Nigerian observer 24 09 2014

The Nigerian

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • V ol . 39 N O . 084 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2 0 14 . N 100.00

Idahosa to be sworn in as Commissioner today

NATURAL MEDICINE

BENIN CITY- The Swearing in ceremony of Mr. Denis Idahosa as Commissioner in Edo State Government

Page 19

New hope for enlarged prostate

Cabinet holds today, September 24, 2014 at the Old Exco Chamber, beginning

at 10:30 am.

A statement by Peter Okhiria, Chief Press Secretary to

Governor Adams Oshiomhole requests guests to be seated by 9:30 am

BENIN CITY- Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has presented the State’s 2015 Budget estimates of N156.551 billion to the State House of Assembly for approval.

Christened “Budget of Roads Construction and Developmental Rehabilitation, Consolidation”, it is Education, Health, aimed at taking the state Water, Rural to the next level. made up Electrification and of N87.5 billion as Capital E n v i r o n m e n t a l e x p e n d i t u r e , Protection including representing 55.77% Drainage towards and N68.99 billion, Erosion Control and representing 44.23%, the Beautification. budget is N4 billion lower The Governor said the than the 2014 budget budget will also address which stood at N160.1 projects for job creation billion. particularly through He also said the economic empowerment Budget is designed with emphasis on microtowards the completion credit to small and of all ongoing projects, medium scale injection of new enterprises; Project for investments in key mass housing, priority sectors of the expanding the revenue administration which are base, creation of the

enabling environment for domestic and direct foreign investment and deepening of governance reforms “The Budget is designed to achieve the consolidation of this administration’s developmental agenda

and focus on key priority sector of government namely; infrastructure, Education and Health.

On how the budget will be funded, Oshiomhole said, “we are aware that Edo State derives the bulk of its revenue from statutory allocation from

Oshiomhole presents N156.6bn 2015 Budget

SPIRITUAL PLATFORM

Page 25

Dealing with stubborn situations

the Federation account for the funding of Capital and recurrent expenditures. We will continue to sustain and redouble our efforts to substantially reduce our dependence on the federation account allocation by intensifying

our Internal Revenue Generation drive in the coming years.

“Accordingly, we envisage a significant boost to our IGR in 2015 while we will continue to leverage other domestic Continues on page 2

Police parade 46 crime suspects

By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON/ PIUS ABAH BENIN CITY- Edo State Police Command has paraded 46 suspected criminals arrested for offences, ranging from armed robbery, rape, defilement, stealing, kidnapping to unlawful possession of firearms.

The parade yesterday came barely three weeks

after the command also paraded 68 suspected criminals nabbed for various crimes.

The Commissioner of Police, Edo State, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo paraded the 46 suspects before newsmen at the State Police Command Headquarters, Benin City.

Mr. Adebanjo thanked members of the public for their cooperation in

TIT BIT

“The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” . Socretes

making Edo State peaceful.

He called on unrepentant criminals in the state to relocate or be ready to face the superior power of the law as there would be no hiding place for them in the state.

Continues on page 2

PRESENTATION OF 2015 BUDGET: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State presenting a copy of the State’s 2015 Budget to Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.

$9.3m Cash Scandal: APC Reps

By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - All Progressive Congress (APC) Lawmakers in the House of Representatives yesterday staged a walkout from the Chamber in protest of the decision of the house to stand down a motion moved by the Deputy Whip, Abdurrahaman Kawwu as Matter of urgent national

walk out on plenary

importance on the arrest of a private jet from Nigeria allegedly carrying 9.3 million US Dollars in

South Africa last week.

In a motion earlier moved, Suleiman Kawu had urged the House to

debate on the 9.3M dollars arms deal, but the presiding Officers

the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha Continues on page 2

Depot Chapter of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association

of Nigeria (IPMAN).

Sources close to IPMAN told newsmen in Lagos that the Continues on page 2

Missing N500m: EFCC invites IPMAN Exco

LAGOS The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has waded into

controversial N500 million allegedly missing from the account of the Mosimi

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

News

Oshiomhole presents N156.6bn

Continued from page 1 and external sources to fund projects that meet the state’s social and economic benefit cost and with positive cash flow to pay back.”

In line with the global best practices, the Budget is classified into four sectors: Administration which takes N17.873 billion recurrent and N4.031 billion Capital; Economic with N5.342 billion

recurrent and N26.029 billion Capital; Law and Justice with N2.955 billion recurrent and N0.837 billion capital and Social with N20.173 billion recurrent and N46.665 billion Capital.

Flood, Erosion Control and Environmental protection takes the lion share of the budget with N18.5 billion, followed by the Education sector with N18.1 billion;

Roads takes N16.95 bilion while the sum of N9.298 billion was allocated to the Health sector.

Expatiating on the Health Sector, Oshiomhole said, “among the Capital projects we have earmarked for 2015 are the completion of the construction and equipping of the new Accident and Emergency 200 beds complex of the Central

Continued from page 1 Among the offences highlighted yesterday were eight defilement and three rape cases.

Exhibits paraded with the

suspects included 20 assorted guns, 12 cutlasses, 192 cartridges while the Commissioner said nine cars were recovered.

Many of the suspects confessed to the crime as the Commissioner assured that they will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

Continued from page 1 appealed to the lawmakers to stop debate on the matter, as it bordered on national security.

Emeka Ihedioha said that the matter was better discussed at the committee level and thus referred it to the House Committee on National Security and Defense.

This however angered the APC Lawmakers and they walked out of the chamber.

Briefing National Assembly correspondents, the Chief Whip, Samson Osagie described the decision of the house as unfortunate, adding that the Matter was already at the public domain and therefore must be debated upon.

Hon. Samson Osagie couldn’t understand the rational behind the reason why the money belonging to Federal Government should be moved by a private jet to South Africa, when the country

has over five to six Airplanes in the presidential fleets.

Rhetorically, Osagie asked “why was the money moved by a private jet and why was it not accompanied by the officials of the Nigeria Aviation, why would the Government that have been promoting cashless policy in our country be the chief breaker of that policy by moving that amount of money”.

“If South Africa Government has said that the amount exceeded the limit allowed to enter the country, why will a whole country like Nigeria not know the simple aviation law of South Africa sister country and why didn’t they take it out of the Oliver Tambo international Airport and went to land in the village where you have a local Airport?“

the allegation.

“It is when it is established that the person actually committed such an act that action can be taken against the person.

“As a matter of fact, in the IPMAN constitution, you cannot even go to court until you have exhausted all the internal avenues of getting the issue tackled “Now, how did they come about the N500 million? Have they seen the account of IPMAN? I want to be honest with you; I do not keep IPMAN money.

“We have people who are in charge of finance. When everything is approved, they bring the paper and I sign,” he explained.

Hospital, Benin City. Completion and furnishing of the second and third floor of the Block D of the New Secretarial Complex and ongoing renovation of Hospital buildings at the General Hospital, Agenebode”.

Speaking on roads infrastructure, Oshiomhole said.

“A key priority of this administration is the completion and provision of good quality, well-drained and all-year motorable standard road infrastructure. Our target is to connect as many communities, villages and towns as possible to accelerate social and economic activities in the state”.

While reviewing the state’s 2014 budget, Oshiomhole said, “The total expected revenue was N117.48 billion. However, as at June 2014, the actual revenue realized was N43.256 billion naira. In 2014, the revenue performance was affected by the drop in the allocation from the Federation account which adversely affected the revenue profile of the state”.

He however noted that despite these challenges, “We have effectively arrested a palpable decay and dilapidation we have inherited in the environmental, social, education and transportation sector. This has enabled us to lay a solid foundation for sustainable development of the state as well as raise the bar in terms of standards both for project execution and service delivery across sectors of our economy”.

Oshiomhole expressed joy that the government has remained faithful to payments of wage obligation despite the dwindling allocation and inflow from the federal sources.

“We have equally honored our pensions and gratuity commitments. On the whole, we have sustained our policy of financial prudence and budget discipline which has kept the cost of governance within reasonable limits and ensured that more resources are channeled to Capital expenditures and welfare enhancing projects”.

Responding, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe said the House will expedite action on the project proposal.

He noted that the governor’s reading of the project makes the first reading according to the Assembly rule.

LAGOS - The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG), said their members cumulatively lost more than N10 billion during the recent five days strike by workers of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Mr Tokunbo Korodo, the Chairman, South-West Chapter of the union, made the assertion in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Lagos.

The members of NUPENG and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of

Nigeria (PENGASSAN), had on September 15 embarked on a strike following the inability of NNPC to bridge the N85 billion gap in their pension scheme.

The union’s strike which was called off on Sept. 19, on the intervention of the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani AllisonMadueke, had led to the shutdown of NNPC and its subsidiaries nationwide.

Korodo said the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Petroleum Tanker Drivers, NUPENG and NNPC lost more than N2 billion

Police parade 46 crime suspects

APC Reps walk out on plenary

“Why will the Government of Nigeria seek to smuggle 9.3M dollars, a country that is regarded as the giant of Africa,

smuggling amouth worth 1.5B in a country where its citizens are wallowing in poverty for unexplained reasons. Is this not a wicked coincident that an Aircraft belonging to a personal friend and unapologetic ally to the president in a person of a Chairman of CAN that was used to smuggle the cash?”

Hon Osagie who was visibly angered by this development, further added that the Nigeria Government owns Nigeria people an explanation on how they got the money and to what real purpose the money was meant for.

We call on federal Government of this Government to tell Nigerians what it has to do and what it has done and there is no amount of official intimidation, official harassment of the good people of this country and those who intend to speak out on this matter that she did transaction that cloud illegality and illegitimacy.

EFCC invites IPMAN Exco

Continued from page 1 commission had served the executives of the chapter a letter of invitation on September 17, over the alleged missing money.

It would be recalled that some factions of the association led by Adeleke Dada, had earlier petitioned the commission to probe the alleged misappropriation of N500 million by the Alhaji Dele Tajudeen led executives.

Dada, in addition to the allegation of N500 million misappropriation under the current administration, claimed also that unnecessary levies were collected by the past leaders.

Alhaji Dele Tajudeen, Chairman, IPMAN, Mosimi depot, also confirmed that his executives were invited by the EFCC to appear on Sept. 25.

“We have been invited by the EFCC to come and defend the allegations and we will definitely go with our documents to put the position right and defend ourselves,” Tajudeen said.

Tajudeen said that in spite of the EFCC invitation, members of IPMAN had resolved to sanction and sue some members for libel over frivolous allegations against the Mosimi depot executives.

According to the chairman, there is no basis for the allegation of misappropriating

N500 million IPMAN funds.

He said that the members of the association had in spite of the allegation passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the Mosimi depot executives.

“The outgoing executives have been mandated to go on with the planned election of new executives in October, 2014.

“A letter should be written to the NNPC to recognise the IPMAN executives led by Tajudeen with immediate effect in the day-to-day running of the affairs of the association,” he said.

He also queried the allegation of some of the members, stressing that the Mosimi Deport barely have N100 million in its account.

“Where do we get such huge fund to misappropriate?

Where did they get such figures? We are going to sue them for libel if they cannot substantiate their claims with evidence.

“In the first place, they are using illegal means to lay the allegation. In the constitution of IPMAN, there are procedures of making complaints and allegation.

“When you have any issue of wrongdoing against somebody, you write to the state or national executive body of IPMAN. They will set up a committee to investigate

EIRS, JTB to hold workshop on TIN Regulations

By VICTOR OMOALU BENIN CITY – The Edo State Internal Revenue Service (ERIS) in collaboration with the Joint Tax Board (JTB) will today hold a one-day sensitization /education workshop on Tax payers identification Number (TIN) regulations in Benin City.

The programme which has the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as Special Guest of Honour is aimed

at sensitizing, educating and enlightening the people on regulations of TIN. According to a statement by the Executive Chairman, EIRS, Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah, the event will take place at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, Airport Road, Benin City beginning at 9:00am.

Participants expected at the occasion include stakeholders from all strata of the economy, including top government officials, judiciaries, captains of industries, business associates, and individuals.

Edo PDP can’t win, free, fair election - SSA

BENIN CITY- The Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Edo State Governor, Mr. John Mayaki said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot win free and fair election in the state.

Mayaki also said that in the event that the party rigs itself to power in the 2016 governorship elections, it has a huge tasks to contend with in sustaining the good governance and infrastructural development by the Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s led government.

He however, noted that the All Progressive Congress (APC) will retain power in the 2016 governorship election.

According to him, “Yes, we see people decamping, but Edo State PDP cannot boost of winning a free and fair contest with the overwhelming and massive development unleased on Edo people by Oshiomhole”.

He disclosed that, “they are disappointed and frustrated because of the inability of development to decamp to their fold.

“They do not know the meaning of development and progressive politics and as such, they are frustrated and disappointed because, the ultimate purpose for politics and governance is development, which they have not been able to provide.

“One thing you cannot take away from Governor Adams Oshiomhole is his style of governance. He is a progressive and one who believes that he must work for the people and that development must trickle down from mega cities like

Benin city to major towns, villages, communities, hamlets and every human habitation.

“What we should celebrate in politics is development and not decampees. What we should celebrate is the man who spoils us with infrastructures. The man who believes in open and participatory governance and the man who opened our eyes to the fact that governance has a human face.

“We can’t be celebrating people who bellyache because the state is working. We cannot celebrate people who do not know the colour and meaning of development and participatory democracy. People who rejoice at the misfortune of government and people who make political capital out of every natural disaster that befall our people.

Mayaki said, “I can assure you that the APC will retain Edo State in 2016. We will ensure that we put the right and popular candidates forward. We will showcase all we have done since we assumed office. It will engender confidence in whatever we promise the people. If we present the right candidates for all elective offices, the corollary is that the PDP will be ignored.

Mayaki said, “it is very easy to strategise and conjure to rig the 2016 gubernatorial elections out of desperation because they do not count on the people to vote but they have an inescapable task and that is how to sustain the tempo of the on-going massive infrastructural work should they succeed to rig themselves into office.

NUPENG Laments N10b loss to strike on daily in the South-West during the strike.

According to him, NNPC Ejigbo depot, Lagos State and Mosinmi, Ogun State were paralysed during the strike.

He added that strike affected small scale business operators at the depots, especially food and GSM recharge card vendors among others that lost about N5 million within the strike period.

The chairman also said that contrary to other opinions, the strike was only suspended following the intervention major

national stakeholders.

He said the unions’ decision to put the strike on hold to allow the NNPC management time to address the issues raised, especially the unfunded N85 billion pension gap.

“The NNPC management has not paid their N85bn pension till now.

“We are imploring the National Assembly and other stakeholders to prevail on the NNPC management to pay their part of the scheme because oil workers have paid theirs,” he said.

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

News Edo Govt To Rehabilitate Moritund Infrastructure

By DOROTHY EGBOBAMWONYI BENIN CITY- The Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdul Oroh has reiterated state government commitment to rebuilding moribund infrastructure across the state.

Oroh who stated this recently while playing host to the leader and members of the legislative arm of Owan East Local Government Council who were on a thank you visit to his office said government would also sustain the tempo of good governance.

Hon. Oroh who commended Local Government legislative arm for working in peace and harmony with the executive members of the local government, appreciated the legislators for their ability to manage the resources at their disposal, especially the markets built at Afuze which he said has made the community a beehive of activities.

While enjoining them to venture into agriculture which he described as the road map to the future of Nigeria he disclosed that plans were under way to bring investors to Owan East Local Government Area.

According to him 25 hectares of land had been allocated to them in the area and assured that the problem of unemployment will be reduced when the plans come to fruition.

Hon. Oroh also disclosed that the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has directed that schools from Ivbiaro that had not been renovated should be awarded to contractors for renovation.

He charged the legislators to

always embark on educational oriented tours with a view to acquiring lessons that could be useful at home as well as take bold steps to attract investors and partners that could bring development to the area.

Leader of the legislative arm, Hon. Hilary Ozogo, who led other councillors on the visit said the visit was for the purpose of saying thank you in acknowledging Oroh’s input to his constituency beginning from his days in the House of Representatives.

Hon Ozogo, while describing Oroh as a leader in the local government area appreciated the speed with which he attends to issues that affect them.

BENIN CITY –The Edo State government said it will sustain its drive at boosting the commerce and economic sectors of the state.

Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in the State, Barrister MacDonald Obasuke made this disclosure at Anegbette in Etsako Central Local

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, his Deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu and the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonbvere during the presenation of the 2015 budgets to Edo State House of Assembly in Benin City yesterday.

...To Sustain State Economic Drive -Commissioner Government Area.

The Commissioner said his visit to the locality was to enable him have an on the spot assessment of one of the factories which recently

applied for the EDSG-BOI (Bank of Industry) Loan Facility.

Commissioner Obasuke who was taken on a guided tour of the facilities of the company, ‘Pemo Bamboo’ expressed delight at the operations of the establishment and assured the management of the State government willingness to give the needed assistance under the EDSG-BOI loan scheme to further enhance the company’s production.

He used the opportunity to enlighten the management of the factory that the loan scheme which started in

2009 was put in place to encourage investment in the state, adding that of the 36 states presently operating the scheme, only Edo State is giving out its own portion of the loan as interest-free.

The Managing Director of the Company, Engineer Gabriel Edebili assured the Commissioner, his team of officials from the Ministry as well as that of the Bank that when the loan is granted, it would improve the production capacity of the factory which in return would increase employment generation and development of the locality.

Community To Hold Ikpoleki Festival

By IKPONMWOBA OSAZEE JOEL

Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe (sitting) in a chat with the Depluty Speaker, Hon. Victor Edoror during the presentation of the 2015 budget to the house yesterday. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO

Community Appeals For Road Rehabilitation

BY MORRISON HAYBLE

A FA S H I O ( E T S A K O WEST)-Afashio Community in Uzairue clan has appealed to Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to redeem his promise of constructing AfashioIyora Road which is for the opening up of economic and social activities between the two communities.

The promise, according to the Community Head, Chief Patrick Adedio who spoke with Our

Correspondent on behalf of his people was made on compassionate ground, following the death in an auto crash on Ewu hill in December 2008 of the Governor’s Personal Assistant, Barr Greg Aruna who hailed from the community.

Chief Adedio explained that the construction of the road as promised by the Comrade Governor was to assuage and

compensate the people for the unfortunate loss of their son in active service almost six years ago.

While commending the Governor for rehabilitating the Mixed Secondary School in the area, the people however lamented the deplorable state of the road leading to the school as a result of erosion gullies which they noted, had made access

almost impossible.

The Community Head remarked that the rehabilitation of the school would have amounted to vain effort as it remained land locked, adding that the terrible state of the hitherto access road had made it extremely difficult, even for pedestrian movement.

He therefore pleaded with the state government to address the menace, as, according to him: “The school is no longer useful to us without access road”.

BENIN CITY – The Ohen Obuha N’Iteghele and the entire sons and daughters of Evbo-Amufi Community in IkpobaOkha Local Government Area of Edo State will hold their annual Ikpoleki Festival 2014 beginning from Thursday September 25, 2014.

According to Ohen IyiEwuare, Asenoguan Egharevba (Amb), the ceremony will kick-off with the procession of Staff of Okhuaihe shrine (Ugie Isekhure) which will hold on Thursday, September 25, 2014, while Ugie Isosun and

Ugie Ihogbe will hold on Friday, September 26, 2014.

The ceremony will be rounded-off on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at 8 a.m. with Edeneboyada/ Imierhumhun.

Ambassador Asenoguan Egharevba

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Across The Nation LAPO Boss Makes Case For Women In Politics ideal.

By PIUS ABAH/ FAITH ISIKHUEMEN BENINCITY- The Executive Director of The Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO, NGO). Mrs. Sabina IdowuOsehobo has stressed the need for the abolition of the positions of ‘ Women Leaders’ from the political system. In Nigeria, describing it as tokenism.

The Executive Director disclosed this to the Nigerian Observer in an exclusive chat recently in her office in Benin City.

While speaking on the topic ‘ Gender Mainstreaming and 2015 Elections’ she emphasized the need for all political positions to be thrown opened for males and females alike, asserting that women’s rights were inalienable and therefore should not be violated under any guise.

The LAPO Boss also lauded the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan-led administrated for having recorded an unprecedented number of women in key appointive

positions in the present administration.

While recalling LAPO’s Midwest efforts in encouraging women to be politically active, she said that the organization has done very well over the years by sensitizing the women on their political and social right to enhance their capacity in nation building.

She decried the low rate of women’s political participation, saying that even the 35% women’s political participation which was arrived at the Beinjing conference was still not adequate, as equal representation was the

She however enjoined women who are vieing for political positions to ensure that they have the backing of their homes as well as fellowship and popularity even from the grassroot.

According to her, “funding for women is a key issue, the women need to be financially balanced as it will go a long way in achieving their political aspirations”.

She also stressed the need for women Politicians to focused, cerebral, pushful and forceful, adding that they must network and must not be cheap or loose while negotiating with their male counterparts.

Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Floluso Adebanjo displaying to newsmen arms and ammunition recovered from criminals paraded Tuesday in Benin City.

Photo: MIKE OSAROGIAGBON.

Ebola: UNIBEN Adopts Preventive Measures

By STANLEY UGAGBE BENIN CITY- The Authorities of the University of Benin have provided Sanitizers for staffs and Students of the Institution as a precautionary measure against the dreaded Ebola Virus.

The sanitizers are situated at various locations within the

school environment, including the hostels and security posts.

Although, no case of ebola virus has been mentioned in the Institution, the management deemed it wise to protect the staffs and students of the Institution from contacting the virus by providing the sanitizers.

Speaking with The

The Commissioner of Police Edo State, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo parading supected criminals to before newsmen in Benin City Tuesday. Photo: MIKE OSAROGIAGBON.

Nigerian OBSERVER, some students of the Institution praised the school’s management for the wise decision, while others described the act as medicine after death.

Andrew Merit of the faculty of Engineering said, “I’m pleased with this commitment and care for the students”.

Ukputu Onome from the faculty of Arts said the School’s management has

Sanitation: LG Boss Commends

BENIN CITY – The Chairman of Edo State Committee on Environment, Comrade Mukhtar Yusuf Osagie has been commended for bracing up to the challenge of keeping Edo State clean.

The commendation was made by Honorable Victor Enobakhare, Egor Local Government Council Chairman, in Uselu Market during last Monday’s sanitation exercise.

He said the committee had done well since it assumed duty.

A statement by Mr. Matthew Idemudia, Directorate on media and publicity said the council chairman pledged his full support to the committee and advice the members to work harder, promising to tally with them at all times.

Comrade Yusuf Osagie used the medium to remind

C’ttee Chairman

the market women of the next sanitation day and urged them to come out enmass to clean

BENIN CITY –The Edo Delta states Co-Ordinator of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Akosun Ilesanmi has reiterated the body’s commitment to reducing the manufacturing and inflow of substandard products in the country.

He re-affirmed this in a chat with The Nigerian OBSERVER in his office at the Federal secretariat,

Aduwawa, Benin City.

Ilesanmi assented that SON had in addition to its responsibility of monitoring product compliance, with standard from the factories, also organized sensitization campaign rights.

According to him, another seminar would be coming up soon and notifications have been sent to cell phone dealers, operators of eateries and other stakeholders to that effect.

The SON boss told The Nigerian OBSERVER that

misapplication of standards had been the root of the battle to curb in the state, adding that offenders have become adamant because of their desire to cut corners and maximise profits.

He decried the menace brought about by the activities of importers and building contractors who, as a result of poverty, allowed their intelligence to be played on by these who supply them with substandard goods at cheaper rates.

He also decried the nonchalant attitude of citizens who do not own up to the responsibility of helping the SON carry out investigation after making calls to report cases to the body.

According to Ilesanmi, such people might have, collected bribes from the offenders they earlier reported thereby leaving the SON helpless in carrying out its responsibilities.

