private Jet which is used soley for her personal needs and those of her immediate family, which is an appalling act”.

Reps to probe Deziani over N10b

ANEEJ canvasses more funding Continued from page 1 terrorism and with for police heightened made available to The NIGEthe 2015 general elections RIAN OBSERVER yesterday also called on President Goodluck Jonathan to seek alternative sources of revenue for the police. He criticised the Senate for slashing the 2014 budget of the Nigeria Police Force in spite of rising crime wave, insurgency and the 2015 elections which requires enhanced funding of the nation’s security agencies.

“We are surprised that in spite of the appeal from immediate past Supervising Minister of Police Affairs, Mrs. Jumoke Akinjide and the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar who

gave the true implications of what will happen should the Senate go ahead with the budget cut, the upper legislative chamber still appears defiant on its plan to cut the police budget. Nigerians have over the years yearned for proper policing and inadequate funding of the police have been identified by all stakeholders as a major reason why the police have not been functioning optimally,” says the Executive Director of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev. David Ugolor.

“It is shocking to us because with the rising crime wave,

Oshiomhole blames rot on poor leadership

Continued from page 1

“We have moved from that era to one in which our universities were shut for over six months and it was not an issue. The response of the Nigerian elite is to find privatized solution to the problem.

“If we don’t have fuel in the country for six months, Abuja will not be at peace and Edo will not be at peace, but Polytechnics have been shut for over six months and it is not featuring in this discussion.”

The Governor said returning to the basics would mean checking the quality of the teachers who are to impart knowledge, saying “In Edo State we have built beautiful schools far more attractive than the private schools, but the missing link is the quality of teachers.

“And to know who is a teacher,

we must do assessment test for everybody who is a tutor in the classroom.

And there are challenges and that is where leadership comes in.

“Somebody said to me election is coming and I am antagonizing teachers. And I asked myself why should I be a Governor if I cannot take difficult decisions?”

He asked: “Must we allow the Nigerian child to be in the class room being taught by a teacher who does not understand how to spell the word teacher. Should we invest our political capital to identify those who cannot teach and replace them with those who are willing to teach?”

How can we continue to live with the paradox of people who are trained to teach and they have no jobs and those who were never trained to teach and we do not have the political will to send them

out.

Oshiomhole said, “the crisis of what we are saying now is the consequences of the fact that 20 years after, Government has looked the other way.

“We know as we speak that there are many States which have not paid their counterpart funds and as a result their children are studying under the trees.

“I’ve argued that we cannot boast of a state-of-the-art Government House, State-of-theart bullet proof cars and yet our children are studying under the trees. So, leadership is about courage, about conviction and being ready to act. We do need our political leaders to go back to the basics.”

insecurity in the country.

It is well known that our country and our people are generally innocent and we abhor crime.

Many years ago, as traditional, people we had our own internal mechanism of dealing with some of these situations; but with civilization and interaction with other people and the general criminality pervading the whole world, we are now infested with this virus of criminality in our country.

That calls for prompt action for us to do what other countries are doing in order to combat this menace.

So I do believe that a country as big as Nigeria needs to effect its security.

Just as have been mentioned, it would be difficult for us to afford effective security if we continue to use the type of policing we are

having in Nigeria presently.

We run a federal system of government and is completely unacceptable in a federal system for us to have a federal system and for us to also have a centralized Police.

Policemen are not magicians.

There is no way a Policeman can stay in one kilometre and know when a crime is being committed in another kilometre.

We must be able to provide sufficient Police personnel that should be at least be one Policeman per hundred metres away.

This can only be achieved if we decentralize our Police, ensuring that we have State Police and possibly local Police that is well coordinated and regulated.

We had problem in the past in this area because they were not well regulated and they were not coordinated.

State Police re-echoes in Senate

Continued from page 1 The Senate also condemned the incessant killings occasioned by the simultaneous multiple attacks on communities and villages; and observed a minute silence in memory of the deceased.

However, in his remarks after the debate, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu asserted that “the principal purpose of government both as established by the Constitution and in political science is for the protection of lives and property of citizens”, adding “that is part of the social contract”.

“If we have devoted the whole day as we have done now to dealing with the issue of insecurity in Nigeria, we are living up to the expectation of the ordinary people of Nigeria, for us to show concern for the general

just around the corners, the Senate is not seeing the need to adequately fund the police.

We call on the Senate President and indeed all members of the National Assembly to support adequate funding of the police by increasing the figure from the current N292.

The senate should not only include the N13billion it has slashed from the budget, it should consider increasing the budget further by another twenty per cent at least specifically targeted at the purchase of modern equipment, vehicles and other basic needs of the police. Our police must be placed at par with their counterparts in Europe and America.” The ANEEJ helmsman advocated.

“We do not support underfunding of our police if we want them to be effective in crime prevention and control. Nigerians cannot afford to have a police whose leadership have difficulties in meeting their administrative and overhead costs. We abhor the dehumanizing conditions in which our policemen and women are currently subjected to and thorny work environment. It is shameful that in spite of availability of resources, we still deliberately keep our police pauperized, ill-equipped, and underfunded.

“We call on President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to wade into the matter and ensure adequate funding for our police.

Beyond increasing the 2014 budget for the Nigeria Police Force, we call on the Presidency to initiate moves to look for alternative funding sources for the police, a situation where the police funding is left to token donations from the public is unacceptable to Nigerians. Citizens deserve, well motivated, better equipped disciplined police force who would drastically reduce crime rate and proactively prevent crime in our society. Only adequate funding can make this happen and we are all for it.” Ugolor emphasised.

Tussle over headship of Ugbor community laid to rest BENIN CITY – The tussle over the headship of Ugbor Community by the OhenOsa, and the Odionwere and Elders of that community has been laid to rest.

After much deliberation

by Omo N’Oba and Chiefs, it was resolved that, traditionally, there is a difference between services rendered by the Chief Priest and Odionwere in a community.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the Oba of Benin, Mr. O. Oronsaye Guobadia, says while the Chief Priest attends to the spiritual needs of the community on behalf of the Oba, the Odionwere presides over the general

administration of the community.

The statement also said, that there is a ranking among Chief Priests in a community depending on the recognition that flows from the Palace of the Omo N’Oba. It therefore emphasized that, Chief Priests in Ugbor are directed to concentrate on their spiritual duties and cooperate with the Odionwere in the general administration of Ugbor community.

The statement further said that the Palace judgement applies to the Chief Priest and the Odionwere of Ugbor community and therefore supersedes the Palace ruling of February 28, 2013.

BENIN CITY – Edo State Ministry of Transport yesterday in Benin City did a public show of four ultramodern fire-fighting trucks provided for the state by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The vehicles comprise a hydraulic platform vehicle for both fire-fighting and rescue mission, another unit of firefighting truck and two tankers of 20,000 litre water capacity each which were displayed to the public at the Oba Ovonranmwen Square, the commercial nerve centre the city.

Displaying and flagging-off operations with the vehicles, Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Orobosa OmoOjo (JP) said the procurement and distribution of the vehicles to the nine oil and gas producing states is what is expected of the Niger Delta Development Commission especially as they were acquired from the proceeds sourced from the nine states.

The Commissioner expressed profound gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for giving approval

for the provision just as he also thanked Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for his unparalleled effort at ensuring that the fire-fighting trucks were released to the state Ministry of Transport.

Hon. Omo-Ojo asserted that Edo State Ministry of Transport and the FireFighting Services Department are more determined to respond to distress calls.

The commissioner, who inspected and tested one of the fire-fighting trucks advised all corporate bodies and individuals to henceforth pay attention to all safety rules including switching off all electric and electronic gadgets at the end of the day’s activities and when not in use.

He warned dealers in Liquefied Natural Gas for domestic use to obtained and operate with the 2014 Firefighting code as only those with it can operate in Edo State.

The Commissioner was conducted round the facilities contained within and outside the fire-fighting trucks by the Director, Edo State Fire Service, Mr. Destiny Abu Osunde.

Edo acquires modern fire-fighting trucks

Road rehabilitation

Edo Butchers laud Council boss BENIN CITY – The Edo State Chapter of the Butchers Union has commended the Executive Chairman of Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council, Hon. Barr. Itohan OsahonOgbeide for her exemplary leadership in the Local Government Area.

The Butchers, who spoke to newsmen in the state Butchers’ Secretariat in Benin City through its chairman, Pastor (Comrade Ikponmwosa Orhue, especially praised the council boss for matching actions with words in the rehabilitation of the state slaughter along Ikpoba slope Benin City.

He posited that the state abattoir popularly known as slaughter, which has been in decay is one of the revenue bases of the council which needed an urgent attention.

He described the council chairman as a role model

with sterling leadership qualities.

The Butchers assured the Council Boss of their continuous support to uplift the standard of the people of Ikpoba Okha and therefore called on all stakeholders in the council area to work with the council boss to consolidate on her achievements.

Comrade Orhue, though, lamented the slow pace of work at the state abattoir by the contractor handling the road rehabilitation and recommended the construction of two-side drains for the easy control of erosion in the area.

Comrade Orhue also appealed to the council boss to consider the renovation of the decayed infrastructure, especially the over grown weeds within the premises and the dilapidated buildings which are not conducive for consumable foods.

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

ALL SET FOR EDO TEACHERS’ ASSESSMENT TEST THIS is to inform teachers in public Primary and Secondary Schools in Edo State that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure a hitch-free assessment test scheduled for Saturday, March 22.

We have received firm assurances from the Teachers Assessment Committee under the leadership of Professor Dennis Agbonlahor that various test batteries to be administered on the teachers are ready.

The exercise will hold simultaneously at three locations across the state: Auchi Polytechnic (Edo North); Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (Edo Central) and University of Benin (Edo South).

Teachers are to be tested only in their respective area of training.

Also, adequate security arrangement has been made to ensure the exercise holds in a conducive atmosphere devoid of intimidation or molestation.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Edo State Government encourages our teachers to make themselves available for the assessment exercise as failure to do so will deny the government an objective criteria to establish their suitability to remain to teach in our classrooms.

Teachers will be admitted into the halls only on presentation of their biometric slips. Accreditation starts 8 a.m, please.

Signed: LOUIS ODION Commissioner for Information & Orientation

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

News Cleric Tasks Confab Delegates On National president so decides to have Unity the conference at this time so

By FRIDAY OBANOR

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Sen. Uche Chukwumerije, Supervisory Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike; Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Foluso Phillips, Vice President Namadi Sambo; Director-General, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr; Supervisory Minister of National Planning, Amb. Bashir Yuguda; Executive Director, CNBC Africa, Browyn Nielsen; Vice President, Human Development, world Bank, Dr. Elizabeth King and Board Chairman, West African Examination Council (WAEC), Prof. Pai Obanya, at the 20th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja recently.

BENIN CITY The spiritual leader of Christ Chosen Church of God International Most Senior Apostle Joshua Osasuyi has called on delegates to the on-going National conference not to seduce their minds towards ethnic or personal interest but should see the unity of Nigeria as one that is important as indivisible nation.

Speaking against the backdrop of the relevance of the confab at this time when Nigeria is preparing for general elections in 2015,.

Apostle Osasuyi said no time is not relevant for a dialogue, adding that, if the

Jonathan Wants Review Of Education Policy

ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathanhas called for the review of the nation’s 40-year-old education policy to ensure the speedy transformation of the nation’s education sector.

Jonathan said in Abuja while declaring open the 20th Nigerian Economic Summit that the review was to determine the policy’s relevance and fine tune its adaptability to national objectives.

Represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, Jonathan charged the participants to consider past reform efforts to determine the best and most effective ways to overcome education sector challenges.

Cue in audio-Sambo “You may recall that the policy underpinning the education sector in Nigeria was agreed in 1969 at a national dialogue involving a wide-array of stakeholders in the Nigerian project.

“More than 40 years after, this policy foundation is ripe for review, to determine its relevance and fine tune its adaptability to national objectives, in this 21st Century.

“It is my hope that this summit will take up this challenge by applying itself rigorously to the design of an ideal education system that will satisfy our national needs and aspirations.’’

Cue out audio-Sambo According to Jonathan, government is fully aware that the country’s growth and development potential will be undermined unless the education sector is fully developed.

He, therefore, said there was urgent need to develop human capital by investing and improving the skills of the nation’s manpower to facilitate the actualisation of national objectives.

He said the Federal Government was committed to embarking on sustainable initiatives and programmes that would restructure and transform the national economy and education system.

“Education is a vital key for accelerating national transformation and development.

“Education has changed the destiny of nations, big and small, and we are determined to change our story for the very best.’’

He said that government had identified access, quality and equity as the main strategic goals of Nigerian education.

The President, therefore, said the populace, particularly children, should not only have unfettered access to education but also receive quality education.

He said government had launched “a Basic Education campaign that targets the unacceptability of the high number of out-of-school children.

“These include the high rate among boys in the South-East and South-South, which is also the case in our girls in the North-East and North-West.’’

The President said the problem was also replicated in the Almajiris system, where

under an expanded intervention scheme government had established 125 Day and Boarding Junior Secondary Schools.

He said the schools, located in different parts of the country, were meant to increase access to quality education for the beneficiaries.

“We are convinced that only through quality teachers can quality in education and students at all levels be assured.

“We have been paying more attention to the training, retraining, recruitment and improving the working conditions of our teachers in the public school system,’’ he said.

Jonathan also revealed that government had embarked on funding teachers’ training in the

36 States of the federation in pursuit of quality, access and equity in education delivery.

He said government had introduced initiatives to address the low capacity of the nation’s educational institutions.

He said although funding the education sector sufficiently had remained a challenge in the

face of competing demands, “government is, however, addressing this challenge with great determination, through Presidential interventions.’’

According to him, the interventions include the Technical Education Trust Fund, the Universal Basic Education Commission interventions, and through creative partnerships with local and international development partners.

be it”.

The spiritual leader who spoke to newsmen in Benin City recently further noted that the timing for the conference is not the issue but that those going there should have good intension for the country.

While wishing the delegates God’s guidance and fruit deliberation Senor Apostle Osasuyi (JP) further reiterated the need for the confab participants to put the nation first in their deliberations instead of premodial issues that would further touch on the unity of Nigeria and the people.

According to him, “my prayer for the delegates is for them to see this confab as another opportunity for us as a nation to forge ahead as one indivisible country while those things that are causing disunity amongst us should be examined while a casting solution should be in order for us to continue to live together as a people”.

He therefore urged those in authority to ensure that the outcome of the confab is put to use so that it would not go the same way like previous attempts by former leaders to chat a new course for the country.

NUT Splashes N1.6m On Retirees, Deceased ABAKALIKI The the retirement benefits of our Members Abakaliki local government members yearly while chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) gave out N1.6 million to its retirees and the families of their deceased members.

Presenting the donation in Abakaliki, the chapter’s Chairman, Mr. Obinna Unueke, said the gesture was to alleviate

the sufferings of the beneficiaries.

According to him, enhancement of members’ welfare remains a top priority of the chapter, especially the retirees and the families of deceased members.

“We will continue to increase

L-R: FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer in-charge of Edo, Delta, and Anambra, Mr. Charles Akpabio, Commander, Onitsha Military Cantonment, Col.Jibrin Fagge and FRSC Unit Commander in Onitsha, Mr. Anthony Metta, during the FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer’s working visit to Onitsha Military Cantonment in Onitsha recently.

adequately catering for relations of our deceased members.

“This is to appreciate their efforts in enhancing education in the state as it will also motivate those still serving to be more dedicated to their duty,” he said.

The chairman noted that the chapter had acquired a parcel of land at Nkwagu for the construction of its permanent site.

“This is to ensure prompt attendance to various problems confronting teachers in the council and to enable the members to know avenues to channel their problems,’’ he said.

Reports state that the beneficiaries were 14 retirees and the families of four deceased members.

The retirees received N100,000 each while the families of deceased members received N50,000 each.

Mr. Festus Ogo who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the chapter for the gesture, noting that it would reinforce their belief that their efforts were not in vain.

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News

Killing Of Nigerian Student: Reps To Conduct Public ABUJA - The House of Representatives in Abuja mandated four of its standing committees to conduct a public hearing on the incessant cases of maltreatment of Nigerians abroad.

The committees are those of Diaspora, Human Rights, Justice and Foreign Affairs, and they are expected to report back to the House within two months.

The House also urged Nigerian embassies in Ghana, Malaysia, Russia, the UAE and South Africa to ensure that all cases of

maltreatment were thoroughly investigated and to a logical conclusion.

These resolutions followed a motion moved by Rep. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (APC-Lagos), which was adopted when put to vote by the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal.

Dabiri-Erewa, while moving the motion titled “Killings of Nigerian Students Abroad”, said there was an “alarming’’ increase in the number of students being murdered abroad.

She expressed concern that the

Hearing students in search of education abroad had become endangered species.

The lawmaker cited instances of the killing of Nigerian students in foreign countries, especially Malaysia where a policeman killed one Tunde Adelabu, a student of Lagenda University.

She said reports have it that about 80 Nigerian students are currently in danger in Malaysia,

Reps Investigate $1bn Failed Dredging

with “no form of intervention whatsoever from our embassy in Malaysia so far’’.

Dabiri-Erewa further said four Nigerian students in Ghana have also been killed in mysterious circumstances in the last few months.

She said a 17-year-old Nigerian girl was in Russia stabbed multiple times and was burnt to death by an unknown group of Russians.

“The 19-year-old son of a popular Nigerian sports caster equally died mysteriously in Dubai, while a Nigerian man in South Africa was stripped naked and beaten publicly by the South African police.

“So far, no investigation has been carried out and no arrests made in respect of these killings and brutality,’’ the lawmaker said.

She, therefore, urged the House to intervene in the matter to save the lives of these students abroad.

In their various contributions to the motion, lawmakers condemned the killings and said action must be taken to forestall further killings.

Rep. Micah Umoh (PDPAkwa Ibom) said it was important that the issue be taken to the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU) and ECOWAS for discussion.

“Nigerians must be respected.

Some of the best professionals in the world are Nigerians,” he said.

Reps. Sani Mohammed (APCKano), Toby Okechukwu (PDPEnugu), Abubakar Momoh (APC-Edo) and Asita Honourable (PDP-Rivers) all condemned the killings, saying it was a national issue the House should look into.

However, Rep. Uzoma Abonta (PDP-Abia) said Nigerians living abroad should be cautioned to abide by the rules and regulations of their host countries.

Abonta urged his colleagues to intervene in the matter without wasting any time.

By EDITH IMOISILI

ABUJA - The House yesterday asked the Committee on Marine Transport to investigate the agreements entered into by the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) in respect of channel management and capital dredging projects.

This order became necessary as a result of the motion moved

on the floor of House by Hon Iorwase Hembe representing Konshisha Vandekiya constituency of Benue State, that the basis of the NPA entering into joint venture agreement in respect of the dredging and channel management with private entities is to provide the needed

APC Chieftain Describes Party Registration As Successful

By JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM DELTA-Egbudu-Akah: An All Progressives Congress leader in Egbudu-Akah ward 8 in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Mr. Onwunghali Dennis has described the party’s just concluded membership registration exercise as a success story.

