THE NIGERIAN
The Nigerian
1
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 38 • NO.317 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 • N100. 0 0
Brain boosting diets
PERSPECTIVE Pages 16-17 Marijuan
Addressing Its Abuse, Health Implication
PSC wants DIG to head police zonal command
ABUJA - The Police Service Commission (PSC) has recommended that Deputy InspectorsGeneral of Police (DIGs) should head the 12 Police Zonal Commands across the nation. The Chairman of
the commission, Mr. Mike Okiro, who made the disclosure at a news conference in Abuja said DIGs would replace the Assistant InspectorGenerals of Police (AIGs) at the zonal commands.
Okiro said the recommendation had been forwarded to President Goodluck Jonathan for consideration and approval There are seven
DIGs at the Force Headquarters, who together with the Inspector-General of Police constitute the police management in Abuja. Okiro said that the AIGs, who currently head Continues on page 2
slows with vehicles swimming through flooded areas. In areas where the rains caused severe flooding,
residents could not go out to their business places and workers similarly could not go to work. It was observed that many
Heavydownpour paralyse businesses in Benin, Ibadan By RICHARD EWEKA with Agency Report
MEETING: President Goodluck Jonathan, First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, permanent representative to the United Nations, Prof. Joy Ogwu with Nigerian Professionals in the US during a meeting of President Jonathan with Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in New York recently.
workers. At about 8am, many government offices were yet to open while many workers who came to work arrived their offices at about 9am, or there about. A visit to many primary and secondary schools in Benin City metropolis revealed that many pupils and students were absent, ostensibly due to the rain fall. There were also heavy traffic witnessed across some major roads in the city. Roads that experienced heavy traffic include Sapele road, Airport Road, Ekenwan Road, Ugbowo, Upper Sakpoba, while some adjoining streets were blocked as a result of the heavy down pour. Those who defied the rain to go about their businesses for the day had a hectic time as they were stranded in the hold ups for hours as the heavy vehicular Continues on page 2
BENIN CITY – The sky opened its bowels yesterday, shedding vehemently heavy tears of rain droplets that rendered businesses in Benin and Ibadan shut . Many residents were locked indoors while workers including children got to their offices and schools late. The heavy down pour which started at about 4:00 am, and ebbing about 6:30pm, caused major frustrations among residents as the resultant flooding that attended it caused hold ups and go
private businesses did not open for business activities for the day while many government offices witnessed low turnout of
Immigration throws light on Diplomatic passport for lawmakers ABUJA - The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has neither withdrawn nor stopped the issuance of diplomatic passports to members of the National Assembly. Mr. Chukwuemeka Obua, the Public Relations Officer of the service, made this known in a telephone interview with newsmen yesterday in Abuja. Obua said that contrary to the publications in some national dailies on Saturday, that the NIS had withdrawn diplomatic passports from the law makers, no such thing had taken place. “The NIS wishes to categorically state that extant guidelines on the issuance of such travel
documents have not been changed and are firmly in place. “No instruction has been received by the NIS to review the guidelines on the issuance of passports to any target group or category of Nigerians. Members of the National Assembly are being issued diplomatic passports upon application,’’ he said. Obua urged the media houses to always cross check their facts with the service before publishing to avoid heating up the polity and causing disharmony. He said the immigration service was committed to discharging its duties in line with relevant laws guiding its operations.
Military intervention in Nasarawa successful - Maku ABUJA - The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, said the military intervention in parts of Nasarawa State is successful and yielding positive results. Maku said this on Monday when he received members of the Conference of Local Governments PDP Secretaries from the states, who visited him in his office in Abuja. He said normalcy was gradually returning to the
affected areas. The minister, who expressed optimism that the violence would soon be permanently tackled,
said government would continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments where necessary.
He said the Federal Government would work with the relevant authorities at all levels to ensure that those
displaced by the crisis return to their homes in the shortest possible time. Continues on page 2
ABUJA - A report on National survey of exportable agricultural commodities said a total of N211.5billion was committed to exportable
crop farming activities during the 2011/2012 survey year. The report issued in Abuja on Monday by National Bureau of
Statistics (NBS), was prepared by Consultative Committee on Agricultural Export Commodities in collaboration with NBS.
It said that the other collaborative agencies were the Central Bank of Nigeria and Federal Ministry of Agriculture Continues on page 2
N211.5bn committed to exportable crops - Report
cmyk
NUTRITIONAL HEALTH AND DIETETICS Page 14
THE NIGERIAN
2
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
News
PSC wants DIG to head police zonal command
Continued from page 1
the zones, should be moved to the force headquarters to replace the DIGs. The arrangement, he said, would bring the police nearer to the people to ensure
effective policing at the grassroots. “In keeping with the president’s invitation to me to forward my contribution to the restructuring of the Nigerian Police for greater efficiency, the commission recommends the deployment of DIGs to the
zonal headquarters. “You will agree with me that this is one way of building democratic institutions and a way of bringing policing nearer to the people for safer and secured environment for sustainable development,’’ he said.
Heavydownpour paralyse businesses Continued from page 1 movement was at a standstill and some people resorted to trekking to their destination. Commuters were stranded yesterday as motorists made brisk business increasing their fares. Ring Road to Aduwawa which was N70 to N100 was increased to N200 while Airport Road which was N50 was increased to between N70 and N100. Fares for New Benin and some other routes remained the same. All fares for Comrade Buses remained the same but passengers waiting to board the buses were all drenched in the rain waiting for their turns. “Today is just a useless day. Nothing can be done. I pray for a better day tomorrow,” business women lamented
over the down pour. Meanwhile, a heavy rain in Ibadan, which started on Sunday evening, has paralysed the activities of the residents of the city. The rain, which has yet to stop on Monday evening, caused the flooding of several bridges across Ibadan. The submerged bridges include the 7up/Elebu bridge in Oluyole Estate, which prevented residents, including pupils and government workers, from leaving their homes. Some of the people, who spoke to newsmen, however, bemoaned the sudden increase in the cost of transportation, adding that most commercial motorists even declined to convey people to long distances. Mrs. Blessing Joshua, a housewife, lamented about
the continued downpour since Sunday evening. “What kind of rain is this? I went to the market to buy some foodstuff, only for me to come back empty-handed because most of the sellers were not present. “Even the few available traders increased the cost of things in the market; I hope this is not the seven-day rain which, as some people predicted, would fall in September,’’ she said. Mr. Abdullateef AbdulGafar, a commercial motorcyclist, said: “I would not have gone to pick my customer if he had not paid me for my services earlier.’’ Mrs. Rasheedat Rufail, a teacher of Ansar-Ud-Deen High School in the Liberty area of Ibadan, said that the school’s academic activities had been paralysed due to the deluge. She said that most of the teachers and students failed to come to school on Monday.
Military intervention in Nasarawa successful
Continued from page 1
“We do not want to bring politics into what is happening in Nasarawa State; I have always advised politicians to be forthright in all that they do. “We are happy so far with the results we have got in the last few days of our intervention and we are monitoring the development very closely. “By the special grace of God sustainable peace will definitely return to Nasarawa State,’’ Maku said. He stressed the need for proper networking to ensure that proponents of violence were exposed and defeated in the interest of peace and harmony in the state. The minister, who said that no ethnic group could develop the state in isolation of the others, called on political and traditional leaders in the state to be united in the interest of genuine development. He said that leaders at all levels must shun violence and all forms of destructive tendencies by their supporters.
“There is no leader of substance that will support the destruction of lives and property anywhere. “No ethnic group in Nasarawa State is an island; we must all work together for the progress of our state. “We are calling on all communities to work on their members to ensure that the present spate of violence is tackled and peace entrenched because government will not tolerate destruction of lives and property,’’ Maku said. He urged indigenes of the state to support the transformation agenda of the Federal Government so as to alleviate the sufferings of the people of the state. Earlier, the Chairman of the conference, Mr. Sani Mohammed, had said that the group was in the minister’s office to commiserate with him over the loss of lives following renewed clashes in the state. He said the group was in total support of the measures taken by the Federal Government to address the crisis.
The report said that of the figure ‘own fund led the list with N134.19 billion (63.44 per cent), followed by ‘micro credit institutions’ with N36.86 billion (17.42 per cent). “The N134.19 own fund is referred to as personal fund committed to any of the 14 exportable crop farming activities by a holder. “Community Banks’ recorded the lowest amount of N1.30 billion (0.61 per cent),’’ according to the report. It stated that disaggregating
the own fund into states, Kaduna State recorded the highest with N9.51 billion (7.09 per cent) followed by Kano state with N9.45 billion (7.04 per cent). Ekiti has the lowest amount of N0.61billion (0.45 per cent). The report said that the Cooperative Banks contributed N12.62billion (6.00 per cent), Bank of Agriculture N2.10 billion (0.96 per cent), Commercial Banks N1.41 billion (0.67 per cent). The Community Bank
Mohammed condemned the recent call by the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the removal of Maku as the supervising Minister of Defence. He said that APC’s demands were ill-motivated and mischievous, stressing that the minister’s portfolio would not in any way interfere with the military intervention in the state. The chairman called on Nigerians and the Federal Government to disregard the call by the party, saying that Maku was one of the outstanding members of the present crop of ministers. He added that the minister was the first political office holder from the state to condemn the existence and activities of the Ombatse group. Mohammed called on all indigenes of the state to continue to support the programmes of the Federal Government in the state. Reports say that secretaries of the party in 13 Local Government Areas of the state visited the minister.
N211.5bn committed to exportable contributed the lowest amount Continued from page 1 crops of N1.30billion (0.61 per cent). and Rural Development.
It said that the ages between 30 and 49 years committed the highest fund to exportable crop with a percentage of 47.99. This was followed by holders of ages 50 to 64 years with 30.99 per cent while the age group of 15 to 29 had the lowest percentage of 5.20. “Overall, 984,235 holders reported the use of improved seedling. Kano State reported the highest number of 168,138 (18.17 per cent), followed by Katsina State with 123,006 (12.62 per cent),’’
Okiro, who spoke on his 100 days in office, recalled that the 2006 Presidential Committee on Police Reform, under the Chairman of Alhaji Muhammad Danmandami, had made similar recommendation. According to him, the committee recommends that the present 12 police zones should be retained and headed by 12 DIGs for effective monitoring and supervision. “Under the proposed arrangement, the zonal DIGs should be empowered to promote and discipline up to the rank of Inspectors within their zonal commands. “For this purpose, the Police Service Commission should delegate the powers of deployment, discipline and promotion of officers and men as they affect the zonal commands to zonal DIGs.’’ Okiro also recalled that the committee also recommended that when deployed, the DIGs should be empowered to post officers from the rank of Constables to Chief Superintendent of Police within their commands. According to Okiro, the committee also wants the Mobile Police Force to come under the headship of the DIGs, for operational purposes. He acknowledged that repositioning the force for efficiency and effective policing in the face of currently security challenges was no mean task. The chairman said some of the challenges were domestic terrorism, armed and bank robberies, gang rape and other violent crimes as well as under funding and poor interagency collaboration. Others, he said, were absence of National Policy on Crime Prevention and Control, National Criminal Intelligence Sharing Plan and National Policy on Deliberate Planned Police/ Public Partnership on Crime Prevention and Control. Okiro said other issues, which the commission addressed in the last 100 days, was the investigation of complaints over the recruitment of some cadet inspectors, who possess fake credentials. He said four of such fake cadets had been discovered and had been given the marching orders. “In like manner, cadets recruited into the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano, with fake certificates, over age declaration and inadequate minimum qualifications are being investigated.’’ He said the commission would weed unsuitable persons in the force in line with Mr. President’s commitment to transformation of the Nigerian Police Force. Okiro said the minimum qualification for cadet inspector recruitment remains OND or NCE, while Assistant Superintendent of Police is first degree or HND. “The era of cutting corners in recruitment into the Nigerian Police Force is gone for good,’’ he said.
Parents, others attribute improvement in NECO results to training
ABUJA - More reactions have continued to trail the release of the National Examinations Council (NECO) results for 2013, with parents, teachers and students saying the impressive results were as a result of the training teachers received. Some also attributed the improvement to the “brainstorming sessions” on ways of addressing challenges in the sector such as the National Education Summit, convened by the government. “The result of the improved capacity building for teachers through training and seminars is what Nigerians are witnessing today,’’ Mrs. Abiodun Ayodele, the head teacher of Kings and Queens International School, Mararaba, Abuja, told newsmen yesterday. “Teachers have been sensitised and are being encouraged on a daily basis to be awake to their responsibilities. “This has made them pick interest in the profession and they are now going for research on their own.’’ According to her, students are beginning to realise that they can use phones for educational research and study instead of social networking. She said the “too busy’’ parents too had improved in their interaction with their kids as the enlightenment campaigns were making them create time to assist their children in making their studies easier. The head teacher, however, advised the Federal Government to balance the efforts by tackling the issues in tertiary institutions, especially the universities. “I fear for these students who have passed and are looking forward to studying in the universities or other tertiary institutions. “I see a bleak future for them except government addresses the issue of incessant strikes which is destroying our children
and killing their dreams,’’ she said. Ayodele also advised governments at all levels to set up a task force to monitor and evaluate teachers performance with a view to encouraging hard work and dedication to duties. Mr. Fiyigon Aivin, a civil servant and parent, said: “There is a ray of hope for the future of education in Nigeria. “It is undoubtedly a reflection of the dividends of the newly introduced education summit and also an indication of improved teachers’ performance.’’ He said NECO’s achievement from 2011 to 2013 meant the council could do more if given the necessary support. “This means that when challenged, we can do better and the issue of failure in examinations had indeed been a great challenge,’’ he said. He advised parents to create time from their busy schedules and attend to their children’s needs as this could influence, to a great extend, a child’s performance in school. Aivin also called on the West African Examination Council to emulate NECO. On her part, a candidate who sat and passed the NECO examination, Miss Josephine Lugard, attributed her success to the “drilling” she received from her teachers. Lugard said students were not given any space to play around as they were made to take their studies seriously. It will be recalled that NECO released the 2013 June/July Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) on Thursday with 2about 70 per cent of the candidates passing both English Language and Mathematics. No fewer than 69.57 percent of the candidates that sat for the examinations made at least five credits to qualify them for admission into tertiary institutions.
No plans to retrench workers - HOCSF ABUJA - The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), Malam Bukar Aji, said on Monday in Abuja that there were no plans to retrench members of staff of his office. Aji gave the assurance during a “town hall” meeting with members of the Joint Union Negotiation Council. “I will not be party to retrenchment of any staff member for the few left to have a larger salary,” he said. He said the HOCSF was working with the Federal Government to diversify the country’s economy for Nigerians to gain more jobs in the public and private sectors. Aji also said the Office of the Head of Service had mapped out strategies to develop a training template for involvement of all every civil servants in training capable of repositioning the public sector. He said his office would always address issues bordering on staff welfare and remunerations, noting that “only well-motivated members of staff can work diligently’’.
Aji warned civil servants and the public involved in job racketeering and other sharp practices in the service to desist from such acts or be ready to face the law when caught. He appealed to members of staff to set the pace for other ministries, departments and agencies, saying, “We owe Nigerians, hard work, team work, and transparency in our activities in the office.’’ Earlier, Comrade David Iffi, the President, Joint Union Negotiating Council, commended the HOCSF for his commitment to ensuring civil servants work in a serene environment He appealed for intervention of the head of service on staff welfare, claims of retrenchment, inadequate transportation, inaccurate templates for training, and outstanding promotions. The “town hall” meeting is the first to be convened by the office of the HOCSF.
THE NIGERIAN
3
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
News Edo Promises To Assist Albinos
Engr. Koleade Adegunle, General Manager, Total Nig. Plc (middle) who represented the Group Managing Director, presenting Hi-Tech HIV/AIDS Screening Machines and Consumables to Deaconess Endurance Odubu, wife of the nDeputy Governor of Edo State. With them is Mrs. Abimbola Oshikoya, Manager, Coporate Social responsibility. PHOTO: LUCKY AGIE.
BENINThe Edo Government has said that it would assist to alleviate the plight of albinos in the state. Dr. Aihanuwa Eregie, the Commissioner for Health, said this when members of The Albino Foundation (TAF) Benin chapter, visited her in Benin. Eregie said that albinism was not anything for people to be spiteful about or to stigmatise affected persons. She said that the ministry would collaborate with the foundation to create more awareness on albinism and reduce stigmatisation. “Definitely, when people act out of ignorance, it creates unnecessary problem. “Where there is need to create awareness and give
Community In Bayelsa Laments Oil Leak From Agip’s Field
YENAGOAThe Ikeinghenbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa state, has said that the September 16 oil leak from Agip’s oil field has impacted negatively on its people. The Deputy Paramount Ruler of the community, Chief Collins Adikoko, told newsmen in Ikeinghenbiri at the weekend that the community had reported the incident to the oil firm. He said that the leak, which was noticed last Monday, was promptly reported to officials of Agip but expressed regrets that the leak was yet to be fixed as at the time of filling this report. “The spill resulting from the leakage has exposed members of our community to hazards and untold hardship; we understand the oil is coming from an underwater valve. “The first thing we want is for them to stop the oil from leaking into our creeks and
ponds, but six days after we reported, nothing has happened, we want them to hasten their response,’’ Adikoko said. He observed that the communities had experienced frequent spills from the oil fields in the area operated by Agip, adding that this had adversely affected fishing activities of the residents. Adikoko urged the oil firm to deploy its response team to commence clean up without any delay, and work out plans to ameliorate the sufferings of the fishermen affected. The deputy paramount ruler said that oil-bearing communities, who suffered the negative impact of oil exploration and production, deserved special consideration by the oil firms in the provision of social amenities. Officials of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company have scheduled a
joint investigative visit to the spill site with representatives of
the community and oil industry regulators. The Chairman of
Ikeinghenbiri Community Development Committee, Mr. Marshall Josiah, said that officials of the oil firm had visited the spill site ahead of the joint visit on September 23.
people more information, we will do so, so that they will have the right information and they will make the right decision. “And all this issue of discrimination, stigmatisation will be a thing of the past,” she said. Eregie commended the foundation for its achievements in reducing the plight of its members, saying that government would support its programmes. Miss Joy Odigie, the Benin Coordinator of the foundation, commended the commissioner for pledging government’s support to them. Odigie urged persons with albinism to develop self esteem and not to exclude themselves from the society. The coordinator advised persons with albinism to stay away from sun rays and other sources of ultra violet radiation, to prevent skin cancer.
Emerging Oportunities:
NGO Advises Public By Joel Chukwu Aghonim
IGBANKE – A NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) in Igbanke, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, True Identity Poverty Alleviation Initiative has advised members of the public to be alert to emerging opportunities. Co-ordinator of the NGO, Miss Blessing Precious gave the advice at Igbanke while speaking with newsmen on activities of the organization. She said the organisation which focuses more on children welfare is committed to creating awareness on the benefits of education to
members of the society, through its Better Child Campaign Project. According to her, the organization is working hard to institute a progressive and proactive system that would educate, train and transform the jobless people in the society to be able to confront life’s challenges. Presently, she said the organization has been able to empower several people through capacity building as well as be in the forefront in the quest to meet the aspirations and yearnings of the children, youths and other members of the family in the society.
Deaconess (Mrs.) Edurance Odubu, wife of the Deputy Governor of Edo State (2nd right) presenting sets of HIV/ AIDS, Hi-Tech Screening materials donated by Total upstream Company in Nigeria and Total Nigeria Plc to Dr. Adesuwa Ebomwonyi (L) on behalf of General Hospital, Ubiaja during the 2013 Expanded HIV/AIDS preventive awareness and care projects. With them is Mr. albert Mabuyaku (2nd left) and Engr. Koleade Adegunle. PHOTO: MOSES OBOH.
Council Boss Inaugurates Free Health AGENEBODE- The bringing democratic dividends to the doorsteps of Etsako East Chairman, Etsako East Local Care Programme people. Government Council, Hon. Abdulmalik Suleiman Afegbua has inaugurated a Three Day Malaria treatment in commemoration of the year 2013 World Malaria Day. He said that priority attention should be paid to the treatment of malaria as it is one of the leading causes of death among children and pregnant women Africa. According to him, the Day
has always be marked with symposia, stressing that his administration decided to add free media outreach to the entire people of Etsako East as a way of given them greater sence of belonging. The council boss maintained that as part of his irrevocable commitment to the health of the people, the local government is constructing modern health centres in
Agiere and Ogiriga Communities. Calling on the people to keep a clean environment to disrupt the harmful cycle of malaria, he implored them to take advantage of the free treatment. The supervisor for Health and Environment, Hon. Banarbas Oshiobor on his part said that Hon Afegbua is
Acting primary Health care Coordinator in the council, Dr. Stevenson Ojeifo who expressed delight over the exercise said the exercise is imprecedented in the aria, nothing that malaria requires prevention and treatment. Highlight of the occasion was the distribution of Malaria drugs and mosquitoes treated nets by the chairman to the people.
THE NIGERIAN
4
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
News
Lawmaker Decries Early Marriage
UYO - Senator Helen Esuene, Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs and Youth Matters, said early marriage is a major setback to self actualisation of the girl-child. Esuene expressed this concern in Uyo, at the 18th Biennial Conference and General Assembly of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN). The theme of the conference was “The girl child: reaching out and raising opportunities for health, empowerment and education”. She said that early marriage was a hydraheaded monster that deprived the girl-child of her childhood, health, future and sometimes her life. “Child marriage serves no useful purpose in the society and should be discontinued,’’ she advised. Esuene said that it was abnormal to practice such old culture in the 21st century world where the female gender was in a hurry to cover lost grounds in the area of public participation. The senator said that the
girl-child must be empowered with the right tools of education, self confidence, knowledge and absolute understanding of her physical makeup. She said that the girlchild should be made to grow up to see herself as a complete and independent person, not a weak half. Esuene added that the girl-child had been spotlighted in recent years due to attempts to correct her marginalisation caused by cultural and traditional practices. “I am happy to note that some of the obnoxious
cultural practices such as genital mutilation and fattening are fast becoming history,’’ she added. She also expressed concern that the level of girlchild education in the northern part of the country was still very low in spite of Universal Basic Education programme of the Federal Government. The senate committee chairman noted that the UBE scheme guaranteed free junior secondary education, but had yet to be fully embraced by the girl-child in the North. She said that the girlchild needed to acquire adequate knowledge to be in a position to impart same to her children later in life.
Institute Urges World Leaders To Prioritize Conflict Prevention ABUJA - Dr Joseph Golwa, Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, has called on world leaders to make conflict prevention a priority in the new UNchampioned global development agenda. Golwa made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on the sidelines of an event organised by the institute to mark World Peace Day. He spoke against the
backdrop of next week’s UN General Assembly meeting, where world leaders would discuss, among other topics, a new development agenda. Golwa said: “Today, there is no community, no society and no country that can claim immunity to conflicts. “Every community today in the world is engulfed with one
R _ L, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Secretary to Edo State Government, Deaconess Endurance Odubu, wife of the Deputy Governor of Edo State and General Manager, HSEQ TOTAL Nig. Plc, Engr. Koleade Adegunle, at the Total Expanded HIV/AIDS preventive awareness programme in Benin City recently5. PHOTO: LUCKY AGIE.
Recruitment:
AWKA Many unemployed people in Anambra State who wish to obtain the recruitment forms into the state civil service commission have expressed divergent views about the exercise. Some of the applicants who spoke with newsmen in Awka said that it had not been easy obtaining the forms, which they said had resulted in racketeering. Chijioke Anyanebechi, a graduate of law from Awka North said he had not been successful since he started making enquiries for the form since Monday last week.
Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Secretary to Edo State Government (left) with Hon. Festus Ebea, Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly during the presentation ceremony of Hi-Tech Screening Machines and reagent/consumables for the screening of HIV/ AIDS to Ubiaja General Hospital, Total Nigeria Plc in Benin City recently. PHOTO: LUCKY AGIE.
form of conflict or the other and this certainly must be a source of concern for our leaders.’’ He said that the Federal Government funded institute, which was established in 2000, had set up early-warning-earlyresponse centres in the six geo political zones. “The idea is for leaders to be closer to the grassroots to get feedback and to involve the communities in intelligence and information gathering to assist in conflict prevention. “The response of the authorities to crisis has always been the problem over the ages; the responses don’t usually come early enough.’’ Golwa expressed the hope that the centres would serve as key mechanism for conflict resolution in the country, adding, “we believe that prevention is cheaper than managing a conflict.’’ Also speaking to newsmen, Dr Ade Abolurin, the Commandant-General of the Civil Defence Corps paid tribute to security operatives killed in the line of duty to the country. “Nigerians must learn to support the government; killing innocent citizens, security agents of government and looking for families of security agents to kill are not the solution to conflict.
