Nigerian observer 27 02 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 38 • NO. 429 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 20 14 • N 100. 0 0 AJUWAYA Page 14 Impact of corps members on host community

Assembly passes Bureau of Statistics Bill

BENIN CITY- The Edo State House of Assembly yesterday passed a Bill for a law to establish Edo State Bureau of Statistics When signed into law, the bureau would ensure the collection, compilation, analysis, storage and

dissemination of statistical data.

The House said the bureau shall have a governing board headed by a Chairman and 11 members.

Page 21

Understanding power of a woman

the bureau shall raise public awareness, collect and analyse statistical data for the purpose of planning.

The bureau is also to Continues on page 2

allowing myself more time is to enable the committee we have put up to have enough time in all that they need to do as regards the procedure or method they are going to adopt in the assessment.

“The assessment will establish the teachers with the basic knowledge and those who don’t have and for those who have, appropriate training will be

designed for them. But there are those who can be described as untrainable and these people cannot benefit from any training”.

The Governor said “we

EDO Teachers’ test holds in 2 weeks

By ADAMS OYIBOKE

GENDER ISSUES

It added that members of the governing board shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

The bill provides that

The Competency test for teachers in public Primary and Secondary Schools in Edo State will hold in the next two weeks. Governor Adams Oshiomhole announced this yesterday after a meeting with the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Academic staff of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) at the Government House. times and I believe we Also in attendance at have spent more than the meeting, as enough time on the observers, were issue. This test is to be members of the Civil done in the next Societies Organisations fourteen days and it is and some Royal Fathers left for the teachers to and Chiefs drawn from decide whether they across the state. want to do it or not.

Oshiomhole who noted This assessment test that the Government had will not be postponed held five meetings over more than two weeks the issue and had from now. It will not be postponed the proposed changed and it will be test twice said “we have the final.” met over a period of five He said: “why I am

cannot allow, even for a day, for bad teachers to poison the brain of our children”, noting that “everybody is looking for escape routes, but the poor who are trapped

have no option. The purpose of the assessment is to separate the quacks from the genuine ones, then we can embark on Continues on page 2

Agric Development

EDSG signs MoU with 4 20,000 hectres of land

By DOROTHY for the cultivation of firms EGBOBAMWONYI rice; Obax Worldwide

BENIN CITY – Edo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with four international agricultural firms out of the several firms that indicated interest to invest in the agricultural sector of the state.

This is a follow up to the first ever Agri-business summit held in the state in 2012.

The sum was geared towards selling agriculture as business to the state indigenes as

well as attracting the right investors who will inturn create jobs and expand the economic base of the state.

The agricultural firms are Industrial Development Group (IDP) from South Africa, which requested for 20,000 hectres for the cultivation of sugar cane to be processed into ethanol as well as another 35,000 hectres of land for oil palm; Wilbahi Investment Limited requested for

TIT BIT

“An Army general, who takes all his strong men to war, and forgets to take the strategy with him; has only prepared his camp for mass suicide.”

- Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

Limited requested for 20,000 hectres of land for the cultivation of cassava which is to be processed into ethanol as well as Ekho-Agro which also requested Continues on page 2

PROTEST: Sacked workers of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), protesting in Ibadan yesterday.

Group condemns Massacre of 43 students

By TUNDE EIGBIREMOLEN

BENIN CITY – The President, National Association of Parents and Teachers of Federal Government College (NAPTAFEGC), Dr.

Paul Erie has, on behalf of the Association, condemned the recent killing of some innocent children of the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi in Yobe State by

Boko Haram militants.

Dr. Erie who decried the senseless killing of the students, numbering 43, by the Boko Haram militants described the incident as most

dastardly as the victims had absolutely nothing to do with whatever the grouse the group was having with anybody.

The University don, however, sympathized

the National Assembly.

He stated this yesterday in Government House when he received a delegation of All

Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 3, Ihievbe in Owan East Local Government Area who came on a courtesy visit.

Prof. Ihonvbere stressed Continues on page 2

SSG stresses need for quality representation

By QUEENNETH OROBEDO

BENIN CITY – Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere said quality effective

and credible representation should form the most important basis for choosing those to represent the people at

with the parents of the slain children, the authorities of the college and the Minister of Education, Barr. Nyesom Wike over the loss of the children and the damage done to the property of the school.

He advised that security be beefed up in all Federal Government Colleges particularly those vulnerable to such attacks and prayed for the repose of the souls of the children killed in the attack. He suggested that the Federal Government should strengthen its Continues on page 2

News

SSG stresses need for quality Continued from page 1 representation

that integrity, credibility, good track record, respect for the party and intelligence to argue positively on issues raised in the interest of the constituency you represent and the state at large, cannot be over looked.

He added that the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is committed to changing the face of Edo State and laying

a foundation that no one coming after him can take for granted.

Disclosing that state government plans to empower 20 persons per ward and thanking the delegation from Ihievbe, the SSG noted that Local Government Council will continue to be relevant in the

lives and progress of the people adding that quality of governance and leadership should be of top most interest of politician and supporters.

Leader of the delegation, APC Ward 3, Ihievbe, Dr. Mike Obaseki said politics is about interest and commitment to serve the people; just as he said that

dismal performance of students in the last WAEC/ NECO examination stressing that the education sector is facing serious crisis.

Speaking earlier, the President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers,

represented by the Deputy National President, Comrade Olu Abiola commended the governor for his achievements in the education sector in the state.

He however said the competency has a professional flaw, adding that teaching is a service and not a product

members of APC in Ihievbe shall work assiduously for the successful election of Prof. Julius Ihonvbere into the senate in particular and the good of the party in general.

Mr. Obaseki equally used the occasion to appeal to the state government, for the appointment of some of their members into boards, committee and other government agencies.

EDO Teachers’ test holds in 2 weeks Continued from page 1

training and retraining.

Those who can be retrained will be retrained and those who cannot be trained will be asked to quit the system. We cannot allow a bad teacher to poison the tomorrow of our children.”

The Governor said “the employer defines how he wants to organize his work. If the employee does not handle the affairs the way the employer wants it, he does not need permission to do away with the services of the employee. If we have gone through this process of meetings, it is because the teacher is an asset to us”, he said.

On the issue of the Inspectorate Division of the Ministry of Education, Oshiomhole said “we will strengthen the Inspectorate Division and only qualified and experienced teachers will be deployed.”

Oshiomhole called on teachers to reflect on the

Oshiomhole to flag off National Immunization March 3

BENIN CITY- Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole will on Monday March 3, 2014 inaugurate the year, 2014 1st round of National Immunization Plus Days at George ldah Primary School, Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City at

Group condemns Massacre of 43 students Continued from page 1 intelligence gathering mechanism to forestall future occurrence of this nature.

10 am.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Aihanuwa Eregie disclosed this in Benin City while briefing the press on activities lined up for the one week immunization programme in Edo State. The programme will hold from Saturday March 1 to Tuesday March 4 2014.

According to Dr. Eregie, the National Immunization Plus Days is a strategy designed to ensure that every child, 0-59 months of age is given Oral Polio Vaccine Alio (OPV) together with other routine immunization antigens, such as measles vaccine, BCG,

EDSG signs MoU with 4 firms Continued from page 1

for 10,000 hectres for the cultivation of cassava to be processed in various cassava products.

Signing the MoU on behalf of the state government with Obax Worldwide Limited request for which is collaborating with Sunbird Bio energy limited, the Edo State Commissioner for Agricultural and National Resources, and also the initiator of the Agribusiness summit expressed optimism over the success of the venture.

He enjoined Indigent people in the state to take advantage of the vision which Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s led government has brought to their door step when it finally kicks off.

Oroh who enumerated communities in Owan East, Ovia North, Orhiomwon and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas as the places set aside for the projects, emphasising that in as much as government wants the land in the state cultivated, any investors who does not put their own into use will have such land revoked.

He maintained that it must be put into use for host communities and other people to benefit from.

While putting the amount involved in the MoU signed so far at $500 million, he said the idea behind it is to engage the indigent people in agriculture so as to improve their living standard as well as expand the economic base of the state economy through payment of their taxes.

The Chairman, CEO and Managing Director of Obax Worldwide Limited Arc. Patrick Obafuyi who said the money earmarked for the project was about $150 million, disclosed that they were collaborating with

promote the use of statistical information for effective decision making and advise government on policies.

Section 27 of the bill stipulates that any person found guilty of an offence

Sunbird Bioenergy Ltd, saying that when the projects finally kicks off, it would be engaging 300 professionals and 2,000 others during the construction process.

Also speaking, Managing Director and CEO of Wilbahi limited Miss Wilma Aguele, who said her agricultural venture was enhanced by the credit facilities she obtained from the Central Bank, emphasized that since government can not employ everyone, agriculture must be embraced.

Present at the signing of the MoU ceremony were the Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Collins Aibaogun and Mr. Richard Bennette, a representative of Sunbird Bio energy limited.

Yellow fever and Pentavalent vaccine.

She explained that there is no cure for polio’ but it can be prevented by immunizing children with the Oral Polio Vaccine, noting that OPV is good, not harmful, safe and free.

Dr. Eregie further stated that it is sad to note that Nigeria is one of the three countries still harboring the wild polio virus in the world, as well as the only country to have all three types of polio virus, a development she added poses a real threat to the global polio eradication efforts.

To stem this urgly trend, the Commissioner stated that the federal government has resolved that polio must be eradicated by December, 2014 and the country certified polio free in 2015.

To achieve this goal, she said that all hands must be on deck to ensure that all children of target age (0-59 months) are reached and immunized.

The Health Commissioner therefore called on all parents, mothers, care givers to support the immunization exercise by bringing out all children, age, 0-59 months for immunization, adding that vaccinators will move from house to house, visit churches, mosques, schools, markets and motor parks for the immunization.

Constituency Project: Dep Gov hails a remarkable difference, Hon Ativie particularly in the area of

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR

IDUNMWUNGHA - Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu has said that appointed and elected political office holders are holding such positions in trust for the people even as he lauds Hon. Elizabeth Ativie for constituency project.

He made the remark

Assembly passes Bureau of Statistics Bill Continued from page 1

industry and competency test to an average worker is sustainable at the level of appointment.

He said he would report back to the NUT President on the outcome of the meeting before the union takes its final decision on the matter.

under this law shall be liable to not less than six months in prison or a fine of N50,000.

Section 29 of the bill also stipulates that the bureau shall submit report of income and expenditure to the House of Assembly on or before September 30 of every year.

yesterday at the commissioning ceremony of a block of three classrooms with headmaster’s office and store, a constituency project executed of Hon. Elizabeth Ativie, a member of the State House of Assembly, at Ase Primary School, Idunmwogha, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

Dr. Odubu pointed out that the actions of such office holders must reflect the collective desire of those they are representing.

According to him, deliberate effort must be made to provide infrastructural and human capacity development for the people.

The deputy governor expressed delight that Hon. Ativie has been able to represent her constituency effectively.

He emphasized that the Oshiomhole led administration in Edo State has been able to make

infrastructural development to the admiration of all, compared to when the opposition party was at the helm of affairs in the state.

Dr. Odubu charged the people of Idunmwungha community to protect the school from vandalism, just as he enjoined the pupils and teachers of Ase Primary School to put the block of three classrooms into judicious use.

Chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Hon. Roland Alari, thanked Hon. Ativie for complementing the efforts of the state and local governments.

He urged the people of Idunmwungha to pray for Hon. Ativie to enable her do more for them.

Edo builds capacities of civil servants BENIN CITY - In her determined efforts to adequately boost the efficiency of the civil servants, the Office of the Head of Service has again floated a seminar for senior and middle level officers in the state civil service.

In his message to the participants delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Establishments, Training and Management Services, Mr. Alfred Omorogbe Olaye, the Head of Service, Mr. Igbaekemeh Jerry Obazele enjoined the participants to actively participate in the seminar throughout the duration of programme.

The Head of Service, Mr. Igbaekemeh Jerry Obazele posited that the organization of the seminar was borne out of the need to equip the participants with the relevant techniques which could aid them in the harnessing of the potentials of their subordinates.

The Head of Service disclosed that this has become imperative as it has been observed that some officers lacked the relevant techniques for supervising and harnessing the great potentials that abound in subordinate officers.

He reiterated that commitment of the Edo State Government in the training and retraining of all categories of officers is anchored in her belief that only a sound person can effectively and efficiently discharge duties assigned.

The Head of Service expressed his profound gratitude to the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole for his benevolence towards the service in

ensuring that the training of civil servants is given top most priority, just as salaries and allowances are promptly paid.

Mr. Obazele hinted that the choice of Lizzy Johnson Management Consultant to handle the seminar whose theme is “General Supervisory Management Course” is borne out of the fact that the consultant has wealth of experience to impact on the participants.

In her address, Mrs. Pat Ebun-Oluwa Ojisua, Managing Director of Lizzy Johnson Management Consultants, described the civil service as the wheel on which the socio-economic progress of the nation revolves.

Mrs. Pat Ebun-Oluwa Ojisua added that any government who wants progress must give adequate attention to human capital building to enhance the performance of its work-force.

She challenged the participants at the seminar to internalize the lectures that will be given and to let it reflect in their output in their various offices.

Resource persons at the seminar include Mr. Charles Ohiorenuan, whose lecture centered on “Relevance of Good Planning; Time Management, Industrial Relations while Dr. Samuel Akpovi, Mrs. Margaret Aidelokhai and Mrs. Pat Ebun-Oluwa Ojisua centered their lectures on Leadership Skills, Good Communication, “Cost Control and Accountability in the Civil Service” and Motivation for Effective Supervision”.

With the Head of Service was Mr. Muhammed Ikhelowa, Director, Training and Management, Mr. Sam Okpeaye, Public Relation Officer and Mr. Monday Umweni, Director, Establishment.

Centre for community devt holds matriculation BENIN CITY - The 33 tomorrow matriculation of fresh rd

students of the Centre for Community Development Education comes up on Friday 28 February, 2014 at the Center’s Open Arena 10:00am.

According to a release by the Director of the Centre, Rev A. O Abebe, 110 students will matriculate and be formally admitted into the Institution by the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Hon. Louis Odion.

The Centre, which offers a two year diploma in Community Development was established by the State Government in 1987 and

formalized with Edict No 17 of 1986 to train middle level manpower for C o m m u n i t y Development and related disciplines.

The Centre is affiliated to the University of Benin, Benin City for high standard and quality. . The graduands of the Centre are qualified to read any of the courses in Social Sciences and Adult Education in Nigerian universities and beyond.

Since inception, the Centre has trained over 5000 students most of whom are doing well in their various fields of endeavor.

News Council Boss Justifies His Prophet Inspection OKPELLA – The Chairman, Etsako East Local Government Council, Hon. Abdulmalik Suleiman Afegbua said that his routine inspection of projects across the area is to ensure total compliance to specifications.

He stated this during the inspection of the ongoing renovation of six classroom block at Afegbua Primary School, Awuyemi.

While expressing satisfaction with the level of work, he maintained that the level of work done is a determinant of further payments by government.

All Progressive Congress (APC) strongman, Mr. Sunday Uduagemhe who accompanied the council chairman said that the projects are ubiquitous all over the Local Government Area, noting that Hon. Afegbua is carrying everyone along in the scheme of things.

Meanwhile, Hon. Abdulmalik Suleiman Afegbua has inspected the construction of industrial water borehole in Okugbe, Okpella.

Why expressing satisfaction over the completion of the project, Hon. Afegbua said that the joy of the people is the beginning of his happiness.

He noted that shortly after the provision of an electricity transformer for the people he observed the need to tackle the acute water problem in the area stressing that the water has been distributed to serve the people.

All Progressive Congress, APC leader in the community, Mr. Peter Agbuegba said that the chairman has done much to address the water problem in the area, noting that previous administrations made empty promises to the people.

A resident in the area, Mrs. Franca Abu who spoke in local language said that they have suffered water problems for a long time stressing that the action of the council chairman has put smiles on the faces of the people.

“Our life has changed because of the quantity and quality of water”, she concluded.

L-R: INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega (2nd right), inspecting the newly constructed residence for Delta INEC Electoral Commissioner, Dame Gesila Khan (left), during the Chairman’s facility tour of Oshimili South LGA in Asaba recently.

Edo SEEFOR To Institute Award For Distinguished Sub-Component Staff BENIN CITY – The Project Co-ordinator of Edo State Employment and Expenditure For Result (SEEFOR) Project, Mr. Taiwo Akerele has disclosed that the Steering Committee has given approval for institution of an award for

2015 Assembly Election: South-Ibie Canvasses Power Shift

By MORRISON HAYBLE

JATTU (UZAIRUE – As the various wards, constituencies, individuals and interest groups in Edo State jostle for elective positions ahead the 2015 elections, Uzairue youths in Etsako West rose from a general meeting recently canvassing power shift in the House of Assembly seat from Uzairue to SouthIbie.

The youths appealed to the political leaders in the area to give South-Ibie the opportunity in the next dispensation as demanded by equity and fairness to produce the next representative of the area in the House of Assembly.

They observed that SouthIbie clan formed a ward of the five that make up constituency

Councilors Pass Vote Of Confidence On Council Boss UBIAJA – Councillors in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State have passed a vote of confidence on the council chairman, Hon. Joseph Ikpea.

This is coming on the wake of their debunk of a media report that there is crisis between the executive and legislative arm of the local government.

The councillors, while passing the vote of confidence on the council boss unanimously dissociated themselves from the report which they described as a calculated attempt by some enemies of the administration to distract the council boss.

They described the council boss as “a performing chairman; a visionary and

transparent leader,” who has given the councillors a sense of belonging.

The councillors therefore appealed to him to refocus on the good works he is doing for people in the locality.

II and had never tasted the seat whereas Uzairue had dominated the position for several political decades.

The youths urged the leaders to be fair and dispassionate in this regard and to recall the great support enjoyed by the State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from South-Ibie during the last governorship election in a communiqué read by Hon. S.I. Samuel of ward 9 and endorsed

by Youth Leaders of the other wards, the people appealed to all to complement the good work of the Comrade Governor with peaceful political coexistence in constituency II. They noted that both clans remained one indivisible political entity which should not be sacrificed on the alter of selfishness.

the best staff under the Public Works subcomponent of the SEEFOR project.

Mr. Akerele who stated this during an Orientation exercise for Batch B for Public Works Beneficiaries, stressed that the award which would be monetary was intended to reward hard work and dedication to duty among the workers while all other workers would be trained on entrepreneurial skills to enable them set up small scale businesses at the end of the Contract.

In a release signed by Flora Bossey SEEFOR Communications Officer, the Edo SEEFOR Project Coordinator disclosed that this year alone, 2500 workers are the target for the persons to be employed under the SEEFOR platform, saying that those not included under the first phase would be captured in the next phase.

He describe SEEFOR intervention as another effort by the Comrade Governor to reduce unemployment in the State, noting that other efforts of Government such as the Information Communication Technology Agency, EDO YES

MoT Directs Tricycles Operators To Pay Number Code Registration Fee BENIN CITY- All owners and operators of Tricycles also known as “Keke NAPEP” have been directed to promptly pay their Number Code Registration fee of five Thousand Naira (N5,000:00) only.

They are to pay directly to Edo State Ministry of Transport on or before today

Thursday February 27, 2014.

This is contained in Government Special Announcement signed by Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP) made available to newsmen in Benin City yesterday.

It warns that “failure to comply with this directive will compel Enforcement

Officers of the ministry to impound such tricycle.”

“However, this announcement is without prejudice to the fact that their operations are still restricted to the rural parts of Ikpoba Okha, Ovia North East, Uhunmwonde and Oredo Local Government Areas, Edo State”, the statement concludes.

etc were also established to address unemployment.

Mr. Akerele warned against subletting of the job, stressing that this denies the genuine youth and women the opportunity to earn a living and care for their families as the SEEFOR employment is specifically designed for them.

On his part, Executive Director in Edo State Rapid Response key Activity Executing Agency for the

Public Works Elder Samuel Eboigbe in a goodwill message, the thoroughness of the State Government in Edo state was part of the four pilot states of the SEEFOR project.

While advising those not selected in the first Batch to be patient for subsequent Batches, he called on all those newly engaged to make good use of the opportunity by dedicating themselves to duty and saving up to enhance themselves economically.

Foundation Donates Materials To Schools

By MORRISON HAYBLE

AUCHI – Two public primary schools in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State have received a donation of educational materials courtesy of Fatai Foundation based in the state as part of efforts to complement the efforts of parents in the training of children.

The schools are Akpekpe and Asogun Primary Schools while the education materials included customized notebooks, biros, pencils and eraser.

The gesture is part of the foundations proposed annual statewide gesture to public primary schools in the state.

President of the foundation, Barrister Aliu Fatai said the donation was born out of philanthropic gesture that is devoid of political undertone.

He disclosed that he decided to choose education being one of the very many denials of life, having

considered it as the bedrock of modern civilization.

According to him, any society without education is in darkness as darkness was not a means to development.

Barr. Fatai remarked that he opted to assist pupils in the public schools because that was the place where the peasant farmers, traders, the down trodden send their children.

The Fatai foundation President observed that anybody that has good foundation would have guaranteed future, pointing out that the pupils who would aspire to be professionals should be better encouraged at the foundational level.

In their brief reactions, Head teachers of both schools, Mrs. Omenaimen Florence and Mr. Seghosime Momoh thanked the donor for showing love to the less privileged and urged parents to help the pupils make good use of the books. terests of politician and supporters.

News Travel Agent Charged For N2m Visa Fraud

LAGOS-A 37-year-old travel agent, Ebenezer Anokwuru, was charged with N2 million visa fraud at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Anokwuru is facing a twocount charge of obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Friday Ekundayo, told the court that the accused committed the

offences between May and August 2013 in Lagos.

He said Anokwuru collected N2 million from one Mr Akin Akinsehinde on the pretext of securing travel documents for eight United Arab Emiratesbound persons.

“The accused did not secure the documents for the people and also failed to refund their money.’’

According to Ekundayo, the offences violate Sections 285(1) and 312(1), (a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The reports state that Section

285 prescribes three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 312 stipulates 15 years jail term for obtaining

money under false pretences.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs Linda

Balogun, granted him bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned to March 31 for trial.

Badagry Demolition

Counsel To Address Court On Jurisdiction

LAGOS- A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered parties to address it on its jurisdiction in a suit filed by residents of Badagry Local Government Area over demolition of their property.

The suit which was fixed for judgment could not go on as Justice Ibrahim Buba ordered counsel representing plaintiffs, Mr Chukwu Odumodu, to address the court on the issue of jurisdiction.

The judge said that since the plaintiffs averred in their originating processes, “that there was a subsisting suit before a High Court in Badagry; counsel should address the court on its jurisdiction in the suit before judgment will be delivered’’.

He adjourned the case till February 27 for hearing.

The reports state that the applicants had filed the suit under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules on behalf of other residents of Atinporome Community in Badagry.

The plaintiffs are Charles Adu, Joshua Medepo, Korede Mayegun, Godwin Ogungbe, Oluseyi Adeleye, Alao Alapanla, Johnson Adebiyi, Justice Ovemurai, Afolabi Olukoya, Ibrahim Adedeji, Kolawole Adewumi, Edun Talabi, Joseph Onwueka and Joseph Ibukun.

Others are Adebayo Oke, Olanipekun Ayanleye, Sylvester Enebeli, Shittu Abdullahi, Afolabi Kehinde, Ahmeed Alade, Iwueze Emmanuel, Oladimeji Oluwaseun, and Martha Adeogun.

They are claiming the sum of N100 billion against nine respondents for alleged wrongful demolition of their houses.

Joined as respondents are the Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Area Commander, Area K Police Command, Ministry of Police Affairs and Lagos Task Force on Environment and Special Offences Unit Other respondents are Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lagos State Lands Bureau, Attorney General of Lagos State and Attorney General of the Federation.

Reports state that in the affidavit deposed to by the first applicant; the plaintiffs said that on December 14, 2013, they received a letter from the police that residents of the area should

vacate.

“The letter from the second respondent specifically mentioned Agemowo and Agelado Mowo, Badagry, while our Community is at Atiporome, Araromi extension and Mowo Phase 2.

“We contacted our solicitors and informed them of the situation.

“And then, a letter was drafted to clear the air that our communities were at Atiporome; but all our efforts to serve the letter on the second respondent were rebuffed.

“All efforts made to also serve the letter on the third respondent’s office, was equally rebuffed by the respondents, who chased us out of the area command,’’ he said.

The applicants said that on December 16, 2013 at about 4.30 a.m, more than 100 armed policemen from the Lagos State Task Force, laid siege on the community, pulling down houses with bulldozers.

“More than 1,500 houses were demolished, while a six-monthold baby was killed in one of the houses demolished,’’ they said According to the applicants, they were not allowed to pick anything from their houses before the demolition, while scores of residents and youths were arrested.

They therefore, seek a declaration that the forceful demolition of their premises by the respondents was wicked, oppressive and unconstitutional.

In addition, they are claiming the sum of N5 million as cost of action.