Hon. Onwunghali noted that the emergence of APC was timely and may have been divinely destined to materialise to check the growing antics which the People’s Democratic Party (P.DP) has been noted for hijacking the electoral process in the country.

Speaking with The Nigeria OBSERVER in an exclusive

interview, Mr. Onwunghai said that A.P.C is on a rescue mission to liberate Nigerians from the evil rules of the PDP over the years.

Meanwhile, an APC chieftain in Egbudu –Akah Mrs. Maria Osahon has advised those crosscapeting from other parties to A.P.C to see A.P.C as a senitized political party, she said that she can assure you that the prevailing intrigues in the party are not enough to threaten the party survival. Another leader of A.P.C, ward 8, Mr., Ashibuogwu Suny, said he maintained the seeming lack of visible activities in A.P.C in the state is because members are waiting for directives from national secretariat.

technical support which should translate into increase traffic and consequently increased revenue.

Hon Hembe observed that NPA had recently spent approximately $1 billion on channel management and capital dredging across the country which he said can be compelled to the failed Calabar Channel Capital dredging contract where the nation wasted over +60 million equivalent of N9.5 billion of tax payers money without achieving the desired result.

Hembe who is worried over this latest development said that the NPA may not have carried out due diligence before entering into joint Venture with the supposed technical partners, as some of the partners are alleged to lack technical abilities and technical capacity.

He later express his fear over the transaction which he said is smack of incompetence, waste of tax payers money, sharp practices, inefficiency, technical incompetence and fraud.

Responding, the House speaker, Hon Waziri Tambuwal who presided over the plenary session referred the matter to the House Committee on Marine Transport for further legislative input.

A cross section of traditional chiefs at the annual Ihuen festival at Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State recently.

Edo State Deputy Governor Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu (left), Justice Samson Uwaifo (right) with Prince Iyi and Mrs Izogie Ihonre after their traditional marriage ceremony in Benin City. Photo: MOSES OBOH.

Trad Medicine Practitioner Calls For Establishment Of Centres

By JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM DELTA- Egbudu-Akah A Traditional Medicine Practitioner in Egbudu –Akah, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, Dr. John. Okafor has called on the three tiers of government to establish traditional medical certres in every local government area of the state.

Dr Okafor, who spoke recently with The Nigerian OBSERVER in Egbufu –Akah, disclosed that through herbal medicine, ailments such as stroke, pile, Barreness weak-erection are being cured everyday.

According to him if government channels resources to the development of traditional medicine the health of the people will be guaranteed.

Dr, Okafor enjoined his colleagues to understand that their profession is about saving lives and therefore expressed the need for them to be honest in dealing with their clients.

Dr Okafor stressed the need for traditional medicine practitioners in the state to embark on research before treatment of their patients so as

to boost the image of the profession.

Dr Okafor who is the chairman National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine

Practitioners Egbudu chapter, urged members to be honest in their work in order to avoid bringing the name of the association to ridicule.

BENIN CITY - The family of Edo of Usen town in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State has released the burial ceremonies of late Madam Grace Owie Iseherien who died on October 27, 2013. she was aged 85 years.

Late Madam Iseherien is survived by six children, 25 grand children, 15 great grand children and many other relations.

A release by the family indicated that the burial ceremony begins today, Friday March 21, 2014 as the corpse will be taken from Gods Care Mortuary to her residence, No 3 Idahosa Avenue, off Owina Street, Uzebu Quarters, Benin City at 8am.

This is to be followed at 10pm with social wake at same address and interment thereafter.

On Saturday March 22, 2013 at noon, there would be afternoon dance also at her residence while the ceremony would climax on Sunday at 8am with a thanksgiving at Christ Apostolic Church, Agbonma Chapel Benin City.

Madam Grace Iseherien Dies At 85

Late Madam Grace Owie Iseherien

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

South West Ajimobi Assigns Portfolios To Commissioners IBADAN - Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has assigned portfolios to new commissioners who had earlier been sworn-in.

Reports state that the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Gbade Lana, made the disclosure in Ibadan.

He spoke at a news briefing after the State Executive Council meeting.

The commissioner said that the Ministry of Integration and Inter-governmental Affairs would be headed by Mr. Tayo Koleoso, while the Ministry of Transport would be headed by Prof. Nureni Tanimowo.

He said that the Ministry of Natural Resources would have Chief Fatai Abimbola as its helmsman.

Lana stated that Mrs. Atinuke Osunkoya retained her portfolio as Commissioner for Women Affairs, while Mr. Abimbola

Kolade had been assigned to man the state Ministry of Works.

Ajimobi, according to the commissioner, has also assigned Mr. Wale Adeoye to the Ministry of Water Resources.

The State Ministry of Local Government, according to the commissioner, would be headed

by Mr. Fatai Buhari, while Mr. Azeez Onaola would head the Ministry of Special Duties.

Lana said that Alhaji Abideen Oladimeji is to be in charge of the Ministry of Establishment, while the State Ministry of Agriculture would be headed by Mr. Iyiola Hammed.

He also said that the State Ministry of Land and Housing would be headed by Mr. Isaac Omodewu.

New National Identity Card: Mr. Sunday Airueghian, Assistant General Manager (Advertisement), BNCL (right), Pastor Monday Aigbe, Acting General Manager, BNCL (middle) and Frank Dix Unuigboje, Esq., State Co-ordinator, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), during the on-going registration for the card at the Benin office of the NIMC, yesterday.

AAUA Celebrates NUGA Games, Debate Contigents

Engage In Farming, Amosun Directs Officials ABEOKUTA -The Ogun government, has directed top public officials in the state to engage in farming and other agricultural activities.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, said the directive was issued by Governor Ibikunle Amosun during the weekly Executive Council Meeting.

Olaniyonu said the decision was part of efforts by the state government to promote agriculture in the state.

“The government has therefore directed top public officers to apply to the Ministry of Agriculture for farm lands and follow due process like any member of the public,” he added.

He, however, noted that the government would monitor compliance to ensure that beneficiaries engaged such allocated land for agricultural purpose.

He said “with this policy, other members of the public will take a cue from those in government by engaging in farming and one form of agriculture or the other.

“Senior public officers are expected to show good examples that agriculture is the mainstay of our economy in Ogun.

“The aim of this back-to-farm policy is to boost food production in order to feed ourselves and others and to generate employment opportunities for our people.

Pastor Monday Aigbe and Frank Unuigboje Esq. during the registration.

AKUNGBA-AKOKO (ONDO STATE) - The authorities of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, said the university’s participation in sporting activities was not just for laurels, but to show leadership quality.

Prof. Femi Mimiko, the vice chancellor of the university, stated this at a dinner. .

The dinner was in appreciation of the institution’s contingents to the 24th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games held from Feb. 12 to Feb. 22 in Ile-Ife, Osun.

The dinner was also in appreciation of AAUA’s representatives at the March 3

Lecturers Protest Tax Policy, Irregular Payment Of Salaries

AGO-IWOYE (OGUN) Lecturers at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun, have staged a peaceful protest alleging arbitrary tax policy and irregular payment of salaries since 2011.

Reports state that the lecturers were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions chanting solidarity songs.

Addressing newsmen after the demonstration, Dr Deji Agboola, Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), OOU branch, decried what he described as haphazard payment of the salaries of his members in the past three years.

He said that the irregular payment had made it difficult for the lecturers to plan and meet some financial obligations such as payment of rents and their children school fees.

“The astronomic and arbitrary tax policy to which our members are subjected has further pauperised them.

“For instance, a senior lecturer in OOU pays more tax than a professor at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB).

“The deductions have failed

to take cognisance of the Consolidated Peculiar University Academic Allowance (CONPUA),’’ he said.

Agboola alleged that the situation had persisted since 2011 in spite of several letters of appeal to State Internal Revenue Service and the, OOU

management.

The Chairman noted that such situation was capable of exposing his members to the temptation of unethical practises.

He therefore appealed to Governor Ibikunle Amosun, to intervene in the matter urgently to save his members from their plight.

National Debate for Nigeria tertiary institutions, held at the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja.

AAUA participated in six events at the Games and won two gold, three silver and one bronze medals.

With the record, the university was 13th out of the 41 universities and was second among the 19 states and privateowned universities that participated at the Games.

AAUA also emerged the overall winner at the 2013 annual Youth Debate.

Mimiko, while appreciating the contingents to the two events, said that they proved themselves to be good ambassadors of the institution.

“We appreciate both the sports contingent and the debaters for making the university proud.

“Yes, we placed 13th out of 41 universities that participated; and 2nd among the 19 states and private-owned universities that participated.

“But as we have often said that our involvement in sporting activities is not directly related to the winning of laurels.

“The important thing is that we participated and displayed the leadership quality that your involvement in sporting activities provided,’’ he said.

Court Dissolves 3-Yr-old Marriage OSOGBO - An Osogbo Grade II Customary Court has dissolved the three-year-old marriage between Balikis Salami and her husband, Semiu, over lack of care and constant beating.

The court President, Chief Bolarinwa Popoola, dissolved the marriage and held that the marriage had broken down irretrievably.

“The court is of the opinion that there is no chance of reconciliation, the divorce is hereby granted,’’ he held.

Popoola awarded custody of the two and half year-old child to the petitioner and ordered the respondent pay N2000 monthly through the court for the upkeep of the child.

Popoola also ordered that the respondent should have access to the child at anytime Balikis had told the court that she was tired of the union because her husband was not taking good care of her.

“Since I married him, he has not taken good care of me. He

does not give me rest of mind and he always beats me.

“I have left him for over two years now and the reason why I came to the court is because he wants to take the child back, a child he never took care of since she was three months old.

“I am tired of this marriage, that is why I have come to plead with the court to separate us,” she said.

On his part, Semiu said that he was not ready to leave his wife because her father gave her to

him to marry.

“When I married her, she had nothing, I was the one who trained her in tailoring with her mother’s consent.

“It was while she was training that she started moving with different men, this caused a fight between us and she moved out.

“I heard that she ran away with my child to another man’s house in Benin. I tried to see my child but my mother-in-law will not allow me.

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

Lagos

Lagos Bridge: Motorists Advise Contractor LAGOS - Motorists and commuters plying the Dopemu-Egbeda and IyanaIpaja Bridges in Lagos have urged the contractor rehabilitating the closed bridges to work at night to minimise current hardships

on the road.

Reports state that the Lagos State Government had announced that the bridges on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway would each be closed for 10 days.

The China Civil

Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) commenced rehabilitation work on the Dopemu Bridge on March 15, causing serious gridlock in the area.

Work on the Dopemu Bridge would be completed

on March 24, while the Iyana-Ipaja Bridge would be closed from March 25 to April 5.

Motorists, who now encounter nerve-wracking traffic in the area, suggested that the contractor should work at night because the rerouting by the government had neither facilitated flow of traffic nor reduced the congestion in the area.

One of the drivers, Mr

Kamilu Ogundipe, said the rehabilitation should not be done during the day because it would complicate the traffic situation in the area.

“You know the volume of traffic here is high because it is a residential area, the closure has added to our suffering.

“This kind of work should have been better done at night, considering when there will be light human and

vehicular traffics.’’

He said that people involved in emergency situations would need to get to their destinations on time and if they were delayed in traffic it could lead to loss of lives.

“In an emergency situation, people can lose their live here; we want to urge the government to direct the contractors to work at night,’’ he said.

LASU Gets N1m British Council LAGOS - The Lagos State Research Grant University (LASU) has said that

Fire incident at a filling station on Oba Akran Road in Ikeja, Lagos recently.

it had received a research grant of 4,000 pounds (about N1.03 million) from the Researchers’ Link Scheme of the British Council.

A Professor of Computer Science in LASU, Benjamin Aribisala, disclosed this in a statement obtained by the newsmen.

The statement was issued by the State Ministry of Information and Strategy,

Alausa, Ikeja.

It said the grant was given to the university to investigate the mechanism through which physical activities affect changes in the ageing brain.

The report of the study which is expected to commence in June and end in March 2015 will be published in international journals, the statement added.

It said the award which was given through Aribisala would allow for collaboration between him and Dr Alan Gow of HeriotWatt University, United Kingdom, on clinical research.

“The focus of this study is to examine how levels and changes in physical activities are associated with brain changes in older adults and this requires a multi-disciplinary approach.

“As we age, there is a general reduction in the volume of grey matter (the thinking cells of the brain), and the integrity of the white matter (the wiring that connects different brain regions) also declines.

“The extent to which the declines occur varies from individual to individual and is associated with cognitive ageing-decline in memory, speed of thinking and reasoning,’’ it stressed.

The statement also anticipated that the study would proffer solutions on how to reduce the costs of health services for old people.

It added that it might also help identify intervention targets that would enable older adults to continue to live and function independently.

IKEJA - An Ikeja High Court remanded a 52-yearold Pastor, Peter Nwogu, in prison for allegedly defrauding some accommodation seekers of N52.3 million.

Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya remanded Nwogu in Kirikiri Maximum Prisons after his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The accused had not filed his application for bail when the case came up.

Nwogu, who lives at Plot 1697 Karamu Rotimi St., Victoria Island, Lagos, is facing a seven-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretences The EFCC Counsel, Mrs Olubunmi Bosede, said that the accused committed the offences between July and August 2013 in Lagos.

Bosede said that the accused placed advertisements for lease of properties in some national newspapers using his outfits, Christian Defence Fellowship

and Business Defence Solutions Ltd. She said the accused posed as the owner of the properties situated at No. 6, Gerrard Road Ikoyi and No. 6, Olawale Dawodu St., Ikoyi, Lagos.

The prosecutor said Nwogu obtained N52.3 million from an estate agent, Mrs. Vivian Obinabo, under the pretext of leasing the said properties to her clients.

Bosede said Obinabo’s clients included Manuchar Trading Company Ltd., Sony Flying Dove Ltd., Akintola Williams Delliote and Associated Press.

According to her, the offences contravene Section 1(2) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006.

Reports state that the offence of obtaining by false pretences attracts a minimum of seven years imprisonment.

Nwogu, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The case was adjourned till April 29, for trial.

Pastor Docked Over N52.3m Fraud

An artiquated vehicle completely burnt during a fire incident at a filling station on Oba Akran Road in Ikeja recently.

Absence Of Interpreter Stalls Arraignment LAGOS A Yaba “Since we don’t have a Magistrates’ Court in Lagos Of Nigerien translator, the accused should be State has suspended the arraignment of a Nigerien, Musa Adamu, 21, due to absence of an interpreter.

Reports state that Adamu, who is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, was alleged to have stolen plastic materials valued at N4.7million.

The accused, who is a casual worker, has no fixed address.

When the matter came up at the court, Adamu did not comprehend the charges read to him in English Language, and indicated that he would need an interpreter.

His plea was therefore not

taken, and the Magistrate, Mrs. Ipaye Nwachukwu, ordered the

accused to be remanded in police custody until an interpreter was found.

returned to police detention pending the court’s ability to find one,” she said.

2 Men Arraigned For Wandering LAGOS - Two men — Christian Uwah and Michael Martins have been charged with wandering at an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused — Uwah, 21 and Martins 38 —who reside at Idimu area of Lagos, are facing a charge of wandering.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Femi Adeleye, told the court that the accused committed the offence

on March 17 at about 11.30 p.m. at Golden Hotel, Idimu, a suburb of Lagos.

According to him, the two men could not give a satisfactory account of themselves when they were picked up the police at the hotel.

Adeleye noted that the offence contravened Section 166 (h) of the Criminal Law of

Lagos State, 2011.

Reports state that Section 166 (h) provides a fine of N15, 000 or imprisonment for three months for wandering.

The two men denied the charge and were granted bail in the sum of N15, 000 each with one surety each in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mrs. M.B. Folami, adjourned the case to March 31 for mention.

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

Across The Nation PPA Urges FG To Invest More Funds In Armed Forces

KADUNA – Mr. Peter Ameh, National Chairman, Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA), has urged the Federal Government to increase its funding of the Nigerian Armed Forces to enhance national security.

Ameh made the call in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna. He said that the need for increased funding of the armed forces had become imperative to improve the operational capabilities of the forces as they face the challenge of terrorism and other threats to national security.

He said that the Nigerian armed forces had done much to uphold and secure the nation as an indivisible entity, adding that the officers and men should be properly taken care of and equipped to perform better.

“I can say this from a vantage point of view; let us recruit more personnel because for 150 million people, we need one million soldiers to maintain proper security.

“For a man who is willing to give his life for his country, there is no greater sacrifice higher than that. So, the soldiers have to be

comfortable.’’

Ameh said Nigeria needed to cater properly for the needs of her armed forces, including the provision of modern weapons and equipment.

He also urged Nigerians to identify individuals who would be willing to serve the nation without ethnic or religious biases, adding that leadership must be based on competence, credibility and ability to deliver.

“We should make the right choice and avoid choosing money bags. Government cannot do it alone; it is the people who should make the right choices,” he said.

Ameh, therefore, advised Nigerian youths to accept leadership roles for the next generation.

“Youths should wake up and be involved; they should be engaged in the process of elections and governance.’’

He also called on the political class to follow NEC’s electoral guidelines, as well as the rules and regulations of political parties.

“If we maintain the guidelines, it will provide a conducive atmosphere for free and fair elections in 2015,’’ Ameh said.

L-R: Representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Samuel Akande (left), receiving the keys of 3 Naval Boats from the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Malam Habib Abdulahi in Lagos recently.

National Health Bill

Group Urges Review

LAGOS - A NonGovernmental Organisation, Global Prolife Alliance, urged

the review of the National Health Bill passed by the Senate as it failed to protect the

“It is therefore paramount for the government to also develop a policy document to regulate conflicts”.

According to Inyom, the policy will help the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to meet the challenges posed by the recurring conflicts and disasters in the country.

He noted that NEMA as presently constituted, lacks the capacity to effectively handle disasters.

The bishop recalled that the

National Conflict Resolution Stakeholders of Nigeria, in conjunction with the UNDP and Conflict Resolution Centre, Abuja, had drafted a Peace Policy document which is yet to be implemented.

Inyom advised the government to implement the recommendations to address emerging socioeconomic challenges in the society.

He expressed concern over recent killing of innocent citizens in Guma Local Government Council of Benue and called for restraint to ensure that peace returns to the area.

interest of Nigerians.

Dr Phillip Njemanze, Chairman of the organisation, told newsmen in Lagos, that the bill contained contentious issues in spite of the concerns expressed by groups of Nigerians at public hearings.

“This bill rises to the level of crime against humanity. Let them go back to the chambers and abrogate this bill in its entirety.

“The National Health Bill is part of the greatest conspiracy against the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“That the Senate of the National Assembly has for three good times collaborated with foreign powers in order to pass a bill that will amount to killing of Nigerians.

LAGOS - The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), says it seized over 27,000 litres of petroleum products from suspected oil thieves this month.