The SON boss however enjoined the public to join the organization in the fight

their markets, failing which they will be sanctioned according to sanitation law.

Burial Of Weekend Observer Editor Begins Today

By OSAGIEDE GODWIN BENIN CITY – The burial ceremony of the late former weekend Editor of The Nigerian OBSERVER, Mr. Henry Osayemwenre Balogun. Begins today, Wednesday September 24, 2014.

According to a burial statement signed by Mr. Joseph Omokaro Balogun, there will be a service of songs at his residence, No. 37, Akpakpava Street, Benin City beginning at noon.

On Thursday September 25, 2014, beginning at 10am is

family rites.

Saturday September 27, 2014, there will be social dance at Holy Aruosa church compound, No 27 Akpakpava street, Benin City, beginning at noon.

The ceremony will climax on Sunday September 28, with a thanksgiving service at Glorious Assembly, No. 14, 2nd East Circular Benin City.

Balogun died on July 15, 2014 after in a brief illness.

He is survived by a wife, five children and three grand children.

against substandard goods by purchasing only brand new and genuine products, while being on the look out for expiry dates of products.

He also urged consumers to always demand for receipts of goods purchased, adding that such would serve as proof when complaints are brought to the SON’s desk.

The SON boss further enjoined the public to always report all forms of dissatisfaction with products to the body as it treats only reported cases.

Late Henry Osayemwenre Balogun

SON To Ensure Compliance With Standard

By PIUS ABAH/ FAITH ISIKHUEMEN

done well by providing Sanitizers for the students as a preventive measure.

Also, a source who pleaded anonymity said that Ebola has died down and also there was no need for sanitizers.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

News

Police Confirms Gunmen Attack On Station LOKOJA - The Police Command in Kogi have confirmed that gunmen attacked a police station at Adogo, the headquarters of Ajaokuta Local Government, on Sunday night.

The command’s Public Relations officer, ASP Elvis Aguebor, confirmed the attack in a statement in Lokoja.

Aguebor said that the attackers came into Adogo to attack the station from different directions of Okene, Ajaokuta and other routes.

He said that they were apparently desirous of carting away arms in the operation, adding that “the desire of the hoodlums to cart away arms was aborted’’.

Aguebor said that the arms had been evacuated and moved to safety, adding that no human casualty was recorded on the part of the police.

He said that the heavy dynamite launched by the attackers, demolished and set fire on part of the station.

The spokesman, however, said that the four suspects in the cell as at the time of the attack were unhurt.

The police spokesman said he believed that some of the attackers escaped with bullet wounds since the police men on duty took positions and returned fire for fire.

He said that the police had started combing the bush and the surrounding communities with a

MINNA - The Minister State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hajiya Asabe Ahmed, has said that the transformation in the agriculture sector of the economy is the key to Nigeria development and progress.

Ahmed made this known at the 1st Niger State Investment Climate Summit in Minna on Monday.

She said that the Federal Government’s deliberately investment in the country’s crude oil and agriculture would attract local and foreign investors in the two critical sectors.

The minister said that the present administration was working through the Public Private Partnership to reposition agriculture for security and export.

She pointed out that the state government had spent three billion naira on agriculture value chain in order to increase the production capacity of its people.

Ahmed said the state government had the biggest processing centre situated in Bida and Badegi Local Government Areas of the state.

The minister said the processing centres would bring the market closer to the people and attract international and national investors that would boost the country’s economic.

“Niger State has the biggest land mass in the country that is why we decided to bring a stable processing centre that will serve as investment centres.

“Through this successful achievement in the state, it will reduce transaction cost in value chain process,” she said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce and Investment, Alhaji Hassan Abdullahi, said the state government had established a continuous political investment in the state.

“Our main concern is to stimulate healthy stipulation for micro economic facilities, infrastructure development toward identifying the various

view to tracking down the attackers.

Aguebor said investigation was underway to ascertain the identity of the attackers.

He urged members of the public to assist with useful information and report anybody with gunshot wounds to the police.

It was reported learnt that the gunmen, numbering about 50, emerged from a bush close to the police station at about 11p.m and opened fire on the station.

It was learnt that the policemen on duty, however, engaged them in a gun duel that lasted almost one hour.

Agriculture Key To Nat’l Devt

- Minister challenges in the state.

“We are optimist that at the end, we will build a stronger opportunity that would attract investors,” he said.

The reports state that the conference with the theme “Building a Sustainable Business Environment in Niger State’’ was aimed at mapping out state’s vast investment opportunities.

Women Empowerment Minister Commends Jonathan GOMBE - The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for adhering to the 35 per cent policy of affirmative action.

Maina gave the commendation at a rally on peace building organised by the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) for the North East Zone in Gombe.

She said the president had empowered a lot of women within and outside his government.

According to her, Jonathan is a gender-friendly president who has done a lot in the education of the girl-child as well as empowerment of women, children and youths.

Maina, however called on women to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise, saying “ your cards are your rights; women have the largest number of voters and you should prove yourselves.’’

She also called on Nigerians to pray for peace and security in the North East Zone.

Also speaking, the member representing Bogoro Constituency in the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Miss Rifkatu Danna, thanked the president for appointing women in various capacities.

She appealed to women in the region to support the president so as to consolidate on his achievements.

The occasion was attended by Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe, Acting Gov. Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa and his Taraba counterpart, Garba Umar.

Also present were the deputy governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Sagir Saleh, ministers as well as federal and state lawmakers from the zone.

Suntai: Taraba Speaker Set-Up Medical

JALINGO- Mr Josiah Kente, the Speaker of the Taraba House of Assembly, has set up a five-man medical panel to verify the health status of Gov. Danbaba Suntai.

This was contained in a statement he signed and made available to journalists in Jalingo.

Kente said the action followed the resolution of the State Executive Council meeting of Sept. 10.

He said he evoked the provisions of section 189 (b) and 189 (4) of the 1999

Panel

Constitution as amended, requesting him to constitute such a medical panel.

“I have set up the medical panel in line with the resolution of the state executive meeting of Sept. 10 which requested me to do so,” he said.

The reports state that the panel has Prof. Bala Shehu as Chairman.

Other members are the personal physician of Suntai, Dr Ahmed Kara, Prof. Peter Alabi, Dr Shehu Sule and Dr Inusa

Samaila.

The statement also said the panel would soon be inaugurated.

It will be recalled that Suntai had survived a plane crash on Oct. 25, 2012 and had returned to the state after receiving treatment in Germany and the US. He was later flown to London for further treatment and only recently returned to the country.

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

South West

Lagos Schools To Re-Open October 8 LAGOS -Governor.

Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has directed public primary and secondary schools in the state to start academic activities on October 8.

The schools had earlier been scheduled to open on September, 22.

Fashola made the announcement at an interactive session with principals, vice principals, head teachers and teachers in public primary and secondary schools in Lagos.

He directed principals, vice principals, teachers to reopen schools on September 22 for the distribution and supply of preventive materials against the Ebola Virus Disease in all schools ahead of the new resumption date.

He said that the new date was to allow smooth distribution of all necessary materials to the schools.

“We will use from tomorrow (September 22 ) as getting ready week.

“My proposal is that tomorrow, the principals, the teachers and the district heads get to the schools and sort out what else is missing.

“We will use from tomorrow through the week, to get the schools ready. This week is getting ready week.

“Academic work I propose, instead of starting and stopping, should start immediately after the Sallah festival, on October 8,” he said.

The governor said he was also scared of the disease just as the teachers were but was determined to overcome.

He said that medical personnel have declared the state safe of ebola and,

therefore, the school are safe to commence normal academic activities.

“I am not afraid or ashamed to tell you that I was scared of the Ebola disease. I am not ashamed to say it but being afraid does not solve the problem.

“I have a job to do. If the fear overcomes me then I should leave the job, so I do not allow the fear to overcome me.

“The doctors have told us that the schools are safe to reopen, so let us go back to our schools and observe all the preventive measures.

“We have awarded contracts to provide water in about 800 schools, over 200 have been completed, “Whether there is Ebola or not we must provide water for the schools and make our schools safe for our children,’’ the governor said.

Fashola urged the schools to increase hand washing and personal hygiene exercise among the pupils and students to prevent the disease.

Mr Segun Raheem, Lagos State Chairman, National Union of Teachers commended the state government for postponing the resumption date.

Raheem told newsmen, after the programme, that the governor’s decision was to ensure that the schools were ready to receive the students.

Earlier, he urged the state government to provide all necessary preventive equipment before the schools reopen.

He said that most schools in the state did not have potable water supply, while other preventive materials have not

been provided ahead of September. 22 resumption date.

The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina said that thermoscans, a

scientific instrument used to measure body temperature, have been distributed to 1688 primary and secondary schools.

Adesina said that 1007 Ebola Focal Officers in public primary schools and 668 Ebola

Education: Lawmaker Advocates 26 Percent Budgetary Allocation

OSOGBO - Mr Folorunsho Bamisayemi, the Chairman of Osun House of Assembly Committee on Education, has called for 26 per cent budgetary allocation to the education sector.

Bamisayemi made the call in an interview with newsmen in Osogbo.

The lawmaker said it was time for the three tiers of government to unite, to ensure

the full implementation of 26 per cent budgetary allocation to education as stipulated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Bamisayemi said aside the percentage allocation to education, “special fund” should also be set aside to improve the quality of

Air-Conditioning Practitioners recover, recharge and to recycle Chlorofluorocarbons.

“They have also provided members with machines that can make low pressure foam, this low pressure foam are used to insulate refrigerators and ice making machine.

“The process was done manually by our members before the distribution of the machines by the government. “ We are grateful to government for doing that, it has made it

the disease in each school and interface between schools and Primary Healthcare Centres in the area if there a need.

She assured the principals and teachers that it was safe to reopen the schools.

Barrister Macdonald Obasuke, Edo State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry (4th left) with officials of a bank and Pemo Group Limited during the commissioner’s inspection visit to Pemo Bamboo factory in Anegbete, Etsako Central Local Government Area of the State.

Ozone-Friendly Practices: FG Trains 12,000 IBADAN -The Federal Government has trained no fewer than 12,000 members of Nigeria Association of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Practitioners on various ozone-friendly practices.

Mr John Akhabue, the president of the association, told newsmen in Ibadan that the members had received training on how to dispose of their old gases.

He said the members of the association had also received training on how to use new ozone-friendly gases.

According to him, the training is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

The president said that the association had also recently received 30 units of low pressure machines donated by UNIDO and the ministry.

He said 14 units of the machines were received by some members in Abuja while 16 units were received in Ibadan on September. 16 and 18 respectively.

“The 30 units of low pressure foam machines worth N220 million donated to us is aimed at boosting the campaign for the protection of the ozone layer.

“We have been trained and we have been given equipment to

Focal Officers in public secondary schools had been sensitised on the management of the disease.

She explained that the officers would be responsible for surveillance and monitoring of

possible for us now to insulate a refrigerator in seven minutes,’’ he said.

Some of the members who had received the low pressure foam machines thanked the Federal Government, UNIDO and UN Development Programme for the training.

Mr Adams Adegbola, a beneficiary, said he had already received training on how to use the machine.

“We have been having this challenge of using ozone depleting substances in our practice but it has come to pass now, with the new machine,’’ he said.

Similarly, Abideen Oyegoke, another beneficiary appreciated the support of the Federal Government and its partners for providing the machines.

education in the country.

“It is time for the tiers of government to come together and ensure the full implementation of 26 percent budgetary allocation to education.

“I believe if this is done, it will help in improving the quality of education in the country.“ Bamisayemi decried the mass failure of students in the recent West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results.

He said the mass failure showed that more was still needed to be done in the education sector.

He said stakeholders in the sector must work hard to improve the quality of teaching in schools as well as provide environment conducive to learning.

He said government should also endeaviour to provide

necessary teaching tools to enhance the quality of teaching.

Bamisayemi urged parents to play their part by ensuring that their children concentrated on their studies.

“There are two parts to education. Teaching and learning. It is the responsibility of government to ensure that quality teachers are employed for teaching while the students must be ready and willing to learn.

“You can teach and provide all the facilities in the world but if the students are not attentive, nothing good can come out of it.“ Bamisayemi appealed to parents to ensure that their children spent less time in watching television programmes and social networks.

Estate Agent Docked For Bolting With Tenant’s Rent SANGO-OTA (Ogun) - An estate agent, Robert Ogbidi, who allegedly collected N138, 000 rent from a tenant and failed to remit it to the landlord, was arraigned in Ota, Ogun.

Ogbidi, 55, who resides at No. 50, Sobowale St., Itele in Ota, is standing trial on a charge of stealing at an Ota Magistrates’ Court.

According to the prosecution, the estate agent defrauded the owner of the property, Mr Ajayi Eric by refusing to pay into his account the rent he collected from a tenant.

Insp. Olumide Awoleke told the court that the accused committed

the offence on July 27 at No. 1, Taibod Close, Oluwo Agbado in Ota. Ogbidi as the caretaker of the property, collected the money from a tenant and failed to remit it to the complainant, Eric, he said.

The prosecutor noted that the offence contravened Section 390 (8), (b) of the Criminal Code, Law of Ogun, 2006.

The accused, however, denied the charge.

Ruling on the bail application of the accused, the Magistrate, Mrs A.O. Abimbola, granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum.

Banners and Posters of APC aspirants at the party’s Secretariat ahead of their primaries in Iseyin, Oyo State on Monday.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Lagos Speedy Dispensation Of Justice

Lawyers Advocate

By SURAJU RAJI Reforms LAGOS- Some lawyers in Lagos have called for the adoption of ‘front-loading’ process by Courts in all states of the federation, as part of the efforts to facilitate justice delivery.

The lawyers told newsmen in separate interviews that the adoption of the procedure would help develop Nigeria’s judicial system.

They described front-loading as a process of filing litigation documents in Courts ahead of trial to avoid delays.

They explained that the documents give parties in the suit, prior knowledge of the components of the case and enable them prepare ahead of it.

Mr Paul Umuzuru, a lawyer, explained that front-loading was one of the major ways in which the judiciary could eliminate delays in justice delivery.

He urged lawyers and litigants to join hands in promoting speedy administration of justice by avoiding frivolous applications for adjournments.

According to Umuzuru, if the courts in all the states of the federation adopt the process, it will eliminate any element of surprise in the suit and also ease the task of the judges.

A lawyer and social critic in the metropolis, Mr Joseph Odeh, underscored the need for Courts to embrace frontloading as a mark of advancement.

He noted that the process had been adopted in some other parts of the world, adding that it was necessary for our judicial system to advance and promote administration of justice.

“In this era of civilisation, we cannot afford to remain behind while the whole world is advancing,” he said.

Mr Ifeanyi Ibe a lawyer and rights activist lauded the Lagos State Government for adopting front-loading since 2004.

He said that it had helped to speed up the judicial process in the interest of justice.

He urged states that were yet to embrace the process, to do so.

Also speaking, a legal practitioner and social critic, Mr Emeka Onyekwere, urged states to make front-loading part of their Court rules.

He argued that there was no point delaying cases in Court for too long, when there were better ways to facilitate their disposal.

The lawyer urged states that had yet to adopt the process, to do so without further delay in order to encourage speedy dispensation of justice.

had subsisting and valid lease with the Skypower Catering Ltd. located at that Muritala Muhammed International Airports (MMA), Lagos.

This is contained in a press release by the airline’s Head, Public Affairs, Mr Luke TerverUzer in Ikeja.

Reports state that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has sealed off the premises over unauthorised leasing of its facility to one of the

domestic airlines.

The closure took place barely 24 hours after the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mr Yemi Adelakun, queried the company for leasing out the facility to some airlines without the ministry’s approval.

The statement said that following the closure of the premises, the airline had made representation to the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the FAAN to find resolution on the issue.

Hon. Victor Edoror, Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, in a handshake with some of his colleagues after the House sitting on Monday. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

Foundation Donates To Less Privileged

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM

LAGOS -Wellbeing Foundation Africa and Advocates celebrate the wife of the Kwara State Political wizard, Senator Bukola Saraki, Mrs. Toyin Saraki’s Golden Jubilee of Inspiring Philanthropy In a statement by Lore Dada Communications,

Airline Petitions Ministry Over Office “We are confident of the IKEJA - The FirstNation Closure Federal Ministry of Airline has confirmed it

Aviation have good intention and will not pursue policies that is detrimental to growth and development of the industry,’’ it said.

The statement said that the airline would continue to work with the ministry and FAAN in good faith.

It added that this was to ensure the maintenance of the support services provided at the premises, which was vital to the airline.

“As the 6th of September 2014 marked the 50th birthday of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s Founder-President, H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki, the Foundation celebrated the occasion in a manner that reflected the benevolence of its leader, by undertaking several activities to enrich and improve the lives of others”.

“In Kwara State, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s Alaafia Kwara empowered the All Kwara Women’s Confederation with assets for their start-up businesses, including 100 freezers, 100 grinding/ milling machines, 100 hooded hair dryers, 100 sewing machines and 200 water purification machines—worth a combined total of 12.1

Hon. Victor Edoror, Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (right), receiving a congratulation card from Mr. Francis Eronmosele a member of the Benin Branch Osemen Club, Idumebo in Esan Central Local Government Area during the Club’s visit to the lawmaker in his office recently. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

million naira (about US$ 73,000)”, the statement claimed.

It read, “This donation in honour of the Founder’s 50th year and the Foundation’s 10th, will serve to boost the economic earning power of 500 women from 16 Local Government Areas in Kwara State who aim to establish themselves as trade entrepreneurs in the State. To further empower the people of Kwara, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa and its President also provided various groups, associations and faith-based leaders with cash grants in the sum of 6 million naira (about US$ 36,400)”.

“While H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki’s birthday was marked by impactful empowerment activities in Kwara State, alongside the well-attended celebrations hosted by Senator Saraki, a group of youth advocates in Ilorin, inspired by the dedication of their mentor, have taken on the mission to empower orphanages in the State.

To commemorate the global advocate’s birthday, and in recognition of her philanthropic and humanitarian services targeted at the wellbeing of women and children, a group of 22 young delegates visited the Hope Orphanage in Idofian, Kwara State—which caters to 37 orphans and 3

mentally disabled adults”, it added.

The group, which consisted of members of the Office of the Special Assistant on Media to Senator Bukola Saraki, Kwara Youth Action and Kwara Legacy Frontier, in addition to individual volunteers, donated 100 books, 5 boxes of Indomie Noodles, 96 cans of Peak Milk, 5 boxes of Milo/ Bournvita/Ovaltine, 10 cartons of tissue-paper, 84 bars of soap, 10 tubes of toothpaste, and 48 toothbrushes to the orphanage. On hearing about this gesture of philanthropy in her honour, H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki humbly expressed her sincere appreciation for the kind efforts of the advocates and encouraged them to continue working towards the empowerment of the less-privileged.

“On the 13th of September, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa hosted a private celebration of their Founder’s jubilee, dedicated to supporting mothers, newborns and midwives around the world. As development and private sectors leaders gathered for the gala in furtherance of Mrs. Saraki’s longstanding championship of maternal, newborn and child health and wellbeing, her commitment to orphans and vulnerable children in her husband’s home state, as evidenced by her continued programs, remains truly heartwarming”, it remarked.

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Across The Nation Polio: Jigawa LG Immunises 44,000 Children HADEJIA (Jigawa) -The Hadejia Local Government of Jigawa has said that it had immunised 44,433 children against polio in the July round of immunisation campaign.

The Sole Adminstrator, Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi, said this in an interview with newsmen in Hadejia.

Abdullahi said that the children were also immunised against measles, yellow fever and hepatitis 1

and 2 diseases.

He said that the Primary Health Care Development Agency had supplied 48,000 doses of Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV) for the smooth conduct of the exercise.

According to him, the local goverment has provided confectionaries as incentive to woo parents to present their wards for immunisation.

“We administered polio

vaccines to more than 44,000 children as against 41,000 children immunised in the previous exercise,” he

said.

Abdullahi said the council had recorded 108 per cent coverage due to high

participation in the exercise.

The sole administrator commended community and religious leaders for

effective mobilisation and encouraging parents to present their children for immunisation.

Enugu To Provide Test Kits In Public Schools ENUGU - The Enugu State Nzeribe, in a presentation said Ebola:

Government has promised to provide Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) test kits in public schools ahead of the September 22 resumption.

The state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uchechukwu Okoro, announced this in Enugu during a capacity building workshop on EVD for teachers in the state.

He said that government would also provide hand washing facilities and thermometres in public schools in the state.

The commissioner said that the teachers needed to be equipped with the technical knowledge in order to be in a position to handle emergency cases.

Okoro directed the teachers to ignore the strike action as directed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), warning that any teacher that failed to resume classes would risk his/her job.

“There is no strike in Enugu State and teachers that refuse to report to classes will be on their own because they will not be with us,” Okoro said.

The UNICEF Education Specialist in Enugu, Dr Agatha

that children had the right to education even during emergencies.

“Education during emergencies is a fundamental right of children and when properly implanted, they will recover.

“The children should have opportunities to develop optimally, but when we leave them they will miss out at a critical period of their lives,” she said.

Nzeribe said that special attention needed to be given to children with disabilities in emergency situations.

She called for the establishment of essential communal services around public schools to enable students benefit from such services.

Nzeribe said that UNICEF would continue to partner with the state government to ensure that school children were adequately catered for.

Some of the participants at the workshop, including Mr Pius Agu and Mrs Rose Ugwu, said the training had given them more insight in handling the disease.

L-R: Anglican Bishop of Lagos, Bishop Adebola Ademowo;Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade, Bishop of Lagos Mainland, Most Revd. Adebayo Akinde and Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Revd. James Odedeji, at the 2014/2015 Legal Year Church Service in Lagos on Monday.

Okorocha Relieves 6 Commissioners Of Appointment

OWERRI - Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has relieved six of his commissioners of their duties for showing interest in the 2015 general elections.

The affected officials include the Commissioner for Industry and Non-Formal Sector, Mrs Ugochi Nnannah-Okoro and Commissioner for Internal Resources and Pension Matters, Mr Nick Oparandudu.

The two are aspiring to

contest for a seat in the Imo East Senatorial District (Owerri Zone).

Others are Commissioner for Finance, Mr Chike Okafor, and Commissioner for Information, Dr Theodore Ekechi, who are planning to be members of the House of Representatives.

The Commissioner for Public Utility, Dr Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, and his counterpart in the Primary, Secondary and

Students of the Federal Government Girls College Owerri locked out over strike by the Association of Senior Civil Service of Nigeria in Owerri on Monday.

Non-formal Education Ministry, Dr. Uche Ejiogu, are aspiring to be members in the House of Assembly.

A press statement, signed by the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr Pascal Obi, disclosed this information in Owerri on Thursday.

The statement said the governor had directed the affected commissioners to hand over to their permanent secretaries on or before Sept. 19.

The governor thanked them for their services and commitment to his administration and wished them well in their future political pursuits.

N50,000 Fraud

Trader, 21, Arraigned LAGOS - A 21-year-old trader, Munachi Chukwu,

who allegedly obtained N750,000 on the pretext of supplying goods to one Shimawu Nakowa, appeared before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

Chukwu, who resides at Ijora Badia area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretence and stealing.

The Prosecutor, Cpl. Kingsley Jackson, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Sept. 4 at Balogun Market, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.

He said that Chukwu fraudulently obtained N750,000 from Nakowa under the pretext of supplying 500 cartons of sardine to him.

Jackson said that the accused did not supply the goods to Nakowa as promised and failed to refund the money when it was demanded.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The reports state that Section 312 prescribes 15year jail term for obtaining by false pretences while Section 285 stipulates three years imprisonment for stealing.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Senior Magistrate, Mr Mukaila Fadeyi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000, with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Oct. 10 for mention

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Abuja Ebola:

FCT Distributes Preventive Items To Schools

ABUJA The FCT Administration has commenced the distribution of preventive items against the Ebola Virus

Disease (EVD) as directed by the Federal Government for the resumption of schools.