L-R: Elder Sam Eboigbe, Executive Director, Edo Rapid Response Agency and Mr. Taiwo Akerele, Project Co-ordinator, Edo SEEFOR Project at the Orientation for Batch ‘B’ beneficiaries under SEEFOR public works.

Varsity Earmarks N140m For Oversea Staff Training

OYE (EKITI) - The Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), has said it earmarked N140 million for oversea training of staff as a strategy to position the institution as a player in the global academic activities.

Prof. Isaac Azuzu, the ViceChancellor of the university, said this in an interview with the

newsmen in Oye. “Recently, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) gave a grant of N140 million to FUOYE for staff development which necessitated the management to set up a committee of eminent professors from various disciplines.

“ The committee is processing applications from lecturers who will benefit from the oversea training.“ He said that university system in the country was in dire need of a new vision and a new assurance of its essence in national development.

The vice-chancellor stressed

Task Force On Patent Medicine

NAFDAC Lauds Association BAUCHI- The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Bauchi has lauded the Patent Medicine Association in the state for

A cross section of the SEEFOR Public Works beneficiaries.

inaugurating a task force to monitor its members’ activities.

Mr Micheal Attah, NAFDAC’s Unit Head, in an interview with newsmen commended the task force over

the seizure of expired items from shops in Bauchi metropolis.

Attah said the agency would continue to partner with such committees, to ensure that only approved and genuine medicines were being sold in the markets in the state.

“The patent medicine association did very well by setting up a task force that will check nefarious activities among its members.

“This will further strengthen the association and will also ensure that only NAFDAC-approved products are in the market.

“Recently, the task force raided some of their members’ shops and brought such expired items to our office,’’ Attah said.

He said that NAFDAC’s challenges in the state include defaulters’ escape from their business places, thus preventing the arrest and prosecution of such people.

Attah urged similar associations to emulate the association, to safeguard the health of the people in the state and the country as a whole.

the need for the university to place priority on qualitative human capital resources to attain the new paradigm.

“FUOYE is committed to human capacity building of its staff to achieve its objectives because no one can give what he or she does not have.

“In addition, the university has introduced entrepreneurship skills into its programme, so that it will enhance provision of liberal education that goes beyond the strict confines of specific academic disciplines.

“It will thereby make the institution to produce wellrounded graduates with distinct advantages to make their way in life, “he said.

On discipline, Azuzu said that the institution had zero tolerance for cultism, warning that anyone caught involved in it would be expelled “no matter how highly influential the parents may be”.

“Under no condition should students embark on a willful destruction of the university property. “ He also admonished students of higher institutions in the country to find legitimate and rational ways to express their feelings without violence and wanton destruction of public property.

Azuzu, however, commended the Federal Government for funding university education to match the country’s determination to be among the 20 leading world economics in 2020.

He appealed to private industries and individuals to assist government in funding education sector, saying that government alone could not carry the burden of the sector.

Across The Nation Skills Acquisition

2015: Activist Makes Case For Female Governors

Board Introduces Driving, Car Wash

LAFIA - The Nasarawa State Vocational and Relevant Technology Skills Acquisition Board has said that it would introduce driving school and car wash systems into its programmes across the centres.

Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu, the General Manager of the board, said this in an interview with newsmen in Lafia.

He said this was part of measures to fight unemployment and arrest youth restiveness in the state and the country at large.

Adamu said such schemes had become imperative for the overall development of the country.

He said: “Everybody is aware that major problems facing the country today is youth unemployment and restiveness, which has caused setback to the socioeconomic development of our country.

“The federal and state governments are doing their best to arrest the menace through the establishment of different skills acquisition programmes, thereby improving the lives of our people.

“This board is saddled with the responsibility of training youths on different skills acquisition programmes in order to be self reliant and contribute their quota to national development.

“The board is training youths in different skills acquisition programmes such as computer operator, refrigerator and air conditioner services, fashion design, welding and fabrication work, leather and shoe work.

“Other skills include knitting, hair dressing, barbing, home economics, fitting machines, block and bricks laying, plumbing work, tie and dye.

“Laundry work, carpentry, furniture work, painting, POP, tilling work, electrical installation, radio, television and, GSM work were also part of the skills.

“This is because an idle mind is a devil’s workshop, I am calling on the people to embrace and take advantage of the various skills acquisition programmes across the state.

“I implore our youths to get themselves engaged with one skill or the other, in order to be self reliant.

“Embracing skills acquisition programmes will not only help in fighting poverty, unemployment and social vices in our society, but will also improve the country’s socioeconomic development.’’

Adamu said embracing any of the skills would make the youth be in a better position to contribute their quota to the development of the country and face global challenges positively.

According to him, the board is planning to introduce the new skills, considering their importance in fighting youth unemployment and restiveness in the country.

He called on parents to sponsor

Wife of the DIG Operations, Mrs. Anebrafa Zuokumo, President, Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), Mrs. Zahra Abubakar and wife of the DIG Administration, Hajiya Bilikisu Fakai, during POWA President’s visit to Dei-Dei Police Barrack in Abuja on Tuesday.

NSUKKA (ENUGU STATE) - A Human Rights Activist, Mr. Chris Ukaegbu, has called on political parties in the country to ensure that at least four women were elected governors during the 2015 general elections.

Ukaegbu told newsmen in Nsukka that the country had been unfair to women, given the fact that out of 36 states of the federation, no woman was elected as a state governor.

“It shows a huge marginalisation of women in the country, that no single woman is governor in the 36 states of the federation.

“We have well educated, Godly and honest women who if given opportunity, will achieve more than some male governors.

“Political parties should ensure that more women are given opportunities in national and state assemblies, to be elected as governors during 2015 general elections,” he said He said that though the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan had tried to redress this injustice, its 35 per cent affirmation to women had not been fully realised.

“It is no doubt that the Jonathan administration has appointed more women to positions of authority than any administration in the past, but more needs to be done.

“Government and political parties should remove all obstacles that prevent women from being elected and appointed to positions of authority in the country.

Ukaegbu, however, urged women to support their fellow women seeking elected or appointed positions of authority and eschew pulling down own their fellow women seeking elective positions.

“Women should rally round themselves to ensure that more women occupy positions of authority in this country.

LG Earmarks N45.6m For Employment, Poverty Reduction

A cross section of newly engaged beneficiaries under the SEEFOR Public works.

Fish Farmers Partner SURE-P On Fingerlings Production

BIRNIN KEBBI - The National Association of Fish Farmers in Kebbi State says it will partner with the state SUREP on the establishment of fingerlings production centre and packaging of fish after harvest.

The Chairman, Alhaji Hussaini Raha, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi yesterday that the partnership would enhance commercial fish production.

He said the association would also partner with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries

Research, New Bussa, on the management of fish farms.

Raha said that an update of the membership records revealed 12,050 members located in Argungu, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza, Bagudo, Shanga, Yauri and Ngaski local government areas, producing tilapia and catfish.

According to him, the association has also registered 9,000 artisans and 300 cooperative societies.

He said that the association

would strive to meet international standard in the production of smoked and fresh fish.

The association would also upgrade from artisan level of fish farming to modern and commercial level that would be economical and environment friendly”.

He denied allegations that the state government was not assisting fish farmers, stressing that the government had been

assisting the union with feeds, fingerlings and other accessories.

He applauded the state government for the new agriculture policy that would facilitate the association’s access feed, fingerlings, fishing nets, kiln for drying the fish and storage facilities.

He said the association would ensure that fish farming emerged a major employer of labour with a view to boosting food production and ending poverty.

Institute Hails Sanitisation Of Insurance Sector ONITSHA (Anambra) - The Chartered Institute of Insurance of Nigeria (CIIN) said the Federal Government’s sanitisation of insurance practice in the country restored public confidence in the industry.

The Chairman of CIIN, Onitsha Chapter, Mr. Cyracus Akujobi who said this in an interview with newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra, explained that the positive impact of the exercise was evident in the South East zone of the country.

Akujobi said that the government, through the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), succeeded in making insurance more acceptable to Nigerians as there had been an increase in the number of people taking up insurance policies in Onitsha and the South East zone in general.

“I must confess to you that that was in the past; the industry is now a bit sanitised under the leadership of Mr. Fola Daniel (the Commissioner for

NAICOM).

“So, this time around, the poor image is gradually giving way for good image; claims are now settled as when due.

“Of course, insurance like any other sector or industry has its own bad eggs; the bad eggs in the insurance industry are gradually being weeded out.

“So now, the industry is highly sanitised and I can assure you that if you have your genuine claim now you can be sure you will get your compensation as quickly as

possible.”

The chairman said that the industry was gradually gaining a large market in the zone, adding: “For now, more insurance companies targeting the potential market in the South East”.

Akujobi explained that the institute was creating a lot of awareness about the industry and its benefits to businesspersons within the zone.

“CIIN has also launched awareness in churches and other social fora,” he said.

BUNZA (KEBBI) - Bunza Local Government Council in Kebbi has earmarked N45.6 million for poverty reduction and job creation, the council’s Chairman, Alhaji Aliyu Raha, has said.

Raha said newsmen in Bunza part of the money would be used to provide materials and equipment at the Skills Acquisition Centre in Bunza.

He said experts would be employed to train youths on various skills to enable them to become self reliant.

The chairman said 356 youths would be trained in various trades, including shoe making, carpentry, welding, computer and auto mechanic.

He said the council had mandated a committee of councillors, led by Alhaji Ibrahim Maidahini, to commence registration of qualified persons that would participate in the training.

Raha urged the committee to be impartial in the screening exercise, adding that the committee should “carry everybody along irrespective of political affiliation”.

“Our major concern is the accelerated growth and development of our people.

“Job creation would serve as panacea to youth restiveness and other criminal tendencies; the council will create additional employment opportunities for our teaming youths”, he said.

South-South Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau casting his vote with his wife, Talatu, in DU, Jos, during the local government elections

on

Tuesday.

Army Empowers Officers Wives PORT HARCOURT - The Commanding Officer of the Garrison, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Lt.-Col. Kingsley Adimoha, has distributed certificates and equipment to 20 women trained in various skills.

Adimoha, while presenting the items in Port Harcourt said the programme was designed to boost the socioeconomic wellbeing of women.

Adimoha said the training would equip women with requisite skills to become selfreliant and less dependent on their husbands.

“We felt it is necessary to come up with a programme that will equip and make wives of officers and soldiers with skills.

“It is when they have one skill or the other that keeps them busy and bring in a little token that they can better their lives and be less dependable on their husbands.

“In addition to the skills acquired, we also presented to them electric ovens, hair dryers, sewing machines and computers to start their own businesses.

“It is my hope that the trainees will use their entrepreneurial skills to improve the economic wellbeing of their families and also become employers of labour,” Adimoha said.

The commanding officer said the programme would be sustained to enable other women to benefit from the skills acquisition.

The Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), of the brigade, Mrs Adesuwa Uzamere, called on beneficiaries to ensure judicious use of the equipment.

She said the programme would come up periodically to benefit more women from the

exercise.

A representative of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Antonia Tudeme, said the programme had equipped them with skills that would aid them in their businesses.

She said they would no longer depend solely on their husbands to fend for their families alone.

Reports say that the programme was sponsored by the Garrison Command.

The beneficiaries include wives and widows of officers and soldiers, while each received eight electric ovens, four sewing machines, four computers, and four hair dressing equipment.

Foundation Urges Prompt Cleaning Of YENAGOA - Health of Niger Delta general by “inserting

Oil Spill:

Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), an environmental rights organisation, has called for the immediate cleansing of the oil-bearing communities in the Niger Delta region.

A Director at the foundation, Rev. Nnimmo Bassey, told newsmen in Yenagoa that oil exploration had destroyed the environment and “put it on life support”.

He said that the cleansing of the region was long overdue, adding that the area might not stand any chance of getting attention if oil exploration was not stopped.

“The struggle for a clean Niger Delta must be intensified because if this environment is not cleaned up, there is no hope for the Niger Delta after the wells would have run dry or after the country would have moved away from depending on crude oil as an income earner.

“It is now that the environment must be cleaned up otherwise these people are sunk, our people are sentenced to death.

“Already the environment has sentenced to death, so the environment of the Niger Delta, I would say, is actually on life support right now.

“And it is very critical that the people must rise up and look beyond the tokens that are being dropped.

“It is beyond what this so called Global Memorandum of Understanding is doing:

putting a water borehole in one place, paving one street with concrete walkway or building a town hall.

“It is about cleaning up an environment because no matter how much infrastructure you put in a polluted environment, you are not giving the people life, you are sentencing them to death.”

The environmentalist explained that his foundation would intensify its struggle for a clean environment in the Niger Delta and the country in

environmental consciousness into the political space”.

According to him, a clean environment is fundamental to the right to life as stipulated by the African charter on human rights in article 24.

Bassey said that the more than two years of delay in the implementation of the UNEP report on Ogoni land was a major obstacle to the urgent need to cleanse the region as other polluted communities expected government to adopt the Ogoni cleansing template.

Delta FRSC Records 45 Per Cent Decrease In Road Crashes ASABA - The Delta State Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Sector Command said that it recorded a 45 per cent decrease in the rate of road crashes in January.

The Sector Commander, Mr. Imoh Etuk, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Asaba.

He said that the command recorded 29 crashes in January as against 63 in January 2013.

He said that 22 of the crashes resulted in fatalities, as against nine in the corresponding month, adding that 38 persons were killed in 2013 as against 35 in 2014.

Etuk said that 217 injuries were recorded in 2013, as against 105 in 2014, while 32 of the injury cases were serious in 2013 as against 17 in 2014.

He attributed the decrease to various measures put in place

by the command, saying it included education of drivers, and intervention patrols at crash prone areas of the state.

Etuk also identified enforcement of retroreflective tape and rear light by commercial vehicles as part of measures put in place by the command.

He said that FRSC operatives had been placed on intensive routine patrols and traffic control at strategic places with the involvement of Special Marshals to curb road traffic crashes.

The sector commander warned that any vehicle with tinted glasses would henceforth be impounded, especially vehicles without police permit.

He said there would also be strict enforcement on the use of seat belt order in the state.

Erosion: Navy To Seek CALABAR – The Eastern Naval Command, Nigerian Navy said it would seek collaboration with the Cross River State Government and Federal Government agencies to control erosion problems at the naval barracks in Calabar.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral Obiora Medani spoke in Calabar after inspecting facilities at various navy formations under the Command. Medani said the situation was getting worse and the command could not handle it alone.

“Yes, it is a serious problem but our major focus is to improve our civil/military relationship.

“We believe that the civil authorities will have to come and help us because the scope of the

Assistance

problem is beyond the resources of the Navy.

“But we hope that through cooperation with the State and the Federal Government agencies that are responsible for ecological problems, we will be able to address the problem,” he said.

Medani said that there was urgent need to tackle the erosion problem to save the situation from deteriorating.

During a visit to Navy Reference Hospital under construction in Calabar, the FOC ‘said it would be commissioned soon.

He described the hospital as a dream come true, saying that it was a project that every naval officer should be proud of.

People queuing to cast their vote in vom ward during the Plateau Local Government Elections on Tuesday.

Lagos N25m Fraud

FERMA Clears Drains To Check Flooding LAGOS - The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has begun clearance of drainage channels in Lagos, ahead of the rainy season to check flooding.

Mr. Tayo Awodun, the engineer in charge of LagosEast, told newsmen in Lagos that the clearing was to curb the problem of severe flooding at the

Absence Of Witness Stalls Trial Of Alleged Impersonator LAGOS - Absence of a prosecution witness stalled the trial of a technician in Lagos over alleged impersonation and theft.

Adekunle Adesanya, 36, is facing trial before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court along with Sani Abdulhamid, 25, on a 17-count charge of impersonation, stealing and receiving stolen goods.

The prosecution witness, Mr. Sunday Oluwaseun, did not come to court to give evidence as scheduled.

Adesaya, who has no fixed address, had pleaded guilty on Sept. 9, 2013, but changed his plea on Oct. 24, 2013, when he was to be sentenced.

Abdulhamid, a bureau de change operator, pleaded not guilty.

He resides at No. 2, Malam Gana St., Idi-Araba, Lagos.

The Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Olajuwon, had granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The Prosecutor, Insp Gabriel Ekundayo, had told the court that Adesanya presented himself many times as a staff member of a telecom company.

Ekundayo said that the accused swindled seven people under the guise of upgrading mobile phones for them.

He said that the accused committed the offences in July, August and September, 2013 at No. 81, Bode Thomas, Surulere; No.8, Oniro Osagie St., Ilupeju, and No. 9, Daramola Close Alaka, all in Lagos.

Ekundayo said that the accused defrauded the victims of money and stole their phones.

He said that the crimes occurred at No. 1, May Crescent, Yewande Giwa, Oke Aro; No. 29, Okusaga Street, Ilupeju, and at Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall, all in Lagos.

He said that victims included Miss Oluwafumilayo Famoroti, Mr Sunday Oluwaseun and Mr. Dare Olaniyan.

The prosecutor said that the accused defrauded his victims to the tune of N581,300.

He added that Adesanya forged the identity card of a staff of a telecom company, and used it to dupe the complainants.

The court adjourned the case till March 19 for continuation of trial.

peak of the rainy season.

“We have begun the clearing of the drains before the rainy season starts.

“We are desilting manholes, drainage channels and weep holes so that when the rainy season comes, we will not have flooding on our roads.”

He said that manholes in the Maryland area serving as refuse dumps were cleared two weeks ago.

Awodun said the carriageway under Ijora Bridge that was always experiencing flooding during the rainy season had also been cleared to avert flooding.

He warned destitute who had turned the drains in Ijora into their private toilets to desist from such acts.

He said that officials of the Federal Roads Committee on Surveillance and Action Against Road Side Trading and Other Forms of Road Abuse (FERSCARA), would soon be arresting offenders.

He said that FERSCARA was an arm of FERMA, created by the Federal Ministry of Works to sanction those found to be destroying roads.

Awodun also said that some officials of FERMA had been assigned to clear drains and weep holes on the Ikorodu Expressway regularly.

“We have worked on IkoroduShagamu Road where we have done construction of drainage, culverts and pavement repairs.

“On Ikorodu-Itoikin Road, we have carried out patching of pot holes,” he said.

He said that some people were also assigned to be inspecting and cleaning channels on the third Mainland Bridge on a daily basis.

Native Doctor Docked

L-R: Executive Director, Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme, Mr. Bayowa Foresythe; Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Housing, Mr. Jimoh Ajao and Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Bosin Jeje, at the hand over of Olaitan Mustapha Housing Estate

by Lagos State Ministry of Housing to Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme in Lagos recently.

A section of Olaitan Mustapha Housing Estate handed over by Lagos State Ministry of Housing to Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme in Lagos recently.

LAGOS - A 68-year-old native doctor, Arikewuyo Hassan, who allegedly defrauded a woman of N2.5 million, has been arraigned at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

A resident of No. 35, Lawal Street, Iyana-Ipaja, a Lagos suburb, Hassan, is facing a twocount charge of obtaining money on false pretences and stealing.

The prosecutor, SP Charles Odii, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in October 2013 at No. 35, Lawal Street., Iyana-Ipaja.

Odii alleged that the accused obtained N2.5 million from one Alhaja Aishat Mohammed under the guise of assisting her spiritually to “fight the witches and supernatural forces’’ working against her.

According to him, the spiritual warfare and deliverance will rescue her from financial losses.

“After parting with the money, the complainant was still experiencing some financial crises.’’

According to Odii, the offences contravene Sections 285 (5) and 312 (2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Reports state that Section 285 (5) prescribes seven years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 312 provides a 15-year jail term for obtaining money under false pretences.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate, Mrs. I. Omotosho, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to March 19 for mention.

Man Docked For Theft

LAGOS - An unemployed man, Chidi Nzere, who allegedly raided a home at night and stole six mobile phones and N43,000 cash, has appeared before an Oshodi Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.

Nzere, who resides at No.18,

Oremeji Street, Mafoluku in Oshodi area of Lagos, is being tried for burglary and stealing.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Feb.11 at No.1, Ogunjimi

Street., Mafoluku.

He alleged that the accused burgled the apartment of one Mr. Samson Bankole and stole six phones valued at N60, 000 and N43, 000 cash.

“The accused entered the complainant’s room while he

and his family were asleep at night and stole their phones and N43, 000 cash.”

Olatunde said when the complainant heard some noises in his sitting room; he went there and saw the accused, who escaped through

fund as well as the variety of cassava needed for processing flour.

“If the government can release the money early, it will enable farmers to start cultivation as soon as rainfall starts. This will allow us to harvest at the right time,” he said.

Reports state that the Federal Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bank of Industry to manage the approved N4.3 billion Cassava Bread Fund to support small and medium

enterprises.

Adekunle commended the government for its effort in developing the cassava-based industries by giving out loan to farmers.

“The Federal Government promised to give our farmers loan and it has started giving it out. About 300 farmers in Oyo state have benefited from the exercise.

“These farmers have already started planting their cassava.

But, we expect the government to continue with the disbursement to others for the next planting season,” he said.

Farmers Urge Early Disbursement Of Cassava Bread Fund

LAGOS - The Nigeria Cassava Growers Association (NCGA) in Oyo State have urged the Federal Government to ensure early disbursement of Cassava Bread Fund to farmers and processors.

The Chairman, Mr. Muyideen Adekunle, made the appeal in interview with newsmen in Lagos.

Adekunle said that early disbursement of the fund would boost cassava production and make the crop available for processing into flour.

He said that government needed to assist farmers to

enhance the production of cassava bread.

Adekunle noted that due to the difficulties in accessing the varieties of cassava suitable for flour, it had become a major challenge producing cassava bread in large quantity.

“The Federal Government wants to release cassava bread fund to farmers to increase their production and for processors to make flour and ultimately the cassava bread will be baked.

“We want government to take quick action in disbursing the

the window.

“The complainant raised an alarm while the accused escaped through the window with the money and phones,” the prosecutor added.

Olatunde also told the court that the accused had been terrorising the residents of Dauda and Arowojobe Street and stealing their valuables.

He said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 305(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Reports state that Section 305 (b) prescribes a sevenyear jail term for offenders.

The accused, however, pleaded innocence of the offences and was granted bail in the sum of N20, 000 with one surety in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mr. Akeem Fashola, adjourned the case to March 11 for mention.

North Kano Procures 61 Vehicles For Mass Literacy Programme KANO - The Kano State Government says it has purchased 61 vehicles for the monitoring of mass literacy campaigns in the state this year.

The Executive Secretary of the State Agency for Mass Literacy, Prof. Fatima Umar stated this while briefing newsmen in Kano.

She said the vehicles included 11 Volkswagen Golf cars and 50 Boxer motorcycles.

According to her, the vehicles are procured to facilitate the monitoring of the programme, especially in the rural areas.

She said the motorcycles would be distributed to the appropriate officers while the 11 cars would be given to 11 zonal offices of the agency in the state.

“You know we have to go to the hinterland so as to ensure effective monitoring of the programme.

“The vehicles were purchased to ease the problem of transportation being faced by the programme supervisors across the State.’’

She said the agency had also established 48 Women Centres for the teaching of basic literacy to married women.

Umar said the initiative was part of efforts to encourage

women who did have the opportunity to acquire western education to become literate.

She called on husbands to allow their non-literate wives to enrol in the centres nearest to

them to enable them benefit from the programme.

“With the establishment of the Women Centres, people have no reason not to access this literacy capacity service’’, she said.

KADUNA - A Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered the police to investigate claims of ill health by Sen. Nuhu Aliyu and submit its report on or before March 31.

The court had on February 3 issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Aliyu for refusing to honour its summons on two occasions.

When the case came up for mention, counsel to the accused Osas Isiramen, told the court that Aliyu was ill and had been in and out of the hospital for over two months.

He said that he had already filed a preliminary objection against the order of the court for the arrest of his client.

“My client is a law-abiding citizen, but his recent ill health had confined him to bed, and frequent medical check-up at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.’’

Chief Magistrate Bashir Shittu, however, ruled that the preliminary objection lacked merit.

“The issue that this court has no jurisdiction to try the alleged offences against the accused person should not be a subject matter in this case.

“I, hereby, refer the matter to the CID for more investigation of Sen. Nuhu Aliyu,’’ he said, and adjourned the case to March 31 for the submission of the outcome of investigation by the CID. Reports state that Aliyu is facing a three-count charge of criminal trespass, mischief and criminal intimidation, filed by one Ikechukwu Akansi, his neighbour.

The complainant had accused the senator of unlawfully and illegally trespassing into his plot, located at No. B1, Constitution Road.

Counsel to the complainant, Vitus Ewuzie, had told the court that Aliyu threatened to deal with his client and his friend, one Mr Ade Nathaniel, when they confronted him on the matter.

Investigate Senator Aliyu’s Alleged Ill-Health, Court Orders Police

NDE Trains 600 Youths On Skills Acquisition MAIDUGURI - Alhaji Wakil Kalanga, Borno Coordinator of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), says the directorate has trained 600 persons in various skills in the State.

Wakil told newsmen in Maiduguri that the beneficiaries were trained under different schemes of the directorate in 2013.