The Spokesman of the NSCDC, Mr. Chibuzor Mefor, made the announcement in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Mefor said that the petroleum products, which were contained in 108 drums, had been handed over to the NNPC. “The products were

recovered from oil vandals on the high sea in Iwoko Ajido and Ebute Olofin in Badagry, Lagos State on March 5.

“The products were loaded from Escravos, Apapa and Festac area of Lagos for onward movement to neighbouring countries of Benin Republic and Togo.’’

The spokesman said that the seizure was due to intelligence information from members of the public.

In February, the NSCDC seized 22 drums in Badagry, each containing 250 litres of petrol.

Develop Peace Policy, Cleric Advises FG MAKURDI - Bishop Nathan Inyom of the Anglican Communion, Makurdi, Benue, has called on the Federal Government to develop a peace policy to facilitate effective management of crises in the country.

The Bishop made the call in an interview with the newsmen in Makurdi.

Inyom said that without a policy document detailing crises management of issues, it would be difficult to contain the recurring crises in the country.

“Relief is part of the package for conflict management, but presently there exists a big gap as there is no document to support crisis management in the country.

“The running of government is based on policy, each issue is being regulated by a policy, and that is why you have several policies in this country.

“There are some on Malaria control, Forestry, Agriculture, Health and Gender for effective management of the sectors.

NSCDC Seizes 27,000 Litres Of Petroleum Products

3 Naval Boats donated by Nigerian Ports Authority to Nigerian Navy in Lagos recently.

“We are asking the entire leadership of the Senate to come before the Nigerians and explain themselves.

“We are also asking the Attorney-General of the Federation to probe the issues in this bill.’’

Njemanze said it was agreed at the public hearing in Abuja that Articles 48, 49, 51, 52 and 53 should be deleted.

According to him, these articles are not clear on the issues of human tissues and organ trafficking.

Reports state that the Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (CSOs) on March 14 said that some articles in the bill would encourage the sale of human tissues and organs.

Dr. Nkechi Asogwa, who spoke on behalf of the organisations at a joint news briefing in Lagos, said that many contentious articles in the bill were not addressed by the Senate before it was passed.

“The National Health Bill, 2014, in Articles 48, 49, 51, 52, 53 specifically, is not explicit on the key issues surrounding the removal of body parts or products.

“For example, Article 53 permits the sale and the trade of human tissues. We are talking about the female egg cells for example, the sperms and so on. Why? “Because it gave an exception clause. These are issues bordering on trafficking of human tissues from the Nigerians.

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

Abuja

Army Ambush Terrorists, Kill 8

ABUJA - Troops operating in the North-East have ambushed a group of terrorists on a mission to penetrate and attack Goniri Community in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe.

This is contained in a statement issued by Maj.Gen Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information and Coordinator, Joint Information Centre Counter Terrorism Campaign.

Olukolade said that the mission failed as the terrorists were ambushed

by troops on patrol who were already alerted on the their intention.

“Troops are still in pursuit of the fleeing terrorist elements after the encounter which resulted in some casualties on both parties.

“Rockets and machine guns were freely used by the terrorists who eventually lost over 8 of their fighters with several others wounded. “ Arms were also captured from the terrorists while others fled. “ The troops, however, lost a soldier while an

officer was seriously area. wounded in the encounter, “Assisted by captured ‘’ he said. terrorists, the troops were Goniri is not far from Buni-Yadi where the terrorists killed school children recently.

The director also said that the troops, operating around Gamboru Ngala and Dikwa Local Government Area towards the borders of Chad and Cameroun, were busy throughout the weekend.

He said that the troops were recovering weapons hidden by terrorists who were dislodged from the

ABUJA-Former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta, has appealed to delegates to the national conference to eschew religious and ethnic sentiments while deciding the fate of Nigeria in the next 90 days.

Jimeta, who is a delegate to the conference, told newsmen in Abuja that such issues, particularly, religion was sensitive and should be left out of the conference.

He said that the delegates should instead focus their attention on serious issues begging for attention.

“We should not put sentiments in the front burner. Let us put such things aside and go to the meat of the conference.

“Nigerians are now wise enough to know that religious issues are very sensitive and we will do well if we try to keep them out of our national life,” he said.

The former IGP expressed optimism that the conference would address the problems that agitate the minds of Nigerians.

He expressed hope that the outcome of the conference would be different from previous conferences that did

not completely address the people’s problems.

“I have taken part in about four constitutional conferences and national conferences and they always ended up in a constitution of some sort.

“A lot of those constitutions were never even looked at and in the end even the constitution that was duly made was tinkered and battered by the military.

“So, you don’t know what to believe about the conference until you see it happen, but I am optimistic that this conference will be a success.

“Anything for the peaceful existence and peace to prevail in Nigeria enjoys my support, “he said.

Jimeta said he was proud to be a citizen of Nigeria and would want his children to enjoy the country.

Sen. Ita Giwa, a delegate to the conference, commended the sitting arrangement made by the conference secretariat, saying it was devoid of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.

The secretariat has said the sitting arrangement would be based on alphabetical order according to the names of the delegates.

Giwa the former Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters to President Olusegun Obasanjo, also expressed satisfaction with the calibre of delegates at the conference.

She said that the delegates would play vital role in uniting the country.

“The leaders that have caused what is happening in Nigeria today have now come together.

“So, whether we like it or not, we have to try and manage and repair what we have damaged by reuniting this country,” she said.

Giwa commended President Goodluck Jonathan for heeding the wish of most Nigerians by convening the conference.

“This is the first time that the country has put under one roof the youths and the elderly.

“I think the list was carefully selected and I can see the enthusiasm because whether we like it or not, this conference is as a result of the anger shown

by Nigerians,’’ she said.

The senator said that subjecting the outcome of the confab to referendum as announced by the President Goodluck Jonathan, was in the right direction and democratic.

led to the sites where arms have been hidden in farms and cemeteries. The

cordon and search of the entire area is still in progress,” he said.

Nat’l Confab: Jimeta, Giwa Urge Delegates To Shun Sentiment

Members of Civil Rights Group protesting over the alleged killing and slow investigation of a student of University of Cape Coast, Ghana, Godwin Ayogu, in Lagos recently.

L-R: Chairman, CWC Group, Dr. Parra Alirio, Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo and Minister of State for Power, Mr. Muhammad Wakil, at the opening of the power forum during the Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja recently.

NESG Wants Investigation Into Missing Oil Funds Made Public ABUJA- The Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr Foluso Phillips, urged the Federal Government to ensure that the report of the ongoing forensic investigation into missing oil funds was made public.

Phillips made the call at the opening of a three-day 20th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja.

He commended the government for ordering the investigation, and advised it to ensure that all persons involved in the controversy were made accountable.

He said that Nigerians were anxious to ascertain the real facts of the alleged missing funds and the exact amount

involved.

He said that previous investigations into cases of impropriety in public places were inconclusive, and urged the government to use the current one to reassure Nigerians on its determination to fight corruption.

“We as a country are not doing enough to stamp out the corruption. We are not pursuing the issue of punishing those who engage in corrupt practice.

“We must place emphasis on building institution, systems and processes which provide more enduring and sustainable war against corruption,’’ he said.

Phillips also urged political

officeholders to make national interest a priority.

According to him, they should not allow their personal interests in the forthcoming general elections to destroy the nation’s economy.

In his address, the Supervising Minister of National Planning Commission, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, said the summit would set agenda for “presidential dialogue” on national issues.

Yuguda said the summit with “Transforming Education through Partnership for Global Competitiveness’’ as theme, would go a long way in transforming the nation’s education system.

Gynaecologist Advocates Re-Evaluation Of Societal Values

Abortion:

ABUJA- Dr Sikiratu KelaniAdams, a Consultant Gynaecologist, in Abuja said there was the need to re-evaluate religious and cultural values on abortion.

Kelani-Adams, who is a Senior Health System Advisor of Ipas, an international nongovernmental organisation (NGO), made the call in an interview with newsmen.

She said this was in a bid to reduce maternal mortality through unsafe abortions.

“At times, our social norms, though acceptable in our societies, are not necessarily correct or right.

“It has been discovered that there are a lot of reasons associated with women and girls

having unsafe abortions and we discovered that stigma is a major factor.

“They prefer to visit quack doctors or inexperienced doctors whom they feel can help to hide their ‘shame’ and save them from societal stigma.

“And it has been discovered that even where there are centres for safe abortions, the different stakeholders influence the service provision and even the access to such.

“This means that the stakeholders act upon cultural and religious values, beliefs and biases and which are at times contrary to women’s needs and rights,” Kelani-Adams said.

She said the root causes of stigma must be addressed to

convince people on why reevaluation was needed.

“We must address the real causes of stigma, if we really want to have a change in attitude towards abortion.

“This is because, in most cases, it appears to be the best choice to be taken when the situation arises.

“So, it has been agreed that Value Clarification and Attitude Transformation (VCAT) must take place to achieve this.

“VCAT is a process conducted in a safe environment in which individuals take responsibility to engage in honest, open-minded and critical reflection.

“The reflection will be an evaluation of new or reframed information and situations involving abortions.

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

Business + Economy Use Of Farm Sprayers

Ministry Trains 240 Farmers

Chairman, Borno Special Emergency Relief Committee, Dr. Bulama Gubio (left) presenting cash donation to Col. John Ekperare.

ILORIN- The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Kwara said it trained 240 youths on use of farm sprayers for weeding and pest control.

The Director of the ministry in the state, Mr Adebisi Buhari, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.

Buhari said that the beneficiaries were drawn from the 16 local government areas by the state Agricultural Development Project office, FADAMA and Maize Growers’ Association of Nigeria.

He said that the beneficiaries would be given one free sprayer each at the end of the training.

The director said the training would expose them to precautions on the use of sprayer to prevent injuries and

Experts Want FG To Check Tax Disparity ABUJA- Some tax experts have urged the Federal Government to harmonise the existing tax laws to check disparities in taxes being paid by local and foreign companies.

The reports state that under the existing tax regime, indigenous companies are taxed on all their incomes, while the foreign companies are taxed only on their Nigeria-sourced income.

The experts told newsmen in

separate interviews that the existing tax regime placed the local companies at a disadvantage.

According to them, the imbalance also included tax evasion by expatriates who circumvent the residency laws on tax payment.

One of the experts, Mr Thomas Achimugu, said that the

existing tax regime in the country should be reviewed to promote healthy competition among companies in the country.

Achimugu decried the existing situation where Nigerian companies paid more tax than foreign firms, including the multinationals.

He said that the preference being enjoyed by foreign companies could discourage local businesses.

Mr Adakwu Ochigbo, another tax consultant, said that aside from the discriminating tax laws, most foreign companies had planned the entry of their expatriates in a way to evade taxes as residents.

“This is not healthy for the country that has huge deficit in tax collection.

that crops would not be destroyed through misuse of chemicals.

He said that the training was to empower the youth to help farmers and themselves to spray their farms.

“We want to gather young people, train them on the use of sprayers, especially for weeds and other pest control.

“We are targeting the youth because at the end of the day we

Nigeria To Grow Domestic Gas Consumption ABUJA- The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said it had put structures in place to grow the domestic gas consumption from 1.71 billion cubic feet to 5.4 billion per day by 2019.

The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mr Andrew Yakubu, disclosed this at the 2014 Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition in Abuja.

According to him, the prevailing gas infrastructure component of the Gas Master plan is designed to increase domestic gas consumption three fold to 5.4 bcf per day by 2019.

He said that the country’s reserves stood at 36 billion barrels of oil and about 182 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas and produced an average of 2.2

Education Funding Rises To N433bn - FG ABUJA- Dr Bright Okogu, the Director General in the Budget Office of the Federation, says funding of the education sector has risen from N189 billion in 2007 to N432.76 billion in 2013.

Okogu disclosed this in Abuja at the 20th Nigerian Economic Summit with the theme “Transforming Education Through Partnership for Global Competitiveness”.

“Allocation to education sector grew from about N1. 8 billion in

1991 to N65.4 billion 2001, it climbed to N189 billion in 2007 and then to N432.76 billion in 2013,” he said.

He said that the allocation excluded provisions to the Universal Basic Education Fund (UBEC), Tertiary Institution Trust Fund (TETFUND) and Petroleum Development Trust Fund (PDTF).

Okogu, who was one of the panelist on the topic ‘Funding Education: Our shared Responsibility’, said that in

ABUJA- The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, has said that Nigeria could no longer sustain payment of subsidy to oil marketers.

She said that there was the need to deregulate the downstream oil sector to attract investors.

Alison-Madueke made the observation at the ongoing Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja.

She said that in considering the deregulation of the downstream sector, government must strike a balance in implementing some of its policies to meet the needs of Nigerians.

According to her, subsidy

payable to marketers on imported refined petroleum products cannot be sustained.

“Now that reforms in power sector are underway, the next focus should be reforms in the downstream sub-sector.

“The continued regulation of the downstream sector has its positive and negative impact on the economy, but the negative effect is more than the positive.

“The subsidy policy cannot be sustained any longer.

“This is because the subsidy payment did not benefit the poor it was targeting, but rather it is benefiting the rich.

“The industry needs to move to next level by increasing revenue and curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism,’’ she said.

Fuel Subsidy Unsustainable - Minister

funding the sector considerations should be made to the number of schools and student enrolment.

He said that fewer schools and lower student enrolment prior to the 1980s made funding per head relatively higher compared with the current scenario.

The director general said also that the sector was largely financed by the public sector in the 80s, adding that at the current administration had continued to increase allocation to the sector in spite revenue challenges.

He also said that free education

at the early stage of the nation’s education development was feasible, but might be clearly impossible now.

Okogu, said that this impossibility could be attributed to the increase in the number of schools and students intakes.

On Tuition fees and education subsidy, he said that current system of funding indicated that government was subsidising education, especially at the tertiary level.

“Tuition fee is as low as N16, 000 per session and N50, 000 at its peak for some federal

want them to form a spraying association.

“We expect that when they get back to their locality, they will form gangs, maybe about three or four of them would come together. Anytime they find a job, they go together to do the spraying.

“By that, they are partially engaged and they can also use it on their own farms and we are giving them the sprayer free after the training,’’ he said.

universities.

“At state level it averages about N100, 000 per session.

“This subsidy in education is not rational as some people who oppose increase in tuition fee are willing to pay higher for education in private schools,” he said.

Okogu suggested innovative collaboration for funding education in Nigeria.

He also suggested that cost of education should be shared between government and parents, stressing that the alumni window must be used as practised in advanced countries.

Chairman, Borno Special Emergency Relief Committee, Dr. Bulama Gubio (middle), presenting relief materials to victims of unknown gunmen attacks on Giwa Barracks at the Wadia Community in Maiduguri recently. Left is the village Head, Malam Mala Modu.

million barrels of oil per day in 2013.

“In Africa, only Libya has more oil reserves than Nigeria and despite new discoveries in Sub Saharan Africa, especially in Mozambique, Nigeria still has undiscovered gas potential of about 600 tcf,” he said Yakubu said that the discovery of the Ogo field in 2013 with reserves of about 750 million barrels showed that the Nigerian Delta remained one of the most prospective areas in the world.

He said that the availability of production allowances would also provide a welcome boost for small fields and profitability would increase in the proposed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) currently before the National Assembly.

“Nigeria’s quest to grow its reserves is promoted in the PIB,”.

This, he said, was done through a robust acreage management system to be superintended by the Upstream Petroleum Inspectorate involving the release of acreage that had been held without activity.

Yakubu said that in the new exploration paradigm shift, reserves and production decline from existing fields were driving the leading oil and gas companies to formulate new strategies and partnerships.

He said that the likes of Afren had recently discovered large quantities of resources in the West Offshore Lagos (Ogo Fields).

Yakubu said that global rationalisation of asset portfolio

by International Oil Companies (IOCs) had led to divestment of some Nigerian onshore blocks.

He said that this had in turn created opportunities for new companies to partner indigenous companies.

“For example, the Shell divested blocks, which were initially being funded from joint venture cash call is now being funded by new investors.

“This has freed the government from the burden of annual cash call funding.

“In the case of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, the onus is now on the company to arrange funding for the acquired equity,” he said.

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

Religion

Idolatry In Christianity AND YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE - JOHN 8:32 IDOLATRY is a terrible sin and it is the greatest sin God hates. God made conscious efforts to bring His people out of Egypt because Egypt was full of idols Exodus 20:2-5. For this reason He gave them commandment not to make any image or worship them.

The greatest sins plaguing the church today is idolatry.

Satan seeks to be worshipped and so he makes every child of God to unconsciously worship him by subtly bringing idolatry into the lives of Christians. Idolatry is very dangerous to the soul. We therefore need the Holy Spirit to guide us and to reveal to us every shade of idolatry in our lives and in the Christianity.

Iconolatry as we said before means the sentimental reverence or adoration given to graven or carved or printed images of loved ones whether dead or alive; or the sentimental reverence given to “sacred relics” of dead saints or the relics of the dead in general. Apart from Iconolatry mentioned above, Relicolatry and Necrolatry are other variants of Idolatry.

Relicolatry is the sentimental “admiration” or reverence or worship giving to things left behind, by dead saints or dead relatives, preserved as souvenirs or memento. It could also be the clothes or shoes worn by them, when they were alive. It could also be the “Sepulchers” or tombs, where such people or such saints of God, are buried. The so-called “holy” pilgrimage to Israel is nothing but idolatry, the practice of Relicolatry.

Some Religious worshippers have the erroneous believe that they can receive power from such relics hidden inside the altar stones or pulpit. To deliver Israel from the practice of Relicolatry, God Himself, had to bury Moses, where no man could identify the sepulcher of Moses, otherwise the Israelites and even Christians worldwide, would have been going on a yearly “holy” pilgrimage to the sepulcher of Moses-. “So, Moses the Servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: BUT NO MAN KNOWETH OF HIS SEPULCHER UNTO THIS DAY” Deuteronomy 34:56. Moreover in John.4:21-24, Jesus specifically declared that the worship of God does not depend on a particular place or mountain but that the true worshippers must worship God in spirit and in truth wherever they are because God is a Spirit.

God commands an utter destruction of all idols, graven or carved; some Kings obeyed this command one of whom is King Asa, who was commended by God, because he, like his father king David destroyed all the idols that his forefather had made in Jerusalem. There were other kings like Asa that removed all idols from their domains, and the God of heaven and earth was pleased with them “And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD as did David, his father. And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his father had made. And also Maachah his mother, even her, he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol and burnt it by the brook Kidron”.

– 1kings 15:11-13. It is clear that God is pleased with those who destroyed idols in their domains, because He is a jealous God, and has commanded in Exodus.20:3; “ THOU SHALT HAVE NO OTHER gods (idols ) before me”. God made the world and all the things therein. He is the LORD of heaven and earth,

and does not dwell in temples made with hands. He gives life, and breath to all men and to all things. Men are supposed to be the off- spring of God, and we should not think that the Godhead is like gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device – Acts.17:24-26.

These idols, either graven or carved images, are vanities, lifeless objects, which cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good. God commands all men not to fear them – Jeremiah.10:5.