“We should support government to reduce to the barest minimum the tendency of promoting violence,’’ he said. Abolurin, who did not provide the figures of members of the corps who lost their lives this year, said: “we do not want to count losses but to encourage others to reduce these losses.’’ “We must come together to pray that we do not have more casualties in all security agencies of government in towns, villages and cities. “Destruction is evil and we
entire process, saying he only wanted to fulfill all sense of righteousness. According to her, the timing was wrong as the present administration was almost leaving office. “It is okay but the problem is that this is not the right time for it. The government is about leaving office so I don’t know how authentic it is. I do not believe so much in the process,’’ Oforegbunam said. The Head of the Commission, Mrs. Ngozi Melifonwu in her reaction, told newsmen that it could not
rule the activities of racketeers as there were people who obtained the form without the intention to use but to sell it to others. Melifonwu pointed out that the commission was distributing the forms centrally in Awka to ensure credibility and coordination. She said that the commission handled three local governments a day to enhance credibility and effective control. Mejifonwu advised applicants not to pay money to anybody for the forms as it was free of charge. “We have been managing
must stop it,’’ he said. On his part, the president of Africa/Middle East Progress Initiative, Mr. Omotola Osifeso, described the rapprochement between the U.S. and Iran as a significant development for the return of peace in the region. “The world is interconnected and violence anywhere is violence everywhere; peace in Africa and the Middle-East are intertwined, especially for the oil producing countries,’’ Osifeso said. He also urged the Federal Government to support the ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East.
Youth Council Distributes Relief Materials To Flood destruction caused by the flood Victims as most houses were destroyed, DUTSE - The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Jigawa State chapter has distributed relief materials to victims of flood in Wurma village of Dutse Local Government Area of the state recently. Presenting the items, the chairman of the council, Malam Aminu Aminu, said that the N350,000 worth of materials, was to alleviate the sufferings of the affected persons. Aminu said the council was disturbed about the level of
displacing many people. He said members of the council had earlier visited the village and had seen how the people were coping after the flood, especially the women and children. He appealed to well-to-do individuals and organisations to assist the people. Items distributed included 150 pieces of textile materials, 50 pairs of slippers, two jerrycans of groundnut oil, two bags of rice, among others.
Job Seekers Express Mixed Feelings
Anyanebechi decried the idea of issuing the forms to particular local governments on designated days. He said that the action denied those that failed to turn up on such days the opportunity of getting the forms. “It is somehow frustrating because I have been trying to get this form since Monday without success, they said my local government had been attended to and I don’t know if that is the end for me,’’ Anyanebechi said. But another applicant, Okwuchukwu Okafor, expressed happiness that
Anambra government had lifted the embargo on employment. He however pleaded with the authorities to decentralise the distribution process at the councils for easy access. “We have looked forward to this recruitment but it was not easy obtaining the forms. I suggest they should use the local government headquarters for distributing it instead of making everybody to come to Awka,’’ Okafor said. Mrs. Chineze Oforegbunam, a National Certificate of Education graduate from Anocha, expressed reservations on the
the crowd but it has not been easy because they will not queue, so we devised a way of attending to them on local government basis. “The Commission condemns touting and racketeering of the forms in strong terms, we have from now till September 27 for those that could not get on their designated days,’’ she said. Reports say that the Anambra govt. last month lifted the embargo on recruitment in the state with plans to employ no fewer than 6, 000 people into the state civil service.
THE NIGERIAN
5
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
South-South
Oil Theft: NSCDC Lauds Collaboration
Among Security Agencies YENAGOA - The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bayelsa has applauded the collaboration among security agencies in
fighting oil theft in the Niger Delta. The Commandant of the corps in Bayelsa, Mr. Desmond Agu, made the commendation in an
interview with newsmen in Yenagoa. He described the relationship among security agencies as cordial and helpful, saying the
collaboration had yielded positive results in the fight against crimes in the area. Agu said the NSCDC in the state had adopted various ways to track down
those engaged in oil theft. He added that the corps had entered into arrangements with commercial telephone operators in some Bayelsa creeks in its effort to gather intelligence on illegal oil businesses. He noted that under the arrangement, the NSCDC provided dedicated mobile telephone lines to enable the operators to contact the corps at no cost when the need arose. “We have our informants in every nook and cranny because without informants it will be very difficult for us to operate successfully, especially in the creeks. “The NSCDC has discovered and arrested many oil thieves here in Bayelsa and we are ready to secure oil pipelines for
the betterment of our economy. “We don’t negotiate for any gain during operations; we don’t take bribe because our major duty is to protect and maintain the integrity of our dear country.” The commandant urged residents to assist the corps in its operation by volunteering useful information on the hideouts of illegal oil businessmen and women. He also urged the federal and state governments to provide more equipment for the NSCDC to enable it to perform efficiently in the region. The NSCDC official called on the people to steer clear of oil bunkering, noting that anyone caught would be dealt with accordingly.
IKEINGHENBIRI (BAYELSA) - The Ikeinghenbiri community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa has appealed to the state government and oil firms in the state to provide them with social amenities. Chief Collins Adikoko, the community’s deputy paramount ruler, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Ikeinghenbiri. He said the provision of such amenities would improve the living standard of the rural dwellers who had suffered for long because of the absence of social amenities. “The community has been compelled to undertake several self-help projects since government and the oil companies operating in its area have decided to neglect it,’’ Adikoko said. He said the community health centre, for instance, had no medical doctor “and residents have resorted to taking patients by boat to the state capital for treatment when their condition is critical’’. The deputy paramount ruler said the situation had resulted in the death of some of the patients while on transit, describing the situation as avoidable and
pathetic. “We are so neglected in terms of social amenities, which government should provide, and we have singlehandedly undertaken so many development projects ourselves. “The electricity line we have was secured and funded through levies imposed on our people. We also acquired a giant diesel-powered generator and we contribute money to fuel and maintain it. “There is no road linking us to Yenagoa, the state capital, and it costs N3,000 and takes two hours to travel by boat to the state capital, whereas such a journey should take 20 minutes on a good road,” he said. Adikoko also said oilbearing communities which suffered the negative impact of oil production deserved consideration in the expenditure of oil revenue for development. “The rural communities which suffer the impact of oil exploitation are not given the required attention in the provision of social amenities, and there should therefore be a redress of the situation,’’ he said.
Community Appeals For Provision Of Amenities
Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo left with Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajumobi on arrival at Ibadan Airport on Monday.
FADAMA 111 Empowers 30,318 Farmers
UYO - Mr. Richard Sam, the State Project Coordinator (SPC) of FADAMA III in Akwa Ibom, says the project has empowered 30,318 farmers in the state since 2010. Sam told newsmen in Uyo that the state, however, did not join the project until 2010 even though it started in 2007. He said all the farmers empowered by the state government through the project were drawn from 20 of the 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. “We work with 20 out of 31 LGAs in the state because of the project document which stipulates that 20 LGAs should be selected in a state,’’ the state project co-ordinator said. He said the process of selecting the beneficiaries
was based on the expression of interest by the LGAs. Sam said also that the state had disbursed over N583 million to the 1,215 FADAMA user-groups in the state. He pointed out that there were also 78 FADAMA community associations operating in Akwa Ibom. The state project coordinator said the beneficiaries embarked on farm projects such as poultry, piggery, fisheries, cassava-planting and agroprocessing. He said the FADAMA III project also included road-grading, farmlandclearing and construction of markets, to enable the communities sell their farm products. “In Akwa Ibom, farmers are satisfied with
the operation of FADAMA III project and they are testifying positively about the project,’’ the project coordinator said. Sam explained that at the inception of the project, the baseline income of each of the farmers was N102,000, but it had increased to N163,000 per farmer presently. “This shows that the project is viable and has added value to the beneficiaries and the communities,” he said. The state project coordinator said the various user-groups and associations who were also involved were really committed to the FADAMA III project. He said the purpose of the project, which is to make farmers have reasonable income on a sustainable basis, had been
achieved in the state. SAM said the FADAMA III project had adopted a communitydriven development approach, through which farmers were guided by the facilitators to choose what they wanted to do. He said the project did not just increase farmers’ incomes, but also created jobs for the youths and women in the communities. “The benefits derived by the communities and individual participants explained why most of the farmers are really eager to come and access FADAMA loans,” Sam said. Reports say that FADAMA III, a World Bank-assisted project, started in the country in 2007 and will end in December, 2013.
THE NIGERIAN
6
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
South West Nat’l Conference Endorsement, Appreciation Of Nigeria’s Challanges -Lawyers
LAGOS - Some lawyers has said that the endorsement of a national conference by Senate President, David Mark, was a realisation that the challenges facing the country needed to be discussed. In interviews with newsmen in Lagos, the lawyers said that it was important a national conference was convened in order for the country to remain a single, peaceful entity. According to Mr. Onyekachi Ubani, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, Nigeria stands to gain by organising a talk where the questions of the ethnic nationalities staying together will be honestly and unemotionally discussed. “If the ethnic nationalities agree to stay together, then the terms and conditions for staying together will be openly discussed and agreed upon,” Ubani said. He said that the people were the only ones capable of deciding whether to stay together or not, and how. Ubani suggested that the conference be convened before another general election, so as to avert conflicts and unnecessary bloodshed. “The decision to stay together as one united nation must be made by the people themselves, so that they will appreciate why they are staying together and will surely respect it,” he said. However, Mr. Ogedi Ogu said that the endorsement by the Senate President did not, and could not in any way, translate to the National Assembly accepting the call by some Nigerians to convene a national conference. He said that what the Senate President did was to voice his personal wish, or rather, an acceptance of the realisation that Nigerians needed to seat together and discuss on the future of the
country. “To be fair to Nigerians, I do not see the National Assembly, as it is presently constituted, endorsing same, because it will
whatever a National Conference was to achieve could still be achieved by the National
Assembly, if they are committed to a better Nigeria. “After all, both amount to the
Edo State Commandant of Vigilante Grolup Nigeria (VGN), Olusegun Adebusoye (right) decorating the Deputy Commandant in charge of Administration, Daniel Akeme with his new rank.
different ethnic groups sending their representatives to the conference,” the lawyer said. He urged the Senate President, in all honesty, to move a motion or a bill adopting same on the floor of the senate, if he felt it would be acceptable. “Gone are the days that someone goes to the pages of newspapers to support an act without meaning an ounce of it. “He (Mark) should align himself with the people by initiating its effects, processes and actualisation, before his tenure ends,” Ogu said. He noted, however, that a national conference could be the needed end to most of the current rot in the Nigerian society. Similarly, Mr. Spurgeon Ataene said that convening a national conference was urgent and imperative, if the country was to remain a stable entity. “If we have to remain an entity, be stronger and more prosperous, we must sit and talk, bearing in mind that there is a legitimate government in place,” Ataene said.
Master Mariners Get New President
LAGOS Captain Adegboyega Sahib Olopoenia, has emerged the new president of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM). Olopoenia was announced the new president after he was unanimously voted by all members of the association present at the annual general meeting and election which took place at the weekend in Lagos. Olopoenia takes over leadership of the association
Engage In Philanthropy, Okorocha Urges Students IBADAN - Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo, the founder of Rochas Foundation College, Ibadan, at the weekend called on the students of the institution to engage in philanthropic activities. Okorocha made the call in Ibadan at the graduation ceremony of the college which coincided with his 51st birthday celebration. The governor said that the students should look forward to what they could do for others, adding that living a worthy life was about impacting positively on society. He pledged that he would continue to assist less privileged persons in society across the country, saying this would forge unity. “The governor of Oyo State and myself on this occasion are building a bridge of friendship and love that would run from all parts of the South East to all parts of the South West.
amount to having two parallel bodies altogether. “The argument is still ripe, yes,
“As from today, we are one and there would be no more differences between a Yoruba man and an Igbo man, ’’ he said. Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, in his speech, described Okorocha as a worthy philanthropist who had contributed to the upliftment of the needy. Ajimobi, who said Okorocha was an icon of empowerment, announced the donation of a bus to the foundation. Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, who was represented by his deputy, Titiloye Tomori, called on well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Okorocha in order to reduce poverty in the country. Other dignitaries present at the occasion were the Chief of Staff to Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Yemi Adamodu and the Deputy Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Donatus Osemena.
from Capt. Adejimi Adu, who was president since 2008. In his valedictory speech, Adu emphasised the need for the new executive to vigorously pursue the completion of all ongoing association projects. “I urge you to give immediate attention to the construction and commissioning of a befitting secretariat. “Much work has gone into the foundation and it is my hope that a final decision to begin the actual construction begins in the New Year.’’ Adu also mentioned the need for a review of the association’s constitution to enable it to adapt to necessary changes to accommodate new ideas and enhance progress. He said that it was important that members of NAMM be included on the board of government
maritime agencies such as Nigerian Ports Authority, the Shipper’s Council and Nigeria Maritime Safety and Administration Agency. He commended the efforts of Capt. Niyi Adeyemo, who made it possible for them to be represented at the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). Adu also enjoined members of the association to always remember the bond that tied them together. “Let us each be proud master mariners always. I always remember the phrase ‘Live for yourself and you will live in vain, live for others and you will live again,’’ Adu said.
In his acceptance speech, Olopoenia promised to give all the points raised by Adu the deserved express attention. He also said that that the new executive would do a lot more in the area of advocacy. “We have been talking about
manpower development in the industry. I must add that it is important that we get involved in advocacy for greater benefit also.’’ Other elected members of the new executive include; Capt. Joseph Awodeha, First vicepresident; Capt. Jide Olagunwa, Second vice-president and Capt. Femi Oyewole, General Secretary.
Ember Months: FRSC To
Sensitise Morotists
SANGO-OTA (OGUN) - The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ota, Ogun State, yesterday, said it was set to embark on programmes that would reduce road accidents in the ember months. The Ota Unit Commander of
L-R: Cameroon based journalists, Miss Obah Rosaline, Clemetina Yong with Ifejola Otun of Lagos Television and Head of Lagos Office, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Dele Bodunde, during the visit of the Cameroon based journalists to NAN in Lagos recently.
the corps, Mr. Omafu Sunday, told newsmen in Ota that the programmes would help to sensitise motorists on speed limits. According to him, the rate of road mishaps in Sango-Ota and its environ in the ember months is alarming and something must be done fast to check it. “Our first outing will focus on public enlightenment rallies at all the auto parks in Ota. Subsequently, we will then move to other areas,’’ he said. The commander said the FRSC would go online by buying 30 minutes air time on safety programmes on both the African Independent Television (AIT) and the Ogun State Television (OGTV) “to remind motorists that excessive speeding kills.’’ Sunday said the corps would also distribute hand bills in order to educate motorists about safety in driving. “We are embarking on all these measures to ensure zero tolerance to accidents in the ember months of September, October, November and December,’’ he said.
THE NIGERIAN
7
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Lagos
Farmers Lament Poor Funding
LAGOS - Rice farmers in Ofada town, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, have identified poor access to public funds and pest invasion as major challenges facing their rice cultivation effort. Some farmers in the ricegrowing town made this known to our correspondent who visited the area at the weekend. The Federal Government recently announced the release of N14 billion to assist rice farmers to increase their yield. Some of the rice farmers in Ofada, however, told journalist they had not been benefiting from any form of assistance, including the recently released funds. They blamed the low productivity they had on lack of access to loans and other credit facilities that could have helped them to expand their farms. According to them, they have heard such announcements, but many of them never benefited— either as individuals or groups. They appealed for government’s intervention, through the relevant agencies, in granting them access to loans ahead of the planting season. The farmers promised that they would be able to flood the market with locally produced
rice, if they could be assisted with funds and the tools to ensure a bumper harvest. Raimi Oyenekan, a rice farmer, said, “such funds often ended in the pockets of those that are not the real farmers’’. He appealed to government agencies to release funds to the rightful farmers between November and January or during the dry season. “Then, farmers will be able to employ labourers that will help in clearing the farmlands before planting, when the rain sets in by March. “Between March and midApril, farmers plant their rice seedlings, weed between May and June for the crops to mature for harvesting between July and August,” Oyenekan said. The farmer also identified invasion by pests, made up mainly of wild birds, as another major challenge facing them. He said that the birds usually destroyed their rice farms when the fields were not mature for harvesting. “Birds destroying the rice farms before maturity are our greatest challenge, after funding. “We have to engage some youths to disperse the birds between 6.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.
daily, for about a month”. He also said that wild ruminants, especially grasscutters, were fond of eating rce stalks, adding that rice farmers, however, set traps ank kill these animals for food and for sale. Mr Oyeniyi Oyedamisi, another farmer, appealed to the government to help in procuring sprayers for them to kill all the pests trubling rice farms, “as is the case in China”. “We also need help in training our farm hands to operate the sprayers,’’ Oyedamisi said. He alleged that funds, when available, were usually disbursed to a few large scale farmers to the detriment of the local and small scale farmers. “This deprivation, coupled with old age, have over the years, compelled many of us to remain small scale farmers, who cultivate only at subsistence level— merely to feed their immediate families. “That is why locally produced rice are scarce and costly in the market,” Oyedamisi said. He also suggested that governments should rehabilitate roads from the farms to the towns for them to be able to move their
produce to where they could be processed and sold. “The government should also establish farm settlements with modern infrastructure that will make youths to embrace rice farming. “Our youths will want to live on rice farm settlements with electricity, pipe borne water and other basic necessities of life. “This will also reduce youth unemployment, curtail other social vices as they will be engaged in profit-making ventures,” he said. In his own response, Mr Ola Shotomi, another farmer, said that government should cultivate the habit of visiting rice farmers on their farms, so as to identify the genuine ones who should benefit from loans and subsidised fertilizer.
“That would stop government funds from going into the wrong hands. “Most physically fit youths that would have embraced rice farming now take to riding commercial motorcycles because there are no incentives from government to motivate them,” Shotomi said. Contributing, Alhaji Ramoni Bandele, a retired agriculture research officer with the Ogun State government, advised government agencies to collaborate with the experienced and respected rice farmers in the various communities to achieve results. Bandele, who is also a farmers’ group leader in Ofada, said: “the experienced farmer will serve as the community leader and identify his or her genuine
members. “Similarly, government agencies will be able to disburse funds, allocate tractors and fertilizers to farmers and monitor them to ensure that such facilities get to the right hands. “In the process, they will be assisting government in disseminating policies to grassroots farmers for efficiency,’’ he said. Bandele said that in the past, a handful of rice farmers received some funds from the state government, but that the money was released to them late in the season. He urged government to always fulfil its promises to farmers, so that they would not be discouraged but stay on to contribute their quota to national development.
Commander, 337 Base Services, Air Commodore Jacob Gbanwan, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh and Commander, 305 Flying Training School, Air Commodore Paul Dimfwina at the inauguration of blocks of flat for Air men and officers in Enugu recently.
World Tourism Day
Resort Rolls Out Plans Senate President David Mark and Speaker, House of Representativesl, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal presenting a sourvenir to the Chairman, National People’s Congress of China, Mr. Zhang Dejiang during a dinner party in honour of his visit at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja recently. Photo: OMOYE AMINU.
LAGOS – Mr. Wanle Akinboboye, the President, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Ibeju-Lekki, at the weekend said the management
YABATECH Denies Cult Clash On Campus
LAGOS - The Management of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), had refuted claim that there was a cult clash on campus. Mr Adekunle Adams, Head, Public Relations Unit made this known to newsmen in Lagos at the weekend. Adams said that the recent protest on the campus was an internal issue that was misinterpreted into a cult clash. He said that a committee had been directed to look into the incident and summit report to the school authority. “The management wishes to state that there was no cult clash on its campus but a protest by students to express their displeasure over certain issues. “On Wednesday night, some
group of students gathered in front of their hostel to watch the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) league. “Some minutes later, a fight ensued between some of them which left a student injured. “On Thursday morning some of the aggrieved students gathered at the main entrance of the institution to protest the beating of their colleague. “What happened was not a cult clash, the expressed views as reported in some quarters do not fully reflect the true picture of the situation on campus,“ he said. Adams said that the Rector, Dr Kudirat Ladipo, upon being notified, cut short her trip to Abuja to address the situation. He said that the rector had addressed the students and took
their complaints and promised to address the issue as soon as possible. “The Rector has since set up a committee to look into the case and submit its findings, “ Adams said. Our correspondent who visited the institution observed that normalcy had returned to the campus as students were seen receiving lectures. Adams reiterated the institution’s zero tolerance for cultism and other acts of indiscipline, saying that it would not condole any act of indiscipline. Adams added that any student found wanting would face the
wrath of the law. “The present administration does not condone acts of indiscipline as the college is known to be the most peaceful campus among Nigerian tertiary institutions. “On this, we will not compromise as reported cases of cultism are referred to the security unit with further link to relevant security agencies for the law to take its course. He said that the institution remained committed to the training of young men and women to be worthy in character and learning.
was ready to celebrate the 2013 World Tourism Day on September 27. Akinboboye told newsmen in Lagos that the theme of this year’s celebration is: “Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future’’, which he described as informative. According to him, the theme highlights tourism’s role in water access and the actions currently being taken by the sector to contribute to a more sustainable water future. The Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), is partnering with a tourism firm, La Campagne Tropicana Group, to organise the World Tourism Day. Akinboboye said that the celebration would foster awareness among the international community on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic values. He said that this year’s edition of the World Tourism Day celebration would be a memorable one. According to him, this year’s celebration will attract more local
and foreign tourists and investors to experience the rich tourism and cultural potential of the country. “There will be series of side attractions during the celebration. “Tourists and visitors will be entertained on the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, “ Akinboboye said. He said that activities marking the Day would include talks on environmental sustainability and tourism; cultural dances, and merriment. “The high-point of activities of the event will be a ‘Message in a Bottle’ that will be sent through the ocean to canvass for more concerted efforts by all to protect the environment. “The celebration has over the years become a unifying event and a tool for social and economic development of the country, “ Akinboboye told NAN. He said that adequate security measures would be put in place during the celebration. Akinboboye said that the celebration would once again offer both individuals and government the opportunity to reflect on efforts so far made in improving tourism and the need to do more.
THE NIGERIAN
8
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
News Fashola, Fayemi Back Minimum Wage Decentralization IKEJA - Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, has urged labour unions not to oppose plans by the National Assembly to decentralise the fixing and payment of minimum wage. He gave the advice in Ikeja while inaugurating the South West Zonal Office of the National Pensions Commission (NPC). The governor explained that decentralisation of minimum wage was the best for true federalism, saying that states should not be compelled to pay wage fixed by the Federal Government in a democracy.
On September 18, workers under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), stormed the National Assembly to protest the attempt by the legislature to remove minimum wage from the exclusive list. Governor Adams Oshiomhole
of Edo, who led the protest, claimed that the attempt amounted to politicisation of workers‘ compensation, saying it would empower State Governments to pay workers any amount. But Fashola said, “I think the
time has come for us to speak openly and honestly for what we believe in. We may disagree but we should try and agree at the end of the day. “The labour union has a position on the decentralisation
of the minimum wage, perhaps they would listen to another position. “For us, it is not who makes the law that matters, it is whether or not the Nigerian worker gets a fair pay for a hard job. “Who makes the law and who
FCTA Renews Commitment To Improved Hajj Operation
Disasters
Red Cross To Reunite Families ABUJA - The Nigerian Red Cross Society has said that it would continue to assist in reuniting families separated by conflicts, disasters, and migration to alleviate human suffering. Mrs. Altilina Simon, the Acting Deputy Head, Disaster Management, Nigerian Red Cross Society, said that due to the recent floods and conflicts in parts of the country, families had been separated which made them more vulnerable. Simon told newsmen in Abuja that the society was committed to reuniting missing individuals with their families as part of its humanitarian services. “Every year, thousands of family members are separated by conflicts, disasters or migration. “People suffer terribly when they lose contact with their loved ones and do not know where they are or whether they are safe,’’ she said. The official said that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other Red Cross committees had formed a humanitarian network aimed at restoring links across the world to alleviate human suffering. Simon said that these committees were strictly impartial and independent in carrying out their functions.
L-R: Bauchi State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. Bukata Bukur, Gung Zar of Tafawa Belewa and Bogoro, Local Government Area, Mr. Simon Taimako, NUJ National Secretary, Comrade Shuaibu Leman and member, House of Representatives, Mrs. Gimbiya Dogara, at the funderal service for former News Agency of Nigeria Zonal Editor and also former Permanent Secretary, Bauchi State Ministry of Information, Tourism and Culture, Mr. Sara Bitkon in Bogoro Area recently.
APGA Ready For Anambra Guber Election - Chieftain
ABUJA - The Kogi Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Alhaji Umar Nuhu, has expressed his party’s readiness for the Anambra governorship elections scheduled for November 16. Nuhu expressed his party’s readiness in a telephone interview with newsmen in Abuja. According to him, the party will not leave any stone unturned until victory is achieved. “APGA is fully prepared and we are sure of doing what we know better, once again, in Anambra and in other states. “ On a level playing ground,
Blood Donation Prevent Illness In Donors - NBTS
ABUJA - Mr. Chukwudi Ubarieke, a microbiologist at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), said donation of blood prevents frequent illness in voluntary donors. Ubarieke told newsmen in Abuja that blood donation at three or four months intervals could help to curtail some diseases such as cancer and heart stroke. He said the act could also serve as a therapy for weight loss because “when one donates blood, about 650 calories of fat will be given out”. “Blood donation can help because there are some people who have been accumulating fats and other substances in the body. “I also believe that when somebody donates blood, this can reduce health challenges,” Ubarieke said. He cited the case of a friend of
has the responsibility to manage it only detracts us from the main issue. “If we are decentralising the management of pensions and it is making sense, why can’t we decentralise payment of wages? “This is a federation; payment of wages should not be imposed on the states.’’ The governor advised labour to dialogue with appropriate government authorities to reach agreement on the issue, adding that incessant protests were inimical to development.
his who was hospitalised for 10 days and was not responding to treatment until after he donated some blood. Ubarieke said that a healthy and fit man could donate blood at least four times annually at three months interval while a woman could donate at four months interval. Mr. Stanly Nnamdi, an NYSC member, and one of the voluntary donors who spoke with newsmen, said that he had donated nine times. He expressed satisfaction, having performed one of his civic responsibilities, saying “I understand what it means for one to save life”. “As far as I have excess of it and can also replace the lost one within three months, why should I waste it when there are many people out there in need of blood.
we have no reason whatsoever that victory will be ours”, Nuhu said. He, however, urged INEC to place the interest of the electorate above other consideration to ensure free, fair and credible polls. He called on the commission to do the same it did in the conduct of elections in Edo and Ondo states for “a better exercise”. Nuhu said if the party was voted into power, it would embark on policies and programmes that would have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state.
