Nigerian observer 23 08 2013 by Nigerian Observer

THE NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

cmyk

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

TRIBUTE Page 13

Adieu Sir Ambrose Omizegba KSJI The Great!

• Vol . 38 NO.300 • FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 20 13 • N100.00

Sir Omizegba begins journey to final Romans respectively. resting place In his homily, the

By THOMPSON ERHOMONSELE/INNOCENT OMOAKA/OBIANUJU UNACHUKWU

BENIN CITY- It was a large gathering of dignitaries as the funeral of Late Sir Ambrose

Isimeme Omizegba commenced with a vigil mass at his residence in Benin City yesterday. At the vigil, Austin and

CULTURE Page 19

Plenipotence Angels in culture

Parish Priest of St Paul Catholic Church Airport Road, Benin City, Rev Fr. Paul Enow paid tribute to late Sir Continues on page 2

MDG: FG releases N26bn to 250 By JOSES SEDE

ART AND

Emmanuel, sons of the deceased took the first and second Bible reading from the book of Wisdom and

ABUJA - Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Dr. Precious Gbeneol, has announced Federal Government resolve to release N25 billion to develop 250 local government areas in the country. In a statement issued C o m m u n i c a t i o n s yesterday by Mr. Consultant to the office in Desmond Utomwen, the Abuja, the effort was Media and aimed at fast-tracking the

57,085 farmers benefit from support scheme

achievement of the MDGs in Nigeria ahead of the 2015 deadline. It further stated that the fund would be used to develop the areas, adding that each of them would receive N100 million; and that the funds would be released through Conditional Grants Scheme (CGS) programme. Also, the efforts would

LGAs enhance development through the provision of essential services such as water, healthcare services, education and poverty reduction. According to the

statement, the initiative has scaled-up MDGs investment and policy attention towards priority sectors and improved service delivery. “The CGS intergovernmental collaboration has yielded positive results within the last three years. About 5,000 water projects have been

provided across 113 local government areas, including 1,536 ventilated and improved VIP latrines in the water and sanitation sector,” the statement added. Meanwhile, the MDGs had successfully constructed and equipped 1,305 health facilities and trained 2,610 village health workers

- Commissioner

By DOROTHY EGBEBAMWONYI IGUOBAZUWA - Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, has disclosed that about 57,085 farmers have benefited from the Growth Enhancement

Support scheme (GES) since its inception in the state. Commissioner Oroh made the disclosure during the inauguration of the 2013 Cassava and Cocoa GES in the state. The occasion had in attendance, farmers, agro-

Continues on page 2

Expand platform of dialogue, SSG urges Oil Producing Communities By QUEENNETH OROBEDO

BENIN CITY- Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere has urged host communities of Nigeria producing Oil and Gas, Edo State chapter to expand the platform of mutual dialogue. Speaking yesterday when representatives of the group visited him in government house, he asserted that any community that wants to develop must look beyond primordial sentiments. Expressing state government concern over the plight of oil and gas producing communities, Prof. Ihonvbere said the present administration amongst other interventions recently absorbed some person in these communities in the state employment scheme and other

political appointment. The SSG who urged the people of the oil and gas producing communities to expand the platform for mutual dialogue to achieve the desired results posited that the governor is irrevocably committed to the transformation of the entire state. “Government is not doing anything to side track your interests. There are interventions that can still be made to promote growth and development and improve the lives of people”, he said. Spokesperson for the oil and gas producing

communities, Deacon Friday Osazuwa, who spoke on behalf of the state Chairman, Dr. Sam Igbineweka, appealed to the state government to give more opportunities to the communities to fully benefit from their natural endowment. State Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil Continues on page 2

By ADAM OYIBOKE BENIN CITYConference of Non-

Governmental Organisations (CONGO’S) Edo State

BENIN CITY- The Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Orientation. Mr. Louis Odion has commended

the conflict resolution mechanism by the Benin Traditional Council. He said that the Ministry was aware that most conflicts

within and between communities which would have resulted in serious crisis, were resolved by the palace

VISIT: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State presents a souvenir to Mr. Jude Obasanmi, President Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations (CONGOS), Edo State and the Vice President, Mrs. Dorothy Okpoli during a visit to the Governor, yesterday.

Employment: Group forwards

Database to SEEFOR has completed and forwarded a data base of about 1,000 employable

Youths of the state Origin to SEEFOR State Coordinator, Mr. Taiwo Akerele for jobs placement. Comrade Jude Obasanmi, President of CONGO’s disclosed this during a courtesy visit to through Benin Traditional the state Governor, method. Comrade Adams The Commissioner who Oshiomhole, yesterday was represented by the in Government House, Continues on page 2 Benin City.

Information commissioner lauds Traditional Council

Comrade Obasanmi said the state government should collaborate and partner with SEEFOR to ensure that youths of Edo State origin who are qualified get the jobs. Comrade Jude Obasanmi, while congratulating the state governor on his victory in the last gubernatorial poll Continues on page 2

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

News

Sir Omizegba begins journey to final Prison boss visits Oba By RAYMOND OSOGBE Continued from page 1 Manager of the Company’s resting place Erediauwa football team. BENIN CITY – The Ambrose Omizegba and urged Christians to live a good life in Jesus Christ worthy of emulation in order earn salvation and eternal life. While consoling members of the bereaved family, the catholic Priest advised friends and well-wishers to pray for them. The children later took part in the prayers of the faithful during the vigil mass which climaxed with the administration of Holy Communion to communicants by the officiating Priest. Among personalities present at the mass were members of the order of Knights of St John International, the first set of students of Immaculate Conception College (ICC) to which Sir Omizegba belonged, managements and staff of Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL) led by the General Manager, Pastor Monday Aigbe, Parishioners of St Paul and St Augustine Catholic Churches in the Benin City,

friends and well-wishers. Late Omizegba was a one time News Editor of The

NIGERIANS OBSERVER, newspapers, Chief SubEditor and also a team

He was also chairman of the Catholic Media Workers, Observer chapter.

Continued from page 1 and G as, Hon. Orobosa Omo –Ojo said the state government was doing everything to ensure that oil wells in Edo State wrongly ceded to neighbouring states are reclaimed for the common good of the citizenry. Similarly, a delegation of Petroleum Marketers in Owan East and West Local Government Areas led by Mr. Igbarumah James were guests of the SSG, who came to formally complain of alleged harassment and extortion by some persons who claimed to be members of the state petroleum monitoring team and appealed for government’s intervention. Prof. Ihonvbere said the government official alleged

to be behind the unwholesome act will be cautioned. He revealed that boards will be constituted in a matter of weeks and that members of the petroleum monitoring committee will be monitored, properly identified and made to perform according to law. The SSG equally announced that the state government has signed

several Memorandum of Understanding with various investors towards enhancing the economic fortunes of the state, which he noted must not be disrupted under any guise. State Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil and Gas, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo said the present administration is driven by reputation and will not tolerate any form of oppression.

Continued from page 1

the General Manager, Tree Crop Unit of the Ministry, Mr. Amos Erhabor, the Director, Agric Services, Mr. M.I. Aimegie, the Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Wellington Omoragbon represented by Mrs. Vera Okotu, stressed the importance of farmers registration. They disclosed that the subsidized inputs were for only farmers who have been captured in the GES and therefore urged those who have not been registered to do so as it was still on-going.

Expand platform of dialogue

57,085 farmers benefit from support scheme dealers, Help-Line staff, staff of the federal and state Ministries of Agriculture, traditional rulers and security personels. Hon. Oroh said the GES is essentially a scheme designed to provide support for small holder farmers in five man focal crops which are rice, maize, cassava, oil palm and cocoa as well as livestock and fisheries, He stressed that the tremendous contribution of the state government to the success of the GES in the state demonstrates government resolve to resuscitate the agricultural sector and also to put the state in its pride of place in food production. The commissioner who commended the Ovia SouthWest Local Government authority for its promise to pay for 300 bags of cocoa fertilizer to be distributed to farmers in the area, emphasised that the event was held in the local government area not only because it is major cocoa and cassava producing area in the state, but for the recognition of the authority’s consistent support for agriculture. He therefore enjoined all farmers to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the scheme to register in the National Farmers Database which is the only pre-requisite for benefiting from it. The commissioner maintained that a body, comprised of security personel and local officials would be set up to monitor the sales of fertilizers to farmers in the area and report to the ministry weekly. Chairman, Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Mr. Morrison Ogunrobo Ovia commended the commissioner for his show of interested in the agricultural activities in the area, saying it has culminated in the choice of the area for the sighting siting of a cassavita plant. In their respective remarks,

Group forwards Database to SEEFOR said civil society groups have Continued from page 1

carried out series of advocacy programmes aimed at promoting government/ people relationship in the state. He commended government policies and programmes geared towards alleviating the suffering of the masses to include infrastractural development and given people in the state greater sense of belonging. Responding, Comrade Oshiomhole appreciated CONGOS for the visit and all the interventional advocacy carried out by the groups. He described CONGOS as a National parliament where activities of government are being monitored. “All of us are in government; we need constantly to be reminded of source of power, and the fact that power actually belongs to the people and because the people as individuals may have no voice, they have feelings, experience difficulties or joy

as a result of government action or inaction, you need NGO’s to mirror that as forcefully as possible”, he said. While explaining the rationale behind the ban on motorcycles in the state, Comrade Oshiomhole appreciated the patience of the people and pleaded to purchase 100 buses to support and cushion the effects of the ban on bike men who are indigenes of Edo State. The state governor in appreciation of the efforts of Non-Governmental Organisation in the state donates two Hilus Buses, one for CONGOS and the other for the physically challenged persons. He said the buses would ease the movement of the CONGOS in the monitoring of government projects in the state as well as enhance movement of the disables from one place to another.

favourable disposition of the Benin Royal Monarch, Oba Erediauwa to alternative dispute resolution resonated yesterday as Edo State new prisons controller visited the Oba’s palace, Benin City. The prison boss, Effiong Enotan lauded the Monarch for his untiring disposition to resolving conflicts through alternate means. This, he said goes a long way to assisting in prisoned congestion. Effiong told the monarch that the Edo State prison command has only one serviceable vehicle that conveys inmates round 52 courts of competent jurisdiction in the state. He called on all relevant

stakeholders to assist in providing adequate logistics for the prison, survive, to enable it operate optimally. He also solicited and obtained the royal father’s blessing just as he paid gratitude to the Oba for all the assistance he had rendered to the prison services so far. Also yesterday, members of the newly constituted council of the Ambrose Alli University led by its chairman, Prof Greg Akenzua accompanied by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Blessing Agbebaku visited the Benin Monarch. Prof. Akenzua solicited and obtained royal blessings for members of the newly constituted council just as he highlighted the challenges facing the university to the Oba.

By FUMI BABATOPE

law is against the selling of babies and used the opportunity to advised couples who are interested in adopting children to come straight to the ministry and follow due process and necessary procedures for the adoption rather than going through the orphanage as the activities of all orphanages are under the supervision of her ministry. She also appealed to owners of orphanages to desist from illegal adoption of children, but they should direct any couple who is interested in adopting a child to come to the ministry so that due process will be followed. In her response, the proprietress of My Mummy Orphanage, Rev. (Mrs.) Lato Osayi Bara expressed gratitude to the state government and the commissioner for reopening her orphanage home for normal services, adding that her detractors will not stop her from rendering her humanitarian services.

EDSG re-opens Orphanage BENIN CITY – Edo State Commissioner For Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Blessing Maigida has formally announced the re-opening of “my Mummy Orphanage, Benin City, which was closed down by her Ministry, April this year over an alleged sale of baby. Hon. Maigida, while making the announcement yesterday in Benin City explained that the reopening of the orphanage became necessary following the thorough investigation carried out by the committee set up by her ministry headed by her, adding that, after the investigation, the findings proved that there was no trace of baby sale by the proprietress of the orphanage, Rev. (Mrs.) Lato Osayi Bara. According to the commissioner, the state child Rights

Information commissioner lauds Traditional Council

Continued from page 1

Director, Department of Community Development, Honorary Amb. Femi Okuo made the remarks when he paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, Mr. Frank Irabor recently to discuss how to resolve the numerous conflicts and crises in Benin land over the registration of Community Development Associations. According to the Hon. Commissioner, Government has responsibility to protect lives and properties and therefore would not fold its alms and watch restive youths causing crisis in the communities through thuggery and organised destruction, lamenting that valuable lives and properties had been lost through communal crises. The Hon. commissioner disclosed that the main cause of conflict and crisis in the communities within Benin zone was that the youths in most communities had hijacked the traditional instrument of and allotment, using CDA as cover. He further explained that

the 1999 Federal Government guidelines on the formation and registration of CDA did not transfer community landed resources to members of CDA, regretting that some thugs and miscreants, were using CDA to disrupt the traditional method of land come allocation by Elders and community leaders for selfish ends. He told the secretary that the guideline for the formation and registration of CDAs was very clear and that there is nothing in it that talked of sales or community land, promising that his ministry was already making consultations with relevant authorities to review the guidelines on CDA. After all, he said, we are operating a federal system of government and states have a right to formulate policies in line with their peculiarities. According to the Hon. commissioner he decided to visit the Secretary. Benin traditional council to learn more about the traditional

method of conflict resolution and to rub minds with the scribe on possible ways of collaboration with the palace in conflict resolution in order to prevent crisis that could lead to loss of lives and properties in the state. Responding, the secretary, Benin Traditional Council, commended the high sense of responsibility of the Hon. commissioner, saying that his visit marked the first time a top government official has come to the Palace to express concern over the trends of crisis across Benin land especially with regard to the activities of CDAs. While thanking him for the genuine interest he has for Benin people, he said that the palace was aware of the efficacy and dedication with which his Ministry carry-out community work, commending him for thorough investigation before certificate of CDAs are issued by his Ministry. The Secretary, Mr. Irabor, disclosed that the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Uku Akpolokpolor had been very much worried and disturbed over the crisis in Benin land such that sometime

ago. he invited three commissioners in the state cabinet and discussed the issue of community crisis in the land with them and mandated them to look into the matter and find solution to the issues but they could not do it before the Exco was dissolved. According to him, some of the community conflict and crisis had been decided on by the palace, while others were still being looked into but that the palace decisions might not have been executed accordingly in some cases. One major cause of crisis in Benin Kingdom zone is that the CDAs executives use the government registration certificate to hijack the sales of community land from traditional authorities and elders in charge of communities. According to him, majority of people have the wrong notion that if a person want to buy land, it is the chairman of the CDA he should go to in order to purchase one. And

most CDA chairmen usually sell land to such a person without reference to the traditional authority. He suggested that the general public needs enlightenment and sensitization in order to correct this wrong notion. He also suggested that the Ministry should make it clear that possession of CDA certificate does not entitled the Community Development Association Exco to sell communal land. He concluded by advising the State Government to set up a high powered committee made up of Community Development practitioners, prominent Chiefs and legal experts to fashion out an acceptable guidelines for the formation, registration and operation of CDA in the State, which should be passed into law by the House of Assembly so that offenders could be sanctioned. Once again, he expressed appreciation to the Director, acknowledging him as an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner in community conflict resolution, promising to convey his message to the Benin Monarch.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Jesus Breeds Ministries Int’l Inc National Convention 2013 In Pix The National Convention 2013 of Jesus Breeds Ministries Int’l Inc held last week at the Church’s auditorium, along Osayi Street, Off Ewah Road, Benin City.

President of Jesus Breeds Ministries, Bishop (Dr) Eddy Omoruyi-Okundaye ® and one of the guest preachers, Bishop Sunday Ikiedemhe from Ibadan.

Rev. (Dr) Philemon Okolie, guest speaker, (2nd left), his wife, (1st left); Pastor Julius Imade, (3rd left) and Rev. R.N. Okundaye.

Pastor Monday Aigbe, being anointed after he was appointed as the GeneralSecretary of the Church, by Bishop Omoruyi – Okundaye and other ministers.

Newly ordained deaconesses during the occasion.

R – L, Rev. (Mrs) R.N. Okundaye; Pastor Julius Imade; Pastor Prince Emmanuel; guest preacher from Benue State and Senior leader A.I. Osayande.

Jubilee Voices (Choir) entertaining during the convention.

Brother Emmanuel Osarobo Edokpolor, Brother Kingsley Osahenrumwen Evbenaye, and Sister Patience Iranmwiran Obaseki being ordained as Pastors.

L- R, Pastor Anthonia Ogbeifun; Pastor Sylvester Mughele and Senior Elder Osayande.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Inside Edo

3 Oil Firms Hold Advisory

BENIN CITY- United Geophysical Nigeria Limited (UGNL), Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) and PAN OCEAN Oil Corporation have held a project Adversary Committee (PAC) meeting on Joint Venture 178 Operation Mining License (OML) 98 4D prospect seismic operations. The meeting is the sixth in the series to be held by the companies for their 17 host communities, most of which are in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State. Welcoming stakeholders, including representatives of the host communities, the Community Affairs Manager of UGNL for JV178 OML 98 4D seismic operations, Mr. Alex Osuofia reiterated that the operation, which is divided into six stages, had achieved 80 percent completion of the second stage. He stressed that it is currently on the fourth stage where very small charges of energy source would be exploded in the deep meter holes drilled with adequate precautionary measures taken. He assured that community Assisted projects would be carried out in the host communities including grading of roads impacted during the seismic survey

while temporary obstructions caused by the seismic party would be removed after work is finished in line with restoration policy. The chairman of the meeting and Enogie of Ukhiri Dukedom, HRH, (Amb) Godwin Aigbe, a chief Superintendent of police (CSP) and the Assistant Party

Chief, James Umoru, a staff of IDSL urged the host communities to be cooperative, peaceful as well as eschew equipment vandalism and obstruction of operations, adding that on the long run, the communities would enjoy the benefits. At an interactive session moderated by the facilitator

of the PAC meeting, Mr. Imide Israel, the operation community Affairs

P4P Peace Camp Holds August 26-30

BENIN CITY-As part of efforts to sustain peace and tranquility in the Niger Delta region partners for peace (P4P), a project of the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND),is to organize a peace camp between August 26 and 30, 2013 The one-week event will hold at The Adolescent Project (TAP) Center, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The peace camp will feature workshops, discussion sections

and knowledge sharing opportunities. It would also feature the formal launch of partners for peace Network on August 28, 2013. Partners for peace Network aimed at providing the platform for individuals, businesses, civil society and communities to work together to advance their cause of livelihood free of violence and conflict. It is expected that after the

peace camp, partners for peace network members would organise themselves into chapters and clubs that would contribute to early warning incident reporting, collaboration on solutions to conflict and as well continue to raise awareness about the benfits of peace. Executive Director, PIND, Mr. Sam Daibo, speaking on the essence of P4P in the Niger Delta, described conflict as a key constraint to sustainable

responded to issues raised by representatives of the host communities.

seminar was born out of the need to further enhance the participants knowledge in time management”. This she said has become imperative as most officers lack the relevant techniques to efficiently and effectively manage their time for maximum productivity. Princess Inneh who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Establishments, Mr. Alfred Omorogbe Olaye disclosed that the seminar was jointly organized by the office of the Head of Service and Brawny Nigeria Limited “ The Edo state Head Service Princess (Mrs.) Ekiuwa Inneh has posited that the actualization of government policies and programmes would be a mirage without a versatile, competent and virile public service. She stated further that the training of officers in the various cadres in recent times is geared towards rebranding the civil service,

saying that the training and retraining of such categories of workers in the state service is one of the cardinal programmes of Governor Adams Oshiomohole’s led administration to impact on the Civil Servants. Mrs. Flora Inneh of BRAWNY Nig. Ltd on her part, stated that the theme of the semmar, “time management” was very apt and timely as it would assist participants to efficiently arrange their time to meet their targets. The Guest Lecturer, Mrs. Iriagbonse Inyang emphasized that no one can manage time as one can only manage oneself, adding that as humans acquire new skills in time management they gain control of their lives. Mrs. Inyang submitted that inefficiency in the work place could be reduced by planning and prioritizing as well as making use of technological tools. Participants at the seminer were drawn from Ministries and Parastatals.

By ANDY EGBON

disposition constituted a palace panel of Chiefs headed by chief K. O. Obaseki, the Oronba of Benin Kingdom to consider the boundary dispute it stated that the report and recommendations of the panel were accepted by the Oba of Benin in Council with the accepted boundary as the kolanut and Ikhinwin trees as identified by the two communities. “The Odionwere of Ugbor is advised to desist from anything or act capable of causing disaffection between the two peace loving communities of Amagba and Ugbor.” “The Amagba community would remain law abiding as we would not take laws into our hands, while we hold on to the first palace judgment of 2011”. “We urge owners of the property in the boundary to remain calm in order not to cause further crisis in the area”, it stated.

HOS Identifies Criteria For Actualising Service stated that the Govt Policy

BENIN CITY - She disclosed this at a one day seminar organized by the sate government for its officers. Addressing participants at the seminar the Head of

Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr Pius Odubu, his wife Deaconess Endurance (left) and the President, Benin forum Chief David Edebiri delivering an address during a cocktail party organised for elected political office holders in Edo South Senatorial District PHOTO: MOSES OBOH

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR

Managers. Mr. Peter Edomwonyi, (IDSL) and Mr. Alex Osuofia (UGNL)

development, as it removes the stability in the environment that is necessary for the progress of any community. He noted that PIND’S approach is to recognise community leaders, farmers and other business owners as key stakeholders in their communities in the quest to ensure peace, so that people’s livelihood are not disrupted. On his part, the project manager,P4P, Mr. Colins Imoh observed that conflict rob farmers and business people of their P4P Network would help provide workable community based solutions to conflict that could be replicated in conflictprone areas throughout the country.