Malam Kabir Usman, FCT

Secretary for Education, who made the statement in Abuja at a press conference, said the items would be distributed to 1,264

Pupil of M a d o n n a Nursery and Primary School i n Gwagwalada, being screened for Ebola virus disease during resumption in Abuja on Monday.

schools across the FCT. “We are gathered here today to begin the distribution of all the items required to ensure a safe and virus free school environment for our children.

“The items include hand sanitisers, liquid soap, hand held thermometers, plastic buckets for running water, anti bacterial liquids, hand gloves, sensitisation materials such as posters and handbills for each school,’’ he said.

He said the administration had also commenced the fumigation of schools.

He also said that water tankers would be dispatched to schools which do not have running water.

He expressed satisfaction that no case of EVD had been recorded in the territory.

Usman said the distribution of the items would be a continuous exercise until the health authorities ascertain that the danger of the EVD was over.

He called on the management of schools in the territory not to admit any pupil or student with malaria.

“I urge parents to take pre-

Parents paying for books at Madonna Nursery and Primary School in Gwagwalada, Abuja, during resumption on Monday.

Filling Stations Resume Sale Of Petrol

KUJE (FCT) - Some filling stations in Kuje Area Council in the FCT, have started selling Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) barely 48-hours after the suspension of the strike called by the unions in the oil sector.

The strike was called by members of the Petrol and Natural Gas Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Nigeria Union of Petrol and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

The two unions called the strike to protest against the refusal of the Nigerian National Petroleum

Corporation (NNPC), to address unresolved pension issues of NNPC staff.

Newsmen reports that the strike, which commenced on Monday, led to long queue at all the filing stations in Kuje Area Council.

Newsmen who visited AA Rano and Harzman filling stations in the area last Saturday, observed that vehicles were moving gradually as petrol was being sold to motorists.

A taxi driver, Mr Wale Emmanuel, told newsmen

that though he had been on the queue since the early hours of the morning, he was confident that he would be served.

“It has not been easy to buy fuel for the past two days; I have been on the queue since morning.

“But now that they have started selling petrol, I am sure I will soon be served,’’ he said

ABUJA - Mr Godwin Idodo, the Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Offspring of David Parish, has advised Nigerian youths to learn how to cook to avoid unnecessary marital issues.

He gave the advice in Abuja in an interview with newsmen during the 3rd edition of a cooking competition.

The competition was organised by the church in collaboration with Chef Academy, a cookery

school and Kyom Nom Ltd, an electronic distributing company.

Idodo said that several marriages had collapsed while others were on the brink of collapse as a result of conflicts arising from the inability of spouses to cook.

“The genesis of this competition was when we had a youth picnic and discovered that many of our youths that were

emptive measures against ailments like malaria that might show some symptoms similar to Ebola,’’ he said.

The secretary told newsmen that as part of efforts to check the outbreak of the disease, schools that run entrepreneurship programme would commence the production of liquid soap by December 2014.

He said that students would be trained on how to produce liquid soap to encourage continuity in hand washing practice in all schools.

In his remark at the occasion, Mr Hassan Jibir, Chairman, National Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, said

members of the union would monitor schools to verify if the items had been distributed.

He said the union would advice the management of any school that had not received the items not to resume until they had received them.

“We are not saying we are lazy or we do not want to work, what we want is safety for both the children and teachers.

“If the children are safe are the teachers’ safe,? he asked rhetorically.

A teacher Mr Sunday Udom from School for the Blind, promised that the items would be utilized as directed by the government.

Kadre Ouedraogo, has appealed to member-states to keep the spirit of ECOWAS alive as they tackle the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the sub-region.

He also commended the proactive response of the Nigerian government to contain the spread of the disease.

Ouedraogo spoke in Abuja during a media chat with journalists on the commission’s response to check the spread of the EVD in the sub-region.

He said that despite the outbreak of the disease, it would be counter-productive to close borders, cancel flights and restrict movements, stressing that “ECOWAS promotes free movement of persons and goods.’’

He said that the regional body has commenced negotiations with member-states on the issue, citing Senegal as example that announced a three-day ‘lock down to contain the virus.

“We recommend that the solution to the Ebola challenge is prevention of its spread, solidarity, and collective response.”

He blamed the slow response of the spread of the disease by ECOWAS on paucity of funds and lack of information about the disease.

“At first our response was slow, yes we started late, because it was unexpected, and we lacked experience; but now, we are on track and information about the virus is available,’’ he said.He

... ECOWAS Commends ABUJA - The President of Nigeria ECOWAS Commission, Mr

FRSC Boss Calls For Regular Exercise ABUJA - Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC),has emphasised the need for regular physical exercise in order to perform effectively in any given task.

He stated this after the Jogging and Walking exercise organised by the commission in collaboration with Nicon Insurance Limited, which took place at the National Stadium, Abuja.

Oyeyemi, who was represented by Mr Yemi Omidiji, Deputy Corps Marshal, Training, said joint exercise would help participants to work effectively in their places of duty.

“Jogging and walking together help people to be fit

Learn How To Cook, Cleric Advises Youths preparing for marriages could not

prepare palatable meals.

“So we decided to use this forum to create a sensitisation and awareness of the importance of learning how to cook before getting married.

“Knowing how to cook is a prerequisite to starting a home; it will help you to nourish the family you are about to start and maintain a balance home as well,” he said.

and work effectively in their places of work and by extension help the growth of the organisation, he said.

Mr Dauda Bashorun , Deputy Director, Special Duties, Ministry of Transport who represented the Minister, Mr Idris Umar, said “physical fitness is very essential for the execution of government policy.

“There is need to be mentally and physically alert, exercise like this make it easy to achieve fitness,” he said.

He expressed his appreciation to the FRSC for organising the event, saying it would benefit Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the country.

Also speaking, Mr Bisi Kazeem, Head of Sports in FRSC, said this was significant because it was the first one under the leadership of Oyeyemi.

“Our theme; Transportation for Safer Driving in Nigeria’’ is strategic because we are using the exercise to urge the people to always drive safely in order to avoid accidents during transportation.

“We are in the ‘ember ’ months, so we are using this medium to sensitise the people on the need to drive carefully now and always,’’he said.

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Business + Economy

Generosity: APGA Chairman Tasks Rich Nigerians AWKA - Chief Victor Umeh, the National Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) , has called on wealthy Nigerians and politicians to use their wealth in the service of

humanity.

Umeh made the call in an interview with newsmen shortly after he was conferred with Paul Harris Fellow Award of Rotary International Club in Awka.

Umeh said that using Godgiven resources at one’s disposal to alleviate the suffering of the downtrodden was the best way to make a meaningful impact on life.

Abuja Trade Fair To Generate other medical equipment ABUJA - The Abuja Chamber N1.5bn and that would be used during the of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA) says over N1.5 billion turnover will be generated at the 9th Abuja International Trade Fair irrespective of challenges.

The Chamber also said that over 200 foreign exhibitors were expected at the trade fair starting from September 23 to October 6.

Mr Solomon Yagba, the President of ABUCCIMA told newsmen at a pre-fair press conference in Abuja.

He said that among the foreign participation expected, are Egypt, India, Ghana, Senegal and Burkina Faso.

“We have already recorded participation of these people and they are already on the ground.

Also the Taiwanese group, even the Turkish people have also been advertising their products on the social media.

“We have received their expression of interest. It is envisaged that this year’s trade fair will witness more exhibitors locally as well,” he said.

He said that the fair would focus on strengthening small and medium economic growth.

He said that the fair was targeted at promoting accelerated development of commerce and industry.

According to him, it is also aimed at promoting revitalisation and diversification of the Nigerian agro-economy by promoting the nation’s non-oil exports, particularly the agro allied products and mineral resources.

He said that the fair would also focus on how to provide access to resources and technology findings and direct attention to the role of private sector in the Nigerian economy, among others.

He said that measures had been

put in place to ensure maximum security during the fair.

“We are conscious of the current security challenges in our country; hence we have been working closely with the security’s agencies in the city to ensure a hitch free trade fair.

“We strongly commend the efforts of the present administration in handling the security situation in the country.

“On a related note, we as well commend the Federal Government in the way it has handled the break out of EBOLA virus,” he said.

He added that the Chamber would also take pro-active measure to compliment the efforts of the government in this regard.

He said that the Chamber had on ground a well-equipped medical team with ambulance

terms of helping the poor.

“There is no other way to be useful in the society than to render service to humanity.

“I enjoin others to help brilliant children whose parents cannot fund their education, families who find it difficult to eat quality

food and people who cannot afford basic amenities,” he said.

He said that prayers should be offered for the continuity and stability of the country.

Umeh lauded the efforts of the new president of the club and promised to take the club’s humanitarian activities to the next level.

fair.

He said that these and many others were planned to guarantee adequate medical care for both visitors and exhibitors.

“We have acquired a dedicate generator to take care of power supply challenges that would sustain the whole fair and new pavilion for the foreign exhibitors,” he said.

He appealed to the government to provide enabling environment and infrastructures toward promoting the right culture, improved competitiveness production and innovation.

“This request becomes necessary as they are veritable tool that can be used and improve the nation’s economy,” he said

Club Embarks On Community AWKA - Dr Dennis Devt Ekemezie, the President of Rotary International, Awka Metropolis District 9140, says the club will partner with the State Government to promote community development.

Ekemezie made this pledge during his installation as the president of the club, the induction of board of directors and new members in Awka.

He said that the club had been adjudged to be one of the oldest voluntary philanthropic organsations with more than 34,558 clubs in 170 countries of the world.

Ekemezie said that membership of the club offered one the opportunity to render selfless service, thereby impacting positively on the people in particular and society at large.

“We are Rotarians serving

He said it was a great joy to associate with the club with the goal of promoting the society and putting smiles on the faces of people.

“I feel very happy to be honoured by Rotary Club Awka Metropolis as a `Light Up Ambassador ’, because it encourages me to do more in

humanity, we are the ones who help to bring hope, we are the key, yes we are the professionals,” he said.

Ekemezie said that the club had planned to touch lives in rural areas through education by providing exercise books to school children, among other things.

He said that the club would have maternal and child health awareness campaign on prostrate, breast and cervical cancer featuring identification, symptoms, treatment and its management, diabetes, high blood pressure management and care.

Ekemezie called on the wealthy people of the state to support the club by giving a helping hand to the lessprivileged.

Students of junior Secondary School Phase 3 Gwagwalada, cleaning up during resumption in Abuja on Monday.

ABUJA - The Federal Government has said that it had established multi- stakeholders committee to commence the implementation of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on the restoration of Ogoniland.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke, stated this in Abuja at a Stakeholders Forum on Environmental Restoration of Ogoniland, saying that it was time to take decisive actions to restore Ogoniland.

It will be recalled that the Federal Government had in 2005, commissioned UNEP to conduct an independent assessment of the environment and public health impacts of oil contamination in Ogoniland, in the Niger Delta.

But since the report was submitted in September, 2011, no concrete step was taken by government to implement its recommendation.

Students of West Itam Secondary School cleaning their premises on resumption from long vacation in Itu near Uyo on Monday.

FG To Commence UNEP Report Implementation

Alison-Madueke, however, said that the Federal Government had taken steps to revisit the Ogoni land pollution issue with the aim of seeking permanent solution to it.

“Upon consultations with the people of Ogoni land, it has become clear that stakeholders have not been properly consulted or incorporated into the implementation processes of the UNEP report.

“Accordingly, government has been deliberately cautious by carefully reviewing the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPRP) structure to determine the best way to rejuvenate the programme to really restore Ogoni land as envisioned in the report,” she said.

According to her, despite the setbacks we have encountered with HYPRP over the last one and a half year, we have focused on this mission with every ounce of decisive determination.

The minister assured that she would not rest until the report was decisively delineated and implemented to the benefit of Ogoni people.

“I do believe that the time for decisive action is now hence we have asked all of you, multilateral stakeholders across the board, to join us today to have a very open and inclusive

discourse,” she said.

She said it was time to construct a viable road map and a sustainable agenda for the report.

She said the forum would come up with a comprehensive rehabilitation, remediation and restoration plan that could be effectively implemented to reinstitute Ogoni land for its people.

The President of Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Mr Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, recalled that the people had suffered for a very long time from the impact of environmental degradation due to oil exploration.

Pyagbara expressed delight that the struggle for the restoration of Ogoni land which commenced over 25 years ago had started receiving the government’s attention.

He said the inhabitants of the area were ready to cooperate with the government to achieve its plan for them.

Pyagbara, however, demanded that the UNEP report should be fully implemented.

“We are ready to collaborate and partner any genuine mechanism that will see to the attainment of the goal of the people of Ogoni land,” he said.

On his part, the paramount ruler of Ogoniland, Gbenemen Giniwa Baigha 11, urged the people of Ogoni to appreciate government’s efforts in ensuring that the UNEP report was implemented.

He called on the people to cooperate with the government as it had hearkened to their cry.

THE NIGERIAN

11

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (23/09/2014) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

NEIMETH

1.07

1.03

-0.04

0

241,194

249,226.92

ABCTRANS

0.67

0.67

0

0

242,909

167,441.30

NEM

0.85

0.81

-0.04

0

1,538,860

1,278,493.80

ACADEMY

1.41

1.4

-0.01

0

166,635

235,714.00

NESTLE

1069.9

1069.9

0

0

27,134

28,225,413.24

ACCESS

9.59

9.59

0

0

1,570,957

15,065,477.63

NEWGOLD

1924

1930

6

0

25

48,250.00

AFRIPRUD

3.25

3.22

-0.03

0

838,653

2,700,754.73

NIG-GERMAN

7

7

0

0

10,000

66,500.00

410,427.05

NIGERINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

10,000

5,000.00

AGLEVENT

1.38

1.4

0.02

0

300,185

AIICO

0.82

0.8

-0.02

0

38,894,319

31,149,600.34

NNFM

21.99

21.99

0

0

500

11,500.00

AIRSERVICE

2

1.97

-0.03

0

66,254

130,520.38

NPFMCRFBK

0.98

0.96

-0.02

0

234,460

225,681.60

ASHAKACEM

33

33

0

0

793,894

26,249,904.37

NSE30

1872.34

1847.35

-24.99

0

189,981,582

3,274,712,135.00

50,000.00

NSE50

2026.05

2000.29

-25.76

0

222,597,522

3,394,654,641.00

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

0.5

0

0

100,000

AVONCROWN

1.75

1.67

-0.08

0

608,866

1,016,806.22

NSEASEM

955.35

951.03

-4.32

0

523,439

909,768.25

BERGER

8.6

8.6

0

0

54,307

484,288.56

NSEASI

40984.11

40537.2

-446.91

0

293,866,741

3,491,401,122.00

BETAGLAS

18.85

18.85

0

0

85,165

1,556,553.00

NSEBNK

424.53

418.56

-5.97

0

93,193,876

1,318,254,859.00

CADBURY

54.8

52.5

-2.3

0

369,580

19,387,850.24

NSECNSMRGDS

1013.56

1002.06

-11.5

0

8,376,553

418,044,286.20

CAP

39.49

39.49

0

0

23,661

928,546.88

NSEINDUSTR

2786.32

2753.28

-33.04

0

3,567,597

395,461,281.70

CAPOIL

0.5

0.5

0

0

5,000

2,500.00

NSEINS

144.97

145.9

0.93

0

47,509,596

37,871,027.17

1,935,499.00

NSELOTUSISLM

2738.54

2705.58

-32.96

0

8,052,206

646,125,958.30

CAVERTON

4.87

4.99

0.12

0

391,200

CCNN

14.45

13.78

-0.67

0

497,633

6,919,639.40

NSEOILGAS

443.36

453.13

9.77

0

18,129,199

493,535,092.70

CHAMPION

9

9.02

0.02

0

69,488

635,161.60

NSLTECH

0.5

0.5

0

0

200

100

CHAMS

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,022,400

511,200.00

OANDO

24.88

25.01

0.13

0

17,082,431

434,917,102.60

6,015.00

OKOMUOIL

34.5

34.5

0

0

347,145

11,640,296.71

CILEASING

0.5

0.5

0

0

12,030

CONOIL

47.99

47.99

0

0

298,156

14,079,201.96

PHARMDEKO

2.38

2.38

0

0

7,100

16,349.00

CONTINSURE

0.97

0.98

0.01

0

1,223,255

1,166,947.43

PORTPAINT

5.33

5.33

0

0

30,000

161,700.00

CORNERST

0.52

0.5

-0.02

0

632,785

318,377.50

PREMBREW

4.87

4.87

0

0

90,620

420,887.75

COSTAIN

1.01

1

-0.01

0

130,894

130,684.86

PRESCO

37.5

37.5

0

0

63,767

2,388,964.50

COURTVILLE

0.55

0.55

0

0

1,200,000

660,000.00

PZ

34.99

33.25

-1.74

0

643,837

21,502,958.49

CUSTODYINS

4

3.96

-0.04

0

322,397

1,276,875.64

REDSTAREX

4.5

4.59

0.09

0

1,337,050

5,839,080.00

0.5

0.5

0

0

439

219.5 6,500.00

CUTIX

1.83

1.74

-0.09

0

234,666

410,905.50

REGALINS

DAARCOMM

0.5

0.5

0

0

7,500

3,750.00

RESORTSAL

0.5

0.5

0

0

13,000

DANGCEM

230

219

-11

0

1,330,113

291,390,514.10

ROADS

6.29

6.29

0

0

11,000

72,600.00

DANGFLOUR

6.89

6.89

0

0

16,897

110,675.35

ROYALEX

0.51

0.51

0

0

721,022

368,949.28

DANGSUGAR

8.1

8.1

0

0

186,950

1,502,068.21

RTBRISCOE

0.97

0.97

0

0

79,568

78,353.40

DIAMONDBNK

6.24

6.12

-0.12

0

23,417,053

143,398,463.40

SCOA

4.67

4.67

0

0

3,000

13,320.00

DUNLOP

0.5

0.5

0

0

10,000

5,000.00

SEPLAT

650

650

0

0

5,441

3,537,325.24

EQUITYASUR

0.5

0.5

0

0

700,416

350,208.00

SKYEBANK

2.75

2.67

-0.08

0

4,420,718

11,970,840.73

ETERNA

3.9

3.75

-0.15

0

530,690

1,990,922.60

SOVRENINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

500

250

ETI

18.1

18.84

0.74

0

2,889,548

52,599,578.34

STACO

0.5

0.5

0

0

500

250

EVANSMED

2.1

2.1

0

0

110,200

220,400.00

STANBIC

31.2

31.2

0

0

63,074

1,900,597.25

0.5

0.5

0

0

500

250

FBNH

14.48

13.77

-0.71

0

17,962,095

248,429,529.40

STDINSURE

FCMB

4.15

4.09

-0.06

0

4,195,503

16,964,708.33

STERLNBANK

2.14

2.11

-0.03

0

5,204,208

11,063,999.20

FIDELITYBK

1.95

1.95

0

0

6,242,914

12,194,888.20

TOTAL

172.53

172.53

0

0

21,392

3,805,284.00

FIDSON

3.56

3.6

0.04

0

425,890

1,514,882.10

TOURIST

3.69

3.51

-0.18

0

300,000

1,053,000.00

FO

224.8

224.85

0.05

0

137,720

30,119,821.47

TRANSCORP

5.7

5.71

0.01

0

56,775,403

326,041,233.20

FORTISMFB

5.42

5.42

0

0

500

2,825.00

TRANSEXPR

1.55

1.49

-0.06

0

100,100

149,155.00

FTNCOCOA

0.51

0.52

0.01

0

973,430

494,303.30

UAC-PROP

15.2

14.5

-0.7

0

462,655

6,755,613.55

72,895,658.71

UACN

57.5

57.1

-0.4

0

839,231

47,925,848.49

GLAXOSMITH

63.05

60

-3.05

0

1,205,283

GUARANTY

28.94

28

-0.94

0

19,304,610

542,440,229.30

UBA

7

6.69

-0.31

0

11,034,756

74,354,209.46

GUINEAINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

2,400

1,200.00

UBCAP

2.05

2.09

0.04

0

3,157,557

6,438,449.75

GUINNESS

180

173.99

-6.01

0

74,100

12,900,307.58

UBN

9.8

9.8

0

0

274,577

2,596,254.81

0.5

0.5

0

0

400

200 250

HMARKINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

800

400

UNHOMES

HONYFLOUR

4.02

4

-0.02

0

2,386,073

9,700,836.25

UNIC

0.5

0.5

0

0

500

IKEJAHOTEL

2.04

1.94

-0.1

0

10,833,396

21,026,788.24

UNILEVER

48.26

48.26

0

0

329,349

15,914,881.87

INTBREW

28.36

28.37

0.01

0

1,662,469

46,958,285.23

UNIONDICON

13.41

13.41

0

0

21,192

269,986.08

INTENEGINS

0.54

0.52

-0.02

0

1,181,429

614,443.08

UNITYBNK

0.5

0.5

0

0

11,300,000

5,650,000.00

JAPAULOIL

0.5

0.5

0

0

176,417

88,208.50

UPL

4.13

4.13

0

0

500

1,965.00

JBERGER

67.2

67.2

0

0

391,654

27,255,863.07

UTC

0.5

0.5

0

0

4,261

2,130.50

18.7

18.45

-0.25

0

50,100

928,126.00

JOSBREW

2.34

2.23

-0.11

0

58,000

129,340.00

VETGRIF30

JULI

1.84

1.75

-0.09

0

518,439

907,268.25

VITAFOAM

4.24

4.24

0

0

19,500

80,232.40

LASACO

0.5

0.5

0

0

23,000

11,500.00

VONO

1.5

1.43

-0.07

0

117,096

167,747.28

LAWUNION

0.5

0.5

0

0

25,001

12,500.50

WAPCO

131

130

-1

0

518,158

67,359,229.89

0.77

0.77

0

0

3,877,961

3,033,418.30

LEARNAFRCA

1.52

1.45

-0.07

0

784,691

1,141,765.77

WAPIC

LINKASSURE

0.5

0.5

0

0

43,311

21,655.50

WEMABANK

0.9

0.88

-0.02

0

1,215,000

1,065,766.03

LIVESTOCK

2.92

2.92

0

0

317,520

916,551.76

ZENITHBANK

24.7

23.8

-0.9

0

18,834,535

452,570,918.30

MANSARD

2.58

2.69

0.11

0

109,690

287,564.00

MAYBAKER

1.47

1.52

0.05

0

695,610

1,044,302.60

MBENEFIT

0.55

0.54

-0.01

0

497,810

269,167.80

MOBIL

174

179.95

5.95

0

44,775

7,876,098.09

MRS

56

56

0

0

14,035

746,662.00

NAHCO

5.05

5.05

0

0

764,392

3,860,764.41

NASCON

9.62

9.14

-0.48

0

671,767

6,140,388.37

NB

178.99

175

-3.99

0

1,122,696

196,378,776.70

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock NSEOILGAS NEWGOLD MOBIL NSEINS ETI OANDO CAVERTON MANSARD REDSTAREX MAYBAKER

Close 453.13 1930 179.95 145.9 18.84 25.01 4.99 2.69 4.59 1.52

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain

Stock

Close

Loss

9.77 6 5.95 0.93 0.74 0.13 0.12 0.11 0.09 0.05

NSEASI 446.91 NSEINDUSTR 33.04 NSELOTUSISLM 32.96 NSE50 25.76 NSE30 24.99 NSECNSMRGDS

40537.2

-

2753.28

-

2705.58

-

2000.29

-

1847.35

-

1002.06

-11.5

THE NIGERIAN

12

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 RECENTLY, the Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu announced that a Liberian, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, a WASH consultant in the Ministry of Finance in Liberia, who was in Nigeria to attend ECOWAS summit had died as a result of Ebola Virus Infection.

