The Nigerian
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 39 • NO.061 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 20 14 • N100.00
Incompetency Oshiomhole retires Perm Sec
RELIGION Page 23
The seducer
BENIN CITY Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has directed the compulsory retirement of Mr.
MAN AND NATURE Page 27
The mystery of blood
Felix O. Otoide, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and U r b a n
Development from the Edo State Public Service for incompetence. The retirement takes immediate
effect, according to a statement by Peter Okhiria, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
NLC cautions FG on doctors’ sack
LAGOS - The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday urged the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to consider the consequences of its ongoing nationwide strike on Nigerians. effective and less Mr Issa Aremu, NLC dysfunctional. Vice President, made the “I should also appeal in an interview caution the doctors with newsmen in Lagos. that the task in hand Aremu, who faulted the now is to fight Ebola Federal Government not to strike, not to sacking of resident abandon work for doctors, said the current whatever reason. health challenges of the “They (doctors) nation and West Africa need different made it illogical for approaches to resident doctors to different problems, abandon their duty their demands are not posts. about pay, not that “We also in labour they are denied pay. must re-look at our “They want more methods. Yes, strike is funding and new one weapon to pressure, policies, that is not but there are other dispute of right, for methods that are more
dispute of right, you have legitimacy to go on strike. “But dispute of interest, new things, you need
different approaches, and when you have an approach that people are no more giving you
sympathy, then you have to relook at that approach. “Strike cannot be a cap that fits all heads; strike does not cure all problems; for dispute of interest I think that they should have better approach rather than this. “And it does not make
sense that because you are on strike, a cancer patient dies under you; you are on strike an accident victim cannot be attended to, that is no more strike.“ Aremu, who is also the General Secretary of the National Union of Textile Continues on page 2
Fire razes NFF headquarters By JOSES SEDE
ABUJA - Fire has razed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) headquarters in Wuse Zone 7 District, Abuja. The NFF scribe, Ademola Olajire, confirming the fire incident said the cause of the fire could not be ascertained immediately but that it started from the third floor of the building. The fire incident is
coming on the heels of in-fighting and sanction by the world game’s governing body, FIFA, which have ravaged the Nigeria Football Association The blaze at the twostorey building in an upmarket area of the capital Abuja, known locally as the Glass House, broke out as staff arrived for work. Flames took hold from an office on the upper floor of the premises and
TIT BIT “Those who want to live, let them fight, and those who do not want to fight in this world of eternal struggle do not deserve to live.” - Adolf Hitler
spread quickly before firefighters arrived to extinguish the blaze. Senior federal fire service chief Imo Eyo described the damage as “huge” but could not ascertain if there was any foul play. “We suspect a Continues on page 2
Ebola: LAGOS - The Consular-General of American Embassy, Mr Jeffrey Hawkins, has commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for its
BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY: Permanent Secretary (Administration), Mr. E. T. Idahosa presenting a birthday card to the Head of Service, Mr. Jerry Obazele at the HOS Birthday Anniversary held recently in Benin City. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE.
US lauds NPA’s control measures
effort to combat the spread of Ebola Virus Disease at the ports. A statement by Mr Musa Iliya, NPA’s Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs, issued in lagos on
Wednesday said Hawkins gave the commendation when he
visited the NPA. The statement quoted Hawkins as saying that
Entwistle gave the assurance after he presented some hi-tech modern bomb disposal
equipment donated to the Force by the U.S. Government to the Acting InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr Continues on page 2
... pledges support for police against terror
ABUJA -The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, on Wednesday in Abuja assured the Police
that his country would continue to support it in the war against insurgency in Nigeria.
the American Government would collaborate with Nigeria to check the scourge. It said that his country’s experts were at the Centre for Disease Control to manage the spread of the disease. According to him, the Nigerian ports being a key element in Nigeria’s inflow and outflow of business concerns, should be properly managed to contain the Continues on page 2
News
NLC cautions FG on doctors’ sack
Continued from page 1 Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, said that the sacking of the resident doctors could only worsen the nation’s health challenges. “In the case of the health sector, the doctors’ strike, government got it wrong to sack the doctors; it is completely wrong. “I thought the challenge in the health sector is that we
must sack Ebola not to sack the doctors that will address the problem. “So, I think government should get its priority right, let’s sack the new epidemic ravaging all of us, don’t sack the doctors that will make it possible.“ The labour leader also said that the increased dangers in the nation’s health system made it imperative for
Continued from page 1 circuit fault to have led to the fire but a proper enquiry would be carried out by the authorities,” he added. Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, Emmanuel Ikpeme said the blaze appeared to have started in the office of a senior accounts manager. “We thought it was something that could be contained by the fire extinguisher,” he told
reporters. “But before we knew it, the fire spread to the generalsecretary’s office and from there, there couldn’t be any control.” The NFF has been in crisis for several months and FIFA suspended the organisation in July over what it said was “government interference” in its affairs. That followed a Nigerian court ruling that sacked the NFF high command and the
government appointed a sole administrator to run the game. The ban, which threatened Nigeria’s participation in the FIFA under-20 women’s World Cup this month, was later lifted. But the NFF executive board then gave a vote of no confidence in president Aminu Maigari and sacked him over allegations of financial misappropriation, misapplication and maladministration.
Maigari was however reinstated because FIFA said that correct procedure had not been followed. He returned to work this week. NFF secretary-general Musa Amadu cautioned against attributing blame for the fire but added: “Thank God no lives were lost but this is sad and unfortunate.” Ikpeme added: “It’s very sad, more so that Nigerians know that we have been having some challenges in the Nigerian Football Federation.
working in the port and every other person they make contact with. The statement said that the Managing Director of NPA, Malam Habib Abdullahi, said that health officials, including those of Lagos State Government
had been put on the alert to check the spread of the disease. Abdullahi said that the officials were the first to enter vessels and conduct checks before other legitimate officials were allowed on board.
“The number of people who board vessels have been reduced drastically since Nigeria does not operate cruise ships and hardly receive vessels from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea for now,” he said
government to float a sustainable life insurance cover for all medical workers. Aremu also said that the resident doctors’ dispute required the cooperation of all stakeholders in the nation’s health delivery system to engender growth and job satisfaction. According to him, the current challenge of Ebola Virus Disease is an
opportunity for stakeholders to overhaul the nation’s health delivery and evolve an approach to national and regional epidemic. He urged the government to always respect agreements reached with labour, stressing that the increasing number of strikes across the nation stemmed from government nonchalant attitude to agreements.
Fire razes NFF headquarters
US lauds NPA’s control measures
Continued from page 1
spread of the disease. “There is need to consolidate on NPA’s efforts to ensure safer ports in Nigeria,” it quoted Hawkins as saying. He urged the port health officials to check people
... pledges support for police against terror
Birthday:
Staff celebrate HOS
Continued from page 1 Suleiman Abba. The equipment included bomb detector robots and protective suits for the personnel of the anti-bomb disposal squad. Entwistle, who described the relations between the U.S. and the Nigeria Police as historic, assured that the relationship, both in terms of personnel training and donation of equipment, would continue. “The U.S. will continue to stand with the Nigeria Police Force. “This is especially the case today for two reasons - the ongoing counter-terrorism struggle and the importance of election security as we head towards a great democratic exercise next February. “That is a tremendous challenge, and I am confident
that the challenge will be met. We stand ready to help,’’ he said. Responding, Abba thanked the U.S. government for the donation and continuous support to the force in its war against violent crimes and in the preparation for the 2015 general elections. The I-G called for continued support from foreign partners, including the U.S., noting that the police alone could not fight crime. He also appealed to the citizenry for support. “If you do not give us the necessary information; if you do not report incidents to us on time; we may not be able to arrest the situation. “Let us have the information; we will prevent it from happening. Where it happens, tell us immediately and our response time will be better,’’ he said.
BENIN CITY - It was a joyous celebration as the staff of the Office of the Head of Service rolled out their drums to celebrate Mr. Igbaekemen Jerry Obazele who marked his birthday August 15, 2014. The Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Administration, Mr. Evbagha Idahosa on the occasion described the Head of Service as a great asset to the civil service, saying that he always render assistance to those who come to him. The Permanent Secretary further described Mr. Jerry Obazele as a man who knows his onions and always demands speedy completion of assignment. Responding, the Head of
Service, Mr. Igbaekemen Jerry Obazele said the occasion was a surprise to him. Mr. Jerry Obazele said what has endeared him to the staffers of his office is the genuine love existing between the workers. He remarked that after his immediate family, the staff of his office comes next and thanked all who gathered to celebrate him. Mrs. Julie Olatunji, Director, Staff Training Centre moved the toast while Mrs. Mercy Philip directed the supervision of the cutting of the cake. A birthday card was presented to Mr. Jerry Obazele to mark the event. The staff prayed for God’s divine protection and long life for him.
BENIN CITY -Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state has been described as a democrat and a patriotic Nigerian who is very courageous and unwavering even in trying times and in the face of threatening democracy, a Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Mr. John Mayaki has said. The media aide who was responding to a statement credited to a former Chief of Staff to Former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, Mr. isaiah Osifo said, Oshiomhole is a democrat who has shown courage in times of extreme danger, threat to democratic
institutions and impunity in high places. Osifo had in an article titled: Edo, Oshiomhole and contradictory democracy, painted the Edo State Governor in bad light saying, “I have seen and watched a long list of solicited solidarity visits and people paid to demonstrate in support of Oshiomhole’s contradictory democracy. We should pity the governor in his efforts to sustain his contradictory democracy. Solicited solidarity visits and paid demonstration are major strategies used by dictators to sustain their ego and glaring contradictions.”
Mayaki said Isaiah Osifo was not fair to have described Governor Adams Oshiomhole in that light. According to him, “Oshiomhole is an advocate of participatory democracy and one who always ensures that the people are adequately represented in decision making. Oshiomhole knows quite well that only good governance can restore the hope and confidence of the people in the leadership. He came into governance prepared to redefine the politics and governance of the state to one of core values and popular
participation and the people can testify to this core values. He said the essence of democracy is where every man and woman has the opportunity to grow. Oshiomhole’s life experience is one that has taught him that dictators and godfathers can only thrive when men of conscience refuse to stand on their feet to challenge what is wrong. “When Nigeria decided to struggle for democracy, it was not to exchange one set of evil for another, but to create a political environment where people make decisions on the basis of majority. Our politics in
Christian Organisation of Nigeria holds Shekinah Programme Aug 22-24 BENIN CITY - The Christian Organisation Nigeria Inc. (CON) has announced a two-day Shekinah programme slated for 4pm on Friday 22nd and 9am on Sunday 24th of August 2014. The General Overseer, Rev. Dr. Alfred Opera, in a statement, revealed that a Ministers Fire Conference will hold on Friday 4 pm at God’s Tabernacle (CON) Inc at
No. 4 Uzim street off Uwelu Road, Benin City, while Sunday 9am will be the Shekinah Super Sunday at World Souls Harvest Centre (CON) Inc. at Km 8, Benin/Agbor Road by NNPC Filling Station, Benin City. The theme of the programme is “The Lord That Answerth By Fire”. Those to minister are the Holy Spirit, Rev. Dr. Alfred Opera, and other anointed ministers of God.
Sustain struggle for salary structure, RATTAWU urges media workers ENUGU - Dr Bamidele Bamgbose, the National President, Radio, Televisions, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), yesterday urged media workers to remain steadfast in their agitation for a media salary structure. Bamgbose told journalists in Enugu that the leadership of the various unions of media organisations had taken the necessary steps to convince the government to implement better working conditions for practitioners. He advised the government to implement better working conditions for practitioners now rather than wait until the unions embarked on strike in agitation for such conditions. “I am not supporting any organisation going on a protracted strike action, but if it is an action that will be of benefit to your members then why don’t you go ahead if government is not willing to. “But the fact of the matter is that in the media sector we are not ready to be where the leaders want us to be. “But if followers are ready and they will be able to back up the leaders then I think the sky is not even the limit.
“We’ve presented our cases even before the Minister of Labour and I think very soon and I mean very soon you’ll hear from us. We’ll call you out. “Then it’s left to you to support or to go and sit down.“ The RATTAWU president said that the leadership of the media unions had not lost sleep over the welfare of members. He called on members to give the needed support to their various leaders as they made the final push to actualise the implementation of the media salary structure. “We have been able to achieve something although it may be little and again we are not resting on our oars. “You don’t take anything on a platter of gold in Nigeria; you have to struggle for it; so, if you don’t struggle for anything you may not be able to get it. “Are the media workers, most especially those of us in the electronic and print, really ready to struggle for it in terms of supporting your unions when they call you out to protest or to fight for your rights?“ Bamgbose appealed to workers to stand for their rights instead of the thought that their jobs were sacrosanct that they would not agitate for living wages and better working conditions.
Oshiomhole, a courageous leader - Aide Edo is large, complex, heterogeneous and one cannot expect a perfect system. In the process of deepening our embryonic democracy, Comrade Oshiomhole has been encouraging civic involvement and urging Nigerian politicians to give way to society that rightfully demands that its representatives and institutions are more accountable and transparent than ever before despite rumour peddlers and character assassinations by anti-APC and anti-Oshiomhole forces. For me therefore, the APC primaries and other issues complained by the defectors are
as a result of the beauty of democracy. There must be contestations and no matter the political challenges facing the party in the state, the APC as an all inclusive party, has respect for democracy and taking the lead to restore ‘people’s sense of pride. To this end, the Adams Oshiomhole led government is committed to encouraging civic involvement and also ensuring trust in the party leadership and democratic process. He has consolidated our democratic process and must be commended”.
Inside Edo Odubu Advises APC Members To Promote Party Interest
Edo NUJ Congress Holds Today By PIUS ABAH OGBADA BENIN CITY – The Edo Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) will hold its monthly congress today, Thursday, August 21, 2014. Venue of the meeting is the Edo NUJ Press Centre No. 1 Reservation Road, GRA, Benin City beginning at 4 pm. A statement by the State Secretary of the NUJ, Comrade Titus Akhigbe, enjoined all Journalists to attend the meeting without fail as crucial issues are slated for discussion.
Vera Obadan, Perm Sec/Board Secretary receiving an award on behalf of Chief Oseni Elamah, Executive Chairman, Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), as a Honourary Fellow of the Institute of Professional Financial Consultants of Nigeria (IPFC) at the weekend.
Commission Chairman Lauds Ovia N/E LG Boss Over Governance By KEHINDE OSAGIEDE
OKADA – The out-going Chairman, Edo State Local Government Civil Service Commission Chief Augustine Amune yesterday lauded the Chairman, Ovia NorthEast Local Government Council, Barr (Mrs) Lucy Omagbon for her courage and display of administrative competence. Amune’s position was expressed by Dr. Matthew Atama, the Commission’s 2nd Commissioner who represented the Chairman at a valedictory session held for him at Okada the headquarters of the council during his visit. Chief Amune said they were in the council secretariat as part of their valedictory tour of local governments councils in Edo State for the purpose of intimating council staff and officials that the tenure of the local government commission members has ended.
He thanked the council boss for the hand of fellowship extended to the commission, as well as
the courage and determination she displayed as chief executive officer of the
local government. In her remarks, the council boss ascribed her successes so far to the commission which provided her the enabling environment and therefore thanked the members for the gesture.
BENIN CITY – Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Puis Egberanmwen Odubu has urged All Progressives Congress (APC) members at all levels to always indulge in activities that promote the interest of the party. The Deputy Governor gave the advice when he hosted a party stalwart, Barr. Danson Izedonmwan and his supporters from Ugbeka ward in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state. He charged, Barr. Izedonmwen and his supporters to see other members as brothers and sisters, rather than involvement in acts of character assassination. On his part, Izedonmwen solicited the support of the Deputy Governor in his aspiration to represent Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives
Vera Obadan (middle) flanked by the Vice President of the Institute of Professional Financial Consultants (IPFC), Godwin Evbagharu (right) and the Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Dr. Usman Nosa Giwa-Osagie (left) at the official launch and award ceremony of IPFC.
Remain United, Focus APC Members Advised By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR
BENIN CITY – The ViceChairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Edo State Barrister Gentleman Amengor has appealed to members of the party in Oredo Local Government Area of the state to “bury” their differences and remain
united as one family. He made the appealed in Benin City, yesterday, at the swearing-in ceremony of APC Ward Executives in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. Barr. Amengor who expressed delight over the turn-out of APC members in the council pleaded with aggrieved members of the
party who did not succeed in their quest to be executive members at the ward level to remain in the party as it is not possible for all of them to be executive members at the same time. He noted that he was at the ceremony in solidarity with them, stressing that the turn-out has shown that Oredo is the “torch bearer”
of APC in the state Amengor urged them to remain united and be focused. Those sworn-in as ward chairmen by the chairman of APC in the Local Government Area, Dr. Godwin Okoro included Ozigbo Esere Ward 1; Osagie Edosomwan Ward 2; Sunday Osaguona Ward 3; Jerome Ihama Ward 4; Oziegbe
Imafidon Ward 5; and John Ewansiha Ward 6. Others are Osamudiamen Osarenkhoe Ward 7, Hamid Osazuwa Osahon Ward 8; Bernard Ogbeide Ward 9; Williams Ehonwa Ward 10; and Kingsley Erhunmwunse 12. The ceremony was attended by APC chieftains in the local government area, including, Hon. Razaq Bello Osagie representing Oredo Federal Constituency, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor,
while promising to continue his loyalty to the party. Barr. Izedonmwen, a constitutional lawyer was aspirant for the House of Representatives in 2011 under the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Barr. Danson Izedonmwan
Joseph Eigbe For Burial Tomorrow IBHIEDU -The family of Eigbe of Oleghe Ibhiedu, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State has announced the burial ceremony of late Mr. Joseph Ebose Eigbe who died at the age of 67 years. A release made available to THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER, states that on Friday August 22, 2014, at 8.00 a.m., his body leaves God’s Will Mortuary, Eguare Ewohimi in Esan South East Local Government Area to his home town Oleghie, Ibhiedu-Ohordua for lying in state and service of songs to be followed by interment at his residence. Social dance and entertainment of guests holds on Saturday August 23, 2014 at Uriwa Primary School, Ibhiedu, Ohordua at 11.00 am. Late Mr. Joseph Ebose Eigbe is survived by two wives, children, grand children, brothers and sisters among other relatives.
Late Mr. Joseph Ebose Eigbe
News
Project Co-ordinator Sues For Support By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR
BENIN CITY - Leaders of Eguae-Edaiken Community, Uselu, Egor Local Government Area, Edo State have been called upon to support the “Youth for change project” of Association for Child Health. The call was made in Benin City by the project coordinator, Bella Akhagba during a oneday community sensitization programme for leaders of Eguae-Edaiken community, including the Odionwere, Pa. Stephen Odigie. She informed the community that the aim of the meeting was to formally sensitize them as stakeholders on the ‘Youth for change. Project? The project coordinator explained that the project is targeted at preventing the spread of HIV/AIDs among secondary school students in the community. According to her, five secondary schools in the community would be involved in the project, adding that 25 students from each of the schools would be trained as Peer Educators’ for three days. After the training she said the 25 students from each school are expected to spread the youth for change project to other students in their respective schools, saying that the training programme for the
students would hold next month. She therefore appealed to them to make necessary suggestions that would make the proposed project become a reality. Some leaders of EguaeEdaiken community who spoke including Comrade Alfred
Edogun and Amadin Omosigho, the youth leader of the community, appreciated the initiative. They however stressed the need for the scope of sensitization on the proposed project to be widened, particularly to include traders in the market.
Archdiocese Ordains 8 New Priests By IKPONMWOBA OSAZEE JOEL BENIN CITY –The Catholic Archbishop of the metropolitan See of Benin City, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Akubuece has ordained eight more priests for the pastoral work in the Archdiocese. The Ordination took place at the Holy Cross Cathedral which witnessed a large number of catholic faithful from the three deaneries in the Archdiocese. In his homily, Most Rev Dr Akubueze thanked God for the gift of priesthood, urging the newly ordained to always see themselves as God’s servants and Instruments through which God lives among his people. He advised them to pray and always keep close to God, urging them to live a life of sacrifice bearing in mind that Jesus is a true example and role model of sacrifice. The Archbishop also called
on catholic faithful in the Archdiocese to always pray for their priests because the journey is tough, stressing that there are many challenges and temptations which the priest encounters that need the prayers of the followers to overcome. The Newly ordained priests are Rev Fr John Adesotu; Rev fr. Cosmas Iyamu; Rev Fr Jude Orah, Rev Fr Chinedu Nwokocha, Rev Fr Patric Onajake, Rev Fr Richard Ozioko Rev Fr Christopher Eshiokhai; and Rev Fr Emmanuel Oviasgie. In an Interview, one of the newly ordained, Rev Fr Richard Ozioko said no one takes the hononor of being a priest upon himself but it is the Lord who calls and Him alone will give the strength to do his work. “ We thank God for what we are today and we call on all the faithful to increase their prayers for us for the journey is tough.’ he Concluded.
