Nigerian observer 25 07 2013

THE NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

1

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 CHILD HEALTH AND YOU

Page 15

Fish: An invaluable component of child nutrition

SOCIETY ISSUES Page 18 Between human rights and peace (1)

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

• Vol. 38 NO.282 • THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2 0 13 • N100.00

Death Penalty: Islamic Clerics

BENIN CITY- Islamic clerics in Edo State have thrown their weight behind the recent execution of condemned criminals in Edo State, saying it is in accordance with the

back Oshiomhole

laws of God. Led by the Chief Imam of Benin and Chairman League of Imams in Edo State, Mallam Abdul

Fattah Enabulele, the clerics also hailed the governor for frowning at same sex marriage proposal of some

European countries.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the governor yesterday, the

Continues on page 2

Economic Empowerment

Edo gives N100m to market women

BENIN CITY- Edo State Government yesterday gave N100 million revolving, interest-free and nonrefundable grant to market women in the state to boost their trade with a call on them to continue to defend democracy and good governance.

Governor of the state, government for Board Comrade Adams appointments.

Oshiomhole who According to the disclosed this yesterday at a reception organized for him by market women across the state also asked them to forward names of twenty candidates to

governor, “next month, the state government will give the market women N100

million and you people know how best to share it to support your

business. This money should be rotated amongst yourselves

and you do not have to pay back to the

Continues on page 2

Gov refutes signing new death warrants

Edo State

GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT INVITATION TO TOWN HALL MEETING ON EDUCATION EDO State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole wishes to invite the executives and members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNIBEN and Ambrose Alli University Chapters, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics in the state, Civil Society Groups, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Market Women Association, Student Groups, Women Associations, Non-Governmental organisations, media executives and practitioners, teachers, Parents Teachers Associations in the state, community leaders and indeed other stakeholders in the education sector in the state to a Town Hall Meeting on Education.

Theme of the Town Hall Meeting which will hold from 9.30a.m. on Wednesday, 31st July, 2013 at the Imaguero College Hall, Benin City, is “The State of Education in Edo State”.

Signed: PATRICK OBAHIAGBON, Esq., Chief of Staff.

By EUBALDUS ENAHORO BENIN CITY - Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has not signed the death warrants of two more prisoners on death row in the state contrary to a news report in the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA. A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Peter Okhiria disclosed that the

Continues on page 2

HOSTING: The President General of the Market Women Association, Madam Black Osemwegie, presenting her speech to Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole during the hosting of the Governor by the Women in Benin City yesterday. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.

Constitution Amendment

Senate to revisit Child Marriage

By JOSES SEDE

ABUJA - Groaning under the weight of local and international criticisms over recent rejection of child right clause in the on-going fourth amendment of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, Senate President, David Mark yesterday promised to revisit the issue with a view to redressing the

matter.

Giving the assurance while hosting Gender And Constitution Reform Network (GECORN) at the

National Assembly, Sen. Mark regretted that two-third majority of the Senators had voted to delete the

contentious Section 29(4)(b) but were later blackmailed to reverse themselves.

“We had deleted the

BENIN CITY- Edo State House of Assembly has confirmed six nominees as Managing Director and Directors of Edo State

I n f o r m a t i o n Communication and Technology Agency (ICTA) after the screening by the House Committee on Rules,

Business and Government House.

Those confirmed are Ms. Yemi Kerry, Management Director

clause at the first instance, when tangential issues that were totally unnecessary

Continues on page 2

House confirms 6 Directors while forthe Directors Edoare

By KEN ABU/ Emmanuel Anabor, ICT agency WINIFRED OSASOBO Omorodion Donald,

Igbinomwanhia Abieyuwa; Abiona Kenny Olawole and Onaiwu Toriseju.

Continues on page 2

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

News

Edo gives N100m to market women

is not necessarily determined by the amount of oil money we get every month from

Continued from page 1

government. Also forward twenty names to the Chief of Staff, we will put them in various boards under Edo State government because this government is your own and you must participate in it.

“As our mothers and sisters, individually and collectively you carry our message of hope across the 192 wards, you canvassed for support, enlightened the people on what we are doing right and even with the promise to do more and at the end of the day the people listened, they voted and ACN won 18 over 18. You did it before and you have done it again on the basis of what is good for the

Edo people,” he noted.

The governor noted, “I like having meetings in this hall just to remind us of what has changed, how we can build a new world from the ashes of the old that we can now have a beautiful hall for a secondary school and from Edo North, Edo Central, Edo South we are building schools, so that your children, the child of a market woman will have every reason to look forward to a decent school.

Never again will the Edo child be taught in a class without roof or even without teachers.

“I am very appreciative and

even committed along with members of my cabinet, we are clear that we are here only because you are here, we are a passing phase, you are a permanent force, we have shown that a state can work when those in government recognize that the power that they exercise belong to the people and the power is exercised solely on their behalf and no government is legitimate if its actions are not informed by the greatest good for the greatest number of her citizens.

“We have shown that the performance of a government

House confirms 6 Directors for Continued from page 1 Edo ICT agency Prior to their confirmation, Jude Ise-Idehen (Ikpobathe House considered the report of the House Committee on Rules, Business and Government House which was for consideration presented by Hon. Philip Shaibu (Etsako West 11) on the screening.

According to the findings of the report, with one point recommendation, the nominees were deemed fit haven been found to be professionally experienced and educationally qualified for the job.

During yesterday plenary session, the House deferred consideration of the report of the House committee on Public Petitions on a Petition titled, “Save Our Soul, abandoned road Project in Government Housing Etsate, Iguosa.

This is to enable members of the committee led by Hon.

Okha) and Hon. Sunday Osazewinde (Ovia North East 1) the lawmaker representing the site road pay an inspection visit to the road project site for an on the spot assessment to verify the alleged state of the road project which was challenged

by Hon. Sunday Osazewinde at plenary when Hon. Jude Ise-Idehen revealed during deliberation on the report that the project had been completed since July 19, 2013.

However, the Lawmaker representing the Iguosa Community, Hon. Osazewinde hinted that he drove through the road on July 20, 2013 a day after the alleged completion date of July 19, 2013 and observed that the project had not been completed.

Confirming of the

committee’s claims, a member of the committee, Hon. Friday Ogierhiaki (Orhionmwon-South 2) said he relied on the information provided by the chairman of the committee though he was not physically present at the project site.

The claims of the committee chairman which was countered by the lawmaker representing the Iguosa community in the absence of sufficient evidence to corroborate the claims of the completion of prompted the Speaker Hon. Uyi Igbe to defere the consideration of the report to another day so as to enable members of the committee and the lawmaker representing the area where the project is to establish the completion claims or otherwise.

Abuja. we have shown that we can look inward and reinvent our state, reposition it on the path of sustainable development, we are proud to say that there is no local government that people can not point at what has changed and even what is changing and promise what is still going to change and with you by our side we can not be afraid,” he noted.

The governor urged the women to “defend the gains of good governance, to defend democracy because it is the only form of government that gives the market woman power to hire and fire, that power you must retain and use it judiciously and to insist that beyond election day, the governor and the governed must meet eye ball to eye ball to give account and that is the gain of democracy.

“You must have the confidence to talk to your governor the way you talk to your husband or your son so that never again are we going to have a graveyard silence in Edo state. As Nigeria moves, the Edo woman must be counted on the side of democratic forces,” he added.

Earlier, the Secretary General of the Edo State Market Women Association, Mrs. Blackie Omoregie said the forum was to congratulate the governor for the victory in the governorship election and commend him for his developmental efforts.

“We like to bring to your notice the inability of previous governments to grant interest free-loans to market women.

We shall be most grateful if your administration can rescue us in this direction,” she added.

Death Penalty: Islamic Clerics back

Continued from page 1

Chief Imam who led other Imams in the state to the Government House in Benin City commended the governor for abiding by the dictates of the constitution of the nation and his readiness to uphold and support the African value system.

“Recently, when the comrade governor signed the warrant for four convicted criminals in the state, there was criticisms from some quarters. We the League of Imams took a look at the gravity of the crime which they committed that warranted such.

After carefully studying the briefing of the Honourable Commissioner for Justice and Atthoney-General of Edo State on the issue, we were all satisfied, Edo state government has done the right thing at the right time.

“Even the Almighty God will not be happy if the governor had not signed the death warrant. Apart from the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Holy Books, (the Bible and Glorious Quran) support that those who kill by the sword shall die by the sword. Those criticizing your action should study the constitution properly and seriously evaluate the seriousness of the crime committed by these fellows. It was a grievous crime committed against innocent souls, nobody has the right to take another person’s soul,” he noted.

Oshiomhole

The Imams who also frowned at the protracted crisis in Rivers state said, “when the good people refuse to do nothing, evil people will continue to prosper in such environment. The latest drama in Rivers state is not an issue one should shy away from. It is not only a slap and shame on democracy, it was a civilian coup d’etat which is treasonable in nature.

“Nigerians are watching an executive governor come under assault, supported and sanctioned by the powers that be. We need not just watch.

Those of us living in other states should not be indifferent, what is happening in Rivers state can happen in any part of the other states. An attack on the state governor who is the chairman of the governors forum is an attack on all state governors,” he added The Imams took a swipe at the Presidency for recognizing the Jonah Jang facrtion of the Governor’s Forum which had 16 votes as against the 19 votes cast for Governor Rotimi Amaechi and also for recognizing a factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly who emerged Speaker with the support of only five Assembly men.

In his remarks, Governor Oshiomhole commended the League of Imams in Edo State for the courage to speak the truth to those in the corridors of power without fear.

The governor said it is lamentable that “men who occupy high political positions like the office of the governor, some go to church to receive communion and those who go to mosque and shout Allah on Fridays, because of reasons of the political exigencies of the moment in fear of man rather than the fear of God chose to turn the truth upside down.

“If governors can be oppressed, you Imams can not only be oppressed, but suppressed. If you uphold the

truth, you spoke that truth to power. When people use power to oppress, suppress, they are playing God and they shall come to judgment before God. “I am convinced that all of us should only be afraid of the fear of God and not the fear of man because man is a traveler on this planet. We have birth and death days. I agree with you absolutely, my union training taught me that an injury to one is an injury to all and when one is attacked all are under attack and only the fool will think that it is not yet his turn therefore he should look away,” he noted.

Gov refutes signing new death warrants

Continued from page 1

governor did not sign such death warrants and that the news item is false in its entirety.

“The attention of the government of Edo State has been drawn to a news item on the scroll bar of the 7: 00 pm Prime News of Tuesday, 23rd July of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Benin Network Centre to the effect that the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has signed the death warrants of two more prisoners on death row in the state.

“We wish to inform the general public that the

governor did not sign such death warrans and that the news item is false in its entirety. We advise the general public to ignore the said news item as it is a figment of the imagination of the authors intended to cause disaffection against the governor and government of Edo State.

“However, we wish to state that the governor will not shy away from carrying his constitutional duties when the need arises. We advise media practitioners to always take steps to verify information from the media unit of the Governor’s office when in doubt,” the statement added.

NOA boss canvasses attitudinal change

By OGBOLU GEORGE/ ISEMHENBITA FAITH BENIN CITY- Stakeholders in the educational sector have been advised to imbibe attitudinal change so as to complement government efforts in combating corruption, examination malpractice and indiscipline.

The Edo State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Magdaline Umunah gave this charge at a one – day work workshop on, security consciousness and Raising Integrity standard in the conduct of examination in schools Tagged, Do the right thing: Transform Nigeria” Organised by the agency in Benin City.

According to her, the agency would carry its campaign to Local Government Areas of the state, and traditional institutions that are expected to lend support for the benefit of children.

Mr. Reuben E.M Ohiomokhare who chaired

the event pointed that countries that invest most in education have the most educated people on earth.

He said that with education, one learns how to navigate the world, hence education is the secret to a healthy long life.

At the occasion, Patriot Mutairu Habib Odion, Edo State Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria, spoke on criminal content and consequences of Examination malpractices among students.

He said that examination malpractices have consistently remained a bane of Nigeria educational system and therefore urged students to shun examination malpractice while urging teachers to be trained properly in their field of specialization.

Schools present at the workshop included word of faith group of schools and Ebenezer secondary school, both in Benin City.

EDSG suspends revenue collection by Ovia S’West agents BENIN CITY- The Edo State Ministry of Special Duties, Oil and Gas has suspended the collection of revenue by agents of Ovia South West Local Government and Evbonogbon Community Development Association from vehicles transporting solid minerals pending mutual resolution of the matter.

Notice of the suspensions was contained in a statement endorsed by Dan Aigbavboa for the commissioner of the Ministry, Hon. Orobosa OmoOjo. While noting that cases of forceful collection of levies with the attendant violence

have been reported in Evbonogbon Community, the statement indicated that only the state government appointed revenue consultant, Messrs City clock is to continue with the collection of Haulage Fees/ road Tax from vehicles transporting solid minerals from Evbonogbon axis of the state.

The statement also indicated that the state police command has accordingly been notified of this development, while urging all parties to ensure compliance with the new directive and maintain peace and order in Evbonogbon Community.

Senate to revisit Child Marriage Continued from page 1 and unconnected came in; because religious connotation was brought into it, it became a totally different issue.

I sympathize with my brother senators, some senators were blackmailed into voting otherwise; if we had not gone back on it, only God knows what could have happened; we need to engage the people on intensive enlightenment; when the people have been well educated, may be we could go back and repeat for correction”, the senate president continued.

He further regretted that “since passage of this Bill, there is no name they have not called us, it is unbelievable; all of us are now being bogged from all over; we now fear to wake up from the bed because we don’t know who is going to call next to abuse you” “We brought this upon ourselves; this is the prize we pay for leadership; I think if we take a step that is wrong, we can revoke it; we will do everything possible to redress the issue”, Sen. Mark added.

He however submitted that the contentious section has nothing to do with marriage except that the senators wanted to eliminate perceived discriminatory gender language it contains, arguing that until the matter was brought up by the senate, nobody has ever shown concern about it.

To this end, he called for more education of the populace particularly the religious clerics, stressing, “all we want is increased education of the people to enable us do something about it; let the women stand behind us, stand with us and we will do our best.

Reading the GECORN resolution before passing it on to the Senate President through Hajia Zenab Maina, Minister of Women Affairs, Saadatu Malhi explained that the GECORN which is a coalition of several women groups was looking forward to the NASS resolution that will demonstrate political will and commitment as well as attainment of gender equity in Nigeria by deleting Section 29(4)(b) from the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Across The Nation Okorocha Dissolves Cabinet, Reappoints 3 Commissioners

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole yesterday dancing with some market women when the Association of Market Women (AMW) hosted him at Imaguero College Hall, Benin City. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO ESERE.

Trafficking In Children: Agency

Counsels Students

ONITSHA (ANAMBRA) The National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) has urged girls in secondary schools to guard against anybody trafficking in them.

Mrs. Nkiruka Michael, the Enugu Zonal Commander of the agency, gave the advice to over 1,000 students at Mater Amabilis Girls Secondary School, Umuoji, near Onitsha, Anambra State.

Michael enumerated the dangers as well as forms of human trafficking, noting that sometimes the traffickers came from the relations of their victims.

“They lure their victims with enticing promises of jobs and materials, only for them to

discover at last that those promises were only traps.’’

She advised the students to always contact NAPTIP whenever they felt endangered so that the agency would come to their rescue.

Earlier, Mrs. Sussie Metu, the President of Good Living Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, advised the girls to always protect themselves against abuses and exploitation.

Metu enumerated some abuses encountered by the girlchild to include child labour, child sexual abuse, early marriage and human trafficking.

“You must always be at alert and resist any attempt by anybody to engage you in immoral behaviour or any form of exploitation in order not to

ruin your adult age,’’ she said.

She noted that a large number of children had been ruined at their early stages due to ignorance, hence the concern of the organisation to carry the

battle to girls’ schools.

She called on the government at all levels, churches and organised groups to join in the campaign against girl-child abuse to save the future mothers.

OWERRI - Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo has reappointed three commissioners into his executive committee, following last week’s dissolution of the cabinet and sack of assistants.

Okorocha announced the development in Owerri while presenting certificates of service and awards to the past expanded executive committee.

The re-appointed commissioners are Mr. Ichie Best-Mbanaso, former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Uche Nwaosu, former Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning and Mr. Chinedu Offor, former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism.

Apart from the commissioners, the governor also re-appointed 13 senior special assistants and special assistants in different categories.

He noted that the award and certificate presentation was in recognition of the support and contribution of the officers to his administration and to the progress and development of the state.

The four category awards to the commissioners, senior special assistants, and special assistants were for the best in public relations, dedication to duty, best team player, best selfstarter and overall best in the different categories.

Best-Mbanaso got the award for the best in dedication to duty; the best team player award went to Nwaosu while Offor got the

Demolition: Traders Appeal For OSOGBO - Traders whose Alternative Shops shops were demolished in Osogbo have appealed to the State Government to provide alternative places for them to continue their businesses That the exercise, which began in early July at Ola-Iya, has reached Fakunle and OgoOluwa axis of the popular Osogbo-Gbongan road.

Some of the owners of the structures were caught unawares by the exercise.

The fence of the campaign office of the state Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, was not spared in the exercise.

Some shop owners were seen removing their wares and roofs of their buildings.

A cross section of traders at MDS area stated that government should have completed the three major markets in Osogbo before embarking on the demolition.

Mrs. Cecilia Kolawole, a foodstuff trader said they were not against development but that government ought to have provided alternative places for

those affected.

Kolawole called on government to provide alternative places for the hundreds of affected traders so as to alleviate the attendant hardship being faced by them.

Alhaji Alao Busari, a dealer in agro-chemicals, said the traders were shocked by the appearance of bulldozers in the area.

“Government should have waited till December when most of the rents paid would have expired.

“Most of our co-traders have no hope of securing other shops due to financial constraints.

best public relations commissioner award.

The overall best commissioner award also went to BestMbanaso while the former Special Assistant to the Governor on Domestics, Mrs. Ogechi Ololo, got overall best special assistant award.

The best senior special assistant award went to Mrs. Nma Oleribe of the MDGs. Addressing the gathering, Okorocha urged those not reappointed to take it in good faith and continue to support his administration while outside the government.

“I owe my appreciation to all of you. In every competition there must be a winner. I want to thank you for your dedication and commitment to duty while serving the state.

“It was an appointment for you to serve your father land, but every journey must have an end,” he said.

The governor commended those re-appointed, saying that their re-appointment was a call for them to work harder to realise the rescue mission agenda of the government.

“The journey that was started two years ago will soon end and I am glad that there is something to show for it. We came and saw the ugly situation and made it better.

“This is a day to show appreciation to those who have contributed in no small way to the progress of the state. We have raised the bar of governance and having raised this we will continue with it,” the governor said.

Okorocha pointed out that a political appointment was not for political gratification and charged those re-appointed and those that would join them to take the issue of governance seriously.

He said that his administration, in the next two years, would focus on building of industries to cater for youth unemployment and in finding ways to end prostitution in the state.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof.

Anthony Awuka, said the programme was organised to review how far the state had gone and to plan ahead.

He said that there was the need to gather the sacked members of the executive committee to make them understand that they were still together.

Awka Prison: 400 Inmates On Awaiting

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdul Fatai Enabulele during a visit by League of Imams to Government House, Benin City on Tuesday. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.

AWKA - No fewer than 400 inmates are awaiting trial at the Federal Prisons, Awka, for various offences, an official has said.

The list of the inmates released during a special court session by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Peter Umeadi, in Awka showed that their offences included murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, arson and rape.

The list, signed by the Deputy Controller of Prisons, Mr. Emanuel Oguejiofor, had one Moses Aforcha, a suspect with the longest detention record of

Trial

nine years and three months.

Also on the awaiting trial list were eight sick suspects, two juveniles and eight old suspects.

Umeadi said the court session was organised to decongest the prison and noted that similar proceeding would hold in Onitsha and other prisons in the state.

The chief judge, however, granted bail to one Benedict Onyilofor, a 61-year-old man in the sum of N100,000 and two sureties in like sum.

Samuel Anikpe, a kidnap

suspect, was also granted bail in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in like sum.

One Ogbonna Nwagbara, 60, who has been in detention since 2008 for alleged murder and one Nnamezue Ifedike, 60, on detention for alleged kidnapping and illegal possession of fire arms were denied bail.

The chief judge advised the two suspects to channel their bail applications to a regular court.

The two juveniles were also told to go to the regular court for their bail application.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Across The Nation 2015 Presidential Election Group Shortlists 60 Candidates

Dr. Pius Odubu, Deputy

ABUJA - The Arewa Youth Movement (AYM), an NGO, has short-listed 60 prominent Nigerians to contest the 2015 presidential election.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja and jointly signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary of the Movement, Malam AbdulRahman Hamisu and Buhari Jega respectively.

“AYM, after a rigorous screening exercise, short listed 60 Nigerians to contest the 2015 presidential election.”

The statement noted that “although the nominees cut across different ideological orientations and political parties, they are mainly liberals, progressives and even radicals.”

Governor of Edo State receiving a certificate after being confered with the title Ogbodurueminrin of Ekpedo by HRH Oba John Afolabi Obabori, the Onose of Ekpedo in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the State. Photo: MOSES OBOH.

Printing Of Ballot Papers Conscience Party Cautions INEC ABUJA - Dr Yunisa Tanko, National Chairman, National Conscience Party, (NCP) has cautioned INEC on the dangers of printing ballot papers outside the country.

Tanko told newsmen in Abuja that ballot papers printed outside the country were always full of errors and were unpleasant to the electorate.

He said, “Most often, in ballot papers printed outside the country, names of contestants would be omitted, and these usually lead to delays during the elections.

“I believe INEC’s action was due to the syndrome of must win or win at all cost drive of our politicians through fraudulent ways.

“Yet, such printing can be handled within Nigeria under strict security.”

He advised INEC to invite all political parties for verification of their party logo before printing and also re-check before the final printing.

The chairman said that this would save INEC cost, embarrassment, litigation and time during the election exercise.

He said it had become imperative for the commission to look inward in the printing of ballot papers as this has been done successfully in some African countries.

“If this can work well in Ghana and with commitment, it will also work in Nigeria and save all stakeholders embarrassment.

“For this to be achieved, INEC need to apply trust in dealings with the various political parties that are involved,” he said.

Tanko urged INEC to guide against the omission of candidates’ names from the ballot paper as another election approaches.

He said, “This is associated with the filling system from the political parties and INEC. The

volume of work is high and manpower to execute the job within the time frame is too short.”

The national chairman suggested adequate time frame for political parties to properly file in their candidate names and check their party logo on ballot papers.

Tanko advised that registration of voters should be completed a year before any major election and also do a review six months before the elections.

He urged INEC to come up with calendar of events for the nation’s elections and initiate a programme where political parties could engage the commission in regular interaction.

Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Odubu (in suit) in a group photograph with the Enigie from the six autonomous Communities in Igbanke, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, who came to felicitate with him on his 56th birthday and 25th silver jubilee marriage anniversary in Benin City recently. Photo: LAWRENCE OSIFO.

It explained that the names were selected from each state on the basis of geopolitical representation, considerations that favour merit, ethnic, gender and religious inclusiveness.

It said that some states had stronger candidates than others, adding that the process was continuous based on agreed criteria for further pruning.

“In drawing up the list, consideration was also given to leaders from different vocational backgrounds which include credibility, education, consistency and reasonable levels of low or lack of corruption.

“Others are public sector experience, patriotism, national and international acceptability, firmness and strength of character to implement fundamental development projects. “ It said that the other nominees would be expected to support the winner to run the country on the basis of collective leadership.

The former Governor of Benue, Sen. George Akume, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Gov. Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers and Gov. Sule Lamido, Jigawa are among the short-listed candidates.

Others include the former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, former PDP National Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbe, Sen. Solomon Ewuga, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and Dr Donald Duke, among others.

Ozalla Agog As New Onotare Is Enthroned

OZALLA Great celebration heralded Ozalla community of Owan West LGA of EdosState as they crowned their king, OKPAMEN VII, the ONOTARE of Ozalla on 20th July 2013. The former Onotare, late Alofoje passed on in March.

HRH Mr. Aienloshan Albert Irivbogbe stepped into the throne on the 20th day of July 2013. The Onotare was born on the 20th of July 1909 by Mr. &

HRH Mr. Aienloshan Albert Irivbogbe

Mrs. Emanbun Aienloshan of Eri Obakpolor in Okhumerie district, Ivbihere Community of Ozalla clan.

Until his enthronement, the Onotare was a great farmer not only in Ozalla but was renowned in the profession at Uzebba where he lived for

several years. He entered the city of Uzebba after he sojourned in the city of Oyo. At Ibadan, he worked as a Foreman (Painting) in the then PWD and later at University College Hospital, Ibadan. The painting profession became his main stay after exiting the

Government service. Before his final settlement at Uzebba, he was also engaged in farm produce trading (From Edo to Oyo).

He reigned as a wrestler. The Heroe represented his age group, Ozalla community and other several groups in several

fights and progressively fought around the western coast of the country, a profession that distinguished him amongst his equals.

The ancient clan of Ozalla is bounded in the North by Iruekpen & Erah, East by Orua, West by Afuze /Eme and in the South by Ora Clan.

FRSC, Neimeth Offer Free Medical Services BADAGRY - The Badagry Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in conjunction with Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc has offered free medical services to commercial motorcyclists in the area.

The Unit Commander, Mr. Solomon Galadunsi, said at the event that the gesture was to improve the health and safety of the motorcyclists.

“We are giving free medical check-up to okada riders because health is very important to all of us.

“We noticed that most of these

riders do not check their blood pressure; they do not check their sugar level, and all these can result in untimely death.

“We also administer free drugs to those with high blood pressure, low sugar level and those who are diabetic, “ he said.

The commander said that the Badagry-Seme Road had recorded little or no accidents in the past two months due to road safety campaigns by the command.

Galadunsi said that the command had extended the

campaigns to worship places.

“We believe that commercial bus drivers, okada riders and drivers generally converge at worship centres.

“That is another way of reaching out to many people. It has yielded positive results.’’