Amagba Community Debunks Crisis Rumour BENIN CITY - THE People of Amagba community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo state, have, debunked the insinuation of fresh communal crisis between Amagba and neighbouring Ugbor community, saying that the boundary dispute between it and Ugbor community, had since been settled by the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Eerediauwa. A statement signed by the Counsel to Amagba community, Barr. Osayomwabor, urged the people of the communityies to disregard the purported announcement credited to the Odionwere of Ugbor village, which tends to create the impression that a new boundary between Amagba and Ugbor communities have been created. The statement noted that, “the Oba of Benin has in his fatherly

Nat’l Museum To Organise Art Programme By OYENMWEN OMOROGBE

Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr Pius Egberanmwen Odubu (3rd right), Chief of Staff, Government House, Benin City, Hon Patrick Obahiagbon (2nd right), wife of the Deputy Governor, Deaconess Endurance, State Head of Service, princess Ekiuwa Inneh (middle), her husband, Divisional Police Officer, Oba Market Police Division, Mrs Betty Otimenyin and retired Customary Court President, Justice Aluyi at a cocktail party organised by Benin forum to honour elected political office holders in Edo South Senatorial District PHOTO: MOSES OBOH

BENIN CITY-The Museum Education Unit, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, National Museum will run an open art programmes in Benin City for children of ages 6 to 18 years and above. This was containted in a statament signed by Chief

Museum Education Officer, Mr. Brnjamin Aiyamekhue Okpevbo. That The progranne shall hold during holidays, beginning form August 26 to September 6, 2013 every Saturday of the month. It is meat to develop the protentiats of youths. According to the statement, the programmes of events

Include painting, Drawing, Batik, Tie and dye, pottery making film shows, Nigerian games, choreography, and excursion. Admission into the programmes which is to hold between 9am noon each mouth is free. The statement therefore called on all interested persons to register without delay.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

South South Delta Augments Teachers’ Salaries With N7.2bn ASABA - Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, Delta Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, has said that the state government spends

N7.2 billion annually to augment primary school teachers’ salaries. The commissioner gave the figure in Asaba while presenting

the mid-term report of his ministry. He said the figure represented about N600 million monthly augmentation of the teachers’

salaries by the state government. Muoboghare said though it was the responsibility of the local governments to pay teachers salaries, the state

Wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Deaconess Endurance Odubu delivering an address at a senimar organised in Benin City by the Agency for Adult and Non-formal eudcation of the State Ministry of Basic Education. PHOTO: SOLOMON ENAIGBE

government decided to augment it, to promote industrial harmony. He also said that the state government had fully implemented the payment of the 27.5 per cent Teachers Salary Scale (TSS). “Government has also implemented the 15 per cent allowances for special education teachers in the state and has effected regular payments of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) counterpart funding up to date,” he said. He said that Delta

Government’s commitment to education in the state was absolute, adding that the ministry got N59.6 billion this year for capital projects. The commissioner said that the state was also paying attention to special education in line with the National Policy on Education. “Eight Special Needs Learning Centres have been established for children of primary school age across the state. “The centres have a population of 758 children made up of 424 males and 334 females,” he said.

ASABA - Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta has approved N1.3 billion for the construction of 10 roads on both sides of Asaba-Benin Expressway in Asaba. The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chike Ogeah, announced this when he briefed newsmen in Asaba. He said the governor gave the approval at the State Executive Council Meeting of August 16. He added that 25 per cent of the contract sum had been released to the contractors.

Ogeah also said the governor approvred N1.6 billion for the construction of access roads to the new Government Hospital from Okpanam Road to Anwai Road. He explained that a majority of the approvals followed the request of the Ministry of Works. Ogeah said the approvals also included the rehabilitation of Asaba-Okpanam road for the sum of N1.4 billion. He disclosed that the government had given approval for the dualisation of Okumagba Avenue - Deco Road in Warri at a reviewed contract sum of N2.8 billion from N1.7 billion. “The request by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for the construction of four feed mills in the state has been approved for N150 million, in addition to the N399.4 million earlier approved. “Governor also approved the review of payment of salaries of teaching and non-teaching staff of Delta Steel Company (DSC) Technical High School, Ovwian, as requested by the Ministry of Education’’, Ogeah said.

... Approves N1.3bn Road Contracts

Navy Kills Suspected Pirates, Recovers Hijacked Oil Vessel YENAGOA - The Central Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy has confirmed the killing of 12 suspected pirates during a rescue operation of a hijacked oil vessel. It was learnt in Yenagoa that the vessel was recovered along the Forcados axis of the Delta waterways in the Niger Delta. The recovered vessel identified as MT Norte, was carrying 17,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and was hijacked by suspected pirates in the Gulf of Guinea in this month. The Flag Officer Commanding the command, Rear Adm. SidiAli Hassan, said that the Navy alerted NNS Andoni and NNS Ikot Abasi on receiving the report of the hijacking. The navy said that six gun boats and NN vessels were deployed in the rescue operation. “Eight NN vessels were used in the pursuit of the hijacked MT Norte with 16 suspected pirates on board. “The participating ships eventually shadowed the hijacked vessel and forced her back into Nigerian waters. “An agreed drop point was reached but the suspected militants refused to disembark as earlier agreed, obviously playing for time and darkness to set in. “They finally agreed to disembark from MT Norte at 2045 hours on 17th of August, 2013 on condition that only one naval vessel would remain within the vicinity of the MT Norte.”

“A total of 16 militants disembarked from the MT Norte, instead of 20 earlier claimed to be on board. “The captain also confirmed that no other militant was left on board and no crew member from MT Norte was taken hostage,” Hassan said He explained further that after disembarking from the ship, the pirates tried to escape through the coastline. According to him, the naval formation in Badagry pursued the boat as the pirates engaged the NNSt Badagry in a gun battle. “The gun battle lasted for

about 30 minutes after which they were overpowered by the NN gunboat. “Four of the militants were alive and unhurt while the rest of the pirates were killed in the cross fire. “The four survivors, their belongings and three AK 47 rifles were recovered and brought on board NNS Badagry Base,” he said. Hassan said the survivors who were currently detained at the NNS Delta had made confession, which is helping the navy in its investigation. He said that the bodies of the pirates killed could not be

recovered as their boat sank because of the damage to their boat in the course of the gun duel. Hassan applauded the coordinated nature of the response by various participating

units and commands of the Nigerian Navy in the operation. He said that the Maritime Patrol Aircraft from the Nigerian Air Force supported the operation, keeping the hijacked vessel under constant watch.

HIV/AIDS: Rivers Adopts Measures To Eliminate Mother To Child Transmission PORT HARCOURT - The Rivers Commissioner for Health, Dr Sampson Parker, has said that the state was developing a strategy to eliminate transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child during birth. Parker made the disclosure in

Port Harcourt at a workshop on the Development of Elimination of Mother to Child HIV Transmission, (E-MTCT) Work plan. He said that Nigeria alone bore 30 per cent of global gap in

A cross section of participants at a seminar organised in Benin City by the Agency for Adult and Non-formal Education of the State Ministry of Basic Education. PHOTO: SOLOMON ENAIGBE

the delivery of Preventing Mother to Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT) services. He noted that Rivers was among the 12 high prevalent states in the country. The commissioner noted that prevention services was affordable, simple and acceptable intervention service, adding that it had proven effective in interrupting the transmission of the virus to the child. “However, efficiency in the delivery of this service requires careful and concerted planning as well as viable commitment of stakeholders and enormous financial resources.” He said that current access to this service in both the state and the country had not been satisfactory. “Mothers are still not accessing this service, in spite of the awareness of this virus that affects their innocent babies. “Scientific models have shown that countries that have increased access to the service have also reduced the prevalence of the disease and elimination of the virus is a clear possibility.”

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

South-West Ekiti Tasks FG On Federal ADO-EKITI - Ekiti State Afuye, who cited some Projects Government has urged the projects that had either

L-R: Former Head of State, Gen Muhammadu Buhari; Interim National Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, at an APC leaders meeting in Abuja on Wednesday

Federal Government to always involve host states in establishing federal projects, for proper monitoring and evaluation. The state Commissioner for Integration and InterGovernmental Affairs, Mr. Funminiyi Afuye, told newsmen that such projects would be better executed and well monitored, if states were carried along from the on set. He said that Federal Government-financed

L-R: Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi; former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau; former Military Administrator of Lagos, Gen Buba Marwa; Interim National Auditor, All Professives Congress (APC), Sir Olisaemeka Akamukali and former Governor of Edo, Chief John Oyegun, at an APC leaders meeting in Abuja on Wednesday

projects in states often failed or were haphazardly executed because host states were not involved at their critical stages. According to the commissioner, a situation whereby a host state would not know contractors, costs, terms of reference and completion period of such projects did not augur well.

Cultural Heritage Community Leader Seeks Govt Support IJEBU - Mr. Ifakayode Oseni, a community leader in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun has advocated for government support to indigenous heritages to preserve cultural values. Oseni made the call in an interview with newsmen at the annual Isese Day festival in Ijebu-Ode. According to him, the Nigerian people’s identity may be lost if more support is not given to protect indigenous value systems that existed before the advent of Western beliefs. He said localised festivals and folk lores, peculiar to

Nigeria, 14 Others Achieve Air Safety

IKEJA - The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has listed Nigeria as one of the 14 countries in Africa that have achieved effective air safety implementation. This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Yakubu Dati, General Manager, Corporate Communications of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in Lagos. Dati said in the statement that the achievement was in line with air safety implementation above the global average of 61 per cent. According to him, the rating is contained in the ICAO 2013 Safety Report, compiled by the organisation’s auditors. “The auditors investigated the compliance with

stipulated International safety standards by individual countries across the world, especially its 200-member countries,” he said. Dati noted that the report lent credence to the Category 1 certification granted Nigeria in 2011 by the

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States. According to him, the granting of the certificate was for meeting stipulated international standards and practices on safety and security.

He added that the certification had made Nigerian aviation sector a world class provider of safe, socio-economic secure and

comfortable air transport sector that is self sustaining and pivotal to socioeconomic growth.

Ogun Assembly Passes Child Rights Bill ABEOKUTA - The Ogun Assembly, passed into law, a bill for the protection, enforcement and advancement of the rights and welfare of the Child in the state. Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Anifowose, said the bill would ensure that the Nigerian child was protected from any form of abuse. She said that if assented to by the governor, the bill would give a child, due recognition in

policies and decision-making process that affects his or her life. She added that it would also provide opportunity to children to live a better life, adding that it would assist them to aspire to the highest level in life. In his remark, the Speaker, Mr. Suraj Adekunbi, said that one of the hallmarks of democracy, was that citizens have the right to be part of the decisions that affected their lives.

“We are encouraging a system of governance and lawmaking that reflects the voices, wishes, interest and concern of the entire population,” he said. The House also passed into law, a bill to amend the Ogun Pension Reform Law, 2006. Chairman, House Committee on Establishments and Public Service Matters, Mr. Samuel Solarin, said the bill would correct abnormalities in the pension law. He said that with the passage

been abandoned or poorly executed due to such lapse, called for immediate review of such error. “There is no state that will not be happy to see Federal Government projects springing up in its territory but a situation whereby you merely read about such in newspapers without a follow-up is not ideal in a democracy.”

of the bill, pension funds deducted from workers salaries, would be given back to workers when they retired. He said the amendment in the contributory pension scheme in the state, would put an end to the era of pensioners dying while queuing to receive their entitlements. The Speaker ordered that the clean copy of the two bills be forwarded to Governor Ibikunle Amosun for his assent.

different regions, could help to boost tourism, with the right attitude by government. “National holidays that are normally declared for celebrations in the Islamic and Christian religions have helped boost their popularity and acceptance just as it is in the Westernised world. “Governments can apply the same cue to our localised festivals, which indigenous communities use as an opportunity to collectively pray for productivity and peace. “By doing this, we will create the platform for our unborn to know who they are and where they belong. “Culture was the tool used by our forefathers to inculcate values and discipline which was effective. “We can not all go Western. There has to be a balance, if not we lose our identity completely,” Oseni said. While calling on government officials to be dedicated in service, Oseni also advised them to always discharge their duties with all honesty to foster rapid economic development. “I am really optimistic and believe there is hope for our nation in the future if we all come together to always do what is right. “I must commend President Goodluck Jonathan and our leaders for the work they have put in so far because it is not all that easy,” he said.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Lagos Man, 34, Jailed 18 Months

The General Manager, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Publishers of The OBSERVER titles, Pastor Monday Aigbe (left) and Assistant General Manager (AGM), Finance, Mrs. Rhoda Akhanolu during the vigil mass yesterday held for late Sir Ambrose Omizegba, former Chief Sub-Editor and one time News Editor of the company at his residence, Oko Central, Benin City. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE

Landlord Docked For Assault

LAGOS - A landlord, Gaius Udah, 59, has appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, charged with unlawfully damaging a tenant’s property worth N750,000. Udah, who resides at No. 2, Fagbola St., Akowonjo in Alimosho Local Government Area, is facing a seven-count charge bordering on threat to life, malicious damage, forceful ejection and conspiracy. Prosecutor Cousin Adams told the court the accused committed the offences sometime between June 24 and June 25 at No. 2, Fagbola St. Akowonjo. He alleged that Udah forcefully ejected a tenant, Mr. Anwana Abasi, from his house, thereby denying him and his

family access to their shop in the apartment. Adams said that the accused also destroyed the projector in the shop and two sign posts worth N155,000. “The dispute between the landlord and his tenant was as a result of non-payment of a controversial PHCN bill by the tenant. The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 44, 52, 166, 170, 270 and 348 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Section 348 says any person who wilfully and unlawfully destroys or damages any property is guilty of an offence and is liable, if no other punishment is provided, to two years imprisonment.

LAGOS - A Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, has sentenced a dispatch rider, Smart Godwin, to 18 months imprisonment with hard labour for the theft of 8000 dollars (N1.2 million) and a motorcycle. The Magistrate, Mrs. S. K. Matepo, who handed down the sentence, said it was without an option of fine after Godwin, 34, pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing. Matepo said she considered the convict’s plea for leniency in passing the sentence but disregarded his claim to have committed the offence because he was HIV positive and needed money to purchase drugs. “Being sick is not an excuse to steal and you shouldn’t use other people’s money to treat yourself because everyone has their own problems and needs”,

Members of the Knight of St. John International (KSJI), a lay apostolic body of the Catholic Church during the Vigil mass yesterday held for late Sir Ambrose Omizegba, a member of the body at his residence, Oko Central, Benin City, while centre is Grand Secretary of the Benin Grand Commandery, Col. D. A.D. Igboin at the occasion. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE.

Fashola Restates Commitment

Manpower Development: IKEJA Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has said his administration would continue to seek ways of improving the skills and competencies of the state’s civil servants. The governor made the pledge while signing into law, a bill re-establishing the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC) in Ikeja. He said that a well-trained and motivated civil service was central to the realisation of the state’s developmental goals. According to Fashola, the PSSDC law is to restructure the centre and strengthen its capacity to offer qualitative training to workers. “This law reflects the value that we place on the development of human capital in the state. It reinforces our team work ethos that it is only a team that wins and not individuals. “It also reinforces our

belief in an action government and strong institutions managed by workers with the right training and right attitude. So we expect that a re-structured and re-energised staff

Mr. Ade Ipaye, State development centre will take and us nearer to those goals. This Attorney-General is our own school of Commissioner for Justice, who noted that the centre was governance, “ he said.

Man, 28, Arraigned For Destruction Of Property

LAGOS - A man, Akeem Amau, was charged with destroying a property valued at N1.5 million at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. The accused, 28, whose address is unknown, is standing trial on a four-count charge of unlawful damage, assault, conspiracy and threat to life. The Prosecutor, Cpl. Innocent Odugbo, alleged that the accused

she said. Godwin, who resides at Ogambo Road, Off Abraham Adesanya Road, Ajah, was charged with stealing the amount and Honda motorcycle, property of his employer, Itex Integrated Service Ltd, Victoria Island, Lagos. The prosecutor, ASP A.C. Orji, had told the court that the convict committed the offence in 2010. “Godwin, while on duty, absconded with $8000 and a Honda motorcycle in 2010. “He was sighted on August 15 in Victoria Island and the police was immediately invited to arrest him”, Orji said. The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 285

committed the offences on March 20 at Mopelufa Village, Ikorodu, Lagos. According to him, the accused unlawfully destroyed an uncompleted building worth N1.5 million property of Aroderufi family. Odugbo said Amau also assaulted the security guard at the building, Ajayi Fatailu. “During the attack, the accused inflicted injuries on the guard,’’

he told the court. The offences, he noted, contravened Sections 56, 171, 348 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty of the offences. In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs. O.O. Fowowe, granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to Sept. 3 for mention.

established in 1994, said new demands had necessitated its restructuring. He explained that the new law attempted to change the centre’s structure with a view to strengthening its operations. Reports say that the new law has reduced the membership of the centre’s

governing council from 17 to 9. It also empowers the centre to run institutes and provide specialised training for workers in partnership with the private sector. The centre will now to have a Registrar, who will also serves as Secretary to the Governing Council, while still retaining the powers of the Director General to perform executive functions.

LAGOS - Mr. Lanre Ajayi of the National Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has called for in-depth coverage of ICTrelated issues by the media. Ajayi, the ATCON’s President, told newsmen in Lagos that adequate coverage of ICT would ensure that the public were well informed on the issues. He said that the ICT industry was moving at a fast pace and that the media was indeed catching up with the pace. Ajayi advised journalists covering the beat to engage themselves in research and update themselves on ICT-

related issues. He said that capacity building would make the journalists on the beat more effective in their coverage. “There is need for ICT reporters to demonstrate their commitment to build strong capacity to inform the public on ICT-related issues. “This will enable them to become more professional in their report on such matters in the industry,” he said. Ajayi also called for the training and re-training of journalists covering the beat to make them more knowledgeable.

Association Seeks Coverage Of ICT Issues

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

News Delta Frontline Politician To Vie In Delta Senatorial Bye-Election By ADAMS OYIBOKE

ASABA - A frontline politician and a political Adviser to Delta Central Senatorial District to the Delta State Government, Olorogun Fred Majemite is to contest in the forth-coming Delta Central Senatorial District by –election. The by-election while comes up later in the year is to fill the vaciun created by the death of Chief Barr. Pius Ewherido who was occupied the position unitilly few months ago. Majenite gave the indication while speaking with journalists in Asaba, Delta state. He said his party, the People Democratic Party (PDP) is already doing everything possible to win the election and all other elections 2015. Barr. Majimite said he has all it takes to represent his constituency in the National Assembly as a grassroot man coupled with the avalanche of political pedigree. According to him, “I am farmilier with the political terrain and my constituency very well; I have gone round the eight Local Government Areas in Urhobo land which formed the Delta Central” “ So, I know what my people want, I know they have been marginalized over the years and

so, I have the capacity, and they are willing to key-in”, he said The National Assembly hopeful also vowed to consolidate on the proposed Bill

• Fred Majemite

on “Corporate Manslanghter” initiated by Late Chief Ewherido. He said the PDP in the state will win the seat as the on-going developmental projects by the Governor of the state Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and the transformation agenda of Mr. President are enough testimonies that PDP is working both in the state and at the national level. On unemployment in his constituency and Nigeria generally Hon. Majemite said unemployment has become a global problem which the Federal government and Dr. Uduaghan are presently tackling at the moment”.

Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (right), in a handshake with Mr. Rygthway Godstates, Chairman, Academic Staff Union, College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi and Agenebode campuses, while being presented with a congratulatory card by the body during a courtesy visit to Government House. Photo: QUEENETH A. OROBEDO

HIV/AIDS: Edo Targets Zero Prevailence

BENIN CITYCommissioner for Health, Edo State, Dr. (Mrs.) Aihanuwa Eregie said the government of Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole is working hard to achieving HIV/AIDS zero prevalence rate in the State. Dr. Eregie disclosed this at Auchi while declaring open a three Day quarterly

review meeting of Strengthening Integrated Delivery of HIV/AIDS project in the State, organized by Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNI) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health. The objective of the

The President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint, Ihogbe Stake, Okeke Romanu (CN) (arrowed) with other members, clearing the premises of the School of the Blind 3rd Ihogbe College, Benin City.

meeting, she said was to review the State Performance on HIV/AID related issues by assessing the targets and achievement of the project, provide specific feedback to stakeholders and as well agree on the steps for the next quarter. Represented by the Director, Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Eboreime Helen, the Commissioner stated that the collaboration between AHNI and Edo state government had existed since 2004, saying that the project has seen more than 20,000 persons counseled and tested for HIV, about 7,000 currently receiving care and 3,000 on antiretroviral treatment. She expressed the state government willingness to collaborate with AHNI to see that all the 34 government owned hospitals are eventually scaled up to provide comprehensive HIV/AIDS services to the

citizens of the State. Dr. Eregie called on all stakeholders in the fight against the spread of HIV/ AIDs to use the platform of the quarterly review meeting to collectively brainstorm and chart a new course for the beginning of the end of the HIV/scourge in the State. On her part, the State Project Manager, AHNI, Dr. Victoria Nor-Ugor said that the meeting would give all

Council Urges Youths To Shun Cultism By DANIEL EDOBOR

IGUOBAZUWA –The Chairman National Youth Council Nigeria (NYCND) Ovia South East Local Government chapter pharmacist Knigsley Igbe urged youths in the area to shun cultism and prepared their minds towards future self sustenance. The pharmacist Igbe

Motorists Cautioned On FRSC Image By JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM

AGBOR – The Agbor unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps,(FRSC), Olusegun Olusola, has appealed to motorists and motorcyclist operating particularly in Ika/ Agbor metropolis to desist from tarnishing the image of the Corps in the metropolis. According to the unit Commander, there was a day his men arrested somebody for not wearing Helmet and driving

with expired particulars. ” According to Mr., Olusola, the man arrested said they should allow him to go because he is a Honourable. “We then asked him continue to look at faces and personalities, how can the law enforcement agent execute their duties. Mr., Olusola said the man went and petitioned, but expressed thanks to God that the booking money was not paid into his account, but to the FRSC’s account.

Mr. Olusola said his men, is poised to flush out any of them caught extorting money from motorist and other members of the public. In the discharge of their duties. The unit commander said that the organization was working hard to restore its integrity in the minds of the motoring public. He said, it would no longer be business as usual, saying that, you have a chance to repent and change your attitudes. because, henceforth anyone

that tarnishes the image of the corps would face the music”. He said he has received reports of unwholesome activities and therefore assured that the FRSC cannot allow that to continue. He said a surveillance team had been put in place to monitor the activities of corps marshals on duty, disclosing that between Jaunary 17-July 17, 2013, total of 747 motorcycles were impounded.

stakeholders the “opportunity to take stock of what has been done, where we are, what we are yet to do and what is needed to be done” while appealing to all participants to be committed to the programme and work together as a team to be able to achieve set goals. Participants numbering over 50 drawn from State, Local Government and Private Health Institutions in Edo State were in attendance.

