The Nigerian
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 38 • NO. 487 • THURSDAY, MAY 22, 20 14 • N 100.00 GENDER ADVOCACY Page 22 Women and Climate change
Govt ’ll sustain tempo of democracy dividends By DOROTHY EGBOBAMWUYI BENIN CITY - Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has assured people that
government would sustain the tempo of delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state. Oshiomhole gave the assurance at the
migration of the CIDEO Rural Health Mission in Sabongidda-Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of the state. He was represented at the occasion by the
State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon Abdul Oroh. Enumerating the success the administration recorded in the sector, Continues on page 2
Oshiomhole To Defectors
MAN AND NATURE Page 27
Reward and punishment for man
I wish you ‘safe journey’
BENIN CITY- Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says he will not be intimidated to surrender the resources of the state to service private individuals who do not have the interest of the people at heart, saying his Government will work for the masses and not for godfathers. Speaking at the people of the state. I did not say I was going to inspection of the onwork for individuals. So going Storm Water if individuals feel angry Masterplan Project in that I have not helped Benin city yesterday, Oshiomhole said he them in what they call wished those who have ‘individual personal empowerment’, I have defected from the party the choice to make, work “safe journey” to their for individuals or work for new destination. the people; I choose to He said, “I am aware that some people have work for the people.” left our party. We wish Oshiomhole declared, “Day or night, come sun them safe journey. When or come rain, I know that I came, I was clear and I the voice of the people is said we will work for the
the voice of God and when God stands by us, who can we be afraid of? I know that with time, water will find its level. Those who cannot cope will leave and many have
left. Those who are happy with progress will stay and the overwhelming majority of the people have stayed. “I know that many people were deceived and they are already returning because they were told to
come for a meeting only to see people carry microphone saying they are resigning from the party. We will not decamp. We will continue to do what God asked us to do and I
know that the people of Egor will continue to support me. In the last election, I got 96% in this Local Government. “I know that the more Continues on page 2
Collective responsibility, cardinal policy of Oshiomhole adm during the law week, BENIN CITY – Edo State - Odubu advised youths in the Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu has said that collective responsibility remains a cardinal policy of the present administration. The Deputy Governor made the assertion yesterday when he received the orgainising committee of this year’s law week of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Edo House, Benin City. Dr. Odubu informed members of the NBA that the Governor Adams
Oshiomhole-led administration believes in collective engagement, given his trade union background. On his cordial relationship with Governor Oshiomhole, the deputy governor attributed it to the harmonious background and the openheartedness of the state governor. Odubu who also appreciated the honour to be conferred on him
TIT BIT “If you keep dumping into tomorrow the extra load of today, you will be creating a future of junk era.” - Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama
state to be hardworking in their academic pursuits in order to excel in life. Chairman of the 2014 law week organizing committee, Prince Collins Ogiegbaen noted Continues on page 2
APC MEGA RALLY: L-R:APC Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, wife, Bisi, APC National leader,Senator Bola Tinubu and former Head of State, Retired Maj.-General Muhammadu Buhari, at APC Mega Rally in Ado-Ekiti yesterday.
EDHA wants relief materials for rainstorm victims By KEN ABU
BENIN CITY – Edo State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution calling on the Edo State Rapid Response Agency (EDRRA) and other relevant agencies to immediately provide relief materials and succour to victims of the recent rainstorm disaster in Okokhuo, Ovia North East Local Government Area to ameliorate their sufferings.
The House listed the agencies to include the State Emergency Management Agency, National Emergency Management Agency, Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas
D e v e l o p m e n t Commission, State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and Ovia North-East Local
Government Area. The adoption of the resolution followed the hearing of a matter of urgent public importance presented on the floor of parliament yesterday by Hon. Sunday Osazewinde which
bothered on the recent rainstorm devastation which left the roof of a block of eight classrooms blown-off. The rainstorm devastation also left in its Continues on page 2
Mark, Ekweremadu, governors’ forum condemn Jos bombings
ABUJA - The Senate President, David Mark, has strongly condemned Tuesday’s twin bomb blasts in Jos that killed 75 people.
This is contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Kola Ologbondiyan yesterday
in Abuja. Mark urged Nigerians to be more vigilant about their environment, and
charged Nigerians to remain resolute in the fight against terrorists. He reiterated that government would not leave any stone unturned Continues on page 2
News
Govt ’ll sustain tempo of democracy local government council dividends amongst others.
Continued from page 1
Oshiomhole commended the sponsors of the health care programme and the member representing the Owan West Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Ohio-Ezomo and the local government chairman who helped the state government to achieve its goal through their humanitarian efforts. According to the governor, the state government is willing and ready to partner with any group in the quest
to bring development to the people. He appreciated the people for their support and praised the loyalty of Ohio-Ezomo to the state government. Former Deputy Governor of Edo state, Rev’d Peter Obadan in his remark commended Governor Oshiomhole for detribalised disposition and appealed to the people of the locality not to renerge on their support for the man who has brought honour to the people of Owan West. Revd Obadan who stressed the need for the
people to reason together in one accord and charged them not to waver in their support while also encouraging them to emulate Hon Ohio Ezomo whom the Comrade Governor has rated as the best legislator in the state House of Assembly. The occasion which attracted dignitaries from different walks of life had in attendance, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Hon. Macdon Obasuke, Traditional rulers and officials of Owan West
are making history today, the comrade governor, the performer is in our midst. “Since we entered this community for the past 30years, we have experienced serious problems of erosion to the extent that many were driven from their homes but as you can see today, our roads are now accessible, we can easily get to our various homes and the problem of erosion is now a thing of the past.”
On his part, the Ailefoba of Benin Kingdom, Chief Jonathan Idada Erinwioghae commended the Governor for his good works promising that the people will continue to support all his laudable projects. Others who spoke are Mr. Emma Iyase and Mrs. Esther Obanor both of whom eulogised the governor, promising to support the APC in future elections in the state.
I wish you ‘safe journey’
Continued from page 1
we work, the more
benefits people will see, because we are still going to build more schools, the construction work will continue, we will deliver more transformers. “Let me assure you, for us, it is ‘let the people lead’ not let the godfathers enjoy and allow the people suffer. If the godfathers like, let them move away, we will continue the development of Edo State and our people will continue to enjoy good governance.” The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to aggressive urban renewal in the state, saying “when we came out to ask for your votes in 2007, I did make the point that the problem of Benin City is not beyond solution and that the problem of flooding, making people to be afraid whenever the rain is threatening is not an act of God but a result of many years of neglect by various governments. “I said I am not coming to Edo to lament but that I am coming to Edo to fix it, and to lay foundation for the future. As you can see, we are right now standing on a huge underground drainage which is part of the Benin City Water Storm MasterPlan that every water that drains from this area gets into the underground drainage and it will take it to the river; so that the problem of this community is solved forever. “The most difficult part has now been completed. You have seen the side drains that they are doing, when we finish it, this place we are standing will be asphalted. So you will be driving on it and will not know that you are driving on top an underground measuring about 40feet deep and 20 -30 feet wide.” Residents of the community who trooped out in their large numbers expressed joy at the road at Igbinaduwa and other areas in the area and the flood and erosion control measures put in place by the Governor. A resident of the area, Mr. Edo Aguebor said, “We
Also speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Aihanuwa Eregie who was accompanied with the Director of Hospital service, Dr. Eborime congratulated the sponsors of the programme, stressing that Edo State government is a responsible one that gives the best to its citizens with a view to making them have a guaranteed health status. Ezomo, who is also one of the sponsors, expressed satisfaction over the turn –out of the people in the locality who availed themselves of the opportunity of being checked medically by the medical experts who have come to assist the Governor touch the lives of the people by driving the political process of ensuring that good health care delivery gets to the locality. Leader and president, CEDIO Rural Outreach Ministry Her Royal Higness, Evangelist Ifeanyichukwu Okatah, will adjudged Edo state as one of the best state they have taken their services to said they will now have access to health care. She said the health care which started on Monday will run for a period of ten days in Owan West.
Mark, Ekweremadu, governors’ forum condemn Jos following reports from some bombings quarters that there were
Continued from page 1
to ensure security in the land because events of recent times posed serious threat to the nation. “From the issue of kidnapping now we are battling with insurgency, this must stop, Nigeria needs peace; our children need better lives because nothing thrives well in a precarious environment. “We will not relent, with God on our side, this shall come to pass,” Mark said. The senate president tasked Nigerians to be vigilant and collaborate with security agencies in the fight to end the activities of Boko Haram insurgents. He commiserated with the government of Plateau, the victims and the families of those affected by the bomb blasts and prayed that such an incident would not occur again. In a related development, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, described the incident as “callous and completely unacceptable”. Ekweremadu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, described the culture of bombing as “completely alien” to the country and called for a united front against it.
Collective responsibility, cardinal policy of Oshiomhole adm
Continued from page 1 that the present administration under the stewardship of Comrade Oshiomhole is the architect of modern Edo State. He said the deputy governor has represented the Bar positively in his position, hence the need to honour him with a merit award during the law week. This year’s law week has its theme “The Nigerian State in the aftermath of the centenary; the role of the bench and bar.”
“We cannot continue to live this way. I hope and pray that we see to the end of this insurgency, the bombings and destruction of innocent lives in our country. “This is not the Nigeria we used to know because it is not in our culture and our practice. “The only ideology of this common enemy is to eliminate the entire mankind and we must all come together to condemn it, resist it, fight against it, and stamp it out,” Ekweremadu said. He appealed to all security agencies to continue with the good work they were doing and to redouble their efforts in protecting the lives and property of Nigerians. He also condoled with those who lost their loved ones, saying “in such monumental catastrophe, we are all joined together in pains and the resolve to end the onslaught”. Meanwhile, Sen. Victor Lar (PDP-Plateau), has denied any report of reprisal attacks in Jos as a result of Tuesday’s bombing. Lar, who raised a point of order at the Senate plenary, said it had become necessary to make the clarification
reprisal attacks. “There is no such occurrence as the Special Task Force (STF) has contained the situation,” Lar said. Meanwhile, the Jonah Jang-led Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has condemned the twin bomb blasts in Jos in which 46 people died and property were destroyed. This is contained in a statement signed by the Administrator of the Forum, Mr Osaro Onaiwu in Abuja. The statement said the bombings were ‘’cowardly and designed to shake the faith of citizens in a united Nigeria’’.? It stated that the governors of the forum had sent condolences to the people of Plateau and the families that lost loved ones in the attack. It called on Nigerians to unite against the forces of evil, adding that a united Nigeria would make it difficult for the terrorists to penetrate. The governors expressed support for Gov. Jang, adding that they would stand by him and the people of Plateau “in this period of distress”.
Continued from page 1
that all the relevant government agencies should immediately provide succour to the rainstorm victims. The speaker, Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe in his submission cautioned the agencies of government to be proactive in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities to the people of the state, without requiring resolution of parliament.
EDHA wants relief materials for rainstorm victims
wake, damage to varieties of economic crops, farm crops and the roofs of several houses in the community. The deliberations on the recent rainstorm havoc in Okokhuo Community during plenary yesterday earned the empathy of the lawmakers who all resolved through the resolution of parliament
FG to attract investments in power sector - Nebo AWKA - The Federal Government will continue to create the enabling environment to attract investment in the power sector for efficient generation and distribution, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has said. Nebo told newsmen in Awka that there has been a lot of improvement in power generation despite the challenges in the sector. He said this was as a result of the successful privatisation programme in the sector which was concluded about six months ago. Nebo said that vandalism and poor gas supply remained a big challenge to growth in the sector. The federal government, he said, is already applying effective measures to check the menace, and assured that all would soon be a thing of the past. The minister said he was certain that power generation and distribution companies could drive the sector without financial
constraints as they had the resources to do so. He further called for equal emphasis on distribution as against generation where most investment interest had been directed. “The federal government is already tackling the challenges of vandalism which is actually shutting out gas supply with the deployment of high-tech protection systems. “We are also trying to stabilise the market as well as the national grid itself. “The Gencos and Discos cannot say they do not have the finance to drive the power sector because they promised they could do so. “What the government is doing now, is to create enabling environment by attracting financial institutions from all over the world and multinational development partners to come to their aid. “The major trend is that these investors prefer to fund Gencos as opposed to Discos, and in a matter of time both would be getting fair share,’’ he said.
Autocrash: 15 persons feared dead By MORRISON HAYBLE
EWU (Esan Central) -At least 15 persons were feared dead in a vehicular accident yesterday on Ewu hill Benin/ Auchi Road when a trailer crashed into an 18 seater Toyota Hiace passenger bus. The trailer , conveying full. load of beer was said to have failed its breaks and crashed into the commercial bus with registration number LFA 137 XB, killing nearly all the passeners on board, with only three survivors. An eye witness told Our Correspondent that the trailer and the bus were heading same direction, descending the hill towards Auchi when the accident occured. According to the eye
witness, it took the combined efforts of the men of the Federal Road Safety Corps , the Police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to dismember the mangled bus to retrieve the survivors and dead bodies. The incident caused a hectic traffic grid lock for several hours as the police tried frantically to control the long queue of vehicles on both sides of the busy express way through the only narrow passage that was free left. However, symathizers at the scene have appealed to the relevant authorities to find lasting solution to frequent vehicular mishaps on Ewu hill.saying that several lives have been lost since the construction of the road in 1973.
Deziani: Reps resume 10bn private jet probe By EDITH IMOISILI
ABUJA -The Speaker, of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal has mandated the Chairman House Committee on Public Account, Hon. Adeola Solomon to immediately resume investigation into the alleged N10 billion spent on chartering and maintaining a personal jet by the Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. This call became necessary after Tambuwal refuted the report which was carried in some newspapers publication as well as the electronic media saying that he said that the court had restrained him from continuing the probe on the said subject.
Tambuwal told the House that he never said that the court stopped him from probing the allegation, rather, when he got the letter from the court, he told them to hold on so as to enable him consult his lawyer over the court processes, saying the letter did not stop him from probing the minister. He said when he met with the judge over the issue, the judge equally said that he never said he (Tambuwal)should stop the probe, that he was misinterpreted by the media. It will be recalled that the lawmakers recently accused Mrs. Alison-Madueke of squandering over 10bn to charter and maintain a private jet and querried the source of funding.
News Edo Baptist Conference Holds Prayer Programme
Council Boss To Provide Succour For Rainstorm Victims By KEHINDE OSAGIEDE OKOKHUO- Respite will soon come the way of victims of the rain storm disaster that took place last week Friday in Okokhuo Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. Speaking during an inspection visit to the affected community, the Chairman, Ovia North East Local Government Council, Hon. (Barr) Lucy Omagbon expressed shock at the level of devastation caused by the rainstorm which rendered many residents homeless. She however assured the affected residents of assistance from the Local Government. The affected Okokhuo residents who expressed delight on seeing the council boss in their community to assess the damages done to their property, thanked her for identifying with them. They appealed to her to quickly come to their aid. On the council boss entourage were the vice Chairman of the council, Hon Dumez Ugiagbe, All progressive Congress, (APC) Chairman, Ovia North East Local Government Area Mr. Benson Edosomwan and other party leaders including Hon. Lawrence Oboh.
Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu (4th left) welcoming the Chairman, Organising Committee, 2014 Law Week of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Edo State, Prince Collins Ogiegbaen (2nd right) and other members of the Committee who visited Government House, Benin City yesterday.PHOTO: MOSES OBOH.
$1bn Gas Project: Uduaghan
Inaugurates 21-Man Peace C’ttee BY BETTY IDIALU
ASABA - Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday inaugurated a 21-man peace committee that would interface between the host community, Ugborodo and the Federal Government on the 16 billion dollars Delta Gas City project located at Ogidigben. Governor Uduaghan, inaugurating the committee in
Asaba’ Delta State explained that he laid the foundation for the truce between the parties that culminated in the peace committee. According to him, he later handed over the peace process to the offices of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) to maintain his neutrality and give credibility to the process and its outcome. Governor Uduaghan disclosed that President Goodluck
Commissioner Tasks School Authorities On Security Consciousness BENIN CITY- Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Ambassador orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP) has tasked all authorities of institution of learning in Edo State and other parts of Nigeria to be security and safety conscious for the safety of their students and pupils. He gave the advice in the wake of the current wave of security challenges in parts of the country. Hon. Omo-Ojo was speaking in Benin City when the Proprietress of a private Education Centre, Mrs. Joyce Osarenmweinda led some staff and pupils of the school on a courtesy visit to the ministry. The commissioner educated the pupils on the activities of the various organs of the ministry including the state Traffic Management Agency, (EDSTMA) Vehicle Inspection Unit, Fire fighting Services as well as means of transportation and road signs, adding that the re-branding of EDSTMA is an on –going exercise. He commended the proprietress for being the first to take the initiative of partnering
the Ministry. During the visit, which featured interactive session between the commissioner and the pupils, the Director of Transportation in the ministry, Engr. George Aghahowa spoke briefly on the types of transportation in Nigeria and
Edo State specifically. Mrs. Joyce Osarenmwinda had enumerated some of the achievements that the ministry had made since Omo-Ojo assumed office in the ministry, including the re-branding of EDSTMA, re-introduction of bus-stops, traffic signs and colour code.
Jonathan, as part of his transformation agenda, is committed to the successful completion and take off of the Ugborodo Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and would be inaugurating it soon. “With the setting up of this committee, the peace process in Ugborodo has to continue for the community to be at peace and for the community to get maximum benefit from the project which is over 16 billion dollars,” Governor Uduaghan said, adding, “In the next few days, the President will come and flag off the project.” Dr. Uduaghan informed that the project was initially to have been sited at Koko but had to be relocated to Ogidigben due to the shallow nature of the waterways at the initial location. He commended President Jonathan and other Nigerians for allowing the project to remain in Delta State, noting that a lot of interests were on for the project to be moved to other states of the country.
Edo State Head of Service, Mr. Jerry Obazele (right0 receiving an award plaque as the best Head of Service South-South from the President of Save & Serve Humanity Organisation, Comrade Oyibo Abubakar.
BENIN CITY- A threeday prophetic prayer Encounter organised by the Edo State Baptist Conference (ESBC) will hold from May 24, 2014, at No 1. TV Road, Baptist Convention Ground, by Oliha Market, Benin City. The programme with the theme, “ I will content with your Adversary” will begin at 4 pm daily. The three-day event will feature notable men of God, including Rev. Robert Okparanta (from
Port Harcourt), Dr. Frank Ezele, President ESBC, and Rev. Osahon Igbinidu, Chief Host.
Dr. Frank Ezele
Late Madam Omorodion Laid To Rest THE burial ceremony of Late Madam Osayande Omorodion who died March 10 2014 at the age of 85 took place weekend at Chris Igiebor Drive, Ugbor, G.R.A, Benin City. Madam Osayande Omorodion, a devout Christian was interred at her residence after a service of songs was held in her honour. A retinue of clergy led by Stephen Olowo of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Upper Room Parish, Benin City were at the ceremony. At the grave side, the officiating Priest admonished the children on the need to live a Christ like life worthy of emulation. He said Late Madam Osayande Omorodion left behind indelible footprints in the sands of time. The social outing which took place at George Idah Primary School, Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City had the crème de la crème in attendance, including Major General & Mrs. J.A. Okunbor, Sir Omoruyi Oloton, Managing Director, Uyi Technical conglomerate, Hon. Roland Ibierutomwen Chairman
Orhionmwon Local Government Council and Elder lyayi_Efoanayi, “Chairman”/MD, Group of Companies. There was thanksgiving service to climax the burial ceremony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God where the officiating clergy, Pastor Edward lyamah whose Message dwelt on, “Living a healthy life style” admonished the congregation on the essence of living a better spiritual life. Highpoint of the of the thanks giving service was when the eldest son, Mr. Emmanuel Omorodion led other family members, friends and well wishers to the altar to offer thanks to God for a successful burial ceremony.
Late Madam Omorodion
Across The Nation NAWOJ President Seeks Regular Training For Female Journalists
APC Aspirant Advises Party Faithful OKPELLA – Edo State House of Assembly Hopeful, Estako East Constituency, under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Paul Aronokhale has called on his supporters in the party not to defect to other political parties. Mr. Aronokhale made this appeal while addressing youths and party faithful at his campaign Office Okpella at the weekend. According to Aronokhale APC has done so much for the people to Edo State and Edo North in particular and reminded them of the empowerment of youths in the locality, by the Local Government Transition Committee that lasted for two years. Mr. Aronokhale told the people that the State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole will
redeem his promise to construct roads in Okpella and therefore called on the people to be patient since he (Oshiomhole) has only spent two out of his four years mandate. He observed that the party is like a family which is not immune to disagreement. Assuring that the party will come out stronger, he advised that defection is not the right option for any loyal party man but dialogue.
Students of Nigerian Military School (NMS), on parade during the 60th anniversary of the school in Zaria, Kaduna State on Tuesday.
5 Nations Partner To Fight Boko Haram ABUJA- Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Cameroon, Niger and Chad will contribute one battalion of troops each to the international force set up to combat Boko Haram and other insurgent groups. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, made this known when he
briefed newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday. Abati spoke on more measures taken to strengthen fight against terrorism in the sub-region. He said the decision to contribute the additional five battalion of troop to the international force was reached at the regional Summit on Security held in Paris, France, last Saturday. It would be recalled the summit was convened by
President Francois Hollande of France to fashion ways to deal with the Boko Haram terrorist group. Abati said that France, United States of America and the United Kingdom would extend technical assistance to assist the international force set up to patrol the five nations’ border areas. “Nigeria and other countries in the sub-region will continue to cooperate and coordinate efforts
Council Boss Condoles Family Of Late commiserate with the royal did not write to formally notify Enogie family over his demise. the local government about the role in the burial process. By KEHINDE OSAGIEDE
OKADA – The Chairman, Ovia North East Local Government Council, Hon. (Barr) Lucy Omagbon yesterday visited the place of the late Enogie of Uwan, His Royal Highness Ohenzuwa idumwonyi Ovouramwen to
In her remarks, she described the late Enogie as one of the pillars who stood by her during her electioneering campaign. According to her, the visit was on behalf of the Government of Ovia North East to identify with the royal family in their period of grief, adding that the local government was ready to play its
Responding on behalf of the heir apparent, Okoro Osarosemwen and the entire family members and the Chairman of the burial committee, Prince Lawrence Idemudia thanked Hon. Omagbon for deeming it necessary to visit the palace, irrespective of the fact that they
L-R: Team Leader, European Union, Water Supply and Sanitisation Sector Reform Project III, Mr. Lesley Blinker; Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. Idi Waziri and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Hanatu Dantong during the inauguration of an interministerial committee toward the National launching of water supply and sanitation sector reform project III in Jos on Tuesday.
demise of the Enogie. Hon. Omagbon who had in her entourage, the Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC), Ovia North East Local Government Area, Hon Benson Edosomwan, Vice Chairman of the council, Hon. Dumex Ugiagbe, Hon. Lawrence Oboh, APC leader and other chieftains of the Party however made cash donation of undisclosed amount to the royal family as part of the council’s contributions towards the burial arrangement. In the same vein, the council chairman visited the family of Hon. Foustine Ovienrioba, a former chairman of the local government to commiserate with him over the demise of his father, Hon. Adamson Ovieroioba who passed on May 8, 2014. The council boss said the visit on behalf of the local government council was to share the moment of grief with the former council chairman as he mourns his late father. Hon. Omagbon who also visited the Ovienrdoba’s widow, Mrs. Magereth in their family house at Ema, Okokhuo Ward, later signed the condolence register.
to combat the Boko Haram menace. “The countries will come together to put in place an effective border management regime. “No effort will be spared to stop the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and the supply of arms and equipment made available to terrorists,’’ he said. Abati noted that Jonathan considered the measures very useful aspects of the concerted international effort to combat terrorism and put an end to the Boko Haram menace. He also said that the president had directed relevant government agencies to ensure enhanced implementation of relief programmes in the areas affected by Boko Haram atrocities. The media adviser said the president specifically directed National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to intensify ongoing relief assistance programmes in partnership with donor agencies. He said NEMA should ensure rapid deployment of relief assistance to the affected local government areas and communities. The relief assistance, according to the president, will include, the provision of food, medical, basic relief commodities, and conditional cash transfer programmes for affected households. The president, he said, also directed the assessment of the extent of damage to public and private infrastructure, amongst others. ? Abati said Jonathan assured that every necessary measure would be taken to find the school girls abducted by Boko Haram terrorists from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno, on April 14.
