Nigerian observer 27 05 2014 by Nigerian Observer

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 38 • NO. 490 TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2014 • N 100.00 DRUMBEATS Page 19

Billionaires learn from ants!

INTERNATIONAL Page 15

Failing Ukraine plays into Russia’s hands

Nigeria needs $30bn for gas production - Senator By JOSES SEDE ABUJA – To meet its gas need for power and domestic use for 2015, the federal government would have to source a whopping thirty billion dollars Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas

Resources, Sen. Nkechi Nwaogu has said. She spoke yesterday at the opening of a National Conference on Gas Resources organised by the Senate Committee on Gas Resources.

The 3-day conference has the theme: “Deepening Domestic Utilization of Natural Gas and Routine Flare Elimination.” She noted that the low utilisation of natural gas

in Nigeria was due to the insufficient production and distribution infrastructure, which resulted into flaring of about 1.4 billion cubic feet of gas daily. Continues on page 2

APC elects Anselm Ojezua . APC, PDP not at war Chairman - Oshiomhole By ADAMS OYIBOKE

BENIN CITY - Barr Anselm Ojezua has emerged as the new state party chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) with a total vote cast of 937 in a state congress of the party held yesterday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. As early as 8:00am whip of the Federal yesterday, party faithful House of Representative, from the eighteen Local Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie Government Areas as r e p r e s e n t i n g and well as delegates had Orhionmwon converged to witness the Uhunmwode Federal and conduct of the state Constituency congress of the All supported by Deacon Obende Progressive Congress Senator representing Edo North in (APC). The State Congress the National Assembly. Delegates were duly commenced with motion accredited on the basis of moved by the minority local government with the

various Local Government Party Chairmen leading their members. Barr. Anselm Ojezua became the sole candidate as four other

contestants stepped down for him to fly the party flag in the chairmanship position. Others elected into the State Executive of the

APC included Barr. Gentleman Amengor as Vice-Chairman, Edo South Senatorial district and Chief Arogundade as Vice-Chairman, Edo

North Senatorial. The position of the state party secretary was won by Chief Osaro Idah, State Woman leader was clinched by Dr. Mrs. Amadasun. Comrade Osakpamwan Continues on page 2

Children’s Day UNICEF wants Nigerian children protected ABUJA - Ahead of the 2014 National Childrens’ Day, UNICEF, yesterday, called for collective effort from stakeholders to protect the rights of children. The call is contained in a statement signed by Mr Geoffrey Njoku, the Head of Media and External Relations, UNICEF, made available to newsmen in Abuja. The statement quoted Ms Jean Gough, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, as saying that

there was need to create a protective environment for all children to ensure a bright future. Gough said “as we celebrate another children’s day, one area where our collective responsibility is urgently required is the protection of our children, the collective includes the family, community, society and the state. “Every day in the media, we hear of one form of abuse or the other against children, rape of

TIT BIT “Every war develops in three stages, the

need to control the fate of others by our wishes, the imposition of our wishes through tyranny, and the greed for the expansion of our wishes.” - Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

underage children, child trafficking and so on. “Let us all work together collectively to ensure that our children are protected against harm so they can grow into productive adults

APC STATE CONGRESS: (L-R) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, Deputy Governor of Edo State and Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly during the State APC Congress at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City yesterday. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.

Military locates abducted girls Continues on page 2

By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - Almost six weeks after their abduction, the military has located where the female students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, are being kept. This was disclosed yesterday, by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Alex Badeh while discussing with members of the Citizens Initiative for Security Awareness outside the

Defence Headquarters, Abuja. The CDS however said the military has refused to employ force to release the girls so that they

would not be killed by their abductors. “We want our girls back, we want our girls back; we can do it, our military can do it but where they are held, can

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is to establish a foundation in honour of the late Prof. Festus

after ASUU’s NEC meeting held at the University of Ibadan yesterday and signed by its National President, Dr

we go with force? “If we go with force, what will happen? (they will kill them). So nobody should come and say the Nigerian military does not know what it is doing. We

know what we are doing, we can’t go and kill our girls in the name of trying to get them back. So we are working. Continues on page 2

ASUU to establish foundation in honour IBADAN -The Iyayi. He was travelling to National Executive Kano to participate in the This was contained in of Iyayi Council (NEC) of the the resolution released union’s NEC meeting Nasir Fagge. Iyayi, a former National President of the union, died in November 2013 in a car crash.

called to resolve the six months strike by the union. The union in the Continues on page 2

News

Nigeria needs $30bn for gas Continued from page 1 production

She said the legislature and the executive arms of government were working together to eliminate all obstacles in order to attract massive investments into natural gas sector. “The legislature and the executives have been collaborating to ensure total eradication of the regulatory, operational and commercial problems in order to attract greater investment into the

sector. “In achieving this bold aspirations, this committee is of the view that Nigeria will require huge investments from local and international communities in humancapital, finance and technological innovation. “A significant investment of over 30 billion dollars in infrastructure is needed to

achieve Nigeria’s target of producing 3.4 billion cubic feet of gas daily by 2015, “she said. Nwaogu said that objective of the conference was to create appropriate forum for the various stakeholders to find ways to increase domestic use of natural gas and to eradicate gas flaring. She added that the conference was also aimed at

APC elects Anselm Ojezua Chairman

Continued from page 1

Eriyo was elected as State Youth Leader, the position of state publicity secretary of the party was retained by Comrade Godwin Erahon, state organizing secretary went to Mr. Victor Udaze while the position of state party Auditor was won by Mr. Joe Imasuen among others. Four Ex-officials members also emerged in the state congress. They include; Stephen Aritua, Mrs. Theresa Kadiri, Mrs. Philomena Ekhoeragbon and Mr. Lawrence Okah. Addressing delegates at the congress, Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said, “let me welcome everyone of you and of course the millions of party faithful from Edo State and across the country. I am happy to see us united on this ground to transparently and democratically elect a new leadership to pilot the affairs of our great party in Edo State”. He said “when we talk about APC and its motto “change,” we need to be clear that this is not an empty rhetoric’s. We want to change the way our politics and politicking have been managed over the years. Oshiomhole said “we want to move away from the tradition of the way politicians make promises, promises that they will not keep, only to appropriate the money and at the eve of election distribute a fraction to young men and women to go and kill and to maimed instead of mobilizing the people to vote.” “We want to change from the Language capture to wining. We want to move away from the tradition where leaders out of arrogance decree that they will continue to rig election and write result to one in which people are humbled and that only those who are elected, truly elected by the people shall have the opportunity to govern,” he

emphasized. Governor Oshiomhole however stressed that the outcome of the APC Congress will bring hope and the desired positive change of Nigeria and called on delegates to cast their votes wisely. Earlier in his address, the state congress committee chairman Hon. Onavi Brown commended the Governor of Edo State for providing the enabling environment describing APC Edo State chapter as disciplined and orderly party which must be emulated by other states in the country. He called on all delegates to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner while the congress lasted. Goodwill messages were delivered by APC National Leader, Chief Tom Ikimi, former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Speaker Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe and other federal legislators of APC representing various constituencies in the National Assembly. Meanwhile, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo yesterday said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were not at war. Oshiomhole, who said this in Benin during the state congress of the APC, said the two political parties only differed on ideas about how to move the nation forward. The governor said that in spite of the differences in ideologies, the two parties were united in making the nation better. Oshiomhole said that he was a thorough democrat, who understood the principle of multiparty democracy. “APC is not at war with the PDP. APC recognises the legitimacy of the PDP. “We are only here to contest

the basis and ideas but we are all united in sharing the commitment to build a great nation. “We may not agree on the best way to do it, which is why we are building an alternative party,’’ the governor said. He said the APC as a party was poised to change the usual ways politicians do things to an unusual way. Oshiomhole, however, said those who were not prepared for the change would not be tied down. He said the imminent change is that politicians must put the interest of the people first. According to him, the party is poised to change the way of politicking in Nigeria. “We want to change to a position where only those who are truly elected by the people shall have the opportunity to govern. “In all, we are changing the usual way of doing politics to an unusual way where the people and only the people reign supreme.” The governor said this was the reason behind the recent movement of those who could not adapt to the changes in the party in Edo.

SURE-P moves to recover N2.95b loan

LAGOS - The Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) has called on three major transport operators to re-pay the N2.95 billion they received under its Public Mass Transit Fund (PMTF) loans revolving scheme. Dr Fatima Adamu, SURE-P Convener for Mass Transit SubCommittee, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Lagos. Adamu said that the three transport companies owed SURE-P N2.2 billion, N400

UNICEF wants Nigerian children to be not well educated Continued from page 1 protected likely if she is sexually abused by

who will contribute to the development of Nigeria in future.’’ The UNICEF official said the protective environment was based on the recognition that all children were entitled to protection, as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the 2003 Child Rights Act. He added that the recent abduction of more than 200 school girls in Chibok, Borno, underscored the need for all hands to be on deck to fight for the future of the Nigerian child. He noted that UNICEF was working toward creating a protective environment for children and fortify them against abuse, as well as promote good nutrition and healthcare for them. The UN agency was also collaborating with the Nigeria Police, immigration service,

and other line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to fight child trafficking and abductions. “Our best efforts in survival and development will amount to nothing if children are abused, as it will later harm their lives. “A young girl in school is

her teacher or abused in whatever way, so also is the boy child.’’ Meanwhile, the Children’s Day celebration takes place on May 27 of every year. The 2014 celebration has “Unite for Peace of Nigeria, Unite for Children’’ as its theme.

ASUU to establish foundation in honour of Iyayi

Continued from page 1 resolution also resolved to name its national secretariat located at the University of Abuja after the late activist. According to the resolution, the foundation will have components which include scholarship awards for indigent students. The resolution also condemned the imposition of fees on students of the Obafemi Awolowo University

identifying the challenges militating against the widespread consumption of gas in Nigeria. In an address, the Senate President, Sen. David Mark urged all stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to ensure that Nigeria’s gas resources are used for sustainable development of the people. Mark was represented by the Senate Minority Whip, Sen. Abu Ibrahim. Mark said that stakeholders in the exploration of the nation’s abundant gas resources should focus on creating opportunities that would improve the lives of the people and the various communities. He noted that the effective exploration of the gas resources would not only engender the massive creation of new job but would also serve as a launch pad for the revival of nation’s industrial sector. He, however, cautioned that the prospects in the sector should extend beyond the exploration of hydrocarbons and the accumulation of wealth for only a select few. “I need to stress that the gas revolution is not just about hydrocarbons and wealth. “It is also about human beings and the betterment of the lives of people, their communities and the entire society. “We have to explore the varying opportunities of this revolution and chart a sustainable way forward for the development of our people.”

(OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun The union in the resolution directed its members in OAU to ensure the reversal of the new fees which it described as a violation of ASUU’s standing principle. “University education must be seen as public good. “ The unity, security and development of our country depends on the quality and effectiveness of our university education,’’ it said.

million and N350 million, respectively. According to her, the Federal Government made the PMTF loans interest free to allow operators to pay back on time and also accommodate more Nigerians in the Scheme Two of the revolving loans scheme. Adamu urged the transport operators to support the Federal Government’s efforts aimed at ameliorating intra-city and interstates transportation by reducing their charges. She said that SURE-P, had through the Infrastructure Bank Plc, the fund managers for the Scheme Two, acquired 1,500 buses. The convener said that the new buses would provide job opportunities for 6,000 people at the rate of four people per bus. Adamu also said that the Federal Government disbursed N8.9 billion in the first phase of the scheme which ended in December 2012. She said since the inception of the SURE-P mass transits initiative in January 2013, only about N2 billion had been spent out of the N6.1 billion earmarked for the Scheme Two of the programme.

Military locates abducted girls

Continued from page 1

“The good news for the girls is that we know where they are but we cannot tell you, we cannot come and tell you military secrets here. Just leave us alone, we are working, we would get the girls back.”

Pastor Chris donates 3000 Lanterns to AAU students By OSE EHEBHA EKPOMA - The President, Believers’ Love World, (aka Christ Embassy), Pastor Chris Oyakhilomen has donated 3,000 sophisticated rechargeable Lanterns to all hostel resident students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma-Edo State. The donation was part of the fulfillment of pledges he made to the students on January 27, 2014, while inaugurating a MultiPurpose Auditorium he built and donated to the university. The donor had during the commissioning of the auditorium pledged to install solar street lights and donate lanterns to every hostel resident of the university, as way of alleviating their sufferings occasioned by epileptic power supply. The lantern has a solar panel, radio, a large bulb and a compartment for charging cell phones, among other functions. The donor, Pastor Oyakhilomen said the donation is geared towards improving the quality of lives and education of the students, adding that the long term measure would be the installation of solar powered street light in the entire hostel area, billed to commence soon. Represented by the pastor in charge of the South –East Region of the church, Pastor Ambrose Isesele, the church president, said he is passionate about the education and future of the young people, hence has constantly pioneered initiatives and conferences

to empower the youths. He said the Chris Oyakhilomen Foundation was established with the sole purpose of changing the world, especially the world of the youths, and expressed hopes that the Ambrose Alli University would soon take its rightful place amongst other nations’ tertiary institutions in terms of infrastructure. He expressed willingness to always assist the university when ever the opportunity present itself. Edo State Commissioner for Higher Education, Barr. Washington Osifo eulogized Pastor Oyakhilomen for his contributions to the growth and development of his alma mater, and expressed profound gratitude to him for the donation. He challenged other alumni of the university, including himself to emulate the kind gesture of the Believers Love World president, adding that contributions of alumni were crucial to the development of the university. Vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Cordelia Agbebaku recalled the recent donation of a Multi-Purpose Auditorium to the university by Pastor Chris Oyakhilomen, and described him as a great asset to the university. Agbebaku who described the donation as unprecedented, commended him and challenged other alumni to follow the foot steps of the Pastor Chris. President of the Students’ Union Government, (SUG) Mr. Michael Oriekose, speaking on behalf of the students, lauded the donor, saying the donation was a demonstration of what a true alumnus represents.