Owan West Youth Pass Vote Of Confidence On LG Boss SABONGIDDA ORA - The Youths in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State have passed a vote of confidence on the Chairman of the Council, Hon. Godwin Aigbodion, based on his development stride during his few months in office. The youths who protested peacefully to the council secretariat with various placards said they decided to carry out the peaceful protest based on the report by some Councilors through the media to bring down the name of the Executive Chairman of Owan West, Hon. Godwin Aigbodion. The spokesperson for the youths, Mr. Isagua Steven said the people of Owan West Local Government Area are happy with the developmental strides of the Chairman, especially in the areas of free health care services to the people, construction of three classroom block and headmasters office each in the eleven wards, the reactivation of the Oke New Water project and provision of electricity transformers to some communities. He said some of the
councilors are not representing the interest of the people who voted them and therefore would be recalled for destroying the organ of the party because of their selfish interest in allowing themselves to be used against the local Government. According to him, they also refused to assent to MDGs project that will be beneficial to the people while making excessive demands from the Chairman for their own selfish interest, Isagua noted that Owan West is known for peace while urging them not to cause problems in the locality. Addressing the youths, the Chairman of the Local Government said he is happy that the youths are interested in what is happening around them, stressing that Owan West is not in crisis, over what some of the councilors were alleging while expressing. He explained that Owan West has been chosen as a beneficiary of MDGs programme which is a Federal Government initiative that presented before the legislative
arm. The council boss noted that Owan West is yet to produce its own counterpart fund for it to access the MDGs fund yet the legislators are divided on whether to approve the fund or not. The Chairman further said the MDGs is a programme that will be beneficial to all in terms of provision of water, more schools, good roads electricity transformers and other infrastructure. On the allegation that the legislative arm was broken into, the chairman debunked the allegation, saying that no sane person will use his hands to destroy what he has built, Hon. Aigbodion said he will resist any attempt by anyone or group to distract him as he was ready to do what he was sent there to do, which is, to ensure that Owan West benefits from the dividends of democracy. He commended the youths for the peaceful manner they conducted themselves and urged them to go about their normal duties and to continue to monitor what is happening around them.
Theft: Mechanic, 35, Docked
LAGOS - A 35-year-old mechanic, Saidi Aremu, yesterday appeared before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, charged with stealing N300,000 cash. The accused, who resides at No. 2, Irapada St., Itire, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. However, he pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Insp.
FRSC Arrest 1,950 Traffic Offenders IBADAN - Mr Luka Ikpi, the Oyo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission(FRSC), said that the commission arrested 1,950 offenders in the state this July for various traffic offenses. Ikpi who spoke with newsmen yesterday in Ibadan, said motorcyclist riders without helmet were the highest offenders. He said that the commission would not relent in its efforts at apprehending traffic offenders. “During the passing month (July), we arrested 1,950 traffic offenders. 794 motorcyclists were arrested for riding without helmets. “A total of 396 people were arrested for driving without the use of seat belt,” “The sector commander also said that 29 people died from the 21 road accidents in the state,” Ikpi said. He gave the breakdown of the victims of auto crash as”86 persons made up of 58 men, 20 women and seven children also sustained different degrees of injury,” Ikpi said. He advised motorists to be mindful of the way and manner they drive so as to avoid road accidents. “Road traffic accidents can be avoided if motorists drive according to the rules and regulations governing driving,” he said. The sector commander also called on the people in the state to partner with FRSC so that road accidents could be reduced. “The FRSC has said that before the end of this year, road traffic crises should be reduced by 25 per cent, and death as a result of crashes to be reduced by 15 per cent. “So, we want every individual to partner with us so that we can reduce the problems of road accidents in Oyo State”.
Gabriel Ekundayo, told the court that the accused and one Ayinde Aro at large committed the offences between June 2013 and January this year. He said that the accused was given a car by one Mr Emmanuel Amaechi to sell and return proceeds to him. Ekundayo said that the accused sold the car at N300,000 and made away with the money. He said that the offences, which were committed at No. 2, Adegunwa St., Aguda, Surulere, contravened sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State. The Magistrate, Mrs O.N. Ojuromi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the case to September 10 for mention.
South West
Hon. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Ativie, member representing Uhunmwode Constituency in Edo State House of Assembly (2nd from right) with her husband, Mr. Augustine Utomi Ativie (left) stepping out with friends and well wishers for thanksgiving in celebration of her birthday at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Iriri Off Airport Road, Benin City on Sunday. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.
FRSC Issues 389 New Drivers Licenses
The project Co-Ordinator of Association for Child Health, Edo State, Miss Bella Akhagba addressing participants during the sensitization on Youth for Change Project in Benin City recently. Photo: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY.
IGP Orders Transfer Of Suspected LAGOS - The Acting sent to bomb the airport Inspector General of Suicide Bomber and other parts of the city Police, Suleiman Abba has ordered the Commissioner of Police in charge of Lagos Airport Command, Waheed Salau, to immediately transfer the suspect arrested with an improvised explosive device, IED, at the Lagos airport to the Anti-Robbery Squad in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. The order is coming after the suspect allegedly confessed that he and two others now at large were
sent to bomb the airport and other highly populated areas in Lagos State. According to a police source at Airport Command, the signal came from Abuja Tuesday morning after Salau, the Police Commissioner in charge of the Lagos Airport Command, sent a preliminary report on the alleged confession of the
suspect to Abba. The suspect was arrested at the airport by security operatives while he was about to bomb the Centrex Unit of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency along Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The 22-year old physically challenged suspect confessed to the security operatives that they were three that were
of Lagos. When our correspondent visited the Airport Police Command on Tuesday morning, officers were seen discussing the incident but declined to speak with our reporter and referred him to the international airport to meet the spokesman who was not in the office when our reporter visited and his phone rang but he did not take the call.
OSOGBO - The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Osun issued 1,389 driver’s licences to motorists in the state between June and July. Mr Muhammad Husaini, the States Sector Commander of FRSC, stated this in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Osogbo. He said that the figure comprised new licences and upgraded ones. According to Husaini, information on procurement of new licences had been uploaded into FRSC’s database and it is only the commission that can issue licences. He warned motorists against patronising middleman or touts, saying the commission had not authorised anyone to act on its behalf. “Any driver’s licence procured without the bearer going to the commission’s office for physical image capturing and provision of bio-data is not authentic,’’ he said. He advised drivers to get information on procurement and upgrading of licences from the commission’s website. He warned that anyone caught using a fake driver’s licence would be apprehended and made to face the wrath of the law.
Lagos Lagos Holds Workshop For Treasury Officers
LASG Trains Information Managers By RAHEEM IBRAHIM.
LAGOS - The Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy in conjunction with State Partnership for A c c o u n t a b i l i t y, Responsiveness and Capability [SPARC] had trained the State Information Managers on Basic Skills for Enhancing Reforms Communications in the Civil Service. The Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry, Mrs. Ronke Osho who represented the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oluranti Odutola said that the training was meant to stimulate awareness of Information Managers to the Reforms that have taken place and those that are on-going in the state Civil Service and enhancing their skills in communicating such reforms to the public while exposing them to wider channels of relaying their messages. She also said that the forum has identified key areas where reforms have taken place and are on-going in the Civil Service which include the Health sector, Tax System, Education, Judiciary and Transportation amongst others, adding that for Lagos being a Mega City should meet up with certain world acceptable standards in these key areas. The training featured lectures on; Knowledge Management, Interpreting Governance in Graphics,The Ethical Challenges of Social Media, How to Write Effectively for the Web, Reforming the Lagos State Public Service, Successes and Challenges. The trainings were facilitated by top Management in the State Information Management who had hitherto undergone SPARC training such as Deputy Director, Mr. Tunde Awobiyi, Assistant Director, Sina Thorpe and, Assistant Director, Segun Ogundeji.
L-R: Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr. Ade Ipaye; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejope Adefulire and Commissioner for Physical Planning, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, during the signing of Lagos Urban Renewal Agency Bill into Law by Governor Fashola in Lagos recently.
LAGOS - The Lagos State Government through the State Treasury Office, an arm of Ministry of Finance is organizing a 3Day workshop on Advanced Excel for Finance and Accounting professionals in Lagos State Civil Service. The workshop which will improve performances, will also help in producing timely reports, and consequently assist the management in making quick decisions. The Programme which began on Monday, August 18 ends today.
APC Warns Against Illegal Arrest
LAGOS - The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly warned against the plan by the DSS, acting at the behest of some politicians, to arrest its Chairman in Borno State Honourable Ali Abubakar Dalori on trumped-up charges, saying it is capable of precipitating a crisis in an already-volatile environment. In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and made available to newsmen in Lagos, the party said the situation in Borno was already very dire and sensitive, hence no one should add “fuel to a raging fire simply because of scorched-earth politics”. It also warned the DSS to resist the growing temptation to dabble into politics, even while it is becoming increasingly glaring that the agency is being compromised under the present political dispensation.
“The careless and clearly partisan statements being made by DSS Spokesperson Marilyn Ogar have shown all discerning Nigerians the direction in which the agency is leaning. However, it must still exercise great caution in order not to spark a needless crisis in Borno. “We have it on good authority that with the recent movement of Ali Modu Sheriff to the PDP, attempts are being made to destabilize the APC in Borno, using agencies of state like the DSS. The take-off point is the arrest of our chairman in the state on trumped-up charges. “Let those who are seeking to trigger a crisis in Borno know that the people of the state are resolute in their determination to ensure a level playing field in the run-up to the 2015 election. It is curious that the DSS has suddenly unearth supposed offences committed by Hon Ali
Abubakar Dalori to warrant his arrest, now that Sheriff has defected to the PDP. “Again, we are compelled to warn the DSS that, as an organ of state, it cannot afford to be partisan. An agency being sustained by the taxpayers cannot turn around to hunt the same taxpayers. An agency that is supposed to protect the
people of Nigeria cannot be the same agency being used to witch-hunt the opposition. “Unless the DSS turns a new leaf and stop making itself a tool in the hands of politicians, the agency will ridicule itself and weaken its capacity to function effectively,” APC said.
LAGOS - The Lagos State Police Command has debunked a publication titled Lagos Assembly frowns against Police excesses against okada riders published by a national daily newspaper on the 14 August, 2014. According to a statement issued by the deputy Police Public Relations officer, Lagos Command, ASP Lelma Kolle, “In that report, the Lagos State Police Command was accused of indiscriminate arrest and exploitation against commercial motorcyclists popularly known as (Okada riders)”.
“The Publication which according to the reporter emanated from the Lagos State house of assembly also draw the attention of the executive governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola to call the attention of the Commissioner of Police Umar A. Manko to curtail the excesses of his men”. “However, in view of the above, the Lagos State Police Command wants to inform the general members of the public and the Lagos State House of Assembly in particular that one of the constitutional duties of the Police is the enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged and under the authority of the Police act or any other law”. The statement added, “This being so, the Lagos State house of assembly enacted the law prohibiting or banning Okada riders from operating on express roads and others restricted areas, that law was approved by the executives governor of Lagos State his Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola in 2012, the Police in this regard are only enforcing the law as the law enforcement agent of the society”. “The enforcement of the law is only restricted to such
The party urged the DSS and other security agencies to concentrate their efforts on arresting the daily carnage being perpetrated in Borno and other states by Boko Haram, instead of allowing those who helped to precipitate the carnage in the first instance to further destabilize the state.
Police Debunk Harassment Of Okada Riders
Members of Nigeria Medical Association, on a peaceful protest over their sack in Ibadan recently.
routes prohibited by the state government and there was no time such enforcement was extended to other areas not covered by the law”. “Secondly, there wasn’t any formal complaint neither from any member of the public nor even from the House of Assembly about such excesses of indiscriminate arrest or exploitation”, it read. “Finally, the Lagos State Police Command has a very cordial relationship with the okada union members. It is the believe of the Command that if there is any excesses in the enforcement of the said law, the union chairmen will reach to the Command but in this regard. The Command did not receive any formal complaint from any unit of the okada union”. It remarked, “In conclusion, the door of the Lagos State Police Command is always open for any member of the public who seeks re-dress against any Police action, the members of the public can reach to the Command via the following telephone numbers: - 07055350249, 07035068242 RRS Control 2 Alausa 08065154338, 07055462708 Control Room 3 SHQ: 08079279349, 0806399264 and 767 Toll Free Line”.
Photospeak • Hon. Adjoto Kabiru member representing Akoko-Edo Constituency 1 in Edo State House of Assembly empowered men and women in his constituency as part of his 2013/2014 Constituency projects. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.
12 motorcycles given to some members of Hon. Kabiru Adjoto’s constituency.
Mrs. Foluwa Ojo being given the key and plate Number of a motorcycle by Hon. Adjoto.
Rehabilitation of 3.5km Road from Etiose - Ayanran to Ikakumo Communities in Ward 4.
A block of 3 Classrooms with headmaster’s office at Ikakumo Primary School, Ikakumo.
A block of 3 classrooms at Uma Primary School, Imoga.
The Ayaran Ikakumo 300KVA Transformer installed at Ikakumo.
3 Classrooms with Headmaster’s office at Ugbeshi-Afe in Ward 5.
A borehole at Ugbeshi-Ele in Ward 7.
Abuja FG, Doctors Trade Dispute Former NMA President Advocates Dialogue ABUJA - Dr Prosper Igboeli, a former President of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has advocated dialogue between the Federal Government and striking doctors to resolve the current dispute between them. Igboeli made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, saying both parties must have a rethink considering that the health system of the country was weak and vulnerable. “ There is great need for the Federal Government to resume serious talks and dialogue with NMA to resolve the current impasse. “The Nigerian health system is weak and vulnerable and sacking the doctors will greatly worsen the situation. “I will plead with both parties to rethink their stand. I have never and will never support any form of strike in the health sector. “Dialogue and continued government engagement is the key to resolving conflicts,’’ Igboeli said. It will be recalled that NMA embarked on an indefinite strike on July 1 over a 24-point demand, including the appointment of four deputy chairmen and establishment of a medical advisory committee for teaching hospitals. The association is also demanding the establishment of three federal medical centres in the country and appointment of only medical doctors as chief medical directors. Other areas of their demand are relativity in the health sector and skipping of Grade Level 12 for medical and dental practitioners as well as the reintegration of its members into the integrated payroll system. The doctors also asked for an increase in their hazard and specialist allowances, budget for Residency Training, speedy passage of the health bill, appointment of a surgeon-general of the federation and universal health coverage. However, the Federal Government on Aug. 14 announced the suspension of the appointments of the doctors and cancellation of Residency Training in all public hospitals.
Ebola Minister Elightens Drivers, Traders
Heads of United Nations Agencies at the launching of UNDP Human Development Report 2014 in Abuja recently.
War Crimes: DHQ Faults British ABUJA - The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has faulted a British Newspaper report that Nigerian government committed war crimes by terrorising some of its citizens in the war against insurgency. This is contained in a statement posted on the Defence Headquarters official website www.defence info.mil.ng on Tuesday in Abuja. “The report credited to the British Newspaper, Daily Independent, UK, in which it claimed that Nigerian government ‘committed war crimes by terrorising some of its citizens in the war against insurgency’. “Is to say the least, unduly judgmental and quite consistent with the disdain and bias with which a section of the western media reports Africa,’’ it said. The statement said that the newspaper did not lay claim to any sense of professionalism in coming out with that grossly unsubstantiated and bogus allegation against the Nigerian government. “ No credible independent source or government
Newspaper’s Allegation
official was contacted to ascertain the veracity of those wild claims yet the sanctimonious and allknowing newspaper could not exercise any restraint to be sure of its story. “Is it not preposterous to even suggest that ‘4000 people have died in military custody…’ when it is on record that suspected terrorists are held in various facilities while being processed for prosecution? “At what point then did 4000 people die in military custody? “This ludicrous report did not come as a surprise to anybody since this biased mindset against Nigerian government has always characterised this newspaper even before the commencement of the ongoing counter-terrorist operation,’’ it emphasised. The statement said that the newspaper and its lilk should be reminded that the Nigerian military and by extension the government cannot be intimidated by this patterned bias and
supremacist mindset in reporting Africa. It said having adopted this kind of judgmental posture, “we will not be surprised by any phantom video they will release to support their wild claim. “We therefore urge the general public to discountenance this obviously jaundiced report or whatever phantom video as it is all aimed at tarnishing the image of the Nigerian military. ‘The preposterous
interrogative posture of Daily Independent since the inception of the war on terror in Nigeria clearly questions the integrity of the said documentary. “And is therefore an indication of frantic effort at tarnishing the Nigerian military and ultimately the Nigerian nation. “The so called documentary should therefore be taken with a pinch of the salt,’’ it advised.
ABUJA - The Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA) has made further security and medical arrangements to protect those attending the upcoming Abuja International Trade Fair holding in September. The chamber’s DirectorGeneral, Mr. Joe Wenegieme, told newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja that efforts have been made to ensure that nothing
affected the event. “The trade fair is still to hold next month as scheduled, and since markets and supermarkets are still operating, we have no reason to cancel it. “We trust that everyone coming into the country will be properly screened and the system is working well. Nigerians are also aware of the preventive measures. Therefore, the trade fair will hold,” he said. Wenegieme also said security officials from the Nigerian Army and the Police Force would be present at the event’s venue to prevent any violence or security breach during the trade fair. “We have spent a lot of time and money making arrangements for the availability of security officials, such as members of the Army and the Police, to be venue. “We hope there won’t be any security scare, but people and items will still be checked by these security officials before they are allowed to enter. Reports say that the trade fair is holding at the Abuja International Trade Fair Complex located at Airport Road.
Abuja Trade Fair: ABUCCIMA Assures Of Security
L-R: Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Sani Sidi; representative of the Minister of Environment, Hajiya Rabi Jimett; Minister of National Planning, Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman and UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Daouda Toure, at the launching of UNDP Human Development Report 2014 in Abuja recently.
ABUJA - In a bid to prevent the spread of Ebola Virus, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, has urged traders and drivers to wash their hands with soap regularly. Ochekpe gave the advice at the official inauguration of the National Emergency Hand Washing Campaign to prevent the spread of Ebola, when she visited the Wuse market and Jabi motor park. The minister said that constant washing of the hands with soap could prevent the spread of the virus. “Although this disease called Ebola Virus kills, we can stop it from killing us by simply washing our hands with soap and water regularly. “Sometimes we are lazy toward washing our hands before eating; when we want to eat we just rub our hands on our clothes and start eating believing that disease cannot kill the black man. “But since the outbreak of the Ebola Virus, we now know that disease can kill a black man. “And that is why we have to do everything possible to make sure we survive and prevent the spread of the illness. “Therefore, hand washing is one of the basic things you need to do; if you shake hands with someone, lift or touch something, you must wash your hands. “Even if you scratch your head, it’s hygienic to wash your hand because hand-washing saves us a lot of trouble. “But when you don’t wash your hands and you come in contact with a sick person, you will contract disease. “Ebola Virus can kill an entire family if one of the family members contracts it,“ she said. The minister explained that although hand sanitisers could be used to wash the hands, they were not as effective as soap. She advised the public not to wipe the hands with towels after washing, but to allow the breeze to dry them. She also urged the public to avoid shaking of hands. Ochekpe promised that the ministry would drill a borehole at the Utako park to raise the level of sanitation there. The Chairman, Mini Bus Long Journey at the motor park, Mr Olugbade Olagunju, thanked the minister for the campaign, saying that the information provided by the minister was useful. He promised that drivers in the park would imbibe the habit of regular washing of the hands. According to him, the Ebola Virus has constituted a major threat to their business in view of the low patronage of passengers since the outbreak of the disease in the country. “Before Ebola came it was Boko Haram that threatened our business; now this epidemic has worsened the situation as people hardly patronise public car parks now in order to avoid contracting the disease.
Business + Economy FRSC Targets 20,000 Housing Units For Personnel ABUJA - Federal Road Safety Corps has concluded plans to construct 20,000 housing units across the country for its personnel under a housing scheme tagged “Vision 20,000 housing project.” Making the disclosure recently, while receiving the management team of the Federal Mortgage Bank, the Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, reiterated that the housing initiative was informed by the need to provide the required incentives for FRSC operatives to deliver on set goals of safer roads and fuller lives in the country. The Corps Marshal emphasised that the focus of the housing scheme would be “one man one house” residential arrangement to effectively provide affordable houses for the Corps’ present staff strength of 20,000 in collaboration with the FMBN and other major stakeholders in the housing and financial sectors. Oyeyemi said, “Under the programme, 70 per cent of the houses have been earmarked for junior staff of the Corps with a numerical strength of 15,000 while officers account for 5,000 of the staff strength. “Realizing that housing remains a critical component for human development, we will vigorously pursue the vision 20,000 housing project to provide succor for our staff during and after their service.” He added that FRSC management would subsidize the equity contribution of junior staff to make the units affordable. Responding, the Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank, Alhaji Gimba Komo, congratulated the FRSC Corps Marshal on his recent appointment, and commended the Federal Government for the confidence reposed in the Corps to run its affairs by appointing a career staff as the boss. According to him, the FRSC had enjoyed a robust partnership with the bank over the years, through the provision of
affordable housing units at Gwagwalada and Lokogoma, adding that the proposed vision 20,000 housing project would no doubt, incentivize the FRSC work force towards improved service delivery. Speaking further on the housing project, the Head of the FRSC Staff Housing Unit, Ebenezar Adebisi, noted that under the first phase, the Corps would provide 10,000 housing units in the Abuja-NigerNasarawa axis, while Lagos and Ogun will have 5,000 units. He said Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano states would each have 500 units, while additional 1,000 houses will be staggered in the remaining states of the federation.