Necrolatry is another branch of idolatry that gives reverence or extreme love or honour to dead the bodies of our loved ones. Dead bodies are nothing, but “dust”.

The real person is gone out of that dead person, into eternity either in hell or in heaven. Luke 16: 19-26 The practice of Necrolatry features mostly in burials even among Christians. From what Jesus said, to one of His converts in Luke 9:59-60, “and he said unto

God of truth to serve other gods, are carried by demons to hell Luke 16:22-23. How does God want His children to be buried? The way children of God are to be buried, or the kind of burial approved

by God is as laid down by God’s own manner of burial of Moses, which was done by God Himself.

The second example is that of Jesus, who is a perfect example for Christians to follow. The two men that buried Jesus were His

Olu George

another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God”. It is clear that the children of God are not supposed to partake of the mode of the burials of the heathens, because it will not glorify God. God regards those heathen and the unbelieving as wicked people, and as the “dead” in the society. Why? Because they have forsaken the True God, and have not kept the word of God, which forbids the tradition and customs of the land.

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” Psalm 9:17. The manner of their burials will be according to the world or according to the tradition and customs of the elders. And God has warned all His children not to be unequally yoked with them in whatever they do, especially in the way they do their burials, which is according to the traditions, that transgress the word of God Matthew 15:3. The soul and spirit of children of God, after death are carried by angels of God to heaven, while the soul and spirit of unbelievers, idolaters, the wicked in the society, and those who have forsaken the

secret disciples; one of them was a very rich man, and yet, he buried his Master Jesus, who is God Himself in a simple way Matthew 27:57-60.

Though a rich man, Joseph of Arimathaea, who buried Jesus did not bury Jesus in a flamboyant way as the world will bury nowadays.

There was no banqueting or feasting. There was no service of songs. There was no officiating priest at the burial talk less of reading of bible lessons; neither was there any grave-side oration, et cetera. Those who say they are Christians, and are

friends of the world and who entangle themselves in worldly burial ceremonies are the enemies of God according to the enemies of God James 4:4. They will finally find themselves in hell if they do not repent. It does not matter who they are, be they Apostles or Bishops. God is no respecter of persons Isaiah 5:11-15. The word of God says “Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play” I Corinthians 10:7.

Other biblical examples of burials can be found in Matthew 14: 12, the burial of John the Baptist, and in Acts 8:7, the burial of Stephen all in accordance with the simplicity in the burial of our Saviour Jesus Christ. In all these burials, no mourning with black clothes, no Asoebi, No spraying of money, no putting of dust (sand ), that is, no dust to dust ceremonial rite at the grave.

The scripture says “It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.

Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth” Ecclesiastes 7:2-4. From this scripture it is obvious therefore that only fools go to burials were there is merriment or feasting. And God says, He has no pleasure in fools, because they make a mockery of sin, they eat the sacrifices of the dead and they die for want of wisdom Ecclesiastes 5:4; Proverbs 10:21. Psalm 106:28 All heaven-bound Christians are commands to come out from among these unbelievers and be separate

from them and not to touch their unclean idolatrous practices. II Corinthians 6:17-18.

Courtesy Rev. Olu George Christian Gospel Church (The Truth Centre)

THE NIGERIAN

12 THE Federal Government says 86 persons out of 1, 623 reportedly infected by the cholera outbreak in some parts of the country have died. As its response, the Federal Government directed the Nigeria Centre for disease Control to immediately coordinate all its response activities and report to the ministry of health daily on both the patterns of occurrence. The Federal Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, in a statement by his Special Assistant (Media and Communications), Mr. Dan Nwomeh, directed all federal health facilities in the country to provide free services to cholera patients.

AS at the last checks, the cholera outbreak has affected a number of states including Ogun, Oyo, Plateau, Zamfara, Nasarawa and Lagos with fears of possible spread to other parts of the country. There is also gastroenteritis outbreak in Sokoto and Katsina states which have not been confirmed to be cholera.

WE are alarmed at the sudden outbreak of cholera in the country and the fast rate of its spread. The death toll is also disturbing because it show the parlous state of our attention to basic hygienic practices in the country.

IT is shameful that while other countries in sub-Saharan Africa are making progress in meeting the Millennium Development Goal on Sanitation, Nigeria is off track. Also shameful is the fact that Nigeria is off track in meeting the Millennium Development Goal for Water.

Cholera, as we all know from basic science or hygiene is a water-borne disease. It is sad that in spite of billions of dollars earned from crude oil since its discovery in commercial quantity in 1958, access to potable water is still a mirage to many citizens as 42 per cent of Nigerians still take water from unwholesome sources.

WE also decry a situation where the Federal Government still saddle itself with provision

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014 THE NIGERIAN

Curbing The Spread Of Cholera of water to Nigerians, a responsibility it ought to have devolved over the years to the States and Local Governments, which are the tiers of government closest to ordinary citizens.

ALSO, owing to the failure of government to provide potable water to its citizens, many resort to self help with poor regulation of the sector by government whose responsibility it is to regulate the sector. Many boreholes are located near sewage and pits while a good number are located near graves in residential premises. Some citizens as a result are practically drinking their faeces. These situations predispose citizens to water- borne diseases such as the cholera epidemics that is ravaging parts of the country.

IN some parts of South-West of Nigeria, human faeces and wastes are exposed close to sources of drinking water in such a way that the outbreak of cholera is as good as a time bomb waiting to explode.

WE therefore call on governments at all levels to rise up to their responsibility of providing safe drinking water to Nigerians and take steps to regulate the sector in such as way that private persons involved in water provision for self-use comply with international best practices.

WE urge governments of affected states to take a cue from the federal government by ordering free medical services to all cholera

patients in secondary and primary health institutions across the country.

AS the nation is currently undergoing the process of amending the 1999 constitution, or producing a brand new constitution as being demanded by Nigerians from the national dialogue advisory committee, we urge the law makers and conference participants to make access to water and sanitation a right for all Nigerians. It should be expressly stated in the constitution. This is, more so, when a number of International instruments and convention exists governing the right to water and sanitation. However, governments of all countries need to domesticate these instruments for the rights of citizens to be assured.

ON 30 September 2010, the UN Human Rights Council affirmed for the first time that the human right to water and sanitation is legally binding. Nigerian authorities need to guarantee this right for all citizens. The right to water and sanitation is derived from the right to adequate standard of living, which is recognised in several international treaties. These include the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) to which 160 States are party, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which has reached nearly universal ratification.

IT is instructive to note that the Council’s resolution helps those denied the right to water and sanitation to hold governments to account. It is for these reasons we call on Civil society and those at risk to actively claim this right from duty bearers. The Society for Water and Sanitation, NEWSAN, Nigeria’s umbrella body for Civil Society Organisations working in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector to rise up to the occasion by holding government to account and ensuring that Nigeria moves speedily in guaranteeing the rights of all citizens to WASH.

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

Voice Of

Islam

Every Friday With Mallam Abdulfattah Enabulele Chief Imam of Benin KARL Marx said so. The communist propagandists in the Islamic Orient have not only faithfully repeated this fallacy ever since but they even have attempted to apply it to Islam as well.

It might well be said that Karl Marx and other communist pioneers, in view of the peculiar circumstances prevailing in Europe at the time, had at least an excuse for revolting against their religion and churchmen. At that time feudalism played a most monstrous role in Europe and particularly in Russia where thousands of people were starved to death every year and millions of people died of consumption and other diseases while cold killed an equal number of people every winter.

But the feudal lords still wallowed in the blood of the working people and led a life of licentious luxury enjoying all imaginable kinds of pleasures.

But if the working people ever thought of protesting or even tried to feel the gross injustice to which they were subjected, the clergy would hastily tell them: “Whoever beats you on your right cheek turn the left cheek for him; whoever takes a part of your garment give him the rest of your clothes.”

The churchmen stupefied the people and tried to divert them from the path of revolution by administering to them dopes of promises of an eternal heaven and paradise where those who bear (endure) injustice in this world will live for ever in comfort and pleasure.

If church promises did not work, they would resort to threatening, saying that he who disobeys his feudal lord disobeys “God,” the church and the churchmen. It should be remembered that at the time the church itself was the greatest of all feudal lords, with millions of serfs working on its estates.

Therefore, it was only natural for the church to join forces with the Tzar and the nobility (class) against the hard-working people. They all belonged to the same camp and knew full well that if revolution broke out it would spare no blood sucker whether he was a nobleman or a churchman.

When both promising and menacing did not work, force was resorted to and punishment was inflicted on the rebels for rebelling against God and religion. That is why religion was regarded as the real enemy of the people there. Hence the remark of Karl Marx: “Religion is the opium of the people.”

The communists in the Islamic Orient refer only to the behaviour of professional “men of religion” and to how they ingratiate themselves with the rulers at the expense of the hard workers and try to induce them to bear humiliation and injustice by promising them an eternal paradise which will be the recompense of the patient. By such promises “men of religion” try to dope the sensitivity of the hard workers so that criminal blood-suckers may safely enjoy themselves.

The communists also refer to some of Al-Azhar men who used to kiss the hands of kings and interpret the provisions of the glorious Qur’an to their satisfaction and falsify the spirit and principles of Islam in order to establish the power of the rulers and prevent the hard working people from revolting against them by warning them that they would be committing a rebellion against the word of God.which required obedience to the rulers.

All this may have been true; but were such professional men of religion really acting in accordance with the word of Allah, the principles of the Islamic faith Or did they act in a way that served their personal and selfish interest?

The fact is that such professional men of religion were acting against the word of Allah and the principles of Islam. Their case is similar to that of the impious poets, writers and journalists of today who would gladly wallow in dirt if they are sure to obtain thereby some transient though forbidden pleasure. But the crime of such “men of religion” is nonetheless far greater and more monstrous than that of the impious poets, writers and journalists because the men of religion are supposed to guard the word of Allah, and to know the essence of religion more than any one else. They are supposed to realize the reality of their own attitude when they falsify the word of Allah for a worthless price.

Before proceeding further I would, however, like to stress

Is Religion Truly The Opium Of The People? (1) the fact that these are no “men of religion” as such in Islam and that what they say is not binding on Islam. The misfortune of Islamic people, in fact, sprang up from their ignorance of their own religion.

The false accusation that Islam discourages the rebellion of the working people against oppression is best refuted by the fact that the movement which deposed the ex-king of Egypt was, to start with, essentially a religious movement.

It should also be mentioned that all the liberation movements in the Islamic East were inspired by Islam. The resistance of the Egyptian people against French occupation was led by Muslim scholars (Ulama). The rebellion against the injustice of Muhammad Ali was advocated by a religious leader, Omar Makram. The rebellion against the British occuption of Sudan was led by Al-Mahdi, still another religious leader. The rebellion against the Italians in Libya and the French in Morocco as well as the Kasháni Revolution against the British occupation, all these were rebellions inspired by and launched in the name of Islam. Every rebellion in the Islamic East contains evidence to show that Islam is a great liberating force directed against all forms of injustice and humiliation.

Communist propagandists often refer to certain verses of the Holy Qur’an from which they try to extort evidence that Islam calls people to bear patiently all kinds of injustice and humiliation. They refer to this verse: (And do not covet that by which Allah has made some of you excel others...)

(Qur’an 4: 32) And to the following verse: (Nor strain your eyes in longing for the thing We have given for enjoyment to parties of them, the splendour of the life of this world, through which We test them, but the provision of your Rabb is better and more enduring.)

(Qur’an 20: 131) Interpreters of the Holy Qur’an say that the former verse was revealed when a woman asked: “Why are men privileged with the obligation of fighting in Allah’s way while women are deprived of such a privilege?” According to another and more generally accepted interpretation, this verse forbids empty longings that are unaccompanied by practical effort: such longings are apt to make man envious, which represents a morbid state of mind and feelings without any material gains which humanity may benefit from. This verse exhorts the people to do acts which might gain for them merit and honour instead of merely building castles in the air, desiring benefits but not prone to put in any effort for their realization material considerations and should not covet or think highly of others simply because they happen to enjoy material prosperity. The verse is believed to have been originally addressed to the Prophet (to belittle the unfaithful who had been endowed with plenty of materialistic pleasures. The Prophet (is more elevated than such people because he has right and truth on his side.

Nevertheless, let us suppose, for the sake of sheer argument, that these verses advocate contentment with what we have, forbidding to long for what others have. But the question is as to when should such an injunction be put into effect? When

should it be complied with?

In this connection it may be pointed out that Islam should either be adopted and applied as a whole or wholly abandoned. As a system of life it can bear fruit only if all its commands and its instructions are followed and complied with in total. This call on the poor and the deprived ever to be patient and refrain from longing for what the rich people have been given and not to envy them is only one side of the picture. On the other hand, there is another call on the rich people to be selfless and spend their money in the way of Allah (and on the poor.

They are threatened with great punishment in the hereafter in case they should in this world stoop to hateful selfishness. If we view the question on this basis, the scales of the balance seem to be in perfect equilibrium.

On the one hand, there is the invitation to spend selflessly and, on the other, the invitation to purify the spirit from envy and malice and not to humiliate oneself by coveting what others have been given. In this way Islam makes the community live in spiritual peace which is fully in keeping with the economic justice that demands that wealth should be evenly and fairly distributed among the people without making some people live in luxury or leaving others to suffer starvation. When a society adopts the principles of Islam there will be neither injustice nor economic deprivation which the oppressed are called on to accept and bear in non-Islamic communities.

But where the rich people do not fulfil their obligations of

spending their money in the way of Allah ( or to serve the public interest, who would call on the poor and the deprived to accept and bear their deprivation? Surely Islam would not do such a thing. On the contrary, Islam threatens with ill fate in this world as well as in the Hereafter all those who submit to injustice or forbear from resisting it.

Says the Holy Qur’an: Verily! As for those whom the angels take death while they are wronging themselves.

They stayed among the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatory for them, they say them: “In what were you?” They reply: “We were weak and oppressed on the earth.” They say: “Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?” Such men will find their abode in Hell — What an evil destination! Except the weak ones among men, women and children who cannot devise a plan, nor are they able to direct their way.

These are they whom Allah is likely to forgive them, and Allah is Ever oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving. (Qur’an 4:9799).

It is an unforgivable crime to submit to injustice on the excuse that one is weak or oppressed on earth. The Qur’an used this term, selfoppressors or sinners against their own souls, in describing people who accept a position less than the honourable one which Allah wants all people to enjoy and calls on them to work with all their might for its achievement.

The call for migration from places where Islam was being persecuted was revealed on a specific occasion, for migration is not the only means of fighting against injustice. There are many other ways of resisting and struggling against injustice: What I want to stress here is that Islam deems it very horrible to bear injustice patiently. Even those who are really very weak and oppressed and have no means in their power nor a guiding post to direct their way have seen in the above verse were promised only a prayer or wish for forgiveness, and not a guaranteed forgiveness, though their excuse is clear and their weakness is real. The verse does not mean that Allah (would not forgive such weak and oppressed people - as Allah (would not do injustice to His creatures – but stresses the fact that no one with even an iota of strength should forbear struggling against injustice.

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Insight WHEN a man and a woman becomes husband and wife, the next thing people expect is children from the union which they see as the sign of fruitfulness of the marriage and when it’s not forth coming pressure begins to mount especially on the woman which is later transferred to the husband and the entire family become confused and if not properly handled can lead to the end of such union.

In African society especially in Nigeria, children are seen as the sign and the blessing of a successful marriage and when this is lacking in any union it is seen as a failed marriage and it has brought many union to unceremonious end, for childlessness is not tolerated in the African society.

When a man and a woman becomes one, it is expected that children follow such union except when the couple chose not to start having children but if not and they have been having intercourse and yet no result then there is a problem medically. In medical palace, such a situation can be traced to infertility.

Talking about infertility, Wikipedia define it as the biological inability of a person to contribute to Fertilization”conception.

Infertility may also refer to the state of a woman who is unable to carry a pregnancy to full term.

There are many biological causes of infertility, including some that medical intervention can treat. Infertility has increased by 4 percent since the 1980s, mostly from problems with \o

“Fecundity”fecundity due to an increase in age.

About 40 percent of the issues involved with infertility are due to the man, another 40 percent due to the woman, and 20 percent result from complications with both partners.

Women who are fertile experience a natural period of fertility before and during Ovulation”ovulation, and they are naturally infertile during the rest of the \o “ M e n s t r u a l cycle”menstrual cycle.

Fertility awareness Fertility awareness methods are used to discern when these changes occur by tracking changes in cervical mucus or Basal body temperature”basal body temperature.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines infertility as the inability to conceive a child. A couple may be considered infertile if, after two years of regular sexual intercourse, without contraception, the woman has not become pregnant (and there is no other reason, such as breastfeeding or postpartum \o “Amenorrhoea”amenorrhea).

Primary infertility is infertility in a couple who have never had a child.

Secondary infertility is failure to conceive following a previous pregnancy. Infertility may be caused by infection in the man or woman, but often there is no obvious underlying cause.

Infertility can be the major cause of childlessness in marriages across the world. The problems of infertility can either be from the man or

Infertility: Assisted Concepti the woman. It is a major problem in Africa but same can’t be said of the western world because of their culture which doesn’t lay emphases on children in matrimony. It is equally lesser also due to advancement in technology.

Before you treat the problem of infertility, you must first diagnose it and the instrument of carrying out this test is not available and if it is, it is very expensive out of the reach of the common man facing this problem. Treating infertility is a very expensive exercise and involves a lot of activities which must be done abroad and also now in Nigeria. If you are poor and can’t even afford three square meals a day and you are facing these challenges in Africa, then you have no option than to accept your faith and live on.

The problem of infertility has been greatly attended to in Nigeria since 1989 by an Edo born professor of gynacology and obstetrics supported

by WHO and the effort has yielded result as several breakthroughs has been recorded through the available conception technology with several In-vitro fertilization (IVF) conception and delivery here in Benin city Nigeria.

Who is this said professor?

He is Professor Augustine A l e n e z e l a Enowoghomwenma Orhue.

Professor Augustine A l e n e z e l a Enowoghomwenma Orhue is a medical

graduate of the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI), trained as Obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in 1975 to 1978.

He was once the senior Registrar in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department UBTH Benin City. Professor Orhue was once the Principle Officer of the University of Benin with the job as Administrator Ekehuan Campus of the University of Benin. He is an author of many journals, speaker in numerous workshops and seminars both at home and abroad.

Member of several organizations and bodies and has received a lot of awards for his contributions to improve the lives of people troubled with infertility.

He is well travelled and an expert in geanacology and obstetrics, Professor Orhue recently planted his foot-print on the sand of time in the history of infertility treatment at the UBTH and Nigeria as a whole when he led a team of doctors to perform the first ever in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer as treatment for infertility in almost 40 years history of the existence of the UBTH. This was the second in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer to be performed in a public funded hospital in Nigeria and the good pregnancy outcome of this treatment which now has involved over 900 couples has been sustained in the last 5

“The problem of infertility has been greatly attended to in Nigeria since 1989 by an Edo born professor of gynacology and obstetrics supported by WHO and the effort has yielded result as several breakthroughs has been recorded through the available conception technology with several In-vitro fertilization (IVF) conception and delivery here in Benin city Nigeria. Who is this said professor? He is Professor Augustine Alenezela Enowoghomwenma Orhue.”