He assured his corps members that loyalty and dedication to duty would attract timely promotion as the exercise was now based on performance. The unit commander appealed to the state government and oil companies operating in the area to assist the FRSC in the provision of decent office accommodation to enhance service delivery, described the working conditions of staff as deplorable one which has affected their morale.

gave the advice at Iguobazuwa during this year’s youth day celebration. He appreciated the youths for their steadfastness and commitment to the peace and harmomy in the area. He described them as disciplined and patriotic citizens of the locality who hardly identified with vices and other anti-socio activities. While urging them to engage themselves in productive enterprises, the NYCN boss used the occasion to call on well meaning Individuals, groups and organisation to assist youths to be more useful to themselves. He however appreciate the local Government authority for giving youths in the area a greater sense of belonging.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Abuja Parastatals: Jonathan Appoints Boards ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of chairmen and members of the governing boards of 42

Minister Extends Tenure Of Management Company ABUJA - Minister of Sports, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, has approved the extension of the tenure of the League Management Company (LMC). The reports that the LMC was inaugurated on Dec. 27, 2012 to reposition the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), within one year. Abdullahi, who gave the approval in Abuja while receiving a ‘progress of work report’ from the LMC, said that managers of the company deserved the extension to enable them to consolidate on their achievements. He told newsmen that the main objective of inaugurating the committee had almost been accomplished within a short space of time. “We have all seen the work the LMC has done and we are very happy. “It is not written in any law that they (members of the league) should stay for this time; the period they have been given was in view of the assignment that they have. “Now, they have done very well; I believe they will be given an opportunity to continue. “But there are people who believe that we should go back to that era where we will be calling congress and voting, but that era is gone. “Now we have a company; people have to aspire to lead the company; they should apply to be Chief Operating Officer or play a role in the company. “The time the LMC has spent has been spent well and we are confident that it can still achieve more. So, we will give it the opportunity,’’ Abdullahi said. The Minister pointed out that for the league to enjoy the patronage of sponsors, it must be able to consolidate on what it had achieved so far. “If you don’t understand where you are coming from, you will probably not appreciate where you are. “Today, I can say it loud and clear that this is the same league that less than a year ago we were asking clubs to pay the indemnities of referees.”

parastatals and agencies. The appointments are contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim in Abuja. The appointees include Alhaji Ibrahim Buba as chairman of the newsmen while A.J. Turner and Mr. Felix Chukwu are to serve as the Chairmen of Universal Basic Education and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), respectively.

Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu would serve as Chairman of the National Inland Waterways Authority; Mr. Edoh Obi, National Orientation Agency; Mr. Bongos Ikwue, Nigerian Film Corporation and Mr Igwe Ibeneme, National Cereals Research Institute. Similarly, Alhaji Adamu Atta would serve as Chairman of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation; Mr. Brimmo Yusuf, Centre for Black and

ABUJA - The InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered the redeployment of 14 Commissioners of Police to commands and various formations. This is contained in a statement in Abuja by CSP Frank Mba, Deputy Force Public Relations Officer. Four of the commissioners are in charge state commands. They are Lawal Tanko, (Borno); Ibrahim Ahmed, (Zamfara); Hilary Okpara, (Bayelsa), and Maigari Dikko, (Ebonyi). Others are Adebayo Ajileye, Inspectorate; ‘E’ Depatment Force Headquarters, Adeola Adeniji; Border Patrol, Waheed Salau; Airport, Markus Danladi; Commandant, Police College, Maiduguri and Tonye Ebitibituwa, Training, ‘E’ Department, Force Headquarters. Also affected are Hyacinth Dagala, Deputy Commandant, Police Academy, Kano; Lawal

Shehu, Administration ‘E’ Department Force Headquarters; Ibrahim Adamu, Deputy Force Secretary; Abdul Danwawu, Armament and Salisu Abdullai, X Squad. The statement urged the affected commissioners to step up the fight against all forms of criminality in their new commands and formations. It urged them to leverage on the cordial relationship among sister security agencies in their beats to ensure that criminal activities were reduced to the barest minimum. The statement urged the commissioners to ensure that officers and men under their supervision were mindful of the rights of the citizenry. It also urged them to cultivate the trust and confidence of the public in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities. “All postings are with immediate effect,” the statement said.

African Arts and Culture; and Mr. Innocent Nyingirefaka, National Productivity Centre. The statement said that the date for the inauguration of the boards would be announced in due course by supervising authorities and ministers. It added that the membership of each board would include all the statutory ex-officio members, in accordance with the enabling laws of the parastatals and agencies.

IG Redeploys 14 CPs

In another development, the IG ordered six Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and 13 Commissioners of Police from various commands to proceed on a Leadership and Strategic Management Course. The five-day course will take place at the Centre for Management Development, Shangisha, Lagos.

Personal Manager, Abumet Nigeria Ltd, Christopher Awonubi, planting a tree at the inauguration of Nigerian Institute of Architects, Abuja Chapter’s One Million TreesPlanting programme in Abuja recently.

Commission Decries Attack On Aid “A case in point is the Workers ABUJA - Humanitarian bombing of the UN House

workers have been told to always remember their colleagues who died in the course of duty. Hajiya Hadiza Kangiwa, National Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja . Kangiwa, who decried constant harassment and attacks on the workers worldwide, said it was

Nigerian Institute of Architects, Abuja Chapter creating awareness for one million treesplanting programme in Abuja recently.

unfortunate that they were no longer safe anywhere as series of attacks had been launched on them. Kangiwa, who spoke to commemorate the World Humanitarian Day, said: “humanitarian aid workers have become victims of systematic violent attacks. “We must not allow those who died in the course of their duties to be forgotten. We need to continue to train aid workers to continually protect and lend more helping hand’’, she said. Ms Angele DickongueAtangana, who stood in for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to Nigeria, stressed the need to remind the world that humanitarian workers bring relief to distressed persons. Dickongue-Atangana said that humanitarian workers needed to be assisted by all, to lend more helping hand rather than being the target of attacks. “Humanitarian aid workers should be protected and not targeted, yet so many of them have lost their lives in the course of duty.

in Abuja in 2011 and the killing of nine polio immunisation workers in Kano earlier this year. “Today provides an important opportunity to pause and reflect on the acute personal and professional challenges facing many of the aid workers’’, she said. She called on the public to show some understanding to aid workers. Dr Ado Mohammed, the Executive Director, National Healthcare Development Agency, decried the attack on 13 health workers early this year. Mohammed said the agency was collaborating with security agents to ensure the safety of its staff stressing that they would not be deterred from caring for the vulnerable people. He urged Nigerians to join in the fight against incessant attacks on aid workers, adding that “we will be more effective if we give more hand to one another.’’

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Business + Economy Tara-Shonga Irrigation Project To Service Rice, Sugarcane Farms ABUJA - The N3.8 billion Tara-Shonga irrigation project of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Ilorin, would service more than 3,000 hectares of rice and sugarcane farms when completed. The Managing Director of the authority, Engr. Jimoh Afolayan, told newsmen in Abuja that the farms would yield more than 36 million tonnes of rice annually. It would also create jobs for more than 2000 people, he said. the managing director said that the Federal Government’s plan to stop rice importation would come into fruition when its various irrigation projects were completed. Afolayan added that many commercial farmers and rice merchants were already showing interests in the irrigation scheme which, he said would be completed by 2015. He said that the irrigated farmlands would be shared among interested corporate and individual farmers by the authority. The managing director also told newsmen that another 4,000 hectares of irrigated farmlands were being developed by the authority at its Kampe Dam in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi. Afolayan stated that, already 1,000 hectares of the Ejiba gravity irrigated scheme were being actively cultivated by farmers, noting that the project had impacted greatly on the economy of the area. The managing director said that the gravity irrigated scheme was cheaper to run and to maintain since it did not require electricity to function. He said that the nation’s agricultural potentialities were enough to sustain its economy if fully harnessed for food production. Afolayan said that the flood plains in the lower ends of River Niger were enough to produce the nation’s rice needs and even for export if maximally utilised.

Expert Seeks Improved Housing Sector

L-R: Head, Development Financing Officer, Mrs. Georgina Nwakwo; Controller, Awka Prisons, Mr. Columbus Omenuko; Branch Controller, CBN Awka, Mazi Azubuike Okoro; Controller, CBN Enugu Branch, Mr. Patrick Okonkwo and a staff of CBN, Mrs Patricia Ukwu, at the hand-over of CBN renovated prison block in Awka on Wednesday.

Banks Reported 3,380 Fraud Cases - NDIC ABUJA - The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has said that various Money Deposit Banks (MDBs) in the country reported some 3,380 fraud cases in 2012. This is contained in the NDIC’s annual report released in Abuja. “The DMBs reported 3,380 fraud cases involving the sum of N17.97 billion with expected/ contingent loss of about N4.52 billion in 2012. “The expected/contingent loss had increased by N455 million, representing 10.9 per cent as against N4.072 billion reported in 2011. “Notwithstanding the 43.7 per cent increase in the number of reported fraud cases from 2,352 in 2011 to 3,380 in 2012, the amount involved decreased by 36.4 per cent from N28.40 billion in 2011 to N18.04 billion in 2012.’’ The report noted that in terms of level of soundness, 10 banks were rated sound, nine satisfactory and only one was

rated marginal. According to the report, the industry can be considered to be relatively stable in 2012. It noted that there was no unsound bank in the banking industry as at Dec. 31, 2012. On banks’ performance, it said that the banking industry recorded significant improvement in its financial condition and performance in 2012 as revealed by all major financial indicators, compared to the previous year. “For instance, the banking industry’s total assets grew from N21.89 trillion in 2011 to N24.58 trillion in 2012 or 10.91 per cent. “Out of the total industry’s assets of N24.58 trillion, total loans and advances stood at N8.15 trillion, representing over 33 per cent or one-third of total assets. “Of the banking industry total loans, the sum of N4.48 trillion or 54.97 per cent was extended to the real sector of the economy in 2012 as against N3.88 trillion

53.37 per cent and N3.51 trillion 48.95 per cent in 2011 and 2010, respectively.” It noted that that there was a rising trend in the banking industry’s credits to the agricultural sector, which stood at 3.60 per cent of total loans and advances in 2012, compared to 2.15 per cent and 3.11 recorded in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

The report noted that the banking industry was adequately capitalised in the year under review with capital adequacy ratio of 18.07 per cent compared to 17.71 per cent recorded in 2011. “All the DMBs also met the minimum liquidity threshold of 30 per cent, the asset quality significantly improved during the year as the ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans decreased from 4.95 per cent in 2011 to 3.51 per cent in 2012.”

LAGOS - An estate expert, Mr. Kola Akomolede, called for collaboration between the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) to provide mass housing. Akomolede, the Chairman, Faculty of Housing of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, made the call in an interview the newsmen in Lagos. He said that efforts of the institution, over the years, to get the Nigerian Stock Exchange to go into housing had not worked. According to him, the NSE can go into the housing industry by collaborating with REIT since funding is the major problem militating against housing development. Akomolede said that REIT would have been a major source of funds for housing because of the problem confronting mortgage financing in the country. He said that the NSE could be a viable option for housing delivery if the REIT vehicle and other related instruments were properly exploited. Akomolede expressed optimism that pronouncements by CBN on mortgage banks that scaled the recapitalisation exercise, which ended on April 30, would help the sector. It would be recalled that the CBN has directed regional mortgage banks to recapitalise to the tune of N2.5 billion, while a national mortgage bank must have N5 billion.

Customs Intercepts Poultry Products LAGOS - The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), said that it had intercepted a truck fully loaded with smuggled poultry products and frozen fish. Mr. Isa Nuhu, the Custom Area Comptroller of the command, told newsmen in Lagos that it intercepted the truck at 4 p.m. on Saturday on Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Nuhu said that the truck, with

Reg. No. PHC 653XA, was also carrying 10 used tyres. He said that the seizure was made by a six-man team led by Mr. Hinga Philips, a Chief Superintendent of Custom. “The officers were actually acting on a tip off and they were on the trail of the consignment before the interception took place. “This underscores the desperation of smugglers who are bent on circumventing Federal Government’s policy on trade, “ Nuhu said. He said that the Nigerian Customs would continue its plan

to arrest smugglers. The comptroller urged Nigerians to desist from smuggling poultry products, adding that the service had been collaborating with other security agencies to stop the crime. Nuhu commended the effort of the media for disseminating the danger of consuming smuggled poultry product by the public. A truck agent who was arrested with the product, said that he assisted the smugglers to get the truck at Ebute-Metta in Lagos and he wanted to follow it to Ibafo in Ogun before his arrest.

NSE: Market

Capitalisation Drops

A truck that fell into a dish while trying to off-load sand at Kwami bridge o Kwami-Dukku Road in Gombe on Wednesday.

LAGOS - The market capitalisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has declined by N77 billion or 0.66 per cent to close at N11.577 trillion from the previous N11.654 trillion. The reports that the decline was due to price losses by some blue chips. The All-share Index also depreciated by 242.18 points or 0.66 per cent to close at 36,558.50 against the 36,800.68 recorded. Nigerian Breweries led the price losers’ chart by N3 to close at N166 per share. Champion came second with a loss of N1.93 to close at N17.42 per share, while Lafarge lost N1 to close at N94 per share.

Zenith Bank depreciated by 99k to close at N20 per share, while Flourmill dipped by 97k to close at N76.01 per share. On the other hand, ETI topped the gainers’ chart by 30k to close at N166 per unit. GTB lost 28k to close at N25.30 per share, while OkomuOil grew by 20k to close at N44.70 per share. UPL appreciated by 19k to close at N4.29 per share, while Diamond Bank rose by 13k to close at N6.59 In all, investors exchanged 198.15 million shares worth N1.9 billion in 5,244 deals. This was in contrast to the 173.96 million shares valued at N2.5 billion exchanged in 4,382 deals on Monday.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (22/08/13) Stocks

Open

Change

Deals

Units

Value

MANSARD

2.31

2.3

-0.01

316,850

727,365.00

7UP

41,240

2,903,869.00

MAYBAKER

2.4

69,500

162,945.20

ABCTRANS

0.81

0.74

-0.07

560,600

431,910.00

MBENEFIT

0.5

19,200

9,600.00

ACADEMY

1.74

100,000

174,000.00

MCNICHOLS

1.5

ACCESS

10.9

10.99

0.09

245

20,244,446

220,758,453.18

MOBIL

119

22,371

2,581,893.50

AFRIPRUD

1.87

1.88

0.01

252,496

476,663.53

MRS

36.14

4,529

147,328.37

AGLEVENT

1.41

200

264

MULTITREX

0.66

0.62

-0.04

660,100

426,732.00

6.3

6.15

-0.15

1,660,133

10,377,270.28

AIICO

0.99

-0.01

2,161,450

2,133,923.62

NAHCO

AIRSERVICE

4.28

58,752

233,432.96

NASCON

10.7

11.7

1,460,521

16,507,226.40

ARBICO

5.6

455

2,548.00

165.89

167

1.11

123

615,709

102,439,711.41

ASHAKACEM

21.26

20.66

-0.6

390,684

8,126,656.99

NEIMETH

1.4

760

1,064.00

0.75

1,239,892

916,562.17

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

71,900

35,950.00

NEM

BECOPETRO

0.5

100

NESTLE

935

110,283

103,090,889.63

BERGER

8.7

10,958

100,781.00

NIGERINS

0.5

500

250

BETAGLAS

13.18

7,250

87,019.00

NIWICABLE

0.5

1,000

500

CADBURY

51.25

52.95

1.7

425,757

22,135,995.56

NNFM

29.3

100

2,740.00

CAP

43.65

19,678

833,351.00

NPFMCRFBK

0.75

0.8

0.05

74,000

58,500.00

CAPOIL

0.5

8,500

4,250.00

OANDO

10.81

11.3

0.49

221

2,932,724

32,490,135.50

0.5

285,000

142,500.00

CCNN

9.3

135,445

1,204,454.50

OASISINS

CHAMPION

17.42

38,350

601,328.00

OKOMUOIL

225,506

10,070,952.45

CHAMS

0.5

2,000,000

1,000,000.00

PORTPAINT

5.56

74,500

404,700.00

CONOIL

29.8

20,296

579,686.00

PRESCO

34.5

33.6

-0.9

324,815

11,111,181.00

CONTINSURE

1.2

1.19

-0.01

14,045,923

15,910,499.17

PRESTIGE

0.55

562,500

309,345.00

CORNERST

0.5

107,042

53,521.00

37.6

34.5

-3.1

295,451

10,246,261.14

COSTAIN

1.2

1.23

0.03

371,989

453,284.03

REDSTAREX

4.48

4.5

0.02

199,100

899,768.00

9.06

450

4,482.00

COURTVILLE

0.68

0.72

0.04

943,500

682,290.00

ROADS

CUSTODYINS

1.5

1,685,361

2,557,207.52

ROYALEX

0.55

954,047

524,105.90

CUTIX

1.8

247,520

443,887.20

RTBRISCOE

1.27

1.38

0.11

617,986

825,094.70

DAARCOMM

0.5

3,000

1,500.00

SKYEBANK

4.16

0.16

115

4,393,944

17,899,047.37

1.28

160

224

DANGCEM

190

1,089,060

206,884,127.30

SMURFIT

DANGFLOUR

9.5

1,183,951

11,243,883.55

SOVRENINS

0.5

69,800

34,900.00

DANGSUGAR

10.9

-0.1

596,478

6,453,708.61

STANBIC

16.12

16.01

-0.11

665,713

10,685,712.77

DIAMONDBNK

6.6

6.65

0.05

9,474,515

62,874,470.67

STDINSURE

0.5

1,900

950

DNMEYER

1.43

2,000

2,860.00

STERLNBANK

2.54

2.58

0.04

3,879,070

9,825,918.34

EQUITYASUR

0.5

20,000

10,000.00

THOMASWY

0.8

0.88

0.08

55,309

48,671.92

ETERNA

2.63

2.52

-0.11

1,006,946

2,640,517.02

TOTAL

155

37,205

5,714,979.73

1.23

1.33

0.1

215

34,871,934

45,290,734.72

ETI

14.65

14.89

0.24

530,371

7,822,360.31

TRANSCORP

ETRANZACT

3.13

500,000

1,565,000.00

TRANSEXPR

1.2

1.08

-0.12

67,823

73,248.84

EVANSMED

4.74

550

2,348.50

TRIPPLEG

2.29

20,485

42,403.95

FBNH

16.35

0.35

463

6,836,514

111,085,963.97

UAC-PROP

17.8

-0.2

389,101

6,550,102.20

86,331

4,957,504.37

FCMB

4.15

165

9,824,641

40,247,625.47

UACN

FIDELITYBK

2.78

2.77

-0.01

100

5,297,982

14,348,929.59

UBA

7.59

286

8,865,364

66,974,225.43

FIDSON

1.99

-0.01

1,272,000

2,549,286.44

UBCAP

1.25

1.24

-0.01

2,031,034

2,490,799.73

FIRSTALUM

0.5

4,000

2,000.00

UBN

10.12

10.59

0.47

983,300

10,168,175.63

FLOURMILL

69.48

76.29

6.81

859,615

62,934,111.37

UNILEVER

62.5

62.49

-0.01

1,033,572

64,538,402.13

195,647

6,904,947.40

UNIONDAC

0.5

720,600

360,300.00

FORTISMFB

6.6

5,600

36,960.00

UNITYBNK

0.52

0.5

-0.02

25,882,338

13,323,371.92

4.14

4.1

-0.04

174,980

718,196.96

GLAXOSMITH

65.4

-0.4

12,125,534

788,275,753.23

UPL

GUARANTY

24.85

25.35

0.5

442

14,894,052

376,274,415.10

UTC

0.8

5,000

3,600.00

GUINNESS

254

254.04

0.04

812,965

206,549,275.52

VANLEER

12.68

4,000

45,680.00

HONYFLOUR

3.05

3.09

0.04

400,817

1,235,251.98

VITAFOAM

4.3

3.93

-0.37

224,888

877,274.55

1,806,573

167,950,225.54

IHS

2.56

264,450

682,402.00

WAPCO

IKEJAHOTEL

0.8

100

84.7

WAPIC

0.75

0.79

0.04

503,370

391,745.10

INTBREW

21.45

193,070

4,000,317.20

WEMABANK

1.05

1.08

0.03

1,450,235

1,525,949.19

INTENEGINS

1.49

60,068

81,091.80

ZENITHBANK

19.9

20.1

0.2

239

30,537,399

611,142,248.40

IPWA

0.86

0.85

-0.01

300,000

254,500.00

JAPAULOIL

0.51

0.5

-0.01

6,865,322

3,445,281.53

JBERGER

135,463

9,336,659.14

JOHNHOLT

1.3

1.26

-0.04

104,942

134,025.60

JOSBREW

1.52

1.67

0.15

160,699

268,367.33

LASACO

0.5

2,000

1,000.00

LEARNAFRCA

1.55

1.6

0.05

100,720

161,126.00

LIVESTOCK

3.98

0.02

1,615,063

6,417,670.80

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock FLOURMILL CADBURY NB NASCON GUARANTY OANDO UBN FBNH ETI ZENITHBANK

Close 76.29 52.95 167 11.7 25.35 11.3 10.59 16.35 14.89 20.1

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain

Stock

6.81 1.7 1.11 1 0.5 0.49 0.47 0.35 0.24 0.2

PZ PRESCO ASHAKACEM GLAXOSMITH VITAFOAM UAC-PROP NAHCO TRANSEXPR ETERNA STANBIC

Close 34.5 33.6 20.66 65 3.93 17.8 6.15 1.08 2.52 16.01

Loss -3.1 -0.9 -0.6 -0.4 -0.37 -0.2 -0.15 -0.12 -0.11 -0.11

THE NIGERIAN

THERE has been outrage in both conventional and social media over the donation of 20 en-suite flats to the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, by the mother of President Goodluck Jonathan. THE President’s Mother, Mrs. Ayi Jonathan, had on August 9, donated two buildings containing the flats to the school at a ceremony attended by the President and some top government officials, an event that have continued to draw flakes from Nigerians both at home and in Diaspora. AS if that was not enough, only last Thursday, Nigeria’s First Lady in partnership with National Council for Women Societies hosted women from across the country and Africa, a second in two months to a big carnival which most analysts have dubbed jamboree by the First Lady. The open display of banners of the First Family and gridlock witnessed in Abuja for the event has continued to draw condemnations. Many have interpreted the rally to mean campaign for 2015 presidency as the Vice President was on hand at the event and President Goodluck Jonathan personally hosted dignitaries at the event to an elaborate dinner. WE join other Nigerians to question the sources of funds used for both projects by the President’s mother and the First Lady. We align with questions being asked around both projects: What does Mrs. Ayi Jonathan do to