He said 86 physically challenged persons drawn from Bayo Local Government Area benefited from six months training under the directorate’s Skill Acquisition for People with Special Needs.

Wakil said 300 persons, including youths, women and vulnerable groups, especially those affected by the insurgency in the area, were currently undergoing skill acquisition training in various trades.

He explained that the participants were drawn from the 27 local government areas and were trained under the directorate’s Basic National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (B-NOAS).

Wakil said that the some of the beneficiaries were trained in tailoring, knitting, plumbing, carpentry, leather work, soap, beads making, auto mechanic, motorcycle and GSM phone repair.

According to him, the beneficiaries are also trained in welding, interlock making, fish and poultry farming, among others.

Wakil said also that under the B-NOAS scheme, 150 youths were trained in technical skill acquisition.

“The participants were trained on modern technical skills in auto-mechanics, carpentry and refrigeration,” he said.

Wakil said that each of the trainees received a monthly allowance of N2, 000 while the programme lasted.

Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Nuhu Bajoga (left), with the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, during the NEITI Day at the on-going 35th Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna recently.

Visitors, Traders Commend Improved Security At Kaduna Trade Fair

KADUNA - Visitors and traders at the ongoing 35th Kaduna International Trade Fair have said that the show had been experiencing a high patronage due to improved security.

They told newsmen in Kaduna that this was a welcome situation and good for the development of Kaduna State.

Reports state that the fair is being organised by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCIMA).

Security has been beefed up from Kawo area of Kaduna, leading up to the fair complex, where a water-tight system is enforced both outside and inside

the premises by the police, FRSC personnel and other civil security outfits.

Mrs Ladi Fatai, a food seller from Kwara, currently operating a food joint at the fair complex, commended the security arrangements.

She said that within the first two days of opening the fair, she had cooked and sold two bags of 50 kilogrammes rice to visitors and had made substantial profits.

The current improved safety is “good for the state and its sustainability would attract more investors”, she said.

Reports state that visitors pay a N100 gate fee to access the complex.

Also, Muhammad Dauda, a perfume dealer from Kano, said he chose to participate in the fair following improved security in the State.

He said it had attracted a large turnout of visitors and he had been able to sell goods worth N30,000 within two days.

Dauda urged the State Government not to relax in improving security in the state “because it is the bedrock of development”.

Similarly, Ifeoma Kalu, an ice cream seller, told newsmen that the level of security had emboldened more people to want to visit the state without fear.

Polio: Dandume LG Immunises 73,242 DANDUME (KATSINA STATE) - The Dandume Local Government Area, Katsina State, said it had immunised 73, 242 children against poliomyelitis and other child killer diseases in January.

Hajia Binta Maikudi, the Primary Healthcare Coordinator in the area, said this in Dandume at a stakeholders’ meeting,

preparatory to the commencement of the next round of immunisation exercise in February.

Maikudi also launched the distribution of free drugs to 62 health facilities in the area, adding that arrangement had been concluded to ensure increased success in the this month exercise.

Pupils of Mameena Memorial School at the on-going 35th Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna recently.

Children

She said the council targeted 73, 241 children to be administered with oral polio vaccines and commended traditional and religious leaders as well as the council for their support for the exercise.

The coordinator said that the support received had contributed immensely to the success recorded during the exercise.

Maikudi urged immunisation workers to ensure proper record keeping for the successful implementation of the exercise in the future and to report anyone who rejected the vaccine for his child.

In another development, Hajia Heebat Kwantakwaran, the Primary Healthcare Coordinator of Faskari Local Government Area, said no fewer than 93, 120 children were immunised against polio during the same period under review in the area.

Kwantakwaran said that the

figure had exceeded the stipulated target of eligible children in the area.

She commended the support of the council transition chairman, Alhaji Isiyaku Faskari-Ahmad, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for contributing to the feat achieved so far.

According to her, the free drugs scheme launched in the area is being implemented in collaboration with Village Development Committees (VDCs) which monitor the collection of the drugs as well as the distribution to patients in their respective areas.

The coordinator said 68 health facilities benefited from the programme and commended the Katsina State Government for introducing the scheme, noting that it had enhanced health delivery, especially in the rural areas.

Reports state that traditional rulers, local government officials, women and youth groups as well as business associations attended the events.

Abuja UK Minister To Deliver Queen Elizabeth’s Message

Centenary Celebrations: ABUJA - UK’s Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, will deliver a message from Queen Elizabeth II during Nigeria’s centenary celebrations this week, the country’s Foreign Government Office has said.

A statement issued in Abuja said Simmonds arrived in Nigeria on Monday to join President Goodluck Jonathan and other dignitaries to celebrate 100 years of Nigeria as a nation.

“He is scheduled to deliver a

keynote speech in which he will address the potentials for Africa and Nigeria’s future,’’ it said.

The minister ’s four-day programme in Nigeria includes a visit to Lagos and Port Harcourt to discuss opportunities and challenges in the Niger Delta.

“I am excited to be making my second visit to Nigeria and

I am looking forward to representing the British Government at the 100 years celebrations.

“I bring with me the best wishes of the British people, including a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth,” Simmonds said in the statement.

Reports state that British colonial authorities had on Jan.

According to her, this means that it will last till the next 100 years from today.

“The campaign is designed to ensure that over 1.5 million youths will be employed in its first decade of operation, with an increment of 25 per cent in each subsequent decade.

“It is also designed to steadily impact on and improve sanitation and public hygiene in the country with empirical results,’’ Ekwunife said.

She said the problem of poor sanitation in the country was environmental illiteracy and a dearth of adequately-trained manpower for mass environmental education.

Ekwunife said that public enlightenment and systematic implementation of policies would contribute to reducing poor sanitation in the country.

“The campaign by the Environmental Ethics and Safety Corps with the collaboration of the Office of the Ethics and Values and the environmental health officers will help to reduce poor sanitation to zero.

“Government will make every effort to support the campaign and ensure that it will be a sustainable programme which will change the environment of the country for better,’’ she said.

Ekwunife, who was also the chairman of the occasion, however, advised the environmental health officers and the corps to be committed and remain focused in discharging their duties.

Earlier, Mrs Sarah Jibril, the Special Adviser to the President

on Ethics and Moral Values, said that ethics was a preventer to corruption.

“It is ethical to ensure that our environment is clean, it is unethical for people to continue to live in squalor and abandoned environment.

“We should imbibe keeping our environment clean,’’ she said.

Jibril, who was represented by Mrs Yeseinde Shebioba, Deputy Director of Information, Ethics and Values Office, said that the collaboration was very vital to the success of the campaign.

1, 1914 amalgamated what were then the separate protectorates of Southern Nigeria and Northern Nigeria.

The amalgamation gave birth to the single geo-political entity known as Nigeria.

According to a programme released by the Federal Government, no fewer than 28 world leaders have indicated their interest to attend the celebrations in Abuja.

President Jonathan will host

an international conference on peace and security in Africa on Thursday, which will be attended by many of the world leaders.

The week-long celebrations will also feature the conferment of honours on 100 Nigerians, with about 40 per cent of the awards to be presented posthumously.

Centenary Cleaner Environment Campaign To Create N1.5m Jobs

ABUJA - Mrs Uche Ekwunife, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Environment, has said that about 1.5 million youths would be employed through the New Centenary Cleaner Environment Campaign.

Ekwunife made the statement at the launch of the New Centenary Cleaner Environment Campaign, with a theme: “Be Ethical, Be Centenary Clean’’.

The chairman, who was represented by Mr Ganama Kwaga, a House of Representatives member, said the programme was designed to create jobs for the youth in its first decade of operation.

She said that the campaign was organised by a crop of revolutionary Nigerian youth under the aegis of the Environmental Ethics and Safety Corps in partnership with the Environmental Health Officers.

She added that the campaign was a community-impact process that would not have an end till 2114.

Power Sector Reform Is Successful Says Jonathan ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the transformation of the power sector would yield the desired results.

The president expressed the view in a Presidential Media Chat.

Jonathan said that the privatisation programme was a big success, especially against the backdrop of its transparency and the involvement of major global players in the sector.

He gave an assurance that very soon Nigerians would begin to experience the dividends of the exercise through improved power supply in the country.

The president, however, said that the greatest challenge in the power sector was that of sabotage of oil pipelines by vandals.

“The main challenge in the power sector is sabotage, where some people go and blast oil pipelines, ’’ he said.

L-R: NNPC Group Managing Director, Mr. Andrew Yakubu (right), with members of the House Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream, Upstream and Justice, investigating the alleged connivance of NNPC with Swiss Oil Dealers to rob Nigeria in Abuja recently.

Security Man Arraigned Over Theft

Chairman, Senate Special Ad hoc Committee on Sure-P, Sen. Abdul Ningi (left), with Sen. Joshua Lidani, during a Budget Defence session by Ministers in Abuja recently.

No Plan To Send Military Administrator To Borno - Jonathan

ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan, has said that has no plan to send a military administrator to Borno, following the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the State.

The President made the disclosure in a presidential media chat, saying government was still exploring options available in tackling the insurgence in the North-East of the country.

According to him, the Federal Government is in contact with its Camerounian counterpart to arrest the situation, which has become rampant at the NigeriaCameroun border.

The President said government would continue to apply different tactics in fighting the Boko Haram insurgents until victory was completely achieved.

He added that “it is not only the army that fights terror; the

army is key in terms of confrontation, but the SSS, the Police the NIA and other security agencies are also working.

“Fighting terror all over the world is not so easy but I can assure you that we will get over it; all intelligent agencies and security agencies are involved in this fight.’’

Jonathan, who regretted the comments made by Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno on the security challenges in the area, said that the presence of the military had helped in curbing the insurgency.

He added that “if the governor of Borno feels that the Nigerian armed forces are not useful, he should tell Nigerians and I will pull them out for one month and we see.

“Just one month; but I will

fight back to take back the State.

The governor should be mindful of what he says; no matter how frustrated you are, you don’t make this kind of statement.

“The Boko Haram massive attack started from Abuja; the Police Headquarters and the UN building were bombed in Abuja; so if the security people have not been working, I don’t think we will have been moving freely in Abuja.

“They have been able to squeeze the attacks almost at the fringes, but not too long ago they came back to Maiduguri, where they attacked the helicopters and so on.’’

The President, who said that government had been working with the Camerounian authorities and would change

tactics and get more troops, noted that “there are successes and surely we will get over it.’’

He pointed out that the option of dialogue was still being pursued in tackling the insurgency in spite of the group not embracing it.

He said terrorism everywhere in the world was difficult to eradicate because it had to with a group of people coming together from different places in the world.

Negotiations were easy in the days of militancy in the SouthSouth because the actors were not faceless and they had their grievances, contrary to terrorism which had no face, he added.

He said that “the Niger Delta militants don’t just go and kill people anyhow but in the case of Boko Haram, they go to a community and kill women and children.

ABUJA - A 27-year-old security man, Sunday Gambo, has appeared in a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court, charged with alleged theft Gambo, who works at No. 4. Iberra Close, off Ademola Adetokunbo ,Wuse 2, Abuja, is accused of removing and stealing all the seats in a 32seater coaster bus.

The Prosecutor, Mr Umaru Ango, told the court that on February 22, at about 9 a.m, one Mojisola Ayeni of same address with accused, lodged a report against Gambo at Wuse police station.

Ango told the court that Gambo, who was a security man employed to guard Ayeni’s office premises, removed all the seats in the complainant’s 32-seat bus, valued at N350, 000.

He told the court that the offence contravened the provisions of Section 287 of the Penal Code Law. If convicted, Gambo faces five years in prison or with an option to pay a fine or both.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

The prosecutor prayed the court to grant him a date to enable him open his case against the accused.

Business + Economy Capital Market Operators Seek Friendly Policies LAGOS - Some capital market operators has urged the Federal Government to seek policies that would strengthen investors’ confidence in the nation’s bourse.

They made the appeal in interviews with newsmen in Lagos.

According to them, the nation’s capital market had experienced losses due to the various economic pronouncements and policies of the government.

Mallam Garba Kurfi, the Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds Ltd., said that the suspension of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had created panic in the market.

Kurfi said that government’s recent pronouncement led to investment outflow by discerning investors, especially in the banking sector.

He said that foreign investors were concerned about the nation’s policy on foreign exchange, with a change of leadership at the CBN. Mr. David Adonri, the Chief Executive Officer, Lambeth Trust & Investment, said that the tight monetary policy of the CBN and Sanusi’s suspension had stalled market growth temporarily.

Adonri said that the banking sector, a major player in the market, had been under intense pressure in the past few weeks.

“The tight monetary policy embarked upon by the CBN has hit the banking sector directly and the sector’s woes were further compounded by the shocking suspension of the CBN governor,” Adonri said.

He said that the All-Share Index had dropped by 7.34 per

Expert Commends FG’s Industralisation Policy LAGOS - A Financial expert, Mr. Femi Awoyemi, said the nation would witness accelerated inclusive growth and improved business environment with the planned commencement of industrial revolution.

Awoyemi, who is the Chief Executive Officer, Proshares Nigeria Ltd, made the assertion in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

He said the nation’s new emphasis on industrial revolution would leverage the economy and development to the next level.

According to him, the Federal Government’s commitment to industrial revolution policy “is a welcome development that will assist in the sustainable harnessing of Nigeria’s human and material resources.

“We ought to have done this over the years giving our capacity as a people.

“Even many countries of the world, whose technical expertise has not been better than ours had industrialised over decades ago,’’ Awoyemi said.

cent year-to-date, while the banking index lost 19.76 per cent, this year.

Adonri, however, expressed optimism that reactions to all these negative events would slow down this week.

Mr. Olaleye Williams, the Managing Director, Global View Consult & Investments Ltd., urged investors to take advantage of the low price of equities and

Smallholder Farmers Key To Sustainable Food Security

increase their investment portfolio.

Williams said that the market would likely rebound in a few days, adding that the trend would not last forever.

Reports state that President Goodluck Jonathan on February 20, suspended Sanusi and appointed Mrs. Sarah Alade as the acting CBN governor.

Jonathan also forwarded the

names of Mr. Godwin Emefiele and Adelabu Adekoya to the Senate, for consideration as CBN governor and deputy governor designate, respectively.

Meanwhile, the All-Share Index lost 471.55 basis points or 1.22 per cent to close at 38,295.74 points, against the 38,767.29 points achieved in the previous week.

The market capitalisation lost N126 billion to close at N12.301

trillion, compared with the N12.427 trillion posted in the corresponding week.

International Energy Insurance Company led the losers’ chart, dipping by 19.48 per cent or 15k to close at 62k per share.

Vitafoam trailed with 90k to close at N4.10, while Guinness Nigeria lost N32.52 to close at N168.90 per share.

Conversely, Africa Prudential Registrars topped the gainers

Former Executive Secretary, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory A g e n c y (PPPRA), Mr. Re g i n a l d Stanley (right), handing over to his successor, Mr. Farouk Hamed, at the PPPRA Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

-NGO

JOS – Mrs. Jessica Vonkat, State Coordinator, Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN), an NGO, said smallholder farmers were key to achieving sustainable national food security.

Vonkat made the assertion at a workshop organised for smallholder women farmers in Jos by COWAN. She said that a recent survey by the Federal Office of Statistics (FOS) showed that the smallholder farmers were mainly women who produced 80 per cent of food consumed in the country.

“It is on record that 80 per cent of the foods we consume are produced by smallholder farmers.

“The big time farmers produce for companies and for export, they rarely take it to the open market.

“Food grown by smallholder farmers are what we see in the market daily and this is what is sustaining us and not really the big time farmers,” she said.

The coordinator disclosed that COWAN had been empowering smallholder women farmers with macro-credit loans and training on farming practices that would increase their yields.

She added that they were also taught ways to preserve their produce after harvest to avert post-harvest loss.

“Most of these farmers do not have the skills that would help to increase their yields; they also have no access to loans from the commercial banks.

“We in COWAN identified the areas of impediment to the farmers, so, we give them macrocredit loans.

“We train them on ways to increase their yields and on ways to preserve their produce after harvest,” she said.

Vonkat said that COWAN in association with OXFAM, have chosen six smallholder women farmers; two each from Benue, Osun and Plateau, to do a documentary on their successes and challenges.

A smallholder farmer who is a beneficiary of the COWAN gesture, Mrs Monica Titus, told NAN that before she knew COWAN, her yields were very poor.

chart with 49k to close at N3.70, Oasis Insurance followed and appreciated by 15k to close at 65k per share.

International Breweries Plc grew by N2.83 to close at N29.45 per share.

Overall, investors traded 6.97 billion shares worth N24.44 billion in 27,633 deals last week, against the 1.92 billion shares, valued at N25.13 billion in 25,346 deals in the previous week.

Expert Urges Effective Budget OMU-ARAN (Kwara) - An economist, Mr. Mohammed Alhaji, said efficient implementation of budgets would pave way for the emergence of new entrepreneurs in the country.

Alhaji told newsmen in Omu-Aran, Kwara that it would also expand employment opportunities across the coutry.

He urged governments at all levels to ensure that their annual budgets were effectively implemented through prudent policies.

“Comparisons of expenditure and actual income against the budgeted income and expenditure should be done regularly for effectiveness of the budget.

“Budget is the bedrock of the economy of every nation, it affects every sector of the economy, the most important thing is its proper utilisation to aid growth and development,” Alhaji said.

Alhaji, who is also the Secretary, Institute of Chattered Economic of Nigeria (ICEN), Kwara chapter, said that poor implementation of budgets remain the bane of the nation.

“If we have had a good budget performance over time, then the complaints of low level of entrepreneurship and high unemployment rate should not have arise,” Alhaji

said.

He said the recent call by Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on reduction in the cost of governance was “in the best interest of Nigerians”.

“For her to have called for reduction in the cost of governance, it means there is need for check and balances in the nation’s economy, which I would say is very good.

“The minister said okay let us cut the cost and be

Implementation concentrating on other sectors which can bring comparative advantage.

“I am optimistic that if such decision is embraced it will serve us better,” Alhaji said.

He lauded the recent decision by the monetary policy committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to increase Cash Reserve Requirement

(CRR) ratio.

According to him, the policy will allow businesses to grow and assist in developing the economy.

The economist said ICEN was exploring ways of collaborating with the state governments in achieving the desired economic growth and development.

People with Petrol filled Jerry-cans as scarcity hits Abuja on Tuesday.

Woman THEY stepped out. It was their feet first, legs so elegant, glittering with the steam of a scented bath, carefully tucked into designer heels that must have cost quite a fortune.

Their hips swayed to the rhythm of a song they only sang and heard, like a sensual dancer to the beats of a music. The sun shone on their jewelleries and it glittered, with the shine of gold. They swayed their head in that slow appeal and their hair gave a bouncy wave to their audience. They were out to impress and they did.wow!

Uuuuh!

Permeated the serenity of the hall. ‘’those girls have got some class’’ came the mumbled whispers. They appealed to my eyes too, believe me. But hey! Let’s not get carried away. I’ve heard those words before, quite a number of times. I have seen people pride themselves with forced and shallow mechanism in the name of class. ‘’My people perish for lack of knowledge ‘’, so says the bible.

Classy refers to quality or premium. Premium products are products of class that undergo series of production process from research to packaging. They are refined to offer the best of services.

It’s not just about the packaging, but it starts from the component parts used in the production process that gives it that unique characteristic distinct from its competitors. A lady of class is like a premium product. It’s not just about her looks, but more of what the eye can’t see which makes a statement on the outside. A statement so clear but not loud, so appealing yet not competitive, so distinct, yet the audience are left to ponder in awe. Some people call her diva.

Everyone claims to be a diva. Is everyone really a diva?

According to Michelle McKinney Hammond in her book titled The diva

principle, ‘’divas command attention without demanding it. There’s an air of finesse, confidence, originality and style. Divas never just walk into a room, they arrive. They never exit a room without leaving a part of themselves behind. A rich deposit of wisdom, an encouraging word, something seemingly intangible yet profound, that leaves a lasting impression on the heart of those who interacted with them’’ Alright, let’s take a look at what flashy entails. Bright, blinking, bold, colourful, sometimes beautiful, but however of poor quality. Ever seen fake gold jewellery before, it has a blinding shimmer on the shallow but if you put it on for two days, that outer layer disappears, the real rusty fake stuff shows and then you have to throw it away. There has been a lot of juxtaposition between the two words ‘’classy’’ and

every time I see her’’. That grace is divine and supernatural. Only God can give that kind of grace. If you aren’t birthed in his presence, you don’t carry that grace.

You can’t say you’re classy.

Most flashy women are worldly. By flashy here, I don’t mean wearing flashy clothes. She lives, loves and revels in all that the world has to offer. When she enters, everyone glances at her blinking figure. She draws attention with her flattery.

From her appearance, to her speech, downright to her mannerism, but it doesn’t take long for someone to notice that it’s not the real thing and look away to focus on more important things. It’s simply embarrassing. Others sigh in disgust discovering that their effort in giving her the initial attention wasn’t worth it.

Did I tell you that classy women are prayer warriors?

Classy Or Flashy:

By NWACHUKWU CROWN

‘’flashy’’. It’s time to establish the real deal on four dimensions. So, here we go.

The first dimension is the spirit of class. A woman of class is spiritual. Oops! Are you surprised? Don’t be.

True divas walk in grace because they embrace the power of being pure in heart.

They leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that they harbour the best of intentions. Believe me, the human nature can’t attain such purity of heart because even God who created man said that the inclination of man’s thoughts in his heart was only evil all the time (Genesis 6 vs 5). There is a grace that accompanies class and the author of that grace is God Almighty. That inward grace that makes others say ‘’there’s something about her. I don’t just know what but I feel it

‘’There she goes again’’.

Someone would probably be murmuring. But that’s the truth. Why do I say so?

Because classy women are carriers of power while flashy women are seekers of power. Flashy women seek to acquire power by whatever means. Only prayer can give you the power to rule your present and future. Flashy women acquire power to rule their present. Their future is never guaranteed.

The second dimension is the attitude of class. A woman of class is not interested in hogging the limelight; she’s fiercely determined to shed the light.

For a flashy woman, it’s all about appearing in the limelight, so everyone could notice. She is not interested in being the light. How can she be the light anyway if the light of the world, Jesus, is

Which Is The Real Deal?

not her lord? The attitude of a classy woman is not self centred. That’s the opposite of a flashy woman. A flashy woman is self centred, acquiring more and more, in search of power and prestige and ending up being a figment of the real thing.

Every diva should purpose in her heart to step into the fullness of her purpose and exercise her maximum potential.

Lastly for her attitude, a woman of class lets a man be a man and understands her place as a woman, irrespective of her status. On the contrary, a flashy woman flexes her muscles, challenges a man’s authority and constantly bruises his ego just because she’s probably born into some wealthy family, occupies a certain position or is

“Lastly for her attitude, a woman of class lets a man be a man and understands her place as a woman, irrespective of her status. On the contrary, a flashy woman flexes her muscles, challenges a man’s authority and constantly bruises his ego just because she’s probably born into some wealthy family, occupies a certain position or is surrounded by a lot of material possession.”

surrounded by a lot of material possession.

Let’s get downright to the third dimension, the fashion of class. This is where the controversy lies. You have the latest channel Lego clutch bag or the Louis vuiton version of it, your suit was tailored in London, your stilhetto heels, a product of Dona collections and you find yourself on the steering of a Rolls Royce. That’s cool.

Sweet is the word. Fabulous look, quality possessions I must say. But those are qualities of the exterior; class comes from a quality interior. If you have an interior quality, combined with all these exterior quality possessions, then you are simply Diva-classic. But if that expensive look is all you’ve got, come off it girl, you are all flashy, not classy.

Get the difference. Divas set fashion trends, they don’t follow blindly. Classic, simple, affordable and complementary are the keywords. They don’t wear themselves out or do things below the standards to join the moving trend. Their wants are subject to their needs and their means. For the flashy girls, it doesn’t matter how they get it, they

just have to belong. Never believe that a great outfit could make up for a horrible disposition. There’s an emptiness in living a fabulous life for yourself.

The fact is, it’s simply not fabulous.

The last but not the least dimension is the profession of class. A woman of class knows that she is first, a child of God, a woman and then a creation created to give something of herself to bless her world. She owns a profession, her profession doesn’t own her. It doesn’t come in the way of her relationship with her creator, her loved ones or the people around her. A flashy woman allows her profession to own her. She prides herself on it.

It doesn’t matter to her what is involved, as long as it affords her all the vanity that the world can offer.

We will be stopping here for now. It doesn’t just end with the women, men are also a part of this confusion.

Its applicable to both gender.

There’s a real difference between classy and flashy.

Tell yourself the truth; where do you belong and where exactly do you want to belong?

IN 2012, millions of Nigerians suffered severely from the flood deluge that dealt devastating blow on lives, property and fortunes in the country.

IN view of the huge billions of naira (N17.6 billion) that went into mitigating the impact of flooding that year, there is the great need to prevent a recurrence of the floods that wreaked havoc in many parts of the country, before the rainy season gets to its peak this year.