By ONYENWELI ME

years at the dedicated infertility programme in UBTH which he established in 1989 with a WHO research grant award.

A professor of Gynaecology, Professor Orhue headed a new subspecialty which is called Infertility and Assisted Conception Technology (IACT) in UBTH. “By

said Assisted Conception Technology has come to rescue childless couple from infertility. “In this part of the world, marriages are contracted without the consent of both partners but it is seen as an instrument that bridge families together as such families come

bible a rew Chil seen wom wom from infe prob must urgen

God’s grace and His glory, I founded this academic unit with the support of WHO back in 1989.

Recently, the Unit is the talk of the town due to the breakthrough made in the Conception Technology with the first IVF conception and delivery in this hospital. Since then we have not looked back but advancing the cause of the Unit and the field of fertilization”.

Marriage in the African setting is consummated and procure exclusively for the purpose of producing babies unlike in Europe which have different purpose for marriage. Professor Orhue

together to give their children out to strengthen their relationship without considering the opinion of those involved. These strange births (husband and wife) come to know each other through the march making of their family and sometimes may not love themselves, when this becomes the case; the offspring becomes the joy of such couple especially the woman”.

“Childlessness in the African setting is seen as a shame and a disease that need to be avoided through all means. It is an abominable disease in our community and also in the

it bre “W ago to probl Niger years quota the tr you c in gy and certa bearin the il so be high wom held infert

Profe the s wom

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

Insight

ion Technology To The Rescue

ERCY

e where it is said to be ward for your past sin. dlessness is always as the problem of the man not the man. The men get all the bashing m the family, I tell you, rtility is a serious blem in Africa which t be treated with the ncy it deserved before

eaks more homes”.

We came in some years o assist if not solve the lem of infertility in ria. We have over the s contributed our own a to fight and reduced rend in the nation. If count 10 consultations yneacology in Nigeria Edo state, it will ainly be for child ng. The prevalence of llness is high, this is ecause the pressure is on the woman, men till date are still responsible for tility”.

Speaking further, essor Orhue frown at societal believe that men are the cause of

infertility when the problem may be from either partners. “In my 4 decades of practice in gyneacology , women are more aggrieved and even when it is obvious the man is the one with the problem, the woman will bear it to save her home and husband from shame or embarrassment. She protects the man from his

family and the society, risking her own image”.

The practice of gyneacology according to Professor Orhue is loaded with a lot ethical issues. We carry out our consultation with both partners to ascertain where the problem is coming from. It is quite challenging and challenge younger doctors are not prepared for, you must have the passion for it to be able to meet the many challenges that come with solving the problems. Many people are doctors, many practices gyneacology but not all have the

knowledge.

“I am a servant of the people, put here to bring happiness to families faced with infertility problem. Touching lives of families with the knowledge given to me by my creator. In the last 38 years of my practice, I have not gone on

sabbatical leave. I share the faith to stick with the sick, treat them and make them whole and clean again through the help of God Almighty. In December 1989, we are 11 consultant but by June 1990, I was the only consultant in this department for seven

years. I thank God for the strength to remain relevant and solving the infertility problems breaking homes in the country, I want to be remembered for the knowledge I shared to put smiles on the faces of peoples. I have also over the years trained several gynaecology that are now

relevant and contributing their quota to the development of the society, among them today is my deputy in the IVF programme. If God asked me what I did with the talent he gave me, I have an account to show.

I am like the man with seven talents and I traded with them and have something to show for my trading”.

Anxiety In Relationship ANXIETY is a wily reactive afflictions, it can be described as “a feeling of nervousness or worry about something”. Have you ever felt nervous when confronted by an angry dog? How will you feel when the dog goes away?

The nervousness and worry do also, don’t they? What then is Anxiety in relationship?

Anxiety in relationship refers to whatever that could create emotional instability in their dealings.

It becomes chronic when it continues even after there is no more need to feel anxious. Anxiety can cause a strong damage when it is not well restrained.

However, Anxiety can arrive mysteriously like a sudden fog on a clear day and can hang on far too long. The feeling can be seriously unpleasant with tightness in chest muscles and almost nauseating fearfulness. It also impede performance, it’s definitely a feeling that most people wants to get rid of as soon as possible.

People who suffer from Anxiety often have trouble within their personal relationships, according to Anxiety Disorder Association of America (ADAA). The good news, however, is that as the

By MBA P. NGOZI

anxiety was treated, the relationships improved.

In a survey completed by ADAA over 1,000 people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) were questioned of the role anxiety played in their relationships.

Although anxiety has impacted all relationships including those with children and co-workers, the survey showed romantic relationships being impacted on a greater scale.

Anxiety can undermine relationships if it blocks you for interacting together about sensitive relationship issues. Fortunately, the better you skills for communicating as a couple the more likely that confidence will replace your difference about relationship issues that need fixing. So, the most common causes for anxiety is “distance”. Distance among partners affects their relationships and most times causes anxiety.

This includes both a physical connection and a loss of communication, anxiety in one partner can easily carry over to the other, creating something like a vicious circle where each partner’s behaviour

increases the anxiety of the other. This can lead to the physical and emotional pain.

However, another causes of anxiety in a relationship is “frequent worry” Anxiety is most often characterized by extreme or constant worry. This worry is often unsubstantiated, but, even so, the persons with anxiety cannot stop. When worry finds it’s way into a relationship, it can appear as jealousy or suspicion.

You may know your partner is faithful but may continue to worry about what would happen if he or she were not faithful. This can lead to questioning your partner unnecessarily or feeling as if your partner doesn’t care or the anxiety sufferer needing constant reassurance. Both partners can end up feeling frustrated and angry.

More so, another cause of anxiety is “panic of publics”. Attending social functions and getting together for family events are normal part of being in a relationship. When one partner is fearful of being in public, in crowded place or has begun to avoid getting together with other people, it can place a large

strain on the relationship.

How To Help Partners – Comfort one another Always try to listen to one another, even when one is hot the other should try as much as possible to confront he or she; get what the issue is before you can react on the issue.

It may help you to understand better what the problem is.

Be honest about the relationship – There is a saying which says that actions speaks louder than words. If you’re insecure because of how your partner is acting towards you, then, that’s something to explore. Sometimes there can be a legitimate reason for why we’re feeling a certain way.

Learn more about each other – when a relationship is enacted, it is adviseable for the both partners to learn more about themselves, also know both weakness and strength.

Be supportive – If anxiety has disrupted a relationship, one partner need to remind the other that they should go for counseling or individual counseling to seek for proper solution to the problem.

“Be honest about the relationship – There is a saying which says that actions speaks louder than words. If you’re insecure because of how your partner is acting towards you, then, that’s something to explore.”

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

Art Alive

With Francis Odupute

The Bida Bead Heritage

ART as a way of life is proved true by the people of Bida, an ancient town in Niger State, Southern Nigerian. Bida is the headquarters of the Nupe tribe, a prehistoric town known or famous for its historic heritage and excellence in traditional crafts. Over the years, Bida has been celebrated for its traditional arts and crafts. It thrives in its uniqueness with crafts like bead-making and its history dates back in time.

Over the years, this their skill of bead-making which has existed for many decades now has turned the Bida Community into a tourist destination. But this could be improved upon in order for the craft in particular to meet international standards in order for it to become a major source of income for the country.

I will not be doubted if I say that creativity runs in the blood of the Bida people.

This is due to the fact that many of them have become custodians of varying ancient crafts ranging from pottery to metals and beads among others. One notable thing that sounds interesting is that these are guarded jealously to the extent that there are certain myths about the making of the crafts. For instance, it is believed that bead makers in particular do not allow their family members and others who also put others thru by way of training to go out and establish their own business outside their vicinity. This belief is serious to the extent that defaulters are said to face many consequencies like winding up, falling sick and other unpleasant encounters that will make them return to Bida to establish there. Well, one may say this is an ordinary myth. But someone who is from Bida has confirmed it herself that there are records of such cases, with some paying even the ultimate price. I believe you understand what that means.

According to her, some years ago a Kenya woman went back to Kenya to establish her own after learning the trade in Bida but the woman died not long after her return to Kenya.

And the Bida people attribute her death to the

mystery of Bida beadmaking.

Bead – making in Bida is a unique heritage with all kinds of myths surrounding this skillful practice. Some families specialize in glass

beads and they produce and sell their crafts where they live.

Affirming that it is not just a myth, she spoke and interpreted in her native tongue that the mysterious phenomenon had existed even before her birth. She said: “I did not start today, it has been like this even before me. People are not allowed to establish outside this place.

Even if they establish elsewhere around the town their business would fold up until they come back and establish here. This is not just for the people who come from outside Bida to learn but for our children as well.”

So people come from within and across the country to learn the art of glass beadmaking but according to do something tangible or reasonable with the skill they have acquired because of establishing outside Bida.

When asked the reason why this happens, she said she does not even know why but that it has always been like that. This mysterious consequences befalling

By MARY YOUNG

people are also specialists in glass bead. So even before the advent of technology, they were already producing their own bottles traditionally known as Bikini in Nupe.

They make this in different

colours and shapes and sizes.

They make your order or request according to what you want. The Bida people depend on these different crafts of theirs for earning a living.

They also pass it on to their children who also in turn do likewise to their own children. The Bida people do not have to depend on oil to make ends meet. They are already empowered by their artistic skills. All they need is assistance to boost them up, because they must be having some financial problems. Government should look into their challenges and come to their aid because the glass beadmaking can become an industry. The market is a large one and their beads are unique. Government should look into these areas of arts and divert away a little from oil because Nigeria is blessed with so many things that can move her forward apart from oil. That industry can become one of the biggest employers of labour if government invests there. Empower the artist and reduce unemployment in Nigeria. It is a wise thing to do.

outsiders who come to them to learn this their trade and to establish outside Bida, makes them confident that their ancestors are trying to

their heritage by inflicting pains on any who wants to establish outside their vicinity.

In any case though, the Bida

protect their heritage.

Well, according to customary law, a believe holds sway over anyone who believes strongly it does. This is the reason why they believe their ancestors are at work in helping to protect

“That industry can become one of the biggest employers of labour if government invests there.

Empower the artist and reduce unemployment in Nigeria. It is a wise thing to do.”

FRANCODUS ON FRIDAY

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

Art And Culture

Guilds Of Benin Culture BENIN, the centre of Great Culture, lies in the centre of the ancient Benin Kingdom the influence of which extended as far as to Senegal, Dahomy and the Congo. Many towns and countries of the ancient world paid tribute to the Oba of Benin through paramount chiefs who were in charge of various towns and colonies.

The European nationals, the Portuguese discovered Benin in the fifteenth century. The first recorded time was when Ray de sequeira visited Benin in 1472. John affonso d’ Aveiro in 1485.

The Portuguese were followed by the Dutch, Swedes, English in 1553, then French and others who established trades of all kinds with the Oba and his people.

Christianity, ever ancient, ever new was introduced to Benin by the Portuguese of the Roman Catholic Mission at the close of the fifteenth century.

Thousands of Benin peoples were converted and baptized by the order of Pope Leo X. In 1515 A.D; the missionaries followed Benin troops with Oba Esigie to Idah war and returned to Benin City victoriously in 1516 AD. The first church was built at Idunmwu. Erie (Erie Street) in that year.

Benin are very industrious and very

famous for her works of arts, in Brass casting, wood, Ivory carving and Iron smelting.

The Benin Native Authority (B.N.A) founded Arts and Crafts school for the improvement of Art in Benin in 1926.

The Technology was that Brass casting was carried out in one side and woodworks on the other side of the school.

The productions were on sales in the co-operative of the guilds in Benin City.

The ancient guilds of Great Benin culture came from early civilization of Edo people in art and technology, that developed vast skills known to the ancient world.

The legendary fame of Great Benin was widely spread and peoples of the ancient world heard of it and tried to visit it.

It was a story known to the ancient people that Gold was obtainable from the negro for sales on European markets.

Europeans wanted to gain direct access to the source of supply, moreso, Portugal and Spain were interested in finding a sea route to India in order to avoid trading for India goods through intermediaries.

These economic motives plus the desire to extend geographical knowledge and to possibly find a Christian king in tropical Africa, as an ally in the struggles against infidels, led

Prince Henry the navigator of Portugal to Launch expedition to sail beyond the West coast of Africa.

The papal Bulls of the 1450’s secure their rights to the African coasts. The Portuguese had by 1472 completed their exploration of the West Coats and were

One of the duties of his paramount chiefs like Chiefs Uwangue and Eribo was to transact such business on his behalf.

Other items traded on, included Leopard skins, Ivory, Benin Cloths, carved woods, Brass works etcetera.

The Portuguese in exchange brought goods

able to settle down in Benin City for gold, pepper and bronze casting.

Michael Crowder tells of the Portuguese who in the second half of the fifteenth century built a factory at Ughoton (Gwatto), the ancient sea port of Great Benin to handle pepper trades.

The Oba had royal monopoly on trades.

of Firearms, dresses, glasses, beads, Umbrella etc.

Firearms increased Benin Military strength and played remarkable role in the Benin imperial expansion of the sixteenth century.

The Europeans were surprised to meet a community with advanced technological knowledge and

“The legendary fame of Great Benin was widely spread and peoples of the ancient world heard of it and tried to visit it. It was a story known to the ancient people that Gold was obtainable from the negro for sales on European markets.”

With AMBROSE EKHOSUEHI

ingenuity. The Edo women manufactured soaps perhaps of basic chemistry, * handlooms, cloths weaving, fermented drinks - palm wine and gin.

The blacksmiths produced cutlasses, machetes, knives, spears and agricultural implements.

The cattle rearer (Iriemila) Drums Makers (Ikpema) Woodworkers

community and family heritages, as well as the pride of the Benin Kingdom.

The Oba of Benin harnessed these resources through the guilds system by bringing the artisans, craftsmen and the specialists together into central trades based pools or workshops in the city. In defence, a number of cantonments and moats were built to

(Igbesanmwan) Dancers (igbuzebu) Leather workers (Isekpokin).

Weather and Astrology (Iwoki) special Services (Ikawe) land purifiers (Orhan) were all in place at their various quarters.

These guilds of Local art and technology were mostly in metal works, wood carving, Ivory and bone carving, fibre mats, bags, sacks (Ewa, Ebo) weavings leather works (Isohian) clay, mud, beads (akpolo, ivie) pottery, stone, cowries art works.

The skills took roots from individual family and with times had become feature of the

protect the city.

The Europeans brought their own art and technology and but in their learning techniques, trade centres, technical colleges and schools were built but of recent, a system of introducing indigenous technologies was envisage but all efforts to develop the indigenous technologies are still in focus.

The guilds of Benin culture had developed vastly in the ancient world. Nowadays the city among its definitions should provide for the masses and maintain common interests, support and protection of the mediaeval guilds of Benin culture.

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

Gender Issues

THE power of a woman cannot be gain-say, but any woman who naturally do not build herself up in order to manage and maintain her abilities will do nothing but tear down her life and family with her bare hands.

Every woman has the ability to make it on her own, whether there is a man or not, all that she needs is God. But first, she has a duty and that duty is to discover the treasures in her earthly vessel.

Women are the shield, the defender and foundation of the home.

Even as the man is head, the woman is the neck without which, it would fall. The greatest mistake any man can make is to underestimate or treat with levity the power of a woman.

A woman can only appreciate a man after she has been with another. A woman will make you feel you are in charge yet with sweet words and with guile and cunning she silently control everything and everyone around you, just like our dear first lady.

A woman gives, a woman takes, a woman laughs, a woman cries, yet through all this, only she alone knows what is really in her heart.

According to Femi Fani Kayode, ‘‘women are a precious gift from God but there are some things men need to know. Women are far the deeper and more powerful of the two sexes.

No matter how strong a man thinks he is, he is like butter in the hands of a woman that he loves. It is only a woman that can carry a child for nine months and raise to adult hood and yet until the day that woman dies only she will know the real father of that child.

He proceeded to say, that

‘‘women are more discerning than men, more calculating, more thoughtful, more spiritual, more loyal, and disciplined and they can handle emotional pain and psychological torture far better than men. A woman can suffer trauma, deprivation, shame, sheer cruelty and beatings from a man and still stay with him simply for the sake of the children. A woman can do anything and take anything for, or from, a man that she truly loves. A woman can be the most vicious and dangerous of all God’s creatures when she is hurt and scorned and when her love is not returned’’.

In a negative or even in a desperate way, a woman can purposefully use her natural charm to get what she wants the wrong way and she will get what she wants quickly, even if she losses her virtue in the process.

The worst is that sometimes she does not even need words. A look is enough, a gesture, raising of her eyebrows, a deep breath towards a certain situation. They are simple details, but just as powerful as a bullet in a gun. A woman does not need force to influence, neither does she need to give a speech or swing punches, all she needs is a facial expression and the fire starts.

Influence is a power for good or evil. She has the power to send her husband to heaven or hell.

Considering the story of Adam and Eve, Adam had a good friendship with God as the first man created on earth by Him and with his hands. Adam had authority over every other thing that was made by God but when he was influenced by Eve his wife, he lost everything.

Understanding Power Of A Woman

Eve sent him from heaven to hell literarily.

Even the devil knows that women have power, whether she is conscious of it or not. If she does not watch, she can be an instrument for evil and that was what happened to Eve. A good wife is a helper not a manipulator but she can play any one of the roles and so she stands at a very

delicate point where all she does matters. It is therefore very important for every woman to be able to distinguish between a good and bad voice in order to know the voice to listen to.

This is very possible if the woman can allow the Holy Spirit lead her.

In truth a woman who influences with wisdom knows her role is to serve.

She serves because she loves; she fears and follows God’s direction. Due to this, she does not judge

By PRAISE EGHWRUDJE

people after just one glance. She does not make others feel like she knows it all. She does not show herself to be so self righteous because she knows very well that she is not perfect. She does not knock down but lift those around her. For these

is using to tear down the country; particularly her own state. Sowing seed of discord and influencing the minds of people around her (whether positively or negative, she is influencing people). She is not seen everywhere but are actions/ deeds are heard of

reasons, her husband feels good by her side because she does not impose anything on him, but simply advises. She does not criticise him, but alerts him. She does not make him feel inferior but she respects him and puts him where he stands out.

We can see the power of a woman in display from our dearly beloved first lady, who has suddenly become the ‘Jesus’ of a man. She has found for herself a position that she

everywhere.

There was story of a woman who trained her son through school and after wards sent the boy abroad.

For some years the boy did not come back to Nigeria, out of impatience, the mother went to complain to a juju priest who did something for the boy to return to Nigeria. After some months, the woman’s son came back to Nigeria and couldn’t go back.