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 THE NIGERIAN

That Donation To Federal University, Otuoke have so much for the project? How did she raise the money?. From every indications, the only work they do is that they are both President’s mother and President’s wife respectively. WE are surprised that the President’s aides who are quick at responding to jibes on the president, have all been silent since the barrage of criticism enveloped the media on the controversial donation of the mother, even though they have managed some unacceptable explanations for the jamboree of the First Lady. We therefore condemn both expenditures for a number of reasons: WHEREAS over half the population of Nigerians live below the poverty line of less than $1 USD per day, quite a huge chunk of public funds are still finding their way into private routes that do not lift the people out of abject poverty. Under five mortality owing to inability to deal with the six deadly diseases that afflict children is manifestly evident. The status of our hospitals, both public and private is still worrisome as the rich still find their way to overseas for treatment and even common medical

check- ups. BOTH events are also ill-timed and made worse by the fact that they were organised at a time all public universities are under lock and key owing to an indefinite strike action embarked upon by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over failure of the federal government to respect an agreement entered into in 2009. Hundreds of thousands of students are currently roaming the streets owing to the strike that needs funding before the teachers would return to classes. WE are further saddened by the fact that Mr. President has continually declared his commitment to fight corruption in the country yet same government exhibits some high sense of profligacy which makes mess of its commitments. WHATEVER the intentions of the First family notwithstanding, the two projects are already sending the wrong signals to other citizens. As a matter of fact, some citizens are already ventilating their detest for both projects as they believe it shows some measure of impunity in institutionalizing corruption in the country. WE strongly urge Mr. President to keep his promise to fight corruption and seek ways of halting some inexplicable expenditure as signposted by the two controversial projects of the First Family. If ordinarily we were in a civilized country, both women should be answering questions for both projects by now.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Tribute

WHEN the presently over 80 per cent of the staff of Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), publishers of The OBSERVER titles was recruited into the Service by the Chief Lucky Igbinedion’s administration in 1999/ 2000, the history of The OBSERVER was not very clear to some of us. While some were filled with great imagination and possible prospects of a new earned job, others, particularly those who came from the private sector were positively zealous to do their best, probably because government was actively part of the Observer project. However, with the coming around of people like Ambrose Isimeme Omizegba, who understandably knows the birth and evolution of the Observer since 1968 and was ever ready to relate effortlessly and with passion and nostalgia, the good old fortunes of BNCL in order to help moderate the occasional “Madness” of newspaper production often exhibited by both the green horns and young blood of some of the new recruits, the history of the BNCL became clearer and worthy of consistent reflections. He told us several interesting stories which included how organized, strategic and vibrant the BNCL used to be, as well as the interesting exploits of the two-time

Adieu Sir Ambrose Omizegba KSJ The Great!

governor of defunct Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia regular visit to the headquarters of the BNCL, especially at the peak periods of editorial intercourse to inspire hope, hard work, honesty, vision, sincerity and j o u r n a l i s t i c preferences. That is that for the good old days. It is suffice to say that when the news of the death of the great Sir Omizegba first hit me at the reception of the BNCL headquarters, I was visibly terrified! Terrified because, few days before the sad news filtered in, he was in the premises of BNCL, and we all interacted closely as usual. Immediately, I became pressed and could feel my nerves buzzing. But because I was with visitors and other colleagues at that time, I became uncoordinated. I became so frightened to hear the sad news a second time or reecho it to myself and my colleagues. It took me several minutes and courage to walk down to the General Manager’s office to find out who brought the news, but was told that Sir Ambrose Omizegba was truly gone. Owalen, o kin ewie! The man late Sir Ambrose Omizegba,

By OBOH SYLVESTER

whom we worked closely for over ten years, was a man of many parts. However, one of the first things that struck me early about him was his

knowledge, he related favourably with every class of people. In this stead, he became a beacon of some sort to many. In short, he was a great believer and

a very careful and diligent worker, whose residual knowledge knew no bound. Sir Omizegba was a strong, tireless and consistent worker who was ever ready to obey constituted authority,

• Late Sir Ambrose Omizegba KSJ

enormous humility. In spite of his age, experience, wisdom and wealth of

proponent of the OBSERVER Project. For those who worked closely with him, he was

“Sir Omizegba, a majestic step walker, was a great Catholic whose knowledge of the catholic doctrine was phenomenal and intimidating. He was a religious humanist of immense qualities, just as he was wise and civilized. He was a great father and a family man. He was a versatile historian, articulate analyst and a thinker. A legendary mass communicator of the old bloc; and a team player who will be greatly missed by his generation and indeed, the journalism profession.”

irrespective of the occupier of such office. He was a great protectionist of what Observer represents. Even when some of us young or old enough to be his children or grand children, unconsciously relate with him like our mate, especially at the heat of work pressure, he kept no malice; to the extent that even the next day, he would be the first to say hello!

Sir Ambrose I. Omizegba was an incurable optimist. This evidently manifested in the sense that no matter how bad a situation was, Sir Omizegba always believed that things could be better. Even while some of us o c c a s i o n a l l y contemplated shutting down the system believing to continue the job the next day, particularly due to technical and other exigent challenges, Sir Omizegba always believed things can be exigently salvaged, no matter the odds. He was a great confidant to many, a respecter of rules and a dogged protector of traditional principles that can sustain positive results, one of which can be conveniently referred to as the “OBSERVER Tradition” or “Home Style” in journalism. Sir Omizegba, a majestic step walker, was a great Catholic whose knowledge of the catholic doctrine was phenomenal and intimidating. He was a religious humanist of immense qualities, just as he was wise and civilized. He was a great father and a family man. He was a versatile historian, articulate analyst and a thinker. A legendary mass communicator of the old bloc; and a team player who will be greatly missed by his generation and indeed, the journalism profession. Adieu Sir Ambrose Isimeme Omizegba KSJ. May your soul rest in peace with the Lord. Amen!

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Insight

Continued from yesterday

FROM the South Atlantic Naval Station in Simonstown, South Africa, seven warships were mobilised for the Expedition. The warships were: The St. GEORGE, named after the Patron-Saint of England. The Warship served as the Command Headquarters of the Expedition, being the Flagship of Rear-Admiral Harry Holdsworth Rawson, the Commander-in-Chief of the Expedition. The other six warships from South Africa were: * the MAGPIE the PHILOMEL. * the PHOEBE the ALECTO * the WIDGEON * and the BARROSA. The Barrosa was at the Island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic - the Island where Napoleon Bonaparte. the defeated French Emperor, bad been exiled to by Britain, and had died, nearly a Century earlier. Maintaining maximum speed continuously on her journey back home to Africa, she was able to re-loin her sister-warships for the attack on Benin. From the British Mediterranean Fleet at anchor in Valetta, Malta, two warships, the THESEUS and the FORTE, were ordered to the Benin river, with their full complement of the fighting sailors, the Blue-jackets. From Military Barracks in the cities of Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Chatham in Britain herself, Marines were mobilised for the Benin Expedition. In West Africa troops of the Niger Coast Protectorate Force, based in Calabar, the Capital of the Protectorate, were mobilised for the Expedition. They consisted mainly of Hausa and Yoruba troops, commanded by white officers, including one black officer, a Lieutenant Daniels. The Force was taken to the Benin river from Calabar by the Steamers ILORIN, EKO, ELOBI and the LAGOON. From Lagos Colony a contigent of Military Scouts, made up of Elausas and Yorubas of the Lagos Colony Constabulary, were ordered to the Benin river. (In 1897 Lagos Colony was a separate country from the Niger Coast Protectorate of the Niger Delta Basin.) A trading ship, the liner, MALACCA belonging to the P & O (Pacific and Orient) Steam-ship Company, the equivalent of the Elder Dempster Lines of fifty years later, was commandeered in London and fitted out as a Hospital ship for the Benin Expedition. It was fitted out with Operating Theatres, one

hundred beds for In-patients, and an adequate number of Naval Doctors and Nurses. It was sent to the Benin River in support of the Expeditionary Force. Troops from the West Indies, who were already in Africa, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, were ordered to Akassa in the Niger Delta to replace the Niger Coast Protectorate troops who had been garrisoning that district, so that the N.C.P.F. troops could join their colleagues in the attack on Benin. To thoroughly appreciate the odds which the Benin army faced in its confrontation with Britain in 1897, it is pertinent to point out that Britain was already, in 1897, as thoroughly modern a country as she is today. For instance the London Underground Transport Service was already in existence at this time, and had been for a few decades before 1897, with Underground electric trains ferrying commuters from one part of the city to the other, on underground railway tracks. After the audience with Ovonramwen Aisien departed the Benin Palace, and arrived at Qbagie n’vbosa village where he met the defending Benin army of the Ologbo Front, in camp. He was told that the forward positions of the army had made active contact with the enemy in the attempts of the enemy to cross the Orhionmwon river into Ologbo village. Aisien decided to go forward and see things for himself. Accompanied by his two servants Oduduru and TuQyQ he plunged into the Ologbo forests, on a reconnaissance mission. The party reached the outskirts of Ologbo village, and under cover of the forest vegetation crept towards the perimeter of the extensive British military Camp. Aisien surveyed the awesome scene for a while, with its large population of soldiers and carriers, the soldiers in their different colours of uniforms — from the Blues of the Naval men to the Reds of the Marines, and the khaki of the Niger Coast Protectorate troops. And the Sentries posted at intervals around the perimeter of the Camp. And the Officers’ tents dotting the huge expanse of the clearing. Aisien was wondering what his next line of action should be when an incident made up his mind for him. The Batman, the Orderly, of an Officer brought out from within the tent of his Officer a collapsible table and chair. (The word “Orderly” gave rise to the Benin name “Idele.”

1897 War: A Erhunmwunsee By DR. EKHAGUOSA AISIEN

The black soldier of the Niger Coast Protectorate was called: “Idele ebo:” “Orderly of the White Officer”) The Orderly set up the table

knee, and with his Dane gun took a measured aim at the white officer at tea. But then he began to worry whether his gun would fire, aimed as it was at the imposing figure in his

at the entrance of the tent, put some prepared tea and other tea accompaniments on the table, saluted and invited his officer to the refreshment. The Officer sat alone, on the direct sight of Aisien’s hidden gun, and sipped at his tea. He made a very tempting target. By hand signal Aisien let his two companions know that they ere to shoot only after he himself had commenced the proceedings. In his battle-dress of the “Osm, Qlikia” adaeghg or tunic, he was indistinguishable from the brownness and the greenery of the earth, where he lay flat on his abdomen. He felt as safe and as inviolable as the ground itself. He raised himself on one

sights. To ensure that the gun performed to expectation Aisien delved into a pocket of his “Osun Qlikia” tunic, and brought out a little ukokogho charm pouch. He poured a little of the contained black powder on the trigger-assemblage of his gun, and muttered the incantation: Emunçmunc gha rhan ifuçn, t’Qba “When afire-fly spreads out its wings, It lights up the night!” He pulled the trigger. The sound of the gun-shot, surprisingly loud, shattered the relative quiet of the late afternoon Camp life. Oduduru and Tuqyç stood upright in the shrubbery, emptied the charges of their own Dane guns into the Camp, and then went flat on

their bellies. That was all the anger that the three Benin Dane guns had the time to let loose on the assembled might of the British army. For before the three snipers could re-load their weapons the earth under their

bellies began to quiver with the concussion of the noise of war. The British guns opened up. The sound made by each type of gun was characteristic and easily identifiable. The sounds from the rifles, from the Martini-Henrys, the LeeMetfords, and the Sniders, (which the Edos called “Esada”) were sharp, explosive and of a tearing quality. The Maxim gun, the early type of machine-gun, joined in the chatter of death. Firing thirteen times a second the sound from it was low-pitched, subdued and un-hurried. Yet it was insistent, unrelenting, steadfast - and unforgiving. The forest itself began to move. Huge branches of mahogany were cut off from their parent - trees by rifle - fire

as if sliced off with giant pairs of scissors. The branches, in full foliage, were hurried through the air like giant umbrellas, then suddenly let go, to crash back to earth a hundred or more yards from the trunks from which they were severed. Aisien, flat on his belly, turned towards Benin, with his two comrades-in-arms. This was his first exposure to rifle fire. The people of Benin City, unlike those in the villages, had a passing acquaintance-ship with the Snider rifle, quantities of which had passed through their hands, at the UghQtQn Port, then through Ondo, to the Ekiti-Parapy armies in conflict with the invading Ibadan armies, during the Yoruba “Kitiji,” inter-tribal Wars of the latter decades of the Nineteenth Century. But the people of the villages knew only about the smooth-bore Dane gun, brought from Europe about three hundred years earlier, but now locally manufactured by the people. As the ground heaved under them, and forests of greenery flew over their heads, the three scouts, on their bellies, rounded a bend in the bush-track, regained their upright position, and returned to the Benin army at its Qbagie Evbosa base. Aisien re-iterated to Commander Urugbusi that the British had indeed occupied Ologbo, and he described, in some detail, the deployment of the enemy troops in their Ologbo Camp. He and his two companions then left Qbagie and returned to Benin City. Aisien’s encounter with the British army in Ologbo was probably the episode which was cryptically referred to in Dr. Felix Roth’s account of the “Benin Punitive Expedition,” as reported in the Book: “Great Benin,” written by Ling Roth, the Museum Curator-brother of Dr. Roth, and published in 1903, only six years after the war. Curator Ling Roth was quoting from Dr. Roth’s Diary written in the Ologbo Camp: “…We have seen no natives since yesterday, but wine have crept up and fired into us.” page 6 of the Appendix of the book). Dr. Felix Roth was one of the Medical Officers of the British

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Insight

Aisien, Son Of And The British (2) Expeditionary Force mounted against Benin. Back in Benin Aisien went straight to the Palace, and briefed the monarch about his experiences during his factfinding trip to the war front. He summarised his report by telling the king that it was unlikely that the Edos would gain victory in this fight, in contrast to their previous experiences during all their many centuries of uninterrupted history as a kingdom. The fire-power of the British army, confided Aisien to Ovonramwen, was not what the Edos were likely to have any antidote for. The Qmo n ‘Oba Ovonramwen thanked Aisien for the mission undertaken, and for his unvarnished assessment of the situation. He then gave him permission to return home to Iyekorhionmwon. On Thursday 18th February 1897, about five days after Aisien reported on his errand to Ovonramwen, Benin City fell to Rear Admiral Harry Rawson and the British Expeditionary Force which he led. The Benin Kingdom became yet another territorial addition to the expanding British Empire. A few months after the fall of Benin City Aisien was at home in his Emodu Quarters in Evboesi village when, before dawn, a detachment of Soldiers — Mete Ebo — from the occupation Force in l3enin threw a cordon round his house, effected his arrest, put him in chains, and marched him to Benin City. His mother, Egunmwcndia, accompanied her captive son to Benin. The British authorities had acted upon information at their disposal that Aisien had fired upon the British army in Ologho. The alleged act was not a war-crime, as was reiterated later by Sir Ralph Moor, the Consul-General of the Niger Coast Protectorate and Head of Government of the Colony which the Benin territories were now a part of. in the trial of Oba Ovonramwen in September later that year, Consul- General Moor had stated that the taking up of arms in order to defend one’s countty was not a war crime. But during the early months of the occupation of Benin, when security considerations still

• David Cameron, British Prime Minister

consumed a lot of the time and energy of the British Occupation authorities, Aisier’s action was apparently still regarded as a hostile act which deserved to be punished by the victors. The prisoner was locked up in the Guard-room of the Military Barracks created by the British along Forestry Road in the City, stretching from the junction of Ugbaguç Street to that of Iwegic Street, from the premises of the Jyase Nohenmwen to that of the Ogiefa Nomuçnkpo. It was in the same guardroom that Chief AgbgnkQnkQn, the Obayuwan.a of Benin and lover of Princess Ehendia, the widowed eldest daughter of Oha Adolor, was later to commit suicide by slashing his throat with a heavy jack-knife while awaiting the convening of the “Assizes” Court which was to sentence him to death for being involved in the Ugbinç village ambush of the James Phillips party in January. It was also the same guar&room which later held Oba Ovonramwen, the monarch of the kingdom, during the last four nights he spent in Benin City, before he was taken to Calabar, on a life exile. By the time of Aisien’s arrest AGHO, the Obaceki of Benin, was already on the way to attaining the ascendant position of influence which he

ultimately enjoyed for more than two decades during the early years of tie British administration in Benin. Agho’s towering intelligence, coupled with the consummate diplomatic expertise which he had acquired as a courtier in the Palace of Oba Ovonramwen, stood him in good stead in his relationship with the conquering British. The British officials came to rely heavily on Agho’ s opinions in native matters. In this wise he was the Benin equivalent of his contemporary, Chief Dogho Numa (Chief bore) of the Warn territories. The Edos noted this relationship of trust between the British Officials and Agho Obaseki, and they employed him as the advocate who pleaded their cause with the white man whenever the occasion arose. Aisien’ s relatives in Evboesi therefore brought to Obaseki in Benin intercessory gifts in the form of a cow, goats, boxes of Aromatic Schnapps bottles — ayon ebo, and money. They asked for his advocacy services on behalf of their patriarch, the detained Aisien. The Court convened, and Aisien was led from the guardroom and put on trial. Sitting in judgement on the ease was Captain A.H. Turner, the first Colonial Resident and Head of Administration of the conquered Benin territories. Sitting with him as “Assessors”

were three Benin City Chiefs, amongst whom was Chief Agho Obaseki, In spite of Chief Obaseki’s efforts in the Court room in pleading the innocence of the prisoner, Aisien was found guilty as charged: for firing on the Whiteman in the Whitman’s Camp at Ologbo. The Court then pronounced the sentence, not of Death, but of Sixty Strokes of the Birch, on him. A sentence of Death had been widely expected, since that was the fate of earlier prisoners-of-war who had been tried by the new administration. Notable amongst these prisoners was the warrior beikinmwin who had commanded the Benin army at the Ughoton Front. The sentence handed down on Aisien was therefore received with some wry relief. Soon after the conquest of Benin the subsequent British Patrols had apprehended Commander beikinmwin in the Okokhuo districts, near Ekiadolor village. He was condemned to death in Benin City, and tied to the stakes. As the shots of the firing squad rang out, Ebeikinmwin was heard to laugh with a loud guffaw, as he shouted at his executioners: Me ero khian vbe gb’uwa Vbe ariavbehe! “The pensure will be mine

again, During my next incarnation, to inflict on you The defeat you deserve!” Then he gave up the ghost. He was referring to his initial successful defence of the Ughoton Front against the British Expeditionary Force during the war. The British Navy, under Captain O’Callaghan, invaded Ughoton twice. In their first attempt they were driven out by the Benin troops under Ibeikinmwin. Six days later, and reinforced with troops from two other warships O’Callaghan re-attacked and reoccupied Ughoton, and then systematically leveled the village to the ground with artillery, leaving Ughçnçrn the little village that it has remained to this day. Aisien’s sentence was to be summarily carried out, and it was effected by B.P.S. Roupell, the twenty-seven-year old Captain of the Royal Engineers, whom the Edos had earlier nicknamed — Amehien: “Pepper Juice”, because of his pepperiness towards his newly—conquered subjects. He was the Commanding Officer of the 120-strong Niger Coast Protectorate Force garrisoning the conquered City. The convicted prisoner was laid prone, and four “flausa” soldiers held him down on the bench by his four limbs. When the first stroke of the birch landed on his buttocks the prisoner ’s involuntary, convulsive spasm of pain sent the four restraining soldiers, in their red khaki uniforms, tumbling away to the four corners of the compass. Roupell gave Obaseki a knowing look, as if to tell him: “Eat your words! This is not the man you insisted was not a soldier, and therefore could not possibly have been sent to the warfront, let alone to fire on the whiteinan! Obaseki got the message in Roupell’s look, and then said, famously, to Aisien: A khu ovbi okhokho hien irhu rhe, O wee uwu 1dm eri ren khian wu yi “A chick is being shooed off a cauldron of boiling palm oil; But the chick is insistent in its efforts to perish in it!”