L-R: Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochepe; Chairman, Mini Bus Utako Park, Abuja, Mr. Olugbade Olagunju and FCT Deputy Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Gabi Ibrahim, washing their hands to commence the National Emergency Hands Washing Campaign to prevent the spread of Ebola Virus in Nigeria at Utako Motor Park in Abuja recently.
CBN Disburses N237bn To 313 Agric
ABUJA - The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it had disbursed N237 billion to 313 projects under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS). The governor of CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele, made this known at the 8th Micro, Small and Medium Finance Conference and Award, in Abuja on recently. Emefiele said that the loans were given to farmers from inception of CACS in 2010 to July, 2014. He said that the credit facilities had significantly improved the comparative advantage of Nigeria’s domestic agriculture and positioned Nigerian farmers to tap into the foreign market. He announced that the scheme which was scheduled to end in 2016 had been extended to 2025 by the Board of Directors of CBN to enable the bank to fund more projects in the scheme. He said that the scheme, along with Agricultural Credit Support Scheme created in 2006, had boosted financing of agro-allied programmes, especially largescaleones, in the country. Emefiele also said that under the Nigeria Incentive Based
Risked Sharing System for Agricultural lending (NIRSAL) established in 2011, 158 projects valued at about N29.1 billion were guaranteed for Ministry of Agriculture. This, he said, was for the Federal Government’s Growth Enhancement Scheme, adding that 46 credit risk guarantee cover valued at N16.3 billion had also been issued. Under the Power and Airline Intervention Fund established in
Projects
2010, he said that as at May, 2012, commercial banks in Nigeria had financed over 50 projects to the tune of about N233 billion. “Going forward, the CBN’s focus will remain on sectors that can create jobs on a mass scale. “However, we will also be paying attention at financing sectors that can help the country
to reduce its burgeoning import bill and conserve much needed foreign exchange. “In the health sector, the apex bank intends to play a facilitating role by unlocking the potentials that exists for the private sector to invest at various points along the healthcare value chain in hospital services, health insurance,’’ he said. The apex bank’s governor said that keen interest would be taken in supporting the creation of an
enabling environment that would trigger private sector investment and curb the growing trend of medical tourism. According to him, such tendencies had depleted the nation’s foreign reserve. He assured that the bank would give support to power infrastructure, which would include promotion of investment in gas-to-power infrastructure and renewable energy in rural areas.
MSMEs. “MSMEs are recognised all over the world as the engine of growth in any developmentoriented economy. “Besides their inherent labourintensive production processes, they also provide a viable platform for job-creation globally. “All over the developed world, the contributions of MSMEs to GDP (Gross Domestic Product) average about 47 per cent. This shows clearly how important MSMEs are to us. “As reported by SMEDAN
(Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria), there are about 17.3 million SMEs in Nigeria. “However, this is quite small, compared to countries like Indonesia, which is slightly more than us (Nigeria) in terms of population, but has about 40 million (SMEs). “So, we must also get there and even go beyond,’’ the President said. He said a vibrant MSME subsector was indispensable for achieving a sustainable transformation of the Nigerian economy.
FG To Establish Devtimproved Finance Institution access to finance by
ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan recently has said that the Federal Government would establish a wholesale Development Finance Institution (DFI) to provide long term funds for industrial development. Jonathan stated this while launching the N220 billion fund disbursement by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country. The fund’s disbursement was the highpoint of CBN’s Eighth Annual MSME Finance Conference and Entrepreneurship Awards, with
the theme “MSMEs Financing in Nigeria: Past, Present and Future’’. The President said the proposed institution was part of measures to enhance the contribution of MSMEs to the country’s economic growth and development. He said the impending DFI would provide long term finance spanning up to 15 years for relevant entrepreneurs and industrialists, especially people involved in tree crop production. Jonathan also disclosed plans by the Federal Government to restructure existing DFIs for better performance and
L-R: Commissioner for Market Competition and Rates, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr. Eyo Epo, NERC Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi and Commissioner for Engineering Standards and Satefy, Mrs. Mary Awolokun, displaying Health Satefy Code for Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry in Abuja recently.
FG Extends Deadline For Afam, Kaduna Power Plants Bidders By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - Federal Government has extended the deadline for payment of the balance of 75 per cent of purchase price by the preferred bidders for Afam Power Plc and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company by additional 60 days. The announced which was done through the Bureau of Public Enterprises stated that the FG has granted the request for deadline extension made by Televeras Group and Northwest Power Plc, the preferred bidders for Afam and Kaduna power plants respectively, from August 6, 2014 to October 6, 2014. Televeras had paid the initial deposit of 25 per cent of the bid price of $65,012,500 for the
Afam power plant and Northwest Power Plc paid $40,750,000 for the Kaduna Disco following which the Share Purchase Agreement were executed by the two parties. They were required to pay the outstanding balance of 75 per cent of the bid price within six months of the execution of the SPA on August 6, 2014. A statement issued by the Head, Public Communications, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe, said Televeras Group had pleaded that the non-execution of the gas agreements required to bring the transaction to a financial conclusion and security challenges were reasons for seeking the extension.
Politics Edo South Senatorial District:
AS preparations for the conduct of the 2015 general elections gathers momentum, there has been an upsurge in political activities by the contending stakeholders, particularly aspirants jostling to occupy one elective position or the other on the platforms of the two major political parties, ‘The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC). At the national level and across the six geo-political zones of the country, it is crystal clear that various interest groups, including ethnic nationalities, sociocultural bodies, religious and professional organizations have been canvassing for support and solidarity for their preferred candidates or political parties.
Presently, there are agitations and counteragitations as to which region, zone, constituency or locality should produce either the president or members of the National or State Assembly. No wonder, the issue of justice, equity and fair-play has taken the centre-stage in the polity and has assumed numerous nomenclatures in the name of adoption, endorsement, consensus, rotation and zoning of political offices, both elective and appointive. In Edo State, the heartbeat of Nigeria, the trend is becoming more interesting as it appears the polity is being overheated by the proponents and opponents of the relevance of zoning or otherwise. However, a cursory analysis of political events
Let The People Lead
By GREAT IMAFIDON
unfolding in Edo State aptly suggests that the election into the state legislature and national assembly has generated a lot of commentaries by the relevant interest groups sympathetic to the aspirations of their choice candidates or political parties. Nevertheless, from the assessment of this writer, based on the political realities on grounds, the issue of who occupy which constituency, or district in the politics of Edo South has dominated public discourse in recent times. To be precise, people and interest groups of diverse opinions have expressed their views as to which of the federal constituency
that makes-up Edo South Senatorial District should produce the next senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, come the 2015 general elections. To all intents and purposes, it thus appear that a particular federal constituency has been in the fore-front for the campaign that only aspirants from their constituency should be encouraged and supported to occupy the seat of Edo South Senatorial District. At this juncture, I choose to defer and ask these selfappointed leaders who masquerades as the conscience of the people who gave them the mandate to speak for and on behalf of the good
people of Edo South. For record purposes, let it be expressly emphasized that the expectations of the vast majority of Edo South people as far as the 2015 general elections is concerned is able and effective representationbased on experience and track record of performance. It is a truism that you cannot sacrifice experience and effective service delivery on the altar of rotation, zoning or principle of federal character. Law making is a very serious business which requires rot only tested and trusted hands but people whose political antecedence and pedigree is anchored on popular acceptance by the grassroot.
As it stands, the good and great people of Edo South know who their man truly is amongst the contenders for the senatorial seat. The people deserves nothing less than a representative who is committed to defending the cause of the Benin man with all patriotism and contribute meaningfully to the development of the district in particular and Edo State in general. Finally, it is important that the people must x-ray all those contending for the Senate and choose the best irrespective of political party affiliation. • This piece was written by Great Imafidon, a Benin-based Public Affairs Analyst.
In The Witness Box Alhaji Usman Shagadi And Hon Momoh
BY tradition, I am not a politician, but nearly made a slip to join a political party over a year ago and I will explain my reasons for daring such a move: I saw the developments that were going on in my Senatorial district by the state government and just retiring from the Federal Civil Service then, I had thought that to identify with the progressive government from my ward level, would create a platform to enhance my contributions, but I had a shocking experience which quickly put me on the reverse gear, even when my second half who knows my composition, had earlier teased me whether I was sure if I would be able to play politics. I ignored a very thoughtful observation and she just giggled to herself. The shock came from a blood relation whom I had assigned to handle the booking of chairs and canopies and when I telephoned him to ask how I can go about my registration
at the ward level, he let out the shock: “you have to see our leaders back home before registration”. I ignored his message and asked: “where is the ward register and are you not the one to effect my registration?” “Yes, but the leaders have to be seen?” he repeated. “Who are they?” I asked. “Shagadi is one of them”, he said. “But he is from Ward three (3)” I replied. He was quiet. I did a quick calculation. Myself and Shagadi know each other very well and indeed, I am compelled to reveal here that he was one of the palace attendants during the reign of late H.R.H. M.J. Momoh, who was the Otaru of Auchi Kingdom and was also a member of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and Shagadi, amongst his palatial assignments used to be in the Otaru’s entourage to Ibadan. He is in a better position to reveal how he got the name “Shagadi”, which of course cannot be traced to his family line.
By USMAN ABUDAH
Quickly, I informed my journalist professional colleagues that I have totally blotted out the idea of going into politics as they were looking forward to covering the outing I did expect questions from them why the sudden change of mind. Some teased me saying they were wondering what brought the idea into my head, knowing me for my uncomprising stances on any issue, I didn’t tell them my reasons. This brings out my reason for this re-action. Severally, stories in the media originating from Alhaji Usman “Shagadi” and Hon. (Engr.) Abubakar Momoh (presently a Federal Legislator (Etsako Federal Constituency) and of recent on page 13, Vanguard of Friday, August 8, 2014 a story credited to “Shagadi” titled – “Edo North Election between Oshiomhole, PDP” was quite exposing in the sense that the duo who defected from APC back to PDP illustrates
nothing short of roaming politically un-stabled and may have lost grip of political relevance. “Shagadi” my fellow Auchi townsman, we have spoken quit often on telephone, of course I had always originated the calls and whenever he finds the chat realistically hot, he would create an excuse, promising to call me back or saying he would see me in Benin City as soon as he comes around, which he has never fulfilled anyway, till date. My main hobby amongst others is to watch and relate with politicians whose deceitful belief makes them think they are extremely clever and smart. My town’s man is embellished with these unproductive concepts and the moment he is called to order, he roars out like a lion. When one is not prepared to be led in any gathering, he will certainly not be followed when his turn comes. For Hon. Abubakar
Momoh, his political activities started from the councillorship level, Local Government Council Chairman, State House of Assembly and presently in the House of Representatives and now aspiring to the Senate, perhaps if he gets to the Senate, his next pursuit will be the governorship position, this I had put to him somewhere else and it wasn’t a pleasant response from him. There is a glaring factuality on the Afenmai land political terrain that this duo always cry foul when things don’t go their own ways, even at the highest level of their former party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Decorum is a decent format of politicking: available data on ground in their various wards in Auchi (Shagadi) and North Ibie (Hon. Momoh) clans, show that they’ve lost followership. Publications of stories in newspapers as the one credited to “Shagadi” doesn’t unfold the reality on ground over there. My name sake Usman
“Shagadi” would recall my last call to him suggesting to him to stay where he was in order to sustain his waining reputation rather than defecting to a party he once prepared a carton coffin, buried it and proclaimed that the PDP is dead and buried. I don’t know of any community where coffins are exhumed and life is put back into the carcass of the long ago buried corpse. Whatever, there is still a pronounced level of difference between a leader of the calibre of the State Governor like Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole and the likes of the duo of “Shagadi” and Hon. Momoh, back home in Afenmai land and beyond. I step down from the witness box, until I find another imperative reason again to enter. • Usman Abudah, a Journalist and Founder, Afenmai Heritage and Cultural Studies, Auchi, Edo S t a t e . E m a i l : daggashabudah@gmail.ocm 08023397100
DURING the week, an international human rights watchdog, Amnesty International , in its latest report and video footage of the nation’s Armed Forces alleged that the Nigeria military is involved in “brutal” extrajudicial killings in the North-Eeastern part of the country. THE video footage released in Lagos on Monday showed the nation’s military abusing civilians and engaging in extrajudicial killings of civilians in the north eastern parts of the country, where the activities of the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, have been overwhelming. THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER believes in the aphorism that two wrongs can’t make a right and as such calls on President Goodluck Jonathan to give the report the needed attention by instituting a high powered probe to ensure that Nigeria is not shielding right violators in its military. THIS measure is important because of the hasty dismissal of the report by some top government officials who ought to be more diplomatic in responding to the report because such early dismissal of the report is capable of damaging the nation’s image among the comity of nations. The Coordinator, National Information Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri at a news conference in Abuja same day absolved the military of human rights abuses, saying the Nigerian Army was not involved in the alleged killing of the Boko Haram detainees as reported by Amnesty International. He went ahead to describe the Nigerian Army as a professional security forces which would not get involved in such “dastardly act.” THE soldiers involved in the brutal extrajudicial execution of victims, either suspects or not do not have such rights under the Nigerian constitution. Nobody, under the Nigerian Constitution has the rights to
THE NIGERIAN
Investigate Amnesty International Report undertake extra-judicial killing(s). THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER views Omeri’s comments as patronising and expected trademark of the usual government’s grandstanding in the face of obvious evidence. WE expected the federal government to be more circumspect and diplomatic in its choice of words since Omeri and his agency did not carry out any immediate investigations to determine the veracity of the allegations. A situation where ordinary Nigerian citizens come up with clear cases of rights violation and the state sweeps it under the carpet, international organisations come up with their accusation and is also sweep under the carpet, may be creating a fertile ground for citizens to device unconventional means to express their disgust. THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER recalls that the escalation of the Boko Haram insurgency stems from extra-judicial execution of the leader of the outlawed group in police custody. Part of the demands of the extremists that infuriated their later actions was the demand for justice for their slain member. Till date, there is no action from the Federal Government to show that justice has been delivered to Yusuf, even in his grave. So,
dismissing by a wave of the hand a report with weighty allegations of international magnitude is quite deluding. WE believe the Nigerian government cannot allow security agencies to commit war crimes against its own people and expect civilized nations to tolerate these same crimes being perpetrated by the state and then provide the help needed to win the war against terrorism. We strongly believe that it is self -defeating and uncivilized. This is why the government must thoroughly and independently probe the Amnesty International reports and take action against security operatives that are implicated in them, irrespective of their ranks. THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER strongly believes that to assist the nation’s armed forces and prevent further occurrence, President Goodluck Jonathan must raise a strong panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations of war crimes as shown in the video footage, otherwise the atrocities may be taken as official position and the President stands the risk of being accused of war crimes and crime against humanity. IT is equally important to call on the military to prosecute the current war against terrorism in Northern Nigeria with sufficient respect for human rights. This is direly needed to enjoy the confidence of the international community in its campaign against terrorism. FINALLY, we also want to call on Amnesty International to also extend its work to the Boko Haram camp and reveal to the world the butchery, slaughtering of their captives so that global citizens could take them more seriously. Releasing a one-sided report in a war that has revealed several extra-judicial killings in most bizzare manner by the insurgents is inappropriate and capable of tarnishing the global human right’s watchdog’s image.
Tourism Eziakuta New Yam (Enu) Festival: The Splendor Of Etuno-Igarra Land
IGARRA is the headquarters of Akoko-Edo, Akoko-Edo has boundary with Kogi state in the north, Afemai-Etsako and Owan in the south and Ondo state in the west. Igarra which is centrally located and has many different clans, one of the most popular clans is Eziakuta of Eziobe community, the custodian of all Etuno cultural heritages. Prominent and most significant among these cultures is the New Yam festival (Enu). It is performed and observed in the months of June (Ufe-sana), July (Ufedere) and Ufe’nu (August). This traditions and customs, the Enu festival is segmented into three phases; Osisiakumete, Ojiji rekunshienu and Enu and Enuadoza. Asiakumete is the first segment and first step of Enu celebrations. It is observed and performed by arrangement in a systematic traditional way of presenting to the eldest Onfere-Eziakuta a handful of variety of guinea corn (Aku) proposed to be planted. Before the planting ceremony is done, the eldest man gathers his clan for prayers towards a successful bumper harvest of the crops in the season. The following day and very early in the morning, this eldest man goes to the farm to plant the sorghum/guinea corn seeds. Generally, the ceremonial planting date is not made known to the public until the planter (farmer) returned from the farm. Elder Omatame Alonge of Onfere performed the rites of this year’s ceremony. On this day, families, well-wishers and visitors rejoice with the celebrant with refreshment and dance. Thereafter, all farmers in Igarra have thus been permitted to start planting guinea corn on their cultivated land. One of the significance about this cultural practice is that of the formation of new age group (Opa’fuafu) and are reminded of their responsibility of clearing farm roads for five years on annual basis before they are initiated into adulthood of age grade in the community and to be prepared for more domestic chores in Etuno land. The occasion heralds and indicates when new yams should be eaten and roasted and also flag off the commencement of planting
cereals/grains. The farmers are reminded to start planting yam setts against next season. After Osiakumete ceremony, Eziakuta Opoporiku of Igarra elders converge in a day in the month of July (Ufe-dere) to discuss when to mark Ojiji rekunshienu i.e. finding a date when Igarra people should start exposing to the public new yams. After arriving at a date, a pronouncement is made to the general public by the Odovidi (leader) of the council of elders whose authority is vested to pass the information to elder Samuel Sunday Azego. People/ citizens of Igarra gathered at the residence of Chief Charles S. Aiyelabola The Akuta of Igarra along somorika road for merriment. In all the rites, there is no basis for oracle and chief priest roles, rather elders’ council (Azebani) are consulted on the suitability of days (usually on Ude or Ube) for confirmation. This elder leads a procession down to Ofumamo market square in old Igarra and then deliberately and publicly pronounced the fixed day usually from and within a week (Oge), Etuno people can freely use yams the way they so wish. The most important thing in this occasion is that farmers can harvest their yams at will in the month of August (Ufe’nu). At the ceremony, the young small holder farmers exchange ideas and pleasantries with older industrious farmers. The experiences shared are aimed at how best to improve on agricultural productivity especially through cooperative formation and adherence to the principles of crop rotation. It is also an avenue to discipline and correct youths on their immoral values. The ceremony revealed the eating of boiled yam with palm oil; it cannot be considered a taboo in the land till when it would be climaxed with the celebration of Enu and Enuadoza. Enu and Enuadoza is the time (period) in the month of August between 6th and 12th when every Eziakuta Irewun’opo/Abara (Household) take pounded yam to their respective eldest male for thanksgiving and prayers and in memory of the lost love oned. In this occasion, all Azis, males,
females, young and old partake in the eating of the mountainous pounded yam, which is shared according to age group. There are seven Abaras (kindred) that make up Eziakuta Opoporiku; the Apejis, Ovunu (Banjes, Akereles, Agents and Okovidos), the Babadajis, Olowojobas, OjosOtokunrin, Ogidans, Okerevus and the Gadimohs. Some of these families take the interest of shooting Dane guns to commemorate the eating of pounded yam and
By BANJE SHANA
people are known to have engaged in farming activity. Since culture is a journey and not an end to destination, its dynamism is exploited by Eziakuta people. The occasion served as channells to discuss and deliberate on issues affecting human capital development, social amenities, increasing waves of social crimes and
Chief Charles S. Aiyelabola
drinking of pito (Echa-ku). Aside the pounded yam, yam porridge is also prepared i.e. omisi, a portion could be mixed with palm oil while other portion is left white. A little portion of omisi is sprayed or spread on gathered farm implement and other human assisted machines in the home or in compound. There would be chanting or incantations: avu devi meaning those who work harder during the period under review reap bumper harvest and only those on the contrary die of poverty and hunger. It is also believed that chanting incantations is geared towards aversion of adversities during cultivation. At about 4:30pm same day young able bodies gathered to challenge themselves on wrestling bouts: onikokoriko onimamavunu in order to select and know the strongest young man- omusha onukata in the land. Today, this tradition of wrestling has long been forgotten; even the display of big yam tubers amongst farmers on market square has been an old fashion as only few young
criminality especially the prevailing security threats such as armed robbery, ritual killings, gun running, kidnapping, bombings and unemployment palaver, e.t.c. in the land. At the residence of High Chief S.A Aiyede, the Oshidu of Igarra, the social integration is used to notify all grades of age mates to report or alert the head clans strange faces in Etuno land. Before the advent of European calendar, EziakutaIgarra structured Enu cultural practices along wet and dry farming seasons for the creation of thirteen lunar months that make a year, a phenomenon which older generations still embrace. For example Ufe’nu -August is most important in the history of Igarra culture, it is loaded with numerous festivals ranging from Enu, Enuadoza, Ojiji rekunshienu and Asiakumete. The observance of these cultures annually for six times in a year and on the seventh time of it would herald the great Aba-Irepa festivals preparation and commencement Even with civilization, modernity and
technology, August in Igarra is still a version of December with a lot of festivities. It has been proved to be very significant and relevant as one of the social and political integrations. A week (Oge) after the events of Enu, farmers at this period of Ufe-Abafere (September) starts to prepare lands first by detachment of vines from yam tubers and planting of late maize and other cash crops. At night, there is the adventure of snails (Akikori) searching by women through rocky hills (Ifege) with bags on shoulder, lamps and machetes. Etuno-Igarra is agrarian in nature and on annual basis; Enu marked the celebration with the arrival of the noble unique stem tuber-Yam and prayers for the farmers so that they could have the ability to sustain cultivation and higher productivity of the farm produce. That is why on the month of September (Ufeabafere), yam setts are arranged and set for planting while some- Ukwango are sold in the local markets. The yam farmer aside those on barns, has for all its cultivars and even for one cultivars several types of setts at his disposal which he may plant at varying densities within the months of October (Ufeango) and November (UfeAku) till Ufe-Ogu the fifth Etuno lunar month (December) decides also stagger their time of planting. All cultural rites are in presentation at gathering or meetings in Etuno language and dialect. For the fact that culture harbors the originality of language and dialect, it is usually anchored in idiomatic and proverbial expressions. The proverbs and idioms are rich in the teaching of philosophical, social and psychological aspect of life. Thus, assist youths standardize their moral values, reminds them of their kindred identities, enables them fight for common course or interest since it is a unifying factor. This art of communication is sacred, mythic and mysterious because it lives and breathe and distinguishes human beings, tribes and races. Enu traditions and customs, which is the mother of all cultures in Igarra, have a lot
of benefits directly or indirectly: there is no doubt that culture is an inseparable entity of people. It forms the basis of people’s identity, acceptable way of life and values the world over. On Enu days, youths become enthusiastic and wanting to know why and when are so strongly symbolic, learnt, shared, and patterned, transgenerational and adaptive. They also want to know why it transverses information, attractiveness, educative and relevance in the origin of man’s existence. During Enu’s festivities, youths discovered that there was nothing like idolatry, worshipping of deities, rituals, fetishness and human killings. And so they participate fully in all activities and merriments especially in the midst of eating abundant pounded yarn, dancing, singing and drinking. They equally partake in prayers to God Almighty- Oshomoshi and hoping for the cultures’ sustainability and preservation. Culture is dynamic, not static and interrelated that depicts identity and ethical norms and values of a particular set of community or a tribe over time. It is an avenue to tap people’s intellectualism, life of communalism and capabilities in order to project and protect the potentialities of the land through collective efforts. Etuno people are appreciative of their progenitors for being able to maintain and sustain EtunoIgarra as an accephalous community, run a republican system of governance and not a dictatoral or monarchical system of government. Above all, the Enu culture does not teach evil, it teaches male, female, old and young even children the principle of caring, love, sharing, humility, respect for life, protection of lives and property to propel harmonious and peaceful coexistence. It helps the young ones and children alike to know and trace their descendants and relatives of their various kindreds or genealogies. Enu cultures in addition, teach people to understand rules, laws and regulations of the land through which right attitudes are appreciated.