Oba Erediauwa’s Birthday

Don’t state actual age

BENIN CITY- Ahead of the Birthday anniversary of the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa which comes up next month, his secretary, Osazuwa Oronsaye –Guobadia has reminded friends, relations and well wishers that the actual age of the monarch

- Secretary

should not be stated in any goodwill message to the Oba. The secretary to the monarch restated that it will be enough to simply wish the Oba happy birthday, while expressing the Oba’s prayers to God and his ancestors to richly bless everyone.

Court nullifies executive control of judiciary funds ABUJA - An Abuja Federal High Court yesterday declared as unconstitutional, null and void, the control and disbursement of funds meant for the judiciary by the executive arm of government. Justice Ahmed Mohammed ordered that money belonging to the judiciary in the consolidated revenue of the federation must be fully paid directly to the National Judicial Council (NJC). Mohammed was delivering judgment in the case brought against the executive by Mr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN). Agbakoba, a constitutional lawyer, had sued the Federal Government over the practice of passing judiciary funds through the executive. Agbakoba had argued that the practice was in breach of Sections 81 (2) (3) (c) and 84 (2) (7) of the 1999

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Judicial Council and the National Assembly were joined in the suit as codefendants. In the judgment, Mohammed said, “the NJC shall prepare the judiciary’s budget as charged upon the Consolidated Revenue and submit it to the AccountantGeneral of the Federation to transfer to NJC. “A consequential order restraining the 1st defendant (FG) and 3rd defendant (National Assembly) from appropriating the funds for the judiciary in the Annual Appropriation Act, is hereby granted. “The present practice of judiciary funding by the defendants, which makes the judiciary dependent on the Executive Arm in budgeting and release of funds, violates Sections 81 (2) (3) (c) and 84 (2) (7) of the Constitution.

Faces At APC State Congress In Pix: Photos: Lucky Agie

Governor Adams Oshiomhole, casting his vote yesterday.

Dr. Pius Odubu, Deputy Governor of Edo State (middle) casting his vote, (left) is Chief Tom Ikimi and Hon. Theophilus Okoh APC Chieftain.

Hon. Pally Iriase, member, House of Representative (right) and Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Secretary to Edo State Government.

Barr. Gentleman Amegor, (right) congratulating Barr. Anslem Ojezua, the new State APC Chairman. (Middle) is Barr. Ernest Okhira.

R-L: Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Governor, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe and Senator Domingo Obende casting their vote.

L-R: APC Chieftians, Rev. Peter Obadan, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former Governor of Edo State and Chief Tom Ikimi.

L-R: Hon. Samson Osagie, Minority Whip, House of Representatives, Barr. Aslem Ojezua, newly elected Chairman APC Edo State and Chief Osaro Idah, the new APC State Secretary yesterday.

Hon. Elizabeth Ativie, member Edo State House of Assembly casting her vote yesterday.

FRSC Gets New Unit Commander By JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM

BENIN CITY – The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has appointed Assistant Corps Commander, Onyebe Akpe as the new Unit Commander, RS5.15, Sapele Road Command, Benin City. A Statement by Okechukwu Ezenyi the 7th Unit Head, Public Enlightenment Officer indicated that the appointment is in line with the bid of the zone RS5, Benin City re-organisation in the leadership of the Sapele Road unit as part of the process of repositioning the command for excellent service delivery. The new unit commander was until his new appointment, the Delta State Sector Command Head of Training and

Certification (TSC) Department. Okpe took over from Assistant Corps Commander, Ben Chukwu who has been redeployed to Zone RS5 Headquarters, Benin City. A seasoned administrator and operations strategist, Okpe who has since resumed duties is a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. Meanwhile, the new unit commander has appealed to FRSC stakeholders within the command for full participation in road safety activities to move the command forward. Promising to work with all stakeholders to achieve FRSC set target of reducing, road traffic crashes on the road, Okpe charged a staff of the unit and Special Marshals in the unit to redouble their efforts at making the unit a better place for everyone.

News Trad Medicine Practitioner Appeals For Micro-Credit Loan By JOEL CHIKWUAGHONIM

Barr. Anslem Ojezua (arrowed), new APC Chairman flanked by party faithful after the State Congress at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City yesterday. Photo: MOSES OBOH.

No Individual Can Hijack Edo APC

BY ANDY EGBON

BENIN CITY – A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State and member of the yet to be Inaugurated Board of the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Elder Macaulay Ovienria has said it is not possible for any individual to take over the party. It was reacting to allegation by a principal actor in the defection of some members of APC to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Elder Ovienria in a chat with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER

in Benin City, said it is not possible for any single individual

Elder Macaulay Ovienria

to take over APC because of the leadership and democratic structure that is in place. “For example, in the State (Edo), now, we have the natural leader of the party which is Tom Ikimi; we have the governor of the state, he is the number one leader and leader in the state; there is no dispute about that,” he said. According to Elder Ovienria, the defectors are unserious politicians, known for their penchant for political prostituting. Expressing optimism that

- Stalwart

many of them would return to the APC, he noted that the liberal nature of the party would make it re-accommodate them anytime they return. “Let them come, and we know, definitely, they would come because they know where they are going to; that is why we are telling them bye-bye, safe journey; because, when you are wishing somebody safe journey, you are equally wishing the person to come back home.”

Ijegbai Receives Award Of Excellence

AFUZE – The Chairman, Owan East Local Government Council, Chief (Barr) Jimoh Ijegbai has bagged an award of excellence from the Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa (CDGA) over his achievement through the delivery of dividends of democracy to the grassroots. Speaking after receiving the award, Chief Ijegbai remarked that the award will spur him to do more. Enumerating the various projects he has executed in fulfillment of his electioneering

campaign promises, Chief Ijegbai assured that more dividends of democracy will get to the grassroots. He stressed that Local Government Councils should not be regarded as dumping ground for mediocres, rather should be seen as a means of reaching grassroot effectively. According to him, even with the meager resources, accrueing to the council he was able to execute projects across the 11 wards in the area as well as pay worker’s salary on or before 20th

of every month due to prudent management of resources. The Director of the Centre For Democratic Governance in Africa, Dr. Dafe Akpocha said the performances of Chief Ijebai in governance prompted his choice for the award. Dr. Akpocha explained that it was the first time a local government chairman was fund eligible for the CDGA’s award, adding that no local government chairman in Edo State can compete with Chief Ijegbai, in terms of projects execution. Chief Ijebai, who was given a

plague during the award ceremony was also decorated with the outfit of the supporters club of the Nigeria Super Eagles. Also decorated, was the Vice Chairman of the Counci, Hon. Andrew Osigwe by Dr. Akpocha. Present at the award ceremony were the secretary to the Local Government, Capt Abubakar Afege (rtd); Leader of the Owan East Legislative Arm, Hon. Hillary Ozogo; Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. E.O. Okhihobo; Councillors, supervisors and some management staff.

“We know for sure that they will still come back because majority of them that left would be frustrated where they are going. “Let us look at what Omoaghe (Tony) has said; he said they are leaving for PDP because there is no option for us because we know that this country is drifting into a two party system and now, that is APC and PDP; so we don’t have any other party to go to, that is why we are going to PDP,” he said. While appealing to the defectors to retrace their steps, he noted that majority of them were deceived. Some of them he said are already pleading to return and be reintegrated to the APC fold after realizing the multiplier effect and intention of what they were made to partake in. He applauded the State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for his giant stride in developing the state and therefore urged him not to be distracted.

Chief (Dr.) Dumbiri Banda

Marriage

Cleric Urges Youths To Seek God’s Direction By INNOCENT OKOH

L-R: Chief Henry Okoror, Chief Arogudade and Barr. Gentleman Amegor during the State Congress of APC at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City yesterday. Photo: MOSES OBOH.

IDUMUESAH (DELTA) - The Traditional medicine Practitioner in Idumuesah, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief (Dr.) Dumbiri Banda, the Owerre of Idumuesah Kingdom, has appealed to the three levels of government for traditional medicine practitioners micro-credit loan to enable them finance their operations. Chief Banda, a member of National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners, Delta State chapter also appealed to the government to open tradomedical centres and trado-medical schools in each of the local government areas across the states, where interested practitioners could learn the practice. He thanked federal government for having given the National Association of Traditional Medicine practitioner in the country due recognition.

EKPOMA - Youths seeking genuine marriage Partners have been charged to asked God almighty for direction through prayer, holiness, christian courtship, honesty and hardwork. A cleric, pastor Isaac Oboh, of Mountain of fire and Miracle Ministry, Mid -West region 5, Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, Edo state, stated this at the church auditorium, during the close of a 3 day Youth Retreat with the theme: “making maximum impact. The cleric who spoke on the topic: “devine principle for a Christian marriage”, described dowry as “the seal of a Christian marriage ordained by God”. While urging singles to first look out for physical maturity which he says partains to the level

of thinking, reasoning and decision taking, other qualities to look out for, he said included spiritual maturity, financial maturity and protected virginity. Also speaking, the Youth Cordinator of the region, Enegboria Osa Collins, appreciated God almighty, and all those who made the event successful, especially the regional overseers, Pastor David Aremo, and all those who came from far and near to honour the invitation. He disclosed that the objective of the event was to bring youths in the region together and inculcating in them basic usefulness of their age which is propelled by genuine love for God, neighbours and the society. He also urged youths nationwide to be focus and committed to their dreams and aspiration, saying that only then shall they prosper.

South-West Prayers Held For Release Of Abducted robbery, corruption and other Girls vices that have taken over the By ABIODUN AFOLABI IBADAN- Practitioners of African Religion over the weekend in Ibadan, the Oyo capital held special prayers for the release of the over 200 students of the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. The special prayers and Ifa divination with over 500 of its members in attendance were held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre, Iyaganku. At the ceremony session, prayers were said by leaders among whom was Araba of 0sogbo,Ifayemi Elebubon for peace and unity of the country as well as for the successful release of the abducted girls held hostage by the sect. In his address, President, International Council For Ifa Religion, Idowu 0deyemi condemned the abduction of the innocent girls. According to 0deyemi, a professor, abducting innocent girls under the guise of a misguided dogma is condemnable, spreading terror and fear among the populace is an archaic way of spreading religion. He did not stop at that as he went further to condemn the barbaric actions of the Boko Haram sect in some parts of this country. “Killing and maiming of fellow Nigerians under the quise of religion is clearly deplorable and unacceptable” he added. While praying for the repose of the souls of thousands of Nigerians whose lives had been truncated by the unnecessary violence, 0deyemi said that the Ifa religion would continue to pray against kidnappings, armed

IGR: Ondo

Generates N4.42bn

country. He deposed that it is a statement of fact that “Nigeria has been and is a multi-religion society, in which all adherents should practice their faiths in peace and harmony even as they make their modest contributions to the development of the nation”. “Now that the two other religions have boxed Nigeria into a luckless corner of confusion, violence, chaos and anomie, practitioners of African Religion and Spirituality have now stepped in to halt the rot and restore spiritual sanity into a nation that only a few decades ago, held the only hope for Africa and the black race ,”he alleged .

AKURE - The Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) generated N4.42 billion from January to April, the Chairman of the board, Mr Akinlolu Akinsehinwa has said. Akinsehinwa told newsmen in Akure that the board had an overall target to generate N15 billion in 2014. “We have divided the period into segments and to the glory of God, we were able to realize N4.42 billion as at end of April. “When we came on board, Women waiting to buy kerosene at filling station in Dutse, Jigawa on Sunday. we evolved some strategies that eliminated the lapses inherent in the system. “We observed some loopholes but were able to block same drastically by instructing tax payers to pay directly to banks,” he said. He said that the board had also instructed tax payers not to pay to any tax administrator or use proxies. “Interestingly, we do monitor all money that goes into our accounts in these banks. We will not give room for any bank to sit on our money,” he said. The chairman denied the alleged indiscriminate locking of traders’ shops and stalls in the state by the board staff. According to him, prior notice is being given to shop and stall owners to pay their taxes promptly, adding that only the shops of defaulters are L-R: Minister of FCT, Sen. Bala Mohammad; Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal; Shehu of Borno, Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; Vice-President Namadi Sambo and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad sealed up.. Abubakar III, during National prayer for Peace and Security at the National Mosque in Abuja on Sunday. Akinsehinwa said that there was legal backing to any measure taken by the board in its bid to ensure that no resident security, hence the need to ensure contribution to the rehabilitation with France in the state He also said that the state evaded tax. the provision of adequate security of water equipment to enhance government’s micro-finance government had concluded plans He therefore called on taxat all times. supply of potable water to the programme to boost trade, to designate some schools for payers to regard the board’s He said his administration people of Oyo State. agriculture and other socio- teaching and learning of French staff as friends, so that Gov. would appreciate France’s Ajimobi called for partnership economic activities. Language. Olusegun Mimiko’s vision to transform the state, would be realized. “If anybody has any challenge in his business, such a person can approach me ABEOKUTA- The Chairman, those with the disease do not law, will seek to educate the the bill was a step towards because we are human too. “I advise all tax payers to Ogun House of Assembly’s become outcasts in the society. people around them, that they controlling the pandemic and Committee on Health, Aina “It is also aimed at promoting should not use words that will addressing human rights issues partner and cooperate with the Akinpelu, has assured that the the self-esteem of those living label people living with HIV/ affecting the people living with government. It is the civic duty AIDS,’’ Akinpelu said. the virus. anti-stigma bill currently before with the condition. of any citizen to pay tax,” he The lawmaker explained that “The bill, when passed into the House would be passed into said. law as soon as possible.