The commander urged the public to obey traffic rules and desist from over speeding.

Mr. Onados Emmanuel of the Neimeth noted that motorcycle riding was stressful and that the riders needed care.

“Everyday, they go through lots of stress because of the

nature of the job, “ he said.

The Chairman, Okada Riders Association, Badagry Chapter, Mr Mohammed Sanni, hailed the gesture, and urged other organisations to also care for commercial motorcyclists.

“We are happy about this initiative because health is very important to everyone; for them to offer these services free to us, we are glad and happy.

“This project can help to save the lives of motorcycle riders, “ Sanni said.

A total of 117 commercial motorcyclists benefitted from the programme as at the time of this report.

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THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

South South Body Seeks Elders’ Intervention

Rivers Crisis:

PORT HARCOURT The Association of Indigenous Contractors of Rivers has called on elders in the state to wade into the state’s political crisis.

Chairman of the association, Mr. Emmanuel Isaac, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the political problem in the state was a minor one that could be resolved by the elders.

Isaac said the elders would understand the issue better than anybody else and could reconcile all the parties concerned quicker and much easier than others.

He urged all the warring parties in the matter to forgive one another in order to ensure peace and security in the state.

He appealed to the Federal Government to provide adequate security for Gov. Chibuike Amaechi and the state.

“If it is true that Amaechi has no security, they should restore security to Amaechi immediately because he is the executive governor of River State.

This matter in Rivers State is a minor matter which Amaechi and his people and elders can settle.

“There is no need of bringing northern governors, western governors, what will they do? Do they need the problem? Are they the people who will give him the security?

“What I am saying is that they should give Amaechi security as the governor, whether there is any quarrel or not, giving him security is his own constitutional right.

“The Federal Government should give Amaechi security, because it is his own constitutional right. Now that the state is shaking, this is my advice; let them allow us to have peace which God has given to us.’’

Isaac urged politicians in the state to show good example to the younger generations by reconciling their differences and allowing the state to move forward.

Hon. Philip Shaibu, Majority leader, Edo State House of Assembly, moving a motion on the review of the number and remuneration of Special Assistants to Local Government Councils in Edo State during the House plenary session recedntly. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

Community Shuts Oil Firm

Employment:

MBO (AKWA IBOM) Members of Unyenge Community in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom have shutdown the operations of Universal Energy Resources Limited (UERL) over its employment policy.

Women and youths barricaded the road leading to the company’s operational base over alleged marginalisation by the company.

The people carried placards some of which read, “Stop cheating us, we want our people to be employed into managerial positions.

“Unyenge people say No to the operation of Universal Energy.’’

The y said that for peace to reign and cordial relationship exist, “we hereby demand and desire immediate action to be taken on permanent employment of, at least, 15 indigenes of Unyenge community into the managerial

level.’’

They also urged the company to reserve all community contracts for “our indigenous contractors’’ and immediately start skill/professional training for the youths and women.

The community also called for the “provision of special welfare package for our chiefs and elders”.

They alleged that the company, which started operations in 2006, had not done anything to impress them.

The spokesman for the people, Chief John Esin, said

that Unyenge would no longer tolerate any policy that enslaved their youths.

He said that Unyenge, as the host community of the company, was supposed to produce the community liaison officer and community development officer but rather both positions were given to non-indigenes.

Esin said that the community

in May 2012 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the company, which had yet to be implemented.

Esin said the community would not allow the company to start operations till all their demands were met.

Meanwhile, the Public Affairs Manager of the company, Mr. Iwatt Udofia, said that the

company had not ignored the community’s demands.

Udofia appealed to the community to sheath its sword and allow the company to continue its operations.

He said that by Wednesday, the Memorandum Implementation Committee would meet and resolve all the grey areas in the MOU.

Group To Collaborate With Govt On Public “The procurement law is a Procurement law that was passed by the state

YENAGOA - The National Democratic Institute (NDI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has commenced a capacity building workshop for Bayelsa government officials involved in procurement.

The two-day training by the Washington DC-based organisation drew participants from various ministries and agencies in the state.

The theme of the workshop is:

The SSG, Edo State, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (right) in a handshake with The OBSERVER Chapel NUJ Chairman, Comrade Kehinde Osagiede during a courtesy visit in Government House. Photo: QUEENNETH A. OROBEDO.

“Public Procurement Law and Management Practice.’’

Mr Raymond Esabagbon, NDI Project Director in Bayelsa, told newsmen in Yenagoa that the workshop was targeted at officials of the executive and legislative arms of the state government.

Esebagbon said that the capacity building was a component of NDI’s “Strengthening Transparency, Research, Independence and Development (STRIDE)’’ project held in collaboration with the Bayelsa government.

He said that an earlier research conducted by the institute showed low level awareness of the provisions of the procurement law by government officials.

“NDI is partnering with the Bayelsa State government to strengthen the capacity of key government stakeholders to be able to implement their procurement law and to be more effective in their budgeting practices.’’

The project director spoke of the need to review Bayelsa’s procurement law to make it more effective when enforced.

government, a law is subject to continuous review and amendment if there are loopholes identified that would help to strengthen the law for more effective implementation.

“Analysis has shown that there are a few areas of the law that need some further review to make the law become more effective; some of those gaps have been identified.

“One of them being that the law prescribes certain general statements of wrongdoings, but there is no penalty attached to those wrongdoings, for instance it says that anybody that breaches any of the provisions of the procurement law shall be guilty of an offence.

“But the particular offence itself wasn’t expressly stipulated; some analysts are of the view that these are some of the areas where further amendment needs to be carried out to make the law become more effective.’’

Esabagbon explained that the workshop was to bridge the gap in the procurement administration in Bayelsa and upgrade it in line with the current trend and international best practices.

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THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Across The Nation

Adultery:

Man Drags Wife To Court

ENUGU - A civil servant, Mr. Emmanuel Ugwu, has dragged his wife, Grace, to an Enugu High Court for alleged adultery.

The counsel to the plaintiff, Mr. George Ugwoke, told the court that Ugwu caught his wife in a sexual encounter with another man in their matrimonial bed on June 30, 2012.

Ugwoke said the civil servant left for work on that fateful day and found out that he forgot some documents for the verification taking place in his office at the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture.

The counsel said that when Ugwu got home, he allegedly found his wife ‘making love with another man’ in their matrimonial bed.

He, therefore, prayed the court

to dissolve the marriage to save his client from further embarrassment arising from the ugly behaviour of his wife.

“The matter does not need any evidence or an eyewitness since my client caught them redhanded inside his own house.

“It is even written in the Bible that divorce is allowed on the grounds of infidelity, let alone when the act was done in one’s matrimonial bed.

In his submission, the counsel to the accused, Mr. Innocent Uwakwe, said his client was innocent of the accusation.

“My client was never in any way caught in any act of adultery as she was accused wrongly.

“She was legally married to

the plaintiff and they have been living peacefully until her husband started accusing her without any proof.

“The simple truth is that the husband had intention of marrying a second wife and did not know how to go about it but to rely on false accusation.

“My lord, the issue of divorce cannot arise at this point in time as my client has not committed any thing in her matrimonial home that will warrant this inhuman treatment.

“I urge this honorable court to disregard this accusation as it is fact less, baseless and capable of misleading the court,’’ he said.

The presiding judge, Mr. Justice Afam Nwobodo, adjourned the case till Sept. 3 for further hearing.

The Chairman, State Oil and Gas Producing Area Commission (EDSOPADEC) middle, Barrister Vincent Uwadiae cutting the tape to officially inaugurate the 10 kilometre Road linking Benin-Abraka Road Junction to Urhehu-Umoghun N’Okhua in Orhionmwon Local Government Area. With him are the member representing Orhionmwon in EDSOPADEC board, Hon. Fidelis Okunzuwa (left), Enogie of Umoghun N’Okhua, HRH Raphael Aiyevbekpen Aiwerioghene, and Dr. Osaretin Osadolor, a former member of the State House of Assembly.

IPMAN: Court Foils Bid To

By ROLAND OSAKUE Stop Ogbewe

The 10 kilometre Road linking Benin-Abraka Road Junction to Urhehu-Umoghun N’Okhua in Orhionmwon Local Government Area under construction by the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Area Commission (EDSOPADEC).

ABUJA - The National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja and presided over by its President, Justice B.A. Adejumo has thrown out the application to restrain the Acting Zonal Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Midwest Zone, Chief Solomon Ogbewe from performing his legitimate duty.

In a case with suit No NICN/ AK/55/2013, the plaintiffs/ claimants, Barr. Izedonmwen Osazee Danson, Mr. Charles Aiworo and Mr. Godwin Iroghama for themselves and on behalf of IPMAN through their counsel, A. Osayomwanbor Esq in a motion ex-parte prayed the court for an interim injunction

Gov Supports Dialogue With Boko Haram Sect

MAIDUGURI - Governor.

Kashim Shettima of Borno says his government is in support of Federal Government’s decision to dialogue with the moderate elements within the Boko Haram sect.

Shettima, who said this in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri, noted that most conflicts in the world, including the country’s 1967-1970 civil war, were sorted out at the conference table.

“Unless we want to engage in an endless war, I believe it is irrational for anyone to oppose dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts.

“I see no reason why we should not engage the moderate elements in Boko Haram, who are willing to lay down their arms and who have recognised the territorial integrity of the nation, in a dialogue.

“The Northern Ireland problem was eventually resolved through dialogue;

today, the Israelis are talking to their Palestinian cousins and many other global conflicts, much more complicated than ours, were eventually resolved through dialogue.”

He said the Federal

Government had nothing to lose because it was negotiating from a position of strength.

Shettima said, although the Columbian rebels were talking with the Columbian

Government, that did not stop the government from attacking their position.

He said that although there were elements within the Boko Haram sect that were opposed to dialogue, that should not stop the government from

negotiating with the moderate members of the sect that were ready and willing to do so.

“I am for dialogue and will always be for dialogue. I will always support any Nigerian who wants peace; we support Federal Government’s dialogue with the Boko Haram.”

EDSOPADEC Inaugurates 10 KM Road Project people of the locality to ensure BENIN CITY In furtherance of its avowed determination to bring development to the nook and crannies of the oil and gas producing areas of Edo State the State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission, yesterday inaugurated the construction and asphalting of a 10 kilometer road linking Benin- Abraka Road Junction to Uhrehue and Umoghun N’ Okhua Communities in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

Speaking during the brief ceremony the Chairman of the Commission, Barr. Vincent

Osas Uwadiae said the construction and asphalting of the 10 kilometer project was an addition to the 43 other different projects that have so far been executed by the Commission in the Local Government Area.

Barr. Vincent Uwadiae said the project was awarded to Messrs Nigeria Dynamics Limited because of its in-depth understanding of the terrain arising from many years of working in the local government.

He said the project will be completed and will be inaugurated in July next year and therefore called on the

a peaceful atmosphere for the Contractors to carry out its assignment.

In their separate responses, the Member representing the Local Government Area in the Board of EDSOGPADEC, Hon. Fidelis Okunzuwa, the Councillor representing the communities, Mr. Marcy Ogikhu, permanent Secretary/ Secretary to the Board of EDSOGPADEC, Sir Xerxes Usiobaifo Orhue, the Enigie, were full of praises to Governor Adams Oshiomhole and EDSOGPADEC for furthering the cause of transforming the local government area.

Barr. Vincent Uwadiae and his team later inspected and inaugurated a block of six classrooms with VIP toilets recently executed by the Commission in Abumere Primary School, Urhehue, also in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

The chairman of EDSOGPADEC was accompanied to the ceremony by the member representing Ovia North East in the board of EDSOGPADEC, Prince Ehiozee Erediauwa and the member representing Edo North Senatorial District in the board EDSOGPADEC Hon. Luqman Muhammad.

restraining the defendant (Chief Ogbewe) from parading himself as the Chairman or Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Midwest Zone of the Association.

In another development, the claimants who had earlier filed the motion ex-parte to restrain the defendant also filed a notice of discontinuance under Order 19 Rule 17 against the defendant and therefore prayed the court to strike out the suit.

Ruling on the motion exparte, Justice Adejomo ordered that the claimants should put on notice of the pendency of the motion dated July 8, 2013 and filed on July 10, 2013.

The President however, restrained the applicants and the defendant from taking part in any or doing any thing overtly and covertly either by themselves or through their agents, servants, privies or any other person or group of persons that may lead to the break down of law and order at the environment where they reside or carryout their business, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

He therefore assigned the case to His Lordship, Justice Ubaka in Akure Judicial division to hear both the motion on notice, as well as the substantive matter to its conclusion.

It would be recalled that the National Secretariat of IPMAN had appointed the Uwayoba of Benin Kingdom, Chief Solomon Nosakhare Ogbewe JP as the acting zonal chairman of the Midwest zone, while the group by the name “Elder’s council” later conducted an election which was said to be at variance with the constitutional provisions of IPMAN.

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THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

South West Lagos To Construct Bus Stop

The One Day Governor, Master Boadey Oluwajuwon Folarin (right), calling the Executive Council meeting to order to perform his first duty during his visit to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (left) with his cabinet at the Lagos House, Ikeja recently.

LAGOS - The Lagos State Government said it would construct a 300-seater bus stop at Obalende area that would make commuters convenient while waiting to board stateowned buses.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said this on Sunday while inspecting the project and the Osborne Jetty Terminal, Ikoyi.

Hamzat said that the project would be completed in three months, and that it was part of the Obalende Transformation Initiative of the government.

He explained that the Obalende Bridge would also

Severance Package: Union Issues Ultimatum

LAGOS - The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), has threatened to stage a nationwide protest if payment of PHCN workers’ severance package is not implemented by the Federal Government.

Mr. Adeleke Ibrahim, the Chairman, Lagos Chapter of NUEE, told newsmen in Lagos that the union had given an ultimatum of end of July.

Ibrahim said that the

payment had suffered setbacks due to the inability of the Federal Ministry of Power to put their records straight.

He, however, advised the committees and government agencies saddled with the computation of the workers’ severance package to expedite action and ensure they were paid on time.

According to Ibrahim, the

union will resist any further delay in payment of the severance package as from the end of this month.

“At the end of this month, if nothing is done, we will come out as usual and Nigerians will now know who is who. We are not pretending over that,’’ he said.

Ibrahim said that the workers had waited long enough since last year for the

severance package to be paid.

“Our members keep worrying us that the money is being delayed.

Ibrahim urged government to fulfil its pledge to pay the workers by the end of July.

be expanded into two lanes to cater for heavy traffic volume in the area.

Also speaking, Mr. George Ogbemudia, an engineer in the Office of Infrastructure of the Ministry, said the project would be constructed at 10 different bus shelters and designated queuing spots.

“The sitting arrangement is for 300 passengers per time and we have the queuing arrangement and we have 10 different bus shelters for different destinations, “ he said.

Mr. Adeola Olatubosun, Project Engineer, Osborne Jetty Terminal, told the commissioner that about 18,000 square metres of land was needed to build a car park that would accommodate 74 cars.

Olatubosun said the ground floor of the terminal, which was almost completed, was for

arrival and departure of passengers, adding that it had eateries, toilets and other facilities which were duplicated on the top floor.

“The ground floor of the terminal is for arrival and departure of passengers with ticketing offices, eatery and toilets.

“Mechanical installations are ongoing. Also, the installation of vehicular ramps and the suspended ceilings and mosaic tiles are being put in place.

“There is adequate provision for the physically challenged.

We are going to put pedestrian ramps for the physically challenged, “ he said.

Olatubosun said that when completed, the jetty would enable residents to ferry their cars to any part of the state.

He said that the project would be completed in October, adding that it would link Ipakodo and Badore jetties in Ikorodu Local Government Area of the state.

5 Killed As Storey Building

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM Collapses collapsed.

In another development, a

LAGOS-Several persons have been confirmed dead as another two-storey building under construction collapsed in Surulere area of Lagos as the State and Federal Emergency Agency differed on number of casualty.

The building, located at 32/ 36 Ishaga Road, Surulere was reported to have collapsed after heavy downpour in the early hours of Monday.

The General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Femi OkeOsanyintolu said that five persons died in the collapse while three out of the five people injured had been treated and discharged, while few other survivors are still being treated in the hospital.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the building collapsed around 10.00 am after a heavy downpour, saying that rescue operation was still on to ascertain if some people were still under the debris.

He added that the building

might have collapsed because the developer made use of substandard materials but noted that investigation was still ongoing.

However, The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, said four persons, including a 13-year old bread hawker died in the collapsed building.

NEMA’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Farinloye who spoke with our correspondent at the scene of incident claimed two of those injured had been taken to the Accident and Emergency Unit on LagosIbadan Expressway while another victim who needed surgical operation was taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

According to him, the house had been marked two times for the developer to stop construction, but he continued working on the building, adding that no worker was working on the building at the time it

12 storey building was gutted by fire at around 8:00 am at Ademola Adetokunbo Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Farinloye disclosed that only the ground and first floors of the building were Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (3rd left) in a group photograph with affected before the fire was the one day Governor, Master Boadey Oluwajuwon Folarin (5th right) and his Cabinet during a courtesy call on the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja recently. put out.

LG: Amosun Inaugurates

ABEOKUTA - Governor.

Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun has inaugurated 20 Consultants on Local Government Affairs, as part of efforts to deepen government’s presence at the grassroots.

The programme was held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, the state capital.

Amosun said at the programme, that the appointment of the consultants was meant to address critical emerging challenges in the actualisation of the mandate of his administration. ‘’The consultants will help

Consultants

monitor ongoing projects in their respective areas and they will also help to assess the impact of the projects and other programmes on our people. ‘’We have to put in place machinery to ensure that the same quality of development projects and service delivery seen in our big towns are replicated in all our rural areas. ‘’It is when we have been able to do this that we can actually beat our chest and say we have implanted ‘Ogun Standard’ in all areas of the

state,’’ he said.

Amosun added that the consultants would help to relay feedback to the people at the grassroots and also intimate them about government programmes which could be beneficial to them. ‘’The expectation of our people is to have increased returns on the valiant sacrifices they made in bringing about this current democratic dispensation,’’ he noted.

The governor, however, stressed that the appointment

of the consultants was not meant to malign the office of elected chairmen of Local Government Areas.

He, therefore, warned them not to compete with the chairmen, but rather use their offices to effect stronger feed-back mechanism to the state government. ‘’This will in turn be a platform for achieving good governance and better service delivery at the grassroots. ‘’Therefore, you must always strive to relate with colleagues and subordinates with consideration and decorum,’’ he added.

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THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

North Husband Demands Bride Price KADUNA - A husband,

Suspicious Products

Defence Warns Fuel Marketers SOKOTO - The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Sokoto State has warned members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) against lifting suspicious products.

The Commandant, Mr Muhammad Yusha’u, gave the warning at a meeting with IPMAN members in Sokoto on Monday.

He said the command was committed to fighting the menace of oil bunkering as some products emanated from oil thieves or illegal refineries.

We are aware that there is a great concern about loss of revenue in the federation which is occasioned by what oil theft.

“And when you talk about oil theft, it concerns both the crude and refined petroleum products.

“The revenue which the nation gets from petroleum activities is almost 90 per cent.”

He said although there were no petroleum pipelines in the state, members of the association were important stakeholders in the sector.

“You have a great role to play in curbing the menace. Sensitise your members so that they don’t lifting products which might emanate from the oil thieves or illegal refineries.’’

The commandant explained that the meeting was designed to sensitise the oil marketers and seek their collaboration and cooperation with the corps in its efforts to rid the country of such losses.

“We will not take it lightly with any one conveying such products.

“We will make sure that he is brought to book and prosecuted in a competent court of law’’, Yusha’u stressed.

He told them that the command would continue to monitor their activities across.

Hon. Victor Edoro, Member representing Esan Central Constituency Edo State House of Assembly who was kidnapped recently, contributing to the debate on a Bill for a Law to Prohibit the Act of Kidnapping. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

NUT Begins Verification Exercise MAKURDI - The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Benue chapter, has commenced the verification of its members.

Chairman of the union in the state, Mr. Godwin Anya, told newsmen in Makurdi that the exercise was to enable the union to know the exact number of teachers.

Anya said the staff audit was a pre-requisite for the inclusion of teachers in the new minimum wage being enjoyed by other workers in the state.

According to him, it is difficult to ascertain the exact number of primary school teachers in the state due to the sharp practices inherent in the recruitment of teachers.

“Teachers are supposed to be recruited by the State Universal Basic Education

Board (SUBEB), but what happens is that the Local Government Education Authorities also recruit teachers’’, he said.

He held that such recruitment by the local governments was for junior staff from Grade Levels 01 – 07.

According to him, such recruitments are considered “teachers’ recruitment’’ with such people posted to primary schools to perform nonexistent roles.

“This verification will weed out such people and give us the exact number of teachers in the state.

“It will help us to present the exact number of teachers to the government to enable them to include us in the payment of the minimum wage’’, he said.

Hon. Kingsley Omiyi Ehigiamusoe, Minority Whip, Edo State House of Assembly, flagging-off the Second Reading for debate on a Bill for a Law to Prohibit the Act of Kidnapping and Committing of any Act of an Explicit Condition for the release of a person kidnapped in Edo State and for other Matters connected thereto at the House Plenary session recently. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

Farmers Call For Same Policy For Rice, Soya BAKORI (KATSINA Area of Katsina State.

Beans, Groundnut STATE) - Alhaji Tijjani He said that such efforts Mamman, the Chairman of Zumunta Farmers Association of Katsina State, has urged the Federal Government to extend its rice importation policy to soya beans and groundnut.

In an interview with newsmen in Bakori, Mamman expressed optimism that the recently

introduced policy of reduction of mass importation of rice would encourage local production.

While he commended the Federal Government on its effort, the farmers’ chairman called on local farmers to use the opportunity to increase

Strike: Polytechnic Staff Back To Work LAGOS - Members of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) chapter, on Monday resumed work following the suspension of their three-month old national strike.

The national body had on Friday directed its members to return to work on Monday.

Mr. Austin Okoh, SSANIP Chairman, Yabatech chapter, told the newsmen that members had complied with the directive to return to work.

“SSANIP members in Yabatech have resumed work and academic activities will

commence soon; all our members are on ground’’, he said.

Mr Adekunle Adams, Head, Public Relations Unit, Yabatech, confirmed the resumption of work.

“Academic activities will commence soon now that SSANIP members have resumed work.

“The management will meet to decide how to manage without the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) members as the work load will be too much for the senior staff to handle.

“Management will decide whether to wait until the NASU

Zaiyanu Muhammad of Ibadan Street in Kaduna, has urged the Magajin Gari Sharia Court to recover the N80,000 bride and other expenses he paid in Saliha Abdulsalam as wife.

He told the court that the request became necessary because Saliha left the matrimonial home two days after marrying him.

“I married Saliha on January 13 but she came to my house on January 27.

According to him, when he married Saliha, her parents pleaded with him to give them time to prepare dowry for her before moving into the matrimonial home.

“But in spite of the N80,000 I gave her, she came to my house with nothing,’’ said the Mohammed.

Muhammad added that he had not seen Saliha since then until they met in the court on July 22.

“Since she is not interested in the marriage, she should return my bride price. I used every possible means to see her back but to no avail.’’

Saliha, however, denied the allegation.

She told the court that two days into their marriage, Muhammad told her mother that he was not interested in the marriage.

“He asked me to leave his house, which I did and left for Giwa Local Government Area in Kaduna state and later to Abuja’’, she said.

According to Saliha, she is ready to go back to his house “because I still love him.’’

The Khadi, Ibrahim Mohammed, said they should go and settle their differences since Saliha had agreed to return to the complainant’s house.

suspends its strike or not.

“The strike will affect the academic calendar in all polytechnics but the school authority will adjust to cover the programme for the year’’, he said.

The atmosphere in the institution was lively as some anxious students were seen on the campus trying to find out when academic activities would begin.

Some applicants came to the campus to purchase forms for the post UTME examination.

Newsmen recalls that SSANIP suspended the strike for two months to allow the Federal

Government to look into some of its outstanding demands.

SSANIP had, among other things, called for an end to alleged discrimination against Higher National Diploma holders.

It also demanded the Federal Government’s implementation of CONTISS 15.

The union asked for 53.3% salary increase, 65-years retirement age for its members and exemption of tertiary institutions from the Integrated Personal and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) due to their peculiarities.

investment and to facilitate the establishment of processing centres.

“Extending such policy on soya-beans and groundnut will ensure increased production and will reduce mass importation of processed cooking vegetable oil,’’ Mamman said.

He said that allowing easy passage of cooking oil into the country had deprived local farmers from benefiting from their cultivation.

According to him, poor pricing of the commodities have subjected local farmers to losses.

The chairman said that his association had embarked on establishing contacts with relevant markets and processing companies and directed farmers to sell their harvest at good price.

Mamman further commended a philanthropist, Alhaji Umar Abdullahi-Tata, who distributed 600 hundred bags of fertiliser free to 2,400 small scale farmers in Danmusa Local Government

would also encourage small scale farmers and urged other wealthy individuals to emulate him.

The chairman pointed out that farmers at the grassroots were facing hardship in accessing government support programmes and advised government at all levels as well as oraginisations to always channel their supports to real farmers.

He explained that AbdullahiTata knew the problems the farmers were facing at the grassroots and provided his resources to assist them.

Mamman, who served as distribution committee chairman, said that the beneficiaries were selected from 127 polling units.

He said that the committee ensured that real farmers benefited from the gesture, including religious and community leaders.

He explained that small scale farmers constituted high farmers population in the country.

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THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Abuja Group Donates Items To Prison Inmates ABUJA - Fountain of Hope International, a society in Saint James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, has donated items worth N2 million to inmates of the Medium Security Prison, Kuje, FCT. The items, which included mosquito nets, fans, food items and toiletries, were distributed to inmates shortly after a moment of exhortation and words of encouragement from the group.

The group also distributed cooked food to all the inmates.

Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, President of the group, Obiora Chidi, said the visit to Kuje Prison was part of its desire to cater for the needy in the society.