LAGOS- Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, the newly-elected National President, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), yesterday called for increased support of media houses in training of female journalists. Omowole made the appeal during a “Thank You’’ tour of media houses in Lagos State, following her election at the 2014 NAWOJ National Delegates’ Conference held at ASCON, Badagry, Lagos State, on Saturday. Omowole said that there was the need to intensify capacity building for female journalists in Nigeria for improved performance. The reports state that Omowole was sworn-in as the President of NAWOJ on Sunday after defeating Mrs Fatima Abdulkareem, in the election with 469 votes to 198 votes. During her visit to the Lagos Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the NAWOJ president appealed to the media house to encourage training and re-training of female journalists. “I am here to say thank you and seek your continued support to train my colleagues.
Philip Umoru Dies At 58 By PIUS EDE THE family of Pa Joseph Agbona of Unota quarters, Ayogwini-uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo state have announced the death of Mr. Philip Oshioakpemhe Umoru “Alias” Agbazika who slept in the lord on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at the age of 58 years. He is survived by a wife, Paulina Igbaneta Umoru, 6 children, Eramus, Alex, Cletus, Amos, Festus and Agatha. Two grandchildren, Omeghie and Hope and a daughter in-law Lamosi Oshioakpemhe. His remains will be buried on Friday, May 23, 2014 at Ayogwiri
Late Philip Umoru
South South
Amaechi, Wike Crisis Deepens By ELIZABETH AGBOEGBULEM PORT HARCOURT - The long-running crisis of mutual distrust between the Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, has showed no signs of plummeting into opened-eyed mudslinging and deliberate back-stabbing as Wike unsheathed his sword and branded Amaechi a corrupt politician. Wike told chiefs from Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, in Ogu/Bolu Local Government Area, who visited him at his home in Port Harcourt that Governor Amaechi is not as transparent and devoid of corruption as he wants the public to believe, alleging that “Amaechi is corrupt an running a government that was also corrupt”. He stated: “Governor Amaechi is not as transparent as he claims to be. He wants Nigerians to see him as a social crusader who is always ready to expose and criticize officials and agencies of the federal government at any given time. But he is not a saint: Governor Amaechi knows that I know he is corrupt and he knows that I know him very well”. Wike disclosed: “Most people forget that I was Governor Amaechi’s Chief of Staff for four years, from 2007 to 2011. Most people also pretend to forget that I was also Governor Amaechi’s director of campaign for the 2011 governorship election. So, I can conveniently claim to know Governor Amaechi more that most people know him”. He claimed: “Governor Amaechi knows that I know he is corrupt. Governor Amaechi is running a corrupt government and he knows that I know so much about the depth of corruption in his government. I have no doubt in my mind that Governor Amaechi’s government is very corrupt”. “In April last year, Governor Amaechi threatened to expose the shady dealings of all those who were fighting him
politically. Of course, I was the first on the list. That same week, I replied him that I will respond immediately he mentions anything concerning me. Up to now, he has not said anything. He keeps threatening that he will expose me. It is over a year he made that threat, so what is he waiting for? Wike asked. Wike declared: “I will expose Governor Amaechi at the appropriate time. I will expose the level of corruption in his government at the appropriate time. Government Amaechi’s aides know that I am not unaware of the shady dealings in Amaechi’s administration. I challenge him to speak up”. He accused Governor Amaechi of sponsoring some unnamed persons into the PDP to cause confusion within the ranks of party men and women in a deliberate scheme to frustrate the chances of the party in 2015 general elections, adding, “I wonder why Governor Amaechi is so interested in the affairs of the People’ Democratic Party, PDP, after he made fanfare of his defection to the All Progressives Party, APC, in November 25, last year”. He told the chiefs from Ogu to ask Governor Amaechi why he demolished some primary schools outside Port Harcourt, when he was not ready to rebuild them. According to Wike, “Governor Amaechi is now making strenuous efforts to rebuild the primary schools, hoping that he could use them as campaign gimmicks in the 2015 governorship election”. Speaking on Wike’s assertion, Chief of Staff to Government House, Chief Tony Okocha, said it was unfortunate that the supervising minister of education was discussing persons rather than focusing on issues that will transform the state. He wondered: “How come the minister who was Governor Amaechi’s campaign director in 2011and spoke so glowingly about Governors achievements as a governor is now the one splashing mud on the same man he eulogized a few years back.
We will not join issue with Wike. We understand his politics, so we are not perturbed” Responding to Wike’s comments, the Commission of Information and
Communication, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, dismissed the minister’s assertion, saying, “Wike is just playing to the gallery. I don’t expect the minister to be playing dirty politics.”
She maintained: “Governor Amaechi has challenged the minister on at several fona to show evidence, if he has any, to justify his assertions that
Governor Amaechi is corrupt. It is unfair for the minister to make a blanket assertion that Governor Amaechi’s government is corrupt. I think the minister’s comments are uncharitable
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State (right), carrying a child at the inauguration of 2014 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week at Lalaifido, Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State recently.
Warri IPMAN Crisis: By BETTY IDIALU
ASABA -IPMAN, Warri Depot Embraces Peace As the warring factions of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Warri Depot have resolved to work together in the interest of peace in Warri axis and progress of the association. Rising from a peace parley convened in Asaba by the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the factions disclosed that they have agreed to put their differences aside for peace to reign in the association. Fielding questions at the
Uduaghan Wades In
end of the closed door meeting, the Vice Chairman of IPMAN, Warri Depot, Comrade Benjamin Emoefe stated that all efforts towards consolidating on the peace within the association would be pursued with vigour by all members “There is now peace in Warri Depot of IPMAN, we have resolved all issues amicably and we have promised to work together for the progress of the association”, Emoefe, leader of one of the factions stated. On his part, the Chairman of IPMAN, Warri Depot, Comrade Akpo Edafevwoture, factional leader, said that the Governor has prevailed
on them to “maintain peace and go back to work together in harmonious relationship”. “The Governor wants to see us work together as we have been doing before the crisis”, Edafevwoture stated, adding: “issues of elections would be resolved in six months time”. He said members of the IPMAN have agreed to hold their elections on November 20, 2014 . They commended Governor Uduaghan for intervening in the crisis and promised that they would give peace a chance and work together as a united association. State Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike
Ogeah who also fielded questions from journalists after the meeting, said members of the marketers association have agreed to sheath their swords and resolve their differences amicably According to Ogeah, the differences among the various factions of IPMAN in Warri Depot have been resolved and that members of the association have agreed to work amicably for the progress of members and in the interest of peace in the state and the country. He cautioned that IPMAN members should desist from further actions that would cause a breach of peace in the state
20 Injured As Church Building Collapses
Women and their children at the inauguration of 2014 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week at Lalaifido, Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State recently.
YENAGOA- No fewer than 20 persons were injured when an uncompleted church building collapsed during downpour in Agudama-Epie, near Yenagoa. An eyewitness, Mr. Tonye Beregha, told newsmen in Yenagoa that the building belonged to the National Apostolic Church of Nigeria. “We heard a loud sound which we thought was that of thunder. But we later heard that the uncompleted building had collapsed, trapping many people under the rubbles’’ Beregha said.
He said the downpour also destroyed roofs of many buildings in the state capital as well as felled some street lights on Sani Abacha expressway, causing heavy traffic gridlock in the area. The building, which collapsed at about 10.30 a.m., caused pandemonium as most of the victims went into the building for cover during the downpour. The Deputy Governor of the State, John Jonah, the Commissioner of Police, Hillary Okpara and a rescue team from
Julius Berger, visited the scene. However, before their arrival, sympathisers had rescued the trapped victims. The State Commissioner for Works, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said the state government would reprimand the founder of the church over the incident. He attributed poor supervision of buildings in the state to shortage of manpower in the Capital City Development Authority (CCDA). Ewhrudjakpo said Governor Seriake Dickson had approved the recruitment of more than 100 persons by CCDA.
South West NDDC Earmarks N1bn For Payment Of Contractors projects that were omitted
AKURE – Mr. Amuwa Benson, the commissioner representing Ondo State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), said the body has set aside N1 billion for the
payment of contractors who have completed projects in the state. Benson, who disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure on Monday, said the
commission had reviewed 40 cases of abandoned projects in the state. The NDDC commissioner, however, warned contractors against executing shoddy jobs or
L-R:Zonal Manager, South-West Zone, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Folorunsho Ojo (left), with Oyo State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr. Adebayo Ayeni, during the visit of the Commandant to NAN Zonal Office in Ibadan recently.
outright abandonment of the commission’s projects after being duly mobilised. According to him, the focus of the commission is to complete on-going projects in the region as directed by President Goodluck Jonathan Amuwa, who expressed regret that many of the projects in the state were yet to be completed, said “this explains why the NDDC has not commissioned any project in Ondo State unlike other states in the region.” “Let me assure you, however, that the projects will be commissioned as soon as they are completed. “I am, therefore, calling on all our contractors to go back to site or they will have their contracts terminated,” he said.
improve the income of small holder farmers. He said that convening of the meeting was timely as it would afford stakeholders the opportunity to identify the challenges militating against the effective implementation of the school feeding programme. The Executive Director of PCD, Dr Lesley Drake, said the HGSFP was gaining prominence and contributing to the achievement of the MDG Goal 1 to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
were very critical as a lot of adaptation takes place. Aderonke, who said that the
commended Nestle PLC for the significant role it plays in research in infant nutrition.
Osun Spends N3b technical assistance in redesigning the school feeding programme through endorsement of the Transition Strategy Plan Document,” he said. The governor noted that with the state enrolment figure of almost 253,000, O’MEALS is one programme that is worthy of every naira and kobo that had gone into it. In a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the
Ministry of Education, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, said Nigeria was a signatory to the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP). Nwaobiala said the CAADP, endorsed in 2003 was aimed at promoting the right of the African Child to education, food, freedom from hunger. He added that it was also aimed at boosting agricultural productivity at the grassroots to
Nigeria Must Reduce Neo-Natal Mortality deaths are preventable with rate of breast feeding practice IBADAN - Prof. Chinyere appropriate information,” Rate - Don was still low in the country, Ezeaka, a professor of Paediatrics at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, said Nigeria must reduce its neonatal mortality rate to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Ezeaka said this as guest lecturer at the Nestle Nutrition Institute Africa Advanced Nutrition Programme held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan. The paediatrician spoke on the theme: “Maternal and Infant Nutrition: Taking the Window of Opportunity in the First 1,000 Days of Life.” According to her, Nigeria rates highest in Africa and second highest in child birth mortality in the world after India. “Under-five year’s old mortality is increasing and about 700 newborns die daily. “It is pertinent to note that about 90 per cent of these
Ezeaka said. She called for increased capacity building for health workers and provision of data and information by the government. Also speaking, an expert from Ghana, Prof. Steiner Asiedu, advised new mothers to undertake supplementary and complementary feeding without compromising the ideals of hygiene. According to Asiedu, research has shown that breast milk is the backbone of lifelong health as it is rich in colostrum, vitamins, minerals and protein. “Breast milk is easier for the baby to digest, it is hygienic and does not cause allergies for babies; it requires no preparation and is therefore most convenient for babies,” she said. In a goodwill message, a consultant paediatrician, Dr. Ayede Aderonke, said that the first 1,000 days of a new born
from the budget list. He said the review was necessary as they were important to the benefiting communities.
Mimiko Reiterates Commitment To Youth Empowerment AKURE - Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has in Akure re-stated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment through agriculture. The governor spoke at the opening of a one-week training programme and inauguration of “Profarmers and Agropreneurs Sustainable Scheme ’’. The state government recently engaged 280 graduates under the scheme. Mimiko tasked the graduates to show commitment and absolute dedication to the programme, warning that anyone found wanting would be shown the way out. “Agriculture provides the best avenue for employment and wealth generation aside oil and gas. “Let me state clearly that youth empowerment through agriculture is part of this administration’s policies aimed at engaging youths in productive venture,” he said. “He said four agrobusiness cities with state-ofthe-art facilities, comprising hostel accommodation for more than 1,000 youths, dams, fish ponds and poultry
Feeding Of School Children
ABUJA - Osun State government spends more than N3 billion annually on its homegrown elementary school feeding programme launched by the Federal Government in 2005, Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said. Aregbesola made this known during a high level technical meeting of the Home Grown School Feeding Programme in Abuja. He said N12.5 million was being expended on the programme on a daily basis, adding that more than N600 million was spent on about 3,000 community caterers as transportation fare to the various schools. The governor was at the event to share the experience of his state on the programme and how it could be replicated at the national level. He said the programme had contributed to increased enrolment of children at the basic level. He said the programme, christened ‘O’MEALS’ by the government, had also led to improvement of the health status of the pupils and had reduced incidences of school absenteeism among others. “The programme is consistent with our goals of banishing hunger, creating work and wealth, creating functional education, restoring healthy living and engendering communal peace and progress. “The passion, prudence and seriousness we deployed to the implementation of the O’MEALS have earned us the support of the London-based Partnership for Child Development (PCD). “Through this fruitful collaboration, we have received
Benson explained that the commission with the aid of its Projects Monitoring Department had reviewed 40 cases of abandoned
houses, had been established in the state’s three senatorial districts. Mimiko restated his determination to key into Federal Government’s programmes such as Growth Enhancement Scheme and Cassava Value Chain Programme. He said the government had started clearing 1000 hectares of land at Ore for use by profarmers out of which 500 hectares would be used rice project in collaboration with its Malaysian partners. The governor also said that about one million oil palm seedlings were being transplanted from the nursery to plantations in Ore under the state’s oil palm revolution. According to him, the cocoa plantation in Oda is being revitalised to facilitate establishment of the state’s chocolate academy. Earlier, Mrs Bola Olafunmiloye, the chairperson of the state’s wealth creation agency, said each graduate would receive N30,000 monthly. Olafunmiloye said they had been registered under the SURE-P Graduate “The state government is collaborating with reputable organisations such as IITA, UN-Habitat, USAID and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in driving the initiative,” she added.
People protesting over the abduction of Chibok School Girls in Ado-Ekiti recently.
Lagos Alleged Theft Of N1m Property
Security Guard Docked
Newly elected President of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole (5th left) and the Executive Officers, during their visit to News Agency of Nigeria In Lagos recently.
LAGOS - A 25-year-old security guard, Sunday Obida, was docked at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged theft of one million naira property. Obida, who resides at Block 9, Flat 9, Warder’s Police Barracks, Ikoyi, Lagos, is facing a fourcount charge of stealing and entering a residence to commit felony. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Uagbale Oje, said the accused committed the offences between Jan. 1 and May 16 at Lekki, Lagos. He said that Obida, of Royal Security Company, was on duty at Unit 7, Malaika Mews Estate, Agungi Road, Lekki, Lagos, when he allegedly stole from inhabitants of the apartments he was asked to guard. Oje said that the accused broke into the apartment of one Chimere Egujuru and stole two
I-phones 5, a Dell laptop, a leather wristwatch and a gold wristwatch all valued at N908, 000. The prosecutor alleged that the guard also broke into the apartment of one Larry Allison to steal an I-phone valued at N110, 000. According to the prosecution, the offences contravene Sections 285(7) and 306(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The reports say that Section 306(1) prescribes five years imprisonment for anyone found guilty of entering into a residence to commit felony. Obida, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate, Miss M.O. Ope-Aigbe, granted the accused bail in the sum of N900, 000 with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the case to June 10 for trial.
Specialist Wants FG To Embark On Destination Branding Of Tourist Centres
LAGOS - A brand specialist, Mr. Ken Ebbi, has advised the Federal Government to brand various tourist centres across the country to enhance tourism development and boost the country’s internally generated revenue. Ebbi told newsmen in Lagos that such branding would make it easy for foreign tourists to locate the sites in the country. “It will also increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings, create employment and alleviate poverty. “Nigeria, with the world at her feet as a tourism destination spot, has the potentials of earning well over N90 billion annually, if well harnessed,” he said. He identified Badagry, Kano, Calabar, Osogbo and Benin as some of the locations that should be branded as unique sites of global interest.
He said that through branding, foreign tourists would be able to access information about the tourist centres. “Yearly, over 400 million people travel globally, hundreds of millions or more travel domestically from one city to the other for various reasons business, pleasure, relaxation,
enjoyment, education and more. “Globally, tourism and incentive travel are not only acknowledged as the largest industry in terms of huge revenue generation, but they are also the world’s highest employers of labour.
“Over the years, the tourism industry has grown and is also evolving with leading tourism destination spots changing from the former assets-driven marketing to the strategic customer-centric marketing”, Ebbi told newsmen. According to him, tourism has
LASG To Partner On Water Transportation
NIWA has two. “You can see the reason why we should not be at loggerheads with each other. “If the water transportation and railway systems work efficiently, the movement of goods at the ports will be done faster. “Cooperation of the state and NIWA, which is an agency of the Federal Government, will open up the waterways for viable commercial activities,” Opeifa said. According to him, the cooperation of the two agencies will also ensure safety of lives and property.
become the honey pot of most countries as they rely on it either as the major foreign exchange earner or as the main source of national income. “Nigeria, with a population of about 150 million, 250 ethnic groups with diverse historical and cultural backgrounds, Nigeria is indeed a paragon of tourism. “Sadly, over the years, Nigeria
Suspended Fraudster Charged For Duping Woman LAGOS - A 27-year-old man, Shola Ibrahim, who allegedly tricked a woman to collect her N236, 000, was brought before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. A resident of Ijegun in Ikotun, a Lagos suburb, Ibrahim is being tried for a three-count offence of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences and stealing. The prosecutor, Sgt. Daniel Ighodalo, told the court that the offences were committed on
Dispatch Rider Arraigned
Opeifa said that there should not be any rift between the Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) on the issue of water transportation. The commissioner said that the state was ready to forge cordial working relationship with NIWA in the interest of the citizens. Opeifa was represented by Dr Taiwo Salaam, a director in the ministry, “We need to collaborate because we have 59 jetties, while
IKEJA - A 23-year-old dispatch rider, Michael Akanimo, who allegedly broke into his employer’s boutique and stole N400, 000 goods, was on Monday charged before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. Akanimo, a resident of No. 13, Ikogboe St., Amukoko, a Lagos suburb, is facing a three-count charge of burglary, attempt to commit felony and theft. The prosecutor, Insp. Edet Okoi, told the court that the accused committed the offences at 8.30 p.m on April 16 at No. 22c, Close 22 Road, Festac Town, Lagos. Okoi said Akanimo, a former employee of the company, burgled the company and stole clothes and office equipment worth N400, 000, property of
Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sagir Saleh (4th left), with officials of Bill/Melinda Gate and Dangote Foundation on Primary Health Care visit to the State recently.
LAGOS - The Lagos State Government has said that it would partner with the Federal Government to promote effective water transportation in the state. Kayode Opeifa, the state Commissioner for Transportation, said this at a meeting of maritime stakeholders in Lagos.
Alleged Burglary
Above and Beyond Clothing Company. He said the accused also attempted to steal a laptop valued at N250, 000 from the company. Okoi noted that the offences contravened Sections 21 (5), 285 and 305 (c) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The reports say that Section 285 prescribes a three-year sentence for stealing, while Section 305(c) provides life imprisonment for burglary at night. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate, Mrs. Margaret Dan-Oni, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to June 26 for mention.
has been unable to harness these potentials for branding and sundry developmental purposes,” Ebbi said. He urged the Federal Government to continue to invest in tourism, adding with time the country would rank among tourism destination brands like Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi (Dubai), Kenya and South Africa.
May 14 at Ikota Bus Stop on Lekki-Epe Expressway. He said the accused with others still at large had on May 14 duped one Abibat Ibrahim of N236, 000. “The complainant (Abibat) had boarded a vehicle with many fraudsters mixing with other passengers. “They told her that there was a bag with them containing some millions of naira and charms. “The accused with others still at large told Abibat that a sacrifice should be offered before she could access the money. “The accused took her to a place where they collected some money from her for the sacrifice,” Ighodalo said. He alleged that the accused kept collecting money from her daily to perform the sacrifice and to also ‘cleanse’ her. Ighodalo noted that the offences contravened Sections 285, 312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused entered a plea of ‘not guilty’. In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs. Olaitan Ajayi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to June 13 for trial.
Across The Nation Kwara To Develop Housing Master Plan
Students writing the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board Computer -Based Examination at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos State on Tuesday.
Boko Haram
Northern Govs Urge Security MINNA - The Northern States Governors Forum has called on security agencies working to contain the activities of the dreaded Boko Haram sect to scale up surveillance in the north. Chairman of the forum and Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger, who made the call in Minna, added that “security agencies must re-strategise their operations to end the senseless killing of innocent citizens.” Aliyu was reacting to Sunday’s explosion which killed several persons in Sabon Gari in Kano city. The governor’s call is contained in a statement by the coordinating Chairman of the Forum of Northern SSGs and Secretary to the Government of Niger State, Alhaji Saidu Kpaki. Aliyu appealed to terrorists
to give peace a chance, saying that visiting violence on Kano after months of respite was a big blow to efforts toward peace. He urged the perpetrators of
the violence to lay down their arms while cautioning security agencies against complacency. Aliyu commiserated with
Variation Appeal
the families of those killed or injured during the blast and called on all security agencies to double their efforts in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Court Reserves Ruling ENUGU - The Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu has reserved ruling in a suit filed by former boxer, Ikechukwu Okoronkwo, seeking a variation of bail conditions given by the court. Justice Aminu Sanusi, who led the panel, reserved the ruling after adopting the briefs of argument by Okorokwo’s lawyer, Mr. Nnaemeka Okeke and that of the EFCC, Mr. Kene Chukwuma-Eneh. Okeke had urged the court to adopt his motion for the
variation of the bail conditions which he supported with a 13-point affidavit. He prayed the court to adopt the address and review the bail conditions since his client found it difficult to meet them and had shown sufficient grounds as a responsible citizen. On his part, ChukwumaEneh urged the court to maintain its stand because the applicant was not a proper person to grant such requests. He said the applicant was looking for a leeway to evade
justice going by his antecedents. The court had earlier granted bail to Okoronkwo. It ordered Okoronkwo to deposit his travel documents with the Chief Registrar of the High Court and must produce two sureties of unquestionable integrity in the sum of N15 million each. It also said that the sureties must own property in any part of the country worth N10 million each and must deposit requisite papers with the high court.
IIORIN - The Kwara Government has reiterated its commitment to develop a housing master plan for the benefit of residents in the state. Mr. Tunji Moronfoye, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, made this known while addressing journalists in IIorin. Moronfoye said this became imperative due to the influx of people into the state, adding that the housing scheme would also take care of sundry town planning issues. On the proposed grazing reserve, he said that N222 million had been earmarked to facilitate its take off. The commissioner said that the grazing reserve would forestall clashes between herdsmen and
farmers. He said that the project would ensure access to plants rich in fiber and protein, to boost livestock production. He said that the Health Management Board, a conglomerate of experienced experts, would ensure adequate management of the health issues in the state. Reacting to the allegations of the activities of special examinations centres in some parts of the state, the commissioner said that efforts wwere being made to address the trend. Moronfoye said that government would not relent in its efforts and cooperation with relevant bodies to discourage violence in the state.
Aeronautics: Nigeria
Automates Information Service
ABUJA- Mr Supo Atobatele, the General Manager, Public Affairs, Nigeria Aviation Management Agency (NAMA) , said Nigeria had commenced automation of its Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) to bring it to international standard. Atobatele stated this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja as the nation prepares to celebrate AIS day on Thursday. “Aeronautical information service is critical to the operation of the industry. “The Federal Government embarked on the ongoing automation to bring the service to international standard and to quicken the response time for air navigation information.’’ He explained that AIS day is celebrated yearly on May 15 to showcase the benefits of aeronautical information in the aviation industry. Atobatele said the aviation industry had decided to celebrate the day in Nigeria on Thursday, May 22, with “Aeronautical Information Management Implementation in Nigeria” as theme.