“We are in the race to add value to policies, politics and make life meaningful to people of the state. “Everybody is quite aware of the fact that people in the villages need more infrastructure and the party is ready to come to their assistance. “This we hope to carry out by embarking on programmes that will make life more meaningful for them”. Nuhu also promised that the party would give priority to the establishment of more basic health facilities, reduction in maternal mortality rate and
other life threatening diseases. “The party also promised to open up more rural areas in terms of road construction and other essential facilities, to enable farmers transport their produce to various areas within the state.” “Through good governance the party is envisaging, there will be increased food production and more income for people take care of their family commitment.” “If the party is voted into power, it will also empower more women and create more job opportunities for youths in order not to discourage them from indulging in anti-social behaviours.
Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (left) and Emir of Suleija, Malam Muhammad Lawal Ibrahim, at a public lecture to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Emir of Suleja in Suleja recently.
ABUJA The FCT Administration has renewed its commitment to articulate programmes that would improve Hajj operations in Abuja. The Minister of State for FCT, Ms Olajumoke Akinjide, made the commitment in Abuja at the inauguration of the FCT 2013 Hajj first flight to Saudi Arabia. She said “to buttress this commitment for the first time in the history of the pilgrims’ welfare board, some key officials were sponsored to attend an International Hajj and Umrah conference in London. “This has yielded some positive results as evidenced from arrangements put in place for the 2013 Hajj. “We shall continue on this pedestal with the ultimate goal of leaving behind a viable agency capable of competing with any in the global Hajj community.’’ According to her, every year has its different challenges in Hajj operations. The minister said that part of the strategy was continuous training and re-orientation of operational staff. Akinjide said the Pilgrims Welfare Board had to design a realistic means of addressing the problems, adding that open balloting was conducted under the active supervision of key stakeholders. She said that the exercise was transparent and conducted in an orderly manner, adding that 2,471 FCT intending pilgrims would be performing this year’s Hajj. The minister urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria in the holy land and pray for peace, unity and prosperity of the country. She urged the officials to justify the confidence reposed in them by carrying out their assignment diligently. Earlier, the acting Director, FCT Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Hajiya Fatima Gummi, said the board had conducted series of activities for the benefit of the pilgrims in its effort to ensure a hitch-free Hajj. She listed some of the activities to include sensitisation and orientation exercise, induction courses at the area councils, medical screening for all intending pilgrims, pregnancy test for female pilgrims and immunisation.
THE NIGERIAN
9
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Across The Nation
Shehu Of Borno Advises Indigenes On Polio MAIDUGURI - The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai, has urged wards, village and district heads in his domain to ensure that all children were immunised against polio and other child killer diseases.
Garbai made the call when he met with traditional and religious leaders at his palace in Maiduguri. He said traditional rulers should ensure that all children below the age of five were
vaccinated against the wild polio virus in their areas. He added that “as traditional rulers who are closer to the grassroots, it is our responsibility to ensure that all children below the age of five years are presented
for immunisation. “We all have roles in safeguarding the future of our children by taking active part in the anti-polio virus campaign.” Garbai also appealed to parents to cooperate with health
officials who visit them for the purpose of immunising their wards. “Parents have a duty to secure the future of their children and wards by presenting them for the vaccination. “I wish to commend health personnel in charge of the polio eradication in the state for their courage and commitment to duty.” In her remarks, the Commissioner for Health in Borno, Dr Salma Kolo, said traditional and religious leaders played vital roles in mobilising
parents for the vaccination against the polio virus. She said “we are relying heavily on the support of traditional and religious leaders because they play key roles in the effort to eradicate the virus from our society.” She blamed the reoccurrence of the wild polio in the state to the prevailing security challenges. “We have almost succeeded in wiping out polio from the state but for the current security challenges interrupting our plans,” Kolo said.
Peace And Unity: PDP
Chieftain Calls For Prayers
L - R Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Olu Badan of Ibadan, Oba Dr. Samuel Odulana and Oyo State Governor, Sen. Abiola Ajumobi; during a courtesy call to the Oba’s Palace in Ibadan on Monday.
KANO - A chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano, Alhaji Gambo DanPass, has called for continuous prayers for peace and unity in the country. Dan-pass, who is the Dansaran Kano, made the call in Kano in an interview with newsmen. He said that there was need for Nigerians to continue to pray to God for the nation to overcome its current political and socioeconomic challenges. Dan-Pass, who was reacting to the PDP crisis, said that the party members in the state would continue to support Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso. He said that members of the party would also remain steadfast
Delta To Construct Permanent Site For Flood Victims
ASABA - The Delta government has concluded plans to construct three permanent camps in its effort to mitigate the impact of flood in the state, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Tony Nwaka, said. The commissioner made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Asaba. He said the planned camp construction was sequel to the prediction by the Nigerian
Meteorological Agency (NIMET) on this year’s flooding in the country, where the agency listed Delta among the states that would experience the natural disaster. Nwaka said the camps would be constructed in the three senatorial districts of the state, adding that the state government had already acquired land for one of the camps. He noted that the
Child Labour: Nigeria May
Not Be Classified As A Developed Nation OGBOMOSO - Nigeria may not be classified as a developed nation by 2020 if the country fails to tackle child labour. This was contained in a communique issued at the end of a three-day workshop on elimination of child labour in Nigeria organised by the International Labour Organisation International Programme on Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) for media professionals. The National Bureau of Statistics had in 2000 estimated that more than 15 million Nigerian children are involved in child labour consisting of 7,812,756 males and 7,214,856 females. The ILO, however, said “Nigeria may not be classified as a developed nation by 2020 if predisposing factors are not addressed by stakeholders.” The communique called for
intensified reportage from the media on the causes and dangers of child labour, urging the media to bring child labour issues to the front burner. It urged the media to hold government at all levels accountable on their commitment to protect children as contained in the National Policy on Child Labour and National Action Plan. The communique also counselled government on the need to implement policies and enforce extant laws aimed at eliminating child labour as well as fund MDAs working on such. It urged NGOs and government agencies working on child labour to be more accessible to media personnel, make available relevant facts on child labour, collaborate with the media and intensify advocacy. The communique described child labour as a factor hindering the development of an individual child, the family and the nation at large.
formalisation of the land acquisition in Ogwashi-Uku Local Government Area of Delta North Senatorial District had reached an advanced stage. The commissioner said construction work would commence as soon as the acquisition process was completed. He added that schools, health centres and other amenities would be provided in the various camps. Nwaka added that the state government had also started negotiations with other
communities, especially those located in the up-land in Delta Central and Delta South senatorial districts for the provision of land. He appealed to communities in the up-land areas to make land available to enable the state government to construct the camps. The commissioner also disclosed that the ministry had been sensitising communities in flood-prone areas on the
impending danger and had advised them to vacate to safe places to avert a recurrence of the 2012 incident which ravaged 14 local government areas of the state. He said that the ministry, in conjunction with NIMET, had organised workshops for relevant agencies in the state on flood disaster management. Nwaka also warned against dumping of refuse in drains and building on water ways to prevent the flooding.
with all those who broke away from the old PDP in order to ensure the entrenchment of democracy in the country. He attributed the current crisis within the ruling party to what he described as lack of good leadership and internal democracy. “Crisis in any political party is a normal phenomenon, but if there is good leadership, the crisis will be very minimal. “Unless and until there is good leadership, the party will continue to be in crisis and this is what I have been saying since the crisis erupted,’’ he said. According to him, the recent appointment of caretaker committee in the state was uncalled for because it was against the constitution of the party. “The recent appointment of caretaker committee in Kano is uncalled for because the tenure of the former executive expired in August and election should have been held last week, but we don’t know why it was not conducted,’’ he said. The traditional title holder, however, urged the people of the state to continue to support Kwankwaso in his efforts to transform the state in all fields of human endeavour. “People should continue to support Gov. Kwankwaso to enable him continue with the good works he is doing in the state,’’ he said.
Middle, Senate President, Senator David Mark, in a group photograph the G7, Governors of Sokoto, Aliyu Wamakko; Kwara, Abdufatah Ahmed; Kano, Rabiu Kwankwaso; Chairman, nPDP, Alhaji, Abubakar Kawu Baraje; Niger, Babangida Aliyu; Adamawa, Murtala Nyako; Rivers, Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Bukola Saraki, during the G7 courtesy visit to the Senate in Abuja. PHOTO: OMOYE AMINU.
THE NIGERIAN
10
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Business & Economy
Death Of Passengers Worry Drivers
ABUJA- Commercial drivers at Abuja’s Jabi Motor Park have lamented the dearth of passengers in recent times, blaming it on “illegal parks’’ and dwindling spending power of many Nigerians. Some of them told newsmen that “the poor state of the country’s economy’’ could be particularly responsible for the situation. They said there was a paucity of cash in circulation in the last one month, pointing out that many Nigerians have as a result refrained from spending as before. Ali Buhari, Secretary of Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), FCT Chapter, said it had been a long time ago the park witnessed the present kind of lull in activities. “We just noticed that people are not travelling like they used to, and this has been affecting most of our drivers because it is their only means of survival. “Apart from those people who just travel because of issues that arise, we used to have regular passengers who go to neighbouring states to purchase goods to come and sell here. “Now, most of the regular
ones don’t even come again. They complain that they don’t make sales like they used to,’’ he said. Buhari added that the state of the economy was affecting both their regular and irregular passengers. “This is because if our passengers don’t get patronage from their customers, there is no way they can buy more goods. “Besides, most of the irregular passengers are salary-earners and they complain that their salaries are either not forthcoming or not even enough for them to spend on the important issues. “So, they have had to watch how they travel. But I think if there is more money in circulation, we will see the effect on our business too,’’ he said. A commercial driver, Malam Abu Ismail, however said the high number of unauthorised motor parks in the FCT had contributed to the lull in activities at the regular parks. “The major problem we have is the springing up of many mushroom and illegal parks in the FCT, and the authorities should disallow this. “An example of the mushroom parks is one
ABUJA- The NNPC has said a daily production of 400,000 barrels per day had been restored to the crude oil output available for export in the country. The corporation’s Acting General Manager (Public Affairs), Miss Tumini Green, stated this in a statement she issued in Abuja on Sunday. “The restoration of the 400,000 barrels to the daily production output was made possible by the re-opening of the three major trunk lines, which were shut down due to the activities of pipeline vandals. “The affected trunk lines are the Trans Niger Pipeline, the Nembe Creek Pipeline and the Tebidaba-Brass Pipeline,’’ the statement said. It said efforts by the Federal Government resulted in the restoration of
the three lines. “One of such is the setting up of a Security Strategy Committee headed by Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta,’’ the statement said. It said further that the restoration of the pipelines will enhance increased production and shore up the revenue accruing to the country. The statement commended what it described as the renewed proactive measures by the federal government to curb pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the country. It said efforts by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, have also started yielding positive results in the fight against vandals. The statement recalled that pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft had resulted in the shutdown of three
around Mabushi. Their vehicles get more
passengers than any other park in this town, something
Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health
that is not supposed to be,’’ he said. Ismail said passengers needed to be enlightened on the dangers of boarding vehicles at such illegal parks because the drivers were unaccountable to statutory bodies. “What some of these passengers don’t know is that apart from taking risks by boarding vehicles from the illegal parks, if their goods or luggage get missing, they can’t be retrieved. “So, the relevant authorities have to do more in letting people know these dangers,’’ he said. A luxury bus driver, Mr Emeka Chinonso, however said he would not blame the passengers. He said this was because low income had made them
to be unable to pay fares being demanded for at the registered parks. “It is not that some of these passengers don’t know the dangers involved in boarding vehicles from illegal parks, but they go ahead when they don’t have sufficient money on them. “The reason is that drivers at the illegal parks charge less than those at the registered ones, because the latter have to pay association fees on each trip they go and this will be passed onto the passengers,’’ Chinonso said. Some of the passengers who spoke to newsmen also complained of having to wait longer due to lack of passengers. Many of them however still preferred the regular parks to the illegal ones.
Operators Blame Insecurity
Lull In Business: ABUJABusiness operators at the Millenium Park in Abuja has said the problem of insecurity in the country was affecting business at the recreation centre. Many of those who conduct
business in and outside the park are now complaining of reduced patronage. They told newsmen that this lull in business began immediately the country started recording incidences of insecurity in the city and its
major trunk lines, accounting for the shut-in of 400,000 barrels per day. It said the rise in crude oil production in the country to 2.4 million barrels per day was as a result of the recent intervention by the federal government. “The NNPC implore Nigerians to appreciate the negative impact of crude oil theft on efforts to meet production target. “Therefore, well-meaning people in the country need to support the government towards ending the scourge of pipeline vandalism,’’ the statement said. It assured that the recent approval of N15 billion by the National Economic Council (NEC) would go a long way in curbing the menace. The fund had been approved for an adequate policing of oil and gas
installations in the Niger Delta. The statement said the major achievements of the Petroleum Resources Minister in recent times include the sustained petroleum products’ supply and distribution across the country.
400,000 BPD Production Restored -NNPC Crude Oil:
environs. Mr Omooba Olaremi, who sells drinks and food, said sales had not been too good for him. “We used to record sales in thousands of Naira before. But since security of lives and properties have become a problem in this country, things have turned bad for us. “The only thing we can do now is to be prayerful because it is only God that can salvage the situation for us. It has got out of control,’’ he said. A photographer in the park, Mr. Anivasa Yekini, said it had never been as bad as this in terms of business patronage for him. “Before, it used to be fun, because so many people come around to relax. But now, everything has changed
Diezani Alison-Madueke, Minister of Petroleum
because of the security situation. “Only few people come here now and, unfortunately for us again, those that come prefer to use their different gadgets to take pictures of themselves, which is not good for us,’’ he said. Yekini said the problem had also prevented those who conduct business in the part from working freely outside the park. “Before now, if we are not doing well here, we go into public places and take pictures at events. But now, they don’t even allow us again. “This is because we go about with bags and most of the security men around these places will not even be patient enough to search our bags. They just send us away. “So, we are begging government to please find a lasting solution to this, so that normalcy can return to where we make a living,’’ he said. Mr Linus Ogbeche who gives out mats for rent said the situation had just improved after the closure of Wonderland Amusement Park. He was however quick to say the improvement was not total. Some of the visitors to the park also told newsmen that the security situation had taken its toll on the park. “Though we are bothered about insecurity in the country, but we just took the risk and left our lives in the hands of God,’’ one of the visitors, who asked not to be named, said.
THE NIGERIAN
11
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY{23/09/13) Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
Value
MBENEFIT
0.5
0.5
0
2
105,280
52,640.00
7UP
72
72
0
1
100
6,480.00
MCNICHOLS
1.5
1.5
0
2
1,685
2,274.75
ABBEYBDS
1.65
1.65
0
1
1,000
1,490.00
MOBIL
110
110
0
20
12,151
1,289,982.24
36.14
36.14
0
1
675
21,957.75
ABCTRANS
0.76
0.76
0
8
397,780
303,321.08
MRS
ACADEMY
1.7
1.87
0.17
4
127,900
228,310.00
MULTITREX
0.5
0.5
0
4
398,500
199,250.00
ACCESS
10.19
10
-0.19
139
3,994,159
40,129,655.05
NAHCO
6.38
6.08
-0.3
30
343,381
2,096,912.65
AFRIPRUD
2
1.9
-0.1
53
371,069
709,885.91
NASCON
11.25
11
-0.25
38
630,408
6,967,445.98
AGLEVENT
1.55
1.55
0
2
10,045
14,063.00
NB
165
165
0
162
497,736
80,597,689.08
AIICO
0.8
0.79
-0.01
27
1,121,998
885,739.08
NEIMETH
1.15
1.15
0
11
105,467
110,771.25
AIRSERVICE
3.86
3.86
0
11
178,100
619,788.00
NEM
0.7
0.66
-0.04
27
940,997
625,288.97
ASHAKACEM
19.99
20
0.01
43
872,240
17,473,279.50
NESTLE
940.02
940.02
0
36
13,074
12,414,265.79
ASOSAVINGS
0.5
0.5
0
1
280
140
NIG-GERMAN
7.36
7.36
0
1
45
298.35
0.5
0.5
0
1
1,062
531
AVONCROWN
1.71
1.71
0
2
395
608.3
NIGERINS
BERGER
8.7
8.7
0
3
4,390
38,166.40
NNFM
25.65
25.65
0
6
7,008
161,814.72
BOCGAS
6.5
6.5
0
5
5,168
33,850.40
NPFMCRFBK
0.78
0.84
0.06
9
408,152
342,149.58
CADBURY
46
46
0
72
682,278
31,447,803.48
OANDO
11
10.3
-0.7
297
10,321,532
110,004,527.90
45.53
45.53
0
33
218,912
9,717,165.75
CAP
43.4
43.4
0
8
31,450
1,296,782.00
OKOMUOIL
CCNN
9.09
9.09
0
11
137,323
1,277,458.08
PAINTCOM
2.04
2.04
0
1
500
1,120.00
CHAMPION
16.99
16.99
0
2
1,000
15,300.00
PORTPAINT
5.23
5.6
0.37
2
84,500
473,250.00
CONOIL
28.8
28.8
0
25
56,139
1,462,355.61
PRESCO
37
37
0
34
171,482
5,749,972.89
CONTINSURE
1.12
1.12
0
8
1,087,000
1,111,765.78
PRESTIGE
0.6
0.6
0
2
21,659
12,995.40
37
37
0
59
402,003
14,818,034.60
CORNERST
0.5
0.51
0.01
8
1,461,865
740,932.50
PZ
COSTAIN
1.1
1.1
0
5
15,578
17,631.91
REDSTAREX
4.12
4.04
-0.08
15
1,200,000
4,845,630.00
COURTVILLE
0.75
0.75
0
2
6,430
4,372.40
RESORTSAL
0.5
0.5
0
4
453,500
226,750.00
CUSTODYINS
1.41
1.4
-0.01
14
905,221
1,255,101.91
ROYALEX
0.51
0.5
-0.01
14
845,723
427,403.01
1.3
1.31
0.01
2
101,000
134,110.00
CUTIX
1.98
1.98
0
2
12,833
25,499.34
RTBRISCOE
DANGCEM
190
190
0
42
286,713
54,474,502.41
SCOA
5.32
5.32
0
2
570
2,730.30
DANGFLOUR
9.05
9.05
0
30
176,748
1,599,946.90
SKYEBANK
4.19
4.14
-0.05
58
1,213,387
5,019,013.67
DANGSUGAR
10.5
10.75
0.25
124
17,232,937
182,066,295.09
SKYESHELT
100
100
0
1
36
3,600.00
SOVRENINS
0.5
0.5
0
1
1,000,000
500,000.00
0.5
0.5
0
1
18,400
9,200.00
DIAMONDBNK
6.19
6.2
0.01
57
963,670
5,979,181.34
a
DNMEYER
1.9
1.9
0
2
1,227
2,098.17
STACO
DUNLOP
0.5
0.5
0
1
1,600
800
STANBIC
18.7
18.7
0
45
364,661
6,944,296.97
ETERNA
2.68
2.5
-0.18
24
887,616
2,225,987.35
STERLNBANK
2.38
2.35
-0.03
83
9,553,183
21,310,493.81
ETI
13.36
13.5
0.14
74
2,165,058
28,962,019.55
THOMASWY
0.96
0.96
0
4
68,785
72,198.60
151.35
166
14.65
32
115,635
18,652,727.90
EVANSMED
3.29
3.29
0
3
3,200
10,528.00
TOTAL
FBNH
15.9
15.7
-0.2
492
10,702,885
169,433,890.07
TRANSCORP
1.5
1.47
-0.03
127
10,778,937
16,044,320.23
FCMB
3.66
3.7
0.04
56
1,222,987
4,578,600.87
TRANSEXPR
1.3
1.4
0.1
9
301,875
408,437.50
FIDELITYBK
2.51
2.48
-0.03
137
9,490,459
23,785,338.76
UAC-PROP
15.2
15.2
0
9
28,153
443,985.60
FIDSON
1.9
1.9
0
25
585,521
1,109,136.63
UACN
60.8
60.8
0
115
2,836,838
172,075,805.28
FIRSTALUM
0.5
0.5
0
2
2,366
1,183.00
UBA
7.7
7.42
-0.28
185
5,300,542
39,344,231.24
FLOURMILL
83
83
0
40
51,497
4,026,870.15
UBCAP
1.32
1.4
0.08
90
5,072,008
6,688,634.98
FO
35.7
35.7
0
30
71,483
2,604,501.03
UBN
10.2
10.12
-0.08
75
325,047
3,305,746.44
FTNCOCOA
0.5
0.5
0
2
10,000
5,000.00
UNILEVER
59
59
0
42
175,962
10,135,921.54
0.66
0.64
-0.02
390
119,914,307
82,758,612.93
GLAXOSMITH
64
64
0
28
187,765
12,017,977.35
UNITYBNK
GNI
0.5
0.5
0
1
280
140
UNITYKAP
0.5
0.5
0
2
2,280
1,140.00
GUARANTY
25
24.9
-0.1
280
5,583,694
139,018,036.44
UPDCREIT
10.5
10.5
0
1
3,000
28,350.00
GUINNESS
248
245.01
-2.99
40
122,669
30,084,669.50
UPL
3.61
3.4
-0.21
14
404,224
1,429,277.92
HONYFLOUR
2.79
2.7
-0.09
27
485,600
1,329,082.00
UTC
0.66
0.66
0
8
7,567
4,799.40
IHS
2.81
2.81
0
4
71,097
199,808.76
VITAFOAM
3.81
3.81
0
9
76,031
288,372.51
IKEJAHOTEL
0.8
0.8
0
1
7,500
6,000.00
VONO
1.64
1.64
0
6
121,242
180,170.91
INTBREW
19.75
19.75
0
13
122,855
2,292,823.27
WAPCO
92
90
-2
54
301,803
27,218,187.53
INTENEGINS
0.72
0.79
0.07
34
1,281,085
958,909.19
WAPIC
0.8
0.78
-0.02
11
2,684,570
2,033,627.40
0.98
0.95
-0.03
29
1,936,838
1,841,160.31
19.9
20
0.1
195
3,584,419
71,201,946.38
IPWA
0.82
0.82
0
3
11,620
9,398.80
WEMABANK
JAPAULOIL
0.5
0.5
0
96
13,498,577
6,750,088.50
ZENITHBANK
JBERGER
76.95
76.95
0
5
5,392
389,410.16
JOHNHOLT
1.27
1.27
0
3
10,266
12,319.20
JOSBREW
6.66
6
-0.66
20
454,580
2,727,480.00
LASACO
0.5
0.5
0
2
4,180
2,090.00
LEARNAFRCA
1.95
1.95
0
4
6,780
12,424.00
LIVESTOCK
3.8
3.93
0.13
24
465,207
1,814,127.30
MANSARD
2.11
2.11
0
7
60,635
129,633.40
MAYBAKER
2.04
2.04
0
11
123,750
236,492.00
TOP 10 GAINERS Stock TOTAL PORTPAINT DANGSUGAR ACADEMY ETI LIVESTOCK TRANSEXPR ZENITHBANK UBCAP INTENEGINS
Close 166 5.6 10.75 1.87 13.5 3.93 1.4 20 1.4 0.79
TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain
Stock
Close
Loss
14.65 0.37 0.25 0.17 0.14 0.13 0.1 0.1 0.08 0.07
GUINNESS WAPCO OANDO JOSBREW NAHCO UBA NASCON UPL FBNH ACCESS
245.01 90 10.3 6 6.08 7.42 11 3.4 15.7 10
-2.99 -2 -0.7 -0.66 -0.3 -0.28 -0.25 -0.21 -0.2 -0.19
THE NIGERIAN
12
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
THE Federal Government has concluded plans to change the nation’s education policy of 9-3-4 system to a 1-6-3-3-4 education structure. The Minister of education, Prof. Ruqquayat Rufa’i while announcing the imminent change, said the proposed structure would be a re-modification of the current 9-3-3-4 system which came into effect in 2009 when the old 6-3-3-4 system was dropped. RUFA’I says the new move is sequel to the recommendations of the Presidential Task Team on Education, which President Goodluck Jonathan has already approved. The new system which is already proposed to the National Assembly is said to be planned to include exposure of five -year old learners to one year of early childhood education before they proceed to the six-year primary education. WE see the proposal of the federal government as unnecessary distraction of children of public school system who are already overburdened by several policy somersault and this move is not any different previous policy rigmarole. In any case, the system is not anything novel as it is already being practiced by the private school system where some children are enrolled in kindergarten classes at three or four. They run it full three years and move on to primary one when they are six. However, such children end up doing only five years primary education and move on to the junior secondary school and they do very well because of the background knowledge they are given from age 3 while blending with the school environment. NIGERIANS know too well that before this proposal, the nation’s educational system had gone through many modifications. In the late 70s and 80s, it was the 6-5-4 system that was in place. It provided for six years in Primary school, five years in secondary and
THE NIGERIAN
Policy Sommersault In Nigeria’s Educational System four years in the university. Another shift in policy later gave birth to the Higher School Certificate (HSC) which gave birth to another two-year stop gap of learning to pupils after secondary school, before they proceed to the university this time to spend three years. All these gave way for the 6-3-3-4 and later 9-3-4 system. ORDINARILY, there is nothing wrong with a nation desiring a change for the better or best, but we condemn the frequency of change in the education sector which has left the sector worst for what it since the change episode started. It is a fact that Nigerian graduates of the 70s and 80s remain the best ever produced in the country and they remain reference point in our national history, the advent of technology in the late 80s and 90s notwithstanding. RATHER than piecemeal changes, we will encourage the federal government to come up with a once -and -for -all change that can stand the test of time. Government should introduce the nursery system into its policy whereby children are enrolled in schools from age 3 to formalise nursery education in Nigeria. We believe such policy will now cover what private schools are already operating, instead of the proposed one year starting at age five. Our worry about the looming policy is how long it will last if it eventually sails through? HOWEVER, Nigerians expect an educational policy that will ensure that children begin primary school at six. We deplore a situation
where at age 4 or five, a child is already in primary school. Some parents are in such a hurry for their children to climb up the education ladder without taking into account the repercussions of such a rush on their children. These set of children create problems for the teachers, because many of them do not know their right from their left at the end of the day, only whiz kids are able to cope in such circumstance. WE believe that there is no much problem at the moment with the current policy, except that any new government devices a way of siphoning public funds, otherwise we know that there are a number of teething problems buffeting the education sector at the moment begging for the federal government’s attention. The questions to ask at this point are: Is the 1-6-3-3-4 system going to turn the flooded classrooms or under- the- mango tree classrooms to model classrooms as being done by Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State? Is it going to provide adequate text books, reading and instructional materials to the pupils and their teachers? Is 1-6-3-3-4 system the priority, more than an enabling environment for teaching and learning? INTERESTINGLY, these are the issues being pursued by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities who are currently up in arms against the Federal Government. We implore government to shore up funding of education to remove the decadence that has characterised schools from primary, secondary up to tertiary with very few exceptions. We expect that President Goodluck Jonathan coming from an academic background is in a better position to appreciate the level of decay in the system, more than anyone else. We implore him to do the needful to salvage Nigeria education sector which holds the key to the future of the country and halt the distraction being provided by the policy somersault mongers.