THIS is even more so, as several victims of the year’s flood in parts of the country, including Edo State are yet to receive the needed palliatives.

TO ensure that all necessary actions are taken to prevent a recurrence of year 2012 disaster, President Goodluck Jonathan recently at the presidential villa ordered heads of all Federal Government Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDA’s) whose functions are relevant to flood prevention and control to be alive to their responsibilities.

WHILE reviewing ongoing flood containment measures, President Jonathan sternly warned that he would not tolerate any excuses for a repeat of the 2012 flood disasters.

He added that he expected all relevant MDAs to be proactive in

THE NIGERIAN

Before The Next Floods

speedily implementing required flood prevention and management measures.

TO prove the seriousness of the issue, the President subsequently directed the inter-ministerial committee on flood prevention and control, which includes Ministers of Environment, National Planning, Water Resources, Finance, Health, Transport and Aviation, to establish effective liaison with the Governors of all flood-prone states.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER is, however, strongly convinced that going by predictions by meteorological agencies like NEIMET, this year’s flood, when not well tackled, may result in the wiping out of entire communities. The signals and sign posts are already there.

CONSEQUENTLY, we urge the inter-

ministerial committee to ensure water-tight coordination between federal agencies and the states in the implementation of flood control measures.

AGAIN, we recommend strict adherence to international best practices in preventing flood during this rainy season. States, local governments and even federal agencies must learn not to politicise flooding. The idea of playing politics with flood issues should be jettisoned to prevent huge loss to lives and property.

WE assert that preventing the next floods will certainly be more beneficial to the populace than attempting to assist flood victims arising from sheer negligence in preventing and controlling the same flood.

IT is therefore our considered view that before the next floods come, the Nigerian government, in collaboration with all the state and local agencies, should properly harmonise strategies and measures to practically tame and even arrest the menace. The true test of leadership and managerial skills of our flood management agencies will be felt therein. And as they say, a stitch in time, saves nine.

Opinion JUST after the successful establishment of the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU) was created. On the 30th of June 2014, an African Union Summit opened in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. In his opening speech at the occasion, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, as out-going Chair, said issues of peace and security have been a major preoccupation of the AU. He emphasized the crises in South Sudan and the CAR to buttress his point. In his words: ‘We need to find urgent solutions to rescue these two sisterly countries from falling into the abyss.

Failure to do so will have serious implications for peace and security in the region and indeed the whole continent’. The African Union needs to do a comprehensive soul-search!

The organization has, for too long, been travelling on a tangent in relation to Africa’s real and pertinent challenges.

The unanimous decision among African leaders to give the Organization of African Unity (OAU) a new name (i.e. African Union) was widely reported. Till this day, the world is yet to get any report of the performance of the AU that looks like anything close to what is globally known about the EU! Conscious and passionate lovers of world peace like late Kwame Nkrumah and late William Padmore fathered pan-Africanism which subsequently led to the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

The establishment of the OAU was a climax in the African struggle to free Africa from colonial oppression, imperialist manipulation and exploitation. Since the exit of African leaders of the Nkrumah/Padmore ilk from the theatre of pan-African action, Africa has been drifting in inertia, floating from one rigmarole to another talk-shop! It is obvious that Africa has lost the steam and stamina with which the likes of late Nnamdi Azikiwe and late Jumo Kenyatta drove it out of colonial bondage to the gleaming gates of independence! We recall the likes of late Amilcar Cabral and late Patrice Lumumba

whose courage and persistence against the gruesome play of European inhumanity in Africa inspired African masses to join the ‘pan-African army’ as footsoldiers of the fight for Africa’s freedom from Occidental cruelty!

Today, what we see widespread across Africa are concrete and breathing testimonies against successors of late Thomas Sankara and late Emperor Haile Selassie. The principles for which Steve Biko was murdered has almost totally been lost to selfishness and materialism in the continent’s leadership circles! From Cape Verde to Cameroun; Mombassa to Mokwa, millions of African children wake and slumber in abject poverty and sqalour!

Contemporary African leaders owe enormous volumes of moral debts to the priceless lives of hundreds of millions of innocent Africans who struggle everyday at the mercy of grinding situations and humiliating circumstances that are solvable with the proper exercise of powers put at their disposal. Why is the fighting spirit of Africa’s Excellencies?

The AU in its present state constitutes an aggregate answer to this important question. Many of the leaders who consistently gather in Addis Ababa are, unfortunately, products of imperialist engineering! This situation impedes the efforts of the selfless and Afrocentric Heads of State in the Union’s fold. The popularity and reputation of the AU among Africa’s needy humanity will be tremendously enhanced if the Union delivers what the EU provides for European citizens. The EU is an outcome of decades of preparation based on tactical and strategic projections into the future of an ever changing world of intense competition.

The European Union is a product of European leaders’ focus on the question of power: Geo-political and Racial Power! Their commitment to maintaining global white hegemony as a geo-strategic asset of Europe in the post-Soviet world led to the eventual birth of the EU as the US braced itself up to project power across the globe as the world’s only super-power after the fall of

President Goodluck Jonathan

African Union And The Task At Hand

By SATGURU MA-HARAJI

the Iron Curtain. The EU provides security for Europeans on virtually all fronts of importance to human survival. It has European nations ideologically fused into a grand and powerful geopolitical whole that operates both tactically and strategically as a counter to the envisaged awesomeness of established and emerging world powers of the postcommunist era. The EU essentially pulled the strength of all (eligible) European nations as a geo-strategic recourse in self-preservation.

European powers looked deep into the future and decided that the best way for their nations to travel is the route of unity, where-by their strengths will be harnessed to maintain Europe’s global competitive-edge. Adequate provision for the range of needs of European citizens within the underpinning one or common government concept of the EU constitutes a major pillar of its survival and success so far! Basically, European leaders established the EU as a means of uniting European peoples in order to enable Europe speak with one strong voice in a post-

communist world of escalated competition for power.

The African Union’s story is certainly not as interesting as the EU’s. The AU was hastily conceived and prematurely born to a highly impoverished and confused continent that was literally gasping in the tight neocolonial grip of Europe and America. As at when the AU idea caught the fancy of African leaders, Africa was deep in disarray and destitution as the continent still is till this day! The AU’s birth was not preceded by deep intellectual and ideological intercourse among its parenting African leaders and organizations.

This largely accounts for the range of weaknesses and abnormalities that have defined AU’s pace, power and performance so far! Till this day, the West’s choking neo-colonial hold around Africa’s neck remains! Africa is yet to achieve full freedom from Europe and its westward relative i.e. the United States of America.

This fact presents a most pertinent task before the AU’s membership and leadership.

The task of completing the process of liberating Africa from colonial slavery, imperialist manipulation and exploitation, a project which pioneers of pan-Africanism and African nationalism started in sound unity and profound love for Africa, stares contemporary African Heads of State and Government in the face. So far, African leaders have ignored the reality of Africa’s incomplete emancipation from Europe (and America)!

This situation sustains Africa’s inability to exercise control over its resources and, consequently, its inability to put the pittance which proxycorporations of neo-colonial and imperialist governments routinely pay into its coffers in the form of rents and commissions for the excessive accesses that they have to extract humungous volumes of Africa’s stupendously wealth to keep their nations rich and powerful!

The point raised by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister at the opening of AU’s January 30th Summit in Addis Ababa is very important. I stretch that point beyond the juncture

where it was terminated by His Excellency by highlighting the fact that Africa’s insecurity problem is a function of Africa’s uncompleted de-colonization project. It lies in the interest of neo-colonial and imperialist powers to keep Africa weak and unstable, being that both deny the

continent the ability to build capacity for its much needed progress. A progressive Africa is bound to focus the huge flows of African resource-streams on African citizens and institutions!

Europe, America and other nations that feast on the continent’s enormous high-grade resources will be forced to pay the right premium for any volume of wealth they are able to access within its territories! To be able to wrestle Africa off the grip of these strong powers, African leaders inevitably need the primordial, allpowerful and eternal Divine Force that constitutes the rock-solid spine of the progress of great nations, empires and civilizations since the dawn of human civilization.

Ajuwaya THE fact that each stages of life calls for definite and different environment cannot be refuted. The first stage of man’s life is spent in mother’s womb while pre-school age is spent under the parents roof.

During school age, school and parent’s residents would be the order of the day.

In Nigeria, after graduating from tertiary institution, host community is expected to be an abode for a period of one year under a popular scheme known as National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Host Community is the term used to described a village, town or city where corps members are living during their mandatory National Service in Nigeria and corps members are expected to leave their host community better than how they met it.

It is obvious that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was set up by the Nigerian Government to involve the country’s graduates in the development of the country for a year as corps members.

They are posted to place far from their state of origin.

They are expected to relate with people of other tribe irrespective of their background and to learn the culture of the indigenes in the place they are posted to. The motive behind this exercise is to bring about unity in country and help youths appreciate other ethnic groups.

The interpersonal relationship built between corps members, neighbours and collegues and the warm acceptance of corps members within the communities are the framework through which the mission and goals of the corps members are accomplished.

Corps Members interaction with host community leads to transformation and empowerment of both parties, and that personal interaction seeing each others on a regular basis in common daily situation leads to

improved cross-cultural understanding.

However, the impact of corps members in host community begins with appealing interaction.

The interaction between a corps members and the people of the locality leads to community integration and therefore greater understanding and more positive opinions of people from the community with whom they live and work.

It is heartwarming that corps members in length and breadth of Nigeria are making landmark impact as individuals and as a group.

This is often done via individual Community Development Service (CDS) respectively.

However, when 2010 batch ‘C’ Corps members were passing out in Oyo State, Oyo State government gave merit award to three corps members namely: Anyanwu Maureen, Kulaiyol Raphael and Adesesan Ibilola for carrying out outstanding projects in the host community.

Some of the projects carried out by the three corps members include procurement and installation of new electricity transformer, donation of sewing machines, provision of rehabilitation centre and sick bay for the disabled, skill acquisition seminar and other life changing community development projects.

In the same vein, during the 2012 batch “A” passing out parade, Ebonyi State NYSC coordinator Mr. Otaru J Eshimake commended the Corps members for their various involvement in Community Development Project which includes digging of boreholes, renovation of classrooms, equipping of laboratories, legal aid, Mass literacy among others in the state.

Also, Ogirima Salamatu and Okemme Moses both of whom were 2012 batch “A” corps members in Kwara

Impact Of Corps Members On Host Community

state also made clear marks on the rock. Ogirima Salamatu and Okemme Moses provided four room, squat toilet and boreholes water for Ila Apa Junior secondary School, Ilorin East Local Government respectively. The evation of the two projects then was close to two million naira (N2,000,000).

Recently, in Edo State, a 2013 batch ‘A’ corps members Chima Chinedu constructed a volley ball court in Army Day Secondary School, Ikpoba Hill Benin City which was his PPA. Besides, he also cleared and carved out a football pitch in the school since no one existed already.

Another 2013 batch ‘A’ corps members in Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City also organised a life changing academic seminar for secondary school

By MOSHOOD L. OMOLOLA students, post-secondary school students and Tertiary Institution Students in December last year.

However, innumerable number of corps members have in one time or the other carned out valuable projects in each of the thirty six (36) states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT). May the spirit of patriotism, loyalty and accountability continue to radiate in the minds of youth corps members.

Apart from individual community projects, General Community Development projects through Community Development Service Group could not be counted as well.

In an attempt to ensure that

“To be candid, corps members in nooks and crannies of our dear nation are putting in their best, the host communities are here by implored to encourage them by creating a favourable atmosphere mostly in maintaining the projects and as well actively involve in sponsorship.”

all corps members are participated in the effort of improving the host community, NYSC official have logically designed various CDS group such as legal Aids, press and publicity group, MDGs group, charity group, corps Medical Team (COMETS), Education Development Group (EDG) and others and each corps member must belong to a CDS group.

However, the fact that various CDS group have contributed immensely to the development of host communities cannot be covered. In fact, it has become a culture for every passing out batch in each CDS group to execute at least one substantial developmental project in host community.

Before the recent passing out of 2013 batch ‘A’ corps members, MDGs CDS group in Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City donated laboratory equipment to Anglican Girls Grammar School Benin City and as well painted the laboratory.

Also, the Rural CDS group in Akoko Edo Local

Government Area of Edo State recently erected a captivating sign board showcasing a welcome note and description in Ikiro-Ile route while charity CDS group in Oredo local government, Benin City also sand filled a road and make it motorable currently, under its popular theme “Education for All”, Education Development Group (EDG) in Oredo local government has begun free coaching for SS II and SS III students in order to enhance their performance in Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE). Other CDS groups are not left out too as each CDS group are pressing hard to ensure that host communities are benefiting from them based on the goals and objective of the CDS. To be candid, corps members in nooks and crannies of our dear nation are putting in their best, the host communities are here by implored to encourage them by creating a favourable atmosphere mostly in maintaining the projects and as well actively involve in sponsorship. NYSC – serving the nation under the sun and in the rain!.

Child Health And You

Female Genital Mutilation

WHAT is female genital mutilation? In dealing with this topic, we have to first look at the dictionary meaning of the term “Female Genital and Mutilation”. Who is a female: A female may be a plant or animal that can produce fruits or lay eggs or give birth to babies/offspring’s.

Genital: Is connected with the outer sexual organs of a person or an animal.

Mutilation: To damage somebody’s body very severely, especially by cutting or tearing off part of it. From the definitions above, we now understand the above concepts. Female genital mutilation (FGM); also known as female genital cutting or female circumcision, is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genital, or other injury to the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons”.

FGM is typically carried out on girls from a few days old to puberty. It may take place in a hospital, but is usually performed, without anaesthesia, by a traditional circumciser using a knife, razor, or scissors. The practice is carried out by some communities who believe it reduces a woman’s libido (sexual desire).

PREVALENCE AND ATTEMPTS TO END THE PRACTICE: According to WHO, 100140 million women and girls are living with FGM, and this includes 92 million girls over the age of 10 in Africa. The practice persists in 28 African countries, as well as in Arabian Peninsula. Nicholas Birch of the Chiristain Science monitor claims there is circumstantial evidence for its existence in Syria, western iran, and southern Turkey. It is also practiced in Indonesia but largely symbolically by pricking the clitoral hood until it bleeds. Several countries have enacted legislation against it, including Burkina Faso, Central Africa Republic, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Togo and Uganda. President Daniel moi of Kenya issued a decree against it in December 2007. In Mauritania, where almost all girls in minority communities undergo FGM, 34 Islamic scholars signed a fatwa in January 2010 banning the practice. In Egypt, the health ministry banned FGM in 2007 despite pressure from some (though not all) Islamic group. Two incidents in particular forced the government’s hand. A 10-

year-old girl was photographed undergoing FGM in barber ’s shop in Cario, Egypt in 1995 and the images were broadcast by CNN; this triggered a ban on the practice everywhere except in hospitals. Then, in 2007, a 12 year old Badour shaker died of an overdose of anaesthesia used during an FGM procedure for which her mother had paid a physician in an illegal clinic the equivalent of S9.00. The AlAzhar supreme council of Islamic research, the highest religious authority in Egypt, issued a statement that FGM had no basis in core Islamic law, and this enabled the government to outlaw it entirely.

The TWO has offered four classification of FGM. The three major types are: Type I: removal of the clitoral hood, almost invariable accompanied by the removal of the clitoris (a small sensitive organ just above the opening of a woman’s vagina which becomes larger when she is sexually excited) itself (clitordectomy); Type II: removal of the clitoris and inner labia (the four folds of the skin at the entrance to a woman’s virgina) and Type III (infibulation): removal of all parts of the inner and out labia, and usually the clitoris, and the fusion of the wound, leaving a small hole for the passage of urine and menstrual blood-the fused wound is opened for intercourse and childbirth.

Forty out of 85.0% of women undergo FGM experience types I and II and 15 percent undergo type III. These are the most common procedure in several countries including Sudan, Somalia and Djibouti.

Several miscellaneous acts are categorized as Type IV. These range from a symbolic pricking or piercing of the clitoris or cutting into the vagina to widen it (gishiri cutting), and introducing corrosive substances to tighten it.

Opposition to FGM focuses on human rights violations, lack of informed consent, and health risks, which include fatal hemorrhaging epidermoid cyst, recurrent urinary and vaginal infections, chronic pain and obstetrical complications which can also lead to excess bleeding. Since 1979, there have been concerted efforts by international bodies to end the practice such as sponsorship by the United Nations on an international day of zero tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation 6th February since 2003. Sylvia Tamate, a

Ugandan scholar writes that there is a large body of research and activism in Africa women, and they reject the idea that FGM is nothing but a barbaric rejection of modernity. Tamate suggested that there are cultural and political aspects to the practices continuation that make it’s opposition a complex matter.

CLASSIFICATION AND H E A L T H CONSEQUENCES: The age at which the

by traditional practitioners without anaesthsia, using unsterile cutting devices such as razors, knives, scissors, cutlass, sharpened rocks, and fingernails, while applying suturing materials such as agaves or acacia thorns.

Affluent people in urban settings may have the procedure done in a safer medical environment. FGM has immediate and late complication effects on the individuals.

Immediate complications are increased

tract include virginal and pelvic infection, dysmenorrhea, dypareunia and infertility. In some cases, complete obstruction of the virginal results in hematocoplos and hematometra.

Other complications include epidermoid that may become infected, neuroma formation typically involving nerves that supply the clitoris, and pelvic pain. FGM may complicate pregnancy and place women at higher risk of obstetrical problems (birth difficulties), which are more common with the more extensive FGM procedures. Thus, with women who have developed vasicovaginal or rectovaginal

procedure is performed varies.

Comfort Momoh, a specialist midwife in England, writes that in Ethiopia the Falashas perform it when the child is a few days old, the Amhara on the eight day of birth, while the Adere and Oromo choose to perform at four years while other communities may wait until adulthood. Others may still wait till a lady is ripe for marriage or just after the first pregnancy. The procedure may be carried out on one girl alone, or a group of girls at the same time. It is generally performed by a traditional circumciser, usually an older woman known as garden without anaesthesia or sterile equipment, though richer families may pay instead for the services of a nurse, midwife, or doctor using a local anaesthesia. It may also be performed by the mother or grandmother, in some societies such as, Nigeria and Egypt, by the local male barber.

IMMEDIATE AND LATE COMPLICATIONS: FGM is typically carried out

when FGM is performed in traditional ways, and without access to medical source. The procedure complications include acute urinary retention, urinary tract infection; and hepatitis and HIV from re-use of instruments. According to Lewnes’ UNICEF report, it is unknown how many girls and woman die from the procedure because “few records are kept”. Fatalities caused by FGM “are rarely reported as such, Momoh says that the short term mortality rate is around 10 percent, due to complications such as infection, haemorrhage, and hypovolemic shock. A film shot in Lunsar, Sierra Leone,

by Mariana van Zeller in 2007 discusses how girls who bleed excessively are regarded as witches. Late complications may vary depending on the type of FGM performed. The formation of scars and keloids can lead to strictures, obstruction of fistula formation of the urinary tract and bladder with infections and incontinence. Genital

fistulae, holes allow urine and feaces to sip into the virgina making it difficult to obtain clear urine. In more serious conditions, cervical evaluation during labour may be impeded and labour prolonged. Third degree laceration, anal sphincter damage, and emergency caesarean section are more common in FGM women than in controls. Neonatal mortality is increased in women with FGM. The WHO estimated that an additional 10-20 babies die per 1,000 deliveries as a result of FGM; the estimate was based on a 2006 study conducted on 28, 393 women attending delivery wards at 28 obsteric centres in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sudan.

In those settings, all types of FGM were found to pose an increased risk of death to their babies.

Psychological trauma related to cultural context: Damage may occur to women who undergo FGM particularly when they are moving outside their

By NOSA OJO

traditional circles and are confronted with a view that mutilation is not the norm.

Women with FGM typically report sexual dysfunction and dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse), nevertheless several researchers have written that FGM does not necessarily destroy sexual desire in women. Elizabeth Heger Boyle reported several studies during the 1980’s and 1990’s where the women said they were able argued that FGM is related to the high incidence of AIDS in some parts of Africa.

CONCLUSION: Putting an end to the practice of FGM has several dimensions that need to be addressed. There is a need for enabling environment at the political and legislative level.

The health sector must be fully involved in the prevention of FGM as there is a risk of increased medicalisation of the Practice.

Teachers and the education sector can be strong allies in activities that promote awareness and empowerment of children and youth. The culture sector (media, entertainment) is crucial in disseminating information and promoting an open dialogue on a sensitive issue like FGM. In many developing countries those sectors of government are suffering from a lack of resources; financial resources, human resources and technical expertise.

Deveploment cooperation can play an important role in supporting the in-house capacity at government can play an important role in supporting the in-house capacity at which government level. In all approaches, whether through support to the government or to civil society activities, specific action should be taken to engage women and girls from FGM communities to promote their empowerment, their ability to claim their rights as well as their decision making position in relation to their community and to the various policy structures that affect their lives. Their active participation should the core of all abandonment strategies.

NOSA OJO Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria ***************** ‘CHILD 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, Observer newspaper or Director, Institute of Child Health University

Media

Unveiling Today’s Print And

By OSAYOMWABO O. ERO

WRITING THE NEWS NEWS whether in radio, television or the newspaper copy is always prepared in a standard format. We have discussed elsewhere the news room, gathering the news, staff position such as the director of news current affairs, deputy director or director of news and current affairs, Manager news, or the reportorial, assistant manager news, senior news editor, reporter, news editors, and many other officials that man the various shifts and their designations.

These personnel may differ from one organization to the other. The number of these news personnel can be determined by the size of the organization and responsibilities assigned to them depending also on the resources available to such organization.

Writing the news is the responsibility of the Editorial department which may be subdivided into the reporter, subeditor, editor, editor, chief editor and others.

The reportorial unit is also very important which may function under the editorial department is a small organization.

But if the organization is large, reportorial unit should be strong enough to man the news, because every process start with them.

Clear Writing News writing should be clear precise and to the point.

It is a means of communicating information and ideas. Infact, there can be no wasted words, windy sentences or wandering from the central theme.

The news story should be unified and compact. It starts out with an idea that is carried through to the last paragraph.

Anything which gets in the way of this which poses problem should be kept out of the news story.

The news story is generously best told in short sentences and paragraphs with many active verbs, such as denied, feared, shot, ran, fired plugged, escaped, gambled, seen, forced, head, used, charged, laughed, grabbed, kidnapped, searched, caught and shed. This does not mean that every sentence must, be short. The writer can use his grammatical and journalistic knowledge, selecting a longer sentence if it is the best way to express the thought.

It is known that faster and clearer writing is achieved when there is one idea to a sentence. Cramming two sentences or three ideas into one sentence makes writing or more different and confuses the reader of a newspaper and listeners of radio and television. Compare these two versions: (a) “Negotiations for The Third Term Bill 2006 discontinued a series of contract debates with Senates and Reps today giving rise to speculations of corrupt practices on Monday provided the Senate President to throw the bill out” (b) “Negotiations for the Third Term Bill 2006 discontinued a series of contract debates with Senates and Reps toady.

A nation wide rejection by Monday appeared possible, if the Senate President does not throw it out!

The first paragraph is overstuffed and seems awkward. The second version simply splits up the ideas into two sentences for easy reading and listening in radio and television.

The reading for the brevity in sentences and paragraphs, is that the average reader or listener has a short attention span.

The reader or listener is more likely to follow a story through to the end if there are natural pauses.

The more a sentence is short, the more clarity will be achieved into one idea. The straightest sentence is most often the declarative one. It tells the story simply and clearly. The readers of prints media listeners of radio and television may be confused with sentences with dangling modifiers and chocked with two or three ideas.

The object of writing is to communicate ideas and the reporter should use every means to do so. He can apply the geometric rule which says that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line to journalism. For example these sentences carry the idea clearly.

1. The Alagbon Police listed the case as justifiable homicide 2. Senator Uyi said today, he will not be a candidate for Third Term re-election 3. The children’s day parade route, was changed at the Abuja stadium 4. Two trains collided a half-mile North of Ibadan City.

5. Coptain Idada ordered his men to load their weapons.

It is difficult that seldom-used words are not for the reporters.

Familiar substitutes can always be found. This is not writing down to the reader, but enabling him to quickly grasp the idea of the story.

Reading newspaper or listening to a broadcast should not be a chore. Wire service stories are good examples of good

writing because they deliver the fact clearly.

Tenses and Reporters It has been observed that most news stories are written in the past tense. The reporter of a paper or radio and television is normally writing about the past events which will be even older by the time they get into the print or read out to the listeners in radio and television. The writer has no crystal ball, but he nobly write what he knows to be true at the very has been taken to the hospital. The story can say with certainly that — “Sanusi was reported in fair condition with head injuries at University of Ibadan or at the Igbobi Hospital Lagos or University of Benin Teaching Hospital. It would be risky to say “Sanusi is reported in fair condition etc. because he may be dead or discharged by the time the radio, television announced or the paper is on the street.

Broadcasters can even be more faster than print media in up dating such stories, but even, they also run a risk by using present tense for events of five hours old.