“This visit is part of what we

are expected to do as Christians, spiritually and even in the bible it says we have to visit the imprisoned.

“We visited them as part of evangelism to share scriptures with them, pray for them and give them the courage to be able to withstand what they are going through. They are so happy; we feel we are blessed having been able to do that.

“My message for them is that this imprisonment is about the physical. They should have courage, they should be prayerful, and they should be there for one another.

“They should learn to repent of any sins they’ve committed and plan to be better people when they are out of prison.’’

Chidi urged the inmates not to give up hope, saying that imprisonment was only meant to reform them and make them better citizens.

He said: “We have gone to Motherless Babies’ Homes, so this year we decided to come to Kuje Prison.

“If you read the book of Hebrew Chapter 13, verse 3, it says, do not forget those that are

Incitemeat:

ABUJA - Two employees of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Messers Mohammed Tanko and Ayuba Yohanna, have dragged the National Union of Hotels and Personal Services Workers before the National Industrial Court, alleging unlawful acts.

in prison; remember them as if you were in prison with them. Do not forget those that are suffering, remember them as if you are suffering with them.

“So we have come to tell them that it’s not the end of life; they want to transform them, so that when they come out to the society they can change their lifestyles, their character and fit

well into the society.

“There are 581 inmates; we cooked food for more than 600 people. Things we brought here are worth about N2 million.’’

One of the matrons of the society, Dr Mimi Ndukwe, who also spoke with newsmen, said the visit was part of the society’s mandate to care for the needy in the society.

She said the group deemed it necessary to visit the inmates and make provision for some of their needs to encourage them not to lose hope.

She called on the inmates to be prayerful and to repent of their past sinful lives so they could become better persons by the time they re-united with their families and friends.

Workers Drag Union To Court The claimants are representing the junior workers of the hotel joined Mr Friday Ochai, the Chairman of the Union and Transnational Hotels and Tourism Services as codefendants in the suit.

They alleged that the union’s

executive members were using their position to incite industrial action in the third defendant’s Transcorp Hilton without following the provisions of Trade Dispute Acts.

The claimants were praying the court to declare that the second defendant and his executive members were not acting in the interest of the junior workers of the hotel by inciting them.

They also prayed for a declaration that the first and second defendants were illegally hijacking the third defendant’s branch to pursue their personal agenda.

The claimants sought for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the union and its executive from embarking on

industrial action in the hotel.

They further demanded for a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from transferring and/or removing any management member of the hotel without justifiable grounds.

When the matter came up for mention on Monday, the claimant’s counsel, Mr Paul Eboigbe informed the court of the parties’ decision to settle the matter out of court.

Eboigbo told the court that the terms of settlement of the case were drawn by the parties and prayed the court to adjourn to Tuesday to enable them file it.

The presiding judge, Justice Maureen Esowe, however adjourned the case to Tuesday, July 23 for report of settlement.

Immigration Alerts Public To Activities Fraud ABUJA - The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has alerted the public over activities of fraudsters promising innocent people employment.

Protest by the league of patrotic and progressive youth over life time pension of the Principal Officers of the The Comptroller-General of National Assembly and Non Autonomy of the Local Governments in Abuja the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr. David Parradang, gave the warning in a statement made available to newsmen in ABUJA - The Actors Guild of The national chairman said She directed the leadership of Abuja.

Nigeria (AGN) appeared they had paid a visit to the the guild to the Minister of Parradang said the individuals divided over the N3 billion grant National Film and Video Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjodesigned Website asking by the Federal Government to Censors Board (NFVCB) and Iweala, on the modalities earlier reached the intended innocent people to pay certain assist the movie industry in the briefed them on the moves by agreed on grant. practitioners. amount of money into bank country. some reputable producers trying She said that some people had She called on practitioners not accounts as processing fees for The state chairmen of the to divert the grants for their use. written to the minister stating to tear the industry apart, while the job. guild met in Abuja on July 18 He said that the board had that they no longer needed the threatening to sue anyone who “The Comptroller General of on the modalities to adopt in assured of its timely money while some were made unsubstantiated allegation Immigration (CGI) wishes to disbursing the grants. intervention in the crisis, adding working to ensure that the grant against her. reiterate that the NIS is The National Chairman and that the crisis would soon be

N3bn Grant Rocks Actors Guild

Secretary of the guild, Messrs.

Agility Onwurah and Samuel Onibiyo, however, in separate interviews with newsmen, accused some practitioners of wanting to divert the grant.

Onwurah accused some known movie producers of making moves to divert the grant for their use while leaving the upcoming artists behind.

He said some were making surreptitious move of getting the money all alone, and that portended a great danger for those who are coming up.”

“While practitioners suffered lack of funds and humiliation in the quest of producing films, some people were working to ensure that the guild remained static,” he alleged.

He said that the chairmen had resolved that the grant be used on production and distribution of movies.

resolved.

Onibiyo, in his reaction, berated the conduct of those he described as “star actors” who he alleged wanted to use the fund for their schools.

He said the demand, if granted, would send the industry to the backstage, adding that those practitioners, who were already established, should not be allowed to take over the grant.

It was gathered that Stephanie Okereke was one of the practitioners fingered in the alleged grant controversy..

Speaking to journalists, when contacted Okereke, debunked the allegation, describing it as baseless and unfounded.

She said that the grant was broken into three stages; production, distribution and training.

Acting solicitorGeneral of the Federation, Mrs Olusola Moore; project Director, Democratic Governance for Development, Dr Mairtada Deme; Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Justice, Prof. Peter Akper (SAN) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Unit member, Ministry of Justice, Mr Godwin Garuba, at the Public presentation of the Revised Guidelines on the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 in Abuja

presently not carrying out any recruitment exercise into the service.

“The CGI calls on gullible members of the public to be wary of the antics of these few fraudulent people to avoid falling prey to them,’’ he said.

He said the service would inform Nigerians of its recruitment exercise when it commences.

Parradang said the service would adhere to rules guiding recruitment exercise as prescribed by the Federal Civil Service.

He gave the assurance that only qualified persons would be recruited at the right time.

THE NIGERIAN

10

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Business+Economy NSE’s Market Capitalisation Appreciates

By N300bn LAGOS - The market capitalisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last week appreciated by N300 billion to close at N12.138 trillion, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Besides, the NSE All-Share Index grew from 37,382.49 basis points achieved in the previous week to close at 38,328.29 points.

The difference represented 2.53 per cent growth or an addition of 945.8 basis points for last week.

The capital market also recorded a turnover of 1.89 billion shares worth N15. 54 billion exchanged in 28,619 deals.

This is against the 1.67 billion shares valued at N18.27 billion transacted in 25,367 deals in the previous week.

The financial services sector remained the toast of investors, accounting for 763.65 million shares worth N7.28 billion traded in 14,740 deals.

The conglomerates sector followed on the week’s activity chart with 704.83 million shares worth N1.14 billion traded in 1,122 deals.

NAN also reports that 8,200 units of FGN bonds valued at N911.1 million were traded in 10 deals last week.

This is in contrast to the 4,100 units worth N443.7 million transacted in 18 deals the corresponding week.

IPWA Plc led the gainers’ table with 57.32 per cent or 47k to close at N1.29 per share.

IHS followed with a gain of 46.33 per cent or N1.20 to close at N3.79, while Forte Oil appreciated by 46.31 per cent or N9.42 to close at N29.76 per share.

On the contrary, Berger Paints topped the losers’ chart with N1.68 to close at N9.26 per

share.

Paint and Coatings followed with a loss of 12.17 to close at N1.66, while Port Land Paints and Products, Nigeria dipped by 80k to close at N5.78 per share.

Capital market analysts on Monday attributed the steady surge of the nation’s bourse to investors’ anticipation of improved half year earnings.

The immediate past President, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria, Mr Rasheed Yussuf, said that investors were optimistic that most quoted companies would declare impressive returns on or

by December.

Yussuf said that the results released by Nigerian Breweries, Guinness Nigeria and Sterling Bank for the half year ended June 30 might have spurred investors.

The Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds Ltd., Lagos, Malam Garba Kurfi, said that most investors had moved funds to the equities due to low yields offered by money market instruments.

Businessman In Court Over N3.2m Fraud

using IT to manage the voters’ registration data.”

Aladekomo said that it was only by promoting the local organisations that more employment opportunities could be generated and local capacities developed.

He said: “If you directly bring in foreign organisations without involving the local partners, you are not going to allow them to develop the local capacities and employ more people.”

LAGOS - A 33-year-old businessman, Hammed Lawal, who allegedly defrauded his business partner of N3.2 million, was on Monday charged before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Lawal, who resides at No. 37 Lambo Lasunwon, First Gate Laspotech, Ikorodu, Lagos, is facing a charge of fraud.

The prosecutor, Insp. George Nwosu, told the court that the offence was committed on Oct. 21, 2010 at First Gate, Ikorodu, Lagos.

He said that the accused and the complainant, one Mr Kazeem Olayemi were business partners.

Nwosu said that the accused called the complainant to supply iron sheets valued at N3.2million to Landcraft Nigeria Ltd., Lagos.

The prosecutor said after the complainant had supplied the goods to the company, the accused went to collect the money without the knowledge of the complainant.

He said that the accused fraudulently diverted the money into personal use.

Nwosu said that the offence contravened Section 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olatunbosun Abolarinwa, granted the accused N500, 000 as bail with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned till Aug. 29 for further hearing.

things, Nigeria will be a great country in the next five years.

“The CBN has introduced cashless economy; maximum N150,000, you must pass your money through the banking system.

“The other one is the introduction of TIN number. I will link these two policies of the government and how it will affect revenue generation, particularly from the informal sector.

“You say people must not carry cash. Now, if essential portion of the money, 90 per cent of the money in circulation goes through the banking sector that means you can trace whoever is transacting what.

“The moment you give TIN number to everybody as an accountant, the rest is history. By statutory power, the agencies have power to access your account, so the moment they print your account, they know your tax.

“You can’t tell me that 99 per cent of the amount in your corporate account was given to you by your uncle. So if your uncle is into charity, then we need to know his own source of income too. So, one thing will leads to the other.’’

Olushola said judicious implementation of the cashless policy and TIN would encourage people to patronise the banks.

L-R: Business Analyst, NOI Polls, Uche Osurumba; Managing Editor, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Norbert Onwuegbuzie, Managing Director, NOI Polls, Ms Oge Modie and the Acting Managing Director NAN, during the visit of Executives of NOI Polls to the Agency in Abuja recently.

Computer Society Stresses Local Content In ICT

LAGOS – Mr. Demola Aladekomo, the President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) said the implementation of the Local Content Act in the Information Technology Sector would further enhance job creation.

Aladekomo made this assertion in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

The NCS official said that the local content act was passed to enhance the development of Nigerians and to make computers more affordable.

“One of the key points for the local content act is employment creation using information technology (IT), with projections that one million jobs could be created in five years.

“The society may not have statistics to prove, but with what we are doing directly and indirectly with NCS, we believe that in the past 24 to 30 months, more than 200,000 jobs would have been created.

“We are all living witnesses to the ‘cash-less project’ which NCS is directly and indirectly

involved with the president, that it has created enormous amount of jobs.”

Aladekomo also said that with the local content act in place, the National Identity Card project should have created at least 100,000 jobs.

The NCS president said that if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

had adopted the continuous voters’ registration, it would have been employing no fewer than 50,000 Nigerians.

“It was hoped that INEC would have permanently employed 300,000 Nigerians if the continuous voters’ registration was adopted.

“The electoral process would have enjoyed an improvement

LAGOS - A tax expert, Mr. Agbeluyi Olushola has said in Lagos that the effective implementation of the cashless policy and the Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN) would strengthen tax administration in the country.

Olushola, who is the Chairman, Ikeja District Society of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, said this in an interview with newsmen.

He said that cashless policy would enable banks to easily trace whoever was involved in any monetary transaction.

The chairman said that every bank account holder was expected to have a TIN, noting that the development would enable the government to monitor individual’s daily banking transactions.

“Two things are going on and if we implement those two

Expert Lauds Cashless Policy

Lufthansa Explains Air-Return IKEJA - Mr. Jimoh Hakeem, Of Flight the Media Consultant to

Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Disun Holloway (right), and his information and Strategy counterpart, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogha (left), during the press briefing on the Supreme Court judement directing the Federal Government to hands off Tourism Hotel Registration and Consumption Tax in the Hospitality Industry at the Conference Room, Lagos House, Ikeja recently.

Lufthansa Airline, on Monday attributed the air return of its aircraft in Lagos to a technical fault, to forestall a disaster.

The official told newsmen in a telephone interview in Lagos that the plane landed safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

He said that the aircraft, with flight number LH 595, which departed for Frankfurt, Germany, at 9:00 p.m. on July 20, landed back at the airport at about 11.15 p.m.

The consultant also said that all passengers on board the aircraft were safe during the entire flight, and taken to hotels nearby.

“On July 20, 2013, as a

precaution, due to a technical anomaly, LH 595 Lagos to Frankfurt had a safety return back to Lagos.

“The plane, however, landed safely at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport at approximately 11.15pm,’’ he said.

Hakeem said that the passengers’ tickets were rebooked, and that the airline apologised for the inconveniences.

The consultant said that the same aircraft left for Germany on Sunday, at the normal departure time of 9:00 p.m.

He said that there was no smoke detected or seen at any time in the aircraft, as reported by some media.

THE NIGERIAN

11

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY(24/07/13) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

MAYBAKER

2.9

2.9

0

10

37,600

100,658.80

7UP

69.5

69.5

0

20

200,188

13,037,412.01

MBENEFIT

0.5

0.5

0

1

20

10

ABBEYBDS

1.53

1.53

0

1

700

1,176.00

MOBIL

116.95

116.95

0

13

5,533

636,406.56

ABCTRANS

1.12

1.13

0.01

39

3,694,500

4,135,335.00

MORISON

2.01

2.01

0

1

100

181

27.55

30.3

2.75

37

512,780

15,537,234.00

ACADEMY

1.8

1.8

0

2

56,000

100,688.00

MRS

ACCESS

11.2

10.83

-0.37

261

23,482,964

255,655,135.17

NAHCO

6.64

6.38

-0.26

59

1,221,879

7,958,035.71

AFRIPRUD

1.88

1.9

0.02

34

5,050,998

9,320,908.28

NASCON

12.5

11.92

-0.58

46

947,080

11,332,164.58

AFROMEDIA

0.5

0.5

0

1

5,000

2,500.00

NB

167

171.99

4.99

250

1,782,525

302,750,975.81

AGLEVENT

1.45

1.45

0

7

91,572

127,508.66

NEIMETH

1.48

1.5

0.02

39

855,772

1,263,391.60

AIICO

0.91

0.91

0

48

7,354,409

6,694,493.24

NEM

0.72

0.7

-0.02

27

2,123,200

1,522,705.00

AIRSERVICE

4.57

4.6

0.03

10

435,717

1,971,539.97

NESTLE

999

999

0

65

50,596

49,374,222.01

ALEX

10.5

10.5

0

1

200

2,000.00

NIG-GERMAN

7.36

7.36

0

1

1,000

6,630.00

ASHAKACEM

25.7

25.66

-0.04

52

858,000

21,597,125.45

NIGERINS

0.5

0.5

0

5

1,048,080

524,040.00

26.5

26.5

0

1

500

13,255.00

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

0.5

0

1

100

50

NNFM

BERGER

9.26

9.36

0.1

14

89,575

843,470.60

OANDO

13.94

13.5

-0.44

288

12,509,832

168,364,817.37

BETAGLAS

10.9

10.9

0

8

157,000

1,851,460.00

OKOMUOIL

46

42.5

-3.5

94

1,371,419

60,143,790.16

BOCGAS

6.77

6.77

0

7

955,691

6,470,027.54

PAINTCOM

1.82

1.82

0

7

390,000

701,400.00

6

6

0

7

121,010

699,390.00

CADBURY

52.4

52.4

0

51

99,478

4,935,370.49

PORTPAINT

CAP

48.3

48.3

0

18

130,550

5,990,871.80

PRESCO

40

40

0

30

283,360

10,824,197.00

CCNN

9.47

8.6

-0.87

77

5,434,449

46,614,491.34

PRESTIGE

0.55

0.52

-0.03

3

417,000

220,140.00

CHAMPION

9.39

10.32

0.93

27

364,560

3,758,059.20

PZ

44.3

44.05

-0.25

97

742,529

32,511,658.63

CHAMS

0.5

0.5

0

1

200,000

100,000.00

REDSTAREX

4.7

4.45

-0.25

12

541,790

2,423,693.40

0.5

0.5

0

2

3,437,500

1,718,750.00

CONOIL

30.61

33.67

3.06

48

657,154

22,126,375.18

REGALINS

CONTINSURE

1.45

1.42

-0.03

49

2,220,401

2,958,893.43

RESORTSAL

0.5

0.5

0

1

5,000

2,500.00

CORNERST

0.58

0.53

-0.05

13

1,600,010

859,005.30

ROADS

9.06

9.06

0

1

5,000

49,800.00

COSTAIN

1.4

1.28

-0.12

22

540,796

716,760.88

ROYALEX

0.62

0.56

-0.06

7

153,301

87,388.56

1.66

1.6

-0.06

28

1,087,320

1,793,829.80

COURTVILLE

0.64

0.6

-0.04

22

986,356

613,235.71

RTBRISCOE

CUSTODYINS

1.59

1.6

0.01

36

1,747,543

2,783,001.17

SKYEBANK

4.76

4.57

-0.19

170

15,871,896

72,698,472.84

CUTIX

1.98

1.98

0

10

117,333

231,172.70

SOVRENINS

0.5

0.5

0

2

740,108

370,054.00

DAARCOMM

0.5

0.5

0

3

42,000

21,000.00

STANBIC

15.45

16

0.55

35

547,912

8,631,483.18

DANGCEM

190

189.99

-0.01

64

235,636

44,751,470.63

STDINSURE

0.5

0.5

0

4

60,000

30,000.00

2.65

2.58

-0.07

93

13,620,682

34,475,234.92

DANGFLOUR

9.5

9.5

0

61

7,426,403

70,581,550.40

STERLNBANK

DANGSUGAR

12.09

12.07

-0.02

139

11,500,238

138,196,128.73

TOTAL

160

160

0

26

25,029

3,976,930.10

DIAMONDBNK

6.75

6.2

-0.55

122

8,896,716

56,425,407.62

TOURIST

4.08

4.08

0

1

20

73.6

DNMEYER

1.48

1.48

0

1

246

334.56

TRANSCORP

1.45

1.47

0.02

111

10,904,390

15,758,951.50

1.62

1.46

-0.16

2

170,000

248,200.00

ETERNA

3.3

3.15

-0.15

45

893,707

2,814,891.19

TRANSEXPR

ETI

14.6

14

-0.6

200

12,095,116

170,782,612.01

TRIPPLEG

2.29

2.29

0

1

12

24.84

EVANSMED

4.26

4.68

0.42

7

70,877

326,075.70

UAC-PROP

15

15

0

31

91,469

1,338,329.16

FBNH

18.17

17.1

-1.07

673

59,671,501

1,038,856,695.23

UACN

63

63

0

45

278,934

17,272,400.00

FCMB

4.81

4.7

-0.11

115

9,070,239

42,565,804.44

UBA

8.3

7.94

-0.36

330

35,812,161

289,080,928.97

FIDELITYBK

3.07

2.99

-0.08

99

7,533,813

22,383,071.53

UBCAP

1.13

1.11

-0.02

85

26,920,720

30,258,461.52

FIDSON

2.02

1.9

-0.12

36

867,170

1,699,640.50

UBN

12.29

11.9

-0.39

87

1,188,842

14,197,880.93

FLOURMILL

86.3

86.3

0

57

213,049

17,985,990.99

UNIC

0.5

0.5

0

3

4,000

2,000.00

FO

36

39.6

3.6

126

1,318,652

51,905,791.32

UNILEVER

62.51

62.5

-0.01

156

1,483,638

92,794,181.61

0.5

0.5

0

27

5,000,000

2,500,000.00

GLAXOSMITH

60

59.99

-0.01

25

237,466

14,203,347.45

UNIONDAC

GUARANTY

26.3

25.7

-0.6

610

25,531,110

650,787,345.32

UNITYBNK

0.59

0.58

-0.01

50

12,689,387

7,337,945.58

GUINNESS

252

252

0

65

124,968

31,338,588.87

UPL

4.52

4.85

0.33

12

358,660

1,652,280.50

HMARKINS

0.5

0.5

0

3

3,020

1,510.00

UTC

0.79

0.81

0.02

8

171,960

139,452.60

HONYFLOUR

3.1

3

-0.1

65

2,343,688

7,076,449.08

VITAFOAM

4.82

4.55

-0.27

18

192,430

884,241.00

IHS

3.08

3.08

0

15

236,000

656,280.00

VONO

1.39

1.39

0

1

31

39.06

IKEJAHOTEL

0.88

0.9

0.02

7

587,050

528,955.58

WAPCO

99.5

99.5

0

42

110,008

10,414,298.19

INTBREW

24.65

24.65

0

50

269,109

6,603,645.57

WAPIC

0.88

0.88

0

16

1,750,100

1,547,495.00

INTENEGINS

2.5

2.25

-0.25

6

16,707,391

37,591,629.75

WEMABANK

1.07

1.03

-0.04

47

7,546,085

7,468,625.71

ZENITHBANK

21.17

20

-1.17

391

20,270,078

409,774,974.83

IPWA

1.09

1.08

-0.01

14

324,995

346,038.95

JAPAULOIL

0.54

0.52

-0.02

114

12,097,392

6,487,168.63

JBERGER

83.75

83.75

0

14

28,720

2,178,808.00

JOHNHOLT

1.4

1.35

-0.05

7

88,420

119,877.00

JOSBREW

0.99

0.9

-0.09

7

72,100

65,016.00

LASACO

0.5

0.5

0

1

400

200

LEARNAFRCA

1.8

1.7

-0.1

6

260,500

456,125.00

LIVESTOCK

4.9

4.8

-0.1

57

2,157,326

10,298,600.04

MANSARD

2.25

2.17

-0.08

27

862,876

1,893,386.72

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock NB FO CONOIL MRS CHAMPION STANBIC EVANSMED UPL BERGER AIRSERVICE

Close 171.99 39.6 33.67 30.3 10.32 16 4.68 4.85 9.36 4.6

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THE NIGERIAN

12

THE Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has voted in favour of the removal of the National Minimum wage from the “Exclusive List to the Concurrent List� in the ongoing constitution review.

THE Trade Union Congress in a swift reaction on Tuesday called on the Senators to reconsider their position on the deregulation of the minimum wage. The Union’s President, Mr. Bobboi Kaigama said the decentralisation of the National Minimum wage Law showed clearly that the upper legislative arm was acting contrary to the will of the Nigerian people.

WE are tempted to share same sentiments with the Trade Union Congress given the unpopular amendments the Senate has embarked upon since it commenced voting on the recommendations of the Ike Ekweremadu-led Committee reports on constitution review. From the obnoxious 6-year single tenure, to the Child Marriage and now moving National Minimum wage out of the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List.

WE believe that there are more important constitutional changes Nigerians have been clamouring for to be reflected in the grund norm which the Senate who ordinarily should be the representatives of the people are shying away from in utter preference for their personal issues and those of their political godfathers. Some of the

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013 THE NIGERIAN

Constitutional Amendment On Minimum Wage important issues Nigerians want to see in their constitution include but are not limited to the followings: true fiscal federalism or resource control, in the alternative, return to regional government as provided for in the 1963 Constitution, devolution of powers to federating states, Local Government Autonomy, removal of immunity clause particularly with criminal dimension to immunity among others.

RATHER than give Nigerians a peoplecentred constitution, we are worried that the Senate is currently chasing shadows and wallowing in selfglorification and perpetuation. This is condemnable because, it is only sheepish for a Senator to vote for Child Marriage only to burst into tears when confronted by his constituents. It goes to show that many of the Senators are not voting according to the wishes of their constituencies. This explains the untoward voyage into the deregulation of minimum wage by the Senators.

IT is our contention, therefore, that if the Federal Government should legislate for federal workers and the

state government legislates for the state workers, which assembly have the Senators put in place in the same constitution to legislate for the private sector and other none state actors?

CREATING two regimes of minimum wage and excluding the private sector in the fixing of wages in the country, offers private operators a blank cheque to exploit Nigerians in their employ. We expect Senators to have this understanding more than any other Nigerian, hence our utter disappointment and we call on the distinguished senators to rescind their stand.

IT is for this reason, we want to urge the House of Representatives which has been very progressive in its legislations and resolution since inception of the seventh National Assembly to vote against this obnoxious decision of the senators.

WE urge the Committee on harmonization of both houses positions to throw out this vexations provisions from our statute book when they eventually commence sitting on constitution review. In the same token, we call on all State Houses Assembly to reject the proposal if it comes their way.

FINALLY, we urge organised Labour as represented by the Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congress to rise to the occasion and resist this anti-labour move of the senators.

THE NIGERIAN

13

Infidelity:

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

The Lessons Children Learn

WHEN a parent has an affair what lessons are being taught to the children? What rules of life are being learned? Julie was a happygo-lucky eight-year old. She was at the top of her 3rd grade class, loved playing with her friends, riding her bike, and drawing. Her parents loved her and she loved them.

One day after school mom introduced Julie to two girls who were close to Julie’s age.

Mom said that she was taking care of them for a friend named Josh. Julie enjoyed playing with the girls and looked forward to them coming again. In fact they would come over quite often with their dad.

But it was only when Julie’s dad was out of town.

Sometimes Josh stayed late — long after Julie had gone to sleep. One day dad came home from his trip. As he was hugging Julie he asked, “How is my princess?

What did you do while I was away?” Julie started telling him about the new puppy that “Uncle Josh” brought to the house.

Dad knew that mom had been helping someone with child care, but when he heard it was “Uncle Josh” he became a little suspicious.

“How often do you see Uncle Josh?” he asked. With a smile Julie said, “Oh, he comes over every day to help mom when you’re gone. “ Mom looked at Julie with a stern face. But Julie didn’t understand why she was becoming upset.