“The essence of the AIS day is to remind stakeholders in the aviation industry of the function and importance of AIS,’’ Atobatele said. He said that the AIS as established to provide the aeronautical data and information necessary for the safety, regularity and efficiency of air navigation. He also said that with the ongoing reforms in the sector, the AIS would be transformed into Aeronautical Information Management (AIM). “ AIM is the dynamic, integrated management of aeronautical information through the provision and exchange of quality-assured digital aeronautical data in collaboration with all parties,’’ Atobatele explained. According to him, the 7th General Assembly meeting of the International Federation of Aeronautical Information Management Association (IFAIMA) was held in Dubai from May 13 to May 15. He further said that all affiliate members of IFAIMA attended the meeting.
Electrician, 28, that the accused took her Remanded alleged daughter into his room and had Rape:
Youths waiting to buy JAMB scratch cards at Bauchi State Scholarship Board in Bauchi State on Tuesday.
MINNA - A Minna Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand in prison custody of an electrician, Danjuma Usman, for allegedly raping a four-yearold girl. The accused, 28, who resides at Sauka Kahuta, Minna, was arraigned on a one-count charge of rape contrary to Section 283 of the Penal Code. The police prosecutor, Insp. Ahmed Saidu, told the court that one Maryam Surajo of same address reported the matter to the police on May 14. Saidu said the complainant
sexual intercourse with her against her consent. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him. The prosecutor, thereafter, asked the court for an adjournment to enable the police conclude its investigation into the matter. The magistrate, Maimuna Abubakar, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending the outcome of police investigation, and adjourned the case till June 3.
Abuja Tackle Education Challenges
NUC Urges West, C/ African Region
Representative of Plateau State Governor, Pastor Abraham Yiljap (right), with the representative of Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mrs. Annah Dunkrah, at the International Museums day celebration in Jos recently.
ABUJA- Prof. Julius Okojie, he Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), has called on West and Central African subregion to collectively tackle its educational challenges. Okojie made the call at the African Centres of Excellence (ACE) Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting in Abuja. “We are indeed in an era of regional integration where focus is on meeting the demand for skills required for the development of the region. “It is also on strengthening the capacities of our universities to enable them to deliver high quality training and applied research, especially in science related education,” Okojie said. He reminded the PSC members of their mandate to review and provide guidance on the overall results and progress, as well as take actions to improve the benefits of the ACE project
assessment would help establish a data bank of all existing distribution assets, monitor, track and report performance . The chairman said it would also facilitate expansion and development of the distribution networks. Amadi urged the companies to improve on their performances and make necessary adjustments, adding that similar exercise would be carried out in the Transmission and Generation Companies.
in the region. According to him, it is the responsibility of the PSC to advocate for regional collaboration and higher education and also act as a liaison between the programme, regional leadership and the public. He charged stakeholders to fully key into the project, adding that the governments of member states and the World Bank had committed huge financial and human resources to ensure its success. “We must therefore embrace the tasks of overall guidance, evaluation and implementation of the ACE Project and work together to address our common regional developmental challenges,’’Okojie said. In his opening remarks, Prof. Etienne Ehile, the SecretaryGeneral of the Association of African Universities (AAU), said that Nigeria and Senegal had been inspired by the successful completion of the ACE selection process. According to him, this has made both countries to decide to fund additional three centres and one centre of excellence. Ehile said the same meritbased approach that was used to select the previous 15 ACEs was applied to the proposals submitted by the two countries. He noted that the number of selected ACE’s had now increased from 15 to 19. In the PSC’s maiden meeting in Senegal in 2013, the new ACEs in the West and Central African sub-region emerged after a competitive selection process.
ABUJA- Women groups and faith-based organisations converged on Abuja on Monday to pray and fast for the release of the school girls abducted in Chibok, Borno, on April 14 by Boko Haram sect. The session is organised by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan’s pet project, the Women for Change Development and Initiative (W4CDI). National Coordinator of the project, Hajiya Rabi Ibrahim, told newsmen that “the sevenday event is part of the first lady’s vision to seek God’s face and intervention for the nation. “As the President of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM), she has engendered peace, not only in Nigeria, but also on the continent. “Jonathan has organised this prayer session for women, including Muslims and Christians, as a unity platform for us to pray for the safe return
of our girls. “It is also for us to pray for God to bring an end to terrorism and restore peace in our country’’, Ibrahim said. One of the participants, Hajia Fatima Ahmed, commended the first lady for organising the session. Ahmed said although God can still answer when one prays alone, “the session will further create and encourage understanding between the two main religions.’’ “We are praying for the same purpose, the aim is for the safe return of our girls and lasting peace in our land. Who does not want peace?’’ Also, Mrs Christian Oke said when everything seemed not to work, it was only proper that such challenges be taken to God in prayers. “That is why I came to join the faithful here to pray for our nation’’, Oke said. The prayer, which started on May 14, ended on Tuesday.
NERC Directs DISCOs To Submit Operational Database Cyclist Remanded For Alleged Public Nuisance
monitoring. This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Usman AbbaArabi, NERC’s Head of Public Affairs, in Abuja. The statement stated that NERC Chairman, Dr Sam Amadi, gave the directive after the monthly meeting with the Chief Executive Officers of the DISCOs in Abuja. Amadi said the directive would help the commission to assess the companies key performance indicators as enshrined in the Electricity Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act 2005 on reporting obligation.
ABUJA- An Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court has ordered 27-year old motorcyclist, Mohammed Idris, to be remanded in prison for public nuisance and being in possession of dangerous weapons. The prosecutor, Sgt. Salihu Mohammed, told the court that Idris, of Jahi 1 village, Abuja, committed the offence on May 16. Mohammed said the accused was caught roaming the streets of Gwarinpa and being in possession of a knife and charms. The prosecutor added that during police investigation, the accused could not give satisfactory account about himself and what he was doing with the items found in his possession. The Senior Magistrate, Zubairu Mohammed, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison until the next hearing. Mohammed adjourned the matter to May 26 for hearing
Cultural display during the International Museums day celebration in Jos recently.
ABUJA- The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed all electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to furnish the details of its operational database for proper assessment and
“This is the first time the commission is assessing the utilities on their Key Performance Indicators since they took over barely six months ago,’’ Amadi said. He said so far only three out of the 11 DISCOs had met with the directive, and warned others to comply or risk sanctions. The chairman said that the submission of data would also allow proper network data assessment by the commission. Amadi said the DISCOs had a reporting obligation to the regulator as stipulated by Part 10,
Section 94(2) of the EPSR Act 2005. The Act states that any person who fails or refuses to furnish a return or to supply information in the manner and time prescribed, or gives false or incomplete information commits an offence and is liable on conviction. Amadi said that he had intimated the CEOs at the April meeting to comply with the commission’s request on submission of baseline statistics on distribution assets they took over. He said that the network data
Jonathan Organises Prayer For Peace, Release Of Abducted Girls
Business + Economy Curator Seeks Support For Ibadan Museum
Performance Audit Will Curb Double Fund Mgt - Ukara ABUJA - The AuditorGeneral of the Federation, Mr. Samuel Ukura, in Abuja said the adoption of performance audit would curb mismanagement of government resources in the country. Ukura said this at the opening of the regional course in performance audit organised by the African Organisation of English Speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAIE). He said performance audit was created to critically examine how economical, government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were, with government resources in achieving their objectives. “Performance audit examines the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which resources available for governance are deployed to bring about improvement in citizens’ lives. “Take for example, the aim of establishing schools is to encourage more people being enrolled in school and encourage girl-child education. “So to audit schools, we will look at it from the acquisition of building materials, equipment and what it spends running and paying salaries. “If it has failed, we will check for the cause and advise government to enhance their performance,’’ he said. Ukura said doing this would help to reduce wastage and
mismanagement of government funds. He said that at the moment, performance audit was being carried out in areas like Nigerian Prisons, Police Service Delivery, schools and impact of various skill acquisition programmes in the country. Also, Mr. Alan Hansen, Head Supreme Auditing Institution, Namibia, said performance audit was important to achieve efficient utilisation of resource in African states. “Many states suffer from this, and most times, mismanagement is an end result of processes that are not functioning properly.
Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State (left), presenting the State’s Gross Domestic Product compilation in Nigeria project (Niger State) to Supervising Minister for National Planning Commission, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, during his visit to the Governor in Minna, Niger State recently.
L-R: Supervising Minister, National Planning Commission (NPC), Amb. Bashir Yuguda; Executive Secretary, NPC, Mr. Ntufam Ugbo and Special Adviser to the President on NEPAD, Amb. Fidelia Njeze, at the conference of Directors of Planning, Research and Statistics in Minna, Niger State recently.
IBADAN – Mr. Amos Olorunnipa, the Curator, National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, urged residents of the state to support the activities of the tourist centre. Olorunnipa made the call at the celebration of the International Museum Day in Ibadan which had as theme: “Museum Collections, Means of Connection.’’ He said museum collections were instruments of the process that connected the past, present and future, stressing that they should be protected and preserved. “Museums cannot stand alone; they are created for the purpose of man and his environment. “Museums contribute strongly to the development of the society by connecting people to various collections through exhibitions. “Knowing the role museums play in preservation of our culture, let us join hands to support it, especially in the area of programme development, funding and publicity,” he said. Olorunnipa also called on the public to desist from promoting violence and crisis that could lead to the disconnection of the people from their cultural base such as museums. “The security agents, media and stakeholders should report any illegal action that may break the link to our cultural heritages,” he said.
Afreximbank To Focus On Africa’s Economic Transformation - AGM
LAGOS - The African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank) said that economic transformation in Africa would take the centre stage at its 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Libreville, Gabon. In a statement in Lagos, the bank said the meeting of shareholders would hold from June 3 to June 8. According to the statement, the meeting will also feature seminars on trade finance, export development and meetings of various committees of the bank’s board of directors. It said that the advisory group meeting would focus on the theme: “From Asian tigers to African Simbas: Potentials and processes for Africa’s economic transformation”. “The seminars will dwell on: “Transforming Africa’s agriculture for global markets and tourism development.” The bank said that a number of African ministers and political leaders, central bank governors and experts in African trade finance were expected at the occasion. It would be recalled that
Afreximbank, with an authorised capital of five billion dollars, has four classes of shareholders. Class “A” is comprised of African governments, African central banks and African regional and sub-regional institutions, while Class “B” consists of African private
investors and African financial institutions. Class “C” is made up of nonAfrican financial institutions, export credit agencies and private investors.
IIORIN - The Kwara Government has appealed to the Federal Government to provide a special fund for local councils to enable them embark on mechanised farming.
Alhaji Abdulkareem Ayinde, a Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government Affairs, made the call in IIorin while speaking with newsmen. He said most departments of
The Class “D” was created in December 2012 as a category under which any person or entity could be allotted shares. Afreximbank is the foremost Pan-African multilateral
financial institution devoted to financing and promoting intraand extra-African trade. The bank was established in October 1993 by African governments, African private
and institutional investors, and non-African investors. Its two basic constitutive documents are the Establishment Agreement which gives it the status of an international organisation, and the Charter which governs its corporate structure and operations.
Mechanised Farming: Kwara Seeks Special Fund
For LGs
agriculture at the local government level were not functioning due to paucity of
funds to execute agricultural programmes. Ayinde said since local councils were the custodians of land, they would utilise the fund to embark on several agricultural
Artiste Wants FG To Enforce Law To Eradicate LAGOS - A veteran artiste, industry. properties as they were their Piracy Mr. Lanre Dabiri, has called on “Although, there are laws sources of wealth. the Federal Government to enforce laws to check piracy in the entertainment industry. Dabiri told newsmen in Lagos that piracy had retarded the growth of entertainment industry in Nigeria. “Piracy is not encouraging the production of quality songs and movies and this has hindered the growth of the entertainment
guiding and regulating piracy in the country, the enforcement of the laws is weak and it is affecting the growth of the industry. “I cannot account for one million naira since inception of my musical career due to piracy challenges.” Dabiri urged the Federal Government to enact and enforce
laws to eradicate piracy in the industry, stressing that piracy was punishable under the Nigerian laws. “Anybody found engaging in it should be sanctioned as it is stated in Nigeria Copyright Law,” he said. Dabiri also advised youths to protect their intellectual
He urged the Federal Government to assist in protecting individual’s intellectual properties through the enforcement of the copyright laws. “Doing this will encourage talented youth to excel in their careers and also develop the entertainment industry,” he said.
ventures. The former lawmaker expressed optimism that the measure would increase the internally generated revenue of councils and create employment for jobless youths. Ayinde said the agriculture sector has various sources of generating revenue for the country if adequately funded. He advised the three tiers of government to stop paying lip service to the agriculture sector that raised brought the country to limelight after independence. Ayinde also urged the government to focus more on agriculture to arrest food shortage, unemployment and youth restiveness.
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (21/05/2014) Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
Value
NASCON
13.21
12.99
-0.22
0
623,184
7,987,909.69
7UP
85.8
85.8
0
0
110,403
9,393,349.01
NB
166.5
169.2
2.7
0
2,632,691
440,802,585.00
ABCTRANS
0.84
0.83
-0.01
0
1,213,256
990,495.64
NEIMETH
1.12
1.12
0
0
51,000
54,570.00
ACADEMY
1.8
1.8
0
0
35,600
60,876.00
NEM
0.78
0.8
0.02
0
3,765,222
2,972,880.94
ACCESS
9.29
9.04
-0.25
0
6,211,825
56,787,727.72
NESTLE
1070
1070
0
0
148,048
158,378,046.30
AFRIPRUD
3.19
3.29
0.1
0
832,087
2,682,489.71
NEWGOLD
2040
2030
-10
0
17
34,510.00
AGLEVENT
1.52
1.52
0
0
40
58
NIGERINS
0.5
0.5
0
0
394,000
197,000.00
AIICO
0.84
0.81
-0.03
0
2,013,412
1,619,263.89
NPFMCRFBK
0.99
1.02
0.03
0
455,095
468,097.85
AIRSERVICE
2.36
2.36
0
0
73,559
168,254.27
NSE30
1781.34
1781.18
-0.16
0
429,664,298
9,672,470,356.00
ASHAKACEM
19.7
19.7
0
0
1,200,849
23,778,652.49
NSE50
1928.82
1928.57
-0.25
0
777,647,287
AVONCROWN
1.54
1.54
0
0
50,735
76,102.50
10,060,539,351.00
BERGER
9.7
9.7
0
0
60,314
589,222.73
NSEASEM
950.94
950.94
0
0
2,000
BETAGLAS
17.96
17.96
0
0
106,943
1,825,627.25
NSEASI
39162.49
39102.77
-59.72
0
852,310,301
2,560.00
BOCGAS
6.47
6.47
0
0
3,040
18,856.00
10,224,700,159.00
CADBURY
70.95
70.95
0
0
75,063
5,306,790.51
NSEBNK
409.72
408.27
-1.45
0
362,581,668
7,914,288,636.00
CAP
37.51
37.51
0
0
74,500
2,796,728.60
NSECNSMRGDS
997.1
1003.11
6.01
0
7,445,464
713,347,107.10
CAPHOTEL
4.55
4.55
0
0
200
866
NSEINDUSTR
2498.86
2483.74
-15.12
0
4,370,840
418,652,297.30
140.92
141.28
0.36
0
351,321,786
277,022,170.00 649,676,692.50
CAVERTON
9.03
8.58
-0.45
0
4,524,854
38,871,053.97
NSEINS
CCNN
9.68
9.89
0.21
0
587,756
5,770,104.98
NSELOTUSISLM
2688.39
2680.03
-8.36
0
8,710,898
CHAMPION
13.79
13.79
0
0
330
4,326.30
NSEOILGAS
328.63
332.62
3.99
0
8,820,273
206,003,348.00
CILEASING
0.5
0.5
0
0
21,250
10,625.00
NSLTECH
0.5
0.5
0
0
1,250
625
CONOIL
49.2
46.74
-2.46
0
273,383
12,926,358.27
OANDO
15.8
16.59
0.79
0
8,158,776
132,653,872.90
0.51
0.53
0.02
0
513,920
272,377.60 10,789,860.42
CONTINSURE
1.01
1.02
0.01
0
192,400
195,858.00
OASISINS
CORNERST
0.5
0.5
0
0
364,967
182,483.50
OKOMUOIL
34
34
0
0
324,592
COSTAIN
1.29
1.25
-0.04
0
267,405
334,351.25
PAINTCOM
1.5
1.5
0
0
20,440
30,673.80
COURTVILLE
0.63
0.66
0.03
0
434,935
287,057.10
PHARMDEKO
1.57
1.57
0
0
70,000
109,900.00
CUSTODYINS
2.73
2.73
0
0
4,180,054
11,153,309.15
PORTPAINT
5
5
0
0
26,700
136,170.00 103.9
CUTIX
2.01
2
-0.01
0
64,000
127,350.00
PREMPAINTS
10.93
10.93
0
0
10
CWG
5.48
5.48
0
0
200
1,042.00
PRESCO
35
35
0
0
128,388
4,458,610.56
DANGCEM
223
221
-2
0
1,232,704
273,236,866.60
PRESTIGE
0.57
0.57
0
0
170,965
94,030.75
DANGFLOUR
8
8
0
0
97,003
757,885.99
PZ
35.3
35.3
0
0
137,195
4,802,767.42
DANGSUGAR
9.31
9.49
0.18
0
782,970
7,327,200.69
REDSTAREX
4.71
4.5
-0.21
0
203,000
913,525.00
DEAPCAP
0.95
0.91
-0.04
0
70,737
64,370.67
ROYALEX
0.55
0.55
0
0
44,851
24,872.05
DIAMONDBNK
6.59
6.42
-0.17
0
5,114,733
32,790,695.52
RTBRISCOE
1.06
1.06
0
0
77,821
79,636.01
DNMEYER
1.06
1.06
0
0
7,595
8,171.65
SCOA
5.06
5.06
0
0
996
4,790.76
640
636
-4
0
46,757
29,450,928.87
DUNLOP
0.5
0.5
0
0
152,020
76,010.00
SEPLAT
EQUITYASUR
0.5
0.5
0
0
1,998,501
999,250.50
SKYEBANK
3.3
3.31
0.01
0
7,182,398
23,972,630.20
ETI
14.81
15.5
0.69
0
1,117,119
17,157,715.64
SKYESHELT
95
95
0
0
469
42,327.25
EVANSMED
2.7
2.7
0
0
13,775
36,695.54
SOVRENINS
0.5
0.5
0
0
1,500,000
750,000.00
FBNH
13.2
13.21
0.01
0
21,035,427
277,240,771.20
STACO
0.5
0.5
0
0
428,658
214,329.00
FCMB
3.9
3.81
-0.09
0
17,870,970
68,160,806.77
STANBIC
22.8
22.41
-0.39
0
208,125
4,708,275.68
FIDELITYBK
2.03
2.05
0.02
0
17,389,808
35,632,577.13
STERLNBANK
2.25
2.25
0
0
4,018,051
9,082,100.44
FIDSON
2.57
2.6
0.03
0
810,523
2,084,781.80
TOTAL
155
156
1
0
121,725
18,872,075.00
FIRSTALUM
0.5
0.5
0
0
58,960
29,480.00
TRANSCORP
3.65
3.7
0.05
0
15,500,673
56,768,129.00
FLOURMILL
69
70
1
0
163,019
11,475,642.75
UAC-PROP
17.16
17.05
-0.11
0
648,485
11,033,790.42
FO
163.5
163.5
0
0
234,757
37,717,606.62
UACN
56.1
56.2
0.1
0
1,516,512
85,110,356.54
FORTISMFB
6.27
6.27
0
0
82
488.72
UBA
7.24
7.19
-0.05
0
9,238,602
66,302,632.07
FTNCOCOA
0.5
0.5
0
0
2,200,000
1,100,000.00
UBCAP
2.38
2.4
0.02
0
4,325,928
10,061,151.59
GLAXOSMITH
67
67
0
0
14,837
996,023.31
UBN
10.2
10.2
0
0
831,536
8,459,877.15
GOLDBREW
0.68
0.68
0
0
1,000
710
UNHOMES
0.5
0.5
0
0
1,388
694
GUARANTY
27.49
27.5
0.01
0
93,026,081
2,554,877,068.00
UNIC
0.5
0.5
0
0
29,990
14,995.00
GUINNESS
181
178.07
-2.93
0
216,546
38,692,634.69
UNILEVER
49.4
49
-0.4
0
377,038
18,471,844.80
HMARKINS
0.5
0.5
0
0
969,457
484,728.50
UNITYBNK
0.5
0.5
0
0
212,125
106,062.50
0.5
0.5
0
0
200
100 5,010,750.00
HONYFLOUR
3.75
3.81
0.06
0
1,424,491
5,391,570.85
UNITYKAP
IKEJAHOTEL
0.78
0.81
0.03
0
655,206
530,686.86
UNIVINSURE
0.5
0.5
0
0
10,021,500
INTBREW
25.6
25.6
0
0
87,850
2,203,342.01
UPDCREIT
10.47
10.47
0
0
313
3,270.85
INTENEGINS
0.5
0.5
0
0
2,030,804
1,015,402.00
UPL
4.16
4.16
0
0
75,149
326,352.44
IPWA
0.5
0.52
0.02
0
173,122
89,561.00
UTC
0.53
0.51
-0.02
0
624,336
325,711.96
JAPAULOIL
0.5
0.5
0
0
2,066,332
1,033,166.00
VETGRIF30
17.93
17.99
0.06
0
202
3,633.98
JBERGER
71.99
72
0.01
0
129,411
9,309,670.18
VITAFOAM
4.15
4.15
0
0
569,963
2,355,537.29
JOSBREW
3.25
3.24
-0.01
0
183,060
593,464.40
WAPCO
110.01
109.51
-0.5
0
996,634
110,360,900.90
LASACO
0.5
0.5
0
0
634,010
317,005.00
WAPIC
0.78
0.81
0.03
0
328,796,179
263,041,103.70
LEARNAFRCA
1.74
1.82
0.08
0
21,606,966
37,618,975.38
WEMABANK
1
0.96
-0.04
0
4,558,341
4,414,489.24
LENNARDS
3.31
3.31
0
0
200
694
ZENITHBANK
23.3
22.9
-0.4
0
217,911,225
5,113,893,224.00
LINKASSURE
0.5
0.5
0
0
4,492,477
2,246,238.50
LIVESTOCK
3.04
3.04
0
0
143,862
439,215.83
MANSARD
2.31
2.3
-0.01
0
501,173
1,157,815.20
MAYBAKER
1.69
1.61
-0.08
0
243,878
392,643.58
MOBIL
120.03
120.03
0
0
31,632
3,833,435.21
MTI
0.5
0.5
0
0
2,500
1,250.00
MULTIVERSE
0.5
0.5
0
0
200
100
NAHCO
4.86
5
0.14
0
2,660,699
13,231,915.75
TOP 10 GAINERS Stock NSECNSMRGDS NSEOILGAS NB FLOURMILL TO TA L OANDO ETI NSEINS CCNN DANGSUGAR
Close 1003.11 332.62 169.2 70 156 16.59 15.5 141.28 9.89 9.49
TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS
Gain 6.01 3.99 2.7 1 1 0.79 0.69 0.36 0.21 0.18
Stock NSEASI 59.72 NSEINDUSTR 15.12 NEWGOLD NSELOTUSISLM 8.36 SEPLAT GUINNESS 2.93 CONOIL 2.46 DANGCEM NSEBNK 1.45 WAPCO
Close 39102.77 2483.74 2030 2680.03 636 178.07 46.74 221 408.27 109.51
Loss -10 -4 -2 -0.5
The Nigerian Education Bank Bill which has passed second reading at the Federal House of Representatives, as explained by the initiator, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila proposes to establish the Nigerian Education Bank, with the primary duty of granting interestfree loans to poor students seeking higher education in Nigeria. The Bill seeks to make available to each benefiting student, a sum of five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000) repayable in two years after graduation. The repayment, according to the proponents would take the form of direct deduction of ten percent monthly deductions at source from salaries of beneficiaries or from the profits in the case of self employed graduates until the loan is liquidated. According to the provisions of the Bill, “applicants must have secured admission into any Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of education or any vocational school established by the Federal Government or the Government of the States of the Federation.” THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER commends the initiators and promoters of the Bill, which we consider progressive in a country where more than 70 percent of its population live below the 1 USD per day poverty line. For most Nigerians who have had to go through hell to obtain higher education, this is a watershed Bill not only welcomed by the poor, but groups marginalised by society such as orphans, physically challenged persons among others who do not have anywhere to turn to for higher education. It is not much of news that students of
THE NIGERIAN
In Support Of Nigerian Education Bank Bill tertiary school-Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Agriculture and Colleges of education and others have gone through untold difficulties over the years to pass through such institutions. We are glad that the Bill is currently being considered by the lawmakers. IT is equally heartwarming to note that, with the proposed law, Nigeria is on the right track to join the rest of the world in subsidizing education for the poor. It is important to note that Scandinavian countries such as Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have developed sound qualitative education and almost tuition-free higher education from cradle to grave. In fact, in Denmark, the tuition is free and, in fact, international students also enjoy free tuition provided they could show evidence of $6,000 feeding and upkeep fee per annum. Although tuition in Australia is not free, there are a lot of grants, scholarships and bursaries instituted for both the brilliant and poor students. These are best practices that this bill seeks to emulate. We recognise that schooling anywhere in the world is not easy and hardly cheap, it is against this backdrop that we welcome the move by the Federal House of Representatives to
introduce a law that would take such a load off parents’ shoulders. We equally wish to call on the upper legislative chamber, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to concur the Bill as soon as it is passed by the lower house so that it can become a law in Nigeria. Our support for the bill notwithstanding, we are of the opinion that Section 22 of the bill must be re-couched to read that “beneficiaries should be made to pay back the loan as soon as they are employed” , not the two years contained in the bill, given the high rate of unemployment in the country. In our view, Sub-section 4 of the bill which stipulates punishments for offenders of the law in a case of default also requires a review to avoid the culture of impunity among young Nigerians who would take undue advantage of the benefits derivable from the law. Two years imprisonment or an option of fine of N500,000 being the same amount benefited by the beneficiary is not sufficient deterrence. We recommend five years imprisonment for offenders or a fine of N700,000 instead. WE believe the Bill also throws up the need for government at all levels to take urgent steps to improve the employment market in Nigeria to absorb the army of unemployed persons roaming the streets in search of jobs. Government should redouble efforts towards guaranteeing constant electricity supply, potable water supply, roads, railway system and other infrastructure needed to boost the nation’s industrialization, as a major way of making the law work efficiently when it eventually passed and assented to by the President.
