Nigerian observer 27 03 2014

THE NIGERIAN

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The Nigerian

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 38 • NO. 449• THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 20 14 • N 100.00

MOTORING Page 20

Car of the future

What next?

Knights of St John holds Lenten retreat

BENIN CITY - The Benin Grand Commandery and Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Knights of St. John International consisting of 25 Commanderies and 20 Ladies’ Auxiliaries in Edo and Delta State recently held

their 2014 Lenten Retreat at the ArchBishop Ekpu Retreat Centre, Oghara in Delta State.

Led by the Benin Grand Spiritual Director of the Order

Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Yakubu Gowon AbdulSalami, the Benin Grand President Noble Brig-Gen Joseph Ojobu and the Benin Grand Respected President Lady (Dr)

Florence Ngozi Ugorji, over 150 participants as Knights and Ladies, took time off their busy schedules to reflect on their lives penitently during the one-day retreat whose theme was “LENT:- A time to die Continues on page 2

been redesigned before it was re-awarded because we know that the project when completed will be another signature of this administration and we are doing everything possible to encourage the new Contractor to meet up with the new deadline”.

He said “I think from the assurance given by the

Contractor, hopefully by next week they will start work and in the next 9 months to 1 year from now, the job will be completed.

“Not only will the complex be completed, but it will be equipped with the state of the art hospital facilities because Government has

Govt re-awards Central Hospital project

By ADAMS OYIBOKE

MAN AND NATURE Page 27

If men were God

BENIN CITY-Edo State Government has reawarded the 5-Star Central Hospital Complex along Sapele Road in Benin City to Messrs S & A Construction Company with completion time of nine months. by a construction Governor Adams crane. A construction Oshiomhiole who worker died in the announced this to accident. reporters, yesterday, According to during his inspection of Oshiomhole, “just last projects in the state W e d n e s d a y, capital said the Government decided contractors are expected to direct the new to mobilize to site and Construction start construction within Company handling the next 14 days. the project work to go The hospital had back to site and suffered a setback, about resume work. two years ago, when “Again, even before parts of the structure now, the work has collapsed after it was hit

concluded plans with foreign expatriates that will supply the sophisticated equipment needed so that patients here will have no reasons to go abroad for treatment anymore”, he said.

Speaking on the level of work at the storm water

project, Governor Oshiomhole expressed satisfaction at the pace of work carried out by the Contractive Firm, but however expressed dismay at the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the moat.

According to him Continues on page 2

... signs deal with EU on Water supply, Sanitation BENIN CITY-Edo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Union Niger Delta Support Programme on Water Supply and Sanitation.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole who signed on behalf of the State Government said one of the basic challenges facing both urban and rural areas is lack of good water supply.

He said: “increasingly we are seeing the challenge of sanitation across the state. Our people still have a lot to learn with regards to basic sanitary habits.

“I am convinced that

we need to step up efforts in educating our people and above all enforcing laws as appropriate. We need to use a combination of carrot and stick. People who breach the laws have to be made to face the punishment prescribed by the laws.

So that way, the culture of impunity and the general attitude of people not appreciating the damage they are doing not only to their children but to other innocent members of their community will be stopped.”

The Governor noted “the composition of the members of the

TIT BIT “When good fortune comes, only then would some persons discover that the diary where they wrote “I will always be my brother’s keeper” is no longer convinient to carry about.”

- Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

committee is at the highest level of Government; various commissioners who by the nature of their assignment are supposed to be dealing with these issues. I am confident that we are in good hands.

He assured “on my part we have the necessary political leadership to drive the changes we have to drive and get people

INSPECTION: L-R: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Mrs. Joy Ifijeh, popular Edo Widow now Special Assistant to the Governor and Hon. Osarodion Ogie, Commissioner for Works during inspection of roads and other projects in Benin City, Edo State yesterday.

House passes University of Education Bill

Continues on page 2

By KEN ABU

BENIN CITY- Edo State House of Assembly yesterday passed into law a bill establishing the Edo

State University of Education Ekiadolor thereby repealing the law establishing the College of Education Ekiadolor which was passed in 1988

pending the State Governor assent.

The passage of the Bill

into law by Parliament followed the clause by clause consideration of

Counsellor, Austin AllensIzirein, who at various times was Sports Editor,

Editor SUNDAY OBSERVER as well as

OBSERVER. He was Continues on page 2

Former OBSERVER Editor, Austin Allens forTheburial Saturday OBSERVER titles, Editor, Weekend

BENIN CITY-The death has been reported of veteran Journalist, writer, Pastor and

the bill in a committee of the whole after the House had earlier adopted the House Standing Committee on Education report on the bill which recommends that the bill be considered and passed into law.

According to the Continues on page 2

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

News Govt re-awards Central Hospital project Continued from page 1

“Government is making huge investments in the storm water project to solve the problem of erosion in Benin City, but I am afraid that in spite of Government’s efforts, you still see people throwing refuse in the moat, thereby blocking the waterways and making it flow back to cause serious havoc to people.

He added that people who built houses on the moats with impunity will be made to face the wrath of the law and be made to pay for the cost of

damage to Government property and for cost of demolition of such structures.

Oshiomhole inspected about 1.75 kilometer stretch of the storm water project beginning from Upper Lawani through Upper Mission, Obazee, Ogbebor, Isonoro down to Ewah Road terminating at Akpakpava axis of the Ikpoba slope.

He was also at DawnsonIyaro and TV Road by 5Junction. He frowned at the attitude of the Traders who display their wares on the walkway and called on the

people to have a change of attitude.

Earlier in an interview with some residents of Upper Lawani and Ewah Road areas, Mr. Ekhator said “Governor Oshiomhole has performed miraculously. He is wonderful and I wish APC in Edo State will leave him to continue his good work he has started. There is no Governor like him, infact he is a God sent”.

Mr. Tom Osunde was no different in his view when he said “any person who said he

justice to the Retreat topic by examining it inside out and highlighting the virtues of Lenten season vis-à-vis our Christian ways of life and our Faith.

The Lecture became more exciting and participatory when Knights and Ladies answered questions about what their Patron-Saint: St

John the Baptist would have done to themselves and other Nigerians were he to resurrect and interact with us today as sins and vices have become commonplace.

For solemnity, individual penance and solitude prayers, the retreaters left the hall venue for singular promenades and walked

or she has not seen what the Governor is doing is a blind person.

“The Governor has done what he has promised. That is why I am here because sometime ago, he promised me because he is a listening Governor that he would work on this moat and actually, he has started it above 75 percent and I know he will finish it.”

Governor Oshiomhole was accompanied on the inspection by some top Government Functionaries including the widow who is now his Special Assistant on War Against Indicipline, Mrs. Joy Ifije.

Knights of St John hold Lenten retreat

Continued from page 1

and a time to rise” After the Eucharistic Opening Ceremony celebrated by the Grand Spiritual Director, the resource person Rev Sister Mary Martins EHJ, who is the Director of St Joseph’s Catholic Care Centre at Oghara, Delta State, did

Austin Allens for burial Saturday

Continued from page 1

aged 60 years.

According to a statement signed on behalf of the family, by his Son, Samuel AllensIzirein, burial ceremonies for the late Pastor Austin Allens –Izirein would begin tomorrow, Friday, March 28, 2014 with a service of songs at his residence, No 65, Igunma street, Evbuotubu Quarters in Benin City at 4: 00 pm prompt.

The statement, however indicates that the corpse would depart Stella Obasanjo Children Centre Mortuary for the Edo NUJ Press Centre, No 1 Reservation road, opposite Benin Motel Plaza at 9:00am where a procession in his honour would follow to his residence at 10:00 am.

The statement adds that at 10am on Saturday , March 29, 2014, the corpse will depart his residence for a coronation service at His Elects Ministry Inc. Plot 18 & 19 IDC layout, Evbuotubu Quarters, after I.O.U filling station, to be followed by interment at the same venue at 12 noon. Reception will thereafter shift to his residence, 65, Igunma street, Evbuotubu in Benin City.

The burial ceremonies would be climaxed with a thanksgiving service on

Late Austin Allens

Sunday, March 30, 2014 at His Elects Ministry Inc. Plot 18& 19, IDC Layout, Evbuotubu Quarters, Benin City.

Until his death, the late Pastor Austin Allens –Izirein was the Founder and Senior Pastor of His Elects Ministry Inc. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Philomena Allens –Izirein, Miss. Blessing Allens –Izirein (daughter), Miss Hannah Allens-Izirein (daughter) and Mr. Samuel Allens –Izirein (son).

The late Austin Allens – Izirein would be greatly missed by his friends associates, and colleagues in the pen profession, particularly those in OBSERVER as a humorous, humble and very fantastic writer who triggered humour in his weekly column in the Observer Titles,

“EXPERIENCE”.

Austin –Allens had a way with words as he could easily generate lengthy, wellordered and pungent writeups from jokes, chats and discourse with colleagues. He disengaged from the services of The OBSERVER in 2010, having put in 35 meritorious and unblemished years!

ABUJA - A medical doctor, Felix Ogunlade, yesterday told an FCT High Court that a 14year-old rape victim was brought to his clinic for an abortion by an accused, Apostle Basil Princewill.

Princewill, of Mountain Mover Fire Ministry Church, Nyanya, Abuja, was arraigned on five counts of rape and having unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor.

Other charges are criminal impersonation, criminal intimidation and assault.

Led in evidence by Simon Lough, the prosecutor, the witness who owned Fantanu Head Medical Centre, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, said the victim was brought for an abortion by her father.

“The victim was brought to my clinic by the accused who claimed to be her father.

- Medical doctor

Very hard –working, unassuming and sometimes humble to a fault, Pastor Allens –Izirein was a magical writer who never wasted his time writing with his pen, as he attacked the type-writer straight for his write –ups.

He hailed from Afuze in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State. He was a sports writer for excellence, a pastor, counsellor and lovely father and husband. May His soul Rest In Perfect Peace.

How Cleric took minor for abortion “He told me the victim was his daughter and she was raped by their senior pastor’s son.

“He said his daughter was two months pregnant and noticed that his daughter had been trying to abort it.”

The medical practitioner told the court that he tried to question the victim but the accused was answering on her behalf.

He said: “I examined the victim and confirmed that she was pregnant.

“I discovered there was an active bleeding in the vagina and the mouth of the womb was opened with about 3 CM in diametre.

The doctor told the court that the accused was briefed about his findings and he (accused) replied that he did not want his daughter to die.

EU on Water supply, Sanitation Continued from page 1 to behave responsibly and use resources judiciously and transparently so that we can earn the trust and sustain the confidence of our development partners”.

Earlier, Mr. Lanre Opanobi, of the National Planning Commission said the programme is to assist the states in developing water

pensively around without talking to one another all over the retreat centre meditating directly with God. By the time they returned to the retreat venue, the Grand Spiritual Director led in Rt Hon. Chevalier Joseph Uujanhan who is the singular philanthropist and donor of the Retreat venue named Archbishop Ekpu Retreat Centre- Oghara The donor gave a brief speech on why and how he was led by the Holy Spirit to memorialize an unpleasant event in his life by building a retreat centre at the very spot where the event happened.

The retreat centre was officially opened in July 2013.

This was followed by an Eucharistic Expose of the Blessed Sacrament in a Monstrance with Benediction Celebrated by the Benin Grand Spiritual Director of KSJI Very Rev.Fr. Thomas Yakubu- Gowon Abdul Salami: The retreat ended on a happy note later in the day with the participants breathing the air of spiritual uplifting and satisfaction and anxiety to revisit the retreat centre individually or in groups subsequently.

policy that would result in safe drinking water for the people.

He said “we have heard a lot about your activities and your effort to make sure that water is available. We have heard about the dams that you are doing. We believe that with the state water law, it will give direction meaning to what we have been doing.

‘The National Planning

Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Union sometime last year and we believe that it is better having signed that, we should also sign with our states.

The programme is being organized in five states and I am happy to announce that Edo State is the first state where we are launching the programme”.

The witness said that he further briefed the accused that the only way to stop the bleeding was to carry out an evacuation on the victim.

He added that the accused gave him the go ahead for the evacuation and it was carried out on the victim.

The witness said that he suggested to the accused to file a criminal charge against the pastor’s son, but he rejected the suggestion.

“My lord, after that, the accused paid me N2,000 for scanning and also paid N20,000 for the evacuation as at then,” he said.

The doctor ’s report was admitted as evidence in court.

After hearing the doctor’s testimony, Justice Hussien Baba-Yusuf adjourned the case until May 9 for continuation of hearing.

The accused allegedly sent for the victim sometime in 2012, saying he had a revelation for her.

The victim had also once told the court that the accused informed her that her step mother was trying to kill her.

She added that the Lord directed that a quick deliverance must be carried out on her.

The offences contravene the Penal Code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

Ozekhome: Obende lauds Edo North Trad Rulers UZAIRUE - The Director General of Senator Domingo Alaba Obende Campaign organizations, Chief Brutus Ogedengbe, the Okhai of Uzairue has commended the Edo North traditional leaders for ensuring that their choice earlier chosen by them, Chief Barr. Mike Ozekhomhe (SAN) to represent them at the ongoing National Conference finally made the list.

Chief Ogedengbe, who spoke on behalf of his group said they were surprised when names for the confab were published and the traditional leader nominee was conspicuously absent and they wondered what might have happened!

However, they felt elated

when representatives of Edo North Traditional leaders led by the highly respected Otaru of Auchi Kingdom HRM Aliru H. Momoh ensured that their voice and wishes were respected by the powers that be.

He commended them for their initiative, courage, boldness and persistence in ensuring that the Federal Government did not only do the right thing by including the name that was earlier delisted but also respected their views.

Chief Ogedengbe also expressed confidence in the ability of Chief Mike Ozekhomhe’s to give an effective representation not only to the Edo North traditional Leaders but to the Nation in general.

NIS recruitment: Reps move against Jonathan

By EDITH IMOISILI ABUJA- The House of Representatives yesterday began considering a motion that seeks to oppose the constitution of a special committee to conduct a fresh recruitment exercise for the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS. President Goodluck Jonathan in response to the ill-fated NIS recruitment examination of March 17, 2014, after the Federal Executive Council meeting of March 19, 2014, cancelled the recruitment exercise and ordered a fresh one to be conducted by a special committee to be headed by the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission.

In a motion titled: urgent need for the executive arm of government to reconsider the constitution of a special committee to conduct fresh recruitment exercise into the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, by Hon. Ahmed Idris seeks to declare the President incompetent to do so.

In his argument, section 4(2) of the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prison

Service Board, CDFIPB, Act Cap 12, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004 confers powers excessively on the board to make appointments, transfer, confirm, dismiss and exercise other disciplinary control over persons appointed into any of the services pursuant to paragraph (a) of the subsection.

He continued that section 6 (1) and (2) of the Act further empowers the board to delegate the powers to appoint officers on grade levels 01 - 07 to the Nigerian Immigration Service, which it had done through a policy for the purpose of efficiency.

Hon. Idris said that the President without recourse to existing Act of the National Assembly undermines the sacred doctrine of constitutionality and rule of law which, if allowed, may verge into dictatorship.

‘It amounts to disregard of the rule of law for the executive arm of government to unilaterally constitute a separate committee to conduct a fresh recruitment exercise when there is an existing Act of the National Assembly vesting such powers on the CDFIPB.

Education Bill

Continued from page 1the law be sent to the

committee’s findings, the bill when passed will help to upgrade the college of Education Ekiadolor, as it will offer courses restricted to Education and will offer in service training for Graduates and non-Graduates Teachers.

Parliament while considering the 66 section bill amended some sections of the bill while others were adopted. Some sections of the law deal with the composition of the University, comprising the chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Bursar, Librarian Registrar staff and students while sections 9 and 10 spells out the functions of the vicechancellor and the Registrar.

The law empowers the State Executive Governor to constitute the Governing Council of the university and the vice-chancellor while the vice-chancellor has been empowered to appoint two deputy vice-chancellors subject to the ratification of the senate of the university.

Speaking, Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe directed that clean copies of

Governor for his assent.

It would be recalled that the State Governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole recently sent the bill to the House for passage.

Also at plenary, parliament has considered the report of the House Standing Committee on Education on a bill for a law to make provisions for the establishment of a university and matters connected therewith.

The five point findings of the committee’s report states that the bill is desirable as it will boost the socio-economic activities of the host community, bring education to the grassroots, serves as a centre for research, create employment for the people of Uzairue, the university’s host community hence recommends that the bill be considered and passed by the House.

The report was further adopted by the House while the consideration of the clause by clause sections and passage of the bill into law is slated for today.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Inside Edo Group Wants Etsako Candidate For Senate AUCHI - As the Edo North senatorial race gathers momentum, Women of Etsako nation under the aegis of Etsako Women for Democracy have insisted that the Etsako sub ethnic group must be allowed to produce the next Senator while canvassing the candidature of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abubakar Momoh.

The women in a Communiqué signed by Hajia Becklas Imianvan at the end of its meeting in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area called on the Akoko-Edo and Owan sub-ethnic group also in Edo North Senatorial district to, for the purpose of progressive co-existence within the three ethnic nationalities and in the spirit of the rotation of the position to allow Etsako produce the next Senator.

They expressed their support for the positions taken

by Etsako Youths and leaders that Etsako be allowed to have the next senatorial slot for Edo North Senatorial district with a resolve to support Abubakar Momoh for the seat The women said that they took cognizance of his track records of service, throughout his political life

“We believe that in sending Hon. Abubakar Momoh to the Senate, he will not only repeat what he has done in Etsako, but also replicate same to the other zones”, they said.

The women also pointed to his numerous achievements as a member representing Etsako Federal Constituency in the National Assembly since assuming office, saying that he has attracted over 18 projects to the constituency They listed such projects to include, provision of over eight industrial boreholes, construction of Primary health centres, provision of transformers, construction as well as rehabilitation of school classrooms

Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, in a handshake with Dr. (Mrs.) Grace Ogiehor Enoma, Executive Director, National Association of Nigeria Nurses, North America Chapter, shortly after the Association’s courtesy call on the Speaker. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

Council Boss To Provide Succour To appealed to the state Rainstorm Victims government to assist the

AKE- The Chairman of Owan East Local Government Council Chief Jimoh Ijegbai said succour would come the way of the victims of the March 23, 2014 rainstorm disaster in the locality.

The Owan East Council boss who spoke through the supervisor for Agriculture Mrs. Patience Ireotoi made this known when he undertook an assessment

Edo NUJ Congress Holds Tomorrow

BENIN CITY - The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State council will hold its monthly congress tomorrow, Friday March 28, 2014 Venue is the Union’s Secretarial, No 1 Reservation Road, GRA, Benin City

Leadership Publisher Applauds Profs Oshodin, Uhunmwangho

beginning at 4pm.

A statement endorsed by the Unions Secretary, Comrade Titus Akhigbe urged all journalists in the state to attend without fail as crucial issues are slated for discussion.

tour of the community in order to ascertain the extent of damage by the rainstorm.

He assured the victims that measures would be taken to ameliorate their plight.

Chief Ijegbai while appealing to the state and federal government to come to the aid of the victims, said the public primary school in Ake community was also affected.

He noted that urgent steps would be taken to provide new classrooms block for the pupils who are currently receiving lectures under a mango tree in the school’s premises.

Some of the victims had

Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (arrowed), in a group photograph with members of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses, North America Chapter. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

appealed to the state government to assist them in renovating their houses which were affected by rainstorm disaster.

Some of the victims, while narrating their ordeal during the disaster said some of then had been rendered homeless since the incident.

Assistant Headmaster of Ake primary school, Mr. Alex Unuigbe also

school by constructing a new classrooms block for the pupils.

He stressed that the other building presently occupied by the pupils is also in a dilapidated state and on the verge of collapse any time.

The March 23, 2014 rainstorm disaster destroyed about 15 houses and the public primary school building in the locality.

BENIN CITY-The Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof Osayuki Godwin Oshodin and the Provost, College of Education, Ekiadolor, Prof.

Amen Uhunmwangho have been described as great administrators who have impacted positively on their respective institutions.

This was disclosed in Benin City yesterday by the publisher of Speakup Newspaper and Most prestigious Edo State Personality Almanac Mr. Steve Onweme during a chat with Newsmen. Onweme stated that his decisions to make the two school administrators to continue to grace the Personality Almanac was because of the ground breaking achievements which they are noted for since they assumed their respective office.

He said he was impressed by the level of infrastructural development in the two schools, saying, “this is indeed unprecedented and deserve to be commended.

Speaking further, Onweme said “it is on record that during Prof. Uhunmwangho’s time as Provost “His level headedness, calmness, administrative prowess and human relations have been brought to bear in the affairs of the institution, that today, COLBEN is a force to reckon with in the comity of tertiary institutions” Onweme added.

IDSL Empowers Host Community

By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON

BENIN CITY- The Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL), Oko, Benin City yesterday empowered five persons and donated three Hundred Thousand Naira to six undergraduate indigenes of Oko Community in Edo State Each of the five empowered persons, three of whom are women received a complete set of tomato /pepper grinding mill while two males received complete set of equipment of a functional Barbing saloon, including a portable power generator each.

The six undergraduates

received N50, 000 cash each.

Presenting the items to the beneficiaries, the Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Samson Makoji stated that the gesture was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility and its 2013 roll -over projects for the community.

He added that the financial relief for the students is to enhance their educational pursuit, while the items given to the youths are to assist them engage in productive means of livelihood.

Mr. Makoji however urged the beneficiaries to make optimal use of the items, including the money.

He disclosed that the

selection of the beneficiaries was done by leaders of Oko community.

He maintained that IDSL has enjoyed harmonious co-existence with Oko Community since its inception in 1988.

Speaking on behalf of recipients, one of the beneficiaries Etinosa Eguasa thanked IDSL management for the gesture, promising to use the donation for the purpose for which it is meant.

Chairman of Oko Community, Chief Vincent Orhiakhi also commended IDSL for the assistance and however appealed for employment opportunities for youths of Oko community.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

News Nasarawa To Sack Truant Teachers

GARAKU (NASARAWA) The Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has threatened to sack any teacher found to be absconding from work.

Malam Abdulkarim Abdullahi, the Executive Chairman of the board gave the warning while addressing journalists shortly after an inspection tour of some primary and Junior secondary schools in Garaku, Kokona Local Government Area.

He said that the warning became imperative following high rate of truancy, absenteeism and lateness among teachers in the state.

According to him, the measure Captain Charles Osazuwa Asuen (2nd right), his wife Izogie (right) Bishop (Dr.) Eddy Omoruyi-Okundaye, President of Jesus Breeds Ministries Int’l Inc and Rev. (Mrs) R.N. would help to instill discipline in Okundaye after early morning service to mark the 70th birthday anniversary of Captain the system and improve the standard of education in the state.

Asuen in Benin City on March 19, 2014. Photo: SUNDAY OSADEBAMWEN. “Governor Tanko Al-Makura is doing his best to improve on the standard of education in the state through the building of new schools and renovation of LOKOJA - The FRSC existing ones to meet says 91 motorists were international standard. were cautioned. convicted for 113 offences “You saw for yourselves how Omiko, who further said some teachers want to sabotage in Kogi during its “ apprehended on the vehicles were the good efforts of the state Operation Crash the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja 20 road, adding that majority impounded, described the government by absconding from Crashes’’ which ended. coming late to work and The state Sector of the offenders were operation as successful duty, involving themselves in other vehicle with only one death Commander of the FRSC, commercial sharp practices, thereby recorded in the nine tarnishing the good image of the Mr. Godwin Omiko, told drivers.

He also said that 89 crashes that occurred state government. newsmen in Lokoja that vehicles were stopped “You also saw by yourselves during the week as against the convicts were how in some schools visited, during the week, with 53 21 deaths the previous sentenced to prison terms some teachers abscond without drivers booked while 36

FRSC Secures Convicts Of 91 Motorists

ranging from three to six months.

Offences for which they were convicted by a mobile court, he said, included over speeding, overloading, seatbelt violation and phoning while driving.

The FRSC boss said convicts were, however, given option of fine ranging between N2,000 and N10,000 while those who could not pay were taken into custody.

Omiko said that the convicts were all

week.

Ekiti Varsity To Award Certificates At ADO-EKITI - The Vice Convocation class degrees.

Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Dipo Aina, has said that henceforth, graduates of the university would get their certificates on the graduation day.

Aina told a news conference in Ado-Ekiti that the new development would take effect from this year’s convocation ceremony scheduled for April 4.

He said it was unacceptable that a university established 32 years ago could still not issue

certificates to its graduates on graduation day.

The vice-chancellor said that with the new development, the era of graduates getting their certificates five or 10 years after leaving school was gone.

Aina said the that university had so far turned out more than 55, 000 graduates.

He said that out of 5,859 graduates for this year’s convocation, 11 bagged first

He said that the authorities of the university had built hostels for students and lecturers to encourage learning and good academic culture.