Her dad started asking her mom questions and their voices became louder and louder. Julie was sent to her room. As Julie listened outside, her door she heard her mom says, “Josh is just a friend. Aren’t I allowed to have friends? Why do you have to be so jealous? Don’t you trust me? “ Julie finally heard her mom say that she would never see Josh again if that’s what her dad really wanted.

After a couple of days, mom and dad started talking to each other and mom and dad seemed happy again.

They all returned to their routine of life and Julie started to forget about that horrible night. But the next time dad went on a trip, mom did not keep her promise. She told Julie that the babysitter will be taking care of her that

By JENNIFER HARLEY CHALMERS (PH.D)

night. But mom wouldn’t tell Julie where she was going. As mom left the house she saw Josh help mom into his car.

“Why is mom seeing Josh when she promised never to see him again?” Julie asked herself.

When dad returned, mom lied to him. When he asked her if she had seen Josh while he was gone she said, “No.” But dad pursued the subject and continued to ask her what she did. Finally she said, “I can’t take this invasion of privacy” and that her life was “none of his business.” She got up, started to pack her suitcase and gave Julie a kiss with the promise to see her tomorrow. She left that night leaving Julie feeling abandoned by her mother.

Julie didn’t understand what had happened. She thought it was her fault — maybe she had done something to make mom leave and cause this terrible punishment. She cried inconsolably. Dad tried to soothe Julie but nothing helped. She cried herself to sleep.

The next morning Julie went to school but did not say a word. Her teacher asked what was wrong, but Julie wouldn’t respond. Her eyes just filled with tears.

When Julie saw her mom she cried and pleaded for her to come home. Julie promised to clean her room every day and wash and dry the dishes.

But nothing worked. Mom didn’t come home.

After a month mom changed her mind. Julie was so excited when she heard the good news. But her happiness turned to despair when she was told that her mom had forced her dad to move away so she could come home.

Julie had come to trust and depend on her dad in the last month and appreciated him more than she ever had in the past. Now she was about to lose a parent she loved and trusted all over again.

These experiences were only the beginning for Julie.

In the months to come mom and dad would unknowingly teach Julie more lessons about life.

Children learn from their parents. In fact parents are the most influential guides in a child’s life. Many will see their mannerisms and phrases being used by their child. But

parents are more than models for mannerisms and phrases.

They are models for crucial aspects of life: a work ethic, intimate relationships, friendships, domestic skills, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Lessons about life are being taught when a parent has an affair — lessons that they usually don’t want their child to learn.

The first lesson a child learns is:-How to deal with the emotional pain.

Children whose parents are experiencing marital conflict feel many emotions — guilt, confusion, loneliness, sadness, fear, worry, abandonment, and many other excruciating feelings.

When a child is losing the security base of a strong marriage they are bombarded with pain.

here. Just look the other way “A child can defend themselves from the bombardment of emotional pain through the defenses of denial and justification.

But this new rule did not help teach Julie how to solve crucial problems that would face her later in life. Instead of facing and solving those problems, she would deny their very existence and look the other way as it would grow and eventually overwhelm her.

Julie was also being taught a second lesson:-How to tell lies.

In order to maintain a secret second life, wayward spouses need to keep up the deceit.

After Julie started living with her mom, she was asked not to talk to dad about Josh. She was further instructed to tell dad that she hadn’t seen him.

Mom explained that it is better that dad just doesn’t

So how is a child supposed to soothe their pain and the feeling of helplessness? And how does a child gain control in an uncontrollable situation? Out of the need to defend against these uncomfortable feelings comes a new rule about life —If a problem arises it is better to deny that there is a problem than to face it and feel the pain.

Julie came to believe this rule. She would think, “This is how married people lived. Nothing was wrong about this situation.

There really isn’t a problem

know “because we don’t want to make him upset.”

Julie remembered how upset dad was when he found out about Josh. She didn’t want him to get angry at mom. So with this newly learned habit of lying for mom, came a second rule about life — Lying is allowed if it spares another from pain or spares yourself from punishment.

Another rule from this lesson on deceit is that Lying is allowed when it protects your privacy.

Everyone has a right to privacy in their life, even if it involves hurting people

“A person involved in an affair, whether it is secret or not, must take a hard look at the messages they are sending to their children. Are they seeing mom and dad living secret lives where privacy and lying are the norm, making choices that are thoughtless to their spouse, and accepting infidelity because it looks good? Or are they seeing mom and dad spending time to love and care for each other, protecting each other from painful behaviors, being honest, working out conflicts together, and modeling faithfulness because it protects loved ones?”

Relationship With IMOISILI EDITH 07089364470 behind their back.

Julie was told over and over that it was not dad’s business to know what mom does.

This was meant to justify the fact that mom was lying to dad. Although Julie’s mom was a very honest and open person before the affair, mom became quite an expert at deceit and privacy. Julie was watching her model every step of the way.

A third crucial lesson is, How to be thoughtless — doing what you please regardless of how it affects other people.

Julie would learn how to take advantage of her friends and family when there was something in it for her. She would learn how to disregard others’ suffering because she

had a right to enjoy life to the fullest. All wayward spouses hurt the people they care about the most. Wayward spouses rationalize that they had to look out for themselves which is why they developed the relationship outside of their marriage in the first place. Their actions seem to benefit themselves in the short term, but it has disastrous effects on members of their family.

Marital discord is hard enough on children. It undermines the basic security needed for them to learn and grow. But to add infidelity to a troubled marriage turns a problem into a disaster.

Parents who have an affair are teaching their children very important rules that are likely to be followed for the rest of their lives. It ultimately not only undermines their marital relationships but it also seriously hurts their own

chances for success in most other areas of life.

Parents have a responsibility to teach their children the importance of honesty and the importance of thoughtfulness — considering other people’s feeling when decisions are being made. To do otherwise is not only terribly irresponsible, but may tend to perpetuate the learning of these rules of deceit and thoughtlessness for generations to come.

But even after the mistake of an affair, it is possible to make a conscious choice to change the disastrous consequences. I have counseled many parents who could see what they were teaching their children by having an affair. It motivated them to end the affair and explain to their children how wrong they had been.

Although it was extremely difficult and very humbling, they were not only able to save their marriage, but also able to correct the lessons they had taught their children.

A person involved in an affair, whether it is secret or not, must take a hard look at the messages they are sending to their children. Are they seeing mom and dad living secret lives where privacy and lying are the norm, making choices that are thoughtless to their spouse, and accepting infidelity because it looks good? Or are they seeing mom and dad spending time to love and care for each other, protecting each other from painful behaviors, being honest, working out conflicts together, and modeling faithfulness because it protects loved ones?

What lessons are you teaching your children? Are you protecting your marriage from infidelity? Are you making sure that your children will not learn the unwanted lessons of denial, deceit, and disregard for others?

Children can learn unwanted lessons from an unfaithful parent. But these lessons can be changed. A wayward spouse can decide to model new behaviors and teach new lessons. Think about it — it could be the greatest gift you will ever give to your children.

By Jennifer Harley Chalmers, P h .

D .

Dr. Chalmers is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the co-author of “Surviving an Affair” (Harley/Chalmers, Revell, 1998).

THE NIGERIAN

14

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Forgiveness: FORGIVENESS is a process (or the result of a process) that involves a change in emotion and attitude regarding an offender. Most scholars view this as an intentional and voluntary process, driven by a deliberate decision to forgive. This process results in decreased motivation to retaliate or maintain estrangement from an offender despite their actions, and requires letting go of negative emotions toward the offender.

Forgiveness has also been defined as a reduction in negative effect toward an offender. The victim relinquishes ideas of revenge, and feels less hostile, angry, or upset about the experience.

Theorists differ in the extent to which they believe forgiveness also implies replacing the negative emotions with positive attitudes including compassion and benevolence. In any event, forgiveness occurs with the victim’s full recognition that he or she deserved better treatment. This is one reason why Mahatma Gandhi contended that “the weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong”.

Forgiveness is the renunciation or cessation of resentment, indignation or anger as a result of a perceived offence, disagreement, or mistake, or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines forgiveness as ‘‘to grant free pardon and to give up all claims on account of an offence or dept.’’

Forgiveness can also be learnt. It has been discovered that people who are taught how to forgive become less angry, feel less hurt, are more optimistic, become more forgiving in a variety of situations and become more compassionate and selfconfident.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation Some theorists view reconciliation or the restoration of a relationship, as an integral part of the forgiveness process and others as independent processes because forgiveness may occur in the absence of reconciliation and reconciliation may occur in the absence of forgiveness.

Nonetheless, forgiveness does have behavioural corollaries. Reductions in

Opinion Virtue Of Inestimable Value

revenge and avoidance motivations and an increased ability to wish the offender well are features of forgiveness that can impact upon behavioural intention without obliging reconciliation. Forgiveness can be a one sided process, whereas reconciliation is a mutual process of increasing acceptance.

The ability to let-go is so important that it cannot be neglected in our daily lives.

As offences come every day, we need a forgiven heart to let go in-order for our country and world to be at peace.

Unforgiveness is the major cause of violence in our country Nigeria and in other parts of the world.

Individuals, groups, families go about with pain in their heart due to unforgiveness.

Unforgiveness sucks one dry emotionally, psychologically, physically, spiritually and health wise.

You might look fresh, happy, and so good looking but that is to the public, within, you are drying up gradually. The politics and politicians in this country are suffering from lack of forgiveness that is why River State House of Assembly is in trouble.

Everybody wants to retaliate, no one wants to be slapped and humbly walk away. Boko Haram are fired up by some unforgiving forces, who want to prove something that they have refused to let go.

Imagine a country filled with people who when offence are committed against them, sincerely apologised to and the apology is accepted sincerely… or should we imagine a world without offence?

Its absolutely impossible because we are humans with different characters. One man’s meal will always be another man’s poison. Every man cannot accept every man’s flaws but can overlook it.

Unforgiveness has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society; there is no industry, company, group, that unforgiveness will not be found. It has almost like air which is needed to survive everywhere and day. The music industry is not left out because musicians release album in-order to respond to an adversary in same industry. A lot of people today join police force or Army inorder to get back at someone who might have offended them in time past.

It is important to note that,

By EGHWRUDJE PRAISE

this unwilling spirit to let-go that has gone round this country did not just started at once; it started gradually and from a person. Your inability to forgive yourself makes it hard to forgive others. There are many people who don’t forgive themselves and so when they are offended, they don’t let-go.

When individuals don’t forgive, it spreads like fire, it starts burning from one little corner until the flame is seen and felt by all from distance. If two

2:10).

In Judaism, one must go to those he has harmed in order to be entitled to forgiveness.

One who sincerely apologises three times for a wrong committed against another has fulfilled his or her obligation to seek forgiveness.

CHRISTIANITY: in the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the importance of Christians forgiving or showing mercy towards others. The parable of the

people can settle a dispute amicably between them, there will be no need for police or court involvement, and therefore reduce crime in the society.

VIEWS OF DIFFERENT RELIGION ON FORGIVENESS JUDAISM: in Judaism, if a person causes harm, but then sincerely and honestly apologises to the wronged person and tries to rectify the wrong, the wronged person is religiously required to grant forgiveness. ‘‘It is forbidden to be obdurate and not allow yourself to be appeased. On the contrary, one should be easily pacified and find it difficult to become angry.

When asked by an offender for forgiveness, one should forgive with a sincere mind and a willing spirit, forgiveness is natural to the seed of Israel.’’ (Teshuvah

prodigal son is perhaps the best known instance of such leading and practice of forgiveness.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus repeatedly spokes of forgiveness, ‘‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.’’

(Mathew 5:7, Mark 11:25, Matthew 18:21-22).

Benedict XVI, on a visit to Lebanon in 2012, insisted that peace must be based on mutual forgiveness. ‘‘only forgiveness, given and received, can lay lasting foundations for reconciliation and universal peace.’’

ISLAM: Islam teaches that God is Al-Ghaffur ‘‘the All Forgiving,’’ and is the original source of all forgiveness. Forgiveness often requires the repentance of those being forgiven.

Depending on the wrong committed, forgiveness can come either directly from

Allah, or from one’s fellow man who received the wrong.

In the case of divine forgiveness, the asking for divine forgiveness via repentance is important. In the case of human forgiveness, it is important to both forgive and to be forgiven.

BUDDHISM: In Buddhism, forgiveness is seen as a practice to prevent harmful thoughts from causing havoc on one’s fellow mental well-being.

Buddhism recognises that feelings of hatred and ill-will leave a lasting effect on our

mind Karma. Instead, Buddhism encourages the cultivation of thoughts that leave a wholesome effect. In contemplating the law of Karma, we realise that it is not a matter of seeking revenge but of practicing Metta and forgiveness, for the victimiser is truly, the most unfortunate of all. When resentment has already arisen, the Buddhist view is to calmly proceed to release them by going back to their roots. Buddhism centres on release from delusion and suffering through meditation and receiving insight into the nature of reality. Buddhism questions the reality of the passions that makes forgiveness necessary as well as the reality of the objects of those passions. If we haven’t forgiven, we keep creating an identity around our pain, and that is what is reborn.

Buddhism places emphasis

on the concepts of Metta (loving kindness), Karma (compassion), Mudila (sympathetic joy), and upekkha (equanimity), as a means to avoid resentments in the first place. These reflections are used to understand the context of suffering in the world, both our own and suffering of others.

From the fore going, we can therefore say that most religions have a strong view of forgiveness. Even African tradition supports the atonement of sin and forgiveness. In the days of our fore fathers, when people sin against the gods they buy certain things which the chief priest will list and they will be used for sacrifice to appease the gods. When it is individual to individual, the offender goes to beg for forgiveness and likewise get some kegs of palm wine as a gift to the offended and that resolves all.

The benefits of letting offences go cannot be over emphasized, as it leads to peace in the family, groups, community, and country. It reduces the risk of heartattack, fear, guilt. It kills disagreement, hatred, fighting and probably end an intended war. Studies have shown that people who forgive are happier and healthier than those who hold resentments. The first to look at how forgiveness improves your physical health discovered that when people think about forgiving an offender, it leads to improved functioning in their cardiovascular and nervous system. A study also showed that more forgiving people were, the less they suffered from a wide range of illness.

The less forgiving people reported a greater number of health problems.

Forgiveness aids psychological healing through positive changes in effect, improves physical and mental health. It restores a victim’s sense of personal power, helps bring about reconciliation between the offended and offender and Promotes hope for the resolution of realworld intergroup conflicts “…lasting peace cannot be brought about between different communities who have fought each other for many centuries if the cycle of violence (the aggressionrevenge cycle) is not broken at some time. This cycle can be broken if the members of the different parties decide to do so and decide not only to negotiate but also to forgive” Azar et al. (1999).

THE NIGERIAN

15

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Child Health And You

An Invaluable Component Of Child Nutrition

Fish:

FISH particularly is essential to the general wellbeing of the human system most especially children. Fish in diet is needed to improve on the speed relation recalling of information stored in the brain as well as enhanced memory in children.

Young couples who will soon become parents should know the following useful information about the nutritional benefits of fish, most especially saltwater varieties. It’s now well understood and accepted by most doctors and clinicians that omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil are highly beneficial. We as humans need omega 3 or fish oil to grow, develop and function normally. This is due to the fact that a large part of the brain is made up of omega 3 fats, making them vital for healthy brain function. Omega 3 fats are essential for healthy brain development both in the womb and early childhood since about 75% of brain cells are in place before birth and 25% develop by age 1 year, thus making omega 3 fats an essential nutrient both for pregnant women and their young children.

The information is such that different scientific research work done has shown that children whose mothers took fish oil supplements during pregnancy have a higher intelligence and lower risk of mental illness or cognitive delay, and also differ in tranquility and social balance.

In a study done by the United States National institutes of Health in boys aged between 6 and 12 years old found to have omega 3 fats deficiency presented with hyperactivity, impulsivity, restlessness, tantrums, and sleep disturbances. Finally, research has found that many brainrelated conditions may be prevented or even treated by good intake of omega 3 fats and that the benefits of eating fish go beyond the early years.

The main value of omega 3 fats is that it provides a quick energy that helps the transmission of nerve impulses that carry signals from one brain cell to another.

This helps us think easier, store information in the memory and retrieve it easier.

Another benefit was demonstrated in a study done in Australia which showed that

fish oil or omega 3 fats regulates the concentration of serotonin, which is a chemical transmitter of brain cell impulses or signals between nerve cells, which affects the “good mood” or tranquility .

This effectively reduces low mood, depression, and personal crises. Thus the kids

The evidence across different studies showed that fish consumption lowers the risk of death from heart diseases by 36%. The benefit was related to the level of intake of omega -3 fatty acids and this benefits are greater for oily (e.g salmon, bluefish) which are higher in beneficial

Sweden found that people with the highest blood levels of the omega 3 fats had a 47% lower risk of developing dementia and a 39% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to people with the lowest of omega 3 fats. The study therefore suggested that eating fish 2-3 times a week may reduce the risk of developing these diseases.

Also fish intake reduces total mortality by 17% a

have a feeling of well-being.

Dyslexia affects an estimated 4-10% of children, causing learning difficulties that can last a lifetime. Research work into the causes of dyslexia and other brain conditions affecting children such as Attention Deficit Hyperkinetic Disorder (ADHD) and dyspraxia or disorder of quality of movement has shown that omega 3 fats may play a role in helping prevent or treat these conditions.

Children with low levels of omega 3 fats can have a decreased ability to focus attention and this can lead to problems in skilled movements, detecting facial and emotional expressions, sequencing letters and numbers. Finally others studies have shown that omega 3 fats may help improve the reading skills and attention span of children suffering from dyslexia, ADHD and dyspraxia and may also improve motor skills and general co-ordination.

omega-3 fatty acids than lean fish (haddock, cod) Fish oil omega-3 has a function similar to the main chemical drug prescribed for cardiovascular system diseases. However, unlike drugs, the fish oil has no side effects, thus making it safer and non-toxic. Study done on Eskimos showed that they had the lowest incidence of cardiovascular diseases, due to the fact that their diet is very rich in omega 3 fats contained in large amounts of fish, whale meat and fat of seals consumed. Researchers in

remarkable reduction considering that this is the benefit for deaths from all causes. Many children do not really like fish which is a great source of brain food. At a time when the brain is developing, fish is an important part of a diet. Omega -3 fatty oils have multiple nutritional benefits and are essential for a balanced diet.

The benefit of fish oil lies in the properties of omega-3, one of whose important functions include tonic, antioxidant, corrective, and immunity actions. It helps to normalize

By ROSEMARY NKEMDILIM OKONKWO

blood lipid levels, have a positive effective on the brain cells, decrease of cardiovascular disorders.

The daily taking of fish and it supplements has exploded in recent years mostly in younger ones become the extreme health benefit in children.

It is now a well-studied, scientifically researched and medically proven in diets that fish oil is commonly used and recommended by doctors and medical practitioners all

around the world to help treat and prevent a wide range of medical conditions. The reason is that fish contains a high proportion of “Omega 3 fatty acids” most importantly needed for growth and development.

CONCLUSION Fish oil or omega 3 is in a class of its own. It should be noted that fish oil or omega 3 is not synthesized by the human body, and therefore has to be provided in the dietary intake. It may be taken as a food supplement. Research work done looking

specifically at the benefits of eating fish, rather than just intake of supplements of omega 3 fats found that those who ate fish regularly, at least once a week, showed a slower decline in the mental function as they grew older, compared to people who rarely or never ate fish. They found that those who regularly ate fish had memory and brain function that was at least 4 years younger than their counterparts who never ate fish. A Scottish study done looking at fish and brain function also found that people who ate oil-rich fish like salmon, trout, mackerel and herring had an intelligence quotient (IQ) level that was 13% higher than people who never ate fish. The study also found that people who never fish were less likely to show early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The interesting aspect of the study and other related studies cited above is that the benefits didn’t just come from the omega 3 fats alone but from the entire package of nutrients found in fish, suggesting that simply taking omega 3 fats supplements wouldn’t be enough to get the full benefit. While more research is needed in into the role of fish and omega 3 fats brain development and disorders, it is clear that there are many benefits of eating this ‘brain food’ from early brain development in the womb to keeping it up and running into old age.

R O S E M A R Y NKEMDILIM OKONKWO Institute of Child Health University of Benin, Benin City.

CH1LD HEALTH AND YOU’, a Weekly Thursday Feature, is a collaborative initiative between the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, and the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Benin City.

Comments on this page should be forwarded to The Editor, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, Benin City or Director, Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.

“It is now a well-studied, scientifically researched and medically proven in diets that fish oil is commonly used and recommended by doctors and medical practitioners all around the world to help treat and prevent a wide range of medical conditions. The reason is that fish contains a high proportion of “Omega 3 fatty acids” most importantly needed for growth and development.”

THE NIGERIAN

16

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Spotlight NO organization today — large or small, local or global — is immune to change. To cope with new technological, competitive, and demographic forces, leaders in every sector have sought to fundamentally alter the way their organizations do business. These change efforts have paraded under many banners — total quality management, security, reengineering, restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, turnarounds. Yet according to most assessments, few of these efforts accomplish their goals.

The particulars of every case vary, but I have found that the change process involves eight critical stages Mismanaging any one of these steps can undermine an otherwise well conceived vision, but four mistakes in particular are the source of most failures.

1. Writing a memo instead of lighting afire. At least half of failed change efforts bungle the tirst critical step establishing a sense of urgency. Too often leaders launch their initiatives by calling a meeting or circulating a consultants report, then expect people to rally to the cause.

It doesn’t happen that way. To increase urgency, I suggest you gather a key group of people for a day-long retreat.

First, identify every possible factor that contributes to complacency. If you work at it, you will come up with 25 to 50. Then brainstorm specific ways to counter each factor.

Finally, develop an action plan to implement your ideas. If you attack all 25 or 50 items, your chances of creating a sense of urgency — and building necessary momentum — improve immeasurably. However, the effort involved in creating a sense of urgency is usually several times what leaders expect. They slide through this first crucial step, and when the effort stalls six months later, they wonder why.

2. Talking too much and saying too little. Most leaders under communicate their change vision by a factor of 10.

And the efforts they do make to convey their message are of the least convincing variety — speeches and memos. An effective change vision must include not just new strategies and structures but also new, aligned behaviors on the part of senior executives. Leading by example means just that — spending dramatically more time with customers, cutting wasteful spending in the executive suite, or pulling the plug on a pet project that doesn’t measure up. People watch their bosses — particularly their immediate bosses — very closely. It doesn’t take much in the way of inconsistent behavior by a manager to fuel the cynicism and frustration of his or her direct reports.

3. Declaring victory before the war is over. When a project is completed or an initial goal met, it is tempting to congratulate all involved and proclaim the advent of a new era. While it is important to celebrate results along the way, kidding yourself or others about the difficulty and duration of organizational transformation can be catastrophic. I met recently with a capable, intelligent management group that has begun to see encouraging results in a difficult initiative.

They are only six months into what is probably a threeyear process — but are already talking about “wrapping this thing up in a few months.” Such talk is nonsense. They are far from where they need to be, and in danger of losing the ground they have gained.

People look forward to completion of any task. The problem is, the results of a change vision are not directly proportional to the effort invested. That is, one-third of your way into a change process, you are unlikely to see one-third of the possible results; you may see only 1/10th of the possible results. If you settle for too little too soon, you will probably lose it all. Celebrating incremental improvements is a great way to mark progress and sustain commitment — but don’t forget how much work is still to come.

4. Looking for villains in all the wrong places. The perception that large organizations are filled with recalcitrant middle manager who resist all change is not only unfair but untrue in professional service organizations, and in most organizations with an educated workforce, people at every level are engaged in change processes. Often it’s the middle level that brings issues to the attention of senior executives.

Leadership Is Wi

By BAMIDELE MICHAEL

In fact, I have found that the biggest obstacles to change are not middle managers but, more often, those who work just a level or two below the CEO — vice presidents, directors, general managers and others who haven’t yet made it to “the top” and may have the most to lose in a change. That’s why it is crucial to build a guiding coalition that represents all levels of the organization. People often hear the president or CEO cheerleading a change and promising exciting new opportunities. Most people in the middle want to believe that: too often their managers give them reasons not to.

These common mistakes suggest three key tasks for change leaders: managing multiple time lines, building coalitions, and creating a vision.

Managing Multiple Time Lines To establish a sense of urgency and avoid declaring premature victory leaders must manage a key strategic resource — time. Responding quickly while also accepting the long-term nature of the change process sounds like a paradox. But effective leaders make it clear that meaningful change takes years. At the same time, they create shorter term wins and continuously remind people that the need for change is urgent precisely because it takes so long.

The best leaders that I have known balance short-term results with long-term vision. (When it comes to organizational change, I define short-term as six to 12 months.) They engage directors, investors, employees, and other constituents in the excitement of delivering both long- and short-term results. They operate in multiple time frames.

Results and vision can be plotted on a matrix that has four dimensions Poor results and weak vision spell sure trouble for any organization. Good short-term results with a weak vision satisfy many organizations — for awhile. A compelling vision that produces few results usually is abandoned. Only good short-term results with an effective, aligned vision offer a high probability of sustained success..

Transforming an organization is the ultimate test of leadership, but understanding the change process is essential to many aspects of a leader’s job. Two skills in particular — building coalitions and creating a vision — are especially relevant to our times.

Building Coalition In todays less hierarchical but more complex organizations, leaders must win the support of employees, partners, investors, and regulators for many types of initiatives. Because you are likely to meet resistance from unexpected quarters, building a strong guiding coalition is essential. There are three keys to creating such alliances.

Engaging the right talent. Coalition building is not simply reaching out to whoever happens to be in charge’ of a department, organization, or other constituency; it is assembling the necessary skills, experience, and chemistry as well. A coalition of 20 people who are decent managers but ineffective leaders is unlikely to create meaningful change — or much else that is new. You don’t necessarily start with the president or CEO as your partner; it may be the executive vice president who brings more to the party, and yet still connects you to the line organization. The most effective partners usually have strong position power, broad experience high credibility and real leadership skill.