Health Issues
Don’t Leave Bananas For Monkeys!
I am a sweet tooth person, yes that’s true!You’ll never look at a banana the same way again after discovering the many health benefits and reasons to add them to your diet. Bananas combat depression, make you smarter, cure hangovers, relieve morning sickness, protect against kidney cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and blindness. They can cure the itch of a mosquito bite and put a great shine on your shoes. If you think bananas are just for monkeys, think again. 1. Bananas help overcome depression due high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin — the happymood brain neurotransmitter 2. Eat two bananas before a strenuous workout to pack an energy punch and sustain your blood sugar 3. Protect against muscle cramps during workouts and night time leg cramps by eating a banana 4. Counteract calcium loss during urination and build strong bones by supplementing with a banana 5. Improve your mood and reduce PMS symptoms by eating a banana, which regulates blood sugar and produces stressrelieving relaxation 6. Bananas reduce swelling, protect against type II diabetes, aid weight loss, strengthen the nervous system, and help with the production of white blood cells, all due to high levels of vitamin B-6 7. Strengthen your blood and relieve anemia with the added iron from bananas 8. High in potassium and low in salt, bananas are officially recognized by the FDA as being able to lower blood pressure, and protect against heart attack and stroke Eating bananas
aids digestion 9. Rich in pectin, bananas aid digestion and gently chelate toxins and heavy metals from the body 10. Bananas act as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of friendly bacteria in the bowel. They also produce digestive enzymes to assist in absorbing nutrients. 11. Constipated? High fiber in bananas can help normalize bowel motility. 12. Got the runs? Bananas are soothing to the digestive tract and help restore lost electrolytes after diarrhea. 13. Bananas are a natural antacid, providing relief from acid reflux, heartburn and GERD 14. Bananas are the only raw fruit that can be consumed without distress to relieve stomach ulcers by coating the lining of the stomach against corrosive acids Natural cures from a simple banana 15. Eating bananas helps prevent kidney cancer, protects the eyes against macular degeneration and builds strong bones by increasing calcium absorption 16. Bananas make you smarter and help with learning by making you more alert. Eat a banana before an exam to benefit from the high
levels of potassium. 17. Bananas are high in antioxidants, providing free radicals and protection from chronic disease 18. Eating a banana between meals helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce nausea from morning sickness 19. Rub a bug bite or hives with the inside of the banana peel to relieve itching and irritation 20. Control blood sugar and avoid binging between meals by eating a banana 21. Eating a banana can lower the body temperature and cool you during a fever or on a hot day 22. The natural mood-enhancer tryptophan, helps to relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 23. Quitting smoking? Bananas contain high levels of Bvitamins as well as potassium and magnesium speed recovery from the effects of withdrawal 24. Remove a wart by placing the inside of a piece of banana peel against the wart and taping it in place 25. Rub the inside of a banana peel on your leather shoes or handbag and polish with a dry cloth for a quick shine Oh, and remember — bananas make great snacks and delicious smoothies. Now you know why monkeys are so happy. Eat a banana!
Encounter Our Hope In Oshiomhole’s Administration Has Been Rekindled In Okpella - Comrade Akemokhue Odigbili COMRADE Akemokhue Lukeman Odigbili is a foremost activist, former students union leader, youth mobiliser and a dogged fighter for the protection of the rights of the masses. He has consistently demonstrated his unwavering passion for the development of Okpella Community and the need for youth empowerment. A petrochemical Engineer and Executive Director of Nitobal Oil and Gas, Comrade Akemokhue once championed the mass protest against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regime in Edo State in 2003 for failure to fufil electoral promises to the good people of Okpella clan. He was also one of the foot soldiers of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in his days as Nigerian Labour Congress President. He has traveled to several European, Asian, countries including China and Canada. Since he came back to settle in Nigeria, his humanitarian and humble gestures has continue to make him a rally point for several Okpella youths. His reasoning’s are a clear indication that he is a man of high intellect, sound in character, rich in experience, acquired through quality education and travelling. In this interview, he revealed the underlying forces and genesis of his radical ideas, his passion for community development, the Oshiomhole administration in Edo State and the Okpella youth. He spoke with our Reporter Isabemoeh James Roy. Excerpts: national development. I am What is your academic my company’s representative in Nigeria because we have background? I attended Eramhe primary business in other countries of school and Afokpella the world. How do you describe the secondary school both in Afokpella, where I was also Okpella Youth since you have so many of them born. I love education so much around you? The Okpella youth is hence I went to the prestigious Ahmadu Bello wonderful, active, and very University Zaria to study conscious of happenings chemical Engineering and I around his environment. He graduated in 2002. I had loves education, possess a Okpella Youth Counicl critical mind and hates Scholarship, Shell and oppression in whatever guise. Mobile Scholarships, such Having traveled and back that 90% of my education home, why do you see was funded through public relevance in continued agitations for Okpella scholarship. I however proceeded to Community Development? I am a product of a Bolton University in the United Kingdom to obtain a marginalised system. We Masters degree in supply were oppressed by a clique chains Management, oil and in the community who saw no reason in development and gas. Why did you decide to come modern civilisation. What really informed my back at this point in time? I went abroad in quest of character is my early education and training and I exposure to an ideal have to come back and community. My first travel contribute my quote to outside my village was to
Kaduna. There, I saw infrastructures-good roads, pipe borne water, electricity, beautiful schools, banks and post office. One could see the quality of life quite higher than that obtained in my village, Afokpella. I came back to the village to face lack of all the aforesaid facilities. I saw these obvious discrepancies as absurd and I
Adams Oshiomhole. What was the purpose and the issues involved? When I came back home to Okpella several youth bodies met me and was briefed about the democratic dividends in Okpella. They said that there was the need to protest over the delay in the construction of Okpella township roads and the relocation of the produce control post from
We saw in him as a man with a pedigree and character. I know, him right from his days in NLC. I Hon. Philip Shuaibu and Greg Haruna worked closely with him. I formed freedom youth Movement and the Oshiomhole Models to support him in 2007. We resisted the PDP arsenals and he eventually won the 2007 polls. I travelled shortly after
Comrade Akemokhue Odigbili
began to develop critical ways of life. I began to question the sheer poverty in the village. To this end, activism was built in me because of social inequalities. I therefore resolved to work in a system that will effect a change. You led a large number of youths to pay a recent solidarity visit to the Edo State Governor, Comrade
“As one who knows the Comrade Governor, I saw reason in a solidarity visit and dialogue. Oshiomhole has transformed Edo State in terms of social infrastructures. We can see schools, hospitals, roads, water, law courts of international standard in Edo State now and this is quite commendable.”
Okpella to Iyamho. After Exhaustive delibrations, I saw the need to lead them to the Comrade Governor. The Local Government Chairman in Etsako East, Hon. Abdulmalik Suleiman Afegbua played a positive role in those discussions. It should be noted however that this struggle is not new. I led youths protest in Okpella in 2003 against Lucky Igbinedion administration for failure to fufil electoral promises to my people. I was a young university graduate then. We blocked the roads and prevented the Governor’s convoy from coming into the area for electoral campaigns. He was embarrassed. Back to 2007, we saw opportunity for a change in Edo State, with the coming of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on the political chess board.
the victory. As one who knows the Comrade Governor, I saw reason in a solidarity visit and dialogue. Oshiomhole has transformed Edo State in terms of social infrastructures. We can see schools, hospitals, roads, water, law courts of international standard in Edo State now and this is quite commendable. We have never had it so good since 1999. What was the out come of the visit? We told the Governor that we want to see those type of roads in Okpella considering the strategic economic and socio-political situation in the area. We also requested for the relocation of the produce control post because of the health implication on our people. Animals are no longer
checked before they are dropped in Okpella markets. The Governor gave us assurance that our roads will be constructed and the produce post relocated. He also mentioned the schools he has reconstructed in the area and the recent aware of contract of Ogute-oke secondary school, okpella. All these will conspire to create jobs for the Okpella youths. What is the people’s mood in Okpella now? Since we believe the Governor as a man of his words, there is continued joy and solidarity. We supported and will continue to support the government to deliver democratic dividends to the people of Edo State. Our hope in Oshiomhole led administration has been rekindled in Okpella. We in Okpelle can not be deceived to think otherwise. You seems to dwell much on the activities of the state government. How do you assess the Hon. Abdulmalik Suleiman led government in Etsako East Local Government Council? He is one of our youths who is performing wonderfully well in the local council. I have seen a lot of verifiable projects ranging from schools, hospitals electricity, water and other social infrastructures. He has helped to sensitise the youths through superior argument. As you can see today, Okpella remain peaceful as well as other parts of Etsako East. He is a strong and dependable link between the people at the grass roots and the state government. I am proud of him. What is your advice to the leaders and youths of Okpella? Political leaders should not depend entirely on politics as a means of livelihood. For the Okpella youths, there is the need to build stronger communal bonds and bridges among them, irrespective of political or religious affiliations. Politics and political parties may change but Okpella will continue to remain. The bond of Okpella is stronger than any political party. With this we can moved forward with our unity guaranteed.
Health And Nutrition IN nutrition, diet is the sum of food consumption by a person or other organisms. The word diet implies the use of specific intake of nutrition for health or weight management reasons. In Genesis chapter 2,God gave Adam an instruction on what to eat and what not to eat, the forbidden food according to God will cause death, today there are many of such forbidden food that we should avoid, in the course of reading this article you will know some of them. Here are some healthy food to include in our diet: 1. Fruits: example apples, oranges, mangoes etc a. Apples: Apples are an excellent source of antioxidants, which combat free radicals. Free radicals are damaging substances generated in the body that cause undesirable changes and are involved in the aging process and some diseases. Researches at the Florida state University said that apples are a “miracle fruit”. In their study, the investigators found that older women who started a regime of eating apples daily experienced
a 23 percent drop in levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and a 4% increase in good cholesterol (HDL) after just six months. Other researches also found that consuming fruit with white edible portions such as pears and apples, can potentially reduce the risk of stroke by 52%. They reported their findings in the journal stroke” Journal of the America Heart Association. Mangoes, oranges offer vitamins C which help to fight diseases and boost our immunity. Oily fish: Examples of oily fish include mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines. These types of fish have oil in their tissues and around the gut. Their lean fillets contain up to 30% oil, specifically, Omega- 3 fatty acids. These oils are known to provide benefits for the heart as well as the nervous system. Oily fish are also known to provide benefits for patients with inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. Leafy green vegetables. Studies have shown that a high intake of dark-leafy vegetables, such as spinach or cabbage may significantly lowers a person’s risk of developing diabetes type 2. Spinach, for example is very rich in antioxidants especially when uncooked, steamed or very lightly boiled. It is a good source of vitamins A, B C, E and K as well as selenium, zinc, phosphate, copper, folio acid, potassium, calcium, manganese and iron. Edikang-lkong. This is a traditional Nigerian soup (originating from the south- south part of Nigeria) that is full of fresh vegetables with recipe which usually include pumpkin, water leaf, green leaf, tomatoes, onions crayfish etc. as revealed by
Diet For Overflowing Health By DABOR DOROTHY
Harvard school of public health, regularly consuming fresh vegetables such as those found ‘in Edikang can reduce the risk of certain cancers, stroke and digestive system problems. Note; pumpkin leaf is rich in iron, it is a good blood builder. Anaemic people (those whose blood volume are low, are encouraged to take fresh pumpkin leaf. To prepare it, fresh pumpkin leaves are washed, squeezed and the liquid from it is extracted, filtered and you drink. Crayfish are rich in Omega -3 fatty acide. Omega-3 fat offer important heart-health benefits such as increasing “good” highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and reducing triglycerides. Bitter leaf. A typical Nigeria food that finds its way into a
number of traditional dishes. The bitter leaf is abundant in antioxidants and according to “journal of Agricultural and food chemistry” antioxidants are compounds that combat harmful processes. Antioxidants was discussed before in Apples. Eat more of whole grains. Choose healthy carbohydrates and fibre sources especially whole grains, for long lasting energy. Whole grains are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which help to protect against coronary heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes. Examples are whole wheat, brown rice, millet. Enjoy healthy fats. Good sources of healthy fat are needed to nourish your brain, heart, and cells, as well as your hair, skin and nail. Example of healthy fats: (a) Monounsaturated fats, from plant oils like canola oil, peanut oil,, olive oils as well as avocados, (nuts like almond, hazelnuts)
and seeds (such as pumpkin) (b)Polyunsaturated fats including Omegà-3 and Omega -6 fatty acids, found in fatty fish such as was discussed in oily fish. Limit sugar and salt. Sugar causes energy ups and downs and can add to health and weight problems. Unfortunately, reducing the amount of candy, cakes are only part of the solution, often you may not be even aware of the amount of sugar you are consuming each day. Large amounts of added sugar can be hidden in foods such as bread, canned soups and vegetables, pasta sauce, margarine, fast foods. Here are some tips. *Avoid sugary drinks: e.g soft drinks for instance have 8 cubes of sugar, more than the daily recommended limit. There was a case of someone who was exposed to high sugar intake that came down with diabetes mellitus, the person was drinking 6 bottles of soft drinks a day, he did it consistently for about three months. *Sweeten foods yourself, buy unsaturated iced tea, plain yogurt, or unflavoured oatmeal, for example and add sweetener (or fruit) yourself. You are likely to add far less sweetener than the manufacturer would have. * Eat naturally sweet food such as fruit or natural peanut butter to satisfy your sweet tooth. How sugar is hidden on food labels. Check food labels careful. Sugar is often disguised using terms such as: * Cane sugar or maple syrup * Corn sweetener or corn syrup * Syrup * Honey * Brown rice syrup * Evaporated cane juice * Fruit juice *Maltodextrin (ordextrin) * Dextrose, fructose Glucose, * maltose or sucrose Salts Most of us consume too much salts in our diets. Eating too much salt can cause high blood pressure and lead to other health problems. Try to limit sodium intake to 1,500 to 2,300mg per day, the equivalent, of one teaspoon of salt. * Avoid adding salt to cooked foods. * Avoid processed foods like canned soups or frozen dinners contain hidden sodium that quickly surpasses the recommended limit. * Be careful when eating out. Most restaurants and fast food meals are loaded with sodium. Some offer lower- sodium choices or you can ask for your meal to be made without salt. * Opt for fresh vegetables instead of canned vegetables * Cut back on salty snacks such as potato chip, nut, gala * Slowly reduce the salt in your diet to give your taste buds time to adiust. * Limit saturated fat and transfat, commonly red meat,fried food, coconut oils, palmoil, margarine, and packaged snack foods. * Chicken’s skin should be removed while eating chicken (ie eat skinless chicken). BENEFITS OF HEALTHY DIET 1. Heart health: A diet low in fat (saturated and trans fat), cholesterol and sodium (salt) can lower your risk of heart disease. 2.
Bone and teeth strength. A diet rich is calcium keeps your bone and teeth strong and helps prevents bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Low fat dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, green vegetables are good sources of calcium. Brain Health: Proper nutrition increases blood flow to your brain protecting brain cell and helping to prevent some brain disease for a brain healthy diet, avoid fried foods, and flavour baked, steamed and grifled food. Eat fruits and vegetables. Almond, walnuts and other nuts, are great sources of vitamin E, which along with other vitamins also helps fight disease.
“Apples are an excellent source of antioxidants, which combat free radicals. Free radicals are damaging substances generated in the body that cause undesirable changes and are involved in the aging process and some diseases.”
Media
WE again take the readers into another important chapter on — camera broadcasts. Right from volume 1, volume II and I we had given the difference between the radio and television voice performer and how they work in the enviromnent of their similarities. Both work with audio equipment such as the microphones and tape recorders, wire services, teletype machines, mobile apparatus and variety of other electronic devices, while the video medium voice performer must also deal with lighting, cameras and crews while broadcasting. It is well known that the radio newscaster usually sits alone before a microphone in a small news booth while a deejay or a producer monitors audio levels in the on — studio. The television news caster works from a large brightly lit studio, which is a sort of area equipped with several bearing cameras (three to four). Nearby a floor director and numerous other production people (camera operator, boom handlers, prop and cue land personnel) look intently as other crew members (director producer) video and audio equipment operators from within a designated control areas (see chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 vol. 11) Appearance The radio audience does not judge a newscaster or announcer by the way he or she looks during a broadcast presentation but the apposite is true in television. Viewers respond emotionally and critically to the television announcers. The television
performer as we have said in earlier chapter must select clothing carefully not only to create the most positive image, but to avoid conflicting with the inherent technical nature of the medium. This means that they must not wear colours (usually blue) similar to the chromakey mating used by the stations for the purpose of inserting pictures into a portion of a live shot. An on — camera person dressed in chromakey tones would be covered by a second image of the picture being keyed. On the other hand clothing with check and stripe causes a shimmering and pulsating effects while white and black create technical problem as well. The on — cameral persons are encouraged to wear soft colours to solve these problems. It is known that proper use of make — up enhances appearance. The old adage that camera does not lie is true in makeup — to an extent although the intense lighting used in television does tend to highlight qualities which many television performers choose to deemphasize. This is where makeup comes into service in appearances Addressing the Camera All television newscasters though possess a script they often read, yet has a copy from the screen known as “teleprompter” located near the lens area of the camera used during broadcast. It is not often easy to read smoothly while appearing directly addressing the home viewers. It takes skill and practice, when teleprompters are employed on — camera
On-Camera Broa By OSAYOMWABA ERO
performers used hand held scripts for reference or as a backup should the prompter malfunction. “The script acts as a road map should you lose your bearing” says Borden WRGB — TV. Newscasters often use scripts as props, believing that viewers feel reassured by the presence of hand copy. It is a credibility factor on the part of the newscaster. We should remind ourselves that prompters are mostly used in situations less requiring scripts. Cue cards are also used like prompter just to remind a performer to do something introduction, spot lead facts and other short announcements commonly written in large clear print. A member of the floor crew holds the cue card adjacent to the live camera allowing talent to maintain eye contact. This sometimes gives the viewers the impression that you are looking at them, not off the camera. Television employs many visual devices and oncamera performer must be able to learn and integrate these into his or her presentation. There are various camera movements which an on - camera performer must be familiar with. We again refer the reader to earlier in volume II for camera movements, cues, shots etc. The Microphone Use We reiterate to the use of microphone in all the volumes because
microphone is an audio essential component of both radio and television production. Each performer is placed on a microphone. The most
frequently used microphone in the video medium is the lavalier (LAV) which is a small clip on
“A member of the floor crew holds the cue card adjacent to the live camera allowing talent to maintain eye contact. This sometimes gives the viewers the impression that you are looking at them, not off the camera.”
— mic sometimes referred to as a lapel. The wires of the lavalier are concealed in the clothing of the on — camera person so that the viewers is aware of the microphone’s existence.
during a panel discussion in which several individuals are seated at a conference table. The directional deskpot mics are placed before each panelist. Some directors use desk mics for dramatic purposes. It is used in houses of
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Another type is the highly directional boom microphones which hang from movable cranes are used when performers need to be free from encumbering wires. The boom mic may be used when a talk show, host must move from a sitting down position to another point on the set during an actual broadcast or taping. The desk-pot microphones are employed but not as extensively as the lavaliers and booms. Desk pot mic are common
Assemblies and Reps. The wireless microphone or the cordless mic have become popular on net work and syndicated talk shows, because they maximize a performers ability to move about. When using mic outside the studio setting especially when reporters work with one mic which usually is hand held to let others voices such as interview or reporting from the stadium as live broadcast, the reporters must make adjustments to ensure an
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Media
adcasting Voice
intelligent transmission so as to avoid extraneous noise from the crowd or passing vehicle. Some don’ts in the use of mics. 1. Do not announce too far from or out of the range of the microphone. This affects the levels and
Until the late 1960, 1970 and a part of 1980s in some countries weather casting often fell on individuals invited because they rarely had formal training in meteorology but depended on information provided by the wire services and
invites the absorption of surrounding noise. 2. Do not announce to close to the microphone, swallowing the Mic causes distortion such as popping, thumping and gusting. 3. Do not talk away from the Mic Speaking off mic reduces sound quality and creates the impression that the speaker is in a different location. 4. The best posing is to announce from about a hands length away from the microphone itself. The Weather Casting
regional and national weather bureaus. However, weather casting has become more technologically sophiscated, more important and an integral part of news broadcasting stations. This has necessitated broadcast stations to employ qualified meteorologist who has greater knowledge and credibility as a full time broadcaster. This will no doubt enhance the stations weather information image.
order to prepare forecasts, meteorologists derive information from on — house computer data bases and printing machines that generate weather graphics such as maps. In order to have a fair and accurate
weather forecast, a typical television meteorologist arrives at a station mid — afternoon to prepare
weather forecasts which he or she delivers during the evening (7pm and 11pm) news programmes. Sometimes, at many larger stations all over the world, a meteorologist is assigned to cover early morning news broadcasts as well. This helps the general public to prepare themselves in their daily movements against the weather. It very important as any other broadcast voice performer, that a station meteorologist is expected to possess solid and knowledgeable on — camera delivery skills. Radio stations can also employ a meteorologist so as to provide weather information to remote areas where there are no television stations particularly in the third world such as Africa, Asia Latin America and others. PRODUCER AT WORK Right from volume 1, (chapter 10) and 11 (chapter 8) of the Laws of Broadcast Journalism, we have been speaking of the work of the producer, his performance, assignments, preparation, and rehearsals, both in radio and the television. The Assignment Every producer of either a radio or television must be given an assignment which is the programme. A series of programmes for broadcast may be assigned to a senior producer over a period of weeks or he may be assigned an occasional major production such as monthly play or drama or a fortnightly documentary.