Whenever he wants to go back, he will experience non approval of visa, he then went for prayers where it was discovered that the mother tied him down so he wouldn’t go back abroad. The yoke was broken, after which he left Nigeria and never came back until the mother past on. The woman never

“In truth a woman who influences with wisdom knows her role is to serve. She serves because she loves; she fears and follows God’s direction.

Due to this, she does not judge people after just one glance. She does not make others feel like she knows it all. She does not show herself to be so self righteous because she knows very well that she is not perfect.”

forgave herself for doing that to her only son. She used her own hands to destroy her blessings out of impatience.

A woman has the ability to bring death into her family….it is just as easy as being promiscuous and then the gate of death is flown open. That is why the Niger Deltans forbids their wives from cheating on

their husband.

A woman can influence her friends with evil comments about other people. She can put her husband down and make him feel like nothing with her destructive criticism and she can even bring someone down so deep, they go into an abyss without much effort.

A woman has the sole power to build her home, her world and even help in building the nation. She inevitably has the sole power to pull down her home, her world and most of all, the nation. She just has the duty of choosing which she wants. ‘‘Every wise woman buildeth her house, but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands’’ (proverb 14:1).

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

View Point ACCORDING to a public relations (PR) guru, Jefkins (1988), he pointed out that the basic task of PR is to change a negative situation to a positive one. In other words, political PR has to do with changing hostility to sympathy, prejudice to acceptance, and apathy to interest and ignorance to knowledge. Importantly, efforts should be intensified to achieve these through media relations activities that is, using relevant print media (newspapers and magazines as well as broadcast that is television and radio, etc) to include publicity, internal communication, public/ government/parliamentary relations. Others include corporate literature in the forms of books, posters, pamphlets, leaflets, newsletters/in- house magazines among many others.

Corporate advertising to promote party missions or symbols, print production, opinion research, that is the use of questionnaires and other methodologies, corporate identity through symbols, vests, flags, small town images, etc.

Political debates for contestants, talk shows over the radio and on television as well as speech making and participating in other forums such as events organised by tertiary institutions.

However, these functions can be executed under the ‘RACE’ that is, Research, Action, Communication and Evaluation as propounded by a communication expert, Professor John Martson (1963).

For example, a PR researcher can research on a particular issue like political culture in Nigeria or people’s perception of electoral activities or programmes. Alternatively, identify an action programme of an organisation, which directly or indirectly address the issues, communicates these programmes to gain understanding and acceptance and evaluates the effect of the communication efforts on the target publics.

Importantly, the use of RACE approach is to achieve 100 percent success in political public relations because it is scientific. It is a truism to say that total success may not be possible; however, getting very close to the ultimate mark of

success will make for good PR for each of the democratic institutions among its various publics. No doubt, the practice of political public relations will be best executed by a communication guru that is well grounded in the principles of the profession. For political PR to succeed properly, we need good PR attitude. This is absolutely necessary because PR is based on what Black (1989) calls “truth and full information”. It is therefore clear that we cannot use political PR to project, protect and promote the image of a bad executive, unpopular legislature, corrupt judiciary, incompetent and unprofessional press, inactive political party without ideology and ineffective politician and finally a partial electoral body as well as many others. The Public Affairs Council (PAC) of the United States enumerates in its ethical guidelines, political PR thrives only on the basis of honesty and reliable information, the protection of integrity of the public policy process and the political system as well as the inter-relationship of business interests with the larger public interests.

For example, the great value of using political PR to promote a good cause and a credible candidate was aptly demonstrated when six American political PR experts were employed to help Boris Yeltsin to win the July 3, 1996 Russian Presidential elections.

A professional reading of the Russian press (i.e. Research), quickly convinced the American experts that virtually the entire nation was furious about the non-payment of salaries of government workers for several months. Tatiana Dyachenko, 36, the computer engineer of Yeltsin, who was the campaign manager, explained that something was being done to correct the backpay problem.

Frankly speaking, for a political PR expert, that type of explanation was simply not enough to help project the image of Yeltsin.

Consequently, the expert, Richard Dresner, who helped Bill Clinton secure election as Governor of Arkansas in the 70’s and 80’s, literally took control insisting “You don’t just promise these things, you have to make sure the people know

Functions And Publics Of Political PR what you have done”. (Time Magazine, July 15, 1996).

Obviously, the remark stressed a sound reputation as a good basis for a successful political PR practice. In effect, it says you can only gain the support, cooperation, goodwill and confidence of the publics of political PR through sustenance of credibility for the individual concerned or for democratic institutions.

Patriotism is an attribute which must be clearly discernible in the words and actions of persons and institutions seeking the services of political PR, General Yakubu Gowon has this to say in 1968 “And they must avoid narrow attitudes of mind like parochialism, isolation, duplication and waste of efforts and resources ... without prejudice to the utilisation and given its due recognition and reward if we are to achieve the desired results.

Whatever the case may be, the “publics” in the professional practice of PR is technical. It concerns the existence of different personalities, corporate bodies

By CHARLES I. SOEZE

and institutions having relationships with organisations. That is why in PR it is better to say ‘relevant or specific publics’ of an organisation at a given time for a particular period, as different from the total population in any geographical area, that is, it is not appropriate to say “general public” because according to Salu (1994) if you say general republic you are actually referring to nobody. Seitel (1987) actually observes that the term “Public Relations” is a misnomer, suggesting that “publics’ relations” or “relations with the publics” would be more appropriate.

The problem of the modern world has brought in serious inter-relationships between an organisation and various individuals and organisations. Such differing publics as can be targeted in PR practice are known to be interrelated according to the nature

“The lines of demarcation are thin, and the potential for overlap is always there. Professional PR practitioners need to identify the relevant publics of an organisation and know the appropriate media of communication to disseminate information to each public.”

of work.

The lines of demarcation are thin, and the potential for overlap is always there.

Professional PR practitioners need to identify the relevant publics of an organisation and know the appropriate media of communication to disseminate information to each public. The publics of political public relations may include, individuals, corporate bodies and institutions that have relationships with the democratic structures and institutions of the Federal, State and Local Governments, the Executive, the Senate, House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly, Local Government Councils, the media organisations, the law courts at all levels, the political parties, the politicians, as well as the Electoral Commission.

Surely, the publics of these democratic organs are independent, overlap and interrelate.

In political PR, these publics are the main targets of the democratic institutions for their messages, programmes and activities. As a result, they can be grouped into internal publics, that is all members of staff and external publics that is people outside the organisation but have specific interest in the organisation.

Some experts like Grunig (1978) identifies them as latent

public, that is a group that is an indeterminate situation but does not recognise the situation as a problem, the aware public, that is, the group that recognises the problem, and the active public as the name goes recognises to do something about the problem. However, Osho (1998:50) looked at it from the following angle, the protagonist public, that always want to listen to news and other things about an organisation or individual.

While the Antagonist public are those who will not want to know about or listen to anything about an organisation. They are hostile because they are not positively disposed to the organisation, in other words, do not believe in what the organisation is doing or have had disappointments from the operations of the organisation.

The indifferent public are people who cannot be bothered about the existence of a person or corporate body and therefore have no view or attitude to information of PR messages coming from the person or body.

It is a truism to say that political instability will bring in insecurity, and will continue to cause economic decline, and life becomes more unbearable for many people like insurgency currently ongoing in the North East of Nigeria.

What we should do is to allow political PR to thrive in our democratic institutions, based specifically on the ideals of self-reliance, rule of law, truth and full information.

THE NIGERIAN

22

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

Issues

Leadership: Between Force And Influence

THERE is an extent to which a person being carried by another can make the weight easier for the person who is carrying him or her. When the weight becomes lighter, then, the leader is able to move faster in the journey to his destination. This is the effect that is created by influence. Influence preaches the message of “do”. It is most times gotten from what the followers have seen about their leader. The way he does his things and the mind-set it has given them about him. If they feel his desire is for their betterment, if enables them to easily follow him for influence to come into play, complete transparency (no secrets activities which are suspicious) is required.

Other important attributes are integrity, accountability (able to account for every resource and trustworthiness being worth of trust). When people see this in you, it becomes easier for them to follow you to where you are going to.

Permit me to say here that force is the absence of influence. Force is never needed. Whenever there is influence because when you direct the people, your influence makes them follow. This was the method applied by one of the leaders in Bible days.

Jesus was able to get large followers along with him not by controlling or forcing them, but by influencing them. He opened their eyes as to where he was leading them to, and they could see that

By PRISCAL UGBOME

it was for their benefit hence they followed him without giving him trouble. Influence is a powerful method that brings our great result when applied, force crumble even a good leaders intention.

Influence is key to leadership and can never be overemphasized.

Leadership is a key in every environment. There are specific roles it plays which cannot be replace.

Where ever it is that men gather, they always look for someone who they can look up to give them direction and coordinate them in the path to go.

Leadership play this role in such gatherings. My definition of a leader “is a person who is under other people and is able to carry them along to where he is going without the people having anything to criticize or condemn about him” this definition focuses on two main aspects the position the leader is or assumes, and the method. Looking at the definition, our present day leader fail in their methods of approach to leadership.

They adopt a “do as I say” mechanism on those who they lead and when these people resist their dictates, they use harsh methods to ensure absolute compliance. The overall consequences of this is that the followers are not willing to follow but will only do such if the harsh methods of their leaders

are applied on them. This is the first method of leadership which I call FORCE. Force, according to the Collins Cobuild Learners dictionary is defined as “when some one makes you to do something even though you do not want

to”. It is making something happen or to make some one do some thing against his desire either but threatening him or not giving him the possibility of choice. This method has been applied time and time against because many rulers believe that in leadership,

the main thrust is to get the people to where you feel they should be without due consideration of how the people are affected.

Where ever it is that people are forced as a method of leadership, the leader’s authority is unstable. This is applied especially in a democratic setting where the government is for the people and by the people.

When force is applied on

the people, they always resist the leader and this always turns out disastrous taking a look at leadership definition above. Imagine carrying some one as big as you are and the individual is resisting you, it becomes excessively difficult for you to

“Influence on the other hand is the power to make other people agree with your opinions or do what you want. If someone has an influence on others, that person affects the way they think or act or what happens to the individual.”

continue on your journey.

Force is the reason why the military was not accepted by Nigerians when they entered the government. Whenever a leadership adopts force as its method, its day in power become numbered.

One vital issue to be understood here is that force whichever result it is applied to get (positive or negative, good or bad) will always face opposition from those who are in the followership position under any leader.

obvious that they understood the economic benefits that go along with the removal but bluntly refused to the removal because they wanted to make it clear that they do not appreciate force. The price of petrol had to be reduced leaving the federal government with only little of what they wanted and needed to cause a change in economy of the nation.

This is what force and its tools brings into play where it is applied.

An example of force and its effects being displayed is the removal of fuel subsidy by the president recently. Lots of citizens took to the streets to protest against this removal, a protest which went on for days.

Watching this protest and listening to the individuals involved, I gathered that as much as many of them protested because of the immediate suffering that it brought upon them. Many others protested because they felt the president was trying to impose on them what should be done in the country without their due approval.

These people also made it

Influence on the other hand is the power to make other people agree with your opinions or do what you want. If someone has an influence on others, that person affects the way they think or act or what happens to the individual.

This is the second method of leadership and this is the type which characterizes a successful leadership. Here, the people see reason to follow the leader and hence do not resist in anyway but follow faithfully. Where ever this method of leadership is applied, the people are positively affected.

THE NIGERIAN

23

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

Reflection

The Significance Of Prayer Lenten Reflection:

LENTEN Reflection: The Significance of Prayer You must have heard this song “Prayer is the key, prayer is the key, prayer is the master key. Jesus started with prayer and ended with prayer, prayer is the master key.”

Why is prayer considered as the master key? Why is it highlighted as one of the cardinal practices during the Lenten season? What is the relationship between prayer and faith? What has prayer to do with our salvation? Prayer is the channel the channel through which we are connected with God. It is the entrance to divine union; the key that opens the door to the heart of God. Prayer is a common practice in most religions.

Even the African traditional worshippers do pray. This notwithstanding, many people usually complain that God does not answer their prayer. Some people usually complain that even after fasting and praying nothing seem to happen. Does God answer prayer? If yes, what kind of prayer does He answer? How can we pray properly? What is the best thing to pray for?

St. James answered some of these questions. The reason, according to him, why most people’s prayers are not answered is because they pray in a wrong way.

“You ask and you do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (James 4:3). People either pray for their selfish interests or they pray without faith. God does not answer self-centered prayer. He only answers prayers that bring glory to his name and for the salvation of souls.

Prayer has its own principle. Not all that glitters is gold. Not every prayer is accepted by God. In the gospel of Matthew 6:7-15 our Lord Jesus Christ taught his disciples how they should

pray and how they should not pray. He stated the condition for effective prayer.

How we should not pray: The effectiveness of prayer does not depend on the lengthy words of prayer.

Jesus said, “In praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” A word is enough for the wise. The simpler and the more focused we pray the better.

Another thing we must avoid in prayer is pride. Pride goes before a fall. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “When you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who sees in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:5-6). Prayer is a humble exercise.

How we ought to pray: Jesus is the Master of prayer.

He is the most prayerful and most powerful child of God. He knows everything about prayer. He knows the best way to pray and the right time to pray. Having stated clearly how we should not pray, he then proceeds to teach us how we ought to pray. He said, “Pray then like this: “Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” This is what we call “The Lord’s prayer”. It is the one and only prayer

taught by our Lord Jesus himself. It is the most powerful prayer. It contains virtually everything we need in life.

An essential condition for Prayer: One of the reasons why people’s prayers are not answered is because of their spirit of unforgiveness.

Commenting on this, our Lord Jesus Christ said, “If

prayer we cannot obtain forgiveness from God. We need to forgive and we equally need to be forgiven.

Each time we say the Lord’s Prayer we are giving God the condition on which to answer our prayer. We are directly and indirectly telling God to forgive us with the same amount of forgiveness we have for our fellow human

you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” God can only answer our prayer if we have the spirit of forgiveness.

Prayer and forgiveness are inseparable realities. Without forgiveness our prayers will not be answered and without

beings.

Our relationship with our fellow human beings affects our prayer life. If our prayers must be answered then we must be in good rapport with those around us. Jesus said, “If you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be

“Child of God, you cannot do without prayer. You need prayer more than you need water and air. If you have any problem in life all you need to do is to pray.”

With REV. FR. JOHN DAMIAN ADIZIE PHONE: 08076635886

reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24).

Obedience is better than sacrifice. Our prayer must be rooted in love. While praying we should not have any atom of hatred or grudges in our minds.

The relationship between Prayer and Faith: Prayer and faith cannot be separated.

Prayer without faith is a mere recitation of empty words. It is faith that gives life to our prayer. When the disciples of Jesus could not deliver a boy that was possessed they came to Jesus and inquired, “Why could we not cast it out?”

Jesus said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; nothing will be impossible to you.”

(Matthew 17:19-21). Prayer of faith makes the impossible possible!

Without faith our prayer is empty. Faith according to the writer of the book of Hebrew is “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrew 11:1). After praying you don’t even need to receive what you prayed for before you could believe. People often say, “To see is to believe” but this is not true when it comes to prayer. In prayer it is quite the opposite, “To believe is to see.” You don’t necessarily

have to see before you believe but you must believe before seeing. This is what faith is all about. With faith you don’t wait for God to answer your prayer before thanking him. Every prayer that is rooted in faith must conclude with thanksgiving.

Even without hearing or receiving from God always conclude your prayer thus: Lord, I believe that you have answered my prayer. Thank you for answering my prayer!

Faith is the essence of prayer. Prayer and faith makes the impossible possible. In the gospel of Mark, a man brought his possessed son to Jesus for deliverance Jesus assured the man, “All things are possible to him who believes.”

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

(Mark 9:23).

Nothing happens without faith. Faith is the oil that lubricates our prayer life. It is the vital force that propels our prayer.

Child of God, you cannot do without prayer. You need prayer more than you need water and air. If you have any problem in life all you need to do is to pray. St. James instructs us, “Is any one among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him… the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up” (James 5:1315). Prayer is the remedy to all maladies. It is our spiritual weapon. Our strength as children of God lies in prayer.

Prayer is the answer to every question and the solution to every problem. It is the channel through which we relate with God and all the heavenly beings.

A prayerful child of God is a powerful child of God whereas a ‘prayerless’ child is a powerless child. Child of God, you have no other option than to pray. Even when you pray and nothing seems to happen you must continue to PUSH, that is Pray Until Something Happens. With prayer, God will deliver you from bondage. He will heal your sickness. He will grant your heart desire and in fact He will make the impossible possible for you. As you continue to pray, goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life and you shall dwell in the presence of God forever and ever – Amen!

THE NIGERIAN

24

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

International Features EGYPTIAN Army chief Field Marshal Abdel Fattah alSisi may not look like a model democrat, but foreign and local businessmen believe he can deliver stability to open up investment opportunities in the most populous Arab nation.

Sisi - whose smiling face, framed in sunglasses and capped by a beret, appears across Egypt on posters, tshirts and even chocolates inspires fear in his opponents that the country will soon have a military man as its president once again.

But to investors, and many Egyptians, Sisi offers the hope of relief from three years of political turmoil that began with the Arab Spring uprising, even though he was the man who toppled Egypt’s first freely-elected president, Islamist Mohamed Mursi.

“I think most investors would say it doesn’t appear all that democratic, but it’s more stable, so my investment will be safer,” said Gabriel Sterne of Exotix, a frontier market bank in London which handles investments in Egypt.

Sisi deposed Mursi last July after mass protests against his Muslim Brotherhood government and unveiled a political roadmap that includes presidential elections. Given his strong popularity he is widely expected to run and win, albeit after probably giving up his army position.

Once in office, he will need to deliver on the economy which he has acknowledged presents huge “challenges”, without saying publicly how he intends to tackle them.

Sisi is regarded as a decisive figure who can take bold decisions. After two changes of government in three turbulent years, Egyptians crave economic and political calm, and Sisi is seen as the man who can deliver.

Western investors appear to agree. “He does seem to have support that has been absent from any single politician.

Whatever it is, it’s a sign of stability,” said Sterne.

Egyptian industry and investment minister Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour says he realizes Western governments are wary of Sisi’s change from camouflage fatigues to a president’s business suit, but he believes investors will thank him for it.

“In the West, a candidacy and maybe the election of an army officer or an ex-officer to the presidency of a developing, third world country would raise eyebrows and call to mind the image of a Pinochet rather than a George Washington, ... a

Egyptian Army Chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi attends the military funeral service of police General Nabil Farag, who was killed yesterday in Kerdasa, at |AlRashdan Mosque in Cairo’s Nasr City district.

build a million homes in Egypt, a possible sign of politically-inspired Gulf investment in the country’s infrastructure. Arabtec’s CEO said the UAE would provide initial financing, signaling that Gulf companies’ Egyptian investments will enjoy government backing and protection.

Because many Gulf firms are partly state-backed or family-run, their more cohesive base of shareholders may be more easily convinced to plunge into Egypt when Western firms would hesitate.