The death of the 40 year old Patrick Sawyer in Nigeria has made the Ebola Virus Disease a very serious public health concern in the country.

THE Ebola Virus is the most dangerous virus affecting humans and other primates. The disease causes hemorrhagic fever in humans, and once it has been contracted, symptoms start manifesting as from two to twenty-one days. Some of the symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease include fever, headache, muscle pain, chest pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, seizures, bleeding, nausea and coma.

THE medical history of Ebola Virus indicates that it is found naturally in certain animals such as fruit bats, monkeys, chimpanzees gorillas, pig, antelopes and porcupine. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ebola Virus was first identified in Democratic Republic of Congo by a 27 year old Belgian Scientist, Peter Piot in 1976 and in the same year it was also discovered in Sudan.

Since the first outbreak of the disease, however the most severe happened to be that of 1976 when it killed 280 people.

IN the year 2000 it killed 224 people; in 2012, 12 people were killed by Ebola Virus and that of 2014 has been described as the deadliest outbreak of the Ebola Virus, affecting people in countries like Sierra Leone, Mali, Liberia and Guinea, where over 467 people have died so far as a result of’ the epidemic.

THE Ebola Virus Disease is spread or contracted when an individual comes in contact with blood, sputum, or body fluid of an infested person. It is also a contagious disease and air-borne, which means that it can be inhaled

THE NIGERIAN

Halting The Spread Of Ebola Virus when a victim dischargers the virus in the atmosphere whenever he or she sneezes or coughs. It can also be contracted when we eat animals that serve as host to the virus, and through sexual intercourse with a carrier of the virus.

ACCORDING to world Health Organisation,(WHO) the disease is spreading fast from rural communities to cities in some West African Countries, and calls for drastic action to curtail the scourge or epidemic before it becomes widespread and difficult to control. According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ebola Virus affects multiple organs and systems in human body, thereby making it the most deadliest disease of man presently.

WITH the death of the 40 year old Liberian in Nigeria as a result of Ebola Virus infection, it therefore means that the disease has subtly found its way into the country. Medical experts say the disease is more dangerous and very contagious when one comes in contact with a dead victim, which explains why utmost care must be taken by health workers in handling the corpse of the deceased.

OTHER methods of preventing the spread of Ebola Virus generally, include isolation or quarantine of victims, killing and proper disposal of infected animals, proper cooking of all kinds of meat before consumption, wearing of

protective clothes, hand gloves, mask by health workers attending to Ebola Virus patients and washing of hands regularly. Victims should cover their mouth when sneezing or yawning and should dispose their sputum in a hygienic manner.

THE World Health Organisation says there is no cure or vaccine for now to combat Ebola Virus disease, hence the death rate resulting from the disease is very high, often between 50 to 90 percent.

The NIGERIAN OBSERVER therefore calls on the Nigerian government, and the Federal Ministry of Health in particular, to immediately adopt a health policy whereby any foreigner coming to Nigeria either through air, sea or land boarders should he thoroughly screened for Ebola Virus before being admitted into the country. That is the practice in developed societies against any disease posing serious public health concern such as Ebola Virus and other highly contagious diseases.

FURTHERMORE, the cows and other livestock slaughtered on daily basis in the various abattoirs should be properly screened by officers from the public health department in the local government councils in conjunction with veterinary doctors from the Ministry of Agriculture, in order to safeguard the health of the people.

THE Federal and State governments should as a matter of urgency, provide funds for the purchase of the necessary diagnostic facilities in hospitals across the federation, instead of depending on foreign laboratory services.

AS the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and in the case of Ebola Virus disease, there is no cure for now. So The NIGERIAN OBSERVER cautions Nigerians to be vigilant, mind what they eat, practice good personal and environmental hygiene, and adhere strictly to all the preventive strategies highlighted above, in order to avoid Ebola Virus infection and spread.

THE NIGERIAN

13

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Issues Discourse “Before this proposal becomes a law in Nigeria, the law makers should be enlightened that what the minister of Agriculture seek, should not be limited to cow hides and skin alone. The law should be a blanket that will cover all animal skin including the goats and sheep because the preferred skin that is used in tanneries, is from goats and sheeps.”

By

Should We Stop Eating Ponmo?

THE recent step by the minister of agriculture Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina in Ibadan, on the call for a Law against the sale and widespread consumption of animal skin, on grounds that livestock farmers stood a good chance of making high dollar returns if hides and skin were tanned into leather, has continued to generate conflicting reaction and opinion among Nigerians.

Although some people have subjectively remain unshakeable in their argument which has it that the animal hides and skin popularly known as ‘Ponmo/Kpomo’, is basically for the poor, while objective thinkers have suggested that even wealthy people also take delight in the consumption of ponmo as part of the content of their meal.

The disparity in human desire and the pro-active steps to choose the kind of meat and fish that they put on their table, is a position that is not subjected to the poor alone in real sense. The rich and wealthy also consume what some people may ordinarily consider as “The poor man’s food”.

The minister expressed the hope that the National Assembly would accelerate work on the enabling law that would make the consumption of the product illegal.

Already, the process of dollarisation of cassava by

By OMEIZA ROBINSON

which farmers are enticed to concentrate efforts on producing for export so as to earn dollars is making the byproducts-garri lafu, fufu and so on, inaccessible in the market.

Thus, the height at which the price of garri has been placed in the market, is really threatening to slip through the hands of the poor as it is gradually getting out of reach.

Now it is ponmo that has become the focal point for government officials to exercise and carryout their civic duties.

For many people, ponmo is a delicacy that is constant in their menu. Although there exist controversial arguments that it has no nutritional value.

However, it gives the eater the psychological feeling of satisfaction that the meal is indeed sumptuous. This feeling cuts across the shades of both the rich and the poor in the society.

The ratification of any bill in the light of making it to become a law by the National Assembly, is a process that involves proper scrutiny, because both National and private interest must be considered, including the benefits that comes with such laws and their detrimental effects on the entire citizenry.

In Nigeria, the National Assembly is responsible for making laws. As the legislature proposes the introduction of liability to internet intermediaries through the copyright Amendment bill, it is imperative to understand how laws are made in Nigeria.

This would enable stakeholders understand the process of law making, and how best to advocate.

Nigeria operates a bicameral system of registration which consist of a lower and upper House. Both House members

come in through elections.

However, at the federal level, the Lower House is known as the House of Representatives while the Upper House is known as the Senate.

Before an item of legislation becomes a law, it exist as a bill proposed to National Assembly. A bill is a proposal for a new law, or a proposal to change an existing law. In a presidential system of government, the processes of law making generally requires a long period of deliberation and consideration of the many interests and implications of the bill.

In Nigeria, a bill must pass four stages and receive three reading before it can be passed

Dr Adesina Akinwumi, Minister for Agriculture

into law. However, this is not applicable to all circumstances and bills (as it applies in Executive bills). These stages take place in both the lower and upper House of Assembly. The first stage involves identifying the need for a bill; this can also be called the proposal stage.

In the next stage, the bill is introduced to either the upper or lower House of Assembly without debate for first reading.

Thereafter, a second reading is carried out at an announced date. Here, the purpose or reason of the proposed bills is explained, and there is a general debate on the bill by the House.

After the introduction of the bill, a committee of the House meets to have a detailed examination and debate on the bill, after which amendments are made. All amendments made are done in line with, and is relevant to the principle and subject matter of the bill as agreed on at the second reading stage.

The bill is tendered by the House Committee along with its amendments to the house, where it is read a third time.

Thereafter, the House is asked to vote on the bill. Once the bill is passed by the House in which it was introduced, a clean printed copy of it containing the various amendments is signed by the clerk and endorsed by the Speaker or Senate president.

The copy is then forwarded to the clerk of the other House (Rep/Senate) for consideration.

In the other House (Representative/Senate), the bill goes through the same process of first and second reading, committee review, and third reading. If there is disagreement between the House concerning the bill, a conference committee of the two House meets to deliberate on the areas of disagreement.

Afterwards, conference committee report is sent to both Houses for consideration. If both Houses approve the bill, all the original papers of the bill are sent to the clerk of the Houses where the bill originated. The clerk then puts together all the amendments and produces a clean copy of the bill which is sent to the president for his signature. The president then assent the bill into a new law by giving the president’s the president’s seal

of approval. Once it is law, the bill becomes an act.

However, the National Assembly is empowered by the constitution to overrule the veto of the president. If, after 30 days, the president refuses to sign the bill, and the National Assembly is not in support of the president’s reluctance, the two chambers can recall the bill and re-pass it, if the bill is passed in the form it was sent to the president by two thirds (majority) in both chambers, the bill automatically becomes a law even without the signature of the president.

As a result of all these processes, it is therefore evident that the course which the minister of agriculture seek to bring about, may be confronted with series of opposition which may eventually be responsible for making such a proposal die a natural death, as it would be subjected to pass through due process of receiving recognized ratification by instituted authorities to become a law.

If this proposal successfully pass through all the stages to become a law in Nigeria, the next question that will rock the minds of Nigerians will be related to “how would the poor who cannot afford to buy flesh and fish garnish their meal with ponmo, thereby deriving Psychological satisfaction that their meal is not empty?”

Before this proposal becomes a law in Nigeria, the law makers should be enlightened that what the minister of Agriculture seek, should not be limited to cow hides and skin alone. The law should be a blanket that will cover all animal skin including the goats and sheep because the preferred skin that is used in tanneries, is from goats and sheeps.

Nigerian law makers should always remember that in carring out their duties, every sense of purpose that is built around emotions and sentiments, as it relates to their contractual obligation, should be totally unacceptable.

Therefore, if this proposal becomes a law in the interest of national development, then it should be upheld with dignity because the law is made for the people and not the the people for thee law.

THE NIGERIAN

14

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Opinion

ARE you living a life that is more in line with your “authentic” self, that is; who you were created to be or your “Fictional” self that is who the world has told you to be?

You probably weren’t even aware that these versions of your ‘self’ existed.

A lady once said “sometimes I wish I was someone else ”but do not forget that your most important creation is yourself and all you can ever make is the creation of yourself and that is what we call self discovery. You create

what you are and what you are not, the rest of your existence is fortunate. That only thing you really have to worry about in life is creating yourself according to your highest version of who you can be especially in ESSENCE OF BEING that is wisdom, power, value, spaces love and joy; the rest of life flows from that.

Talking about the authentic self and fictional self, Dr. Phil explains the difference between them.

Authentic self: when asked “who are you”” what is your answer? I am a lawyer, doctor, and all sorts of answers. The truth is that often the answers are not who you are, but what you do, what your social status is, or how you see your function in life. You can’t answer who you are, because you don’t know. Believe it, there is another level of existence that is the real, true, genuine substance of who you are and that is what Dr. Phil defines as the authentic self.

The authentic self or the real self is the you that can be found at your absolute core.

Defining Who You Are

It is the part of you of you not defined by your job function or role in the society. The real you is the composite of all your skills, talents and wisdom. It is all the things that are uniquely you and need expression, rather than what you believe you are supposed to be and do.

FICTIONAL SELF- When you’re not living faithfully to your authentic self, you find

false information about who you are and what you should be doing with your life. It blocks the information you need in order to maintain the connection with your authentic identity. Relying on information from the fictional self means you’re putting

The affective and executive selves are also known as the felt and active selves respectively as they refer to the emotional and behavioral components of the self – concept.

Self-knowledge is linked to the cognitive self in that its

yourself feeing incomplete, as if there is a hole in your soul.

You may have found that it’s easier to fill the roles your family and friends expect of you, rather than becoming who you really want to be.

Living this way drains you of the critical life energy you need to pursue the things you truly value.

When you live a life that has you ignoring your true gifts and talents while performing assigned or inherited roles instead, you are living as your fictional self.

The fictional self sends you

your trust in a broken compass and believe it that a broken compass has no direction.

We are all struggling to figure out who we truly are.

Often when we’re defining ourselves, our focus is on the negative or how we compare to other people. Nobody but you can define your being.

It is very imperative and pertinent to know that knowing oneself that is, self –knowledge particularly nonjudgmental self knowledge, is an incredibly important skill to help you define yourself.

motives guide our search to gain greater clarity and assurance that our own self – concept is an accurate representation of our self, and for this reason the cognitive self is also referred to as the known self.

Self knowledge is very important in human existence because it helps one to his accurate needs and what he really wants. Believe it, accuracy needs influences the way in which people search for self-knowledge. People frequently wish to know the truth about themselves

By MBADUGHA KINGSLEY /UGAGBE STANLEY

“You don’t want to define yourself based on outside force, because outside forces are volatile and subject to constant change. By basing your self –definition on core values, you will have a better chance of having a stable self definition.”

without regard as to whether they learn something positive or negative.

Occasionally, people simply want to reduce any uncertainty. They may want to know for the sheer intrinsic pleasure of knowing what they are truly like.

Some people believe they have a moral obligation to know what they are really like. Knowing what one is really like can sometimes helps an individual to achieve their goals The basic fundamental goal to anything is survival, therefore accurate selfknowledge can be adaptive to survival.

The maxim know thyself” propropounded by socrates makes us understand that an individual is in a better position to know the substance he is made of.

There is one adage that says “it is the you in you that made you who you are”, What is the you in you that made you who are is a question for each to answer.

Once you start paying attention to the way you think about yourself and about the world, look specifically for the way in which you identify yourself, see what groups and communities you use to credit your identity. All these inform how you see yourself and tell you about what you are defining yourself with.

The self –verification theory assumes that social interactions will proceed more smoothly and profitably when other people view us the same way as we view ourselves. This provides a second reason to selectively seek self verifying feedback.

These factors of selfverification theory create controversy when persons suffering from low –self esteem are taken into consideration. People who hold negative self-views about themselves selectively seek negative feedback in order to verify their self views.

In defining oneself there are some things which are processes that should be put into place.

MINDFULNESS-This means paying attention to what you are thinking and observing your patterns of thoughts. For instance, you might realize that you have a tendency to feel and don’t care what you think and that your opinions are unimportant. Recognizing that you have these thoughts and catching them before they start causing you anxiety, can help you piece together what is the important parts of your identity.

When you start paying attention to your thought processes and patterns you’ll need to practice attentive nonjudgement. This means being aware of your thought patterns and acknowledging them, but NOT beating yourself up over them.

Negative thought patterns, and processes are present in every one but by paying attention to them, you can eliminate them from your mind.

Jot down thought processes and self definitions in which everyone must put in mind and answer carefully. Take a deep breath before you answer that question. To become adapt at seeing your thought processes and definitions and how those determine how you act and who you are, write them down in a note book as you identify them.

Don’t Limit yourself in negative ways. Definition of the self determines the action.

So, for instance, if you are defining yourself as someone who has bad romantic relationships, you’re already lost the potential for a good romantic relationship. It is a story that you tell yourself, and then because you believe the story you will already be behaving in ways that make the story true.

Identify your core values.

You don’t want to define yourself based on outside force, because outside forces are volatile and subject to constant change. By basing your self –definition on core values, you will have a better chance of having a stable self definition. You won’t lose your self-identity if you base it on values you hold as your core, like compassion, courage, integrity.

Write down the list of these values and consciously and mindfully act them out in your daily life. Therefore, if courage is one of your core values, stand up for someone being intimidated at the bus stop, or if honesty is a core value, confess up to having lost your father’s favorite neckless.

Also acknowledge your likes and dislikes, your good, bad and ugly and then mirror them through the prism of your personal identity. If carefully adhered to, the above processes and steps, it will help you define who you are.

On a conclusive note, we must let you understand that no two persons are the same.

Mr. A is very much different from Mr. B and as such knowing your individual self will help you to live a non – pretentious life and don’t forget that “The you in you is what makes you who you are”.

THE NIGERIAN

15

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Political Platform

Appraising Shema’s Stewardship WHEN Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State declared his intention to seek re-election in 2011; some people were sceptical about his chances of winning the election.

The cynics, however, recall that their pessimism at that time was not because of Shema’s unpopularity or lack of requisite qualifications for the contest.

They note that their cynicism then was because it appeared somewhat difficult for the PDP to tackle the nowdefunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Katsina State, believed to be the stronghold of the party led

by Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Seven years down the line, perceptive observers have been acknowledging the remarkable achievements of the Shema-administration in the state.

Available records indicate that Katsina State, which was carved out from the old Kaduna State in 1987, has undergone a remarkable transformation, as the state now has good road networks, modern schools and hospitals, as well as steady water supply in its urban and rural centres.

The administration’s determination to improve the state’s infrastructure via the construction of 35km six-lane ring road in Katsina, the state capital, is also seen by many observers as quite pragmatic.

Corroborating such viewpoint, Shema explained that the ring road project specifically aimed at laying a solid foundation for the economic advancement of the state.

The governor disclosed this, while speaking at the opening session of the All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) which recently took place in Katsina.

He said that his administration had also reconstructed other existing roads into dual carriage roads, as part of its efforts to execute its urban renewal agenda.

He also said that the state government had built more schools and hospitals, while executing several water projects and setting up the Katsina Craft Village for the training of unemployed youths in vocational skills.

Besides, Shema said that his administration had also

By SANI ADAMU

constructed a new Government House complex at the cost of N8 billion sourced from the profit of investments made by the state.

To bring healthcare closer to the people at the grassroots, the state government has constructed 361 clinics in the last seven years.

The governor said that the clinics were being utilised to address primary health issues like immunisation and other basic health challenges facing residents of the rural areas, in particular.

In addition, Shema said that the state government had introduced an ambulance service in all local government areas to attend to the immediate health needs of the rural dwellers.

He also said that people suffering from malaria and kidney problems now received free treatment in government health facilities.

He said that the state government had also constructed a 250-bed orthopaedic hospital to cater for accident victims and spinal cord patients in the state.

Available records further show that the Shemaadministration is assiduously working toward the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly those relating to the reduction of child and maternal mortality by 2015.

Shema said that his government had initiated several intervention programmes to provide quality primary health care services for the people.

He said that some of the programmes involved the construction of the Turai Yar’Adua Maternity and Children Hospital; the quarterly allocation of N100

million for the purchase of drugs to feed the state’s Free Drugs Revolving Scheme, as well as the continuous training of the medical personnel.

The governor said that more than 34 girls-only primary schools had been constructed, as part of measures to enhance girl-child education in the

solid minerals sector, Shema said that the state House of Assembly had enacted a law to facilitate potential investments in the sector.# He said that the administration had also procured 120 vehicles to boost intra-state and interstate transportation in Katsina State.

In recognition of the significance of education, the

Gov Ibrahim Shema of Kastina State

state, while 100 Almajiri schools were built to reduce street begging and improve education in the state.

According to him, each of the Almajiri schools has a population of over 100 pupils.

“Education at primary and secondary levels is also free in the state. The state government is also paying WAEC and NECO examination fees for all students in the state,’’ he said.

On the development of the

governor said that his administration had made education at the primary and secondary school levels free.

This, he added, was in addition to the N800 million which the government released for the payment of WAEC/NECO examination fees in 2014.

Besides, Shema said that more than 700 students had been sponsored to study medicine, pharmacy, radiology, engineering and

“Shema conveyed the state government’s commitment to the teachers’ training, welfare and promotion, saying that this would boost the teachers’ morale and encourage them to give quality service delivery.” related courses abroad.

He, however, said that his administration was planning to establish nine teachers’ colleges, as part of efforts to raise the standard of education in the state.

He said that three teachers’ colleges would be established in each of the three senatorial zones of the state.

Shema conveyed the state government’s commitment to the teachers’ training, welfare and promotion, saying that this would boost the teachers’ morale and encourage them to give quality service delivery.

He also said that his administration had constructed 260 secondary schools and 100 primary schools in the last seven years.

To also encourage sporting activities in the state, the state government has also constructed an Olympic-size stadium, he said.

Shema said all the projects were executed without borrowing funds from internal or external sources.

To promote industrial harmony, the governor said that the state’s civil servants had always received their salary on or before the 25th day of every month in the last seven years.

Shema pledged that his administration would continue to initiate projects and policies that would enhance the living standards of the citizens and move the state forward.

He, however, urged the people to continue to support the government in its efforts to ensure the state’s development in a pragmatic way.

“Democracy is meaningless without good governance and every Nigerian should benefit from the social services made available anywhere,’’ he said.

“In addition, Shema said that the state government had introduced an ambulance service in all local government areas to attend to the immediate health needs of the rural dwellers.”

It is somewhat pertinent to note that the shinning feats of the Shema-administration attracted an avalanche of eulogies and commendations from the visiting editors during a dinner which the government organised in their honour.

Specifically, Mr Femi Adesina, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, who spoke on behalf of the editors at the dinner, commended the state government for executing a lot of development projects within the last seven years.

He noted that the editors, who had gone round the state, were very much impressed with what they saw, particularly with regard to road constructions, youth empowerment, agriculture and education, among others.

Adesina, nonetheless, urged the governor to sustain the tempo, saying that the projects executed by the state government would go a long way in improving the living conditions of the people.

He recalled that when the conference was slated to hold in Katsina, there were fears and apprehensions in certain quarters because of the insurgency in the North, which had taken a dramatic turn with the involvement of teenage girls as suicide bombers.

“But from what we have seen and witnessed, Katsina remains an oasis of peace in spite of insurgency in some parts of the northern region of the country.

“I can also say that democracy is really working in Katsina,’’ Adesina added.

Nevertheless, observers urge the state government to involve the private sector in its development projects, so as to guarantee the sustainability of the projects, even beyond the tenure of the Shemaadministration.

All the same, the general consensus of opinion is that if the current tempo of Katsina State’s development is sustained, the state’s transformation and growth will be unparalleled.

THE NIGERIAN

16

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

For The Record BUDGET OF DEVELOPMENTAL CONSOLIDATION 2015 BUDGET SPEECH PRESENTED BY COMRADE ADAMS ALIYU OSHIOMHOLE CON, mni, GOVERNOR EDO STATE ON THE OCCASSION OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE 2015 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET PROPOSAL TO THE EDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY AT THE CHAMBERS OF THE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE ON TUESDAY, 23RD DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2014 BUDGET OF DEVELOPMENTAL CONSOLIDATION BEING TEXT OF 2015 BUDGET PROPOSAL PRESENTED TO THE EDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY BY COMRADE ADAMS ALIYU OSHIOMHOLE, CON, mni, GOVERNOR EDO STATE, AT THE CHAMBERS OF THE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, ON TUESDAY, THE 23RD DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2014 Mr. Speaker Principal Officers of the Edo State House of Assembly Honourable Members of the Edo State House of Assembly Members of the Edo State Executive Council Representatives of the Oba of Benin Other Royal Fathers Elder Statesmen and Leaders of Thought Party Elders and Leaders Gentlemen of the Press Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen Introduction It is with great pleasure and pride that I welcome you to this presentation of the Budget proposal for the 2015 fiscal year. First and foremost, permit me to thank Almighty God who has made it possible for me to stand before you and this distinguished House to present the Edo State Budget Proposal for the 2015 fiscal year.

Allow me to also express firmly my deep appreciation to the Rt. Honourable Speaker and all other principal officers and honourable members of this distinguished House for honoring us with your esteemed presence at this very important event that helps us to articulate and chart the course for the future of our dear State.

The strong support and partnership you have always extended to this administration since its inception have been invaluable towards the realization of our vision and mission to make Edo State amongst the best in the Nigerian Federation.

Our Developmental Record Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Honourable Members It is no longer in doubt that in the last six years, this government under our leadership has made landmark strides in its efforts to turn around the fortunes of our dear State by creating opportunities for economic prosperity and enhancing public welfare. This is evident in our purposeful interventions in the provision of economic and social infrastructure, human capital development, and the rebuilding the productive base of our economy. It is also clearly seen in the widely acknowledge positive impact these interventions have had on the living standards of Edo people.

We have effectively arrested the palpable decay and dilapidation we have inherited in the environmental, social educational and transportation sectors. This has enabled us to lay a solid foundation for sustainable development of the State, as well as raised the bar in terms of standards, both for project execution and service delivery across all sectors of our economy and society.