Sometimes, a more junior producer may be assigned short interviews or talks as contributions to a longer programme (see chapter 9 on Interviewing, chapter 10 on Documentary and chapter 11 on Talks) Whatever the assignment, it is necessary first of all to examine it carefully by the producer making very sure of the answers to a number of questions. You can ask yourself the following questions on the assignment. (a) What is the broadcast supposed to do? Is it to inform, entertain or to educate? (b) What is the most suitable way of handling, the assignment such as talks, an interview, a documentary or magazine or some other ways? (c) What is the programme intended for — general listening or a particular section of the audience such as farmers, health care, Business people, women and children, politics and others.? Without clear answers to these self questions, it will be very difficult for a producer to make much progress in his assignment. A programme of popular CD or gramophone records, cassettes that are intended for a wide general audience may fail, if the compare is too talkative and can spend too much time between cassette, or CD records giving information of interest to him but which is of little interest to his audience. This may sometime happen with disc jockey programmes where the audience may be interested only in the music as a background but has to be denied from it by a
talkative disc jocky who fills the time with irrelevant items of artist gossip. The producer has to be in his mind as to which feature of the programme has the greatest audience appeal — the music, the talk. or the drama. An educational programme can fail if the producer becomes too involved with entertaining scenes in the progranime simply because he likes the dialogue or wants display his knowledge. The producer must have target audience, which he constantly has in mind, if not, he might fail to satisfy the listeners. Any programme aimed at special audience may need to be scheduled for broadcast at a particular hours. For example, a programme intended for the fanners is likely to be broadcast when they are generally at work. The producer must certainly decides the kind of approach he takes as dictated by the knowledge of his target audience. For example, a medical talk on HP intended for the general sickle cell, malaria, audience must obviously be written in popular terms so that every one can understand it. Careful examination and assessment of the assignment may reveal many hidden facts, which may change the producers entire approach. A documentary programme may on a closer examination, may appear much more suited to talks treatment because the scope of the subject is greater than what he expected at first thought or because it will be simply to understand as a talk, than as a documentary. We must familiarize ourselves thoroughly, with the assignment, other wise, we cannot easily set about the next stage of preparation.
“A programme of popular CD or gramophone records, cassettes that are intended for a wide general audience may fail, if the compare is too talkative and can spend too much time between cassette, or CD records giving information of interest to him but which is of little interest to his audience.”
Education Roadside Mechanics And The National Policy On Education
INTRODUCTION:
Apprenticeship programmes have been as old as the Nigerian society it self being a part of indegenous system of education. McDowell (1 978) has defined Indegenous Education as “that which is locally derived in the community context and not the result of policies set or programmes brought from outside the community “The traditional method of acquisition of special skills or induction into certain “professions” in the Nigerian cultural context before the advent of formal education, was via the apprenticeship system. Whether such competencies were transferred from one generation to the next within the family or outside the kindred, the method was the same. The apprentice was brought to the master, the required fees” paid, and the terms agreed upon by the sponsors of the apprentice. Therefore the apprentice begin to learn by doing, imitating either his master or the older apprentices until he has completed his term or adjudged competent by his master. There was no “curriculum” or specific periods of instruction. With the introduction of automobiles in Nigeria, and the subsequent need to repair and maintain the vehicles, a new field of specialisation arose. Mechanics were now required. Initially the repair and maintainance of such vehicles were confined to the workshops of the companies; that marketed the vehicles. Later a new group of skilled men appeared on the scene the roadside mechanics. This group of technicians therefore arose as a response to the change in occupational structure of the society. There is also the need for skills to be transferred to others in the community by the usual apprenticeship method. . It is therefore clear that apprenticeship in motorvehicle maintenance is recent and it arose as a local response to perceived incompleteness or inadequacy in the total education of the community. However, the colonial educational administrators and planners did not consider it appropriate to introduce any such course in the school system. The emphasis then was the production of people who will take up white- collar jobs and not blue collar. That perhaps explained why training of roadside mechanics was absorbed into the indegenous system of education. Again, the job of roadside mechanics was not popular neither was it attractive to the youths who went to the formal system. The result was that it became a vocation for drop-outs and illitrates. Later, many Nigerian scholars and educators began to feel uncomfortable with the
system of education inherited from the colonialists. There was then the call for development of manipulative ability and manual dexterity in our youths. They reasoned that that was the only way Nigeria could be launched into the technological age. The resultant effect of that call was the National Policy on Education which not only embraces both formal and nonformal education but lays emphasis, on science, technology and acquisition of practical and applied skills. Road-Side Mechanics in the Policy. The National Policy on Education has produced changes in indigenous
The National Commission for the Development of Adult Education will be required to explore ways and means of getting institutions to grant admission to products of Adult Education, (apprenticeship) and other forms of non-formal educational system when and if desired. (emphasis mine) (p. 33) Whether this sychronization of the formal and informal systems will be a reality or not is another issue. If however there is a conscious effort in that direction it may become a possibility. The policy itself gives a clue to the realization of this ideal. One
avenues apart from technical institution where this amalgamation can take place(a) Mu1tipurpose vocational centres for art training in paragraph 50 (xvii) suggested for every State. (b) Well equipped workshops of Junior Secondary Schools in paragraph 50 (xix). (c) Industries — in this case motor industries like ANAMCO in paragraph 50 (xxx). (d) Parastatals and government departments in paragraph 50 (xxx). For the industries, parastatals and government departments they
education in general and craft apprenticeship in particular: This fact was put succinctly by MacDowell (1978) when he said: craft apprenticeship, apprenticeship to fathers -on the farms and mothers in the home, Koranic schooling and other educational contexts of the community must be rescheduled or postponed. National Policy places the road-side mechanics directly under the National Board on Technical Education. This is clearly paragraph 50 (viii) of the National Policy? The question of accreditation of roade-side mechanics and others who complete training programmes through nonformal education will be taken up by the National Board on Technical Education. (emphasis mine— This means that the policy classifies them under technical education. There is an attempt to regulate and sychronize the formal and non-formal education, including that of road-side mechanics. This is clear from paragraph - 52(5):
way of doing this is Utilizing facilities in technical institutions as stated in paragraph 50 (viii): - Equipment and other facilities in technical institutions will be utilized also for evening classes for adult education and non-formal education, for instance in establishing training programmes for groups of trades and for (road-side mechanics) (p.. -29) (Emphasis mine) When these facilities including teachers and professionals are used, two things would have been achieved: (a) apprentices would be better informed about some basic theoretical concepts underlining the practical procedures they observe in their workshops thus improving their competence as stated in paragraph 50 (xiv) of the National Policy; (b) It will provide a meeting point between the indigenous and the formal educational systems. The policy provides for other
are required to take on apprentices even if such apprentices are based in the school. Here again the indigenous apprenticeship system is being modified. Whereas in the traditional setting, the father or family friend was the master of the apprentice, this time it is an impersonal establishment or organisation. It is gratifying to note that Anambra State Government has started implementing this in what she calls the “Village Polytechnics” at Nkpor, Umunze and Eha. Curriculum The issue of the curriculum of road-side mechanics was not left out in the policy document. In paragraph 50 (xii) the National Policy states: In the designing of courses, industry and government will be consulted with a view to giving such courses greater practical relevance. Increased use will be made of Advisory Boards for each group of courses and trades. (p. 30). The Advisory Board that will make the curriculum are
By N.O. NWANKPA
supposed to be drawn from industries, and employers of labour so that such courses drawn up will be relevant to the need of industries and other employers. In the case of roadside mechanics, the rationale for their curriculum is straight -forward. They should be able to detect faults in motor vehicles scientifically, repair and maintain the vehicles. Teachers I The teachers for mechanics as well a other technicians are local crafts men and teachers in the Junior Secondary Schools. In paragraph 50 (xviii) the National Policy states: The teachers in artisan training centres should be local craftsmen and Junior Secondary School staff. (p. 30) The policy document seems to allow an interchange of teachers and instructors between the formal and the informal systems of education. The policy document prescribes the use of teachers in Junior Secondary tools and local craftsmen in this case “Master-Mechanics”, for the roadside mechanics who will attend evening classes. It also allows these craftsmen or “Master-Mechanics” to teach or demonstrate in the formal .or and Senior Secondary Schools. In paragraph 24(5) under secondary education the National Policy states: Where necessary local craftsmen will be used to teach pupils. (p.201). Again in paragraph 82 under Teacher Education, the National Policy states: Where necessary local craftsmen will be used as demonstrators. p.. 41). This may be due to the anticipated shortage of qualified technical teachers. The government promised to mount crash programmes for production of technical teachers. In paragraph 24 (1) the National Policy states: Crash or emergency programmes will be mounted to produce a number of technical and craft teachers. (p. 20). Up till now, the desired number of teachers has not been produced. In fact Nwankpa (1986b) observed that in Anambra State, only one of the Colleges of Education in the State, namely Eha-Amufu is offering a course that is related to Introductory Technology i.e. woodwork and Technical Drawing. The other related courses’ namely - metal work, electronics, mechanics, crafts, and auto-mechanics are completely absent. He further stated that the 20 teachers in wood wok and Technical drawing are still pre-service Teachers. In another study, Nwankpa (1986a) estimated that there is 4icit of 1, 31!
Teachers. In Introductory Technology alone, lie deduced that by 1987/88 session, there will still be need for 1,291 teachers in Introductory Technology alone assuming that there is no increase in enrolment figures in the secondary school system. (p. 10) It therefore, follows that the lofty ideal of using Junior Secondary School teachers to teach road-side mechanics during the evening classes may not be feasible except a drastic measure is taken by the government. Nature of Programme and Time: The policy document prescribes that the ‘training of road side mechanics will take the form of sandwich or parttime programme. Paragraph 50 of the National Policy states that: The courses should be parttime and it should take two to three years to acquire sufficient skills. (p. 30.) For industry-based students, their course will be on day release and block release basis. Basis. Since we do not have many motor industries, one will regard any apprentice attached to any local road-side mechanic workshop as the kind of student being referred to here. For school-based students, part of their time would be spent in the industry or a roadside mechanic workshop as explained earlier. Paragraph 50 (xxv) of the National policy states that: The National Board for Technical Education should be required to restructure craftsmen courses so that they are offered on a sandwich basis for school based students and on part-time, day release block release for industry based students. All students should spend their time in industry (or Workshop). (p 31) (insertion mine. In fact the policy document recommends that all industries (work shops) should be required to take on certain proportion of schoolbased apprentices, as stated in pagraph 50 (xxx). The time of the courses will be in the evening and should run for 3 - 4 hours in the afternoons and evening as indicated in Paragraph 50(xix). The holiday periods for these roadside mechanics will not be like of secondary school system. Paragraph 50 (xxvii) of the National Policy states: Students should have holidays like apprentices and not like secondary school pupils to make for maximum use of facilities and to shorten the courses. (p. 31). This approach is commendable if it would be implemented. It will make for maximum utilization of available resources and also enhance perfection in skill due to constant practice.
In the last edition, we defined a trapezium as a plane shape with four sides. We saw and read about the relationship between a trapezium and a parallelogram. We also saw how the formula of a trapezium was derived from that of the parallelogram. That is, Area = 1/2(Sum os parallel sides) x
or A = 1/2[8 + (3 + 12)]4 or A = 1/2[8 + 15]4 :- Area = 1/2(23)4 = 46cm2 Ans
Example 3 The area of the trapezium given below is 48cm2. What is the value of x? (NECO, 2001).
Mathematics With Stanley Osobase 08023454887 Osobase2001@yahoo.co.uk
Problems With Area Of Trapezium
Perpendicular height or A = 1/2(a + b)h. We also had application examples from past questions. Today, we shall discuss area of trapezium where the questions are indirect.
or A = 24 3 Answer
5cm
What is the area of the figure below? 7cm
48 = 6x 6 6 :- x = 8cm Answer
Example 4
PQRS is a trapezium in which /PS/ = 9cm, /QR/ = 15cm, /PQ/ = 2 3 . Answer <PQR = 90o and <QRS = 30o. Calculate the area of the trapezium. Example 2 In the figure below, calculate the (A). 24 3 cm2 (B). 36b 3 Cm2 (C). 42 3 cm2 (D). 72 3cm2 area of the trapezium. (WAEC) 8cm
B
P
5c m
A
C
9cm <
S
2 3 E
12cm
D
(FGC, JSS NECO) Solution: Clearly, we observe that for Area, we are not given the perpendicular height. However to ACE to get AE2 = AC2 - CE2 AE2 = 52 - 32 AE2 = 25 - 9 or 16 :- AE = 16 = 4cm Now area of Trapezium = 1/2(a + b)h
Q
< 15cm
30o
R
3 /1 2c m
8cm
Solution: APPLICATION EXAMPLES Recall that Area of trapezium Example 1 = 1/2 (a + b)h Calculate the area of the shape Where a = 5cm, b = 7cm, but height shown below is unknown. With area given, we 7cm plug in or substitute into the formula to get 48 = 1/2(5 + 7)x 6cm or 48 = 1/2(12)x or 48 = 6x 8cm Dividing both sides by the Solution: coeficient of x, we get: Recall that Area = 1/2(7 + 8)6 =1/2 x (15) x 6 1 90 =1/2 x 1 = 45cm2
Example 5
xcm
30o
h 12cm
(A). 1.75cm2 (B). 3.50cm2 (C). 17.5cm2 (D). 35.00cm2 (E). 168.00cm2
Solution:
Clearly, the figure above is a trapezium whose Area = 1/2(sum of parallel sides x h 1 where A = (8 + 12)h 2 Since height, h is not given, we apply SOH CAH TOA to the triangle on the LHS to get: h Sin 30o = 1 3 /2 or h = 31/2sin30o or h = 7 x 1 = 7 2 2 4 :- Area of trapezium =1 x (8 + 12) x 7 2 2 = 1 x (20) x 7 = 70 2 2 2 = 35cm2
Solution: Recall that Area, A = 1/2(x + y)h,
Drills
where x = 9cm, y = 15cm, h = 2 3 cm Find x, if the area of the trapezium is 54cm2 9cm Substituting values, we get:
1 A= x (9 + 15) x 2 3 2 or A = 1 x 24 x 2 3 1 1 2 A = 12 x 2 3
x
5cm
(A). 22.5cm (B). 17cm (C). 10.8cm (D). 7cm. (E). 6cm
Until next week remain blessed solving Maths and remember to watch EBST live Thursdays at 4pm!
Motoring With OSAGIE AIFUWA 08023412452
Driving Lesson
Mastering Gears
A driver changes up or do in order to take account of the vehicle’s changing speed. He changes up to select a gear which is appropriate to the vehicle’s increased speed while lie changes down to select that gear ‘which is necessary for the vehicle’s reduced speed. Improper use of the clutch is responsible for the stop-start jackrabbit driving of many stalls, if the clutch is engaged suddenly. it is quite understandable if learners jerk the vehicle on his first trails at gear selection. It takes some time to coordinate all the various tasks, which are associated with moving a vehicle from rest. The tendency is for the fresh learner to forget one procedure or the other and then to suddenly remember it when it is almost too late, The essential thing is to take the task in easy stage. Master engaging gear one from rest first and the go on from there to learn
how to shift into gear two and from two to three and so on. Since the introduction is synchomesh gear boxes gear changing has become an almost pairless art. There are two other things, which should be resisted taking your eyes from the road to look at pedals and resting your foot on the clutch. When the left foot is not operating the clutch, park it off the pedal. If everything fails, and a learner still cannot selects gears properly after many trails, he should listen to the sound of the engine, which softens when the clutch is almost completely engaged. At this point, the vehicle might not move but it would need just a little more “give” on the clutch pedal before does. So all the learner does, is select gear one allow the clutch pedal to come up until the engine noise chances and then use the opportunity. Braking is an art and mid it can be mastered by any one who is sufficiently
interested in it. But it is certainly not just a matter of identifying the right pedal and depressing it at the appropriate moments. Braking is much more than this. Ironically one of the most important issues under this subject is strictly not a technical problem at all. This is talking about driver anticipation or the lack of it. On the highway good driver anticipation is almost as necessary and valuable a set of fresh pads. It is particularly useful for the learner’s Drivers to incorporate the life saving idea of thinking ahead into the armory of his driving skills. In most large cities there are areas with a large with concentration of schools.
When these institutions close and the kids head for home. Drivers of vehicles on road near them need to be extra-careful and alert so as to prevent fatal knockdowns. A driver who thinks ahead would automatically reduce his speed on approaching the places where the children cross or congregate. If he had beer going at 90 kph. He might comedown to 30kph, which is more manageable. But a driver who lacks this anticipatory faculty would rush through at a high speed if a careless child runs into the road in front of his at this high speed. Even given the best brakes in the world, or a state or the art ABS system. It might still be impossible
to avoid hitting the child. The brake pedal is the central one of the trio on the floorboard. It is usually the same size as the clutch pedal. The hinged pedal activates cables or lever, which in turn work the front disc pads and the rear drum shoes. With a high proportion of the vehicles manufactured these days the brakes are operated with engine-generated vacuum or servo assistance. The most significant effect of servo assistance is to reduce the pedal effort required to work the brakes. It is almost like getting something for free. It is easy to find out what braking is like without servo help Park on a slope, facing forward, switch off the engine and let the vehicle coast. Apply the brakes continuously, by the fifth or sixth application all the servo assistance is gone and you can then experience unassisted braking. Once a learner become proficient enough to take a vehicle onto the highway he or she needs to advance his knowledge of brakes. Above a certain speed it is more efficient to “pump” the brake rather than apply one hefty push. However, at slower speed there is absolutely nothing wrong with “one time” brake application. One major advantage of interrupted braking is that it helps to prevent brake seizure, fading or vehicle skidding. It should be added that the increasing fitting of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to all manners of
cars has simplified braking a great deal. During a typical panic stop a driver has no time to think of applying brakes progressively he simply brakes. With ABS the vehicle should still keep straight course and the driven wheels would not lock. There is no doubt that all the ABS is a very useful invention. While the floor brake pedal acts on all four braking points, the handbrakes usually acts only on the rear brakes and it is normally used only to secure the vehicle at rest. Additionally, it helps to ensure smooth driving when staring up a hill from rest and in traffic hold ups. I have also seen the hand brake used as an emergency stopper during a driving lesson. Also it can be said that the gears themselves constitute brakes. As such they can be used to control the speed of the vehicle although not as a precise manner. For example if a car in gear three, and running at about 5Okph, the driver can slow it down without using the brakes. All he has to do is change down to gear two and the car will lose speed. Naturally the throttle is left alone during this manoeuver, which is known as gear braking. It can be quite useful especially when driving down long sloping gradients. Such driving conditions are terrible on the brakes pads and shoes. So it is often more relaxing to change down to a lower gear and cruise at a manageable speed.
“Once a learner become proficient enough to take a vehicle onto the highway he or she needs to advance his knowledge of brakes. Above a certain speed it is more efficient to “pump” the brake rather than apply one hefty push.”
Spirituality
Lessons From The Lives Of Saints
WE speak of 1776 as being the birthday of the United States and ‘indeed it is the birthday of the nation as a nation. But by that time the ‘colong’ had begun to flex its muscles and feel the throes of becoming an adult. It now felt it could walk alone and so the nation was born. At the inception, the United States was a very religious land and going to Church was a legal part of the Scene. How many of our colonies were founded for religious reasons! There was even much talk by our founding fathers about a national religion; though on closer inspection they decided it would be a perilous road. By 1776 religion was no longer the strong force it had been: rather did it become a quasi-social function of-a Sunday morning. A measure of prosperity brought with it a rough and hearty society that ate well, drank much and sought out lusty pleasures. It was in this milieu that a young girl was born in 1774 on August 28th, the second of three daughters of Dr. and Mrs. Richard Bayley. Who could have guessed that one day she would be canonized? Her father was a man of means as well as standing in his medical profession: the family was part of the ‘society’ of their day. We have not too many details of her early life; we know her mother died when she was three and her father soon remarried. She was close to her father who was her monitor seeking to insulate her from worldly evils; but religiously she was alone. Her maternal grandfather was an Episcopal minister and she adhered to that sect as a way of worship. But she was left on her own to develop spiritual values, drawing heavily from her dad’s library, especially books by Rosseau and Voltaire that influenced her thinking. In those days, girls were given a much different education than boys. In ‘seminaries’ they learned the social graces, how to dance, to play music and speak French — at least that was the story rich girls. Little Elizabeth learned how to play the piano, how to dance, speak French and she even became an accomplished horsewoman. As she grew, her beauty developed. Brown hair capped a slender frame and an oval face was lighted with beautiful black eyes. She would be a ‘catch’ for any man. But beneath it all she was much troubled by the time she was eighteen; in fact, she even felt she should commit suicide because She questioned the value of her existence. But this feeling passed, especially as talk of her marriage increased. There was a young interested in her, but only interested. He was handsome and from a rather well-to-do family and he was quite particular whom he would marry. He said: “I shall think twice before I commit
myself in any direction”. But her charm and beauty won the day and on January 25, 1794, William Magee Seton married Elizabeth Ann Bayley in Trinity Church (Episcopal) in New York City —he was twenty-six and she was nineteen.