Ajuwaya THERE have been developmental initiatives across various sectors and tiers of government, to address the problem of youth unemployment in the country. However, these efforts have made little or no impact considering the enormity of the problem. Most of the initiatives fall short in terms of scope and scale. Today, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is probably the only government institution that has presence (infrastructure and personnel) in all the 774 local government Areas (LGAs) of the country, putting it in a position to be reckoned with, in ensuring youth empowerment. As the confusion, death and outrage generated by the death of unemployed Nigerian youths at the various venues of the job interview organized by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), is yet to settle down, stakeholders have continued to call for more practical approaches and partnerships to youth unemployment in the country. Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), BrigadierGeneral Johnson Olawunmi in a reaction to the growing number of unemployed youths in the country has called for more practical solutions to ease the situation. In March 2012, to be precise, the NYSC leadership took a bold step by introducing skill acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes into the orientation course content, in order to raise an army of entrepreneurs that will drive the economy and not job seekers that will trudge the streets in search of scarcely available jobs. To institutionalize this, the Federal Government raised the number of departments in the NYSC from seven to eleven with Department of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) as one of the new departments. The introduction of SAED into the NYSC scheme had helped many fresh graduates to be selfreliant, creating employment opportunities instead of searching for non-existent jobs. Recently, the scheme
synergized with the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Student Matters, to work out a more realistic approach to entrepreneurial empowerment for youths. The skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development training for corps members was conceived against the backdrop of the alarming rate of unemployment in the country, which, according to the National Bureau of Statistics’ Survey Report, had risen from 21.1 per cent in 2010 to 23.9 per cent in 2011. The programme has among its objectives the sensitisation and mobilisation of 200,000 young graduates for skills acquisition annually, facilitation of the training and mentoring of 100,000 young graduates in skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development for self-
Curbing Unemployment In Nigeria Via NYSC’s Skill Acquisition Initiative
employment annually as well as the promotion of publicprivate partnership for selfreliance annually. Some of the features of the training programme include general sensitisation of all corps members at the orientation camps and their actual training in various skill areas. The trainees will normally choose their preferred skill areas and go through at least ten days of intensive training in camp. For some of the vocational areas, the corps members attain perfection in the skills right at the camp. In other areas, they are linked with master-trainers for off-camp follow-up training. The in-camp component of the project would focus largely on creating the entrepreneurial and selfreliance spirit, helping corps members explore income generation opportunities available, with a view to identifying the one that best suits their personality/ circumstances and professional training, some sort of hands-on training, as well as development of business plans. The post-camp component would provide the platform for a more rigorous training of interested corps members, with a view to equipping
By LATEEFAT O. MOSHOOD
them with the necessary technical/vocational skills, as well as business competence needed to start-up business; this would be carried out by various partner organizations with cognate competence and experience in the identified skills sets. Okore-Affia “The level of youth unemployment called for serious concern. We will be glad if we can get all the help we need to properly drive this programme. It is our expectation that if this collaboration works, we would have contributed in no small measure towards driving national socioeconomic development,”. He explained that the project was meant to empower corps members with entrepreneurial and agro-enterprise skills, with corresponding interest free loans, to generate employment, eradicating poverty and hunger, as well as creating wealth. It was revealed that as at the end of the 2012 Batch ‘B’ orientation course, 45,000 corps members had been trained in various skill areas. The number comprises 24,074 males and 20,936 females. A further breakdown shows that 5,404
were trained in agro-allied skills, 5,509 in food processing and preservation, 8,035 in culture and tourismrelated skills, and 5,062 in cosmetology. ICT had 8,119, power and energy 2,885 and environment 2,672. Another set of 2,837 members acquired skills in beautification, 2,057 in construction and 2,425 in education. Also the Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Johnson Olawumi, has disclosed that not less than 285,000 serving and ex-corps have so far benefited from Skills Acquisition and Enterprenuership Development (SAED) programme of the sheme. Sources at the NYSC headquarters hinted that as part of steps towards consolidating on the achievements so far recorded, the NYSC management recently held a meeting with stakeholders with a view to fashioning out areas of support in terms of curriculum development, training, monitoring, policy advocacy and influencing, as well as funding. The stakeholders, drawn from both the public and private
sectors, indicated interest in assisting the NYSC to maximise the benefits of the programme, especially through technical support. It is intensifying efforts in the implementation of the War against Poverty, WAP, programme, which it runs in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs. It is also aimed at helping corps members to become self-employed and job creators through entrepreneurial training as well as loan package to enable the beneficiaries establish agro-based ventures. Statistically, NYSC has trained and empowered over 1,376 corps members in various agro-allied ventures/ businesses in the last one year. An interest-free loan of N229,500,000 has already been released to the beneficiaries of the training as soft loans at zero per cent interest rate to enable them kick-start their own businesses. The purpose is to raise a crop of entrepreneurs that will drive the economy and not an army of job seekers that will trudge the streets in search of scarcely available jobs. Okore-Affia, “It is no longer enough to bring in the
youth, take them through the various programmes of the Scheme and pass them out jobless. Our focus now is to improve their existing skills and give them entrepreneurship skills towards making them selfemployed. We want to build on their capacity to make business plans; you know empowerment is dependent on good plans; and so, if a plan is not viable, we will advise them on what to do. “There is no gainsaying the fact that in the months ahead, the scheme will continue to leverage and build on the gains so far achieved so that the NYSC will live up to its vision of developing a scheme that is dynamic enough to meet new challenges – thus becoming the leading light of youth organizations in Africa”, he said. Obviously the government summoned the pluck in reversing the trend of unemployment in the country through the concept of entrepreneurship. The success of the current policy thrust would therefore, depend on the commitment of the government to implement it to the latter so that the high unemployment rate in the country would ratchet down.
IN the earlier presentation of ‘CHILD HEALTH AND YOU’, ‘Understanding the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding: Part One’, we reviewed Step One to Step Five of the ‘Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding’ that must be implemented in their entirety to successfully actualize the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and its relevance and applicable targets towards using maternity services and care provided for newborn babies in health facilities to protect, promote and support breastfeeding for improved child survival, health, protection and development. In this presentation, we shall look at the real issues in understanding and implementing the remaining five steps, Step Six to Step Ten, to successful breastfeeding. STEP SIX: Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated. This Step reinforces the practical point that the infant who is less than six months requires only breast milk for his normal health, growth and development. Such infants, in the first six months of life, are not expected to ingest any other food or drink; not even water! The human breast milk contains more than enough water by composition to meet the nutritional, metabolic and excretory needs of the growing child. In terms of macronutrient and micronutrient, human breast milk contains the essential nutrients in their right proportions to guarantee the appropriate ‘Solubility Product’ that ensures their ‘Bioavailability’ reavailability, absorption and assimilation. Any foods or drinks offered to the infant who is less than six months constitute ‘Supplementary Foods or Drinks’ and they include infant Formula and Complementary Foods among others. Most mothers can breastfeed their babies successfully and have the capacity to produce enough milk for their babies to subsist solely on for the first six months of life. Thus, virtually all mothers should be able to practice ‘Exclusive Breastfeeding’ for the first six months of the birth of their
babies. The use of ‘Supplementary Foods or Drinks’ is, therefore, usually unnecessary. When, however, their use is indicated, and there are very few special situations where they are required, efforts must be made to ensure that they are used appropriately. These special situations requiring the use of these products must be determined and ascertained only by competent trained and skilled healthcare staff. Such mothers should be identified and separated from the general pool of mothers and taught the appropriate preparation and use of these products in order to avoid the ‘Spill-over Effect’ on the other mothers so as not to undermine their decision to breastfeed and their commitment to succeed when faced with breastfeeding difficulties and challenges. It has, therefore, become imperative to monitor the proper use of these products only when necessary and to ensure that their use does not discourage breastfeeding or undermine mothers’ ability and willingness to breastfeed successfully. To ensure the proper marketing, sale, purchase and use of these products, nations of the world voted to adopt in 1981 the ‘international code of Marketing or Breast milk Substitutes’ with Articles whose provisions remain the minimum to be implemented in their entirety to protect optimal infant and young child feeding. This Code, together with all subsequent relevant World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolutions, is now generally referred to as ‘The Code’. The Code was exhaustively reviewed and discussed in previous publications of ‘CHILD HEALTH AND YOU’. In Nigeria, the initial legal instrument for Code implementation was Decree 41 of 1990 (now Act 41 of 1990) and this was a very weak, defective and inadequate enabling legal enactment. To rectify this anomaly, we now have the ‘Infant and Young Children Foods and Designated Products (and Registration etc)’ promulgated in 2005 by National Agency for Foods
“Breastfeeding couple’ are together every time and all the time making breastfeeding on demand not only feasible but also pleasurable!”
Child Health & You Understanding 10 Steps To Successful Breastfeeding (2) and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC). All health staff should be sufficiently knowledgeable and familiar with the provisions of these new Regulations. Compliance should be strictly monitored and violations swiftly punished to ensure the desired protection for breastfeeding and optimal
sets of healthcare staff detailed to look after the mothers and their breastfeeding needs/ challenges and their newborn babies also with their peculiar care needs and demands/ challenges. Mothers were also expected to shuttle between the lying-in wards and the newborn nurseries to breastfeed their babies.
unlimited contact for the desired bonding, breastfeeding on demand and very close observation of the baby by the mother. A further extrapolation of this step, particularly with very small and premature infants, is the nursing of the babies within the mothers’ partly buttoned shirts referred to as the ‘Kangaroo Mother Care’. This may require the use of special comfortable recliner. Healthcare staff also need to
infant and young child feed. This Step Six recognizes the few special situations for which Breast milk Substitutes are required and it is intended to ensure only their necessary and appropriate use. STEP SEVEN: Practise rooming-in-that is, allow mothers and infants to remain together – 24 hours a day In the past, mothers, soon after delivery, were transferred to the lying-in ward or postnatal ward while their new born babies were transferred to the newborn nursery. Therefore, mothers and babies were separated and cared for in two different units/ locations which, in some circumstances, were a significant and remarkable distance apart. This had several implications for the protection, promotion and support for breastfeeding. The facility required different
Breastfeeding, in the circumstance, could certainly not be practised on demand! Going to the newborn nurseries solely to breastfeed their babies could not also be guaranteed every time and anytime of the day; again making the desired frequent breastfeeding on demand impossible. Step seven seeks to alter the routine practice in maternity units and hospitals to ensure that baby and mother are cared for in the same room thus avoiding the undesired separation while guaranteeing the ‘breastfeeding couple’ are together every time and all the time making breastfeeding on demand not only feasible but also pleasurable! An imaginative modification of this step is the ‘bedding-in’ practised by some facilities. Baby and mother are cared for on the same bed guaranteeing
be trained in the skills and techniques necessary to support mothers in the ‘Kangaroo Mother and Care’. STEP EIGHT: Encourage Breastfeeding on Demand Breastfeeding, before now, was largely a mother-led process and virtually followed a rigid written or imaginary feeding time-table. For the newborn babies in the newborn nurseries, they had to be fed according to the unit feeding time-schedule hoping that the mothers would make themselves available to breastfeed their babies in line with the scheduled feeding times for the unit. This required committed diligent unit healthcare staff that were due and also, that the mothers were always willing and ready to respond to the prodding and call to breastfeeding action by the healthcare staff. Obviously, this was a hindrance to
By PROF C.O. EREGIE
breastfeeding as frequently as demanded by the babies. The thrust of Step Eight, was therefore, to ensure that mothers accepted breastfeeding as a baby-led process and that healthcare staff were expected to support mothers with the knowledge, attitude and skills necessary to ensure breastfeeding on demand. Frequent effective suckling on demand resulting in near emptying of the breasts is the most important stimulus for continued breastmilk production. If the baby is not enabled to breastfeed frequently on demand, the mother’s hormone system is programmed to respond with reduced breast milk production with resultant lactation failure, insufficient breast milk and breastfeeding difficulties. It is inappropriately believed that what the mother needs to produce enough breast milk for her baby is ingesting plenty food and fluids like pap, water and palm wine among others. Also, it is pertinent to state empahtically that the amount of breast milk produced by the mother does not depend on the size and shape of her breasts, her socio-economic class and, strictly speaking, her nutritional status. It is only extreme maternal malnutrition that has very minimal effect on the volume, not quality, of breast milk production. Almost every mother who delivers a newborn baby should be able to produce more than enough breast milk for her suckling infant. The use of ‘lactagogues’, which are routinely ingested and are thought to stimulate the production and flow of breast milk, is completely unnecessary and quite expectedly undermines a mother’s ability and capacity to breastfeed successfully. Also, such products as mother’s high-energy milk, biscuits and drinks are not justified scientifically and their use is completely unnecessary. The belief in and reliance on their use, and the frequent inability to afford them, further compromise successful breastfeeding. Frequently attaching the nursling to suckle effectively at the breasts is all that the mother requires to guarantee the production of enough breast milk for her baby. To be contd.
Spotlight 1. Introduction ON 11 July 2003, the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government adopted the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Protocol) during its Second Ordinary Summit in Maputo, Mozambique. The Protocol would enter into force thirty days after the date of the deposit of the fifteenth instrument of ratification or accession. As of May 2004, only Comoros has ratified the Protocol, although twenty-eight countries have signed the document. They are: Algeria; Benin; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Côte d’Ivoire; Congo; Djibouti; Democratic Republic of Congo; ‘Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Madagascar; Mali; Mozambique; Namibia; Nigeria; Rwanda; South Africa; Senegal; Sierra Leone; Tanzania; Togo; Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Amnesty International welcomed the adoption of the Protocol as a landmark step in enhancing the promotion and protection of women’s human rights on the continent, providing a comprehensive legal framework for holding African governments accountable for their violation of those human rights. The Protocol is consistent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ (UDHR) proclamation that “everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex ... or other status (Article 2 - emphasis added). Although the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter) imposes obligations on states parties to eliminate discrimination against women and to ensure the protection of internationally recognized women’s human rights, the Protocol provides more comprehensive and specific guarantees with regard to women’s human rights than the Charter. The Protocol recognizes and guarantees a wide range of women’s civil and political rights as well as economic, social and cultural rights, thus reaffirming the universality, indivisibility and interdependency of all internationally recognized human rights of women. These rights include the right to life, integrity and security of person; protection from harmful traditional practices; prohibition of discrimination; and the protection of women in armed conflict. Furthermore, the
Protocol guarantees to every woman the right to respect as a person and to the full development of her personality; prohibition of exploitation or degradation; access to justice and equal protection before the law; participation in the political and decision making process. The Protocol also guarantees the right to health and reproductive rights of women; the right to food security, and the right to adequate housing. The Protocol also commits states parties, if they have not already done so, to include in their national constitutions and other legislative instruments these fundamental principles and ensure their effective implementation. in addition, it obligates them to integrate a gender perspective in their policy decisions, legislation, development plans, and activities, and to ensure the overall well-being of women. The African Commission will monitor the implementation of the Protocol through states submission of periodic reports under the African Charter but the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Court) “shall be seized with matters of interpretation arising from the application on implementation of this Protocol.” However, the African Commission shall have the mandate to interpret the Protocol pending the full establishment of the African Court. Numerous violations of women’s human rights — solely or primarily because of their gender — still occur on a daily basis in Africa. They include female genital mutilation, forced marriage, discrimination, domestic violence, sexual exploitation and rape. These abuses result from, and are compounded by, women’s social and economic inequality: lack of access to education, land, financial resources and health care and their inequality within the family. The challenge is for African governments and other stakeholders to translate the fine statements of the Protocol into reality regionally and nationally. Amnesty International calls on African governments to ratify the Protocol, and ensure its prompt entry into force. African intergovernmental organizations, including the AU Commission and the African Commission should encourage the Ml ratification and implementation of the Protocol at the national level. Although implementation is the primary responsibility of governments, inter-governmental organizations have a crucial role to play in this respect. This document summarizes the main provisions of the Protocol
Strengthening The Prote and gives a brief overview of the monitoring mechanisms that it establishes. Its aim is to raise awareness of the Protocol and to encourage states to ratify it as a matter of priority. 2. Summary of guarantees under the Protocol The text of the Protocol comprises of a preamble and twenty-nine articles. The Protocol aims to give greater attention to the human rights of women in Africa. Specifically, it aims to promote the principles of equality, peace, freedom, dignity, justice, solidarity and democracy. Furthermore, the Protocol defines “discrimination against women” and “violence against women” and outlines measures which states parties are required to take in both the public and private spheres to end such practices. It covers a range of topics, including employment, education, voting rights, nationality laws, rights in marriage and divorce, health care, reproductive rights, and equality before the law. The Protocol requires states parties to adopt legislative, institutional and other measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women. As stated above, states parties must integrate a gender perspective in their policy decisions, legislation, development plans, programmes and activities. They are also required to modify the social and cultural patterns of conduct of women and men through public education, information, education and communication strategies, in order to eliminate harmful cultural, traditional and other practices based on the idea of the inferiority or the superiority of either of the sexes, or on stereotyped roles for women and men. Furthermore, states parties agree to adopt and implement measures to: prohibit exploitation or degradation of women; protect women from all forms of violence, including sexual and verbal violence whether the violence takes place in private or public; and generally prevent, punish and eradicate violence against women. They also agree to identify the causes and consequences of violence against women and adopt measures to address them; eradicate elements in traditional and cultural beliefs, practices and stereotypes which legitimise and exacerbate violence against women; and establish mechanisms and accessible services for effective information, rehabilitation and reparation for victims of violence against women. Additionally, the
Protocol requires states parties to prevent and condemn trafficking in women; prosecute the perpetrators of such acts; protect those women most at risk; prohibit medical or scientific experiments on women without their informed consent; and provide adequate budgetary and other resources for the implementation and monitoring of actions to prevent violence against women. Moreover, the Protocol requires states parties to prohibit and condemn practices such as “female genital mutilation, scarification, medicalisation and para-medicalisation of female genital mutilation” which negatively affect the human right of women and which are contrary to recognised international standards. They must provide necessary support to victims, including through health services, legal and judicial support, emotional and psychological counselling as well as vocational training. Furthermore, they must ensure effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; provide adequate training for law enforcement officials to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; and allow equal representation of women in the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. The Protocol also requires states parties to ensure, through legislative and other measures, that: women and men enjoy equal rights and are regarded as equal partners in marriage; no marriage shall take place without the free and full consent of both parties; and that the minimum age of marriage for women shall be 18 years. According to the Protocol, states parties must “encourage monogamy as the preferred form of marriage.” Under the Protocol, states parties have an obligation to take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures. The Protocol also guarantees to every woman the right to peace and obligates states parties to ensure the participation of women in processes for conflict prevention, management and resolution at all levels; and in planning, formulation and implementation of post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation. The Protocol also requires states parties to respect and ensure respect for the rules of international humanitarian Law
applicable in armed conflict situations, which affect the population, particularly women; protect asylum seeking women, refugee, returnees and internally displaced persons, against all forms of violence; ensure that rape and other forms of sexual exploitation are considered war crimes, genocide and or crimes against humanity; and bring
countries where the death penalty still exists, not to carry out death sentences on pregnant or nursing women. In addition, states parties are required to: guarantee equal opportunity and access to women in the sphere of education and training; eliminate all stereotypes in textbooks, syllabuses and the media; protect women, especially the girl-child from all forms of
r d s w
suspected perpetrators to justice before a competent criminal jurisdiction. Furthermore, they must ensure that “no child, especially girls under 18 years of age, take a direct part in hostilities and that no child is recruited as a soldier.” The Protocol obligates states parties to ensure that women and men enjoy equal rights of access to refugee status determination procedures and that women refugees are accorded the full protection and benefits guaranteed under international refugee law; and in those
abuse; and provide for sanctions against suspected perpetrators of such practices. They must also provide access to counselling and rehabilitation services to women who suffer abuses and sexual harassment; integrate gender sensitisation and human rights education at all levels of education curricula;; and promote literacy among women. Furthermore, states parties must adopt measures to promote equality of access to employment; promote the right to equal remuneration for jobs of equal value for women and men; ensure transparency in
c s e e a w a i m p c p e e m e w
s w t r c f S
“The adoption of the Protocol in Africa is a significant d ensure the full integration of concerns in the regional hum
Spotlight
ection Of Women’s Right In Africa
recruitment, promotion and dismissal of women and punish sexual harassment in the workplace. The Protocol also requires states parties to guarantee to women the freedom to choose their occupation, and their human rights as recognised by conventions and laws must be fully guaranteed and respected. States parties are required to
parties to guarantee to women adequate and paid pre and postnatal maternity leave. Furthermore, states parties are required to respect, protect and promote the right to health of women, including sexual and reproductive. Such rights recognized under the Protocol include: the right to control their fertility; the right to decide whether to have children, the number of children and the
create conditions to promote and support the occupations and economic activities of women; establish a system of protection and social insurance for women working in the informal sector and sensitise them to adhere to it. They must introduce a minimum age for work and prohibit the employment of children below that age, and prohibit and punish “all forms of exploitation of children, especially the girl-child and take measures to recognise the economic value of the work of women in the home.” The Protocol obligates states
spacing of children; the right to choose any method of contraception; and the right to protection against sexually transmitted infections, including HI V/AIDS. Other similar rights are: the right to be informed on one’s health status and on the health status of one’s partner; and the right to have family planning education. States parties are also required to adopt measures to provide adequate, affordable and accessible health services, including information, education and communication programmes
l on the Rights of Women evelopment and would f women’s human rights man rights framework.”