Example of “past tense use” 1. Mrs. Folabisi Ekundayo wore a white ‘ashoke’ cloth and a scarf around her head woven at Abeokuta.

2. More than 60,000 cassava farmers turned out at Abuja to receive a new cassava plant 3. A panel of Nigerian Languages experts and educational leaders was naked yesterday to review the Curriculum in the State Universities.

Commissioner Aghedo of the Agbado State said the charges were dropped after the accused appealed to the complainant.

One of the hallmarks of the media is objectivity. It is normal for the reporter to keep himself out of the news which is presented in the third person. The “I” form may be adapted to certain kinds of features only when some journalistic purposes will be served. If for example a journalist or a reporter joins a police to search for a lost person to write about it, he can use the first person as a means of lending intimacy and how true the story is as an ‘eye’ witness, how the person was discovered dead On the other way, it is another matter for a newsman in an interview to infect himself in every second paragraph. The reader or the listener is not interested in the journalist view unless he is a qualified expert in the very field.

The listener or the reader does not care about any problem encountered by the reporter in getting any story. Some newsmen of course want to tell the whole world and their organizations how clever or brave they are during the pursuit of the news.

Story and its Form The news story has a definite form. It has a beginning, a middle and an end but facts may not be in chronological order.

The news story form in the print media radio and television takes the same sequence of events at the time of occurrence.

After the story opens the facts are presented in a descending order of value with the least important items at the end.

It all depends on the editor who must cut the news or the story shut because of space shortage, if it is in print media.

If it is radio or television the editor or the newscaster will watch the time limit. What remains will give the readers or the listeners the essentials. They can only be deprived of some details.

However, before a reporter can write story, he must organize himself and make up his mind on how the story can be knitted together in a unified whole.

The body of the story must support the lead which sums up everything to follow. A poor lead is one that fails to deliver what it promises. It is cheating the reader of newsprint, the radio and the television listeners. This can also lowers the journalistic standards.

Note The Following As An Example Of a Well Organized Story The Nigerian Police Force began advertising for new recruits into the Nigerian Police Force this week. More than a month after, a police officer quits for the second time because he said the job was ruining his personal life.

The position of the Police Force which pays an annual salary of N8, 900 may be difficult to fill because of the recent criticism of the operations at the force.

When the Police Officer resigned he said that working in the police force was a 24-hour-day job, and observed that “the officer always gets the rap when something happens” Sergeant Figo said he was not sure how soon a new police officer could be recruited because the Personnel Department of the police force would first have to screen the applicants and send the names of those qualified.

The story is neatly together with the first and second paragraphs getting strong documentation in the following

paragraphs. The quotes in paragraph three add further interest and support if it is on print media (Newspaper).

The Lead This is when a reporter tries to think of a lead for his story or the appropriate catching words that he can use. He must be creative at this point. One sees them looking and staring at the wall of the newsroom, gnashing his teeth, tearing his hair or stamping the floor. All the newswriter wants, is writing the LEAD, all the reporter wants, is to produce words that will entice the reader or listener in writing his lead story.

The lead is important because it usually sums up what is to follow in the story. It must be worded so that the reader or the listener if it is a radio or television will be lured into finishing the story. A lead must be simple and informative. It should not be packed jammed with twisted adjectives and syntax. It must be clean, straight forward writing.

Some Examples: ABUJA, March 12. An executive meeting originally scheduled to hold at Aso Rock, was shifted today to NACON Hotel, Garki.

An Airforce officer and his wife were charged with criminals negligence yesterday in connection with a fire in which two of their children were burnt to death.

A six-word lead may best fit a particular story while another one can absorb a forty-word first paragraph For Example Nigerian voters go to the polls tomorrow.

The Federal Government Free Primary School (FPS) proposal in Nigeria came one step closer today when the Senate voted 45 to 36 to retain the new programme in the N22 billion for this year’s education bill now being debated. Length is less important than readability. The lead should encompass only one idea which should be told smoothly and effectively straight and a declarative sentence is the best vehicle for the lead as well as for other sentences — (Stein 1972) Compare these two leads After firebreak out in the 9 floor of Palm House Secretariat Benin City yesterday, three elderly men were rescued by firemen.

Three elderly men were rescued by firemen yesterday after fire brake out in the 9 floor of Palm House Secretariat Benin City.

The second lead is better because the most important part of the story is the rescue of those men. The prime responsibility of the lead is that, it must say something cogent.

This type is to be avoided.

The Police Commissioner met for five hours yesterday — commissioner met who?

Dr. Ayodele Osadolo director, on Friday outlined the needs of the Health Department for this year’s budgent.

Mohammed Bassey, a State Department Officer, spoke last night at the annual Rotary Club dinner in Ibadan.

In each case, there is an important ingredient missing. What did the commissioner do?

What are the needs of the Health Department? What did Mohammed Bassey talk about?

These types of leads, are flat footed. They are nothing statements. A lead must be compelling and provocative. It must pull the reader and the listener into the story.

The 5 W’S In writing the News, many factors are considered preeminence to the reporters, editors, directors, executive directors, managers and the newsmen in general.

Journalism instruction and text books often stress the importance of the 5W’s what who, when, where and y? as a guideline in writing the lead. The idea as earlier expressed in volumes I and II, is that the 5 Ws embody what the reader wants to know.

This is generally true of the 5 W’s theory although it can create some problems when writers or reporters are trying to form their leads.

The obvious reason is that one or more 5 W’s can belong to any lead; but when an attempt is made to join all five into a sentence, the result may be disastrous.

It also weakens the impart, moves. It is boring and even sometimes complicates it. Take this sentence for example: “A farmer, Ola Davis was killed in a motor accident in Enugu yesterday because he was crossing Aba expresses way” It contains all the fire Ws. But it lacks punch and effects. A farmer Ola Davis (who) was killed (what) in a motor accident (where) in Enugu yesterday (when) because he was crossing Aba express way (why).

The lead is far two long and unwieldy. It has all the five SW’s it would better be written like this: 1. A 30 year old farmer has been killed in Enugu. He is Ola

Dav way 2. A acci 3. A acci The putt go in up a or w The toda valle The incr wan

Journ

water, povert enoug Even answe news m place e to be enterta Acco the he he wan If he d lead, a proces The radio a it wou to read all the of a re the sto to read about.

The import when telling court, You w dead supple The le often f withou The le paper, of the an ide summ look b words

Media

d Broadcast Journalism (4)

vis, killed while trying to cross Aba express y.

A farmer was killed yesterday in a motor ident at Enugu in Aba express way A farmer was killed yesterday in a motor ident in Aba Express way. e third example is a simpler cleaner way of ing it. Many names and other details can n a later paragraph. Two many names clutter a lead. However when the name is important well known, it should be in the lead.

Presidential aspirant John Goat was injured ay when his car somersaulted and fell into a ey along Abuja Lokoja Road. e “WHY” of the 5 W’s is becoming easing more important for today’s lead. He nts to know why cities cannot provide purer

Specific Writing News story lose their punch when they contain vague and mush words. In photography, the sharper the focus, the better the picture.

In writing, meaning can be brought into focus by the use of specific concrete words. The higher the level of abstraction the harder it. is for the reader to understand the story.

Look at these two sentences: 1. The Nasarawa Local Government Council, Board of Counselors has approved the sale of bonds that will permit the Local Council to open new motor parks on several hundred acres along Maiduguri road in the coming years.

2. The Nasarawa Local Government Council Board of Counselors has approved the sale of N20, 000.00 in bonds that will allow the Local Council to open four new motor parks totaling 100 acres, along Maiduguri road in three years.

The second sentence is obviously better because it deals in precise facts leaving little to the imagination. The reader gets

nalists on duty

why Local Governments doomed to live in abject ty, why utilities and companies cannot produce gh power for food and other necessities keep rising. n though the newsman won’t be able to provide ers, but he must try. Today, most people turn to the media for his information because they have no else to turn. The journalist has a clear obligations an enlightener, an informer and as well as ainer. ording to news theory when a reader’s eye catches eadline his judgment tells him in a flash, whether nts to read the story. decides to go on with this concept, he reads the and then the subordinate sentence and the selective ss continues. lead is very important to an average newspaper, and television because if printed in a book form, uld fill a large volume. The newsreader hasn’t time d that much every day. Neither is he interested in e articles appearing in the newspaper. If the climax eader can learn the gist of the news, and details of ory which attract him, the lead can make him not d any article to its conclusion to learn what it is all . lead of summary is the natural way of telling an tant story. If a man dropped dead in the court room giving evidence in the dock, you would not start g the story by saying how he prepared to go to the how he got there or how he was dressed up to go. would tell the important news first. “Zeze dropped in the court room”. Then you will relate the ementary details of how, when and where. ead helps to facilitate the make up which editor finds necessary to cut the length of some articles ut doing some damages to the story. ead facilitates the headline of a story either in a radio or the television news. The headline consists “key” words or their synonym necessary to give ea of what the story contains of the lead or the mary form. The headline writer should not have a beyond the first paragraph or two to fine these ‘key’ s.

a clearer picture.

Certain words and phrases make for soft, fuzzy writing.

Ideas has the best chance of being understood when they are presented in a clear definitive terms.

If a specific is available, it should be given instead of reporting that “A large crowd attended the ceremonies” If a new law is passed by the Federal Government that cracks down on quack medical doctors, such story must be well spelt out instead of using weak phrase such as “incompetent practitioners”, for examples.

1. His head was injured in an accident 2. His skull was fractured in a ghastly motor accident 3. Edo State House of Assembly frozened the account of Local Councils 4. Edo State Assembly frozened the Councils bank accounts on their dissolution. The second sentence is more meaningful. It also provides the course of the injury. The fourth sentence in also more specific than the third.

Suitable Words Some writers avoid plain words because they think they might offend their listeners or readers. Some of them use employment to replace such words as “eat, cry. Cut, cripple, filth, cold, wound, and fight. These are perfect words which can be used.

They are perfectly right words to be used in telling a story. But euphemisms such as” passing away” instead of dying or joining his ancestors”, “joining in the bonds of holy matrimony” instead of marrying” Common everyday words are generally the most effective ones. A reporter isn’t writing down to readers when he relies on short solid words. Familiar words are readily available when writing under pressure or a deadline because readers can easily understand them.

ABUJA. March 11 (Vanguard). The NAFDAC warned house wives today to stop eating the red leaves cassava because of the possibility of poisoning that been found to contain poisoning liquid substances. The NAFDAC began investigating of the red leaves cassava after the family in Western Dale Contracted Cassava Poisoning after eating it. The NAFDAC said 3 of 5 different samples of red leave cassava had been found poisonous.

The NAFDAC said its warning was a first step in the removal of red leaves cassava by farmers in Nigeria from their farms.

Spokesman for NAFDAC said the Nigeria Government was considering urgent appropriate measure of its own through the Ministry of Agric. Fancy writing has no place in the news story.

Clichés This is an idea or phrase that has been used so much that it is not effective or does not have any meaning any longer.

A news writer should try as much as possible to avoid clichés. He will benefit from developing his own style through his skill and imagination.

Good and effective use of language is the kind that delights editors, elevates the reporter to win prices and makes him a distinctive writer. It does not consist of old bromides strung together. Such clichés as these should be avoided as much as possible. i. He was caught by the long arm of the law. ii. Union and Management negotiators were deadlocked. iii. A stitch at a time saves nine iv. On easy lies the head that wears the crown.

There are opportunities for creativity in news writing if journalists give their brains a chance to function. This will allow a writer to faction out words to replace a clichés.

Transition In writing, sentences and paragraphs must follow each other easily and naturally. Transition enables a story to move smoothly from idea to idea establishing a relationship between all of its parts.

A writer must need deliberate and painstakingly assemble his data or story ensuring cohesion within each paragraph. The purpose is often achieved with such familiar connectives as meanwhile, also however and nevertheless.

Transitional devices become more important in stories with divers elements.

For example again:- Oka Local Government Council Ogwa report, may contain four or five different stories by the Local Government Council. A major bank holdup could have different ideas which complicate the writers job of putting them all together.

Many newspapers have the, opportunity of solving such varied problems by running more than one story of the session. The main story makes page one, while smaller ones are scattered throughout the paper. Another method is to put the secondary local council actions at the end of the story in this manner: In other business Oka Council it is very important that the reader not to lose the thread of the story as he is listening, viewing or reading. To prevent such, some repetition is necessary. Proper nouns must be repeated often. But in the case of Organizations, Committees, Companies, Council etc, the whole name need not be reiterated. If the lead mentions the Federal Communications Commission, it may be referred to as the FCC, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation as NTNPC, Nigeria Labour Congress as NLC, Nigeria Union of Teachers as NUT, National Agency for food and Drug Control as NAFDAC. Pronouns can sometimes lead to confusion. If there is any possibility of doubt as to reference, the name of the person or persons is used rather instead than he, she, they. The story must be clear. For natural transition and clarity, study this imaginary story on coal mining problems in Enugu.

Enugu: Many streams in Enugu are so badly polluted by coal mining operations that they may not be worth enormous expense of saving a Federal Government (F.G) study of mine drainage problems reveals.

The study which was completed three months ago by the Enugu Regional Commissioner (ERC) has been the source of controversy here because of the House of Representative’s delay in submitting it to the Senate.

The report was finally sent to the Senate on Monday. It’s release came after a period of time, while the administration was attempting to hold down seilates effort to increase appropriations for water pollution control. A review of the study reveals that the ERC found acid mine drainage from active and inactive mining operations so severe in Enugu area that it affects nearly every type of water used.

The Ministry of Environment Enugu has estimated that to control and abate acid mine drainage pollution on a national basis would cost #12.6 billion.

The ERC’S study is not so definite about the potential cost of acid clean up in the Enugu Regions, but it emphatically states that further proliferation of this type of pollution should not be tolerated.

The basic responsibility for this enforcement lies with the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral and Environment Study, concludes. It adds the Federal funds should not be fourth coming until the Region provides prevention programmes in areas of active mining, because the study covers only the Western section of Milky Hills, a complete picture of the Region’s considerable difficulties from the mine drainage pollution is not developed.

The report further says, that only 15 percent of acid drainage comes from the surface of mining sources, therefore, it includes, land reclamation and drainage divert on schemes will have relatively little impact on total pollution problems in the Region, while the section of the Milky Hill does not rank among other areas that are most affected by this type of pollution. The report suggests that there is nevertheless a substantial problem in the Western Milky Hills.

It says for example, that 30 miles of the Milky Hills River System’s estimated 150 total miles are affected by a continued diverstating mine drainage pollution.

As a news writer, you can replace some of the words or phrases with a short, plain words or phrase that means the same thing.

Issues

NAVAL chiefs from the Gulf of Guinea countries, the United States of America, United Kingdom and other collaborating nations met recently at Tinapa Resort, Calabar, to strategise on how to tackle security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Gulf of Guinea is made up of the maritime areas of the western parts of the African continent, and harbouring the Atlantic coastlines of 11 west and central African countries.

The countries include Senegal, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe, Angola, Congo, among others.

Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, said that the conference was convened to address challenges and threat to the economic interest of the states in the gulf.

The theme of the conference was: “Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Systems: A Key for Enhancing Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea.’’

Ezeoba stressed the need for collaboration to tackle the security challenges in the region because of its strategic importance.

He listed the challenges to include piracy, drug and human trafficking, pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, unregulated and unreported fishing, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and environmental degradation.

“Regrettably, these threats constitute serious challenges and adversely impact on the collective maritime governance imperatives and economic wellbeing of nation states in the Gulf of Guinea.

“It is, therefore, imperative to emphasise that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity

Tackling Security Challenges In The Gulf Of Guinea

By DIANABASI EFFIONG

within the global community.

“As discomforting as these threats would appear, they are not insurmountable; hence the clarion call for enthronement of

potential.

“Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Conference (RMACC) has become the sure way for

UK. “RMACC presented opportunities which if carefully managed will facilitate tremendous improvement in the security of the Gulf of Guinea.’’

He said that the Nigerian

constructive, proactive, sustainable and holistic maritime security architecture.

“Such structure would ensure a secure and safe maritime environment for optimal exploration and exploitation of the abundant maritime resources,’’ Ezeoba said.

Dr Olusola Obada, Minister of State for Defence, urged states in the region to “come together to effectively patrol their exclusive economic zones (EEZ), territorial waters and ports.

“The losses translate into huge opportunity cost in terms of both unrealised national revenue and untapped human

Nigeria to enforce maritime governance and prevent illegal activities from occurring in her maritime domain,’’ the minister said.

She listed the security lapses in the gulf to include “lack of basic maritime awareness which creates ungoverned maritime environment for criminals to operate, inadequate national and regional capabilities to monitor maritime surface traffic in a timely manner’’.

Rear Adm. Joe Aikhomu, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, said that the RMACC was introduced with the assistance of the US and

Navy was determined to continually provide “a holistic operational framework, anchored on surveillance, response initiative and enforcement in Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“Accordingly, the Nigeria Navy is taking the lead in increasing existing regional maritime domain capability through surveillance systems located along Nigeria’s coastline in order to improve total awareness of the environment.

“This effort has already started yielding tangible results with the arrest of over 40 vessels engaged in illegal

“It is estimated that piracy in the Gulf of Guinea cost the world economy between $740 million and $950 million last year, and that figure is expected to increase in 2013. The economic implication of this insecurity presents a stark realisation of the gravity of the situation...’’

activities in our waters.

“How to extend this coverage to the entire Gulf of Guinea, through collaboration of other member states, is what this conference is set to address,’’ Aikhomu said.

Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River said that the world economy might lose more than $950 million in 2013 due to piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

Imoke, who cited a study published by Industry Alliance, said it was also estimated that the total insurance cost for insecurity in the gulf was between $423 million to $437 million in 2012.

“It is estimated that piracy in the Gulf of Guinea cost the world economy between $740 million and $950 million last year, and that figure is expected to increase in 2013.

“The economic implication of this insecurity presents a stark realisation of the gravity of the situation,’’ he said.

According to him, insecurity in the region’s maritime domain was traceable to “proliferation of low-intensity resource induced attacks mostly led by criminal gangs, warlords and other non-state actors’’.

In a communiqué issued after the conference, the participants resolved to institute effective legal regime for maritime law enforcement in the region.

They also called for the establishment and activation of a common maritime information sharing mechanism, through the establishment of Inter-Regional Coordination Centre by March 2014.

The communiqué was endorsed by naval chiefs of Angola, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Gabon, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, and Sao-Tome and Principe.

Ezeoba, who spoke before the communiqué was issued, urged signatories to the document to be committed in its implementation.

“In the past, there had been the penchant for people to walk away after such talk shops, but in this case we have agreed through our endorsement to implement the agreement,” he said.

Hint: Example 3 Factorise 2y2 + 13y - 7 When the coeficient is not 1, we Solution: can follow these steps: As usual, we write +2(1st term) x (1). Multiply the coeficient of the -7 (last term) to get -14 1st term by the last term.

Mathematics With Stanley Osobase 08023454887 Osobase2001@yahoo.co.uk

Factorising Quadratic Expressions (When The Coefficient Of 1st Term Is Not 1 Or Unity)

Product (-14) Sum of Factors (2). Use the product and sum of +14 X -1 +14 - 1 = +13 factors method as demonstrated in -14 X +1 -14 +1= -13 -7 X +2 - 7 + 2 = -5 the previous edition. +7 X -2 +7 - 2 = +5 (3). Replace the original middle term with the corresponding factors.

2y2 + 14y - y - 7 (4). Group the four terms in pairs or 2y(y + 7) - 1(x + 7) (5). Factor out and the result :- 2y2 + 13y - 7 = (y + 7)(2y - 1) Ans follows!

Example 4 Example 1 Factorise 2x2 - 17x + 8 Factorise 3x2 + 8x + 4 Solution: Solution: Coefficient of 1st term (+ 2) x last Following the steps above, we get: term (+ 8) = +16 +3 X +4 = +12 Product (-16) Sum of Factors Product (+12) +3 X +4 -3 X - 4 +6 X +2 -6X-2

Sum of Factors +3 +4 = +7 - 3 - 4 = -7 +6 +2 = +8 - 6 - 2 = -8

+8 X +2 -8 X -2 -16 X -1 +16 X+1

+8 + 2 = +10 -8 - 2= -10 -16 - 1 = -17 +16 + 1 = +17

Example 6 Factorize 6p2 = 2 - 11p Solution: Rearrange in the standard way to get: 6p2 + 11p - 2 Next, multiply the coefficient of 1st term (+6) by the last term (-2) to get -12.

Now, Product (-12)

Sum of Factors

- 4 x +3

-4 + 3 = -1

+4 x -3

+4 - 3 = +1

+6 x -2

+6 - 2 = +4

- 6 x +2

-6 +2 = -4

+12 x -1

+12 - 1 = +11

2x2 + 16x - x + 8 Replace middle term with factors to -12 x +1 -12 + 1 = -11 or 2x(x - 8) - 1(x - 8) get: or (x - 8)(2x - 1) Replace middle term (+11) with 2 2 :- 2x + 17x + 8 = (x - 8)(2x - 1) Ans factors +12 and -1 to get: 3x + 6x + 2x + 4 3x(x +2) + 2 (x + 2) 6p2 + 12p - p - 2 Example 5 2 3x + 8x + 4 = (x + 2)(3x + 2) Ans Find the factors of 2m2 - 3m - 27 Group these four terms in pairs to get: Solution: 6p(p + 2) -1(p + 2) Example 2 Multiplying the coefficeint of or (p + 2)(6p - 1) Factorise 2x2 - 3x - 2 first term (i.e, +2) by the last term Solution: 6p2 + 11p - 2 = (p + 2)(6p -1)Ans The product of the 1st term and (i.e, -27), we get: Drills last term +2 X - 2 = -4.

Now, Product (-54) Sum of Factors Factorise the following: Product (+12) Sum of Factors + 6 x -9 +6 - 9 = -3 (1). 7x2 = 38x - 15 Ans: (x -5)(7x -3) +4 X -1 +4 - 1 = +3 - 6 x +9 -6 + 9 = +3 (2). 5m2 + 9m = 2 Ans: (m + 2)(5m -1) -4 X +1 -4 + 1 = -3 -54 x +1 -54 +1 = -53 (3). 3 - 7v + 2v2 Ans: (x - 3)(2x - 1) -2 X +2 -2 +2 = 0 2

2x - 4x + x - 2 or 2x(x - 2) + 1(x - 2) or (x - 2)(2x + 1) :- 2x2 - 3x - 2 = (x - 2)(2x + 1)Ans

+54 x-1

+54 - 1 = +53

+27 x -2

+27 - 2 = +25

-27 x +2

-27 + 2 = -25

+18 x -3

+18 - 3 = +15

-18 x +3

-18 +3 = -15

Until next edition, remain blessed solving Maths. Readers are also advised to watch the EBS TV on Thursdays at 4pm for Maths 1/2hour

Motoring drivers use drugs that can reduce vision and some drivers require to wear glasses for contact lenses fail to do so. What is night blindness? Night blindness is an inability of the light

With OSAGIE AIFUWA 08023412452

sensitive cells (roads) in the retina of the eye to work effectively. This may also result in limited vision in low light blindness may have difficulty in distinguishing movement of shape of objects in subdued light or darkness. They may also have difficulty in judging distance’ and speeds of moving objects such as on coming traffic or vehicle ahead or behind them, when driving in adverse conditions HOW TO PREVENT COLLUSION AND DEFENCE AHEAD: * You must keep safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead; * You may use two seconds rules by reciting e.g. saver safer. * You must decrease your following distance on wet road or adverse weather condition by using four seconds rule: * Always have good anticipation during an emergency situation; * Always have adverse foresight on the vehicle ahead of you, collision with the vehicle behind. *You have to be alert to study situation and condition around you.

You have to be alert, all the time and make use of your mirror always, imbide in the LSM (look signal movement) look at your mirror. Signal your intention by making use of your tafficator indicating your next direction * Show your intention in good time before and not after your turning.

Defensive Driving Techniques NOWADAYS driving according to the rules and regulation of the road by a driver• does not necessarily guarantee his or her safety.

This is because you may be driving well and still be involved in accidents. Bad drivers (killer) often decide the fate of so many innocent road users.

The problem could be traced to the fact that majority of the drivers plying our road may not be mentally, emotionally psychologically and physically stable coupled with the basic truth that great percentage of the motorists are not discipline and dedicated to their developing positive driving skills and attitude perceptions.

Many drivers do not concentrate behind the steering thus driving with absent mind.

The solution to the problem is an individual approach called defensive driving and safe driving. Practice widely termed defensive techniques.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING TECHNIQUES Defensive driving could be described as driving techniques to avoid accidents thus saving lives, time, money and properties in spite of incorrect actions of other road user e.g. motorist, cyclist, tricyclist, pedestrians, truck pusher, etc.