The vice chancellor said that the university had introduced exchange programmes with notable universities in the world.

He said that a total of 25 academic staff had been sent abroad to pursue their doctoral degrees under the exchange programmes.

official permission from the school authority; some of them came to work when they wish and even those that came are not putting in their best.

“The board will not fold its hand and watch teachers and head teachers tarnish the good image of the board as well as the good image of the state government.

“The board will take appropriate measures by sacking any truant teacher,” he said Abdullahi blamed some heads teacher for the situation, saying they had failed to take

appropriate measures that would serve as deterrent to others.

He warned such headmasters and principals to live up to their responsibilities in the interest of the state.

Reports state that some of the schools inspected by the chairman include Kubure Primary School, Hadari Primary School and Sabon Gida Pilot Primary School, all in Kokona, among others.

At Sabon Gida Primary School, the headmaster, Mr. Yakubu Kuje thanked the board for the visit and assured of the determination of the staff to impart qualitative knowledge to the pupils.

NASIEC Releases Local Government Elections’ Results LAFIA - The Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) has released the results of Saturday’s local government elections, with the PDP winning in four of the state’s 13 local government areas (LGAs).

Chairman of the commission, Dr. Abdullahi Moddibo, who briefed newsmen in Lafia, said the elections were however inconclusive in three LGAs. He explained that the commission did not have the legal authority to announce results of the elections at its headquarters in Lafia.

The chairman said however that he was only giving out the results which were submitted to the commission by the Returning Officers from the LGAs. He said the PDP won the chairmanship election in Kokona, Keffi, Keana, and Nasarawa Eggon LGAs. Moddibo said the All Progressive Congress (APC)

won the chairmanship poll in Lafia, Doma, Karu, Toto, Awe and Wamba LGAs, while elections were inconclusive in Akwanga, Obi and Nasarawa LGAs. “The Akwanga LGA result was declared inconclusive, owing to the fact that results from the four wards of Andaha, Gudi, AkwangaWest and Akwanga-East were still pending.

“The four affected wards in Akwanga have a voting strength of over 30,000.

Therefore, there will be no justification in declaring a winner without the results from those wards.

“In the case of Nasarawa LGA, Returning Officers for six electoral wards absconded, thereby leaving the commission with no option than to declare the election inconclusive.

“In Obi LGA, elections are still pending in three wards, and fresh elections will be conducted in the affected wards,’’ he said.

Corp Member Shot By Unknown Gunmen AWKA - The Police in Anambra has said a corps member, Mr. Julius Oghoroko, was shot by unknown gunmen.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka (ASP), told newsmen that Oghoroko, who hailed from Delta, bled profusely and was taken to the state teaching hospital in Awka at about 10p.m.

“The command is investigating the incident and assures that the culprits will be brought to book when caught. “We have beefed up security around the camp in

Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area, because of the incident’’, the PPRO said.

The medical doctor on duty, Kingsley Azugo, told newsmen that the condition of the corps member was stable.

“They came in around 10p.m. and the patient was heading into coma because of the enormous loss of blood before he was revived.

“The injury was at the right bicep of the muscle, that is the bullet entrance, but the exit was at the media bicep measuring about eight centimetres’’, he said.

Captain Charles Asuen (2nd left), his wife Izogie and other dignitaries during a thanksgiving service to mark the 70th birthday anniversary of Captain Asuen which held at the Jesus Breeds Ministries Int’l Inc, last Sunday. Photo: SUNDAY OSADEBAMWEN.

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News Ajimobi Denies Involvement IBADAN- Governor Abiola In Soka Killings Ajimobi of Oyo State has

Deaconess (Mrs) Josephine Egberanmwen Abuma (middle), flanked by Bishop Eddy.

Omoruyi-Okundaye (JP), and Rev. (Mrs.) R. N. Okundaye, amongst others during the 60th birthday anniversary of Deaconess Abuma which held last Sunday at Jesus Breeds Ministries Int’l Inc, Osayi Street, Off Ewah Road, Benin City. Photo: SUNDAY OSADEBAMWEN.

denied allegations that his government was involved in the killings of residents of Soka, Oluyole Local Government Area.

Ajimobi made this known when he addressed residents of the area that his administration had nothing to do with the killing in whatever form.

It will be recalled that a slaughter house where 25 decomposing bodies were found was discovered at SokaIbadan on Saturday.

The governor, who accused the residents of not reporting the matter to the police when they noticed strange movements of the criminals, however, promised to develop the area.

In a swift reaction, a resident of the area, Mr. Alade Coker, told the governor that when they noticed strange developments in the place they reported the matter to the police.

He added “we were told that it was Ajimobi’s government that dumped lunatics there’’.

The governor denied being responsible for the dumping of

lunatics in the area, adding: “the place was established 10 years ago and I have not spent four years’’.

Ajimobi promised to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of the owners of the Underground Cell at Soka.

He said that, “government will find out owners of the land and if it was allocated to anyone, then the C of O will be revoked.

“But if otherwise, the government will impound the land for development purpose,” he said.

Ajimobi said he came to mourn with the victims of the dastardly acts, and promised to fish out the killers at all cost.

“Government will send investigators and intelligence agents to come and dig the place with a view to unravel facts about the killings.

“I want about four to five representatives of the community to come out and help the investigators with facts about how to get to the root of the matter.

“Anybody with any serious

KADUNA- The Kaduna State Government has said it had placed security agencies on alert to avert any breakdown of law and order in the state.

The Commissioner for Information in the state, Mr. Ben Bako, made the call in a statement in Kaduna.

positive stance of the Oba in local and national affairs speaks volume without compromising tradition and modernity and therefore prayed God and the ancestors to grant the Oba long life.

Bako urged the residents to be vigilant, support security agencies and report suspicious movements around them to relevant authority.

“This call became necessary to assure citizens of government’s continuous vigilance on happenings within the state.

“Security agencies have been put on alert to continue monitoring situations within the state, hence the need for people to cooperate with them.

“Criminal elements who wish to create chaos and confusion are hereby warned that anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law.

“Government further

wishes to assure citizens that it will continue to ensure peace within the state,” the commissioner stated.

Newsmen reports that the warning followed recent activities of some groups in the state, which the government termed as inimical to existing peace.

There had also been various rumours about impending attacks in parts of the state which the security agencies had continuously dispelled.

It will be recalled that some villages in Kaura Local Government were attacked by unknown gunmen on March 16, during which 119 people were killed and over 2,000 persons displaced.

WARRI - A rights group known as the Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence (FDHR) has faulted the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) withdrawal from the ongoing National Confab describing the decision for the withdrawal of the NBA’s national executive council led by Chief Oki

Wali(SAN) as a tactical blunder adding that the decision may not be in the interest of the body.

The group in as press statement signed by its national coordinator, Oghenejanor Ikimi, ESQ and made available to newsmen, said while it was unfair for a body like the NBA to be given just a slot, pulling out was not

representative the opportunity to make case for the NBA bearing in mind that a good number of the delegates are qualified lawyers and members of the association.

The group therefore called for the immediate withdrawal of by he decision in the interest of the association.

information should submit it to the Baale’s Palace or bring it to my office,” he said.

Reports state that the governor went to the place with the Police, SSS, Civil Defence and Army.

A member of the community, Olori Olatunji, replied that they reported the matter to the police stations at both Soka and Toll-Gate, saying “there was no serious response from them”.

Olatunji called on the governor to investigate the involvement of the police in the matter with a view to get to the root of the matter.

The Baale of Soka, Siaka Bello, urged the governor not only to find the killers, but to also provide amenities for the area.

“We don’t have any social amenities here and I want the governor to help us, so that the place can be developed forthwith,” Bello said.

Reports state that fresh human parts were found in the underground cells.

KDSG Places Security Agencies On Alert

Supervising Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Darius Ishaku (left), briefing newsmen on the activities of the Ministry in Abuja recently. With him is the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Bashar.

Ex-Police Boss Lauds Oba Erediauwa

By RAYMOND OSOGBE

BENIN CITY-A retired Commissioner of Police and the Osa of Benin kingdom, Chief John Usen has lauded the unwavering leadership which the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba

Erediauwa has provided for the people over the years.

Speaking with newsmen in Benin City, after a traditional homage to the monarch, Chief Usen noted that the Oba’s reign has been characterised with

peace, progress and accelerated development.

According to him, the Oba, with his pedigree has remained a sacred voice and a stabilizer in national matters.

He disclosed that the

Police Foil Planned Attack On College BIRNIN KEBBI- The Kebbi Police Command said that it had foiled an attempt by unknown gunmen to attack the Kebbi State College of Basic and Advanced Studies in Yauri, headquarters of Yauri Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Benjamin Onwuka, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday.

Onwuka, however, dismissed insinuations that the attackers were insurgents.

He stated that normalcy had been restored in the institution as both the students and residents of the area had resumed their normal daily activities.

The police commissioner called on residents of the area to remain law abiding and to avoid spreading

rumours.

Onwuka, however, appealed to the public to continue to assist the police with relevant information that would assist security agencies to contain crime in the state.

Meanwhile, a student of the college, who pleaded anonymity, told newsmen that the gunmen gained entry into the school’s premises at about 2 a.m. on Saturday.

Forum Faults NBA’s Withdraws out as the confab would

By BETTY IDIALU From Confab the have afforded their solo

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South West Ekiti Polls: NYSC Tasks

INEC On Security

ISE-EKITI (EKITI)The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide adequate security for corps members that would be deployed for the June 21 gubernatorial polls in Ekiti .

The State Director of NYSC, Mrs Ngozi Chukwuka, made the appeal in Ise-Ekiti when the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti, Alhaji Halilu Pai, visited the NYSC orientation camp.

Chukwuka said that the security of the corps members should be accorded utmost priority by the commission.

She said all corps members that would be deployed for the exercise

had been sensitised against delving into anything that could tarnish their image.

In his response, Pai, assured Chukwuka that no corps members would be allowed to suffer during the exercise.

He said that INEC had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NYSC headquarters on the welfare and wellbeing of participating youth corps members.

Pai said all the corps members currently serving in Ekiti would be deployed for the election as presiding officers, poll clerks or poll assistants.

He said that INEC would mobilise them financially so as to guide them against any form of monetary inducement by politicians.

OSOGBO- Mr Oladipupo Rasheed, with 4.73 Cumulative Grade Point Average, is among the 20 students graduating with firstclass degrees from the University of Osun in Osogbo.

escalating revenue crisis across the country.

“We need to remind our pensioners that in the face of reduction of revenues by about 40 per cent of what are due to the states, all hands must be on deck to weather the storm,” it stated.

The statement reiterated the commitment of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration to the welfare of workers, including retirees.

Newsmen reports that the

state government was apparently reacting to the protests by some pensioners on February 4 against the delay in the payment of their pensions.

The government said it had continued to open its financial books to all stakeholders including pensioners with a view to informing them on the reasons for the delay.

“This government has improved the welfare of workers, serving or retired, in spite of the 40 percent revenue shortfall,” it said.

Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi (2nd left) and Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu (2nd right), signing an MoU for National Vesicovaginal Fistula (WF) Centre in Bauchi recently.

Osun Varsity To Graduate 20 First Class Students

Osun Budgets N500 Million For Payment Of pensions cannot be Pensioners divorced from the

OSOGBO- The Osun Government has said it has

committed the sum of N500 million to the monthly payment of pensions.

Mr Semiu Okanlawon, the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, made this disclosure in a statement he issued in Osogbo.

According to the statement, the sum is outside the sum paid to secondary school pensioners and civil service retirees.

It stated that the alleged delay in the payment of the

Rasheed is of the Department of Economics.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adekunle Bashir, disclosed this at a news conference on the university’s third convocation taking place on Saturday.

According to him, the student is the most outstanding of the 20 that would be graduating with first-class honour in different departments.

“We are graduating 1200 students in an array of fields with 20 first-class students ; 328, second-class upper division; 658, second-class lower division and 178 students with third class.

“It may interest you to know

that we have got an approval from the National Universities Commission to start part-time and post-graduate programmes in about 11 disciplines.

“Also, our research programmes are very robust and all-inclusive. The prominent among them is the research on the usage of biotechnology products in combating the menace of mosquitoes,’’ he said.

Bashir said the university remained a formidable partner in the development of the state which made it to adopt a multi-campus system of operation.

“We also take the issue of community service seriously;

this informed our Rural Women Farmers Empowerment Programme tagged, Rabi Elefo.

“It is a programme targeted at the rural women farmers in our community where we train and empower them in the area of vegetable planting which is really yielding results.’’

He also said that the university had been reliable in the area of human and material development since its inception in 2007.

The vice chancellor explained that the medical students currently under training in Ukraine were in no way affected by the crisis in the country.

Child Custody: Court Orders Parties To IBADAN- An Ibadan Customary Court sitting at Mapo has asked one, Semiu Ibrahim and his wife, Lateefat, to maintain the

L-R: PPRO, Oyo State Command, Mrs. Bisi Ilobanafor, Director of SSS, Oyo State, Mr. Charles Ugwu, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Muhammed Indabawa, during the Governor’s visit to Soka Forest where ritualists were caught in Ibadan recently.

Maintain Status Quo

status quo when the husband attempted to reclaim his daughter.

Lateefat had told the court that Semiu had allegedly abandoned her for 12 years and only returned to reclaim the girl whom she said was in her “delicate period of life.”

“Our daughter, who is 18years of age, now, was just six years when Semiu went on a self-imposed exile, leaving me with all the trauma of loneliness and responsibilities.

“When I was tired, I remarried, and in January, Semiu showed up to reclaim the daughter.

“I have put all that I have in her education and he wants to ruin her for me.

“She is just in secondary school and needs total attention to succeed.

“Please, don’t allow him to take her away because she might fall into wrong hands,” she pleaded.

However, the defendant prayed the court to disregard Lateefat’s plea because she had lied.

“It is true that I went to Mali for business but since I left, my wife had been fornicating around,” he alleged.

The President of the court, Mr Ezekiel Ogundipe, directed both of them to maintain the status quo until judgment on the matter was delivered.

Ogundipe adjourned the case to April 14 for judgment.

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Lagos Lagos Lawmakers Conferred With Chieftaincy Titles

By SURAJU RAJI

L-R: Executive Director, The Economist Group, London, Daniel Franklin; Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs, Amb. Zhong Jianhua; Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, US Dept of State, Amb. Bisa Williams and Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Olabisi Onasanya at the 2014 Economic Summit in Lagos recently.

Museum Woos Visitors With Additional Artefacts

LAGOS - The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) has said it added more than 50 artefacts for museum exhibition.

Mrs. Edith Ekunke, the Curator of the museum, told newsmen that the museum previously had more than 1,000 objects in its custody.

“The idea is to promote historical objects of the country to the international world.

“It also gives students, researchers and visitors the opportunity to learn and know more about Nigerian historical objects and culture,” Ekunke said.

The curator said that the exhibition of the additional objects would educate and entertain the large number of people visiting the museum.

“This will prove that national museums are improving and developing their facilities and infrastructure day-by-day to meet international standard.

“Let me use this opportunity to encourage Nigerians to visit museums across the country because there are a lot to learn about Nigerian history,” she said.

Ekunke said that the new artefacts at the museums presented a number of stimulating aspects of the traditional arts and practices of a group dwelling along the cross river valley.

“The prominent ethnic groups in this area are Ibibios, Efiks and Igbos.

“The new objects include masks, currencies, ancestral figures, household utensils,

Association Laments Delay In Disbursement Of Cassava Stems LAGOS - The National Secretary, Nigeria Cassava Growers’ Association (NCGA), Mr. Sola Adepomola, has decried alleged delay in the disbursement of cassava stems for growers.

Ademola told newsmen in Lagos that the stems meant for the 2013 planting season had dried up due to the delay.

He said that the conditions for eligibility to have access to the stems were cumbersome and hindered government’s efforts to boost cassava production.

“The conditions for farmers to access the cassava stems were too many for them to meet; this hindered cassava production for over a year.

“This development made it almost impossible for growers to have raw materials during the 2013 planting season.

“This is another setback to the Federal Government’s drive to encourage cassava farming,’’

he said.

The secretary also alleged that tractors for distribution to cassava producing states were not distributed.

Adepomola said that the newly reconstituted board of NCGA was determined to cooperate with the Federal Government to boost cassava production.

terracotta works, royal paraphernalia and body ornament.

“The additional objects show that Nigeria is culturally endowed,” she said.

Ekunke said that the commission was carrying out a systematic collection, preservation and presentation of material evidence - tangible and intangible, for the development of the people of Nigeria and Nigerians in the Diaspora.

LAGOS - Three lawmakers, including speaker Lagos House of Assembly, have been conferred with different chieftaincy titles by Alaketu of Ketu Kingdom in Epe division of Lagos State, Oba Adegboyega Adefowora.

First on the list is the speaker Lagos Assembly, Rt Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji who was honoured with AARE of Ketu kingdom and his wife Pastor Mrs. Olumayowa Abeke Ikuforji conferred with Yeye AARE Alaketu.

They were conferred with the titles by Oba Adegboyega Adefowora, Alaketu of Ketu Kingdom.

Speaking on his installation as AARE, Hon Ikuforiji said that it was like a coup of chieftaincy title adding that, he was not at home when the decision was taken to make him an AARE of Ketu Kingdom.

Ikuforiji explained that Arre is

a soldier to oversee and stare development of a Kingdom. He promised to continue to ensure rapid development and progress of Epe Division.

Hon. Abiodun Tobun who was conferred with Otunba Apesin of Ketu Land said “I feel elated, happy about the award of chieftaincy. It will make me to work harder”. On unity of Epe indigenes, Hon. Tobun remarked that unity is the utmost in human life. He added that where there is no unity there is anarchy. Hon. Tobun appealed to Epe indigenes to unite. He told them to live together as brothers and sisters.

Also conferred with chieftaincy title is chairman House Committee on information, Hon. Segun Olulade. He was conferred with Otunba Mayegun of Ketu. Present at the occasion were Oba Rilwan Akinolu, Oba of Lagos who is the Chairman of Lagos State council of Obas and Chiefs, senators and members of Lagos Assembly.

2 Men Docked Over Fraud

LAGOS - Two unemployed men, Patrick Isibor, 37, and Nwamaeze Boniface, 24, on Monday appeared before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly obtaining N200, 000 under false pretences.

Both accused persons, whose addresses are unknown, are standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and theft.

The prosecutor, ASP Godwin Eze, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Feb. 18, at Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos.

According to Eze, the accused collected N200, 000 from one Mr. Chinedu Emeluogu, under the pretext of getting him anointing oil, a representation they knew to be false.

“The accused failed to get him the anointing oil and also failed to refund his money.

“Investigation is ongoing as

more evidence will be brought to the court on the next adjournment date,” the prosecutor said.

Eze noted that the offences contravened Sections 285, 312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Reports say that an accused may be sentenced to 15 years imprisonment if convicted for fraud.

Both accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to all counts of the charge.

The Magistrate, Mr. Taslimi Shomade, granted them N200, 000 bail, with two sureties in like sum. He adjourned till April 25 for mention.

Meanwhile, a 61-year-old

pensioner, Sunday Ogunsanwo, was on Monday arraigned in a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos over the theft of two bottles of Moet and Chandon Champagne worth N20, 600.

Ogunsanwo, who lives at No. 4, Taiwo St., Ketu Alapere, is facing trial on a charge of stealing.

The prosecutor, SP Austin Orji, said that the accused committed the offence on March 22 when he went into Game Store at Shoprite, Lekki, in EtiOsa, to steal the bottles of champagne.

Orji alleged that the accused hid the two bottles of champagne under his clothes

but the security guard at the door discovered a bulge and requested that he should be searched.

According to the prosecutor, two bottles of Moet and Chandon were found on the accused during the search and he was taken to the police station.

Orji said that the offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and the magistrate, Mrs. Salama Matepo, granted him N20,000 bail, with one surety in like sum.

Matepo adjourned the case till April 4.

11 Ships With Rice Expected At Lagos Ports LAGOS - The Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) says 11 ships carrying rice will arrive in the Lagos ports between March 24 and 26.

The NPA, in its daily bulletin, “Shipping Position,” said that the ships would berth at ENL, ABTL and GONL, all in the Apapa quays.

It said that the ships would include Silvretta, Star Capella, Quest, Aeolos, Lake Hakone,

Maraki, Wariya Naree, Aqua Runner, Hector and Atlantic Trade.

The bulletin said that other ships would sail in with containers of sugar, wheat, fish, steel product, fertiliser and general cargoes.

It said that five ships carrying petroleum products were already waiting to berth at various terminals at the ports. The ships will berth at Fishery Wharf and New Oil Jetty.

Stranded commuters at Lagbus Stand, Ojodu Berger in Lagos after a heavy downpour recently.

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Across The Nation Police Commissioner Warns Politicians Against Violence SOKOTO The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Alhaji Shu’aibu Gambo, has warned politicians in the state that the command would not tolerate anything that could breach peace and order.

Gambo issued the warning in Sokoto in an interview with newsmen.

He said that the command would deal seriously with any politician that engaged youths to perpetrate any form of violence during political activities.

The commissioner said that the command had deployed intelligence officers to all parts of the state to forestall activities of criminals.

He said that the police had taken proactive measures to deal with unforeseen circumstances, adding that the era of youths going about with weapons in the state was over.

“I want to state very clearly that anyone found

wanting will be arrested and prosecuted, not minding his or her position in society.

“We have the manpower needed to provide effective security cover for all political parties, and will not tolerate the use of political thugs,” he warned.

Gambo called on the leaders of political parties to properly sensitise their followers to the need to shun all kinds of violence.

The commissioner also called on parents not to allow their children to be used as political thugs, assuring that the command would maintain peace and order in the state.

L-R: Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu (left), with the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu, during the Minister’s visit to the Emir in Bauchi.

Okorocha Approves N1.2 Billion Road Project

ITU (IMO) - Imo Governor Rochas Okorocha has approved the construction of a N1.2 billion 20 kilometre asphalted rural road in the Ezinihitte Local Government Area of the state.

Okorocha announced the project at Itu, headquarters of the council, during a town hall meeting with people of the area.

He said the project would cost N1.2 billion to execute, adding that it was in fulfillment of his administration’s pledge to the

people, and to help ameliorate the road needs of the area.

He assured that projects started by his administration would be completed on schedule, and pledged to provide dividends of democracy to the people.

Okorocha said government had constructed the Umuorie Ezeudo Primary Health Centre, Amudi Obizi Primary Health Centre and the Obokwu Solar Powered Water Scheme in the local government area.

Tradomedicine Practitioners Seek Govt Assistance DELTA (UITAGBA –

By JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM

UNOR) - The National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners Utagba –Unor chapel, in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta state.

Dr. Palmer Oyenyen the chairman of the Association has advised tradomedicalist to obtain their licence, to avoid embarrassment from the task force members, the police.

Dr. Palmer who made the call in an interview with newsmen in his country –home (Isupe) has called on Dela state government to establish centre where traditional medicine will be fully practiced.

Dr. Palmer who disclosed that through herbal medicine, ailments such as stroke, diabetes Barrenss, weak-erection are being cured everyday. Stressing that if government channeled resource to the development of traditional medicine the health of the people will be guaranteed .

He enjoined her colleagues tounderstand that their profession is all about saving lives, hence they should be honest dealing with people who come to them for treatment, Dr Palmer stressed the need for traditional medicine practitioners in the state to start carrying out research before

treatment of their patients as that will he boost the image of the profession.

In another development a tradodoctor, a member of the association in Utagba-unor chapel, Chief (Dr) Monday Ufeli the Mor-uku of Utagba-unor kingdom, disclosed that through traditional medicine he has cured many persons who came to him for different ailments.

Chief (Dr) Uffeli, urged members to be honest in their work in order to avid bringing the name of the association to ridicule even as he said that he supports the call for the state government to build traditional medicine centres in the state.

He, however, expressed displeasure at the slow pace of work by some road contractors, and urged them to expedite work on their projects.

The member representing Ezinihitte constituency in the state House of Assembly, Dr

Obioma Ekennayo, said some of the roads initiated by the state government in the area had been taken over by NDDC. He appealed to the governor to re-award more road contracts to make up for the proposed 15 kilometre road by the state government for each local government area of the state.

In her address, the Chairman of Ezinihitte Local Government Transition Committee, Mrs. Chioma Onwumere, commended the state government for projects sited in the area.

She assured the governor of the unflinching support of the people of the area.

Association Urges Tradomedicine Practitioners To Obtain Practice Licence

By JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM DELTA (Alishime) - A member National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) Dr Augustine Alizor, has advised traditional medicine practioners to work zeal and truthfulness.

Dr Alizor of Alishime community in Ika South local Government Area of Delta state, said that such application of principles will enable them avoid being ridiculed.

He said they would also be in a position to pass their knowledge to their children.