to women; establish and strengthen existing pre-natal, delivery and post natal health and nutritional services for women during pregnancy and while they are breast-feeding. They must protect the reproductive rights of women “by authorizing medical abortion in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest, and where the continued pregnancy endangers the mental and physical health of the mother or the life of the mother or the foetus.” The Protocol also obligates states parties to provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food, and establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security. With respect to the right to adequate housing, states parties are required to guarantee to women the right to equal access to housing and to acceptable living conditions in a healthy environment. According to the Protocol, “women shall also have the right to live in a politics’ cultural context and to participate at all levels in the determination of cultural policies.” In this regard, the Protocol obligates states parties to adopt measures to enhance the participation of women in the formulation of cultural policies at all levels. The Protocol also extends protection to widows. Accordingly, it requires states parties to ensure that “widows are not subjected to inhuman, humiliating or degrading treatment, that a widow shall automatically become the guardian and custodian of her children, after the death of her husband, unless this is contrary to the interests and the welfare of the children; that a widow shall have the right to remarry, and in that event, to marry the person of her choice, that a widow shall have the right to an equitable share in the inheritance of the property of her husband.” States parties must also ensure that women and men enjoy the right to inherit, in equitable shares, their parents’ properties. States parties are further required to provide protection to elderly women and take specific measures commensurate with their physical, economic and social needs as well as their access to employment and professional training; and ensure the right of elderly women to freedom from violence. They must also ensure the protection of women with disabilities and adopt measures to facilitate their access to employment, professional and vocational
training as well as their participation in decision-making. Furthermore, states parties are required to ensure: “the protection of poor women and women heads of families, the right of pregnant or nursing women or women in detention by providing them with an environment which is suitable to their condition and the right to be treated with dignity.” Under the Protocol, any woman whose rights have been violated will be entitled to “appropriate remedies” to be determined by competent judicial, administrative, legislative or any other competent authority provided for by law. In addition, states parties are required to provide budgetary and other resources for the full and effective implementation of the rights recognized under the Piotocoi. States parties are also required to “reduce military expenditure significantly in favour of spending on social development in general and the promotion of women in particular.” 3. Implementation Mechanism As stated above, the Protocol also provides for an implementing mechanism. According to Article 26, “States Parties shall ensure the implementation of this Protocol at national level, and in their periodic reports submitted in accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter, indicate the legislative and other measures undertaken for the full realisation of the rights herein recognised.” Furthermore, “the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights shall be seized with matters of interpretation arising from the application or implementation of this Protocol.” 4. Conclusions and recommendations The adoption of the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa is a significant development and would ensure the full integration of women’s human rights concerns in the regional human rights framework. The Protocol helps fill a major gap in the regional human rights system, which until now has not developed a comprehensive framework for the promotion and protection of women’s human rights. Amnesty International believes that the Protocol will allow both the African Commission and the African Court to elaborate how the rights recognized under it should be guaranteed in real life situations. Furthermore, the Protocol would allow these institutions to develop a fuller jurisprudence and a platform for the articulation
of international legal principles regarding women’s human rights at the regional level as well as direction and precedents tot domestic courts and ocher international institutions such as the UN treaty bodies. Most importantly however, the Protocol offers a real remedy for women at the regional level. This will give women victims of human rights violations somewhere to turn to, providing them with practical access to bodies which will understand the implications of their experience. But this potential will only be fulfilled if states parties ensure that they meet the needs of women’s human rights in practice, arid work to implement the commitments they have wade. Amnesty International calls on African governments that have not yet done so to: Publicly condemn all violations of women’s human rights and refrain from engaging in such violations; • Take action to investigate all allegations of violations of women’s human rights by members of the police, security and armed forces and others acting with the acquiescence of the state and bring to justice those suspected to be responsible; • Ratify the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa without further delay and without reservations; • Implement the Protocol by reviewing all national laws, policies, practices and procedures to ensure that they meet the obligations set out in the Protocol. States parties should incorporate the rights enshrined in the Protocol into their domestic legislation and take all other necessary measures to implement the instrument in good faith; • Review and amend criminal laws and procedures to eliminate discrimination against women and ensure that women defendants, victims and/or witnesses are not victimized or discriminated against in the investigation and prosecution of crimes; • Provide constitutional guarantees to prohibit discrimination and ensure equality of men and women; • Ratify all other regional and international human rights instruments essential for the effective promotion and protection of women’s human rights in Africa, including the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption. They should also ratify: the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its two Optional Protocols; the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; the Convention on the Rights of the Child; the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees; and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Governments who have already ratified these instruments should examine any limiting reservations, with a view to withdrawing them. This is particularly important in the case of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, where the commitment of many governments is seriously undermined by the extent of their reservations; Upon ratification, formulate national plans of action to tackle violence against women. Such national plans of action should include time-bound targets for implementing the commitments contained in the Protocol and address the issue of allocation or reallocation of resources for their implementation. Ensuring equality and non— discrimination in law and in practice would mean: addressing impunity for violations of women human rights; creating and strengthening national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights; undertaking to review national laws, policies and practices; developing a comprehensive human rights education programme; • Initiate strategies to develop legal and administrative mechanisitis to ensure effective justice for women victims of violence; • Ensure the provision of specialized assistance for the support and rehabilitation of women whose rights have been violated under the Protocol; • Train and sensitize judicial and police policies with regards to the women’s human rights recognized under the Protocol and other relevant instruments and; • Take measures to report on the implementation of their obligations under the Protocol and other relevant instruments and to include information on measures taken to implement the commitments contained in the Protocol. Courtesy Amnesty International
With
Security Issues
Where Are Our Girls?
THE atavistic adoption of over 200 girls from a school in Chibok, Borno State, by the Islamist fundamentalist group, Boko Haram, has expectedly elicited international opprobrium as concerned members of the global community have risen in one accord to condemn this abominably horrible act. Since the onset of this tragic saga, calls on the group to release the girls have been reverberating across the length and breadth of the globe. The slogan “Bring Back Our Girls” has become an international anthem of sorts as the world unites behind the families of these innocents to press for their release. However, it is heartbreaking to note that several weeks since this tragic saga commenced, the girls are yet to be found or brought back. Despite all the elaborate search and rescue efforts that have been expedited by a combination of Nigerian security forces and their foreign allies, using the most advanced information gathering equipment available, the girls are light years away from being found. The Million Dollar questions bogging the minds of informed spectators of this macabre drama are: Where are our girls? How come after the entire hullabaloo that has been bandied around by the authorities about efforts to locate and rescue these girls,
they are still in the custody of their captors? How far reaching have the so-called efforts, outside the usual rhetoric, by the country’s security forces and their international partners to locate these girls been? Who should be blamed for the failure to rescue these girls from the fiend called Boko Haram? What is wrong with all the search efforts that have so far being expedited to locate the missing girls, and what should be done to make them more effective? These are just a sprinkling of the several puzzling questions agitating the minds of most observers of this national embarrassment. The Nigerian Government is constitutionally charged with the crucial task of ensuring the security of the lives and properties of its citizens - Section 14, SubSection 1(b) Chapter 11 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the Fundamental Objectives and Directives Principles of State Policy provides that:”the Security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of Government”. “Every person has a right to life and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria” – a fiduciary responsibility that defines its relationship with all the
individuals and groups domiciled within its borders. However, the Nigerian Government traditionally refrains from respecting the constitutional provisions - in both their letters and spirit that should normally compel it to perform its most fundamental national duty to the core, as demonstrated by its continued inability to apart from the largely palliative, reactionary and consolatory measures it has so far adopted in its handling of the Chibok debacle embrace other available and practicable options that would, probably, have resulted in a more speedy resolution of the impasse; a puzzling development that smacks of rank irresponsibility on the part of government – one that has brought it out in bad light. Since the buck of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians stops on the table of those in authority, government should be held responsible for the continued incarceration of these girls over a hundred days after they were savagely adopted by the Bokites. If the use of force - a conflict resolution style that is favoured by the Nigerian Government - has failed, why not explore other available strategies? Why all the secrecy about what the government is purportedly doing to bring back these girls? Why does government continue hanging on to a fastfading strategy when there
are more effective solutions that can address this national emergency? Instead of being economical with the truth, why can’t the Nigerian Government accept that it lacks the wherewithal to end this impasse? Boko Haram has given conditions for the release of the abducted girls: the unconditional release of some of their comrades in detention. But the Nigerian Government has countered this gambit by rejecting any prisoner swap arrangement as conditions for the release of the girls; a stance it has publicly held on to since the onset of the ongoing saga – one that offers no hope whatsoever for the girls and members of their families. The truth is that Nigerian leaders are self-centered demagogues who don’t give a hoot about the welfare of the citizenry; irresponsible characters whose goofs are legendary. Is it not hypocritical that the same set of people, who sometime in the recent past, paid millions of ransom money to effect the release of their kidnapped siblings or relatives, are the same ones foot-dragging on accepting an arrangement that will help in securing the release of the wards of other fellow Nigerians – taxpaying citizens whose only crime is that they were not born of the same parents, or are not of the same ancestry with their leaders? Is it not double standards that a government
OBUSEH JUDE 08033510173 that is constitutionally charged with the sacred task of defending the country and its inhabitants from both external and internal threats of any kind, is the same one refraining from executing this sacrosanct mandate to the letter? Would they have maintained the same stance if roles are switched and their relatives are the ones in captivity? The answers to these teasers are not farfetched for any impassioned observers of this macabre drama. In a country where the incidences of violent conflicts have become every day realities, one can be faulted for expecting too much from the system. The ugly truth that stands out like a festering sour is that the Nigerian State, having lost the capacity to be a state, can no longer guarantee the security of the lives and properties of its citizens. This, after all, is a country where the average individual’s right to life exists only in the breech; a state of nature where only the fittest survives; a country where violence in all its monstrous ramifications is the order of the day; a society defined by fear in all its grotesque shades; a place where the lives of the people are daily threatened by violent groups of different hues. From religious fundamentalist groups, ethnic militias, kidnapping and assassination cartels, over ambitious politicians who prefer settling political scores extrajudicially, restive youth groups, to other potentially destabilizing forces of violence, Nigeria fits the classic case of boiling cauldron of death. But come to think of it, why should the Nigerian government shy away from what remains the most effective, long term solution to this impasse? Why can’t those in authority face the truth and nothing but the truth in the face of the undeniable realities facing all observers of this international embarrassment – that truth being that the authorities must accept the prisoner swap proposal as the most feasible way out of the current mess? If the U.S, the world’s global policeman, could turn around from its traditional practice of not negotiating with terrorists, due to pressing exigencies, to negotiate a prisoner exchange arrangement with the Taliban for the release of a captured marine - Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl - in exchange for five Taliban arrowheads
or (a2 - 2b)(a + 2b) - c(a + 2b) INTRODUCTION: With the common factor written In the previous lectures we discussed the factorisation of first, we get: a2 - 4b2 - ac - 2bc monomials, perfect squares, = (a + 2b)[(a - 2b)-c] difference of two squares as well as quadratic expressions. In this edition or (a + 2b)(a - 2b - c)Ans
A].
Mathematics With Stanley Osobase 08023454887 Osobase2001@yahoo.co.uk
Factorising Expressions Containing x(a - b ) + y(a - b ) on EBS TV (Thursday 4pm live) we Four Terms With the common factor written shall be discussing expressions with 2
four and five terms. Example 4 To factorise an expression with or Factorise completely containing four terms, group the (4abx - 2axy) - (12b2x + 6bxy). terms in pairs so that each pair has a (UME, 2003) common factor. The other factor can Solution: be found by division. Grouping in pairs, we have: B]. APPLICATION EXAMPLES (4abx - 2axy) - (12b2x - 6bxy) With the common factor written first, we get: Example 1 Factorise ax + ay - bx - by. (2b - 7)(2ax - 6bx) Solution in pairs, we get: (2b - y)(a - 3b)2x Ans (ax + ay) - (bx + by) = a (x + y) - b(x + y) Example 5 With common factor written Factorise completely first, we have, we have: ac - 2bc - a2 = 4b2 (UME, 2004) ax + ay - bx - by Solution: = (x + y)(a - b)Ans Grouping in pairs, we have: c(a - 2b) - (a2 - 4b2) Example 2 or c(a - 2b) - (a2 - 22b2) Factorise m3 - 2m2 - m + 2 Applying difference of two squares, (UME) we get: c(a - 2b) - [(a - 2b)(a + 2b)] Solution: With the common factor written Grouping in pairs, we have: first, we get: 3 2 (m - 2m ) - (m - 2) ac - 2bc - a2 + 4b2 = m2(m - 2) - (m - 2) = (a - 2b)[c - (a + 2b)] With the common factor written or (a - 2b)(c - a -2b)Ans first, we get: M3 - 2m2 - m + 2 = (m - 2)(m2 - 1) Example 6 or (m - 2)(m - 1) (m + 1)Ans Factorise a2x - b2y - b2x + a2y (UME). Example 3 Solution: factorise a2 - 4b2 - ac - 2bc Rearranging, we have Solution: a2x - b2x + a2y - b2y Grouping in pairs, we have: Grouping in pairs, we have: (a2 - 4b2 - (ac + 2bc)
2
2
2
first, we get: (a2 - b2)(x + y) or a2x - b2y - b2x + a2y =(a - b)(a + b)(x + y)Ans
Example 7 Factorise a2 - b2 + 3a + 3b Solution: Grouping in pairs, we have: (a2 - b2) + (3a + 3b) Applying diffence of two squares, we have: a2 - b2 + 3a + 3b = (a + b)[(a - b)] or (a + b)(a - b + 3)Ans Example 8 Factorise (a + b)(a + y) - 2x - 2y Solution: (a + b)(c + y) - 2(x + y) With the common factor written first, we have: (x + y)[a + b - 2]Ans Example 9 Factorise m2 - n2 - 4m + 4 Solution: By Observation, we have the trininomial m2 - 4m + 4. So that m2 n2 - 4m + 4 = (m2 - 4m + 4) - n2 By difference, of two squares, we get: [(m - 2) - n][cm - 2) + n] or (m - 2 - n)(m - 2 + n)Ans Until next week, stay blessed solving Maths! Remember To watch EBS TV (live) at 4pm, Thursday
Motoring With OSAGIE AIFUWA 08023412452
Defensive Driving Techniques
NOWADAYS driving according to the rules and regulation on the road by a driver does not necessarily guarantee his or her safety. This is because you may be driving well and still be involved in accidents. Bad driven (Killer) often decide the fate of so many innocent road users. The problem could be traced to the fact that majority of the drivers plying our roads may not be mentally, emotionally, psychologically and physical stable, coupled with the basic truth that great percentage of the motorists are not disciplined and dedicated to their developing positive driving skills and attitude perceptions. Many drivers do not concentrate behind the steering, thus driving with absent minds. The solution to the problem is an individual approach called defensive driving and safe driving practice widely termed defensive techniques. Defensive driving could be described as driving techniques to avoid accidents, thus saving lives, time, money and properties inspite of incorrect actions of other road users, e.g. motorists, cyclists, tricycles, pedestrians, truck pushers, etc. A driver should always avoid a situation where his safety depends mainly on the response of another driver of a vehicle. Element of defensive driving practices lies in the drivers conviction that: Every other road user is a potential threat to him and that he is also a threat to other
road users. Every other road user should be regarded as a mad person; He should be ready to protect himself or herself against all kinds of accident causing situations; A defensive driver should always react in the correct manner when faced with unexpected emergencies. A driver should be able to reorganize hazards; understand and act in time to prevent accidents and he should not panic at any emergency situation. AIMS Preventing or avoiding accident or collision; Reducing the effect of collision or accident if it could not be avoided Driving to stay alive: Drive with care, stay alive and alert so that you can reap the fruit of your good driving. Be sure that all safety gadgets (brake light, brake, reversing light, rear-light, horn, trafficators. Rear and side view mirror, speedometers etc. are functioning properly. In the raining season when the road is wet, always reduce speed to avoid problem on slippery surface and when the rain is heavy, apply commonsense speed limit and drive with caution and turn on your parking lights as a warning to other motorists. Limit your speed to the approved recommended limited. Expressway 100 kmp, Highways 8O kmp Urban/local road 50 kmp. The speed limit is subject to local condition only not applicable at adverse road
condition. Defensive driving is the art of pre-empting the attention of other motorists on the road with or without them trafficating or signaling their attention. The knowledge will always prepare you to be in a better position to avert danger on the road since you will not trust any body on wheel. There are many things we can’t control while driving, but we can control our behaviour and actions. Drive error accounts for more than 70 percent of all collision. If you are a young driver, remember that though your reaction time may be fast, inexperience may cause a fast but incorrect reaction. Drive within the speed limits and pay attention to your driving. Practice scanning down the road instead of directly in front of your vehicle. This will help you spot hazards on time to act correctly. Stay alert; don’t think that because you have experience behind the wheel you can’t be involved in a collusion. * If you are stressed or anxious. Change your state of mind before getting behind the wheel * Change your driving habits to fit your physical abilities. * Drive shorter distance.