“They’ve got a different variety of people they have to answer to, and not all of them work in conjunction in the West,” said Angus Blair, chairman of business and economic forecasting thinktank Signet.

Western investors, worried by repeated spasms of violence in recent years, are more sensitive and shareholders have a more short-term outlook, according to Blair.

Analysts agree that the flood of cash and confidence from

Egypt: Investors Believe Al-Sisi Presidency Will Bring Stability dictator rather than a reformer,” he said. “(But) this country as it stands today needs a strongman that can pull it together ... Law and order is good toward investment and toward the economy,” he added at Cairo’s ornate 19th century bourse.

Generals-turned-politicians have earned varying reputations across history.

Washington, who led American forces in the war of independence and became the first U.S. president, is widely regarded as a statesman.

Strongman Augusto Pinochet, who ousted an elected Chilean government in 1973, oversaw economic reforms but was accused of major human rights abuses during his dictatorship.

Security forces killed hundreds of pro-Brotherhood activists protesting against Mursi’s overthrow and have gained the upper hand in stamping out the Islamist movement, partly through curbs on dissent and public gatherings.

However, Sinai-based Islamist militants have claimed responsibility for several high-profile attacks, including an assassination attempt on the interior minister last year.

Serious progress on the economy remains elusive.

Massive debt, a weak Egyptian pound and political

uncertainty had scared away much foreign direct investment (FDI).

However, billions of dollars in aid from the militarybacked government’s allies in the Gulf have improved prospects for infrastructure growth and bought time for economic reforms.

The current account ran a $757 million surplus between July and September last year, driven by a massive increase in official transfers from Gulf monarchies such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Egyptians’ household spending climbed last year.

Analysts say Samsung of South Korea is likely to pour tens of millions of dollars into its local assembly plant, and Coca-Cola announced a halfbillion dollar investment in Egypt last week.

“Strong business and strong communities go hand-in-hand and our investment not only helps to create good jobs, opportunity and a better tomorrow for Egyptians but also sends a strong signal about Egypt’s future,” said Curt Ferguson, President of Coca-Cola’s Middle East and North Africa Business Unit.

Overall, FDI remains sluggish. It edged up to $1.25 billion between July and

September last year from $1.16 billion in the same period of 2012. FDI totaled $3 billion in the year ending June 2013, when Egypt was in turmoil, almost $1 billion less than in the previous year.

Before the 2011 revolution which toppled autocratic president Hosni Mubarak, a former air force commander, Egypt was attracting net FDI of around $8 billion annually, according to central bank data.

But with Egypt’s stock market hitting a five-year high and the global economy in a much better state than in Mubarak’s last years in office, Sisi should enjoy an easier investment climate.

A report by Bank of America Merrill Lynch last month described a Sisi presidential bid as “market-friendly in the near term”, saying that keeping up the Gulf aid or agreeing a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was crucial.

But it sounded a warning over Sisi’s holdover of officials and policies from the Mubarak era.

Mubarak enjoyed some economic successes, but his rule was widely seen as corrupt and inept.

“The Egyptian political transition is likely to be complete in 2014 but could result in a watered down

version of the pre-revolution regime ... This will likely weigh on growth and keep fiscal and external financing vulnerabilities high,” it said.

Though Sisi has been omnipresent on Egyptian television, he has offered few pointers on economic policy beyond stating the obvious in a speech last week: “I am saying it with the utmost sincerity. Our economic conditions are so, so difficult.”

More interestingly, he broached the issue of fuel subsidies that cost the government $15 billion a year, a fifth of the state budget, but gave no clear prescription.

The subsidies, in place for half a century, drain foreign currency that could be used to pay off debts to overseas energy companies and improve payment terms to encourage investment.

Investment minister Abdel Nour hinted that Sisi may be able to absorb the public anger that major cuts to the subsidies are likely to provoke. “I think he will be able and probably willing to draw on his popularity to take the difficult and often painful decisions to reform the Egyptian economy and face the fiscal problems,” he said.

Dubai firm Arabtec signed a $40 billion deal this week to

the Gulf into Egypt has encouraged Western investors to follow, but are split on whether long-lapsed negotiations for an IMF loan, which would demand tough budget reforms, are the answer.

“In the end there’s nothing like a good old-fashioned IMFtype fiscal adjustment to put the position on the straight and narrow to provide long-lasting confidence, because you never know when these (Gulf) gifts finish,” said Sterne of Exotix.

But legal obstacles, not a binding international agreement to curb Egypt’s rampant corruption and soaring subsidies, may be what holds Western companies back.

“Legislation is as badly needed as subsidy reform, it is just not in the spotlight,” said Moheb Malak, Cairo-based economist at Prime Securities.

A draft investment law aims to prevent third parties from challenging contracts made between the government and an investor, a move designed to attract investment.

The clauses are intended to reassure investors unnerved by previous legal challenges to such deals, some of which have left companies sold by the government in legal limbo.

“Yes, Egypt needs a strongman but it needs a lot more than just a strongman, it needs to correct its investment policy,” Malak added.

• Courtesy: REUTERS

THE NIGERIAN

25

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

One Lay Woman Of Edo State Teachers And The Test Of education they Competence unique opportunity receive. “ IF the them to becloud

By SABINA IDOWU-OSEHOBO

foundation be destroyed what can the righteous do?”

The title of this column comes from the Christian theological circle.

Most orthodox churches have Laity councils, whose work is to assist the Clergy. Like an auxiliary clergy not experts in the field, just helping out haven been given some training which allows them to give “First Aid” before the doctor comes.

I choose this title for my column because there are issues I want to comment on, on which I am not an expert but have an opinion. I plead the indulgence of the experts to bear with me because I must have my say. What you can be sure of is that I will be speaking on behalf of thousands like myself in this country.

Some time ago at the height of the ASSU/Federal Government crisis, which saw the closure of Nigerian Universities for months, it dawned on me very strongly that in Nigeria, we tend to loss focus of issues while concentrating on shadows. One such shadow is SENTIMENT. We wipe up ethnic, religious, political sentiments and use

issues, so much so that at the end of the day very few persons are able to remember what the original issues are. Now in a country of over 160,000,000 persons with diversities, you can be sure that the wiping up of sentiments is a trump card usually very successfully played to the detriment of our nation.

The issue of teachers in Edo State and the writing of a test of competence or assessment is assuming this pattern.

While both parties; the Edo State Government and the Nigeria Union of Teachers(NUT) are trading accusations, the fundamental, singularly most important fact to my mind is the future of the Edo child.

A well known and agreed fact is that; Education is the bedrock of development. This means that, teaching is at the centre of development and Teachers are the foundation builders of all professions, right from the acquisition of basic, literacy, numeracy and language skills.

For years now, people have been bemoaning the falling standards of Education in Nigeria.

Those who can afford it send their children to schools abroad.

Beyond the rhetoric around it, concrete

actions must be taken to redress the situation. All hands should be on deck to resolve the problem.

The future of the Edo child is at stake. While still wearing the toga of educationally advanced, the reality is that quality wise, Edo

L a n g u a g e properly. We must reverse this trend.

Posterity will NOT forgive all those who choose to play politics with the future of the children of Edo State. The future of Edo State in

We are only as strong as the weakest link on our chain. We can only judge the standard of education in the State by the quality of education received by the child from the most vulnerable household in the State; received

Nigeria, depends on the quality of her children and that quality is a function of the

through the public school system.

G o v e r n m e n t ’s insistence that teachers write a competency test is a

Sabina Idowu-Osehobo

State is becoming educationally backward. We are daily producing children who cannot read, write or use the English

“The issue of teachers in Edo State and the writing of a test of competence or assessment is assuming this pattern. While both parties; the Edo State Government and the Nigeria Union of Teachers(NUT) are trading accusations, the fundamental, singularly most important fact to my mind is the future of the Edo child.”

for education reforms in the State, which should target every aspect of the sector, b e y o n d infrastructural development. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) should be in the forefront as teachers have always been a beacon of hope. Let them shine brightly now. They should be negotiating the terms of the exercise, its scope and modalities to ensure that the sector itself benefits in its entirety. The Teaching Service Board for example has severally been accused of recruiting the highest bidders and not necessarily qualified teachers, this is a good time to separate the teachers from the non teachers.

The exercise should be carried out in my opinion bearing in mind the following: !

The exercise should be carried out by consultants !

There must be independent observers of the process !

Teachers should be tested in their subject areas !

The process must be transparent !

A grievance procedure, duly agreed should be in place to address complaints that may arise.

At the end of this exercise those who can be retrained should be, those to be sent to other sectors can be identified.

After all said and done, there is no way an exercise of this nature will not be painful because it is like extracting a bad tooth.

THE NIGERIAN

26

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

International

Afghan Army and Police search through a police station after the Taliban staged a multipronged attack on a police station in Jalalabad, Eastern Afghanistan, yesterday.

Ex-Al-Qaida Spokesman Tells Of Meeting Bin Laden

NEW YORK (USA) - In surprise testimony in a Manhattan courtroom Wednesday, Osama bin Laden’s son-in-law recounted the night of the Sept. 11 attacks, when the al-Qaida leader sent a messenger to drive him into a mountainous area for a meeting inside a cave in Afghanistan.

“Did you learn what happened? We are the ones who did it,” the son-in-law, Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, recalled bin Laden telling him.

When bin Laden asked what he thought would happen next, Abu Ghaith testified that he responded by predicting America “will not settle until it

until it kills you and topples the state of Taliban,” he said.

Bin Laden then told the onetime imam, “I want to deliver a message to the world. ... I want you to deliver the message,” he said.

The testimony came at Abu Ghaith’s trial on charges he conspired to kill Americans and aid al-Qaida as a spokesman for the terrorist group. His decision to take the witness stand was announced by his lawyer, Stanley Cohen, who surprised a nearly empty courtroom that quickly filled with spectators as word spread.

Testifying through an Arabic interpreter, the 48-year-old

Kuwaiti-born defendant said he went to Afghanistan for the first time in June 2001 because he had a “serious desire to get to know the new Islamic government in Afghanistan.”

He said he met bin Laden when the al-Qaida leader, who was living in Kandahar, Afghanistan, summoned him after hearing that he was a preacher from Kuwait.

Abu Ghaith said bin Laden explained that the al-Qaida training camps involved so much weapons training and a rough, hard life that he wanted him to change that, to reach the hearts of recruits and show them another side of life.

Turkish President, At Odds With Erdogan, Dismisses Foreign Plot ANKARA - President Abdullah Gul has dismissed suggestions that outside forces are conspiring against Turkey, openly contradicting Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s assertions that a corruption scandal is part of a foreignbacked plot to undermine him.

The graft inquiry swirling around Erdogan’s government has grown into the biggest challenge of his 11-year-rule.

He has repeatedly cast it as a scheme by political enemies at home and abroad to damage him ahead of March 30 local elections.

“I don’t accept allegations about foreign powers and I don’t find them right ... I don’t believe in these conspiracy theories as if there are some people trying to destroy Turkey,” the Hurriyet newspaper quoted Gul as telling reporters during a visit to Denmark.

“Of course Turkey has its long-standing opponents in the world. Certain groups have praised our work for the past 10 years... Now that they are criticizing us, why is this an issue? These types of comments are for third world countries,” he said.

Turkey’s rapid growth into a

major emerging market has largely been based on the stability brought by Erdogan’s firm rule over the last decade.

But the past several months of political uncertainty have unnerved investors, helping send the lira currency down sharply.

Gul co-founded the ruling Islamist-rooted AK Party with Erdogan and has remained a close ally. But he is viewed as a more conciliatory figure than the combative prime minister and their relations have at times appeared strained.

“The political atmosphere we are in is not making any of us happy. It doesn’t make me happy. I am both troubled and saddened by the things we are going through,” Gul was quoted as saying.

Gul has been under growing pressure from both within and outside Turkey to calm tensions generated by the graft scandal and is seen as a potential successor to Erdogan as prime minister and head of the AK Party, should Erdogan decide to run for the presidency in an August vote.

He and Erdogan had appeared to have closed ranks since the graft scandal erupted in

December, with Gul approving controversial laws tightening Internet controls and giving the government greater influence over the judiciary - moves seen

by Erdogan’s critics as an authoritarian response to the probe.

The long-running investigation became public on December 17 when police detained the sons of three cabinet ministers and businessmen close to Erdogan.

The three ministers resigned a week later, while others were removed in a cabinet reshuffle.

Parliament, currently in recess for the local election campaign period, will reconvene for an extraordinary session on Wednesday, demanded by the opposition, to hear prosecutors’ files on the allegations against four of the former ministers.

Last week, a Twitter account behind a string of leaks in the scandal posted what it presented as prosecutors’ files accusing the former ministers of involvement with an Iranian businessman in a bribery and smuggling racket.

Reuters could not verify the authenticity of the documents and the former ministers have denied any wrongdoing.

THE NIGERIAN

27

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

EVERY FRIDAY WEEK 36, 2014 LAST SEASON RESULT Anderson Richwell 1.2. X. Forecast

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THE NIGERIAN

28

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

Arsene Wenger

Wenger Reaches Milestone In London Title Showdown

David Moyes

Champions League

ARSENE Wenger has the chance to ram Jose Mourinho’s words down his throat on Saturday when his Arsenal side travel to Stamford Bridge looking to snatch control of the Premier League title race from Chelsea.

There would be no better way for Wenger to mark his 1,000th game in charge of Arsenal than

Moyes Eyes European Success After Stirring Comeback DAVID Moyes set his sights on Champions League glory after he showed that tonight.” watching his Manchester United team pull off an incredible Manchester United will not comeback to make the quarter-finals. get carried away with their 3-0 big thing,” the Scot said. win over Olympiacos, ac…

United lost the first leg of their “I think there are only certain Moyes cut a worried figure last-16 tie at Olympiacos 2-0, players in the world capable of it, when Van Persie was carried off but they claimed a 3-2 aggregate Robin van Persie is one of them. on a stretcher in the dying win following a night of high “He gets his penalty kick, he minutes following a tackle by drama at Old Trafford. scored a great free-kick and Giannis Maniatis.

Robin van Persie scored his Wayne did brilliantly well for him But the United boss was first hat-trick under Moyes to for the second goal.

It is great that confident the injury sustained achieve a 3-0 win which puts he got a hat-trick because he is a by the former Arsenal striker United in the hat for Friday’s top player, he really is, and I think was not serious. draw.

Given their dismal domestic record, United are big outsiders for the competition, but Moyes CHELSEA midfielder Frank still believes his team can defy playing. the odds and make it to the final. Lampard admits he would like The Ivorian striker left the When asked whether his team to see Didier Drogba back at could now become dark horses Stamford Bridge even if he isn’t London outfit in 2012 after for the trophy, just as Chelsea were in 2012 and Liverpool were seven years earlier, the United boss said: “We probably now will go in as underdogs in a lot of the games.

“Hopefully we can do it, I don’t see any reason why not. I think this club is capable of it.

“If we play to our capabilities, which we have not done too often, then I think we will be a match for any team.”

Van Persie put United ahead from the penalty spot in the 25th minute after he was bundled over in the box by Jose Holebas.

The Dutchman then converted Wayne Rooney’s pass to make it 2-0 before sealing the win with a 25-yard free-kick.

Moyes could not speak highly enough of the player ’s performance afterwards.

“To score a hat-trick in Galatasaray’s Didier Drogba (left) greets Chelsea’s Frank Champions League football is a whistle

“I don’t think he is too bad,” Moyes said.

“He has got a knock just behind his knee. We will assess it - we will know more in the morning.

“He has got a knee in the back of his knee but hopefully it is not too bad.”

Manchester United overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit when beating Olympiacos 3-0 …

Moyes also found time to praise 40-year-old Ryan Giggs, who played a key role in the build-up to the first two goals.

to ruin Mourinho’s unblemished home league record as Chelsea boss after the Portuguese dismissed him as a “specialist in failure” last month.

The mind games in this season’s engrossing Premier League title battle have been simmering in the background but it is on the pitch where points are won and lost and the outcome of this Saturday’s lunchtime derby could prove pivotal come May 11.

Chelsea appeared to have taken a vice-like grip in the title race until last weekend’s controversial 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa and wins for chasers Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City squeezed things up at the top of the table.

Mourinho’s side still have a four-point lead over Arsenal and Liverpool, although they both have a game more to play, while fourth-placed City are six points back with three games in hand of Chelsea.

City are at home to bottom club Fulham on Saturday while

Lampard Wants Drogba Back At Bridge eight years spent at the Bridge, but has been repeatedly linked with a return to Chelsea from

Lampard afer the final

day one.

Drogba came up against his former team for the first time on Tuesday evening when the Blues eliminated Galatasaray from the Last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

And Lampard admits it is hard to picture Chelsea without the 33-year-old being involved: “I think he spoke to the manager [Jose Mourinho] before the [Champions League] game.

“It is hard not to see him a part of the club in some way, shape or form. He is always going to be a legend at the club and I am sure if we wanted to come back they would love it.”

One of his final games for the London outfit saw Drogba score the decisive penalty kick against Bayern Munich in the final of the Champion League at the Alianz Arena.

surging Liverpool will be looking for a sixth consecutive victory when they go to a Cardiff City side fighting for survival.

Wenger branded Mourinho’s comments “silly” and “disrespectful” last month after the Portuguese coach had mocked the Frenchman’s eightseason trophy drought.

“Am I afraid of failure? He is a specialist in failure. I’m not. So if one supposes he’s right and I’m afraid of failure, it’s because I don’t fail many times,” Mourinho said.

Wenger had sparked the exchange when he questioned Mourinho’s motives for saying his Chelsea side were “a little horse” in the title race with Manchester City a “jaguar”.

Arsenal appeared to be slipping out of contention after back-to-back away league defeats, but a grinding 1-0 win at north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur last weekend put them back in the mix for their first title since 2004 - the year Mourinho arrived in London calling himself the Special One. Victory at Stamford Bridge, where Mourinho has never lost a league game, would put them within a point of the summit with a game in hand which would be an impressive feat given injuries to Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil.

Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky, whose thunderbolt sealed the points against Spurs, said the result at Chelsea would not necessarily be key to Arsenal’s hopes.

“It will be a vital game against Chelsea but still there are so many games to go so we don’t know what will happen after that,” he told Arsenal’s website.

“It can change very, very quickly in two games and, of course, you talk about Chelsea and Man City but you have to talk about Liverpool as well.

“There are four teams there and it is absolutely exciting.”

Liverpool are still on a high after their 3-0 victory at outgoing champions Manchester United last week and will be expected to breeze past a Cardiff side that looks like being relegated after

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PSG To Keep Up The Pressure In Lorient PARIS Saint-Germain travel to Lorient today in the opening game of matchday 30 of the Ligue 1 (Kick-off will be at 21h30 CAT).

Undisputed leaders of the Championship and still eight points clear of secondplaced AS Monaco, the Parisians remain on seven consecutive wins through all competitions and have lost only one of their last 19 outings.