The traditional medicine practitioner called on various tiens of the government to look into the problem of

Community High School and Z. I. Primary School II, in Akute, Ogun, cut off

by Flood due to early morning rain recently.

traditional medicine nationwide and find ways of enhancing it awareness practice and values.

According to him herbalist in Nigeria could do better than their counterparts, in other parts of the world as their drugs serve both as food supplement and theapy for illness.

Dr. Alizor said traditional medicine can cure weakerction, poision of any kind, diabetes, eye problems fractured bones.

Dr Alizor, also subscribed to the campaign for the

establishment of tradomedical training centres in each of the local government area.

Dr. Augustine Alizor

Order My Husband To Divorce Me, Woman Prays Court

MARARABA (NASARAWA STATE) - A businesswoman, Mrs. Oyemowo Gabriel, 39, prayed a Grade 1 Area Court in Aso Pada, Mararaba to order her husband, Adenu, 45, to “properly” divorce her.

Oyemowo told the court that on May 13, 2013 the husband drove her from the one-bedroom apartment she was living in with him and their three children.

“Whenever he demands for sex and I refuse him on account of the children being in the room, he will beat me up.

“Since he threw me out on May 13 he has taken custody of the children and refused me access to them.

“I am still bearing Mrs. Gabriel; if he is not interested in me again, he should tell me and

let me know my stand now.

“I also want the court to help me; I need my children, I want to live with my children,” she stressed.

In his defence, the husband, a driver, said: “I did not throw her out of my house. She remains my wife.

“She was the one who packed out of my house, rented a room somewhere and is leaving alone.

“We went to the village and resolved the matter. After we came back she refused to move in with me,” he said.

The Presiding Judge, Mr. Albert Maga, advised the couple to try and resolve the matter for the sake of their children.

Maga then adjourned the case until April 11 for a report of settlement.

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Abuja FCT Residents Assured Of Improved Water Supply

ABUJA - The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Water Board has assured the residents of uninterrupted supply of clean, potable water.

Mr Jiniya Anto, Director of the board, gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

Anto said the board would continue to ensure that water supplied to the territory was treated.

He said that the board approach to monitoring water supply from the treatment plants to the consumption point An accident scene on Abuja-Lokoja Road at Gwako, in Abuja recently.

had proved effective.

“We ensure that the chemicals we use remove all impurities and germs from the treatment plants to the taps.

“We have quality control officers who monitor the water right to the point of consumption.

“We take such steps because we are aware that potable water is a precious commodity that is integral to the well-being of residents because it can eliminate disease.

“In terms of water supply to the FCT, residents can sleep with their two eyes closed,’’ he said.

The director said that the board was set to further improve water supply to the territory after completing

phases three and four of its water treatment plants.

“We have completed phases three and four of our treatment plants and we will soon commission them; this will further increase water supply to the territory.

“The board’s only source of water is the lower Usuma Dam under the Phases one and two but anticipated population growth informed a change to source for raw water from the river Gurara under phases three and four.

“The project was recently completed and when commissioned, would further boost supply of potable water in the FCT to 30 million litres per hour,’’ Anto said.

Kakara Community Gets 400kw Hydropower Plant ABUJA - A 400kw hydropower plant has been installed in the Kakara community of Sardauna LGA of Taraba.

The project was a joint effort by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and Taraba Government to stimulate increased economic activities.

UNIDO’s Partnership and Communication Expert, Ms Lolade Daniel, announced in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

The statement named other partners as International Centre for Small Hydropower Plant (ICSHP) in China and the

7th AU-ECA Joint Annual Meeting Accreditation in Abuja recently.

Shagari Calls For Improved Co-operation Between Nigeria, Pakistan ABUJA - Former President Shehu Shagari has called for increased cooperation between Nigeria and Pakistan, especially in agriculture, textiles and pharmaceutical sectors.

Shagari made the call at the commemoration of the 75th National Day of Pakistan organised in Abuja on Sunday by the High Commission.

“The agriculture sector in Pakistan is a very large employer of manpower. I see no reason why we in Nigeria, with all the fertile land and plenty of water, cannot encourage our youths to go to the countryside to plough and grow.

“If Pakistan can produce tractors and entire range of agricultural implements, why can’t we in Nigeria,’’ he said.

Shagari, who was the special guest of honour at the event, congratulated Pakistan on its 75th national day celebrations, and noted that Nigeria and Pakistan had very special relationship.

He recalled his presidential visit to Pakistan in 1982, saying he saw a “nation so determined and so

courageous’’.

Shagari predicted that with a peaceful security environment in the near future, Pakistan would emerge as another Asian tiger economy.

He said that Pakistan’s irrigation network, its SMEs cluster and IT sector held strong

prospects for the country’s economy.

Speaking earlier, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Muhammad Saleem, said the country had passed through “many trials and tribulations’’

since its inception.

“Our neighbourhood continues to be turbulent; we are playing much more than our role in ensuring peace and stability in our region.

“We have sacrificed more

tourism sector.

“The way forward is to go back to the drawing board, let the practitioners meet with the government, so that everybody will bring their experiences to

bear.

“We can develop a Nigerian model for the development of our tourism, bearing in mind our cultural and religious back

ABUJA - The Fresh and Young Brains Development Initiative, an NGO on agriculture and other services, has advised youths to change the notion that they could not build a career in agriculture.

The Founder of the NGO, Miss Nkiru Nnaemego, gave the advice in an interview with

newsmen in Abuja.

Nnaemego noted that “it’s been observed that most young persons believed that they cannot build their career in agriculture.

“At this point, I think families need to educate young people that agriculture is not just

than 7,000 military officers and soldiers and 50,000 civilians in our long struggle against terrorism,’’ he said.

Saleem said in spite of the multifaceted commitment at home, Pakistan had never relented on global commitment to peacekeeping, particularly in Africa.

Develop A Nigerian Model To Grow Tourism, Expert Urges FG ABUJA - The Executive Chairman Mactee Travels and Tours, Mr Michael Awunor, has called on the Federal Government to develop a Nigerian model to grow tourism sector.

Awunor made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

He said that the country was currently using “archaic’’ model that was not in consonance with the 21st century tourism development.

“We have a lot of beautiful sites that nobody is talking about and no one is making effort to develop these sites.

“We need to change our attitude if we must develop the

ground.

“Government is serious in developing tourism, but they are adopting archaic approach.

Tourism in the 21st century is not what it used to be,’’ he said.

United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

It said UNIDO’s Representative to Nigeria, Dr Patrick Kormawa, explained that the power plant was to support businesses in the community.

“It is also to improve access to sustainable electricity supply for surrounding villages.

“The plant would also provide sustainable access to clean energy for industrial activities and tea production in the Mambila Plateau.’’

The statement said the 400kw plant was one of the plants to be installed across the country.

According to it, similar plants had been installed in Waya Dam, Bauchi state and Ezioha Mgbowo in Enugu State.

“The UNIDO Small Hydro Power plant sites in Amoke, Benue; Ikejile, Osun and at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Abeokuta, have reached advanced stages of installation’’, it said.

It described sustainable access to power as a basic necessity for inclusive and sustainable industrial development in developing countries like Nigeria.

The statement identified 200 sites for the installation of hydropower plants, stressing that the potential for the plants was very high in Nigeria.

Embrace Agriculture, NGO Tasks Youths farming, but it involves other aspects like food production, processing, marketing and advertisements.

“The youth need to get involved more and promote sustainable agriculture; they need to join us on the right to food bill.

“Public private partnership should also be encouraged to promote high investment in agriculture.”

She said that agriculture was embedded with many opportunities as it could help to promote youth entrepreneurship and employment.

THE NIGERIAN

10

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Business + Economy 10,000 Nigerians To Own Houses In 2014 - Okonjo Iweala

ABUJA - The Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, said 10,000 Nigerians would own houses in 2014 through the Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company (NMRC).

Okonjo-Iweala, who is also the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, stated this at a Stakeholders Housing Summit in Abuja.

She said that the government had already received funds for the programme from the World Bank and additional 25 million dollars (about N4.1 billion) for micro financing and mass housing initiative.

She said the 25 million

dollars would be utilised for the mass housing initiative and to help persons at the bottom of the society to repair their old houses.

She assured that the NMRC would begin operations at the end of June, 2014.

Okonjo-Iweala said that money would be pushed into the system if state governors would be ready to release Certificates of Ownership of Lands.

The minister said that the summit would come up with the criteria for accessing the mortgage loans.

She described the progarmme as “a very important milestone”

South African Coy To Invest In Nigeria ABUJA - The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa has said that it was prepared to invest in the Nigeria’s Mining and Forestry sectors.

Mr Ashely Petersen, the company’s Senior Business Development Manager, Africa Unit, said this during a courtesy visit to the acting Executive Secretary of Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mallam Abubarka Hassan.

Petersen said that Nigeria’s huge population and natural endowment placed it as a destination for sustainable investment.

“Nigeria is one of African’s huge markets and we are here to invest in mining and forestry.

“South Africa is also working hard to achieve the inter-Africa trade policy of the African Union (AU). “ The success of trade policy in the continent will promote stronger cohesion and better understanding among countries,’’ Petersen said.

Reports state that IDC of South Africa offers financial aid

focusing on economic growth and industrial development for start-ups.

The organisation was founded in 1940 with its headquarters in Sandton, South Africa.

Petersen explained that the company was state-owned, but was using private sector principles in its management.

According to him, IDC is also prepared to partner with local investors in the development of project plans, financing and executing of same provided the cost is not less than 10 million dollars.

“Out of this, we expect our would-be partners to have the capacity to pay 50 per cent of the project sum.

“We are happy to be here because Nigeria has got a lot of potentials and we expect the NIPC to show us more opportunities,’’ he said.

Earlier, Hassan expressed delight on the visit of IDC team to the commission.

According to him, the commission serves as navigating radar to the country’s business opportunities.

of the Federal Government in its effort to provide affordable housing for all Nigerians.

Okonjo-Iweala said that government would ensure that the project was realisable.

“We are here to ensure that at the end of this year, so many Nigerians will say that as a result of this initiative, they have been able to buy a piece of land to construct their houses. “ I am hoping that at the end of this occasion, we would have launched an initiative where 10,000 Nigerians who do not have houses today will have access to housing,’’ she stressed.

Okonjo-Iweala also said that the new mortgage system would be an avenue to create jobs for young Nigerians.

“We have not yet created enough jobs to meet the number of entrants in the labour market each year; it is not that we are not creating jobs, but the issue is that we still have a gap of about 200,000 jobs. “ We have to work harder to meet that gap because also accumulated over the years is a pool of about 5.3 million unemployed Nigerians.

The Manager, Public Affairs, Integrated Data Services Limited, Benin City, Mr. Samson Makoji (right), presenting complete set of barbing saloon equipment to a beneficiary of the Company’s 2013 Community Project yesterday at Oko, Benin City.

NGO Canvasses Even Distribution Of Nation’s Resources

ABUJA - Christian Aid Nigeria, an international NGO, has appealed to the Federal Government to ensure even distribution of money generated from taxes for national development.

Ms Adebola Fatilewa, Programme Assistant in charge of governance in the organisation, made the call during a National Youth Tax Summit in Abuja.

The theme of the summit is entitled: ‘ ‘Sustainable Financing for the Future’’ was jointly organised by the Actionaid and Activista Nigeria Tax Justice programme.

Miss Joy Ikpoboyuwa (left) receiving N50,000 cash from Mrs. Ngozi Atah of Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL), in Oko, Benin City, yesterday.

According to her, fairness in tax charges was one of the ways of sustaining the country’s development, adding that there should be equality in Nigeria wealth distribution.

Fatilewa stressed that money gotten from tax should be used for the social and economic development of the country.

“Fairness in taxing is one of the ways of sustaining a country.

How is the government accountable to us in the utilisation of public funds including taxes?’’

She added that the government should endeavour to involve youths in their development policies, saying they were the strong instrument to drive change in the country.

Mr. Jude Imagwe, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Student Matters also called on Nigerian youths to be committed to building a better nation.

He said that payment of tax allows every citizen the right to demand explanation on the utilisation of public funds and right to ownership.

“You have a Nigeria today, you have the picture of the Nigeria you want tomorrow, the only way we can achieve this is to have ourselves be committed through the payment of tax.

“Youths should leave

yesterday behind and dream of a new and possible Nigeria.

Mr. David Habba, the National Coordinator, Activista Nigeria, said although “it is good to pay taxes, but the youths are also demanding for tax justice.’’

Habba noted that tax was the most sustainable financing option for development in Nigeria and indeed any country.

“To be sustainable, domestic resource mobilisation requires that the government expand the tax base and effectively investigate the role of multinational companies.

LAGOS - The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged telecoms operators to be transparent in their billing practices.

The commission gave the charge in the 2014 First Quarter Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Report.

Which was made available to newsmen in Lagos. The NCC said that its Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Department recently visited mobile network operators and found out that there was no accurate database of approved tariff plan.

It said that it found out that identified product offerings/ packages from Globacom and Airtel were below the Mobile Terminal Rate (MTR) of N6.40.

It said that the Glo Offala

calls was 5 kobo per second or N3.00 per minute, while the Airtel Big Family package was10 kobo per second or N6.00 per minute.

The NCC directed Globacom and Airtel to remove the packages.

“It is imperative that network carriers are transparent, fair and truthful in their billing practices as consumers deserve nothing less,’’ it said.

The commission would also need to acquire tariff monitoring equipment to facilitate a robust and effective tariff monitoring regime.

“The compliance visit was to conduct a sample billing test and review various billing scenarios on all major operators to ensure that the operators are fair, truthful and accurate in their billing practices.

NCC Charges Telecoms Operators On Transparent Billing

THE NIGERIAN

11

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (26/03/14) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

NEIMETH

1.52

1.52

0

0

74,400

107,880.00

7UP

90

90

0

0

26,658

2,357,904.07

NEM

0.7

0.73

0.03

0

546,573

397,887.99

ABCTRANS

0.9

0.9

0

0

5,012,000

4,510,600.00

NESTLE

973

1000.11

27.11

0

6,471,129

6,470,549,169.00

ACADEMY

1.8

1.8

0

0

1,500

2,565.00

NEWGOLD

2095

2100

5

0

100

210,000.00

ACCESS

7.5

7.49

-0.01

0

12,255,000

90,263,143.38

NPFMCRFBK

0.76

0.76

0

0

2,706

2,137.74

AFRINSURE

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,000

500

NSE30

1694.22

1699.24

5.02

0

172,030,467

8,919,768,726.00

AFRIPRUD

2.99

2.9

-0.09

0

3,656,604

10,520,580.41

NSE50

1840.62

1846.15

5.53

0

193,231,430

9,029,495,354.00

AGLEVENT

1.4

1.4

0

0

63,296

88,614.40

NSEASEM

952.39

952.39

0

0

7,000

9,170.00

AIICO

0.8

0.77

-0.03

0

5,005,413

3,878,075.43

NSEASI

37728.5

37820.22

91.72

0

227,647,086

9,092,014,468.00

AIRSERVICE

2.6

2.6

0

0

38,459

95,717.50

NSEBNK

376.05

373.05

-3

0

91,644,260

1,346,232,435.00

ASHAKACEM

15.64

15.8

0.16

0

1,153,863

17,829,992.12

NSECNSMRGDS

930.73

941.03

10.3

0

13,109,057

6,742,128,274.00

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

0.5

0

0

29,500

14,750.00

NSEINDUSTR

2522.73

2532.29

9.56

0

4,085,026

326,074,132.50

BERGER

9.6

9.6

0

0

34,483

316,912.20

NSEINS

134.71

135.09

0.38

0

8,555,568

6,469,379.16

BETAGLAS

17.35

18.15

0.8

0

188,375

3,408,574.69

NSELOTUSISLM

2674.44

2692.06

17.62

0

11,905,467

6,850,277,611.00

CADBURY

78

78

0

0

194,673

14,245,393.18

NSEOILGAS

289.09

287.54

-1.55

0

3,573,574

95,549,017.09

CCNN

9

9.45

0.45

0

489,978

4,563,442.83

OANDO

18.48

17.56

-0.92

0

3,161,231

55,810,032.53

CILEASING

0.5

0.5

0

0

990,000

495,000.00

OASISINS

0.56

0.54

-0.02

0

2,380,000

1,285,200.00

CONOIL

51.9

51.9

0

0

20,060

989,158.60

OKOMUOIL

42

42

0

0

50

1,995.00

CONTINSURE

0.95

0.99

0.04

0

521,000

515,740.00

PAINTCOM

1.9

1.9

0

0

3,000

5,430.00

CORNERST

0.5

0.5

0

0

144,413

72,206.50

PORTPAINT

4.1

4.1

0

0

50,000

212,470.00

COSTAIN

1.39

1.39

0

0

179,891

254,400.22

PRESCO

41

40.1

-0.9

0

399,024

16,114,308.40

CUSTODYINS

2.03

2.01

-0.02

0

516,780

1,040,640.56

PRESTIGE

0.57

0.55

-0.02

0

728,087

400,867.85

CUTIX

1.99

2.07

0.08

0

80,000

160,900.00

PZ

30.69

31.11

0.42

0

470,313

14,640,399.06

DANGCEM

230

230

0

0

697,549

160,430,645.10

REDSTAREX

4.47

4.47

0

0

111,590

497,989.50

DANGFLOUR

8.61

8.9

0.29

0

978,422

8,680,295.00

RTBRISCOE

1.35

1.35

0

0

58,600

75,594.00

DANGSUGAR

9.8

9.72

-0.08

0

2,028,716

19,685,983.79

SKYEBANK

3.7

3.69

-0.01

0

6,648,265

24,437,451.09

DIAMONDBNK

6.52

6.3

-0.22

0

2,302,096

14,467,712.98

STACO

0.5

0.5

0

0

11,341

5,670.50

ETERNA

3.83

3.83

0

0

56,720

210,660.80

STANBIC

21

21

0

0

904,990

19,001,579.90

ETI

13.25

13.31

0.06

0

990,741

13,189,653.81

STERLNBANK

2.25

2.36

0.11

0

12,085,674

28,077,021.74

EVANSMED

2.22

2.22

0

0

5,140

10,845.40

STUDPRESS

2.4

2.4

0

0

1,500

3,420.00

FBNH

12.48

12.44

-0.04

0

25,214,072

303,414,487.20

TOTAL

153.6

159

5.4

0

88,718

13,827,234.60

FCMB

3.38

3.28

-0.1

0

25,200,816

84,195,980.98

TRANSCORP

3.73

3.65

-0.08

0

14,952,446

55,552,345.79

FIDELITYBK

2.18

2.2

0.02

0

6,443,322

14,162,185.83

TRANSEXPR

2.49

2.37

-0.12

0

200,000

474,000.00

FIDSON

2.9

2.99

0.09

0

815,250

2,317,851.10

UACN

59.36

59.36

0

0

119,573

6,979,080.97

FO

92

92

0

0

157,342

13,994,905.60

UBA

7.23

7.05

-0.18

0

13,693,943

95,862,265.05

FTNCOCOA

0.5

0.5

0

0

20,000

10,000.00

UBCAP

2.49

2.49

0

0

5,450,781

13,564,024.17

GLAXOSMITH

70

70

0

0

49,077

3,435,823.82

UBN

10.15

10

-0.15

0

613,194

6,154,513.51

GNI

0.5

0.5

0

0

650,000

325,000.00

UNHOMES

0.5

0.5

0

0

5,000

2,500.00

GUARANTY

25.84

25.62

-0.22

0

28,129,047

723,246,749.20

UNILEVER

45.5

45.5

0

0

24,340

1,086,804.12

GUINNESS

175.99

181

5.01

0

103,929

18,282,230.12

UNIONDICON

14.14

14.14

0

0

100

1,344.00

HONYFLOUR

3.71

3.7

-0.01

0

390,200

1,442,864.81

UNITYBNK

0.5

0.5

0

0

5,000

2,500.00

IKEJAHOTEL

0.6

0.6

0

0

112,000

68,476.86

UNITYKAP

0.5

0.5

0

0

520

260

INTBREW

23.14

24.29

1.15

0

340,681

8,256,318.49

UPL

3.5

3.67

0.17

0

1,342,671

4,927,602.57

INTENEGINS

0.56

0.56

0

0

1,130,000

625,800.00

UTC

0.56

0.54

-0.02

0

107,366

58,015.98

JAPAULOIL

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,459,100

729,550.00

VETGRIF30

16.95

16.98

0.03

0

17,950

304,791.00

JBERGER

71.25

71.25

0

0

57,806

3,913,103.64

VITAFOAM

4.28

4.25

-0.03

0

533,000

2,255,086.58

LASACO

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,000

500

VONO

1.66

1.66

0

0

800

1,264.00

LEARNAFRCA

1.57

1.64

0.07

0

105,849

173,592.36

WAPCO

110.58

110.6

0.02

0

1,181,812

130,777,296.70

LIVESTOCK

3.18

3.27

0.09

0

2,553,171

8,152,751.50

WAPIC

0.74

0.74

0

0

1,577,482

1,139,209.39

MANSARD

2.08

2.08

0

0

30,600

64,392.00

WEMABANK

1

0.96

-0.04

0

2,333,797

2,252,334.69

MAYBAKER

1.97

1.97

0

0

209,755

410,780.85

ZENITHBANK

20.11

19.7

-0.41

0

18,234,855

362,196,426.00

MBENEFIT

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,000

500

MOBIL

123

118.01

-4.99

0

89,493

10,716,507.76

MRS

54.44

54.44

0

0

10

517.2

MULTITREX

0.5

0.5

0

0

20

10

NAHCO

5.2

5.25

0.05

0

263,682

1,384,754.28

NASCON

12

12

0

0

246,205

2,936,015.05

NB

151.01

151

-0.01

0

1,083,685

163,756,341.10

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock NSEASI NESTLE NSELOTUSISLM NSECNSMRGDS NSEINDUSTR NSE50 TOTAL NSE30 GUINNESS NEWGOLD

Close 37820.22 1000.11 2692.06 941.03 2532.29 1846.15 159 1699.24 181 2100

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain

Stock

91.72 27.11 17.62 10.3 9.56 5.53 5.4 5.02 5.01 5

MOBIL NSEBNK NSEOILGAS OANDO PRESCO ZENITHBANK DIAMONDBNK GUARANTY UBA UBN

Close 118.01 373.05 287.54 17.56 40.1 19.7 6.3 25.62 7.05 10

Loss -4.99 -3 -1.55 -0.92 -0.9 -0.41 -0.22 -0.22 -0.18 -0.15

THE NIGERIAN

12 IT is incontrovertible that the key that opens the door to the development of any society is research and this is basic to the success and growth of societies which have religiously formed the culture and tradition of unending research in all areas of development.

ESSENTIALLY, research governs all areas of human endeavour as well as all fields of life. Any innovation that ignores the need for research and lays claim to new discoveries could at best be a fraud and is therefore bound to fail.

THAT there is a tendency to confine research to institutions of learning is a measure of how well the output from such academic institutions, particularly the universities is reliable and dependable in the processes leading to new discoveries.

INTERESTINGLY, however, these days, most large firms now have their research and development departments in order to remain relevant in a scientifically competitive environment where efficiency and precision are now the hallmarks to survive new trends and modern devices that outpace existing ones surpassing them in all respects. The field of information technology is where the pace and speed of research have led to astounding breakthroughs putting such firms as Apple, Nokia and Microsoft on top of the industry.

IT is sad to note that in the last two or three decades, there has been a gradual erosion of research culture from our universities, basically due to lack of funding and government’s indifference or fears that research grants are improperly utilized. This has also largely contributed to the worsening conditions which face genuine academics interested in engaging in profitable research work.

AGAINST this backdrop therefore, it is an admittance of fact that poor funding, disinterest by government, lack, of commitment and sometimes fraud are

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 THE NIGERIAN

Need For Research And Development Data Bank

inevitable drawbacks to research which is a sine qua non and an essential ingredient of the success story of any nation.

LEADING nations in the world today, such as the United States, Britain, France, Japan, Germany, Russia, China and new emerging Asian powers, including South-Korea, India, North-Korea and many more are changing the face of their societies through research where its end product, technology and scientific discoveries are the inevitable consequences.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER is worried that Nigeria appears not to have the interest to nurture the culture and tradition of research by granting assistance to universities in the country to embark on research in any area of interest, particularly in science and technology.

WE are of the firm belief that many intellectuals in our ivory towers are not bereft of ideas that can help develop extensive research work in their fields of study.

WE have for so long taken the Nigerian university system for granted and it is a system that holds much promise for the future if Nigerian political leaders will allow it to take its leading place in providing some level of guidance by way of research works that could propel the nation forward.

THERE are instances of many Nigerian intellectuals and egg heads who when they leave the shores of this country go to foreign

institutions to make remarkable feats and achievements in science and technology and thus contributing to the growth of their adopted society, while at home such opportunity was never given room to thrive so that they could prove the depth of their knowledge and learning.