Credit Facility: France To Assist Oyo IBADAN- France has pledged its readiness to assist Oyo State in the provision of credit to small scale enterprises through the state’s micro-finance programme. The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jacques De Labriolle, made the pledge when he paid a courtesy call on Ajimobi. A statement issued by Dr Festus Adedayo, the Special Adviser to Governor. Abiola Ajimobi on Media, disclosed this. The ambassador was quoted to also said that his country would offer assistance in the areas of health care delivery and agriculture to bring about economic prosperity and stability in the state. He commended the Ajimobi’s efforts at ensuring all-round development of the state through its various programmes and policies. Responding, Ajimobi thanked France for playing major roles in the security of many countries including Nigeria. According to the governor, no nation can achieve meaningful development without adequate

Ogun Assembly To Pass HIV/AIDS Anti-Stigma Bill

Hon. Akinpelu gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Abeokuta. He said the bill, now in its final stage, would be deliberated on when the House reconvened on June 5, saying it would likely be passed into law on that day. “The bill will prevent all forms of stigmatisation and provide protection and care for persons living with HIV/AIDS. “It is aimed at preventing stigmatisation to ensure that

Physician Advocates Proper Management LAGOS- A chest physician, Dr The physician, however, Kenneth Okpor, in Lagos said Of Asthma maintained that asthma could not those with asthma could live healthier and more active lives through proper disease management and control. Okpor, a specialist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja, disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos. He said the quality of life for many people was reduced due to

hospitalisation for asthma, saying hospitalisation for asthma usually led people to miss school, work and other activities. “Asthma unnecessarily reduces the quality of life. Therefore, proper management and control will make people live healthier

and active lives,’’ the physician said. Okpor suggested the need for people with asthma to have individual management plan. “The plan will contain medications, knowing asthma triggers and what to do when an asthma attack occurred,’’ he said.

be prevented but controlled by educating the general public, including parents, health officers and school authorities. He said the public needed to be educated on the risk factors, including environmental exposures, to reduce the disease burden.

Lagos Boko Haram Has Nothing To Do With Islam - Don By RAHEEM IBRAHIM

A member citizens initiative for security awareness in a rally in support of the Nigerian Military in Abuja yesterday.

LAGOS - Nigerian media organisations have been cautioned against referring to the Boko Haram insurgents as ‘Islamic terrorists’, ‘Islamists’ or anything else involving the word ‘Islam’. A Professor, Faheem Younus in a statement made available to newsmen at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria World Press conference held at Ojokoro, Lagos said, “The despicable acts taken by this militant group in kidnapping schoolgirls who were even Muslims shows that they are

Cleric Urges Nigerians To Be Patriotic

2015 Elections: LAGOS - Most Rev. Adebayo Akinde, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos Mainland, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has advised Nigerians to demonstrate high sense of patriotism in the 2015 general elections. Akinde, who is also the Archbishop of the Lagos Province, said this at the closing ceremony of the Second Session of the Third Synod at All Saints Anglican

Church, Yaba, Lagos. According to him, the political class needs to be reminded that no one’s political ambition is worth the blood of one single Nigerian. “The electioneering campaign should be conducted with utmost civility. “There should be no room for undue ethnic or religious jingoism. Inflammatory and inciting statements should be guided against,’’ he said.

The cleric urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use the opportunity of the next general elections to prove that it was committed to conducting hitch-free polls. “INEC must be encouraged to conduct free and fair election. Political parties should co-operate with the commission by ensuring that their members play by the rules,’’ Akinde said The cleric also urged

NAWOJ President Canvasses Training Of Female Journalists LAGOS - The President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole, has called for the support of media organisations in the training of female journalists in the country. Reports state that Omowole assumed office as President on Sunday, May 18 after defeating Mrs. Fatima Abdulkareem with 469 votes to 198 votes. The NAWOJ President, while touring media houses in Lagos, said there was the need to bring back capacity building programmes for female journalists. She said this was the primary reason for setting up NAWOJ. While visiting newsmen, where she is a Senior Editor, Omowole appealed to the agency’s management to support the four pillars of her

manifesto. She said her manifesto’s four pillars are “training, training, training and retraining of members’’. “I am here because this is home. I started journalism here in this building. This is where the foundation of transparency and integrity began. “I am therefore here to say ‘thank you’ and seek continued support to train my colleagues. NAWOJ was set up to bridge the training gap of female journalists,” the NAWOJ president said. Responding, Mr. Dele Bodunde, who had earlier recommended the training of journalists while receiving the delegation, pledged the agency’s support for NAWOJ. Bodunde also emphasised the need for discipline among media practitioners. “I want to appeal that we lay emphasis on upholding integrity in whatever we do,

and adhering to the ethics of this profession. “We should make sure that everybody who says he/she is a journalist in Nigeria is sound enough in comparision with journalists in every part of the world,’’ he said. Also, the Managing Director of The Sun Newspapers, Mr. Femi Adesina, who is also President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), said the guild would collaborate with the association. “Make sure you build NAWOJ to the level of becoming a virile association,’’ he said. Miss Moleye Balogun, the Acting General Manager, Radio Lagos/Eko FM, urged members of NAWOJ to be united so as to be able to achieve progress. The delegation led by Omowole also visited the Lagos Television (LTV).

Nigerians to shun violence and show love to one another. He said Christians should not pay evil with evil, adding that Christians should continually pray for the unity of the nation. The cleric said the Federal Government should use every instrument at its disposal to fight evil and maintain the peace in the country. “Today, some parts of the country are gripped by hatred and violence; government should use every instrument of power that God has conferred on them to ensure that this nation defeats violence. “We must never return hatred for hatred; the way to conquer terror and evil is not for us to return hatred to the path of the enemy. “This is the time to have the strength in faith to show love even to those who hate us,’’

Akinde said. The cleric said it was time for Nigerians to make sacrifices for the growth of the country. According to him, leaders alone will not take Nigeria to where it aspires to be if citizens do not seek divine intervention. On corruption, he said that vice was endemic in the country and charged leaders to have the fear of God and trust Him. Akinde said the solution to the problems in the country would be found largely by a change of attitude by the citizenry “rather than change of policies and the constitution’’. “We need a change of heart and not change of policies and constitution. It is not the constitution that has been corrupted, but the man. “The constitution did not abandon projects; the man did,’’ he said.

evil people who have another devilish mission entirely”. “Slaughtering of people at churches and mosques has absolutely nothing to do with Islam. In fact, the claim by Boko Haram’s leader that its actions are based on Islamic principles is ‘blasphemy’ of the worst kind”, She said. Dr Younus who is also a philanthropist made references to one Nicholas Kristoff write-up in recent edition of The New York Times: “The attack in Nigeria is part of a global backlash against girls’ education by extremists. The Pakistani Taliban shot Malala Yousafzai in the head at age of 15 because she advocated for girls’ education. And in Nigeria, militants destroyed 50 schools last year alone”, the writer refused to take the Islam or Islamist bait four times in one paragraph. “So end this sensationalism, please. Let’s bring the filthy thugs of Boko Haram to justice. And let’s stop elevating their status by liking them to Islam in our headlines henceforth”, She remarked. In his address, the Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Aderele Fashola declared “Prophet Muhammed (SWA) who brought Islam, seek knowledge and asked his followers to even leave their soil to other parts of the World to seek for knowledge. He has in no time ever stop anyone from seeking knowledge both Islam and western education”. “Gentlemen of the Press, please stop all the abuse of words by referring to the Boko haram group as Islamic extremists. They are devil who want to destroy the country under religion guise”, he said.

Members citizens initiative for security awareness, in a rally in support of Nigerian Military in Abuja yesterday.

Across The Nation Insurgency: Aliyu

Seeks Assistance Of Past Leaders

Security men and sympathisers at scene of bomb explosion in Jos recently.

Lawmaker Distributes Pumping Machines To Farmers BIRNINKUDU (JIGAWA) Alhaji Sabo Nakudu, representing Birninkudu/Buji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has distributed 500 water pumping machines to irrigation farmers in his constituency. In his remarks while distributing the machines in Birninkudu, the lawmaker said the gesture was to encourage and empower the farmers and reduce poverty. Reports state that other items distributed by the legislator included four cars, 36 tricycles, 91 motorcycles, 460 bags of rice and four work bulls. Nakudu, who is also the chairman, House committee on Customs, said the bags of rice would be distributed to women only. He urged the people to support

the policies and programmes of the state government to enable them enjoy more dividends of democracy. Earlier, the Commissioner for Economic Empowerment, Alhaji Abdullahi Mago, thanked the

lawmaker for assisting the government in its efforts to reduce poverty. He said the items, worth about N100 million, would assist the beneficiaries become self-reliant. Mago appealed to other

legislators from the state to emulate Nakudu by assisting the government to reduce poverty in the state. One of the beneficiaries, Muhammad Adamu, thanked the lawmaker for the gesture.

By INNEH BARTH

by his Deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), said the decision of kingmakers to honour the succession process places enormous task on the shoulder of the monarch and indeed all the stakeholders in the community to work harmoniously together. While appealing to the traditional ruler to carry his people along when taking decisions on issues affecting them, the governor equally called on the people to cooperate with the new Obi and to ensure that his reign is marked with

remarkable success. He however, promised that government will address the developmental needs of the community, adding that the government is committed to the growth and transformation of Delta state through the three point agenda, which has remained the road map to achieving a Delta Beyond Oil. Earlier, Chief Jude Onwochei KSM, the President-General, Idumuje-Unor Patriotic Union IPUN, commended the state government for the recognition

LAPAI Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger has urged Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar to prevail on past leaders of the country to help curb insurgency rocking the Northern region. Aliyu, who is the Chairman, Northern States Governor’s Forum (NSGF), made the call at the maiden convocation of the Ibrahim Babangida Badamosi University, Lapai, Niger. He expressed the hope that security challenges in the Northern states could be surmounted in the next three months. Aliyu insisted that with concerted efforts from prominent Nigerians, the unbearable situation in the North would soon be a thing of the past. “I call on Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar to invite Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Gen. Ibarahim Babangida, to come together and help the North end the

Traditional Ruler Gets Staff Of Office

IDUMUJE-UNOR (Delta) The Obi of Idumuje-Unor, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM. Charles Chukwunwike Anyasi 111, has received a staff of office from the state government with a call on him to exercise utmost restraint in the use of power bestowed on him. Presenting the staff of office at a colourful ceremony, the state Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who was represented

Be Thankful To God, Commissioner Advises Emmanuel Uduaghan for providing the enabling Community By INNEH BARTH environment for DESOPADEC to eternally great full to God and Dr.

KWALE (Delta State) - The Commissioner representing Ndokwa Nation in Delta State Oil and Gas Producing Area Development Commission DESOPADEC, Sir. Kenny Okolugbo has charged the Innam Abbi people in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, to remain

Eweta Uduaghan for the gigantic water project commissioned in the community. In a joyous mood at the commissioning ceremony, he expressed complete happiness that every household has a tap point from the 40,000 litre capacity solar powered borehole built by the

government areas in Yobe have benefitted from free eye treatment, sponsored by Alhaji Alkali Jajere, Senator representing Yobe South. Reports state that the beneficiaries suffering glaucoma and trachoma, were drawn from Potiskum, Nangere, Fika and Fune local government areas of Yobe south senatorial district. Fielding questions from newsmen on Sunday at the treatment centre in Damagum, Jajere observed that the problems of trachoma and glaucoma were rampant in his constituency. “My constituency office realized that the twin problems of trachoma and glaucoma have become so rampant among the

people of the area, hence the need for quick response. “We brought in eye specialists who embarked on two days intensive screening, targeting 1,200 people for the first batch. “The beneficiaries have been provided with drugs, glasses while others had surgery, “he said. Dr Salman Rabiu, leader of the medical team, attributed the increasing number of eye patients in the area, to the dry and dusty winds and use of untreated water by the people in an effort to address the problem. He said the people must be sensitized on precautionary measures and assisted with early treatment to restore their sights.