Stay out of heavy, fast traffic. * Stay on familiar roads and streets. AVOIDNG COLLISION AT ROUND ABOUT: * Be watchful * Don’t assume field of way either to the left or right * Give way to traffic on your left * Don’t change lanes indiscriminately * Trafficate your exit (turning) on time * Maintain your exit lane in good time * Never face traffic round about. The condition of the driver that could affect his/her driving ability vision. Poor vision can impair driving ability. Many people suffer from night blindness, while others are prone to glare blindness. Other suffers from reduced vision caused by glaucoma or rarely, a vitamin. A deficiency, other drivers use. Drug that can reduce vision and some drivers are required to wear glasses or contact lenses but faIl to do so. Night blindness is an inability of the light sensitive cells in the retina of the eye to work effectively. This may also result in limited vision in low high. People suffering from night blindness may
have difficulty in distinguishing movement of shape of objects in subdued light or darkness. They may also have difficulty in judging distance and speeds of moving objects such as on coming traffic or vehicle ahead or behind them. When driving in adverse condition. HOW TO PREVENT COLLISION * You must keep safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead; you may use two seconds rules by reciting e.g. saver safer. * You must decrease your following distance on wet road or adverse weather condition by using four seconds rule: * Always have good anticipation during an emergency situation * Always have adverse foresight on the vehicle ahead of you, to avoid collision with the vehicle behind. * You have to be alert to study situation and conditions around you. * You have to be alert all the time and make use of your mirror always imbibe in the LSM (look signal movement) look at your mirror. Signal your intention by making use of your trafficator indicating your next direction. * Show your intention in good time before and not after your turning * Discourage trail gaiters always, allow them to pass * Always stop safety smoothly when necessary. COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE YOU ARE OVERTAKING * One of the causes of head on collision is improper overtaking and passing. * How do you determine if the pass is necessary of legal. * First ask yourself if the pass is necessary and safe (legal or illegal) * Maintain proper following distance * Look ahead * Look behind by using your side mirror and the inner mirror
* Trafficate or signal left * Check behind places you cannot see with the aid of your mirrors unless by using your direct looking with your eyes. * Tap your horn to fore warn that vehicle ahead of you. * Move left, into the passing lane do not overtake or pass a vehicle through the right lane because you may not be seen while making the illegal passing; * Increase your speed by accelerating if necessary * Signal right. DRIVING AT NIGHT OR DAY TIME Make sure all your lamps work and that your headlamps are properly adjusted, badly adjusted headlamps can dazzle others users and lead to accidents. VIEWING DISTANCE Make sure that you drive in such a way that you always stop well within the distance you can see to be clear ahead with your headlamp. REMEMBER: Accidents, which occur at night times, tend to be more fatal because help may not get you in good time as other road users may not see you, or may not stop. Also there are fewer road users. Your life is in your hands, exercise extra care! D I P P I N G IIEADLAMPS: dip your headlamps when meeting other vehicles or road users. DAZZLING LIGHTS: If you are dazzled by approaching headlamps slow down or stop and keep an eye on the right kerbed and stay close to it. Do not stare into headlamps. IN BUILT-UP AREAS: Dip your headlamps at nigh in built-up areas. F L A S H I N G HEADLAMPS: Flashing of headlamps has the same meaning as sounding your horn-to let another road user know you are there. You should not sound your horn at night except in case of extreme emergencies.
“Drive with care, stay alive and alert so that you can reap the fruit of your good driving. Be sure that all safety gadgets (brake light, brake, reversing light, rear-light, horn, trafficators. Rear and side view mirror, speedometers etc. are functioning properly.”
Encounter
APC Has The Structure To Remain In Power Beyond 2016 -Idaomi
MR. Tobi Idaomi is the former co-ordinator of Abiola Campaign Organisation (ACO), University of Benin (UNIBEN) Chapter, treasurer of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) UK Chapter and the Director of Trident Universal Ventures Limited. He is a political commentator, analyst and advocate of good governance. He is intelligent, bold, and brave and one citizen who believes in the course of the Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole to continually deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Edo state. In this chat with Senior Reporter, RICHARD OKORO EWEKA, Mr. Idaomi expressed delight while thanking the Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole for the solid foundation he has laid for APC in the state. He said those that defected from the party were the greedy and selfish politicians who did not care about the people but their pocket. Mr Idaomi said the structure built by the people’s governor will keep the party in power beyond 2016. These and many more political issues are here for your reading delight. Excerpts:election. With APC, it is DO you see the defection development forever in Edo of some members of APC state. We can never be affecting the party’s deceived again in Edo state. performance in 2016 Does APC have the governorship election? structure on ground to put All Progressive Congress the party in a better (APC) is a solid party in Edo position to remain in state, defection can never Dennis Osadebe Avenue and will never affect the come 2016? party. All those that left Definitely, the party is on were causing problems ground in the state and the within our great party the state belongs to APC. No APC. Most of them are not party can take the state away progressives, and if you due to her credibility and look at them, some of them performance. The party have contributed to the already has solid and great looting of the treasury under structure and that is why the Peoples Democratic Party party will continue to (PDP) rule in the state. Their perform greatly to the departure is good riddance delight of the citizens of the to bad rubbish. A lot of them state. The party is on course will come back because and nothing has gone wrong they would be disappointed with the party. Some few when they will be rejected disgruntled politicians and not given the ticket in wanted to hijack the the party they ran to. Even treasury of the state but if they are given the ticket, failed and that led to them they are no match to APC, leaving the party. APC is so and the achievement of the solid on ground in all the comrade governor. Never senatorial areas of Edo state. again would agent of Have you forgotten that for darkness which the PDP the first time in the history represents rule Edo state. of Edo State, one man won Our motto in Edo state in all the local government under the Comrade areas of the state? And who Governor Adams Aliu is this wonderful man? The Oshiomhole is forward ever, one and only people’s backward never. This is governor Comrade Adams democracy in full force and Aliu Oshiomhole. As a they are very free to go to party, we should not any party they so desire. entertain any fear, APC has APC is a party for the future the structure to remain in and a party to beat in any power beyond 2016, and
those that would have hindered the party have all left. The structure we are relying on is not just party structure, we will be glad to flaunt our achievement in educational transformation, provision of basic amenities, building of infrastructures, provision of water in Edo Central where PDP said it’s impossible to have water. PDP has nothing to tell the electorate in terms of improving the
to loot the state where they stopped in 2008. Like I said earlier, it was good riddance to bad rubbish. We are happy to see them leave, it is better for them to leave before they will destroy the labour of the Comrade Governor and the achievement of the present administration. Will APC have succession problem when the tenure of the Comrade Governor expires?
perpetrating illegalities around the Assembly complex are not known by him. The question now is who sent them? Was the Inspector General Police (IGP) aware of this illegality? Or were they sent by those that claim they are untouchable? Well, time will tell. I will just urge Edo people to continue to support the developmental stride of the comrade
Gov Adams Oshiomhole
Mr Tobi Idaomi
lives of Edo sons and daughters. The past would always be haunting them; APC is here for good and would continue to make life better for the electorate. What do you think led to the defection experienced in Edo politics? It is certainly clear; greed is the only reason. Do you think they have plan for the state? I don’t think so. They are not after the welfare of Edo people but have selfish interest to satisfy and themselves, associates, family members and friends. They want to start
do the best to get a credible person in a transparent way that will be devoid of crisis to continue the good work of the present administration. The standard has been set and platform created as such will be difficult for any candidate taking over from Oshiomhole to fail the people. The current governor has laid a solid foundation that every APC candidate must follow to
APC is a well organised party that knows what it wants, so tell me how will there be problem? I believe the party will create a level playing ground for all would – be candidates to compete for the position when the time comes. There will never be any succession problem because the governor has laid a solid foundation for the party. Oshiohmole has created a very big shoe that will take time to find a person that it would fit. But I want to assure all APC faithfuls that the party and governor will
“There will never be any succession problem because the governor has laid a solid foundation for the party. Oshiohmole has created a very big shoe that will take time to find a person that it would fit.”
continue the developmental achievement of the party in the state. PDP has continued to point accusing fingers for the defection witnessed in the state, do you agree with this opinion? Far from it, the governor is a democrat, a true Nigerian and a man of the people, he is never the cause. Whoever say that, is enemy of development. The governor has no business with the defection of party members or the legislators. They are doing all to distract the governor from doing his work, they want him to fail because they failed Edo people when they were the ruling party. We all heard when it was alleged that the commissioner of police in the state said that the police who are laying siege or
governor. Do you see continuity in the developmental stride of the present administration if another APC’s governor succeeds Oshiomhole? The current governor has made us aware that the state can work and that Edo money can actually fix the state. So it will be difficult for any incoming APC governor in 2016 not to work. The comrade governor has laid a solid foundation which APC will be building on. There will certainly be continuity in developmental stride in the state. All the party needs to do is to support the Oshiomhole led administration for an improved life.
Viewpoint “He urged African countries to strengthen their health care systems, while improving on efforts to have skilled human resources so as to ensure quality health care delivery.”
Disease Burden In Africa
Matters Arising
THE first African Health Ministers meeting, organised by African Union Commission and World Health Organisation (WHO) in Luanda, Angola, reviewed health care services in Africa and expressed concern about the disease burden on the continent. At the conference held in April, the ministers noted that heavy burden of communicable and noncommunicable diseases in Africa necessitated the need to facilitate the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across African countries. Citing a report of WHO, the ministers said that Africa had 69 per cent of the world’s HIV cases, 26 per cent of global tuberculosis cases and 80 per cent of the world’s malaria cases. According to them, the report indicates that the figures account for 47 per cent of global under-five mortality and 65 per cent of global maternal mortality. The
By ANNA ANGBAZO
ministers, however, expressed worry that most African countries had yet to be on track in efforts to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDG5) on heath. Stakeholders observe that this development is because most of the populations are not covered by effective healthcare interventions, while accessibility and coverage of essential health services are still low. Making reference to a report of the health experts’ technical session at the meeting, they note that 43 per cent of pregnant women had access to antenatal care, while 49 per cent of births were handled by skilled attendants. In the report, the experts stressed that the percentage was low, compared with the global average of 55 per cent for access to antenatal care and 70 per cent for skilled personnel managing childbirths. At the end of the technical
session, the experts proposed the adoption of TJHC as a tool for addressing factors relating to inadequate health care delivers’ in most African nations. The experts noted that who attested to the viability of UHC as a programme that could ensure the evolution of required health services without suffering financial hardship. With this development, Nigeria’s Minister of Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, therefore, proposed 2020 as the deadline for African countries to implement UHC.
“You cannot just work without a target; it is like playing football without a goalpost. Setting the deadline is to encourage countries to implement the UHC. This is required especially in countries that have not started anything about the UHC; if the year 2020 is set as the time limit, many countries will work hard to implement it - The aim of the UHC is to ensure equal access to health care, breaking financial barriers and ensuring quality care,’’ he said. Chukwu assured the participants at the meeting that Nigeria would meet the deadline, stressing that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) had set pragmatic targets to
implement UHC. He also said that the Nigeria’s Presidential Summit on UMC organised in March was, indeed, a platform for the implementation of UHC in the country. Nevertheless, Dr Oluwafemi Thomas, the Executive Secretary of NHIS, said that although Nigeria would be able to meet the deadline, other African countries might not beat the 2020 deadline. In Nigeria, we have started; we have got all the political commitments and the restructuring, which we need, is also concluded. The UHC Fund has been established; I think the strategy is right and the procurement process is on. Therefore, as soon as we procure all the equipment that we need, we will deploy them. “Even at that, from the little efforts we are making, it is getting clear that people are beginning to trust NHIS programmes because we have seen renewed interest in the programmes via increased enrolment. In the last quarter, we have been able to enroll more persons than what we did in the last three years; so we are really on course. “From 2011 to November 2013, the NHIS was able to enroll 600,000 enrollees but in the last four months or thereabouts, we have been able to enroll more than 700,000 persons,’’ he said. Sharing similar sentiments, delegates of Ghana and Rwanda at the meeting opposed - the 2020 deadline, insisting that many African countries had their peculiar challenges. They stressed that 2020 was too close for many African countries in efforts to attain
effective implementation of UHC Nevertheless, the representatives from Namibia, Senegal and Republic of Congo concurred with the proposed deadline. Dr Luis Santo, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said that although the interest exhibited at having a deadline demonstrated the commitment of the health ministers to the full implementation of UHC, an agreement ought to be reached on a deadline. He urged African countries to strengthen their health care systems, while improving on efforts to have skilled human resources so as to ensure quality health care delivery. The ministers, therefore, agreed that a 2025 deadline should be set for AU member states to implement TJHC so as to allow the countries to have more time to take action. They noted that the challenges facing most African countries in efforts to implement UHC included political instability and incoherent health financing policies. The ministers, therefore, pledged to develop comprehensive policies and strategies for health systems, in collaboration with other sectors, in their respective countries in order to achieve effective implementation of the health programme. All in all, analysts agree that the implementation of UHC will be feasible in Africa within the specified timeframe, if all countries exhibit appreciable commitment to providing unrestricted health care services for their citizens before the deadline. (NAN)
“Citing a report of WHO, the ministers said that Africa had 69 per cent of the world’s HIV cases, 26 per cent of global tuberculosis cases and 80 per cent of the world’s malaria cases.”
Religion
YOU may be a man of God or woman of God doing exploits for the Lord: or you may be a person full of visions and divinely directed dreams and satan knows your future threatens his kingdom then just be very careful of satan sending a seducer to kill your vision and to pooh-pooh your anointing and to ultimately destroy you. The Bible says: “The thief cometh but for to steal, to kill and to destroy” Jn 10:10. For my more than twenty five years of ministration in the vineyard of the Lord especially during my periods of spiritual retreat, satan has used that as a weapon to forestall my ministry but I have on each occasion overcome the seducer and maintained my anointing. The same was with the Bible character Joseph who is my focus in this chapter as a man whose faith we ought to imitate in matter of selfdiscipline, for the inheritance of your promise. Did the Bible not say. “Ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises’ Heb. 6:12. The story of Joseph epitormises the strength in personal character or integrity coupled with faith and the fear of God in being able to overcome the lust of the flesh. Children of God who are born again: servants of God who are anointed must be sure they have integrity and jealously guide against any abuse of their personality, because: “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness Into his marvelous light” (1 Pet 2:9). You must therefore live above any disgrace knowing that the Lord is watching over you always. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” Prov. 15:3. The book of Hebrew puts it more clearly. It says: “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest In his sight; but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” Heb 4:13. (Ps. 33:13-14) Joseph was .one of such Bible characters who was Godconscious all the time. Joseph while he was only seventeen years had two dreams which were revelations about his future blessing and rise to prominence: He told the two dreams to his brother and parents. The result was that the brothers hated him the more because the father had shown he even loved Joseph more than them all by making for him “a coat of many colours”. (Gen. 37:1-11). The envy the brothers had against him made them conspire to even kill him but for the intervention of the eldest brother Reuben; he was eventually sold into slavery to the Midianites for twenty pieces of silver, when he had been sent to take food to the brothers pasturing the flock at Dothan (Gen. 37:13-28). The Bible says: “And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard” Gen. 3 7:36. All these humiliations and denials did not daint the character personality of the young Joseph, he was Godconscious. Now he faired well as a servant in the house of Portiphar and the favour of God was with Joseph and the master of the house Portiphar gave Joseph wider scope of authority in the house. Joseph recognised this benevolence. Then came Satan the tempter using no less a person than “Mrs. Potiphar” to attempt to seduce the young Joseph to sin. “And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph: and she said, lie with me” (Gen. 39:7). Joseph had the strength of character to refuse; this is the
With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA
The Seducer
goodness of the Lord! Imagine the mistress of the house or do you call her the madam of the house would not only have attempted to seduce the ‘house boy’ Joseph, but would probably have followed up with vain promises as women of such mean and flexible character would do! But the Godconscious Joseph would have reminded himself of the word of God which says: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? “Matt. 16:26. No, Joseph exercised his strength of character what I also call integrity of God - consciousness to refuse the seducer. If children of God, men of God or women of God exercise a similar strength of character, God given ability; they can resist satan in all his ramifications. Just be conscious satan is after you. He is not after you because of your beauty, of your height or status or your credentials; no he is after you simply to “kill” your vision and to destroy you: “The thief cometh not, but
for to steal, to kill, and to destroy” Jn 10:10. That is simply the three-fold mission of satan against a child of God. He wants to “steal” you from God by deceiving you; after he has deceived you and led you away from God, then he “kills” you by destroying your vision and disconnecting you permanently from God: such a person is already dead spiritually even though he may be alive physically (for the soul that sinneth shall die Ezek. 18:4) not finished with you, he leads you further to your eternal destruction in hell fire. That’s when he has ultimately destroyed you (Matt. 10:28). His mission is then accomplished. Joseph was Godconscious. A God-conscious servant or child will always
“That meant he avoided her, that is how to avoid sin. The lust of the flesh is a sin that you must consciously avoid so that you are not trapped in it.”
be victorious against any vices of satan. He would be able to resist satan and he will flee. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” Jas 4:7. And how do you resist him? By submitting more to God’s will. “Submit yourself therefore to God” .Jas 4.7. Now listen friend, Satan does not come just once, especially with sex sin! No, he will try again because the Bible says: “Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour 1 Pet. 5:8. So what do you do? The Bible says “Be sober, be vigilant” 1 Pet. 5:8. So Joseph was vigilant: and replied her: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God”, Gen. 39:9. You see the God-consciousness in Joseph; which we ought to imitate and not become easy preys to satanic deceptions; and Joseph being conscious of satanic
ploy did not get “a long spoon to dine with satan” as the English proverb says, but kept his distance reasonably from the woman who tried to persuade him into sin. “And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he harkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her Gen. 39:10. That meant he avoided her, that is how to avoid sin. The lust of the flesh is a sin that you must consciously avoid so that you are not trapped in it. I have counselled some young brothers who want to avoid fornication yet they go and visit a new sister convert and be with her alone in the room; or go to minister to a lady privately alone. Such a person is dangerously exposing himself to seductive spirit. He is not applying “Josephic strategy”. His strategy frustrated the madam and so satan used her the other way to lie against Joseph before his master who threw Joseph into prison being ignorant of the truth (Gen. 39:11-20). It is better to suffer for the truth than take pleasure in sin which ultimately kills; but truth will eventually surface and your agony will later turn to joy: So, it was even with Joseph (Gen. 40, 41:1-46). The Bible says: “For it is better if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing” 1 Pet. 3:17. And also, “rejoice in as much as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” 1 Pet. 4:13. Be wisely informed that the strength of satan is on the weakest point of a man:
For The Records
4th Synod Of The Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Being a Communiqué Issued At Communion) The Third Session Of The Fourth Synod Held From Sunday, June 22 To Wednesday, June 25, 2014, At St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Eguare – Ebelle. INTRODUCTION THE Third Session of the Fourth Synod of the Diocese of Esan, The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) took place under the directive of the Holy Spirit and the leadership of the Most Rev’d F.J. Imaekhai, Ph.D, JP, Bishop of Esan, Archbishop of Bendel Ecclesiastical Province and Dean, the Church of Nigeria, from Sunday, June 22 to Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Eguare – Ebelle. The theme of the Synod aptly entitled “Divine Direction” taken from Isaiah 45:2 and Deuteronomy 31:8 was adjudged as timely and relevant to the needs of the Church and the nation in the light of contemporary events and challenges that tend to undermine God’s purpose for creation and the need for Christians to rise up to the demands of their faith. Synod congratulates and felicitates with the President of the Synod, His Grace, The Most Rev’d F.J. Imaekhai; Ph.D, on his recent elevation to the exalted position of Dean, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). Synod appreciates the
guest preacher, the Rt. Rev’d Cyril Odiboroghene Odutemu, Bishop, Diocese of Ughelli, who dwelt extensively on the Synod theme in his inspiring and soul lifting sermons. Synod also appreciates the Rt. Rev’d Professor Emmanuel Bayode Ajulo, Bishop of Okene Diocese, who handled the Bible Study sessions. THE SYNOD THEME Synod notes that the aptness of the theme “Divine Direction” is underscored by the fact that any nation that fails to heed the call for divine direction, is bound to experience the kind of problems we have been experiencing in Nigeria such as: kidnapping, human and drug trafficking, religious intolerance, oppression, insecurity, poverty etc. In the same vein, Synod also notes the evident helplessness of Nigeria to curtail the ravaging insurgency in the land, in spite of the offer of help, from the international community. This makes the resort to divine intervention both imperative and timely. In line with the Synod theme, Synod calls on all to shun all forms of
secularism and are charged to seek divine direction from God Almighty in all ramifications in our callings, vocation, profession, businesses, as individuals, families, groups, church and government, as such direction remains the only panacea for true success, fulfillment and great accomplishments in the midst of the confusion the world has found itself. MESSAGE TO THE NATION
Nigeria. Synod further commends the President for assenting to the bill, and calls on the Western nations to recognise our right as a nation to determine our destiny, and not try to impose their ideas on us. Synod also notes that the necessary political will of all concerned should be brought to bear on the implementation of the
In this regard, Synod notes that Nigerians, irrespective of their party affiliations or religious inclinations, should avoid making inflammatory statements capable of worsening the already bad security situation in the country. In a related manner, Synod calls on all agencies in the country’s security sector, to work as a team
“In a related manner, Synod calls on all agencies in the country’ssecuritysector,towork as a team and adopt a common strategyindealingwiththelongdrawnbattleagainstterrorism.” Synod appreciates the Federal Government under the leadership of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for setting up the National Conference charged with the mandate to discuss the way forward, arising from Nigeria’s numerous social, political and economic challenges. Synod commends the Senate and the House of Representatives who defied stiff Western opposition and unanimously passed into law the bill prohibiting same sex marriage in
outcome of the Conference, in a manner that would be of benefit to all Nigerians. Synod condemns the ravaging activities of terrorists and insurgents in the country, which have virtually degenerated into a war of criminals against the entire nation. Synod, while sympathizing with the families of victims, notes that the solution to the insecurity ravaging the land lies in a collective responsibility involving both the government and the citizens.
and adopt a common strategy in dealing with the long-drawn battle against terrorism. Synod, therefore calls on the government to take more strategic steps to police our porous borders more effectively with a view to checking the influx of unwanted elements into the country. Synod calls on government to, as a matter of urgency, evolve a comprehensive biometric data-base on all Nigerians and non-Nigerians resident in the country, indicating
where they live, their means of livelihood and their backgrounds. Synod commends the Federal Government and the National Assembly for the extending of the state of emergency on the three North Eastern States of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, with the hope that this time around, the extension period will be used to bring to an end, the ravaging reign of insurgency and terrorism, once and for all. On the 2015 general elections, which are around the corner, Synod calls on all and sundry to avoid past tendencies where elections were virtually turned into a theatre of war. On this note, Synod enjoins all political stake holders to abide by the rules of the game in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act. Synod notes with great concern the grave consequences of the unhealthy political events playing out at the Edo State House of Assembly if the situation is not immediately brought under control. Synod therefore calls on all concerned, in the over-riding interest of the state, to exercise restraint and allow peace to reign in the spirit of tolerance and reconciliation. Finally, Synod admonishes Nigerians to seek divine directions in their callings, businesses, family life, socio-political endeavours, among others, as the only panacea for success and accomplishments.