WE implore the Federal Government to improve the capacity and ability of the Nigerian university system to deliver in the area of research and development by working through the National Universities Commission (NUC) to challenge institutes, departments and colleges of these universities to come forward with research projects that will better the Nigerian society. The government must not see any amount devoted to research and development as money poured down the drain. At any rate, if just a quarter of the several billions of dollars embezzled and squandered by past leaders have been devoted to research, certainly, Nigeria would have been better for it.

THERE is no doubt that the neglect in this area of research contributed to the problem of brain drain and the exodus of many promising minds from our universities to that of foreign nations, hence the need to reinvigorate the research system and put it to better use for the nation’s gains and the benefit.

THEREFORE, apart from government funding and assistance, we recommend that to make funds freely available for all kinds of research, the CBN should consider the setting up of a Bank which aims and objectives should be strictly to fund research.

WITH proper guidelines and regulations, we believe that this is possible, where there should be an interface between the banking and research institutions. If banks could finance businesses that are colossal failures, then there will be greater benefits to fund researches that could change the course of mankind, particularly in the Nigerian setting and the world at large.

THE NIGERIAN

13

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Opinion Re-Name Effurun Army Barracks After David Ejoor

HAVING written on the above subject in a letter dated October 10, 2011, without any response from the Presidency, we once write to reiterate that some years back, the Army Barrack located in Effurun near Warri, Delta State, was named after His Excellency General David Akpode Ejoor, rtd., onetime military governor of former Midwestern State. At the time, we saw it as a justifiable honour, given the fact that he was the first Army General ever to have emerged from the region where the barracks is cited, as well as the first Military Governor of Mid-West Province, which later became known as Midwest Region and Bendel State. But somewhere along the line – specifically during the civilian regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo rtd., the name was jettisoned, and reverted to Army Barracks Effurun.

We do not know the circumstances surrounding the renaming of the barracks or de-robing of General David Ejoor, as it obviously is. But one pertinent question to ask is: Was the proper or set-down procedure or legislation followed in the naming of the barracks as General David Akpode Ejoor Barracks? If due process was followed, the next question is: Was due process equally followed before the name of the barracks was reverted to Army Barracks Effurun?

Having said that, it is necessary to say point blank that there is hardly anyone who does not know why General David Akpode Ejoor was initially honoured by having the Army Barracks in Effurun named after him. But for the avoidance of doubt, some of his landmark achievements that make him a living legend are that Ejoor was: The first person from Edo and Delta States to gain a regular commission as an officer in the Nigerian Army.

The officer who commanded the Army Guard at the midnight Flag-raising Ceremony ushering in Nigerian independence on 1st Oct., 1960.

The officer who designed the Army Cap Badge and Rank insignias in 1962.

The officer who played – not just a major, but also the foremost role in establishing the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), as well as the first Nigerian Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy from 1968-1970.

The officer who never participated in a coup, yet helped to stabilize the regime of General Yakubu Gowon after the chaos and confusion that followed the July 1967 coup.

The first military Governor of mid-West region from January 1966 to 9th August, 1967.

The Governor who set up the Bendel Development and Property Authority (popularly known as Bendel Estate, and now known as Delta Development and Property Authority), which planned Igbudu Estate off Deco Road in Warri, and Bendel Estate located off the popular and busy Airport Road in Effurun, near Warri, Delta State.

The Military Governor who brought the customary courts and Sharia under the judiciary, thus stopping them from being a legal instrument used to oppress and suppress the opposition.

The Military Governor who lifted the economic well-being of the ordinary man by legalizing the local production of Gin and setting up machinery for its refinining for consumption so it can compete with imported gin. Till date, the industry still thrives, and many homes are fed through the production.

The Military Governor who formally applied for the establishment of the University of Benin, after resettling MidWestern university students ejected from the University of Nigeria Nnsukka as a result of the impending civil war in the mid-sixties.

The Governor who established the first Radio Broadcasting Station in mid-West region and made a maiden broadcast with his April 1967 Budget Speech.

The Governor who laid the foundation for the National Observer to be established for the Midwestern Region; The Military Governor who laid the foundation for the Jattu Dam and extended the programme of bore holes as well as commissioned a number of bore holes

By ZIK GBEMRE, JP Played a major role in the establishment of Koko Port as a fishing terminal in Delta State, as well as the establishment of a Salt factory in Oghara, near Sapele; Applied for the establishment of a refinery in Midwest State, and thus prompted the setting up of Warri Refinery by the Federal Government of Nigeria; The first person from Edo and Delta States to become the Chief of Army Staff, and re-organised the Nigerian Army after the civil war in 1972 and planned the present/existing army barracks throughout Nigeria; Instrumental to bringing the Delta Steel Company, Ovwian, Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun and then-NEPA stations (now Ughelli Power Station) to the State.

At the risk of deviating, kudos must be given to his successor (Brigadier-General Samuel Ogbemudia), who did not deviate

degree by the Nigerian Defence Academy, instead of civilians.

Ejoor is a detrabalised man to whom any fraud has never been traced, and who did not corner any developmental project to his village or local government area as most governors do today. Rather, his emphasis was on centralizing development to give the greatest benefit to the greatest number of people in Edo and Delta states.

One remarkable thing about General Ejoor is that much as some people want to sweep his achievements under the carpet, he has been unavoidably recognized and honoured nationally and internationally. Some of his awards are as follow: Military/Honourary Titles: 1.

GCON – Grand Commander of Nigeria, For Saving Nigeria, 1967 2. OFR – Officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 3. RCDS – Royal College of Defence Studies-UK 4.

PSC – Pass Staff College 5.

Hon. LLD (Doctor) – UNIBEN National Medals: 1.

Congo Medal CM 2. Independence Medal IM 3. Republic Medal RM

General David Ejoor (Rtd).

from the Development Plan laid down by General Ejoor, but was faithful to the execution of Ejoor’s blue-print. Having said that, it needs to be acknowledged that there is no gainsaying that General David Ejoor (rtd.) is a living legend, in the sense that he is a man of no mean achievements. And to say the least, he needs to be honoured and immortalised. He has been a quiet, self-respecting man of integrity, who has opted to be non-partisan by refusing to dabble in politics or being a card-carrying member of any political party. Such a man is deserving of being awarded an honourary Doctorate

“True, a man honoured abroad can sometimes be commonised in his own home.

And no doubt, some people may be saying when Ejoor dies; the Army Barracks in Effurun can be named after him. But we must change this negative mentality of only honouring people after their death. In any case, if people who won Olympic medals can be honoured by having streets named after them in their lifetime, why can’t a man who has lived a worthy life be honoured in his lifetime to encourage people to live an exemplary upright life?”

4.

Defence Service Medal DSM 5. General Service Medal GSM 6. National Service Medal NSM Foreign Honours: 1. Grand Commander Republic of Togo 2. Order of the Two Niles 1st Class Sudan 3. Grand Officer (O.N.) Du Lion Senegal 4. Kt. Order of the Crown Belgium-OOC (SIR) True, a man honoured abroad can sometimes be commonised in his own home. And no doubt, some people may be saying when Ejoor dies; the Army Barracks in Effurun can be named after him. But we must change this negative mentality of only honouring people after their death. In any case, if people who won Olympic medals can be honoured by having streets named after them in their lifetime, why can’t a man who has lived a worthy life be honoured in his lifetime to encourage people to live an exemplary upright life?

The naming of the barracks after him was a fitting honour, and we cannot but champion the crusade for the renaming of Army Barracks Effurun as David Ejoor Barracks.

THE NIGERIAN

14

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Ajuwaya everybody’s finger tip, why must people especially corps members prefer certain location to other for just a period of one year?

To be realistic, structurally, some villages in our dear country are not appealing to human emotion. Besides, some are technologically and infrastructurally detached from the globe. To this end, individual, governmental and non-governmental organisations have a big role to play in order to make life in village a bit captivating.

At individual level, anybody who is intending to erect a building in our villages should please adhere to modem style of building.

Gone are the days when kitchen, toilet and bath room are constructed with iron sheets separately behind the main building. Gone are the days when two of three houses are sharing a bathroom and toilet.

How can a graduate who has never shared a toilet with anybody cope with that type of life-style? Can a foreign trained graduate adapt to such obsolete environment? As a

Accept Your Posting With Politeness

NATURALLY , anything that has a beginning must definitely has an end. NYSC 2014 batch “A” orientation course which commenced almost three weeks ago will reach its climax next week Tuesday, 1st April, 2014, with the posting of Corps members to various organizations, or establishments across the country.

As the posting day is fast approaching, investigation reveals that a vast number of 2014 batch A Corps members are full of anxiety. Virtually everybody on camp is concerned on whether the posting will be favourable or otherwise.

The popular soliloquies and questions on camp now are.

“Where would I be posted to”.

“Would they post me to school or corporate organization? “Would they post me to private or public organization?” and above all Would they post me to city or village?”

Moreover, it is obvious that the corps members are seeking divine intervention over the posting exercise as “quiet time”, “solat” and “angelus” have been redesigned and tailored to match the order of the day on

By OGUNYEMI ADEBAYO

camp. Anyway, neither the law of nature nor etiquette against that, therefore, I wish you the best but do not be over-ambitious.

Research has shown that virtually all Corps members prefer to have their Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) in city.

The probability of serving in village or under-developed part of the country has been viewed as terrible anathema associated with one year mandatory national service.

However, if the idea of posting corps members to village is viewed as an inevitable evil that always lead to pandemonium, where is the place of NYSC Motto “Service and Humility” worst enough, studies have shown that those who are fortunate to serve in city are fond of seeing themselves on top of the world and always give a derogatory remarks on people who find themselves on the other side of the rivers by congratulating them in

derision.

National youth service has not be re-named to national city service. It is all about serving the nation with humility and sincerity. It is far beyond service to the city but rather a service to the nation.

The question that a patriotic mind must be able to answer at the end of the service year is, have I added value to my country in the course of my service year?

If this question could not be affirmatively addressed at the end on your service year irrespective of where you serve, then, your appearance in the scene of national

service is analogous to a magnificent mountain of ashes.

However, it is not where you serve that counts bur your contribution to the national development. “Rome was not built in a day neither a reef tank” they say. The cities across our country were gradually developed by government and individual like you. If you are eventually posted to the village, accept it with dignity and contribute your own quota to its development.

At this juncture, one might be wondering that in this digital era when the whole world is seen as a global village and information is readily available on virtually

matter of fact, we need to get rid of barbaric structure in our villages in order to alleviate the hardship of corps members posting to village.

Nevertheless, on the part of government, the idea of continuous beautification projects in the cities without a motorable road network, quality health care, portable water and host of other infrastructurally related items in the village is nothing but maltreatmentand this is against the principle of equality. How long would internal territorial discrimination persist in our country?

Government at various levels is hereby urged to intensify effort in the

provision of basic social amenities in the less developed areas with a view to making life bearable for corps members in the remote area and rural dwellers at large.

Non-governmental organisations are not left of this discourse especially, telecommunication and banking industries. The congestion of these industries in urban centre with little or no one in rural area constitutes social and economic imbalance.

Imagine a corps members posted to a village where access to network for calling and browsing is an aberration!

The Nigeria telecommunication industries should please / endeavour to extend their hand of service to grassroot level. Epileptic network service is a red signal of deformation.

Surprisingly, a fellow corps member recently disclosed that whenever he needs to access bank service, he would have to spend one thousand, two hundred naira (N1 ,200) for transport fare. Imagine such distance!

Now, if this corps member should be going to bank once in a mouth, he would spend fourteen thousand, four hundred naira (N14,400) all in the name of going to bank in the course of service year.

On this note, the authorities of different commercial banks are hereby enjoined to proffer solution to this kind of problem as a matter of urgency. At least, two banks in each local government areas is not much.

Youth are expected to act as patriotic nation builder and nation builder is not expected to see challenges as hindrance. Our nationalists who fought for independence in the dark 7 days of colonial era did not wait for the storm to calm down but they rather learnt how to dance in the downpour and they made it at last.

Now, irrespective of where you are posted to, accept it with good faith and struggle to leave your footprints on the sands of time. Have an hitchfree service year.

“Surprisingly, a fellow corps member recently disclosed that whenever he needs to access bank service, he would have to spend one thousand, two hundred naira (N1 ,200) for transport fare. Imagine such distance!”

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Child Health And You Understanding Febrile Convulsion In Children INTRODUCTION “My pikin is dying.

Somebody help me!!! that sounds like lye Rume. “1 think I have my bottle of herbs mixed with palm kernel oil which I got from baba”. At once, I dashed out to see what was happening in lye Rume’s house’. Behold, it was Nosa, Osarume’s younger brother; he was convulsing. Virtually every neighbour had come to the scene with one bottle of concoction or another. Some were black, others in paste and semi-solid forms. Some were in liquid form that seemed like urine. All these were being forcefully given to Nosa.

Onions were being sliced, mashed and rubbed on his eyes, nostrils, mouth, and into his anus. “Aha! Mama Ngozi, you are welcome!”, someone exclaimed. “We have been waiting for your palm kernel oil”. Quickly, this was forcefully poured into Nosa’s mouth and some of the concoction gushed out through his nostrils. The convulsions continued and alas, Nosa’s feet were drawn towards the fire which the mother had put up to prepare dinner. Fire! Fire!! Fire!!!

Nose’s feet were burnt. As though nothing had happened, a concerned neighbour called out to iye Rume from the corner of her kitchen saying, “We need urine! Perhaps, lye Rume should pass her urine for her son to take”. “Your urine will certainly stop the convulsion”, the neighbour suggested. Of course, in the midst of the confusion, lye Rurne ignorantly searched for a place to pass urine for resuscitating her dying three year old son.”

Nosa is a three year old boy who had developed fever within the last three days. On this fateful evening, Nosa was by his mother in the kitchen unusually quiet. Suddenly, he laid on the ground and started stretching his hands and legs.

His eyes rolled upwards and he was noticed to have started foaming from the mouth. His mother grabbed him by his shoulders and started screaming for help from the neighbours.

He was convulsing. The convulsion lasted for about twenty minutes. At the end of the convulsion, Nosa was noticed to have been lying helplessly on the ground, blood was oozing out of his mouth (injuries from spoon which was used forcefully to open his mouth to administer the different concoctions) and several degrees of burns were noted on his feet and legs.

Thank God for lya lyabo, who

came to the scene and had insisted that Nosa must be taken to the hospital (health centre).

The story above is usually the scenario in almost all communities in Nigeria where it is noted that a child is having convulsion.

DEFINITION OF FEBRILE CONVULSION Febrile convulsion (also known as febrile fits or febrile seizures) is a disorder occurring in a child from the age of 6 months to 5 years and who had significant rise in body temperature. The diagnosis of febrile convulsion is one that must be arrived at by eliminating more serious cause of seizures and fever in children such as meningitis, and/or encephalitis.

Febrile convulsions occur in young children when there is rapid increase in their body temperature. Convulsion usually occurs at the peak of fever during a febrile illness such as malaria, acute respiratory infection (such as otitis media (ear infections), acute tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and pnuemonia), urinary tract infection, gastroenteritis, etc. In most cases, the illness is caused by virus, bacteria or parasites.

This shows that/any child with any febrile illness may develop febrile convulsion.

TYPES OF FEBRILE CONVULSIONS (A).

Simple febrile convulsion which is characterized by generalized tonic clonic seizures, usually of extra cranial origin, lasting for less than 15 minutes, and usually occurs once in 24 hours.

The child regains consciousness at the end of the seizures and there is usually presence of paternal genetic factors. This type of febrile convulsions represents the majority of cases of most febrile convulsions in children. For the purpose of this write-up, emphasis is on simple febrile convulsion.

(B). Complex febrile convulsion is characterized by longer duration, recurrence or focus on only part of the body.

There may be multiple attacks of seizures in 24 hours. All children with complex febrile convulsion must have medical evaluation by a medical doctor!

Febrile convulsion (simple or complex) often seems frightening. It rarely results in any permanent brain injuries.

However do not allow any episode of febrile convulsions lasts more than 30 minutes without seeking medical attention. If a child has several attacks in quick succession, YOU MUST SEEK MEDICAL attention. This is because prolonged fits and/or several

By DR. DAMIAN UCHECHUKWU NWANERI

fits in quick successions may cause brain injury.

Half of all children who has had an episode of febrile convulsion will have another attack the next time they have an elevated body temperature (body hot/fever). But the risk lessens with time and attack usually should not occur after the age of five years.

Although most febrile convulsions look like epileptic fits (episodes of convulsions in the absence of fever), febrile

39°C. • Children may inherit the tendency to suffer febrile convulsions from their parents. > If either parent suffered a febrile convulsion as a child, the risk of their child suffering from febrile convulsion is 10-20 percent. > If both parents and their child have at some point suffered a febrile convulsion, the risk of another child getting the disorder rises to 20 to 30 percent.

convulsions however rarely have anything in common with epileptic fits. Virtually all children who had a febrile convulsion have no more fits after they have reached school age.

A risk of development of epilepsy in children with febrile seizures is very rare except when the febrile convulsion is associated with positive family history of epilepsy and abnormal neurological examination in the phase of complex febrile seizures.

RISK OF SUFFERING FEBRILE CONVULSION • Recurrence of febrile convulsions occurs in about one-third of cases after the first episode • Risk of recurrence increases with young age at first episode and onset of seizures at lower body temperature. The first attack of febrile convulsion may be accompanied with a relative temperature- below

• However the child’s susceptibility also depends on whether the child gets infections. About 4 out of 10 children who have had febrile convulsions will get them again at some stage, although the risk differs greatly from child to child. The child’s risk of febrile convulsion rises if: > They are genetically predisposed to it > They suffer frequent febrile illnesses (with high temperature) SYMPTOMS OF SIMPLE FEBRILE CONVULSIONS • The attack often begins with the child losing consciousness, and shortly after wards the body, legs and arm go stiff.

The head is thrown backwards and the legs and arms begin to jerk.

• Some children may start foaming in the mouth • There may be upward rolling of the black eyes.

• Convulsions usually last for less than 30 minutes.

• Most children regain consciousness after the episode of convulsions WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD SUFFERS AN EPISODE OF FEBRILE CONVULSION DO THE FOLLOWING: • Lay the child straight on the ground/floor • Turn the child’s head to the left to prevent choking • Clear the mouth and nostrils of any secretions which may choke the child • Attempt reduction of the child’s body temperature > By removing clothes and

extra clothes the child is putting on.

Ensure that the room where the child is laid is not over crowded. Open the windows of the room to ensure adequate ventilation. > The child could be fanned using the hand fan or where there is electric power, an electric fan can be useful. > In areas where suppository paracetamol is available, this could be administered in to the child’s anus to lower the body temperature.

The recommended dosage MUST be administered.

• When the convulsion subsides, keep the child in the recovery position that is lying on his side. And then take the child to the health centre or hospital for evaluation. The child may not necessarily be admitted in the hospital or health centre however, the child should be admitted in the hospital or health centre if the

present febrile convulsion is his/her first episode/attack. It is also always important to determine following an episode of febrile convulsion whether or not the convulsion is only due to harmless infection. For this reason, a doctor should always be consulted following an episode of febrile convulsions even if the con vi’!sion has subsided!

• The child should be given something to eat or drink ONLY when he/she has regained full consciousness • If the convulsion occurs repeatedly or become prolonged (more than 30 minutes), take the child to the nearest health centre or hospital.

DURING AN EPISODE OF FEBRILE CONVULSIONS, THE ‘DO NOT’ INCLUDE: • Do not panic • Do not forcefully push stick or spoon in the mouth. This may injure the child’s mouth and can extract or pull off the child’s tooth/teeth • Do not forcefully give the child any food or fluid to eat or drink. The child may aspirate the fluid and may develop respiratory problems • Do not use any home-made concoctions on the child as most of these concoctions are harmful to the child. Some of these concoctions have been found to cause low blood sugar which may worsen the child’s consciousness and delay recovery from the febrile convulsions.

• Do not put the child’s legs or feet into a burning fire. This may cause several degrees of burns and death!

CAN FEBRILE CONVULSIONS BE PREVENTED? Yes, by lowering the body temperature of at risk child following fever episode via tepid sponging or administration of appropriate dose of over the counter paracetamol tablet or syrup.

The child should then be taken to a health centre or hospital for further evaluation.

DR DAMIAN UCHECHUKWU NWANERI Research Fellow I 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.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Media

Continued from last week

Characteristics of Documentary TURNING to the past in both radio and film to find a satisfactory explanation of what DOCUMENTARY is, and its brief account of evolutional history we can discern the following principal characteristics. (i) A documentary is always factual (ii) The illustrative material is always life as it is, (iii) The documentary has a single basic leit — motive. (iv) It is about the birth, live, doings death of human being (generally one being) against the background of society or life as a whole. (v) It appeals to the heart as well as the head, it has a dramatic entertainment value usually achieved by the quality and style of its narration, (vi) It is a subjective interpretation by the makers. (vii) It is a social document and has a guiding purpose.

Direct Implication of Documentary The direct implication of all this is the singular requirement that the documentary must be TRUE if it must have credibility.

In the light of the above, it is valid to note that many films and radio programmes called “documentary” are not documentary at all although they may make, use of documentary techniques. There are factual films and broadcasts with substantial actualities but lacking creative treatment which would be better described as ‘information films” or “information programmes”, instructional films, programmes, magazines, soft news, real or one subject magazines. It is entirely wrong to describe these films and programmes as documentary.

Joris Ivens described by Hyginus Ekwuazi (1996) as one of the leading documentary film makers in the world, insists, and rightly, too, that there can be no substitute for truthfulness in the documentary. Many people take it for granted that all documentary films are objective.

In one of his many lectures on the documentary, he notes as a matter of course: “I think three minutes of untruthfulness in an hour long documentary makes the whole film lose credibility. Your audience will no longer trust you, said Joris Ivens (1983). The documentary must be unimpeachable in its truthfulness Another distinguished writer Robert L. Hilliana in Hyginus Ekwuazi (1990) said that documentary like the news programme, sources its stories from actualities. It exhibits the same passion for truthfulness and credibility. However, both programmes types are vastly different one area of difference he said, is in the content, in depth of coverage. The documentary goes much more in depth than does a news story exploring not only what happened, but as far as possible, the reasons for what happened, the attitude and feelings of the people involved, the interpretations of experts, the reaction of other citizens who might be affected and the implications and significance of the subject not only for some individuals but for the whole of society.

I am aware that a thorough research and understanding of the subject is an essential pre-requisite to the making of a documentary. The research may be extensive, running over a period of several months or many weeks. As a result of thorough research, a documentary maker knows the relevancies of the subject and can begin to discern, what he can make of it. From his research, emerges a single idea which he wants to unsettle his audience and provoke it into thinking and feeling about the subject, quite possibly stimulating his audience into action. Then and only then, does he begin to gather the material for his film, radio programme and the pictures or sound that it takes. He then begins to impose his will upon it to shape it, to drive home to his audience the understanding he want them to have, or the point he wants to make. In this sense, Documentary is highly personal to his maker. It is a subjective interpretation.

The documentary maker must be thoroughly versed and skilled in the techniques of his craft. If he hopes to achieve success, he needs to be a skillful, creative and almost poetic writer. He needs to be capable of visualizing or imagining what his end-product will look or sound like. He must be completely unselfconscious in the use of his camera or tape recorder; skilled at framing his questions, sensitive to the use of words, sound and music.

For these reasons, it is often said that documentary is not a field for the newcomer, unless he has exceptional talents and skills.

These talents and skills are with acquiring for the documentary in film radio and television has had greater impact upon audiences than any other form of programmes.

Unveiling Today’s Print And Br Other areas of difference is where the news report oriented toward objectivity. The documentary is oriented toward interpretation and often presents a distinct point of view” EKWUAZI 1996) gave example of the N.T.A news report on the incidence of VVF in the country. Within the very tightly package network news, the report managed to touch on virtually every relevant aspect of the illness: causes, management, etc. titled, “The Silent Sufferer’s. The documentary on the same illness, covers, as much wider ground, it portrays the illness through the eyes of the victims, their relations and various health personnel; in this giving voice to their silent agony, it makes the sufferers, the victims of errors of omission and commission of their society.

Consequently the documentary achieves a far greater impact than does news item.

There is, but one key to all good writings: human interest, and it is expressed in essentially dramatic terms.

Human interest is the key to good documentary writing.

Even if you want to present only facts, even if the facts been titled and dry, make them dramatic. Develop them in terms of the people they represent, even if the inanimate such as the new mechanical evention — endow it with live attributes.

The documentary script should be developed in dramatic terms. The exploration of character, the introduction of conflict (the problem which creates the happening that requires documentary treatment) and the development of the conflict through revelation of the complications involved until a crisis is reached. Although the big things that created the action, the little things, the human interest and elements are all important in creating and holding interest (Hilliad 1978).