Specifically, we have re-invented the whole spectrum of the public school system in Edo State through the implementation of a robust agenda for the provision of qualitative, affordable and accessible education, which also puts the EDO CHILD at the centre of our educational policy.

We have also provided adequate staffing and motivation of teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as enhanced funding our public school system, including the tertiary institutions.

It is noteworthy that our efforts of purposeful

restoration and expansion of physical educational infrastructure have been well appreciated across State and considered by many as unprecedented and ambitious in the educational history of Edo State.

We have also achieved positive results from our health intervention initiatives.

This is evident in the significant drop in maternal and child mortality that is well below the national average, as attested to by the UNICEF and WHO. In tandem with our recognition of the positive role of infrastructure in the development process, we have massively carried out the rehabilitation of existing roads, as well as construction of new inter- and intra-city roads.

Communities that hitherto were inaccessible have been opened up. We also have put in place concrete measures to address, once and for, the challenges of flooding and erosion in Benin City and other major towns of the state.

It is significant that through the continuous implementation of Benin City Storm Water Master Plan, we have been able to drastically reduce the problem of perennial flooding and resulting destruction of life and property we typically witness yearly in Benin City and its environs in the recent past.

We have also made substantial investment towards the provision of potable water for several communities, and in power targeted at both the rural and urban communities that previously had no electricity.

To make Edo State work again, we have embarked on bold initiatives to rebuild the productive base of the Edo State economy. Through the deployment of the right mix of policy interventions we enabled the rejuvenation of the agricultural and industrial sectors of the State, as well as the attraction of foreign and local investments. All these efforts have enabled the creation and expansion of economic opportunities and jobs for our people and reposition Edo State as the epicenter of national development.

We recognize that as responsive and responsible governance is critical to the success of any developmental agenda.

In line with this understanding, we have re-invented governance in Edo State through bringing the people closer to public policy and decision-making. The introduction of our regular interface with critical stakeholders and establishment of open channels for regular feedback have engendered trust between the government and the people and empower the people to determine the direction and implementation of our development agenda. For the first time in our recent history, we have been able to mainstream the principles of equity, fairness and justice in all our developmental initiatives.

2015 Edo Bud

We are today presenting the 2015 budget against the background of our desire to consolidate our developmental efforts across the entire 18 Local Governments of Edo State and deepen the on-going governance reforms that would enabled the sustainability of our development agenda.

Review of 2014 Budget Performance Mr. Speaker, it is expedient that I review the performance of the 2014 fiscal year budget. You would recall that the size of the 2014 budget was N160.1 billion. It was configured to re-align governmentís priorities in a way that would grow the economy of the State, sustain the tempo of infrastructure development and boost the productive base of the economy, to create jobs for our teeming youth and substantially reduce the incidence of poverty amongst our citizens.

Revenue The total expected revenue for 2014 is N 117.48 billion, however, as at June 2014 the actual revenue realized was N 43.256 billion. In 2014, revenue performance was affected by the drop in the allocation from the Federation Account, which adversely affected the revenue profile of the State.

Expenditure The total Recurrent Expenditure component of the 2014 budget was N75.6 billion. As at the end of June 2014, the total Recurrent Expenditure incurred stood at N 29.8 billion. By the end of the year we project the expenditure to be in the region of N59.6 billion.

2015 Budget Assumptions Mr. Speaker, In formulating the 2015 budget we have made some assumptions, taking into account developments in 2014 and our projections of what we expect to happen in 2015.

Revenue On the revenue side, we are all aware that our state derives the bulk of its revenues from the statutory allocations from the Federation Account for the funding of capital and recurrent expenditures. We expect that our revenues in 2015 would remain the same at 2014 levels.

However, we will continue to sustain and re-double our efforts to substantially reduce our dependence on the Federation Account allocation by intensifying our internal revenue generation (IGR) drive in the coming years. This would entail enhanced investment in the revenue collection infrastructure to strengthen the assessment and collection process of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) and other revenue generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government.

Accordingly, we envisage a significant boost to our IGR in 2015, while we will continue to leverage other domestic and external sources to fund projects that meet the Stateís social and economic benefit cost-benefit criteria, and with positive cash flows to pay

back.

Expenditure In terms of expenditure, we expect that our personnel cost will increase substantially (at about 16%) relative to the 2014 projected actual, in order to accommodate planned promotions, new recruitment into the state public service, as well as salary increments.

We would expect the overhead costs in the 2015 fiscal year to remain at the same level as in 2014. We have also made provisions in the Consolidated Revenue Fund Charges (CRFC) for 10% employer contribution on the contributory pension scheme expected to kick-off in 2015, in line with the new national chart of accounts.

priority sectors o which are: road rehabilitation, ed and rural el environmental p drainage, flood/ beautification; Projects for job through economi emphasis on mic medium scale e women and yout Projects for ma Expanding the Creation o environment for foreign investme Deepening of g

Other underlying assumptions are as follows: Total estimated revenue N117.81 billion Total estimated expenditure, including debt service N 68.99 billion Capital Projects N 87.56 billion Budget Support (World Bank) N13.67 billion Gap Filling (Domestic) N17.05 billion Grants N 8.74 billion

Mr. Speaker, From the for obvious that the budget proposal centered, and a priorities of th namely: infrast human capital production. It is and guided by th of participation equitable distrib performance.

2015 Budget Proposal: General Overview

Highlights of

Mr. Speaker, This yearís budget is informed by the compelling need to accomplish more for our people and accelerate the pace of work in the on-going projects and programmes in all sectors of our economy. Against this background, the 2015 budget gives impetus to our vision to improve the capacity of state institutions and personnel to deliver effectively and efficiently with greater consideration to value for money.

All these will be targeted at improving the living standards of our people and addressing the infrastructure dilapidation, backlogs and deficits, which we inherited six years ago. The budget equally supports the private sector and our emerging entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, create wealth and generate employment.

2015: Budget of Developmental Consolidation Mr. Speaker, I hereby present the 2015 budget christened: Budget of Developmental Consolidation. It was prepared within the context of our Strategic Plan (2010-2020) which outlines the strategic priorities and key initiatives to be achieved by all MDAs. It was also based on realistic assumptions regarding our fiscal/financial environment and the envisaged critical success factors for implementation.

Budget Objectives Mr. Speaker, The 2015 budget is designed to achieve the consolidation of this administrationís development agenda. Therefore, it will continue to focus on the core priority sectors of the government, namely: infrastructure, education and health, in terms of resource allocation and injection of new investments. Specifically, it is geared towards: The completion of all on-going projects; Injection of new investments in key

Mr. Speaker, In order to k growing and development w estimated budge 156.551 billion year.

The budget c billion as Ca representing 5 budget, while the Expenditure is N represents 44.23 I hereby presen House a Bud following sector in line with glob

Sector R Capital Expendi Administration N 4.031 billion Economic N 36.029 billion Law and Justic N 0.837 billion Social N 46.665 billion Administratio This administr on the welfare o we shall continu supporting our w way we can to en their best to the dear State.

I am delighted remained faith obligations, inc and gratuity com dwindling alloc from federal sou As part of our entrench efficien delivery system continue to enc the training and r

THE NIGERIAN

17

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

For The Record

dget Speech

of this administration ds construction and ducation, health, water lectrification and protection, including /erosion control and

b creation, particularly ic empowerment with cro credit to small and enterprises, farmers, th, ass housing and e revenue base f the enabling r domestic and direct ent governance reforms.

egoing, it becomes e thrust of the 2015 is decidedly peopleanchored on the key his administration, tructure restoration, l development and equally underpinned he cardinal principles n, social inclusion, bution of projects and 2015 Budget

keep the economy keep the pace of e have proposed an et size of N for the 2015 fiscal

consists of N 87.56 apital Expenditure 5.77% of the total e proposed Recurrent N 68.99 billion which % of the total budget. nt to this Honourable get based on the ral classification, and bal best practice:

Recurrent Expenditure iture n N 17.873 billion

n ce

N 5.342 billion N 2.955 billion

N 20.173 billion n n ration places priority of its workforce and ue with the policy of workers in whichever nable them contribute development of our

to report that we have hful to our wage luding our pensions mmitments, despite the cations and inflows urces. r continuous effort to nt and effective service m, we will in 2015 ourage and promote retraining of our civil

servants, including the teaching staff in our public schools, to enable us build a highly skilled and vibrant work force that will always be alive to its responsibilities.

To promote good governance practices within the Edo State public sector we have taken further steps to entrench e-governance, as part our strategic planning and decision making process, with the commencement of the SAVE project (Staff Audit Verification and Biometric Enrolment of Employees), and the provision of automated Payroll system for all Edo State employees and pensioners.

Other initiatives include: the digitalization of the land registration, which is a part of the holistic Geographic Information System (GIS), the adoption of the e-payment solution, as a strategy to block leakages in the collection of fees, levies and tariffs and the extension of automation coverage of our tax administration and vehicle registration system.

On the whole, in line with the social contract we have with Edo people, we have sustained our policy of financial prudence and budget discipline which has kept the cost of governance within reasonable limits, and ensured that more resources are channeled to capital expenditures and welfare enhancing projects. As a peopleís government we would do everything in our power to justify the peopleís confidence at all times.

Let me seize this opportunity to, at this point, say that while we appreciate the entire workforce of Edo State for their understanding and support, it is necessary to point out that we all have a joint and shared responsibility towards building a State of our dream.

Consequently, we should at all times be prepared to make the necessary sacrifices when called upon, so that we will share the joy and burden of socio-economic transformation.

Economic Roads Infrastructure A key priority of this administration is the construction and provision of good quality, well drained and all year motorable standard road infrastructures. Our target is to connect as many communities, villages and towns, as possible to accelerate the social and economic activities in the State. It is also our objective to achieve balanced development and open up communities that have hitherto been totally neglected in the past.

In 2015, we will continue with the construction of new roads and rehabilitation of existing ones.

Subject to availability of funds, we have slated to commence work on 26 new and already designed interand intra-city roads throughout the three senatorial zones of the State.

Despite these efforts, we are

obviously not oblivious of the fact that there are still several communities that need to be linked to adjoining economies through motorable roads. I wish to assure you that we would not relent in our determination to fix all outstanding roads and integrate other communities to the larger economy.

Consequently, for the 2015 fiscal year a sum of N 16.95 billion has been proposed for roads infrastructure across the State.

Finance A well coordinated public financial management systems is no doubt, key to proper planning and sustainable growth and development of any economy. In 2014, the State Government working very closely with its development partners commenced the review of its Public Financial Management (PFM) processes with a view to build the capacity of our key MDAs particularly the Budget Office, Accountant Generalís Office and Office of the Auditor-General to strengthen our fiscal management framework, including budget process and revenue forecasting reforms.

At the end of this exercise, it is expected that our capacity to expect to plan, execute and monitor our development projects and programmes will be significantly enhanced.

Public Private Partnerships (PPP) In 2014 we have increased the momentum of engagement with well established and reputable private sector players, both nationally and globally. The objective is to tap into the opportunities availed by the private sector in productive activities, while also maintaining the swing of investor interest in the State.

One of the vehicles towards engaging key investors is the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Office, which has built capacity over time to engage potential investors in vital sectors where the state has comparative advantage over its peers.

To sustain PPP culture in the State, we have drafted a PPP policy document that will guide the process of engagement with the private sector and give clarity on the institutional guidelines that will deepen the process. The ultimate aim is to have a PPP law that will sustain this very rich window of sustaining investor appetite in the State far beyond the tenure of this present government.

Public Procurement Reforms In furtherance of our determination to guarantee a predictable environment of good governance and promote transparency and accountability, we have embarked upon the reform our procurement process and had set in motion the take-off of the Public Procurement Regulatory Agency to guide MDAs in the award of

contracts and procurement of goods and services. It is noteworthy that the Agency has already put in place the framework for its operations, including building capacity of MDAs across the State.

This singular institutional reform is, no doubt, a key element of our cardinal objective in institutionalizing transparency and a scientific culture in the procurement process, and we are proud and excited that this is beginning with our administration.

Internal Revenue Generation (IGR) In 2008 we started the reform of our tax collection, an effort that has paid off with the significant growth in the IGR of the State. In the last quarter of 2014, we will be working towards enhancing our tax base through a state-wide tax enumeration survey that will be piloted in six major LGAs and other potential cities in the state.

This survey is aimed at capturing additional eligible tax payers into the tax net, and building a pool of data on areas the government requires additional investment such as infrastructure and other social amenities.

This Government believes that there is a strong linkage between taxation and good governance. Without the tax revenues this government would not have accomplished the numerous and beneficial projects we have been able to bring closer to our people. We will continue to appeal to the good people of Edo State to support this government to sustain the tax culture. It is only through this window that we can guarantee continuous accountability and transparency in the governance of the state at all levels.

Agriculture Agriculture employs majority of our people engaged in both food and export crop production. Therefore, consistent with this administrationís commitment to generate sustainable employment and boost domestic commercial agriculture, we have pursued innovative initiatives to refocus and reposition the sector.

Our goal is to increase agricultural output through attracting and sustaining large scale private sector participation in the sector, supporting and encouraging our small farmers with incentives and expanding the value chain to make agriculture attractive to the young people.

In 2014, we have attracted private investors into rice production and other viable agricultural sub-sectors in the State. In 2015, particular attention will be given to finalizing efforts to cultivate over 300,000 hectares of new farmland across key food and cash crops spectrum of the agricultural sector with an emphasis on the development of domestic small- and medium and large commercial farms.

We have projected the creation of over 150,000 new jobs over the next two (2) years of this Government, through this initiative.

We are working assiduously to ensure that we create an investment landscape that encourages easy processing of land permits and Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) and other ancillary issues connected therewith, including other incentives that will serve as catalyst to the massive flow of investment in the agricultural sector.

We will continue to strengthen the agricultural sector and make agribusiness a viable proposition across

all branches of agriculture. We are accordingly proposing a capital budget of N 1.055 billion for the 2015 fiscal year.

Youth Employment We have continued to invest in human capital development by creating opportunities for youth employment and access to socio-economic services across the state. One of the creative ways we have adopted is to encourage young, unemployed youths to be involved in public works and waste management.

We hope to use this window to build experts in road maintenance through a small budget approach, encourage budding business in waste management and start ups in entrepreneurship and SMEs across the state.

In first three quarters of 2014 alone, we have engaged 1,284 young people across the State, and this has come with it significant economic and social benefits, the evidence of which could be seen in the reduction in crime, youth violence and other social vices.

In 2015, we hope to bring in 2,500 more young people into the employment net through this scheme. In addition, the scheme will ensure that the beneficiaries are paid their salaries directly into their bank accounts so that they will develop a culture of savings. This intervention complements the already well established recruitment process we instituted through Rapid Response Agency (RRA), the ICT Agency and the Youth Employment Scheme (YES), now with over 15,000 young people gainfully employed across different segment of our society.

Law and Justice This administration will continue to provide support to the law enforcement agencies in order to strengthen security of lives and property. This is in line with our determination to reduce to the barest minimum incidences of criminal and related activities throughout the State.

To reinforce our complementary role, we have taken steps to restructure and reposition the Neighbourhood Watch in order to make it more effective in detecting and combating crimes across the state. Let me put on record, our sincere appreciation to the Security and law enforcement agencies operating in Edo State for their steadfastness and sacrifices in ensuring that our State is no longer safe for any one with criminal intent.

To strengthen the delivery of justice we will continue to respond to the needs of the judicial arm of government so that it would be alive to its constitutional responsibilities at all times. Accordingly, in 2015, a sum of N 2.955 billion is being proposed for recurrent and capital budget for the Edo State Judiciary.

Social The provision of social services to our people is critical to this government.

Education and health are cardinal to our priorities, both as a party (the APC) and as a government, and due attention would be adequately paid to them.

Education In 2014, we intensified our efforts to provide quality education to our children.

In addition to the building of new schools and rehabilitation of existing ones, we have also placed attention on human capital development to complement the provision of learning materials which have

Continued on page 18

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

For The Record Continued from page 17 been made adequately available to schools across the State.

Today, I am proud to say mention that the free education for primary and secondary schools declared at the inception of our administration has been firmly rooted.

To ensure the protection and sustainability of the massive investments we have made in the educational sector, we have proposed a budget provision of N 18.1 billion for the Education sub-sector in the 2015 financial year.

We have also broadened the School Based Management Committees (SBMC), which lends support to educational management at the school level, and build a critical base for community stakeholder participation in the ownership of the educational sector in the State.

Also, as part of our investment-inflow readiness, we commenced a programmatic series of exchange programs for our technical college students to peer review with some of the best students in Nigeria by sending them to boot camps.

This year, the programme of choice was electrical and electronics engineering and the State is desirous of expanding its scope in 2015 to include other programmes such as welding, mechanical and fabrication technology. The idea is to build a critical mass of young talented youths who can support the local economy to be self sufficient in technological know-how and the economic value chain associated thereto.

In the last one year, we have invested in the accreditation of programmes in the existing technical colleges and this has encouraged real enrolment growth in the vocational and technical colleges in the state.

This investment has paid off with the recent pass mark given to the Edo State College of Agriculture Iguoriakhi by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which had even gone further to recommend the teaching of more programmes, leveraging on the structures that are available in the institution. This is a major milestone in our efforts to encourage mechanized agriculture and build a human resource base that will support this initiative.

It is also noteworthy, that our Skills Acquisition Centre at Aduwawa was similarly recognized by NBTE based on the direct grants given to the school to improve facilities.

Science and Rural Development To encourage the teaching of science in the rural areas, the state government recently initiated the recruitment of female science teachers across the state to be located in the rural areas to encourage young female students to take into the sciences and broaden science and technology across the state.

This is a very important aspect of our long-term planning under our Strategic Plan, aimed at getting the young people in the State to leverage on the technological know-how that is associated with rapid economic growth. We also aim to use this window to reduce early marriage and violence against women in the society, and encourage urban to rural migration in the medium- to the long-term basis.

Health Aware of the critical health concerns and targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS), this government has prioritized the delivery of quality health care to the people.

Based on these we have sustained efforts in upgrading of some of our health care institutions.

In 2014, the completion of on-going projects was vigorously pursued with good progress recorded. In 2015, we will continue to build on this progress and pursue the execution of key projects that will enable the strengthening of our health care delivery.

Among the capital projects we have earmarked for execution in 2015 are the following: Completion of the construction and equipping of the new Accident and Emergency/200-Bed Ward Complex at the Central Hospital, Sapele Road, Benin City.

Completion and furnishing of the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Block D of the New Secretariat Complex to provide permanent accommodation for the Ministry of Health.

On-going renovation of some hospitals buildings at the General Hospital, Agenebode.

The sum of N 9.298 billion has been allocated to the Health Sub-Sector in the 2015 Capital Budget proposal.

Our commitment to expanding the scope of medicare in Edo State, however, goes beyond government intervention.

Accordingly, we will continue to intensify efforts towards exploring more avenues to improve facilities and access in specialized areas of medical care.

In this connection, we will be collaborating with reputable national and international organizations, aimed at tapping into mutually beneficial areas of comparative advantage under the PPP framework for Health Care delivery.

Flood and Erosion Control/Environmental Protection This Government remain committed to the maintenance and

2015 Edo Budget Speech sustenance of a clean and safe environment, and to ensure a well-drained and green environment through a holistic flood control and reforestation State-wide. In 2014 we continued to focus on sustaining the implementation of all contractual commitment of the State Government.

I am pleased to inform you that as at today our flagship Storm Water Project, Uwelu East and West Water Catchment De-flooding Project, which covers Adolor College, Uwelu, Teachers House and Uzebu areas of Benin City, and awarded at the sum of N30 billion is about 52% completed. This is in addition to the Airport Road Storm Water Control and the Constain Isonoroh Storm Water De-flooding earlier completed by this Government.

In the same vein, the Upper Lawani and the upgrade of the Uselu 5 Junction moat, (now known as Queen Esther Erediawa Junction) Flood and Erosion Control Projects are 68% and 94% completed respectively.

The State Government is intervening with the remediation of the devastation caused by flood and gully erosion at Ekehuan road, Queen Ede Secondary School and Auchi township. During the year, the State government awarded the first contract for the remediation works at the Ekehuan flood and gully erosion site under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP, a World Bank financed project. Work is expected to commence during the next dry session.

In addition, the Tenders for Queen Ede and Auchi gully site are currently being evaluated with the hope that the contracting process will be completed for implementation to commence during the forthcoming dry season.

We shall continue to proactively ensure the creation of a healthy, safe, clean and beautiful environment that assures sustainable development with the appropriate resilience to mitigate and adapt to the realities of climate change at all times.

Government will continue to prosecute its ongoing effort at combating flood and erosion as well as to ensure a clean, safe and green environment in the three senatorial zones of the State. In this connection, the sum of N 18.5 billion has been proposed in 2015 Budget for the Environmental Sector.

Rural Electrification In line with our policy to make rural areas attractive, support the burgeoning small- and medium- scale enterprises, and minimize the incidence of rural-urban drift, the State Government extended electricity supply to ten (10) rural communities that were hitherto without electricity, while electricity supply to existing PHCN Network system in fortyseven (47) communities was reinforced across the 18 Local Government Areas. Similarly, a total number of 25 transformers and 25 feeder pillars were purchased in 2014 and put into use across the State.

Similarly this administration is working to promote the partnership arrangement with Azura Power West African for the establishment of a Gas Power Plant at Ihovbor, near Benin City, that on completion will generate and inject 950 Mega Watts into the National Grid System.

In 2015, Government will embark on new projects while prime attention will be given to the completion of on-going projects. Accordingly, the sum of N 0.500 billion has been proposed in the 2015 Capital Budget for the Energy SubSector.

Water Resources and Water Supply The 2015 Budget will focus on the completion of on-going water schemes in the Local Government Areas. Also, during 2015, more boreholes will be sunk to provide water to our people with the use of the newly acquired Dando Drilling Rigs which have successfully struck water in difficult terrain such as Edo Central Senatorial District. Consequently, the sum of N 0.981billion has been proposed in the 2015 Capital Budget.

Housing and Urban Planning We are committed to providing affordable housing for our people. To this end, government intends to partner with real estate developers and financiers (within the PPP framework) to facilitate the delivery of mass housing across the 3 senatorial districts. Already, an initiative is afoot towards delivering not less than 100,000 housing units of various specifications over the next three years.

Outlook for 2015 and Critical Success Factors

Mr. Speaker, With the giant strides we recorded since we came on board, I make bold to say that 2015 holds a bright future for our people. We will continue to stand on our well articulated development strategy and our key priorities, which will enable us to focus and deploy resources in a more prudent, efficient and effective manner.

We will also continue to count on our determination to deliver and on the popular support for our development agenda to drive the consolidation of our development efforts. We will continue to move on with our eyes open to seize new opportunities offered by the national and global market places.

Recent happenings regarding inflows from the federation account makes it imperative for us to follow through on investments and initiatives that will drive increase yield in IGR. The governance reforms already on-going will be sustained, including fulfilling all our commitments to our development partners related to the implementation of some reform measures linked to the World Bankís Development Policy Operations (DPO) facility draw down. It is also important that we continue to improve our budget performance in 2015 and beyond.

Therefore, as we all look forward to 2015 with positive expectations, it is equally important that we do not close our eyes to the fact that 2015 is a transitional year, politically speaking. Definitely, it will come with its economic and social pressures that are typically associated with electoral contests.

However, having practiced democracy close to a decade and a half, it should be expected that by now we have developed some modicum of enlightened self-interest to play by the rules and usher in a peaceful transition.

Conclusion Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, After decades of debilitating political and economic oppression, it is important to note that Edo people have decidedly voted for CHANGE and they do not want to go look back or give in to lamentation.