experience lung trouble and it was thought that a trip would help. Why not go to sunny Italy to seek a cure? Maybe a sea voyage would help? Besides, they could visit their Italian business partners, the Filicchi’s and maybe things could improve
her parents. So they set sail on the Shepherdess captained by Captain O’Brien, their hopes high and little aware of the cruel future before them. A long voyage of fifty-six days and they were anxious to land — on shore
financially. Yes, they would go to Leghorn, Italy and spend some time with the Filicchi’s. Elizabeth had never received much religious training; what she had she picked up by herself. Her father was a kind and charitable man; in fact, he died of a disease contracted while assisting poor immigrants. From her eighteenth year, when she almost despaired, there was a constant searching for ways to please God and there was some spiritual development. In fact, she was the spiritual strength for her father in his last illness; with her at his side he died saying: ‘My Christ Jesus, have mercy on me.’ But she needed a helping hand spiritually and sought it from a minister, a Dr. Hobart who eventually became an Episcopal Bishop. She progressed spiritually and religion became a matter of deep importance to her. The trip to Italy meant difficulties —how could they arrange it with five children, most of them too young to travel? But that was arranged; the four young ones would go with relatives and the oldest, Anne Marie, would accompany
a band was playing and there was the promise of a good party. But the ship also brought news of an epidemic of yellow fever and though they were not infected, they were not allowed to land; they would have to be in quarantine; no visitors and no one even allowed to touch them! Ellis Island may have been less than desirable for immigrants but the hospital used for quarantine in Leghorn where they landed was more like a prison Cold, drafty and very poor food and, of course, they must there for thirty days at least’ William became Quite ill and as the days went by, he became even weaker. Elizabeth loved her husband and it pained her to see him ill and she did all in her power to care for him, nursing him, seeking to get better food for him, cheering him up in his discouragement and showing him the deep love she felt in her soul. The thirty days went by slowly and torturously and finally the doctor allowed them out. But poor William was so weak, he could hardly walk and the three of them were taken to the Filicchi home: hopefully, care there
St Elizabeth Ann Seton
Immediately they started their family and by eight years of marriage they had five children. They lived in the Battery of New York City, then, a very fashionable district and life seemed to smile on them in every way. She was close to her father; her father-in-law accepted her as one of his own, her paternal grandfather doted on her and her sisters- in-law felt as close to her as blood sisters. Life was good for her —but it was not to remain so. The first four years of marriage were idyllic but then dark clouds. At the birth of her third child (Richard), she and the baby almost died and that same year her father-in-law died. After his death it came out that his financial position was uncertain and as his son, William worked for him, it meant a serious diminution of funds for the young family. For three years they were able to manage as her father, Dr. Bayley, helped but he died in 1801 and that left them on their own. They had a bit of money but they had to watch every penny. To complicate things, her husband, never a robust man, started to
would restore William to health. The first few days were full of promise but very soon the harsh reality was clear. By Christmas day of 1803 he was extremely weak and it was no holiday for her. Two days later, on December 27th at 7:15 a.m. her darling breathed his last in her arms. Now a poor widow in a strange land — with friends: but what would or could the future bring? . The Filicchi brothers, Antonio and Fillippo, were wonderful people. Quite holy, they set an example to Elizabeth. Because spiritual things meant a lot to her as it did to them, much time was spent in religious discussion. Their example and a deeper knowledge of the Blessed Sacrament and devotion to Our Lady left a mark on her soul — but she was not ready to convert. Back to New York, she gathered her children around her and sought to make a go of keeping the family together — but financially that was not easy. She also wavered religiously and one time would be pulled to Catholicism; then friends would counsel against it. She prayed, she thought, she read, she meditated, she sought advice and finally she was sure that Catholicism was for her and her children (that thought, ‘for her children’, made the decision harder). She took instructions and on March 14.1805 she was received into the Catholic Church at St. Peter’s Church in New York City. Her first confession and then on March 25th, the feast of Our Lady’s Annunciation she made her first Holy Communion. She was thirty-one and a new life was before her. What a shock to ‘society’ when she became a Catholic. The United States in those days was not too friendly to Catholics. Those near and dear to her were willing to accept her decision but so many other ‘friends’ condemned her and closed their doors to her. As a Catholic it was harder for her to live and raise her family. Finances were lean and only with the help of the Filicchis’ was she able to get along. But she wanted to earn her own way; she could teach; maybe she could get a job in a school? She got a job teaching but the school soon closed for lack of funds. Another job teaching but this time her Catholicism was against her and she had to leave. One day at church she met a Father DuBourg from Baltimore and he asked her if she would start a school there. Would h she?!!! This was an answer to her problems. So to Baltimore she went, put her two sons in Georgetown College and her daughters she kept with her. The school was successful from the start —soon a pious girl, Cecilia Conway, from Philadelphia asked if she could join with her in teaching—then
three more! These pious women spent much free time in spiritual conversation and prayer and decided to be joined by vows. They wrote to France for the rule of St. Vincent de Paul’s Daughters of Charity and also some nuns to teach them religious life. It was impossible for the nuns to come —but the rule was sent and everything was fine —except she had the care of her children and that came first according to her thinking — but it was against the ‘rule. Archbishop Carroll, our first U.S. bishop, solved the problem and they made their vows for a year. In June, the feast of Corpus Christi, 1809 they first appreciate in ‘habits’, the habits being the current widows dress of Italy that Elizabeth adopted after her husband died: she was thirty-five years old For the next eleven years it was progress through sacrifice and hardship. More young women came to join them, property was given them in Emmitsburg, Maryland and a school and a Motherhouse was started there. But there, more sorrow. Her two sisters-in-law, with whom she was very close, died in her arms, also two of her daughters, Anne and Rebecca. Then she got bad news of her son. Richard. He was in commerce and on the high seas; caring for a priest with a contagious disease, he contracted it himself and died. Her only remaining son, William, joined the Navy and was commissioned and went on a two year cruise and when he finally came home, his mother was dead. Incidentally, one of his Sons became an Archbishop. So her final years were spent alone with God and her sisters in religion, working hardship for God to vindicate her love for Him. The new group of nuns prospered but the hard and sorrows of her life took their toll. By the time she was forty-six, she was a weak and sickly woman, not long to live. But she had started a community of nuns that would flower into several Orders of nuns, she had started schools in Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia and Emmitsburg and she was ready for eternal rest. Very early in the morning of January 4, 1821: it was’ 2:00 a.m. she started to say Jesus, Mary and Joseph—but she could only say “Jesus” and she slipped into death: no, not death, eternal happiness in the Kingdom of God. How precious her heritage! She is called the Foundress of the parochial school system, her Daughters operate schools on every level, hospitals, nurseries, social centers, homes for the aged —they are active in every apostolate open for nuns. She even started schools for blacks winning them for Christ.
Women And Climate Change
GENDER is a significant aspect to be taken into account when considering actions both to adapt to and mitigate climate change. Climate change Impacts are not only physical and economic, but also social and cultural. Because of gender differences in social and economic roles and responsibilities, the effects of climate change affect men and women in varied ways, and often women mone severely. At the same time, women generally advocate a wider set of actions than men for addressing climate change. Women tend to be affected differently, and more harshly, by climate change because of their social roles and more impoverished status in developed countries, women are among the most vulnerable groups owing to a reduced ability to access finance, technology and information needed to adapt to climate change impacts. In the case of Hurricane Katrina in the United States, for example, those who were hardest hit and had the least ability to recover included women, who represent the majority of the poor. Increased costs for energy, transportation, health-care, and food caused by the disrupting effects of climate change disproportionately affect women, especially single mothers. In poorer countries, climate change can adversely, affect crop yields and thus the livelihoods and food security of women who are largely responsible for food production as well as family nutrition. Supplying Water and fuel for families, which is typically the responsibility of women, becomes more difficult as environmental changes negatively affect
By BELLA AKHAGBA
clean water supply, existing infrastructure, and urban and rural settlements. Coping with the damage of extreme weather events such as storms, floods, and cyclones may also fall more on women who hold together families and households. Climate change can lead to shortages of resources and unreliable job markets, causing male emigration in the search for work and increasing the agricultural and household duties of women. Women and children are far more likely to die than men during extreme weather events linked to climate change owing to their greater vulnerability. For mitigating climate change, women propose more comprehensive approaches to those advocated by men, but they have less power and influence to affect public policy. Women tend to focus more on lifestyle and social changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including reducing the Impact of unsustainable consumption and production patterns on the environment and promoting actions such as energysaving and greener Purchasing. Women have greater doubts than men that technological Solutions alone will solve the problem of global warming and support Initiatives to induce changes in personal behavior. As stated in Principle 20 of the 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, “women have a vital role in environmental management and development ... and are
therefore essential to achieve sustainable development.” The role of women in confronting and adapting to climate change should be increased in order to draw on a wider range of mitigation actions and better targeting of adaptation strategies.. The present lack of women’s
participation in most policy-making signals a gap in the resources devoted to the climate challenge. More balanced and effective approaches could be developed if international climate change negotiation processes as well as national climate policies considered gender aspects; By increasing the female
presence in climate decision- making, holistic solutions to mitigate adverse effects would be given greater weight. Because men dominate in areas related to energy, transportation, and industry, the focus of climate policies tends to be more technological than behavioural. Many of the technological changes and instruments now proposed may not be gender-neutral and may negatively affect women or bypass their role completely. For example, if
transport policies were geared more to women, less emphasis would be placed on funding road systems and modifying automobiles and more on user-friendly and climate-friendly transportation systems. Women, whose carbon footprint is smaller than that of men, should play a larger role in confronting climate
“As the primary caregivers and educators of the next generation, women give greater emphasis to the role of communications and education in mitigating climate change.”
GENDER ADVOCACY With
IJEOMA UMEH Tel: 081823822839
change since they make the majority, of consumption decisions for households. From the female perspective, public policies should be oriented, inter alia, to the carbon-labelling of goods, lower taxes on climate- friendly products, and government grants and incentives for more efficient heating and energy systems. Women also advocate higher investments in renewable energy, more
like to know more about the Science and technology of climate change, indicating a role for better training in this area. In poorer countries, the female role in helping communities adapt to the adverse effects of climate change should be factored into development assistance policies and climate change strategies. In their function as household managers,
climate-friendly manufacturing processes, and tougher carbon reduction targets. As the primary caregivers and educators of the next generation, women give greater emphasis to the role of communications and education in mitigating climate change. They play a. critical role in bringing about changes in attitudes and encouraging the adoption of greener lifestyles and Climatefriendly values by their children. More education about climate change, its causes and ways to avoid it for all age groups is among the steps they advocate. Women themselves would
women could be more productively involved in Producing renewable and sustainable energy for heating and cooking as a result of their land-based work and knowledge of Natural resources, women represent an untapped asset in coping with the effects of climate change on livelihoods and providing relief in the event of Natural disasters (UTNEP, 2004). Technology transfer and Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects could be designed in a gender sensitive way to promote the dual purpose of climate protection and Enhancing the role of women.
Religion
With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA
Understanding God’s Fire WHEN I was a boy I used to enjoy a type of childhood game called “fire on the mountain”. We had a group of us form a circle, each person had a play mate and, the umpire would cry aloud; fire on the mountain” then we would chorus together’ “run, run, run” and we continued until he would cry”, “fire is out” and each of us clung back to our play mate, the last to, do, so was the loser! It was an exciting game of children, making childish remarks, but which today in my adult life I consider significant to write a book upon entitled: “Fire on the Mountain”. What is the fire and where is the mountain and who can put out the fire? My childhood game had a symbolic fire which none of us saw; we had an imaginary mountain by the circle formed and the umpire verbally quenched the fire with a loud shout. The fire that I am writing about in this book is not a symbolic fire, nor the mountain a symbolic one nor is there an umpire that quenches the fire except the individual so concerned. The fire I am talking about here is the fire of God or the fire of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist said to the Jews “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after.., he will baptize you with the ‘Holy Spirit and with fire” Matt. 3:12, Luke 3:16. “our God is a consuming fire” Heb. 12:29. This is the fire of that is referred to here and the mountain is not the physical mountain that God’s fire will consume. Jesus metaphorically used mountain to refer to our problems that we think are insurmountable. He said, “if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you” Matt. 17:20. By implication when there is fire on the mountain, then “every mountain and hill shall be brought low” Luke 3:4. This means when the power of the Holy Spirit moves over your problem: it
will get a solution. But we don’t know how to kindle the fire to burn our mountain. We desire the fire but we don’t know how to kindle it, so the mountain grows and we get discouraged. The focus of this book is to teach you how to kindle the fire of God to consume your mountain; so that you can live a successful Christian life. Jesus said “I come that they may have life and have it abundantly” John 10:10. Enjoy a life of abundance in Christ by knowing how to kindle the fire of God. Elijah called fire from Heaven through prayers to solve the problem of true and false worship imminent in his time. (1st kings 18:2021). He climbed up a physical mountain which was mount Carmel with a burden in his heart, this “heavy burden” was his own “mountain” it was the burden of true and false worship and the latter was gaining ground thus challenging the authority of Elijah, God’s prophet. He said to the people. “How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the lord is God follow him; but if Baal, then follow him 1 st Kings 18:20 and God consumed Elijah’s Sacrifice by fire. Elijah had made a trench upon which he placed the altar of sacrifice and asked water to be poured on the altar, and burnt offering three times that “the water ran round about the altar, and filled the trench” (1st Kings 18:35). Yet inspite of the heavy water or flood, the fire of “the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench” 1st Kings 18:39. Note that God’s fire can be a physical and very visible one for “all the people saw it, and they fell on their faces” (1st Kings 18:39) But unlike the literal combustible fire water cannot quench the fire of God and nothing can stop the fire except the fire has accomplished the purpose for which God sent it; in other words only God himself can stop his own fire. This is the
implication of the water that Elijah asked to be poured several times on his altar of sacrifice which God’s fire still consumed. You are about to be exposed to God’s mystery of fire. How to kindle the fire of God to burn your mountain. GOD’S FIRE:DRAMATIC EVENTS Every one in the Bible who had experienced God’s literal fire had a dramatic experience in life, The fire that Elijah called from heaven which all the people saw on mount Cannel was a dramatic event to the onlookers. The Bible says on seeing the fire from heaven “they fell on their faces... and
materialized to visit both of them to give them a revelation. Mind you until the fire of God descended they had thought the angel was simply a “man of God not an angel, “and Manoah arose and went after his wife and came to the unit, and said unto him, art thou the man that spakest unto the woman? And he said, I am Jud 13:11. But as the couple prepared a burnt offering for the Lord “and the angel did wonderously”, (Jud. 13:19) and the fire of God descended on the offering and “the flame went up toward heaven from the
What about Elisha? He witnessed the fire of God also as his master of about six years Elijah departed from him, that had a dramatic effect on his life. There at the Jordan he stood, where a whirl wind took up his master into heaven. “And it came to pass as they still went on, and talked, that behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire and parted then both asunder and Elijah went up by a whirl wind into heaven” 2Kings 2:11. Elisha received the mantle of Elijah. This event turned Elisha into one of the greatest prophets of the old testament.
the old testament period, for the Bible says of Moses and there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses whom the lord knew face to face” Deut 34:10. What a testimony of a man commissioned in the midst of divine fire: hence, I make bold to say every one in the scripture who witnessed the fire of God witnessed a dramatic event into full stature in God. It was the same fire of God which Saul turned Paul saw in the form of lightning on his way to Damascus that brought a dramatic turn around in his
said; the Lord, he is the God” 2Kings 18:39. What followed next? More dramatic events: all the Baa1 Prophets killed, true worship restored, the Land that had been dry without rain for three years witnessed a down pour “and the hand of the Lord was on Elijah” 2Kings 18:1,40:46 When you witness the fire of God, you are sure to experience dramatic events in your life for divine attestation and transformation. I recall here the experience of Manoah and the wife who had been childless for years and behold an angel
altar and angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar’ Jud 18:20 Manoah and the wife were terrified that Manoah said to the wife. We shall surely die, because we have seen God Jud. 13:22. But no they were not going to die but experienced a dramatic event in their life — the birth of a superman Samson. “And the woman bore a son, and called his name Samson and the Lord blessed him” Jud. 13:24
Moses saw the fire of God at mount Horeb. He was a fugitive and had turned to be the shepherd of Jethro’s flock who was the priest of midian when God appeared unto him in the midst of fire! (Ex 3:1) “now Moses kept the flock of Jethro…and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush, the bush burned with fire and the bush was not consumed” Ex. 3: 1-2. Out of the midst of fire God spoke to Moses calling him to lead his people out of Egypt, and made himself known to Moses as that great “I AM He said” I AM THAT I AM” Ex. 3:14. Moses was commissioned in the midst of divine fire; how great that commission was that made Moses the greatest prophet of
life. “And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven” Acts 9:3. Indeed Paul received his call and commission in the midst of God’s fire. Every fire commission, is one of great anointing; no wonder the spirit of God was upon the ministry of Paul until the end of his life! The fire commission dramatically changed the life of Paul and turned him to be among the pillars of the first century church, (Gal. 2:9) You need the fire of the Holy Spirit for a dramatic event in your life! When the spark comes on you it set4 your mountain crumbling.
“Every one in the Bible who had experienced God’s literal fire had a dramatic experience in life, The fire that Elijah called from heaven which all the people saw on mount Cannel was a dramatic event to the onlookers.”
International Military Alliances: China Issues Warning
BEIGIN - Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared to warn some Asian nations yesterday about strengthening military alliances to counter China, saying this would not benefit regional security. But he also pledged to peacefully resolve China’s disputes over territory, which have intensified in recent years, especially in the South and East China Seas. “To beef up military alliances targeted at a third party is not conducive to maintaining common security in the region,” Xi said in a speech, following a period when some Asian countries have sought to reaffirm their security ties with Washington.
During a visit to Asia last month, U.S. President Barack Obama also sought to reassure allies such as Japan and the Philippines that his longpromised strategic shift towards Asia and the Pacific, widely seen as aimed at countering China’s rising influence, was real. Xi made his remarks at a regional conference in Shanghai in front of Vietnamese Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan, as well as representatives from the Philippines, Japan and more than 40 other countries and organizations. He did not mention the United States. China is embroiled in bitter disputes with Vietnam and the Philippines over maritime
boundaries in the South China Sea. Beijing and Tokyo are also at loggerheads over disputed islands in the East China Sea. Anti-Chinese violence flared in Vietnam last week after Chinese state oil company CNOOC deployed an oil rig 240 km (150 miles) off the coast of Vietnam in waters also claimed by Hanoi. The rig was towed there just days after Obama left the region. The move was the latest in a series of confrontations between China and some of its neighbors over the potentially oil-and-gas rich South China Sea. Washington has responded with sharpened rhetoric toward
Beijing, describing a pattern of “provocative” actions by China. Xi sought to play down concerns about China’s intentions. “China stays committed to seeking peaceful settlement of disputes with other countries over territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” he said. His speech was given at a meeting of the little-known Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, or CICA. China has seized upon its hosting of the forum, launched by Kazakhstan in the early 1990s, to try to build clout in the region and
beyond. Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Hassan Rouhani of Iran both attended. State broadcaster China Central Television aired live the arrival of various leaders for the meeting, but underscoring the sensitivity of China’s territorial disputes it cut away from images of Xi shaking hands with the representatives from Vietnam, the Philippines and Japan. Xi said a zero-sum, “Cold War” concept of security where one country gains at the expense of others would not work. “We cannot just have the security of one or some
countries while leaving the rest insecure,” Xi said, adding that one should not “seek the socalled absolute security of itself at the expense of the security of others”. “No country should attempt to dominate regional security affairs,” he said. Metallurgical Corp of China Ltd (MCC) said on Wednesday that four of its employees working on a construction project in Vietnam were killed and 126 injured during the antiChina protests last week. The Chinese and Vietnamese governments had put the death toll at two with 100 or more injured.
China Confronts US Over Cyber-Spying Accusations BEIJING - China summoned the U.S. ambassador after the United States accused five Chinese military officers of hacking into American companies to steal trade secrets, warning Washington it could take further action, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday. The U.S. Ambassador to China, Max Baucus, met with Zheng Zeguang, assistant foreign minister, on Monday shortly after the United States charged the five Chinese, accusing them of hacking into American nuclear, metal and solar companies to steal trade secrets. Zheng “protested” the actions by the United States, saying the indictment had seriously harmed relations between both countries, the foreign ministry said in a statement on its website. Zheng told Baucus that depending on the development of the situation, China “will take further action on the so-called charges by the United States”. It was the first criminal hacking charge that the United States has filed against specific foreign officials, and follows a steady increase in public criticism and private confrontation, including at a summit last year between U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The indictment is likely to further roil relations between China and the United States. Besides cyber-hacking, Washington and Beijing have grappled over a range of issues, including human rights, trade disputes and China’s growing military assertiveness over seas contested with its neighbors. “The Chinese government and military and its associated personnel have never conducted or participated in the theft of trade secrets over the Internet,” the foreign ministry quoted Zheng as telling Baucus. Zheng told Baucus that the U.S. attitude to Internet security was “overbearing and hypocritical” and urged the United States to give China a clear explanation on reports that Washington has long spied on
the Chinese government, businesses, universities and individuals. The U.S. Embassy to China spokesman, Nolan Barkhouse, confirmed the meeting but declined to provide more details. China’s Ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, also “made solemn representations” to the State Department on Monday. “The accusations that the United States have made against these Chinese officials are purely fictitious and extremely absurd,” Cui was quoted as saying by the state-run China News Service said. China’s defense ministry summoned the American military attaché on Tuesday to protest what they said were actions “that seriously violated norms governing international relations and for seriously slandering the image of the Chinese army”. The angry reaction from Beijing is likely to be the first major test for Baucus, who arrived in Beijing in March, as he seeks to balance U.S. interests with the desire for more economic cooperation with China. China is the United States’ biggest foreign creditor. As of February, China held $1.27 trillion in U.S. Treasury bonds, according to Treasury Department data. “If the case is not withdrawn, I expect the Chinese government to retaliate,” said Jin Canrong, associate dean of the School of International Studies at Renmin University in Beijing. The majority of China’s Internet users are now furious because they think the United States has “double standards” on spying, Jin said, adding that negative domestic public opinion would have a detrimental effect on Sino-U.S. relations. The leaks by National Security Administration contractor Edward Snowden have given China grounds for accusing the United States of infiltrating Chinese companies and government offices.
A combination photo shows five Chinese Military Officers who the U.S. has accused of Cyber espionage. Top row; Sun Kailiang (left), Huang Zhenyu (right), bottom row left right, Wen Xinyu, Wang Dong and Gu Chunhui in FBI released photos.
US, South African Police Smash Cyber Crime Network
PRETORIA - South African police said yesterday they have smashed an international cybercrime
network operating out of Pretoria and made several arrests in a joint operation with the United States.
TRIPOLI - The top official in Libya’s air forces has announced he’ll back an offensive by a renegade general against Islamic extremists and militias blamed for wave of killings since the downfall of dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Col. Gomaa al-Abbani’s announcement late Tuesday is among a series of loyalty pledges made by military units and commanders to Gen. Khalifa Hifter. Militias allied to Hifter launched an attack Sunday against parliament after an offensive his forces led on Friday in the eastern city of Benghazi. Hours after al-Abbani’s announcement, witnesses said rockets targeted military camps in the capital, Tripoli. On Tuesday, Libya’s election
commission announced parliamentary elections will be held June 25, a top demand among most Libyans.
Top Libyan Air Force Official Backs Rebel General
US homeland security officers worked with South Africa to bring down “a West African criminal enterprise operating from South Africa with strong links to the United States”, South Africa’s police service said in a statement. A briefing later Wednesday “will announce arrests and charges” in the case. Arrests have been made in several countries including
Canada, South Africa and the United States, South African police spokesman Paul Ramaloko told AFP, without giving numbers. He said suspects were due to appear in court in Pretoria later Wednesday before being extradited to the United States. Local media have said there were Nigerian nationals among those arrested. The Libyan senior Rebel Commander Khalifa Hifter leaves a press conference in the court house in the center of Benghazi, eastern Libya. Libya’s army chief ordered the deployment of Islamistled militias to the capital Tripoli on Monday in response to the storming of parliament by forces loyal to a renegade general, paving the way for a possible showdown between rival militia fighters.
International US Primaries Republicans Face Down Tea Party Tests WASHINGTON - Mainstream US Republicans led by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell defeated Tea Party challengers in key primaries, setting the stage for their bid to regain full control of Congress in November. Republicans lead the House of Representatives and are determined to wrest the Senate from President Barack Obama’s Democrats in this year’s mid-term elections. Voters in six states, from Georgia in the US southeast to the Pacific northwest Oregon, cast ballots on what became known as the “Super Tuesday” of the 2014 campaign. But most eyes were on Kentucky, a key battleground between traditional Republicans and members of the party’s more conservative, populist “Tea Party” wing. The anti-establishment fervor sweeping much of the country seems not to have taken as strong a hold in Kentucky, and wellfunded veteran incumbent McConnell, 72, trounced Tea Party backed challenger Matt Bevin in one of the most expensive — and closely watched — primaries of 2014. If he is reelected in November, and if Republicans gain a net six seats in the 100-seat chamber to regain control, McConnell would lead the Senate majority and be positioned to block Obama’s legislative efforts in his last two years in the White House. “Send me back to Washington and Kentucky will always have a champion in the Capitol,” McConnell told cheering supporters in his victory speech. But he faces perhaps the most formidable election challenge of his 30-year Senate career in Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes, who won her party’s primary and immediately set her sites on ousting McConnell. “Mitch McConnell would have you believe that President Obama is on Kentucky’s 2014 election ballot,” Grimes told supporters, referring to McConnell warning voters that Grimes would merely be a back-bencher for a president pushing his unpopular health care law and other liberal mandates. “Senator McConnell, this race is between you and me,” the 35-yearold Grimes said. “That’s the name that appears on the ballot.” Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Oregon and Pennsylvania also held primaries Tuesday. On June 3, another eight states follow suit. The entire House, currently held by Republicans, is up for grabs, and analysts expect the party will retain control; the question is whether Democrats can cut into the Republicans’ majority. The Democrat-led Senate could swing the Republicans’ way, polls show, so the Senate races are among the most fiercely fought. More than a third of the seats (36 of 100) are in play, and at least seven Democrat-held seats are seen as at risk. Candidates and supporters are spending tens of millions of dollars on each Senate race amid an epic battle over who controls the legislative agenda in Washington. In Georgia, establishment Republicans could claim another victory. Two mainstream Senate candidates, businessman David Purdue and congressman Jack
Kingston, will likely enter a runoff, defeating three conservative candidates including a Tea Partybacked congressman. And in Pennsylvania, incumbent House Republican Bill Schuster defeated Tea Party-backed challenger Art Halvorson, in part by wooing conservatives groups. Republican strategists want to line up fairly mainstream candidates who are not gaffeprone. In 2010 and 2012, Tea Partybacked candidates who won primaries in Delaware, Indiana, Missouri and Nevada fizzled in the election. Faced with the Tea Party surge, some mainstream candidates have adopted more conservative discourse: speaking out against big government, stressing the need to cut spending or embracing more conservative social positions on abortion or gay marriage.