Growing the coalition strategically. Like a good board of directors an effective guiding coalition needs a diversity of views and voices. Once a core group coalesces, the challenge is how to expand the scope and complexity of the coalition.

It often means working with people outside your organization — even for an internal change. effort Leaders must not only reach beyond the confines of their enterprise but also know where and how to build support. That may mean, instance, giving others credit for success, but accepting blame for failures oneself. It means showing a genuine care for individuals but a tough-mindedness about results — getting

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THE NIGERIAN

17

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Spotlight

inning At Change

lts being the best way to recruit allies. orking as a team, not just a collection of individuals. Leaders often say have a team when in fact they have a committee or a small hierarchy. more you do to support team performance, the healthier will be the ing coalition and the more able it will be to achieve its goals. Especially ng the stress of change, leaders throughout the enterprise need to draw eserves of energy, expertise, and, most of all, trust. Personnel problems n lurking beneath the surface of a team — all too easily ignored during id times — come to the fore during times of change. The pressures of sformation make a strong team essential. Beyond the customary teamding retreats and events, real teams are built by doing real work together, ing a vision, and commitment to a goal. eating a Vision ading by example is essential to communicating a vision. But how do actually build a vision? Because it relates to the future, people assume vision building should resemble the long-term planning process: design, nize, Implement. I have never seen it work that way. Defining a vision he future does not happen according to a timetable or flowchart. It is e emotional than rational. It demands a tolerance for messiness, iguity, and setbacks, an acceptance of the half-step back that usually mpanies every step forward. y-to-day demands inevitably pull people in different directions. Conflict evitable. Having a shared vision does not eliminate tension between, sales and manufacturing groups, but it does help people make opriate trade-offs. The alternative is to bog down in I-win, you-lose s that can paralyze an organization. Thus, leaders must convey a vision he future that is clear in intention, appealing to stakeholders, and itious yet attainable. Effective visions are focused enough to guide sion making yet are flexible enough to accommodate individual ative and changing circumstances.

For example, this narrowly defined but effective .change vision was developed by the operations group of a financial services company: “We want to reduce our costs by 30 percent and increase the speed with which we respond to customers by 40 percent. When this is completed, in approximately three years, we will have ... better satisfied customers, increased revenue growth. more job security, and the enormous pride that comes from great accomplishment.”

TRAITS OF EFFECTIVE LEADERS LEADERS. exist at all levels of an organization. At the edges of the enterprise, of course, leaders are accountable for less territory. Their vision may sound more basic; the number of people to motivate may be two. But they perform the same leadership role as their more senior counterparts.

They excel at seeing things through fresh eyes and at challenging the status quo. They are energetic and seem able to run through, or around, obstacles.

I have found that people who provide great leadership are also deeply interested in a cause or discipline related to their professional arena. A leader in a pharmaceutical firm, for example, might have a passion for reducing suffering. He or she may have watched a parent or loved one suffer, and be motivated by deep emotions, not just intellect. Such leaders also tap deep convictions of others and connect those feelings to the purpose of the organization; they show the meaning of people’s everyday work to that larger purpose.

However, the most notable trait of great leaders, certainly of great change leaders, is their quest for learning. They

show an exceptional willingness to push themselves out of their own comfort zones, even after they have achieved a great deal.

They continue to take risks, even when there is no obvious reason for them to do so. And they are open to people and ideas, even at a time in life when they might reasonably think — because of their successes — that they know everything.

Often they are driven by goals or ideals that are bigger than what any individual can accomplish, and that gap is an engine pushing them toward continuous learning.

Leaders invest tremendous talent, energy, and caring in their change efforts, yet few see the results they had hoped for. But there is a good reason why so few organizations have transformed themselves. Today’s leaders simply don’t have much practice at large-scale change. Years ago few organizations were thinking about radical reinvention, so there is little practical experience to be passed on to a new generation of managers. The good news is, the percentages are bound to improve. The kinds of changes routinely undertaken by today’s organizations — producing ever better products, more quickly, at ever lower cost. Over the next decade, thousands of leaders will guide equally remarkable changes. That is more than a safe prediction; it is a social and economic necessity. All institutions need effective leadership, but nowhere is the need greater than in the organization seeking to transform itself.

The Mob At Port Harcourt Airport

BY ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE

LOT has been happening lately in rs State: From pro-Governor Chibuike aechi protesters to anti-Amaechi esters and the fight at the House of mbly. Many individuals and groups added their voices on the crises. Many e sued for peace, more wars, parency, equity, democratic norms, orrence of brickbats, bickering, ring, and every quagmires that have rocking the state. is, however, dishonorable that some ons have thrown hospitality known of esidents of Rivers State to the winds uesday 16, 2013, and molested some rnors, who were on a unity visit and in bute to Governor. Amaechi, over the sant man-made chaos in the state. Such gant move by the scoundrels is emnable, un-called for, undemocratic, ry. he act was morbid and revealed how ature some persons are in handling differences with their political rivals. people who went to the airport to abuse governors have shown how desperate were in making sure that the already red image of the country was not emed before the comity of nations. e persons might think that they wanted

to spoil the image of the state, but have further succeeded in bringing Nigeria to disrepute.

It was reprehensible why the police, according to accounts, were unresponsive and refused to dismiss the crowd of the alleged troublemakers who had gathered at the airport to assault the governors of Adamawa, Jigawa, Kano and Niger who visited the Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Amaechi. The meaning of the tactless statement that was credited to the Police Commissioner in the state, Mbu Joseph Mbu and his men, who ought to have acted to protect the safety of these governors at the airport, but, rather, resorted to saying, “the airport is a public place for everyone to visit”, can’t be found in any dictionary.

It has become obvious that the presidency might not be unconnected with these troubles in Rivers State. An archetypal of this was reportedly in a statement issued

by Ibim Semenitari, Rivers State Commissioner of Information and Communications thus: “There were jitters in the presidency over the visit of governors of Adamawa, Jigawa, Kano and Niger to Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi in Port Harcourt, today

Tuesday 16, 2013. Members of the Nyesom Wike’s campaign organisation Grassroot Democratic Initiative GDI, had mobilised hoodlums to disrupt the visit...”

If the story making the rounds is true that a four litre cask suspected to contain some acid was found beside the mob, there is no gainsaying the fact that the mob was very careless. Persons like Wike should be admonished to remember how the state was once ransacked by hoodlums and, whether he wants the state to retrogress to that era of absurdity, because of political differences.

It is unfortunate that Mbu was credited to have denied knowledge of the mob being-there at the airport, even though the police conditioned that the airport is a civic place and everyone has a right to visit without restraint and unconstrained, it could be blubbered that not even a peaceful protest should have been meted out to the governors, who were themselves peaceful. Now, what would be the fate of Wike to the states of these governors that his group were said to have molested, should he one day venture into any of them, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

Governor Amaechi should be acclaimed (as news reports has it that he had arrived earlier in the morning of that day to wait for his guests) for showing exceptional adulthood. If pro-Amaechi group had mobilised against this show of shame, the news would have been different today; the consequentiality would have been either bloodbaths or something very awful than we have experienced.

In a press statement released by the governors shortly after their meeting with Governor. Amaechi and after visiting some perceived developmental strides of the governor, every resident of Rivers State should send his or her lamentation to the governors that there was nothing wrong with their visit to Governor.

Amaechi, at least, for being their chairman in the NGF. The governors should be applauded for embracing the spirit of communalism and showing same, which is a potent part of democracy. Therefore, they should also be asked not to see the residents as being hostile, but should see the act of insensitivity as the hand work of gangsters, who have refused to change and embrace positivity.

Those fomenting troubles in the state should change their ways and hug peace.

THE NIGERIAN

18

Security Issues

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013 With Obuseh Jude 0806385183

Between Human Rights And Peace (1) HUMAN rights can be defined as the universal, equitable, and indispensable claims of civil and political liberties which are legally recognized internationally for individuals and collectivities as enshrined by the United Nations General Assembly in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948.

The rights of individuals can be divided into: those in defense of nation-states, and claims on nation-states. the former are those rights generally associated with traditional Western conceptions of rights in the Greco-Roman tradition, and include freedom of movement, thought, religion, opinion and expression; freedom of peaceful assembly and association; equal access before the law to legal institution, public services, and cultural life; freedom from slavery, torture, and inhuman treatment.

Peace, from a technical standpoint, can be defined as a political condition that ensures justice and social stability through formal and informal institutions, practices, and norms.

Several conditions must be met for peace to reign: a balance of political power among the various groups within a society, region, or, most ambitiously, the globe; legitimacy for decision makers in the eyes of the local populace and those of external parties; recognized and valued interdependent relationships among groups fostering long-term cooperation during periods of agreement, disagreement, normality, and crisis.

Peace, which is a word derived from the Latin “Pax”, connotes more than a mere absence of war or hostilities; for an absence of conflict is a utopia. Again, the state of peace should be distinguished from strategies that simply avoid conflicts or employ violent or coercive approaches to engage in, manage, or resolve them.

Now, we come to the main thrust of this discourse, which is the correlation between human rights and peace. The nexus between human rights and peace cannot be overemphasized.

Any society in which there is no armed conflict, but in which the fundamental freedoms of the people are suppressed, lives in a state of “hot peace” – a negative “peace of the graveyard”.

Delivering a speech at the UN, the late pontiff, Pope John Paul II (1979) succinctly espoused the symbolic relationship between human rights and peace in these indelible words: “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has struck a real blow against the many deep roots of war, since the spirit of war in all its basic meaning springs up when the inalienable rights of man are violated. This is a new and deeply relevant vision of the cause of peace; one that goes deeper and is more radical”. This view of the Pope cut across socioeconomic and civil-political rights.

Speaking in similar mien, the Nordic peace researcher, AsbjornEide (1977) notes that: “Whether a child dies in infancy due to poverty and consequent malnutrition and lack of hygiene, or if it grows up and at a later stage is executed as a political opponent, the society in which this happens must be considered hostile to human rights”; and if I may add, to peace as well.

Peace cannot be divorced from a corresponding respect for the ethos of people’s rights. The symbiosis between these

two cannot be contested as cases from antiquity to modern times have shown.

Crimes of genocide, slavery, racism, rape, torture, enforced sterilization or experimentation (human Guinea-pigging), forced relocation of large

states obligatorily decide to intervene in the internal problems of other countries.

This kind of intervention may be legal: writings in Classical International Law support this position. Vatell (1883) in his classic “The Law of Nations” states that: “Nations have obligations to

smaller countries are often based on ideological and strategic considerations, and not necessarily on humanitarian grounds. For instance, disrespect for Kuwaiti territorial integrity

by Iraq was given as a good reason for America’s involvement in Gulf War I.

Neighbor Policy” of the U.S in the Americas is a classic case in point. Throughout the better part of the 20th century, the US turned Latin America into a Pandora Box, perpetrating gross human rights abuses against the local populace by backing dictatorships that toed their policy lines, instigating insurgent uprisings against governments that attempted

UN Secretary-Gen, Ban Ki Mon.

populations, economic manipulation, deliberate starvation, colonialism etc, are classic examples of human rights violations.Abuses like these have, in some instances, resulted in insurgencies, rebellions, and, in extreme cases, revolutions. This is because the pursuit of human rights often results in violence, since human rights are mostly secured by struggle and confrontation, especially in totalitarian states.

Human right abuses can also lead to high intensity violence when concerned

produce welfare and happiness in other states. In the event of civil war, for example, states must aid the party that appears to have justice on its side, or protect an unfortunate people from an unjust tyrant”. The intervention of great Britain, France, Russia, in 1827, to check Turkish high handedness against Greek aspirations, for independence, and the US intervention in the Cuban Civil War of 1898, where on moral grounds.

However, it should be noted that most super power interventions in the affairs of

But the real reason was to protect its Kuwaiti oil interests. Likewise, its several unlicensed peace keeping operations – outright invasions of sovereign countries – both during and after the Cold War years, which were meant to consolidate its military strategic superiority, and secure assured sources of raw materials for its home industries (Chomsky, 1992).

Let the truth be told that humanitarian intervention has become a caveat for the outright invasion of smaller nations by the more powerful ones. The “Good

“Let the truth be told that humanitarian intervention has become a caveat for the outright invasion of smaller nations by the more powerful ones. The “Good Neighbor Policy” of the U.S in the Americas is a classic case in point.”

to set the “good example” that they could survive without US aid. The crucifixion of El Salvador, leeching of Nicaragua, instigation of civil war in Guatemala, and the invasion of Panama, are the few examples of the US infringing on the rights and liberties of the citizens of other sovereign nations.But if the world system, controlled by the big powers, arrow headed by the US, premises the reasons for intervening in countries where the people are victims of human rights abuses on humanitarian grounds, why didn’t they do anything to stop the confirmed cases of genocide in Rwanda and Sudan’s Darfur Region? What about other tragedies in smaller countries where they had nothing at stake? Why the double standards? I’ll treat this issue in greater detail in another piece. Let’s ride on with the issue of the day.

THE NIGERIAN

19

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

View Point

NAFDAC And Emerging Democratic Dividends

OPPOSITION and critics of the Dr. Goodluck Ebelle Jonathan led democratic administration in Nigeria had better have a rethink. This is in view of the fact that contrary to the incessant non performance accusation heaped on the nation’s President, a lot is being silently achieved in an attempt to garner numerous democratic dividends for the Nigerian Citizenry.

Remarkably, the inroads and monumental landmark achievements being made in the nation’s health sector by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control-NAFDAC could be regarded as part of the applaud able dividends of the current democratic administration.

Comparatively, just as the emergence of Dr. Goodluck Ebelle Azikiwe Jonathan drew a lot of criticisms owing to his percieved minority ijaw background, so also was the emergence of Dr Paul B. Orhii who is equally of the minority Tiv tribe of Benue State extraction.. Retrospectively, such was the opposition against Dr. Paul B. Orhi, candidacy as a very competent and suitable replacement for the out-gone NAFDAC Chief Executive that it became evident that those at the fore front of these campaign of calumny were unpatriotic, selfcentred, tribalistic and outrightly expressing greed.

These disgruntled individuals were undeterred in their nefarious acts as they engage both local and foreign media as well as even the nations judicial institutions in their negative campaigns.

Thanks to the president’s refusal to heed their advise and succumb to undue pressures otherwise the sterling dividends which

Nigerians enjoy from this sector currently, would have eluded the nation out rightly.

Surprisingly, the NAFDAC helmsman has true to his promise refused to betray the confidence reposed in him both by the presidency and Nigerians as demonstrated by his fearless, document able and celebratable achievements at the agency which has today made him the “attraction of all eyes”.

Aside successfully securing the adoption of emerging sophistications in technological paraphernalias for anti-pharmaceuticals counterfeiting which has empowered consumers to independently detect and discard fake, counterfeited or cloned drugs series of dynamic and pro-life elongating achievements have indeed been recorded by this sleepless Orhii led NAFDAC management team.

Just recently, another “ feather was added to his cap” when a “high brow and celebratable conviction was secured by the agency against the previously seeming untouchable producers of the much publicized killer teething mixture known as “My Pikin” credited with the death of many Nigerian Babies. This of course in addition to other several court convictions also recorded by NAFDAC in drug- counterfeited offences and cases between 2009 to date which confers on it the status of a premier NAFDAC chief executive to have achieve this feet in the annals of the agencys inception.

Interestingly, efforts are underway to ensure that a sizeable aspect of assets forfeited by convicted drug fakers are channeled towards compensating victims of the heinous act- counterfeited

By MARTINS F.O. IKHILAE

pharmaceuticals. forthwith.Already, the agency under its current leadership has shown that it is all embracing in its determination to leave “ no stone unturned” while sustaining its ‘Zero’ percent tolerance towards the prevalence of counterfeited pharmaceuticals in the Nigeria Federation as

battle against die hard counterfeiters of pharmaceutical products is being won both locally and internationally is unarguable a democratic dividend on its own. This is in spite of the fact that the agency is making frantic moves to unveil novel strategies and sophistications targeted towards providing backups

administration aside other appreciation and excellence awards.

Additionally, international observers and admirers of his patriotic, dynamic and selfless contributions towards the entrenchment of sanity in pharmaceutical products manufacturing and marketing, in applauding his contributions, took time of to confer on this noble and worthy Nigerian son, an internationally recognized excellence award in far away United States of America on

enhancement of patronage for indigenously produced pharmaceuticals, restoring public confidence in our indigenous healthcare services as well as conserving and boosting foreign exchange earnings for the nation by encouraging patronage for local health services.

Additionally, by boosting our reputation in the committee of nations as a self-reliant attaining healthcare providing nation through standardized

NAFDAC Director General, Dr Paul B. Orhii, (middle) displays an award of Special Congressional Recognition conferred on him in the United State of America recently

evidenced in the agency’s recent extension of cooperation to nongovernmental organizations (ie NGOS) nationwide for collaboration with a view to stemming the tide of pharmaceutical products counterfeiting.

That NAFDAC sustained

to those already in existence.

Dr Orhii cannot be likened to “a prophet without honour at home” owing to the recent indigenous presidential honour award of Officer of the Order of the Niger OON conferred on him by the president Goodluck Ebelle Jonathan democratic

“That NAFDAC sustained battle against die hard counterfeiters of pharmaceutical products is being won both locally and internationally is unarguable a democratic dividend on its own.

This is in spite of the fact that the agency is making frantic moves to unveil novel strategies and sophistications targeted towards providing backups to those already in existence.”

the 24th of June 2013 tagged: An Award of Special Congressional Recognition” endorsed by a notable American Congress woman Janice Hahn whose presentation was made at a well attended reception held in Dr. Orhii’s honour at the James Madison Hall, at the historic Capitol hill in Washington D.C, USA. Interestingly, of the numerous dividends earned from the committed services so far rendered to Nigeria by this illustrious son of ours are: elongation of Nigerian’s life span via boosting of life expectancy status, guaranteeing employment opportunities for the citizenry through

healthcare practices thereby earning for the nation an admirable status of a nation that places value on her citizens life/health.

Through standardization of healthcare provision, brain drain syndrome in the sector is forestalled while ideal health services are made to be within the reach of all irrespective of financial and societal status to itemize few out of the numerous advantages that we enjoy.

For Dr. Paul Bortwev Orhii, the best is yet to come!

MARTINS F.O. IKHILAE Is a Lagos based Public Affairs Analyst.

Email:martinsikhilae@ymail.com Tel: 08023405821

THE NIGERIAN

20

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Motoring

How To Rectify Fault On Your Own DESPITE regular service maintenance and the carrying out of periodic checks daily, weekly and monthly by motorists some faults retting and breakdown may still occur. It is therefore necessary for you to know how to go about rectitly the faults on your own to avoid unnecessary delay and avoidable expenses whilst on a journey. For example, if an engine fails to start in the morning; what should the motorist do? To start with, the motorist must bear in mind that the automobile petrol engine will start and run perfectly well if.

There is adequate supply of fuel in vapour form and air to provide enough oxygen required for combustion in the cylinders.

If the ignition system is producing good electric sparks to the various sparking plugs at the right times.

The engine mechanical components are in good working order. And the crankshaft rotates fast enough to make the engine start promptly on “catch fire” immediately the starter motor is operated.

Therefore you do not need to beat about the bush or use trial and error method. Jut follow a logical approach, going through the simple to the more complex cause of the fault and you can’t miss it and you will solve the problem quickly.

Following this logical approach to solve the problem prompt y: A. Check to see that there is fuel by observing the fuel gauge, reading and transparent fuel filter for traces of fuel.

B. Crank the engine or operate the starter motor to see whether or not the engine crankshaft rotates fast enough or not.

C. Check to see that the battery terminal and cables are tight

and free from corrosion. Also check the electrolyte (Battery water) level in the battery cells. If level of “Battery water” is low, remove and take to battery charger for necessary service or find a replacement for the battery and continue the search or cause of the fault.

D. Check to see that all starter motor electrical connections are tightly connected and not partly cut its terminal ends. This check will only be necessary if step “b” shows a sluggish performance. If not, step should be by-passed.

E. Check to see that the ignition system wires are properly Connected and not corroded or dirty. Ignition coil, distributor cables, contact sets, condenser and spark plug wires are properly connected and the ignition system is producing adequate spark at sparking plug points.

F. Check to see that the timing belt is intact and not worn out, by rolling the crankshaft properly. If the belt is cut the sound of the engine will produce when the engine is cranked will change as the engine will rotate with a free wheeling effect. If all these checks are carried out and everything is in good working order, then the engine must start. If you follow these logical steps, definitely the defect will surely be located and necessary steps will be taken to rectify the fault without difficulties. However, if the engine refuses to start despite these checks, then refer the cause to a trained service mechanic, avoid quacks or “road rats”. If your engine starts but does not run at idling speed or always stalls whenever you take off your foot from the accelerator pedal; the root cause of this fault lies within the carburetor. The likely cause of this defect is either that the slow running speed is rather too low for the engine, or the idling speed jet is blocked.

Auto-Tip Safety Checks DAILY CHECKS i. Check tyre condition and pressure ii. Check door locks and windows winder iii. Check engine oil level and condition iv. Check radiator water level and its condition v. Check fan belts tension and condition vi. Check brake oil level. vii. Inspect battery connection on viii. Check power steering and automatic transmission oil level (if fitted)

ix. Check wiper and windscreen washer water level x. Check handbrake and foot brake operation xi - Clean interior and exterior of the car or bus.

WEEKLY CHECKS i. Carry out all daily checks and ii. Check inspect engine for oil or water leakage iii. Check battery water level and general condition iv. Check spare tyre, tools and lifting jack v. Check steering free-play

vi.

Check brake performance vii.

Check fire extinguisher “C” caution signs and vehicle particulars viii. Check electrical system and accessories. ix. Wash underneath the vehicle every two weeks especially during the rainy season.

MONT1LY i.

Carry out comprehensive daily and weekly checks and effect necessary clean up.. ii. Check speedometer reading and compare to “next service” label figure and sure regular that intendance service• iii. Secure all tools and equipment in the respective positions. iv. Inter-change the tyres in the order specified in the owner’s handbook.

08023412452 With OSAGIE AIFUWA

v. Check and keep vehicle particulars and log book up to date. vi. Prepare and send the vehicle condition report to the owner or officers incharge of the fleets. If all these checks are carried out as specified the vehicle be in good condition always, free from breakdown, unnecessary stay in the repair workshop and prolonged service life.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) As Alternative Fuel CNG (Compressed Natural Gas, is a mixture of hydrocarbons consisting of approximately 80 to 90 percent Methane present in gaseous Form.

Due to its low energy density, it is compressed to a pressure of 200 to 250 kg/cm2 (to enhance the vehicle of board storage) in a cylinder and hence the name compressed Natural Gas is colourless, oduorless, non- toxic but inflammable and lighter then air. CNG is not a liquid fuel and is not same as LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) which consists of propane and butane in liquid form.

Advantages of CNG ∗ Economical ∗ Environmental friendly ∗ Less consumption of engine oil ∗ Lower knocking, better stability due to higher octane value DIFFERENCES IN PERFORMANCE OF CNG & PETROL Power Output: In case of a Petrol vehicle converted to CNG in bi-fuel mode, it has been experienced that the Petrol engine will produce less power on CNG and customer may feel that the vehicle’s performance on CNG is slightly low.

This is because natural gas burns more slowly and this reduces the power produced. Difference in available energy and combustion characteristics between Petrol and natural gas under any condition are considered unavoidable, even with optimized ignition timing, unrestricted air flow etc. careful maintenance and driving.

Practices are, therefore, a pre-requisite for the success of a CNG converted vehicle.

In case of a Dedicated CNG vehicle (fitted with a Gas Engine), the performance of the vehicle is better than that of Petrol vehicle as the Octane Rating of CNG is higher than Petrol.

THE NIGERIAN

21

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Media

Media As Impetus For Development

GENERALLY the mass media is seen as those instruments which are used to pass messages to a large set of people. According to Okunna (2002), the word “media” is the plural of medium. Akpoveta and Ogbemi (2006), sees mass media as the totality of the institutions such as newspaper, magazines, books, radio, television, motion pictures and others used for mass communication. They averred that for communication to be made accessible to a large, heterogeneous audience, there must be a mass medium.

Also, Defleur and Dennis (1985), said that the mass media can be looked at as a device for moving messages across distance or time to accomplish mass communication.

However, communication experts and scholars, have broadly divided mass media into: (a) Print: This is an elitist media meant for the literate. It usually involves printing, which is the pressing of ink on paper. The print media include books, magazines, newspaper, leaflets, brochures, tracts and other readable materials provided through the printing press.

Books and are the oldest in the print media while newspapers are the most popular. (b) Broadcast Electronic media: George (2000), says it involves the conversion of oral and or visual signals into electric impulses before they are reconverted into their original oral impulses by means of special technique. The broadcast media appears in form of television, internet, radio, telephone, telex etc.

Usually, the electronic media involves production, transmission and reception. Just as the radio, due to its wide reach, is the most important and of the electronic media.

Basically, the mass media possesses some unique characteristics as heterogeriety, presence of a gatekeeper, delayed feedback, noise, limited sensory channels and a host of others.

Since its inception, the mass media, have performed revolutionary roles in various places. It has brought unparallel growth to the word: A communication scholar, McQuail (2010), explained that the mass media are powerful tools that can orchestrate change, growth and development. With the enormous power of the mass media, it was given the term “Fourth estate” of the realm by Edmund Burke. The power of the media of mass communication arose from its ability to withdraw/ withhold publicity and also its informative capability.

According to Hardt (2003), all the revolutionary and reformist movements from the 18th century onwards inscribed liberty of the press on their banners and made use of it to advance their causes.

Furthermore, the enormous power of the mass media, has given rise to a theory called development countries, they (media) must be placed as a tool on the path of development. In a nation. It harps on the orientation of the media towards national, economic and social goals in developing climes.

The development theory, hinges this assertion due to the fact that developing nations have perculiar challenges and says that the mass media, in carrying out their functions, should. (a) Accept and carry out positive development task in line with nationally established policy. (b) Give priority in their contents to national culture/ language.