THE NIGERIAN
13
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
TODAY, I take a break from musing on political issues to focus on a very critical issue of life and death. It is an issue most of us take for granted, but which will ultimately determine our future relationship with our creator-owner -Jehovah - when we transit this physical plain: “Spiritual Wealth”, which is the major theme of the Bible, and which, though has been muffled by the prosperity doctrines of
Jesus Christ It is a Western capitalist idea that was inserted into the pure teachings of Christianity after the religion came in contact with Europe, and later, America, in later centuries, after the followers of Christ were first called “Christians” at Antioch; a Mercantilist ideology that was meant to justify the debauched and greed-driven aims of the so-called system of free enterprise; a Satanic infusion
fraudsters, con artists, armed robbers, hired assassins, corrupt politicians, ritual killers, kidnappers, commercial sex workers, gossips, backbiters and backstabbers, mudslingers, to other despicable characters too numerous to mention, our churches have become assemblies of caterpillars; evil melting pots where the incarnates of Satan converge from time to time to blaspheme the spotless name of the Lord;
Cutting Edge With Obuseh Jude GSM: 08033510173
True Wealth According To Christ
some of today’s churches, will ultimately determine our final destination after judgment day. Whether we are going to “Heaven” or “Hell” will be determined by the kind of wealth we choose to acquire on this earthly plain. The seductive doctrines of some contemporary prosperity churches have tended to colour the Bible’s teachings on true wealth. With particular reference to Third World countries, where the harsh economic realities have transformed most people into Tele-guided zombies, who are susceptible to the manipulations of false religious doctrines, the wrong notions of wealth have found willing disciples - blind followers for whom Christianity have become elixirs for escaping from the pains induced by current economic realities. Today Christianity is no longer about salvation, holiness, righteousness, love, forgiveness, tolerance, patience, meekness, humility, and other heavenly virtues, but about what one can grab and enjoy on this earthly plain, when you attend some church services, only scant attention is given to the future joys of heavenly bliss, as our fake apostles of moral correctness focus basically on earthly prosperity, in their morbid greed to swell the size of their congregations and make more money from the tithes and offerings of their ignorant, miracle seeking disciples. This is quite unfortunate, for when the supposed shepherds of the lord totally deviate from the core dictates of their “calling” to focus on fleeting earthly issues, it calls for serious concern. The idea of material prosperity at the expense of spiritual increase is alien to the core teachings of Christianity as enthused by our Lord and Savior
into the undiluted teachings of the Bible; demonic insertions that were meant to divert the elect from focusing on acquiring the only true wealth that matters: An eternal, boundless, and unconditional spiritual relationship with God, through the benevolent sacrifice of His son, our Lord and personal Saviour, Jesus the Christ-the only relationship that can guarantee us true wealth in this life and in the hereafter. Prosperity gospels have created a very materialistic generation which believes that everything begins and ends on this earth. If I may ask, how nany of today’s professed Christians believe in an afterlife? How many Christians believe that heaven and hellfire are not mere myths? How many Christians truly believe in the Bible and the existence of God? If one does a rough sampling of opinions centered around these pertinent questions, the answers that are likely to emanate from such an enquiry is the painful truth that most of the people you see masquerading as Christians are not really Christians in the biblical sense, but a bunch of self-seeking, self-deceiving, self-righteous, attentionseekers, who have lost their way and have not realized it; worshipers of Mammon, who, in their quest for money, power, reverence, fame, and connections, have relegated the love of God to the background. In their selfish cravings after material wealth, some Christians have sold their souls to the Devil (1 Timothy 6:10). Some of today’s Christians engage in the most contemptible enterprises in their desperate quests to “make it”. From advanced fee
covens where witches and warlocks whose unbridled love for money, power, fame, and respect, rendezvous. The most annoying part of the whole madness is the shameless manner some of our church ministers “business proprietors” is more appropriate - honour these angels of darkness with the most revered
some church leaders are actually agents of Satan sent to corrupt the body of Christ and disrupt Jehovah’s future plans for His earthly wards. Some Church leaders, who are supposed to be the earthly “shepherds” of the flock, have through their conduct, helped in promoting the wrong notions about true wealth. The
Most church leaders are shylock businessmen; commercial syndicates who ventured into ministry for purely monetary considerations; shameless journeymen whose claims to divine authority are as blasphemous as they are ignominious - empty claims that are as hollow as clanging cymbals. Jokes apart, the
positions Knights, Elders, Deacons, etc - in their churches. A visit to some churches will be heartbreaking experiences for some highly perceptive members of the public, who will be shocked to witness, first hand, the hypocrisies that the worship of God has become muddled up in, as they will be faced with the gospel truth that some churches are actually havens for thieves, murderers, and other shady characters; that most church leaders don’t practice what they preach; that while overtly condemning evil, they covertly support it; that
ostentatious lifestyles some pastors live, has contributed towards fuelling the mad craze for earthly acquisitions among contemporary Christians. The slogan of these doomsday pastors is “seek yea first the financial kingdom and its accoutrements, and all other things shall be added unto you”. These apostates equate the Biblical kingdom of God with the possession of mere material trappings of life. When members of a congregation see their pastor driving choice wonders-on-wheels, globetrotting in customized private jets, living in cozy Igloos and castles, stepping out in very expensive designer attires, at the expense of sincerely reaching out to the doomed souls in his assembly with the message of true salvation, there is a tendency for even the elect to be deceived into beginning to see material wealth as an end in itself.
fraudsters masquerading as the “General Overseers” of some churches do not give a hoot about rescuing and protecting the souls of their flock from eternal damnation; for it is not out of the altruistic dispositions of these end- time heretics that they hold countless church programs every year, in tandem with other commercial enterprises they call revivals, but out of their larcenous quests to dispossess their bewildered herd of their hard-earned resources in the name of the lord. I am piqued at the shameless manner some professed bornagain Christians hanker after material possessions at the expense of eternal life; marvel at the rate supposed children of God are enamoured by fleeting man-made luxuries, when they have the promise of a heavenly paradise to look forward to; amazed at the foolishness of individuals who consider
“Prosperity gospels have created a very materialistic generation which believes that everything begins and ends on this earth. If I may ask, how n-any of today’s professed Christians believe in an afterlife? How many Christians believe that heaven and hellfire are not mere myths? How many Christians truly believe in the Bible and the existence of God?”
themselves better than others simply because they are better appareled; astonished that luxurious items, which are vain in reality, are more highly valued than man himself, who for his own purposes conferred value on these items, in the first place; revolted at those who deify a rich man simply because he is rich, despite owing him nothing; astounded when I see my Christian brothers and sisters sharing God’s glory with mere specks of dust because of the vain earthly possessions of the later. So many other imported traditions astound me in the church today. The truth is that most Christians attend church, not out of deep spiritual convictions, but as socioreligious duties. They come to church to increase their social standings, not to worship God in spirit arid in truth. To these individuals, coming to church is a mere routine; a mechanical response to the promptings of societal expectations; an obligation that is as superficial as it is directionless; a makebelief exercise in every sense of the word. That is why so many so-called Christians still live in spiritual squalor and emptiness, despite the amount of material wealth in their possessions; the kind of poverty that is induced by sterile religiosity — a spiritless condition that is the logical consequence of a stereotypical, materialistic worldview that defines contemporary Christianity. That is why a rich man will see his fellow brethren going through torrid times and ignore him. That is why a needy member of an assembly will come to a General Overseer, who owns a private Jet, with a lifethreatening financial challenge, only to be encouraged with mere words such as: “Have faith”, “the Lord will provide”, “God’s time is the best”. That is why social vices continue to burgeon exponentially out of control as mortal men having been betrayed by their brethren, become more engrossed in the mad rush for the acquisition of ephemeral worldly treasures.
THE NIGERIAN
14
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Nutritional Health And Dietetics
Brain Boosting Diets
STONE Age humans typically took in one and half to five times more vitamins and minerals than we do today in food, far exceeding our minimum recommended standards. Our brain yearns for the nutrients in a Stone Age diet. The closer you get to the original food source, the closer you are to the brain – boosting diet designed by your brains ancient architects. Fruits and vegetables – They supply loads of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in amounts people now get only through supplements. Fibre is also, gotten from fruits and vegetables that move the browel and prevent constipation and other bowel problem. Sea – food galore – The most critical distinctions between a stone age and modern diet is the right balance between omega – 6 – fat and brain enhancing omega – 3 – fish type of fat. The Paleolithic ratio was one part omega – 6 – fat to one part omega – 3 – fat, that is, four to one at most which promoted smooth brain functioning. Today, the omega – 6 – fat in the form of corn – oil, margarine and baked goods out strip fish type, omega – 3 – fat by fifteen or twenty to one. It is a sickening situation for calls, particularly brain cells which simply malfunction on shut down if omega – 3 – fat is scarce and omega – 6 – fat is overwhelming. The only way to reinstate a brain enhancing stone-age type of diet is to eat fatty – fish (oily fish) for example, salmon, sardine, mackerel and herring and or take fish oil capsules and restrict omega – 6 – fat. Meat – Our stone – Age ancestors ate wild game. Wild game was a source of all important omega – 3 – fat essential for brain development. Wild-game fat contains 2.5 percent essential
omega – 3 – fat. This is virtually nonexistent in domesticated beef, unlike stone – age meat, modern red meat is full of hazardous saturated fats. While poultry meat without skin is a good stone-Age meat equivalent, low in fat and a good source of protein. Sugar – Our ancestors used honey and fruits as sweeteners. Today, our main sweet is about – 120 kg of refined sugar that affect our blood year. Most of our carbohydrates are simple, empty calorie sugar, that effect our blood levels of insulin glucose and triglycerides with dire implications for stroke and brain dysfunction. Processed oils and shortening burden our brains with unfamiliar type of fat. Stone – Age ancestor ate only fat in foods and not as separate oils and consumed about 22 percent in fat. Calories compared with 35 percent. An overload of polyunsaturated fat, including hydrogenated and saturated fats trigger call malfunction that is bad for the brain. Some oils are more compatible with brain needs, for example, Canola oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil and so on. Potassium and sodium – Human beings are the only free mammals that eat more sodium than potassium and we pay a higher price in our deal and disability toll from high blood pressure and stroke. Our stone – Age ancestors got 7000 mg of potassium daily, mainly from fruits and vegetables and a mere 600 mg of sodium compared with our poultry 2,500 mg of Potassium and whopping 4,000 mg of sodium, our stone – aged ancestors ate more calories, 3000 a day than we do 2000 – 2,500 but buried more of it in physical activity. Dairy foods – Our stone – Age ancestors did not drink milk or use diary products because, they did not keep domesticated animals, such
milk product screw up body functioning adding high burden of saturated fats and discordant protein. Human beings are the only mammals that continue to use milk products past the weaning stage. To mimic a stone – age diet, you should restrict milk, butter, cheese and other dairy products, to some extent, dairy foods are clearly gene incompatible, because they lack the enzymes needed to digest milk, cow’s milk is
also, a common cause of allergies. Nuts and legumes – They are in stone – Age diets. The modern draw back and salted nuts high in sodium which is incompatible with stone – Age genes. To avoid high sodium, cook your own beans without salt, thoroughly, rinsed canned beans to remove sodium and buy unsalted nuts. According to Dr George Oshawa, all disease is due to an imbalanced of the sodium potassium content of the blood. What the brain wants
Make fruits and vegetables the major part of your diet. Eat poultry without skin or very lean meat and game. Eat dried beans, legumes of all kind including peanuts preferable unsalted. Fatty fish – Salmon, sardine, mackerel and so on and shell fish. Fish oil creates smarter, happier brain cells. Restrict processed sugar take vitamin, mineral supplement, because, it is not possible to totally imitate a nutrient – rush stone – Age diet without
a boost from supplements. Take fish oil capsules. Dietary advice – Start every meal with something raw. This will prevent leucocytosis, a flooding of the digestive fract with leucocytes. Leucocytes are the white blood – cells which form the defence corps of the body. They are called upon to defend the body against invading foreign substances, disease germs and so on. For millions of years, man lived on raw unfired foods and has not yet entirely adapted to cooked foods. They are therefore, still foreign to his
“Groups of scientists, particularly, in Sweden have studied the brains of persons who died insane and have compared them with the brain of normal individuals who met accidental death. They found that four substances essential to the healthy nucleus of brain calls were lacking in the insane adenine, thymine, cytosine and quinine.”
With
O.C. Madu GSM: 08056379608 alimentary tract, anytime they are eaten, they cause a calling up of defence corps. This constant calling up of the militia weakens the defence – mechanism of the body. To avoid it, all that is necessary is to eat your raw food, this cancels the alarm signal and the militia is not called upon to defend the
all oxygen inhaled. Therefore, proper oxygen is essential through a normal blood supply to the brain. The blood vessels supplying the brain with oxygen tend to clog as we age without an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrient through the blood stream, the brain will not function normally senility is
body against foreign, cooked, food that follows the raw food. Groups of scientists, particularly, in Sweden have studied the brains of persons who died insane and have compared them with the brain of normal individuals who met accidental death. They found that four substances essential to the healthy nucleus of brain calls were lacking in the insane adenine, thymine, cytosine and quinine. These four nutrients are found in multicultural meat such as liver, calf or lamb brains, sweet breads, kidneys in brewer’s yeast. Such excellent meat should be eaten frequently and brewer’s yeast should be added to the daily diet. The brain never sleeps and overall, uses 20 percent of the body’s energy 17 requires constant oxygen, which it receives from the blood stream and uses approximately 25 per cent of
one known result of loss of blood supply and therefore, oxygen to the brain when blood supply to any area of the brain is disconnected or hemorrhage from a blood vessel occurs, stroke results. For the brain to function properly, the brain needs 120g, of glucose, as well as sodium, potassium, unsaturated fatty acids, amino acids (protein) vitamins and minerals and 400 calories. Recent research has shown that excess fats and toxic free radicals forming in the blood stream contribute to the impaired brain function. Brain cells accumulate a form of cellular garbage called lipofuscin, a by – product of fats and free radicals. In excess, this garbage can damage and kill neurons. Antioxidants destroy free radicals and protect the brain against their by- product lipofusein. Thanks for reading.
THE NIGERIAN
15
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Issues
Ensuring Food Security Through Genetic Modification
A recent World Bank document says that food insecurity remains a major challenge to most developing countries, including Nigeria. The document also estimates that half of the populations of these countries spend three quarters of their incomes on food imports, thus hampering their economic growth. Perhaps it was against this background that the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) seeks to ensure the production of at least 20 million metric tonnes of food by 2015. For many experts, the target is achievable if modern and sustainable scientific methods are applied in food production. They recommended the adoption of Genetic Modification (GM) method. This takes advantage of plants’ deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is the hereditary material in humans, plants and other organisms. The GM method refers to a process of improving the genes of plants to enable them exhibit certain traits that would culminate in higher production through a process known as recombinant DNA technology. Prof. Chris Leaver, a plant scientist at Oxford University, United Kingdom, says that each plant contains DNA which defines how it grows and functions. According to him, plants also have the genes that determine their colour, tolerance to drought or pest, and other inhibitions to growth. “All that is done in Genetic Modification is to identify the DNA in one plant that makes it tolerant to drought, and transfer such DNA to a new plant so that it possesses such traits as well,” he noted.
Nigerian-born Dr Opeolu Ojo of the Centre for Molecular Biosciences, University of Ulster, Coloraine, United Kingdom, opines that Nigeria must put all mechanisms in place before adopting the GM technology. He acknowledges that the National Assembly passed the Bio-Safety Bill in 2011, noting that the Bill is yet to receive presidential assent. Taking cognisance of the relevance and efficacy of genetic modification, Ojo advises that Nigeria can tap into its full potential through domestication. “When we talk of domestication, there are certain protocols and procedures that entails that whether it is in Nigeria or in the U.S., it is the same. “For example, if you want to isolate DNA you cannot say because you are in Nigeria, you are not going to do it the way they do it in the U.S. “The thing is that because we have some materials that are not available in the U.S. we also have some challenges that are not in the U.S. then improvisation can come in; that is where domestication comes in. “But not just improvisation there must be an enabling environment. There is no way I can do science without power. There is no way I can domesticate science here if I do not have power. “Most of the people around here do not even have the skill; you have to train them. We do not have scientific equipment that are manufactured in Nigeria. “So if I want to domesticate, I still have to import the equipment and train people to use it and solve local and indigenous problems,” he said. Despite the challenges, Ojo believes that Nigeria can do a lot in the area of genetic modifications.
“We should harness the opportunities we have here; we should identify the challenges we have and identify development partners who can help us to overcome them,” he said. He wants the government, scientists and farmers to collaborate and ensure that the new technologies are acceptable. According to him, “no farmer is willing to take the
risk of trying new technologies or seeds that have not been tested and proved to yield better results’’. But Mr. Andrew Iloh, a biotechnologist at the Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, feels that
By IFEANYI NWOKO
Nigeria should rather harness its indigenous knowledge to boost food production. He opines that although scientific results are universal, indigenous knowledge ought to be harnessed to solve problems. For him, GM may not hold the only key to food security. He thinks that there are other
breeding. “Nature has made it that every living thing has its way of adaptation to salt, drought and all what. “Marker-assisted breeding identifies the plants that have been able to successfully adapt to such harsh conditions and still have great yields. He, therefore, recommends
methods of selecting and planting high-yielding crops without necessarily modifying their genes. “Advocates of GMOs are not getting it right too; it is not every time you need genetic transformation. There is what we call marker-assisted
that the selection of plants that adapt better and reproduce them, adding that if the process continues, farmers could have very high-yielding crops. He, however, bemoaned the activities of traditional breeders who, he says, had done more harm through cross-breeding. “They do not even know the genes they are cross-breeding; they just continue to crossbreed,’’ he said. Iloh, who stresses the importance of new bioscience technology in modifying plants, thinks that though Genetic Modified Organisms are good, it is not in every case
“Perhaps it was against this background that the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) seeks to ensure the production of at least 20 million metric tonnes of food by 2015. For many experts, the target is achievable if modern and sustainable scientific methods are applied in food production.”
that genetic modification is needed. He opines that there is a need to fill the gap between research findings and farm utilisation. He queries that if scientific results on conventional methods of agriculture are yet to be utilised, how would farmers relate with GMOs if the law is passed? ‘For our country, we may
not have the capacity for GMOs, but we can start small. “There is what we call translation of research; when you do something on the bench it translates to the society. But that is not the job of the researcher, but extension workers,’’ he noted. Stakeholders want the relevant authorities to make GM seeds available to farmers as soon as the president assents to the Bio-Safety Bill. They say that popularising GM seeds and other early maturing seedlings would boost Nigeria’s food production and save the nation the huge cost on the importation of food estimated at N1.7 trillion annually.
THE NIGERIAN
16
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Perspective I can remember Basket mouth’s joke when he said that the first time he smoked marijuana or igbo as the Nigerian Youths call it, he got home, took his TV remote, sat on his TV set and started pressing his chair. Trust me when I tell you, that is what marijuana can do to a man, it turns your world upside down. Marijuana is a mood altering or “psychoactive drug”. It comes from he dried leaves and flowering tops of the Indian hemp plant (cannabis Sativa). This drug is a hallucinogen, a substance which distorts how the mind perceives the world we live in. the main chemical that creates this distortion is THC (decta -9 – tetrahydrocannabionol). The membranes of certain nerve cells in the brain contain protein receptors that bind to THC. Once the THC is in place, it initiates a series of cellular reactions that lead to the ‘high’ that users experience when they smoke marijuana. This psychoactive effects known as “high’ as usually noticeable and its ranges from increasing creativity mystical experiences, to increased senses. Marijuana can be taken in three ways; by eating, brewed as tea, or smoked which is the popular way of using marijuana. After alcohol, marijuana is the most popular form of recreational drug in recent times. Over 50 per cent of the adult population admits to having smoked marijuana. A survey conducted in 2007 found that 14.4 million
individuals in the United States alone had smoked marijuana at least once during the previous month. In a 2010 survey, 17.4 million people in the United States said they had used marijuana in the past month. Marijuana is so popular that an estimated one out of every three people in the world has tried it. Over the years, there have been medical and scientific findings trying to prove that marijuana has benefits as a medicine. Marijuana has been indicated through research to prevent and cure the following health disorder, such as chemotherapy induced vomiting, Alzheimer’s, digestive disorder, insomnia, nervous disorders and gonorrhea. On March 17, 1999, the U.S Institute of Medicine (IOM) said that smoking marijuana has benefits for the terminally ill. They suggested that cannabinoids can be useful in treating pain, nausea and appetite loss caused by advanced cancer and AIDS. They also suggested that Dtetrahydrocannabinol (THC) also acts as a sedative and reduces anxiety, which in itself may have therapeutic effects. One of the first therapeutic uses of marijuana in the modern era has been its effects in suppressing nausea suffered by anticancer chemotherapy patients. An Institute of Medicine study in 1999 found that marijuana provided “modestly effective” relief for nerve pain, stimulated appetite for people with AIDS, and helped chemotherapy patients control nausea
Marijuan: and vomiting. But yet, there is no true evidence that marijuana actually works. The true evidence is that, when a person smokes marijuana various gases and tiny particles are produced including cancer-causing substances such as benzopyrene and benzanthracene which has thrice the concentration found in tobacco. Smoking one marijuana leaves airway deposits of 4 times as much cancercausing tar as one tobacco cigarette. This drug is also suspected to cause lung disease, emphysema, chronic users have the risk of developing acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma, sinus problems and airway injury. Just minutes after smoking marijuana, a person experiences immediate effects such as; increased heart rate, lessened coordination and balance, and a “dreamy” unreal state of mind. Studies have shown that it takes just about 30 to 60 minutes for a person to begin experiencing effects of marijuana after he or she has smoked it. When eaten, the effects takes longer time to appear. These effects may wear off in two to three hours or take longer depending on how much the user takes. Excessive intake of marijuana may cause mental effects which include depression, flashbacks, aggressive feelings, anxiety leading to panic, confusion, delusions, hallucinations, resulting from toxic psychosis, psychotic disorder (insanity),
Addressing Its Abu
delirium, and depersonalization. When a person tolerance builds up, marijuana can lead users to consume stronger to achieve the same high. SHORT TERM EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA Marijuana can cause short-term such as; Increased heat rate: studies shown that marijuana increases the smoker’s heart rate. Doctors have said that this can be especially dangerous for people who suffer from heart problems. In fact, in the first hour of smoking marijuana, the user has a high risk of having a heart attack. Impaired memory: using this addictive drug can cause short-term memory problems. The users can also have problems with learning new things. The PET brain scan of chronic users shows that marijuana may continue to impact in the brain three or more days after use particularly affecting motor coordination learning and memory. D i f f i c u l t y concentrating: users of marijuana may have difficulty concentrating on a task. Red eyes: marijuana users, moments after smoking the drug, develops red eyes. Agitation and paranoia: many people experience agitation and paranoia as a result of smoking marijuana. Anxiety: according to experts, one of the commonest side effects
“Just minutes after smoking marijuana, a person experiences immediate effects such as; increased heart rate, lessened coordination and balance, and a “dreamy” unreal state of mind. Studies have shown that it takes just about 30 to 60 minutes for a person to begin experiencing effects of marijuana after he or she has smoked it.”