Aisien in turn got the message in Obaseki’s admonition. He lay down again, and expressly forbade any restraining hands on his person. He then received, on his hare back and buttocks the remaining fifty-nine strokes of the birch, at the hands of the Army Engineer from Chelteham College, England. A deep, tortuous, guttural grunt from the prisoner was the only accompaniment of each landing, on his raw flesh, of the flagellation device. With his sentence served Aisien, the son of Erhunmwunsee, was released. His relatives took him away from the Military Barracks, bruised and bleeding. He spent the next three months in Benin City, while his mother Egunmwendia, and his three wives — Emeze, mother of Iriaghonse, Imadiyi, mother of Idemudia and Ariowa, and Qbenhen, mother of Obasohan tended to his wounds until they were healed. Then the family returned to Uvboesi in Iyekorhionmwon. Until his death Aisien carried on his back and buttocks the broad scars of the flagellation he had received as punishment for his encounter with the British Army in Ologbo village in midFebruary 1897. He died in Benin City on the 20th October 1913, sixteen years after the Benin — British War, and three months before the death of his monarch, Oba Ovonramwen, in Calabar on the 13th January 1914. Aisien lies buried today in the first cemetery created by the Colonial Authorities in Benin. ‘Ibis cemetery was situated along the Upper Oba Market Road, just beyond the Ogbc Obaseki, after the Uzebu Moat, and exactly opposite the present-day YANGA Fish Markct. The cemetery has since been built over. The Colonial Authorities had forbidden the usual Home or Compound burial of the dead in Benin City after the conquest. All dead citizens, without any exception, and irrespective of rank or status, were mandatorily buried in the Town’s designated public Cemetery. It was only after the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1914, when there was once again an Oba in Benin, that the occasional Compound burial was grudgingly permitted. “And the Oba of Benin had to acquiesce in it, in writing, to the authorities. Tins was a permission not lightly given by the Palace because the Oba knew that Compound burials offended the sensibilities of the British Medical Officers of health in charge of Benin City at that time.” Concluded

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Art Alive

With FRANCIS ODUPUTE

The Need For Cultural Resource Management

IN describing and evaluating critically the need and problems associated with cultural resource management in contemporary Nigeria, cognizance must be taken of what is cultural resource or what are cultural resources vis-Ă -vis cultural resource management. Cultural resources are those materials and non material aspects both natural and man made such as tools or implements, furniture, automobile, buildings, irrigation, cultivated farms, artifacts and any substance which has been changed and used by man including those classified as antiquities. The non-material aspects consist of words people use, ideas, customs and beliefs they hold. These are also regarded as philosophies of the people. Other resources could be the wealth, supplies of goods, all the free gift of nature, such as land, forest, potential water power, productivity of the soil including both metal and physical and all sorts of man-made aids to further production such as tools machinery and buildings. WHAT IS CULTURAL R E S O U R C E MANAGEMENT? Be that as it may, cultural resource management can be referred to as an operational process because it is aimed at making the best use of the above cultural resources entrusted to any body or cultural organization such as the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, to achieve its predetermined goals in general terms. These goals involve the managerial function of objective setting, planning and decision making,

building and developing, formulating policies, administration, creating and controlling systems. The inclusion of staffing and the giving of the commitments of operating employees is important. From the foregoing, cultural resource management deals with the restoration, preservation and conservation of these cultural resources. In America, this aspect of cultural resource management was styled New Archaeology, purely archaeological research to contract studies in the preservation of resource management goal. This is a new conservation model as Adeniran (1995) in lipe puts it, was carried out to salvage archaeological sites, monuments and artifacts from destruction and damage by land modification, agencies, fire, among others. In Nigeria, cultural resource management includes restoration preservation and conservation of cultural resource started way back before and after the colonial rule. Prior to colonial rule, the management of cultural resources was crude. The method of management was the preservation of metal objects\bronzes, wood and clay, sculptures on roof tops and ceiling protecting them against the attack of insects or flood. etc The destruction of this natural heritage regarded as idolatries by colonial masters/British missionaries were either burnt or carted away at variance, purportedly to have been their claim of protecting these material objects from factors like light, relative humility among other

By BENJAMIN A. AKPEVBO

problems in the laboratories. To articulate the place of our cultural heritage in bringing about development in our cultural resources in our environment holds limitless promise for tourism, trade and social development (Eboreime 1994).

extent that our exhibitions are now stale. For example, the Benin City walls are crumbling and our objects are getting rotten in the stores. No fund to purchase equipments, chemicals and for good training of staff/personnel for improved productivity. There is also the lack of

their cultural property will receive support for integrating cultural development within over all e n v i r o n m e n t a l Development package (EDA) Eboreime concluded. However, Nigeria is not doing this because of the crisis in cultural management strategy which has robbed the museum of adequate financial sympathy for mobilizing

Edem Duke, Minister of Culture and Tourism

Eboreime continues, the sector over which the museum has legal and social responsibility is so grossly beset with managerial problems such as in the area of funding. Furthermore, funding, is to deal with the provision or the availability of adequate funds or money for the upkeep of the activities on services of the museum which is limited to the

awareness! appreciation in the country. Little or no appreciation that material symbols and artifacts more than any other are concrete veins around which social, political and economic relationships run over space and time, but these are not properly harnessed hence the UNESCO in their operational directives (Section 4.5) has prescribed that countries which are able to document and present

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Nigeria, cultural resource management includes restoration, preservation and conservation of cultural resource started way back before and after the colonial ruleâ&#x20AC;?

culture for economic development such as Kenya, Zimbabwe and Mozambique have fully done. Political and economic reasons also militate against management of cultural resource in terms of development vide the construction of roads, industrialization and growth of cities and towns by the Federal government. Individuals and private enterprises also contribute to the desecration and destruction of the archeological sites for quarry business in Nigeria. One could see it through some of the Museums and Monuments (NCMM.) In her status vide the then Ordinance No 17 of 1953

when it was known as the Antiquities service commission, it had achieved certain objectives amongst which is; the discovery, presentation and study of material artifacts through out the country that brought about such ancient cultures such as Nok, Ife, lgboUkwu, Owo and Benin. The above findings resulted in the establishment of earliest museums in Nigeria first started by the British Education officers and District officers such as K.C. Murray, E.A. Duckworth and Bernard Fagg. Some of the museums are Esie (1945), Jos (1952), Ife (1954), Lagos 1957, Kano (1960), Owo (1968) and Benin (1973).Today the National Commission for Museums and Monuments which changed its name from the former Antiquities service by Decree No. 77 of 1979 has given much credence to the administration of National Museums, antiquities and Monuments, to make recommendation to state governments or other persons or authority concerning the establishment of museums and the presentation of antiquities and monuments, for example Rivers State Museum, Port Harcourt, Didi museum, Lagos among others. CONCLUSION To ensure the best use of resources, there is a pressing need for cultural planning and management through the establishment of control systems in which feedbacks can be given to promote or aid the management of our scare cultural resources. The problem underlying any planning and management of material resources is the fact that supply is ultimately finite which demand is continuously growing in size and nature. However, this simple equation is complicated by the fact that although any single resources particularly in relation to these elements which are useful rather than necessary to man, varies greatly from time to time and from place to place depending on the cultural and technical level of the people.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Art And Culture

PLENIPOTENCE Angels are guardian spirits with full powers and are believed to live in the spirit world interceding for human long life. They are responsible for favourable and unfavourable h a p p e n i n g s . Plenipotentiary Angels is believed to be with human beings, each with a person at the day and at the night gives account to Almighty God. It is a personification of predestine, and the way a person has to go. It is the symbolic recognition that people are born with different endowments, with different potentials for social achievements, is an independent entity which allows things to be done and also leaves open the door to hope because it can be approached to set things right. At the same time, the notion that the Angel is really another aspect of human self recognizes that the failure is ultimately in one’s own make up. In theory, the successful person is as much more beholding to the Angel as people do indeed to thank their Angels from time to time, but in practice there is a strong tendency to blame one’s plenipotence, for failure. Plenipotentiaries in their own powers mediate divine providence and human beings in culture, exercise intercessory role. There is also the possibility of human beings direct access to the Supreme Being. They are subtle symbolic patterns of reference through which the interplay of innate potentialities, birth, character, skill enterprise, cooperation

With AMBROSE EKHOSUEHI

Plenipotence Angels In Culture

and competition can be recognized as governing the progress of the individual to adjust emotionally and intellectually to the vicissitude of life in human society. They probably assist the person to shed some of the guilt for failure and provide vehicle for the expression of selfsatisfaction. Numberous spirits with more or less specialized spheres of influence or activity can be found. It is said that every human being is assigned at birth to one angel or more guardian angels, that every blade of grass has over it, an angel, and that every child has its protecting spirit angel. There are also Seventy (70) Guardian Angels of Nations, one in charge of each state. These seventy tutelary princes of nations are either angels or demons. They are invested with full powers as special a m b a s s a d o r s Plenipotentiaries and of the Seventy tutelary Angels, only those of four nations are named, Dobiel for Persia, Samuel for Rome, Rahab, Uzza, Duma, Semyaza for Egypt and Michael for Israel. Dobiel means bear god, the guardian angel of Persia. In the light of the Legend all 70 or 72 tutelary angels of nations, except Michael became corrupted through national bias.

Dubbiel, Dobiel was regarded as corrupt and evil angel. Samuel belongs to the order of

of the sea, and in Lore, Rahab emerges as the great whore, triple goddess of Heaven,

Israel. Michael is one who provides sustenance for mankind; Christians invoke Michael as the benevolent angel of death in the sense of

Seraphim and is the first of the art critics. Samyaza was Leader of the evil angel who fell. In Legend, he is the Seraph tempted by the maiden to reveal to her the explicit name of God. Rahab means violence, the prince of the primordial sea. Rahab designates Egypt as an earthly power of evil, an angel of insolence and pride. Rahab is called the angel

Earth and Hell, while Uzza like Rahab is the tutelary angel of the Egyptians. Michael who is like God, ranks as the greatest of all Angels, whether Jewish, Islamic, Christian writings, in secular or religious lore. Michael is the Chief of the order of virtues, Chief of archangels, prince of presence, angel of repentance, righteousness, mercy, sanctification and tutelary angelic prince of

deliverance and immortality and for leading the souls of the faithful into eternal light. Michael is victory of Heaven. He is depicted as wing angel with unsheathed sword, the warrior of God and slayer of the Dragon. He holds in his hand the scales of Justice. He is the Angel of Sunday, the first day of the week, the Lord’s Day. In the war of the sons of Light against the sons

“There are also Seventy (70) Guardian Angels of Nations, one in charge of each state. These seventy tutelary princes of nations are either angels or demons. They are invested with full powers as special ambassadors Plenipotentiaries and of the Seventy tutelary Angels, only those of four nations are named, Dobiel for Persia, Samuel for Rome, Rahab, Uzza, Duma, Semyaza for Egypt and Michael for Israel.”

of Darkness, Michael is called the Prince of light. He leads the Angeis of Light in battle against the Legions of the angers of darkness. Michael as the angel of light brought Asenath from Palestine as a wife to Joseph in Egypt. He

saves Daniel companions from fire. He is the destroyer of Babylon, Babylon falling to rise no more. Michael is the spirit of the planetmercury, and brings the gift of pahence. Pope Pius XII in 1950 declared Michael the Archangel, Patron of Policemen. The Catechism teaches that Angels are friends and brethren and their prayers have great power with God. There is joy before the Angels of God upon a sinner being sorry and trying to make satisfaction for sin. In all Plenipotence Angels have direct access with full power to mediate divine providence for human long life with favourable and unfavourable happenings in Culture.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Consequences, Implication FEMINIQUE Of Child Marriage • Islamic Perspectives

With IJEOMA UMEH email: ladywithegoldenpen@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 08182382839

MORE than 67 million women between ages 20-24 were married as young girls. One in nine girls were married before turning 15 years old. Every year, 14.2 million girls are forced into early marriage. The United Nation Child Summit Declaration of 1990 that decided on age 18 as appropriate age of marriage was reached after many studies had shown that child marriage (marriage before age 18) is harmful to children. The goal of the summit was to bring attention and promise a commitment, at the highest political level, to go and strategise for ensuring the survival, protection and development of children as key elements in the socio-economic development of all countries and human society. A total of 159 government officials attended the summit, including Heads of Government from 72 countries. In Nigeria the Child Right Act 2003 was also passed by legislators from different cultures and religious. The Lagos State House of Assembly and its executive counterpart that domesticated the Act in 2007 are populated by both muslims and Christians. But Senator Sani Yerima and his copaedophila backed by lawmakers has given us hint on why as a nation we should continue to shift date on attaining our developmental agenda and goals. Nigeria’s upper chamber of parliament has inadvertently reactivated a debate on the issue of child marriage with its failures reversing a stand to delete the controversial section 29 ((4) of the 1999 constitution. Though from an educationally disadvantaged state and geopolitical zone with poor indices on matters relating to education, healthcare, nutrition and empowerment, Yerima is definitely more popular with his un-Islamic understanding and practice of sharia rather than contributing to debate and sponsoring bill(s) that will at least uplift the people he represents or on reversing the nagging problem of almajiri system with 10 million abandoned children. The Surah an – Nisal 4:6 of the Holy Qu’ran talks of marriageable age and linked it to soundness of judgements and maturity of mind. Why is the prophet’s marriage to Aisha selected as the exemplary age of marriage for muslims while his marriage to Khadija, a widow 15 years older than him or his marriage to other widows and divorces ignored as exemplary practices. The prophet’s daughter Fatima marriage at age reported

By RASAK MUSBAU

variously as either 19 or 20. Agreed on the declaration cut across continents, cultures, and religion. That child marriage is disgracefully rampant among our brothers in the North and so called Salafi groups in the south-west is not news. It is also irritating that despicable cruelty of following up early marriage with divorce is a trend that is unguarded in the North. It is in fact regrettable that at time a new National Priority Agenda for children 2013-2020 has just been developed in Abuja with Lagos State in the process of finalizing its own, our over-paid law-makers still believe that our children should be getting married before knowing how serious matter human life is. The need to comprehensively address the plight of all categories of Nigerian Children and particularly end the ugly trend of child marriage cannot be overemphasized. Child marriage has health, educational and social implications for the girl-child in the areas where this practice is prevalent such as Northern Nigeria. A few months ago the Federal School entrance examinations results caused a major embarrassment when it was revealed that in some Northern States an aggregate of two was required to pass in comparism to an aggregate of 143 required by some of their southern counterparts. The attitude regarding women’s education in Hausa society is ‘tadai samu nasallah’ (Let her be able to get something to recite for ritual prayer). In essence, both book (western) and Islamic education are haram for girls in the present Northern States. So, what do we expect when ill trained children are raising their own children before they become adults themselves. So, where is equity? Where is justice enjoined in the Quran in this? Girl child marriage results in many consequences, including (1) Denial of Childhood and adolescence.

(2) Loss of childhood and innocence (3) Forced sex by relations and the denial of freedom and personal development have profound psychosocial and emotional consequences on

urinary passages, usually due to prolonged labour, resulting in uncontrolled urine or faces in the case of recto-vaginal fistulac-RVF) including the abandonment that comes with such ailments. Abuse is also common in child marriages. Research has found that women who marry

“That child marriage is disgracefully rampant among our brothers in the North and so called Salafi groups in the south-west is not news. It is also irritating that despicable cruelty of following up early marriage with divorce is a trend that is unguarded in the North.”

Relating to eradicating extreme poverty and hunger (2) on education (3) on reducing child mortality (4) on maternal health

• Hajia Zainab Maina, Minister of Women Affairs girls. Health problem is another consequence. These include premature pregnancies which cause higher rates of maternal and infant mortality and cause hormonal and physical changes which confuse the girl child’s body growth. Teenage girls are also more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, STDs, (sexually transmitted diseases) and the debilitating ailment of VVF/ RVF (VVF- a tear in the flesh between the vagina and the

before the age of 20 were more likely to report experiences of physical or sexual violence (domestic and otherwise) when they started living with their husbands. This would be as a result of inability to perform marital and motherhood roles as desirable. It can also lead to early divorce as happened to the young lady divorced by senator Yerima before he married the minor from Egypt. And if the husband should die early, it may lead to a lot of hardship for her. As a consequence, MDGs (1)

“It will be insane to know all these and keep quiet over this nonsense they tie to the religion of Islam. The truth is, it is misplaced priority and crass ignorance that makes people engage in or support child marriage while they believe they are doing religious obligation.”

(5) on combating diseases remain unattainable goals, at least in Northern Nigeria, if we cannot confront the consequences and implications of child. It will be insane to know all these and keep quiet over this nonsense they tie to the religion of Islam. The truth is, it is misplaced priority and crass ignorance that make people engage in or support child marriage while they believe they are doing religious obligation. First, our sharia is based on facility, mercy, tolerance and elimination of difficulty and unease as manifested in many of its texts.

In the first instance, Islam insists on the free consent of both bride and groom before marriage can take place, while Quran does not state a specific age as the age of marriage. It is therefore open to us to use what is or public good to decide. How about the new research based on Hadith and historical events in the life of the prophet that questions the commonly held belief that the prophet s.a.w was betrothed to Aisha at the age of six and consummated the marriage at the age of nine? Our brethren should also note that actions of the prophet may not be obligation in themselves, but indicate only allowance and permissibility, except when they go with other pieces of evidence that indicate recommendations of compulsion. Precedents do not have the property of legal obligation. It is only that they were adequate for their time, place and circumstances. If these factors change, so must the actions built on them. Examples abound where the companions of the prophet went against the action of the prophet whenever they saw that the interests for which he had done such actions had changed so that acting in the same way would not be in the interest of Muslims; out of lack of logical contribution to the issue at hand, some are raising question of high percentage of Yoruba girls getting unwanted pregnancy at early age as 13,14, & 15 without proper marriage. Our submission is that two wrongs can not make a right. What we want for our country is comprehensive and integrated social protection system that is operational and available in all states. We don’t need stiffness and stagnation as these portend death. The issue in discourse is about a problem and its solution and not about subordinating one religion to another. It is incorrect for anybody to be saying that we should be left with our religion. That is calling for national disaster. (Musbau is of features unit, Lagos State Ministry of Information and strategy).

Words on Marble

Ours is a world where people don’t know what they want and are willing to go through hell to get it. - Don Marquis

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Nutrition

Breastfeeding: Good Diet

AS the world celebrated world Breast feeding week this August, more than 170 countries joined in promoting the importance of breast feeing infants. This year’s celebration was titled Breast feeding support: Close to mother to help nursing mothers realise the very importance of break milk to a child instead of artificial methods which have become rampant among nursing mothers. With this awareness all over 170 countries, it will help to reduce infant death in those countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that deaths of children younger than five years old would be reduced by 13 to 20 percent worldwide if babies were breast fed exclusively. Explained the meaning of exclusive breast feeding; as an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infant; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. Review of evidence has shown that, on a population basis, WHO recommends exclusive breast feeding for 6 months as the optimal way of feeding infants. Thereafter, infants should receive complementary foods with continued breast feeding up to two years of

For A Healthy Baby

age. NSO, colostrums the yellowish strictly breast milk produced at the end of pregnancy, is recommended by WHO as the perfect food for the newborn, and feeding should be initiated with the first hour after birth. According to WHO importance of breast milk is the natural first food for babies, it provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first few months of life, and provides up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year and up to one third during the second year of life. Breast milk promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects the infant against infections and chronic diseases. Exclusive bread feeding reduces the child’s mortability due to common child illness such as diarrhea or pneumonia and help for a quicker recovery during illness. Similarly, it contributes to health and well being of mothers, and helps in child spacing and reduction risk of ovarian and breast cancer. United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund now

By WINIFRED OSASOBO

United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stated some great potential impact of breast feeding or child survival. Breast fed children have at least six times greater chance of survival in the early month than nonbreastfed children. It drastically reduces deaths from acute respiratory infections and diarrhea, two major killer infections diseases. The potential impact of optimal breast feeding

practice is especially important in developing country with a high burden of disease and low access to clean water and sanitation. But nonbreastfed children in industrialised countries are also at greater risk of dying. A recent study of past – neonatal mortality in the United States found about 15% increase in mortality among non-breastfed infants. UNICEF mentioned some profound benefits of

breast milk on child survival, health and development. Breast milk provides all of the nutrients, vitamins and mineral which the infant needs for growth for the first six months and no other liquids or food is needed. In addition, breast milk carries antibodies from the mother that helps combat disease. The act of breastfeeding itself simulates proper growth of the mouth and jaw and secretion of hormones for digestion and satiety. Breastfeeding creates a

special bond between the mother and child during breastfeeding and has positive repercussion for life, in terms of stimulation behaviour, speech sense, well being and security and how the child relates to other people. Breastfeeding also lowers the risk of chronic conditions later in life such as obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, childhood asthma and childhood leukaemia. Other experts say that breastfed infants perform better in intelligence and behaviour from in fancy to adulthood than formula fed babies. Nursing mothers should avoid artificial methods and rely more on breastfeeding the child to reduce early death of infant in the country. If every child is well breastfed, there will be less death of infants in the society. Adequate breast feeding, counselling and support are essential for mothers. As WHO actively promotes breastfeeding as the best source of nourishment for infants and children, others should also do the same.

Health Benefit Of Walnuts

Walnuts are not only delicious, they also pack a nutritional punch. Best Health Magazine.com has revealed some Benefits. According to the magazine the following are deniable from eating it:They can reduce the risk of breast cancer: Eating about 28 walnut halves a day provides antioxidants and

phytosterols that may help reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to a study at the Marshall University School of Medicine in West Virgina. Mice were fed a daily diet with the human equivalent of two ounces (60g) of walnuts. Compared to mice fed a control diet, the walnut eaters had significantly decreased breast tumour incidence and a slower

rate of tumour growth. They’re Packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acides: A diet rich in Omega-3 is beneficial in reducing depression, attention – deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cancer and Alzheimer’s disease and there’s also strong evidence that Omega-3s counter inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and crohn’s

disease. They Can Reduce Risk of Diabetes: Women who reported eating one ounce (30g) of nuts at least five times per week reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes by almost 30 percent compared to those who rarely or never ate nuts, say researchers at the Harvard school of Public Health. The mono-and polyunsaturated fats in

nuts are good for insulin sensitivity. They contain antioxidants that boost heart health: A new study from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania shows walnuts have higher quality antioxidants and a mix of more healthful antioxidants than any other nut. They can help you deal with stress: A diet

rich in walnuts and walnut oil may help the body deal better with stress. Research found that walnuts and walnut oil lowered both restoring blood pressure and blood pressure responses to stress in the laboratory. The researchers said the study shows that a dietary change could help our bodies better respond to stress.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Interview IT is no longer news that a new political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged, armed to the quilt with INEC’s registration certificate to the relief of a cross-section of Nigerians who passionately, and even desperately, desired that platform but to the chagrin of those who now contend with its new status as a formidable opposition. Not a few Nigerians regard this new development as PDP’s Archille’s heels, even chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (A.C.N), Edo State Chapter, one of the allies in this new political equation, thinks so. However, there are still palpable anxiety over cohesion dynamics, the popular ideology- the bunch of brooms being better and stronger than a stick; the party’s integral positioning, its capacity to bring desired change for a people who, for long, have been clamouring for a paradigm shift in the nation’s political frontiers, even in its capacity to reverse the nation’s poor rating among the comity of nations and the misfortunes of the governed. Would the new APC deliver? Would it, after the hurly burly of 2015, bring respite to a nation regarded as “a giant wobbling under spaghetti legs’’ like the Igodomigodo, Honourable Patrick Obahiagbon, would say? Honourable Thomas Okosun, a key player in this unfolding political dynamics, in this chat with our Principal Features Writer, Ijeoma Umeh says, “It’s no longer business as usual! We are united to ensure that our common wealth as a people would be deplored for our common good,” Excerpts:-

APC Will Not Only Rule Edo State, It Will Rule The Country - Thomas Okosun What does the registration of APC by INEC portend for politics in Edo State in particular and Nigeria at large? Well, it just simply shows that we are going to experience greater participation in politics, greater and robust political activities, we have two major political parties in this country. It simply shows there’s a better alternative to a party that has ruled this country in the past several years. We are going to have politics that is very interesting, one which would also make leaders sit tight, the era of laissez faire attitude to politics where you get to office and you don’t have any opposition and go on to do whatever you like, is over. Now it is clear that if you are in office and you don’t perform, subsequently the opposition party would win. Now the expectations of an individual or the governed will be met unlike before when those in power felt that whether they performed or did not, nothing happens. Do you think the merger

would further consolidate the A.C.N’s visions and perspectives? Yes, we are now a stronger party; a party that can wrestle power from the present government that has disappointed this country. Now, the whole country has a better alternative platform in which they can support a party or an individual for better performance. There are feelers about wrangling in the new APC already. How true is this? What are the issues in content ion now? It’s just rumours! We don’t have wrangles. If it is true you will hear about it from highly authenticated source. The party is not a one-man party; it does not belong to one individual or a god-father. It’s not a party where an individual would sit down and start reeling out his personal wishes sentiments and desires. It is a party where internal democracy prevails, but in the course of discussing and taking decisions, in robust discussions, people disagree, yes, it must happen in

Hon. Thomas Okosun

politics, you cannot sit down and one man says this is what we have decided and we follow and there is no crisis, that is even a worst situation but when a large party like this enters discussions with different views but come out

“I was watching with shame as the PDP candidate in that election was lamenting that INEC said they should re-submit names. He forgot to realize that ANPP, A.C.N, CPC no longer exist. These are defunct political parties. “

with the best opinion at the end of the day, then there is no crisis. As chairman of one of the units in the merger, how have you been able to come to grips with the new status? I don’t have any problem, you know this is A.C.N secretariat, and I can assure you by the grace of God this would remain as APC secretariat. We are on, in the next few weeks it would be re-branded and we are in touch with our brothers in the other political parties as they were, now we are one, we have no problem with regards to the direction we are headed and you know in Edo State presently we only have one opposition, the

PDP, which is crushed as it is. We are bigger now. Election into Esan North East was in Contention before the APC happened. What would be the fate of that local government election now? The election will be conducted, but it has to be under a new platform; a new political party on one side. I was watching with shame as the PDP candidate in that election was lamenting that INEC said they should resubmit names. He forgot to realize that ANPP, A.C.N, CPC no longer exist. These are defunct political parties. The only party that is on ground now is the APC, so APC has a responsibility to

reaffirm, to agree that this is our candidate now, he does not understand the tenets of politics; he does not even know what he is talking about or the legal implication of what he is talking about. He thinks this is a garage discussion where people talk anyhow without meaning. He must have to sit down and ask himself: Would INEC accept a list or a candidate who bears A.C.N, ANPP, CPC? Assuming we contest election under those platforms would he not go to court to challenge it? We hear that an interim working committee of the APC would be set up nationwide. What is the present position? Well, we have not come to that, not in Edo State yet. We are still working on that, hopefully soon, you will hear about that. What should be the expectations of the electorate or the governed? Bigger performance! Bigger commitment! Bigger Focus! We are working to ensure we do not only govern Edo State, but rule this country so that what has happened in A.C.N or APC controlled states will be replicated at the national level. We care about the people and we assure them that there is hope for them now, in variance to what happened previously where the PDP only lined their pockets and took our common wealth abroad to stash it away. Now there’s hope and the people should rejoice!