Is Documentary a Work of Art? Documentary is one of the important multi disciplinary communication subjects that possesses many facts and theories which cannot be claimed to be science. There has been the tendency by some scientists and social scientists not to treat it as science subject but an art. Some writers and communication practitioners also believe that it is an art — since documentary raw materials are real life. Again, they agreed that even though documentary is made directly from real life, yet it is not, and cannot be real life. Joris Ivens used a catchy analogy to illustrate the relationship between the documentary and real life.

The relationship between documentary film and raw material is in fact life that between sculptor and granite. The stone itself he continued, has no art value but after the work of an architect, it becomes a piece of art. Life itself is only a raw material not art. Art begins with the selection of material only after selection, filming and editing can become real life and have artistic value in a film. (Film Archives of China 1 973).What producer of documentary should realize is that the artistic of material is not in any way confined to the shooting phase, but from the pre-shooting phase. And through the shooting to the post shooting, then the art work of documentary is made step by step process. This is what Richard Maccann (1976), had in his mind when he described the documentary as ‘factual’ and yet it is artistically arranged.

The documentary is a work of art in every sense of the word.

It is the next to drama and the highest form of television art.

It is a creative art of the broadcast media. It interprets the future to the understanding of the listeners and the viewers with a high level of imagination, which it can generate as an art which makes the raw material to be real life.

Mediation Mediation is between an event and the reporting or broadcasting of it to an audience. Mediation is the process of interpretation, shaping, selecting, editing, emphasizing, de emphasizing according to the perceptions, expectation and previous experience of those involved in the reporting of the event, in accordance with the requirements and characteristic of the means of reporting. Ekwuazi (1996) gave three productional factors that make for mediation on the screen as: (a) the imperative for the condensation of time. (b) The process of pre) selection; and (c) the process of composition.

The last two: (Pre) selection and composition inevitably, of course, imply interpretation and evaluation, how the artist interprets reality with how he evaluates the social relevance of, in the case of the documentary, the real life, which is his raw material. In the significance of mediating factors we can examine some examples: Between the event of: (a) A car accident — or; (b) A murder — shooting — eye witness or,

By OSAYOMWABO O. ERO

(c) Students protest in a college or university (d) A Bank rubbery — eye witness or; (e) Fire incident The report of such an event, a whole series of inter mediating actions takes place. The event is translated into words or pictures. It is processed according to the demands of the medium for headlines, for good pictures and pressures such as time, space and contending messages.

Mediation is inescapable much of our knowledge of life and world comes to us at a second hand and through the mediation of press and television, our perceptions of events are coloured by preoccupations, perceptions, and values of the mediators.

Sometimes, however, the construct of events is far from a monopoly of the mass media. It is further mediated and process modified or altered altogether by those around us who exert influence such as friends, relatives, work colleagues, personal mood, time of the day or state of health. Watson and Hill (1997).

Protesters such as students in the University demonstrators in streets which could be political or strikes which could become a confrontation between the police and the rioters. Most incidents may had been missed by the cameraman who comes and by the time he started recording, there is distortion in the event. The recorded part of the event can also be generated by cameraman presence. We always observe that in rioting situation, the cameraman often starts from the police end with the police in pursuit of the student or the protesters.

Mediation is imperative with the condensation processes of pre-selection, composition on a real situation which is the raw material for a documentary.

The whole point about mediation as far as documentation is concerned, is the honesty and the audience belief in what they see in it, but it does not entirely mean that there can be no alteration at all. All films including documentaries undergo some artistic treatment — editing, emphasizing, or deemphasizing. Etc. The Producer of Documentary

Documentary is a field for the very experienced producer who preferably has a journalistic flair. This does not mean that he has to be a journalist but he needs a journalist’s ability to collect and evaluate documentary facts. He also needs the dramatist’s bent for displaying facts dramatically and building excitement and suspense into his programme. It is when he lacks a journalist quality that he fails in the field of documentary.

A good capacity for

Ther aimed map, d as exp produ progra means effects brough Othe editor ear wi image its ma singly terms o of the learn m must c everyt

Journalists on duty

research, a thorough knowledge of the technical facilities of radio, skill in tape or film editing and writing talent are essential attributes of the documentary producer.

A producer of documentary must also understand the expressive means of producing documentary.

These are the spoken and intoned word, the speech of a concrete person whom the audience actually sees on the screen such as the announcer, a narrator, a commentator and an author. He must be able to select the best photograph of the event taken by a camera, accompanied by a commentary — this is photoinformation film. Information which is dynamic and specious usually offers lots of commentary, pictures, sounds or noises and crates atmosphere of being on the spot. Film also draws the audience closer to the original ‘real life’ The producer by using film and photo-information through different combinations with spoken words with noises and music at the background which adds emotional colouring and putting final touches to the event being depicted.

convinc and Ku absolut budgeta enough Makin The fi the wri thoroug types on large sc product (a) Th (b) Th (c) Th The w through in the s research parts of interview recordin Many program have co several their ma apparen H. Ek he calle 1. Pre Propo talents a 2. Pro Video 3. Pos video Pre-P At thi

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

roadcast Journalism (8)

re are other various secondary means d at illustrating the event such as drawing, diagram and special effects are all used pressive means by the documentary ucer. In a well produced documentary amme all the named above expressive s such as speech, music, noises (sound s) visual image, print and graphics are ht to facilitate good production. er qualities of a producer, writer, even the must have a good camera eye and camera ith which to perceive the audio visual , the skill embracing the whole story in any shorts, montage phrases and episode y. He should be able to think and create in of synthetic images with the combination visual action and word. And one must much to master this new profession, one consistently, everyday arm oneself with thing that the rich experience of, and more

and script are written, funds for the production and the necessary equipment and facilities are sourced and the required talents, personnel are contracted.

Post Production Phase At this phrase, the event is recorded ie audio and video images of the event and action are inscribed on the tape or film.

Post Production Phase At this final phase the various takes or recorded material from the production phases are assembled ie edited. The scripting (at the narration) belongs to either the pre production phase and the assembly phase or both.

Idea1izing Documentary In idealizing documentary, the producer after condensing the proposed script he moves to identify the desired achievement for the audience, before moving backward to evaluate all that the medium radio, television and the film will take. These ideal for the documentary, what the medium requires to achieve and the desired audience. The programme no mater how long should be narrowed down to manageable

proportions.

Avoid incorporating and solve all the problems in one documentary. This is done by breaking down the subject into a series of sequences and plotting the style of treatment and approximate time of each sequence which is possible for the producer to ‘see’ and the likely final shape of his programme. While doing this, some ideas for the narration are likely to occur. They should be noted on the sequence plan.

Try to get all the information you can so that you present a balanced point of view. Write down all the ideas no matter how wild they seem at a glance keeping in your main workable ideas. A fixed idea on your audience is very necessary — school children, adult, families house wives, farming (types) working men and women, health etc. what objective, would you like the viewer to get in the documentary, experience, feeling, gaining etc, after the ideal audience have listened, viewed or watched the documentary programme.

Time: There must be a fixed time upon which each sequence should be telecast or broadcast. The following must be taken to considerations:1. Narration with additional voice to give the examples (2 minutes) 2. Actuality recordings from the event (4 minutes) 3. Narration and short talks by three specialists (2 minutes) 4. Narration (2 minutes) 5. Cuts from actuality recordings made at the scene of incident (3 minutes) 6. Interviews 7. Narration and interviews from the scene can lead to short discussion between (officers) appearing in the sequences Some documentary producers have found from st production assembly, Scripting Editing audio experience that at certain times in a half programme audience interest is likely to wane unless new or exciting occurs in the programme to sustain their interest. They Production Planning Phrase is phrase in the production chain, the proposal plan to use music breaks or new voices or exciting ideas

cing practice of television gives us (Borestsky uznetsov 1981). He must have a relatively an e control over his cast, action of the story, ary permits and above all, he must be resourceful to make the best of any situation. ng the Documentary irst stage in making a documentary is research iter — producer needs to know the subject ghly, the documentary, like other programmes n television and other productions meant for the reen and has basically three stages or phases of tions: he pre-production or planning he production or shooting or recording phase and he post production or assembly phase work may be done in the library, by reading h newspaper files and talking to people concerned ubject of the programme. In the course of his h, the writer forms some ideas as to how different f the programme are to be treated in narration, w, pre production, planning production, shooting ng and post production. y documentary writers write story of their mme in two or three thousand words after they ompleted their research and then put it aside for weeks when they have returned to it and read aterial again, a whole new approach may come nt. kwuazi (1996) constitutes three stages or what ed production chain.

-production Planning osal Scripting sourcing of funds sourcing of and personnal sourcing of equipment & facilities oduction shooting Recording , Recording Audio

Media or sounds at intervals of 3,5,8,16,21 and 27 minutes. Good planning is never more necessary than in the documentary programme (Richard Aspinal (1973) Documentary Series: Documentary either in the radio, television or film is generally best programmed as a series. Several series may be run at the same time. Each series must be under the control of a senior producer who may have several writers and researchers working for him.

With this method, the programme will definitely be made of teaching potential of the documentary. Each series should have a featured narrator who preferably is heard only in that series. The personality of the narrator will then help to build up a loyal following. The different series can be devoted to national development in education, industry, agriculture, the history, culture of the nation, health (HIV/AID) children and other government and current affairs.

Technique of Documentary The documentary as said elsewhere in this chapter, uses sound to tell its story. The sound of the human voice, the sound of human activity and the sound of music.

The main character in most documentaries is the narrator. Some very successful documentaries use only a narrator and relied upon the imagery of his speech to tell the story both short and long documentaries imaginatively written and dramatically told.

The choice of the narrator, the warmth and personality of his voice are very important. Narration in the documentary is not news reading or linkannouncing. It is story telling.

The narration — only documentary is not limited to speech. It can use lyric, verse, narrative form, rhetorical form and categorical form. In all the three forms of techniques used, each is a technique in documentary. There is also the expository of a problem or situation, explanation of the effects of the problem or situation and argument about necessary action to contain the problem or situation. Each is backed by music to get its creativity across.

In addition to the narrator and other forms of techniques, the documentary also use actors and the voices of real people. All these can be combined in one programme. Actors may play the parts of people who are no longer alive or are living too far away to be recorded or they can act for people who cannot speak at the microphone because of impediments or because their language are not understood. They can also re-enact dialogue — dialogue which actually took place or which have been invented by the producer to explain a situation or portray an event. They may also be used to express the views of people who do not really exist — the man in the street, the house wife, the farmer, and so on. They can even speak for animals and objects — birds culled from talks and interviews, carefully edited and interpreted in the narration. The documentary uses all these devices together with mood music and sound effects to tell story.

Though all the techniques given in the chapter may be distinct, yet they are not mutually exclusive: elements of all or more than one could be found effectively combined in a single documentary.

The Use of Interviews in Documentary Much has been done in what interview is, in chapter 9, but the use of interview in the documentary is fast becoming very popular especially in Tv, where commentary always mixed interview.

The broad aim of all interviews is usually the same, to make information available to the listeners and viewers in the very own words of the interviewee.

There are five kinds of interview: (a) The informational interview (b) The interpretative official interview (c) The emotional portrait interview (d) The discussion or problem interview (e) The opinion poll interview The informational interview There are two sub-types, though frequently they lap, while one sub-type aims at finding out or confirming or leaving some new and socially valuable fact from the interviewee, the other type which can either be just one concrete opinion expressed in order to answer a question or talk aimed at analyzing some significant problem.

In either case the interviewee is chosen on the basis of his level of competence in certain field of human activity and his direct participation in the event which is being discussed (EKWUAZI 1996) and ( Boretsky and G. Kuznetsov 1981).

The Interpretative Official Interview In documentary, the interpretative interview, the interviewer must be in possession of certain facts which the interviewee is asked to comment upon or clarify. The interviewer must be more thoroughly and grounded on the subject and more readily, he can challenge the opinions expressed by the interviewee.

The interpretative becomes the official interview when the issues involved relate to the foreign or domestic policies to the day to day running of ministries and other government organizations. The format of official answer makes it possible for the interviewer through the sheets of paper.

The duty of the interviewer is how to retain the official distance between him and the interviewee while ensuring at the same time it does not become an obstruction to the communication process.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Security Issues

Sabundu Badeh, Boko Haram And The War Within ON his appointment as Nigeria’s new Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), consequent to the purge in the defense sector that saw the dismissal of some of the country’s chief security officers by the country’s incumbent Commander in Chief, President Goodluck Jonathan, Air Marshal Alexander Sabundu Badeh publicly boasted that the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-Eastern part of the Country would be effectively “crushed” by April, 2014.

This piece examines the new CDS’s statements within the context of national security, pointing out their multiplier implications for current efforts in the war on terror, especially in the face of the worsening security situation in the country’s North-East which has witnessed more daring attacks by the BH insurgents on both hard and soft targets; a development that has heightened tensions across the country and inscribed bold question marks on the country’s current anti-terror strategies.

From a purely security standpoint, Badeh’s comments were slapdash, illtimed, and tactless; a gushy display of enthusiasm by a newly appointed security chief in a hurry to please his paymasters. As the man charged with the task of coordinating the defense of Nigeria and its people from internal and external threats of any kind, Badeh should know better than to engage in such carless verbal overstretch. Uncensored public statements such as those credited to the new CDS are capable of throwing spanners - if they haven’t already - in all the efforts so far made by the authorities towards finding lasting

solutions to this searing security challenge. He seems to have a poor knowledge of the enemy he is up against, for a person occupying such a strategic position.

It is worthy of note that similar threats in the past by politicians and the country’s security chiefs of their intentions to forcefully put an end to the circle of violence engulfing the Eastern part of the country’s North resulted in the escalation of the violent activities of the BH, as it was further emboldened to up the ante in its war of attrition against the Nigerian State. The well coordinated suicide bombing of the Nigerian Police Forces Headquarters, Abuja on 16 June 2011 - which was the sect’s response to the threat by the then Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, to put an end to its violent activities - was a classic demonstration of what this group can do if threatened.

The war on terror is unlike any other war for that matter; it’s unlike conventional warfare where you can easily identify your targets and annihilate them. That is why it would be foolhardy for anybody to give a date for the defeat of this phantom.

The United States of America with all there sources available to it has not been able to win its much trumpeted global war on terror. Despite having spent over 4.4 Trillion Dollars in its anti-terror campaigns (Jim Lobe, Inter Press Service, September 8, 2011), coupled with the latest and most advanced intelligence gathering tools and weapons systems at the disposal of its security forces, U.S security chiefs know they have an uphill task defeating this scourge. In all the theaters of conflict across the globe –

Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Iraq et al - where its forces are waging overt and covert wars against extremist groups, the World’s Police Man has come to the jolting realization that terrorism is a phenomenon that has the capacity to withstand any salvo fired at it. Forget all the high-sounding rhetoric about winning the war on terror, or making the world unsafe for terrorists.

Also, the State of Israel with its several years of practical experience in fighting radical groups in the Middle East has not been able to totally crush them, despite the resilient efforts of its battletested security forces and the huge costs it has incurred in these campaigns.

This is a country with one of the best trained military in modern times and the capacity to wage a long-

drawn war as exhibited in its several successful military campaigns (1948-49, 1956, 1967, 1973-72, and 1982) against hostile Arab neighbors since its birth as a state. The operators of Nigeria’s security system should borrow a leaf from the U.S, Israel and other countries engaged in this kind of conflict by acting more and talking less.

April is fast approaching and there seems to be no

feasible solution to the mayhem in the North-East.

Rather than showing any signs of abating, the scale of violence continues to escalate at an alarming pace.

The massacre of dozens of students sleeping in dormitories coupled a couple of weeks ago, increasing raids on military installations, together with other heart wrenching attacks

“Matching force with force is only a short-term solution to the ongoing violence in the North-East. While the deployment of soldiers to restore some measure of calm in these troubled spots of the North-east could be said to be commendable efforts by the authorities, they remain temporal measures as far as achieving positive peace in that region is concerned.”

With Obuseh Jude 08033310173 on both soft and hard targets that have left scores dead in their wake are expressions of the sects unbending resolve to further increase the scale of violence in this conflict theater; an obvious mockery of all threats to put a permanent end to its scary campaigns by the managers of the country’s military industrial complex. The increase in the volume of bloodletting by this group, in its zero-sum contest with the Nigerian State, is proof of its resolve, not only to spread panic across the North-East and its environs, but to further undermine the Sovereignty and territorial

stepped up to achieve positive, longer term peace.

Henceforth, the officers and men of Nigeria’s security agencies, especially the top brass, who are always in a hurry to please their political lords, should exercise caution in their public utterances on this conflict.

They must desist from unnecessarily sounding off. It is very unprofessional and irresponsible to discuss operational issues in public.

“Your actions should speak louder than your words”. It is suggested that capacity building workshops and other refresher courses on public relations should be

integrity of the Nigerian State, spread more panic among its people and publicly ridicule its security forces.

Matching force with force is only a short-term solution to the ongoing violence in the North-East. While the deployment of soldiers to restore some measure of calm in these troubled spots of the North-east could be said to be commendable efforts by the authorities, they remain temporal measures as far as achieving positive peace in that region is concerned. Military force can only suppress a conflict - it cannot resolve or transform it. The military should continue to play its traditional peacekeeping role in this region, while genuine peacemaking efforts by other key stakeholders should be

organized from time to time to properly school the members of the country’s security agencies in the art of tactful public speaking. That is how it is done in civilized climes.

In all, as has always been maintained on this page, more far-reaching, civilized and peaceful solutions to the ongoing crisis must be sought by all concerned. All stakeholders must be carried along the whole process of finding solutions to what is a national crisis. Since the conflicting parties are obviously fatigued due to the rigours of a seemingly unending war, the time has come to jaw-jaw; a time to sit down and cross-fertilize ideas on the way out of a destructive and shameful national embarrassment; a time to turn swords and spears into ploughshares.

God save Nigeria!

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(a2 - 22b2) - (ac + 2bc) A]. INTRODUCTION: In the previous lectures we = (a - 2b) (a + 2b) - c(a + 2b) With the common factor written discussed the factorisation of monomials, perfect squares, first, we get: a2 - 4b2 - ac - 2bc difference of two squares as well as = (a + 2b)[(a - 2b)-c] quadratic expressions. In this edition

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

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

Factorising Expressions Containing Grouping in pairs, we have: on EBS TV (Thursday 4pm live) we Four Terms x(a - b ) + y(a - b ) shall be discussing expressions with 2

four and five terms. or (a + 2b)(a - 2b - c)Ans To factorise an expression with or containing four terms, group the Example 4 terms in pairs so that each pair has a Factorise completely common factor. The other factor can (4abx - 2axy) - (12b2x + 6bxy). be found by division.

(UME, 2003) B]. APPLICATION EXAMPLES Solution: Grouping in pairs, we have: (4abx - 2axy) - (12b2x - 6bxy) Example 1 With the common factor written Factorise ax + ay - bx - by. first, we get: Solution: Grouping in pairs, we get: (2b - 7)(2ax - 6bx) (ax + ay) - (bx + by) (2b - y)(a - 3b)2x Ans = a (x + y) - b(x + y) With common factor written Example 5 first, we have, we have: Factorise completely ax + ay - bx - by ac - 2bc - a2 = 4b2 (UME, 2004) = (x + y)(a - b)Ans Solution: Grouping in pairs, we have: Example 2 c(a - 2b) - (a2 - 4b2) 3 2 Factorise m - 2m - m + 2 or c(a - 2b) - (a2 - 22b2) (UME) Applying difference of two squares, Solution: we get: c(a - 2b) - [(a - 2b)(a + 2b)] Grouping in pairs, we have: With the common factor written (m3 - 2m2) - (m - 2) first, we get: = m2(m - 2) - (m - 2) ac - 2bc - a2 + 4b2 With the common factor written = (a - 2b)[c - (a + 2b)] first, we get: or (a - 2b)(c - a -2b)Ans M3 - 2m2 - m + 2 = (m - 2)(m2 - 1) or (m - 2)(m - 1) (m + 1)Ans Example 6 Factorise a2x - b2y - b2x + a2y Example 3 (UME). factorise a2 - 4b2 - ac - 2bc Solution: Solution: Rearranging, we have Grouping in pairs, we have: a2x - b2x + a2y - b2y 2 2 (a - 4b) - (ac + 2bc) or

2

2

2

With the common factor written first, we get: (a2 - b2)(x + y) or a2x - b2y - b2x + a2y =(a - b)(a + b)(x + y)Ans Example 7 Factorise a2 - b2 + 3a + 3b Solution: Grouping in pairs, we have: (a2 - b2) + (3a + 3b) Applying diffence of two squares, we have: a2 - b2 + 3a + 3b = (a -b)(a + b)+3(a+b) With the common factor written first, we get; a2 - b2 + 3a + 3b = (a+) [(a-b+3)] or (a + b)(a - b + 3)Ans Example 8 Factorise (a + b)(x + y) - 2x - 2y Solution: (a + b)(x + y) - 2(x + y) With the common factor written first, we have: (x + y)[a + b - 2]Ans Example 9 Factorise m2 - n2 - 4m + 4 Solution:

By Observation, we have the trinomial m2 - 4m + 4. So that m2 - n2 - 4m + 4 = (m2 - 4m + 4) - n2 or (m-2)2 - n2 By difference, of two squares, we get: [(m - 2) - n][(m - 2) + n] or (m - 2 - n)(m - 2 + n)Ans Until next week, stay blessed solving Maths!

Remember To watch EBS TV (live) at 4pm, Thursday

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Motoring With OSAGIE AIFUWA 08023412452

telephone facilities, roomy interior and other value - added features of the hollow metal. In the passing millennium cars went compact, shapes went bizarre. Hard metals were replaced by fibre glass, plastic and aluminum, all in a bid to meet customers expectations. Again, craftsmanship and pride of ownership were widespread. With these came individual companies with separate identities. From France came Peugeot and Citroen; from Germany came, Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz, from Italy came Fiat and Alfa Romeo, from Sweden came Volvo and MAN, from Japan came Toyota and Honda and from USA came Chrysler and General Motors, to mention a few. Today, pride of WHAT feature will the car of the future come with? Perhaps it is not possible to answer in a few straight words. The response are likely to be as varies as the respondents - a car that is fuel efficient; a car that is sophisticated in every letter of the world; a car that comes with state of the art technology; a car that is easy to drive; a car that comes with supersonic speed; a car that comes with aesthetics and comfort.

Then, if we take a close look at the car of today, we’ll discover that all these features are present. The passing millennium produced some of the best automobile in the terms of performance, beauty, appeal technology, sophistication, comfort arid much more. Today’s automobile comes in different shapes, sizes, and efficiency of performance. In fact some of the cars of today could best be described as crazy, weird or peculiar in design and construction.

Surprisingly, the dramatic land-marks in automobile technology were achieved within the last half of the century.

In the period preceding World War II) cars were merely “houses on four wheels’. Like houses, they were less appealing and the interior and exteriors were far from what obtains today in terms of aesthetics, comfort and sophistication. Yet they served their purpose as reliable means of transport.

Today’s cars are more than means of transport. They show class, status and personality. They show the best science and technology can offer. Cars that will offer different users, separate from the old service of getting a passenger from place to place in little time in the early days of the automobile they were made to serve this major purpose. But within the last twenty years cars were increasingly made to serve as both means of mobility and as home. How else do you explain the limousine which comes with the attributes of a luxury living room, in addition to being on wheels. The furniture is the best around.

As if this is not enough the television set, computer telephone, compact disc, refrigerator, air conditioner, dining and dressing tables all add the lure of the modern house on wheels. Limousine and, other sophisticated cars has facilities for you to make phone calls, send and receive E - mail and surf the internet. If you are less busy, you can play computer games, watch television, listen to music or even dose

Car Of The Future:

off in a good bed.

If you don’t have a limousine, you should be contented with a compact disc and digital radio,

What Next? ownership has gone, mergers and acquisitions are producing cars of many nationalities.

Safety Checks

DAILY CHECKS i) Check tyre condition and pressure ii) Check door locks and windows winder iii) Check engine oil level and condition iv) Check radiator water level and its condition v) Check fan belts tension and condition vi) Check brake oil level vii) Inspect battery connection viii) Check power steering and automatic transmission oil level (if fitted) ix) Check wiper and windscreen washer water level x) Check handbrake and foot brake operation xi) Clean interior and exterior of the car or bus.

WEEKLY CHECKS I) Carry out all daily checks and: ii) Check/inspect engine for oil or water leakage iii) Check battery water level and general condition iv) Check spare tyre, tools and lifting jack. v) Check steering free-play vi) Check brake performance vii) Check fire extinguisher, “C” caution signs and vehicle particulars viii) Check electrical system and accessories ix) Wash underneath the vehicle every two weeks especially during the rainy season, MONTHLY I) Carry out comprehensive daily and weekly checks and effect necessary clean up ii) Check speedometer reading and compare to ‘next service” label figure and sure regular maintenance service. iii) Secure all tools and equipment in the respective positions. iv) Inter-change the tyres in the order specified in the owner’s handbook. v) Check and keep vehicle particulars and log book up to date. vi) Prepare and send the vehicle condition report to the owner or officers in-charge of the fleets.