people get after smoking marijuana is panic attacks or anxiety. A study by researchers in Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital indicated a strong link between heavy marijuana smoking and depression. Those who used it daily ran seven times the risk of suffering depressing and
anxiety. Loss of coordination: the intake of marijuana may make the user to suffer from mild to severe loss of coordination, depending on the amount taken. Sleepiness: users of marijuana may feel the need to sleep after smoking it. Euphoric and relaxed: just after minute of smoking marijuana, a person feels relaxed and excited, but this only last for a short time. Elevated confidence: marijuana gives a person a feeling, the confidence,
By UT
the belief that he or she can kill a lion with bare hands, that he/she can stop a bullet with their hands, that he/she can lift a bag of cement with a finger. Anyone that thinks that way needs a bucket of cold water. Distortion of time,
pe glu LO EF Th m eff M stu sm
space, vision and hearing: when a user smokes marijuana, he or she enters into a dreamy state, unable to see clearly, hear clearly, and would be unconscious of time and space. Increased appetite: this is one reason why those who smokes marijuana with learn wallets becomes thin and unkempt. If a non-user eats a plate of rice, a user of marijuana eats five plates of rice. A person who smokes marijuana can finish a bowl of eba and still ask for more. That is what marijuana do to
a ce resu of v diso cas adm hos NS He An rep and exp per can pat dru illn Ma can
THE NIGERIAN
17
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Perspective
use, Health Implication
TI A. UDOH
eople, it makes them uttons. ONG TERM FFECTS he long-term use of arijuana may cause fects such as; Mental illness: many udies have shown that moking of marijuana for
ertain period of time can ult in the development various types of mental orders. In more severe ses, users have been mitted to psychiatric spitals. In 1998, the then SU (New South Wales) alth Minister Dr. ndrew Reshauge orted that between 1993 d 1997, hospitals perienced an almost 10 r cent in the number of nnabis - dependent tients suffering from ug - induced psychotic ness. arijuana use may cause ncer: some researchers
believe that smoking of marijuana may increase the risk of developing cancers such as lung, oral, and neck cancers. Research shows that the smoke from marijuana contains more carcinogens and tar than the smoke from tobacco. A recent study by the British Lung Foundation
suggested that people who smoke marijuana are about 20 times more prone to developing lung cancer than people who smoke tobacco cigarettes. Another study which was published in the Cancer Prevention Research Journal stated that long term marijuana users have up to 61 percent risk of developing head and neck cancers than nonmarijuana users. Negative effects on the male sperm: it is strongly believed that marijuana use can have a
negative effect on male sperm and testosterone production. There is evidence that the sperm produced by marijuana users may have biochemical or structural defects. While some believe that marijuana increases sexual desire and performance, the long-term effects are; loss of sex-drive, impotency, and infertility. Reduces the body’s ability to fight illness: marijuana users may also experience impairment of immune functions. It lowers the body’s capacity to fight infection and disease. In 1989, US study revealed that THC in marijuana reduces the activity of cells that destroy foreign substances. This counters the claim that marijuana has therapeutic benefits for AIDS and cancer patients. Respiratory problems: the frequent smokers of marijuana tends to suffer from heavy coughing and wheezing and may worsen the symptoms of bronchitis. They also experience airways that become partially blocked as a result of the smoke they constantly inhale into them. Another respiratory problem that comes as a result of marijuana smoking is a high risk of suffering from infections of the lung. Marijuana smokers after a period of time, also suffer from too much production of Phlegm. Non-chalant attitude: the user marijuana may display a non-chalant
attitude to life, school, sport, personal hygiene, personal appearance and various activities. Ageing of the brain: marijuana causes ageing of the brain which is responsible for shortterm memory (hippocampus). Professor of pharmacology at Oxford University in the young people who are heavy marijuana smokers are equal to that of 70-90 year olds. Also chronic users may experience what is referred to as ‘a motivational syndrome’ apathy and loss of motivation. Schizophrenia: studies conducted in Sweden of more than 50,000 people over a 15-year period revealed that those who has used marijuana 50 times or more were 6 times more likely to develop schizophrenia than non users. Marijuana may also trigger schizophrenia in those already predisposed to the illness. A 1990 study of schizophrenia and substance Abuse found that 42 percent of schizophrenics had used marijuana in their lifetime. MARIJUANA CAN CAUSE ABNORMAL CELL Division: smoking of marijuana may cause abnormal cell division which leads to severe hereditary defects. A pregnant woman who regularly smokes marijuana may give birth prematurely to an undersized, underweight baby studies also revealed that children
whose mothers smoked marijuana just before or during pregnancy had ten times the risk of developing leukemia (cancer of the bone marrow). Over the last ten years, many children of marijuana users have been born with reduced initiative and lessened abilities to concentrate and pursue life goals. According to moffit Malouf and Thompson in Drug Precipice (1998), studies conducted in laboratories suggest that marijuana is able to change the character of genes in cells or chromosomes. This changes may be mutagenic, that is, can be passed on to future generation. In Nigeria today, marijuana has gained prominence among the youths and adults alike. You may wonder that despite the awareness on the danger of this drug, the drug is still being brazenly sold and used. In spite of the spirited efforts by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to check the sales and consumption of this drug demand for marijuana is on the rise. In the past, marijuana rarely used by the youths. People who smoke marijuana only did it in hiding where they would not be seen. But today, reverse is the case as marijuana is openly consumed in beer parlours, night clubs, mallam joints and even in musical concerts. Gone are the days when marijuana smokers hide under the cover of darkness to get high on weed. Nowadays, they have no need to hide their
odious habit from the public. Marijuana has also crept into schools as students of secondary schools and higher institutions smoke this drug with reckless abandon. Some members of Law Enforcement agencies who are supposed to check the use of this drug allegedly join in to get high. Our musicians and celebrities who are supposed to act as role models to the young one’s publicly admits to smoking marijuana. To make it worst, marijuana is sold for a cheap price. And since it is cheap, it is ready available for anyone interesting in giving it a try. The drug is sold for merely N50, while the special type commonly known as skunk is sold for N100. you may want to ask me, what is skunk and how is it special? Skunk consists of a small amounts of cocaine and dry leaves. It is a drug for those who feels that the normal igbo does not make them high anymore. Skunk is highly addictive and could easily make a person run mad than the normal weed. There is also the biggest size known as ‘jumbo’ or ‘Baba 70’. This is 20 wraps of igbo wrapped in a newspaper. Some smokers even mix marijuana with gin or brandy in a concoction known as ‘Monkey tail’. At present, marijuana is the most abused drug in Nigeria. It is so because it can grown effortlessly anywhere and it is very cheap. In fact, smoking of marijuana is so rampant that, if it is not addressed soon and properly. It will become a culture, a way of life in our country.
“Gone are the days when marijuana smokers hide under the cover of darkness to get high on weed. Nowadays, they have no need to hide their odious habit from the public. Marijuana has also crept into schools as students of secondary schools and higher institutions smoke this drug with reckless abandon.”
THE NIGERIAN
18
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
International Features
How Much Europe Is Too Much Europe?
IN the dark days of Europe’s debt crisis in 2012, when it seemed Greece might be forced out of the euro and the single currency could implode, leaders believed “more Europe” was the only answer. Only deeper integration can bolster the region to withstand future crises, they said. A more united Europe will punch its weight in the world, not collapse on the ropes. Among the more fervent voices in support was German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose declaration that “we need more Europe; we need more cooperation” prompted policymakers to draft plans for a banking union, closer fiscal ties and, in time, a more complete political integration of the union’s 28 countries. How times have changed. A year on, banking union the idea of providing a single backstop for all the region’s banks - stumbles ahead but only as a shadow of its original self. Fiscal union is barely mentioned, while the steps that would have come after are long forgotten. Instead of “more Europe”, the more common phrase in Brussels these days might be “EU-lite”. Rather than the relentless logic of “ever closer union” - the guiding principle of Europe’s federalists for 60 years - the attitude among some member states is better described as “only as much Europe as we really need”. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most determined advocate of “EU-lite” is Britain. Prime Minister David Cameron, with his promise to voters of a referendum on Britain’s EU membership by 2017, has made it abundantly clear that Britain wants a looser association with Brussels after four decades in the club. In its review of “the balance of EU competences” Britain’s phrase for totting up the pros and cons of membership - the findings so
far have suggested that while Europe may not be as bad as some think, there are areas where EU legislation is too burdensome or the influence of Brussels is too stifling. Instead, Britain’s vision for the EU - which Cameron wants to remain part of - is a union focused on its strengths as a trading bloc, the world’s largest, and as a single market of 500 million developedworld consumers. Rather than Brussels determining how many hours someone should work a week or how baby formula should be labeled, Britain wants it to act on a higher level, dealing with international trade, investment, commerce and security policy. “LEANER AND MEANER” When Britain first raised the possibility of a renegotiation of its ties earlier this year, it was a lonely voice. Opponents, including France and the European Commission, said nobody should be allowed to “pick and choose” the terms of their membership. But the Netherlands, one of the six founder members of the EU, has conducted its own review of its relationship with Brussels and also sees room for improvement. A commerce-minded trading nation like Britain, it also wants EU policy to sweat less of the small stuff and focus on the bigger picture. “The time for an ‘ever closer union’ in every possible policy areas is behind us,” Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans wrote in a letter to the Dutch parliament in June. His prime minister, Mark Rutte, was even more succinct, saying Europe needed to become “smaller, leaner and meaner”. No less a European stateswoman than Merkel invited Cameron for private talks in April and said afterwards she agreed with
“Instead, Britain’s vision for the EU - which Cameron wants to remain part of - is a union focused on its strengths as a trading bloc, the world’s largest, and as a single market of 500 million developed-world consumers.” many of his ideas for reforming the union. In a radio interview last month, she said that if she was re-elected as chancellor
said, a line the EU-skeptic British press took as support for Cameron. “ E V E RY T H I N G COLLAPSES”
matter. If it does take place, it would also come shortly after elections to the European Parliament, set for next May, when there is likely to be a
David Cameron, British Prime Minister.
following elections on September 22, she would look at whether some powers should be repatriated from the European Commission to member states. “We don’t have to do everything in Brussels... We can also consider whether we can give something back,” she
All that has raised expectations that at some point soon, probably in 2015, there could be an agreement among member states to revise the EU’s governing treaty, with everyone getting a chance to negotiate a new deal with Brussels. That would be no small
rise in the anti-EU vote across the continent, reflecting growing disquiet about the direction Europe is going in. The problem, of course, is that one country’s vision for a better, less burdensome EU is not everyone else’s. Britain’s taste for “EU-lite” is not France’s cup of tea. Far
from it. “It’s like playing Jenga,” said Hugo Brady, a senior research fellow at the Centre for European Reform, referring to a game that involves carefully removing wooden blocks from a tower and stacking them on top. “Eventually someone pulls out the wrong block and the whole thing collapses.” While Brady agrees the federalist dream of a “country called Europe” may have vanished, the European project remains alive and its momentum is still towards deeper integration. Membership of the euro, the biggest symbol of unity, is growing. The factor that will determine whether “more Europe” or “EU-lite” wins the day will be the economic crisis, says Brady. For the moment, the financial and economic chaos that has stalked the EU for the past three years is in abeyance, removing much of the immediate pressure for closer union. But if the debt crisis returns - and very serious problems remain in Greece, Cyprus, Spain and Portugal that could blow up at any time - the “more Europe” and “closer union” mantra will quickly resound again, whether Britain likes it or not. Courtesy: REUTERS.
“While Brady agrees the federalist dream of a “country called Europe” may have vanished, the European project remains alive and its momentum is still towards deeper integration. Membership of the euro, the biggest symbol of unity, is growing.”
THE NIGERIAN
19
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Drumbeats
Ingredient For Living A Successful Life
PRAYER is one of the keys you need which we help you to have and enjoy ingredient for living a successful life. Prayer in the life of a business man, a politician, banker, contractor and a government worker will help to enhance your greatness and give you access to achieving your goals and dreams in life. Just like water helps in increasing our strengths and energy, prayer will also enable you to be strong physically and spiritually. A prayerful man or woman will always have power to resist and overcome every problems and opposition that may come across his or her way in the course of business activities or otherwise. Any man or woman who tries to underestimate the power or prayers will live in shame, reproach, difficulties, failures and disappointment “And the lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him I have heard thy prayer and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice. If I shut heaven that there be no rain or if I command the locust to devour the land or if I sent pestilence among my people, If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek thy face, and turn from their wicked ways then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin; and will heal their land”. 2 Chronicles 7:21-14. Any man or woman who lacks prayers in his or her life is like a solders without a weapon or a building without a foundation. The bible records that often time Jesus withdrew himself from his disciples to pray. Friends, what did Jesus need prayer for? Is it for protection, provision and power? Jesus prayed always to enhance his communion and fellowship with the father. He knew that the more he prayed, the more fellowship he will enjoyed with his heavenly father. Friends, your constant prayer
has a lot to do in the enhancement of your destiny. Weak Christian can’t pray long and strong Christian who spend quality time with God and make prayer a source of their strength can never be weak and be intimidated. Prayer help Christians to unlock every closed door. “And lie spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint, saying, there was in a city a Judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man. And there was a widow in the city, and she came unto hint, saying, avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while but after ward he said within himself though fear not God nor regard man. Yet because fit is widow troubteth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the lord said, hear what the unjust Judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with him. I tell you that he will avenge them speedily nevertheless when the son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?’ Luke 18:1-8. Beloved, I will admonish you to stop procrastinating and wake up to pray see what happens next in your life and business. FAST OFTEN Fasting is one of the ingredients that have helped to enhance the success of others. A man or woman who fast often have quick access into enjoying and having success in his or her life. Success attracts and motivates other people to ones life. There is power in fasting, the more you embark in it and exercise it, the more you will experience success and enjoy Gods blessing in your life. Fasting has a lot of positive role to play in the life of a Christian who daily seek success in his or her life.
Fasting will always help to enhance our life and beautify our Christian lives. Fasting can also help to break every hindrance or set back the enemy may bring across our way, any man or woman whose business and academic life is derailing and suffering can use fasting to enhance his or her political and business life.
Then Mordecia commanded to Esther think not with thyself that thou shall escape in the King’s house, more all the Jews. “For if thou altogether boldest thy peace at this time, then shall their enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews. From another place, but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such time as this? Then Esther bade them return Mordecia this answer. Go, gather together all the Jew that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me three days, and three night I also and my maidens will fast likewise, and
so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law and if I perish, I perish. So Mordecia went his way and did commanded him.” Esther 4: 13-17. Never underestimate the power of fasting. The success of other to a great extent is tied to fasting and their ability to believe and trust in God. What complain, axiety, worry, fear and doubt cannot do, fasting in the other hand can help you to
do and achieve it. Don’t doubt that which you have not tried, try it. And you will discover the power behind it. THANK GOD ALWAYS One of the major ingredients for living a successful life is our ability to learn how to be thankful and grateful to our creator. A thankful heart glorifies God and helps us to sit upon the throne of our destiny. Whatever God does to you and through you, he still expects gratitude from you. A grateful heart is a heart that is full of merriment. Thanks giving to God can be done either by words, kindness to
“ And the lord said, hear what the unjust Judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with him. I tell you that he will avenge them speedily nevertheless when the son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?’ Luke 18:1-8. Beloved, I will admonish you to stop procrastinating and wake up to pray see what happens next in your life and business.”
With Apostle Dr. Raphael O. Ayemere 08035459593
others or by action. Whichever method you decide to adopt in other for you to show thanksgiving and show appreciation to God, do it, because is your gateway to success. If I may ask, how often do you thank God? Don’t put
thanksgiving lifestyle toward God. He appreciated the success, protection and provision God gave him daily. “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was land, and Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard
yourself under a curse. Failure to thank God for his blessing and kindness in our lives can lead us into bondage and put us into heavenly and earthly causes. If you sincerely want to have and enjoy successful life, then you must form the habit of thanking God always. A life full of happiness, joy, peace of mind and success in all ramifications. “It is good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praised unto thy name, O most high. To show forth thy loving-kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. Upon an instrument, of tern strings and upon the psaltery, upon the harp with a solemen sound. For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work; I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O Lord, how great are thy works, and thy thoughts are very deep” Psalm 92:15. One of the things that interest me mostly in the life of king David is his gratitude and
me. And I knew that thou hearest me always, but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a Loud voice, Lazarus, comeforth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and feet with grave clothes, and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus said unto them loose him and let him go”. John 11:41-44. What was the ingredient Jesus used in achieving success of raising Lazarus from the grave? It was the ingredient of thanksgiving. Friends, thanksgiving is a great weapon which can help us to achieve success that will enhance our destiny on earth. Whether you believe it or not, God is demanding thanksgiving from you. The earlier you start giving God thanks and showing him gratitude for his love and kindness he show you daily, the more you will continue to enjoy his heavenly blessings.
THE NIGERIAN
20
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Issues
Milking The Nation In The Name Of Salaries And Allowance
FOR the umpteenth time, the National Assembly, has been in the news again. As many critics and observers would say, it was not for a good or positive event. The respected International Magazine, The Economist, opened eyelids when it revealed N i g e r i a n parliamentarians are the highest paid in the world; raking a jaw dropping N29.8million each yearly. These lawmakers were revealed to be earning higher than their nations counterparts such as United States of America, France, Britain and others. According to the findings, the legislators basic salary (excluding allowances), is 116 times the nation’s GDP person of $1,600. The Kenya legislators were said to be trailing Nigeria’s by a whooping 52%. However, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), came out to refute the report by The Economists. They put the figures at N12, 766,320. With this recent development, many question have been left unanswered. Nigeria are asking. What has the huge pay contributed to the economic and social well being if the average Nigerian? Is this money not supposed to be used in repositioning the nation’s falling and ailing economy? Similarly, a former
Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, also came out smoking when she revealed that the nation’s lawmakers constitute a hole in the country’s economy. Ezekwesili who stated this while giving a keynote address in Abuja, said “since 2005, the National Assembly members alone have been allocated N 1 trillion”. This amounts to about N266.5 million per legislature. It was not Ezekwesili alone that has raised eyebrows about the skyhigh allowance / emolument of the federal lawmakers. In November 2010, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said that the lawmakers high salary is truncating the economic drive in the country. The governor explained that about 25% of the nation’s annual budget, goes to the National Assembly members. Renowned lawmaker, professor Itse Sagay and former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nasir El-rufai also questioned the jumbo pay of Nigeria’s lawmakers and public servants. El-rufai pointed out that the cost of maintaining a legislator is n320 million noting that it is one of the facts for borrowing to carry out capital projects. The federal lawmakers
By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU
were quick to call the high emolument bluff. They even alleged that the executive arm of earns higher than them. The Senate spokesman, Senator Enyinninya Abaribe said that the reports were a makeup of the authors adding that
a time when cost of governance is raising with dealt of infrastructure across the nation, this is not of times. With about 70% of the budget being gulped by recurrent expenditure and only 30% for capital expenditure, the path is
and equipments to be built and installed across the nation’s vast landmass, but what’s happening with the Honourables’ pay, is defeating the quest to revive these ailing structures. Furthermore in this nation where the average person is living on about
Senate President
“the senate will nor dignify the false claims with a reaction. However, these findings should not be taken lightly. For many an observer of the political, social and economic landscape in this West African nation, the jumbo pay is putting a hole in the economy. At
clear for crises in the infrastructure base of the nation. At a time when the American president, Barrack Obama, is earning lesser than the lawmakers, the country could possibly be on a journey of no return. There are many roads to be fixed, many hospitals
“At a time when the American president, Barrack Obama, is earning lesser than the lawmakers, the country could possibly be on a journey of no return. There are many roads to be fixed, many hospitals and equipments to be built and installed across the nation’s vast landmass, but what’s happening with the Honourables’ pay, is defeating the quest to revive these ailing structures.”
$ 1 daily, what would these lawmakers be doing with their bogus pay. There are millions of people dying daily on the streets due to hunger and yet the “Honourables” are swimming in the ocean of wealth. Yes, they may say that the figure is exaggerated but one would ask again: How has it affected, nay change the fortunes of the nation? Since the return of democratic rule in 1999, it seems like the politics played in Nigeria is that of “hit and run with your share of the national cake” Most politicians come into the pray with little or nothing but leave
with fat bank accounts. Is this what will drive hunger away from the country? It would best be imagined what most politicians would do just to get “election”. During electioneering campaigns, they can do anything just to get the coveted seat. They will even cure the electorate, like goats pursing a man with palm fronds, with peanuts. What about snatching of ballot boxes during elections? Oh, that is not an option for most of the politicians in Nigeria. They can do anything to get to that place because, with the money coming their way, the end therefore justifies the means. Some would even ask, if the legislators are not paid, would anyone be ready to maim just to get there? It is like the time when people come out for elective positions just to change the status quo for good, is fast eluding the country. Of course, these emoluments are not part of other estacodes as travel allowance, and the likes. The nature or magnitude of internal or hidden “transactions” by these honourables, may still be a mirage to many. It would not be ruled out that they have some illegal or secret means of amassing wealth. Who will bell the cat? As the debate on the lawmakers pay raises dust Nigerians legislature’s bogus pay lift the country’s growth? Will the large amount of money gulped by their salaries and estacodes, not amount to robbing Peter to pay Paul? Indeed, it is milking the nation dry in the name of jumbo pay.
THE NIGERIAN
21
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Issues Issues
Encouraging Local Vehicle Assembly Plants
IN an effort to boost industrialisation and encourage local manufacturing in the country, the Federal Government established five vehicle assembly plants in the 1970s. The plants were Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Ltd. (PAN), Kaduna; Volkswagen of Nigeria Ltd. (VWoN), Lagos; Anambra Motor Manufacturing C o m p a n y (ANAMMCO), Enugu; Styer Nigeria Ltd., Bauchi; National Truck Manufacturers (NTM), Kano; and Leyland Nigeria Ltd., Ibadan. Less than 20 years after, some of the plants became moribund due largely to the effects of global economic recession of the 1990s and early 2000s, leading to the inability of the plants to cope with the challenges of import substitution. The few surviving ones now operate at far less than their installed capacities. A fresh pronouncement aimed at reviving the automotive industry through private sector participation was made recently by President Goodluck Jonathan. This was during his visit to inaugurate Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM) plant in Nnewi, Anambra. He noted that Innoson’s strides were in tandem with government’s economic policy of encouraging the development of the private sector. “I am indeed happy that Innoson is not just assembling parts that are imported from other countries. “From all indications, it is only the engine that is imported; apart from that, every other thing is manufactured in Nigeria,’’ he said. Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, The Chief Executive Officer of Innoson, solicited government’s support
Jalal said that the remaining amount was allocated to micro-finance banks for disbursement to other small and mediumscale industrialists. He also said that the NAC had concluded
By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO
through the formulation of enabling policies and creating a favourable investment climate. “Mr. President, with adequate encouragement, we can go beyond our present level of operation; and when we operate fully, the auto plant alone can employ as many as 3,200 workers. “Most of the raw materials were raised in Nigeria and all the car parts are made in Nigeria, except the imported engine blocks,’’ he said. Mr. Aminu Jalal, Director-General, National Automotive Council (NAC), Abuja, appraised Nigeria’s automotive sector, saying that Innoson produced 1,600 units of vehicles in 2012, and called for more patronage for the company. He said that the plant produced different models of vehicles, amounting to about 300 to 400 units per model. He regretted that Nigeria spends about N600 billion annually on vehicle importations, adding that about 50,000 new and 150,000 used vehicles were imported into the country yearly. “Nigerians spend an average of N400 billion on the importation of passenger cars, and by the time you add trucks and other vehicles, the amount Nigerians spend on imported vehicles will be running to N600 billion annually. “The market is there; with this market, automotive companies will be willing to invest in the country. But the constraint is the low import duty which made the vehicles cheap. “Our current policy structure encourages importation and discourages production. “That is why we are trying to reverse it to something that is obtainable in India and
other countries where it is easier to set up manufacturing plants than to import vehicles. “The easiest way to do it is by putting in place a
laboratories include a component testing laboratory, automotive material laboratory, emission testing laboratory, and a vehicle evaluation laboratory. According to him, the council had trained some highly skilled mechanics on mechatronics programmes to man the centres.