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Reflection

What Will Jesus Say To Our Generation?

WITH the level of injustice, corruption, insecurity, and immorality that has spread all over the world, especially here in Nigeria, what do you think Jesus will be saying to our generation today? The few years he spent in this world, he was neither silent nor indifference as most religious leaders are today in the face of injustice and corruption. Jesus cried out! He confronted the evil system that was marginalizing the poor widows, the orphans and other vulnerable people in his society. That is how Jesus gained the title the ‘Voice of the voiceless’ and the ‘Defender of the defenseless.’ He was the most courageous preacher the world has ever known. He was not afraid of anybody or any system. He proclaimed the truth without fear or favoritism. To the leaders, the Pharisees, the law makers, and even the lawyers of his time, he said, “Woe to you Pharisees! For you neglect justice and the love of God; Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and salutations in the market places.” As he was reproaching them, one of the lawyers said to him, “Teacher, in saying this you reproach us also” Jesus did not spare the lawyers either.

Instead of apologizing to them, he faced them squarely, saying, “Woe to you lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourself do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers…” (Luke 11:45-46). Each time I reflect on this passage and consider the level of crime and injustice that is prevalent in our society today, I kept asking myself, if Jesus was to preach to our nation today, what kind of message do you think he would be preaching to Nigerians? What will he tell those who are controlling the proceeds from our fuel and oil subsidy, yet thousands of youths are graduating every year and are roaming about with their CV looking for employment. People are dying on road accident due to bad roads. Lecturers and other civil servants are still going on strike? ASUU, for instance, has been on strike since July 1, 2013. When two elephants fight, who suffers? The grass, of course! Will the students who have paid through their nose be compensated in any way after the strike? Mark my words, as soon as the strike is called off the next thing you will hear is preparation for examination, on what students have not learnt. What will Jesus say concerning the ongoing

religious war among the Senators over the controversial Child Marriage Law, which has to do with the retention of section 29 (4) (b) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that “any woman who is married in Nigeria is of full age,” even if that woman is less than ten years of age; by so doing, our law makers are directly encouraging child marriage. What will Jesus say concerning the level of insecurity in Nigeria? People are being kidnapped, raped and robbed almost on daily basis. Yet our political leaders are receiving security allowances. What will Jesus tell all these lecturers that are sleeping with students young enough to be their granddaughters and those who are collecting bribe before they could release student’s grades? What of teachers and other civil servants who falsify their age and result? What will Jesus tell all those civil servant and even politicians who have refused to retire from office so that millions of young people who are graduating every year can find a space for employment? What will Jesus tell religious and political fanatics who are killing innocent people, especially in the Northern parts of Nigeria? What will he

say to those faceless politicians who are sponsoring boko harram and other forms of political thuggery in our nation today? What will Jesus say to selfish and greedy contractors who have slowed down the pace of their job hoping that the current regime will one day come to an end then another strange government that doesn’t believe in continuity will come to power and the project will be completely abandoned and forgotten. What will Jesus say to all these heartless taskforce and tax collectors who waiting at every junction like a hungry lion waiting and praying for people to make the slightest mistake and they will descend on their vehicle like hungry-wounded lions? What will Jesus say in a situation where those who steal the state and federal government money are granted presidential and state pardon whereas those who steal ordinary goat are rotting in Nigeria prisons still on awaiting trial list? What of those who are bombing churches, killing innocent souls that are being considered for amnesty whereas those who are involved in peaceful demonstration are detained indefinitely. What do you think Jesus will tell all these leaders that are making life unbearable

With REV. FR. JOHN DAMIAN ADIZIE PHONE: 08076635886

and unlivable for the poor people? Poor people will struggle over the years to develop a rural area. When the place is finally developed by the poor, the rich and the leaders will come in the name of town planning, which always favors their interest. They will start demolishing houses built by these poor people over the years without any compensation. What about governors who are deporting poor people from big cities, thereby rendering citizens refugees in their own nation? Yet, the federal government is keeping quiet. Only God knows if we are still practicing Federal system of government. What do you expect Jesus to tell our lawmakers who have turned to lawbreakers? I mean those who have turned the law chamber into a wrestling room, a place where people could pond their fellow honorable members as though they are pounding yam? What will Jesus be saying concerning the legalization of gay marriage by the so-called ‘world superpower’ and their attempt to introduce gay marriage to other parts of the world, especially here in Africa? What do you even think he will be telling our own leaders on top who have refused to sign into law the bill on gay marriage as prepared by the Honorable members of House of Representatives thereby giving room to future ambiguity? You cannot serve two masters at the same time: you either listen to the American President or those who elected you into office. After all, Nigeria is supposed to be an independent nation. What will Jesus tell all those greedy people that are seating on old people’s pension and gratuity? What of those who abandoned their old parents in the poor village and are living in mansions in the big cities waiting for their parents to die before they could declare ‘celebration of life’ after the renovation their old buildings? What will Jesus say concerning our political leaders who are acquiring debts for the future generation? According to the recent report released by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of finance, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s total indebtedness has risen to $6.67 billion or 3% of the GDP, yet we are still claiming to be “Giant of Africa.” who will pay these debts? Imagine what future generation will

inherit from us, their predecessors – huge amount of debt! Yet, we meant to believe that someone is somewhere saving the proceeds from our fuel subsidy. What will Jesus even say to false prophets who are using their so-called prophecies to steal from people and in the process end up destroying people’s homes? God Himself told Prophet Ezekiel to prophesy against such prophets, “prophesy and say to those who prophesy out of their own minds: ‘Hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God, Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! They have spoken falsehood and divined a lie; they say ‘Thus says the Lord’ when the Lord has not sent them, and yet they expect him to fulfill their word” (Ezekiel 13:2-6). Am sure Jesus would be saying a similar thing to the present day false prophets. What about Shepherds who are feeding on the people and are not ready to cater for the sick, the poor and the needy? According to the Prophecy God gave through Ezekiel concerning our shepherd, the Lord says, “Ho. Shepherd of Israel who has been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatling; but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the crippled you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them” (Ezekiel 34:2-6). What will Jesus say to such Shepherds who, instead of feeding the sheep are feeding on the sheep? The day Jesus will visit the Churches in Nigeria I will not be surprise if he comes with a whip as he did in the Gospel of John 2:14-17. With these few instances you can agree with Professor Chinua Achebe of the Blessed memory that things are falling apart. But what then is the way forward? We need honest, just and hardworking leaders who have the interest of the masses at heart, like Jesus Christ. We equally need courageous preachers and visionaries who will inspire the leaders in the right and proper direction. Not those who tell leaders what they would like to hear. God bless our nation, Nigeria!

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

International Mugabe, 89, Sworn-In As Zimbabwe’s President

HARARE - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Africa’s oldest leader at 89, was sworn in yesterday for a new five-year term in the face of criticism from opponents and the West that his re-election in a July vote was not credible. Mugabe, who has ruled since independence from Britain in 1980, has told critics of his reelection to “go hang” and has vowed to press ahead with nationalist policies forcing foreign firms to turn over majority stakes to black Zimbabweans. He took his new oath of office before bewigged Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku at a ceremony held in a 60,000seat football stadium in Harare witnessed by thousands of cheering supporters, diplomats and delegations from the region. His longtime rival and opponent in the last three elections, Morgan Tsvangirai, boycotted the ceremony. He has denounced the July 31 election as a “huge fraud” and a “coup by ballot”, alleging massive rigging by Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party. Mugabe and his ruling party have rejected these allegations. This will be Mugabe’s fifth

term as president of the southern African state. He had also served two terms as prime minister after 1980 independence ended white minority rule in the country previously known as Rhodesia. Mugabe and senior officials from his ruling ZANU-PF party are the target of sanctions imposed by governments in the West, which has accused them of staying in power through massive human rights violations and vote rigging. Britain said yesterday Mugabe’s re-election could not be deemed credible without an

independent investigation into allegations of voting irregularities. U.S. officials this week said the election was flawed and Washington had no plans to loosen sanctions until there were signs of change in the country. The European Union will review relations with Zimbabwe given its “serious concerns” about the election, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said yesterday. The EU’s verdict on the fairness of the elections will be

CAIRO - Deposed leader Hosni Mubarak may leave jail yesterday by court order after a week of bloody turmoil in which Egypt’s new army-backed rulers cracked down on ousted President Mohamed Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood. Mubarak’s immediate destination will be the military’s International Medical Center, a hospital northeast of Cairo, where he will remain under guard, according to his lawyer, as well as medical and security sources. The prime minister’s office

said Mubarak, who ruled Egypt for 30 years until he was overthrown in 2011 as uprisings swept the Arab world, would be placed under house arrest. That decision was made under a month-long state of emergency declared last week when police stormed protest camps set up in Cairo by Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood to demand his reinstatement. About 900 people, including some 100 soldiers and police, have been killed in violence across Egypt since then, making

• Robert Mugabe

Divided Egypt Prepares Mubarak’s Release From Jail

EU Halts Some Arms Exports To Egypt, Aid BRUSSELS - The European Union on Wednesday decided to suspend exports of weapons and goods that could be used for internal repression but did not halt aid programs for fear of hurting ordinary Egyptians already hit hard. Instead, the 28 EU foreign ministers called on the military authorities and the supporters of deposed President Mohammed Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood movement to resume negotiations to avoid further bloodshed. “It was decided ... to suspend all arms deliveries that can be used internally,” said French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius following the emergency meeting in Brussels. “We have decided to maintain our aid for the Egyptian population because it already suffers enormously,” he added. Clashes between Egyptian security forces and Morsi’s supporters have killed hundreds of people since last week. “We do believe that the recent operations of the security forces have been disproportionate and we’re worried about the resulting alarming number of people that have been killed,” said the EU’s foreign policy chief Catherine

crucial to a decision on whether it continues to ease sanctions. Soon after the July 31 vote, which went ahead peacefully in contrast to 2008 election violence, domestic monitors from the Zimbabwe Election Support Network said registration flaws may have disenfranchised up to a million people out of 6.4 million registered voters. But observer missions from the regional 15-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union broadly endorsed the vote as free and peaceful and called on all parties to accept its results.

Ashton. European Union Special Representative for the Southern Mediterranean Bernardino Leon, right, shows a Ö “We call on all sides to stop the cycle of violence, to stop the provocations, to stop the hate speech,” she said, adding that the EU “strongly condemns” the recent violence. While the EU lacks the military muscle and long-standing ties that give the U.S. a special

position in dealing with Cairo, the EU is Egypt’s biggest trading partner and a major source of aid, loans and tourists. The EU and its member states last year pledged a combined 5 billion euros ($6.7 billion) in loans and aid for Egypt. The bloc’s decision to suspend some export licenses falls short of a full weapons embargo, but many member states including Germany and Britain have already suspended new exports to Egypt.

it the bloodiest bout of internal strife in the republic’s history. Mubarak’s imminent release dismayed some Egyptians. “Mubarak is a man who destroyed this country. And now he’s going to walk free?” asked

consent to run in the September 8 poll. The judge rejected the appeal after Sobyanin’s lawyers produced a document which they said bore Putin’s signature. “We are not satisfied with this process because the judge refused to take into account our arguments,” Navalny’s lawyer, Nikolai Kuznetsov, said at the Moscow courtroom. Kuznetsov said the document Sobyanin’s lawyers provided was not the original and had no legal force. The election pits the man who emerged as the opposition’s informal leader in protests last

describing himself as a Mursi supporter but not a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. He was among about 75 people queuing at the prison gate in scorching heat to visit family members inside. There were no anti-Mubarak protesters or reporters from Egyptian state media.

Assange’s Wikileaks Runs Into Australian Election Troubles CANBERRA - Wikileaks founder Julian Assange’s plans to capture a seat at Australia’s September 7 elections were in disarray yesterday after his top local candidate quit due to an internal fight over party organization. Assange, who remains holed up in the Ecuadorean embassy in London, accepted responsibility for the divisions, saying he had been too busy helping fugitive former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden, who has been granted temporary asylum in Russia. “I made a decision two months ago to spend a lot of my time on dealing with the Edward Snowden asylum situation, and trying to save the life of a young man. The result is over delega-

Russian Court Rejects Opposition Leaders Bid MOSCOW - A Russian court year against an experienced rejected an attempt by opposition leader Alexei Navalny yesterday to have his main proKremlin rival thrown out of Moscow’s mayoral election race. Navalny is running for mayor to try to show that President Vladimir Putin’s opponents have popular support, even though he will be sent to prison if an appeal against his five-year sentence last month on theft charges fails. Navalny’s lawyers said Sergei Sobyanin, the acting Moscow mayor and a Kremlin ally, had violated election rules by failing to receive Putin’s formal

a man who said he was trying to find out if his brother, arrested on Saturday, was in Cairo’s Tora prison, where the 85-year-old former president is held. “Egypt is on the brink, and God knows where we are going,” said the man with graying hair and a close-trimmed beard. He would not give his name,

politician who was appointed by the Kremlin as Moscow mayor in October 2010 and has been touted as a potential prime minister. Opinion polls suggest Navalny, 37, has no chance of winning. He is also in danger of being disqualified following accusations that he has violated election rules by receiving funding for his campaign from abroad. Navalny denies the accusations. He also says the theft charges he was found guilty of last month were fabricated. (Reporting by Steve Gutterman, Editing by Timothy Heritage)

tion,” Assange told Australian television yesterday. “I admit and I accept full responsibility for over delegating functions to the Australian party while I try to take care of that situation.” Assange has been given political asylum by Ecuador, but faces immediate arrest and extradition to Sweden to face accusations of rape and sexual assault if he leaves Ecuador’s London embassy. Assange has set up the Wikileaks Party in Australia and is running for a seat in the Senate upper house on a platform of transparency of information and protection of human rights. Polls show his party is unlikely to attract the 17 percent of the vote needed to win a Senate seat — including “preference” ballots from other parties under Australia’s complex pro-

portional voting system. If he did win, he would need to return to Australia or his party would hand the seat to the second candidate on its list, Leslie Cannold. But Cannold has now quit the Wikileaks Party, saying it was undemocratic and suggesting other candidates might also resign. “As long as I believed there was a chance that democracy, transparency and accountability could prevail in the party I was willing to stay on and fight for it,” she said in a letter of resignation received by Reuters. The dispute stems from the way the Wikileaks Party decided to distribute its preferences to other parties in the election. Under Australia’s electoral system, losing Senate parties direct their votes to other likeminded candidates, boosting their chances of winning a seat.

Tunisian Union Head Mediates In Political Stand Off TUNIS - Tunisia’s powerful UGTT trade union federation sought to mediate in the country’s political crisis on Wednesday, consulting the secular opposition on its proposals for new elections before meeting with the ruling Islamists yesterday. UGTT Secretary General Hussein Abassi, whose millionstrong federation gives him influence outside the feuding political camps, met leaders of the “Salvation Front” of opposition parties to inform them of recent overtures from the government. He was originally also scheduled to meet with Rached Ghannouchi,

chairman of the governing Ennahda party, on Wednesday, but the meeting was postponed a day with no official explanation. “Things are still difficult,” Abassi told journalists after meeting the parties demanding Ennahda resign. “The opposition is sticking to its demand to dissolve the government and form a caretaker cabinet.” Ziad Lakhdher, a leader of the Popular Front party, said Abassi had informed the meeting of Ennahda’s latest offer for a government of national unity led by the present Islamist Prime Minister Ali Larayedh. “We reject this categorically,” he said.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

International Features

THE romantic allure of the scented aromatherapy candle has seduced many of us. But unless you’re lighting the right candle, you may actually be polluting the air in your home. Toxic wax The most common candles are made from paraffin wax, a cheap sludge waste product of the petroleum industry. When paraffin burns, benzene and toluene are released into the air, both known carcinogens. Burning paraffin also produces petrol-carbon soot, carbon particles that don’t fully burn but are incandescent, giving the flame its bright white/yellow colour. Unfortunately, this soot has the toxins found in diesel, which ends up as residue on walls, ceilings, fabrics and even in the ventilation system. Those pretty gel candles may be crystal clear but they too are toxic, made from petroleum-based wax or synthetic hydrocarbons. The Canadian and American Lung Associations both caution

CANADA currently produces 60 per cent of its power through hydroelectricity ñ third most in the world. As we expand our portfolio of renewables many would hope to see that number continue to rise, but there are mitigating geo-political circumstances looming upstream. Water is what economists call a common good, which means that the consumption of water by one person prevents another person from having that water. The water will eventually re-enter the water cycle, of course, but in a different place at a different time. Despite being a common good, water is counted among the worldís renewable energy sources because itís so plentiful. Water-rich countries like Canada are able to use a substantial fraction of their water resources not for irrigation or drinking, but to produce energy in the form of hydroelectric power. So to return to the classic economic example: if a hydroelectric station steals my glass of water and uses it to create energy, Iím short a glass of water. But I can easily collect another glassful from Canadaís 3,300 cubic kilometre supply of fresh water.

Pollution Candles

against prolonged exposure to fragrances and soot for the very young, the elderly and those with respiratory diseases. Lighting up lead Even more dangerous are candles with metal-core wicks, favoured because they don’t fall over into the wax when lit. But metal wicks actually release lead into the atmosphere. Jerome O. Nriagu, PhD, a professor of environmental chemistry at the University of Michigan, measured the amount of lead released in 14 different brands of candles with metal-core wicks. He found that burning four metal-wick candles for only two hours resulted in enough airborne lead concentrations to pose a threat to human health, particularly to young children. While banned in Europe, the US and Canada, lead is still widely used in Asia and South

By GREEN LIVING

America, both major exporters of the aromatherapy candles sold in North American stores. According to the National Candle Association (NCA) based in Washington, DC, most aromatherapy candles rarely contain essential oils. Even if they do, the amounts can never be large

enough to produce a true aromatherapy effect. Most US and Canadian manufacturers label their candles for fire safety, but they are not obliged to disclose hazardous, toxic or carcinogenic compounds used as ingredients. It can be difficult to know what you are buying.

Safe candles The healthiest candles by far are vegetable wax candles made from hydrogenated soy, palm and coconut oils (Editor’s note: If possible, you may want to avoid palm oil since rainforests around the world are being destroyed to plant palm oil plantations). Soy wax candles have become popular since soy is both affordable and plentiful. This biodegradable wax burns clean and any residue can be washed away with warm water and soap. Beeswax candles are the most natural candles of all. Since the wax is a by-product of honey, these candles give off a sweet scent and burn clean. Although more expensive than paraffin or soy, beeswax candles last up to three times longer. Pure beeswax candles have a golden to amber colour. There are some beeswax candles that are ivory col-

Thirsty For Hydro Power

However, there are places in the world where this simple economic equation is being played out along much more desperate lines. Ethiopia is currently building its Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam along the Blue Nile River. The completed dam will carry a substantial 6,000-megawatt capacity, powered by water contained in a 65.5 billion cubic metre reservoir. The Blue Nile currently provides 85 per cent of the Nileís water, which is Africaís most essential artery, running through eleven different countries. If Ethiopia, where the river originates, were to redirect a substantial quantity of water for the dam, those countries downstream could lose between 11 and 19 billion cubic metres of water. Egypt is one of the countries furthest downstream, and it is in no mood to be facing additional threats to its national food supply. Climate change is already diminishing the amount of water it has available for irrigation. Reflecting something of the general Egyptian opinion over the dam, recently-ousted President Morsi hinted not-so-subtly

By STU CAMPANA

at what increased desperation might drive him to do: “We are not calling for war, but we will never permit our water security ... to be threatened”. He can hardly do otherwise, faced with the possibility that his growing population might begin to starve. Water and food security is something of a preoccupation in the US as well, where climate change threatens to create a landscape as dry as Egyptís, with its accompanying political tensions. Washington DC, New York City and Los Angeles are among major American cit-

ies expected to experience severe water shortages over the coming decades. Meanwhile, the parching of Las Vegas is so imminent that certain websites feature a running countdown toward the cityís desertification.