A driver should always avoid a situation where his safety depends mainly on the response of another driver of a vehicle. Element of defensive driving practices lies in the driver conviction that: * Every other road user is a potential threat to him and that he is also a threat to other road user. * Every other road user should be regarded as a mad person: * He should be ready to protect himself against all kinds of accident causing situations: * A defensive driver should always react in the correct manner when faced with unexpected emergencies: * A driver should be able to re-organize hazards: understand the defenses and act in time to prevent accidents and he should not panic at any emergency situations AIMS: * Preventing or avoiding accident or collision; * Reducing the effect of collision or accident if it could not be avoided and * Survival driving to stay alive. * Drive with care, stay alive and alert, reap the fruit of your good driving Be sure that all safety gadgets (brake light, brake reversing lights, rear-lights horn, trafficators, rear and side view mirrors, speedometers etc. are functioning properly. In the raining season when the road is wet, always reduce speed to avoid problem on

slippery surface and when the rain is heavy, apply commonsense speed.

Limit and drive with caution and turn on your parking lights as a warning to other motorist.

Limit your speed to the approved commended limit. Expressway 100 Kmp. Highways. 80kmp Urban/Local road, 5Omp. The speed limit is subject to local condition only not applicable at adverse road conditions.

Defensive driving is the art of pre-emptying the attention of other motorist on the road with or without them trafficating or signaling their attention. The knowledge will always prepare you to be in a better position to avert danger on the road since you will not trust anybody on wheel.

There are many things we can’t control while driving but we can control our behaviour and actions. Driver error accounts for more than 70 per cent of all collisions. If you are a young driver remember that though your reaction time may be fast, inexperience may cause a fast but incorrect reaction: Drive within the speed limits and pay attention to your driving.

Practice scanning down the road instead of directly in front of your vehicle. This will help you spot hazards in time to act correctly. Stay alert; don’t think that because you have experience behind the wheel you can’t be involved in a collusion. * If you are stressed or anxious. Change your state of mind before getting behind the wheel. * Change your driving habits to fit your physical abilities. * Drive shorter distance, stay out of heavy, fast traffic * Stay on familiar roads and streets.

AVOIDING COLLUSION AT ROUNDABOUT: * Be watchful * Don’t assume field of way either to the left or right * Give way to traffic on your left don’t change lanes indiscriminately * Trafficate your exit (turning) on time * Maintain your exit lane in good time * Never face traffic round about. * The condition of the driver that could affect his/her driving ability vision * Poor vision can impair driving ability.

Many people suffer from night blindness. While others are prone to glare blindness. Others suffer from reduced vision caused by glaucoma or rarely, a vitamin A deficiency, other

* Discourage trail gaiters always, allow them to pass. * Always stop safely and smoothly when necessary.

COLLUSION WITH THE VEIIICLE YOU ARE PASSING: * One of the causes of head on collision is improper overtaking and passing * How do you determine if the pass is necessary or legal? * First ask yourself if the pass is necessary and safe (legal or illegal). * Maintain proper following distance; * Look ahead * Look behind by using your side mirror and the inner minor; * Trafficate or signal left; * Check behind sport places you cannot see with the aid of your mirrors unless by using direct looking with your eyes * Tap your horn to fore-warn the vehicle ahead of you that you have seen; * Move left, into the passing lane, do not overtake or pass a vehicle through the right lane because you many not be seen while making the illegal passing; * Increase your speed by accelerating if necessary; * Signal right.

SAFETY TIPS • Don’t be a victim of fire disaster! Keep fuel in your car tank only.

• More Lives are saved with less night travelling. The life saved may be yours! Avoid night travelling.

• Avoid Conviction, obey traffic regulations. Drive to stay alive!

• Maximum speed limits cars — 100km P.H Taxis and Buses 9OKMP.H Tankers/Trailers — 60KM P.H. Timber Trucks — 60KM P.H. Speed Kills!

• Avoid Overloading • You should never overload any vehicle with goods or passengers.

• Passengers stand very risk of severe injuries or death in overloaded vehicles.

• Drivers of overloaded vehicles will be convicted and may also have their vehicles impounded.

• Passengers should not travel in overloaded vehicles.

• Passengers who allow themselves to constitute the “EXTRA” passengers will be removed at any point of the journey. BE WARNED!

Gender Issues

THE power of a woman cannot be gain-say, but any woman who naturally do not build herself up in order to manage and maintain her abilities will do nothing but tear down her life and family with her bare hands.

Every woman has the ability to make it on her own, whether there is a man or not, all that she needs is God. But first, she has a duty and that duty is to discover the treasures in her earthly vessel.

Women are the shield, the defender and foundation of the home.

Even as the man is head, the woman is the neck without which, it would fall. The greatest mistake any man can make is to underestimate or treat with levity the power of a woman.

A woman can only appreciate a man after she has been with another. A woman will make you feel you are in charge yet with sweet words and with guile and cunning she silently control everything and everyone around you, just like our dear first lady.

A woman gives, a woman takes, a woman laughs, a woman cries, yet through all this, only she alone knows what is really in her heart.

According to Femi Fani Kayode, ‘‘women are a precious gift from God but there are some things men need to know. Women are far the deeper and more powerful of the two sexes.

No matter how strong a man thinks he is, he is like butter in the hands of a woman that he loves. It is only a woman that can carry a child for nine months and raise to adult hood and yet until the day that woman dies only she will know the real father of that child.

He proceeded to say, that

‘‘women are more discerning than men, more calculating, more thoughtful, more spiritual, more loyal, and disciplined and they can handle emotional pain and psychological torture far better than men. A woman can suffer trauma, deprivation, shame, sheer cruelty and beatings from a man and still stay with him simply for the sake of the children. A woman can do anything and take anything for, or from, a man that she truly loves. A woman can be the most vicious and dangerous of all God’s creatures when she is hurt and scorned and when her love is not returned’’.

In a negative or even in a desperate way, a woman can purposefully use her natural charm to get what she wants the wrong way and she will get what she wants quickly, even if she losses her virtue in the process.

The worst is that sometimes she does not even need words. A look is enough, a gesture, raising of her eyebrows, a deep breath towards a certain situation. They are simple details, but just as powerful as a bullet in a gun. A woman does not need force to influence, neither does she need to give a speech or swing punches, all she needs is a facial expression and the fire starts.

Influence is a power for good or evil. She has the power to send her husband to heaven or hell.

Considering the story of Adam and Eve, Adam had a good friendship with God as the first man created on earth by Him and with his hands. Adam had authority over every other thing that was made by God but when he was influenced by Eve his wife, he lost everything.

Understanding Power Of A Woman

Eve sent him from heaven to hell literarily.

Even the devil knows that women have power, whether she is conscious of it or not. If she does not watch, she can be an instrument for evil and that was what happened to Eve. A good wife is a helper not a manipulator but she can play any one of the roles and so she stands at a very

delicate point where all she does matters. It is therefore very important for every woman to be able to distinguish between a good and bad voice in order to know the voice to listen to.

This is very possible if the woman can allow the Holy Spirit lead her.

In truth a woman who influences with wisdom knows her role is to serve.

She serves because she loves; she fears and follows God’s direction. Due to this, she does not judge

By PRAISE EGHWRUDJE

people after just one glance. She does not make others feel like she knows it all. She does not show herself to be so self righteous because she knows very well that she is not perfect. She does not knock down but lift those around her. For these

is using to tear down the country; particularly her own state. Sowing seed of discord and influencing the minds of people around her (whether positively or negative, she is influencing people). She is not seen everywhere but are actions/ deeds are heard of

reasons, her husband feels good by her side because she does not impose anything on him, but simply advises. She does not criticise him, but alerts him. She does not make him feel inferior but she respects him and puts him where he stands out.

We can see the power of a woman in display from our dearly beloved first lady, who has suddenly become the ‘Jesus’ of a man. She has found for herself a position that she

everywhere.

There was story of a woman who trained her son through school and after wards sent the boy abroad.

For some years the boy did not come back to Nigeria, out of impatience, the mother went to complain to a juju priest who did something for the boy to return to Nigeria. After some months, the woman’s son came back to Nigeria and couldn’t go back.

Whenever he wants to go back, he will experience non approval of visa, he then went for prayers where it was discovered that the mother tied him down so he wouldn’t go back abroad. The yoke was broken, after which he left Nigeria and never came back until the mother past on. The woman never

“In truth a woman who influences with wisdom knows her role is to serve. She serves because she loves; she fears and follows God’s direction.

Due to this, she does not judge people after just one glance. She does not make others feel like she knows it all. She does not show herself to be so self righteous because she knows very well that she is not perfect.”

forgave herself for doing that to her only son. She used her own hands to destroy her blessings out of impatience.

A woman has the ability to bring death into her family….it is just as easy as being promiscuous and then the gate of death is flown open. That is why the Niger Deltans forbids their wives from cheating on

their husband.

A woman can influence her friends with evil comments about other people. She can put her husband down and make him feel like nothing with her destructive criticism and she can even bring someone down so deep, they go into an abyss without much effort.

A woman has the sole power to build her home, her world and even help in building the nation. She inevitably has the sole power to pull down her home, her world and most of all, the nation. She just has the duty of choosing which she wants. ‘‘Every wise woman buildeth her house, but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands’’ (proverb 14:1).

Society

Indecent Dressing: A

Social Abnormality

By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU

AS a young and charming girl, Tracy, had the best of moral upbringing. Her father was a disciplinarian while her mother held a “very sensitive position” in her church. Seventeen-yearold, Tracy upheld the “best practices in terms of dressing decently. This was how she grew up (her parents drummed the African moral value into her).

However, beam the searchlight to sometime later, about two years, and the Tracy of old, had been “turned into another man.”

She was now on campus and couldn’t resist the pressure from her friends to be a “happening babe on campus”. Trace as she was fondly called by her friends jettisoned her long skirts and occasioned wrappers to skimpy dresses that exposed sensitive parts of her body as bumper shorts, armless, miniskirts, low-waist and all manner of provocative and body-revealing wears.

While coming back from a friend’s party in school, Tracy if not for the timely intervention of security personnel, narrowly escaped being raped to death by a gang of robbers who had been monitoring her skimpy dressing (it was an invitation to the gang).

Apart from this, there was the story about a lady whose provocative attire always drew the attention of the neighbourhood. Each time she passed all eyes “stand at attention” to have a “look” at her revealed body. The story, however, turned sour.

What happened? It was one of the rush hours that day.

As the lady rummaged through the crowd, all that she prayed for was to get an “okada” to take her home.

Luckily for her, she got one after some minutes. As happy as she was that she would now be finally home, it was turned to sadness.

Raising up her leg, her skimpy skirt (mini) tore into two; revealing her nudity. It was just a little part of the skirt that was still in place.

She could not believe her eyes; she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her as she received the “greatest embarrassment of her life with passers-by laughing from ear-to-ear.

These are a few instances of indecent dressing among Nigerians, especially youths. Psychologists have identified clothing as means of passing across messages to others just as facial expression and other mediums of communication. Dressing from a Biblical stand point, started from the beginning of times when Adam and Eve used leaves to cover their nakedness.

Although defining indecent dressing is not easy, an attempt would be made to provide one. Indecent dressing is the deliberate exposure of one’s body to the public. Indecent dressing is a practice that is contrary to the acceptable norms and values of the society.

This menace, is “copied” from the media and “pasted” in the society. Now, with the advent of satellite channels and modern technology, people replicate costumes meant for stage performance

as normal dressing code.

Experts have said that this malady his eaten deep into

left out of the drama. Most often people dress indecently to worship God all in the name of fashion

the fabrics of the society.

Young men and women, even older people, are not left out.

The nature of indecent dressing has even made the religious houses not to be

and being among the happening babes and guys in town. Anything tradition is often seen as “old-school” and archaic and thus it would be harder to put food into one’s mouth than to

“As in the story above, dressing shabbily is a magnetic pull that attracts mynads of sexual abuse and assault. Experts have noted that the rising cases of rape and other sexual crime, is a direct consequence of indecent dressing. It is more disheartening in campuses as indecent attires have caused unpalatable stories, especially between lecturers and students.”

differentiate an indecently adorned lady from a prostitutute.

For the ladies, they are often swollen-headed when they put on these clothes and one complimented as “hot”.

The fact is that a man would hardly marry anyone that exposes her sensitive parts.

If it is their sister, they would do anything to make sure they stop dressing

disheartening in campuses as indecent attires have caused unpalatable stories, especially between lecturers and students. Most often, lecturers get “distracted” by the immodest wears that students put on.

Bringing down this menace known as indecent dressing, requires that the mass media that show most of these wears, adopt a better

indecently.

The consequences of this latest form of indecency by way of dressing, is multiple in nature. The most visible is the debasement of the human folk. Wearing clothes that expose private parts is not the best of way to portray humans as “higher animal”.

As in the story above, dressing shabbily is a magnetic pull that attracts mynads of sexual abuse and assault. Experts have noted that the rising cases of rape and other sexual crime, is a direct consequence of indecent dressing. It is more

approach. They should reduce the level of exposure of indecently clad individuals. They should also launch campaigns that are aimed at stabbing it at the back.

Again, parents should also watch what their ward/ children put on. Most times, students, because they see tertiary institutions as a place of freedom, as nobody checks them, put on “rubbish” as clothes. The religious centers must also stand against this ugly trend by preaching against it as one cannot be addressed the way he/she is not dressed!.

Religion

With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA

Divine Prosperity (2) THE TESTIFIES

PSALMIST

KING David wrote in the psalms- “o taste and see that Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” psalm 34:8. He wrote further: “o fear the Lord, ye his saints for there is no want to them that fear him” psalm 34:9. Did you hear that! That there is no want to them who fear him -why?

Because if you declare yourself a child of the great king —the mighty God; he will guide you and if you listen to him he will lead you to your blessings.

“Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel” Ps73: 24 John, 16:13.

And if he guides you with his counsel and you listen and obey and follow; what is the obvious result? - The palmist says: “the lord is my shepherd I shall not want” Ps 23:1. He shall lead you because there is no lack in him; because the “earth is the lords and the fullness thereof ’ Ps24: 1, 50:12. Oh what a wonderful God! Ignorance is a disease and Satan has used it effectively to discourage our faith in the lord. That’s why Hosea said, “My people perish for lack of knowledge” Hos 4:6.Children of God cannot be beggars but “askers”. Ask your father the king of kings and he will release his blessings unto you — the faithful. Don’t go begging, the Psalmist tells us not to do so., because for you a child of the king begging, then it means you have been forsaken; for the child of a king cannot beg but ask-”ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you” Matt7:7.

Jesus said if we as mortals know how to give good gifts to our own beloved children when they ask our favour how much more shall our God gives to the faithful ones who ask genuinely?

“If ye then, being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matt7: 11.

Therefore the Psalmist testifies. “I have been young and now I am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread’ Ps37: 25.

A MISNOMER Somebody yelled at me or should I say yapped at my writing saying: “why do you preach riches? Have you not come across these verses in the scriptures that warn against riches?” Viz: 1. “A good name is rather to be chosen than riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. The rich and poor

meet together. The lord is the maker of them all” Prov22:12.

This is my reply to the above: that God surely is against riches that come from evil sources; such riches are usually not enduring and such persons though rich have bad names attached to them. The rich and the poor meet together when they die; God will not discriminate between the rich and the poor because he created the rich and the poor but he did not make the circumstances of their poverty or riches; that rests on the individual’s effort. A lazy man, who is a loafer and a sluggard would probably become poor; whereas a hard worker, full of drive and initiative, could probably do better in his circumstances than the sluggard. Listen to what the scripture says: “I love them that love me and those that seek me early shall find me. riches and Honour are with me yea durable riches and righteousness” Prov 8:17-18 But for the lazy man the Bible says: “How long wilt thou sleep o sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?... so shall thy poverty come” Prov: 6: 9, 11.

2. Another verse that caught my attention is this verse in the scripture: “Ye cannot serve God and mammon” Matt 6:24.

Mammon is symbolically equated with ill-gotten money: but figuratively in demonology it is a demon responsible for unrighteous riches — ill-gotten wealth. So Jesus said you cannot be doubly yoked. You cant be under God and be responsible to that demon — mammon. You cannot serve Jehovah (God Almighty) and equally be attracted to illgotten wealth; money achieved by dubious means. If you are a child of God will your conscience not prick you?

3. There is this verse in the scriptures again that warns against riches.

“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare ... for the love of money is the root of all evils which while some coveted after they have erred from the faith” 1 Tim 6:910.

Now the desire to be rich must first be preceded by your salvation. You must not seek after wealth when you have not yet sought for your salvation.

The Bible says: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you” Matt 6:33 You must seek after the salvation of your soul before earthly riches otherwise the demon mammon could take

you over. For this reason the Bible warns clearly.

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mart 16:26.

John the apostle wrote this admonition to his beloved brother in Christ the Elder Gaius; and this admonition is good for everyone seeking divine prosperity.

“BELOVED, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in good health even as thy soul prosperth” 3 Jn 2.

As you now proceed to read my treatise on divine prosperity, learn to pray this prayer of the proverbist — king Solomon, “Two things have I required of

thee: deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee and say, who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain” Prov. 30:7-9.

JEHOVAH JIREA Jehovah Jireh is Hebrew, which if interpreted in English language means “God is my provider? Did you not read the testimony of Elijah the prophet who suffered lack in the wilderness by the brook cherith and cried to God and God sent him to a widow in Zerephath; whom the lord said would feed Elijah (1 kgs 17:1-9) and Elijah got there, saw the widow who said the famine equally affected her and she had her last meal to cook an to eat with the son and die. Elijah asked her to cook for him first to eat then for herself and the son. She obeyed- As she went the spirit of God spoke through Elijah the words of abundant supply; “for thus saith the lord God of Israel, the barrel of meal shall not waste neither shall the cruse of oil fail

until the day that the lord sendeth rain upon the earth” 1 Kgs 17: 14. And the Bible says the prophetic words were fulfilled. “And the barrel of meal wasted not neither did the cruise of oil fail according to the word of the lord which he spoke by Elijah” 1 K 17:16. There is a principle in operation which I shall wish to explain later. But suffice me to say here that God is a great provider and he can do and undo. God is the king of the whole universe — he is “the lord of Lords and Kings of Kings” Rev 17: 14. He says if he opens the door of

he became very great” Gen 26:12-13. To Solomon the king God had said “wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee and I will give thee riches and wealth and honour” 2Chron 1:12. Indeed God is the source.

“And thou say in thine heart my power and the might of mine hand hath given me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the lord thy God; for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth” Deut 8:17-18.

The proverbist put it this way; “the blessing of the lord maketh rich and he added no sorrow with it” Prov.l0:22.

OCCUPY TILL I COME LK19: 13 Jesus told a parable to his

thou authority over ten cities” Lk19:17. He also commended the second servant who invested his pound and gained five pounds. He gave him authority over five cities in commendation Lk19:18-19.

But the third did not invest the money rather tied it up “And another came saying, lord behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin” Lk 19 :20. The noble master rebuked him for not investing it or putting it into the bank to yield some interest and took his pound and gave it to the first faithful servant. Lk. l9: 20 —24. Then Jesus said; “I say unto you, that unto everyone which hath shall be given, and from him that hath

blessing for you nobody can shut it “ HAVE SET BEFORE THEE AN OPEN DOOR AND NO MAN CAN SHUT IT” REV 3:8 God as the king of the universe has the world and its resources under his full control. The Bible says: “THE EARTH IS THE LORDS AND THE FULLNESS THEREOF: THE WORLD AND THEY THAT DWELL THEREIN” PS24: 1, 50:12 God obviously is the God of abundance. If the whole universe and its resources are under his command then the God of heaven whom we serve is a rich God. Moses the prophet of God attested to this when he spoke these words: “FOR IT IS HE (GOD) THAT GIVETH THEE POWER TO GET WEALTH” DEUT 8:18 The lord greatly blessed Abraham with riches and wealth (Gen 24:25) ; He blessed Isaac in the city of Gerar in the midst of famine and Isaac “waxed great and went forward and grew until

disciples as he began to approach the end of his earthly ministry called the parable of the pounds (Lk19: 11).

This is the parable. Jesus said, “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. And he called his ten servants and delivered to them ten pounds and said unto them, occupy till I come” Lk 19:1213. Each of these ten servants was gives a pound. What happened when the nobleman returned?

“And it came to pass that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, that he commended these servants to be called unto him to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much everyman had gained to trading” Lk 19:15.

When each of the servants appeared before him to them he commended as follows: “then came the first saying, lord thy pound hath gained ten pounds” Lk. l 9:15. And to this the master said “well thou good servant, because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have

not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him” Lkl9: 26. This is a financial parable; probably the only financial parable among the forty-six parables in the new testament scriptures in which the lord used financial investment benefits resulting from faithful labour to describe our spiritual state. The faithful servants invested their pounds and gained more pounds and they were commended for their faithfulness but the unfaithful servant did not do so: he was reprimanded.

Christ is obviously the nobleman who traveled to a far country: the pounds he gave each servant is the gift both spiritual and natural talents given to children of God: and the lord expects each faithful child of God to utilize the gifts and talents for kingdom expansion. The gifts and talents must not be kept docile but utilized to enhance Gods kingdom on earth. Jesus Christ would return and would bless each faithful servant who did righteously with his talent and spiritual gifts.

International Features

International Fears Over Syria War

TURKEY’s foreign minister said Syria’s worsening war now posed a danger to all countries because President Bashar al-Assad’s government had been allowed to continue its “crimes” while jihadists from around the world flooded in to fight him.

Ahmet Davutoglu told newsmen a robust international strategy including “real intelligence cooperation” and withdrawal of all foreign fighters was needed to end the conflict and help millions of Syrians devastated by violence.

The crisis was “a threat to all”, he said in an interview, pointing to what he called the totalitarian nature of the Assad government and the presence of al Qaeda-linked armed groups.

He added that Damascus had in effect colluded with the militant rebel groups to fight moderate opposition factions.

Syria has not responded to similar charges made in recent weeks and says it is leading international efforts against terrorism.

The government of Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s Islamist-rooted Justice and Development (AK) Party is already reeling from graft allegations, civic protest, and a struggle for control of institutions with former Islamist allies that have turned against it.

But a long-simmering internal debate over Turkey’s policy on Syria and other Arab Spring countries is starting to boil up once more, as fears grow of blowback from Ankara’s support for Syrian rebels increasingly dominated by Islamist factions.

“The problem is not only for Turkey, the problem is for the region”, Davutoglu told Reuters on Tuesday.

“Syria is becoming a risk for all European countries as well, because of the presence of these terrorist groups based on the power vacuum and because of the totalitarian and autocratic nature of the re-

gime,” he said.

“This is a threat to all of us.”

The foreign minister said recent so-called Geneva II negotiations between Syria’s government and rebels had failed because Damascus ignored the basic premise of the talks - a U.N.-backed communiquÈ issued in Geneva in June 2012 - calling for a transitional government based on mutual consent.

“They didn’t want to talk (about?)a transitional governing body,” Davutoglu said, “they wanted to focus on the threat of terrorism, which in fact was created by them.”

This, he said, was a failure of an international community that had not faced up to the gravity of the crisis in Syria and of its leadership’s war crimes.

He suggested Russia bore special responsibility by blocking effective action in the U.N. Security Council and by continuing to supply it with heavy weapons, actions that had emboldened Assad.

Davutoglu said he and Erdogan spoke recently to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the Sochi winter Olympic Games.

“Everybody says the only solution is a political solution,” he said, “but we have to be sincere and objective.

Those who are supporting the regime by arms, heavy arms, they are on the side of a military option,” he said.

“We must cooperate, all of us, in order to create a suitable security atmosphere... That means working together to prevent any terrorist presence,” he said. All foreign fighters must leave, including Hebzollah and Iran’s proxy Shi’ite militia which are fighting alongside Assad’s forces.

WAR CRIMES A post-Assad Syria should have a new national army composed of moderate elements of the opposition and the Free Syrian Army,

Davutoglu said, stressing Syria’s sectarian and ethnic mix Sunnis, Alawites, Christians, Kurds - must be represented.

Unlike other uprisings that toppled leaders in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen, the revolt in Syria had struggled to remove Assad because of the country’s complex religious mix and Assad’s strategic alliances with Iran and

Asked if Turkey, along with other members of the international community, had underestimated Assad’s staying power in the early stages in the conflict, Davutoglu said Turkey had worked hard to negotiate with Assad for 10 months in 2011 precisely because it had feared a protracted crisis.

“If we thought that Bashar al-Assad would fall soon, we wouldn’t have worked so

able?,” he said.

Russia has shielded Assad from Western and Arab pressure since the conflict began in March 2011, using its veto power to block U.N. Security Council resolutions and insisting that his exit from power cannot be a precondition for peace talks.

Moscow helped Syrian government negotiators resist discussion of a transitional gov-

country’s neighbors.

Davutoglu said the Assad government and al Qaeda-affiliated groups had been collaborating over the past seven months, the authorities pounding moderate rebel Free Syrian Army posts by air while Islamist groups attacked them on the ground.

He called for international cooperation to stop the flow of foreign fighters into Syria and

• Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu addresses the media in Ankara.

Russia, he said.

Davutoglu said Assad had managed to survive because he had not been told by world powers where to stop.