President Goodluck Jonathan
tariff structure that will discourage importation and encourage production of vehicles,’’ he said. Jalal regretted that Nigeria’s import duty regime was not skewed in favour of local manufacturers in order to further encourage them. “Nigeria’s import duty is 10 per cent for commercial vehicles and 20 per cent for cars; right now complete knock down (CKD) parts is imported at five per cent,’’ he said. He said that NAC had disbursed seven billion naira in loans to vehicle manufacturers in the country under its auto development scheme. He said that only five of the 10 companies that applied for the loans had accessed it, noting that PAN got three billion naira; IVM got one billion naira, while Dunlop (Nigeria) Ltd. received N1.2 billion.
arrangements to establish automotive test centres in the country where trained mechanics would effectively handle modern vehicles to ensure their durability. He said that the project would boost the development of local content in the automotive sector. “It will also not only ensure good operation and maintenance of Nigerian vehicles; it will also help to obtain capacity to conduct approval tests in vehicles.’’ Jalal said that the project would be done in two phases, adding that the feasibility and consultancy aspects had been concluded. He stated that necessary and appropriate approvals from government agencies had been obtained, adding that laboratories would be established in some parts of the country to fully realise the objectives of the project. He said that the
Mechatronics is a combined training in mechanics, hydraulics, electrical/electronic and computer applications in modern vehicle operations. Mr. Kolapo Odetoro, NAC’s Director, Industrial and Infrastructural Development, said that the council was collaborating with a Japanese firm to establish an auto-recycling company for nonserviceable vehicles in Abuja. “We have reached an advanced stage of negotiations for the establishment of an autorecycling company. “The company which will be sited in Abuja is to serve as a model centre, and will be replicated in other parts of the country,’’ he said. Analysts say more should be done to encourage indigenous auto companies to enable Nigeria join the league of developing countries known as vehicle manufacturing nations. They include Thailand, South Korea, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE EDO STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY BENIN CITY WHEREAS the persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and at the place stated in the column; AND WHEREAS the persons, whose names, address and claimed relationship to the deceased are set in the second column hereunder have applied to the Probate Registrar, High Court of Justice, Edo State of Nigeria for the Resealing of the Letters of Administration already granted to them by the High Court of Justice, Abia State of Nigeria of the personal and real property of the deceased. NOTICE IS BY THIS GIVEN that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE to prohibit the grant is filed in this Registry within seven (7) days from the date of the publication of this notice. NAME
APPLICANTS FOR GRANT
Mr. Samuel Onukufor Ibeleme, Late of Abayi Isiala Ngwa North Local Govt Area who died on the 29th day of November, 2011 at Benin City.
PED/491/2012 Mrs. Dorcas Chinenye Ibeleme, Mr. Ahamefula Ibeleme and Mr. of No. 15, Nkemakolam Ibeleme Enogie Street, Sapele Road, Benin City, widow and sons respectively of the deceased.
DATED THIS 20TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2013 SIGNED: E. I. BAZUAYE (MRS) DEPUTY PROBATE REGISTRAR
THE NIGERIAN
22
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Issues Opinion Mr President Could Learn From The Experiences Of America’s Lyndon .B. Johnson
NOBODY knows how the 2015 presidential elections will play out. It is expected that, as usual, the powers of incumbency will prevail. This may be the case, if we consider that it has never happened differently throughout Nigeria’s democratic history, but it is also important to learn from the experiences of other countries where the greatest challenge to incumbent power arose from within. President Jonathan could learn a thing or two from the Lyndon. B. Johnson experience. For those who have read a bit of American political history, the Lyndon B Johnson experience is food for thought. Just like Johnson’s fateful assumption of the presidential seat in 1963, after the death of President John F Kennedy, President Jonathan became president after the death of his superior, though surmounting immense challenges the likes of which Johnson would never have imagined in a well structured democracy like the U.S.A. Their assumption of the presidential office had been determined more by constitutional demand than by their public appeal or political craft. Beyond similar circumstances that created the opportunity to lead, the experiences in office reveal obvious similarities also: both men rode on the prevailing public sentiment that welcomed them into office to build strong bases for their future political designs; they had both secured the support of their parties to run for full first terms as president, fighting tough battles with political opponents who appeared strong enough to surmount the advantage of incumbency. Even their campaign strategies for their first attempts at winning the presidential seats had an uncanny similarity: Johnson’s
campaign warned of a possible nuclear war if his Republican rival, Barry Goldwater, is elected, with TV ads that had the effective imagery of a little girl’s playful flower picking and counting to ten, suddenly superseded by a baritone voice mimicking the countdown to a nuclear launch. Jonathan’s campaign handlers, on the other hand, seemed bent on selling the possibility of an open conflict between religions if his strongest opponent, retired General Buhari, won the elections. While in office as elected presidents, however, they had become enmeshed in conflicts that seemed to have slowly eroded the public support they had garnered previously. The similarities do not end there. With victory at the polls came even greater challenges for both men: with Johnson, it came in the guise of the Vietnam war; a raging conflict that saw Johnson fighting a tougher battle at home than in Vietnam; with Jonathan, it is the anti- terror campaign in northern Nigeria that has swelled the numbers of his critics who question the methods and aims of the federal government. Unlike Johnson’s experience, there has been no national demand on President Jonathan to withdraw our troops from the battle, but there have been widespread criticism of the way the anti-terror war has been fought so far. During president Johnson’s term in elected office, signs of his imminent unpopularity were usually played down by his supporters and spokesmen; such predictions were usually blamed on the antics of cynics and a media that was determined to see the collapse of the government. To Johnson’s team, the reasons for this alleged media attack was anything but the obvious failings of government
By EJIRO BARRETT
policies. Juxtapose this with the claims by our presidential spokesmen when the policies of this administration are criticised. When the signs became clear that Johnson would run for a second term in office, public assessment of his achievements became more vehement. It was clear that the second term attempt would not be easy for him, judging from public opinion
so it seems that some leaves have been reaped from the Johnson experience in countering the challenges of public dissatisfaction with the policies of this administration. First, the response to public dissatisfaction has been to blame the press for a morbid dislike of the president for no clear reason; then to present facts- a la Mid-Term Reportof growth in the same areas
the rise in interest rates. In Nigeria, it is a jump in consumer prices and the absence of necessary services. Even more telling of the similarity between both men is in the manner they broached issues that questioned their popularity. Once asked to explain why he was unpopular, Johnson responded, “I am a dominating personality, and when I get things done I don’t always please all the people.”
President Goodluck Jonathan
trends. At some point, Johnson had been warned that he would lose some states by 100,000 votes. For many, frustration over the war in Vietnam and too much federal spending had inspired public distrust. In response to the criticisms, Johnson’s team claimed that wages were the highest in U.S history, unemployment was at a 13year low, and corporate profits and farm incomes were greater than ever. And
that the Johnson government chose as evidence of success; drop in unemployment and wage increase. However, like the Johnson administration, while these successes are being bandied, there has been total ignorance of a failure in directing the benefits to those who need it the most; the teeming population of poor and unemployed. In Johnson’s time, a 4.5 percent jump in consumer prices seemed like nothing to worry about, as was
“There are several opinions about the factors that led to Johnson’s surprise decision to finally pull out of the race for a second term in office: some say he wanted out of the race but also wanted vindication; when the indicators turned negative he decided to leave; others suggest that Johnson had neglected the party, was hurting it by his Vietnam policies, and underestimated the strength of his opponents until the very lastminute, when it was too late for him to recover; some others say Johnson realised that he needed to leave in order for the nation to heal.”
For some reason, he blamed everyone but himself for the challenges that he faced; how much this same approach resonates in Nigeria. Where the juxtaposition of both leaders gets really interesting is the glimpse the experience of one offers into the possible outcome of the other’s ambition. When Johnson initially indicated his interest in the 1968 election campaign for a second term, no prominent Democratic candidate was prepared to run against a sitting president of the Democratic Party. However, when one candidate decided to throw his hat in the ring, he exposed Johnson’s weakening support base and the over hyped myth of incumbent power. When the results came in after the primaries in one of the states, Senator Eugene McCarthy won 42 percent of the
primary vote to Johnson’s 49 percent, a strong showing against someone whom no one had wanted to stand against and whose support base had been considered very strong. Four days later, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy of New York entered the race. If that result was bad, it seemed to be getting worse: internal polling by Johnson’s campaign team in another state showed that he was trailing badly. It was clear by this time that Johnson had lost control of the Democratic Party, the party had also split into four factions, each competing for supremacy. I guess the juxtaposition here is obvious: We have witnessed the growing opposition that president Jonathan faces within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the potential problems this may pose for his reelection bid. If President Johnson’s experience is anything to go by, President Jonathan’s battle for control of the party is a battle of wits that may prove his undoing. There are several opinions about the factors that led to Johnson’s surprise decision to finally pull out of the race for a second term in office: some say he wanted out of the race but also wanted vindication; when the indicators turned negative he decided to leave; others suggest that Johnson had neglected the party, was hurting it by his Vietnam policies, and underestimated the strength of his opponents until the very lastminute, when it was too late for him to recover; some others say Johnson realised that he needed to leave in order for the nation to heal. While others believe that Johnson had no other meaningful domestic goals, and realised that his personality had badly damaged his popularity. I guess the narrative exposes the insinuation. The Lyndon Johnson experience may just be a warning that, while winning a first term election as president may prove easy for vice presidents who assume office on the back of constitutional legitimacy, a second term is not so easy to obtain.
THE NIGERIAN
23
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Environment “The Care of human life and happiness, And not their destruction, is the First and only legitimate object Of good government”. [Thomas Jefferson] As the quintessential epitomization of satyriasis lies and dovetails into saturnalian debauchery, so, nature abused, fights back with odium. Hence, Jean Louis Agassiz (1807-1873) observed that “The study of Nature is an intercourse with the Highest Mind. You should never trifle with Nature”. Man, has horrendously abused Nature over the years and now Nature is vengefully fighting back with and through CLIMATE CHANGE”. The climate change phenomenon has led to the horrid depletion of the Ozone Layer and has also precipitated disastrous climatological consequences on the planet Earth. Resulting in delugial floods, droughts, tornadoes, gales, hurricanes, dermatological cancer, optical diseases and other multidimensional socio-economic aftermaths. In Nigeria, the weatheriological and meteorological bodies have warned of the coming of floods of biblical proportion in over 30 states of the Federation. In the last flood disaster the Federal Government doled out Billions of Naira to statutorily obligated institutions charged with alleviating and checkmating the effects of the floods and to the State Governments. Indeed, the Ministry of Works got 2.6Billion and an additional 556 Million, NEMA got 1.1Billion plus 1.24Billion, Ministry of Environment got 250Million plus 95Million, National Committee for Refugees got 150Million and Technical Committee on Flood Impact Assessment got 100Million. These monies are exclusive of what the Federal
Government disbursed to the States and what various State Governments injected into the fight against floods, structures and compensations etc. The torrential rainfall, the opening of the Lagdo Dam by the Cameroonian Authorities as it happened Last Year, the slow pace of work on the Kashimbilla Multipurpose Dam being constructed by the Federal Government in Taraba State, the Collective Leadership inertia in most States of the Federation and the lethargic pace of the 23 Dams being constructed across the country will definitely precipitate terribly horrendous floods. The fight to checkmate the coming killer floods is on-going in Delta State, as illegal structures along drainage paths and waterways are being pulled down in Asaba, Warri, Sapele, Ughelli, Effurun, Agbor, Orerokpe, Aladja etc. In Warri the opening-up of culverts, bridges, waterways, gutters etc has gained intensive acceleration. The bridge along Lower Erejuwa Road, Ogboru/Nelson/Deco/ Avenue/Okandeji/Ope/ Omoine and Father Healey Streets are receiving commendable attention and personally supervised by Chief Omare, the Commissioner for Environment. In short, I saw the Commissioner hired an engine boat (watercraft vessel) and went to superintend the quenching of a fuel barge conflagration on the warri River Opposite Warri Club/Naval Base and there were two water hyacinth tractors doing cleansing of the Warri
Countdown To The Killer-Floods
Delta State:
By CHIEF BOBSON IGBINIJE
River. These efforts must be commended. But we must admonish the Commissioner and His Excellency Governor Uduaghan, that this is a Molehill in a Mountain and a tip of iceberg. They must note that Delta State, River State, Akwa-Ibom State, Edo State, Ondo State, Lagos State etc as litoral States experience more rainfall and hence floods than other states in Nigeria and must be fully prepared for the in-coming killer floods. The sand filling and building of a Model School on the Warri Prison Rice Farm along Esisi Road by the Okere Bridge is wrong. That Rice Farm acted as a shoreline protection measure, flood comber, rain chamber and speed breaker to floods. We also wish to draw the attention
of the Hon. Commissioner and His Excellency to the Warri drainage plan brought from Holland by Late Chief (Dr) Esiri in 1963 and being executed by the then Warri Divisional Council, the Igberaja/Abeke Drainage plan for Sapele Urban Area of 1961 and the 1962 Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh sponsored Bill on flood exigencies and the creation of the Mid-Western Region etc. We call for attention to be given to the Delta Development and Planning Authority Area Effurun (DDPA) and the NPA/Niger Cat/Ugbuwangue/Ughoton/ Jeddo/Ubeji and Ogbokodo as these areas have no viable and functional drainage systems and the existing ones are blocked by dirt. There is
“But we must admonish the Commissioner and His Excellency Governor Uduaghan, that this is a Molehill in a Mountain and a tip of iceberg. They must note that Delta State, River State, Akwa-Ibom State, Edo State, Ondo State, Lagos State etc as litoral States experience more rainfall and hence floods than other states in Nigeria and must be fully prepared for the in-coming killer floods”.
need for the channelization of the area and its environs into the Edjeba/Ugboroke/ Effurun etc Rivers and their tributaries. We admonish the commissioner and His Excellency that the Upper Ogunu, Okere Road/ Ajamimoghan, Esisi, Pessu, Alawuru, Agbassa, Mccliver Roads be channelized to the Warri river based on proximity to various points. There must be massive sensitization based virtually on propaganda hype through Delta Television, Pointer Newspapers, Delta Fm radio and other communication medium to the people of Delta State on how to be prepared like the people of Oklahoma before the disastrous tornado in America. We are yet to see Waves/Flood breakers in our rivers. We call for the construction of flood/wave breaker in all our rivers in Delta State to forestall inundation due to flood breaker absence. The Methuselah Sapele market that has been undergoing construction for over 8 years now after being burnt down should be dredged and beveled into the Sapele river to avoid floods getting into the town, if the
river Ethiope over shoots its Banks. The Sapele Urban Area should be channeled to the Sapele River and Ughelli town and its environs should be adequately channelized. This is not Government effort alone. All hands must be on deck to forestall the in-coming devasting and killer floods. We still call on Government to setup, exclusive of existing bodies, Delta State Flood Monitoring, Emergency, Rehabilitation and Refugee Assistance Body [DSFMERAB] to work with the People and all relevant Government Agencies to alleviate the shelter, refugees, health and food supplies problems etc. Finally, the tidal surge of force majeure is no respecter of lives and properties. We admonish the Delta State Government and the Nigerian Government to do their best and we hope that their best will be good enough to forestall the draconic tentacles of the killer floods. Abraham Lincoln [1809-1865] posited that, “Beware of rashness, but with energy and sleepless vigilance go forward and give us victories”. We deserve the best from an Oil Producing State and it’s Leadership.
THE NIGERIAN
24
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
International Nerws
Obama To Meet Abbas Today - White House
WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama will hold talks with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas today on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the White House said. Obama is due to address the annual assembly of world leaders on Tuesday and will also find time to meet one-on-one with Abbas, Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan and Lebanon’s Michel Sleiman, spokesman Ben Rhodes said. The meeting with Abbas comes six days before the visit of Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House amid ongoing Israel-Palestinian peace negotiations. “This is the President’s first opportunity to meet personally and at length with President Abbas since the launch of direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians,” Rhodes said. “The President will have an opportunity to hear firsthand from President Abbas about the progress of those negotiations,” he added.
MEXICO CITY — U.S. Vice President Joe Biden told Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto o that he wants to deepen relations between the neighboring countries beyond drugs, security and immigration. Launching the High Level Economic Dialogue to boost trade and investment ties, Biden urged the two countries to develop a stronger economic partnership that can move “more people, goods and information across our border.” “We have a billion dollars a day in trade. Is there any businessman or woman here who can’t rationally picture in 10 years that being $2 billion?” Biden asked at the Foreign Ministry before he met with the president. “We cannot settle for business as usual.” Biden later talked with Pena Nieto about expanding trade between the countries by improving border crossing infrastructure and keeping international bridges open longer hours so more goods can move across. The meeting came just weeks after revelations that the National Security Agency had monitored Pena Nieto’s emails before his 2012 election. “There is no relationship that we value more, there is no economic relationship that we think holds the most promise and there is no
part of the world that has the opportunity to do as much to generate economic growth over the next 20 or 30 years in the hemisphere,” Biden said after the meeting. Pena Nieto has been dealing with massive flooding in the southern state of Guerrero and street protests by teachers opposed to his education reforms. Biden offered to provide assistance for storm recovery if Mexico asked for it. He said he was traveling next to see the flooding in Colorado. The vice president also characterized Mexico’s reforms as “historic changes” that would help the country “establish a new role in the 21st century.” During his first nine months, Pena Nieto worked with the country’s two main opposition parties to pass reforms of the tightly c o n c e n t r a t e d telecommunications market and the union-controlled education system. In educational cooperation, Biden said the two countries have great opportunities for increased academic and student exchanges and joint research. Pena Nieto said he set a goal with Biden for 100,000 Mexican students go study in the U.S. and 50,000 U.S. students study in
PHNOM PENH Opposition lawmakers boycotted the opening of Cambodia’s parliament on Monday, threatening a constitutional crisis, after the authorities refused to hold an independent inquiry into alleged vote-rigging by the party of Prime Minister Hun Sen. King Norodom Sihamoni issued a decree reappointing Hun Sen, giving the royal seal of approval to the results of July’s general election, and the longserving premier is expected to outline his new government’s policies to parliament on Tuesday. Security at the National Assembly and elsewhere in the capital, Phnom Penh, was tight, with many roads blocked off after opposition protests last week in which one man died. “Our goal still stands. We are boycotting today’s meeting because the truth has not been uncovered and there has been no breakthrough,” Yim Sovann, a
lawmaker for the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), told Reuters. “This meeting is a violation of the constitution.” The National Election Committee (NEC) says Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) won 68 seats in the July 28 election to the CNRP’s 55. That was already a big setback for Hun Sen, but the CNRP claimed victory, saying it was cheated out of 2.3 million votes. The opposition and some political analysts say a quorum of 120 lawmakers is needed to open parliament. Hun Sen has ignored that, saying the rules stipulate a new government can be formed if 63 of the 123 lawmakers vote in favour. “The positive mood that was witnessed during the campaign period and the hope inspired by the election outcome, which signalled that Cambodia was on a sure path to a fully functioning democracy, are now fading,” said Ou Virak, president of the
“This is an important opportunity for him to reinforce the support of the United States for the progress that is under way for the Middle East peace, and to welcome the courageous steps that have been taken by both leaders and reinforcing the need to continue to make progress given the opportunity that is presented through these negotiations. “Obama’s meeting with Lebanese leader Sleiman will
focus on the refugee crisis triggered by the war in neighboring Syria. “This will give him an opportunity to discuss the extraordinary refugee challenge confronted by Lebanon as they have to take onboard many hundreds of thousands of Syrians who crossed the border,” Rhodes said. “The US has provided support for Lebanon in dealing with that challenge, and the leaders will be able to discuss the refugee situation as well as the broader situation in Syria.”
Joe Biden
Us VP Joe Biden In Mexico, Meeting With President Mexico. “Vice President Biden’s visit in Mexico reaffirms our government’s common vision and the interest we have in making our region of North America stronger, more solid and consolidated,” said Pena Nieto. Before his meeting with Mexico’s leader, Biden referred to the recent marches by protesting teachers that have choked Mexico City streets, and quipped that he thought the masses had assembled to welcome him. “I was disappointed when I found out that the 15,000 out there weren’t hollering ‘Biden, Biden,’” he said. Biden met with Mexico’s secretaries of finance, foreign affairs, tourism, economy and education. He is traveling with the U.S. secretaries of commerce, homeland security and transportation and the U.S. trade representative. President Barack Obama announced the bilateral economic dialogue in a visit to Mexico in May. According to the White House, the annual Cabinet-level meetings are designed to promote mutual growth, job creation and economic competitiveness. “I have personally at the
request of the president focused on the Middle East, Syria and events in that region. But the president made clear to me, and as they say he was pushing on an open door, that no matter what occupies us immediately, it is important for us to be here,” Biden said. Myron Brilliant, head of international affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, participated in Friday’s dialogue on the role of the private sector. He agrees that the two countries should have a bilateral approach to infrastructure and investment. “Let’s make the border seamless. ... the technology exists,” he said. “It’s just a question of getting the two governments to implement something.” The challenge, he said, is keeping the governments focused on building closer economic ties and producing results. “How does this get prioritized versus other issues?” Brilliant said. “After all, the president is a little distracted in Washington by the debt ceiling, fiscal issues, crises in the Middle East. We have to make sure that we don’t forget that our own future resides in part on how we strengthen North American competitiveness, and that ties back to Mexico.”
Cambodian Opposition Boycotts Parliament, Hun Sen Remains PM Cambodian Center for Human Rights. But he thought the opposition would continue to press for concessions. “They can also look for signs of division and breakdown within the ruling party as I think their ultimate goal at this stage is to see Hun Sen, not the CPP, out of power.” Hun Sen and CNRP leader Sam Rainsy held talks last week and agreed to look at how future elections are held plus possible reforms to national institutions. However, the premier has refused to accept any further investigation into the July poll. A U.S. embassy statement issued after parliament opened called for “a transparent review of irregularities”, to help address flaws in the electoral process. It called on the two parties to follow up on a statement last week agreeing to further dialogue. “We believe that a functioning National Assembly requires the participation of both major political parties.”
The European Union urged both sides to work to reform the electoral process. But the National Assembly, it said in a statement, “cannot serve its purpose without the participation of all elected political parties”. Independent analyst Chea Vannath said that while the CNRP had the right to demand an independent inquiry, the investigation could go ahead at some time in the future. “The king has already issued a message and things can’t go back ... The CNRP should start the hard work that will be needed over the next five years,” she added. King Sihamoni had turned down a request from the CNRP to delay the start of parliament, saying he was constitutionally required to preside over the opening within 60 days of the poll. In his address to the house, the king said newly elected members of parliament had to put the national interest first.
Maund Abass
Israeli Soldier Killed In West Bank Shooting JERUSALEM - An Israeli soldier was shot dead during a Jewish festival in the West Bank city of Hebron, a hotbed of tensions where some 500 Israeli settler families live among 100,000 Palestinians. He was the second Israeli serviceman killed since Friday by suspected Palestinian gunmen as tensions rise in the occupied territory despite a resumption of stalled U.S.brokered peace talks in July. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded with an order to permit settlers to move into a once disputed building in Hebron near the scene of the attack, saying “whoever tries to uproot us from the city of our fathers will achieve the opposite.” The United States condemned the killing of two Israel soldiers, in a statement issued in New York, where diplomats are gathering for the U.N. General Assembly. “Such violence and terror are unacceptable, and undermine efforts to establish the positive atmosphere the parties need to progress in peace negotiations,” spokesperson Jen Psaki said in an emailed statement. Israeli military spokesmen said the soldier had died in a
hospital in Jerusalem after a suspected sniper shot him in the neck while he was on patrol near the Tomb of Abraham, a Jewish and Islamic holy site in Hebron. The attack occurred as the city, venerated as the burial site of the biblical patriarch Abraham, was packed with Jewish visitors for a week-long Jewish festival. Israeli media said crowds were ushered away from the site as troops hunted for the perpetrator. Hebron has long been a flashpoint of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Palestinians seek statehood in the West Bank, which Israel captured in a 1967 war. “Shots were fired near the Machpela Cave,” police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld said earlier, using the Hebrew name for the holy site, adding that police believed the perpetrator was Palestinian. Israeli authorities said a soldier had been killed by a Palestinian who had lured him to his hometown in the West Bank. A Palestinian suspect has been arrested. A week ago a Palestinian militant was killed in a confrontation with Israeli forces, the fourth Palestinian fatality since July, and one of about two dozen fatalities since the start of the year.
THE NIGERIAN
25
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
International Features
Private Donations Give Edge To Islamists In Syria, Officials Said
GAZIANTEP - The stream of U.S. weapons heading to moderate rebel groups in Syria is being offset by a fresh torrent of cash for Islamist extremists, much of it from small networks of Arab donors who see the Syrian conflict as a step toward a broader Islamist uprising across the region, U.S. and Middle Eastern officials said. The private donors, who use Twitter and other social media to collect millions of dollars from sympathetic Muslims, are providing crucial backing for Islamist militias that appear to be gaining ground in northern and eastern Syria, even as fighting stalls elsewhere, the officials said. Dollars raised over the Internet are wired between private banking accounts and hand-delivered by courier, often in border towns like this city of 1.4 million, about 20 miles from the Syrian frontier, according to Middle Eastern intelligence officials who monitored the activity. Some fundraising pitches ask for specific
pledges to cover the cost of a weapon, or to finance an operation. For $2,400, a donor can pay for the travel, training and arming of a single non-Syrian fighter. “You can even get a video afterward showing what you paid for,” said one senior intelligence official based in the region. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss his country’s intelligence collection. While radical groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Jabhat al-Nusra and Ahrar alSham have long relied on charitable giving from Persian Gulf states, the flow of private cash has enabled the extremists to retain their battlefield edge despite the loss of support from key Arab backers such as Qatar, which cut off aid to the most radical groups under pressure from the United States and Saudi Arabia, U.S. and Middle Eastern officials said. The donations also have undermined Western
efforts to -strengthen the relative position of moderate and secularist rebel factions that are the
Obama administration officials say that they were working with gulf allies to shut off private cash flows but that the efforts have
advantage of lax regulations in some gulf states that allow fundraisers to set up small religious charities and
Navy yard shooting’s aftermath: in the days after a gunman kills 12 at the compound, some workers return while others spend the time in rememberance.
intended recipients of U.S. weapons that began flowing into Syria last month, the officials said.
been complicated by the fundraisers’ under-theradar tactics. The organizers also take
canvass in mosques and other public venues, U.S. officials say. “Much of this funding
comes from private citizens in the gulf, particularly in Kuwait,” said David S. Cohen, the Treasury D e p a r t m e n t ’ s undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. The country, a source of financial aid for extremist groups during the Afghan and Iraq wars, “unfortunately continues to be a permissive environment for terrorist fundraising,” he said. What is more worrisome, officials say, is a new tendency among fundraisers to seek influence over the Syrian paramilitary groups they support. Some have adopted their own rebel militias and sought to dictate everything from ideology to tactics. Officials at one gulf-based organization, which calls itself the Ummah Conference, have helped promote a campaign to recruit thousands of Muslim volunteers for Syria while openly calling for a broader struggle against secular Arab governments and what one of its leaders terms “American terrorism.”