Lawmaker Sponsors Eye DAMAGUM (YOBE) - More Treatment than 1,200 people from four local

interventionist agency. The Commissioner Christened the project a miracle noting that it is one of the star projects executed under his mandate and commended the Peoples Democratic Party PDP led government of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan for giving DESOPADEC the power to execute all this projects. He condemned totally the level of destruction perpetuated at emu obodeti in Ndokwa west where crises erupted as a result of royalties from oil companies that have resulted in blowing up of more houses with dynamite, saying nothing can justify such destruction of properties. He called on the people to embrace peace and eschew violence no matter their grievance. In another development, Sir Kenny Okolugbo has commissioned 43 solar street light poles at Abbi donated by DESOPADEC to the people and commended the contractor for breaking the jinx in installation of solar street light which most of the contractors did not do but short charged the government by providing low standard ones which would always fail. He further thanked Dr.

perform.

saying the monarch was installed in accordance with Idumuje tradition on May 5, 2013 following the domise of late Obi James Anyasi 11, on April 29, 2013 at the ripe age of 89 years. He pleaded with the state government to help the community in the area of infrastructures noting that the community has done a lot on their own to acquire basic amenities. “In spite of the huge and visible efforts by the community to provide physical educational infrastructure, our Secondary School has teachers for all the subjects. The most critical is lack of a motorable link road to one of Idumuje-Unor communities, namely, Aniofu.”

scourge of Boko Haram in the next three months.” The governor also called on students of the university to imbibe the best moral practise, saying that academics were not only about learning but also about moral and character. “As young people, you have central role to play in addressing the situation as positive change agents by advocating for peace, unity and peaceful coexistence devoid of ethnic and religious sentiments in the society.’’ The governor, who is also the visitor to the university, urged tertiary institutions in the country not to limit instructions of students to academics alone. The Chairman of the university endowment fund, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, announced that the fund was yielding results. Abubakar said that money collected so far was already running into hundreds of millions of Naira, saying that it was kept in a dedicated account awaiting judicious use to develop the institution. Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ibrahim Kolo, said that well over N19 billion had been expended on the university. Kolo also commended the interventions of TETFund and NIMASA whose contributions to the university could not be over emphasised. About 1,732 students, comprising four sets from 2010 to 2014 received their degrees in its maiden convocation. A breakdown revealed that eight had first class, 324, second class upper; 902, second class lower; 476, third class; and 22 passes.

Japsnese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ryuichi Shoji (2nd left), exchanging documents with the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu (3rd left), after signing an agreement on Polio eradication in Abuja yesterday. With them are, Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Mohammed Ado (left) and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Lanus Awute.

Abuja Pension Scam

Court Orders Arrest Of Former Accountant

Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (right), with the Commander Special Task Force (STF), Maj-General David Enete at the scene of the bomb blast in Jos recently.

ABUJA- An FCT High Court has issued a bench warrant for arrest of Babatunde Abisuga, former accountant in the Federal Civil Service Commission (FSSC), for failure to attend his trial. The EFCC, in April 2012, arraigned Abisuga and Mohammed Ndakupe on 12 counts bordering on conspiracy, forgery and stealing of N109 million belonging to FSSC pensioners. Justice Maryann Anenih gave the order following absence of the accused in court. Anenih also ordered that his surety should appear at the next adjourned date and give reasons for the absence of the accused. “This case is slated for ruling on the application for stay of execution filed by the accused

AfDB To Build Capacity Of Ecowas Parliamentarians ABUJA- The African Development Bank (AfDB)says it will collaborate with its development partners to build capacity of parliamentarians in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to enhance accountability in governance. This is contained in a statement by the bank in Abuja. According to the statement, about 40 to 60 per cent of public expenditure goes to social spending in Africa which calls for improved governance and accountability in social spending. “African countries need to focus on results for the money spent on social services in order to foster and sustain progress in human development. “Parliamentarians play a pivotal role in resource allocation, ensuring delivery on results and enhancing accountability in social sectors,” it added.

The statement said AfDB in collaboration with the partners would organise a capacity building activity for ECOWAS parliamentarians between June 19 and June 20 in Lagos. It said that the activity would be the first capacity building event on Value for Money, Sustainability and Accountability in Social Sectors in Africa. According to the statement, the 15 participating countries are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. The statement explained that the event sought to enhance awareness, knowledge, and skills for improving value for money, sustainability and accountability

Respect Your Parents, Clergy Urges Children

ABUJA- Rev. Fr. Henry Kwasu, the Assistant Parish Priest, SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Nyanya, FCT, has called on children to respect and listen to their parents as this is the will of God. Kwasui made the call in Abuja as the children celebrated the Parish Children’s Day. He advised children to be obedient to God and their parents in order to have good future. “Children, if you want to be successful in life, you must learn how to be obedient to God, your parents and people around you,’’ he said. Kwasu also called on Nigerians to have trust in God and obey His words for peace to reign. “We must turn back to God and the only way we can do that is by being obedient to him, although we might suffer, but it is better to suffer for what is right and have eternal life,’’ he said.

Kwasu advised those passing through hard times to be patient. “The Lord will answer them in His time as Jesus does not give empty promises. “For those who are undergoing suffering, calm down, the Lord will reward you in due time’’. One of the children, Master Paul Attah, called on other parishes and churches to celebrate the children’s day to unite the children. Attah said the celebration, which stated on Saturday, had taught him about different cultures. Another child, Miss Chisom Agbura, called on Nigerians to pray for the release of the abducted students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno. “As we celebrate, we still pray for our sisters who were abducted and also for peace to reign in the country,’’ she said.

in social sectors for parliamentarians. “The event specifically targets chairpersons of parliamentary budget committees, social sector committees, education and health committees from

ECOWAS countries,” it said. The AfDB partners according to the statement are the Government of Norway (NORAD), Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), the Harmonisation for

Health in Africa (HHA) and World Health Organisation (WHO). Others are the World Bank, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Collaborative Africa Budget Reform Initiative (CABRI), Gates Foundation and Clinton Access Initiative.

Fight Against Terrorism

which is challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case. “The accused is supposed to be in court by 9 a.m. “The court will not wait for the accused to attend his criminal trial. “ The court hereby revokes the bail earlier granted, bench warrant of arrest is hereby issued against him and his surety must appear before the court to show cause,” she said. Earlier, EFCC counsel, Mr Silvanus Tahir, argued that the absence of the accused was deliberate to slow the quick prosecution of the case. Tahir said that the accused did not give cogent reasons for his absence. “My lord, this is a criminal trial; accused is absent and everyone knows that the court starts sitting at 9 a.m. “I urge your lordship to go ahead with the ruling and thereafter issue a bench warrant against him,” Tahir said. However, counsel to the accused, Mr Ameh Abah, opposed the oral application made by the prosecution. Abah argued that the accused never absconded from his trial. He, therefore, urged the court to grant him a stand down, to enable the accused to appear in court. The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.

FG Seeks Nigerians Support

ABUJA- The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, has in Abuja called on Nigerians to stand united with the Federal Government in the fight against terrorism. Maku who made the call at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Church, Utako said the fight against terrorism should not be left for government alone.

He said the prayers of Nigerians could avert the evils occurring in the nation, adding that the challenges the country had been going through would soon be over. “These terrorists live in the same communities with us, they are not strangers. We must be security conscious, and we must unite against Boko Haram.

“Nigerians must also be conscious of their environment. They must be vigilant and ensure that people do not park their cars or leave items such as bags unattended to,’’ the minister said. He said those individuals in the country who were against the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan would not succeed in their attempt to derail

Cross-section of officers during the 2014 Navy Week Interdenominational Church Service in Abuja recently.

his Transformation Agenda. “There is pride in this nation. The proud and mighty ones in the country are saying without them this nation will not move forward. They are liars, our nation will move forward. “Our country is currently going through the torment of darkness, but it will soon overcome this and peace will soon return to the country. “This is the time the country needs our prayers most. Peace cannot come to stay, except prophetic prayers which can change the present challenges in the country are rendered.’’ Maku said all efforts had been concluded to stabilise and improve the power situation in the country. Speaking on the achievements of government in road construction, Maku said the present administration had done a lot through the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P). Also speaking, the wife of the minister, Mrs. Mary Maku, urged women to earnestly intercede for peace to reign in Nigeria. “Women are the Deborah of this nation. We must not relent in our prayers for peace to return to the country.” The presiding pastor of MFM, Felix Peters, said the country would soon overcome all the challenges confronting it.

Business + Economy

Shareholders Kick Against Sale Of Main Street Bank

LAGOSSome shareholders of Mainstreet Bank Ltd, formerly Afribank, have cautioned the investing public on the expression of interest for the acquisition of the Asset Management Corporation (AMCON) interest in the bank. The shareholders stated this in a statement issued by the association and obtained by newsmen in Lagos. The shareholders, under the aegis of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), called on the

general public to desist from acquiring AMCON’s shares in the bank, to avoid contempt of court. They said that the legality of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) intervention in the affairs, business and operations of Afribank was under a subsisting litigation at the Federal High Court in Lagos. The shareholders said that there was an order from the

court nullifying, vacating and setting aside any and all steps by Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and

AMCON to dispose Afribank of its assets, business and operations. It also said that the order also

restrained NDIC and AMCON from transferring assets, business and operations to Mainstreet Bank Ltd.

Shippers Challenges

NACCIMA To Host Stakeholders Dialogue LAGOS- The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (NACCIMA), will host a meeting of stakeholders in the Nigerian economy to seek ways of addressing the nation’s shipping constraints. A NACCIMA statement said that the urgent dialogue would hold on June 3, at their headquarters in Lagos. The statement said Dr John Isemede, Director General of NACCIMA, disclosed that the dialogue, tagged: “Unlocking Shipping Gridlock at the Ports: Stakeholders’ Initiative,” will proffer solutions toward sustainable ports transformation. “In recent times, ports users have been faced with numerous challenges, ranging from the payment of huge demurrage by shipping companies to unnecessary delay in Pre Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR). “Issuance computation as well as the perennial traffic congestion in and around the ports have also constituted a huge problem for businessmen and other port users. “NACCIMA is keen on finding a lasting solution to the challenges experienced at the ports by exporters and importers because it has been an

impediment to business growth. “This dialogue will provide answers to a number of burning issues on the shipping gridlock at the ports. “It will also provide all relevant facts and figures that would enable stakeholders to make informed decisions on how to enhance more efficiency at our nation’s ports,” he said. Reports state that the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, will deliver the keynote address at the one day maritime dialogue. Corporate stakeholders expected at the meeting include The Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forward (NAGAFF), The Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC), Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agent (ANLCA) and Intrass Ltd.

Commence Preparation Of 2015 Budget, Lawmaker Urges FG ILORIN- Dr Ali Ahmad, the House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Judiciary, urged the Federal Government to commence the

preparation of 2015 budget. Ahmad told newsmen in Ilorin that early preparation of the budget would help to avert the lateness experienced in passage

Ajila-Ladipo told newsmen in Lagos that the full potential of the industry had yet to be tapped. She said that there were job opportunities in bead and craft making, fashion designing and creativity, among others. The president stressed that the sector was endowed with talented and gifted individuals, who were capable of using their natural gifts to create jobs and also to earn a living. “If government can properly channel funds to the industry, it will be the highest employer of labour and it will generate high income, “ she said. Ajila-Ladipo urged the Federal Government to assist in providing soft loans for the association to assist its members to improve their creativity. “Such loans will assist members to produce quality fabrics and also make good clothing. “It will also assist members to obtain quality machines for mass production and also boost manpower. “Such a move will fetch the federal and state government’s huge revenue, “ she said. The FADAN president said Nigerians should show pride in their African fashion and style, both at home and abroad. “Most of the foreign artists, actors and actresses wear African attires to shoot their videos and

to perform on stage. “What that means is that African style has taken its position internationally. “Such trends will increase foreign exchange earnings and also boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP), “ she said.

Stakeholder Seeks Promotion LAGOS- Mrs. Funmi AjilaLadipo, President, Fashion Of Fashion Industry Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), Lagos Chapter, has said that the fashion industry could be properly harnessed to reduce unemployment in the country.

Counterpart Funding

IFAD Tasks FG

ABUJA-The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has stressed the need for Federal Government to improve on the counterpart funding for the Rural Financial Institution Building Programme (RUFIN). Ms Sylvie Marzin, the Portfolio Adviser for Central and Western African Division Programme Management Department of the UN agency, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. Marzin said her observation stemmed from the assessment of the omplementation of the programme. He described RUFIN as a rare important programme for the country as its objective was to facilitate access to capital for women and youths in rural areas for income generating activities She unedrscored the need to strengthen some linkages between the Federal and the state Governments so funds could be

Marketing Manager, Grand Cereal Limited, Mr. Tope Banjo (left), presenting gift to best air women jogger, Miss Mary Joseph during Airforce annual jogging in Jos recently.

effectively mobilised at all levels. Reports state RUFIN is one of the three IFAD-assisted programmes currently being implemented in the country. It is being implemented over a seven-year period in 12 states across the six geopolitical zones, with two from each zone. The programme, which specifically targets marginalised groups such as women, young people and those with physical disabilities. The objective of the programme is to strengthen micro finance institutions and establish linkages between them and formal financial institutions. It also lays the foundation for the long-term development of a sustainable rural financial system that would eventually operate throughout the country. The programme seeks to ensure that poor rural people gain access to financial services and can invest in improving productivity in agriculture and small businesses.

and signing the 2014 budget. President Goodluck Jonathan had last Wednesday signed the 2014 budget. The lawmaker said due to other processes embedded in budget preparation and passage, it was imperative for the government to expedite action on the 2015 budget. He said: “We thank God that after all the delays, the budget has been signed. “My advice to government is that its officials should in the next few days prepare the 2015 budget and be thinking of submitting it (budget) to the National Assembly in the next one or two months.