If all these checks are carried out as specified the vehicle will be in good condition always, free from breakdown, unnecessary stay in the repair workshop and prolonged service life.

SAFETY TIP i) Do routine check on your vehicle ii) Always fasten your seat belt iii) Observe speed limit iv) Give due consideration to other road users.

DRIVING AT NIGHT OR IN DAY TIME Make sure all your lamps work and that your headlamps are properly adjusted, badly adjusted headlamps can dazzle other users and lead to accidents VIEWING DISTANCE Make sure that you drive in such a way that you always stop well within the distance you can see to be clear ahead with your headlamp.

REMEMBER Accidents which occur at night times tend to be more fatal because help may not get you in good time as other road users may notsee you, or may not stop. Also there are fewer road users. Your life is in your hands, exercise extra care!

DIPPING HEADLAMPS: dip your headlamps when meeting other users vehicles or road, user before dazzle driver or a vehicle traveling in the same direction in front of you.

DAZZLING LIGHTS If you are dazzled by approaching headlamps slow down or stop and keep an eye on the right kerb edge and stay close to it. Do not stare into headlamps.

IN BUILT - UP AREAS: Dip your headlamps at night in built-up areas.

FLASHING HEADIAMPS: Flashing of headlamps has the same meaning as sounding your horn-to let another road user know you are there. You should not sound your horn at night except in case of extreme emergencies.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Health Low Cost Solutions: IMPROVING the health of mothers and newborns is largely a matter of applying sound health-care practices at the appropriate milestones during pregnancy, at birth and after birth, though the first 28 days. Stronger health systems and more trained birth attendants are clearly needed, but another barrier to progress on newborn survival has been the erroneous perception that only expensive, high-level technology and specialized, hospitalbased care can save newborn lives. The truth is that low-cost, evidencebased interventions in the hands of trained birth attendants could reduce newborn deaths by up to 75 percent if provided universally. If taken to scale, these interventions together could save as many as 2 million of the 3 million newborns who die each year.

The cost of these solutions is not high. One recent study estimated that 90 percent coverage of essential newborn health interventions could be achieved at an additional cost of less than $1 per capital in the 75 countries where most children die.

About 30 percent of the cost is for newbornspecific interventions, while the majority for inventions would also benefit mothers and older children.

PRENATAL CARE Caring for newborn babies starts with caring for pregnant mothers,

ensuring that they are adequately nourished, free from infections and exposure to harmful substances, and monitored for complications during pregnancy. Immunization against tetanus should be part of all prenatal care packages. For babies born at home, good prenatal care also includes counseling to encourage a clean birth, planning to have a skilled attendant, teaching awareness of danger signs and the importance of immediate and exclusive breast feeding. “The cost to deliver prenatal care to 90 percent of pregnant women in Africa is estimated at only an additional 20 cents per capital; states partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.

TETANUS TOXOID VACCINATION – Immunizing women of reproductive age with the tetanus toxoid vaccine protects both mothers and newborns. Tetanus toxoid is one of the safest, most effective and least expensive vaccines available. It can prevent tetanus infection in mothers during childbirth, and it passes immunity on to the fetus. Tetanus kill about 58,000 newborns and a significant number of mothers each year.

These death can be prevented by ensuring that every pregnant woman receives two doses of tetanus toxoid during pregnancy, or that all women of child bearing age receive three shots

Pre-and Post-Natal

By ERANGA ISAAC

over a two-year period.

Two doses of tetanus toxiod cost only about 40 cents TREATMENT OF M A T E R N A L INFECTIONS-Infections during pregnancy are a major cause of complications such as miscarriage, premature

transmit the virus to her baby can be reduced to less than 5 percent with effective interventions including antiretroviral drugs. And in area where malaria is endemic, treatment for the disease, administered during pregnancy, can reduce the incidence of low birth

rupture of the amniotic sac, pre term birth and congenital infection and anomalies. Prevention of infection should be part of prenatal care. Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis and gonorrhea are simple and in expensive, with significant pay offs for newborns. The risk that an HIV-positive woman will

weight by 40 percent.

Skilled birth attendants are people with midwifery skills (for example, doctors, nurses and midwives) who have been trained to manage normal deliveries and to diagnose and manage or refer complicated cases. Every year, about 40 million women give birth completely alone, without even a friend or relative

“Caring for newborn babies starts with caring for pregnant mothers, ensuring that they are adequately nourished, free from infections and exposure to harmful substances, and monitored for complications during pregnancy.”

to help them. Skilled birth attendants provide for a clean delivery, ensure the newborn is dried and kept warm, recognize and immediately resuscitate asphyxiated babies, and identify other danger signs in both the mother and baby to avoid delay in seeking additional care when needed. Skilled care providers may practice in

administer an injection of corticosteroids to accelerate lung development of the fetus while the baby is still in the womb. A baby born with more mature lungs is less likely to suffer from respiratory distress syndrome and more likely to survive. Prenatal corticosteroids cost as little as 51 cents per

a health facility or a household setting, but they need a functioning referral system for the management of complications. In places where skilled providers are not yet available, births should be attended by alternative health worker who are trained to provide clean deliveries and refer complications.

A SHOT TO SAVE PRETERM BABIESMany preterm babies die from immature lung development. Those that survive are at risk of life – long health challenges such as impaired brain development, impaired leaning ability and compromised physical health. When a mother is in preterm labour, a skilled birth attendant can

treatment and could save 340,000 newborn lives each year.

HELPING BABIES BREATHEWhen midwives and other trained birth attendants are trained to help babies start breathing immediately after birth, they can help prevent one of the major causes of newborn deaths.

Birth asphyxia-when babies are born not breathing –kills 717,000 babies each year. The simple practice of drying the baby and gently running its body will stimulate breathing and prevent death in most cases. If stimulation does not work within the first minute, a basic resuscitation device consisting of a bag and mask is used.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Trend HAIRDOS, like clothing, are a very interesting aspect of the African culture. They are an integral part of a woman’s dressing and, indeed, a symbol of the woman’s beauty.

From time immemorial, women have been wearing different hairstyles, which are essentially determined by the latest trends in their various cultural setting.

Hairstylists say that hairstyles tend to signify factors such as social class, age, festivals, marital status, racial identification, political beliefs and gender, among others.

They recall that between 1920s and 1970s, the trend among young girls was having short hair or getting a blunt black bob.

This category of beauticians notes that hairstyles in Nigeria have, over the years, evolved to an extent that Nigerian women now adopt and wear mesmerising hairstyles of people from other parts of the world.

The list of adopted foreign hairstyles appears endless.

For instance, the hairstyles include modernised versions of Afro – an African-American hairdo that was popular in the 1970s — and Bun; a hairstyle in which the hair is pulled into a knot at the back of the head, among others.

Analysts, however, note that the obsession of some Nigerian ladies with trendy hairstyles has propelled them to spend substantial amount of money and time on hair extensions; all in the need to look prettier.

In spite of the trendy hair extensions and weave-on in vogue nowa-

days, some conservative analysts query the rationale behind the average woman’s passion for foreign hairstyles to the detriment of traditional hairdos such as braiding.

Miss Gladys AdeZaky, a resident of Abuja, says: “I love wearing hair extensions; without it, I don’t feel comfortable. I am only confident as a woman when my hairstyle is cool and stylish.

Ade-Zaky insists that wearing hair extensions makes her look chic, adding that no matter the style, her natural hair usually looks somewhat gawky.

Also, Caroline Opara, a civil servant in Abuja, says that her natural hair is not long enough to make a good hairstyle, adding that the development always compels her to add hair extensions.

She vows that she could spend any amount of time and money in efforts to look prettier.

However, Miss Plang Dishil, a student of the College of Education, Jos, has a different opinion about trendy hairstyles.

“I love low cut, it fits me so well, it is easier and cheaper to maintain. I know what fits me and I go for it, low cut fits me more than braids or fixing extensions,’’ she says.

Hairstylists, nonetheless, observe that some ladies still have considerable interest in old hairstyles such as Cornrows; a hairstyle originating from subSaharan Africa and other traditional braids or plaits.

Miss Hannatu Gwabin, a resident of Abuja, says that she does not mind growing her natural hair or cutting it into shapes if it would make her to look

Why Do Women Crave Fascinating Hairstyles?

good.

“I do not have a favourite hairdo; I like to wear different hairstyles.

Presently, I am having a low cut but at times, I may want to look like Anita Baker; so, I have to cut my hair to get the look.

“I can dye my hair, cut it low, fix long or short extensions on different occasions; all in the need to look nice and trendy,’’ she says.

In contrast, Miss Grace Twani, another resident of Abuja, says that she prefers to keep her natural hair, irrespective of the hairstyles in vogue.

“I love carrying my natural hair because it is long, it has a good texture and it looks beautiful; I

By JUDITH GWABIN

feel prettier and simple with my natural hair; so, I don’t add any extensions.

“My natural hair gives me a unique look, I could style it into different hairstyles and still look gorgeous,’’ she says.

Twani says that artificial and hair extensions are quite expensive, adding that a lot of man hours are usually wasted while fixing the hairs.

“I use the hours some ladies spend in fixing their hair to do something worthwhile; it is also cheaper for me to wear my natural hair rather than spending lots of money on hair extensions or even

“Hairstylists say that hairstyles tend to signify factors such as social class, age, festivals, marital status, racial identification, political beliefs and gender, among others.”

braiding,’’ she says.

Nevertheless, Mrs. Aisha Abubakar, a hairstylist, says that many ladies have a preference for modern, flamboyant hairstyles because the hairdos make them to look corporate.

She, however, concedes that any hairstyle a lady decides to wear should be determined by the shape of her face and her social class.

“Ladies should not just make hairstyles because of what is in vogue; they should consider whether or not the styles fit them and the financial implications,’’ she says.

A journalist, Miss Kate Obande, observes that the purpose of fixing blonde hair (tinted hair) is for one to look good, chic and neat.

She says that it will be virtually impossible to promote some of the indigenous hairdos nowadays because the current generation is obsessed with foreign hairstyles.

Mrs Halima Mohammed, a Sulejabased hairstylist who specialises in indigenous hairstyles, concedes that her customers’ patronage has somewhat fizzled out.

She says that most of her customers now ask for trendy hairstyles such as C-wave, Signature, Feathers and Ghana weaving, among others, adding, however, that she is not conversant with those styles.

Mrs. Idowu Ajala, a civil servant, says that she no longer wears indigenous hairstyles because they are outdated, adding that modern hairstyles often last longer.

Miss Felicia Amoo, a hairstylist at Garki II, Abuja, says modern hairstyles involving braiding cost between N2, 500 and N3, 000, depending on the length of the hair extensions or weave-on.

She says it takes between six to eight hours to complete some of the hairstyles, adding that more hairstylists are required to satisfy the growing demands of customers.

Nevertheless, Taiye and Kehinde Makinde, Ilesa-based twin sisters, insist that “our indigenous hairstyles are not costly; they also make you to look younger.

“Our native hairstyles protect the women’s beauty and make them to look natural at all times,’’

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Religion

Divine Prosperity (6)

NOW I tell you some principles God has revealed to me to tap from this abundance, which a born again can apply.

Firstly is the principle of wisdom: the book of proverbs says.

“Get wisdom, get understanding forget it not.

Forsake her not and she shall preserve thee. Wisdom is the principal thing: Therefore get wisdom and with all thy getting, get understanding” Prov 4:5 —7.

Wisdom is by the knowledge of God and by the impartation of the Holy Spirit. It will give you understanding; and understanding will give you ideas and ideas if coordinated and implemented will give you success. Wisdom shall lead you to divine destiny. The reason many Christians fail is because they have fallen out of God’s destiny. You are not on the divine plan God has for you. If God calls you to be a preacher and you become a footballer; you may get your stomach filled for the rest of your life; but you will not get satisfaction or experience the breakthrough and spark of life God intends for you, had you towed his line of destiny. Some Christians are in the wrong places of their divine destiny.

Jeremiah from the mothers womb was destined to be a prophet and preacher. He could not do otherwise other than to obey (Jeh 1:5). Get your divine destiny by the wisdom of God through the knowledge of God’s word and the fear of God, and by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom; to lead you to your divine destiny; when you find it; then stay on it and build upon it, soon you shall grow tremendously. For those who have found their destiny the bible admonishes them to stay on and build upon it. And to these, God’s word below suffices.

“For though the beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase” Job 8:7.

The second principle is faith.

Faith to stay on the plan of God for your life. Satan will for a while want to trouble you.

Satan is usually after Christians, yet more viciously after those who are destined to make a big wave for the kingdom of God. It is faith in God that will give you ability to stay on God’s plan. By faith, apply what the lord has given you wisdom to do. You are now in the plan of God. Have faith that he who has promised is also faithful to help you accomplish your destined goal “FOR HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISETH” HEB 10:23.

Don’t forget the power of faith in fulfilling life’s destiny; don’t

underestimate it. Heb. 11:1-6.

The third principle is work and pray. I mean work hard on the idea you got: you are now executing those ideas you have got from wisdom. Work hard and pray; the lord shall obviously reward your labour.

Don’t be a sluggard! There is dignity and reward for labour.

The Bible says: “THE RICH AND POOR MEET TOGETHER, THE LORD IS THE MAKER OF THEM ALL” PROV 22:2.

This means both the rich and poor are created by God as individuals.

Their circumstances can change by hard work and prayers. The lord does not desire you to be poor. Though he created you, he did not create or make your circumstance of poverty. If you work hard and pray you can be rewarded. The Bible makes this point clearer in this verse: “SEEST THOU A MAN DILIGENT IN HIS BUSINESS? HE SHALL STAND BEORE KINGS: HE SHALL NOT STAND BEFORE MEAN MEN” PROV 22:29.

THE FOURTH PRINCIPLE IS THE SEED FAITH PRINCIPLE. By seed faith principle, I mean investing in the kingdom God for God to reciprocate in double blessing in your lifekingdom investment in tithing, in giving for the work of God, in promoting the work of the gospel; in building the house of God. Malachi the prophet spoke that when you tithe the lord God shall open the storehouse of heaven and rain upon you bountiful blessings.

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house and prove me now ... if I will not open you the widows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it” Mal 3:10. The prophet Haggai told his people the reason for their lack and poverty. His own generation had refused or reneged in their pledge to build the house of God. “Thus saith the lord of host consider your ways go up to the mountain and bring wood and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the lord. Ye looked for much and I it came to little, and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it why? .. .Because of mine house that is waste ... therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew and the earth is stayed from her fruit” Haggi.

1:7-9. But the lord God had said to the prophet Haggai if they would begin to invest in his kingdom and build the house of God he would bring a “shaking” on the land, the sea and the heaven for their sake

Haggi 2:6. It is a wonderful testimony to invest in the kingdom. It surely opens the door of immeasurable and unquantifiable blessing. This is also the teaching of our lord Jesus Christ. He admonished that Christians invest in the kingdom.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth .... But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. . . for where your treasure is there will your heart be also” Matt. 6:19-21. Laying up treasure in heaven is another way to say that you invest in the kingdom. Jesus

Jeremiah that before he was born he knew him, and he had destined him to be a prophet to the nations.

Jeremiah’s case is not in isolation but applies to every being created of God Jesus said when we pray we pray in this manner: “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Lk 11:2). What does that convey to you? — Divine plan. The Bible says “Be not foolish but understand the will of God” (Eph 5:17). What does that convey your mind’? — Divine plan. For twenty years

added that when you give, God will surely multiply your giving Lk 6:3-8. Paul the Apostle taught the “seed faith”, sowing and reaping.

When you sow in the kingdom; you reap from God bountiful blessings.

“BUT THIS I SAY, HE WHICH SOWETH SPARINGLY SHALL REAP SPARINGLY; AND HE WHICH SOWETH BOUNTIFULLY SHALL REAP ALSO BOUNTIFULLY…..

And God is able to make all grace abound towards you” 2nd Cor. 9:6-8

Rebecca, Isaac’s wife was barren without a child. But when Isaac entreated the lord, the lord opened her womb and she conceived (Gen 25:2021,26). But while Rebecca was pregnant, the children struggled together within her in the womb — “And she went to enquire of the lord; and the lord said unto her, two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger” Gen 25:22-23. What does this also suggest to you?

— Divine destiny. So from thy mother’s womb in creation the lord has a destiny for you, but many have lost the plan of God for their lives either because they have chosen not to serve God, or if they serve God they have chosen not to wait upon him for a revelation about the plan he has for them. Can a sensible father begin to procreate children without planning for the children? Let alone God. Will God begin to create children into the world

DIVINE DESTINY Through God’s imparted wisdom I have understanding of the concept of divine destiny. Divine destiny simply means God’s plan for that individual. Everyone created

by God has a divine plan. God is not planless and since he created human beings he did not do so planlessly. God is a God of order. For Jeremiah he destined him to be a preacher and a prophet (Jeh 1:5) He told

With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA without a plan for each of them; our divine destiny differs as our faces and thumbprints differ. Seek God’s plan for your life and walk in the plan: you shall surely prosper.

Now when you discover your divine destiny; you prayerfully walk with God” meaning let God be your guide. He will lead you to prosperity ultimately — “for the lord is my Shepard I shall not want” Ps23: 1. Abraham discovered God’s plan at old age. He was seventy-five years when he began to walk in the plan of God. It was at that age that God called Abraham and revealed to him his divine destiny and Abraham walked with God and he was greatly blessed

(Gen. 12:1-3). So perhaps before Abraham began to walk in God’s plan for his life he was a nobody working in his own ideas not the plan of God, and living among his own people. Nothing great came out of that experience. But as soon as he began to walk in the destiny of God for his life he began to achieve greatness. So to achieve greatness or achieve success in your endeavor work in the plan of God for your life.

Now what Abraham’s experience tells us is that it is never too late to discover your divine destiny as long as you are still alive. Now I am saying this categorically, that the purpose of every creation of God is to worship the lord and to be obedient to him as our divine father (Ecc 12:13). Yet for each person created by God, has a divine plan which can be discovered as soon as such a person worships the lord, and seeks the will of God of his life. But if such a person refuses to serve the lord how can he get the opportunity of the revelation of his life- this is why many have missed the

mark. While the whole purpose of creation is to worship the lord because at death we shall also return to him the creator (Ecc 5:15), each person is called into different spheres of human endeavour according to God’s plan for that person. You may be called to be a preacher, or a businessman or a politician or into a specific profession as medicine, law, nursing etc- if you follow God’s plan for your life you will surely excel — but how many people care to ask God what he has for them in his divine plan before they jump into it? Many persons do personal choices not seeking the plan of God. One of the greatest preachers of our time — Oral Roberts in his book: “ still doing the impossible” explained that at a time in his life he was interested in politics; “it soon became evident to some of the individuals running for public office ... that I had a natural bent toward politics” — says Oral Roberts. But thank God he did not yield to personal choice but God’s plan for him to be a preacher, and he is today one of the world’s most successful preacher. Don’t follow your desire because your desire may not be God’s plan for your life.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways saith the lord” Isa 55:8. He goes further to explain his ways. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” Isa 55:9. That higher way and higher thought of God is your divine destiny — you must seek it and know it — and once you discover it, stay on it no matter the circumstances for here lies your greatness and manifold blessings and riches in Christ, Amen.

“I am called a preacher that is God’s plan for my life. It is my major focus in life — anything else is simply ancillary. As a preacher here lies my destiny and prosperity” — says the preacher. So if you are in God’s plan or divine destiny, you must be a success because God has destined his children to be successful in life. He is no God that enjoys the failure of his children — this will not magnify his name (Ps 35:27).

Now while you stay on the plan of God — divine destiny, you must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit to guide you to open doors and new opportunities. It is important that if you want to prosper while you stay on the destined plan of God, you must be very sensitive to the Holy Spirit to guide you to success.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

International Features

Can Mudslides Be Predicted?

EIGHT people died in the Washington mudslide, and the toll is expected to rise. No detailed hazard map exists for the country as a whole, and no national database exists of past slides and the conditions that caused them.

The mile-long mudslide that buried homes along a bend in the Stillaguamish River near Oso, Wash., some 55 miles north of Seattle, leaving at least 14 dead and more than 100 missing, occurred at a site that was known to be landslide-prone.

Much-heavier-thannormal rainfall had been recorded for the month before the March 22 slide in the hills above the site, which for decades regularly has experienced landslides, albeit on a smaller scale.

That such a disaster could occur – the death toll is expected to rise as rescue workers hunt for the missing – even with that history highlights the challenge faced by researchers who are trying to refine ways to assess landslide risks and provide timely warnings when conditions are ripe to trigger landslides and mudslides.

RECOMMENDED: The Oso, Washington mudslide It’s a daunting challenge but one with a potentially significant pay-off, say scientists involved in the effort.

Landslides add an average of more than $2 billion a year to the nation’s annual disasterrecovery bill and lead to between 25 and 50 fatalities a year, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Moreover, in the face of climate change, landslide

hazards are likely to increase where rainfall intensifies over regions with already slide-prone slopes, researchers suggest.

At the moment, however, no detailed landslidehazard map exists for the country as a whole. A prototype map researchers offered up two years ago takes a first step by showing the relatively few locations where the hazard is virtually nonexistent. No national database exists of past

the 1950s, says Dr. Montgomery.

“You can imagine it as a slide that’s been failing in pieces that eat farther back into that hill about once a decade,” he explains.

“This current one took off a bigger piece of the hill and went farther faster.”

During the winter, western Washington experienced unusually heavy rains, with totals topping 12 inches above normal during the past

landslides and the variety of conditions under which the earth moved. And the nature of the slides themselves vary widely – from the catastrophic release of a hillside, as happened near Oso, to the slow creep of an 82-acre landslide in 2011 near Keene, N.Y., on the slopes of Little Porter Mountain in the Adirondacks.

“There’s a whole zoo of different kinds of landslides,” says David Montgomery, a geologist at the University of Washington in Seattle.

The slide that buried homes outside of Oso was one of a series of slides at that location dating back to

month, according to Cliff Mass, a meteorology professor at the University of Washington. A weather station in the hills above the slide zone recorded 24 inches of rain for the month.

Large, deep-seated slides such as this one cut loose in response to a thorough, persistent soaking, rather than a single sudden downpour, Montgomery explains, adding that “it leads to this odd phenomenon that on a nice day, a whole hill can come down.”

Essentially, the water percolates down through the deep layers of glacial soil to the water table,

“But monitoring for slides on a state-wide or even regional scale “is really difficult, especially in places like Washington that have all this terrain that has landslide potential, at least at some point.”

raising it and allowing the water to saturate the deep soil. In effect, this increases the buoyancy of the hillside, counteracting part of its weight and making it easier for gravity to pull it down the slope.

Although researchers have been chipping away at the landslide hazard and warning problem since the mid-1980s, when one of the first systems was set up in Utah, the move to develop operational warnings at the federal levels emerged in

San Gabriel Mountains, enough lead time to evacuate residents. Mud flowed, and while some homes were lost, no lives were lost, according to Eric Boldt, warning c o o r d i n a t i o n meteorologist at the forecast office in Oxnard.

Landslide warning systems for shallow slides, where the depth of soil moving is 10 feet or less, have been set up for Seattle, western Oregon,

2005. That year, the National Oceanic and A t m o s p h e r i c Administration and the USGS published the results of a joint study exploring the feasibility of providing warnings for a type of landslide known as debris flows. These tend to be triggered by heavy rain or rapid snow-melt and drive a slushy mix of mud and stone downhill.

They are especially troublesome in regions prone to wildfires, which can destroy vegetation that might otherwise hold the soil in place. The National Weather Service forecast offices in Oxnard and San Diego, Calif., have been combining precipitation forecasts with maps of burn zones to provide warnings for debris flows.

During heavy rains that hit southern California just before the Oscar ceremony in Hollywood in early March, forecasters were able to give emergency managers in Glendora and Monrovia, at the base of the

and the Appalachians.

But the deep slides, such as the one that hit outside of Oso, remain problematic.

If natural-hazard specialists know of a particularly vulnerable area – a roadway set into a hillside or a community at the base of a hill or mountain – they can devote resources to monitoring it with a range of well-established tools, says Jonathan Godt, a researcher with the USGS’s landslide hazards program in Denver.

But monitoring for slides on a state-wide or even regional scale “is really difficult, especially in places like Washington that have all this terrain that has landslide potential, at least at some point,” he says.

Remote-sensing techniques can help. For instance, researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena and the University of California at

Berkeley have been using a form of radar known as interferometric synthetic aperture radar to track the movement of slowmoving landslides – about 7 millimeters a year – in the Berkeley hills.