Chances To Intervene In Navy Yard Shooter’s Problems
AARON Alexis’s erratic and violent behavior was ignored, overlooked or dismissed for nine years by police, the military, the Department of Veterans Affairs and his employer, creating a series of missed opportunities that might have stopped the Navy Yard gunman, according to records and interviews with officials close to the investigation. The warning signs were stark but never detected or communicated among agencies, allowing Alexis to move freely around military
bases with a secret-level security clearance. Alexis was arrested three times in three states for acts of rash, inexplicable violence. He told Seattle police in 2004, for example, that he had had an anger blackout so intense that he could not recall shooting three rounds from the .45caliber Glock he usually kept strapped tightly to his waist. An upstairs neighbor in Texas in 2010 told police she was terrified of him after a gunshot came through the
floor a few feet from where she was sitting. Three other times, in other states, he was cited in police reports for acts of aggression or hallucinations. Twice, medical staff at swamped Veterans Health Administration emergency rooms in Providence, R.I., and the District failed to pick up on Alexis’s deteriorating mental stability, despite new protocols designed to screen for it, the records and interviews show.
Navy security officials, warned in August by police in Rhode Island that Alexis was hearing voices, a key indicator of a mental break, failed to notify the technology company where he worked, a Navy official said, nor did they appear to pass the information up the chain of command. Alexis’s employer, an IT company called the Experts, was so concerned about Alexis’s increasingly
“Alexis was arrested three times in three states for acts of rash, inexplicable violence. He told Seattle police in 2004, for example, that he had had an anger blackout so intense that he could not recall shooting three rounds from the .45-caliber Glock he usually kept strapped tightly to his waist”.
agitated state over the summer that they called his mother and sent him home to rest, but they say they did not share their concerns with the Navy. His outbursts never made it into a national database that would have notified police among different jurisdictions and turned up in background checks for gun purchases, enlisting in the military or obtaining a mid-level secret security clearance. That system is designed to catch Cold Warera spies intent on selling national secrets, not monitor people for mental health problems. In fact, some experts said, his security clearance, rather than acting as an early warning system, actually helped Alexis avoid greater scrutiny. His clearance was an indication for many that
Alexis could be trusted. The VA staff, trained to catch and treat such mental instability, often are so overworked and understaffed that they fail to do so, the records and interviews indicate. And military and company officials failed to act on clear warning signals that Alexis was spiraling dangerously out of control. And so on Monday, about 8:15 a.m., Alexis, who was known for his explosive temper and smoldering grudges, who sought refuge from his jangled thoughts at Buddhist temples and in meditation, and who had been estranged from his family for years, quietly slipped onto the Washington Navy Yard base with a sawed-down Remington 870 shotgun hidden in a bag. He emerged from a bathroom and killed 12 people before police shot him dead.
THE NIGERIAN
26
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
International Features
Syria: Obama’s History-Defying Decision PRESIDENT Barack Obama, according to background briefings by his aides, reached a fateful decision as he strolled along the White House lawn with his chief of staff Denis McDonough. Contrary to every expectation by his national security team, Obama concluded that he should ask Congress for authorization to bomb Syria. The full reasoning behind the president’s turnabout remains murky. He may have wanted to share responsibility for a risky strategy to punish the barbarous regime of Syrian strongman Bashir alAssad for using chemical weapons against his own people. Obama may have recognized the political dangers of attacking another Middle Eastern country without popular support at home. And the president, a former part-time constitutional law professor, may have also belatedly recalled the wording of Article One, Section Eight of the Constitution that grants Congress the sole power “to declare war.” But whatever Obama’s underlying motivations and however the Syrian vote plays out on Capitol Hill, the president’s decision to go to Congress represents an historic turning point. It may well be the most important presidential act on the Constitution and war-making powers since Harry Truman decided to sidestep Congress and not seek their backing to launch the Korean war. Just a few days ago, before Obama’s decision was known, legal scholars from both the right and the left were in agreement that waging war over Syria – no matter how briefly – without congressional approval would bend the Constitution beyond recognition.
To Seek Congressional Approval
Jack Goldsmith, a Harvard law professor who served as a Bush administration lawyer during the run-up to the 2003 Iraq war, wrote in the legal blog Lawfare, “The planned use of military force in Syria is a constitutional stretch that will push presidential war unilateralism beyond where it has gone before.” And liberal constitutional scholar Garrett Epps, writing for the Atlantic , concluded, “It’s pretty clear that an American attack would violate the Constitution.” Virtually no one in politics, the press or the academic community expected Obama to go to Congress for approval. That isn’t the way the presidential power works in the modern era. It is a sad truth that whomever occupies the Oval Office invariably expands rather than trims back the Imperial Presidency. Obama himself has reflected this pattern with his aggressive enhancement of the National Security Agency’s efforts to monitor electronic communications. For more than six decades, the war-making powers of Congress have been eviscerated by presidents of both parties. Which brings us back to Truman, who in 1950 balked at asking a Congress weary after World War Two for approval to militarily respond to the Communist attack on South Korea. Dean Acheson, Truman’s secretary of state, claimed in his memoirs that a congressional debate over the Korean War “would hardly be calculated to support the shaken morale of the troops or the unity that, for the moment, prevailed at home.” Acheson may not have remembered that military morale and national unity are not mentioned in the
Constitution. But the warmarking powers of Congress are at the heart of the nation’s founding document. It was as if the sign on Truman’s desk read, “The Buck Stops Here – And This is Also Where the Constitution Is Twisted.” The plain-spoken Truman
Commander in Chief set a template for future presidents. Even when presidents have gone to Congress for approval of major military engagements, these blankcheck authorizations have often been based on deceptive arguments.
hyperbolic were George W. Bush’s claims about Saddam Hussein’s non-existent arsenal of weapons of mass destruction. Even more legally dubious were all the times a president sent troops and planes into
President Barack Obama of USA.
resorted to weaselly words to claim that Korea was a United Nations-sponsored “police action” rather than a war. No other American “police action” has ever led to 54,246 wartime deaths. Truman’s assertion of vast executive power as
Lyndon Johnson premised the entire Vietnam war on the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which was designed to permit a limited response to two minor and maybe mythical naval skirmishes with North Vietnam. Similarly
“But Obama’s decision to seek congressional approval may prove to be an even more important precedent. Future presidents – as they consider unilateral military action without American security hanging in the balance – will have to answer, “Why didn’t you go to Congress like Obama did over Syria?”
combat without anything more than desultory briefings of the congressional leadership. Ronald Reagan dispatched the Marines into Grenada in 1983 under the preposterous rationale that he was only protecting endangered American medial students. Bill Clinton skirted congressional approval for the 1999 airborne attacks to halt Serbia’s ethnic cleansing of Kosovo on the shaky grounds that this was a NATO operation. And Obama himself was even on flimsier footing when he justified America’s participation in the 2011 bombing campaign over Libya based on a United
Nations resolution. But Syria did not provide Obama with any of these figleaf justifications. No American lives are in danger and the national security threat is hard to identify. Not only is NATO not participating, but also neither are the Brits, the United State’s closest diplomatic ally. With Russia serving as Assad’s enabler, there will be no Security Council resolution or UN mandate. Every time a president employs questionable legal arguments to wage war, it becomes a valuable tool for the next Commander in Chief impatient with the constitutional requirement to work through Congress. That’s why it would have been so dangerous for Obama to go forward in Syria without a congressional vote or the support of the UN or NATO. It is as much of a slippery slope argument as the contention that Iran, say, would be emboldened with its nuclear program if America did not punish Assad’s chemical attacks. Assuming Obama wins congressional approval, America’s coming attack on Syria is designed to set a lasting precedent: No government can ever again use chemical, biological – let alone nuclear – weapons without facing devastating consequences. As Obama asked rhetorically in his Saturday Rose Garden statement, “What message will we send if a dictator can gas hundreds of children to death in plain sight and pay no price?” But Obama’s decision to seek congressional approval may prove to be an even more important precedent. Future presidents – as they consider unilateral military action without American security hanging in the balance – will have to answer, “Why didn’t you go to Congress like Obama did over Syria?” Confronted with a series of wrenching choices over Syria, Obama chose the course that best reflects fidelity to the Constitution as written. Hopefully, in the days ahead, taking that less traveled road by presidents will make all the difference.
THE NIGERIAN
27
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Health
Dealing With Gum Disease
DO you think gum disease is something that only happens to people your grand parents or the aged? Think again! Teens can get gum disease too, and it can cause problems from the simply embarrassing (like bad breath) to the serious, like pain and tooth loss (which is both embarrassing and serious). What is gum disease? According to kidshealth.Org, Gum disease is also known as periodontal (pronounced: per-ee-oh-dontu) disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Untreated gum disease can become very serious, causing teeth to become loose or fallout. Gum disease is usually caused by a building of plaque, an invisible sticky layer of germs that forms naturally on the teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria, which produce toxins that irritate and damage the gums. Hundreds of types of bacteria live in the mouth, so keeping plaque at bay is a constant battle. That’s why brushing and flossing everyday and regular trips to the dentist are so important. Who is at risk? Certain things can make teens more likely to develop gum disease. Some may inherit this tendency from their parents. The snacks you eat also can put you at risk of developing gum disease especially if you grab fries and a soda in the mall after school and aren’t able to brush immediately after eating them. You probably know that sugar is bad for your teeth, but you may not know that starchy foods like fries also feed the acids that eat into your tooth enamel. If you have braces, fending off plaque can be tougher. Plus, some medical conditions (including diabetes and down
syndrome) and certain medicines increase the risk of gum disease. Running yourself down with a lousy diet, too little sleep, and too much stress leaves you more vulnerable to infection anywhere in the body, including your gums. Girls have a higher risk of gum disease than guys. Increase in female sex hormones during puberty can make girls’ gums more sensitive to irritation. Some girls may notice that their gums bleed a bit in the days before their periods. For severe and early gum problems, though, the real bad guy is tobacco. Not only does smoking lead to bad breath and stained, yellowed teeth but recent research also shows that smoking is a leading cause of gum disease. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), people who smoke cigarettes and chew tobacco are more likely to have plaque and tartar buildup and to show signs of advanced gum disease. They are also more likely to develop mouth cancer in the future. How it progresses Gum disease progresses in stages. Believe it or not, more than half of teens have some form of gum disease. Do your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth? Chances are you already have the muldest form of gum disease, bleeding gums are usually a sign of gingivitis. Other warning signs of gingivitis include gum tenderness, redness, or puffiness. If plaque from teeth and gums isn’t removed by good daily dental, care, over time it will harden into a crust called calculus or tartar. Once tartar forms, it starts to destroy gum tissue, causing gums to bleed and pull away from the teeth. This is known as periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease. With periodontitis, gums
By ISEMHENBITA FAITH
become weakened and form pockets around the base of teeth. Bacteria pool in these pockets, causing further destruction of the gums. As periodontitis spreads, it damages deeper gum tissue and can eventually spread to areas of the jawbone that support the teeth. This can cause teeth to become loose
look pink and firm, not red, swollen, or tender). • Any signs of gums pulling away from teeth. • Bad breath that won’t go away • Loose teeth. Tracking it down and treating it Gum disease can be sneaky, sometimes causing little or no
your dentist will also prescribe antibiotics or a special antibacterial mouth rinse to tackle the problem. Once someone develops periodontitis, it is not as easy to control. Usually there is widespread infection of the gums that needs to be treated. This may require several special treatments either by a dentist or a periodontist, an expert who specializes in the care of gum disease.
Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health
and fall out. Though periodontitis is rare in teens, it can happen. If it is not treated, it can cause real trouble for your teeth. What should you do to avoid these problems. See your dentist if you notice any of these signs of gum disease. • Bleeding of the gums that occurs regularly when brushing or flossing. • Discoloration of gums (healthy gums should
pain or irritation before permanent damage is done to your teeth. That is why regular dentist visits are a must. With x-rays and a thorough examination, a dentist or dental hygienist can spot trouble before you know it’s there. The earlier that gum disease is caught, the better. Adopting better brushing and flossing habits can usually reverse gingivitis. Sometimes
“Other warning signs of gingivitis include gum tenderness, redness, or puffiness. If plaque from teeth and gums isn’t removed by good daily dental, care, over time it will harden into a crust called calculus or tartar. Once tartar forms, it starts to destroy gum tissue, causing gums to bleed and pull away from the teeth. This is known as periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease.”
Some of the ways dentists and periodontists may treat periodontitis are; Antibiotics: These and other medications are often used together with scaling and root planning to stop the spread of infection and inflammation in the mouth. They come in several different forms that range from medicated mouthwashes to antibiotic – containing gets or fibers that are placed in gum pockets to slowly kill bacteria and help gums to heal. Scaling or root planting: These deep – cleaning measures involve scraping and removing plaque and tartar from teeth above and below the gum line. Surgery: Advanced cases of periodontitis may require a dentist to open and clean
badly diseased gum pockets, then stitch the gums back into place to fit more snugly around the teeth. Gingival grafting: If gum tissue is too diseased to sew back together, a dentist removes healthy gum tissue from another part of the mouth and stitches it into place. The graft replaces the diseased tissue and helps to anchor the teeth, giving them an improved appearance. While undergoing treatment for periodontitis, it’s especially important to take special care of your teeth and gums to see lasting improvement. This includes flossing and brushing everyday and quitting habits that mean bad news for the mouth, such as smoking or eating sugary snacks between meals. Prevention tips Fortunately, there’s good new: Gum disease is usually preventable. Just take care of your teeth, starting now. Brush twice a day for at least 3 minutes each time (about the length of your favorite song) and floss daily. If you’re not sure whether you’re brushing or flossing properly, your dentist or dental hygienist can show you the best techniques. Always brush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride; some dentists also recommend daily mouth rinses containing fluoride. Use a toothbrush with soft, polished bristles, as these are less likely to irritate or injure gum tissue. Be sure to replace your toothbrush at least every 3 to 4 months, a worn-out toothbrush can injure your gums. (some toothbrush brands contain color indicators on the bristles to remind you to replace them when they become worn. Eat a healthy diet: Avoid snacks and junk foods packed with sugar that plaque causing bacteria love to feed on. Don’t smoke! Cigarettes and chewing tobacco cause mouth irritation and are very unhealthy for gums and teeth. Regular dental care is extremely important in helping to keep your mouth healthy. Visit your dentist for routine care especially cleaning at least twice a year. Your dentist can remove hardened plaque and any tartar that you’re not getting to with brushing or flossing.
THE NIGERIAN
28
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Landrup Delighted With Dominant Win
Sergio Aguero celebrates after scoring in the Manchester derby
SWANSEA manager Michael Laudrup was proud of his players after a dominant victory at Crystal Palace capped a “fantastic week”. Despite less than 72 hours earlier demolishing Valencia at the Mestalla, the Welsh side showed no sign of a Europa League hangover as they eased to a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park. Palace were left chasing shadows from the outset,
with Michu’s strike after 80 seconds followed by a Nathan Dyer effort moments into the second half. It could - and should - have been a much larger margin of victory for Swansea, with that the only frustration for manager Laudrup after the match. However, following Monday’s hard-fought draw with Liverpool and the win in Spain, the Dane’s
AVB Hails Spurs Subs Lewis, Lamela ANDRES Villas-Boas hailed the subs who set up the ‘Boy From Brazil’ to grab three points in stoppage time. The visitors had 29 attempts on target but needed a last-gasp winner from Paulinho’s backheel to break-down Cardiff. spurs’ new midfielder was teed up by subs Lewis Holtby and Erik Lamela, who combined to break Welsh hearts. But Villas-Boas felt Tottenham more than merited the victory after Paulinho’s clever flick to finally beat the
brilliant David Marshall. The relieved Spurs boss said: “We got rewarded in the end. “It would have been extremely unfair and there was some sense of justice to the result. “Lewis came late into the game but he had some wonderful assists, he really found the link up well. “Credit to him because he came into the team with a great spirit to help the team. “And it was a great contribution from Erik as well in that goal.”
Paolo Di Canio reacts in West Bromwich, central England, on September 21, 2013
Moyes Plugs In The Hairdryer After Derby Mauling MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes left his players in no doubt about his feelings after a crushing 4-1 defeat at rivals Manchester City had him holding his head in his hands. Monday’s newspapers reported that the Scot had given his beaten side a blast of the infamous Alex Ferguson ‘hairdryer’ treatment after the match. Moyes, who took over from compatriot Ferguson at the end of last season, refused to confirm the full intensity of the dressing down but it was clear some hair
had been ruffled at the very least. “It’s just what I’d have done if I’d... I’ve been here many times with Everton and don’t think I’ve suffered a defeat like this with Everton,” the former Goodison boss told reporters when asked whether he had resorted to a first use of his predecessor’s favourite appliance. “So I just told the players the
way I would have told players at any other club if I don’t think they’re doing it.” added Moyes. “They’re good players, they’re good pros, they know when they’re bang at it and when they’re not.” Sunday’s match at the Etihad might have had Ferguson, if not throwing the crockery, at least delivering a lung-emptying tirade after a scoreline that was United’s worst defeat at City in 24 years. The headlines talked of a
Liverpool To Face United, Sunderland
LIVERPOOL will look to bounce back when they face Manchester United in the League Cup tomorrow before facing Sunderland on Sunday. The Red relinquished their place at the top of the Premier League standings following the Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Southampton, their first loss of the season. Brendan Rodgers’ men will now look to bounce back from the disappointing results when they take on rivals Manchester United in their League Cu third round encounter.
The Red Devils also go into this clash with dented spirits after going down 4-1 to Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has completed his 10-match ban and is likely to be unleashed against United on Wednesday and Rodgers believes his return will be a major boost. “It’s going to be great to have him back,” said Rodgers. “He’s in good condition, he’s been playing games and doing work with the conditioning teams.
“He won’t be 100 per cent but he’s a worker and a fighter so he’ll just need to get games to bring him up to full speed.” The Reds are currently in fifth place with 10 points from five matches and will look to return to winning ways in the league when they visit a struggling Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light on Sunday. The Black Cats are currently at the bottom of the Premier League standings with one point from five matches and have recently parted ways with manager Paolo Di Canio.
humiliation, rather than just a beating, for Premier League champions whose limitations were cruelly exposed. United were without striker Robin van Persie, who did not start due to a groin injury, but Moyes refused to use that as an excuse for a performance that raised serious questions about the quality of United’s squad. Instead, the manager demanded an immediate reaction from his players in the Capital One (League) Cup tie at home to Liverpool on Wednesday. “The way they have been brought up, they way they have been bred with the manager previously, they react, that’s what they do,” he said. “We’ll make sure we react. Every manager has bad results. I’m no different.” United were 4-0 down after 50 minutes and City’s new manager Manuel Pellegrini said he too was surprised by the scoreline. “You don’t expect to win 4-1 against Manchester United,” he told reporters. “It’s very big and the way we did it is always important. “We will enjoy this. It gives the team a lot of confidence. We are just starting another style of play and I hope to keep improving.”
overriding emotion was pride after the win. “It has been a fantastic week,” Laudrup said. “Before the start, I thought this particularly would be the most difficult game because it was on the back of Liverpool and Valencia. “This was the third game in only six days, with the travelling and all that. You have to play an away game here against a different type of football, more direct. “I thought this was going to be the most difficult game, so I am really pleased with what the players did. “It always helps when you score in the first minute, but even so you have to play over 90 minutes. I thought we really dominated the game from the first to the last second. “The only thing is, we should have scored more goals because we had the chances to score five or six like we had on Thursday, but it is of course difficult not to be pleased when you win 3-0 and 2-0 in just three days.”
Sunderland Start New Manager Search SUNDERLAND will step up their search for a new manager this week after Paolo Di Canio’s turbulent tenure was brought to an end. Di Canio kept Sunderland in the Premier League last season but that bought him no favour on Sunday evening when the club announced they and the Italian had parted company. Given that Di Canio was eager to carry on and lift the team off the bottom of the Premier League table, it was clear Sunderland were the instigators of the decision. The 45-year-old’s departure was confirmed a little more than 24 hours after a 3-0 defeat at West Brom. A statement said: “Sunderland AFC confirms that it has parted company with head coach Paolo Di Canio this evening.” Former Sunderland captain Kevin Ball, currently on the club’s coaching staff, steps in to lead the team on a short-
term basis, with the club saying a permanent replacement for Di Canio will be announced “in due course”. Bookmakers immediately rated former Chelsea and West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo as favourite, narrowly ahead of Gus Poyet, previously boss at Brighton. Di Canio arrived on Wearside amid a blaze of publicity in March as owner Ellis Short took a gamble on the former Swindon boss after deciding to end Martin O’Neill’s spell in charge. It proved a controversial appointment as critics cited reports of his alleged fascist sympathies, prompting the club to make a stout defence of their new manager. He steered the club to Premier League survival but one point from five games at the start of the current season has convinced Short to make another change.
THE NIGERIAN
29
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Ancelott And Di Maria Back Benzema CARLO Ancelotti and Angel Di Maria gave their support to Karim Benzema after the Real Madrid striker was whistled regularly by his own team’s fans during the 4-1 win over Getafe at the Bernabeu. Benzema began Sunday’s game having scored four goals in his first five Madrid games this season, but nevertheless having been the target of some discontent at the Bernabeu during previous outings, and also having been dropped by France coach Didier Deschamps after going 1,217 minutes without a goal at international level. The former Lyon player then had a nightmare against Getafe, missing an open goal in each half, and showing low confidence with some poor touches and mishit passes. Murmurs and then whistles rang around the stadium after a series of mistakes just after half-time, with Madrid’s Ultras Sur chanting the name of young substitute centre-forward Alvaro Morata. Madrid’s players were clearly aware of the awkward situation on the pitch, with Alvaro Arbeloa pointedly applauding his teammate after Benzema had headed over from point-blank range
Thiago Silva Injury Blow For PSG THIAGO Silva could miss several weeks of Paris SaintGermain’s Ligue 1 and Champions League campaigns after sustaining a thigh injury against Monaco on Sunday. The Brazilian had to be replaced after just 16 minutes of the reigning French champions’ 1-1 draw with the biggest challengers to their title at the Parc des Princes, and will undergo further medical examination on Monday to determine the full extent of the damage to his left thigh. The 28-year-old’s departure was followed just four minutes later by Radamel Falcao cancelling out Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s fifth-minute opener, and PSG boss Laurent Blanc acknowledged the loss of his captain had altered the face of the game. “Him coming off changed things, that’s for sure,” Blanc told the media following the match which left his team in second place, two points behind their league-leading opponents. “It’s no coincidence that we conceded a goal four minutes later. “We’re going to do some tests, but I think that we’ve lost him for a while.” The former France coach admitted that his team would be worse off for the duration of their captain’s injury. “You have to be realistic,” he added. “You can’t lose Thiago Silva without experiencing some uncertainty. “We all know what a player he is and we know that he’s very reassuring for his team-mates.”
Bale Suffers Thigh Strain
midway through the second period. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Di Maria said the whistles had been unfair. “The whistling of Karim seemed ugly to me,” the in-form Argentine winger said in AS. “Morata missed another chance, and nobody whistled him. You must be fair with everyone.” Ancelotti preferred to stick to the positive during his post-game press conference, pointing out that many supporters inside the stadium had applauded the striker as he left the field with ten minutes remaining. “I believe Benzema did a good job. He had many chances to score,” the Italian coach said. “The fans’ reaction was good because he was clapped. I do not believe Benzema will feel low because he is a player with character, even though he does not talk much. Sometimes to motivate a player, applause is good or whistles are good. These are normal things on the pitch.”
Balotelli
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has urged striker Mario Balotelli to learn to “shut up” after he was sent off during the 2-1 defeat to Napoli on Sunday. Balotelli had an eventful day, missing a penalty for the first time in his career and being frustrated by a fine performance from Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina. He scored a consolation goal before being dismissed for dissent when he picked up a second yellow after the fulltime whistle. The 23-year-old Italy international received his eighth red card as a professional and came under
fire from Allegri, who insists the player must improve his discipline. “When games are over, it’s better to stay quiet and I am against hysteria,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia. “It’s best to shut up and leave rather than stay there arguing with the referee, as it’s not going to change anything. Balotelli needs to improve that. “He received a fair few kicks, including many from behind, though he overall had a good game. “Of course you’ve got to be angry at the final whistle [after losing], but you’ve got to remain serene. Hysterical outbursts don’t help at all.
and Allegri said they already faced an uphill battle to challenge for the Scudetto. “We must try to pick up as many points as possible now,” he added. “Napoli are one of the candidates for the Scudetto and we played on a par with them overall despite missing many key players. I already have ideas on how to fix things, but I need some of the players to recover from injuries first.” Milan are now eight points behind both Napoli and Roma, echoing the uncertain start to last season from which they recovered to secure the third and final Champions League berth.