Reports state that AMCON recently called for expression of interest in the acquisition of its 100 per cent share capital in Mainstreet Bank and all of its subsidiaries.

Enforce Trade Compliance, Bank Urges Shakeholders LAGOS - The Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM) has said poor trade compliance was one of the major limitations facing financial institutions in granting loans to importers and exporters. Mr Roberts Orya, Managing Director of NEXIM Bank stated this while speaking at the Global Trade and Compliance Summit organised by the African Centre for Supply Chain in Lagos. Orya urged stakeholders in international trade and the supply chain, including government’s agencies, to enforce more effective trade compliance in the sector. According to him, poor trade compliance is one of the major limitations facing financial institutions in granting loans to importers and exporters. “One of the key objectives of a financial institution in granting credits is to ensure prompt repayment of the loans, in order to preserve its capital and remain in business. “Non-compliance to international trade policies and procedures, however, poses a major risk to the achievement of this objective. “It also leads to total or partial loss of revenue, thus jeopardising repayment ability. “I wish to emphasise that trade compliance is very critical to the development of international trade and it imposes some burden that could add as much as 10 per cent to the costs. “Government should seek avenues to simplify the processes that ensure compliance to trade rules and regulations, which means, a less cumbersome process,” he said.

L-R: Brand Manager, Edible Products, Grand Cereal Limited, Mrs. Evangeline Walters; Marketing Manager, Mr. Tope Banjo and Commander, 330 Airforce Station Jos, Air Commodore, Chiemeka Ozoemena during the Airforce Annual Jogging in Jos recently.

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (26/05/2014) Stocks

Open

Change

Deals

Units

Value

JOSBREW

3.08

10,000

29,300.00

7UP

85.8

1,837

159,436.29

LASACO

0.5

14,600

7,300.00

ABBEYBDS

1.35

28.2

LEARNAFRCA

1.71

1.67

-0.04

146,223

247,429.16

ABCTRANS

0.81

0.82

0.01

2,110,674

1,687,828.81

LENNARDS

3.31

100

347

ACADEMY

1.71

100

171

LIVESTOCK

3.14

0.14

2,066,422

6,258,857.00

ACCESS

9.3

9.33

0.03

18,146,381

168,848,780.40

MANSARD

2.41

2.4

-0.01

2,273,088

5,456,637.08

AFRIPRUD

3.11

3.09

-0.02

1,775,339

5,434,011.34

MAYBAKER

1.67

1.75

0.08

240,850

401,483.75

AGLEVENT

1.45

93,445

129,106.10

MOBIL

130

129

-1

67,063

8,658,720.45

AIICO

0.81

747,797

605,440.52

MRS

51.49

3,782

185,015.44

AIRSERVICE

2.25

2.15

-0.1

452,577

1,010,526.55

MULTIVERSE

0.5

105,000,000

52,500,000.00

ASHAKACEM

19.9

19.98

0.08

2,407,302

47,929,961.34

NAHCO

4.99

0.01

1,332,271

6,660,817.79

BECOPETRO

0.5

57,500

28,750.00

NASCON

12.75

12.41

-0.34

999,376

12,507,530.56

BERGER

97,153

973,135.66

176.13

176

-0.13

1,390,906

244,989,363.80

BETAGLAS

16.22

24,235

375,436.52

NEIMETH

1.02

1,425,000

1,437,826.11

BOCGAS

6.47

9,914

63,370.35

NEM

0.81

0.77

-0.04

1,812,019

1,414,177.01

CADBURY

73.84

75.31

1.47

211,327

15,760,951.15

NESTLE

1080

1069.99

-10.01

56,774

60,456,215.27

CAP

37.51

111,887

4,322,928.90

NEWGOLD

2034

2033

-1

24,396.00

CAVERTON

6.67

6.34

-0.33

198,168

1,259,685.12

NIGERINS

0.5

152,144

76,072.00

CCNN

9.7

9.99

0.29

1,147,584

11,145,273.89

NIGROPES

7.46

141.8

CILEASING

0.5

71,500

35,750.00

NIWICABLE

0.5

1,000

500

CONOIL

46.74

158,247

7,423,795.38

NPFMCRFBK

1.17

1.12

-0.05

670,208

752,186.36

CONTINSURE

1.07

1.08

0.01

171,850

185,398.00

NSE30

1817.61

1815.83

-1.78

161,330,374

6,236,424,254.00

CORNERST

0.5

35,000

17,600.00

NSE50

1964.47

1963.21

-1.26

224,580,962

6,408,953,799.00

COSTAIN

1.25

1.24

-0.01

662,872

808,376.82

NSEASEM

950.94

1,000

1,280.00

COURTVILLE

0.57

0.59

0.02

399,852

234,710.06

NSEASI

39831.82

39755.46

-76.36

360,027,264

6,523,849,288.00

CUSTODYINS

2.8

2.94

0.14

1,256,859

3,665,483.38

NSEBNK

412.17

411.47

-0.7

73,888,539

782,630,516.40

CUTIX

1.9

93,740

172,290.76

NSECNSMRGDS

1024.5

1023.93

-0.57

5,888,352

429,600,618.60

CWG

5.48

1,000

5,210.00

NSEINDUSTR

2520.23

2497.65

-22.58

21,453,063

3,908,847,774.00

DAARCOMM

0.5

5,755

2,877.50

NSEINS

143.73

143.16

-0.57

50,002,848

42,908,584.70

DANGCEM

223.62

222.99

-0.63

16,991,529

3,796,663,399.00

NSELOTUSISLM

2703.01

2703.45

0.44

24,816,728

4,054,523,001.00

DANGFLOUR

253,301

2,013,403.01

NSEOILGAS

374.17

367.68

-6.49

36,416,079

860,059,093.90

DANGSUGAR

9.85

9.72

-0.13

704,358

6,874,753.95

OANDO

19.02

-0.98

35,105,133

724,429,350.10

DIAMONDBNK

6.5

6.38

-0.12

9,747,746

62,020,397.69

OASISINS

0.51

0.53

0.02

2,294,650

1,180,271.50

DUNLOP

0.5

192,688

96,344.00

OKOMUOIL

32.3

132,772

4,357,438.90

EQUITYASUR

0.5

6,800

3,400.00

PAINTCOM

1.5

134,800

200,814.00

ETERNA

3.43

3.26

-0.17

436,121

1,421,924.46

PORTPAINT

18,450

93,500.00

ETI

15.13

15.25

0.12

6,543,693

99,349,646.29

PRESCO

35.3

36.5

1.2

189,561

6,843,930.33

ETRANZACT

2.32

120

265.2

PRESTIGE

0.57

0.55

-0.02

200,000

110,000.00

EVANSMED

2.7

56,900

152,940.00

34.83

396,772

13,784,885.43

FBNH

13.9

0.1

16,862,313

235,876,780.70

REDSTAREX

4.5

4.65

0.15

112,844

522,809.60

FCMB

3.8

3.9

0.1

2,221,499

8,680,802.41

ROADS

8.46

500

4,235.00

FIDELITYBK

2.08

2.05

-0.03

7,404,166

15,236,646.54

RTBRISCOE

1.09

1.14

0.05

389,608

431,170.23

FIDSON

2.56

2.67

0.11

246,400

652,786.00

SCOA

5.06

96.2

FLOURMILL

70.5

2.5

590,010

43,008,350.46

SEPLAT

636

12,501

7,921,818.08

186.54

485,301

92,470,569.94

SKYEBANK

3.49

3.4

-0.09

7,411,734

24,982,208.88

FTNCOCOA

0.5

1,000

500

STANBIC

22.41

75,984

1,692,006.23

GLAXOSMITH

29,523

1,979,488.90

STDINSURE

0.5

30,800

15,400.00

GUARANTY

27.68

27.8

0.12

10,575,650

293,500,618.80

STERLNBANK

2.27

2.25

-0.02

6,972,548

15,823,579.02

GUINNESS

178.5

179

0.5

96,517

17,301,675.74

STUDPRESS

2.4

100

228

HMARKINS

0.5

100

TANTALIZER

0.5

3,500

1,750.00

HONYFLOUR

3.85

3.86

0.01

586,116

2,245,574.01

TOTAL

156

157.01

1.01

160,432

25,469,718.17

IKEJAHOTEL

0.9

1,615,394

1,465,206.54

INTBREW

25.75

80,982

2,092,081.00

INTENEGINS

0.5

234,617

117,308.50

IPWA

0.52

100

JAPAULOIL

0.5

3,030,882

1,515,441.00

JBERGER

75.49

3.49

242,344

18,243,862.10

JOHNHOLT

1.21

3,600

4,140.00

TOP 10 GAINERS

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS

Stock

Gain

Stock

Loss

JBERGER FLOURMILL CADBURY PRESCO TOTAL GUINNESS NSELOTUSISLM CCNN REDSTAREX CUSTODYINS

75.49 73 75.31 36.5 157.01 179 2703.45 9.99 4.65 2.94

3.49 2.5 1.47 1.2 1.01 0.5 0.44 0.29 0.15 0.14

NSEASI NSEINDUSTR NESTLE NSEOILGAS NSE30 NSE50 MOBIL NEWGOLD OANDO NSEBNK

39755.46 2497.65 1069.99 367.68 1815.83 1963.21 129 2033 19.02 411.47

-76.36 -22.58 -10.01 -6.49 -1.78 -1.26 -1 -1 -0.98 -0.7

TERROR groups in Northern Nigeria have, since the inception of the Jonathan administration unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens in most parts of the region with security agencies and the presidency promising almost on a daily basis to deal with the insurgence without any headway till date. LITTLE wonder then that the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Mr. Peter Voser raised the red flag that security situation in Nigeria had worsened in the last two years. Voser in a speech posted on the company’s website noted “the stealing and sabotage of crude oil intensified during the year under review thereby threatening its multi-billionairedollar business” and opined that shell alone cannot tackle the issues. THE Company’s chief executive recommended a multistakeholder approach as they have pushed for several years which has gone unheeded by the Nigerian authorities. THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER, is disturbed over the security situation in the country as the United States of America recently raised alarm over escalating insecurity of lives, property and businesses necessitating in its restricting the movement of its citizens within some states in Nigeria. WE are even more worried over the implications of corporate citizens’ perceptions of our security on larger businesses and in particular, growth and development of the country. Unfortunately, efforts by Nigerian security to address the challenge have not yielded the desired results.

THE NIGERIAN

Collective Action Against Terror Groups IT is an incontrovertible fact that there could be no meaningful development in any society where security of lives and property is heavily under threat. Shell’s expose reveals of colossal sums of money lost through oil theft by criminals who, in our view act in concert with powerful and well connected Nigerians including even some unscrupulous officials of the nation’s security organisations. THE sad situation the nation finds itself is an attestation of the lack of political will by government over the years to deal decisively with the various security challenges that have arisen with one leading to the other, some of which now have ethnic, and religious colourations. Kidnapping of multinational oil workers in the Niger Delta went on for too long unaddressed until it metamorphosed into kidnap of innocent low income earners, a situation which speaks volumes of our unpreparedness to tackle the menace of kidnappers until the mother of the Finance Minister and Head of the economic team of Mr. President was kidnapped by hoodlums to the utter embarrassment of the whole nation. CLEARLY, the Nigeria Police Force have

failed woefully to live up to its responsibility as from every indications, the police themselves, including the high authorities are either involved in criminal activities or are pre-occupied in shielding perpetrators of criminal offences. THE political class have equally not helped the situation as most of them are involved in arming youth groups to do their political billing who in turn go back to the trenches with such arms to perpetrate criminality against the people and the state. THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER is strongly of the view that if Nigeria must attain its national goals and objectives, the present administration must take proactive steps to fight insecurity in the land and restore hope and confidence amongst all stakeholders. BUT in all, we believe the President needs to exercise the political will to make this happen. Mr. President needs to throw away ethnic, sectional and other sentimental garbs and wear his nationalistic apparel to deal with insecurity in the country. GOING forward, we join shell Petroleum Plc to recommend a well organised, multi-stakeholder approach to dealing with insecurity in the country. The Nigerian Army, Navy, Air force, Department of State Security Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Nigerian Immigration, Nigerian Customs and most importantly, the Nigeria Police Force need urgent overhaul. All outfits need better coordination to arrest the situation and make the country safer for all.