“Some people claim Bashar is successful, because he continued to stay in power... This is not a success, because he has all the power, he has an army, he has airports, he has SCUD missiles, he has chemical weapons and he used everything.”

hard, we were scared of this scenario and wanted to prevent it,” he said, adding the powerlessness of the international community had been a greater surprise.

“I wouldn’t have imagined that the U.N. Security Council would be dysfunctional for three years despite all these crimes against humanity. That I didn’t expect. But the rest, the methods, what the Assad regime did, was foresee-

“Some people claim Bashar is successful, because he continued to stay in power... This is not a success, because he has all the power, he has an army, he has airports, he has SCUD missiles, he has chemical weapons and he used everything.”

erning body for Syria at the Geneva talks earlier this month by suggesting it endorsed their demands that tackling “terrorism” top the agenda.

The Syrian government’s efforts to make that a priority were “completely justified” because Syria “is increasingly becoming a magnet for jihadists and Islamic radicals of all stripes,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

Moscow has accused sponsors of the rebels of pushing for “regime change”.

The conflict has drawn thousands of foreign fighters into Syria to fight either for the mostly Sunni Muslim rebels or for Assad, whose Alawite sect is an offshoot of Shi’ite Islam.

The fighting has killed more than 140,000 people - more than 7,000 of them children according to the Britainbased, pro-opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, and is destabilizing the

denied suggestions that Turkey, which is hosting more than 700,000 Syrian refugees, was letting foreign fighters cross its porous border into Syria.

“Turkey has been working very hard to welcome Syrian refugees, but at the same time was taking all measures to prevent the presence of terrorist groups, but for this there is a need of joint effort,” he said.

He had raised the issue repeatedly with U.S., European, Russian and other counterparts.

“We told them, if you know who are radicals who want to come to Turkey to go to Syria, stop them coming to Turkey,” he said, calling for “real intelligence cooperation”.

“If they are being allowed by their countries of origin to come, how can we prevent them from coming inside Turkey, this will not be legal. Last year we received 36 million tourists...We cannot stop tourism in Turkey.”

Courtesy: Reuters

GOVT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT SPECIAL INVITATION It is hereby announced for the information of the underlisted personalities, that the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole has approved their nomination to represent Edo State at Nigeria’s Centenary Concert and Multimedia Show scheduled for Thursday 27th, February, 2014 at 6.00 pm at National Stadium, Abuja. The names of the personalities are: 1.

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Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia Chief John Odigie Oyegun Major Gen. (Dr.) Godwin Osagie Abbe Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi Crown Prince (Amb.) Eheneden Erediauwa Chief J. Bazuaye (Awerioghene of Benin) Chief N. Egharevba (Uso of Benin) Chief Edebiri, (The Esogban of Benin) Chief Osaro Idah Prof. Victor Efosa Uwaifo,MON (JP) Dr. Clement Alile Hon. Justice I.O. Aluyi Kola S. Okeaya Inneh (SAN) Dr. Iyayi Efionayi (JP) Godwin Osayuki Oshiodin Chief Sam Igbe Chief Nosakhare Isekhure (JP) Mrs. Josephine Omoregie Mrs. Modina Emovon Mrs. Mabel Adams Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu Chief Sunny Uyigue Prof. G. Akenzua Arch. Bishop Margaret B. Idahosa Rev. Felix Omobude Most Senior Apostle Joshua Osasuyi Chief Lugard Aimiuwu Prof. Sir Victor Uwaifo Chief G. O. Iginedion Hon. Charles Idahosa Alhaji Enabulele (Chief Imam, Benin City) Pharm. Mathew Urhoghide Chief Lucky Imasuen HRH. Alhaji A. H. Momoh (Otaru of Auchi) HRH Alhaji Kadiri Imonikhe Omogbai (The Ogienen) HRH Alhaji Dr A.Y.E. Dirisu (JP) OON HRH Alhaji (Sir) Timothy Ayo Omobare HRH Alhaji Aliyu K. Danesi Chief Mike Ozekhomhe (SAN)

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Alhaji Usman Shagadi Prince Malik Afegbua Dan Osi Orbih Chief Buno Oshiokpekhai Hon. Yisa Buraimoh Chief J. S. Arogundade Dr. S. O. Imuekemhe Chief Mike Oloyo Rev. Peter Obadan Chief Malik Afegbua Alhaji M. Z. Naboya Chief Alhaji Udo Oyarekhua Alhaji D. E. Musa Alhaji A. Kashetu Alhaji J. S. Abiri Chief J. S. Oni Sir Raphael Arunah Mr. Joe Ekpenkhio Prince M. M. Ogedegbe Hon. Henry Tenebe Hon. Zekeri Sedenu Jaret Tenebe Hon. Zakawanu Garuba Chief Tom Ikimi Deacon Vincent Agenmonmen HRH Zaiki George Okwede Edobor (Enojie of Ekpon) HRH Lord Peter Ogienefo (Onejie of Ewohimi) HRH Aidejojie Ehidianmen (Onejie of Okpoji) HRH Ehizojie Ehiojorior (Onojie of Igueben) Chief Thomas Okosun Hon. Bright Omokhodion HRH A. Momodu (The Enogie of Irrua) HRH The Enogie of Ubiaja HRH The Enogie of Uromi HRH The Enogie of Ekpoma Prince Tony Omaghe Bar. Frank Erewele Chief A. Inegbeniki Bar. Gabriel Enobaifo Mr. Victor Eboigbe

2. All the personalities listed above are to please liaise with the Office of the Secretary to the State Government between 8.00 a.m. and 10.00 a.m. today Thursday, 27th, February, 2014 for the collection of invitation letter, badge and other relevant items to enable them attend the programme.

Sgnd.

Prof. Julius O. Ihonvbere, OON Secretary to the State Government

International Gun Shots Rattle As Thai PM Flies Out BANGKOK - Gunmen opened fire near several opposition protest sites in Bangkok yesterday, stoking tensions in the capital as Thailand’s embattled prime minister flew to her political stronghold in the north.

A dangerous new chapter appears to have been opened in a nearly four-month political crisis that has left 22 people dead and hundreds wounded, with almost daily reports of gunshots and grenade blasts in the capital recently — often targeting protesters.

Police said unknown gunmen fired sporadically early yesterday for around an hour in three areas of Bangkok where demonstrators are camped out alongside upscale shopping malls and luxury

CHANGE OF NAME IKEMELU – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogechukwu Rosette Ikemelu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogechukwu Ogbeide-Ihama. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

hotels. Nobody was wounded.

“We don’t know which side fired the shots, but the aim of the gunmen is to intimidate,” deputy national police spokesman Anucha Romyanan told AFP. The spike in violence has been largely confined to areas close to the opposition rallies, which tourists have been urged to avoid, particularly after dark.

But foreigners can still be seen wandering around several protest sites, which often resemble street markets and sit next to major hotels, shopping malls and Lumpini Park.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is under intense pressure to step down, with the protesters calling for an unelected “people’s council” to tackle what they see as corruption and a culture of

money politics.

Her supporters say they will not accept the removal of an elected government by the protesters, military or the courts, raising fears of a protracted standoff.

Yingluck has been summoned by an anti-graft panel on Thursday to hear charges of neglect of duty in connection with a rice subsidy scheme that the opposition says is rife with corruption.

If found guilty she could be removed from office and face a five-year ban from politics.

Yingluck flew to the northern city of Chiang Rai yesterday to inspect government-backed projects, saying she might not attend the National AntiCorruption Commission (NACC) hearing.

“I have not yet made up my mind,” she told reporters when

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME OBASOHAN – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Patience Obasohan now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oronsaye Patience Nogadoteki. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and general public should please take note.

YUSUFU – I, formerly called Miss Queen Yusufu is now known and called Mrs. Queen Aferomoh. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

asked if she would face the panel.

NACC commissioner Vicha Mahakhun said Yingluck’s lawyer had informed the panel that he would represent her at the hearing.

“If she doesn’t show up we can send the documents by registered mail,” Vicha said.

Officials denied the premier was on the run from protesters, who have vowed to pursue her wherever she goes and have besieged state buildings where she has held cabinet meetings since the occupation of her headquarters in December.

“She is not avoiding the political situation in Bangkok,” said Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt.

CHANGE OF NAME ADEOYE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeoye Bola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bola Suleiman Muhammed Oshiaphi. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

HONG KONG — The former editor of a Hong Kong newspaper whose abrupt dismissal in January sparked protests over press freedom is in critical condition after being hacked yesterday by an assailant with a meat cleaver, police said.

Police said a man wearing a motorcycle helmet attacked Kevin Lau in a residential neighborhood and then fled on a motorcycle driven by another man.

Lau was hospitalized in critical condition with slashes in his back and legs, said Kwan Kingpan, acting superintendent of Hong Kong Police.

Police did not announce any motive for the attack and appealed to the public for information.

Lau, 49, was named editor of

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Mrs. Taiye Idomeh wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Taiye Imoriafe and Johnson Taiye as appeared in my various documents. Henceforth, I am properly known and addressed as Mrs. Taiye Idomeh. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note

ADDITION OF NAME

We, wish to bring for the information of the general public that we formerly known and addressed as Omorodion Blessing (ii) Omorodion Gloria (iii) Omorodion Yvonne now wish to be known and addressed as (i) Omorodion Blessing Eloghosa (ii) Omorodion Gloria Efomo (iii) Omorodion Yvonne Osarugue. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOSPEL MIRACLE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE SAGAMU

The solemnization of marriage between former Miss Adizetu Oyibo Momoh and Mr. Abdulrazaki Omokhia Ikhumete on Saturday 15th February, 2014 at the Legacy Hall, Plot 5, Abacha Road, G.R.A Phase 3 Opposite Agip Junction, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Picture shows couple cutting their wedding cake.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. Pastor Steve Akpata - Member/General Overseer 2. Dr. Samuel Johnson – Member 3. Patron Isaac Oluyemi – Member 4. Pastor Michael B. Adebanjo – Member 5. L/Evang. H.F. Johnson – Member 6. Pastor Emma C. Inya – Member 7. L/Evang Comfort Oyelowo – Member 8. Mr. Maduabuchi Ogbodo - Member AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To propagate, spread, advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ, train ministers to achieve this objective.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Pastor Steve Akpata Member/Gen. Overseer

German Court Axes 3 Per Cent Hurdle For EU Vote

BERLIN — Germany’s top court has scrapped a requirement for parties to win at least 3 percent of the vote to get into the European Parliament, raising the likelihood that extremists could win seats in May’s European election.

The Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe said the 3 percent hurdle was a “serious infringement” of parties’ rights

to be treated equally.

The decision means smaller parties such as Germany’s farright National Democratic Party could win seats in May’s European Parliament elections.

Germany is the European Union’s most populous country and will have 96 lawmakers in the 751-member legislature, which is elected by proportional representation.

In Berlin, Justice Minister

Heiko Maas said that without the legal hurdle, it was now up to all of society to prevent extremists from getting elected.

Larger parties had argued the threshold prevents an unwieldy number of different groups in parliament.

There is a 5 percent threshold for elections to Germany’s

national parliament, a result of the country’s experience during the Weimar Republic when a wide range of parties failed to prevent Adolf Hitler from coming to power.

That threshold is deemed necessary to ensure the formation and survival of stable German governments. However,

the European Parliament, while it can approve, reject and amend legislation, does not form an EU administration.

One party that already looked likely to benefit from the lower threshold in the European election is Alternative for Germany, which advocates an end to the euro in its current form and fell just short of 5 percent support in last September’s national election. In that vote, the National Democratic Party polled 1.3 percent.

Assailant Hacks Ex-Hong Kong Editor the respected Ming Pao newspaper in 2012 but was replaced last month by a Malaysian journalist with no local experience. Lau was transferred to the parent company’s electronic publishing unit. The move raised fears among journalists that the newspaper’s owners were moving to curb aggressive reporting on human rights and corruption in China.

The Hong Kong Journalists Association said it was shocked and angered by the attack, calling it a “serious provocation to Hong Kong press freedom.” Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying visited Lau at the hospital and told reporters, “We strongly condemn this savage act.”

Freedom of speech and the press is a growing concern in the semiautonomous Chinese city, where such rights are guaranteed by its miniconstitution. On Sunday, thousands of people took to the streets to protest Lau’s dismissal and other recent cases, including the ouster of an outspoken radio host and reports that Beijing-backed businesses were pulling ads from some newspapers over editorial stances.

Hong Kong slipped three places to 61st place on the latest World Press Freedom Index compiled by media watchdog Reporters without Borders, which said Beijing’s growing influence is jeopardizing media independence. Hong Kong ranked 18th on the group’s inaugural index in 2002.

US Warns Banks To Watch For Ousted Ukraine Leader U.S. - The U.S. Treasury warned banks has to be on the look-out for potentially suspicious transfers of financial assets by Ukraine’s fugitive President Viktor Yanukovich or members of his inner circle.

Yanukovich is on the run after being toppled by bloody street protests in which police snipers killed demonstrators.

An advisory from the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) said that U.S. financial institutions “should be aware of the possible impact that public reports of high-level corruption by senior members of the Yanukovich administration and other illicit activity by members of the administration may have on patterns of financial activity”.

FinCEN said it was reminding banks they were required to apply “enhanced scrutiny” to accounts held by Yanukovich or his circle “and to monitor transactions that could potentially represent misappropriated or diverted state assets”.

Ukraine’s parliament voted on Tuesday to send Yanukovich to the International Criminal Court over police violence against protesters which it said had led to the deaths of more than 100 citizens of Ukraine and other states.

IN his prophecy which has been handed down to us in the Bible, Jesus spoke of the EndTime and of the last judgement (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21).

End Time, according to Herbert Vollmann does not mean the end of the world, as is often assumed, but, the end of a great epoch. Thereafter, begins the New Time, in which the Kingdom of God is to be established on earth, the thousand-year Kingdom of peace.

The transition from the old to the New Time is formed by the Cosmic Turning-Point linked with the world judgment, also, called the last or final judgment. Without the world judgement, the New Time cannot begin, because, there must first be a thorough cleansing from all evil, so that, the foundation for the new kingdom will be pure and clear.

For mankind, the world judgement signifies the time of harvest, bringing them the fruits which in the course of thousands of years they have cultivated through their volition that the bad fruits far outweigh the others is borne out by the hostile attitude of most men, often of unsurpassable intensity, towards God and this laws.

The cause of this lies in the happening that has hitherto been designated as the “fall of man” and accept without understanding the fall of man brought about incisive changes in the development of the whole of mankind.

How it really took place has remained a mystery until now and without the knowledge of it the world judgement cannot be understood.

Therefore, it is worth considering the fall of man more closely, at the same time also, taking into account the biblical statement. The human beings who lived on earth in the childhood days of mankind were still simple and natural in their being.

They willingly bowed to the laws of nature and grate’s fully accepted every help offered them from the luminous regions.

The spirit in them awakened more and more and with its awakening, there also, grew the longing for the light.

Beauty and wisdom vollamnn said blossomed forth. The earth had become a great, flowering and fertile garden, like an image of the Gardens of the heavenly paradise.

But then, shadow upon shadow began gradually to descend upon the splendour of this earthly paradise and to darken the earth. Lucifer, the Archangel from the Divine Kingdom, who was sent into creation to bring men the enlightenment of the

The End-Time principle of helping and supporting love. Instead of teaching the right use of the intellect, necessary as an instrument on earth, he seduced men into cultivating the intellect one-sidedly and thereby into placing it above the spirit. And men succumbed to the temptation.

This was the beginning of the fall of man. It was the decisive moment when man pondered about himself, when he began to become conscious of his own

striving of their charges on earth.

Man thereby, shut himself out of his true home, the heavenly paradise itself from which he had once set out as an unconscious seed-grain.

The further he distanced himself from God, the more desperately, he sought to bring to the fore his perishable brain as the producer of thoughts and intellect, in place of his spirit.

The spiritual intuitive

ultimate, “to be as God”, in their boundless presumption and arrogant selfglorification to regard themselves as Divine or at least, able eventually to become so.

The fall of man is impressively described in the Bible. Let us read some extracts about it. “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the tree of

personality, not however with the humility and unassumingness of the spirit, but with the calculating, arrogant cleverness of the earthly intellect. This was now made the measure of all things.

Lucifer could never compel man to do this, because he too had to heed the free will of men, which is anchored in the spiritual nature. They have freedom of choice to turn aside the temptation with the help of God or to succumb to through men’s failure the links with the luminous heights were loosened. Deep grief overt the increasing darkness of the human spirit filled the many helpers in the beyond, who are always concerned with the upward-

perception was replaced by imagination, which in turn is called forth by the intellect in conjunction with physical feeling. The sense of beauty had to give way to the craving for pomp and vanity. Finally, men became slaves of their instrument, the distorted intellect.

Fraud and deception, slavery and force, sensuality and lust, discontent, envy, hatred and murder are some of the evil consequences.

But above all is the lure of the great tempter “And ye shall be as God”. (Gen. 3,5).

That is to say, the human spirits, who as the uttermost precipitation of the spiritual species are further away from the Divine Kingdom, did not shrink even from the

knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it, for in the day that thou eatest therefore, thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2, 16 and 17).

“And the serpent said unto the woman, ye shall not surely die. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then you eyes shall be opened and ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and it was pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one, wise, she took of the fruit thereof and did eat, and gave also, unto her husband with her and he did eat” (Gen. 3, 4-6).

The happening of the first fall of man, so incisive for all mankind, is descried in the

Man And Nature With O.C. MADU 08056379608 Bible in simple and striking words. If we reconcile this description with the presentday ability to comprehend, then we must not forget that here, it is a matter of the allegorical rendering of a spiritual happening.

Moreover, the temptation did not take place in the heavenly

The death threatened in the allegory, however, refers not to the earthly but to the spiritual, the eternal death, the effacing of the personality that has become conscious of itself. It occurs when man be rejected as a useless stone in creation (Vollmann, 1985).

Lucifer enticed men to

paradise, but on earth, where man had already been living for sometime (Vollmann, 1985).

The Biblical words about the offering and taking of the apple were meant to convey that woman became conscious of the effects of her charm upon man and also, made use of them. He responded to them and for is part sought to draw the attention of woman to himself, he was free to obey the will of God alone, without first having to know and experience evil at all.

But he allowed himself to be led astray to such an extent by the serpent, by which is meant intellectual cleverness, that a threat of death had to be pronounced against him.

cultivate their intellect onesidedly and thereby, awakened the recognition of their vanity and the desire to enjoy more of it. Men could not resist the temptation to eat of the fruit of the “tree of knowledge”. In the slow development towards consciousness of themselves they came to know the concept of good and evil, but they used the ability of free decision to turn evil and out of vanity and presumption they enjoyed the wrong recognition.

For thousands of years now, Herbert Vollmann said mankind of their own free will have placed themselves under the domination of the intellect, as a consequence of the fall of man and of hereditary sin. Yet, sins as such are not handed, down, but as there is only physical heredity, only the physical cause of hereditary sin is passed on, the over-cultivated fronted brain (intellectual brain), which ever again harbours the danger of suppressing the spirit through its exaggerated, unnatural use.

“For mankind, the world judgement signifies the time of harvest, bringing them the fruits which in the course of thousands of years they have cultivated through their volition that the bad fruits far outweigh the others is borne out by the hostile attitude of most men, often of unsurpassable intensity, towards God and this laws”

Chelsea Fans Feared Stabbed InChelsea Istanbul Supporters’ Group

CHELSEA supporters were feared to have been involved in trouble in Istanbul on the eve of the club’s Champions League match against Galatasaray.

A source with knowledge of the situation told Press Association Sport that two Chelsea supporters were believed to have been stabbed on Tuesday evening, although it was understood neither required any hospital treatment.

Earlier in the evening, a spokeswoman for the

Mel ‘Facing Sack After Just Six Games’

PEPE Mel’s position at West Bromwich Albion is under threat, according to reports.

The 50-year-old Spaniard moved to the Hawthorns in January as a replacement for Steve Clarke, who was sacked in December, but, with the Baggies yet to record a win under him, his position is said to be under threat.

With West Brom just a point above the relegation zone and the players apparently struggling to come to terms with the Spaniard’s preference for a high pressing game, chairman Jeremy Peace may be forced into action, a number of media outlets reported early on Wednesday.

The club have won only four Premier League games this season and the players are thought to favour a return to the counterattacking approach that saw them record an eighth-place finish last season.

Such is the speculation surrounding Mel’s future, Betfair have suspended betting on his possible departure.

Pepe Mel

expressed surprise at the suggestion of problems facing visiting fans, saying the atmosphere in the city was peaceful.

English fans have been victims of violence in Istanbul before, with Leeds fans Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight stabbed to death before a UEFA Cup tie in 2000.

The Foreign Office later confirmed it was investigating reports of the incidents which took place around Taksim Square.

“We are looking into reports,” said a Foreign Office spokeswoman. “We have had no confirmation of an incident. If confirmed we stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Inter Lining Up Obi Mikel

CHELSEA midfielder John Obi Mikel could be set to end his eight-year stay at Stamford Bridge, with a move to Inter in the summer.

The Nigerian international has fallen down the pecking order at the Bridge this season, featuring in just nine starting line-ups in the Premier League thus far.

The 26-year-old finds himself behind the likes of Ramires, Frank Lampard and Nemanja Matic and the tough competition has sparked rumours that a new chapter could be opened at Inter.

According to reports emanating from Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Mikel is being lined up by Nerazzurri boss Walter Mazzarri for a £12.3million move to San Siro.

The club has a bigger budget to mangle with next summer after new owner Erick Thohir is eager to bring in some big talent to help restore Inter back to its glory days.

John Obi Mikel

Keane Seethes At ‘Flat’ United

FORMER Manchester United captain Roy Keane took a shot at Michael Carrick and warned that some players will have no future at the club after the Red Devils suffered a painful 2-0 Champions League defeat to Olympiacos. well, next game, next game’.

Keane also claimed For some of them there manager David Moyes won’t be another game for would have been “shocked at the lack of quality” in the team he inherited from Sir Alex Ferguson last summer, and ridiculed the theory that the Premier League is the strongest in the world.

Speaking on ITV, Keane reacted sharply to a postmatch interview from Carrick, who succeeded him in the United midfield in the mid-2000s, in which his demeanour appeared jolted by what he had experienced.

“That interview was just like the performance: flat.

He should say a bit more, have a bit more urgency even in his interview,” Keane said.

“That just reflected United’s performance tonight: flat, with no urgency.

Roy keane “They keep saying, ‘Ah,

them. That’s the reality.”

Keane was an on-field motivator in his playing days but he fears there is insufficient quality in the current United squad to make a serious impact in

European football.

“I don’t think any of us could have predicted that,” he said after United’s miserable surrender in the Athens district of Piraeus.

“They (United) just never turned up.

“They (Olympiacos) were very, very good and technically they were better than United tonight.”

Pressed on where United’s problems this season have arisen from, Keane said: “There’s a number of things: new manager, new ideas. United have missed out on some players over the past two years.

“There’s some players playing tonight for Man United who just aren’t showing enough quality.”

Moyes ‘surprised’ by awful United Manchester United manager David Moyes was at a loss to explain his side’s 2-0 d…

He added: “I think United need six top quality players.

“I would think David Moyes has been shocked. I think when he went into United in the summer he probably looked at the players and was expecting great things.

“Privately he’s probably been shocked at the lack of quality that he’s working with.”

United, Manchester City and Arsenal have all now suffered 2-0 first-leg defeats in the last 16, with Chelsea looking to avoid suffering such a disappointing outcome when they face Galatasaray on Wednesday.

Keane claims expectation of Premier League success in Europe is misguided.

“We’ve been brainwashed by this ‘Premier League is the best league in the world’ (talk),” Keane said.

“Nonsense. It’s the best brand, but we’ve seen over the past few weeks with a lot of the English teams struggling that these teams have fallen behind the top teams in Europe, and United in particular.”

Eto’o Annoyed By Mourinho - Le Roy

CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho believes the French media acted in an unethical manner and should be embarrassed by their actions.

In Tuesday’s news conference ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League game at Galatasaray, Mourinho criticised Canal Plus for publishing comments in which he jokingly cast doubt over the age of 32-year-old Eto’o — and the qualities of all the

strikers in his squad — in a private conversation.

The Chelsea manager branded the French broadcaster’s decision to do so a “disgrace” but Le Roy — speaking on the Canal Plus show Talents d’Afrique — said Eto’o had spoken to him of his anger at Mourinho.

“I had [Eto’o] on the phone just before I came on screen, and he’s very annoyed,” said Le Roy, 66, who has coached

Cameroon twice during a long coaching career in Africa.

“Actually, Mourinho went to see him before he saw the pictures and told him to not believe everything that was going to be said. And that he had said nothing about him.

But I can tell you that Samuel didn’t like it.”

Mourinho told media in Istanbul they should be “embarrassed” by Canal Plus airing what he claimed was

part of an off-the-record conversation.

However, the French TV station offered a robust defence of its actions, arguing Mourinho was fully aware the comments were being filmed.