By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU

• Labaran Maku, Information Minister

(c) Give priority in news and information links with close geography, political and economic proximity.

Giving weight to the theory Dennis McQuail, said that “some common conditions of developing countries limit the application of other theories and so the development theory.

Similarly, Udoakah (1990), inferred thus: “In a developmental context , the media are used to highlight efforts being made by communities in building health centers, feeder roads, civic centers, and similar self help projects. They are used to focus attention on government’s efforts in developing their rural areas through the provision of electricity, pipe-borne water, small-scale industries and roads in order to stop the drift of young school leavers to urban areas. The media infact, are used by government in mass mobilization programmes”.

In same vein, the democratic participant theory of the mass media, entails the participation of society on information exchange rather than just recipients of communication from mostly the government. For McBride et al (1981:166), this media democratization guarantees the following : (1) That the individual becomes an active partner and not a mere object of communication media

programmes need to plan with, not just for, the audience).

(2) The extent and quality of social representation in communication, are augmented.

It places a participatory media rather than the usual non-personal attribute of the modem mass media.

Additionally, authorities in mass media, have said that the mass media are veritable tools for national integration which leads to more development. The mass media help in carrying out the special development tasks of national integration, socioeconomic modernization, promotion of literacy and cultural creativity. This can be achieved by giving priority /preference for national culture/local contents.

According to Ogbemi and Akpoveta (2006), the mass media surveils the environment They gather, process, package, distribute and report events from the society at communal, local, national and global levels.

The mass media informs the members of the society about wars, political campaigns, break thorough and other innovation in society. This makes the people aware of developments and key into it. Without this function, the people will be left in the dark and thereby not partake in development activities not make decisions that will suit the situation on ground.

Moreover, the mass media give meanings to happenings in the society via features, documentaries, news analyses, cartoons, talks comments and others thus giving the individual and society on what should be done and why it should be done. For example, the media have played prominent role in sensitizing the electorate on the need to exercise their franchise by voting candidates that will make meaningful impact in society. In the aftermath of the 2012 flood, campaigns, meant to harp on the need to adopt precautions measures to prevent future occurance, have been launched. Experts say that this role helps in providing indepth explanation and interpretation, there educating the masses.

As the mirror and moulder of cultural heritage, the mass media consciously or unconsciously make the public to learn new social values. They transmit the cultural heritage of a group from one generation to another. These traditions, are passed from one generation to another. These traditions, are passed form one generation to another, thereby orchestrating development.

Again, the mass media serve as a gap between the people and the mass media. They create a platform for the government to feel the pulse of the people and make policies that favours such feedings/ aspirations.

Against this backdrop, the mass media, provided an avalanche of opportunities to drive development.

Therefore, it is important to key into these features to propel development and place the country in the right pedestal in terms of people-oriented development.

“As the mirror and moulder of cultural heritage, the mass media consciously or unconsciously make the public to learn new social values. They transmit the cultural heritage of a group from one generation to another. These traditions, are passed from one generation to another. These traditions, are passed form one generation to another, thereby orchestrating development.”

THE NIGERIAN

22

WITH mixed feelings I read from one of the dailies how a body threatening the peace and security in Nigeria known as Boko Haram agreed to a deal and give peace and tranquility a chance. This was achieved after the federal government was able to convince high ranking members of the sect to a round table discussion.

This they called a ‘cease fire’ deal. Further reading showed that the sect decided to accept the deal in order for it to be at peace before entering the Ramadan fasting period. According to the group, it seek forgiveness from those it had offended with its operations and also want to forgive those who had in one way or the other offended its members.

Now, mere seeing the headlines would attract large crowd, not only that, but already healed sores would no doubt be reopened. This Boko Haram group is the same that tormented, maimed, injured, killed, bombed and dished out every other form of pain to innocent citizens. And now its members would just walk away because of a cease fire deal. Should that even be thought of?

This insurgency started in 2009 in the mainly Muslim north and Abuja in its campaign to establish an Islamic state in Africa’s largest oil producer. The group original aim was to wipe out Western education from Nigeria because they saw it as a sin as implied in their name ‘Boko Haram’ which means ‘Western education is a sin’ in Hausa language From then on, people faulted its motive as baseless and out of line since most of its appliances used in operation and gathering information were gotten from the West and one needed to be taught in the Western way to understand how these equipment works. This was seen as ‘biting the finger that fed one’. In pursuing this goal, they bombed and destroyed institutions of learning and then extended it to churches.

One question begging to be answered here is what was its quarrel with the churches? One of such church bombing scenarios was that which was carried out in 2011 by one Kabiru Sokoto who detonated a bomb at St. Theresa’s church in Madalla, a satellite town of Abuja on a Christmas day. For crying out loud, why would someone plant a bomb in a place where people are joyfully gathered serving their God, even if it is not the one you believe in?

This is a country that practices democracy and one of the benefits of this democracy is the right to belong to whatever religious body one deems fit. That Madalla incident led to the death of 44 people while 75 others sustained different degrees of injury. As a result of this, women became widows, men widowers and some children lost one of their parents while the unfortunate ones lost both parents in that single act of man’s inhumanity to man.

Another mind boggling scenario was when they started killing members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). A good example is that of a certain Eucharia Remmy who graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2010 and was posted to Damaturu, Yobe state to serve her father’s land when she was attacked and murdered by the terror group during one of the gun and bomb attacks that occurred in the state. This lady who was a member of Christ Embassy in Damaturu was going about her evangelical duties, sharing copies of the Rhapsody of Realities daily devotional when she was hit and killed. What was on everyone’s lips then was that, what the essence of sending Corpers to volatile zones.

Not stopping there, they went ahead to wreck havoc across Nigeria, ranging from the bombing of the Abuja police Head quarters, attacks in Damaturu, prison break in Bauchi, Easter bombings in2012 and in each case numerous lives and properties were lost.

Without mincing words, one could boldly say that the intentions of this group was beyond just stopping Western education but was all out to provoke religious warfare and consequently civil war in the country.

The activities got so alarming that a state of emergency had to be declared in the three northern states of Adamawa, Yobe and Borno, thus paralyzing the social, economic and every other aspect of livelihood in those states. It is an occurrence of severe pain and disturbance that a particular group could wake up one day and decide to hold this great nation which our founding fathers fought hard to take away

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Discourse Boko Haram Should Answer The Call Of Justice

By OKOGBA EMMANUEL O.

from the grips of the colonial masters to ransom and then when they feel tired or satisfied, would come out and say they want amnesty and it would be granted them. The smell of the atrocities committed by these terrorists stirs the heavens. They should be made to dance to the tune of the music it started playing and not patted on the back. They should be made to feel the kind of pains parents feel after training their wards through the kindergarten, the primary, the post primary and then the tertiary institution just to be slain by some miscreants who are misguided.

Therefore it was not surprising when it was rumoured on countless occasions that the Christians on their own part were gearing up to retaliate. Those who had relatives in the north were no longer at ease as they had to look for ways to bring their loved ones back home. Even state governments got involved as they feared for the safety of their citizens living in those terror-stricken states.

The question now is that, what would be the reactions of parents whose children were victims of this senseless show of shame. Will they wash the hands of the federal government and thank it for a job well done? Your guess is as good as mine.

Little wonder human right groups, civil society organizations as well as the Christians in the 17 southern states under the aegis of southern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), described the cease fire deal as a ruse, stressing that such a deal will only be meaningful if the group had surrendered. The President of CAN Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, was not left out as he rubbished the cease fire deal between both parties. He noted that the fact that the group has been factionalized into the Shekau group and Ansaru group means that the cease fire deal would not work.

Prior to agreeing on the deal, a secondary school in Yobe was attacked and the aftermath was the loss of 42 lives.

How will the Federal government after taking all these into consideration just rise from a meeting with these heartless criminals and tell us that they have reached a ‘cease fire’ peace deal with them? That in itself is an insult on Nigerians and on what justice and peace stand for. The blood of those killed unjustly is crying JUSTICE! Men, women and children who were made homeless, widows, widowers and orphans are crying JUSTICE! One fact to bear in mind is that letting these people walk free could be a green light to those who

have negative intentions towards national development.

One might opine that since the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) group was pardoned and given amnesty, why shouldn’t this case be the same? The answer is this. The mode of operation and magnitude of crimes committed by the Boko Haram sect cannot in anyway be compared to that of MEND. The MEND attacked those who stood in their way in trying to get those spear heading the sucking dry of the Niger Delta when nothing was being given in return while the Boko Haram killed for the fun of it. They killed with joy irrespective of age. That of MEND cannot also be compared to the fact that these Boko Haram people recruited young people with promising future, compromised their mindset and then sent them out to kill themselves through suicide bombings. What could be more devilish than this?

Come to think of it, the fact that the federal government almost begged Boko Haram for a cease fire could be drawn from the president’s statement when he said that there are some bad elements in government who are the backbone of these insurgents. Being that they don’t want to be exposed, they would do anything humanly possible to make sure that these guys walk away unscratched. But even the Holy Bible made us understand that the thief who steals has everyday to himself but one faithful day is that of the owner.

Those government officials and whoever else is involved in the sponsorship of this sect in their taking away of smiles from people’s faces and food from tables should keep in mind that that there is always a day of reckoning. A day they will be called to answer to their deeds. The fact that they are untouchable at this moment does not mean that they are out of reach or safe and secured. Gone are those days when transgressions of parents are visited on their children. These days, you face the consequences of your actions squarely because God is not a partial God. Like the popular saying that there is nothing done under the sun in secrecy that shall not be found out, they too should get ready to be discovered soon.

So this is a call to those in the corridor of power who are capable of tackling this issue, asking them to make sure that this sleeping dog should not be allowed to rest. All necessary machineries should be put in place to make sure that this Boko Haram sect answers the call of justice.

THE NIGERIAN

23

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013 With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA

Religion Questions And Answers On Prophecy Contd from last week

INDEED if the prophet is of Baal prophesies from an evil spirit, a man of God can lay hands on him to cast away the evil spirit from him. Paul cast out a slave girl who had the spirit of divination and prophesied by it, saying “These men are servants of the most High God who proclaim to you the way of salvation” Acts 16:17. But Paul cast away the evil spirit.

Acts 16:18. However for a prophet of God who prophesies by the Holy Spirit, you cannot stop him.

You may be offending the Lord. It is written “Do not quench the spirit.” 1 Thess5:19 (see 1 Tim. 4:14).

God laid a curse on the people of Israel for suppressing his prophets from prohphesying, Amos 2:12-13. Indeed when the Lord wants to speak nobody can shut the mouth of the prophet. Amos said: ‘The Lord God has spoken; who can but prophesy.”

Amos 3: 8. However, if the intention is to bring about some orderliness, the prophet should be taught certain rules of prophecy. I have listed below some biblical rules to guide prophets.

24. Biblical Rules for Prophets and Prophetesses: (i) You can prophesy one by one (God is not the author of confussion)1 Car. 14:31. (ii) There should not be rowdiness in prophecy so that the messages be understood. We should avoid a state of confussion in the house of God because God is not the author of confussion 1 Car 14:33. There should therefore be some orderliness in prophecy. (iii) Spirits of prophets are subject to prophets: 1 Car. 14:32. That is you can control your spirit. (iv) No prophet should prophesy with his head covered. “Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonours his head” 1 Cor. 11:4. (v) The Prophetess on the other hand should have a veil on her head (i.e. cover her head) while she prophesies; “because of the angels.” 1 Cor. 11:10. (vi) The gift of prophecy should not create pride in the recipient but is meant for building up the body of Christ not for division in the

church. It should therefore be wisely used. Eph. 4:11; Roms. 12:6; 1 Cor. 14:4 25. Are there women with the gift of Prophecy?

Yes. These are often called prophetesses Exod 15:20; 2 Kings 22 14 2Chro. 34:22.

Neh. 6:14; Isa 183 Luke 2:36.

There were prophetesses of old and there are still women anointed by God as prophetesses today Philip the Evangelist “had four Unmarried daughters who prophesied” Acts 21:9.

26. If I Exercises The Gift Of Prophecy Do I Automatically Call Myself A Prophet Or Prophetess?

No. Apostle Paul did not call the daughters of Evangelist Philip prophetesses even though they could Prophesy. A person ought to be formally ordained Ordination is the religious ceremony of laying of hands attesting to one’s Spiritual maturity; and it ought to be done prayerfully.

Apostle Paul warned Timothy thus. ‘Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands.” 1 Tim. 5.22. This is a warning that people should not be hastily ordained.

Aaron and his Sons were consecrated and ordained by Moses as Priests Exod.

30:30. Joshua the faithful servant of Moses, was also ordained by Moses as Prophet (Deut. 34.9) However God himself has ordained some of his chosen servants He ordained Moses as Prophet to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt (Exod.

3) Jeremiah the Prophet was ordain by God from the mother’s womb. Jeh 15; the Prophet Isaiah was ordained

by God. Isa. 49:1, 55; 611 It is clear that a Prophet has to be ordained either by the Lord himself or by a servant of God. 27 How do you know if you have the Holy Spirit Still in You? This question has two levels of explanation The first is how a person knows he has obtained the Holy Spirit and the second is how the prophet knows if the Holy Spirit is still retained in him.

How does a person know he has received the Holy Spirit?

First he must be willing to accept Jesus Christ into his life. This choice of acceptance is his, Behold I stand by the door and knock;

if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me.’ Rev. 3:20.

This is the open appeal of our Lord Jesus Christ to wish to dwell through the Holy Spirit, with man. When a man now accepts Jesus Christ into his life fully and repents of his sins then he must receive the dual baptism. This is what Christ was talking about when he told Nicodemus: “Unless one is born anew he cannot see the kingdom of God... Truly, truly, I say to you unless one is born of water and the spirit,

biblical lines: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has passed away, behold the new has come.” 2 Cor. 5:1Z You then become an entirely different person from your oldself.

You might even be blessed with the gifts of the spirit.

Some Christians have argued that the sign to indicate that you have received the Holy Spirit is the speaking of tongues. This ought not to cause any controversy for while there are many Bible examples of people receiving the Holy Spirit and speaking

immediately Also the Christians at Samaria when they were prayed for by Peter, received the Holy Spirit but did not speak in tongues, Acts 8:14-17. I have gone this length to explain the issue of tongues as it relates to receiving the Holy Spirit not because I am interested in such controversies but because so many who have genuinely received Christ into their lives but cannot speak in tongues have been regarded by those who speak in tongues as inferior believers.

everybody is a sinner, Roms, 3:10; John 1.8. But remember that perpetual sinning offends the Lord; hence the wages of sin is death, Rams. 6:23. This means spiritual death. This is why the Holy Spirit intercedes in our weaknesses (Roms. 8:26); and we must not fail to uncover our sins to God (Rams.

4:7). Thus when the Holy Spirit leaves the prophet he would become a spiritually dead, (Rams. 6:23). But if the Holy Spirit has been replaced by a counterfeit spirit unknown to the prophet, a re-

he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3,5. When Paul was converted, the Lord sent Prophet Ananias to go and lay hands on him. He said to Saul: “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:19. Then Paul was “baptised and took food and was strengthened.”

(Acts 19:19) Paul on receiving Christ proceeded to receive this dual baptism. Cornelius when he was converted and when he received Jesus Christ was also baptized of the Holy Spirit and water (Acts 10:47, 48 also read Acts 8:26-40).

Therefore for you to receive the Holy spirit, you must confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and receive him into your heart. After you have received this dual baptism, the surest sign that the Holy Spirit now lives in you is summed up in these

in tongues there are also Bible instances where tongue speaking is not associated with receiving the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit descended on Christ disciples on the day of Pentecost they spoke in tongues (Acts 2:4): when Cornelius and the Gentiles received Christ they al-so spoke in tongues (Acts 10:44-46). When Paul rebaptized some disciples in Ephesus, they then received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues Acts 19:6. But Apostle Paul when he was baptized by Prophet Ananias for sure, received the Holy spirit for the prophet said: “The Lord Jesus ... has sent me that-you may regain your sight -and be filled with the Holy Spirit” Acts 9:17. The bible says” immediately something like scales, fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized and took food and was strengthened Acts 9:18, 19. We were not told he spoke in tongues

In my candid opinion based on what the scriptures say, the surest sign I think hat indicates you have received Christ is your new birth.

Let us now look at the second half of the question.

A prophet who has received the Holy Spirit and prophesies by me Holy Spirit, how does he know the Holy Spirit has departed from him and probably replaced by a foul spirit?

Zedekiah the prophet of God, did not know the Holy spirit was not in him when he prophesied hence he slapped Miciah the prophet of God who prophesied a contrary message. He told him pointblank ‘How did the spirit of the Lord go from me to speak to you?” I kings 22:24. This clearly shows the ignorance of Zedekiah. The Holy Spirit of God who dwells in you the prophet or any child of God (1 Car: 6:19) would depart if you sin perpetually and grieve the Lord (Psalm 51:11 Isaiah 63:10). It is true that

examination of self would clearly show him by what spirit he works. His life would be devoid of the fruits of the spirit which he hitherto enjoyed, from the Holy spirit (see the fruits of the spirit: Gal. 5:22). Then the work of the flesh would then become manifest in his life (See Gal. 5:19-21). When the Holy Spirit departed from Saul he became very ravenous and restless, 1 Sam. 18:10. Let me make this point clear. That a prophet of God is not without sin?. Apostle Paul said, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect” Phil. 3:12. But a prophet of God ought not to abound in sin, i.e. take pleasure in sin (Rams. 6:1-14).

Also a prophet of God could face a lot of temptations and difficulties; this must not be mistaken for the Holy Spirit departing for him. The restlessness associated with an apostatic prophet is very destructive (2 Pet. 2:20; Phil. : 18, 19) but temptations that occur to a prophet of God are for faith strengthening; 1 Peter4:12; 2 Peter2:9; Jas. 1:12.

THE NIGERIAN

24

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

cap

OVIA SOUTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT IGUOBAZUWA EDO STATE OF NIGERIA INVITATION TO TENDER

OVIA SOUTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT IGUOBAZUWA EDO STATE OF NIGERIA

INVITATION TO TENDER Sequel to the Local Government Council advert of 22nd May, 2013 for invitation to tender for the underlisted projects, take note THAT TWO WEEKS EXTENSION have been given for interested registered contractors to tender for these projects. Tender closes on Wednesday 7th August, 2013 at 12 noon.

2.

Sequel to the Local Government Council advert of 22nd May, 2013 for invitation to tender for the underlisted projects, take note THAT TWO WEEKS EXTENSION have been given for interested registered contractors to tender for these projects. Tender closes on Wednesday 7th August, 2013 at 12 noon.

2. These projects are to be executed from the funds expected from the Excess Crude Allocation to the Local Government Council.

ECA 01 Construction of 6-Classrooms Block at Okunzuwa Primary School, lguetakpa.

ECA 02 Construction of Primary Health Care Centre in Gbelebu Community.

ECA 03 Construction of Primary Health Care Centre in Ulorin Community.

ECA 04 Construction of Perimeter Fence at Akugbe Primary School, Ikpoba.

ECA 05 Construction of Drainage System at Akugbe Primary School, Ikpoba.

ECA06 Renovation of Block F, Ozolua Primary School, Iguobazuwa (3 Classrooms) ECA07 Renovation of School Hall, Ozolua Primary School, Iguobazuwa.

ECA 08 Renovation of Block C, Ozolua Primary School, Iguobazuwa (6 Classrooms).

ECA 09 Renovation of Block D, Ozolua Primary School, Iguobazuwa (6 Classrooms).

ECA10 Renovation of Primary Health Care Centre at Udo. ECA 11 Renovation of Block A, Akugbe Primary School, Ikpoba (3 Classrooms) ECA 12 Renovation of Head Master’s Block, Akugbe Primary School, lkpoba.

These projects are to be executed from the funds of the Local Government Council from the Statutory Allocation.

SAF 01 Construction of a block of three (3) classrooms with Head Master’s Office, Stores, Generator House/Generator and Borehole at Okokpon Community.

SAF 02 Renovation of six (6) classrooms, Stores and Toilet at Ozolua Model Primary School, Iguobazuwa (Block B).

The tenders are to be accompanied with the following: i.

Evidence of current business registration with Ovia South West Local Government as a contractor in the appropriate category. ii. Tax Clearance Certificate for the immediate past three years. iii. Current bank guarantee of credit worthiness. iv. Evidence of jobs previously executed with the Local Government or other government agencies. v.

Evidence of registration with Corporate Affairs Commission. vi. Evidence of Personal Income Tax Clearance Certificate of one of the Directors of the Company. vii. Evidence of the payment of N10,000 (Ten thousand naira) Non-refundable deposit.

3. Documents showing the drawing and specifications of the above listed projects are available for inspection between the hours of 8.OOam to 4.OOpm in the office of the Director of Works, Lands and Surveys, 4. Tenders should be addressed and submitted in a sealed envelope and marked “CONFIDENTIAL AND THE CONTRACT CODE” at the top left hand corner of the envelope and addressed to: THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, OVIA SOUTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT, IGUOBAZUWA — EDO STATE. to reach him not later than two (2) weeks from the date of this publication, 5. Ovia South West Local Government is not bound to accept the lowest or any tender, nor is it bound to give reasons for the rejection of any tender.

Signed OYOMIRE IDAHOSA, ESQ. Secretary to the Local Government Ovia South West Local Government,, Iguobazuwa.

ECA 13 Renovation of Block A, Akugbe Primary School, Ikpoba ECA14 Fencing of Okokpon Primary School Premises, Okokpon.

ECA 15 Fencing of Okunzuwa Primary School Premises, lguetakpa.

ECA 16 Purchase of Medical Equipment for Primary Health Care in Ulorin.

The tenders are to be accompanied with the following: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii.

Evidence of current business registration with Ovia South West Local Government as a contractor in the appropriate category.

Tax Clearance Certificate for the immediate past three years.

Current bank guarantee of credit worthiness.

Evidence of jobs previously executed with the Local Government or other government agencies.

Evidence of registration with Corporate Affairs Commission.

Evidence of Personal Income Tax Clearance Certificate of one of the Directors of the Company.

Evidence of the payment of N10,000 (Ten thousand naira) Non-refundable deposit.

3.

Documents showing the drawing and specifications of the above listed projects are available for inspection between the hours of 8.00am to 4.00pm in the office of the Director of Works, Lands and Surveys,

4.

Tenders should be addressed and submitted in a sealed envelope and marked “CONFIDENTIAL AND THE CONTRACT CODE” at the top left hand corner of the envelope and addressed to: THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, OVIA SOUTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT, IGUOBAZUWA — EDO STATE. to reach him not later than two (2) weeks from the date of this publication, Ovia South West Local Government is not bound to accept the lowest or any tender, nor is it bound to give reasons for the rejection of any tender.

5.

Signed OYOMIRE IDAHOSA, ESQ. Secretary to the Local Government Ovia South West Local Government, Iguobazuwa.

OVIA SOUTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT IGUOBAZUWA EDO STATE OF NIGERIA

INVITATION TO TENDER Sequel to the Local Government Council advert of 22nd May, 2013 for invitation to tender for the underlisted projects, take note THAT TWO WEEKS EXTENSION have been given for interested registered contractors to tender for these projects. Tender closes on Wednesday 7th August, 2013 at 12 noon.

2. These projects are to be executed from the funds from the SURE-P. SPF 01 Construction of six (6) classrooms with Head Master’s Office, and Borehole at Agejunle Primary School, Agejunle SPF 02 Construction of a Comprehensive Health Centre with Staff Quarters, Borehole, and Generating set at Aden.

The tenders are to be accompanied with the following: i. Evidence of current business registration with Ovia South West Local Government as a contractor in the appropriate category. ii. Tax Clearance Certificate for the immediate past three years. iii. Current bank guarantee of credit worthiness. iv. Evidence of jobs previously executed with the Local Government or other government agencies. v. Evidence of registration with Corporate Affairs Commission. vi. Evidence of Personal Income Tax Clearance Certificate of one of the Directors of the Company. vii. Evidence of the payment of N10,000 (Ten thousand naia) Non-refundable deposit.

3. Documents showing the drawing and specifications of the above listed projects are available for inspection between the hours of 8.00am to 4.00pm in the office of the Director of Works, Lands and Surveys, 4. Tenders should be addressed and submitted in a sealed envelope and marked “CONFIDENTIAL AND THE CONTRACT CODE” at the top left hand corner of the envelope and addressed to: THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, OVIA SOUTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT, IGUOBAZUWA — EDO STATE. to reach him not later than two (2) weeks from the date of this publication, 5. Ovia South West Local Government is not bound to accept the lowest or any tender, nor is it bound to give reasons for the rejection of any tender.

Signed OYOMIRE IDAHOSA, ESQ. Secretary to the Local Government Ovia South West Local Government,, Iguobazuwa.

THE NIGERIAN

25

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013 PUBLIC AUCTION NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE BENIN DIVISION SUIT JUDICIAL NO. B/184/2010

BETWEEN: Mr. Isaac Erhunmwunse.. Plaintiff/Creditor And Mr. John Omozusi………Defendant/Debtor Pursuant to a writ/notice of attachment issued in the above action and dated 17th day of July, 2013 and order of court dated 10th day of July, 2013, A Public Auction will be held on Thursday, the 22nd day of August, 2013 to sell landed property situate at No. 13 Iyahen Street Off Saint Maria Goretti Off Upper Sokponba Road, Benin City, property of the Judgment Debtor unless otherwise advised before then.

Sales commences at 10.00 O’clock in the fore-noon.

Description of property: Completed living boys quarters TERMS: 1. There shall be no reserved price 2. The highest bidder shall be the purchaser. If a dispute shall arise as to who is the highest bidder, the lot shall be put up at the last undisputed bid.

3. The purchaser shall immediately after the sale pay to the Bailiff.

DATE THIS 24th Day of July, 2013.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

MAGDALENE IYAMU CANCER FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Mr. Jonathan Osarumwense Iyamu - Chairman 2. Mrs. Anna Iyamu Omolia 3. Mrs. Becky Usoro 4. Mrs. Joy Iyamu 5. Mr. Erahahon Iyamu AIM AND OBJECTIVES 1. To render assistance to women with cancer 2. To create an extensive awareness for cancer as a major life threatening disease 3. To educate people on the symptoms and clinical signs of cancer and profer possible solutions.