Issues Issues

Accounting For Pension And Gratuity A pension is a periodic payment or allowance to an individual or to his family, given because of some meritorious work or when certain conditions such as age, length of service, etc., have been fulfilled. A pension fund is an accumulated amount from which pensioners are paid as they meet the conditions set out in the pension fund. A pension plan sets out its finding, management and accounting requirements. For the purpose of this discourse, we will use pension fund and pension plan inter-changeably. Objectives of Pension Plans The provisions and terms of pension plans vary

By WILSON UCHENNA

their active working days. Therefore, pensions are based on terminal salary or wages of each employee; • To motivate employees to work harder thereby increasing productivity to sustain the growth of the corporation since employees reap future benefits as a result of the fruits of their past labour; • To be seen as a social responsible corporate citizen by providing for its old or retired work-force and thereby preventing them from slipping into destitution. • Where pension costs are tax deductible, corporations may be motivated to spend more in order to enjoy the

Alhaji Buka Aji, Head of Service of the Federation

widely in practice. In some plans the employees make contributions in addition to the amounts some plans, employees become eligible for benefits accruing through the plan after a short employment period; whilst, in other plans, an employee is entitled to any rights under the plan. Some other factors that enter into the estimates of pension costs include the level and amount of payment on retirement, employee turnover, anticipated future compensation levels, employee mortality estimates earnings anticipated from pension , fund investments, and related benefits with which the pension plan may be integrated. Sometimes, pension payments are integrated with social security payments. It is the responsibility of the actuarial scientist to use the combination of the above factors to produce the cost of a pension plan for the purpose of funding the plan to achieve its desired objectives. It appears to me that the primary objectives of pension plans from corporate view point are: • To replace the income or the earnings of retired employees so that they can enjoy an approximate level of standard of living that they had been used to during

benefits of government subsidy. When properly planned as a tax incentive, it can be cost saving. All these items go to the debit side of the Social Account Book. On the credit side, however, are the expected benefits to employees of pension benefits. Such benefits include: (a) Receiving regularly in the right amount, pension payments that should be adequate to keep them at an approximate previous standard of living. A drop may be expected since only a fraction of terminal income is received by a retired employee. A drastic drop is disastrous;

(b) Security during working days and after active working days provided that a pensioner is not going to become destitute; (c) Self-motivation to higher productivity if security is assured as in (1 above; and, (d) Psychological up-liftment that society is recognizing that pensioners’ productive lives were spent in producing goods and services that are partly responsible for the economic growth and well-being of present and future generations unborn. In developed countries such as Great Britain, Netherlands, Sweden and USA, the logic in (d) above is the driving force for the establishment of social security funds or special welfare schemes that cater for the elderly. Under such a system, the citizens receive both financial and non-financial support, of right and not tied to services rendered, to enable them maintain a respectable standard of living. Such benefits provide them a wedge and therefore prevent the elderly from slipping into destitution. Unfortunately in Nigeria, we do not have social security, occupation pension or welfare systems that provide additional financial and non-financial support to the retired or elderly. Unlike his counterpart in other parts of the world who receive social security benefits to augment their pensions, the retired worker in Nigeria depends entirely on his/her pension benefits. To my mind, the social security payments added to pension payments added to pension payments should make life worthy of living and should guarantee nonrelegation to financial oblivion in old age. It means therefore that we have to take a critical look at the objectives of pension schemes in Nigeria. It is high time we considered the establishment of social security scheme from which payments are made to augment pension payments. Accounting Methods for Pensions In general, accounting methods for pension plans should ensure that 1. Pension costs are charged to operations annually and are not to be considered discretionary. As a going concern, the company should be able to provide same; 2. The entire cost of benefit payments ultimately to be made should not be shared between income of the period and retained earnings; and, 3. Estimates and assumptions as to the future may be changed as experience evolves, for example, mortality estimates may be revised, funds contributed may earn interest at a higher or lower rate. Since these changes are classified as actuarial gains or losses, they should be given effect in the provision for pension costs in a consistent manner that reflects long-range nature of pension cost. Thus, discounted. Cashflow methods have been found as useful tools for its. .

“It means therefore that we have to take a critical look at the objectives of pension schemes in Nigeria. It is high time we considered the establishment of social security scheme from which payments are made to augment pension payments.”

Nutritional Health And Dietetics

Internal Bleeding And What To Do

HEAVY bleeding from any part of the body must be regarded as abnormal. There are different causes of internal bleeding. A hemorrhage may come from any cavity in the body. The more serious types of bleeding usually occur in the lungs or the stomach. Bleeding or hemorrhage may come from the organs as well. It is always important to know where the blood is actually coming from, so that, proper treatment can be instituted. Bleeding from the lungs Bleeding from the lungs is a bad sign. The blood appears bright red, and may be frothy. Tuberculosis is still a major cause of bleeding from the lungs (Brink, 2000). Bleeding from the lungs, which comes on suddenly without any warning, could be due to tuberculosis. A hemorrhage of this type, usually means that a large blood vessel has been eroded by the presence of disease. Cancer of the lungs may also, cause bleeding, so will an injury to the chest, such as, a hand blow or perhaps of traffic accident. A bad case of bronchitis might also, result in hemorrhage or violent coughing. Apart from the lungs, there is another cause of bleeding such as pneumonia. Bleeding from the heart – Rheumatic heart disease may at times, cause a certain amount of bleeding from the lungs. With heavy exercise, the back pressure on the lungs may arise far above normal level, causing some of the smaller vessels to rupture (Joe, 1999). If blood clot somewhere in the body, such as, in the leg or pelvis, it would break up and enter the blood stream. It will usually lodge in one of the larger vessels or the lungs, known as pulmonary embolus. This is followed by

sudden pain in the chest, followed by fever, cough and perhaps some bleeding. This may last for several days, severe bleeding may occur in a case of ruptures aneurysm of the aorta. This is the large artery that carries blood from the heart to all the larger blood vessels of the body. When the aorta becomes diseased, because of some conditions such as syphilis or arteriosclerosis, the weakened walls become very dilated. This mass may then press one of the bronchial tubes, causing a certain amount of bleeding. If the aneurism ruptures into bronchitis. There will be sudden rush of blood through the mouth and death comes suddenly. Certain bleeding diseases should also be mentioned. Such as hemophilia, in which the blood fails to clot properly. Leukaemia may result in bleeding too. Bleeding from the Vagina – Bleeding from the vagina is perfectly normal when it occurs as at every twentyeight days (28). Heavy bleeding between this period should be thoroughly investigated (Wilson, 2002). Bleeding through pregnancy must always be considered serious. Scientists say bleeding after the menopause may indicate the presence of cancer. Bleeding from the bladder – When blood appears in the urine, there is always some definite cause. The only exception to this is during “menstruation”. Bleeding from the bladder accordingly to Simon (2005) may be due to an injury to either one of the kidneys or bladder. Stone in the bladder he said, may also at times, give rise to some bleeding. Tumours, inflammation and tuberculosis may also, do this.

With

O.C. Madu GSM: 08056379608

Bleeding Ulcer – Peptic ulcers are the most frequent cause of bleeding in the stomach and small bowel. Bleeding may be the first sign that the patient has an ulcer (Brink, 2000). Gastritis is another cause of bleeding from the stomach. This may be due to alcohol and occasionally even due to aspirin. Sometimes, cancer of stomach may cause severe

Bleeding from the rectum – Researchers confirmed that blood from rectum or lower bowel is bright red. But usually, blood from the stomach is dark due to digestion. The most frequent cause of rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids or “piles” often there is pain as well. Cancer of the lower bowel – Sometimes, give rise to bleeding from the rectum. But

further digestion has taken place while in the bowel. Bleeding from the stomach or small bowel is always serious. If too much blood is lost, a condition known as “shock” may develop. The patient may appear very pale. He may be restless and his breathing may be irregular. The skin according to clef (2005) is cold and chammy. The pulse is rapid and weak.

Treatment for Nose Bleeding – Keep the patient sitting upright in a comfortable position with his head held back. Apply steady pressure to the side of the nose that is bleeding. Press firmly on the nostril. The patient should breathe through his mouth. He must not blow the nose. Apply cold bath cloths to the back of the neck or to the face,

bleeding from the stomach. Cirrhosis of the liver is another frequent cause of bleeding from the stomach and esophagus. Simon (2005) said, it is more likely to occur in people who drink larger quantities of alcohol. Because of the damage of the liver. Large veins may appear on the surface of stomach or esophagus. One of these may rupture, cause a massive hemorrhage. Unless the bleeding is brought under control, the patient may not survive.

other causes are usually present such as constipation which has never existed before. Bleeding from the stomach – When there is bleeding into the stomach, the blood may go into two different directions. Some of it may be vomited. This will be dark brown in colour, due to the contact with the digestive juices of the stomach. The other may pass through the bowel and appear as a black, tarry stool. This change in colour means that

The tips of his fingers may appear blue and cold. Something must be done for such a patient without delay. Nose Bleeding – Nose bleeding according to Brink (2000) is common at every age in life. In elderly people, it is often an indication of high blood pressure. Any injury to the nose or skull may cause nose bleeding. If there is a mixture of blood and watery (spinal) fluid, this strongly suggests a fracture of the base of the skull. It may follow a severe blow on the head. It is wise to have an X-ray of the skull in such causes. An inflammation or irritation inside the nose may bring on a nasal hemorrhage. Syphilis and tuberculosis are other conditions that cause nose to bleed, but the most frequent causes are injury imitation, picking and heavy blowing of the nose.

may also, help-before calling your health-provider. If the bleeding is coming from rectum or vagina, keep the patient lying flat. Elevate the foot of the bed. If the patient is frequent, notify her doctor at once, keep her absolutely quiet. Do not let her move around any more than absolutely necessary. Keep an ice – bag over the lower abdomen constantly. Useful herbs for bleeding – There are bitter leaf, Horsetail, shephard purse, knot grass or cosmopolitan weed. Horsetail is a very valuable herb, not only for nose bleeding, but also, bleeding generally. Hemorrhoid, boil, infected wounds. It cleanses and heals stomach, kidneys and wound with pus accumulation and eases urination.

“Horsetail is a very valuable herb, not only for nose bleeding, but also, bleeding generally. Hemorrhoid, boil, infected wounds. It cleanses and heals stomach, kidneys and wound with pus accumulation and eases urination.”

International Features

Obama’s Surprise Visit To Afghanistan PRESIDENT Barack Obama made a surprise trip to Afghanistan on Sunday to visit U.S. forces who are wrapping up a 13-year mission and signaled that he intends to keep a small number of troops in the country for training and counter-terrorism operations. Cheers erupted among the hundreds of U.S. troops

his refusal to sign a bilateral security agreement to allow U.S. troops to stay beyond 2014. Obama’s fourth visit to Afghanistan came as he faces criticism at home over a foreign policy often derided as too passive in dealing with crises from Syria to Ukraine and Russia. He is to respond to those criticisms in a speech

month that the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan may drop well below 10,000 beyond 2014, the minimum demanded by the U.S. military to train Afghan forces. The decision to consider a small force, possibly less than 5,000 U.S. troops, reflects a belief among White House officials that Afghan security forces

The two leading candidates in Afghanistan’s presidential race, Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani, have both pledged to sign the security agreement as soon as possible, should they be elected in the second round of voting scheduled for June 14. The new president may not start work until August, as logistical constraints and

On a surprise visit to Afghanistan, President Barack Obama promised a decision soon on keeping a small contingent of troops in Afghanistan to help protect gains made over nearly 13 years of combat.

gathered in a Bagram hangar when Obama said that at the end of this year, “America’s war in Afghanistan will come to a responsible end.” With Afghanistan immersed in a runoff election to choose a successor to President Hamid Karzai, Obama did not meet Afghan government officials nor travel to the capital Kabul. Karzai has long been out of favor with Washington over

on Wednesday at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Karzai’s refusal to sign the bilateral security agreement has exacerbated concerns about the country’s prospects for stability as the Taliban insurgency rages on, and has contributed to a steep economic downturn in recent months. Obama administration officials briefed on the matter told Reuters last

have evolved into a robust enough force to contain a still-potent Taliban-led insurgency, the officials said. There are now about 33,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, down from 100,000 in 2011, when troop numbers peaked a decade into a conflict originally intended to deny al Qaeda sanctuary in Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001, attacks.

widespread fraud could mean it will take the country’s electoral commission weeks to determine the outcome of the vote. Obama called Karzai from his plane after leaving Bagram, saying he wanted to conclude a bilateral security agreement with the next president. He also told Karzai he would inform him of his decision on post2014 troop levels before making it public, a senior

administration official told reporters on the plane. At Bagram, Obama addressed the troops just after a performance from country music star Brad Paisley, who joined him for the Air Force One ride halfway around the world, a trip kept under wraps until the plane arrived. “Once Afghanistan has sworn in its new president, I’m hopeful we’ll sign a bilateral security agreement that lets us move forward,” Obama told the troops. “We want to preserve the gains that you have helped to win. And we’re going to make sure that Afghanistan can never again, ever, be used again to launch an attack against our country.” Obama’s remarks were laced with patriotic praise for troops ahead of the U.S. Memorial Day on Monday, a holiday of remembrance for those Americans who lost their lives in wars. “I know sometimes when you’re over here, away from home, away from family, you may not truly absorb how much the folks back home are thinking about you. So I just want you to know, when it comes to supporting you and your families, the American people stand united,” he said. Criticized at home for his handling of a controversy involving healthcare delays for veterans, Obama vowed his administration will uphold the “sacred obligation” to take care of those who had served in the U.S. military. Obama got a briefing

from the Army general who commands U.S. and NATO forces here, Joe Dunford, and U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan James Cunningham. He said he would announce “fairly soon” how many troops the United States would like to leave behind. Obama’s visit to Bagram took place late on Sunday night local time. He was joined by national security adviser Susan Rice and senior adviser John Podesta, who has a son stationed in Afghanistan. Frayed relations between the Obama administration and the Karzai government loomed over the visit. The Afghan president rejected an invitation extended through the U.S. embassy to meet Obama at Bagram. “President Karzai said he would warmly welcome him if he comes to the palace but in no way he would go (to) Bagram to meet him,” Abdul Karim Khurram, Karzai’s chief of staff, told Reuters. A U.S. official said the White House was not surprised that the proposed visit did not work on short notice. Karzai has long expressed anger at civilian deaths in Afghanistan. He told the Washington Post in an interview in March that the war in Afghanistan was not fought with his country’s interests in mind. In a statement issued before Obama’s arrival in Afghanistan, Karzai criticized the U.S. phone surveillance program, saying it violates his country’s sovereignty.