“These are not stolen images,” Herve Mathoux, the presenter and chief editor of the show which broadcast the Mourinho interview on Sunday, is quoted as saying by footballmercato.web.

“The camera wasn’t 10 metres away, it’s not on zoom.

You could see the red light and he was clearly aware he was being filmed, especially as he’s someone who comes across cameras so often and who is used to the media.

“Mourinho perhaps did not want to fully assume what he had said. He could have come and seen the journalist and asked us not to use the images.

He did not make any special request.”

Boys From Brazil Struggle To Manage In Europe

BRAZILIAN players can be seen in key roles at almost every major league match in Spain, England, Germany and Italy, but that success has yet to be tasted by the country’s managers, who have failed to make as big an impact from the dugout.

Of the 16 managers in this month’s Champions League knock-out stage, three are from South America but none are from Brazil.

While various South Americans have made the grade in Europe, only two Brazilians have taken charge of the continent’s top flight clubs in recent times, with Vanderlei Luxemburgo lasting 11 months at Real Madrid in 2005 and Luiz Felipe Scolari fired after eight months in charge of Chelsea in 2008.

There are a plethora of reasons behind Brazil’s lack of success on Europe’s sidelines, including the language barrier, a domestic culture that is emotional and hierarchical, a market that offers managers big salaries at home and an exaggerated rhythm of hiring and firing that makes it difficult for coaches to develop skills.

“Brazilian coaches were never really invited to work in Europe,” Paulo Autuori, a twotime Copa Libertadores winner with Cruzeiro and Sao Paulo, told Reuters.

“The last two, Felipao and Vanderlei, were considered top of the line here in Brazil but they didn’t work out.

“People always say that Brazilian coaches aren’t good enough, that it’s the players who come out of Brazil that are top class, not the managers.”

Another issue concerns

formal qualifications. In Brazil, coaches need no training and few go to Europe to get the badges that are now seen as a requirement at all but the least ambitious clubs.

The Brazilian Association of Football Coaches recently reformulated its coaching courses to introduce four levels of badges and thus help local coaches broach the European market, said Fernando Pires, one of the association’s directors.

They have already held courses at Levels 1 and 2, and

will hold Level 3 at the end of this year and Level 4 in 2015, once they have enough qualified candidates.

“We need to help our coaches be better prepared to get jobs in Europe,” said Pires, a former player in Brazil and Portugal.

Brazilian football was also far too insular with almost no managers hired from outside

Sepp Blatter

Minnows Gibraltrar For Euro Baptism Fire

IT was almost inevitable that when the draw for the 2016 European Championship qualifiers took place on Sunday, tiny Gibraltar would find themselves together with Spain.

The British Overseas Territory, little more than a rock jutting out of the bottom of the Iberian peninsula, has long been the source of tension between Spain and Britain.

Spain’s political claim to Gibraltar was behind their decision to vote against them being accepted as the newest members of UEFA last year, although that was not enough to block their entry.

It was, however, enough to persuade UEFA to prevent them from playing in the same group in the Euro 2016 campaign, Gibraltar’s first with the international big boys, so when they came out alongside Spain in Group C on Sunday in Nice, a quick alteration was made to place them in Group D instead.

Rather than playing the reigning world and European champions, they will come up against Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Poland, Scotland and Georgia.

It is arguably the most daunting of the nine qualifying

groups for the 24-team finals in France, but Gibraltar, with its population of around 30,000, are just delighted to be a part of it all.

“We’re extremely happy with the draw and we’ve got Germany there as arguably the biggest name within the group,” the Gibraltar Football Association’s CEO Dennis Beiso, told AFP. “But also the fact that we’ve drawn Scotland and the Republic of Ireland is very symbolic. We have excellent relations with both associations, we have done for a good number of years now, and to be able to welcome them to our home away from home in Portugal, but also to be able to go to Dublin and Glasgow, is just absolutely tremendous for us.”

Just as they did in November, when they held Slovakia to a goalless draw in a friendly, Gibraltar will play their games in Faro on Portugal’s Algarve while they await construction of an 8,000-capacity venue on the rock itself.

That, Beiso says, will be ready by September 2016, when they hope to have been accepted by FIFA to play a part in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. He admits the step up to the international big time has led to a “momentous change on and off the pitch” for Gibraltar, but now the preparations will begin in earnest for their opening qualifier, which will be at ‘home’ in Faro against Poland on Sunday, September 7.

Gibraltar have implemented the same eligibility rules as the home nations, meaning that any player wishing to represent the national team must either have been born there or have direct family links.

The 49-year-old coach Allen Bula admits that his talent pool is probably the smallest of any UEFA member as a result - even San Marino has a population of 33,000. But he has introduced British-based professionals such as veteran former Manchester United defender Danny Higginbotham and Scott Wiseman of Preston North End

to help out the team.

“I’m looking at the long-term.

I need the right balance and the right players to give us more professionalism on and off the field and help our local players who have been there for quite a lot of years,” said Bula.

He was delighted to see Gibraltar drawn with Scotland, acknowledging that it will be a special occasion for his Scottish assistant David Wilson. But understandably the team’s aims will be modest during the coming campaign.

“We want to have a dignified run through the qualifiers, to give a good account of ourselves against Germany in particular, and also perhaps try to finish fourth or fifth within the group. That would be a tremendous achievement,” said Beiso.

As for their feelings when they saw Gibraltar initially paired with Spain, Bula expressed his wish that one day the two neighbours will be allowed to meet on the pitch.

“We smiled because we had the feeling that could happen (with the draw). I would have liked to have played in that group and I am sure that in the future football will be above politics.”

Brazil, let alone the rest of the world, Pires said. That means players, many of whom go on to become managers, lack tactical awareness.

“I played in Portugal and there were always foreign managers there with their different schools of thought,” he said.

“Even though Brazil has won the World Cup five times, we haven’t kept up with tactical developments elsewhere because we are very closed. We were never worried about learning from others because we were so good.”

Pires pointed to embarrassing defeats at international level.

Two of the last three Libertadores champions were humiliated when they went to the World Club Cup, with Santos getting hammered 4-0 by Barcelona in 2011 and Atletico Mineiro not even making the final against Bayern Munich last December after losing 3-1 to Raja Casablanca.

“It is not a coincidence,” Autuori added. “If you look at these games the opponents were better. In the past when Brazil had so many great players, we could flummox other teams and throw them off balance.

“We were unpredictable and that doesn’t happen much anymore.”

Brazilian managers also command a wage that all but the top European clubs can afford and few entertain the idea of leaving a big Brazilian club to join a second-tier one elsewhere.

“I think it is has a lot to do with the fact that Brazilian clubs pay well,” said Marcos Paqueta, a former manager of Flamengo, Fluminense and the Saudi Arabia national team, who is now working in the United Arab Emirates, one place where Brazilian managers can cash in.

“Managers tend to stay in Brazil because they earn more.”

The language barrier is another key issue. Few Brazilian managers speak Spanish or Italian, much less English, and the inability to communicate with players was cited as part of the reason Luxemburgo and Scolari failed in Spain and England.

Another reason is that Brazilian managers are more motivators than coaches.

Many managers fulfil a father figure role - Scolari famously won the World Cup as head of the celebrated “Scolari family” - but player power means that attitude no longer works in Europe.

“If you went into the dressing room at Real Madrid and appealed to emotion, the players would laugh at you,” columnist Renato Mauricio Prado said on Fox Sports recently.

Perhaps a greater reason is stability. Brazilian clubs hire and fire managers at will, with some clubs using up to half a dozen managers in the one season.

Although the situation has

improved slightly in recent years, three defeats in a row still spells crisis in Brazil and few managers spend more than a year at one club.

That made it hard for them to grow technically or develop their own style, or styles, of play, said Autuori.

“It’s a tactical orgy here in Brazil,” he said in a telephone interview.

“A manager plays four at the back one week and plays that way until he loses. Then he shifts to three central defenders and it stays that way for a few weeks. When he loses he changes things again. Coaches don’t have time, they just want to survive.

“People are always saying Brazilian coaches need to modernise their tactics,” the Atletico Mineiro manager added.

“And that’s a fair criticism.”

To make matters worse, Brazilian coaches rarely get involved in the signing of players, long-term planning, or the day-to-day running of the club.

Paqueta said that those restrictions force them to concentrate solely on tactics.

He disagreed with Autuori, however, and believed the daily challenges faced by Brazilian managers made them more rounded.

Tite, who guided Corinthians to World Club Cup success over Chelsea in 2012, was one such example, he said.

“In Brazil you have to work with what you have, so you are at the mercy of the players that are there,” he said.

“There are a lot more variables at work in Brazil, from the travel to the climate to the philosophy. I think Brazilians managers are prepared to work at any level.”

Nevertheless, big European clubs are clearly reluctant to hand over the reins to coaches without managerial and administrative experience.

They were also suspicious of men who came from a culture in which the manager was God and brooked no opposition, said Manuel da Lupa, who hired and fired dozens of coaches during nine years as president of Portuguesa.

“Brazilian managers need to be more flexible,” da Lupa added.

“Coaches dealing with the likes of (Lionel) Messi, or Cristiano Ronaldo or (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, they need to get inside their heads. Brazilian managers are more authoritarian.”

Murray Bounces Back To Victory In Mexico

ANDY Murray had to come from a set down to beat Pablo Andujar 3-6 6-1 6-2 in the first round of the Acapulco International.

Kukushkin of Kazakhstan.

The British number one Ferrer, a three-times looked to be in considerable champion on the clay of trouble when Andujar Acapulco between 2010 followed up the first set and 2012 and runner-up last with a break in the first year, took an hour and 27 game of the second. minutes to seal victory, However, Murray rallied although he converted just and rattled off the three of 16 break points. remaining six games of the The Spaniard will next set to comfortably send the play his compatriot match to a decider.

Feliciano Lopez, who saw The Scot had two breaks off Frenchman Edouard of serve in the deciding set Roger-Vasselin 6-4 6-2. to see out the match in “I’m not thinking about exactly two hours and book the final, I’m only in the a last-16 tie against Joao second round”, Ferrer said.

Sousa, who earlier beat “Now I’m only thinking Adrian Mannarino 1-6 6-2 about playing my best 6-2. tennis against Feliciano Earlier, top seed David Lopez, he’s a good player I Ferrer opened his campaign need to give my best to beat with a regulation 6-2 6-3 him”. win over Mikhail Ferrer has been in fine

form since the start of the Latin American claycourt swing, winning the tournament in Buenos Aires and reaching the semifinals in Rio de Janeiro last week.

“Playing in Buenos Aires was not in my plans”, said Ferrer who replaced Rafael Nadal in Argentina. “I’m tired, but I will not be making any excuses, I need to take a rest now and get well for the rest of the tournament”.

John Isner fell at the first hurdle as the third seed dropped to a 7-6(4) 7-6(5) defeat to Croatia’s Ivo

Karlovic in a battle of the big-servers that saw Croatian Karlovic fire down 15 aces to the American’s eight.

The match was settled by two tie-breaks, meaning the pair are now tied for the record of most consecutive tie-break sets played, matching Ivan Ljubicic and Marat Safin’s eight in a row.

There were also wins for high seeds Grigor Dimitrov, Kevin Anderson, Gilles Simon and Ernests Gulbis, but eighth seed Vasek Pospisil was bounced out by Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-2 6-2.

Al Ahly Ranks Most Successful Club THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) have confirmed that Egyptian giants Al Ahly have overtaken Milan as the club

‘Sexist’ Cup Shirts Withdrawn After Brazil Complaint BRAZIL forced the withdrawal Tuesday of a line of World Cup shirts bearing suggestive motifs seen as harming the country’s image.

Following a complaint by the state tourist board, official cup sponsor Adidas withdrew the shirts, which had gone on sale in the United States.

One of the designs depicts a heart completing the phrase “I love Brazil” but curved to suggest a tangaclad female backside.

Another had a picture postcard view of Rio’s Sugarloaf Mountain and a woman in a bikini holding a football with the double entendre strapline: “Lookin’ to score.”

State tourism body Embratur said it “strongly

Sepp Bltter

repudiates the commercialization of products linking Brazil’s image with sex” and had contacted Adidas to demand the shirts be withdrawn.

Brazil’s minister of state for women, Eleonora Menicucci, also complained of a “lack of respect towards our country.”

“It is unacceptable for a multinational producer of sports goods such as Adidas to sell T-shirts bearing images and phrases linking Brazil to sex tourism,” she said.

Adidas responded by saying it was withdrawing the products, adding: “It is important to stress that this was a limited edition range which was only available in the US.” Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff says the World Cup host is happy to welcome foreign visitors — around 600,000 are expected for the June 12 to July 13 tournament.

But she has said the country will not tolerate sex tourism and will boost measures to combat it.

Al Ahly Celebrates

with the most internationally recognised titles.

The Egyptian outfit were given their sixth African Super Cup title last Thursday, the club’s 19th international trophy and one which sees them oust the Rossoneri who have 18 pieces of silverware.

It comes as a blow for the San Siro club who, for a long time, used their history of prestigious wins and trophies as a way to cover up their fall from being one of the world’s best clubs.

CAF’s statement was issued to stop the debate concerning the number of Ahly’s glories, which was sparked on Saturday after Milan vice-president and CEO Adriano Galliani said that his side would look into the Egyptian’s past achievements to determine their authenticity.

“We will evaluate whether their trophies are all approved.

If we find that this is true, we will still remain the most titled club in Europe,” Galliani was quoted as saying by Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

Muntari, Essien And Asa In Ghana Squad

ITALIAN based Ghanaians Sulley Muntari, Michael Essien and Kwadwo Asamoah have all been called up to Kwesi Appiah’s squad set to

Michael Essien

take on Montenegro in a friendly match.

The Black Stars will begin their preparation for the 2014 World Cup next month when they take on the Eastern

European nation on March 5 at the Stadium Pod Goricum in Podgorica.

Appiah, who confirmed his squad on Tuesday, has opted to include Asamoah and Muntari in the team, along with Milan’s January arrival Essien.

The latter has only recently started to enjoy regular game time on the field after he fell down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea.

Also plying his trade on Italian soil and who has also been called up for the friendly match is Udinese’s Emmanuel Agyemang Badu.

Ghana squad: Goalkeepers: Adam Kwarasey (Stromgodset, Norway), Stephen Adams (Aduana Stars) Defenders: Harrison Afful (Esperance, Tunisia), Samuel Inkoom (Platanias, Greece), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege,

Belgium), David Addy (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal), Jerry Akaminko (Eskisehirspor, Turkey), John Boye (Rennes, France), Jonathan Mensah (Evian, France) Midfielders: Michael Essien (AC Milan, Italy), Sulley Muntari (AC Milan, Italy), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus, Italy), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke, Germany), Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (Udinese, Italy), Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough, England), Mubarak Wakaso (Rubin Kazan, Russia), Christian Atsu (Vitesse Arnhem, Holland), Andre Ayew (Marseille, France) Strikers: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain, UAE), Abdul Majeed Waris (Valenciennes, Italy), Jordan Ayew (Marseille, France)

Alli Urges Sustained Grassroots Talent Hunt LAGOS - A former Commonwealth Long Jump Champion, Yusuf Alli, on Tuesday advocated a sustained grassroots sports development programme to nurture budding talents.

Alli told newsmen Lagos that there was the need to go back to the drawing board to scout for potential world class talents through schools’ sports.

He said that schools’ sports would launch Nigeria back into success in track and field events.

“Usain Bolt featured in schools’ sports, likewise I; when I went to the Moscow Olympics, I was still a student.

“If we can get students to show more interest in athletics, we can produce world class talents.

“Through such a gradual programme, the incidence of age cheating in sports will be reduced; we need to get them

young,’’ he said.

He stressed the need for mentoring of athletes from early stages to encourage them to make a career in sports.

“Nigeria has the same terrain and structure like Jamaica; so, I see no reason we cannot produce more world beaters.

Alli, however, commended the National Sports Commission for efforts in sports development.

Grassroots Soccer

Edo Youth League Kicks Off Today

By OUR REPORTER

being organised by Edo THE 13th edition of the annual Edo State Youth Youth Soccer Club Soccer League for under 13 and 17 youth teams in Coaches Association the state, will kick off today at the Emotan College (ESYCCA).

A statement by ESYCCA playground, Wire Road, Benin City.

Uwadiae discovering young football chairman, The youth soccer fiesta said the talents at the grassroots, is Sampele, which is aimed at H o n o u r a b l e Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Chris Okaeben who has been designated the Special Guest of Honour, will declare the tournament open.

Other dignitaries expected to grace today’s Mr. Chris opening ceremony are Okaeben, Hon. Chief Oyuki Obaseki (JP)

Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Edo State

NFA To Conduct FIFA Players’ Agents Examination April 3

ABUJA- The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) on Tuesday in Abuja said it would conduct this year’s FIFA Players’ Agents examination on Thursday, April 3.

A statement by NFA’s Assistant Director (Communications), Ademola Olajire, said this was a followup to a circular from world football-governing body FIFA on the matter.

The NFA said the examination would be the last of such, as the current licensing system would be abandoned as from this year’s summer.

According to reports that this had followed the endorsement by the FIFA Congress on May 31, 2013 in Mauritius of the new approach

Aminu Maigari

on Players’ Agents Regulations.

The statement said FIFA’s circular was dated January 31, 2014 and signed by Markus Kattner, its Deputy General Secretary.

“It (the circular) explained that the world body would send to each National Association a total of 15 questions which relate to the international regulations.

“The National Association, which is NFA in this case, will be required to set five questions on national subjects, and such questions shall be set as multiple choice test.

“In order to avoid potential

irregularities, the examination will be scheduled for one day only.

“FIFA has the sole authority to set questions relating to international subjects. All associations are therefore strictly forbidden from setting their own questions relating to international subjects.

“In the event of any violation in this regard, FIFA will not recognise the examination results from the association(s)

concerned.

“This will therefore render invalid all players agents’ licences which are awarded as a result of the respective examinations,’’ the NFA statement said.

It added that the FIFA circular also went ahead to remind all National Associations that each correct answer to any question shall be awarded one point only.

“A minimum of 60 minutes and maximum of 90 minutes will be allowed candidates for the examination,’’ the statement said.

Oliseh Praises Olaitan After Man Utd Shock FORMER Nigeria skipper Sunday Oliseh has said Olympiacos ace Michael Olaitan is ready for the World Cup. Olaitan has been overlooked by coach Stephen Keshi for next month’s World Cup warm-up against Mexico.

But Oliseh praised the ex-Flying Eagles star after his Greek club upset mighty Manchester United 2-0 in a UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday night, saying

Clubs To Now Present 25m Naira NIGERIA premier Guarantee will begin on March 7 as

league clubs are now to provide a bank guarantee of 25 million Naira (about $147,000) as against an earlier demand of 100 million Naira.

This followed Tuesday’s meeting between the League Management Company (LMC) and the 20 clubs in Abuja.

The LMC have also moved swiftly to cushion some financial hardships of the clubs by paying for the registration fees for the new season and insurance cover to ensure the league kicks

off on March 7 as announced.

Three clubs led by Giwa FC are to now formally ask for a special waiver to pay their players below the minimum monthly salary of 150,000 Naira.

“It was a very fruitful meeting and some of the lingering issues were thrashed out,” said a top club official.

“And as it is now we can safely say the league

who is the sponsor of the under-13 category and chairman of the occasion, and Mr. Ikpomwosa Edebiri, sponsor of the under-17 category who alongside the chairman of Edo Football Association, Chief Abel Ehigie, would double as guests of honour.

Barr. Gentleman Amegor will preside as the Father-of-the day.

According to the statement, more than 30 youth teams have already registered to participate in the 13 th Edo Youth League.

announced.”

Michael Olaitan

he could even gate crash on Nigeria’s World Cup party.

Olaitan may have played as the spearhead of his team’s attack, but he was involved in the second goal by Joel Campbell in the 55th minute.

Oliseh through his Twitter handle announced that Olaitan is ready for the World Cup in June.

“Olaitan impresses me every time. Tonight he has shown so much maturity and if he can play this vs Man .U, he is definitely ready for Brazil 2014,” Oliseh tweeted.

CMYK

Straightening Amaechi’s K-Leg

A man’s journey in life reminds us of the antelope and the lion.

When the antelope wakes up in the morning, it knows it must outrun the fastest lion, lest it would be consumed.

When the lion wakes up, it realizes that it must outrun the fastest antelope or it would starve to death. In either case, it is run, run, run.

That also explains why when the wise man wakes up, he prays for all the crooked ways around him to be straightened.

There is nothing here to suggest that on that fateful morning of December 2006, Chibuike Amaechi did not pray before leaving for the Port Harcourt Township Stadium. It was the age of imposition and Emperor Baba Obasanjo had determined to anoint another candidate, Celestine Omeha, who did not need to have gone through the usual nomination process. That was how Amaechi’s case quickly developed “k-leg”.

For once, a very serious matter sounded like a joke and so jokingly did many people take it. But Amaechi knew exactly what was involved. He headed for the courts.

Normally, it is easier to destroy than to rebuild. It takes one person to make a mistake and many people to correct it.

Ever since the K-leg pronouncement on Amaechi, things have not been the same. It took the Supreme Court to perform the first major surgery on the leg to enable Amaechi run around to seek more permanent remedy.

For Amaechi, it was clear that he had to work twice as hard as his counterparts with straight legs to be half as good as they. He realized that government is about service, the provision of

which is the sole justification for government. Before the advent of this administration, Rivers was a one-city State. Port Harcourt was the only city, but as will be seen in the paragraphs that follow, this administration has changed the definition of Rivers as a one-city State with the spreading of development efforts throughout the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

Again, Aba Road was the only real thoroughfare across Port Harcourt.

Other roads in the city were just narrow ravines that hardly took two cars going side by side. On a bad day, it was not unusual to be held up in traffic on one spot, on Aba Road, for upwards of four hours. Movement was absolutely horrendous.

But Port Harcourt is now a driver’s delight, with the dualizationand widening of Chief G.U. Ake Road, Okporo Road, ElekahiaRumuomasi Road and Ken Sarowiwa Road, among others.

The Rivers Monorail Project makes the boldest statement of them all.

Twice in my life, I have seen Obasanjo open his mouth in absolute bewilderment and he had difficulty in closing the mouth: the first was when he visited the Tinapa Resort in Cross River State years ago; and the second was the penultimate week, when he got to the Rivers Monorail Project in Port Harcourt. Even in its present state as work-inprogress, we agree with Obasanjo that it is a joy to behold. He describes it as a “landmark project and a reference point”.

We are not about to forget the Afam Power Project, which by Obasanjo’s estimation, places Rivers above all other States in the

country. Hear him: “Only Rivers State has the capacity to operate a monorail project. With the State generating about 700 megawatts of electricity, 200 megawatts can be allocated to the mono-rail project.” What a great projection!

In a single outing, the foregoing projects were commissioned along with

Diobu; and Professor Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Diobu, Port Harcourt, each of which is solid enough to sustain an average administration in good stead for an entire four year tenure.

These projects were picked by random selection for commissioning. Others

antelope and the lion, there are those who earnestly pray that Amaechi’s k-leg never gets straight. They are many and they come in various ways.

For instance, Amaechi believes that Dame Patience Jonathan

are ready. This k-leg is working hard while others with straight legs are hardly working. If it takes the k-leg to work this hard, we may as well begin to pray to be k-legged.

We now see the rationale in inviting Obasanjo to come and take part in straightening the very leg he deformed.

Like the case of the

“wanted to micro-manage governance in Rivers State but I refused”. The Jonathan administration went further to cede Rivers oil wells to neighbouring Bayelsa State where President Jonathan hails from and this, to Amaechi, amounts to gross injustice. He speaks further, “They took Soku oil wells from us and

• Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

the Model Primary Health Centre, Akpajo; Ambassador Nne Kurubo Model Secondary School, Eleme; the Songhai/ Rivers Farm, Bunu Tai; the Model Primary School, Ban-Ogoi, Tai; the mini football pitch at Niger/Bendel Streets; basketball pitch; volleyball court; St. Andrew’s Primary School, Mile One

they took 41 oil wells from Etche to Abia State” and they expect the man to remain quiet in the face of these injustices.

One bad turn deserves another.

While the case lasted, President Jonathan promised that the revenue accruing from the disputed oil wells would be kept in an Escrow account but before Amaechi knew what was happening, all the funds had been released to his neighbours, even when Rivers State won the cases in court. It was merely a pyrrhic victory! Their only agendum is to suffocate Amaechi and his government to death.

When Jonathan is not sitting on that k-leg, his wife is doing so, as happened in Okrika, when an elected Governor was yet speaking, an unelected first lady, so called, snatched the microphone from him.

And when the first lady is not on him, there is always an Mbu to unleash some onslaught! But to how much humiliation can one man be subjected?

In spite of it all, he weathers the storm and he has now moved to the APC where good people are not in short supply!

That is perhaps the final antidote to the k-leg!

“When Jonathan is not sitting on that k-leg, his wife is doing so, as happened in Okrika, when an elected Governor was yet speaking, an unelected first lady, so called, snatched the microphone from him.”

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