REAL Madrid midfielder Gareth Bale is a major doubt for Los Blancos’ trip to Elche tomorrow after the club confirmed he has suffered a thigh strain. The Welshman was due to make his home debut against Getafe on Sunday, but pulled up with the injury in the warm-up and had to replaced by Isco. A statement on the club’s website confirmed that a scan carried out on Monday morning had detected a strain in his left thigh and his return to action would depend on his recovery over the next few days. Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said after the game that he was hopeful Bale would be fit for Saturday’s Madrid derby against Atletico, however he wasn’t so positive about his chances of featuring in midweek. “Obviously, it is unusual that if a player can’t play in a match that he is ready to play in three days time,” he told a press conference. “I am sure that he will be ready for the game on Saturday.” Bale has played just 90 minutes of action since sealing his reported world transfer record breaking move from Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. The 24-year-old started and scored on his debut in the 22 draw with Villarreal on September 14, but was only introduced by Ancelotti as a second-half substitute for the 6-1 thrashing of Galatasaray in the Champions League last week.
Genoa, and if we want to build something definite, we’ve got to do so by keeping our attention high from game to game. “We gained this win with concentration and, above all, the team’s combined desire.” Roma hope to get back into European competition this season, but coach Rudi Garcia was quick to temper thoughts of an assault on the title. “Our aim is to finish in the top five,” he told Sky Italia. “I’m ambitious, but let’s see what happens. We’ve not played many games yet to know what this team’s real level is, but I like this team and I also like our
fans. “Juve, Milan and Napoli are playing in Europe and that will take energy off them, so let’s hope this will be an advantage for us this season.” Full-back Federico Balzaretti could not hold back tears of joy after scoring his first goal in a Roma shirt. “I’m delighted, because the last derby [a 1-0 defeat in the Coppa Italia final] left a mark on everybody,” he said. “That was the worst defeat in my career, but we’ve worked hard. We’re a group of serious professionals, and we’re top because we deserve to be there.”
Allegri Irate At Balotelli Red Card
Thiago Silva
After the final whistle, you’ve got to shut up, otherwise you only do harm.” Some of Balotelli’s Milan team-mates also urged him to show more restraint, with full-back Ignazio Abate telling Rai television: “I didn’t see the incident, but I heard about it when I got back into the dressing room. “Mario has got to learn to control himself because he is a crucial part of our team, and to lose him for two or three games will be a problem. He has got to learn some selfcontrol.” Milan slipped to 12th place after the weekend’s results
Francesco Totti Hails Derby Boost
Totti, 36, celebrated the sweetest of victories days after agreeing a new contract that ensures he will end his playing career with his only club — and fired a warning to the rest of Serie A. The win took the tabletopping Giallorossi’s perfect start to the season to four wins from four, and Totti explained: “As I’ve said often, the derby is unlike any other game, and winning it can change your entire season because it reinforces your belief and gives you enthusiasm. “We’re not going to celebrate now, though, because we’re thinking about [the next game against]
THE NIGERIAN
30
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Int’l Fans Taunt Dunga During Home Defeat INTERNACIONAL coach Dunga was told his job was safe despite being taunted by his team’s own supporters during a 1-0 home defeat by Portuguesa in the Brazilian championship. The former Brazil coach had to endure chants of “Goodbye Dunga” as his side, playing almost the entire second half with 10 men, lost for the second time in four days. In other matches on Sunday, former world player of the year Ronaldinho inspired South American champions Atletico Mineiro to a 2-1 win over Vasco da Gama while Sao Paulo were beaten by a freak goal at Goias. Internacional, fifth with 34
points from 23 games, left themselves an uphill struggle after defender Indio was sent off in the 48th minute for clashing with an opponent. They managed to hold out until the 85th minute when Wanderson scored a breakaway goal to give relegation-threatened Portuguesa their first away win of the championship. “We will stay together until the end of the year, the team staff will be maintained,” club president Giovanni Luigi told Radio Bandeirantes, saying there was no question of Dunga being fired. “It was our worst game of the year and we know that,” Dunga told reporters. Dunga was insulted with chants of “donkey, donkey”
during a previous home game but shrugged it off by praising donkeys as “hard-working animals.” Ronaldinho set Mineiro on their way with a back-heeled pass for Fernandinho to open the scoring in the second minute before his free kick was deflected into his own net by Rafael Vaz in the 18th. Dakson pulled one back for Vasco in the 73rd minute with a shot which went through the legs of Mineiro goalkeeper Victor. Sao Paulo goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni was left cursing his luck when a 30 metre free kick from Rodrigo struck the post, hit him on the back and flew into the goal to give Goias a 1-0 win. Leaders Cruzeiro (50 points) drew 0-0 at Corinthians and moved eight points clear of second-placed Botafogo, who lost 2-1 at home to Bahia.
Croatia Ex Fed Chief Markovic Dies VLATKO Markovic smiles before the Euro 2012 qualifying match in Rijeka on
October 11, 2011 The president of Croatia’s Football Federation (HNS)
Vlatko Markovic
Vlatko Markovic, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, died overnight Monday aged 76, the national radio reported. Markovic, a former top player and coach, died in a Zagreb hospital where he was admitted earlier this month to treat pneumonia. A former top player and coach Markovic withdrew as HNS chief, a post he had held since 1998, in mid-2012. Markovic began his career with clubs in Bosnia, where he was born, before going on to play for Dinamo Zagreb, FC Austria and Rapid Vienna. He won 16 caps for the former Yugoslavia national team and retired as a player in 1968. Markovic coached Nice, Rapid, Standard Liege, as well as Hajduk Split, Dinamo Zagreb. He was also national squad coach in 1993-1994.
Uncertainty Over Bert Van Marwijik
BERT van Marwijk confirmed he had agreed a two-year contract with Hamburg on Saturday — but there are claims the agreement could collapse over his desire to appoint Andreas Moller as his assistant. Hamburg dismissed coach Thorsten Fink last week after a dismal start to the new season, and this weekend they slumped to a 2-0 defeat at home to northern rivals Werder Bremen. Former Borussia Dortmund coach Van Marwijk, out of work since resigning as
Dunga
Pirates, Ahli Both Seal Semis Berths HOLDERS Al Ahli and opponents Orlando Pirates both qualified for the African Champions League semifinals after a goalless draw in Soweto on Sunday. Al Ahli of Egypt finished top of Group A on 11 points and meet Coton Sport of Cameroon in next month’s two-legged semifinal. South African club Pirates will take on Group B winners Esperance of Tunisia in the other semifinal. Sunday’s final Group A matches also offered the Congolese club AC Leopards a chance to qualify but despite taking the early lead away in Egypt, they were beaten 4-1 by Zamalek in El Gouna. Leopards and Zamalek both finished on seven points, one less than Pirates, who would have won the group had they taken a myriad of chances at home to Ahli on Sunday. Ahli goalkeeper Sherif El Akrami made two point blank
saves to deny a home win while Walid Soliman could have stolen an away triumph for Ahli midway through the second half but steered his shot agonisingly wide. Come the final 10 minutes both teams appeared to settle for the draw they knew would see them into the next round, Ahli as pool winners. “At this level you have to
put the ball in the net but we made it to the semifinals and now we’ll have a go,” said Pirates coach Roger de Sa after the match. The two Group B teams had already made sure of their semifinal places last weekend but on Saturday, Esperance confirmed their superiority with a 2-1 away win over Coton Sport in Garoua.
INJURED Ghana midfielder Mohammed Rabiu will undergo surgery on a thigh injury on Monday in Germany. The operation is to correct and drain out a bloody patch fro m his thigh. Rabiu got injured last Thursday playing for his Russian side Kuban Krasnodar in the UEFA Europa League Group A match at Swiss side St Gallen.
He faces up to six weeks on the sidelines and will miss next month’s Brazil 2014 World Cup play-off against Egypt at home. Rabiu is likely to be fit for the return leg between the weekend of 15-19 November. The 23-year-old signed for FC Kuban during the summer transfer window from French side Evian Thonon-Gaillard.
Rabiu Set For Op In Germany
Netherlands coach in June last year, had looked set to take the reins when he told Dutch TV show NOS Studio Sport on Saturday: “Hamburg got in touch with me directly after the sacking of Thorsten Fink. “I have told them what I am able to offer and they told me what they want. The contract will run over two years and includes an option for another year. This is great club with a huge tradition.” Later on Saturday, Hamburg sporting director Oliver Kreuzer confirmed talks with
Van Marwijk had taken place but said up to five candidates were still under consideration, and the following day Sky reported that Kreuzer had travelled to Switzerland to speak to former Tottenham coach Christian Gross. Club officials rejected that claim but did confirm the trip to Switzerland. There was further uncertainty over Van Marwijk’s arrival on Sunday evening. Amid reports that Van Marwijk wanted former Germany international Moller on his staff, chairman of the
Bafana To Tackle Morocco BAFANA Bafana will play Morocco in an international friendly match next month, SAFA have announced. The clash with the Atlas Lions will take place on Friday, 11 October 2013 at the Agadir New Stadium in Agadir City, southwest of Morocco. It will be an evening match but the kick off time is still to be confirmed. The match is one of two between the two nations – with the return leg to be hosted by South Africa in 2014. Agadir City is situated 508km to the south of
Casablanca and 235km to the west of Marrakech. The Atlas Lions are the 2015 hosts of the Africa Cup of Nations and have won the competition once in 1976. They finished second in 2004 in Tunisia and third in 1980 in Nigeria. Coached by Rachid Taoussi, Morocco is ranked 76 on the FIFA/Coca Cola World rankings and 16 on the African continent. South Africa is 68 on FIFA World rankings and 12 in Africa. In their last five matches, the two teams have each won two, lost two and drew the other.
board Manfred Ertel told NDR Sportclub: “I’d like to think that Andreas Moller will not be an assistant coach at Hamburg.” Bild suggested that the Moller issue could result in the deal falling apart. Hamburg currently sit 16th in the division having taken only one win — against rockbottom Eintracht Braunschweig — from their opening six games, and several players have voiced their concern about the club’s direction. “I have been here for six years,” left-back Marcell Jansen said in kicker. “I can tell you: It’s never quiet here. They always find something,” Club captain Rafael van der Vaart added: “The unrest might be a bit of a problem for a few lads in our squad.” Centre-back Heiko Westermann warned that Hamburg are now facing a fight to stay in the Bundesliga. “Our performance was frightening,” he said of the defeat at home to Bremen. “We got nowhere near to playing football. Nobody wants to hear it around here, but we are now fighting relegation. It is now about the existence of the club.”
THE NIGERIAN
31
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
No CHAN Teams For CECAFA Challenge Cup
3SC Not Going Down 3SC defender Francis Edem scored twice against Enugu Rangers and has assured that the struggling Ibadan club will escape relegation. On Sunday, the former First Bank of Lagos central defender gave hosts Shooting Stars the lead after 23 minutes from the penalty spot after Okiki Afolabi was fouled inside the box. Edem then made it 2-1 in the 79th minute through a header off a Philip Asuquo cross. “I am so happy to get my very first goal for 3SC. The goals are for my coach, Busari Akeem, for the trust he has in me and I am very sure we will escape the relegation,” he told MTNFootball.com Coach Busari said Shooting Stars will turn the corner. “I’m sure it will turn the table around and I can assure our fans we will avoid relegation at the end of the season,” he assured.
Victor Nsofor
Nsofor Roots For Eagles
LOKOMOTIV Moscow forward Victor Obinna Nsofor has promised to do more after his return to the Super Eagles. Nsofor, who has scored vital goals for Nigeria in the past, said he is excited coach Stephen Keshi recalled him to the national team and has now set his sights on helping Nigeria beat Ethiopia to get a Brazil 2014 World Cup ticket, among other things. The full interview: MTNFootball.com: Congratulations on your return to the Super Eagles. Nsofor: Thank you very much. You have been away for a while, how has it being for you since you were overlooked by the Super Eagles? I wasn’t happy with it, but I was always in touch with the team. I am always with them in spirit and talk to those I know well in the team before and after the games. I still saw myself as a member of the team even when I was not called up. Did you really believe you would be recalled to the team?
Yes, I strongly had that feeling that if I kept doing well for my club, I will get another look-in and I thank God it happened. At some point, I was injured and I believe that delayed my return to the Eagles. What should we expect of Nsofor now you are back in the team? I am still as potent as I used to be, in fact I am a better player now having gathered more experience over the year. I am back in Eagles for better performances and contributions. How do the current Eagles compare to in the team in the past? Super Eagles now are an ongoing process and getting stronger day by day, match after match. Previously, we had a lot of experienced players but now we have a lot of young and good players who have brought a lot of power and zeal into the team. This team will be great. What do you think is responsible for the improvement in Eagles as you
have pointed out? Let me say unity and a zeal to excel. The players and the coaches are united and there is no discrimination, with this, the sky will be our starting point. I am happy to be part of this team. Eagles have been drawn with Ethiopia for the Brazil 2014 play off, what can you say? All the 10 teams at this point will be tough. We don’t have to underrate our opponents, all we need do is be focused and play them as if were playing the best team in the world in a cup final over two legs. We can’t afford to miss out on Brazil 2014. What targets have you set with the Eagles? I want to help my country to qualify for the 2014 World Cup and go ahead to do well at the tournament proper. You were at some point linked to a return to the English Premier League. Yes, that is true, but nothing concrete happened. I am enjoying my time at Lokomotiv Moscow. What do you hope to achieve
following his recent transfer to Turkish club Rizespor. “Eagles won’t miss me, they will do well at CHAN without me. The team was not all about me, we have a lot of great players in the Nigeria league. I am sure they will do well,” Oboabona told MTNFootball.com In the meantime, Oboabona has told MTNFootball.com his inability to speak Turkish was not the reason why he has yet to make his debut for Rizespor and he said he believes he will soon get his chance with his new Turkish
“There is no truth that my inability to speak Turkish is responsible for me not to have debut for Rizespor. I can’t say why but I am sure God’s time is the best, I will soon get my chance to play. “There are a lot of players who don’t speak Turkish and they are playing in here in Turkey.” Oboabona told MTNFootball.com “All the same, I am learning Turkish just to be able to communicate better with my Turkish team mates.”
Eagles Will Shine At CHAN Insists GODFREY Oboabona has Oboabona team. insisted Nigeria’s home-based team will do well even without him at next year’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN). Nigeria have been grouped alongside hosts South Africa, Mali and Mozambique in the first round of the competition meant for players who feature at their local leagues. The former Sunshine Stars captain was an important part of the team who qualified for the competition for the first time, but he is no longer eligible to play in the competition
with The Railway Men this term? Just to keep doing well, score goals and help my club secure continental ticket at least. But I also want to win a trophy at least this season. What is the relationship among the Nigerians playing in Russia? It is cordial, we are one family. Thank for your time.
THE secretary general of the Council for East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) has said they will not invite teams outside the region that qualified for the 2014 CHAN. The regional body is preparing to stage the 2013 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Nairobi, Kenya. Nicholas Musonye told MTNFootball.com from Nairobi on Sunday that they will want the teams from the CECAFA region that qualified for CHAN to use this event to prepare for the event to be hosted by South Africa in January next year. Uganda, Ethiopia and Burundi are the CECAFA nations that qualified for the third edition of the Africa Nations Championship. “We shall not invite nations outside CECAFA that have qualified for the 2014 Africa Nations Championship event like Zimbabwe, who have occasionally attended this event,” explained Musonye. He said Malawi might be the only guest side for the event expected to take place late November through to early December. He said since there are already 12 member nations, they will only have Malawi as guests. “We are meeting members
NFL Star Of The Week
Uche Ihuraulam UCHE Ihuarulam of Bayelsa United is the Nigeria league star of Week 33 after his winner against Enyimba shot his team to top of the table. The young striker was picked ahead of Victor Namo, who scored his 14th goal of the season for Nasarawa United; Mfom Udoh of Akwa United who was torn in the flesh of the Nasarawa defence and netted his 13th goal in the process. Other contenders were Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali, whose brace downed Wolves, and Edem Francis, whose brace lifted 3SC above Enugu Rangers. Ihuarulam’s goal at home to Enyimba was very crucial as it took Bayelsa to the league summit. The elated youngster told MTNFootball.com he was excited to score against almighty Enyimba. “I feel very great and happy to score the goal that gave us victory against a team like Enyimba, breaking the solid defence and beating their goalkeeper was hard, but in all, I give thanks to God almighty,”
the former Nembe City star revealed. His target is to score 11 goals this season. “I have a personal target, which was to score 15 goals, but I have reduced that to 11 goals, I have scored seven now and I believe I will reach the mark. I also want to win the league crown with my team,” said the player who idolises Thierry Henry, Arsenal and Juventus. PROFILE Date of birth: 2/12/1995 Height: 1.8m Previous clubs: Nembe City Present club: Bayelsa United
Uche Ihuarulam
of The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on Monday (today) to decide on the actual dates and other issues to do with the tournament. We shall also finalise with a sponsor soon,” added Musonye. East African Breweries Limited (EAB), through the popular brand, Tusker sponsored the event before for three years, but has not renewed the contract. The national sides expected to take part in the event include defending champions Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia and Eritrea.
Uganda Begins Serious Work Ahead Of CHAN UGANDA tactician Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has said he returns to the country today to start serious work ahead of the 2014 Africa Nations Championship. We are not taking anything for granted and work must start early enough,” stressed Micho, who was in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for a holiday with his family. Uganda, who will be making their second appearance at the tournament meant for homebased players, have been pooled alongside Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso and Morocco in Group B, which will be based in Cape Town. The Cranes are expected to open their campaign against Burkina Faso on January 12th at the Athlone Stadium. “I have already drawn a programme which we are going to start working on. We are going to have a number of international build-up games ahead of the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup and also have a camp in South Africa before the CHAN event,” disclosed Micho. The Serb maintained that since Uganda has been drawn in a ‘group of death’, a lot of work and preparation must be done. “We must get out of the group and make it to the knockout stage, but we need to invest a lot of time and prepare well,” added Micho. Uganda ejected Taifa Stars of Tanzania on a 4-1 goal aggregate to qualify for the 2014 CHAN event. Interestingly, Tanzania also eliminated Uganda to qualify for the 2009 CHAN competition. Ethiopia and Burundi are other national sides from the CECAFA region that have qualified for the CHAN competition
THE NIGERIAN
CMYK
32
THE terror attack at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, has reaffirmed the bestial nature of terrorism and its distorted aims. With over fifty people dead- women and children includednothing could speak more to the insanity of the motivation behind such attacks. For the attackers
eternal damnation, if anything like that even exists. Beyond this obviously puerile insinuation, these people seem locked in perpetual war mode for the simple fun of it. I do not understand how killing people is intended to win converts to a religion in a world where the manpower and
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
operatives claimed that they were immediately attacked as they arrived at the location and a gun battle with Boko Haram elements ensued. However, witnesses who made it out of the area alive tell a different story: they say the location was an uncompleted building occupied by squatters and that the owner of the
As We Mourn The Victims Of Terror Attacks In Kenya And Nigeria
to have even attempted what they considered a concilliatory gesture towards Muslims by asking those who were Muslims to leave because they had not come for them must have stirred remorse in the minds of those who saw this gesture for what it was; insane. At what point do we draw the line between religious fanaticism and obvious manifestations of psychosis? I cannot deny that this opinion piece has been inspired by a terrible loss in the Westgate attack. The death of professor Kofi Awoonor has dealt me, and many others who have been faithful fans of his brilliant poetry and prose, a severe blow. It has painfully brought home the fatal reality of the power of gun totting illiterates, and servants to inane doctrines, to redirect the world’s intellectual trajectory in a single spate of madness; but it must not win. Nigeria is in a running battle with militants too. Reports say that in four years we have lost over a thousand people to acts of terror. Terror mongers also hide their cruel acts under the cloak of a puritanist religious goal supposedly inspired by the need to rid their lands of the corrupting influence of western cultures and the instrument by which these influences are imparted, education. If we take these demands at face value, we encourage the seeming madness that drives these actions. I personally do not believe any religion teaches its adherents not to read books neither do I see how one’s desire to learn would lead them to
weaponry is tilted heavily in favour of the “enemy” side, and the only success they (the terrorists) could ever hope for is death. There is really no difference between what has happened in Kenya and what has been happening in Nigeria for the past four years- except that the brutality and barbarism of both sides (terrorists and government) in the Nigerian conflict have been unprecedented: in its four years of violent attacks on communities, public places and security posts, Boko Haram has shown its members to be brutally inconsiderate of the welfare of its own supposed constituents; it has killed children with impunity and even devised a macabre scheme of attacking children in schools, shooting and cutting throats. This is beyond any religious call and does not deserve the considerations of an amnesty that the government seems willing to grant them even as the war rages on. A total intelligence war on terrorism, and a government willing to change the social conditions of its people to win them off the false recruitment propaganda of these groups, are the only way to stop this cankerworm from spreading further. However, the attitude of the government does not seem to encourage this. A few days ago, reports of a gun battle close to the Legislators’ Quarters in Apo, Abuja, seemed to imply that Boko Haram had infiltrated the capital city again and was in the process of planning another major attack. Initial reports suggested that the gun battle broke out after security operatives, acting on a tip off, had gone to an abandoned building to recover hidden arms and ammunition. Security
Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenya President.
building, said to be a senior military officer, had given them (squatters) an ultimatum to move out of the premises or face severe consequences. Two days later security operatives stormed the premises opening fire randomly. This version of events cannot be written off for good reason; since the attack, we have not seen the Boko Haram suspects arrested during the raid neither did we see the cache of arms seized. This makes for a very disturbing twist to Nigeria’s own approach in fighting terrorism. In this feral turf, both sides seem to have declared open season on innocent lives. There are obviously serious challenges faced by people in these volatile states and there seems to be very little attempt by our government to address the myriad difficulties faced by these
people or a desire to approach the battle with altruistic zeal. In Nigeria, on the one hand is a terror network that has decided to twist religious doctrines to serve its macabre aims while on the other is an army, made up of irascible young men, willing to march over the heads of the people they are supposed to protect. I have heard people ask why there has been so much outpouring of condolence for the victims of the Kenyan attack whereas the victims of the Nigerian attacks have been largely ignored by the international press. We must understand that the situations within both countries have largely determined global perceptions of the events. Beyond the most prevalent opinion that Kenya attracts a more sympathetic global audience because it is a hub of western interest, there are
some other considerations. The Kenyan attack is beemed through live broadcasting to a world audience stunned by terrible scenes of scampering crowd of shaken shoppers; video clips of bodies, who would have been shoppers with their families only a short while before, lying dead on driveways. The Kenyan attack brings home to audiences around the world live shots of the bestial face of terrorism. Also, in Kenya, they dont seem to have a problem with the approach that the government has taken in securing the lives of its citizens; so far, reports of massacres of civilians by the Kenyan Police or army has not been heard of. In Nigeria, the case is different. Not only have we not had a standoff that involved hostage taking and violent gun battles in a public place that would
beam live clips of the terrorists’ predilection for gruesomeness, our government seems bent on stifling media coverage of these attacks where they occur. There is also the inclination of security forces towards a blanket attack on the same communities that have been victims of Boko Haram attacks, on the sinister assumption that the communities are complicit in the insurgency. Another point is the one buttressed by the earlier narrated Apo gun battle. The world cannot be blamed for the neglect of our victims, we are to blame for not insisting that our government and security agencies act above board and show more consideration for the lives of innocent people. However, this opinion does not, in any way, deny the fact that our security agencies and our military personnel have displayed commendable levels of bravery in their duty, neither does it ignore the serious challenges that the twin dangers of our porous borders and the bestial nature of the enemy portend for the safety of our troops and the task before them. What the Kenyan attack has shown is the vehemence with which terrorism aims to spread its sordid reach. Our government must learn from the gory lessons that this incidence has taught the world: Nowhere is beyond the dangerous reach of terror. Terrorism has become the bane of world peace, and it seems prepared to open new frontiers in places it has never been before. Fighting this scourge will not be easy in a world where weapons proliferate and where religious doctrines and sentiments continue to celebrate ignorance and engender false beliefs in contorted sublime aspirations.
Printed and published by Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, 24, Airport Road, P.M.B. 1334 Benin City. Telephone; Lagos: 01 4930929, Benin: 052 257492, 257531 Editor: Barr. SOLOMON IMOHIOSEN (KSJI)- (07030699646), Deputy General Manager, Marketing (08023457566), Assistant General Manager, Advertisement (08023808856) Lagos Office: 3/4 Amode Close, Kudirat Abiola Way, By Olushosun Bus Stop, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. Abuja Office: Floor 1, Edo House, 75 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Tel/Fax: 09-5237631. All correspondence to: 24 Airport Road, Benin City. E-mail: nigerianobserver@yahoo.com (ISSN 0331-2674)