Would the US invade Canada for water? Almost certainly, if they were desperate enough. But both sides can see this problem coming and there’s plenty of time to work out an alternate solution. Infinitely more likely is the following scenario: as American (and indeed, global) fresh water supplies dwindle, Canada begins to sell its most precious resource to its neighbour. Given that so much of our water is used for hydroelectric purposes, as opposed to drinking and farming, it would be massively unfriendly ñ not to mention lacking in strategic foresight ñ to deny our neighbours the water to meet their basic needs. The resulting cuts in Canadian water use (assuming

oured but these typically have less of a natural honey scent. Be wary of candles labelled blended beeswax since these will often contain paraffin; look instead for the 100 per cent beeswax label. Safety tips Be sure to buy candles with paper, cotton or hemp wicks and avoid those with shiny metal wire inside. Trim all wicks to half a centimeter (1/ 4 inch) to help complete combustion and reduce soot build-up. Keep candles out of drafts since wind makes candles burn faster and puts more toxins into the air. Paraffin candles that are slow-burning (they often feel greasy to the touch) have even more additives and should be avoided altogether. Throw out any candles in jars that have soot rings around the lip of the jar, as this is often an indication of lead dust. For a true aromatherapy experience put a few drops of essential oil into a defuser or into some boiling water. Courtesy: Alternatives.ca/ community

sufficiently substantial volumes) will likely come from our hydropower production. Which means that renewable energy projections for the coming decades should take into account at least a small decrease in the level of hydroelectricity. We need to plan to compensate with higher levels of wind and solar energy production. That this political reality can be reduced to an economic equation should not be taken as an indication that the stakes are anything but high. As Canadaís common good becomes not so common globally, it will not be economically or politically possible to use all that water for energy. There will soon be more thirsty countries than available glasses of water, and that will certainly make things tense. Courtesy: Alternatives.ca/community

“Would the US invade Canada for water? Almost certainly, if they were desperate enough. But both sides can see this problem coming and there’s plenty of time to work out an alternate solution.”

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

International Features U.S. businesses are hiring at a robust rate. The only problem is that three out of four of the nearly 1 million hires this year are part-time and many of the jobs are low-paid. Faltering economic growth at home and abroad and concern that President Barack Obama’s signature health care law will drive up business costs are behind the wariness about taking on full-time staff, executives at staffing and payroll firms say. Employers say parttimers offer them flexibility. If the economy picks up, they can quickly offer full-time work. If orders dry up, they know costs are under control. It also helps them to curb costs they might face under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. This can all become a less-than-virtuous cycle as new employees, who are mainly in lower wage businesses such as retail and food services, do not have the disposable income to drive demand for goods and services. Some economists, however, say the surge in reliance on part-time workers will fade as the economy strengthens and businesses gain more certainty over how they will be impacted by Obamacare. Executives at several staffing firms told Reuters that the law, which requires employers with 50 or more full-time workers to provide healthcare coverage or incur penalties, was a frequently cited factor in requests for part-time workers. A decision to delay the mandate until 2015 has not made much of a difference in hiring decisions, they added. “Us and other people are hiring part-time because we don’t know what the costs are going to be to hire full-time,” said Steven Raz, founder of Cornerstone Search Group, a staffing firm in Parsippany, New Jersey. “We are being cautious.” Raz said his company started seeing a rise in part-

time positions in late 2012 and the trend gathered steam early this year. He estimates his firm has seen an increase of between 10 percent and 15 percent compared with last year. Other staffing firms have also noted a shift. “They have put some of the full-time positions on hold and are hiring parttime employees so they won’t have to pay out the

employment. Some businesses are holding their headcount below 50 and others are cutting back the work week to under 30 hours to avoid providing health insurance for employees, according to the staffing and payroll executives. Under Obamacare, any employee working 30 hours or more is considered full-time. An

are busiest and is not an effort to cut costs. Spokesman Kory Lundberg said that the world’s largest retailer promotes about 75,000 people from part-time to full-time work each year and is on track to do so again in 2013. Similarly, a memo that leaked out from teen and young adult retailer Forever 21 last week

able to make ends meet month-to-month,” said Heidi Shierholz, a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute in Washington. “That contributes to reduced living standards for American families and translates into having less income to spend on goods and services, which holds back the economy.”

Patient Sharon Dawson Coates (L) waits as Dr. Nikhil Narang enters data into her chart after examining her knee at university of Chicago medicine urgent care clinic in Chicago.

on hold. “We are still working in an environment that is very hard to forecast the near future and remains very cashconstrained,” said Holstine. “We were always nimble, but we had to become more reactive. Using part-timers gives us more flexibility.” In a paper published last month, the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank said uncertainty over fiscal and regulatory policy had left the U.S. unemployment rate 1.3 percentage points higher at the end of last year than it otherwise would have been. The jobless rate stood at 7.8 percent in December; it has since fallen to 7.4 percent. “That’s about 2 million jobs below where we should have been in 2012 because of policy uncertainty,” said Keith Hall, a senior research fellow at George Mason University’s Mercatus Center in Arlington, Virginia. Economists and staffing companies are cautiously optimistic that part-time hiring and the low wages environment will fade away as the economy regains momentum, starting in the second half of this year and through 2014. But businesses, accustomed to functioning with fewer

Effects Of Obama Healthcare Policy On US Economy

benefits,” said Client Staffing Solutions’ Darin Hovendick. “There is so much uncertainty. It’s really tough to design a budget when you don’t know the final cost involved.” The delay in the Obamacare employer mandate “confused people even further,” said Bill Peppler, managing partner at Kavaliro, a technology staffing firm in Orlando, Florida. “When we talk to customers, I still don’t think anyone has a handle on this.” Obamacare appears to be having the most impact on hiring decisions by smalland medium-sized businesses. Although small businesses account for a smaller share of the jobs in the economy, they are an important source of new

effort to trim hours might have helped push the average work week down to a six-month low in July. “As organizations and companies reduce the hours of part-time workers, they still have to replace the capacity, so they go out and hire additional parttime workers,” said Philip Noftsinger, president of CBIZ Payroll in Roanoke, Virginia, which manages payroll for more than 5,000 small businesses. Some large companies are also leaning more heavily on part-timers. Wal-Mart Stores Inc has been hiring more part-time workers, although it says the move is to ensure proper staffing when stores

showed it was reducing a number of full-time staff to positions where they will work no more than 29.5 hours a week, just under the Obamacare threshold. In a statement, the company said the move will affect fewer than 1 percent of its U.S. store employees, and was taken to better align staffing with sales expectations - not to lower costs under the Affordable Care Act. Some public school boards and local governments, including the city of Long Beach in California, are also cutting hours. “The difference between 30 and 40 hours can be the difference between being

Obamacare is only one factor. The surge in part-time employment also reflects an economy that has struggled to maintain decent growth. That has left business owners such as Jason Holstine, who owns a building supply store in Baltimore, Maryland, reluctant to take on fulltime staff. Holstine said he was more concerned about budget policy in Washington than about Obamacare, given that federal government furloughs tied to acrossthe-board spending cuts led some of his clients to put home renovations

workers, might not be in a hurry to change course. A study by financial analysis firm Sageworks found that profit per employee at privately held companies jumped to more than $18,000 in 2012 from about $14,000 in 2009. “Private employers are either able to make more money with fewer employees or have been able to make more money without hiring additional employees,” said Sageworks analyst Libby Bierman. “The lesson learned for businesses during the recession was to have lean operations.”

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

EVERY FRIDAY WEEK 06, 2013 LAST SEASON RESULT Anderson Richwell 1.2. X. Forecast

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THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Wenger Rules Out Arsenal Move For Suarez

Pardew Still In Search Of Ba Replacement NEWCASTLE United are still desperately in search of Demba Ba’s replacement despite securing the services of French striker Loic Remy from on a season long loan from Queens Park Rangers. Magpies boss Alan Pardew has been frustrated in their search for another striker, having failed to land Lyon’s Bafetimbi Gomis, while transfer target Darren Bent opted to join Fulham instead. Pardew admitted to the Newcastle Chronicle that the Tyneside club are still looking for Ba’s replacement following the Senegalese striker’s departure to Chelsea at the start of the year.

Everton, West Brom Search For First Victory

EVERTON and West Bromwich Albion will be eager to register their first victory of the 2013/2014 Premier League campaign when they clash at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon. The two sides failed to get off to a winning start against Norwich City and Southampton respectively on the opening day of the campaign and will be keen on turning things around when they face each other on the weekend. Goals from Ross Barkley and Seamus Coleman were not enough as the Toffees drew away to Norwich City, while a last minute Rickie Lambert penalty sunk West Brom at the Hawthorns. In the corresponding fixture last season Everton ran out 2-1 victors thanks to a first-half brace from leftback Leighton Baines. Shane Long pulled one back for West Brom in the second half but it was not enough as the Baggies continued their bad run of form. Everton will be hoping that talks of Baines and Marouane Fellaini leaving the club for Manchester United die down, while West Brom will be counting on former Chelsea and Arsenal forward Nicolas Anelka to hit form on Merseyside this weekend. The Toffees finished last season in sixth spot while West Brom finished 14 points behind them in eighth. Roberto Martinez will be eager to register his first victory while at the helm of the Toffees, and he will feel there’s no better way than in front of the Goodison faithful.

“We are still short. We are short of Demba Ba. That is what it looks like and until Remy is fit or we get another striker, it will be a problem for us,” admitted Pardew. “We’ve still got a very good team with Remy on top of it. I still think one more would be the perfect scenario.” Remy has been ruled out of the Geordies’ trip to Upton Park this weekend while the striker also missed the opening week loss to Manchester City due to injury.

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has conceded defeat in his pursuit of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez after declaring there is “no chance” the Uruguayan will move to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have had two bids for Suarez rejected during the current transfer window and, speaking after his side won 3-0 at Fenerbahce in the first leg of their Champions League playoff, Wenger said they would not be making another offer.

AVB Denies Deal Done For Bale Demba Ba

AANDRE Villas-Boas has denied that a deal has been agreed for the sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid. Recent reports suggest Bale uncharacteristic record splurge could be closing in on a worldby chairman Daniel Levy. record transfer £93 million to the One is that he wants to bring nine-time European champions, the stellar signings in to persuade but Villas-Boas denied that was Bale to stay and the other, more the case. popular, one is that the chairman “That is not true,” the is already spending the cash the Tottenham manager said on world-record fee that the Wednesday night in Tbilisi. Londoners would receive if the The North London club would Welshman left for the Bernabeu. not comment, however, on Villas-Boas was asked which claims that technical director one was the case last night and Franco Baldini was in the he was reluctant to say that the Spanish capital for talks over new signings had been bought in Bale’s future. order to try to tempt Bale to stay. Bale will sit out the first leg of “Ideally we want to keep Tottenham’s Europa League everyone to make us stronger play-off against Dinamo Tbilisi that is the ultimate objective of this evening, officially because the club,” the Spurs manager of a foot injury. said. While Bale has been “In the end, anything can recovering, Tottenham have happen. We are dragging spent £60m on four new signings ourselves into the last weeks of and they could shell out that transfer activity and it can same figure over the next two become very, very frantic.” days to land Willian and Erik Spurs expect to complete the Lamela. signing of Willian by the time There are two schools of they return from Georgia. thought when it comes to the reasoning behind the

Villas-Boas, meanwhile, has a Europa League play-off tie to prepare for. The Tottenham manager has vowed to do all he can to win the Europa League this season, even though his squad was stretched thin last season by fighting on two fronts. “Last season we prioritised both competitions,” the Tottenham boss said. “It’s the same objective this year.

“We have approached this competition very seriously. We set out a good example that it was possible to play Thursday evenings and Sundays with the same team mostly and we had good success with results in fixtures after the Europa League in the Premier League, so the focus will be exactly the same.” Tbilisi, 14-time domestic champions, are huge underdogs for this evening’s first leg.

ARSENAL will look to put their off-pitch woes to one side when they make the short trip to across-town rivals Fulham on Saturday afternoon for Barclays Premier League clash. Kickoff is scheduled for 13h45 (CAT) at Craven Cottage.

Manager Arsene Wenger has been under fire for a lack of transfer activity, especially after a shock 3-1 home defeat by Aston Villa last Saturday, though he maintains reinforcements will be brought in before the transfer window shuts on September

Gunners Looking For Redemption

Mourinho Delighted With Tough Win

CHELSEA coach Jose Mourinho says he was pleased that his side managed to hold on for maximum points against Aston Villa on Wednesday night. The Blues made it two out of two in the Premier league when they edged Villa 2-1 at Stamford Bridge courtesy of an own-goal from Antonio Luna and a second half winner from Branislav Ivanovic. The two sides went into the break deadlocked at 1-1 after Christain Benteke cancelled the opening goal and Paul Lambert’s side were unlucky not to claim a point as Andreas Weimann was twice denied by Petr Cech in the second half. Chelsea vs Aston Villa Match Report. “In matches at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid win every match and usually very comfortably,’ said Mourinho. “This is what I missed about the Premier League. This was hard. “Maybe they (Aston Villa) deserved a point in the end, it

wouldn’t have been unfair. “They have their style which is not my style. They have a special player in Benteke and they put long balls into him - he makes a lot of fouls as do their defenders so it’s difficult to have a game of quality with them. “But they are good on counterattack.

Arsene Wenger

Rio Ferdinand Aims Big At Chelsea RIO Ferdinand has told Chelsea that their visit to Old Trafford is not Manchester United’s biggest game of the season. The Blues travel to Manchester on Monday night for the Premier League’s most eagerly-anticipated clash of the new campaign so far. However, the veteran defender believes matches against Manchester City and Liverpool are more important

“(There is) absolutely no chance of that,” Wenger said, in remarks widely reported in the British media on Thursday. A number of British media outlets, including the BBC, claim that Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Real Madrid pair Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria. The London club have also had a bid for Newcastle United’s France international midfielder Yohan Cabaye rejected. Wenger would not be drawn on the identity of his transfer targets, but he confirmed that the club are working to bring in new players. “We tried to bring one in, but we are working on that. You have to understand there is still a long way to go,” he said. “The transfer market starts for me now and a lot of activity will happen between now and September 2. “From August 21 until September 2 you have 12 days, so a lot will happen. It starts now.”

for both him and the supporters. “It [Chelsea] is not my favourite game,” said Ferdinand, speaking as United announced a partnership with Apollo Tyres. “You look forward to playing every time at Old Trafford. It is a special place to play and we all appreciate that we can play there in front of our home fans and we try to put on a show. “You’ve got your closest rivals, Liverpool and Manchester City, that are hyped up that bit

more than against anyone else, so winning that kind of game is probably the biggest of the season.” It is the second time this week that Ferdinand has targeted Chelsea with his comments. After Blues boss Jose Mourinho had suggested United were unconvincing champions last season, the 34-year-old branded the statement as “his [Mourinho’s] first sound bite of the season”.

2. One player ruled out of the game is winger Alex OxladeChamberlain, who injured his knee against Villa and could be out for three months or at least six weeks, according to Wenger. “Gutted I’m injured so early in the season. But I’m going to be working hard to hopefully be back playing in 3 months,” the player tweeted on Tuesday. The Gunners, however, put away a difficult opening week of the season this past midweek when they outplayed and thrashed Turkish giants Fernabache 30 away from home in their first leg of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. Fulham, unlike the Gunners, recorded a win in their opening match of the season when they edged past Sunderland 1-0 at home last weekend. The men from west London are currently occupying sixth place on the log standings. The last time these two sides met, Arsenal came out on top courtesy of a goal from Per Mertesacker goal to win 1-0 at the end of last season. In the last five league clashes between these two, Arsenal have won two compared to Fulham’s lone win, whilst two other matches have ended in a draw.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Raul Return Overshadows Bale Talk

Raul Gonzaleze

HYPE over the return of former Real Madrid hero Raul Gonzalez dominated Thursday morning’s Spanish press, with claims that Gareth Bale’s +100 million plus transfer is almost done left to play second fiddle. Real Madrid are rumoured current team — Al Sadd of to be holding the number 11 Qatar. Fans in the Spanish capital shirt for Gareth Bale. Many outlets in the UK were, apparently, not were sure the world record concentrating on the arrival transfer was all but done and of a new attacking superstar, dusted, with Tottenham but preparing to honour the sporting director Franco forward who left the Baldini in Madrid to finalise Bernabeu without a proper when he details such as whether a goodbye Blancos player such as Fabio surprisingly moved to Coentrao would be included Schalke three summers ago. Bale’s potential move was in part-exchange or a side covered in the Madrid-based deal. Meanwhile AS and Marca press, but most prominently were blanket covering because reporters had asked Thursday’s ‘Trofeo Raul for his thoughts on it Wednesday Bernabeu’ exhibition game, during in which Raul, now 36, will afternoon’s press conference play 45 minutes for Madrid to promote the exhibition and the other half for his game. “Bale is a player who can make the difference, he has done that in recent seasons,” Raul kindly answered. “Behind Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Leo] Messi he is the player pushing up the most. It seems Madrid want him “Everyone knows this is a and will make a big effort to fantastic club. I’m overjoyed. get him. If it happens I like to work hard and help everyone at the club will be my team in defence and in delighted.” Asked if he thought attack. I do my best to give Tottenham were overvaluing my all on the pitch.”

Inter Begin Life Under Mazzarri

LIFE under new coach, Walter Mazzarri, will begin for Inter when they host Genoa at the San Siro on Sunday evening, kick-off at 18h00 (CAT). Roll back to three years ago when Jose Mourinho and Samuel Eto’o where embracing over their treble winning campaign, and, now, look at the current state of affairs. No longer is the postcalciopoli Nerazzurri dominance around. It has floated away into an abyss of underachievement, poor signings and the constant revolving door of coaches coming in and out of the San Siro. This was only underlined when Andrea Stramaccioni, who was the third coach to take over in the 2011/12 season, couldn’t cope with the pressure at the Pinetina headquarters and fell to a ninth place finish. With no European football

as an excuse for domestic distractions, Inter have no choice but to put on a good showing and it has to start in their opening fixture on Sunday. Although his thoughts are on Inter’s next opponents, Rodrigo Palacio spent three years at Genoa and he is eager to come away with the win. “I haven’t sent any messages to any of my ex team-mates, but it will be a special game for me,” he tells Inter Channel. “I left behind many friends and enjoyed some great seasons there, but now I’m entirely focused on Inter. We can’t fail on Sunday. We have to play a good match and show we can be a contender.” Inter’s intent to improve has been evident with their activity in the transfer market, bringing in Mauro Icardi, Ishak Belfodil and Saphir Taider to the club. The latter is another player who is eager to do show his worth: “I’m very happy to be here at Inter.

Monaco Now In For FRENCH Ligue 1 outfit Marrone Monaco have stepped forward as a possible contender to sign Luca Marrone from Juventus. According to Sky Sport Italia, Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici has held initial talks with representatives of the Principality outfit. Marrone, 23, was expected to leave Turin in some form this summer after appearing in just 15 League games for the club over the last two seasons. Juve are understood to value the central midfielder at

around the +10m figure, although a loan or a coownership move has been touted as well. Marrone, now a former Italian Under-21 international, was mainly used as a centre-back by boss Antonio Conte last term. A variety of Italian clubs, as well as Everton, have been paired with the former Siena player over the last two months. Read the original article on FootballItalia

Walter Mazzarri

the Welsh international, Raul was again characteristically diplomatic. “You do not know,” he said. “It has to do with performances. Cristiano’s [fee] seemed a lot, and now it looks small beside what he has done. The market is what it is. If they reach an agreement the price will be ‘X’, and then we will see if it was worth it. Other times big figures were paid and the performance did not come. You have to wait to see if it happens and then his performance.” Elsewhere Marca waited until page 18 [it had been page 20 the morning before] for a story without any attributed quotes that claimed both the Madrid and Spurs dressing-rooms expected the transfer to go through before the end of August, but that Bale himself was getting worried by the length of time it was taking. Coentrao’s reported +4 million a year salary demands were suggested as a possible

sticking point. Many observers in both London and Madrid had assumed that Tottenham’s busy recent few days, with deals for both Anzhi Makhachkala creator Willian and Roma schemer Erik Lamela being put in place, was proof the Premier League club was already spending the money it would receive from Madrid for Bale. But Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas told reporters on Wednesday evening, while travelling ahead of his side’s Europa League play-off first leg at Gerogian side Dinamo Tbilisi, said that it was “not true” that any deal had been agreed yet with Madrid. “Ideally, we want to keep everyone to make us stronger — that is the ultimate objective of the club,” VillasBoas said. “In the end, anything can happen. We are dragging ourselves into the last weeks of transfer activity, and it can become very, very frantic.’’

HELLAS Verona’s 11-year hiatus from Italy’s top flight football will come to an end when they welcome Milan to the Stadio Bentegodi. Kick-off will be at 18h00 (CAT) on Saturday evening. It has been a long road back up to Serie A football and one which was filled with plenty of heartache and tears as they so swiftly diminished to a shadow of the team they used to be in the 80’s and 90’s. Nonetheless, a second placed finish for Andrea Mandorlini’s men meant they made the leap from Serie B to Italy’s most prestigious league and they will be eager to make sure they aren’t there to make up the numbers. A fixture against the 2011 Champions is as tough a home

debut the Gialloblu could get upon their return to Serie A, but they won’t go bowing out easily as they have added some exciting and experienced blood to their squad. Luca Toni, Massimo Donati and Daniele Cacia provide the perfect mix of experience to a relatively inexperienced squad, while the arrival of the promising Samuele Longo has created an air of excitement for the season. “I am happy to be here. We are hoping to beat Milan. I want to be a protagonist also in Italy. I know there are more strikers in this team than the others. Verona is my priority for this, beyond the idea of playing in front of so many people,” said the new signing from Inter. In contrast, Milan haven’t been as active in the transfer window but they already have an advantage of match fitness in them, after having faces PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs. The result may have been 1-1 for Massimiliano Allegri’s side, but the dominance and fluidity in their play is a positive factor they will no doubt take to the field in Verona. On top of that, Stephan El Shaarawy ended his six-month goal scoring drought with a headed effort against the Dutch outfit and he will be looking to continue on that run against the new boys. “It was my first headed goal as a professional. It was an important goal but there is some disappointment at not putting the result beyond doubt,” said the Egyptian-born Italian. “But now we will look ahead to the match at Verona and we have to do well. I hadn’t scored for six months so it was an important goal as it has given me a lift. Hopefully we will go through but they are a very good side.”