4. Directly or indirectly, we develop, manage and run cancer detection centres so as to enable the public go for check-up regularly.

5. To create a holistic approach to cancer patients to get back control of their lives and fight against the stigma.

Any objection to the registration should be directed to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, P. M. B. 198 Garki, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Mr. Jonathan Osarumwense Iyamu (Chairman)

RECONCILIATION OF NAME I, Dr. Egwaikhide Emmauel Omokheowa Ajakaye is the same person as Dr. Egwaikhide Emmanuel Omokheowa and Dr. Egwaikhide Emmanuel Ajakaye. I now wish to be properly known and addressed as Dr. Egwaikhide Emmanuel Omokheowa Ajakaye. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, other concerned authorities and the general public take note.

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

I, Lucky Omogiade Utubor wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Lucky Omogiade Esangbedo as appeared in my various documents.

Henceforth, I now wish to be known and addressed as Lucky Omogiade Utubor.

All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

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THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

CHANGE OF NAME OGBETA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Elizabeth Jemima Ogbeta now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Elizabeth Jemima Bright Amenze Usunobun. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CAVEAT EMPTOR This is to inform the general public that it has come to the notice of the Enogie of Irhue N’ Owina, His Royal Highness, R.E.A. Osawaru Eresoyen that unscrupulous persons within the community are engaged in illegal land transactions with unsuspecting members of the public in transferring community lands to them.

This is therefore to notify persons and the general public interested in Irhue N’ Owina community lands in Iyekeogba in Oredo L.G.A, not to be involved in any land transactions in the community without the blessings of the said Enogie, as to do otherwise will amount to throwing their scarce resources away to illegal land speculators.

A word is enough for the wise.

Signed: N.P. Osifo Esq. Solicitor to the Enogie Of Irhue N’Owina

MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, BENIN CITY The general public is hereby notified that the under listed NGOs/Associations/(Unions/Clubs/Meetings have being enlisted for registration/regularization with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Benin City, Edo State.

S/No

NAME OF NGOs AND ADDRESSES

1.

African Women Empowerment Guild 24, Airport Road, (YWCA Building), GRA. Benin City. P.O. Box 8083

President — Dr. (Mrs.) Nosa I. Aladeselu Secretary — Mrs. Margaret. I. Abikwi PRO — Mrs. Sidi Lawal-Igioh

2.

Norion Foundation, 4B Observer Lane, Beside Nigerian Observer, Airport Road, Benin City.

President — Dr. Nosa Peter Ighodaro V. President — Lady CY Orion Ighodaro.

3.

Initiative for the Rehabilitation and Care for HIV/AIDs — INRECA. 64 Siluko Road, Benin City

4.

God’s Child Foundation Ministries 33B Erhahon Road, Off Ewah Road, lkpoba Slope, Benin City.

5.

Willing Heart Advocacy & Training Supports (WHATS) 45, Airport Road, Benin City.

7.

The Solemnization of marriage between former Miss Anwuli Linda Adinfolu (Airline & Reservation Officer) and Mr. Eidagbe Lucky (based in N.Y, USA) took place on Wednesday 24th July, 2013 at the Oredo Local Government Council Marriage Registry in Benin City. Amongst those present were Mr. Eidagbe Gabriel, Mr. Austine Adinlofu, family members, relations, friends and well wishers. Picture shows the couple at the Registry. Congratulations. PHOTO: SONNIE .E.

Signed: I.O. Ojeyokan Esq 55 Urubi Street, Benin City.

PUBLIC NOTICE

6.

LINDA WEDS LUCKY

Members of the public, particularly the ONWUATU FAMILY of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State are hereby informed that the building; a bungalow of two flats and Boys Quarter and Land measuring 50 feet by 100 feet particularly known as No 30 Adun Street off Upper Siluko Road, Ogida Quarters Benin City is NOT my property as it belongs exclusively to my wife, MRS FRANCISCA ONWUATU..

Akwa-Ibom Women Development Union, Itohan Grammar School, Sapele Road, Benin City.

Rural Advancement & Development Initiatives. Okojie House, Eguare Quarters, Ugboha, Esan South East, Edo State.

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

President — Ms. Roseline Odiase Secretary — Evelyn Odiase PRO — Mrs. Grace Taiwo President — Rev. Ogbevoen Oviaesu V. President — Hon. (Dcns) R. O. Oviaesu Gen. Secretary — Pastor Ernest Efe President — Mrs. Victoria Uwakwe Secretary — Dr. Musa Afegbua PRO. — Okey Oti. President — Rebecca Ime Secretary — Owoidighe Udongwo President — Mrs. Maryam Okojie Secretary — Dr. Faj Adeleke

8.

Trinitarian Foundation for the Orphans and the Helpless. 31, 19th Street, EDPA, Ugbowo, Benin City President with — Rev. Sr. Mary-Agatha Any objection to this registration should be accompanied a sworn affidavit and a Ebewu. non-refundable deposit of the sum of N1,000.OO (One thousand Naira) only. NGOs/ Secretary – Rev. SisterBenin Mary City Agnesare to Associations/Unions/Clubs/Meetings in Benin City and those outside pay N2,000.00 (Two thousand Naira) only, to be Onyejeli forwarded to the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Benin City within 14 days of this publication.

Signed: Princess (Mrs.) M. E. Jos-Bazuaye For Honourable Commissioner

THE NIGERIAN

26

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

International

Compiled By EDOBOR HARRISON

Queen Arrives To Visit Britain’s New LONDON — Britain’s Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief Prince Queen Elizabeth II met her of Majesty magazine, said the

Britain’s Prince William, right, and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, hold the Prince of Cambridge, Tuesday, as they pose for photographers outside St. Mary’s Hospital exclusive lindo wing in London where the Duchess gave birth on Monday.

This photo released by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement shows natural gas spewing from the Hercules 265 drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana, Tuesday.

new great-grandson for the first time yesterday at Kensington Palace, where the royal baby spent a first night at home with his parents, Prince William and Kate.

The 87-year-old monarch made a short trip from Buckingham Palace by chauffeur-driven Bentley and spent about half an hour visiting the two-day-old Prince of Cambridge. The baby is her third great-grandchild and the third in line to the British throne.

The baby’s name hasn’t been revealed yet. “We’re still working on a name,” William told reporters Tuesday as he and Kate took the baby home from St. Mary’s Hospital, promising to let the world know “as soon as we can.”

That could be anything from a few hours to several weeks — the queen did not announce the name of William’s father, Prince Charles, until a month after his birth in 1948.

Bookmaker William Hill has George — the name of six previous British kings — as the favorite at 2-1 odds, with James at 4-1.

Images of the prince, his little hand peeking above a white crocheted wrap, blanketed the front pages of British newspapers yesterday.

The Daily Mail offered a photo album image with the headline “Baby’s first royal wave.”

The prince slept through his debut public appearance — though William assured the media he had “a good pair of lungs on him.”

William is taking two weeks’ paternity leave from his job as a Royal Air Force search-andrescue helicopter pilot, and the palace said he and Kate would now spend “private and quiet time for them to get to know

Egypt: Army Chief Seeks

Mandate To Fight Violence

CAIRO — Egypt’s military chief yesterday called on his countrymen to hold mass demonstrations to voice their support for the army and police to deal with potential “violence and terrorism,” a move that signals a stepped up campaign against supporters of the ousted Islamist president.

Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, addressing a graduation ceremony for a class of military cadets, urged Egyptians to take

to the streets Friday, saying a massive turnout would give him a “mandate” and an “order” to do what is “necessary” to stop bloodshed.

Since the military removed Morsi three weeks ago, the ousted president’s Islamist supporters have taken to the streets vowing to continue protests until he is restored. Clashes have erupted multiple times between the Islamists and Morsi opponents or security forces.

Each side accuses the other of starting violence. Dozens have been killed, mostly from the proMorsi side.

Throughout, the military and its allied media have depicted the protesters as a dangerous armed movement. Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood and its allies say their protests are peaceful and have decried what they call military “massacres” against them.

At the same time, Islamic militants have stepped up attacks

acts,” Interior Minister Manuel Valls said following a cabinet meeting that agreed to dissolve L’Oeuvre Francaise (The French Work) and the Jeunesses Nationalistes (Nationalist Youth).

Valls said L’Oeuvre Francaise, a neo-fascist anti-Semitic organization founded in the 1960s, was organized like a private militia with paramilitary training camps and that some of its members used the Nazi salute.

The government says the five targeted groups are the hard core of roughly a dozen far-right organizations with up to 3,000

members, who have become more visible as the antiimmigrant National Front has sought to become a more mainstream political party.

Images of far-right youths smashing car windows and hurling bricks at police shocked France during the anti-gay marriage protests, as did the death of 19-year-old Clement Meric during a clash between far-right and far-left youths.

French radio reports said security footage suggested Meric had been about to accost a farright youth from behind when he turned around and delivered a fatal blow to his head.

French Govt Bans More Militant Groups PARIS - The French government said yesterday, it would close down two more far-right militant groups after outlawing three others this month in response to the death of a militant left-wing student in June in a brawl between fringe groups.

The ban aims to smother extreme-right groups who were emboldened by street marches led by conservatives and Catholics earlier this year against the legalization of gay marriage.

“There is no place in our country for hate, xenophobia, anti-Semitism or anti-Muslim

on security forces in Sinai Peninsula since Morsi’s fall, killing nearly 20 soldiers and policemen and raising fears of a wave of militant violence. yesterday suspected militants killed a soldier and wounded another in two separate attacks in Sinai.

In the early hours yesterday, a bomb went off outside the main police headquarters in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura, wounding 19 people.

Presidential spokesman Ahmad al-Musalamani called the attack an act of terrorism.

In his speech in the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria, el-Sissi called for rallies Friday to be as large as those on June 30, when millions took to the streets to demand Morsi’s ouster, and July 3, when millions again celebrated his ouster. He promised police and troops would guard the rallies.

The call for demonstrations is likely to be matched by similar calls by Morsi’s supporters, raising the specter of violence.

“On Friday, every honorable and honest Egyptian must come out. Come out and remind the whole world that you have a will and resolve of your own,” el-Sissi said.

“Please, shoulder your

their son.”

As well as selecting a name — or more likely four names — William and Kate will soon choose a photographer for the baby’s first official portrait.

couple would probably choose someone “eminent and hopefully British.” William’s baby portrait was taken by society photographer Lord Snowdon, the former husband of the queen’s sister Princess Margaret.

Fire Breaks Out On Evacuated Gulf Gas Well NEW ORLEANS , USA An out-of-control natural gas well off the Louisiana coast caught fire late Tuesday, hours after 44 workers were safely evacuated from the drilling rig following a mid-morning blowout, a federal agency confirmed.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, Eileen Angelico, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, told The Associated Press.

She said it wasn’t known what caused the gas to ignite. It also wasn’t clear early yesterday how and when crews would attempt to extinguish the blaze.

BSEE said earlier Tuesday that a firefighting vessel with water and foam capabilities had been dispatched to the scene.

Wild Well Control Inc. was hired to try to bring the well under control. Angelico said Wild Well personnel approached the well earlier Tuesday night, before the fire, but they determined it was unsafe to get closer when they were about 200 feet away from it.

The gas blowout was reported Tuesday morning.

The Coast Guard kept nautical traffic out of an area within 500 meters of the site throughout the day. The Federal Aviation Administration restricted aircraft up to 2,000 feet above the area.

BSEE said inspectors flying over the site soon after the blowout saw a light sheen covering an area about a halfmile by 50 feet. However, it was dissipating quickly.

Earlier this month, a gas well off the Louisiana coast flowed for several days before being

sealed.

Officials stressed that Tuesday’s blowout wouldn’t be close to as damaging as the BP oil spill of 2010, in which an oil rig, the Deepwater Horizon, exploded off the Louisiana coast, killing 11 workers and eventually spewing millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf. It was the worst offshore environmental disaster in U.S. history.

Chris Roberts, a member of the Jefferson Parish Council in south Louisiana, said the travel restrictions might pose an inconvenience for participants in an upcoming deep sea fishing tournament.

“It could change some plans as to where some people plan to fish,” he said.

Tuesday’s blowout occurred near an unmanned offshore gas platform that was not currently producing natural gas, said Angelico. The workers were aboard a portable drilling rig known as a jackup rig, owned by Hercules Offshore Inc., which was a contractor for exploration and production company Walter Oil & Gas Corp.

Walter Oil & Gas reported to the BSEE that the rig was completing a “sidetrack well” — a means of re-entering the original well bore, Angelico said.

The purpose of the sidetrack well in this instance was not immediately clear. A spokesman for the corporation didn’t have the information Tuesday night.

Industry websites say sidetrack wells are sometimes drilled to remedy a problem with the existing well bore.

“It’s a way to overcome an engineering problem with the original well,” Ken Medlock, an energy expert at Rice University’s Baker Institute said. “They’re not drilled all the time, but it’s not new.”

GENEVA - Syrian authorities are blocking access to the old city of Homs, where trapped civilians are in dire need of food and medical supplies, the Red Cross said yesterday, warning of possible “tragic” consequences.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) revealed last Friday that it was negotiating a humanitarian pause to be able to enter Homs, where President Bashar al-Assad’s forces have been conducting a heavy offensive against rebels, with air and artillery strikes.

“We have been trying, for close to 20 days now, to bring medical supplies and other aid to the old city of Homs,” Magne Barth, head of the ICRC delegation in Syria, said in a statement issued in Geneva.

“Despite lengthy negotiations with both sides, and three trips back and forth between Damascus and Homs, we have still not received the

go-ahead from the Syrian authorities,” he said.

Homs, in central Syria, is the epicenter of the armed insurgency that grew from popular street protests against more than four decades of Assad family rule. Some 2,000 people are now believed to be trapped there, aid agencies say.

Reaching tens of thousands of people in areas encircled by government forces or armed opposition groups remains one of the toughest challenges the ICRC faces in Syria, the agency said.

Under international humanitarian law, warring parties are obliged to allow rapid safe passage of humanitarian relief for civilians.

“They must also allow civilians in areas besieged by fighting to leave for safer areas, should they wish to do so.

Regrettably, these obligations are not always fulfilled,” the agency said.

Syria Blocks Access To Needy In Homes

THE NIGERIAN

27

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

The Recognition Of God (2) Man And THE believers, all you who count yourselves among the believers in God, just examine yourselves to ascertain whether the belief you carry within yourselves is really the right one, that is, the form your belief takes, whether catholic or protestant, Buddhist or mohammendan or any other form, the nature of your belief, to what extent it is living.

For God is God and Abdru-shin says how you approach Him in your inner most self that alone is decisive for the strength and genuiness of your belief. Examine yourself selves carefully as to that once.

This is how to go about it in order to find the way. If a man does not go in sequence the steps which are designed in creation and which Creation offers him in the automatic Primordial Laws, since it is composed of those steps, he can never attain to the true recognition of God. Even good teaching will be of no avail to him, but only entangle his paths.

All missionary work has so far suffered from this. It simply cannot achieve a result which is really living because it does not proceed in accordance with the laws of Creation. The law of Development in this Creation does not tolenate any jumps when genuine maturity is to be attained.

And man will never be able to lift himself out of and above this Creation to which he belongs, with which he is closely connected by innumerable threads and of which he shall now from the most precious of fruit.

But Abd-ru-shin the author of “Grail message”In the light of Truth says, if

man really desires to become the fruit which this creation is capable of producing in the pure power of the Lord then there must not be any interruption in the process of his maturing. It is the same as with an activity in regard to the fruit of the tree.

Wherever there is an interruption or some other interference in the development towards ripeness, be it through an early frost, too violent a storm or, the harmful arbitrary action of man, the fruit can never grow to full ripeness and thus, cannot attain real perfection.

Abd-ru-shin says it is no difference with earthman, who is a fruit of spiritual activity. Nothing must be missing in course of his development, not a single step, because a gap or qulf would then remain which does notpermit of a continuous live upbuilding and thus, of a further ascent towards the Height, it makes it utterly impossible.

Where but one step is missing or faulty, a collapse is bound to come and a headlong fall. He can twist or turn as he likes but man must submit to this. Least of all could the cunning and subtle sham wisdom of his intellect erect a substitute bridge to help him onwards.

Abd-ru-shin says that man himself has undertaken a harmful interference by the one-sided cultivation of his earthly intellect, which now fetters him with a firm grip, as if with steel clamps, to the World of Gross Matter only, form which the intellect originates.

Through this, the gap arose which an acquired faith in which is highly spiritual and Divine cannot bridge. Thus, the human fruit of Subsequent

Creation must wither on its way to maturity through its own bridge. Thus, the human fruit of subsequent Creation must wither on its way to maturity through its own guilt.

That is why, even today, many a man, after he leaves school to enter upon life, expenences how he entirely loses the faith acquired in his chilhood, although, struggling bravely to retain it. Sooner or later, if he is an earnest seeker for the Truth, he has to build up entirely a new from the very beginning.

not allow himself to be carried along with the average indolent masses must also, recognise here how empty and for the inner being useless were the forms created at that time, which could not bring about any recognition of God. Abd-ru-shin says that within every nation, indeed within every individual, as also, within the people of the present time there must first of all exist the foundation for the acceptance of high recognitions of God which is contained in the

Being rushed along with the enthusiasm of the masses is of no use, whatever to the individual.

It never offers him that firm ground which he able thereby, to find the necessary hold within himself that support which alone permits him always to stand firm.

Let us go back into the past and consider the former conversions in the German lands. The thinking person who does

teachings of Christ. Only out of such a mature foundation may and must the human spirit then be led into all the possibilities of a recognition of God through the teachings of Christ.

So it is and so it will remain for all eternity.

Could it be otherwise, then God would have permitted an earlier revelation of Himself among the people on earth. He did not do so.

Not until a nation had

“All missionary work has so far suffered from this. It simply cannot achieve a result which is really living because it does not proceed in accordance with the laws of Creation.

The law of Development in this Creation does not tolenate any jumps when genuine maturity is to be attained.”

Nature With O.C. MADU 08056379608

advanced so far in its development that it know about the activity of all that is animistic he could learn about the spiritual, the primondial spiritual, the Divine and finally also, about God. But always and only in such a manner that it was led intelligently upwards into a higher understanding by prophets called for the purpose, who never overthrew the old in

with the elemental (canimistic) beings at that times.

Many of them were able to see and experience them, so that, no doubts could remain with them about their actual existence and just as little about their activity. They saw this and therefore, knew about it.

It was the purest conviction for them and therefore, sacred. And with

doing so. They built up. Just as Jesus as Christ Himself did and often emphasised in His Word, which is something you hitterto did not wish to understand.

With their conversions, however, the Christian churches went to destroy much that is old and declare it to be wrong or at least to get rid of it by disregarding it, instead of carefully continuing to build up on the old and in so doing to pay due regard to the necessary bridging over.

They expect and demand that the human spirit should jump immediately into this most exalted Christian teaching.

Thus, the laws of God are not observed in these matters, although, the intention is often good. The Germanic peoples were also, closely connected

brutal fist Boniface attacked their existing shrine. He wanted to deny the Teutons the truth of such knowledge and declare it to be false. In its placed, he wanted to force upon them the forms of his Christian teaching.

From the very beginning such an ignorant way must have made the Teutons doubt the truth of what he proclaimed to them, must have robbed them of all trust.

He should have confirmed the truth of their knowledge and then led them onwards with explanations to higher recognition,. But he himself lacked the knowledge of Creation. He revealed his ignorance about the weaving in Creation only too clearly by calling Wotan (odin) and other elemental (animistic) beings, whom the Teutons considered as active gods, an erroneous faith and non –existent.

THE NIGERIAN

28

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Moyes Plans Rooney Return

DAVID Moyes has again insisted that Manchester United will not sell Wayne Rooney and said he expects the striker to return to the team in a fortnight.

New manager Moyes has Although Rooney flew been adamant that he will not home from United’s prelet the unsettled striker leave, season tour of Asia and and United have rejected a Australia with a hamstring bid from Chelsea. injury, Moyes hopes the

• Wayne Rooney

England international will make a first appearance of his reign in the friendly against AIK Solna on August 6.

“We have said and the club have said he is not for sale,’’ Moyes said after watching his side lose 3-2 to Yokohama F Marinos. “That has not changed. I do expect Wayne to be in Stockholm.

As far as I know, he is coming.

“He has started light jogging, and the feedback from the physios is that he is progressing - so hopefully those dates will still be right when we get back.”

Rooney’s future has been the subject of speculation since the final few weeks of last season, when Sir Alex Ferguson left him on the bench for the Champions League second-leg game against Real Madrid and then said he had asked for a move.

The 27-year-old, who played for Moyes at Everton before his 2004 transfer to United, was pictured playing golf near Chelsea’s training ground at the weekend.

No Bid For Cabaye NEWCASTLE United coach Alan Pardew has denied that Manchester United have approached the club in an attempt to sign midfielder Yohan Cabaye.

Cabaye has been linked with a move to United over the past few months, but Pardew has denied that the Red Devils have contacted the Tyneside club in an attempt to acquire the services of the 27-year-old.

New Manchester United boss David Moyes could turn to Cabaye, though, if he fails to sign Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona.

Cabaye has also been linked with a move back to France, with Paris-Saint Germain in particular showing interest in the player.

• Alan Pardew

Pardew Pleads For Newcastle Signings

NEWCASTLE manager Alan Pardew yesterday admitted he is pushing the club’s director of football Joe Kinnear to bring in new signings immediately.

Kinnear was controversially put in charge of Newcastle’s transfer strategy instead of Pardew after being hired by

Arsenal’s £40m Suarez Bid Rejected ARSENAL have stepped up their attempt to sign Luis Suarez with a £40,000,001 offer which Liverpool have rejected.

The bid was made on Tuesday after Liverpool had turned down a previous offer of £30 million, sources told ESPN. It is understood that Arsenal have made their latest bid in the belief that it will trigger a reported £40 million release clause in the contract Suarez signed last summer.

But Liverpool have knocked

back the new offer, maintaining that they are only compelled to inform the 26-year-old of any bids exceeding that amount and that they do not have to sell at that price.

They have made it clear that they do not want to sell the striker, and are unlikely to contemplate any offers below £50 million.

Suarez was scheduled to hold talks regarding his future with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers in Australia yesterday,

following a friendly against Melbourne Victory at the MCG. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s desire to sign the Uruguay international has intensified after being frustrated in his attempts to sign Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain, who looks set to join former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez at Napoli.

But Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said on Monday that he expects Suarez

significantly up our enforcement activity in this area with more planned investigations than ever before.

“This newly enhanced investigations programme follows recent successes in the High Court, including injunctions against the use of foreign satellite systems, and unauthorised streaming websites, being used in commercial premises to broadcast Premier League football.

“We remind all publicans that Sky Sports and BT Sport are the only authorised broadcasters of

live Premier League matches in the UK and that legal action will be taken against those who use unauthorised satellite systems to show Premier League matches in commercial premises.”

ID Inquiries has immediately put up a notice on the front page of its website inviting people to report “illegal broadcasts of football matches on commercial premises”.

The Premier League is stepping up its measures to protect its rights holders following recent legal successes.

to honour his contract, which has three years to run.

Rodgers has also stated that he believes the striker to be as valuable as Edinson Cavani, who recently joined Paris SaintGermain for £55 million on June 16.

Suarez, signed from Ajax for £22.8 million in January 2011, first announced in May that he wanted to leave Anfield.

He initially claimed he was

Premier League Launder TV Clampdown The Premier League has appointed a firm of corporate investigators to carry out spotchecks and investigations into pubs and clubs showing live matches on Saturday afternoons.

Pubs can access the matches using foreign satellite systems which are often considerably cheaper than the British systems.

The Premier League has now appointed Glasgow-based firm ID Inquiries and will step up the number of pub visits and investigations to a higher level than any previous season.

A Premier League spokesman said: “We look forward to working with ID Inquiries as we

• Lukas Podolski

Magpies owner Mike Ashley last month.

The former Wimbledon boss vowed to implement Newcastle’s recruitment plans swiftly after holding talks with Pardew and chief scout Graham Carr.

However, the Magpies went into Tuesday’s 1-1 friendly draw with Pacos de Ferreira in Portugal without a single new signing.

Pardew’s squad has shrunk after the departures of Shane Ferguson, Steve Harper, Danny Simpson and James Perch and, with the new Premier League season just three weeks away, he is getting increasingly desperate for Kinnear to make a splash in the transfer market.

“I’m pushing Joe to get a transfer in. I think we need a boost now,” Pardew told the

Newcastle Chronicle.

“We are in a situation where we want to progress now. The team is in a good place.”

Pardew’s main focus for improvements has been his forward line and Newcastle remain keen on both Lyon’s Bafetimbi Gomis and Aston Villa’s Darren Bent.

Podolski Ready For Suarez And Higuain LUKAS Podolski says the prospective arrivals of Luis Suarez or Gonzalo Higuain to Arsenal don’t scare him.

Arsenal are reportedly planning mega swoops on Liverpool winger Suarez and Real Madrid’s Higuain for the 2013/2014 season.

The duo could give the Germany international striker serious competition in the starting 11 should Arsenal break the bank for their signatures.

“I’m not scared about big names because it helps the team and will help me when we play together,” Podolski told The Sun newspaper.

“Every summer is the same.

Players come in and others leave.

“I am always happy to play with the best in the world.

“But it’s not about what is good for me, it’s about improving the whole team.”

Meanwhile, both Liverpool and Madrid have indicated that the Arsenal targets are not going anywhere.

THE NIGERIAN

29

Napoli Set To Seal Higuain Signing NAPOLI are reported to be on the verge of tying up a deal for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Higuain has not been included in the Madrid squad for Wednesday night’s friendly against Lyon and, according to reports in Italy, he has given Napoli his word that he will move to the Stadio San Paolo, with Arsenal appearing to have switched their attentions to Luis Suarez.