This is amply demonstrated by the massive support they have given this administration since its inception. More than at any time in their history, our people are better sensitized and more conscious of their rights and who they will entrust with their mandate.

On our own part, as authentic servants of our people, I am glad to also note that we have kept faith with the yearnings and aspirations of our people for a better society for this and up-coming generation.

We have worked tirelessly; we have ushered in a new era and new ways of approaching and solving problems. Our people are by and large happy with our performance. Still, if I may borrow the words of late Kenyan political leader, Oginga Odinga, ìitís not yet uhuruî.

More work is ahead because for whom much is given, much is expected. We are also racing against time. I am sure that that this realization will inform the disposition of this Honourable House to this budget proposal for the 2015 fiscal year.

Let me at this stage once again place on record my deep appreciation to Mr. Speaker and the Honourable Members for their cooperation and support extended to the executive arm which in no small measure accounted to the positive achievements of this administration.

I also wish to express my gratitude to our royal fathers led by his Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, our religious leaders, political leaders, our resilient private sector operators, labour leaders, professional organizations, women organizations, youth groups, and civil society organizations, in the state for their support and demonstration of confidence in our administration over the years.

For the good people of our beloved State, I say a big thank you for keeping faith with our strong determination to sustain the task of taking Edo State to the NEXT LEVEL. Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Honourable Members, It is now my pleasure and privilege to present to you the Budget of Developmental Consolidation, the Edo State 2015 Appropriation Bill of N 156.551 billion and details of the Budget Proposal for your kind consideration and approval.

Thank you and God Bless.

COMRADE ADAMS ALIYU OSHIOMHOLE GOVERNMEMET HOUSE BENIN CITY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Natural Medicine

New Hope For Enlarged Prostate

THE prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive organ.

Essentially, it secretes semen, a fluid in which sperm cells/ spermatozoa are carried during ejaculation into the female organ.

This vital organ is located around the neck of the bladder where it connects with the urethra through which sperm and urine flow out of the male body. Studies have shown that this organ passes two phases of growth in a man’s life time.

According to these studies, the first growth of the gland occurs at puberty when the gland doubles in size.

The second growth begins to take place around 25 years of age. During this second phase of the prostate gland’s growth, a man rarely develops any signs/symptoms before he is 40, however, later, he usually starts to experience them to a point that his sleeping pattern is disrupted while his waking life is therefore full of turmoil.

Infact, his life is now threatened because of the emotional, physical, psychological, and physiological trauma arising from these debilitating signs/ symptoms of a growing enlarged prostate.

What are these signs/ symptoms? Firstly, a sufferer of an enlarged prostate strains when urinating.

He experiences a delay in starting a urinary stream which on arrival is slow, weak, hesitant; and flows intermittently.

Furthermore, the sufferer always has a real sensation around his bladder after urination informing him that it has not been fully emptied of urine. It is for this reason he develops an urge to urinate again and again. The cumulative effect of this condition is frequency of urination, most especially at night as well as during a long period of immobility, phases of cold temperatures and after alcohol consumption.

This isn’t all. A sufferer of an enlarged prostate experiences an abnormal

urgency to pass urine. Given this fact, it is difficult for him to hold and delay urination.

This explains why he sometimes ends up spilling urine in his pants. Moreover, a sufferer of the disorder has urine dribbles or leakage after urination because of some retained urine in his urethra and bladder flowing out of the body.

Natural therapy has at its disposal several remedies for helping sufferer enlarged prostate. However, researches have proved that most of these people have not derived much benefit from them. This scenario spurred Dr. (Hon.) Lawrence Olagunju (PHD/ DHC), a Canadian based Nigerian with a Honorary Doctorate in immunotherapy to bring to Nigeria and Africa at large an alternative approach to enlarged prostate management that is safe, effective and efficient in reducing or normalizing the condition.

Dr. (Hon) Lawrence Olagunju also has an exclusive licensee of Immunotec Researches Inc and has been working with the organisation in Canada for over 12 years. So, he knows his onions in Immunotherapy as an approach to managing prostate disorders.

Immunotherapy focuses on raising glutathione level safely with less or no adverse effects. It was developed at the University of McGill in Canada after 25 years of clinical research pioneered by Dr. Gustavo Bounous, a world Dr. Gustavo Bounous, a world expert in GSH; and a team of university-based physicians. Much more, the method of therapy is backed by extensive research including phase two and three trials and is protected in USA, Canada and thirty-six other countries by method-of-thetreatment pharmaceutical patents. All research publications are available on the issues canvassed in this article.

At this stage, it needs to be emphasized that the result of

the scientist research effort at the university of McGill in Canada Led to the development of a nutraceutical remedy for the disorder called IMMUNOCAL. Now, enter Dr. Patricia A.L. kongshavn (Ph.D) a former Professor in the Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal. She

Antigen or PSA Values fell, indicating a reduction in the turmour mass. Immunocal is also indicated for use as a prophylaxis against benign hypertrophy as well as cancer since both conditions appears to be related to the deficiency in the glutathione enzyme system. In summary, there is increasing evidence that the glutathione system provides a

stated in her publication; “More studies are in progress to investigate the benefit of using Immunocal as a complementary treatment for prostate cancer since this dietary supplement is already proven to raise intracellular glutathione in normal adults.

A number of case reports describing the beneficial effects of this treatment in prostate cancer patients have recently been published by Bounous.”

She went on: “In these patients the Prostate Specific

vitally important defence against prostate problems.

Therefore, dietary treatments to enhance this system, in particular immunocal and selenium, could be very important in maintaining a healthy gland as well as providing protection against the development of prostate cancer.

Let’s us now hear from Dr. (Hon) Lawrence Olagunju (Ph.D- DHC). in his interview with The Nation newspaper on July 12, 2012 he explained that Immunocal triggers

“Immunocal has many health benefits. The therapeutic drug gives positive results within 60 days of administration for non-10+ blood group patients. Other medications take a longer time even though in most cases sufferers only find their signs/ symptoms alleviated.”

With

Dr Mao 08030717341

glutathione modulations which in itself enhances the function of the type of Bimmune cells known as dendritic cells. These cells go on to activate another category of T-immune cells to enable then easily recognize prostate antigens that cause prostate enlargement; as well as target and thereafter destroy them. When this is accomplished, the enlargement goes. Normal function is restored to the prostate gland. All the sufferer’s disabling signs/ symptoms of prostate enlargement goes for good.

Therefore, immunocal offers an attractive option to sufferers of enlarged prostate, 60% of whom are above 40.

Also, it prevents prostate cancer, a major cause of death among men. Only a very minimal or no side effects sometimes has been associated with immunocal since it hit the global market.

Lest one forgets, immunocal could save sufferers of prostate enlargement from the surgeon’s knife, often considered by them as a last remedy. However, their hopes are hardly realized because from experience surgery offers no permanent cure to

Olagunju expatiates further: “Researchers have found that abnormal growth in prostate tissues often corresponds to deficiency in glutathione enzymes which has several sub-types. The objective of using immunocal is to balance the sub-types of glutathione enzymes by modulating intracellular glutathione.

When this is achieved, it is then possible to maintain a cellular redox state in the prostate gland ensuring its tissues are normal and healthy”.

Immunocal has many health benefits. The therapeutic drug gives positive results within 60 days of administration for non-10+ blood group patients.

Other medications take a longer time even though in most cases sufferers only find their signs/ symptoms alleviated. Invariably, they stand a chance of gradually losing their bladder function.

prostate disorder. Apart from the physiological- cumpsychological trauma surgery gives the sufferers of enlarged prostate, studies reveal that such trauma eventually kill the sufferers.

Olagunju concluded: “We have partnered with the Lagos State Health Service Commission and Ogun State Hospitals Management Board for the purpose of educating all health workers on the benefits of immunotherapy and immunocal. Currently, CMEs on immunotherapy for prostate disorder has been delivered in eleven of the twenty-five general hospitals in Lagos State; and also to all state hospitals in Ogun State”.

Consequently, with its principal of action, immunocal remains comparatively an approach of choice for enlarged prostate sufferers around the world today as attested to by men who have used it.

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

New Horizon

Teachings Of The Holy Quran (1)

Ansalekun Salam Mualekun – Wa Alyeken Salam-may the peace of Allah be with us-Ami. “Allah is one, Allah is of all whom depend, He is the biggest gift, nor He begotten.”

The “Holy Quran” is the book, in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah- the most merciful, the most gracious who believe in The unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what we have provided for them. And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.

They are on (true guidance) from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper. As to those who reject faith, it is the same to them whether thou warn then or do not warn them, they will not believe.

Allah hath set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing. And on their eyes is a velli great is the chastisement they (incur).

The people there are some who say: we believe in Allah and the last day,” but they do not (really) believe, they think they can deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, and realize (it) not. In their hearts is a disease, and Allah has increased their disease, and grievous is the chastisement they (incur) because they lied (to themselves).

When it is said to them, “Make not mischief on the earth”, they say: “We are

the only ones that put things right”. Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realize it not. When it is said to them, “believe as the others Believe”, Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but the, do not know. When they do not know. When they meet those who believe, they say, “we believe”, but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say, we are really with you, we (were) only jestling. Allah will throw back their mockery on them and give them rope in their trespasses, so they will wander like blind ones (to and fro). These are those who have battered guidance for errow, but their profit is profitless, and they have lost true direction.

Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire, when it is lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness, so they could not see. Deaf, dumb and blind, they will not return (to the path) or (another similitude) is that a rainladen cloud from the sky, in it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightening they press their lingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder - clap, the while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of faith.

He lightening all but snatches away their sight, every time the light (helps) them, they walk therein and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still,

and if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing, for Allah hat power over all things.

O ye people, worship your guidance Lord, who created you and those who came before you, that ye may become righteous.

Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy, and set down rain from the heavens, and brought forth there with fruits for your sustenance, then set not up rivals unto Allah when ye know (the truth). And if ye are in doubt as to what we have revealed from time to time to our servant, then produce a Sura like

thereunto, and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if ye are truthful. But if ye cannot and of a surety ye cannot- then fear the fire whose fuel is Men and stones which is prepared for those who reject faith.

But give glad tidings to

those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is gardens, beneath which rivers flow.

Every time they are fed with fruits there from, they say, “Why, this is what we were led with before; for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein spouses purified, a they abide therein

“Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire, when it is lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness, so they could not see. Deaf, dumb and blind, they will not return (to the path) or (another similitude) is that a rain-laden cloud from the sky, in it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightening they press their lingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder - clap, the while they are in terror of death.”

With VICTOR ANIUKWU

(forever). Allah disdains not to use the similitude of things; even of a gnat as well as any thing above it.

Those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord, but those who reject faith say, what means Allah by this similitude? By it He -causes many to stray, and many He leads into the right path, but He causes not to stray, except those who forsake (the path).

Those who break Allah’s covenant after ft is ratified, and who sunder what Allah has ordered to be joined,

celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?

He said, “I know what ye know not”. And He taught Adam the names of all things, then He placed them before the angels, and said, “Tell me the names of these if ye are right.” They said, “Glory to thee: of knowledge we have none save what Thou has taught us: in truth it is Thou Who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom. He said: “0 Adam, I tell them their names.” When he had told them their names. Allah

and do mischief on earth: these cause loss (only) to themselves. How can ye reject the faith in Allah?

Seeing that ye were without life, and He gave you life, then will He cause you to die, and again to Him will ye return. it is He who has created for you all things that are on earth, then He turned to the heaven and made them into seven firmaments, and of all things, He hath perfect knowledge.

Behold, thy Lord said to the angels, “I will create a vicegerent on earth.” They said, will thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? Whilst we do

said: “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what ye reveal and what ye conceal? And behold, We said to angels: “Bow down to Adam” and they bowed down, not so lblis: he refused and was haughty: he was of those who reject faith. And we said, ‘O Adam, dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden: and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression. Then did Satan make them slip from the (Garden), and get them Continues on page 24

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Place Of Prayer Breaking The Bad Habit (2) A bad habit is not a mistake; it is that sin that you keep repeating that now has a hold on you. This habit may not just be fornication; you could be a perpetual liar, a gossip, a critic of legitimate authority, a smoker, a drunkard, a perpetual late comer, a Christian that does not study the bible, deficient in fasting, a glutton, a lazy person, a television addict, a gambler, an indecent dresser, a person that practices masturbation, and so on. Anything that goes against the norms of the Kingdom of God that you persist in becomes your bad habit. Below are seven suggestions that will help you overcome bad habits.

1. Confession To A Higher Spiritual Authority: Confess the details of the bad habit to (a) God-1 John 1:8-9: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Anyone that says he has never had a bad habit is a liar, but God is able to help everyone that confesses to Him, If you find that you are experiencing difficulty in coming out of a bad habit, then go to God in genuine repentance. Be broken before God. Let Him see your penitence, and sincerity. Your confession should not just be to escape punishment, but so that the yoke of the habit would be taken away from you. Your confession must be with brokenness for God will not despise a broken and a contrite heart psalm 51:17).

B. To a Human spiritual authority- Proverbs 28:13: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy When you refuse to confess your sin (bad habit)to a higher authority it means you like it.

You must confess as proof to God that you do not like it.

From practical experience, we know that the best way to break a serious relationship is to disclose a secret to a third party. No matter the settlement that is done after such betrayal of trust, confidence in the person who disclosed the secret may never be restored. When you confess to a higher spiritual authority, you have exposed the spirit behind that habit and

so the spirit will have no choice but to abandon you.

Sin thrives in secrecy and as long as you keep your sin private, it will have power over you. Confession breaks the hold of the habit on you.

If you do not confess, you will not make progress and will be stagnant. If you confess and forsake your sin, you shall have mercy.

2. Avoid The Persons, Places And Issues Of Enticement: Stay away from individuals that make you get involved in the practice of that habit. Evil communication corrupts good manners (1Cor 15:33). What agreement has light with darkness?

Separation is a credential that authenticates the fatherhood of God. You must separate from all issues that encourage continuation of that bad habit.

2 Peter 2:8- For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds.

Your spiritual status is not the issue; anyone that interacts with the wrong crowd will be enticed. You’ve got to be separate. If you are a talkative, then avoid those friends that make you talk too much. Same goes with friends that womanize, drink, smoke, gamble, etc.

In Genesis 39:10, 12, we see that Joseph overcame the temptation to commit fornication with Potiphar’s wife because he refused to lie by her, or to be with her. When the pressure got too much, he fled, leaving his garment in her hands. Don’t stay with enticement. You must flee just like Joseph did. Abstain, depart, shift, avoid, don’t be enticed by all appearances of evil (1Thess. 5:22).

3. Always Remember That The Wages of Sin is Death: The bible makes it very clear in Romans 6:23 that the wages of sin is death. Wages is compensation for service rendered. Sin has only one reward: Death. Every sin you commit kills something.

James 1:14-15 says: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Every man is tempted when he is pulled, drawn by his own

With Pastor Samuel O. Osaghae SMS Only 08030809339

lust (bad habit). Enticement comes by observation. When your habit is now pregnant, it brings forth sin and the end point of sin is death.

This may not be physical death, but a promise dies, help disappears, favour is taken away; something always dies when sin is concluded. The reason many Christians pray so much and yet do not see the evidence of their prayers is because sin has exposed their

His perpetual presence with you.

Hebrews 12:1- Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great cloud of witness, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth easily beset us... The sin which easily bests you speaks of bad habit. The way out of that habit is consciousness of the fact that you are being watched by a great cloud of witnesses.

longer bring your self to do those things that break His heart. Only the love of God will keep you from bad habits.

6. Being Conscious Of Your Spiritual Identity John 3:6: That which is born

Luke 12 was called a fool because he did not put into consideration the fact that death can call at anytime. May you be ready when the trumpet sounds. Read 2Peter 3:8-14, Hebrews 9:28.

blessings to being stolen by the devil. Be conscious of the reality that the consequence of sin is death. Sin kills, particularly the sin of immorality: sex, lust, pornography, masturbation, enjoying promiscuity on television.

Goodness is withheld from those who do not walk uprightly. Make up your mind to stay holy. No one can remove goodness from you if you do that which is right.

Psalm 84:11. Your seed sowing or tears will not bring back the miracle you lost as a result of your sin. The promise of God can be broken by iniquity (I Samuel 2:30). May you escape bad habit today and consequently preserve God’s miracle upon your life in Jesus name, amen.

4.

Live In The Consciousness Of God’s Presence: Live as if you can see God with you a the lime.

Have the mentality that God is watching you. See Him with you. Imagine the retain

While Peter was conscious of the presence of the Holy Ghost, Ananias and Sapphira were not and so they lied and were struck dead by the Holy Spirit. If you can picture Jesus with you. you wilt not commit that sin, 5. Be Saturated With The Love Of God: Jesus said in John 14:15: If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Paul said in 2Cortnthians For the love’ of Christ constrained thus,,, If you always put into consideration the great price Jesus paid for your redemption, you will not want to hurt Him, If a man forgets the love of his wife, he will marry another wife at old age.

If you forget the love of God, you will not please him. In John 21, Jesus asked Peter if he really loved him above everything else. Do you love Jesus above that habit? If you do then let His love saturate your life at all time, As you begin to think about His love every minute of the day, you will find that you can no

of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. You are not human, you are divine. Live in this consciousness. Walk in the reality of your new status.

You are a spirit and must walk like someone from heaven. Don’t let this consciousness depart from your heart. Spirits are not entangled by mundane/ earthly attraction. This is the secret of holiness, ... Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh, Gal. 5:16. Always be conscious of your spiritual identity and you will see yourself living above that sinful habit.

7. Always Be Conscious That Your Eternity Can Begin At Anytime: Death is not a function of age; you don’t know when God will call you home. You can die at anytime. The bible says it is appointed unto man once to die. If death meets you in sin, your past holiness is forgotten. Be prepared at every time. The rich man in

Although your name was written in the book of life when you asked Jesus to come into your heart, if you do not live uprightly, your name will be blotted out. Revelation 3:5: He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.

Only those that look forward to His coming will see Him. Is your name still in the book of life?

Only those that are able to overcome bad habits will their names not be blotted out of the Book of Life, If you live with this consciousness, you will be able to deal with the bad habit that has kept you captive.

As you begin to practice these seven steps, I see every bad habit in your life taken away in the name of Jesus, amen.

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

International Israeli Troops Kill Hamas Men Accused Of Slaying Teens

HEBRON, West Bank Israeli troops shot dead two Palestinians in the West Bank city of Hebron yesterday and the military said they were members of Hamas responsible for the killing of three Israeli youths in June, an attack that led to the Gaza war.

Marwan Kawasme and Amar Abu Aysha, both in their 30s, were shot dead during a gun battle after Israeli troops surrounded a house in the city before dawn, the army and residents said. Israel had been hunting the men for three months.

Kawasme and Abu Aysha were suspected of carrying out the kidnapping and killing of the three teenage seminary students, who were abducted while hitchhiking at night near a Jewish settlement in the West Bank on June 12.

The military said army and police forces were trying to arrest the two suspects when a firefight erupted.

“We opened fire, they returned fire and they were killed in the exchange,” Israeli military spokesman LieutenantColonel Peter Lerner said.

The governor of Hebron, Kamel Hmeid, confirmed on Palestinian radio that the two were dead.

“It’s clear now the two martyrs, al-Kawasme and Abu Aysha, were assassinated this morning during a military operation in the Hebron University area. We condemn this crime, this assassination, as deliberate and premeditated murder,” he said.

Kawasme and Abu Aysha were affiliated with Hamas, which initially denied any link

to the June attack.

Last month, however, the group acknowledged responsibility, although its leadership said it had no advance knowledge that the men were planning to abduct the students.

“Hamas praises the role martyrs Abu Aysha and Kawasme played in chasing down Israeli settlers and we stress that their assassination will not weaken the resistance,” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the operation. “We will continue to strike terrorism everywhere,” he said at the start of a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem. “This morning the long arm of Israeli justice caught them.”

Israeli forces have conducted widespread sweeps across the West Bank in the past three months, rounding up hundreds of suspected Hamas members in house-to-house raids in the hunt for the suspects behind the attack.

The abduction and killing of Eyal Yifrach, 19, and Gilad Shaer and Naftali Fraenkel, both 16, caused alarm throughout Israel and set off a cycle of violence, including the killing of Palestinian Mohammed Abu Khudair, 16, by three Israelis who have been arrested and charged.

Khudair ’s killing led to clashes between Palestinian youths and Israeli police in East Jerusalem, while the round-up of Hamas suspects across the West Bank provoked rocket fire at Israel from militants in Gaza, leading to the war.

JERUSALEM - The Israeli military shot down a Syrian fighter jet that infiltrated its airspace over the Golan Heights yesterday morning — the first such downing in decades, heightening tensions in the volatile plateau.

The military said a “Syrian aircraft infiltrated into Israeli air space” in the morning hours and that the military “intercepted the aircraft in mid-flight, using the Patriot air defense system.”

The military would not say what type of aircraft was downed and said the circumstances of the incident were “unclear.”

A defense official identified the downed aircraft as a Sukhoi Su24 Russian fighter plane.

Perviously, it was reported to have been a MiG aircraft. He said the Syrian jet penetrated 800 meters (2,600 feet) into Israeli air space and tried to return to Syria after the Patriot missile was fired.

The crew managed to abandon the plane in time and landed in Syrian territory, the Israeli official said.

Israel Shoots Down Syrian Aircraft It was the first such incident since the war with Lebanon in 1982, the official said. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Israel has largely stayed on the sidelines of Syria’s civil war raging across the border. But Israeli leaders appear increasingly nervous about the possibility of al-Qaida-linked fighters occupying the Golan’s high ground over northern Israel.

Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said the aircraft had crossed into Israel in a “threatening way” and vowed to retaliate to any similar attempts in the future.

News Extra Okada Riders Protest Ban

By JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM

AGBOR (Delta) - Motorcycle dealers and mechanics in Agbor Ika North East local government area of Delta State, have protested the ban of Okada (bike) In the area, by Delta State government.

While the demonstration was on-going, the Chairman of the association, Engineer Onuwa Egwu said the ban of Okada (bike) in the area will increase hardship and will also cripple economic activities.

Also speaking the Vice Chairman, Mr. John Onyegha said if the ban takes effect, he

wondered where the people involved will work, stressing that machine dealers, motorcycle parts sellers, motorcycle mechanics and many of the Okada riders who are graduate have no jobs.

He noted that the ban will also cause hardship, as farming is the mainstay of the people.

Mr. Onyegha added that because Ika land is naturally hilly it will not allow tricycle to operate in the area.

In another development the adviser of the association Mr. Assico Asiwe has appealed to the

government to reconsider the ban as it is the only way the youths make themselves useful.

The members of the association therefore pleaded with the Delta State Government led by His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan to stop the action to enable the Poor and aged in the area attend to their farming business.

The association thanked HRH, Emmanuel Efezomor and HRH Dr.Benjamin Ikeagborekwuzie in Boji Boji in Ika South local government area, and Boji Boji Agbor in Ika North East L.G.A respectively for their kind words of advice to the union.

APC Chieftain Lauds Voters Registration Exercise

By JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM allow other political class to

UMUNEDE (Delta)– The Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Umunede ward 11, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta state, Prince Joseph Mordi has said that the voters registration exercise in the area was free and fair, noting however that not every person had the opportunity to register due to lack of materials, and short notice.

He also appealed to other APC members in other areas to come to their aid through mass mobilization and also called for the extension of the registration to enable those who had not registered to exercise their civic rights.

Prince Mordi also advised the APC members in the three tiers of government not to

influence them with material benefits.

In another development, the woman leader of ward 11 Umunede, Chief (Mrs.) Francicsa Elube, the Osokeze of Umunede kingdom in Ika North East Local Government

Prince Joseph Mordi, Chairman, APC Ward II Umunede

area of the state, has advised those in elective offices to always remember their bearings, for one good turn deserves another. She implored them to always visit their constituencies, to know the problem in their areas and provide solution to them.