“Inthesamevein,Synodalsonotestheevidenthelplessnessof Nigeriatocurtailtheravaginginsurgencyintheland,inspiteof theofferofhelp,fromtheinternationalcommunity.Thismakes theresorttodivineinterventionbothimperativeandtimely.”
International US Snaps Back At Criticisms Of Ferguson Unrest
Pakistan Lawmakers Meet Amid Mass Protests ISLAMABAD — Pakistani lawmakers met yesterday as tens of thousands of protesters thronged outside the assembly calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over alleged voting fraud. Lawmakers were able to enter the building through a back exit connected to the heavily guarded premier’s office after the protesters late Tuesday had torn down barricades and entered the so-called Red Zone housing Parliament and other key government buildings. The twin protests led by the famous cricketerturned-politician Imran Khan and the cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri have virtually shut down Islamabad, raising fears of unrest in the nuclear-armed U.S. ally with a history of military coups and dictatorship. Despite the mounting pressure, Sharif has refused to step down, while the country’s powerful army has called for a negotiated settlement. “Situation requires patience, wisdom and sagacity from all stakeholders to resolve prevailing impasse,” army spokesman Gen. Asim Saleem Bajwa said on Twitter. He said the government buildings in the so-called Red Zone were a “symbol of state” protected by the army. Pakistan TV showed Sharif entering the National Assembly, or lower house of parliament, and meeting with lawmakers from all the major parties except Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, the legislature’s third largest bloc. Lawmakers from several parties condemned the protesters’ attempt to besiege Parliament. “We will foil this conspiracy, and we will defend our democratic institutions,” said Maulana Fazlur Rehman, head of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party and a Sharif ally. Shazia Marri, a lawmaker from the opposition Pakistan People’s Party, condemned the move to surround Parliament, saying: “We will strive to safeguard democracy. We will strive for the supremacy of the constitution.” Outside the Parliament, Qadri directed his supporters to occupy all the main gates of the building and not to allow Sharif or any other deputies to leave until the prime minister resigns.
“We deliberately gave these lawmakers a chance to enter the Parliament, but now we will not allow any lawmaker to go inside or come out,” he said. Khan had warned Tuesday that his supporters would enter the premier’s office if Sharif does not step down by the following evening, but on Wednesday his party appeared to back down, urging supporters not to enter government buildings and indicating it would take part in talks to resolve the crisis. “We are ready for the talks. We will present our six demands when we hold any such talks,” senior party official Shah Mahmood Qureshi told a Pakistani news channel. Khan, however, has BAGHDAD — Members of a repeatedly said he will only minority Iraqi Shiite hold talks with community whose town the has government afterbySharif’s been besieged Sunni resignation. militants are appealing to The Supreme Court, Iraq’s military andacting the on a petition, summoned international community to Khan and Qadri over sitintervene to end thethe siege, a lawmaker yesterday as ins, orderingsaid them to appear the U.N.aprepared to launch before judge either in a massiveoraid push totheir help person through Iraqis uprooted by the attorneys, according to extremists. Pakistan TV. The siege of the northern
A man is arrested as police try to disperse a crowd during protests in Ferguson, Missouri early yesterday.
Iraqis Appeal To Army For Help town of Amrili, populated by Shiite Turkmens, is part of a wide onslaught by militants from the al-Qaidabreakaway Islamic State group and their Sunni allies who have seized large swaths of western and northern Iraq this summer. The group has since declared a self-styled
caliphate in territory it controls in Iraq and neighboring Syria, imposing its own harsh interpretation of Islamic law. In Iraq, however, the militants’ rampage suffered a major setback this week when Iraqi and Kurdish troops backed by U.S. airstrikes dislodged the
China Presses S/Sudan Over Renewed Violence BEIJING - China’s foreign minister pressed his South Sudan counterpart over renewed violence in the oilrich state, demanding an immediate ceasefire and political dialogue in the country which is heavily reliant on Chinese investment. Government troops clashed with South Sudan rebels last week near the capital of Unity State, days after a U.N. Security Council delegation warned of sanctions if either side violated a ceasefire signed in May. China has played an unusually active diplomatic role in South Sudan and is the biggest investor in its key oil industry. “An immediate ceasefire is a precondition for a return to peace and stability in South Sudan,” Foreign Minister Wang Yi told South Sudan Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin during a meeting in Beijing on Tuesday, the foreign ministry said. “Opening a political dialogue is the only way for South Sudan to achieve national reconciliation,” Wang added. China hopes that both sides in the conflict can push for an inclusive political process and reach a solution as soon as
possible that all sides can accept, Wang said. The Foreign Ministry cited Benjamin as saying in response that South Sudan attached great importance to China’s suggestions and was willing to work hard to achieve an end to the
CHANGE OF NAME
OGIERIAKHI – I, formerly called Osaro Martins Ogieriakhi is now known and called Osaro Martins. All former documents remain valid. C o n c e r n e d authorities and the general public should CHANGE OF note. NAME please take EDERAO – I, formerly Miss Faith Ehimwenma Ederao now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Faith Ehimwenma Odaro. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
violence. The renewed violence will further strain a shaky ceasefire which was signed in May but violated by both sides since then, according to diplomats. A 60-day deadline to form an interim government lapsed on Aug. 10, though negotiations continue. CHANGE OF NAME A U.N. Security Council delegation, by HAVANA headed – I, Samantha Power, the United formerly called States ambassador to the United Nations, Havana this month David visited South Sudan and Agbontaen now warned Presidentis Silva Kiir and rebel chief RiekDavid Machar called that both sides may face Agbontaen. All sanctions if they did not former documents commit to the peace talks.
remain valid. C o n c e r n e d authorities and the CHANGE OF NAME general public should– please take ISAH I, formerly note. called Miss Isah Aishat is now known and called Mrs. Eedris Justice Aishat. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, c o n c e r n e d authorities and the general public should please take note.
WASHINGTON - A US official yesterday snapped back at Egypt after criticism from Cairo over possible human rights violations in the racial unrest in Ferguson, Missouri. “We here in the United States will put our record for confronting our problems transparently and honestly and openly up against any other countries in the world,” said deputy State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf. Egypt, which itself has been under international scrutiny for a deadly crackdown on protesters, is “closely following the escalation of protests in Ferguson and the reactions,” foreign ministry spokesman Badr Abdelatty said yesterday. Abdelatty pointed to a statement by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon calling for restraint. Ban’s remarks “represented the position of the international community towards these events, especially (Ban’s) call for restraint and the right to peaceful assembly,” Abdelatty said. When there is social unrest like in Ferguson, Americans look at it “transparently, honestly and openly, and we, CHANGE OF NAME of course, would suggest that EGBON – I, do formerly other countries the same thing,” said Harf, speaking called Missat a State Department briefing.
Islamic fighters from a strategic dam near Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city overrun by the Islamic State in June. Lawmaker Fawzi Akram alTarzi said that nearly 15,000 Shiite Turkmens in Amirli, about 170 kilometers (105 miles) north of Baghdad, have been besieged for the past two months by militants affiliated with the Islamic State. The siege has left the residents in a dire situation, although the army airdropped some weapons, food and medical supplies recently. The town has no water or electricity, yet the residents are putting up a fierce resistance, al-Tarzi Magdalene Osas added. “Amirli is besieged from all Egbon is now known sides and calls for help are and called Mrs. falling on deaf ears,” he Eheneden Egbon said, calling on U.S. to consider airstrikes like other Magdalene. All areas. former documents Resident Jaafar Kadhim alremain valid. Bayati, a 41-year-old father of three, told The Associated C o n c e r n e d Press over the phone that authorities and the children in Amirli are getting general public should sick and that the townPUBLIC needs NOTICE more help. please take note. “We are starving, we ran out of food and the only I, Mr. Chukwukwado clinic is not functioning nowEmeka residing at No. 2, due1st to lack medicines,” he Benin City wish to bring EastofCircular Road, said. added that of a the general public that for He the information pregnant woman died while I am this theweek, bonafide owner of a parcel of Land in labor she was measuring 100ft x 100ft (One hundred feet brought to the clinic but bywas onenohundred feet) there one to help herlying and situate at Ward there. ward 27/D, Idunmwunkhiamien Village.
CAVEAT EMPTOR
Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State. The land being part of the parcel of land measuring 500ft x 500ft was earlier transferred by Chief Johnny .O. Uwenhan, the Oliha of Egbaen. The general public, agent, properly speculators and concerned authorities should take note that I am the rightful owner and are warned not to deal with any body or Please bewithout warned. authority(s) my consent.
Signed: Chukwukwado Emeka
Discourse RETIREMENT planning is an essential aspect of personal financial planning which every worker should embark on from the beginning of working life. Some of the crucial issues are: At what age do I retire? How should I invest my money to maximize my retirement savings? How will my assets, liabilities, expenses and savings change during retirement? What kind of organized retirement plan should I embrace? The earlier you begin to plan for retirement, the more you can solidify your financial position. A solid basket of investments is needed to allow you to grow old gracefully. This solid basket of investments can be made over the active working years. However, we find many people unable to do this because their regular income is grossly insufficient for their day to day needs. They even have to borrow or depend on friends and relations to survive. The key to savings and investments is discipline. It is important, during one’s active years of employment, to learn and discipline one’s self to save at least 10 percent of one’s earnings. Consider that 10 percent a payment or a bill for your own services — after all you pay other bills, so why not pay yourself first. Ten percent of all your income over the last 35 years which has been saved or invested wisely will definitely have yielded additional savings and income, if only the discipline to do it has been there. In beginning a retirement plan, it is safe to assume that one would need about 80 percent of regular income to live comfortably in later years. While some expenses such as expenses on children should fall, it is normal for medical expenses to increase. It is not safe for anybody to depend only on pension during retirement. Experience
have to contend with the stress that you do not need. Retirement, which is often frightening to many people, ought not to be so. It should be a thing of joy to look forward to for which thanksgiving should be given. This can only he so if one has consciously planned for it instead of hoping that it will not come. It is inevitable, just like death and you are better off beginning to plan for it now. Retirement planning in Nigeria has been made easier with the promulgation of the Pension Reform Act, which makes it mandatory for all organizations employing a certain number of people to have their employees participate in the Contributory Pension Scheme. This scheme
Retirement Planning-An Essential Part Of Personal Financial Planning
has shown that the pension could be so grossly inadequate that some officers do not even bother to collect them. While pension income during retirement can be a source of income, at least to cover some expenses, it is important to have invested wisely during one’s working years in order to have other sources of income. The main sources of income during retirement should be income from real estate investment, income from investment in shares and income from self employment after retirement, which many retirees often go into until they are completely unable to work. For an appropriate plan, an investment or retirement adviser is desirable. In Nigeria, many workers strive to own houses. It is important to plan to have a house that would yield income on retirement. It makes no sense investing in the building of a selfcontained mansion in the village that you have not lived in for decades
By SYLVESTER AKELE
of your working life and that you are not likely to live in during retirement, except for occasional visits. A modest bungalow of two or three bedroom is sufficient. Many retired people do not even move to the villages on retirement. Even when they do, they find out that the mansions are too big because the children have all grown up and left home. It makes sense, therefore, to have a very small country home in the village and to have something that would yield income in the city.
During ones working years, investments in good shares on a regular basis can cumulatively add up to sizable investment that could he depended on. The capital appreciation of those investments over decades of working life could be very important sources of income on retirement. Investments in shares are generally less risky than other investments. While in retirement, you will be better off investing in fixed income securities. In addition to these, various insurance companies have
retirement plans which can be very good complements to your main retirement plan from the place of work. It is wise to be in one or some of these plans with a reputable insurance company. The other main source of income during retirement is the income from self employment. For another ten or fifteen years after retiring at say 60 and for more years for those who retire earlier, self employment can be a useful and interesting source of income. It is not, however, the period to make up for all the mistakes of your working life, otherwise you will
“Retirement, which is often frightening to many people, ought not to be so. It should be a thing of joy to look forward to for which thanksgiving should be given.”
ensures that workers and employers contribute towards the retirement of the employees in a Retirement Savings Account managed by a Pension Fund Administrator. On retirement, the worker is entitled to a lump sum from the contributions while the balance is spread over an expected life span. This plan, even though it still has its down side, is definitely better than the Defined Benefit System that was operated in the public service in the past where many workers had to rely completely on benefits paid by their employers. On a final note, however, no worker should plan to rely exclusively on his pension plan on retirement. This is why every worker must, over his working life, have other investments in real estate, the money and capital markets, etc. Retirement should be seen as an opportunity to become one’s own boss and to get involved in a line of business that has always been of interest to you. In some
The Mystery Of Blood
ABD-RU-SHIN says that the main purpose of blood is to form the bridge for the activity of the spirit on earth, that is, in the World of Gross Matter. Hence, the blood is meant to act as a bridge for the activity of the spirit from out of man may proceed in the proper manner. The connection between the blood and the spirit according to Abd-ru-shin can easily be substantiated. It needs only be realized that, until the spirit has entered the developing body of a child at incarnation, which takes place at a very definite stage of development in the middle of pregnancy, causing the child’s first movements, until this stage has been reached, its own blood does not begin to circulate, while at physical death, when the spirit has left the body, the blood ceases to pulsate and to exit altogether. The spirit forms the human blood, so that, the activity of the spirit from out of man may proceed in the proper manner. Therefore, the blood itself is only present during the time between the entrance and departure of the spirit, when the spirit has finally, severed its connection with the earthly body, that is, that death has occurred. Abd-rushin opines that in reality it is as follows: The human blood can form itself only when the spirit enters the body and when the spirit leaves the body, the blood can no longer exist in its actual natural. Furthermore, Abd-ru-shin says contributes to the formation of the blood, but cannot come into outward earthly activity directly through the blood. The difference between the two species is too great to permit this. The soul, of which the spirit is the core, can become outwardly active only through the radiation of the blood. The radiation of the blood Abd-ru-shin says is in reality the actual bride for the activity of the soul and then only if this blood is of a very particular composition suitable for the soul
concerned. With the right application, the people are bound to blossom forth most splendidly in their volitions and in their capacities, because, they will be able to unfold all their power, which will not urge them on to destruction, but towards peace and a grateful striving for the light. Abd-ru-shin says when the composition changes, this naturally alters the radiation, producing there with correspondingly alternating effects upon the person concerned as well as upon his earthly environment. Just as Abd-ru-shin stated in the significant of generative power that it does not set in, until the body has attained a very definite maturity. Then a drawbridge is lowered to enable the soul to sally forth into the outer worlds, from which it has been protected and separated up to that time. Naturally, this bridge not only permits the soul to exercise an influence on the outside, but it also, permits influence from outside to obtain access to the soul by the same route. It is not until then that the individual person becomes fully responsible before the Divine Laws of creation, a point which has also been given similar consideration in the earthly laws. Abd-ru-shin states that the lowering of the drawbridge however, takes place automatically, through nothing other than a transformation in the maturing of the physical body and the urging of the soul and which then, through the change in radiation, affords the spirit the possibility to become active upon earth. In the lecture “temperaments” Abd-ru-shin referred to the blood which through its various radiations, forms the basis for the temperaments, because up to a certain point, the activity of the soul is bound up with the various kinds of blood radiations. Since however, the maturity, state of health and age of a body contribute to the changing of the blood
composition, such a constraint might prove unjust. This is balanced by the fact that the spirit can change this composition, which at the same time explains the secret of the saying that “the spirit forms the blood”. But whenever a spirit is too weak to accomplish this or whenever it is hindered in its effort by some outside influence, such as an accident or a physical ailment, there, the doctor can soon help by intervening through his knowledge. And he will be amazed at the recognition of how much
some particular person offers the possibility for the occurrence of spookish manifestations such as knocking, making noises, throwing of objects, etc. during such incidents this person must always be in close proximity, as it is from his radiations that the power to radiations that the power to manifest is drawn. Even these things can be quickly remedied by the skilful intervention of a doctor who understands and who helps by changing the composition of the blood, which also, alters the radiation and
depends in each case, upon the right composition of the blood for earthman. No hard and fast rule must be made in these matters, for the procedure is entirely different with every body or person. So far, only the coarsest differences have been found. There are still innumerable refinements which have not yet been recognized and which are of far-reaching importance and influence. Abd-ru-shin says in His lecture “possessed” that only the blood composition of
thereby, prevents such disagreeable possibilities. Abd-ru-shin says it is the same with the so called “possessed ones”, of whom there are many inspite of all doubts. The process in itself is quite simple, even if dreadfully decisive for the person concerned and for his environment and painful to the relatives. Abd-ru-shin states that the composition of the blood of these persons has formed in such a manner that it offers the soul inhibiting the body
“Therefore, the blood itself is only present during the time between the entrance and departure of the spirit, when the spirit has finally, severed its connection with the earthly body, that is, that death has occurred.”
Man And Nature With O.C. MADU 08056379608 only a feeble possibility or none whatever, to manifest in full vigorous towards the outer word. However, the radiation of the blood provides with less good or even malicious qualities and which is perhaps already free from its body, to interfere from outside and what is more, to control brain and body either periodically or perpetually. Here too Abd-ru-shin says
and acting, because, his soul cannot work properly. It can even go so far that the soul, hindered in its capacity to work, slowly severs itself from the body and leaves it altogether, which is equivalent to physical death. A great number of so-called “mentally backward” children can be fundamentally helped give their soul the right bridge for
can give effective relief by changing the composition of the blood, which in turn alters the radiation, thereby cutting off alien influences and granting the opportunity for the indewilling volition to unfold its own personal powers. If a different blood group was used in the case of a blood transfusion, then the soul living in such a body would find itself prevented from fully developing its volition, would perhaps be entirely cut off from different composition, the radiation also, changes and is then no longer adapted to the soul. It cannot make full use of the different type of radiation or even none whatever. Abd-ru-shin says that to the outside world such a person would then appear handicapped in his thinking
the development of their powers and you will see how they begin to blossom forth and work with joy upon this earth, for in reality there are no sick souls. Even the type of blood radiation of an expectant mother can become an additional decisive factor as to the kind of spirit to be incarnated which must follow the law of attraction of homogeneous species, for each of the different kinds of blood radiations will prepare only for the approach and entry of a type of soul which completely corresponds with it. It is likewise understandable that the same species of soul must try and bring about similar blood compositions, because, they can only become truly effective by a very definite kind of radiation, which again changes during the different periods of life.