And Laurent Blanc’s men have no intention of slowing

down in the race for the title against their main challengers.

“We know that Monaco will not make things easy for us. We have to give it all in order to keep the lead. Each game can bring us closer to the title. But just one defeat can change everything… it works both ways. For this reason, we have to remain focused,” assured Parisian left-back Maxwell.

Winners by 4-0 over Lorient at the Parc des

Princes in the reverse fixture, PSG will once again enter this game as hot favourites against the ‘Merlus’, who are currently going through difficult times.

Christian Gourcuff ’s protégés have only secured a single win in their last eight Ligue 1 encounters, and have yet, in 11th position, to secure their spot in the top flight for next season.

Lorient will also look for their first home win against Paris Saint-Germain since January 2008.

‘Ibrahimovic Could Win Ballon d’Or PARIS Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has stated his admiration for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and believes the striker is the one current player

at the club who could win the Ballon d’Or. Ibrahimovic, 32, finished fourth in the vote for the 2013 prize after plundering 41 goals in 50 appearances in PSG’s

Barca’s Villa Signing Investigated THE details surrounding Barcelona’s signing of David Villa from Valencia are to be investigated in court, it has been reported.

El Pais claims that former Valencia president Manuel Llorente and former vicepresident Javier Gomez, currently director general of La Liga, have been named in court documents after lawsuit

by Andres Sanchis, a former Valencia shareholder.

“The signing has very strange things,” Sanchis said of Villa’s more to Barca.

David Villa

Former Barca president Joan Laporta is said to have made a statement confirming Villa’s signing cost +50m (£41m), while his successor Sandro Rosell said Barca paid +40m (£33m).

Villa changed agents prior to

Ibrahimovic

Mainz Welcome Record Breaking Bayern

BAYERN Munich could wrap up the Bundesliga title against Mainz at the Coface Arena on Saturday afternoon. Kick-off at 16:30 CAT. Bayern, who are currently beat Mainz and Borussia on a 50-game unbeaten Dortmund and Schlake streak in the league, could both fail to win.

Schalke 04 host Eintracht clinch the German top flight Braunschweig and title in record-breaking time if they beat Die Nullfünfer Dortmund travel to Hannover 96 on Saturday, at the weekend.

The Bavarians will be the two games will kick-off with crowned champions if they simultaneously Bayern’s thus creating the possibility for Pep Guardiola’s men to lift their 24th German league title in who are set to challenge the capital of Rhinelandthem for the runners-up Palatinate.

Bayern extended their spot behind runaway lead atop of the table to 23 leaders Bayern Munich.

Hannover find points following a 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen last themselves in 11th place time out after secondon the log on 29 points – placed Dortmund lost 2-1 to nine places and 19 points their namesake adrift of their visitors – Mönchengladbach. and they come into Bastian Schweinsteiger is Saturday’s encounter off hoping his side can yet the back of an impressive again lift the Bundesliga 3-0 away win over Hertha trophy in Mainz .

“We have won the title in Berlin last week.

When the teams met Mainz before now,” the earlier this season, German midfielder told the Dortmund claimed a 1-0 club’s official website.

“It would be great home win thanks to an because the Mainz fans early penalty from Marco celebrated with us last time.

Reus.

But is doesn’t really matter

Dortmund Target Three Points At Hannover BORUSSIA Dortmund will look to return to winning form in the Bundesliga when they travel to Hannover on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff at the HDI Arena is set for 16h30 CAT. BVB suffered a surprise 2-1 home loss to Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend, a result which prevented them from taking a strong grip on second place on the Bundesliga log.

Jurgen Klopp’s side find themselves just one point ahead of arch rivals and third-placed Schalke,

the transfer, joining a company headed by a former Valencia employee and leaving his long-term representative, who was told by a court he was not entitled to any cut of the transfer.

when we win it so long as we win it.”

Bayern had already wrapped up the title before their 4-2 win over the ‘Carnival Club’ in the 2004/ 2005 campaign.

Mainz head into the encounter on the back of a confidence boosting 4-2 win over Hoffenheim.

The 05ers were 2-0 down until the 67th minute when Maxim Choupo-Moting pulled one back.

Benedikt Saller levelled

matters before a brace from Shinji Okazaki sealed all three points for Mainz.

The win lifted Christian Heidel’s men up to fifth place on the league, a mere three points off the Champions League places.

Mainz, who were promoted back to the German topflight in 2009, finished in 13th spot on the log last season.

A superb second-half display secured a 4-1 come from behind victory for Bayern in the reverse fixture at the Allianz Arena earlier this season.

Ligue 1 title-winning season and helping his club into the last eight of the Champions League.

Though he has never managed to even get into the top three in the vote for the planet’s best player, Blanc told Yahoo! Sports that the Sweden international could yet pick up the honour.

The PSG coach said: “He’s a guy who, contrary to what people might believe, is very open. He really loves football.

It’s true that, from time to time, he has his bad moments during which you shouldn’t bother him too much. But I’ve known players more difficult to handle than him.

“He likes to know what you’re asking him to do, and once he’s understood that, he puts in the necessary motivation and concentration.

“He’s always there an hour before everyone else, working in a professional manner. In my team, the one who could be the Ballon d’Or is Ibra. He astonishes me with the speed of his movement and his balance, which is in keeping with that of a guy who measures 1.75 metres.”

Meanwhile, PSG’s superrich Qatari owners have promised each player an unprecedented one million euro bonus should they win this season’s Champions League, L’Equipe reported on Thursday.

Ibrahimovic is reported to have negotiated the bonus on behalf of the players with club president Nasser Al Khelaifi.

The sum dwarfs the 240,000 each PSG player received for reaching the quarterfinals last season.

It is also in excess of the reported 450,000 euros the Chelsea squad received for becoming European champions in 2012, while Bayern Munich players each received only 800,000 for their treble last season. Real Madrid are said to have promised their players half-a-million euros each should they lift the club’s 10th European title this season.

Villas-Boas Right For Zenit

ZENIT St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito has told Mediaset he is “very sad” to see Luciano Spalletti leave but believes Andre Villas-Boas is an ideal replacement.

Spalletti was dismissed earlier this month and has been replaced by former Chelsea and

Andrea Villas-Boas

Tottenham Hotspur coach Villas-Boas, who officially takes charge on Thursday.

Speaking after the Russian club’s elimination from the Champions League on Wednesday night, Italy international Criscito said: “I’m very sad about Spalletti’s dismissal.

“I had a great relationship with him so when I heard he had been sacked, it saddened me.

But Villas-Boas is a great coach and he seems to be the right man for a great club like Zenit St Petersburg.”

Villas-Boas takes over a side with a battle on their hands to qualify for the Champions League again next season.

Lokomotiv Moscow have pulled three points clear at the

top of the Russian Premier League while Moscow clubs Spartak and Dinamo are both within touching distance, with CSKA just a few points further back.

A 4-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash effectively signalled the end for Spalletti, and in view of Wednesday night’s 2-1 win in Germany, it was the defining result in the tie.

“We compromised our qualification in the first leg,” Criscito said. “We got things wrong at home. Here, on the other hand, we showed that we can hold our own with anybody, but it was always going to be difficult to overturn the deficit.”

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Ghana FA Hires Placenta Healer For World Cup THE Ghana Football Association has re-engaged the services of Serbian placenta healer Marijana Kovacevic for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals Brazil.

The Serbian is renowned for her horse placenta treatment which heals injured players quicker than stipulated time.

The Ghana FA first engaged her services during the 2010 World Cup after a recommendation by then coach Milovan Rajevac.

She was also at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations where Ghana finished fourth at the tournament co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Gyan, then hamstrung, made a quicker-than-expected recovery and featured in the tournament which Ghana finished fourth.

At the 2010 tournament, he largely credited for swiftly improving the fitness of John Mensah and also worked on Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Kwesi Appiah, Ghana Coach

Josip Simunic Planning FIFA has rejected Josip CAS Appeal Simunic’s appeal against his

Sepp Blatter, FIFA President.

Brazil Sees World Cup Security Risks A secret Brazilian government report lists several security “risks” in having the country host the World Cup this year, including political protest and strikes, O Globo daily said.

The office of President the June-July event.

The document indicated Dilma Rousseff told AFP the undated report was security concerns in six of “preliminary,” not the 12 host cities, including conclusive and merely the July 13 final venue Rio de result of “informal Janeiro, where it identified consultation” with local “a difficult relationship people in cities due to host between public authorities

Plan For Ghana’s World Cup Money GHANA will use proceeds from the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil for the improvement of sports infrastructure in the country.

Sports Minister Elvis AfriyieAnkrah said on Wednesday that proceeds would be used for the construction of a modern boxing gym and arena at Bukom, a fivestar Hotel facility at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre for Excellence at Prampram and the development of football at the colts level.

Some of the funds would also

10-match ban following his behaviour after Croatia qualified for the 2014 World Cup — but the player’s lawyer remains confident he will be able to feature in Brazil.

That was the war call used

by Ustashas, the Croatian pro-Nazi puppet regime that ruled the state during World War II when thousands of Jews, Serbs and others perished in concentration camps.

As a result of his actions, Simunic was suspended for 10 official matches — prohibiting him from playing in this summer’s World Cup — and banned from entering the confines of the stadiums during that time as well as being fined $5,400 (3,200

be channelled into the rehabilitation and upgrading of Hostel facilities at the Azumah Nelson Youth & Sports Centre, Kaneshie, for camping other National Teams, as well as the development of other sporting disciplines such as Athletics, Boxing and Volley ball.

Ghana will earn a minimum US$ 8 million if they fail to progress from the Group stage but that

Elvis Afriye-Ankrah, Ghana’s Sports Minister

could be more if they reach the knockout stages or the medal zone.

At the last tournament in South Africa, the Black Stars made US$ 11 million after reaching the quarterfinal stage.

Ghana’s government has budgeted to spend US$ 9.8 million at this year’s tournament in Brazil but a minimum of US$ 4 million has been released for the first round matches.

and society.”

Rio authorities are battling to bolster security in the city by increasing police presence in tourist areas while also ramping up a six-year-old policy of “pacifying” the city’s sprawling slums.

The report also highlighted as a “potential problem” a 60million-reais ($25 million) cut in the military police budget for business hub Sao Paulo, due to host the Cup’s opening match.

O Globo said another concern was Porto Alegre, the scene of a strike by lorry drivers that authorities fear could spread beyond the southern city.

In the southeastern city of Belo Horizonte, authorities fear that a strike by civil servants may “fuel protests” of the kind that hit the city and several other major venues during June’s Confederations Cup.

Angry Brazilians have taken to the street to protest the $11 billion World Cup price tag, poor public services and government corruption.

Although they have been on a smaller scale than last year, when more than a million people took to the streets, some of the demonstrations have ended in violence.

Another concern, according to the report, is the capital Brasilia, where “opposition parties are attempting to wreck the image” of Governor Agnelo Queiroz of the ruling Workers’ Party.

The report also expressed concerns over the security of teams and foreign visitors during the month-long Cup, while the government further fears unrest between indigenous groups and agricultural workers in the northeast.

But an official in the presidential office said: “The information published in the newspaper is not official and has not been verified.”

euros).

He subsequently appealed the sanctions but the governing body has now released a statement, which read: “The FIFA Appeal Committee has decided to reject the appeal lodged by Croatian international Josip Simunic and to confirm the decision rendered by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on Dec. 12, 2013, in its entirety.”

Despite the ruling, Simunic’s lawyer, Davor Prtenjaca, believes his client will be able to feature in Brazil as he plans an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Prtenjaca told Sportske Novosti: “I remain very optimistic that Joseph will be eligible to play at the World Cup because we are going to take the case to CAS. “We will ask CAS to temporarily postpone the implementation of FIFA’s punishment and let Simunic play for the national team until it makes its decision.

There are several cases in which CAS has already done this.”

Prtenjaca maintains that FIFA was wrong to consider Simunic’s remark to be fascistic and argued that the governing body’s primary expert in the case was a “historian from America who is known for championing Serbian positions.”

Croatia have been drawn in Group A for the World Cup along with hosts Brazil, Mexico and Cameroon.

Josip Simunic

Elderson Expects World Cup To Lift he recalled.

ELDERSON could not be any bigger to Eagles world,” He also revealed that he Echiejile has said a good do that than at the World showing at the World Cup in Brazil could further boost the careers of Nigeria stars.

“A good performance at Brazil 2014 will help our various careers,” Elderson said on a special Airtel Football TV interview, which was published on his official w e b s i t e www.elderson3.com “It’s a great honour to represent Nigeria and it

Cup. “We have a great team and great players and will hope to make millions of

Elderson Echiejile

Nigerians happy with our performance at the World Cup.” Monaco defender Elderson featured at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and even though Nigeria failed to go past the first round, he said it was a thrilling experience.

“It was a great experience to play at the World Cup because I played against world-class players, some of the best players in the

struggled in his first few years in Europe but his self-belief took him through.

“I lacked some of the basics when I first moved to Europe. But I was ready to learn, work harder every day and with my selfbelief I was able to manage the situation,” he said.

He has featured at Stade Rennes (France) and Sporting Braga (Portugal) before his recent switch to Monaco.

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Ngerem Kicks Against Foreign Athletics Coaches

A former President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Dan Ngerem, has criticised the employment of two Americans as national high performance coaches, by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Ngerem told newsmen in Dakar “But, they should come when on the sidelines of the ongoing we have done the needful;, congress of the International when we have done our Sports Press (AIPS) that the homework and discovered decision to engage the those athletes.’’

Americans was premature.

Ngerem said that those at the “Why hire two Americans and helm of sports were only after then pay them in dollars when the development of football, in a World Indoor adding that they had not done Championship you’ve not enough to help other sports to given one kobo to the athletes grow. that represented the country.

“We have only had ‘ministers “The coaching crew, you have of football’, there is no support not supported them. The for any other sport that I can athletes you have not been see. There is also no policy giving scholarships to. Those framework. There is also no in America you’ve not marketing interface with those supported them. that love sports.

“So, I went ahead, and wrote a “I would like to give money to strategic document pointing out athletes if I know what the to Nigerians that we have a problems are; but what I see is bilateral relationship with a situation where everybody is Cuba; we have a bilateral waiting for government money. relationship with Germany.

“We have Commonwealth “We could have utilised those Games this year. I don’t think vehicles, where Cuba, who we there has been one kobo of are richer than give us technical support. assistance.

“But the Federal Ministry of “They were the ones that raised Sports, paid 900,000 dollars to the Chioma Ajunwas, Mary people that went to CHAN, a Onyalis, Falilat Ogunkoya. pseudo competition that CAF is Why don’t we use that vehicle using to raise money that is which will cost us practically meant for local players. nothing to bring up our younger “900,000d dollars would have athletes? gone a very long way in “Why start at the top by hiring supporting our athletes that will two Americans. I have nothing win us laurels at the against the Americans, Angela Commonwealth Games.

Tailor and the other one.

“So, what you find now is an atmosphere of total lack of support. No funding, we are waiting for government money.

‘As far as I am concerned, we should postpone this Commonwealth Games and use the money to plan for the next one; use the money to plan for

2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

“This is because what we are going to do now is to go and again rely on our athletes with the so-called Nigerian spirit.’’

Ngerem said the NCS should change its attitude towards other sports if the country would maximize its potential in sports.

NIGERIA reached the quarterfinal of the U17 Women’s World Cup after they came from behind to beat Colombia 2-1 in a group game early Thursday morning.

Nigeria will early Monday morning battle Mexico, who remain top of Group D after they pounded China 4-0, to determine the overall group winner.

Colombia stunned the Flamingoes with a third minute goal courtesy of a looped

Flamingoes Hit World Cup Q/Finals header by Angie Rodriguez.

Nigeria drew level midway through the first half through Joy Bokiri, whose curled free kick from the edge of the box sailed into the net.

Before the hour, Uchenna Kanu produced the winner for Nigeria with a header from a corner.

Oba Erediauwa Cup Kicks Off In Grand Style

BY ANDREA AKHIKPEMELO

THE 23 rd edition of Oba Erediauwa Coronation Anniversary Football Championship began in Benin City on Wednesday.

Wednesday’s opening ceremony was attended by teams from six states of the Federation. These are Osun, Kaduna, Kwara, Ogun, Enugu and the host state Edo. The championship which is in commemoration of Oba Erediauwa’s 35th Coronation Anniversary is featuring U-13 boys and U-16 girls youth football teams while the curtains would be drawn on the tournament on Monday, March 24, 2014.

In a chat with OBSERVERsports, YSFON national vice president South South Mr. Kali Gwegwe said that the Oba Erediauwa Coronation Football

Championship is a time to gather the youths and groom them for future challenges.

Mr. Gwegwe stated that YSFON is a household name and relevant stakeholder in the development of youth football in the country.

He thanked the Benin Monarch for identifying with YSFON and urged other eminent Nigerians to emulate the fatherly role of Oba Erediauwa in the development of youth football in the country.

Mr. Gwegwe noted that if Nigeria must develop in sports

then the nation must invest in youth football, adding that YSFON is available to partner with other relevant bodies in that direction.

In his comment, YSFON national secretary, Mr. Patrick Okpavuerhe described the lack of sponsorship from both the government and corporate bodies as one of the major challenges facing YSFON. Mr. Okpavuerhe described the Oba Erediauwa Coronation Anniversary Football Championship as a veritable ground for grooming future

national players, adding that the tournament has produced some national football stars in the past.

While disclosing that about sixteen states had indicated interest to participate in this year ’s edition of the championship, the YSFON national scribe said the organizers of the tournament are looking forward to a robust competition among the teams and also for the players to make new friends during the tournament.

Ogun state team beat their Edo state counterpart by 1-0 in the opening match played at the palace playground, Benin City.

MAI Youth Soccer Cup Kicks Off Today

By NKECHI KALU

THE maiden edition of Honourable Matthew Aigbuneze Iduoriyekemwen Football Tournament will kick off today.

According to the organising committee, the tournament will feature U-16 football clubs across the three senatorial districts in Edo State.

The tournament is sponsored

by the Former Majority Leader in Edo State House of Assembly as part of his contribution towards the development of youth football in Edo State.

According to the organising committee chairman and former Golden Eaglet and Super Eagles’ winger, Baldwin Bazuaye, teams in Edo North Senatorial District

teams will feature in the opening ceremony today at Aviele in Estako West local government area, while those in Edo Central will take their turn on Saturday at Ekpoma.

Teams in Edo South will formally kick off the competition on Monday, March 24th 2014, at Paragon school play ground off Sapele road, Benin City.

Ogun State team during the opening match in the on-going Oba Erediauwa coronation anniversary Football Championship in Benin City.

YSFON National Vice President, South South, Mr. Kali Gwegwe (right), and other officials during the opening ceremony of Oba Erediauwa Cup in Benin City on Wednesday.

YSFON National Secretary, Mr. Patrick Okpavuerhe (left), speaking with OBSERVERsports Editor, Matthew Okagha. Photos: AHMED AIGBONA

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