She called on youths not to allow any political class to use them as thugs during the 2015 elections. Also an APC stalwart, Mr. Michael Omeife has appealed to government to create additional wards.

He lamented the lack of constant power supply to the area, bad roads, youth empowerment and called for construction of link roads, such as Umunede Ekuoma road, Umunede Otolokpo and fencing of Ede Grammar School and Umunede Mixed Secondary School.

Mr. Assico Asiwe, adviser of Machine Dealers, parts sellers in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.

People protesting Okada ban in Ika North East Local Government area of Delta State.

THE NIGERIAN

23

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

International Features THE United States launched air and missile strikes with Arab allies in Syria for the first time yesterday killing dozens of Islamic State fighters and members of a separate al Qaeda-linked group, and widening its new war in the Middle East.

“I can confirm that U.S. military and partner nation forces are undertaking military action against (Islamic State) terrorists in Syria using a mix of fighter, bomber and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles,” Rear Admiral John Kirby, Pentagon press secretary, said in a statement.

U.S. Central Command said Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had either participated or supported the strikes against Islamic State targets.

U.S. forces also launched strikes to “disrupt imminent attack” against U.S. and Western interests by “seasoned al Qaeda veterans” who had established a safe haven in Syria, it said, apparently referring to attacks against a separate group.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the war in Syria, said at least 20 Islamic State fighters were killed in strikes that hit at least CHANGE OF NAME

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50 targets in Raqqa and Deir al-Zor provinces in Syria’s east.

It said strikes had also targeted the Nusra Front, in the northern provinces of Aleppo and Idlib, killing at least 30 fighters and eight civilians. The Nusra Front is al Qaeda’s official Syrian wing and Islamic State’s rival.

The air attacks fulfill President Barack Obama’s pledge to strike in Syria against Islamic State, a Sunni Muslim group that has seized swathes of Syria and Iraq, imposing a mediaeval interpretation of Islam, slaughtering prisoners and ordering Shi’ites and non-Muslims to convert or die.

“These attacks will be answered,” an Islamic

Syria: US Launches First Strikes On Fighters State fighter told Reuters

by Skype from Syria, blaming the “sons of Saloul” - a derogatory term for Saudi Arabia’s ruling family - for allowing the strikes to take place.

The Sunni fighters, who have proclaimed a caliphate ruling over all Muslims, alarmed the Middle East by sweeping through northern Iraq in June. They shocked the West in recent weeks by beheading two U.S. journalists and a British aid worker, raising fears that they could attack Western countries.

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The strikes took place hours before Obama goes to New York for the U.N. General Assembly where he will try to rally more nations behind his drive to aggressively take on Islamic State.

The action pitches Washington for the first time into the three-year-old Syrian civil war, which has killed 200,000 people and displaced millions. U.S. forces have previously hit Islamic State targets in Iraq, where Washington supports the government, but had held back from a military engagement in Syria, where the United States opposes President Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian government said the United States had informed it hours before the strikes that Islamic State targets would be hit in Raqqa, 400 km (250 miles) northeast of Damascus.

“The foreign minister received a letter from his American counterpart via the Iraqi foreign minister, in which he informed him that the United States and some of its allies would target (Islamic State) in Syria,” the Syrian foreign ministry said. “That was hours before the raids started.”

A ministry statement read on state television said Syria would continue to attack Islamic State in Raqqa and Deir al-Zor areas of eastern and northern Syria - and coordination with Iraq was continuing “at the highest level”.

The United States has previously stressed it would not coordinate with Assad’s government. Obama’s position has long been that Assad must leave power, particularly after he was accused of using chemical weapons against his own people last year.

Islamic State’s Sunni fighters, now equipped with U.S. weapons seized during their advance in Iraq, are among the most powerful opponents of Assad, a member of a Shi’ite-derived sect.

They are also battling against rival Sunni groups in Syria, against the Shi’ite-led government of Iraq and against Kurdish forces on both sides of the border.

Washington is determined to defeat them without helping Assad, a policy that requires deft diplomacy in a war in which nearly all the region’s countries have a stake.

The Western-backed Syrian opposition, which is fighting against both Assad and Islamic State, welcomed the air strikes which it said would help defeat Assad.

The targets included Raqqa city, the main headquarters in Syria of Islamic State fighters who have proclaimed a caliphate stretching from Aleppo province in Western Syria through the Tigris and Euphrates river valleys to the outskirts of Baghdad.

Photographs taken in Raqqa showed wreckage of what the Islamic State fighter said was a drone that had been shot down.

Pieces of the wreckage, including what appeared to be part of a propellor, were shown loaded into the back of a van.

Jordan, apparently confirming

its participation, said its air force had bombed “a number of targets that belong to some terrorist groups that sought to commit terrorist acts inside Jordan,” although it did not specify any location.

Israel said it had shot down a Syrian aircraft over air space it controls in the Golan Heights, which Syria confirmed. It was not immediately clear whether the incident was related to the U.S. action.

U.S. officials and the Syrian Observatory said buildings used by the militants, their weapons supplies and checkpoints were targeted in the attacks on Raqqa. Areas along the Iraq-Syria border were also hit.

Residents in Raqqa had said last week that Islamic State was moving underground after Obama signaled on Sept. 11 that air attacks on its forces could be expanded from Iraq to Syria.

The group had evacuated buildings it was using as offices, redeployed its heavy weaponry, and moved fighters’ families out of the city, the residents said.

“They are trying to keep on the move,” said one Raqqa resident, communicating via the Internet and speaking on condition of anonymity because of safety fears. “They only meet in very limited gatherings.”

The addition of Arab allies in the attacks was crucial for the credibility of the American-led campaign. Some U.S. allies in the Middle East are skeptical of how far Washington will commit to a conflict in which nearly every country in the region has a stake, set against the backdrop of Islam’s 1,300year-old rift between Sunnis and Shi’ites.

With the backing of Jordan

and the Gulf states, Washington has gained the support of Sunni states that are hostile to Assad. It has not, however, won the support of Assad himself or his main regional ally, Shi’ite Iran.

Traditional Western allies, including Britain which went to war alongside the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan, have so far declined to participate in the campaign. France has struck Islamic State in Iraq but not in Syria.

A Muslim militant group which kidnapped a French national in Algeria on Sunday has threatened in a video to kill him unless Paris halted intervention in Iraq.

[ID:nL6N0RN4D1] NATO ally Turkey, which is alarmed by Islamic State but also worried about Kurdish fighters and about any action that might help Assad, has refused a military role in the coalition.

As part of U.S. coalitionbuilding efforts, Secretary of State John Kerry met Arab and European counterparts in New York ahead of the start of United Nations General Assembly for talks on how to combat Islamic State and how they might participate.

A senior administration official said U.S. plans “to expand our efforts to defeat (Islamic State) were discussed without specifics” during meetings but declined to elaborate.

Several Arab states have powerful air forces, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabia has also agreed to host U.S. training of moderate Syrian opposition fighters.

Assad’s ally Russia, whose ties with Washington are at their lowest since the end of the Cold War, said any strikes in Syria are illegal without Assad’s permission or a U.N. Security Council resolution, which Moscow would have the right to veto.

The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin told U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday that air strikes on Islamic State bases inside Syria “should not be carried out without the agreement of the government of Syria”.

Obama backed away from getting involved in Syria’s civil war a year ago after threatening air strikes over the use of chemical weapons. The rise of Islamic State and the beheading of two American journalists prompted him to change course and take action against Assad’s most powerful opponents rather than against Assad.

Washington says it hopes to strengthen a moderate Syrian opposition to fill the vacuum so that it can degrade Islamic State without helping Assad. But so far, the opposition groups recognized as legitimate by the United States and its allies have been a comparatively weak force on the battlefield.

Courtesy: REUTERS

THE NIGERIAN

24

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 With VICTOR ANIUKWU

New Horizon Continued from Pg 20

out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been.

And we said. “Get you down, all (ye people),with enmity between yourselves.

On earth will be your dwelling place and your means of livelihood for a time.” Then learnt Adam from his Lord certain words and his Lord turned towards him, for He is oft Returning. Most merciful.

We said: “Get you down all from here: and if, as is Sure, there comes to you guidance from Me, whosoever follows my guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve “But those who reject faith and believe our signs, they shall be companions of the fire: they shall abide therein.” O children of Israel call to mind the (special) favour which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your covenant with me and I shall fulfill my covenant with you, and fear none but me. And believe in what I reveal, confirming the revelation which is with you, and be not the first to reject faith therein, not sell My signs for a small price, and fear Me, and me alone.

And cover not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know (what it is). And be stead fast in prayer: give zakat, and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).

Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (and forget to practice it) yourselves, and yet ye study the scripture?

Will ye not understand?

Nay seek (Allah’s) help with patient, perseverance and prayer: it is indeed

hard, except to those who are humble. Who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him. O children of Israel call to mind the (special) favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others.

Then guard yourselves against a day when one soul shall not avail another nor shall intercession be accepted for her, nor shall compensation be taken from her, nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).

And remember, We deliver you from the people of Pharaoh: they set you hard tasks and chastisement, slaughtered your sons and let your women — folk live therein was a tremendous trial from your Lord. And remember We divided the sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh’s people within your very sight. And remember, We appointed forty nights for Moses, and in his absence ye took the calf (for worship) and ye did grievous wrong.

Even then We did forgive you, there was a chance for you to be grateful. And remember We gave Moses the scripture and the criterion (between right and wrong), there was a chance for you to be guided aright. And remember Moses said to his people: “O my people, ye have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf: so turn (in repentance) to your maker and slay yourselves (the wrong doers) that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker”. Then He turned towards you (inforgiveness), for He is oft-Returning, most merciful. And remember ye

... Of The Holy Quran (1)

said, “0 Moses we shall never believe in thee until we see Allah manifestly there upon thunderbolt sized you. Then we raised you up alter your death, ye had the chance to be grateful. And we gave you the shade of clouds and sent down to you manna and quails, saying, “Eat of the good things We have provided for you.” (but they rebelled), to Us they did no harm, but they

transgressors changed the word from that which had been given them, so we sent on the transgressors a plague from heaven, for that they infringed (our command) repeatedly. And remember Moses prayed for water for his people: We said, “strike the rock with thy staff.” Then gushed form there from twelve springs.

Each group knew its own place for water. So eat and

herbs, and cucumbers, its garlic, lentils and onions.”

He said, “Will ye exchange the better for the worse? Go ye down to any town, and ye shall find what ye want.”

They were covered with humiliation and misery: they drew on themselves the wrath of Allah. This because they went on rejecting the signs of Allah and slaying his messengers without just cause. This

turned buck back thereafter: had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah to you, ye had surely been among the lost. And well ye knew those amongst you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath.

What said to them, “Be ye apes, despised and rejected.” So we made it an example to their own ye are commanded. They said:

harmed own selves. And remember, We said, Enter this town, and eat of me plenty therein as ye wish, and enter the gate prostrating, and say: forgive (us) We shall forgive you your faults and increase (the portion of) those who do good. But the

drink of the sustenance provided by Allah, and do no evil nor mischief on the (lace of the) earth. And remember ye said, “O Moses, we cannot endure one kind of food (always), so beseech thy Lord for us to produce for us of what the earth growth, - its pot

because they rebelled and went on transgressing.

Those who believe (in the Quran), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians — any who believe in Allah and the last day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

And remember We took your covenant and We raised above you the Mount (Sinai) (saying): “Hold firmly to what We have given you and bring (ever) to remembrance what is therein: perchance ye may fear Allah.” But ye

“Beseech on our behalf they Lord to make plain to us her colour.” He said, “He says: a fawn — coloured heife pure and rich in tone, the admiration of beholders. They said: “Beseech on our be half thy Lord o make plain to us what she is: to us are all heifers a we wish indeed for guidance, if Allah wills “He said, He says a heifer not trained to till the soil or water the fields, sound and without blemish”. He said, Now hast thou brought the truth”. Then they offered her in sacrifice, and they scarcely did it.

“Even then We did forgive you, there was a chance for you to be grateful. And remember We gave Moses the scripture and the criterion (between right and wrong), there was a chance for you to be guided aright.”

THE NIGERIAN

25

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Spiritual Platform

With Rt Rev (Dr.) C. I. Umane

Dealing With Stubborn Situations WITHIN and outside the church there are stubborn situations that people face. There are problems that defy solutions. There are difficult situations recorded in the scriptures but we shall use the story of Hannah, Elkanah’s wife, who had a stubborn problem of barrenness.

I Samuel 1:7-19: “And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept. and did not eat.

Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou?

And why eatest thou not? And why is thy heart grieved? Am not I better to thee than ten sons? So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. And it came to pass, as she continued Praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her Voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? Put away thy wine from thee.

And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. And she said, let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanati knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.”

Hannah faced this problem for many years without a solution until she and her husband went to Shiloh. She had a divine encounter there and she received favour from God. She conceived and bore Samuel. There are many people who are facing difficult and seemingly intractable problems. You will recall the story in Mark chapter 9 of a man with a dumb spirit from whom Jesus’ disciples could not cast out the evil spirit causing the problem. Mark 9:14-29 “And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. He answered him, and saith, 0 faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straight way the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And he asked his father, How long is it age since this came unto him? And he said; Of a child. And of times it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. And when he was coming into the house, his disciples asked him privately, why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, this kind can come forth by nothing but by praying and fasting.”

Read verse 29 again and see Jesus’ conclusion that the solution to the problem cannot come except by praying and fasting. A drastic problem requires a drastic solution. There are many Seemingly intractable problems people face in these times Including the following.” · sickness · satanic attacks · fruit of the womb delays · persistent lack of progress and breakthroughs · inability to find a life partner · persistent family tragedies · persistent spiritual spouse attack · constant financial failures · persistent pre-mature deaths in many families · persistent examination failures · delayed promotion · persistent spiritual blindness · insomnia · persistent fear · unrepentant enemies within and outside the family · stubborn habits — drinking, smoking, drug, gambling · resistant poison There are many situations which obviously are not mentioned above. You should ask yourself what stubborn situation exists in your life, your family and so on.

Stubborn situations may have existed for many years in people’s lives, families and communities. We have seen situations of inherited problems dating back to hundreds of years before a testifier was born

Testimony 1 A man reported that the stubborn problem in their family was that the male members usually died at the age of 45 years.

He was given some prayer points which he prayed earnestly for some days. One night, he had a vision in which he was taken in the spirit to his father’s compound and saw, sitting on the roof of his father’s house, a chimpanzee holding what looked like a notebook. A dialogue ensued: Man What are you doing on top of this house?

Chimpanzee I have been here for hundreds of years monitoring your family Man What are you holding in your hand?

Chimpazee: A notebook containing the past and present family members, who die at 45 as a consequence of an evil covenant.

The man woke up shaking. Thank God the man prayed to cancel the covenant of death at 45 in that family. Praise the Lord.

You need not feel defeated by a prevailing stubborn problem in your life. You must recognize that a solution lies with God before whom nothing is impossible. Genesis 18:14 says “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” You must learn to cry unto God for a solution. God has a solution to our problems. As a matter of fact, a solution is a prayer away from you.

When you pray earnestly to the Lord, He will reveal the root cause of the problem to you. When the root cause is exposed, you are on the way to a solution. God is also able to cure your problem without

· insomnia · others (affecting you) 7.

Knee of infirmity in my life — bow 8.

Every stubborn ______ (name them) in my life - collapse · fruit of the womb delay · satanic dream

necessarily showing the root cause. God has cured me several times without showing me the root cause of my illness. Our God is such that you can never predict how He will act. This is the I beauty of our God whose thoughts are not our thoughts.

Yes there are prayers and prayers depending upon the situations.

There are prayers for each type of affliction or problem. For example, if a rat is disturbing you in your house, you will not look for a bomb to use to kill it. You will probably buy a rat trap or otapiapia (local rat poison). For stubborn problems you need sustained warfare prayers.

Warfare prayers, as we have seen, are serious battle strategies using the weapons of God. Before going into the battle of prayers, there are basic things you should do. (i)Confess your sins, known and unknown, and ask God for forgiveness, (ii) Confess the sins of your fore - parents. (iii) Pray and fast for a number of days because as Jesus Christ said these stubborn problems do not get solved except by praying and fasting, Mark 9:29. (iv) Confession of selected scriptural passages. Soak your spirit in them. · Psalm 18:2, 3, 17, 29, 37-40, · Job 5:12 · Isaiah 49:24-26; 54:17; 50:7-9 · Numbers 23:23 · Deuteronomy 33:26-27 · Revelation 12:11 (v) Prayer Points — End with the name of Jesus 1.

The root cause of my stubborn problem -dry up.

2.

Agents of impossibility in my life — be paralyzed by fire.

3.

Every germ of infirmity in my life — die.

4.

Any strongman fuelling my problem — fall down and die.

5.

Every hidden sickness in my body — be healed.

6.

Malignant disease, in my body (select for the list) — be roasted by the fire of God. · fibroid

· inherited family pattern · inability to marry · premature deaths in my family · chronic financial failures · spiritual blindness · fear · evil traits · resistant poison in my body 9.

Any strongman opposed to my life — fall down and die 10.

Every dead organ in my body — receive divine solution 11.

Any of my virtues on evil altars — I retrieve you by fire 12.

Evil materials in my blood — be flushed out by the blood of Jesus 13.

Internal disorder in my body — receive order 14.

Household enemies behind my stubborn situation — be destroyed by acidic fire of God 15.

Family idol behind my situation — collapse and die 16.

Death contractors assigned against me — kill yourselves 17.

Witchcraft arrow to my ________ (name) depart · spinal cord · heart · spleen · between the eyes · throat · navel · kidneys · liver · top of the head 18.

Let my immunity — be empowered by the blood of Jesus 19.

My buried blessings — come out by fire 20.

O Lord — stretch your miracle hand upon me now am healed by the stripes of Jesus,

GSM: 0803579951 · · · · · · · · · ·

tumour cyst . diabetes high blood pressure arthritis asthma mental affliction sexually transmitted disease stroke epilepsy

THE NIGERIAN

26

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

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THE NIGERIAN

27

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

EVERY WEDNESDAY, WEEK 11, 2014 WATSON WEST 1.2.X FORECAST

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THE NIGERIAN

28

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

I’M Not The Player I Was - Rooney MANCHESTER United captain Wayne Rooney has admitted that he is the not the player he once was, despite scoring two goals for the club so far this season.

Rooney was handed the loan signing of Radamel club captaincy in the Falcao from Monaco summer but has struggled casting doubt on his future to lead the line for the club, as a main striker.

“I’m not the player I with United winning just one of their opening five was,” Rooney said.

Premier League fixtures in “But I feel I have progressed my game. I 2014-15.

And the England agree with the people who international has now say my game has changed.

“I did too much running admitted that he has declined in recent years and when I was younger and is unsure of his best then didn’t have the energy position at United, with the to get myself into goalscoring positions in the box.

“I’m a cleverer [sic]

Wagne Rooney.

Debuchy Out For Three Months After Operation ARSENAL defender Mathieu Debuchy will be out for more than three months with a serious ankle injury.

The France right-back, a summer signing from Newcastle United, landed awkwardly during the 2-2 draw against Manchester City and said that he had torn an ankle ligament.

And he has now undergone an operation after the injury turned out to be the worst case scenario, plunging the Gunners into an injury crisis.

Manager Arsene Wenger was widely criticised for only having six senior defenders when the window shut in September, having offloaded Bacary Sagna, Thomas Vermaelen, Johan Djourou and Carl Jenkinson and brought in just Debuchy and Calum Chambers.

“He has had surgery and will be out for three months,” Wenger told Arsenal.com.

“A reasonable delay is three months. It all went well, but it can be a week or two earlier or a week or two later, but it will be around three months.

“It is a blow of course, how big it will be we will only know afterwards because it will be down to how well we replace him.

We bought Chambers for that.”

player now and know when to run into the box and when not to, and as a result more chances have come my way and I’ve scored a lot more goals for the club.

“But I am happy to play out wide. I can do a job there and I can do a job up front. It depends on the situation of each game and what the manager wants me to do.

“I don’t think anyone can put a finger on my best position, but I am adaptable. I can go into midfield, drop out wide or play up-front. It just depends on where the manager wants me to play.”

Southampton Sign ‘World-First’ Barclaycard Deal

Mathieu Debuchy injured.

Rodgers Blames Poor Form On Weight players, I’ll LIVERPOOL manager Of Jersey multifunctional look at the strength of the Brendan Rodgers believes “the weight of the jersey” is responsible for his side’s inconsistent results this season.

Having lost to Manchester City, Aston Villa and West Ham this term, Liverpool sit 11th in the table and are already seven points behind leaders Chelsea.

And Rodgers admits his summer signings are still adapting to life at Anfield.

“We’ve conceded eight goals and the majority of those could have been avoided but what people probably don’t get is the pressure of playing for such a big club,” said the Liverpool boss.

“The weight of the jersey here is heavy for most players.

Once you adapt to playing for Liverpool you become clearer in your thinking.”

Rodgers insists his squad

are not downhearted following their early results, but has urged his players to return to form quickly following their 3-1 defeat at Upton Park on Saturday.

“Our passing disappointed me,” said the 41-year-old.

“We played more long passes than West Ham and that is something you have not seen from us in over the two years.

We need to get back to doing what we do best.

“I look at the movement patterns in our team, our pressing in those patterns of pressure and, given the injuries, I need to retain a system for a longer period.

“The 4-4-2 diamond worked really well but it worked well with certain players and not at the weekend. Until I get all the players back that I know are

players we do have fit.

“Hopefully that gives them confidence. Confidence has not been affected so far but if you don’t win games for too long it can be.”

Brendan Rodgers

PREMIER League high-flyers Southampton FC have entered into a first-of-its-kind partnership with payments company Barclaycard.

Under the deal, Saints become the first soccer club globally to offer fans exclusive, club-branded bPay bands, Barclaycard’s new wearable contactless payment device.

Fans using the wristworn device to make payments will have access to exclusive loyalty offers, special experiences and prize draws, according to a statement released on Monday.

Fitted with a contactless payment chip, Barclaycard’s bPay band enables wearers to make purchases of up to UK£20

using funds from any UK debit or credit card.

Barclaycard says its vision is to eventually combine the device’s payment functionality with stadium access, negating the need for fans to arrive at games with wallets and season tickets.

Saints fans attending matches at St Mary’s Stadium with a bPay band will be able to use ‘contactless bPay lanes’ to avoid queues at bars and food outlets inside the ground. Season ticket holders will also have access to special offers on hospitality, memorabilia and other experiences.

“Southampton Football club is very excited to be the first football club to partner with Barclaycard’s bPay band,” said Jochen Hartmann, Saints’ director of commercial operations.

“This partnership hopefully clearly demonstrates our commitment both to driving innovation through every part of our football club, but also to providing the best experience for our fans, on match days and beyond.”

Southampton have made an impressive start to the new Premier League season, winning three of their opening five matches to sit just three points behind leaders Chelsea.

THE NIGERIAN

29

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Ronaldo Closing In On More Records At Real Madrid

CRISTIANO Ronaldo is back on track. Following a summer blighted by fitness issues and a break in September to recover from tendonosis problems dating back to last season, the Portuguese is now back to doing what he does best - scoring goals galore.

His hat-trick in the 8-2 win And Ronaldo is also within at Deportivo La Coruna on sight of his former team-mate Saturday was his 24th for for total goals scored in Real Madrid and saw him European competitions, having surpass the figure of Blancos hit two in the Uefa Super Cup legend Ferenc Puskas (23). win over Sevilla in August plus Only one player now lies the one against Basel to ahead of Ronaldo for trebles overtake Filippo Inzaghi and in the famous white shirt and move to 71 overall, five behind that’s Alfredo Di Stefano on Raul.

28.