The creep is hardly dramatic, but over time it can have serious consequences for water mains, sewer pipes or building foundations, says Eric Fielding, a geologist at JPL who has been working on the project.

And the pace can accelerate when heavy rains arrive.

The airborne radar the researchers used, however, isn’t sufficient to provide regular, repeated coverage of a continent to identify places with ground on the move.

Help may be on the way, however, from a new generation of satellites that carry the interferometric synthetic aperture radar.

On April 3, the European Space Agency is set to launch Sentinel-1A, the first of two satellites carrying the radar, which can detect ground movements of a few millimeters. In May, Japan is launching its own radar satellite for land observations.

And last week, NASA gave Dr. Fielding and colleagues the green light to begin formulating a synthetic-aperture-radar mission for a joint USIndia operation that is still years away from launch.

Although the European satellite can capture larger landslides, the US-India mission is being designed to detect much smaller slides and their precursor movements as well.

The Japanese satellite aims to overfly a given location every 14 days, rather than every 46 days, as its predecessor had done. When Europe’s two satellites are operating together, the same spot will be recorded every six days.

“Forty-six days is kind of a long time to wait if you want to know if the hill behind your house is unstable,” Fielding says.

“We’re really looking forward to these new systems.”

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

International Arms For Syria War Dominate Arab Summit Debate

US President Barack Obama waves as he arrives from Air Force One at Zaventem Airport in Brussels recently on a one day visit to Belgium to meet with EU leaders and visit the WWI Flanders Fields American Cementery.

KUWAIT CITY - Syria’s opposition called for “sophisticated” arms at an Arab summit in Kuwait while Saudi Arabia said the military balance needed to change to “end the impasse” in Syria’s civil war.

But UN-Arab League peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi insisted on the need for a “political solution” to the threeyear conflict, urging an “end to the supply of arms to all parties.”

Opposition Syrian National Coalition chief Ahmed Jarba repeated calls on the international community to supply rebels with “sophisticated weapons” as the two-day summit opened on Tuesday.

“I do not ask you for a

Nuclear Summit: Obama Calls For Global ‘Architecture’ To Secure Materials THE HAGUE (Netherlands) - THE summit, which wrapped up Tuesday in The Hague, featured a number of announcements by countries, including Japan, taking steps to reduce or eliminate their supplies of nuclear materials.

President Obama is taking steps to make permanent what he hopes will be an international legacy of his presidency: a global system for securing the world’s nuclear materials and keeping them out of the hands of terrorists.

At a nuclear security summit in The Hague Tuesday, Mr. Obama called for a global “architecture” to carry on the work of securing nuclear materials after 2016, when the next – and perhaps final – nuclear security summit is to be held in the United States.

The gathering of world leaders that wrapped up Tuesday was actually the original reason for Obama’s long-planned European trip, which has ended up dominated by the crisis in Ukraine. Obama used the opportunity of the nuclear summit to organize an impromptu meeting of the G7 countries Monday night, for example, and his visit to Brussels Wednesday, originally focused on the European Union, will also turn largely to Russia’s actions in Ukraine and Crimea.

RECOMMENDED: How much do you know about nuclear weapons? Take our quiz.

The nuclear security summits are an Obama initiative, with the first one having been held in Washington in 2010, just months after the US president, in a 2009 speech in Prague,

Czech Republic, described what he saw as two essential goals for mankind: a world free of nuclear weapons, and ironclad assurances that all nuclear materials the world over are secure and kept out of the wrong hands.

Since that first summit, some encouraging steps have been taken by countries to secure what in the worst cases have been referred to as “loose nukes,” some security experts say. But they add that the US in particular, as a global leader and initiator of the nuclear security focus, has a responsibility to keep the process moving forward.

Military trucks carry Rodong Missiles during a military parade at Kim il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea recently.

Obama Prods Allies While Downplaying Russian Power

BRUSSELS - President Barack Obama is using Vladimir Putin’s audacious annexation of Crimea to make the delicate argument that Russia is no world power but that its actions threaten Europe’s order and demand a punishing international response.

The president, stepping up the task of solidifying broad-based support against Russia, was in Brussels Wednesday, a day after dismissing Russia as a mere “regional power” that was threatening its neighbors “not out of strength, but out of weakness.” He said that as president, he worried more about a nuclear device in Manhattan than he did about Russia.

It was the kind of brush-offyour-shoulder language sure to antagonize the nationalistic Putin, but it also belied the time and energy Obama and European leaders have devoted to isolate Russia and fashion a menu of sanctions designed to stop Moscow’s aggression.

Obama comes to Brussels to shore up commitments he received from allies in The Hague, Netherlands, to reassure Eastern European members of NATO that the alliance will stand by them and to make a larger point about European security a quarter-century after the fall of the Iron Curtain.

Obama will blend heavy symbolism with diplomacy Wednesday and conclude with his only speech of the weeklong, four-country trip, tying the current Ukraine crisis to his vision of the United States and Europe as anchors of democracy and international law.

In a way, Obama’s day Wednesday will be a traipse through history, beginning with a pilgrimage with Belgian King Philippe and Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo to Flanders Field, the World War I cemetery, where he will lay a wreath in honor of Americans who died in

a century-old struggle to save Europe.

He then will attend a summit with leaders of the European Union, which dates its beginnings to the post-World War II “European project” that hoped to secure a lasting peace.

After that he will meet with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, embracing the alliance born as a bulwark against the Soviet Union.

He will cap the day with his speech at the Palais des BeauxArts, where aides say he will link Europe’s history to the current Ukraine crisis to make larger points about European security and about the importance of a continent that is free and at peace.

Obama’s stewardship of U.S.European relations has been hurt by revelations of communications prying by the U.S. National Security Agency.

At the same time, the U.S. has been working with European trade officials on an ambitious trans-Atlantic trade partnership.

The deal has a Ukraine connection because, once concluded, it could provide a counterweight to Russian trade and energy leverage in Europe.

His stop in the Belgian capital comes a day after he acknowledged that Russia is unlikely to give up control of the Black Sea peninsula that it annexed from Ukraine, even as he insisted that the international community would never recognize Russia’s takeover of Crimea.

But he and European leaders who gathered in the Netherlands for a two-day nuclear summit said a military response against Moscow was unlikely. Instead, they focused on how to keep Russia from expanding into eastern Ukraine and from having designs on other neighboring territories. By Obama’s account, the effort was already working.

declaration of war,” said Jarba, urging Arab leaders to put pressure on world powers to fulfil pledges to supply arms.

Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, whose country is a key backer of the rebellion against President Bashar alAssad, said the world was “betraying” rebels by failing to arm them and leaving them as “easy prey.”

A solution to the conflict, in which regime forces have recently made significant advances, requires a “change in the balance on the ground to end the impasse,” he said.

National Coalition spokesman Louay Safi said rebels urgently needed “antiaircraft missiles” to defend against barrel bombs that regime forces have been raining down on fighters and civilians alike.

The conflict in Syria, which entered a fourth year on March 15, has killed more than 146,000 people and displaced millions.

Meanwhile, Jarba said a decision not to hand over Syria’s seat in the Arab League to the opposition sends a wrong message to Assad, telling him to continue “to kill.”

“Let me say quite frankly that keeping Syria’s seat empty... sends a clear message to Assad that he can kill and that the seat will wait for him,” he said.

The government’s brutal repression of protests that erupted in March 2011, which led to the war, resulted in its suspension from the 22member Cairo-based Arab League.

Brahimi urged a revival of peace talks.

“I call upon Europe, the United Nations and the United States to take clear steps to reactivate the Geneva talks,” which broke off on February 15.

“There is no military solution,” he stressed.

On the humanitarian front, the president Lebanon, one of several Syrian neighbours dealing with refugees, told the evening session his country was overburdened by the influx and called for help.

Michel Sleiman said Lebanon was no longer capable of accepting more Syrian refugees. who now make up 32 percent of the population.

He warned without elaborating that, if Beirut does not receive help, “we may look into legal ways to stop their influx.”

Meanwhile, a regional rift over Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood has been kept off the summit agenda.

But Egyptian President Adli Mansur called for interior and justice ministers meet before the end of June to activate the Arab counter-terrorism treaty.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

International Features Obama Gives Up NSA’s Phone Call and potential liability, Sweep THE White House such as being sued by

wants the National Security Agency to get out of the business of sweeping up and storing vast amounts of data on Americans’ phone calls.

The Obama administration this week is expected to propose that Congress overhaul the electronic surveillance program by having phone companies hold onto the call records as they do now, according to a government official briefed on the proposal.

The New York Times first reported the details of the proposal Monday night. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to discuss the plan.

The White House proposal would end the government’s practice of sweeping up the phone records of millions of Americans and holding onto those records for five years so the numbers can be searched for national security purposes. Instead, the White House is expected to propose that the phone records be kept for 18 months, as the phone companies are already required to do by federal regulation.

According to a senior administration official, the president will present “a sound approach to ensuring the government no longer collects or holds this data, but still ensures that the government has access to the information it needs to meet the national security needs his team has identified.” The administration official spoke late Monday on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to publicly discuss the proposal before it was officially announced.

The president’s plan, however, relies on Congress to pass legislation — something that has so far seemed unlikely.

Details of the government’s secret

phone records collection program were disclosed last year by former NSA systems analyst Edward Snowden.

Privacy advocates were outraged to learn that the government was holding onto phone records of innocent Americans for up to five years. Obama promised to make changes to the program in an effort to win back public support.

In January, President Barack Obama tasked his administration with coming up with an alternative to the current counterterrorism program and suggested that the phone companies option was the most likely. However, he also said that option posed problems.

“This will not be simple,” Obama said. An independent review panel suggested that the practice of the government collecting the phone records be replaced by a third party or the phone companies holding the records, and the government would access them as needed.

“Both of these options pose difficult problems,” Obama said in January.

“Relying solely on the records of multiple providers, for example, could require companies to alter their procedures in ways that raise new privacy concerns.

And the phone companies have been against this option, as well.

In several meetings with White House staff since December, phone company executives came out strongly opposed to proposals that would shift the custody of the records from the NSA to the telecoms. The executives said they would only accept such changes to the NSA program if they were legally required and if that requirement was spelled out in legislation.

The companies are concerned about the costs of retaining the records

individuals whose phone data was provided to intelligence or law enforcement agencies, these people said. The discussions with the White House ceased earlier this year. Industry officials said they had not been in contact with the administration as new options were being considered.

The executives have continued to discuss the issue with lawmakers, however.

The administration’s proposed changes won’t happen right away. The government plans to continue its bulk collection program for at least three months, the Times said.

But it’s unlikely that Congress would pass legislation in the next three months, as the NSA surveillance has proved to be a divisive issue, even within political parties.

The chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Dianne Feinstein, has advocated for the program to continue to operate as it does. The California Democrat said she would be open to other options if they met national security and privacy needs.

It is unclear whether the White House proposal will meet those needs.

Leaders of the House intelligence committee are expected to introduce legislation Tuesday that would call for a similar option to the Obama administration’s.

Under the administration’s pending legislative proposal, officials would have to obtain phone records by getting individual orders from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, the Times report said. The new court orders would require companies to provide those records swiftly and to make available continuing data related to the order when new calls are placed or received.

THE NIGERIAN

27

If Men Were God

IF men were God, the moon would not be seen by the poor. True love sees the faults of the other and helps him to overcome them.

Fulfillment grows in the power of silence. He who heed the inner voice adjusts himself to the laws of God (Abd-rushin).

The soul creates its own condition. You live in order to experience. Therefore, be vigilant at all times. Learn from your good fortune.

Look around you, you are not on earth to disregard it.

You must get to know it.

For you bear bodies that disregard it, You must get to know it, for you bear bodies that are derived from it.

Every unused gift or power however, becomes fatal for man. Only a human being who fulfils his duty has the right to live in Creation.

Only he has the right to exist. Therefore carefully weigh with your intuitive perception every wore you intend to use.

Learn to observe attentively and to use properly the currents in his creation, which bear the will of God and thus, God’s justice in pure form. Then you will again find the true humanity which has been wrested from you.

How much sufferings would thereby, be avoided and how many ill- disposed persons among mankind would also, be deprived of the opportunity to commit their deeds. Arouse your spirit and begin to think and speak in a far –seeing and comprehensive way.

This naturally, also, demands that intellect, which belongs to Gross matter, but also, make it possible once more, for your spirit to guide your intellect, which should serve the spirit as ordained by your creator.

Who from the very beginning has permitted you to come undistorted

into existence here on earth.

So much is already in the first stage of rigidity, soon your entire thinking may already be gripped by it and must flow through rigid, iron channels bringing you nothing but uneasiness, suffering upon suffering and finally, forcibly degrading you from a human being to the state of an empty machine serving only the darkness, far away from all light.

Childlikeness offers mankind a strong bridge for a scent to luminous heights.

Giving every human spirit the possibility to mature and for reaching perfection in order to live eternally in this on, which is House of God, the father that the places at the disposal of men provided they remain guests therein who are agreeable to Him ( Abd-ru-shin).

Guests who do not cause damage in the rooms so graciously made over to them solely, for their use, with a table at all times richly spread.

But how far removed is the man now from the childlikeness he so needs.

Yet without it, he can achieve nothing for his spirit. The spirit must possess childlikeness for it is and remains a child of Creation, even when it has gained fully maturity.

A child of creation. In this lies the deep meaning, lop, into a child of God whether it will ever achieve this depends entirely on the degree of recognition, it is willing to acquire on its wanderings through all the spheres of matter.

In the spiritual plane, Abdrushin says, will is at the sametime, also, deed. They are always one. Only in the spiritual, not in the world of matter. The more dense and heavy a plane of the world of matter is, the further removed is, deed from the

will. Density causes obstruction even sound, as it trowels has to struggle through material substance which obstructs it according to the nature of the density.

This can be clearly observed even over shorter distances.

When a man chops wood or drives nail into the timbers of a building. Abdru-shin says.

The clearly seen, yet, the sound of it, only arrives a few seconds later. This is so

indolence, for the body was given to each spirit only as an instrument, which it must learn to control in order to use it properly.

Thus, the spirit is a child of creation and it must be childlike therein, if it wishes to fulfil the purpose for which it stands in creation.

The arrogance of the intellect caused the spirit to withdraw from childlikeness, because, the intellect could not

noticeable that everybody must have experienced it at one time or another.

Take note then, that in the spiritual planes, will and deed are one, but in the material planes, they are separated through the nature of the substance. That is why, Jesus once said to men.

The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

The flesh, which refers here to the gross material deed, if it were not too lazy to do so, it cannot hold the body responsible for this

understand what it really is.

As a result, however, the spirit lost its foothold in creation, which in order to remain healthy itself must now expel it as estranger, an intruder and dangerous creature.

And so, it will come to pass that through their wrong thoughts and actions men will dig their own graves.

The adult, must not childish that childlike is not childish.

No doubt, you yourselves know children who lack the true beautiful childlikeness.

“Chastity is different from men’s idea of it far more comprehensive and greater. It does not demand that man should go against nature, for this would be an offence against the laws vibrating in God’s Creation and could only have harmful results.”

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Man And Nature With O.C. MADU 08056379608

Thus, there are childreness.

A malicious child will never have a childlike effect, nor an unruly one who is really ill-bred. This clearly shows that childlikeness and the child are two things independent in themselves.

That which is called childlike on earth is a branch

of the effect from out of purity.. Childlikeness is the result of inner purity or the sign that such human being has submitted to purity and serves it. Thus, only a child who is pure within itself and an adult who cultivates purity within himself can have a childlike effect. That is why he has a refresing and vitalizing effect and also, inspire confidence.

And wherever, there is true purity, genuine love can also enter, for God’s love works in the ray of purity. The ray of purity is the path it treads.

It could not possibly walk on any other. The ray of Divine Love can never find its way to him who has not absorbed the ray of purity.

Man, however, has deprived himself of childlikeness by turning away from the light through his one-sided intellectual

thinking, to which he has sacrified everything that might have uplifted him.

Thus, he has firmly chained himself with a thousand fetters to this earth, that is, to the world of Cross Matter, which will hold him in its grip until he liberates himself from it. This

however, cannot come to him through earthy death, but only through spiritual awakening.

Chastity is different from men’s idea of it far more comprehensive and greater.

It does not demand that man should go against nature, for this would be an offence against the laws vibrating in God’s Creation and could only have harmful results.

Chastity is the earthly concept of purity, which is Divine, for every human spirit it is the endeavour to manifest gross-materially what is sensed as a reflection of something that really exists in the Divine sphere. Purity is Divine, chastity its representation by the human spirit, thus, a spiritual image, which can and should become evident in earthly conduct.

THE NIGERIAN

28

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Pellegrini Plays Down Title Talk MANCHESTER City manager Manuel Pellegrini insists he is not thinking about winning the Premier League title despite easing to a 3-0 win at Old Trafford.

City handed fierce rivals Manchester United a sixth home defeat of the campaign, after Edin Dzeko scored twice including the fastest Premier League goal by a visiting team after 44 seconds - and Yaya Toure

added a late third.

The result put City within three points of leaders Chelsea with two matches in hand, but Pellegrini refused to entertain talk of the title being theirs to lose.

“I don’t think so. We will continue fighting with the other three teams, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, and we have to win the two postponed games and continue playing the way we play,” said the Chilean.

“I am not thinking about

the physicality to go with it.

“What pleased me most, though, is that he didn’t lose his concentration after the goal. He was perfect, working hard for the team and producing a really mature performance.

“It would have been easy to drop his responsibilities after scoring a wonder-goal, but he was focused. He is gifted, but what shocks you is the physicality that goes with it and his character. He’s a real down-to-earth modern footballer and a joy to work with.”

Martinez avoided giving England coach Roy Hodgson advice about whom he should pick for the World Cup, but

said: “If he (Barkley) gets selected, he will be ready; if not, he will have a rest this summer after a most demanding season.

“He will be a phenomenal footballer for England and English football. He’s also a proud Evertonian who loves playing football and a proud Englishman who is very proud of representing England.”

Barkley was only one of several outstanding individuals for Everton, who underlined their right to be rated as Champions League contenders.

“We were very powerful in both boxes. I was pleased with the goals and to keep a

clean sheet against opposition like Newcastle shows focus and concentration,” explained Martinez.

“Now there are going to be a lot of twists and turns. This league could spring a few surprises from now until the end of the season.”

John Carver, the coach who was in charge of Newcastle while manager Alan Pardew completed his three-match stadium ban, said: “Everton were clinical. We came up against a good side with some really good players.

“We matched them for 45 minutes, but a bit of sheer genius from Ross Barkley undid us.”

FORMER Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has urged the struggling English champions to stick with

manager David Moyes despite yet another humbling defeat.

Just over a week from their 30 loss at home to bitter rivals

Liverpool, United went down by the same scoreline in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Edin Dzeko needed a mere 43 seconds to score Manchester City’s first goal and the Bosnian striker added a second early in the second half before Yaya Toure rounded off a comprehensive loss for United with the visitors’ third goal in the 90th minute.

Defeat left United seventh in the Premier League table and 12 points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal.

It also left many fans asking how what is effectively the same side that won the title last season in former manager Alex Ferguson’s final campaign before retirement had become so ineffectual against top English teams under his fellow Scot and

Toffees Threaten Sticky Situation For Arsenal

Manuel Pellegrini

EVERTON’S impressive 3-0 win away to Newcastle United in the Premier League has given extra significance to the Toffees’ upcoming fixture at home to Arsenal.

The Merseysiders’ victory replicate the performance on Tuesday allied to the they produced against fourth-placed Gunners’ 2-2 Newcastle at St James’ Park. draw with Swansea reduced Goals from Ross Barkley, the London club’s lead over Romelu Lukaku and Leon Osman were thoroughly Everton to six points.

Everton, however, have a deserved as Newcastle were game in hand over Arsenal in swept aside by Everton’s the struggle to finish in the pace and technique, qualities demonstrated by the player top four and claim a place in who scored a quite next season’s European remarkable opening goal.

Champions League.

Barkley ran from deep It means much will hinge inside his own half, leaving on the outcome of their several Newcastle players meeting at Goodison Park on trailing before he finished April 6, although Everton decisively with a goal that manager Roberto Martinez’s added to his claims for a place insists his focus is on the in England’s squad for the Toffees next match at World Cup finals in Brazil, although Martinez was Fulham. equally impressed by other “It’s a game where Fulham elements of his display. are fighting for their lives,” “Not many players can the Spaniard said. score that sort of goal,” But Martinez surely knows Martinez said. “Technically, Fulham will find it difficult that is as good as you are to match his team if they can going to get, but he also has

Chelsea have been drawn against Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and Hazard, who joined the Blues from Lille in 2013, is aware of the challenges they will face in the first leg in Paris next week.

“As a football player, you want to play against teams like PSG,” he said. “They have a good squad, create lots of chances and have technical players.

“You have Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Motta, Yohan Cabaye and Edinson Cavani.

“But also in defence they are strong. It will be my first game against Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Or not... I have already beaten him on the Playstation.”

Arsene Wenger

Scholes Pleads For Moyes’s Patience

Hazard Boosted By Eto ’o CHELSEA midfielder Motivation Eden Hazard says teammate Samuel Eto’o believes he has potential to be one of the best players in the world.

The 23-year-old has been key for the Blues this season, scoring 14 goals and providing seven assists.

“Eto’o tells me every day that I can be one of world’s best players,” Hazard told La Derniere Heure. “Before every game he tells me I have to make the difference.

“He tells me: ‘You don’t leave the stadium without scoring a goal.’ After a while you understand that.

“A few years ago, football was just football for me. If I didn’t score, I didn’t care too much, as long as we won the game.

“Now I want to score in every game and be decisive.”

the title. Tomorrow we are thinking about Arsenal (whom they face on Saturday).”

In a relatively incidentfree Manchester derby, the only controversial incident came in the first half when United midfielder Marouane Fellaini escaped with a yellow card after appearing to catch Pablo Zabaleta in the face with an elbow.

Pellegrini said he saw it but accepted referee Michael Oliver’s judgement. David Moyes said he initially did not think it was a foul and had to be told afterwards it was a potential red card.

“I didn’t see the incident.

If the referee decided not to send him off I respect that,” said the City boss.

Manchester Will Always Be Blue MANCHESTER City midfielder Yaya Toure took to Twitter after his side’s win over cross-city rivals Manchester United to boast about the bragging rights the Blues obtained.

The Ivorian celebrated in style when he scored City’s third goal on the night after Edin Dzeko’s double put Manuel Pellegrini’s side 2-0 up at Old Trafford.

The win leaves City sitting three points off the pace of

league-leaders Chelsea and with two games in hand still to be played.

It also moves Pellegrini’s side 15 points above United, who finished an impressive nine points above City when they lifted the Premier League title last season.

Toure’s strike was his 21st goal for City this season, with 17 and five assists coming in the league, and he held no punches when he took to the social media

- Yaya

platform to brag about the win.

“Manchester is and will always be blue...” he wrote on his official Twitter account.

Confidence is flowing through the Manchester City team at the moment and it has seen Toure experience some impeccable form for the 2012 English champions. Last Saturday he also scored his first career hattrick in 5-0 win over Fulham.

chosen successor Moyes.

But Scholes said laying the blame solely on the shoulders of former Everton manager would be a mistake, arguing that United had to give their new boss more support in the next transfer window than they’d shown thus far during Moyes’s brief time at Old Trafford.

“You have to stand by him, he’s made a couple of signings that haven’t quite worked out yet as he would have liked and in the summer he’s going to need backing, there’s no doubt about that,” Scholes told Sky Sports on Tuesday.

“Was he backed as well as he could have been last summer?

I’m not too sure, but this summer he has to be backed and I think he knows he needs players,” the ex-England international added.

Nemanja Vidic is due to leave for Inter Milan at the end of this season and with both Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra under severe scrutiny, Scholes said strengthening United’s defence was a priority for Moyes, although he also had concerns regarding midfield.

“It looks to me that there’s a few areas that need addressing,” Scholes, who finally retired at the end of last season, said.

“Centre midfield you could say they’ve been looking for that for quite a few years now and maybe haven’t quite come up with the answer.

THE NIGERIAN

29

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Guardiola Savours Extraordinary Bayern Feat BAYERN Munich boss Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his side after they secured the Bundesliga title in record-breaking fashion.

The Bavarian club wrapped up the league title in doublequick time, securing their second consecutive trophy with seven games to spare.

And coach Guardiola, who is enjoying a tremendous first season in charge of Bayern, heaped praise on his players before thanking the club for providing him with an opportunity to work with the German champions.

“I am satisfied that we did it. A game earlier or later does not matter. Congratulations to

Pep Guardiola Celebrates

Neymar The Problem At Barcelona -Cruyff

JOHAN Cruyff believes the lavish contract handed to Neymar has led to the unrest that has dogged Barcelona this season.