Vietnamese, Philippine Leaders Discuss China Rifts
US Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and his wife Elaine Chao wave to supporters after a victory celebration following McConnell’s victory in the state Republican Primary recently in Louisville, Kentucky.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES— Vietnam’s prime minister has arrived in Manila to talk with his Philippine counterpart on improving cooperation toward peacefully resolving disputes over the South China Sea. Ambassador Truong Trieu Duong said yesterday that Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will discuss the recent standoff sparked by China’s deployment of an oil rig near the disputed Paracel Islands. President Benigno Aquino III’s spokesman Edwin Lacierda says the two leaders’ meeting should not be seen as a budding alliance against China, adding the two sides will also discuss economic cooperation, trade and tourism. Dung will also attend an economic forum in Manila.
China Calls For New Asian Security Structure
BEIGIN — China’s president called Tuesday for the creation of a new Asian structure for security cooperation based on a regional group that includes Russia and Iran and excludes the United States. President Xi Jinping spoke at a meeting in Shanghai of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building measures
in Asia, a little-known group that has taken on significance as Beijing tries to extend its influence and limit the role of the United States, which it sees as a strategic rival. “We need to innovate our security cooperation (and) establish a new regional security cooperation architecture,” said Xi, speaking to an audience that included Russian President
Vladimir Putin and leaders of Central Asian countries. Xi made no mention of Beijing’s conflict with Vietnam over the deployment of a Chinese oil rig in a disputed portion of the South China Sea. CICA, whose 24 member
Chinese President Xi Jinping gives a speech during a gala dinner ahead of the fourth conference on interaction and confidence building measures in Asia (CICA) Summit, in Shanghai recently.
nations also include South Korea, Thailand and Turkey, should become a “security dialogue and cooperation platform” and should “establish a defense consultation mechanism,” Xi said. He said it should create a “security response center” for major emergencies. The proposal is the latest effort by Beijing to build up groups of Asian and developing governments to offset the influence of the United States and other Western nations in global affairs. In 2001, it founded the Shanghai Cooperation Organization with Russia and R E C O N C I L I AT I O N OF NAME I, Lemmy Edobor Ighodaro wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Lemmy Edobor Odaro as appeared in my various documents. Henceforth, I now wish to be properly known and addressed as LEMMY EDOBOR IGHODARO. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
Supreme Court Justice Suspends Missouri condition known as cavernous BONNE TERRE, US - U.S. hemangioma that causes Execution Supreme Court Justice Samuel weakened and malformed blood Alito issued an order late The 8th Circuit panel’s 2-1 Tuesday suspending the planned execution of a Missouri inmate with a little more than an hour to spare before the inmate’s scheduled lethal injection. Alito, who handles emergency matters for Missouri and other states covered by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, didn’t explain why he issued the order suspending Russell Bucklew’s execution, which had been scheduled for 12:01 a.m. yesterday. But Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster issued a statement saying his office understands the full Supreme Court would consider Bucklew’s
requests on yesterday. Under Missouri law, the state has 24 hours to carry out a death warrant, meaning it could still execute Bucklew anytime on yesterday if the high court rejects his appeals. Alito’s order came shortly after the full 8th Circuit court lifted a stay granted to Bucklew hours earlier by a three-judge panel of that court. Bucklew, who was sentenced to death for killing a southeast Missouri man in 1996, suffers from a rare medical condition that his attorneys claim could cause him great pain during the execution process.
ruling read that Bucklew’s “unrebutted medical evidence demonstrates the requisite sufficient likelihood of unnecessary pain and suffering beyond the constitutionally permissible amount inherent in all executions.” If the execution happens yesterday, it would be the first in the nation since a botched lethal injection in Oklahoma last month that left a condemned man writhing on a gurney before he died of a heart attack more than 40 minutes after the procedure began. Bucklew, 46, has a congenital
vessels, as well as tumors in his nose and throat. His attorneys say he could experience great suffering during the execution process, and Bucklew told The Associated Press by phone last week that he is scared of what might happen. “The state does not have the right to inflict extreme, torturous pain during an execution,” attorney Cheryl Pilate said. “We still hope that Mr. Bucklew’s grave medical condition and compromised airway will persuade the governor or a court to step back from this extremely risky execution.”
four Central Asia nations to counterbalance rising American influence in the region and combat Islamic and separatist political movements. Beijing also is a force in the BRICS group of major developing countries with Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa. Beijing sees common cause with other CICA members such as Russia and Sri Lanka in promoting a political model that pairs autocratic government with a market-oriented economy in defiance of the Western liberal democratic model. CICA was formed in 1992 at the initiative of Kazakhstan but has been little more than a discussion forum. Other members include U.S. allies such as Israel, Mongolia and Uzbekistan. Japan, seen by Beijing as a strategic rival, is an observer. The group is unlikely to produce a real security alliance, said Ross Babbage, chairman of Australia’s Kokoda Foundation, a security think tank. “Alliances are not based on a piece of paper. They’re the result of real trust and interaction,” he said. “There may be some agreements ahead, but in reality, I don’t see an alliance emerging.” However, Babbage said Putin’s presence at the meeting was significant for China-Russia relations at a time when both are diplomatically isolated — Russia over Ukraine and China over its territorial disputes and U.S. accusations of cyberspying. Both Putin and Xi are grappling with economic and political challenges and being assertive abroad can help build nationalist support at home, Babbage said. “There’s an interesting synergy from shared circumstances, with large parts of the world lining up against them and expressing strong concerns over their behavior,” he said. China is embroiled in conflicts with Japan over the East China Sea and with Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries over conflicting claims to portions of the South China Sea.
International Prince Charles ‘Compares Putin To LONDON - Prince Charles Charles, the future king, is due Hitler’ has compared the recent actions to meet with Putin in France on of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine to those of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in World War II, media reports said yesterday. Marienne Ferguson, a 78year-old who fled the Nazis aged 13 and lost family members in the Holocaust, said the heir to the throne made the controversial remark during a tour of a museum in Canada. “I had finished showing him the exhibit and talked with him about my own family background and how I came to Canada,” Ferguson told Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper. “The prince then said: ‘And now Putin is doing just about the same as Hitler’. “I must say that I agree with him and am sure a lot of people do. “I was very surprised that he made the comment as I know they (the royal family) aren’t meant to say these things, but it was very heartfelt and honest.” The remark made headlines around the world, and Russian media said it threatened to
further “complicate” relations between Britain and Moscow. The prince’s office, Clarence House, said in a statement: “We do not comment on private conversations. “But we would like to stress that the Prince of Wales would not seek to make a public political statement during a private conversation.” Ferguson gave a similar account of the conversation to the BBC, saying: “He (Charles) made the remark that now Putin is doing some of the same things that Hitler was doing.” They met as the royal conducted a tour of the Canadian Museum of Immigration in Halifax, Nova Scotia, as part of a four-day trip to Canada with his wife Camilla. Ferguson told the BBC that it was “just a little remark, I didn’t think it was going to make such a big uproar”. Members of the royal family by convention do not comment on political affairs, and Queen Elizabeth II, Charles’ mother, has made a virtue of keeping her own counsel.
June 6 as part of the commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of D-Day. There was no immediate official reaction in Moscow. But popular daily Moskovsky Komsomolets wrote on its website that the remarks “risk triggering an international scandal and complicate the already clouded relations between Great Britain and Russia.” It said the timing of the remarks was “badly chosen” ahead of the D-Day anniversary events, which will also be attended by the queen. The prince’s comments echo those reportedly made by former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton in March, and reflect Western frustration with Russia over Ukraine. Russia’s annexation of Crimea in March set off the worst diplomatic crisis in the West’s relations with Moscow since the end of the Cold War. It has been followed by uprisings and fighting in eastern Ukraine that have raised concerns of a civil war erupting on Europe’s doorstep
China Sentences 39 On Terrorism BEIJING China criminally detained, the Charges yesterday sentenced 39 Legal Daily said.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with the representatives from Crimean Tatar communities in Sochi recently.
MOSCOW - Russian troops that took part in military exercises in three provinces bordering Ukraine have dismantled equipment and are moving to train stations and airfields for return to their permanent bases, the Defense Ministry said yesterday. The Kremlin said on Monday that Putin had told
Russian Troops Preparing To Leave Ukraine Border his defense chief to order troops back to their bases after drills in the Rostov, Belgorod and Bryansk regions, but NATO and the United States say they have seen no signs of a withdrawal. A ministry statement said the units in question had spent 24 hours dismantling
people to jail terms of up to video and audio recordings Violence has plagued the 15 years on terrorism charges, they see as spreading resource-rich region for as authorities crack down on extremist religious ideology years. Exile groups and rights the restive far western region or inciting violence. advocates say China’s own of Xinjiang, hit by a recent repressive policies in the As many as 232 people string of knife and bomb were caught in that region have sowed the seeds attacks blamed on Islamist crackdown, with 71 of them of unrest. separatists. The suspects, who had ethnic Uighur names, were sentenced in a rare mass public event. They were accused of crimes ranging from inciting violence and distributing recordings with extremist content to illegally making firearms and promoting ethnic hatred, the Legal Daily newspaper, run by the ruling Chinese Communist Party, said. “All those who dare to challenge the power of the state or the lives of the people, will be severely punished in accordance with the law without lenience,” the paper quoted a judge of Xinjiang’s high court criminal tribunal as Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in the courtroom for his trial at the Police Academy in Cairo,. saying. Three people were killed and 79 others injured in an take the reins of power. CAIRO - An Egyptian years in jail on the same attack on a railway station in Mubarak has been under the city of Urumqi, in court yesterday sentenced charges. week. house arrest at a military Xinjiang, late in May. In ousted president Hosni The court fined Mubarak The verdict may please hospital since August March, 29 were killed and Mubarak to three years in and his sons 21.197 million some Egyptians who lived pending ret` 143 more were injured at a prison on charges of Egyptian pounds ($2.98 through three decades of train station in the stealing public funds. million) and ordered them autocracy under Mubarak, southwestern city of “The court orders to repay about 125 million but analysts say that Kunming. Mohamed Hosni Mubarak businessmen still loyal to China has blamed both to be sent to jail for three Egyptian pounds of funds the court said they had him are still influential. crimes on Islamist separatists years,” said judge Osama stolen. Rights groups say that from Xinjiang. Shaheen as Mubarak Mubarak’s former abusive practices of the Courts and public security Mubarak regime are alive bodies in Xinjiang, among looked on from a cage intelligence chief, Abdel other government agencies, flanked by his sons, who Fattah al-Sisi, is poised to and well as another former have vowed to crack down on were sentenced to four be elected president next military man prepares to
Egyptian Court Jails Ousted Leader Mubarak 3 Years
field camps, packing and preparing military vehicles and were now “moving toward train stations and airfields” to return to their bases, RIA news agency reported. The Defense Ministry confirmed it had issued the statement, but did not say how many troops would leave the border provinces. A substantial withdrawal could ease tensions before Sunday’s presidential election in Ukraine. NATO has said Russia had amassed some 40,000 troops near the border, adding to tension between Moscow and the West over upheaval in Ukraine and Russia’s annexation of its Crimea region. Relations have hit a post-Cold War low. Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said on Tuesday that Washington had seen very small unit movements to and from the border area but would like to see the “departure of significant numbers of troops back to their home bases”. “President Putin said he’s ordered them back to their home bases, which to us means a wholesale withdrawal of all the forces that are readied on the Ukrainian border. We have not seen that yet,” Kirby told reporters.
MEN arouse yourselves at last. The fruit of every thought will return to you, here or there and you have to taste of it. No one can escape this reality. Face the facts bodly. You thereby, make it easy for yourselves, for here progress is quicker (Abdrushin).
and is freed from it. But hardly is this debt settled than already the next one in some form or other presents itself to him, requesting as it were also, to be settled. Thus, one by one, the fetters that restricted him were bound to weight him down are burst. He feels so
Make a start, but realize that all old debts must be settled. Do not expect blessings to rain down upon you immediately, as many fools do. Perhaps some of you still have a long chain to expiate. But he, who despairs on that account only harms himself, because, it cannot be spared and remitted for him. Through hesitation, he only makes everything more difficult for himself, perhaps for a long time impossible. This should spur him on not to delay another hour, for he only begins to like when he takes the first step. Happy is he, who plucks up the courage to do so for link by link, he will be released. He can rush a head with giant strides, jubilantly and gratefully overcoming also, the last obstacle for he becomes free. The stones that his previous wrong-doing had heaped up before him like a wall, inevitably barring his advancement will be carefully laid out before him, so that, he may recognize and surround him as soon as he has evidences of his good will (Abdru-shin). With tender forbearance, the way will be made easy for him as a child’s first step aided by its mother. Should there be things in his former life that were silent source of apprehension to him and which he would rather let sleep forever, quite unexpectedly, he will be placed directly before them. He must decide, he must act in a sticking way, he is urged to do so through the enchainment. Abd-ru-shin the author of grail message says if he then ventures to take the first step, trusting in the victory of the good volition, the fateful knot is severed, he passes through
light and the feeling of lightness which some of you have surely experienced at one time or another is no illusion, but the effect of reality. The spirit thus, freed from pressure, becomes, light and in accordance with its lightness, it now belongs. And so, it must rise steadily upwards towards the longed for light and the evil volition presses the spirit down and makes it heavy, whereas, a good volition uplifts it. For this too, Jesus has already shown us the simple way for deep truth lies in the simple words. “Love thy neighbour as thyself”. With these words, he gave the key to freedom and ascent. Because, it is an irrefutable fact. Abd-ru-shin admonishes us that what we do for our neighbour, we in reality only for ourselves, solely for ourselves since, according to the eternal laws, everything returns to us without fail, good or evil, either already here or there, it will surely come. Thus, you are shown the simplest of ways in which this step to the good volition is to be understood. The admonition is: you should give to your neighbour with your being, your nature, not necessarily with money and goods, for then, t hose without means would be excluded from the possibility of giving. And in this being, in this giving your self in relation with your neighbour, in the consideration and respect, you voluntarily offer him, lies the “Love” of which Jesus speaks, it also lies, the help you give to your neighbour, because, it enable him to change himself or ascend further and because, he gains strength from it.
The returning radiation Abd-ru-shin says however, will quickly uplift you in their reciprocal action. You will receive continually new strength through them. With a soaring flight, you will then be able to strive towards the light. Poor fools are they, who can still ask: “What do I gain
from your enervating sleep. Let the awakening come at last. Away with the intoxication that beings the paralyzing delusion that redemption through the saviour has become a letter of safe conduct, enabling you to
Man And Nature With O.C. MADU 08056379608
Reward And Punishment For Man by giving up so many old habits and changing myself”. The moment a man begins
spend your whole life in careless elfishness, provided that in the end you embrace
to exert his good volition, he also, marks the end of his obligation to make atonement, which he must fulfill and can never escape. In this respect, no one else can take his place. Thus, with this resolution, the end of the enforced atonement is in sight of such great value is this that all the treasures of this world cannot out weigh it. He thus, struggles free from the chains that fetter him. Which he is constantly forging for himself. Therefore, rouse yourselves
the faith, turn back and depart this earth believing in the saviour and his work. Fools to expect such miserable detective piece work from God head. That indeed would mean cultivating evil. Therefore, remember this and free yourselves. Only that which does not conform to the laws of creation Abd-ru-shin says can have an unnatural effect, just such things. Through creation, God also, speaks and clearly shows his will. To recognize this will is the duty of man. And son of
“Through creation, God also, speaks and clearly shows his will. To recognize this will is the duty of man. And son of God in His Holy Word showed the right way to do so. Because, men had made no effort toward it and had thus, entangled themselves more and more in the self acting laws of creation.”
God in His Holy Word showed the right way to do so. Because, men had made no effort toward it and had thus, entangled themselves more and more in the self acting laws of creation. Reward and punishment for
knowledge. It is dogging that is to blame for a great number of those who, in their antagonise, seek to overstep the mark altogether, very often against the certainty living within them. The hour is not far
man lie in the weaving of creation. Which is perpetually and unswervingly guided by the will of God itself. In it lies rejection or redemption. It is relentless and just, always impartial, never arbitrary. In it lies the indescribable greatness of God, his love and justice that is in his work which he made over to man and to many other beings, as a dwelling place and a home. Abd-ru-shin says that the time has now come for men to acquire the knowledge of it, so that, with complete conviction they will come to the recognition of God’s activity which is expressed in his work. Then, every earthman will stand quite unshakeable here on earth filled with the most joyful eagerness to work, most gratefully looking up to God because recognition links him for all time through the
distant, however, when spiritual awakening will come, when the works of the redeemer will be rightly interpreted and his great work of redemption rightly grasped, for Christ brought redemption from the darkness by pointing out the way to the truth, by showing man the part to the luminous height. And with his blood shed on the cross he set the seal to his conviction. Truth has never yet been different from what it was even then and is today and still will be ten of thousands of years hence, for it is eternal. Only the heeding and recognising of the lawfulness in creation and its application to earth-life, brings about genuine progress, ensuring not only earthly benefit but above all spiritual values. Therefore, learn to know the laws contain in great book of the entire creation.
Eto’o Aims Another Dig At SAMUEL Eto’o has level. I will continue to Mourinho again hit out at his play the Champions detractors - notably Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho - over his age. In an interview with the Confederation of African Football website, the 33year-old Cameroon striker made reference to Mourinho as a “puppet” after previously describing his boss as a “fool” in comments which are almost certain to signal his departure from Stamford Bridge. Eto’o, who won the Champions League under Mourinho while at Inter Milan, said on cafonline.com: “Contrary to what a puppet says about my age, I am still physically fit. “At 33, I feel real good. I have proven that I could do better than youths.” Mourinho was caught on camera making unguarded comments suggesting Eto’o was older than his official age earlier this season. Eto’o, who scored 12 times for the Blues, celebrated his next goal by acting like a geriatric and
repeated his aim is to continue playing at the top level in Europe. “And I wish to also say that I am not going to the United States or to the Middle East,” said Eto’o, who is out of contract at Chelsea following a season-long deal after leaving Anzhi Makhachkala. “I will continue at the top
League. “My romance with this competition is far from over. “I will not tell you where, but I will be at the top level. “I am 33 and I have two World Cups to play. “Before me there are other players who went on until the age of 41. So I can continue.”
Samuel Eto’o
MANCHESTER City remain keen to keep James Milner despite the midfielder’s wish to leave in order to play more regular first-team football, a source told ESPN FC. Milner, who has been linked with Arsenal, has a year left on his current contract at the Etihad Stadium and could leave on a free transfer in 2015 if no new deal is agreed and City do not sell the England international. But the Premier League champions’ preference is for the versatile 28-year-old to stay at the club he joined from Aston Villa for 26 million pounds in 2010. Milner has become more important to City after their Champions League squad was reduced to 21 for next season after UEFA found them guilty of breaching financial fair play rules. Goalkeeper Joe Hart, leftback Gael Clichy and Milner are the only three regulars in Manuel Pellegrini’s current squad who qualify as homegrown players and City’s current plans are to sign three more foreigners, in Eliaquim Mangala, Fernando and Bacary Sagna. But while the out-ofcontract defender Joleon Lescott is certain to leave and two other English players, Jack Rodwell and Micah Richards, could move on because of a lack of opportunities, City believe
West Ham Want ‘More Entertainment’
SAM Allardyce’s brand of football will never be ‘the West Ham way’ and fans are “disappointed” he will be manager at the start of next season, says the editor of a prominent Hammers fanzine. The club announced on entertainment next season.” Tuesday Allardyce will remain as Allardyce has agreed to hire a manager but that he must accept new attacking coach and has a handful of “improvements”, been told by joint chairmen including a commitment to a David Gold and David Sullivan more positive style of play. to aim for “at least a top-10 A statement released by the finish” - but sceptical supporters club said: “After listening to remain unconvinced. feedback from supporters, the “Gold and Sullivan are talking board have insisted on about ‘the West Ham Way’ but improvements to the set-up of the the more you look at it the more playing and backroom staff to it seems the Allardyce way is ensure the team provides more never going to be ‘the West Ham
Sam Allardyce
Way’,” said David Blackmore, editor of The Blowing Bubbles Fanzine. “There is certainly a lot of disappointment and a feeling the fans haven’t been listened to. “A lot of fans are absorbing it and making notes on what has been promised so that when it doesn’t materialise at the start of the season they can call the board out on it.” He added: “At the moment we don’t have the types of players to be entertaining so I don’t see much changing. “Having a squad that is going to be fit is going to make a difference but I doubt it will be long past October or November before fans start voicing their concerns again.” West Ham’s prospects last season were damaged by a number of injuries to key players, including club-record signing Andy Carroll. Allardyce will have “considerable funds” available to strengthen his squad this summer but the board will have more influence over which players are brought in. Sullivan and Gold said: “We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership.
“Although not everybody understands the ‘West Ham way’, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the club.” Allardyce guided the club to promotion from the Championship at the first attempt in 2012 and secured a 10th-place finish in the team’s first year back in the Premier League. The Hammers failed to progress last season, however, and spent the majority of the campaign fighting off the threat of relegation. Three wins over rivals Tottenham and a 13th-place finish in the table did little to appease disillusioned supporters, who complained about the team’s defensive style of play. In March, the home fans at Upton Park booed at the final whistle even after the Hammers had beaten Hull 2-1, to which Allardyce responded by cupping his ears in disbelief. Maintaining status in the Premier League remains the club’s priority, especially given the significant financial implications of moving to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
Man City Hoping To Keep James Milner Milner represents a different case. While he only made 12 league starts this season, and Pellegrini has proved reluctant to select him
in the centre of midfield, Milner has featured frequently throughout his four years at the club, making 152 appearances.
James Milner
Podolski’s Cologne Return On Hold LUKAS Podolski has reiterated that his future could lie at his former club Cologne when his contract runs out in 2016. Podolski has been open about his desire to return to his hometown club Cologne for the latter part of his career. The 29-year-old has been linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium this summer, but Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has insisted he is part of his plans. “You might think it but these players are not necessarily open to a move,” Wenger said about Podolski’s and Thomas Vermaelen’s futures at Arsenal. “We have only two players who are out of contract — [Lukasz] Fabianski and [Bacary] Sagna. All the rest need to have our agreement and they haven’t got it yet.” Speaking to the media at a PR event in Cologne’s Muengersdorfer Stadion, Podolski reiterated he would like to return to his former side.
Lukas Podolski
“I am under contract at Arsenal for another two years. What will happen then, we will see,” Podolski said. “It would be too early to retire at 31, I want to play for a few more years. “We’ll see if it will be down there on that pitch. Maybe we will all meet again for a news conference in these rooms.” Following two years in the second tier, Cologne won promotion to the top flight this season. Austrian coach Peter Stoeger is focused on ensuring the club become a Bundesliga regular again, and Cologne attacker Patrick Helmes does not believe the current squad needs Podolski. “We have a good team, and a Podolski return is not an issue,” former Germany international Helmes told Sport Bild. “He returned in 2009 [after three years at Bayern], and in retrospect a lot of people have been critical of that. The FC is currently on a good way, and do not need a superior player type like Podolski.”