The former Spain striker still That mark looks well leads the scoring charts at Real within reach, but even closer Madrid too, having hit 323 is the all-time record for hat- goals for the capital club tricks in La Liga, currently between 1994 and 2010. shared by Di Stefano and Ronaldo is currently fourth in legendary Athletic Club that list on 260, also behind Di striker Telmo Zarra (both on Stefano (308) and Santillana 22). Barcelona’s Lionel (290).

Messi, incidentally, has 19.

Having grown frustrated at In the Champions League, the transfer policy at Madrid Ronaldo registered a record over the summer, the 17 strikes as Madrd claimed Portuguese is keen on a La Decima in 2013-14, remarkable return to surpassing the mark of 14 Manchester United, but won’t previously shared by Messi leave the Spanish side until he and Jose Altafini (in the has become the club’s all-time European Cup era). His goal record goalscorer. At his against FC Basel last week current rate, that should happen means he now has 68 in early next season. But with up Europe’s premier club to 57 fixtures still remaining competition, just three fewer this term, he could catch Di than the tournament’s all- Stefano in 2014-15. Raul’s 323 time top scorer, Raul.

came in 741 games, while Cristiano has 260 in just 253 games for the current

European champions - the best ratio of any player in the top 10.

In La Liga, Ronaldo is

currently on 182 goals, some way behind former Madrid

Bayern And PSG Fight It Out Over Barcelona Starlet

Cristiano Ronaldo

Gotze Nothing Like Ribery, Says Beckenbauer

BAYERN Munich honorary president Franz Beckenbauer has stressed that Mario Gotze cannot be compared to Franck Ribery as they are different types of players.

The former Borussia Dortmund star has been moved

by Pep Guardiola from the centre to the left wing a number of times during Ribery’s absence due to injury.

However, Beckenbauer does not see Gotze as the ideal replacement for the Frenchman.

“You simply cannot copy someone like Ribery,” Beckenbauer told TZ when asked whether Gotze could displace the injury-prone Ribery.

“Ribery and Gotze are

Mario Gotze

completely different types of players. Ribery tries to open up defences down the wing and always looks for the one-on-one.

“Gotze perhaps fits Pep Guardiola’s philosophy a bit more.

He’s always looking for the combination, gets his team-mates involved and passes the ball quickly. I’m glad we have both options.

“Mario is an amazing talent, but he didn’t really show what he can do yet last season. He has to up his game and become more consistent.”

The 22-year-old has netted twice in seven appearances in all competitions for Bayern so far this season.

Messi and Neymar

No Jealousy Between Messi And Barcelona.

Neymar “Messi has been scoring

FORMER Barcelona midfielder Luis Suarez Miramontes - who played for the Catalans between 1955 and 1961 - has little doubt that Lionel Messi, Neymar and ex-Liverpool star Luis Suarez will form a fine attacking partnership at the Camp Nou side.

The 79-year-old feels there were some problems between Messi and Neymar when the Brazilian first joined Barca last year and question marks have been raised over whether a

greats Di Stefano (227), Raul (228) and Hugo Sanchez (234), as Messi (246) closes in on Zarra’s record of 251. Over a single season, meanwhile, Cristiano’s 46 Primera Division strikes in 2011-12 is bettered only by the Barca forward’s 50 in the same campaign.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti plans to rotate his pack for Tuesday’s game against Elche, but has already confirmed Ronaldo will feature at the Santiago Bernabeu, where another goal will bring up double figures for the Portuguese before the end of September.

“Cristiano doesn’t need a rest,” Ancelotti said on Monday. “He’s on form and in good condition both physically and mentally.

He’s in full flow and we need him.”

And Ronaldo always wants to play. After all, there are records to be broken.

similar situation could arise with Suarez this term.

However, Miramontes has stressed that everything’s fine now between Messi and Neymar and he expects Suarez to fit right in, too.

“Suarez will not be having any problems with Messi and Neymar. The initial problem appeared to be between Messi and Neymar, but they have shown this season that there is no jealousy between them,” the exInter star told Radio

goals and has also given Neymar plenty of assists.

“The same thing will be happening with Luis Suarez because of his style of play. Suarez will realise that he needs Messi and Neymar.”

Suarez could make his official Barcelona debut in the Liga clash with Real Madrid on October 25.

He is currently unavailable due to suspension after biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.

BOTH Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be eyeing Barcelona’s teenage sensation Munir El Haddadi.

The youngster’s flying start to the La Liga season has not gone unnoticed around Europe and, according to a report in Le10Sport, former Barca boss Pep Guardiola and PSG’s Laurent Blanc have placed the striker on their wanted list.

Munir only made his official debut for the Catalans on August 14 this year, starting the match and netting the second goal in a 3-0 win over Elche, and was surprisingly included in the full Spain squad for the 5-1 win over Macedonia two weeks later, where he played the final 13 minutes.

The French publication believes both Guardiola and Blanc are encouraged by the fact that the release clause in Munir’s contract stands at just +12m, although reports in Spain have it this was increased to +35m when he joined the first team.

Munri El Haddadi

THE NIGERIAN

30

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Valencia Sale ‘On Verge Of Completion’ VALENCIA President Amadeo Salvo says the sale of the club to Singapore businessman Peter Lim could be completed within a matter of days.

An agreement was provisionally announced on August 14 yet negotiations between Lim’s company Meriton Holdings and Bankia, Valencia’s main creditor, have since hit several snags.

However, Salvo told AS that the deal has never been in doubt and any problems have been down to the bank.

“The sale has never broken down and the feelings are as positive as they were before last weekend. There will be an agreement and we could have one in a few days,” he claimed.

“The differences with Bankia were those we had last August and now there are additional things that we have already spoken about in May. The rest are just minor issues and differences of opinion.

“It doesn’t make sense everything that is happening. More proof of Peter Lim’s intention to buy Valencia is impossible.

“He has brought players to the club such as Rodrigo and Andre Gomes, helped in managing to acquire someone like Alvaro Negredo, and committed to buying the Valencia Foundation’s shares, for which he has given personal guarantees.

“Is that not enough to convince people he wants to buy Valencia? It’s common sense,” he insisted.

Qatar delegates celebrates.

Qatar Reject Suggestions 2022 World Cup May Be Moved

THE 2022 soccer World Cup will be held in Qatar despite doubts raised by a German FIFA executive committee member because of extreme heat in the desert state, local organisers said on Monday.

Qatar remained adamant it would have to move because would host the 2022 soccer of scorching temperatures.

World Cup despite a FIFA “The only question now is Executive Committee when, not if,” Qatar 2022 member suggesting on communications director Monday that the tournament Nasser Al Khater said in a statement. “Summer or winter, we will be ready.” from the time we have spent Theo Zwanziger, the together so far. They have former German football shown great professionalism, association (DFB) chief who perseverance, patience and now sits on the executive diligence and, on a personal committee of world soccer’s level, our relationship is governing body, had said excellent and long may that earlier that he felt the continue.” tournament would have to be Reading, relegated from the held elsewhere.

Premier League in 2013, “I personally think that in currently sit tenth in the end the 2022 World Cup England’s second-tier. will not take place in Qatar,”

Madejski Confirms Reading Takeover

READING FC chairman Sir John Madejski has confirmed that a deal to sell the Championship soccer club to an Asian consortium has gone through.

The deal, first reported in June and finalised last weekend following approval from the Football League, comes after Reading’s former majority shareholder Anton Zingarevich decided not to take full control of the club late last year.

Khunying Sasima Srivikorn, who becomes cochairwoman of the club alongside continuing cochairman Madejski, has purchased 25 per cent of the club. Fellow investor Khun Narin Niruttinanon has bought 50 per cent and Khun Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth the remaining 25 per cent.

The relatively unknown Thai trio all join the Reading Football Club board, as well as Khun Jack Srisumrid and Khun Theekharoj Piamphongsarn. Current chief executive Nigel Howe and non-executive director Ian Wood-Smith retain their positions.

“After months of tireless hard work and a lot of speculation, I am very pleased to say that Reading Football Club’s future has been resolved,” Madejski said in a statement to Reading fans.

“Over the past year, since

the Zingarevich family left, we have engaged with a number of different prospective investors, but we have now succeeded in finding who I believe are the right people to take this club forward.”

“I cannot speak highly enough of our new partners

FA Considering Rio Ferdinand For inclusion advisory board, as RIO Ferdinand has emerged as Paul Elliott, another FIFA Role does a surprise possible choice to be the former Chelsea defender. Both Football Association’s candidate for Britain’s FIFA vice-presidential position.

The FA is drawing up a list of potential contenders after FA vicechairman David Gill, the Manchester United director, ruled himself out.

Ferdinand is one of several names under consideration, according to an FA source, despite the fact the former England defender is still playing for QPR. Other former players who are being considered by the FA are Graeme Le Saux, Paul Elliott and David James.

The governing body is keen to harness the pulling power of a highprofile former player, but if exEngland and Manchester United defender Ferdinand is to show any interest in the role he would have to be sure he could fit the duties around his playing schedule.

Whoever is chosen, they will have to stand for election next March against opponents being put forward by Scotland and Wales probably SFA president Campbell Ogilivie and Welsh FA president Trefor Lloyd Hughes. UEFA

member countries will then vote for the person to succeed Northern Ireland’s Jim Boyce, who is stepping down in June.

Le Saux, the former Chelsea and England full-back, already has an FA role sitting on its

Rio Ferdinand

also have existing links with UEFA. Former England goalkeeper James is currently playermanager of the Kerala Blasters side in the Indian Super League and has been a regular pundit on television.

he told Sport Bild. “Medics say that they cannot accept responsibility with a World Cup taking place under these conditions.”

FIFA awarded the tournament to the tiny Middle Eastern country in a controversial decision in 2010, with the understanding that it would be held in the summer despite the searing heat.

Although oil and gas-rich Qatar has insisted that timetable is viable thanks to cooling technologies being developed for stadiums, training areas and fan zones, there is still widespread concern over the health of players and visiting fans.

“They may be able to cool the stadiums but a World Cup does not take place only there,” Zwanziger said.

“Fans from around the world will be coming and travelling in this heat and the first life-threatening case will trigger an investigation by a state prosecutor.

“That is not something that FIFA Exco members want to answer for.”

PERSONAL OPINION FIFA officials, contacted by Reuters, said Zwanziger was not giving the view of the all powerful Executive Committee.

“He is expressing a personal opinion and he explicitly says so,” FIFA spokewoman Delia Fischer said. “We will not comment on a personal opinion.”

Qatar organisers said they have already proved that cooling technologies that would be used at the World Cup work.

“We have proven that a FIFA World Cup in Qatar in the summer is possible with state-of-the-art cooling

technology,” said Al Khater.

“We have demonstrated that our cooling works in outdoor areas beyond stadiums. This summer we welcomed fans in Doha to an open-air Brazil 2014 Fan Zone with temperatures cooled to a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius.

“The evolution of environmentally-friendly cooling technologies is an important legacy for our nation, region and for countries with similar climates - promising to expand the reach of hosting major sporting events to countries where it was never thought possible before.”

Despite the resources being thrown at high-tech cooling techniques, sceptism about Qatar’s ability to stage a World Cup in the summer — when temperatures can soar into the mid 40s Celsius — has not gone away.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter said in May that awarding the World Cup to Qatar was a ‘mistake’ and the tournament would probably have to be held in the European winter.

“The Qatar technical report indicated clearly that it is too hot in summer, but the executive committee with quite a big majority decided all the same that the tournament would be in Qatar,” he said.

FIFA is looking at the option of shifting the tournament to January/February 2022 or November/December 2022 both of which would be unpopular because of disruption to the domestic seasons in Europe and around the world.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa chaired a meeting to discuss the matter earlier this month.

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Okon Explains Perpetua Nkwocha’s AWC Call-Up

NFA Appeals To Corporate Sponsorship THE Nigeria Football Association (NFA) has appealed to corporate organisations in the country to sponsor football as part of their social corporate responsibility.

Mohammed Sanusi, NFA Director of Competition, made the appeal on Monday in Abuja at a press briefing in preparation for the 2014 All Financial Institutions Football Competition (AFIFC) organised by the CBN. Sanusi noted that the sponsorship of AFIFC by the CBN was another way of fighting social vices in the society and urged other organisations to emulate the idea.

“I urge other corporate organisations to emulate what the CBN is doing.

“This competition has achieved its objective and it has provided an opportunity for members of the financial institutions to know one another.

“The idea has provided avenue for youths to watch and play good football and at the same time help fight social vices,’’ Sanusi said.

Ibrahim Muazu, Director, Corporate Communications of CBN, told newsmen that 24 teams would participate in this year’s event which has N5 million as total prize money.

Muazu, who was represented by Isaac Okoroafor, said the preliminary matches of the competition would commence on Oct. 2 and end on Oct. 7 in four zones.

The zones are Oshogbo, Kaduna, Enugu and Benin, while Asaba and Lokoja will host the semi-finals on Oct. 12; final of the competition will take place at the Township Stadium, Ilorin, Kwara.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you will agree with me that this competition serves as a platform for the promotion of unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence among key players in Nigeria’s financial system.

“The CBN is therefore committed to making positive contributions towards the promotion and development of the game of football by sponsoring the competition annually.

“This is in line with the Bank’s corporate social responsibility programme; we therefore urge all participating teams to exhibit an unrelenting spirit of sportsmanship,’’ Muazu said.

He added that the CBN was already in talks with three exinternationals who would grace the final of the competition to boost the morale of players and motivate them to pursue football careers.

Oshogbo hosts the Office of the Accountant General of Federation (AGF), Enterprise Bank (Kaduna), FCMB (Lagos), Badawa MFB (Jos), Ikeja MFB (Lagos) and Sadiqma MFB (Minna).

Group B with Kaduna as centre has Security and Exchange Commission (Abuja), First Bank (Lagos), Tangale MFB (Gombe), Biaji MFB (FCT), Kakadusa MFB (Minna) and Ajene MFB (Otukpo).

CBN (Abuja), Access Bank (Lagos), Dadinkowa MFB (Jos), Kwali MFB (FCT), Union Assurance (Lagos), and Aleikum MFB (Odogbolu, Ogun) will slug it out in Group C with Enugu as their centre.

Group D with centre in Benin has Federal Ministry of Finance (Abuja), FIRS (Abuja), Union Bank (Lagos), Ogirikpa MFB (Markurdi), Kada MFB (Kaduna) and Peace MFB (Ijebu Ode, Ogun).

HEAD coach of Nigeria women team Edwin Okon has hinged the invitation of veteran star Perpetua Nkwocha for the forthcoming African Women’s Championship (AWC) training camp on her wealth of experience.

Okon explained the necessity for the experience of the likes of Nkwocha, Stella Mbachu and Precious Dede will remain a huge bargain for the team in technique and mentality.

“I invited Nkwocha because she is a very important and experienced member of the Falcons.

Perpetua Nkwocha

ALGON Maiden Gov’s Cup Kicks Off September 26

By STANLEY UGAGBE/ EDET ELIJAH

THE maiden edition of the Governor ’s Cup organised by Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in collaboration with Zuid Sports International for under-17 boys in Edo State will commence on Friday, September 26, 2014.

A statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Local Organising , Hon. Morrison Okhuarobo Ovia and Nosa Osewa (Project

Coordinator) Zuid Sports International, said the opening ceremony will take place at Iguobazuwa by 3 pm.

The tournament will feature 18 teams drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state, and it is divided into four groups across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Auchi will host teams from Etsako West, Esan South-East, Etsako East and Oredo from September 26-28 in

group A. In group B, Idogbo will be action packed as IkpobaOkha, Esan Central, Esan West, Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode will all struggle to dominate the group.

Iguobazuwa will be another centre of action as teams from Ovia SouthWest, Akoko Edo, Igueben, Ovia North-East and Owan West will all compete in group C. Uromi Venue for Group D will witness some moments of exciting football as Esan

North-East, Egor, Etsako Central and Owan East seek for supremacy in this all-important grassroots football.

The younger players would benefit very well from her experience and tactics to help Nigeria to regain the AWC in Namibia,” media officer of the team, Gracious Akujobi quoted him as saying.

However, the former Falconets coach warned all the seven invited overseas players, including Nkwocha against failure to arrive in camp soonest to challenge for a place in the final squad of 21.

Okon stressed that only the best players will be listed for the AWC in Namibia, insisting that there will be no automatic slot for any player.

“There will be no sentiment in selecting the squad that will try to regain the title that was lost in Equatorial Guinea two years ago. There is no automatic shirt for anybody be it foreign or home based,” he concluded.

Gov’s Cup Fixtures Gov’s Cup Fixtures September 26, 2014 Group A Etsako West Vs Esan SouthEast Etsako East Vs Oredo Venue: Auchi Group B Ikpoba Okha Vs Esan Central Esan West Vs Esan Central Esan West Vs Orhionmwon

Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Lucky James (5th right) and Hon. Morrison Okhuarobo- Ovia, Chairman, LOC of Maiden ALGON Gov’s Soccer Cup (4th left) flanked by othr members of the LOC during the t o u r n a m e n t ’s fixtures draw on Monday.

Venue: Idogbo Group C Ovia South West Vs AkokoEdo Igueben Vs Ovia North East Venue: Iguobazuwa Group D Esan North-East Vs Egor Etsako Vs Etsako Central Venue: Uromi

Ongazi Extends Lazio Deal OGENYI Onazi penned a twoyear extension that would see him earn more at Lazio on Monday.

The 21-year-old, who moved to Italy from amateur side My People FC in Nigeria, will see him remain at the side until 2018.

Onazi reached the final of the 2009 Fifa U17 World Cup with Nigeria where they lost to Switzerland.

He won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles and played at the World Cup in Brazil where they reached the second round.

The excited young man tweeted after the signing: “I say a big thank you to God, my family, my team and my fans as I sign an extension to my contract.”

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

A

S the various houses of assembly across the states including the national assembly resume from their long recess, some of them are likely to continue with their unfinished business. I mean the different moves to sack one state governor or the other.

But it amuses me whenever I hear people talk about those already marked for impeachment regardless of their performances and popularity amongst the people. Yes, I am amused because the comrade governor of Edo State, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole is always listed among these governors whose job is on the line. To me, it’s like putting gold in the same box with bronze.

Yes, they are both precious stones, no contestation about that but there are still no basis for comparison interms of their value in the estimation of man. In all sense of modesty and without prejudice to the performances of these other governors in their respective states, there is a wide gulf between them and Oshiomhole! This is a man who has raised the bar of socio-economic development in Edo State, a man who has entrenched democratic norms in Edo State in the true sense of it with his one man one vote mantra and I dare say that this has become a political slogan for free, fair and credible polls across the 36 strates of the federation, the bug is catchig up fast among Nigerian electorate. He has raised the political consciousness of the Edo people to the extent that never again will any leader pull wool over their faces in terms of availability of resources viz-a-viz their right to basic things of life. Where these basic necessity of life are lacking, they take on those in position of authority in a constitutional and democratic manner.

In Edo, non -violent protest is a way of life encouraged by Oshiomhole, it’s however not surprising given his background as a labour activist. On daily basis, the local airwaves are awash with the people engaging in unfetered and robust discussions bordering on governance.

Oshiomhole And The Impeachment Gale The political leaders and their performances are always the focal point of discussion. Perhaps, Edo could be said to be the state with the most vibrant opposition amongs the 36 states and highly tolerated by the government in power.

You are dead right if you choose to call this political maturity on the part of government and the political class.

The ramshackled mud houses in the state capital of Benin have given way to modern architectural designs now dotting the entire landscape. Yet, Benin has not lost the essence of its rich culture and tradition which has endured for centuries. Street lights and dual carriage ways were never found anywhere in the state capital before the coming of Oshiomhole administration in 2008.

Rainfall which is expected to be blessing was like cures to the people of Benin as the city was always flooded whenever it rained.

Residents abandoned their homes, lives and property lost to the ravaging flood which has defied solutions for decades. But today, the story has changed for good due to the ingenuity, purposeful and peopleoriented government of Oshiomhole. Surfice to also say here that the government embarked on an ambitious #25 billion World Bank backed water storm project which has succeeded in tackling the hitherto intractable flood menace.

Residents can now sleep with their two eyes closed all year round. Those who abandoned their property have gone back and they are singing long live Oshiomhole.

The entire state remains a huge construction site with massive rural and urban road construction across the 18 local government areas in the state. These roads are complete with side walks and deep drainages. Again, this is unprecedented in the history of road construction in Edo state. On education, the people of Edo, choose to call it the “red roof revolution”, indeed, it is a revolution brought to bear in the education sector by the Oshiomhole administration.

A well thought-out and

carefully planned massive renovation and building of primary and secondary schools across the state complete with aluminium roofing sheets and doors, toilets and modern reading tables and chairs. The governor decided to tackle headlong the hydra- headed problem of youth

Yet, Edo is listed amongs the states with the least allocation from the monthly handout from the Abuja. So, out of sheer shrewd management of this limited fund coupled with a high fiscal responsibility on the part of the government, Edo State is counted amongs the very few states in the

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole

unemploment in the state with the esterblishment of Edo Youth Employment Scheme, EdoYes, and the Neighbourhood Watch.

These are job creation schemes targeted at taking the youth off the streets by providing jobs for thousands of gradautes and school leavers across the local governments. Delibrate efforts have also been made to complement this through the rivival of some moribund industries grounded due to the financial recklessness and bad management instituted by previouse administrations .

These are just the tips of the iceberg of the Yeoman’s job the Oshiomhole administration has been doing in Edo State as acknowledged by the number of acolades received locally and internationally since 2008.

federation where veasible monumental developments have taken place. Marvelled by what he personally found on ground during his recent social visit to Edo State, former military President, Gen Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida could not hide his feelings. He was quoted in the media as saying that:

T

his Wednesday With

Ebomhiana Musa “I want to pay special homage to my Comrade Governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, who has been doing so much to transform Edo Stae. As a regular visitor to Edo State, I could feel and inhale the impact of good governance not only on the faces of the people but also on infrastructure. I saw well cultivated lawns, walk-ways and beautiful road networks.I saw expansions on roads that were hitherto narrow. In fact, the feeling of a transformed Edo State is palpable”.

I must say that Babangida is not alone in this public acknowledgement of the u n p r e c e d e n t e d developmental strides of Oshiomhole in Edo State.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan recently displayed a rare statesmanship, putting aside party affiliation and praised to high heavens the efforts of Ohiomhole in Edo State, apparently, to the disappointment of the PDP rabblerousers in the state. In fact, Jonathan earned my personal admiration for that rare courage which is uncommon in this clime, especially given the fact that the governor belongs to a major opposition party that is plotting to sack the president and his party via the polls come 2015. In an address delivered on his behalf by Minister of Industries, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, President Jonathan barred it all saying, “I wish to commend the government of Edo State, in particular the Governor of

Edo State, we heard his comment when they said they needed another 20, 000 hectares of land he said it is available, come and get it. Those are the sort of Governors that investors want to work with. A governor that is dynamic, a governor that understands the economy, that understands the needs of the people, that understands the importance of investments in their states.”

These are clear testimonies to the enormity of work and the level of transformation the O s h i o m h o l e administration has brought to bear in the nook and crannies of Edo State. It is the kind of people-centred government Nigerians are yearning for and need I say here that Edo State is blessed having tasted the bitter pill of bad governance for about a decade. So, Oshiomhole who is driving the entire process deserves commendation rather than condemnation. In other words, Edo is one state where the impeachment gale now blowing across the polity cannot work. At least, even the mad man knows when not to cross the rail line. So, those beating the impeachment drum better look elsewhere because Edo is working and the people appreciate their gold, they are determined to guard it jelousely and keep it till November 2016.

TOMORROW ON THIS PAGE

By whatever name, the recent criminal “ exhibition in South Africa has serious implication for everyone in society: To the opposition politicians, the source of those guns with which they harass us on Election Day is now becoming clear. Who the gods want to kill, they first make mad.

”

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