Controversy over the signing of the Brazil international led to the resignation of President Sandro Rosell, while Cruyff argued the purchase has unbalanced the set-up at Camp Nou. The former Barca player and Coach is quoted by AS as saying that despite Neymar’s talent, to pay him more than players already at the club is a mistake.

“At Barca and every team in the world, the manager should be the boss,” Cruyff said.

“That’s why Pep [Guardiola] left, because the board was too involved and was selling players.

“Neymar is the problem at Barca. He’s a great player, that’s indisputable, but you can’t sign a 21-year-old and pay him more than players who have won everything.”

Cruyff lamented that in the end, Neymar is the one who might suffer most of all.

“You can’t be 21-years-old and be a God. Barca already have the best player in the world,” he

Gerardo Martino

added.

“At 21 no one is a God. This is impossible in football. At 26, perhaps, but not at 21.

“It’s a pity because it can cause damage. Neymar is a great player but he can be damaged by this.”

Cruyff: Neymar the problem at Barcelona Johan Cruyff talks about Neymar as a problem in Barcelona Cruyff was also asked about a possible role with La Blaugrana after the departure of Rosell.

“I travel a lot so I’m not always in Barcelona,” the Dutchman replied.

“It’s something we would have to discuss.

“I didn’t see El Clasico

because I was flying but I was surprised by the result because there were so many goals,” Cruyff continued.

“From now on, every game is

a final for Barca, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

“Atletico’s consistency is commendable since they don’t have a big squad.”

minutes. We were dynamic but kept it simple and used the whole of the pitch. We controlled the game but forgot to attack at times.”

Having won the league, Bayern will now go in search of an astonishing treble as they face Kaiserslauten in the semifinals of the German Cup and Manchester United in the last eight of the Champions League.

Real Star Jese Escapes House Fire REAL Madrid’s Jese Rodriguez had to be rescued by firemen as a fire in his luxury apartment building led to three people being hospitalised on Monday night.

AS reported that the fire started in the car park of the building, where the three people were working. The three were all taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, with one also having serious burns.

Jese, who is currently on crutches following a knee operation in Germany last week, was unhurt but had to be helped from his house by the local fire services. He was taken in by teammate Alvaro Arbeloa, who lives nearby.

Other Madrid figures including

Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Gareth Bale and Zinedine Zidane also live in the luxury La Finca development located in Madrid’s plush Pozuelo de Alarcon suburb, but there is no suggestion their properties or cars were damaged.

Jese Rodriguez

Boateng Warns Against Complacency

Neymar

Martino Calls For Consistency BARCELONA coach Gerardo Martino believes consistency will be key for his side as they look to defend

everyone at the club” said the former Barcelona boss.

“I’m pleased we’ve done it.

Another trophy for this club is important. Congratulations to everyone on this massive season. When you have a little time to spare you ought to enjoy it.

“Many, many thanks to the club for the opportunity to be here and coach these outstanding players. We played really, really well for 30

their La Liga title.

The Catalans showed their fighting spirit as they came back from behind to beat rivals Real Madrid 4-3 away from home on Sunday night.

The result leaves them in third place with 69 points from 29 matches but it saw them reducing the gap between them and the two Madrid sides to one point.

“The result last weekend has allowed us to re-insert ourselves in the challenge for La Liga,” said Martino.

“Now we have to do very well against Celta Vigo and in what’s left of the title race.

We cannot afford to let ourselves down.

“Our desire is to perform

to the highest level and show similar performances to that of last weekend.

“All the competitions are in their final stages now and if we don’t maintain the level of our play, we put our chances of winning trophies at risk.

“The pending issue is consistency, in general lines.

That’s the reason why we’re not currently where we want to be in La Liga.

“If we had maintained a consistency of results and performances, we would have enjoyed being in a much better position.”

The Catalans will look to climb to the top of the standings when they host Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night.

BAYERN MUNICH defender Jerome Boateng says his side will not be complacent after wrapping up the Bundesliga title in record time.

The Bavarians defeated Hertha Berlin 3-1 on Tuesday night to defend their league title with seven games to spare.

However, Boateng says they will work hard to maintain their momentum as they still have to be at their best for the other trophies they are still challenging for.

“We’re all extremely delighted,” said Boateng.

“We’ve put a lot of hard work in to get to this point.

“It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve never stopped trying to produce the performances we know we’re capable of in every single game.

“I have no doubt that we’ll continue performing at this level in our remaining fixtures this season.

“The pressure on the domestic front is definitely gone, but in spite of that we’ve got to maintain our concentration levels.

“We’ve got some tough opponents left to face in the Bundesliga, which will be good tests for us ahead of our UEFA Champions League matches.

“Aside from that we still want to lift the DFB Cup again. There’s still plenty of life left in us this season.

“We’ll only make things difficult for ourselves if we become complacent, but we’re adamant that we’re not going to let it come to that.”

Bayern were drawn against English Premier League side Manchester United in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Jerome Boateng

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Facts File... Facts File... Facts File

FIFA Reformists Halt Plan To Derail Corruption Investigation

FIFA’S self-acclaimed transparent reform process headed by New York lawyer Michael Garcia came within hours of being sabotaged from within the organisation last week, Reuters has learned.

The position of Garcia himself and his role as the head of the Independent Ethics Commission looking into alleged corruption surrounding the voting procedure for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and the 2011 FIFA presidential election, came under threat from a number of senior FIFA powerbrokers.

Members of FIFA’s executive committee have told Reuters they would have considered

Sepp Blatter FIFA President

Stadium Debates Rage As FIFA Returns To Brazil

HEATED debate on the cost of temporary World Cup stadium facilities saw lawmakers in the southern Brazilian state of Porto Alegre back a plan for tax incentives to pay for temporary stadium facilities. rolling on June 12 but still Lawmakers voted late unfinished following a fatal Tuesday, to pass a package accident last November. offering the incentives to private Sao Paulo, Curitiba and firms stumping up around $11 Cuiaba remain unfinished but million for facilities at the Beira Tuesday’s focus was Porto Mar stadium after the local Alegre after the southern venue prefecture had warned the warned Monday that money has stadium might otherwise have to to be found for temporary pull out of the World Cup. facilities or it may withdraw.

The move canme as FIFA Regional lawmakers were secretary general Jerome Valcke debating into the night with one, prepared for Thursday’s board Paulo Odone, complaining: meeting of the World Cup “What we are seeing here is the Organizing Committee (LOC) in theatre of the absurd.

Rio de Janeiro.

“The only contract that exists Valcke arrived back in Brazil regarding (who pays for) on Monday and tweeted temporary structures is between optimism that, despite three FIFA and Sport Club stadiums still not being finished, Internacional,” the Porto Alegre things would be all right on the stadium owner. night — a regular refrain as “There is no responsibility Brazil has struggled to get ready either for the state or the for the event. prefecture in this matter,” “Good to be back in Brazil. 80 stormed Odone, as lawmakers days to the #World Cup,” Valcke debated whether public money had tweeted on arrival, before needed to be put into the hat for insisting: “Together with the facilities such as press areas.

LOC & Brazil, we’ll find Across Brazil, local authorities solutions for the remaining in the 12 venue cities are doing challenges.” all they can to limit spending of Those “challenges” are public money on the World Cup myriad, as the clock ticks down with many citizens already to kick-off at a Sao Paulo protesting at a bill topping $11 stadium slated to set the ball billion.

Two years after saying the World Cup hosts merited a “kick up the backside” for being slow out of the starting blocks in preparations for the event, Valcke heads to Thursday’s LOC board meeting with such doubts still hanging in the air.

Tuesday brought one piece of good news for Sao Paulo as the city’s Corinthians Arena received the first two-thirds of a $175 million loan from state development bank BNDES. In Brazil, the race to complete the venues has seen six miss FIFA’s original deadline of December 31 and semantic gymnastics on the need for stadiums to be, if not totally “ready” or “delivered”, then at least “inaugurated.”

In the case of Porto Alegre, the stadium was inaugurated last month by President Dilma Rousseff.

But urban works in the vicinity have to be completed, and stadium owners Internacional warned Monday that more cash is still needed.

Curitiba almost dropped out before Valcke spared it the axe last month after assurances that the stadium there would make it after drafting hundreds of extra construction workers to speed things up.

Valcke praised another

“Regional lawmakers were debating into the night with one, Paulo Odone, complaining: “What we are seeing here is the theatre of the absurd.”

laggard, Manaus, as “fantastic” last month but only last week local organisers had to insist media reports of fertiliser damaging the pitch were exaggerated.

Amazon region World Cup coordinator Miguel Capobiango told Tuesday’s Lance sports daily that “we had a lot of problems finishing (the stadium) and called on the (construction) firm to improve certain things.”

Test matches held at the Amazonia Arena — where England will face Italy — earlier this month threw up a range of teething problems including leaks and malfunctioning toilets even before the grass issue sprang up.

If the construction issues have provided FIFA with a headache, the Brazilian league is also fretting about where to play 28 domestic matches after the stadiums and club venues which will serve as World Cup training centers are handed over to organisers in May. As the unfinished venues scramble to reach the final delivery stage, Valcke will face the media on Thursday and update them on the state of play with 77 days to go.

Hosting the event has, if nothing else, throw into stark relief Brazil’s social problems — not least racism.

Tuesday saw Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo say fans who barrack players racially should be banned from matches.

“We must punish vigorously those who commit racist acts,” said Rebelo.

“If he is Brazilian, he should be banned from Brazilian grounds. If he is a foreigner, he should be banned from entering the country.

their positions had the investigation into FIFA’s affairs

by Garcia been halted before he had completed his work.

A number of reform-minded members confirmed they stopped the plan before it was even discussed in full session, after being approached in the corridors between sessions of the executive committee meetings at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich on Thursday and Friday.

At almost exactly the same time, Garcia was in Zurich carrying out further investigations into FIFA’s workings.

There is no suggestion FIFA president Sepp Blatter played any role in the plan to stop what he has widely acclaimed as FIFA’s new “transparent” reform process.

Reuters understands from sources connected to the story that the plan not only involved removing Garcia from his post as the chief investigator into alleged corruption at FIFA, but also the game worldwide.

When approached to comment on the alleged plot to end the investigation, FIFA’s British vice-president Jim Boyce told Reuters that as far as he was concerned, he would have had to consider his position had any attempt to halt the investigation succeeded.

Northern Irishman Boyce, 70, who is also the head of FIFA’s referee’s committee and steps down from the committee in 15 months time, said: “There was a bit of informal chat about the possibility that some people wanted to see Garcia removed from the inquiry and that it might be raised at the exco meeting but it wasn’t.

“As someone who has been brought up with honesty and integrity - and it was a great honour for me to be asked to be a vice-president - if this had been proposed at the exco meeting or I thought for one moment Garcia would be removed in any fashion from carrying out his full investigation, I and others would be aghast and would have had to consider our positions because things at FIFA have been improving greatly.”

FIFA executive committee member Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan told Reuters: “I am very happy that Michael Garcia will continue in his work. There were some questions raised about the necessity of having an Independent Ethics Committee but to be honest, I think that idea was stopped.

“There were certain people like myself who could not

accept that this could happen.

“He was supported by our Congress and given a mandate and I am very happy he will continue with his work.”

FIFA did not respond to requests for a statement, while a spokesperson for Garcia’s office in New York issued a “no comment” reply to a request to establish if Garcia was aware of the plans to end his role.

Last week it was reported that Garcia had spoken to some of the 13 members of the executive committee who are still in office and who took part in voting for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

The 2018 World Cup was awarded to Russia and the 2022 finals to Qatar on the same day in Zurich on Dec.2 2010, and one senior FIFA source told Reuters: “I have never understood to this day why there was a double bid. It still makes no sense to me.”

The reform process was instigated following the scandals that engulfed the awarding of those finals as well as the 2011 presidential election campaign.

It was approved by Congress in June 2011 while Garcia himself was appointed in June 2012 at an extraordinary executive committee meeting.

Garcia, the former attorney for the Southern District of New York, was empowered by Congress to “leave no stone unturned” in his quest to discover if there had been any wrong-doing regarding the voting procedures in the World Cup bidding process.

As FIFA’s first independent ethics investigator and prosecutor he was also empowered to investigate the votes-for-cash scandal that led to long-serving and highranking FIFA officials Jack Warner and Mohammed Bin Hammam leaving the organisation.

Warner, the FIFA vicepresident for CONCACAF, the confederation that covers North and Central America and the Caribbean, had been an executive committee member for more than 20 years and Bin Hammam was a FIFA vicepresident and president of the Asian Confederation but their careers ended in the wake of the votes-for-cash scandal shortly before Bin Hammam had been due to challenge Sepp Blatter for the presidency in 2011.

Warner walked away from FIFA while Bin Hammam was later banned for life for his role in the doomed corruption bid which involved paying members of the Caribbean Football Union to vote for Hammam against Blatter in the presidential vote.

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NFA Gives Super Falcons AWC Third Place Target

. Team Resume Camp Next Week team while the camp lasted.

THE Nigeria Football Association (NFA) has given the Super Falcons a thirdplace target at the 2014 African Women Championship (AWC) scheduled to take place in Namibia in October.

Musa Amadu, the NFA Secretary-General, told newsman on Tuesday in Abuja that this was to enable Nigeria qualify for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Amadu explained that, in achieving this target, the Super Falcons would resume camp next week in Abuja in preparation for their line-up of forthcoming matches.

He said the team would ahead of the AWC host the Lionesses of Cameroon in a friendly match on April 15 in Abuja.

“The Falcons are resuming camp at the end of this month, either on Sunday or Monday.

“But it is important that, apart from the April 15 friendly, we begin to prepare the girls for the final round

El-Kanemi Warriors Appeals To LMC In Relocation KANO - The management of El-Kanemi Warriors Football

Club of Maiduguri has appealed to the League Management Company (LMC) to reconsider its decision of relocating the club from Maiduguri to Kano.

The club’s Chairman, Alhaji Zannah Kakaji, told newsmen in Kano on Tuesday that the LMC needed to rescind the decision “because peace has gradually returned to the state’’.

The league organisers had suspended indefinitely matches of the season 2013/ 2014 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in Maiduguri due to security concern.

“I am appealing to LMC to reconsider their decision of relocating us to Kano because peace is gradually returning to the state,’’ Kakaji said.

He said even though the club considered Kano as its second home, it was still hopeful the authorities concerned would look into its request.

El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, which finished fourth last season, will play their rescheduled NPFL week two match against Abia Warriors in Kano on Wednesday, March 26.

of the AWC qualifiers, against Rwanda.

“This is because it is important we qualify for the AWC in Namibia in October.

“It is also important that the least we can get in

Namibia during the AWC is third-place, for us to qualify for the World Cup in Canada in 2015,’’ Amadu said.

He said Edet Okon, the Falcons interim Head Coach would be in charge of the

NAN reports that the first leg of the AWC qualifier against Rwanda will hold during the weekend of May 23 to May 25 in Kigali.

The second leg will be played on the weekend of June 6 to June 8 in Abuja.

The winner of the encounter will book a ticket to the AWC scheduled to take place in Namibia from October 11 to October 24.

Aminu Maigari

Stephen Keshi has said he would wish to keep his job after th e World Cup in June “if the conditions are right”.

Keshi has been in charge of the Super Eagles for about three years during which he won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and qualified the country for a fifth World Cup. However, his relationship with his employers, the Nigeria

Football Federation (NFF), has not been smooth sailing so much so he quit the post just hours after he led the country to win the Nations Cup in South Africa last year.

“If the condition is good, I will definitely stay,” Keshi said on Tuesday.

“I am not in Nigeria (as coach) to make money, if I want to do that, I would

Keshi Wants To Stay On After be in other countries NIGERIA coach World Cup have that offered me more, but

Keshi

I want to contribute and help build the Super Eagles as well as develop football in my country.”

The former Nigeria international skipper, who has also worked in Togo and Mali, has been rumoured to have interested several other countries including South Africa.

But he has insisted he has not allowed such interest to detract him.

Zenith Bank Basketball League

Dolphins On Course To Win Title

COACH Okworogun Ochuko of Dolphins basketball club of Lagos on Tuesday in Abuja said his team was on course to win the 2013/2014 Zenith Bank National Basketball League.

Ochuko told newsmen after the team beat Benue Queens 68-36 in their fourth match of the ongoing league, that they were getting better with each match. respectively.

“I believe that our Ochuko however expressed performance since this first optimism that no team would be phase started is an indicator that a stumbling block for them to we want to do more than we did emerge champions. last season.

“Nobody is a stumbling block “Our first match was not that for us in the league. good and our second was better “This is because, even though off. we have not seen any upset yet, “We keep improving as the teams that you believe will blow competition progresses and if others up end up winning with the players keep improving like just a small margin. this and we enter the second and “So, in basketball, anything final phase with a tempo higher can happen. You don’t tell a than this, they will be stronger winner of the game before you and well blended,” she said. watch,” she said.

The Lagos-based team The Dolphins coach however displayed their dominance as said the team comprised more of early as the first quarter of the young players being trained for game which ended 24-4. the next season.

In the match played at the “We have more new faces, Indoor Sports Hall of the Abuja more players who have not National Stadium, the 2012/ played in the league before.

2013 runners-up extended their “The older ones are fewer and dominance by garnering 20 some of them are not playing, points in the second quarter. owing to injuries and some other Benue Queens, which scored things. nine points in the second quarter, “But the reason why we are raised their game in the third using more new players is to train quarter for both sides to score 14 and prepare them for the next points each. season.

Dolphins had earlier defeated “And, so far, they are not Coal City of Enugu 78-48, AHIP disappointing us,” Ochuko said.

Queens 71-30 and Plateau On his part, Benue Queens’ Rocks 79-48 in their first, coach John Apir said the team’s second and third matches poor performance so far was an

indicator that they were not well prepared.

“It appears that we are not really prepared. By the time we go back, we will know what to do with them.

“We just discovered that some of our girls are so heavy, whereas we thought we are prepared with the kind of players we have and our time of preparation.

“But now, we have seen what is expected of us,’’ Apir said.

He however said the team’s camp in Abuja for the competition contributed to their poor performance.

“Where we stay is too far and we come here too early. For example, if we are to play by 11 a.m., we are usually here by 9

HENRY Ubochi, the Head Coach, Delta State Tennis Association, on Tuesday said that the state’s players are preparing to clinch gold medals at the forthcoming National Sport Festival (NSF) in Calabar.

The festival, tagged “Paradise Games”, is scheduled for Nov. 23 to Dec. 3.

Ubochi told newsmen in Lagos said that the team would improve on its performance at the festival.

Delta won a Silver medal, while Benue clinchéd the gold in the tennis event at

the last festival dubbed “Eko 2012”.

“I am indeed certain that our players will perform excellently well at the forthcoming NSF in Calabar.

“I believe in them because I have seen their level of preparation during training sessions and the dedication they have shown is encouraging.

“My players come early for training and take their game seriously because they know what they want to achieve and the only way is

a.m. So, they (the players) wait for too long.

“And it is not very good to wait in a competition venue, because anxiety can set in.

“If we are staying closer, it’s just to be here like 30 minutes before the game and the waiting period will not be too long,” the coach said.

He expressed optimism that the team would be better before the second phase scheduled for Ilorin in April.

Meanwhile, in other matches pl

Delta Gears Up For Paradise Games

through hard work and persistence,’’ he said.

The head coach disclosed that the state would soon begin its club league, as part of efforts to boost the game.

“We are trying to bring back the lost glory of the sport and we have thought it wise to start a club league.

“The aim of the league is to revive the sport in the state and country by fishing out new talents and developing them to become future champions,’’ Ubochi added.

CMYK

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The NIS Debacle

Harvesting the Dead

T R A G I C A L LY , somebody must now die for other members of his family to be offered jobs.

The policeman must be cut down by the assassin’s bullet for his children to get scholarship to go through their University education. These are all efforts at harvesting the dead. And in most cases, these scholarships end up at the levels of vain promises. In this age, we wonder which scholarship anyone still requires to go through the basic primary and, to some extent, the secondary school education, when our children are being begged to go to school.

Even if you have a hundred scholarships lined up for you, if you cannot attain the cut-off points required for admission into a tertiary institution, you can only graduate into the mechanic workshop where no scholarship is required.

The Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, fiasco of the penultimate week was a major catastrophic public relations outing for the current administration. It captures the inability of a government to cater for its citizens. It illustrates, in lucid terms, the people’s desperate economic plight, in ways that not even the greatest critics of the administration would have been able to do.

That was the situation where 19 unsuspecting young job-seeking Nigerians including pregnant woman were carelessly dispatched to their early graves. The tragedy was not new. An equally gory one occurred in July 2008 when a recruitment exercise by the same NIS produced a grim toll of 17 lives across the country. Expectedly, all those who presided over the earlier disaster got away with their crimes

Scot free.

In other climes, by now, this administration and, of course, the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, would have been past descriptions - former government and former Minister, because the government would have struggled in vain to extricate itself from the disaster. But in Nigeria, so-called leaders are so contemptuous of the people because they know that we remain jolly good fellows under even the worst situation suffering and smiling.

This tragedy captures the real essence of Nigeria and the people’s legendary docility. Where else would 520,000 applicants be chasing 4,556 jobs if not in Nigeria where the government is doing nothing to expand the economy?

Worse still, as soon as news of the foreign content of the job filtered out, the number of applicants exploded.

Where else in this world are the youths so willing to check out of their country in search of the good life; if not Nigeria where nothing works and where life has become so harsh — sans light, sans water, sans jobs; and sans everything? Yet people want to stay glued to power at all cost and by all means.

Is it not the very height of criminality to ask people looking for jobs to pay for such jobs? Where else does a sitting government ask its citizens to come and pay even for nonexistent jobs? Our government has virtually become a gaming machine, which no amount of money can ever satisfy.

Shamelessly, instead of accepting his fault and apologizing to the people, Moro must pass the buck.

For him, the police, the doctors, the teachers and, in fact, every other person,

must be blamed for the ensuing stampede that resulted in the death of those young Nigerians, even where there are numerous claims that he sidelined every other stakeholder in the exercise.

In a kill-and-divide tradition, it is doubtful how many people at the corridors of power can

the innocent youths died in the false hope that they were going for a transparent recruitment.

Corruption and the twin brother, ineptitude, are infectious. There is an extent to which an inept leadership can push the punishment of an erring member without hurting itself. Jonathan must thread softly because if

supporting mistakes in order to sustain the tradition of mistakes. The President quickly moved into damage control mode by rolling out palliatives aimed at soothing the grief of the bereaved families.

First, those who lost their loved ones are entitled to

• Abba Moro, Interior Minister

look Moro in the face and ask him to resign when they all got their slots and sometimes, sold them!

We hear that the going rate for a slot has now risen to a million Naira.

They also know that Moro was just the arrow head to fulfill all righteousness by creating the impression that the recruitment exercise was for real. So

every erring Minister — and they are many — must be asked to quit, the point is soon reached when the administration must feel impelled to quit because the fate of the administration is inextricably tied to that of each member.

Once mistakes are made, you must be prepared to make

three automatic slots, one of whom must be a woman. This increases the headache because the number of applicants is automatically increased from 520,000 to 520,038, expressed mathematically as follows: (520,000 19)+(19 x 3). Add to this, the new headache of gender balancing.

In any case, only the

living can work. The NIS allocation is a poor exchange for human lives. Parallels will soon be drawn. For instance, what makes the victims of he NIS recruitment tragedy more deserving of compensation than the countless thousands of the brutality of the Boko Haram? What logic makes compensation right for one set of victims and wrong for another?

Second, families of wounded applicants are entitled to one slot each. In the coming weeks, we see people running around with bandaged hands and damaged heads as a mark of the injury sustained at the stadium.

We must add our voices to those who have commiserated with the bereaved families. For how long shall we continue to bemoan our fate each time there is a mishap?

Let Jonathan look inwards. A situation where government functionaries share the slots among themselves and release the empty chances for us to struggle and die about is unacceptable. Most importantly, this cash for job mode of recruitment is the greatest strain on the administration. It must be eradicated!

“The Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, fiasco of the penultimate week was a major catastrophic public relations outing for the current administration. It captures the inability of a government to cater for its citizens. It illustrates, in lucid terms, the people’s desperate economic plight, in ways that not even the greatest critics of the administration would have been able to do.”

Printed and published by Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, 24, Airport Road, P.M.B. 1334 Benin City. Telephone; Lagos: 01 4930929, Benin: 052 257492, 257531 Editor. BARR. SOLOMON IMOHIOSEN (KSJI) - (07030699646), Deputy General Manager (Marketing) (08023457566), Assistant General Manager(Advertisement) (08023808856) Lagos Office: 25A Alli Street, Off Tinubu Square, Lagos Island, Lagos. Abuja Office: Floor 1, Edo House, 75 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Tel/Fax: 09-5237631. All correspondence to: 24 Airport Road, Benin City. E-mail: nigerianobserver@yahoo.com (ISSN 0331-2674)

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