He and Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina were due to undergo medicals on Wednesday afternoon, Gazzetta dello Sport reported.

A deal worth +40 million has already been agreed, which would make him the

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Partenopei’s record signing and the eighth most expensive signing in Serie A history.

Napoli earned +64.5 million from the sale of Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint Germain this summer while club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has promised new coach Rafael Benitez a further +60 million for investment.

Some of those funds have already been spent on bringing former Spain Under-21 forward Jose Callejon and Spain centreback Raul Albiol from Real Madrid and, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the duo’s arrival has played a key part in convincing Higuain, 25, to make the switch.

It is expected that he will be unveiled at the club’s stadium on Monday night, when Napoli face Galatasaray in a pre-season friendly at the San Paolo. De Laurentiis promised the fans “a big surprise” on that date in a Twitter Q&A last week.

Rummenigge Hails ‘Complete’ Thiago BAYERN Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has described new signing Thiago Alcantara as “a complete player”. club’s official website: Thiago, who arrived from Barcelona earlier this month, and coach Pep Guardiola take on their old club in the Uli Hoeness Cup at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

He scored his debut goal for Bayern as they beat B o r u s s i a Monchengladbach 5-1 in the final of the pre-season Telekom Cup at the weekend, chesting in a Jerome Boateng cross, and Rummenigge told the

Milan Defender Walks Off After AC Milan defender Kevin football.

Racism Constant walked off the pitch “We had lots of youngsters on carry on. in protest at crowd racism during the pre-season Trofeo Tim tournament in Reggio Emilia on Tuesday.

The incident happened as his team played Serie A newcomers Sassuolo, who took the trophy with a 2-1 victory.

With the teams level at 1-1, Constant kicked the ball into the crowd and left the field of play as team-mate Daniel Bonera attempted, without success, to persuade him to

In January, when Kevin-Prince Boateng took exception to racist chants during a friendly and walked off the field, he was followed by his team-mates, but that was not the case on this occasion.

Mario Piccinocchi, 18, took Constant’s place and, speaking after the game, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said his club would deliver an official statement in due course and he would instead concentrate on the

the field and it was a good test in every aspect,” he said. “We get our national team players back tomorrow, and then we start preparing for the [Champions League] play-off.”

Juventus were the third team in the tournament, and coach Antonio Conte fielded both Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente, who was taken to hospital and required stitches to a wound just above his left eye, in his attack for the opening game.

Juve lost 7-6 to Milan on penalties after a 0-0 draw, and Conte told Canale 5 television: “We know we can play different to this. I’ve got to pay compliments to my side who have worked very hard and intensely and therefore had very tired legs today.

“The positive is that we didn’t concede, but we didn’t show much of what we can do.”

“You can see he’s a complete player.

“He has exceptionally good technique, and he’s completely taken on board our tactics, partly due to the fact he’s already worked under Pep. “I’ve seen the incredible energy Pep puts in. It makes me want to go out there and join in myself.

He has fantastic ideas, but he’s also a meticulous hard worker. Nothing happens by chance - every last detail is planned.”

Bayern have stormed through pre-season so far, and Rummenigge said he believed that showed the arrival of Guardiola - who succeeded treble-winning coach Jupp Heynckes was having the desired

effect.

He added that he had been “utterly convinced we needed something new after last season”, adding: “Only renewal and fresh ideas could prevent everyone from taking it a little easier – and that’s an

immediate step backwards.

“The task for the coach, the players and the management is to do as good a job as possible.”

He said Guardiola’s frequent changes to the starting formation would make it “almost impossible for future opponents to plan for playing Bayern”.

PSG Dismiss Marquinhos Concerns

PARIS Saint-Germain have dismissed concerns over the health of Brazilian defender Marquinhos, who completed a 35 million Euros move to the French champions last week.

The 19-year-old centreback stayed in the French capital while the rest of the squad travelled to play two friendly matches in Sweden.

According to Le Parisien, Marquinhos could be suffering from a form of

Bafetimbi Gomis

hepatitis, citing a source close to the player who is based in his homeland.

However, the club denied that rumour and told Le Parisien that he would resume training with the team on Monday after the bulk of the squad returns from Sweden.

The paper says that Marquinhos has also been troubled by mouth ulcers and that he went through a more vigorous medical examination than usual before his transfer was completed on Friday. Before joining PSG, staff at his former club Roma reported that he was ill during their training camp in the North of Italy.

The centre-back was PSG’s third signing of the summer after striker Edinson Cavani and full-back Lucas Digne, bringing the club’s spending to well over +100 million.

According to L’Equipe, PSG were also forced to increase centre-back Thiago Silva’s salary by +1.5 million per year to ward off interest from Barcelona.

Lyon Firm Over Desire To Sell Gomis asked to join Gomis in year of his contract with the

LYON president JeanMichel Aulas insists that he will not change his mind about offloading Newcastle target Bafetimbi Gomis.

Gomis, 27, is in the last

Constant

Boateng Positive Ahead Of New Season

KEVIN-PRINCE Boateng revealed his positivity ahead of the new season and is happy with how the preseason training is going.

The Ghanaian featured in Milan’s TIM Cup match against Juventus on Tuesday evening, where Sassuolo ran out eventual winners in the three-team tournament.

Prince feels the squad played well against the Bianconeri and is

confident that all preparations should be finalised by the time they take part in the UEFA Champions League playoff games.

“We had a good match against Juventus, we played well. Now the National players are returning; the Fantastic Five to complete our preparation and define some details,” he said after the game.

“We changed something in the preparation, but I feel I’m in good shape. I’m sure we will do well to pass the [UEFA Champions League] playoffs and be ready for the start of the championship.”

Milan missed the final automatic Champions League spot after they finished third in the league, forcing them to go through the play-off rounds.

French club but Aulas has so far been frustrated in his efforts to move him on.

The striker scored 16 goals in Ligue 1 last season but, speaking on beIN Sport on Tuesday evening, Aulas once again reiterated that Gomis did not have a future with the Lyon first team.

“There were several attempts to sign him – Kazan, Istanbul and recently from Swansea,” he said.

“He’s changed his mind but not us.

“There will be no change in position because it’s not a financial choice but a sporting one. There’s a moral in this affair and if OL must lose a lot of money because of the position we’re taking, then we will.”

Nonetheless, Lyon could do with making some money

back on a forward they signed for +15 million from rivals Saint Etienne in 2009.

Newcastle are favourites to land his signature, although Tottenham are also reported to be tracking the situation.

A +25 million shortfall has led to Lyon trimming their squad this summer and Le Parisien reports that Michel Bastos, currently on a longterm loan at German side Schalke, could be in line for a permanent transfer.

A club from the Middle East are close to agreeing a deal with Lyon, while Schalke could also make a move that would be worth around +5 million to the French side.

Lyon have already made a profit of about +17 million in this transfer window but another transfer-listed striker, Jimmy Briand, was

training away from the first team on Tuesday. Like Gomis, Briand does not necessarily want to leave, and the former Rennes player recently turned down a move to newly-promoted English Premier League side Hull City.

On Wednesday evening, Lyon will raise some muchneeded revenue by hosting a sold-out friendly against Real Madrid at the Stade Gerland. But of more concern will be next Tuesday’s Champions League qualifier against Grasshoppers Zurich.

Having missed out on Champions League football last season, Lyon coach Remi Garde conceded that a return to the group stages of the competition is hugely important to the club’s future plans.

THE NIGERIAN

30

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Tennis Anne Keothavong Retires

Cisse Pictured Visiting A photograph has Casino

emerged of Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse at a poker table in a casino as the row rumbles on over his refusal to appear for the club in a shirt bearing the logo of a pay-day loan company.

Cisse pulled out of Newcastle’s tour of Portugal last week after claiming that, as a Muslim, he could not wear Wonga-sponsored club merchandise as sharia law forbids followers from profiting through money-lending (“riba”).

However, gambling (“maisir”) is also described as a “grave sin” in the Qur’an.

A spokesman for Aspers casino in Newcastle confirmed that the striker is “an occasional visitor” to the establishment but did not say whether he had engaged in gambling.

Even so, Newcastle city councillor Dipu Ahad, who had supported the player over his Wonga protest, feels his behaviour was unacceptable.

“I feel absolutely ashamed of what he’s done,” he told the BBC. “There’s not just me,

there’s been other people who’ve been supporting him. What he’s done now, seeing him in the casino, even if he wasn’t gambling, I think this gives a wrong message.

“People will say: ‘Look, this is Islam — they can pick and choose whatever they want’, and Islam isn’t about picking and choosing.”

Cisse, who has offered to wear an unbranded shirt or one promoting a charity, has been linked with a move to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

Anne Keothavong

Ronaldo Breaks 11-Year-Old Boy’s Arm In Friendly Match

NOT intentionally, of course, but the Portuguese superstar hit the headlines yesterday morning after it emerged that his wayward free kick during Real Madrid’s friendly against Bournemouth at the weekend left one fan nursing a broken wrist.

11-year-old Charlie dipped over the goal and Silverwood was at Dean smashed young Charlie Court for the Cherries’ on his left arm.

The shot left his wrist pre-season friendly broken in two places, but against the Spanish giants, and was delighted to have the brave Bournemouth scored seats right behind fan refused to leave the ground to get medical the goal.

Six minutes in, however, help - and no wonder, the his prime seats proved to considering be a liability as a Ronaldo outrageous ticket prices.

“I could see the ball free kick - struck at full coming towards me. It power from 35 yards -

Dubai Club Set Deadline For Middle East say Sunderland DUBAI-based team Al Osaze and Fulham are also in the Nasr have issued West Bromwich Albion an ultimatum over the transfer of Nigeria striker Osaze Odemwingie.

Al Nasr, who had a bid of £850,000 for Osaze rejected last week, are understood to have now given ‘The Baggies’ until the end of the Tuesday to name their price for the player.

Al Nasr believe the Nigeria striker should be available for £1m, but WBA are holding out for a bid of £2m for the Nigeria international, who they signed from Russian Premier League side Lokomotiv Moscow in a £2.5m deal in August 2010.

Newly promoted Crystal Palace are claimed to be showing an interest in the

forward, while reports in the

Osaze

mix for a deal.

Osaze was disciplined by West Brom for trying to force a move to QPR in the January transfer window after falling out with club officials.

He has only made seven appearances for ‘The Baggies’ since then, all of which came from the substitutes’ bench.

Benitez Snipes At Mourinho

RAFA Benitez has backed Carlo Ancelotti ‘to restore Real Madrid’s values’ in the wake of Jose Mourinho’s reign.

The former Real Madrid Castilla boss has condemned the “win at all costs” mentality that prevailed at the club under former manager Jose Mourinho – without explicitly name-checking his old Premier League adversary – and backed Ancelotti to restore the club’s values.

“We have a very good relationship. He is a good coach, a good person and I believe that he will recover, somehow, the values of Real Madrid that had been lost in the desire to win at all costs,” reflected Benitez this week in conversation with Eurosport.

“I think that Madrid has always been a team that has had to win with superiority and had lost this side of things a little and somehow he will recover that.”

curled past the post and was going to hit my face — so I had to block it with my hand,” Charlie told The Sun, before going on to explain that his dad, Lee, could have stepped in to stop the injury happening.

“My dad was sat next to me and ducked out of the way so I took the full force.”

Charming, eh? Poor little Charlie. But he was just grateful that it wasn’t worse.

“If I didn’t put my wrist out in front of me I’d have ended up with no front teeth,” he told Sky News.

He stayed to watch the final 84 minutes of the match before going to hospital, where it emerged that his wrist was broken in two places.

That alone is something to consider next time you lambast a footballer for flinching out of the way while making up part of a free kick wall.

The story has a happy ending, however: Real Madrid organised a signed Ronaldo shirt for Charlie, while Bournemouth sent him a ball signed by the team.

FORMER British number one Anne Keothavong has announced her retirement from tennis at the age of 29.

The Londoner, who reached a career high ranking of 48 in the world in 2009, won 20 titles on the ITF circuit and her best Grand Slam performance came back in 2008 when she reached the third round of the US Open.

She first became British number one back in 2003 and she held that honour seven times – most recently in July of last year.

She has also been a regular member of the British Fed Cup team.

However, she has struggled with injuries over the past few years and slipped outside the top 200 and she has now decided to quit to game to take up a position with BT Sport.

“I have given my decision a lot of thought and I believe this is the right time to move on to the next stage of my career,” she said.

“I have had some magical moments along the way. I think I am leaving tennis in excellent shape with both Laura Robson and Heather Watson leading the way for Britain in the women’s game.”

Britain’s Fed Cup captain Judy Murray added: “It’s been a real pleasure for me to work with Anne as part of the Fed Cup team. You couldn’t ask for a better, more committed team member.

“She’s great professional who represented her country with huge pride and passion.

She’s a fabulous role model for the young players and a lot of fun too. I’ll miss her fashion advice as well as her presence but I’m sure she has a very bright future ahead of her.”

Athletics: Semenya Makes Final

Bid For World Champ Berth

FORMER world 800 metre champion Caster Semenya will make one final bid to qualify for next month’s world championships when she races in Belgium on Sunday.

The South African will compete just 24 hours before the deadline set for her to break the two-minute barrier required for participation at the August 10-18 competition in Moscow.

Having spent almost a year away from the track with injury since winning silver at the 2012 London Olympics, Semenya has already had two unsuccessful attempts to reach her target when she clocked 2:06.58 and 2:04.48 in Finland last week.

The 22-year-old rose to global recognition after winning the 2009 world championships in Berlin in a personal best time of 1:55.45 but then spent 12 months on the

sidelines after being forced to undergo gender tests.

Semenya also took the

Caster Semenya

silver medal in Daegu, South Korea when she defended her world title two years ago.

THE NIGERIAN

31

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Oliha Goes Home Tomorrow

By NICOLAS EBOIGBE

THE remains of former Super Eagles midfielder, Thompson Oliha will be laid to rest tomorrow in his house in Benin City.

The body of the late beautiful name from his soccer star was brought colleagues and fans as ‘De from Ilorin last week, where General’.

The body of the late he worked as a coach at the midfield maestro will be Kwara Football Academy. lying-in-state at the Samuel Oliha was one of the Ogbemudia Stadium in the favorite footballers invited morning. to the Super Eagles by His colleagues ranging former Technical Adviser, Clemence Westerhof based from Samson Siasia, Austin on merit while he played for Eguavoen, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, the Flying Eagles.

Oliha marshaled the Peter Rufai and others who midfield so well in the were his team mates in 1994 Flying Eagles and Super squad of the Super Eagles Eagles of 1994 that his and some officials of the exploits earned him a Nigeria Football Federation

will be on hand to pay him their last respect with a

novelty match.

After the ceremony at the stadium, the body of the fallen soccer hero will leave in a motorcade to his house in Benin for interment.

Former ESSC Boss Dies

By NICOLAS EBOIGBE

A former Director of Sports, Edo State Sport Council, Dr John Busari Okoro is dead.

According to the present Director of Sports, Edo State Sports Council, Mr. Godwin Okute, Dr John Okoro died

• Late Dr. John Okoro

recently during brief illness.

He described Dr Okoro as an intelligentsia, a knowledgeable and versatile sports administrator.

He said people in the sport circle in the state and country, especially athletes, will miss the late Okoro because of his immense contributions which enhanced the development of sports in the state.

He discloses that the late sports administrator and technocrat (Dr Okoro) will be buried in August.

Until his demise, Dr Okoro was the Director of Sports at the Igbinedion University in Okada, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State.

• Late Thompson Oliha

- Gumel

Nigeria will qualify because they have been undergoing intensive training.

“And I believe that, with the way the team is playing, by the time they will play their first match on Wednesday, people will see things for themselves.

“We will do our utmost best to ensure that the team qualify because we want to be at the championship come 2014,” the NVBF president said.

Nigeria is hosting the Male and Female Sub-Zonal World Championship Qualifier comprising of three teams, instead of four.

Team Nigeria, both male

A MEETING between Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi and cruiserweight boxer Bash Ali ended abruptly on Tuesday in Abuja with both sides giving contrasting views of what had happened.

The meeting was earlier said to be a courtesy visit to Abdullahi by Ali on the proposed historical fight.

Officials at the minister’s office at the National Sports Commission (NSC) had earlier said Ali was expected to apologise to the minister during the meeting.

But Ali had walked out of the meeting after about 15 minutes.

He later told newsmen that while he was there to apologise to the minister if he had offended him but he felt he was being interrogated.

The boxer said the minister refused to co-operate with him on the boxing fight which would have created employment for athletes.

“Nigeria is bigger than all of us. We have a big fight to do that will bring about employment and provide an avenue for athletes to exhibit their talents.

But, unfortunately, the minister refused to co-operate with me.

“We discussed for 15 minutes and I told him if I have done anything in the course of trying to bring the historical event to Nigeria which has offended him, I am very sorry,’’ he said.

According to him, “the minister went on and wanted to do more interrogation and I told him this was not the appropriate time for allegations and I walked out.’’

However, the minister ’s Special Assistant on Media, Julius Ogunro, while responding to inquiries on the issue, said Ali had apologised to the minister at the meeting.

He also confirmed that the event ended in a deadlock, saying the minister had asked Ali to tell him (Abdullahi) if he ever asked him for money.

The minister’s aide said Ali could not respond to the question and the development had ended the meeting.

“The meeting ended in a deadlock because, after he apologised to the minister that he was sorry, the minister asked him whether he (Abdullahi) asked him for money. But Bash (Ali) could not respond.

“And the minister said if he (Ali) was not willing to tell the whole world that he did not ask for bribe he would not have a meeting with him,” he said Ogunro said even though the Nigerian government does not sponsor professional sports, but the sports minister had wanted to help Ali out.

“He will go out of his way to do that, which is a privilege and not a right,’’ he said.

CHAN Qualifier: Keshi Drops Gambo Mohammed, Strikers: Gomo Onduku NIGERIA coach Stephen Haruna Babalo from El Kanemi 5 Others (Bayelsa United), Ifeanyi Edeh Keshi has axed six players Warriors was also dropped. including injured striker Gambo Mohammed for this weekend’s CHAN clash in Cote d’Ivoire.

Mohammed, who opened scoring when the Eagles ‘B’ defeated Cote d’Ivoire 4-1 in the first leg in Kaduna, has been nursing injury.

He is best remembered for his famous miss against Spain at the recent FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Another injured striker

Team Nigeria ‘ll Qualify

PRESIDENT of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Alhaji Habu Gumel, has assured that both the country’s male and female national teams would qualify for the 2014 World Championships.

The qualifier, which is the competition’s first phase, started on July 23 and will end on July 26 with only Nigeria, Niger and Togo participating after Benin Republic failed to make it.

Gumel told journalists on Tuesday in Abuja he was confident of Team Nigeria’s success due to their intensive training and preparation for the competition.

“I want to assure you that

Bash Ali Visit To Sports Minister Ends Abruptly

and female teams will play their first game on July 24 against Niger at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Abuja National Stadium.

Nigeria league leading scorer Dele Olorundare will also not make Thursday’s trip to Abidjan, so too Jiya Mohammed (Bayelsa United), Ganiyu Ogungbe (Kwara United) and Ezekiel Bassey (Lobi Stars).

This means Flying Eagles striker Alhaji Gero and Kano Pillars playmaker Rabiu Ali will make the final 18-man squad.

The final squad: Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers), Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland) Defenders: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Godfrey Oboabona, Kwambe Solomon, Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars), Chibuzor Okonkwo (Enugu Rangers), Benjamin Francis (Heartland)

Midfielders: Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers), Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars), Oladapo Olufemi (Shooting Stars), Ayo Saka (Enyimba)

Owan West To Improve CHAIRMAN, Owan West On Sports Local Government Council, Hon. Godwin Aigbodion has emphasized the need to engage the youths in sporting activities as a way of discouraging them from indulging in social vices.

Hon. Aigbodion gave the advice while receiving the 4th edition of the women Affairs Football Gold Cup won by the female team of Owan

Dolphins Captain Boasts Of League Rotimi, who is the team Title goalkeeper, has played 179

ROTIMI, Captain of Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt on Tuesday in Lagos expressed confidence that the club would win the 2012/2013 Glo Premier League (GPL).

Dolphins are currently in 8th position after playing 22 matches and notching 33 points.

Rotimi told newsmen that the team’s target was to win the league and that his colleagues believed that they could achieve the target.

“The task is that we have to win the league because we have been there before and we have done it before and I believe by the special grace (of God) we are going to also repeat it this season.

“And anything short of that I think the sponsor will not accept but I believe that even there is any shortcoming I believe we are still going to secure a continental ticket this season.’’

(Enyimba), Ezekiel Mbah (Akwa United), Abdullahi Gero (Enugu Rangers), Etebo Oghene, Osadinye Joseph (Warri Wolves FC)

matches for the club since joining in 2004.

He was absent from the club in 2006, when he played for Ironi Rishon Le Zion FC. He was named captain of Dolphins when Emah Godwin left the club to join Akwa United at the end of the 2011/12 season.

Dolphins’ next match in the league will be against ABS of Ilorin on Aug. 4 in Port Harcourt.

West local government area.

While congratulating the team for making the local government proud, the chairman reiterated his administration’s commitment to improve sporting activities in the area and put Owan West on the map of history through sports.

He then advised the girls to take sports and their educational pursuit seriously and not get involved in criminal activities that would bring shame to their families and truncate their dreams.

The highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of the Gold Cup to the council chairman by the captain of the team assisted by the Supervisory Council for Sports, Hon. Kelvin Esemuze.

CMYK

THE NIGERIAN

32

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Merit, Quota Sytem And All That OUR sense of democracy may be warped. There is still a large group of Nigerian youths who are deprived of freedom to learn because of poverty or prejudice or the absence of adequate educational facilities. And as citizens of a democratic society whose moral premise is that each individual has a right to that education that will permit him to achieve his maximum growth as a person, our duty is to work for, and support, whatever measures of reconstruction we deem necessary to remove the social obstacles to freedom of learning.

It is morally binding on us all to study these problems and proffer solutions to them. The world over, all Universities worthy of the name are already doing so.

It admits of open failure that more than 53 years of our nominal independence, we are still engaged at the level of the elemental politics of cut-off marks to our secondary and tertiary institutions of learning.

Never has one had a better cause to doubt if the government is still making efforts to “direct its policy towards ensuring that there are equal and adequate e d u c a t i o n a l opportunities at all levels”, as enshrined in Section 18 of the country’s Constitution.

In our search here, no approach is entirely wrong.

Sometimes, we talk of merit as if that is the panacea to all the problems besetting our educational system – just as our first generation Universities are currently doing, when they refuse to bend backwards a little to accept candidates who have scored lower than the cut-off mark of 200 points.

Invariably, what this does is to open itself to the opportunity for a University to accept say 1000 Students from Abia State while allowing only three Students from say Zamfara State. It does violence to the principle of Federal Character, which originally realized that the country should be treated as a unit of development in which the strongest shall uplift the weakest and they shall both move on together.

At the base line, we have

helplessly as he is unaccepted in the Unity Schools while his friend from Zamfara State with 2 points proudly walks into the same Unity Schools.

The quota system such as we are faced with here has been attacked at various fronts including the fact that the presence of less able and ill-prepared students in a class cannot but retard and depress the level of classroom teaching and participation. An instructor who wishes to

educational system.

It is time to invite Albert Einstein (1879-1955): “Everybody is a genius.

But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its entire life believing that it is stupid”.

Our Northern youths are not stupid. Neither can we accept the sweeping generalization that they are of lower Intelligence Quotient, IQ, but what must be done immediately is for the Northern leaders to sit down and rearrange

• Prof. Ruqayattu Ahmed Rufa’i, Education Minister

this year’s table of scores at the National Common Entrance Examination for all the States of the Federation, which has fully accepted the principle of federal character and the inherent concepts of quota and compensatory treatment. This table shows that while candidates from Zamfara and Yobe States could be admitted with as low as 2 points, their counterparts from Anambra State can only be admitted with 139 points and higher.

Because of the accident of geography, that candidate from Anambra State who scores 138 points has to watch

reach all his students would have no choice but to seek the lowest common denominator, thus further sinking the standard of our already deteriorating

their priorities and pay greater attention to education.

For instance, salvation remains a personal issue.

The sponsor of many

people to the holy land on pilgrimage may itself not be offensive, but it becomes rather lamentable alongside the continued poor performance of their children in schools because of poor funding.

A society without problems is a non-existent society. There must be problems and there must be people to solve them.

We have demonstrated that whichever mode of admission is accepted, there are associated problems.

Individual institutions must be left with the task of working out internal mechanisms for dealing with the problems associated with their choices!

The cure for democracy is more democracy. We cannot wish away the problems associated with the candidates eliminated by the two extremes of merit and the quota system. We must realize that no matter what we do, everyone cannot get placement in the Ivy League Schools. All the same, government has a duty to ensure that there is a classroom for every student to sit and a teacher to teach him. Here, we think that there is no alternative to the provision of community colleges where there will be open enrolment for all.

Yes, what we are discussing here is capital

intensive, and highly so. In any event, this lofty goal is attainable, if only we can plan more and steal less.

In this journey, we shall not be deterred by the notso-easily attainable goal of full employment, which would include the provision of jobs to graduates from the system. The goal of full employment is laudable and it is an integral part of the responsibilities of a good government. But where this is not immediately attainable, as we now have, we must also contend with the obvious fact that education, too, has its intrinsic value. Besides the employment value of education, an educated citizenry is easier to govern and in the final analysis, for society at large, an educated prostitute is better than her illiterate counterpart because among other things, the former would be more likely to observe the rules of hygiene and less likely to be a liberal donor of sexuallytransmitted diseases. An educated taxi driver is also better than the uneducated one for obvious reasons.

Need we remind the Federal Government of the familiar cliché: If you think education is expensive, try ignorance?

Time is of the essence!

“The quota system such as we are faced with here has been attacked at various fronts including the fact that the presence of less able and ill-prepared students in a class cannot but retard and depress the level of classroom teaching and participation. An instructor who wishes to reach all his students would have no choice but to seek the lowest common denominator, thus further sinking the standard of our already deteriorating educational system.”

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