Mata, Rooney Carrick and Smalling
Misery At Old Trafford
Rooney A Disaster, Smalling A Nervous Wreck ... United Are Just Awful
SATURDAY’S defeat showed that there are a lot of things wrong at Manchester United. A lot. They’re missing quality on a football pitch? Because players, experience on the one thing’s pretty clear: pitch, and men with the big Rooney isn’t shouting to make his words of advice, game mentality. and But right near the top of encouragement inspiration heard he’s just their list of problems is losing his rag an bellowing at leadership, because Louis his fellow players. van Gaal’s decision to make To make matters worse, Wayne Rooney his captain most of those players was ridiculous. alongside him know full well Robin van Persie was the that this is a player who has a outstanding choice to be the track record of sulking and club skipper - an experienced demanding to quit the club man to take on a job which is every time things don’t go his increasingly important in way. Why would the players modern football. In the days get behind someone they when teams don’t stick wouldn’t trust to still be there together for years, when you have new faces coming and come the end of January? I was lucky enough to play going every season, the with captains including Steve importance of a man to draw everyone together on the Bruce and Bryan Robson, men who were strong, pitch can be crucial. And Wayne Rooney was determined, and loyal - all never going to be that man. qualities you need in a He’s the absolute archetype skipper, all woefully lacking of a player who thinks that in Rooney. That was just the start of the leadership is simply about problems, though. Take the shouting and screaming. defence: it was a shambles. Who in their right mind The only player who looked would actually think that? It remotely comfortable at the wouldn’t work on a factory back was Tyler Blackett, a floor, so why would it work
20-year-old kid making his debut for goodness sake. Phil Jones just blunders his way round the pitch with seemingly no idea where he’s meant to be, and Chris Smalling was a nervous
and Smalling have no concept of that at all, going at everything like headless chickens, trying to win every ball and - inevitably - getting found out because of it. Then there’s the midfield,
Louis Van Gaal
wreck. To be a top defender you need to know when to challenge for a ball, and when to sit back and just shepherd play into the safe areas. Jones
which is at least two players short of competence, and totally bereft of creative players who actually want the ball.
Up front, Van Persie’s return from injury will cause trouble - because I still don’t believe that he and Rooney can play well together. Rooney is only ever any good up front as a conventional centre-forward, he simply doesn’t have the guile or craft to play the number 10 role and when he tries it, his attempts end up looking nothing short of brutish. Juan Mata or Shinji Kagawa are the only people in the squad right now capable of playing there - so where does that leave Rooney once RVP is back? As for who United should bring in, a lot of people have suggested that Angel Di Maria could be the man. I disagree completely. He’s totally one-footed - so much so that you always know he’ll pause and switch feet when closing on goal - and for the £50 million or so being talked about he’s simply far too inconsistent. Guys like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale actually go some way to justifying their huge transfer
fees, simply because of their consistent performances every week. But Di Maria goes missing for several matches at a time - just as he did at the World Cup. And yet United are supposed to pay top whack? It doesn’t add up. I’d suggest United went for a man with real presence in midfield - and I think Alex Song would be an excellent choice. Not only does he know what the Premier League will be like, he’s also shown in the past that he can link up well with Van Persie and I think he’d be ideal, exactly the steady presence United need. On top of everything else, given that things haven’t gone well for him at Barcelona he’d surely be desperate to leave. As for the defence? The signing of Marcos Rojo wouldn’t be a bad start, but I’m still unable to believe that a club of Manchester United’s stature can’t sign Mats Hummels. So Dortmund want £30m or £40m for him - so what? Pay it. It’s just ridiculous not to go for the players you need at the level that United want to be at. How on earth do they expect to achieve anything without doing those sorts of deals? Even those players might not be enough, though. Van Gaal seems determined to persevere with his 3-5-2 tactics, a system I played during my career. At QPR we made it work for us, finishing fifth in the league, but I always felt it was a very negative way of playing, more about destroying than creating, and I really don’t believe that it’s possible to make it work in the English top flight. Possibly, just possibly, if Van Gaal had his entire back five from the Dutch national team then he might be able to pull it off - but the personnel are crucial, because with 3-52 everything has to start from the back. With the players in the squad at United right now it’s a disaster. As if all that weren’t bad enough for United fans, it’s ominous how good Manchester City and Chelsea looked in their opening matches - City in particular, coming through comfortably in a tough opener against a good Newcastle side. The gap between United and the top clubs in the country hasn’t been this big in a generation.
Argentina Name Squad For Germany Friendly
Gundogan Thrilled To Be Nearing End Of Nightmare Lay-Off GERMANY attacking midfielder Gundogan was restricted to just three appearances for Dortmund last season due to a back problem that forced him to miss his country’s successful World Cup campaign in Brazil. But the 23-year-old has now resumed light training and is expected to make his comeback within a month. And Gundogan is thrilled to be back preparing for the new Bundesliga season after the most difficult spell of his young career. “I’ve not been as happy as I am now in a long time,” Gundogan told Welt am Sonntag. “It’s fantastic to be able to train with the team again, even if I’m only restricted to running exercises.” Gundogan admitted that his prolonged lay-off left him unable to enjoy his personal life and not wanting to leave
Claims Schwarzer
ARGENTINA coach Gerardo Martino has been true to his word and named predecessor Alejandro Sabella’s World Cup players for next month’s friendly against Germany in Duesseldorf. Martino’s squad list posted on the Argentine FA website has 20 European-based players, all part of the squad that lost the World Cup final 1-0 to the Germans at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro last month. The only players missing are the three home-based players in the 23-man tournament squad, midfielder Fernando Gago, goalkeeper Agustin Orion of Boca Juniors and Newell’s Old Boys winger Maxi Rodriguez. The AFA said: “This list is subject to other inclusions or modifications.” Martino may complete his squad for the September 3 friendly with the trio or decide against depriving Boca and Newell’s of their players in the build-up to first division matches that weekend. Squad: Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Napoli) Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Zenit St Petersburg), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Jose Basanta (Fiorentina) Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Enzo Perez (Benfica) Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris St Germain)
Ikay Gundogan
Champions League Play-Off
Bottle Thrown At Wenger After Feisty Draw In Istanbul ARSENAL have lodged a complaint with UEFA after an object was thrown in the direction of manager Arsene Wenger at full-time in the Champions League play-off against Besiktas in Istanbul. The object, which Wenger not hit by the missile. “I believed to be a bottle, was reported the incident to launched at the Gunners’ boss UEFA.” after Arsenal had secured a 0European football’s 0 draw in the first leg at the governing body will now Ataturk Olympic Stadium. investigate the episode which “As I left the pitch a bottle came at the end of what or something was thrown at proved to be a rather volatile me,” said Wenger, who was encounter.
Woods Won’t Swing A Club For At Least TIGER Woods has that he would take a break A Month confirmed that he won’t from competition until even pick up a club until much later in the year, ending speculation that he
Tiger Woods
his home. “I just didn’t want to go out of the house,” he added. “My thoughts revolved around when I would be able to be fit again. I couldn’t enjoy anything else in life.” Viewed as one of the most promising players in Germany, Gundogan would have been expected to be included in his country’s World Cup squad if not for injury. Instead, he was left to watch from home while his compatriots claimed a fourth world title, something which the former Nuremberg man could take little joy from. “I would have been there and now I would have been world champion,” he added. “I missed this great tournament and that’s not a nice feeling. I’ve lost a whole year.” After beating arch-rivals Bayern Munich in the DFL Supercup, Dortmund open their Bundesliga campaign against Bayer Leverkusen next Saturday.
could return sooner. Upon ruling himself out of the Ryder Cup, Woods said
December - but despite pressure on him to get back into action sooner, he seems determined to stick to his plan to return at his own World Challenge event in December. “That’s it; that’s all I’m playing,” Woods told the Golf Channel. “And then starting [a full schedule] in 2015. “It’s a slow, tedious process. I’m not going to swing a club for at least another month. “It’s just about getting stronger, getting more stable, getting more dynamic, getting more explosive. “Just getting my body more athletic again. It’s a process. You can’t just hop in and do it all at once. You’ve got to take it step by step.”
[ARSENAL HELD IN ISTANBUL] Wenger was also upset by the performance of the referee, Milorad Mazic, who sent off Aaron Ramsey for a second bookable offence with 13 minutes remaining. Ramsey, who scored the winner against Crystal Palace at the weekend and was also on the scoresheet in the Community Shield a week previously, will now miss the second leg after being shown a red card for first time in his club career. A challenge by Besiktas striker Demba Ba which ended Mikel Arteta’s night early also prompted ire from Wenger. The Spaniard turned his ankle and left the stadium wearing a protective boot. He is a doubt for the weekend’s
Premier League clash with his former club Everton. [WENGER: RAMSEY RED ‘UNBELIEVABLE’] “Neither the first nor the second yellow card was deserved [for Ramsey],” Wenger said. “When you see some of the fouls made tonight and we go home with Ramsey redcarded, it’s a bit unbelievable. The challenge on Arteta was very bad but the referee was on the pitch and didn’t see anything of it. It’s very difficult to understand but, in the second half, the performance of the referee was very bad. “We had Ramsey’s second card … it was wrong and it was a huge decision. I felt just a lot was wrong in the second half but, overall, perhaps it was a difficult game maybe to referee as well. Everybody did fight for every ball.
Maybe it was not easy for the referee as well.” Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey trudges off following his red card against Besiktas (AFP) Meanwhile Wenger’s opposite number Slaven Bilic was sent to the stands by the Serbian official following a series of outbursts. “It was a big game for us, right, and I just wasn’t happy with some of the decisions,” said Bilic. “He just showed me the way (off). After the game I apologised to him and to Mr Wenger. I made a mistake. “Maybe I overreacted in that situation when he stopped the game when the ball hit (Mathieu) Flamini in the stomach and we were in a good position, two against one... But nothing serious happened in that moment or after the game.”
MURRAY has slid down the rankings since undergoing back surgery at the end of last year, and has been inconsistent since his return to fitness. Novak Djokovic is seeded first, with world number two
Rafael Nadal missing out through injury. Roger Federer is second seed ahead of Stanislas Wawrinka. The seedings mean that Wimbledon finalists Djokovic and Federer can only meet in the final.
Andy Murray Seeded Eighth For US Open
Andy Murray
Enyeama, 22 Others Invited For Congo, S/Africa Ties
2015 AFCON Qualifiers: THE Nigeria Football Association (NFA) on Tuesday called up 23 players, including goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, for the 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Congo and South Africa. Nigeria, the 2013 AFCON This was contained in a winners at South Africa, will statement released by Ademola host Congo’s Red Devils in Olajire, NFA’s Assistant Director, Calabar on Sept. 6 as the final Communications, and made round of qualifiers get available to newsmen in Abuja. underway. It will be recalled that the Congolese were last weekend restored to the race after Rwanda were found guilty of CHAMPIONS Kano Pillars using an ineligible player in the have said they lost to the referee earlier round. and not Warri Wolves in a Nigeria league Week 24 game. The league leaders fell 2-1 at Warri Wolves on Sunday. The club’s media officer Idris Malikawa said Pillars are highly disappointed with the way the game was handled by the referee and therefore called on the League MC for close monitoring of the league in this second round for smooth landing. “The officiating was so bad and it was so unfortunate the way we lost the game. The second goal and the winner was a good goal, but the first one was never a goal,”said Malikawa. “The ball did not cross the line and initially the referee called for a corner. Later he changed his mind and pointed to the centre for a goal. “I am calling on the LMC to closely monitor the league, and let their assessors to matches in the second round unknown so that they could report the truth. “Government are spending money on the teams and won’t be happy when games are Osaze Odemwingie manipulated.”
Pillars BlastRef For Wolves Loss
Why Moses Moved To Stoke City VICTOR Moses admits the presence of Mark Hughes convinced him about moving to Stoke City. The Chelsea winger has joined the Potters on-loan. “I had a few options to go to other clubs,” said Moses, “but when I heard about Stoke I knew that they had a good manager and I thought it would be good to come here and work under him. “He’s a great manager, and was a great footballer too, and for me to play under him will be a great achievement. “I just want to give 110 per cent to the club and hopefully we will achieve what the club are looking to do this season.”
Victor Moses
The Super Eagles will then visit Cape Town to take on the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on September 10. The players list released by the NFA also included defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Efe Ambrose, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi and John Mike Obi, and forwards Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike. France–based Elderson Echiejile, who missed the 2014 FIFA World Cup as a result of injury, and Nosa Igiebor who
missed the final cut for Brazil 2014 were also recalled. Chinedu Obasi, who was not considered for the tournament, is also back for the two matches. But Michael Babatunde, who was stretchered out against Argentina at Brazil 2014 after a hand injury, was left out. The home-based quartet of Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kunle Odunlami and Gbolahan Salami also have an opportunity to return to the team. They were part of Nigeria’s
third-place finish at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Cape Town earlier in the year. They were joined by Rangers International FC’s forward Christian Osaguona as the lot from the domestic front. The 2015 AFCON tournament is scheduled to take place from Jan. 17 to Feb. 8 in Morocco. Below is the full list of players: Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United) Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona
Why I Left Out Osaze - Keshi COACH Stephen Keshi has said he left out Stoke City striker Osaze Odemwingie from two AFCON qualifiers so as to try out other players. Nigeria battle Congo on September 6 and four days they will be away in Cape Town to face South Africa in another qualifying match for next year’s Nations Cup to be staged in Morocco.
NFA Board Proposes New Roadmap For Aug 26 Elections
THE board of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) on Tuesday in Abuja said it would present a new roadmap for its elections scheduled for August 26. Emeka Inyama, Chairman of the communiqué drafting committee who briefed newsmen after their meeting, said the board would present the roadmap to the NFA Congress on August 26 for approval. Inyama also said that the board had lifted the ban imposed on certain football stakeholders, including Taiwo Ogunjobi, a former NFA Secretary-General. The Mike Umeh-led NFA board had recently lifted the ban on some other stakeholders, but stayed action on that of Ogunjobi and others. Inyama said the NFA board felt the development would enable all persons earlier banned but now unbanned to take part in the forthcoming elections. “In view of the present circumstances in Nigerian football, there is the absolute need to present a new roadmap leading to elections into the NFA board. “The board reiterated that the General Assembly of August 26
(Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars) Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Joel Obi (Inter Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Chinedu Obasi (Schalke 04, Germany); Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen FC, Netherlands); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AS Varese 1910, Italy); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Christian Osaguona (Rangers).
. Maigari Chairs Meeting
will be composed of the delegates to the 2013 General Assembly in Warri, including those from Plateau and Yobe Football Associations. “In the spirit of fair-play, leading to the elections, all persons banned for various lengths of time are hereby unbanned. “The persons are Taiwo Ogunjobi, Adedapo LamAdesina, Chikelue Iloanusi and Harrison Jalla. As for the ban on Ahmed Gara-Gombe, the NFA board feels it had long been lifted,’’ he said. Inyama said members of the Electoral and Electoral Appeals Committees earlier removed from office would be re-admitted at the forthcoming NFA Congress following FIFA’s letter of August 14. The NFA board member, who is also Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), further said the board had added two years to the leadership tenure of the various leagues. He said the board felt this was to enable the chairmen of those leagues who are automatic
members of the NFA board to complete their four-year tenure. “Having come into office in 2012, the board feels this is essential,’’ Inyama said. Inyama, as well as Dilichukwu Onyedimma and Ahmed Kawu are beneficiaries of this move. Onyedimma and Kawu are Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and Chairman of the Nigeria Nation-Wide League (NNWL) respectively. The meeting was chaired by Maigari, who was earlier impeached by majority of the board members, but was reinstated late last week. This was as a result of an intervention by world football body FIFA and a directive from Sports Minister Tammy Danagogo. Meanwhile, the NFA board led by Umeh, who became Acting Chairman after Maigari’s impeachment, had on Tuesday maintained that Maigari remained provisionally dismissed. A statement from Umeh which
was handed over to newsmen at the NFA secretariat said there were procedures to be followed for Maigari to be reinstated. The statement, titled “Our Position’’, reads: “The NFA board appreciates the efforts of the Minister of Sports at reconciling the football family.
Aminu Maigari
However, Keshi has left out Osaze from his 23-man squad for the two matches. “For Osaze Odemwingie, I left him out of the games to give other players a chance,” the coach, who has yet to finalise a new contract with the Nigeria Football Federation. “I don’t know what is wrong, but watched Stoke’s game at the weekend and he was not in action. I have not been able to speak with him, but I want to believe all is well.” The outspoken player had also hinted on quitting international football after Nigeria crashed out of the 2014 World Cup. Keshi recalled Osaze for the recent World Cup after a public spat between coach and player before last year’s Nations Cup in South Africa. Osaze scored Nigeria’s allimportant match winner in a group game against BosniaHerzegovina at Brazil 2014.
CMYK
The Pepper Syndrome And Ebola
In this part of the world, until recently, there was no scientific explanation for death because all deaths, including those from fatal accidents, were attributed to witchcraft. All the same, instances of the outbreak of new diseases like the current Ebola are not new. But as they say in the colloquial, “Soldier come, soldier go, barrack remain”. Different diseases come and go but the human race remains. Ebola, too, will soon pass away. Towards the twilight of the 1950s, there was an outbreak of influenza, which came with severe fever, dry throat, running nose, redness of the eyes, etc. Many died and we thought the end had come. One particular religious sect was always there to increase our phobia that Armageddon had arrived. Schools were closed. Resumption dates suffered many postponements. In the end, we survived. Barely a decade after we survived the influenza, while the advanced world was celebrating man’s scientific breakthrough to the moon, those of us on this side of the globe were afflicted with the “Apollo”, known in medical terminology as viral h e a m o r r h a g i c conjunctivitis. In-between, we had the outbreak of bird-flu and the mad-cow diseases, which took their tolls on animals and humans; and in the process, ravaged the world out there. In Africa, the fatality rate was not too pronounced. Come to think of it, “Ugbokhokho”, which is the local equivalence of the bird-flu, has always been with us. At first, there were no poultries that turned out fowls in their thousands. Native fowls were few and far apart. But once in a while, they were afflicted by the flu and they died. As soon as they died or when they showed signs of distress pointing to death, they were slaughtered and nicely prepared for dinner. They were good delicacies and we survived. In the early 1980s, the big one, the Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome, AIDS, arrived. It came with all the fears and swept across the world. We kept praying and living with its prescriptions. But see how the new one, Ebola, has reduced the much-dreaded AIDS to fritters? Suddenly, nobody is now talking of AIDS, all because a bigger evil has arrived.
point and the pharmacy, he would have come in contact with hundreds of people and by now, we would have been talking of infected and dead people in their thousands, not the meager figure of one Doctor and one Nurse that were involved at the local clinic. With our yearning for Dollars, that expatriate, socalled, who was to pay his
Enter Patrick Sawyer: He brought himself and his Ebola to Nigeria. Listen to the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu: “We have 11 confirmed cases of Ebola in Nigeria. Out of these, three are dead: Patrick Sawyer, a Nigerian Nurse and an ECOWAS Protocol Officer”. It could have been worse. God always provides an escape route for His children. That’s why Sawyer arrived Nigeria when the Nigerian Doctors were on strike. Otherwise, Sawyer would probably have been rushed to a larger health institution like the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, where between the Doctors and the Nurses; between the paramedics and the laboratory attendants; and between the registration
bill in hard currency would have been embraced by all, unknown to them that the man was a time bomb waiting to explode. We think that this singular act of God using the Doctors’ strike to avert a catastrophe should impel our Doctors to call off their lingering strike.
In all this, we have learnt to obey instructions – curb your appetite; and only eat what you are asked to eat. Doubts and criticisms might be fatal. After all, only the living can argue. We must also permit the Federal Government to wallow in its confusion and inconsistencies. While we were still dealing with the information that Ebola has no known cure yet, FG announced at the weekend that some of the people originally diagnosed for
Ebola have been treated and released from hospital! We believe in the geometric theorem, “Things equal to the same thing are equal to one another”. The time has come to treat peptic ulcer like the Ebola disease. We see them as first cousins. Their victims bleed unto
death. The death, this past week, of the Udo man in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State provides a golden opportunity to take a critical look at our romance with pepper.
The Edo State Government had a hard time explaining that the man died of bleeding from peptic ulcer and not Ebola as earlier rumored. Actually, the incident that led to the man’s death caused a lot of panic in the community. People fled their homes, fearing that the deceased died of Ebola
virus. Our people eat too much pepper, as if it is the main meal. Since we already have enough problems to contend with, including malaria, hunger, measles, diarrhea, etc, we can do with less pepper consumption and live a healthier life. This is coming from some one who has two left hands in the field of medicine but the truth is constant. A look at the peptic ulcer map of the world shows a direct correlation between the eating of pepper and the incidence of peptic ulcer. Whereas pepper has no demonstrable nutritional value, research consistently shows that the prevalence of peptic ulcer is higher in the third world countries where it is estimated at about 70% of the population as against a maximum of 40% ratio in the developed world. Medical Encyclopedia reveals that peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach or intestine. Put simply, excessive consumption of pepper is adding pepper to injury. Whereas the Ebola case is almost a death sentence; the candidate for peptic ulcer has a window of opportunity for a second chance by simply reducing his pepper consumption. Essentially, people who eat too much pepper are on a kamikaze (a suicide mission) of sorts. Enough of these avoidable deaths!
“We believe in the geometric theorem, “Things equal to the same thing are equal to one another”. The time has come to treat peptic ulcer like the Ebola disease. We see them as first cousins. Their victims bleed unto death.”
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