Courtesy Reuters

“Frayed relations between the Obama administration and the Karzai government loomed over the visit. The Afghan president rejected an invitation extended through the U.S. embassy to meet Obama at Bagram.”

Law IT is the retired President of the Court of Appeal Justice Ayo Salami, who at the opening ceremony of the 2014 biennial Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin branch, spoke on reports of some judges and retired senior judges, who practise as consultants in fixing judgments. Justice Salami alleged that these consultants take money from litigants to give to judges or intimidate judges to pervert justice. Speaking on the summit entitled, ‘A centenary of legal practice in Nigeria: 1914-2014: Legacies and lessons for the next century, Salami said: It is my respectful view that appeal should be made to these retired senior justices to leave the despicable role of bribing or intimidating judges. They should engage themselves in other respectable vocations. “The judges, who lend themselves to these dishonourable practice of receiving money or lending themselves to pervert the course of justice under the guise of not receiving reward monetary or otherwise, should note that there are other means of checking the excesses. “The problem of corruption in the Nigerian judiciary is real and has eaten deep into the system. It must, however, be noted that it is not all judicial officers that are corrupt and dishonorable. There are some who are clearly identifiable as corrupt but they are protected by the system.” He also said the nobility of the law profession was waning. He stressed that the rot in the judicial system was compounded by the fact that Nigerians generally do not want the truth to be told and whoever told the truth is marked out for destruction. “The members of the Bar (tell) sordid tales about high ranking serving or retired heavyweights who act as arrangees or couriers of rights who reach out to judges to Influence or change the course of justice in certain sensitive cases,” Justice Salami said. In very frank comments using his own experience as an example, he illustrated how endangered justice was in Nigeria, adding that members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), who were represented on the Nigerian judicial Council (NJC) hardly, were standing up for the truth. No doubt, the National judicial Council (NJC) was established to safeguard the sanctity and the fairness of the judiciary in a country to live up to its

mandate. Where impunity reigns, the judiciary is expected by all stakeholders to be above board, no matter what is happening in the polity. The NJC, among other functions, is empowered by Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to handle the complaints made against judges and all other categories of judicial officers and disciplining them. Saddling the NJC with a function of such delicate nature, places it under public scrutiny all the time and informed observers, for veritable reasons, do not also want the body to be enmeshed in what could make the faith the people have in it be shaken. But the once-cherished and revered NJC, came into public odium, when the former Chief Justice (CJN), Justice Aloysius KatsinaAlu and a former President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Ayo Isa Salami, were rooted against each other to the chagrin of the many stakeholders. The decision of Salami to reject his elevation to the Supreme Court, what ordinarily was a promotion, considered as a Greek gift, became a dance of the absurd when Salami went to the High Court to depose to an affidavit in which he accused Katsina-Alu of interference in the judgment of the Appeal Panel in the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Election. Expectedly, the NJC waded into that embarrassing situation between the two most ranking judicial officers and prevailed on Justice Salami to withdraw the Court Case with promise to resolve the matter amicably. But that was not to be as Justice Salami was later suspended till he retired early this year. Thus, the thought provoking speech by Justice Salami must have come out of experience having occupied the second-highest position in the Nigerian judiciary as well as being a victim of power play in the NJC. However, the appointment of Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar as the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and by extension the chairman of NJC was expected to bring sanity to the troubled NJC. Expectedly, the reformoriented CJN started with various reforms, which include the monitoring and discipline of judges and weeding out of unproductive judicial officials. Although some of

NJC, Judicial Consulta

Although Section 21 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution e recommend to the President and state governors the appointment of som exercise disciplinary control over such officers, collect, control and dis judiciary, it, however, does not include the power to sit on appeals origin power is reserved for the Court of Appeal. BERTRAM NWANNEKANMA some judges over allegations of gross misconduct on the recommendation in Nigeria’s judiciary because of the alleged roles of retired senior judges, these reforms were being applauded by many stakeholders, certain recent decisions of the NJC have left many tongues wagging; over allegation of external influences on the NJC by certain retired justices, who act as consultants to the litigants. “This is why despite the disposition of the present Chief Justice to rid the judiciary of these corrupt elements, the efforts are being frustrated,” they said. For instance, the recent suspension of Justice Peter Agumagu, who was sworn-in as the Chief Judge of Rivers State by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has provoked several comments from stakeholders, with many calling for the scrapping or unbundling of the NJC. To a certain category of people, the NJC has no business in imposing a candidate on the governor, while others feel that the NJC should have waited for the decision of the court, since the case is pending in court. Another acid test is afoot; the compulsory retirement of Justice Gladys Olotu of the Federal High Court. Apparently keeping in line with its extant powers to hear complaints and see to the disciplining of judges, the NJC set up two investigative panels to look into the complaints against Justice Gladys KpenikpeOlotu. Justice Gladys Olotu and U.J. Inyang of an Abuja High Court were recommended by NJC to President Goodluck Jonathan for compulsory retirement on grounds of gross misconduct. But the matter appears to be heading the Salami way, if NJC does not tread softly on matter of law, whereupon it based its recommendation of compulsory retirement against her. Already, Justice Olotu has filed a Motion Exparte against the NJC before Justice Ademola Adeniyi of Abuja High Court seeking an Order Certiorari for Judicial Review of her suspension and subsequent retirement.

Justice Mukhtar Already, the court has granted her leave to pursue the matter. President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Justice of Nigeria, the National Judicial Council, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court were all joined as defendants. The court has also ordered parties to maintain status quo and on the strength of that, Justice Olotu has refused to accept any correspondence from her employers. In Olotu’s case, the NJC said she was recommended for compulsory retirement in line with the findings of the Investigative Panel set up by the council on the allegations contained in the petitions against her. The two real allegations are: 1) Justice Olotu failed to deliver judgment for 18 months in a certain case after the final address by all the counsels in the suit had been entered into, as

against the constitutional provision that judgments should be delivered within a period of 90 days. Justice Olotu, however, while appearing before the three-man investigative panel, graphically showed why the provision could not hold out in her own case. She had started the case in Uyo Division of the Federal High Court and later was transferred to Port Harcourt Division

where the court case was later also transferred and concluded by her. But before she could deliver judgment, she was again transferred to the Abuja Division and by rule; she was not supposed to carry the Case File with her. Though, it was one of the allegations against her, contrary to the claim, she left the case file in Port Harcourt as expected. And for her to still deliver

judg Fiat Abu was This whi mak oug acco Th issu Olot judg Har judg her

“The listing of a former Chief J in the matter she handled in Sui the fundamental human rights s Olotu, in an appeal letter to Pres 28, 2014 in respect of the NJC’s that she was being hunted by a who asked her to take a decisi particular way contrary to her ju

Law

ants And Trajectory Of Justice

empowers the National Judicial Council (NJC) to me high judicial officers in the country as well as to sburse all monies, capital and recurrent, for the nating from the decision of the lower courts. That writes that the recent compulsory retirement of of the NJC might have opened another controversy , who practise as consultants in fixing judgments.

Justice Olotu

gment on the matter, a t was needed from the uja Chief Judge, which s eventually issued. s, however, took time, ch was not of her king and she holds she ght not to be held ountable. he second contentious ue was that Justice tu entertained a postgment matter in Port court after delivering gment, which made functus officio. Justice

OIotu explained and argued that the issue totally bordered on Garnishee Proceedings and therefore, she was perfectly in order. Olotu states that Garnishee Proceedings in law allow a party that won in a case to process part or whole of his/ their claims where the losing party has filed stay of execution. Despite explanations, NJC still went ahead to recommend her for compulsory retirement. Justice Olotu now seeks the

intervention of a common superior - the Courts If, indeed, the delay in delivering judgment was caused by her transfer and other intervening variables that were outside her control and official time, the court may perhaps be persuaded to set aside that aspect of her indictment. The tricky one may be the Garnishee Proceedings where she argues that the allegations made against her in this

Justice of Nigeria along with other parties it FHC/UY/CS/250/20003, as defendants in suit had left many confused. But Justice sident Goodluck Jonathan dated February s statement of February 2, 2014, alleged a giant and Goliath in the judicial system, ion in Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/450/2010 in a udicial Oath and conscience.”

regard are issues to be decided by the Appeal Court and not the NJC. On this too, Justice Olotu cited decided cases to show that a judgment creditor can apply for Garnishee Order Nisi to enforce the judgment entered in his favour. One of the cases held that garnishee proceedings are separate proceedings between the judgment creditor and the person or body who has custody of the assets of the judgment debtor even though it flows from the judgment that pronounced the debt owing. Another decided case had it that garnishee proceedings are legitimate exercises of the right of a party to employ auxiliary methods to enforce the judgment obtained in his favour, and they are competent notwithstanding the tendency of a motion for stay of execution. It has also been decided in the past that the existence of an application, seeking an order of stay of execution of a judgment does not preclude a judgment creditor from seeking to use Garnishee Proceedings to enforce the judgment. Therefore, the contention of a respondent that an appellant is un-entitled to enforce a judgment in its favour to Garnishee Proceedings because the respondent filed an application for stay of execution is unsustainable. But Justice Olotu has stated that the sanction imposed on her by the NJC was very severe and harsh considering her entire conduct of the case and that the reasons she gave for the delay, which include the volume of cases pending before her in Port Harcourt and the cases disposed of during quarters 2,3 and 4, in 2009 and Quarters 1, 2, 3, and 4 in 2010, as annexed to her response of April 4, 2011. From the foregoing, the judge insists that she did not err in taking the garnishee proceedings as a fresh suit filed in Port Harcourt division and therefore could not have been Functus Officio with regard to the garnishee proceedings, which was filed as a fresh suit in Port Harcourt judicial division. She argued that the Garnishee Proceedings were not filed as an application in Suit FHC/ UY/CS/250/20003, if it has been so, maybe, it could

have been said that she was Functus Officio but the suit has different number and was filed in Port Harcourt judicial Division, where she was sitting and so she was right to have assumed jurisdiction and therefore did not act irregularly to assume jurisdiction to hear suit No: FHC/PH/ CS/450/2010. It is noteworthy that the law regarding Garnishing Proceedings is that it should be filed in the state where the funds of the judgment debtor are domiciled. Alleging corruption in the high places involving many highly-placed Nigerians, Nigerian and international companies, the judge felt that there was not only local conspiracy against her but also one with international dimensions. Justice Olotu has also filed a fundamental human rights suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/ 221/2014 against the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Director, State Security Service (DSS), Inspector General of Police, Code of Conduct Bureau, Centre for Network against Corruption, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the NJC. Others listed in the suit, as defendants, are retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore, Chief Gabriel lgbinedion, Ponticelli Nig. Ltd, Stolt Offshore Services S.A, the Vessel M.V Theo, and The Owners of the Vessel M.V. Theo. Elf. Nig Petroleum Nig. Ltd., A.B.C. Maritime AG, The Vessel M.V. Lara and The Vessel M.V. Krysia. The listing of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria along with other parties in the matter she handled in Suit FHC/UY/CS/250/ 20003, as defendants in the fundamental human rights suit had left many confused. But Justice Olotu, in an appeal letter to President Goodluck Jonathan dated February 28, 2014 in respect of the NJC’s statement of February 2, 2014, alleged that she was being hunted by a giant and Goliath in the judicial system, who asked her to take a decision in Suit No: FHC/ PH/CS/450/2010 in a particular way contrary to

her judicial Oath and conscience. “Since January, 2011, I have been hounded and harassed by this Goliath who cause my transfer from Port Harcourt to Abuja. He has persisted unashamedly until in connivance with the present Chief Justice of Nigeria, he achieved his malicious intent”, she had written in the letter. In that letter, Justice Olotu had appealed to the President not to approve or assent to the NJC’s recommendation for her compulsory retirement but to question the severity and injustice vis-à-vis the offence. However after the recommendation was assented by the President, she went to court to seek for review of the decision. The judge has also through her family filed a N2 billion libel suit at the High Court of Benin, Edo State against a national newspaper; the matter has been adjourned till June 20, 2014 for judgement. Much more than the reputation of the NJC is at stake here. If a motion for stay of execution cannot stop the application of Garnishee Proceedings, then her argument based on such decided cases, can hardly be a basis for the allegation of gross misconduct levelled against her unless the NJC has more facts yet undisclosed on the matter. The initial appeal by Justice Olotu that the NJC should seek interpretation of Garnishee Proceedings and its applications, since it solely based its ruling of misconduct against her on it, is a challenge the body could have taken up in the interest of the Law, justice and its public image. This would have also prevented another Salami-like controversy, by making her appear to be pitting her interest against that of the Olympian Judicial body. But Justice Olotu has a name to protect as well as a career that is being threatened and wants to see to the bitter end. Yet, while the matter rages, it is the judiciary that is on trial. As the last hope of the common man, the judiciary needs to be shielded from such avoid able murky acrimony, which belittles it in public eye. President Jonathan can, however, intervene by revisiting the decision and that way, save the judiciary from itself and by so doing, shore up its battered credibility.