CMYK
Nothing To Prove In Final GARETH Bale has insisted he did not feel he had anything to prove after completing his record-breaking 86-million-pound move from Tottenham to Real Madrid last summer. recent weeks. Bale’s status as the world’s most expensive footballer ensured he was under the microscope from the moment he set foot in Madrid last summer, yet he has answered his critics with some sparkling displays that included his spectacular winning goal in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona last month. Bale will look to win his first Champions League title in Libson this Saturday, after Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the Welsh winger is fully fit to take on Atletico despite some lingering injury problems in
“I don’t feel I had anything to prove,” Bale said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph. “I always have confidence in my ability and I always try to come through whether it is a good or a bad time. “I think every season from when I first became professional I kept on improving. I felt I was getting better every year and that is the case now.” “I always wanted to be here, but as soon as I came here I felt comfortable straight away. It obviously took me a bit of time to get used to everything but I felt
Gareth Bale
- Gareth Bale
comfortable straight away playing football here with the best players in the world. “I feel I have just come here and purely concentrated on my football and letting my football do the talking. “I am trying to embrace everything. Obviously certain things are a lot harder than others and the language is one, but the food is amazing. It is about embracing everything, taking it on board, taking it into your stride and trying to enjoy the ride.” Bale has suggested “there is a great buzz” around Madrid in the build-up to Real Madrid’s clash with Atletico, with Bale having to pinch himself to confirm he will be a part of Europe’s biggest single club game this weekend. “If someone had told me then that I would be playing in a Champions League final, I probably would not have believed them straight away but that is football for you,” he stated. “Strange things happen. It surprises everybody. I felt the time was right to leave Tottenham and go to Real Madrid for the exact reasons I am experiencing now. As a player you want to come to the best club in the world and you want to win trophies.” Meanwhile, Bale has
Monaco Rule Out Summer Spending Spree
MONACO will not repeat their massive spending spree of last year during the upcoming summer transfer window, the club’s vicepresident has stated. Monaco’s Russian billionaire owner, Dmitri Rybolovlev, has invested nearly 200 million euros of his vast fortune into the club since taking over as majority shareholder in December 2011. That sum includes an estimated 135 million euros spent on bringing in Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho last summer to strengthen a squad that had just secured promotion from Ligue 2. The trio helped repay some of Rybolovlev’s investment by contributing to Monaco’s second-placed finish behind champions Paris Saint-
Germain last season, sealing a return to the Champions League for the 2004 finalists. Despite immediate qualification for the group stage, however, Rybolovlev’s right-hand man, Vadim Vasilyev, told media the constraints imposed by UEFA’s financial fair play regulations mean last year’s radical overhaul of the squad will not be repeated. “Yes, the money set aside for transfers will be less significant. That’s not a great bit of news as I already said that last year,” Vasilyev said. “We’re in the stabilisation phase. We still need to develop, but financial fair play, particularly with the announcement of the punishments, underlines the fact that we have to work
harder than before to generate more revenue with the development of sponsors. We also need more people to come to the Stade Louis II. All of that is very important for our future.” Monaco’s return to the Champions League was not enough to keep coach Claudio Ranieri in his job at the Stade Louis II, however, with the club announcing on Tuesday that the Italian would be leaving his post. Sporting Lisbon coach Leonardo Jardim is favourite to take over. It was reported in France last week that Jardim, 39, had finalised a two-year deal at a meeting with Vasilyev in Lisbon with Monaco paying between three and five million euros in compensation to Sporting.
suggested that qualifying for the World Cup finals with Wales would be just big an achievement in his career as winning next Saturday’s Champions League final against Atletico Madrid. Bale concedes success with Wales is a long-term ambition he is determined to pursue, as he suggested it can run in tandem with his flourishing club career in an interview with Sky Sports. “For any footballer, they would love to play at the World Cup finals and it is obviously a massive goal of mine and of the whole team and something we are trying to achieve soon,” stated Bale. “Every player wants to win trophies and for me that is the first thing I want to do, and to be able to qualify and play in the World Cup. Realistically, I do not think Wales would win it but it would be great just to be there to experience it and create history for our country.”
HAMBURG only avoided relegation to the German second tier after an awaygoals victory over Greuther Furth in last week’s Bundesliga play-off, with skipper Van der Vaart one of many players struggling to find form throughout the season. The 31-year-old came in for criticism from some sections of the club’s support during the campaign, and has been linked with a switch to Besiktas. However, Van der Vaart has no intention of leaving the Imtech Arena, instead setting his sights on an improved showing next term - both individually and collectively. “Of course, I’ve played really bad football in the last few months,” he told Bild. “It’s obvious that they (the fans) doubted me. I would love to prove it (his ability) in the Hamburg shirt. “I think we all, players, staff and fans have heard and felt the loud shot across the bow. The entire club must now make the right
Van Der Vaart Keen On Hamburg Stay decisions. “I would like to be at my club, Hamburg, in the coming season. I love this club and would like to stay. “I haven’t spoken with anyone from this club (Besiktas). “Besiktas has been in contact with my agent in Holland, but I do not know if they have made an offer.”
Van Der Vaart
Atletico Have ‘Unique Opportunity’ Says Simeone
A draw with Barcelona last weekend ensured Atletico lifted the Liga title for the first time since 1996, but rather than celebrate their achievements, Simeone’s men must focus on Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final. Their opponents in Lisbon will be city rivals Real, who are going in search of a historic 10th title in Europe’s elite club competition. Atletico’s transformation under Simeone has been impressive with the Europa League and Copa del Rey already won since he took over in 2011, but this season the head coach has guided them to a new level. Victory over Real would see them lift their first Champions League title and the 44-year-old wants them to make history. “We built this up gradually,” he told Perform. “This was a growth and the best thing a team can experience. “If we stick with this base, humility, work and conviction that no one is more important than anybody within the team, if we keep going in the same direction
with the same determination of building a competitive team then we will be ready to keep growing the way we have until today. “We still have a long week ahead to prepare for a unique opportunity. I really hope my guys play and get ready according to what the team needs. “Feeling the necessities, the determination and interpreting the game they are about to play.” Atletico have only won one of their four meetings with
Diego Simeone
Real this season but Simeone remains confident that his side will get the job done. “We need to search and find the most convenient game for us in order to strengthen our virtues and avoiding uncomfortable situations Real Madrid could pose us,” he added. “So this will lead into a good week of work that could take us to find how to strengthen the game situations we want so we can take the game to our side.
2014 FIFA World Cup Count-Down
England Can Surprise In Brazil DAVID Beckham has hailed Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad selection and believes that England can make an impact in Brazil this summer. Three Lions boss who won 115 caps, believes Hodgson has selected a Hodgson has got his blend youthful party for the right and is hopeful that his tournament with the likes countrymen can cause some of Southampton duo Adam upsets. “I think it’s a really good Lallana and Luke Shaw, selection. I think Roy has Everton’s Ross Barkley and Liverpool’s Raheem done really well since he’s Sterling complimenting come in as the manager of old heads like skipper England,” he told Sky Sports Steven Gerrard and News. “It’s a great job to Chelsea stalwart Frank have but it’s a tough job. “You’ve got players that Lampard. are playing at the top of their England kick off in game and I think what he’s Group D against Italy on June 14 with little done is pick players that are expectation on their at the top of their game. “They’re young players, shoulders but Beckham,
- Beckham
they’ve had great seasons. People have been saying it for years about players coming in to a big competition like this - it’s not about that anymore. “These young players have been playing in the biggest league in the world this season and quite a few
seasons so there’s no players that are going to go on to this stage and be affected by it because you’ve got players that are playing, week in and week out, against some of the best players in the world and in the biggest league in the world and for some of the biggest clubs in the
world. “You’ve got players like that that are well respected by the young players and that the young players will want to play for. “So I think that we can cause a few upsets and a few surprises but obviously we have a tough group but there is no reason why we can’t go really far in this competition. “You’re coming up
Lahm Sets Sight On World GERMANY captain Cup Glory Philipp Lahm has told Bild he will go all out for glory this summer in what could be his final World Cup. Lahm was part of the Germany sides that were eliminated at the semifinal stage in 2006 and 2010 and, as he will be 34 by the time of the next tournament, he believes this may be his last opportunity to lift the trophy. “That’s why I want to use this chance,” the Bayern Munich star said. “I don’t want to get eliminated in the semifinals again or to just travel to Brazil to enjoy the sun. I have a clear goal, and that is certainly the greatest possible success — the
Philip Lahm
World Cup trophy.” Lahm feels there is a determination among the players to end their long wait for the world title. “The team spirit will grow,” Lahm, who has over 100 caps, said. “The greed for the trophy is already there. The team has enough clout to win the title. We just need to keep one thing in mind: Every player must put their talent and ego at the service of the team. In Brazil, we need heart and passion.” It remains unclear as to whether Loew plans to use Lahm as a defensive midfielder, having operated in that position for Bayern this season, or at left-back. In any case, he stressed that Germany must improve defensively if they are to succeed. “Most of all, we need to work on our defence,” he said ahead of the start of the team’s World Cup preparations. “We have conceded a lot of goals recently, and allowed too many chances. We need to take heed of how the defence has to line up, and also, further up the field, how we attack [the opponent] up front.”
David Beckham
Lionel Messi Hopes For Turn Around LIONEL Messi, the world’s highest paid player, arrived home on Tuesday, saying he was not having his best moment, but hopeful to turn things around with Argentina for the World Cup. Messi, who on Monday signed an improved contract with Barcelona through June of 2018 worth a reported 20
million euros ($27 million) per season, again echoed comments he made via a Chinese social media site that 2013-14 had not been his best season. “I have arrived with the national team and I am flipping the switch. Many times it was the opposite, I would go to Barcelona and
finished second to Argentina in the South American qualifying group, damaged knee ligaments playing for Monaco in a French Cup tie in January. The final decision on whether or not he will go to the finals, Colombia’s first in 16 years, will be made by June 2, the date when the team’s Argentine coach Jose Pekerman has to name his 23-man squad, FCF sources said.
Pekerman included Falcao, nicknamed “Tigre”, in his provisional 30-man squad last week. Colombia, who travel to Argentina next week, will play warm-up friendlies against Senegal on May 31 and Jordan on June 6 in Buenos Aires, Pekerman’s home city, before travelling to Brazil. They face Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan, in that order, in Group C at the tournament starting on June 12.
Colombia To Decide On Falcao
COLOMBIA to make last-minute Falcao World Cup decision That ended rumours
Radamel Falcao
that the striker was set to travel to Bogota to announce that he would not be going to Brazil, having failed to fully recover from knee ligament surgery. “Radamel Falcao Garcia will join his team-mates in Buenos Aires. At present, the forward is continuing with his physical work at his club Monaco,” the FCF said. The 28-year-old, who scored nine goals in 13 matches as Colombia
against a great team, the Italians, they always perform well in World Cups. They’ve got great players and a great history but that can be a good thing for us. “We always perform well against the big teams and it doesn’t get much bigger than this.” England’s opener against Italy is to be contested in Manaus and Hodgson has openly expressed his concern over playing at a venue where humidity can reach upwards of 80 per cent. But Beckham travelled to three World Cups with England as a player, as well as being part of Fabio Capello’s staff in 2010, and has few concerns about preparation “Roy and his staff, they’re going to have all the lads prepared as much as possible,” he said. “The preparation for World Cups for England teams is always top class, they’re always looked after on every level and that won’t be any different for this World Cup. “The humidity and the heat is obviously going to be a factor but you can only prepare enough for those first games and they’ll do well.”
play well, this time we hope the reverse is true,” he told reporters at Ezeiza airport. “When I get together on the pitch with my friends (on the national team) it is going to be a different story.” The four-time Ballon d’Or winner said he was not the only Barcelona player to struggle this season. “It wasn’t one of my best years,” he said. “I would have liked to have seen a different finish, but it was a little bit of a struggle for the entire team.” Regarding his new contract, Messi said the Barcelona club “is my home, but the day they no longer want me, I will go. But my home will always be Barcelona. “I love the club very much. If there are people who doubt that and want me to go, I don’t have a problem,” he continued. “Sometimes on the pitch you hear comments, I already said, I don’t have a problem.” Messi’s previous deal,
which contained a 250 million euro release clause, was due to end in June 2018. Those details reportedly remain unchanged, but Spanish media reports have claimed he will receive a pay rise from 13 million euros to around 20 million euros ($27 million) net a season. The Argentina international is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, having netted 354 times in 425 appearances for Barcelona. Argentina debuts at the World Cup on June 15 vs. Bosnia in a Group F that also includes Iran and Nigeria.
Lionel Messi
150 Academies Vie For Honour In FCT Unity Cup Competition
Super Falcons
2014 AWC Qualifiers
Super Falcons Ready For Rwanda
EDWIN Okon, the head coach of the Super Falcons, on Tuesday said the team was ready to face their Rwandese counterparts in the 2014 African Women Championship (AWC) qualifying matches. spiritual support,’’ he said. Okon said this in an interview Okon, who is also the coach of Rivers Angels women football with newsmen in Abuja, after the club of Port Harcourt, explained national senior women football team’s last training session his reasons for mixing new players with old ones. before their departure to “We have to mix the old ones Rwanda. The team is preparing for their with the young ones so as to make them learn, because from two-leg AWC qualifiers against my experience about other Rwanda. The coach said the players had national teams, they mix up the younger and older players. responded well to instructions at “This is to enable the older trainings. “The girls are okay and we are ones impart the knowledge they have to the new ones,’’ he said. good to go. They are ready for The captain of the team, the game because their attitude towards training has been very Evelyn Nwabuoku, told NAN that the team would go to sound. Rwanda to achieve an outright “Now I shout less, because they now know what to do. We win. “With determination and hard also thank God that we don’t work, I am sure we will come out have any injury worries. “They (the players) are trying victorious. All I want is for my teammates to just score goals and their best and we will keep on not be wasteful,’’ Nwabuoku correcting them, until they get to the level we want. But, right said. Another player, Desire now, we are ready to face Oparanozie, who plays for Rwanda,’’ he said. Okon said he was also happy Atasehir Belediyespor in Turkey, said the Falcons would not as the presence of only two out disappoint Nigerians in securing of the eight invited foreignbased players would make the victory. “I want to assure Nigerians that difference in the team. we are not going to Rwanda to “To me, the players I have here come back without victory. are the foreign-based. Even “Since I arrived (at the team’s though I invited eight players camp from Turkey), we have and only two were able to come, been doing well, making sure that but all players here are foreignwe put everything in order and based as far as I am concerned. do all what we need to do to come “They will give me the result out victorious. I want, and I want to urge “We are not going to Nigerians to pray for the team. disappoint, although this is a new “This is because, while we Super Falcons. But since I came will do our part physically and in, I have seen a lot of technically, we also want
determination in the new girls. “So, I am sure that with what the coaches have taught us, we will be successful,’’ Oparanozie said. The former under-20 women team player said the team’s strength was in its midfield and attack, and assured that it would give them an advantage over their Rwanda counterparts. “We have our strength in the midfield and the attack as well, even though I am not writing the defence off as they are also good.
“But I think it is the duty of the midfielders and the attackers to finish up the game and make sure that the team come out victorious, and this is what we are going to do,” Oparanozie said. The team left for Kigali in Rwanda yesterday, May 21 for the qualifiers’ first leg game scheduled for Saturday, May 24. The return leg game will be played in Nigeria two weeks later.
NO fewer than 150 academies will compete in this year’s Concepts Sports Academy (COSA) football competition scheduled to take place in Abuja between May 22 and June 10. Marcel Ezenwoye, the Proprietor of the academy, told newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday that the competition was aimed at empowering the Nigerian youth and discouraging them from acts of violence. He said the competition, tagged Unity Cup, whose grand finale would take place at the National Stadium, Abuja, on June 10, was open to players between the ages of 14 and 24. “COSA unity cup competition is for schools in FCT. Currently the schools are having exams and they’re quite busy so what we have done is to transfer it to our presidential programme. “So what we are doing currently is Concept Sports Unity Cup competition which is for people from ages 14, 15 to 24; they are the grassroots people in different parts of FCT and even beyond. “It’s a way of encouraging the youth to begin to think about sports as an alternative way of earning income especially the idle ones; engaging them to be useful, to use their strength to become more peaceful and more loving. “So, we want to use it to capture the youth, train them on morals, ethics and values of the society,’’ Ezenwoye said. Ezenwoye said that no fewer than 600 students were currently undergoing training at the academy’s two campuses in Ekwulobia, Anambra. He said that talents discovered during the competition would be transferred to leading clubs in Europe, Asia, U.S., Romania or United Arab Emirates, for further development. “I realised that in oversees, what they call football academy is usually associated with schools. Members of academy
AYG: NTF Not Expecting Much From Sani Ndanusa, the President of Players - Ndanusa the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), on Tuesday said the federation did not have high expectations from its players participating in the Africa Youths Games (AYG). Ndanusa told newsmen in Abuja shortly after he addressed the four-man tennis contingent who departed the country on Tuesday for the competition .
Sani Ndanusa
Nigeria is being represented by two players and two officials at the AYG which is scheduled to hold from May 22 to May 31 in Botswana. Ndanusa said the National Sports Commission (NSC) approval of two players to participate in the singles events was a challenge for the team. He said that most times, Nigeria performed very well in the doubles events, noting that with the number of athletes, there was no chances for participation in the doubles. “The challenge that we have now is on the size of the athletes that we are going with, which we have to manage properly. “Playing in the doubles event is part of the areas we need to look at, but of course we are not expecting much from them.
“The team we are sending consists of only one boy and one girl, with no chances of doubles. “You know doubles most times is where we expect something from and there is so much pressure on them to really win the singles or nothing. “That is the challenge we are having,” Ndanusa said. He said that they had worked on the psyche of the players and had gone through intensive training, but expressed the hope that something positive would come out of the competition. “We have psyched them very well and they have also trained hard, so, we hope something big can come out of it. “It’s really tough with the number, so, we don’t have high expectations because of the circumstances,”
are normally from age six to 14 years. “But here are some elderly people who want to trim down on Sundays call themselves academy. “The people who are in different sectors of the economy, behind churches and the open field, they call themselves academy; that is not the concept of academies oversees. “Academy as it is in Brazil and some of these countries where football has become a big culture, it starts from nursery, primary, secondary schools. “Once you get out of secondary school, you are no longer considered under academy, you are something else. ‘So, my idea is to re-establish the same kind of college here where you play football full time and then you study full time. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that winners of the competition will go home with cash prize of N300,000, while other participants will get consolation prizes. Certificate of participation will be issued to participating academies.
C’Wealth Games
NOA Raises Alarm
THE Nigerian Olympic Association (NOA), on Tuesday warned that late release of funds could derail Team Nigeria’s preparation for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The association’s President, Henry Amike, told newsmen in Lagos that funds ought to have been released for preparations towards the games. “It is very disheartening that Mr President himself approved the funding way back in February; for both football and the rest of the sports. “When the money was released it was only that of football that was released. “So, to us we don’t understand, maybe they want to scrap the other sports, let us know so that we can go and everybody can be a footballer. “Because if the bulk of the money is for football, and the one that is for the other sports about six seven sports has not been released, you don’t know the problem. “All sports should be treated alike. That’s what we are fighting for.’’ The Glasgow Games is scheduled to hold from July 23 to Aug.3 in Scotland.
CMYK
Beware: Third-Term
Agents Around THESE politicians may, after all, not be as smart as they pretend to be. Some of them are daft or simply hard of hearing. How else does anyone explain a situation where they keep doing the same old thing in the same old way and be expecting different outcomes? To the fairly informed ones, it has since become clear that these Conferences, by whatever name called, which are set up midstream in the life of an administration are mere euphemisms for seekers of tenure elongation. Midway in his administration, General Olusegun Obasanjo assembled a group of friends to do the hatchet man’s job that collapsed half way, but not before billions of the tax payers’ Naira had been sunk into it. From the very beginning, President Goodluck Jonathan knew what he wanted: he was not going to contend with five short years - one year inherited from Late Musa Yar’Adua and four years ostensibly won by him. The ink on his inauguration papers had hardly dried when he forwarded a Bill to the National Assembly suggesting the obnoxious idea of single seven-year tenure. For as long as the idea for the sevenyear tenure did not fly, they kept reducing subsequent request Bills by one year until they got stuck at five years. Yet, the
National Assembly could not pull it through. So, let there be a Conference. That explains why he quickly assembled 492 Nigerians, a few highly respectable and others not too honourable, to, as it were, work from the
Osung, representing the S o u t h - S o u t h geopolitical zone has just hit the nail on the head. This member of the Committee on Public Finance and Revenue; Chairman, Nigeria Election Monitoring Group during the
President Goodluck Jonathan
answer to the question. The silent message was to go there and find ways and means of extending the life span of the administration. This must be coated with other more attractive ideas in order not to expose the real thing. Plus, of course, it was another job for the boys. That’s where we are now. All that has been going on at the Jonathan Conference could be mere preamble to the real issue. A senior delegate to the Conference, Chief Okon
infamous June 12 1993 elections; and former National Vice President of the NUJ, has called on the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to postpone the proposed 2015 general elections by at least 18 months. Hear him: “With the present Nigeria’s National history and the insecurity [sic] challenges with Boko Haram engaging in massive killings of persons and wanton destruction of property in some parts of the country
as well as cases of kidnapping, holding election February next year is no longer feasible as it has become imperative for National Assembly politico-administrative moratorium”. In Osung’s reckoning, “If the current security crises are not properly managed before the holding of elections, there would be deadlock, which could lead to the possibility of military intervention”. So naïve was the man that he did not introduce the main mandate of the Conference on the floor of the Conference. Rather, he chose to put together a few journalists to launch his “manifesto”. Meanwhile, he has already set an agenda for his cotravelers to hap on. Clearly, Jonathan wants the job but he does not want to do the work. A man cannot give what he does not have. Even if you give Jonathan 18 years more as President, things can only change for the worse. Osung has just left us with fewer answers than questions. Such a man should have let his audience know exactly when his “insecurity challenges” will come to an end. In his naivety, Osung failed to inform his audience that seeking to extend the tenure of incumbents is not a constitution-making issue and, therefore, outside the mandate of the Conference. That’s where the National Assembly steps in. But if there are inadequacies in the current instrument that need amendment, delegates at the Conference should seek straightforward ways of effecting such amendments without trying to pass through
the back door. We wonder if the Osungs of the Conference have ever looked at the provisions of Section 305 of our 1999 Constitution, which deal extensively with the procedure for declaring a state of emergency, particularly in the face of “insecurity challenges”. While Section 305 aforementioned talks of a state of emergency of six months at a time, Osung should be seen now trying to convince his colleagues at the Conference to amend this clause to 18 months at a time, with his principal in view. That’s a civilized way to go. Perhaps unwittingly, Osung may be endearing the military to the minds of Nigerians who will soon begin to ask what differences there are between this drab administration and the conditions under a direct military rule. For one thing, most of the people running around in government today are of the same military stock. Or, is it the khaki that makes the difference? For another, there are things, which only the military can do. Under the military, you could go to bed one
evening in State ‘A’ and wake up the following morning in State ‘B’ – a State had been created for you during the night! In a civilian administration such efforts would be consumed by endless debates. And if we really fear the military intervention like plague, why don’t we behave? We have forever been celebrating the flag-off of the Second Niger Bridge, which we are told is about 1.5 kilometers long. Without the necessity for futile flag-off ceremonies, General Ibrahim Babangida built a 12 kilometer dual carriage bridge across the Lagos Lagoon. And no military administration would have given Ndigbo a toll bridge – a bridge whose criminally over-bloated cost they must pay, with the envisaged traffic jams! Government is about human need, the satisfaction of which is the sole justification for government. Why don’t we remind the Osungs that there is not royal road to geometry and that it is not always too smart to be smart?
Tomorrow On this Page
For as long as the idea for the seven-year tenure did not fly, they kept reducing subsequent request Bills by one year until they got stuck at five years. Yet, the National Assembly could not pull it through.
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