Milan To End Verona’s Serie A Hiatus

Neymar Delighted With Barca Goal

NEYMAR expressed his delight after scoring his first Barcelona goal in Wednesday’s Spanish Supercopa first leg at Atletico Madrid’s Estadio Vicente Calderon. Tomas: Neymar brings Supercopa closer after David Villa opener The +57 million summer signing entered the action in the 59th minute to a cacophony of whistles from the home fans inside the ground, with Barca trailing 0-1 to David Villa’s opener for Atletico and with team-mate Lionel Messi having left the field at half-time with a knock. The Brazilian wasted no time in getting involved, and within seven minutes had towered over marker Juanfran Torres at the back post to head in Dani Alves’

hanging cross and equalise. He told TV Espana immediately after the game had ended 1-1 that his first competitive Barca strike had been an “emotional” moment, and particularly sweet as it came at a time when the team really needed it. “I am happy because I came on and was able to help the team in a difficult moment,” Neymar said. “The result is good, and now we have to finish it at home. “Atletico are a strong team, they showed that again today. The tie is very open. It is an emotional moment, scoring my first goal. I hope Barcelona can keep going like this and be the champions.” Later the 5-foot 8-inches tall

attacker joked with reporters in the Calderon mixed zone that it had been unusual for him to score with his head. “I score few goals with my head,” he said. “But that means they are more valuable. I am more used to scoring with my feet. I am happy because with my first competitive goal because I was able to help my team-mates. The most important is to help the team.” Messi’s thigh injury means Barca’s two marquee South Americans have yet to really spend time together on the pitch in a competitive game, something which Neymar said he was looking forward to happening soon. “It is bad not to be able to play with Messi, he is the best in the world and everyone wants to play with him.”

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Schalke Condemn Police Action SCHALKE have condemned a police operation in the Veltins Arena’s Nordkurve as “excessive” and said they had no knowledge of the operation. A group of 100 police officers waded into the Schalke fan curve in the 75th minute of their Champions League qualifier against PAOK Salonika on Wednesday night and attacked fans with tear gas. Police had entered the block to remove a flag. When Slovakia international Miroslav Stoch scored to pull Schalke level at 1-1 the stadium filled with whistles and uproar in a matter of seconds. Whereas at first it was believed Schalke supporters had turned against their team, it soon became evident that the wall of noise was not directed against the players but against a police operation. Police had entered the block to remove a banner that included a Macedonian flag displayed by one of the Royal Blues’ supporter groups. In a statement released late on Wednesday night, Schalke attempted to explain the situation. “Fans had displayed a ‘Komiti Skopje’ banner in the Nordkurve. The Vardar Skopje Ultra group is befriended with the Royal Blues Ultras,” the statement read. “Through this banner the PAOK fans felt massively provoked. The situation in the away end escalated, the Greek supporters threatened to ‘attack’ the Nordkuve [which is on the other end of the stadium] and cause the game to be abandoned. It should not go unmentioned that bangers and flares had been used in the away end and several provocative banners had also been shown in the away end.” The banner that led to police storming the Schalke block displayed the Macedonian flag and includes the Vergina Sun, a controversial symbol that was used on the official Macedonian flag from 1992 through to 1995 when it was changed to its current form following Greek claims that it is a symbol of their own nation. Police had asked Schalke fans to no longer display the banner, but that request was not adhered to. “During the opening minutes we spotted a banner which massively offended the Greek fans,” a police spokeswoman told Radio Emscher Lippe, a local radio station on Wednesday. “To our findings this fulfilled the legal prerequisite of Volksverhetzung [a concept in German criminal law in which someone is guilty of hatred against a segment of the population].”

Arsenal Rise To Euro Challenge In Instanbul Arsenal provided the perfect riposte to their critics with a timely and ultimately impressive win at Fenerbahce on Wednesday which left Arsene Wenger’s side on the verge of a remarkable 17th straight Champions League campaign. The Gunners turned up in Istanbul under a cloud after last weekend’s shock Premier League opening loss to Aston Villa and inactivity in the transfer market But goals from Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and Oliver Giroud lifted the North London side past Fenerbahce in what beleaguered Wenger had described as “a massive” match. The win, which puts Arsenal

• Schalke fans react angrily to police intervention.

held to determine the successful applications. The same procedure will apply in the second phase where tickets will be awarded after a random draw period from December 8 2013 to Jan 30 2014, followed by a first come, first served period from next February 26 to next April 1. Finally, there will be a lastminute sales phase on a first come, first served basis from April 15 to July 13, the day of the final. So far only hosts Brazil, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Iran have booked their places at the finals. The World Cup will take place across 12 cities with around 600,000 foreign fans expected to attend the tournament.

firmly in the driving seat for next week’s return leg at the Emirates, will likely boost the club in their pursuit of their targets before the transfer window closes. A relieved Wenger told Sky Sports: “It was a good performance in a heated atmosphere. “We controlled the match and after the disappointment of the weekend we’re in a strong position now. It was vital to get off on the right foot and that’s what we did.” Ramsey added: “It was not the ideal start to the Premier League but we bounced back tonight we have been criticised but we remained switched on. I’m feeling confident at the moment.” “We look very comfortable now for the second leg.” Walcott, looking ahead to the return leg, said: “We can’t be complacent and have to be professional to get the job done.” The breakthrough after a dull opening half arrived in the 51st minute when Ramsey played in Theo Walcott down the right wing and the winger’s cross was allowed to reach Gibbs who crashed the ball into the roof of the net. Ramsey scored a fortunate second goal with 24 minutes left when Fenerbahce ‘keeper Volkan Demirel inexplicably allowed a routine shot from outside the box slip under his hands Giroud then planted a confident penalty in the top left hand corner after Michal Kadlec brought down Walcott on 77 minutes which has virtually put the tie beyond doubt. Fenerbahce were looking to reach the pool stages despite a potential ban looming over them for match fixing that has gone to appeal and will be decided on the eve of the draw.

knew I would play when I got here,” he told reporters. “It was a present.” He was included in the squad after a team mate was withdrawn because he had used a decongestant and officials feared he could fail a doping test. After coming on midway through the second half, Gabriel, playing his seventh professional match, swept home Montillo’s low cross in the 82nd minute. He completed his evening by receiving a yellow card for a shirtless goal celebration. Corinthians were reduced to 10 men when Romarinho was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 72nd minute. Tempers flared shortly afterwards and Corinthians substitute Emerson Sheik was

dismissed along with Luverdense’s Ze Roberto following a scuffle. Luverdense snatched a shock win in the 90th minute when Misael slipped the ball past goalkeeper Cassio after appearing to control it with his arm. Former AC Milan forward Alexandro Pato gave another lacklustre display for Corinthians and was jeered when he was substituted early in the second half. Willian gave Cruzeiro a halftime lead against Flamengo before Everton Ribeiro produced his masterpiece in the 51st minute. Running on to a chipped pass over the defence, he flicked the ball over a defender and smashed it into the top corner without letting it hit the ground.

High Demand As World Cup Tickets Go On Sale

SOME 2.3 million tickets for next year’s World Cup in Brazil were sold in the first 24 hours of internet sales, FIFA said Wednesday. The tickets were sought by June 12, and more than more than 400,000 fans 344,000 for the final at Rio’s through the FIFA.com website. legendary Maracana stadium The biggest demand came on July 13. from Brazilians, followed by The sale began Tuesday and Argentinians, Americans, fans have still until October 10 Chileans and Colombians. to make their requests. The There were more than draw for the final phase does 372,000 ticket requests for the not take place until December opening match in Sao Paulo on 6.

Dinamo Zagreb Sack Coach Jurcic the deficit,” he added.

CROATIAN title holders Dinamo Zagreb fired coach Krunoslav Jurcic after a 2-0 home defeat by Austria Vienna in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on Wednesday, club president Zdravko Mamic said. Jurcic guided Dinamo to a record eight successive league title in April and his side topped the table after only six games of the new campaign but his third spell in charge ended abruptly after the surprise loss. “We would like to thank Jurcic for everything he has done but we played only one decent game of football out of 12 in all competitions this season and we had no choice but to release him after a pitiful display against Austria,” Mamic told the club’s website after the loss. “We have no options at the moment so Jurcic’s assistant Damir Krznar will be in charge for the return leg against Austria on Tuesday where we hope to overturn

Dinamo missed a hatful of good chances before fine second half goals by Marin Leovac and Marko Stankovic put Austria in the driving seat to reach the money-spinning group stages of Europe’s elite club competition. Devoid of noteworthy attendances in the domestic league which lacks any real quality, playing in European competition and selling home-grown talent have been the two major sources of Dinamo’s income and Mamic acknowledged elimination by Austria would be a bitter blow. “A financial fortune is at stake here, apart from the club’s reputation and fan joy, hence we will do everything we can to qualify and the least we can do is go down fighting if we are to be relegated into the Europa League,” he said. The losers of the Champions League play-off round will go into the Europa League group stage.

Some tickets are reserved for “those over 60 years old, students and recipients of the Bolsa Familia family grant”, according to the International Football Federation (FIFA). Those tickets are branded Category 4, cost between $15 and $82.50 (11-62 euros), and are available only to Brazilians. Foreigners can buy tickets in the other three categories, which cost much more. Tickets in those categories for the opening match at the Itaquerao stadium in Sao Paulo cost between $220 and $495 while those for the final at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana go for a minimum of $440 up to $990. The first phase of sales, relating to around a third of the total number of tickets available, lasts until October 10, after which a ballot will be

16-Yr-Old Scores For Santos Sixteen-year-old Gabriel, only included at the last minute because another player used a nasal decongestant, scored a late goal to give Santos a 1-0 win over Gremio in the Copa Brasil. Three players were sent off as Corinthians slumped to a controversial 1-0 defeat at third tier Luverdense and Everton Ribeiro scored a stunning goal to help Cruzeiro beat Flamengo 2-1 in Wednesday’s eighthfinal first leg games. Santos youth player Gabriel said that he only went to Vila Belmiro to watch the Gremio match with his father, having trained earlier in the day with the youth team. “I was playing a video game at home and came to watch the game with my father and only

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Kano Pillars:

Galadima Hails Kwankwaso’s Largesse

THE Chairman, Kano Pillars FC, Abba Galadima, on Wednesday lauded Gov. Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano for presenting 28 KIA cars to the club’s players and technical crew. The presentation ceremony, with N500, 000 each, while held on Tuesday in Kano, was the members of the technical in fulfillment of the crew got N750, 000 each. governor’s promise to the “I feel elated. He fulfilled club for winning the 2011/ his promise after making a 2012 Nigeria Premier League. pledge to the team when we Galadima told newsmen on won the league and I’m very telephone that he was elated grateful to him. by the development, saying “This development has that the governor had proved really excited the players and that “he is a man of his technical crew and every one words’’. of us have been touched Apart from a car each, the positively to a great extent. players were also rewarded “The governor has shown

he’s a man of his words. He is giving us his relentless support over the years and that has made us evolved into a top flight club,” Galadima said.

The chairman added that the development would motivate the team in its quest to win the 2012/2013 Globacom Premier League title back-to-

ahead,’’ Osho said. He added that D’Tigers stood a good chance of winning their second match as they engage Congo Brazzaville, which lost their first match 43-74 to Cameroon.

• Stephen Keshi

Panel Warns Keshi On Bonus Row A PROBE panel on the Super Eagles bonus row has fingered coach Stephen Keshi as part of the embarrassment and said he should be warned. The African champions almost failed to turn up for the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil in June after they insisted they be paid more than what the broke Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) planned to pay them for two World Cup qualifiers in Kenya and Namibia. “Keshi was part of the problem as regards the bonus saga in Namibia. He stood to lose money if the bonus was slashed as proposed by the NFF and so he needs to be warned about his role in that ugly episode,” a top official

told MTNFootball.com The panel will submit several ground-breaking recommendations to the country’s sports minister in Abuja yesterday afternoon. MTNFootball.com can specially reveal that among these revelations are – 1) No more cash payments for match bonuses to the national teams as has been the case. Players and officials will be paid through their banks. 2) Draw bonuses should be abolished. Players will only be paid bonuses for winning a game, while participation fees will be paid for all national team engagements. 3) Coaches will negotiate their bonuses and will be paid

Fed Cup: Rivers Angels Edge Towards RIVERS Angels of Port Championship Title Harcourt have moved close to winning its third Women Federation Cup title by beating Pelican Stars of Calabar 2-0 in the semi-final of the 2013 Women’s Federation Cup. The two goals of the match, played at the Area Three Sports Complex in Abuja on Wednesday, were scored in the second half. The Port Harcourt Angels won the Women Federation Cup back-to-back in 2011 and 2012. Rivers Angels’ Captain, Evelyn Nwabuoku, paved way for the Port Harcourt-based side in the 54th minute when she fired a rebounded shot which swayed past the goal keeper. In the 75th minute, Rivers Angels almost doubled their

lead but the goal was disallowed. Toward the end of the game, substitute Stella Mbachu, converted a controversial penalty kick in the 84th minute to double Rivers Angels’ lead. Coach of Rivers Angels, Edwin Okon, attributed the team’s success to dedication and prayer. “My players are dedicated and the team pray a lot,’’ Okon said. The coach added that the tactical changes he made impacted on the game, noting: “the most important thing as a coach is that you must be able to read the game. “I read the game and noticed

ongoing season’s officiating as an improvement on the previous, saying that a lot of teams were earning more valuable points away from home. Pillars is currently occupying the second spot on the league table with 42 points from 25 matches, with an outstanding game on hand. Enyimba is currently leading the log with 43 points from 26 matches and with 12 matches left in the league.

NIGERIA striker Kalu Uche has asked for his pay to be doubled by Turkish club Kasimpasa. The former Bordeaux forward, who netted 19 goals last season for his team, is on annual wage of 800,000 Euros and has now demanded to be paid 1.8 million Euros according to fanatik.com Uche, who was Nigeria best player at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa after he netted two goals, missed his

team’s season opener against Karabukspor due to his demand for a pay rise. Incidentally, the Nigerian star does not lack suitors as he may moved away from Kasimpasa with Trabzonspor reportedly interested in signing him after they failed to sign former Liverpool star Milan Baros. Uche has also played in Poland with Wisla Krakow and with Almeria and Espanyol in the Spanish La Liga.

Kalu Uche Wants A Lot More Money

Coaches Praise D’Tigers’ Performance

SOME basketball coaches yesterday praised the National Basketball team, the D’Tigers, for winning its first match at the ongoing 2013 Afrobasket Championship holding in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. The D’Tigers defeated Mali 74-59 to earn valuable points in their first group D match. Coach Adeka of Dodan Warriors Basketball club of Lagos said it was a deserved victory, having played very well all through the game. “They played very well; the score line showed that D’Tigers were the better team. It’s a very good start for us and we need to continue in this form. “We need to enter the next game against our next opponent with more determination and aggressiveness.’’ Coach Mathew Osho of Comets of Lagos also applauded the team’s performance, describing it as a splendid start, and called on Nigerians to remember them in their prayers. “We have a good team that can win the championship for us, judging from their exploits in the last summer Olympic Games in London. “They have started well and I am confident that they will surprise Nigerians at the end of the event. They should keep up their heads and focus on the task

back. He noted that all of the players and technical crew members were mentally and physically ready to make their title defence certain. “What the governor has done is a huge motivation to the team as we hope to defend the title we won last season. “I believe the players and coaches are determined to give their best and I’m sure they will,” he said. Galadima described the

that the changes are necessary and that was what prompted the changes I made,’’ Okon said. On his part, Adat Egan of Pelican Stars, said the better side won the match, pointing out that “my players were kind of jittery in front of goal, though they were better in the defence. “I have learnt a lot in this match because if a team is not mentally-balanced in terms of coordination, it turns out this way, but the better side won today’s match,’’ Egan said. Rivers Angels will face Nasarawa Amazons in the final match of the 2013 Women Federations Cup on September 15 in Lagos.

a lump sum as qualification bonuses henceforth and not match bonuses. This is to ensure that the coaches are more professional in the discharge of their duties and have set targets to meet. 4) A code of conduct be introduced for the national team. A draft of this has been produced by the panel. 5) The NFF must announce the match bonuses for all their matches at the start of each financial year. 6) Cash bonuses should be discouraged for the country’s junior teams with the plan for a special pension fund to be opened for these players and such monies paid into such a fund.

• Kalu Uche

Isaac Success, Others Pass MRI Abuja on Tuesday for the Test MRI scan.

EAGLETS striker Isaac Success and six of his national teammates have passed a fresh MRI test conducted in Abuja this week. Success, who was goal king at the African U17 Championship in Morocco in April with seven goals, came out of the fresh age test in flying colours, MTNFootball.com has been specially informed. Eaglets call Chelsea prodigy Success has already reached an agreement with Italian club Udinese and he is likely to be loaned out to Spanish La Liga side

Granada next year. Kelechi Iheanacho, who was the second top scorer at the African Championship with six goals, also passed the test. “Success, Kelechi have all passed their MRI tests in flying colours,” a top official disclosed. “They all came in from their training camp in Calabar to do the tests and they all are within the grade allowed by FIFA.” More Eaglets to go It was learnt that a total of seven players who initially did not do the age test were at the National Hospital in

Officials did not want to risk these players, who were well within the grade by the time of the African championship in Morocco and so were initially exempted from a fresh round of the age test. “Success, for example, was on grade 2, when FIFA allow for grade 5, but rather than gamble it, it was agreed for the players to do another MRI scan,” MTNFootball.com was told. The FIFA U17 World Cup will kick off in the United Arab Emirates from October 17.

THE NIGERIAN

CMYK

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

APC: Meeting People’s TO say we run a political system in which the operators do not have a checklist of programmes or objectives set against specified periods for actualisation, means expressing the obvious problems bedevilling Nigeria. In our recent democratic experience, starting from 1999, even the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which told Nigerians from the onset that it has the blueprint of turning things around suddenly got somewhere after about 10 years of a floating-sail at the national level to realise the need for an appraisal and then proclaimed the pursuit of another set of objectives which is now termed ‘Transformation Agenda’. However, as I cherish with the understanding that a lot of Nigerians also do; the bold drive towards transformation, I have been waiting to discover the wisdom in PDP’s gesture of pouring new wine into old wineskin. In other words, one can only imagine how far a mechanically fit vehicle could go with a bad driver in control. What difference would new policies make to our peculiar old politicians? This image captures the general opinion of Nigeria not as a country lacking in those with the mentalstrength or human capacities for good policies, but obviously as a country not gifted with persons in authority who are adequately saddled with the political-will and mentalabilities to drive good policies through their challenges. Having come this far with the futility of PDP trying to reinvent itself into a generally likable brand nationwide, it therefore cannot be said that the agitation of Nigerians for a change of ‘drivers’ is misplaced. There are counties which are not well gifted in natural resources, yet have been able to put themselves on the limelight of developed countries through their gifts of mental resources which are identified in certain persons, who are therefore encouraged to pilot the national-affairs. And paradoxically, we know of some other countries which are very well gifted in natural resources, yet have succeeded in putting themselves on the limelight of underdeveloped countries through their kind of political leaders who behave as

Expectations

hedgehogs to prevent identifiable persons with mental abilities from piloting the national affairs. With little or no variance of opinions, Nigeria appears belonging to the latter of the two categories of countries. The emergence of All Progressives Congress (APC) as a political merger or a pool of common interest should essentially not be about those with the gifts of crafting the best policies. It should be more about those willing to saddle themselves with the task of driving our numerous policies through challenges and to live above the temptation of working only for self. Right now, Nigerians are not too bordered about the programmes of APC. Quite

responsibly and productively. And because APC would be shopping for all its personnel within Nigeria’s current muddy political space, perhaps what would signify the first test of the political merger is how to select its own ‘drivers’ out of the present political sham for purification - knowing that the basic quality of most politicians is to be good impostures who possess adequate skills in deception: Politicians with similar characteristics as the Cuckoo - a bird which secretly lays look alike eggs and then places each one amongst the eggs in other birds’ nest with the devious plan for the other birds to help in incubating the Cuckoo’s eggs. Truly, when Nigerians

• Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) frankly, the programmes would certainly not be too different from that of the PDP. It is also not as if those that are currently in APC or those to join later would be human beings coming from an impeccable political space, outside Nigeria. A major factor that ought to be the guiding principle of APC’s current members is the passion for change which would produce visible results as desired by majority of Nigerians: Not a mere change of those in control of the spoils of political offices; but a change to those persons who know how to bring about desired conceptions, and then go through labour-pains to nurture their brainchildren

assess the present crop of APC membership, it makes aspirations for a desired nation physically achievable. But an attempt to consider how they would weave through the labyrinth of contending issues as they arise could make one almost want to call for a sole dependence on divine

interventions. However, it may also be convenient to agree that the managerial skills with which APC waded through the initial obstacles associated with its registration as a political party is still alive and sharp. But on a larger scale, the workability of APC as a dependable enduring political party would somehow signify the possibility of Nigeria remaining united to achieve its full potentials as a cohesive entity. This underscores why APC should not be seen as merely another political party yearning for the spoils of national offices. Its success would indicate the possibility of a ‘few good men’ emerging from the widespread political marsh in which the country

FEED BACK By KINGSLEY OGBEIDE-IHAMA do, is regarded as an infernal weakness. A lot of Nigerians value the money they spend on getting things done over and above the persons who possess the skills to have such things done. This tends to make people want to acquire a lot of money to do all things more than the skills to do such things. This is why we have ‘money politicians’ in the place of ‘productive politicians’. Because of this great weakness in us, APC should not expect that PDP would be patriotic enough to assist them succeed even in

• Chief Bisi Akande has been stagnated. The success of APC would mean our ability to rise above all manners of the country’s repressive cynicisms. Unfortunately, Nigerians are not very good at accepting their disabilities. Inviting others to undertake what one cannot personally

areas which would be beneficial to a lot of Nigerians and make APC easily become the people’s darling. There is no gainsaying the fact that they should expect PDP to be unfriendly to them. And like an ill-mannered woman who prefers to tag a witch on her unfriendly

mother-in-law, APC should be prepared for bad tackles from PDP. APC should strive towards making the party peopledriven as the African National Congress (ANC) during the apartheid era of South Africa. The leaders should endeavour to cleave less to ownership syndrome and allow those who have not been hitherto present in the political turf a free access to join and contribute the wealth of their knowledge as a truly people driven movement. But more importantly, because APC is an experiment which success is very critical to Nigeria, it should guide against bitter and bloody struggle for political power that led to schisms in Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s camp when rival factions turned against each other as they scramble for political offices during the Second Republic. One of the ways of getting this right is to position APC as a faculty (Learning House) for grooming and identifying persons with practical solutions to the problems in our national-life ahead of the person’s intention to vie for any political office. And then, such persons can be accredited or rated by external assessors which would be composed of APC designated officials from different states outside where such members are assessed. This can keep all persons intending to run for any political office on the platform of the party tracked to desired results or objective developments. This method would prevent the current method of experimenting with persons who lack dynamic and practical knowledge of realising their programmes without solely depending on funds from the Federation Accounts.

“APC should strive towards making the party people-driven as the African National Congress (ANC) during the apartheid era of South Africa. The leaders should endeavour to cleave less to ownership syndrome and allow those who have not been hitherto present in the political turf a free access to join and contribute the wealth of their knowledge as a truly people driven movement.”

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