Gender Issues

Human Rights Or “Rights Of “The adoption of the Man”? Declaration by the General

ACTIVISTS and the Commission on the Status of Women, CSW had a decisive role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights between 1946 and 1948. They wanted to make sure that the phrase “equal rights of men and women,” incorporated through great effort in the UN Charter, would not be watered down in the Declaration’s Preamble. Minerva Bernardino of the Dominican Republic questioned the use of the term “everyone” in the Preamble; she argued that “in certain countries

the term ‘every one’ did not necessarily mean every individual, regardless of sex?’ In the end, Member States voted on whether the Declaration should reproduce the exact phrase contained in the Preamble to the UN Charter. Thirty-two voted in favour, with only two against (China and the United States) and

By HILKA PIETILA

three abstentions. Women monitored the drafting of the Declaration paragraph-by- paragraph in order to prevent the inclusion of any sexist phrases. It took extensive debate to erase the word “man” when referring to all

people. In fact, it was during this time that the English word “man” was recognized as only meaning men. Women said the word represents gender, not species; it therefore excludes women. Thanks to the unyielding efforts of women during the process of drafting the Declaration, Article 1

“Women said the word represents gender, not species; it therefore excludes women. Thanks to the unyielding efforts of women during the process of drafting the Declaration, Article 1 reads, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” instead of “All men and in place of “every man” and “no man,” the words “everyone” and “no one” are used throughout the text.”

Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 was a triumph and a defining moment for the CSW. Ever since, the Commission has used the Declaration as a basis for action for promoting equal rights and freedoms.” reads, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” instead of “All men and in place of “every man” and “no man,” the words “everyone” and “no one” are used throughout the text. Another problem was the text’s use of the masculine pronouns “he,” “him” and “his,” which remained unsolved; the masculine pronouns are still in the text. In other languages that use gender-neutral pronouns, such as Finnish, this problem doesn’t exist. In fact, the “universal” Declaration appears somewhat different in different translations. For example, in French it still includes wording such as Droits de I ‘Homme (Rights of Man) to signify “human rights.” Ms. Bernardino, who was interviewed by INSTRAW News in 1992 at the age of 85, said: “I am very proud to have been instrumental in changing the name of the Declaration of the ‘Rights of Men’ to the Declaration of Human Rights.” She believed women who fought for this were “conscious that they were making a revolution.” This revolution continued in the 1950s and included issues such as the right to live with dignity. “In interpreting these words,” she said, “we denounced, in the United Nations, the horrible mutilations of women in certain religious/cultural rituals in certain regions in Africa. We started a job that has not yet ended. Women have not really worked in solidarity to end it.” Ms. Bernardino placed emphasis on solidarity “because it is the key to success. Just causes in general always win, I am convinced, but without solidarity you do not achieve your specific goals.” In hindsight one can only imagine the kind of a document the Universal Declaration of Human Rights might have become had it been written solely by men—even though the drafting commission was chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt. The adoption of the Declaration by the General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 was a triumph and a defining moment for the CSW. Ever since, the Commission has used the Declaration as a basis for action for promoting equal rights and freedoms. At the United Nations, the Declaration is the basis for codifying human rights into numerous well-known, legally binding international conventions.

Drumbeats

Billionaires Learn From Ants!

LAZINESS and Idleness are not part of Billionaires character. Infact, they sack any staff who is idle and lazy, disregard any of their friends and relatives who is lazy and hate any leader in authority who is idle and lazy in his or her ministerial duties. Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler. Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest How long wilt thou sleep, o sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep. So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as till armed man Proverbs 6:6-11. The ant is one of the least of God’s creature yet they are more active and wiser than majority of us. To avoid laziness and idleness, constantly study the life and activities to avoid being lazy and idle. Some months ago, I told a young lawyer to go and kill an ant and inform me of the gift found in the mouth of the ant. To my greatest surprise she started laughing and said “how can she ever succeed on such ventures”. “She said ant don’t have mouth and how could she ever find a gift in the month of an ant who are so insignificant”; Having said that, 1 discerned her future and I could tell you she wont be a good, vast in knowledge and intelligent lawyer. One of the qualities of a good lawyer is that they are full of curiosity, inquisitive and possess an ability to do research to achieve their desired results. If Billionaires can learn from the ant, then I see no

reason why you and I cannot learn from the ant to avoid laziness and idleness. History has it that from a king to be wise and very great he must constantly learn from the ant. If I may ask, what is the quality that makes a good and great writer? To be a good writer you must be good in research, study hard, create quality time to think and listen and spend quality time to read and write in the night. They Ask questions Asking question and getting the answer part of life and daily activities of Billionaires If l may ask, why do you think Billionaires ask questions? Billionaires ask question or various reasons, below are some of them. Billionaires ask questions to enhance their growth. Billionaires are never satisfied with their success. To avoid living on past glories, laziness and idleness they constantly ask questions to enhance their growth. 2. To enhance their knowledge. Any Billionaire who is not knowledgeable about the daily activities globally will fall into trouble. To avoid falling into trouble they do all they can to read about the current market trend in the area of their specialisation and other areas which they may not have knowledge of 3. Billionaires ask questions to enhance their productivity. A Billionaire who made two billion naira or dollar this year and loses seven billion naira or dollar the year after is not enhancing his or her productivity enough. To avoid losing money

With Apostle Dr. Raphael O. Ayemere 08035459593

carelessly they ask questions. 4. To remain relevant among their contemporaries. No Billionaire wants to lose his or her value, influence, power wealth and fame in the society. To remain

larger sum of money due to lack of knowledge over business transactions then deem it necessary to ask other Billionaires who are close to them or who might have lost major part of their money. so as not to make the

sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the work of him that sent me,

mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper and worship hint, saying; Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make in clean. And Jesus pat forth his hand, and touch eel him,

relevant they constantly ask questions from their friends and those in government that will contribute meaningfully to their lives. 5. Another reason why Billionaires ask questions is to avoid making major mistakes that will lead to loss of money. No Billionaire wants to lose money ignorantly and carelessly. To avoid this great mistake, they constantly ask questions. Majority of them having lost

same mistakes. Often times we see Jesus ask in those in need of his blessings questions. To know their level of seriousness and persistence as regards what they are asking for. The disciples of Jesus were not left out as regards questions and answers. “And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, master, who did

while it is day the night comet when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he has thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam; (which is by interpretation, sent) He went his way therefore, and washed and came seeing”. John 9:17. Friends, you will discover in the above passages of scripture that it was the question Jesus’ disciples asked that provoked Jesus into answering and healing the blind man and restoring his sight. “When he was come down from the

saying 1 will, be thou c/can, and immediately iris leprosy was cleansed” Matthew 8:13. One of the most passionate and motivating questions asked by the leper provoked Jesus into answering and healing him. You will discover that this leper was not a Ph.d holder, a Lawyer, Banker, Professor or a Politician. He had something which most of the above named and respected people in the society didn’t have. Ability to ask sensitive and important questions. We are where will are in life because of failure to ask questions that could affect our destiny positively. As a matter of urgency let’s begin to ask questions and see if’ we will not achieve what Billionaires achieved.

“As a matter of urgency let’s begin to ask questions and see if’ we will not achieve what Billionaires achieved.”

Focus Practical Considerations In Election Reporting

The Election Agenda ONE of the key issues during election campaigns is, “Who sets the agenda - the politicians, the media or the public?” This is a different question from, “Who should set the agenda?” This latter question is more one about democracy, rather than the media. Here, the answer is that the election agenda should be set by politicians, who should be responding to the publics agenda, with the media really being the place where the debate takes place. However, in reality what happens is that journalists try to establish what the publics agenda is. They then try to interpret politicians’ utterances in the Light of this agenda by selecting those election stories that they believe best reflect the public’s concerns. However, because the media have the final editorial say, politicians, and to a lesser extent, the public believe that the media themselves are deciding what the election agenda should be. Increasingly, though, politicians have sought to counteract what they see as the media dominating the agenda by hiring professional media advisers, often ex-journalists, who use a variety of both legitimate and sometimes illegitimate techniques to try to ensure that they get the best possible media coverage. This raises the question, “What can journalists do to try to counterbalance politicians’ efforts to dominate election coverage?” CHALLENGE POLITICIANS CLAIMS In an election campaign, politicians set out to try to persuade people to vote for them - that’s what democracy is all about. To do this politicians tell voters about: • What they intend to do if they are elected. • Their previous achievements in government and. • The shortcomings of their opponents. All this is perfectly legitimate - that’s what elections are all about. But, equally legitimately journalists have an obligation to test the authenticity and value of the politicians’ claims. They do this by:

at regional state and national level. Parties at Local level often have a volunteer who is responsible for local press relations. If this is not the case, then the party’s general secretary or chairperson can be contacted. Journalists need to make contact with political parties in order to: Find out the names of candidates.

Find out about the party’s finances and funding sources. Hear when they are holding news conferences and other events. Obtain copies of party publications. Get on the list to receive press releases. Put in bids to interview leading politicians. Establish contacts and procedures for ongoing media inquiries. Establishing good personal relationships is the key to building good sources, and to do this there is no substitute for face-to-face contact. With these sources in place, parties are able to contact journalists on a one-to-one basis to give them stories that they might have decided not to distribute more widely. It also helps in

* Checking politicians’ facts and claims with experts. * analysing and comparing party pledges. * Looking back at what the politicians said at the last election. *Reviewing what they did when in power. *using experts, NGOs and others to challenge the politicians. *using the public to question the politicians. *conducting their own robust interviews. Establish their campaigning timetables. Hear about the party’s election strategy and tactics. The media was just one of the actors expected to create conditions for a free expression of the will of Nigerian people in this electoral process. On its own, the media had little power to do much in a process where there were some major challenges involving other stakeholders.

gaining interviews when the big political personalities come to town.

“Establishing good personal relationships is the key to building good sources, and to do this there is no substitute for face-to-face contact. With these sources in place, parties are able to contact journalists on a one-to-one basis to give them stories that they might have decided not to distribute more widely.”

Politicians But the real focus of elections, apart from the electorate, are the politicians themselves. They are obviously very important sources of information during campaigns. Making contact with them can be difficult but it’s certainly worth the effort. As sources, politicians can provide. • The in side story of the campaign. • News from the top party bodies, • Exclusive interviews. • Personal stories about their campaign experiences.

In order to achieve this, journalists need: • to be informed and well prepared. • to have a stock of impartial experts available. • to find out and reflect what the voters are thinking. • to identity issues that are important to the electorate. • to have access to party manifestos and statements. REPORTING ELECTIONS- SOURCES

As mentioned, reporting elections is much like any other reporting and hence good sources are the key. For experienced political journalists, this should not be a major problem - good political contacts are their daily bread and butter. But for the general reporter thrown into the election fray, establishing political sources can be problematic. The Parties Political parties are a good starting point. During election campaigns, they are geared up to look for, and welcome, media coverage. Most political parties have, at least during election campaigns, full-time publicity secretaries or press officers - often

However, on the whole, and given the environment under which they operated, it can be said that the media in Nigeria played their role of informing, educating and providing insight about the elections. Nevertheless, it should be noted that significant state ownership of tile broadcast media negatively impacted on and influenced the coverage in favour of incumbents? parties. Conclusions of the Commonwealth Observer Group in its Report on the Nigeria State and Federal Elections, 14 and 21 April 2007

But it’s not just party officials that are useful sources during elections - so too are party activists. As sources they can tell journalists: About events that the party officials have not mentioned. Reflect the mood among the party grassroots. Be sources of information about both their own politicians and the opposition.

Election Authorities The election authorities can be important sources of information during and particularly before, a campaign. They can provide information about: The registration of voters. The registration of parties. The nomination process (in particular providing official lists of candidates). The progress of the campaign. The performance of the media. The counting procedures. Campaign finance. The overall conduct of parties during the campaign. Courtesy IPC

Agrosphere

How Flowering Plants Changed The World! The Big Bloom:

IN the summer of 1973 sunflowers appeared in my father’s vegetable garden. They seemed to sprout overnight in a few rows he had lent that year to new neighbors from California. Only six years old at the time, I was at first put off by these garish plants. Such strange and vibrant flowers seemed out of place among the respectable beans, peppers, spinach, and other vegetables we had always grown. Gradually, however, the brilliance of the sunflowers won me over. Their fiery halos relieved the green monotone that by late summer ruled the garden. I marveled at birds that clung upside down to the shaggy, gold disks, wings fluttering, looting the seeds. Sunflowers defined flowers for me that summer and changed my view of the world. Flowers have a way of doing that. They began changing the way the world looked almost as soon as they appeared on Earth about 130 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period. That’s relatively recent in geologic time: If all Earth’s history were compressed into an hour, flowering plants would exist for only the last 90 seconds. But once they took firm root about 100 million years ago, they swiftly diversified in an explosion of varieties that established most of the flowering plant families of the modern world. Today flowering plant species outnumber by twenty to one those of ferns and cone-bearing trees, or conifers, which had thrived for 200 million years before the first bloom appeared. As a food source flowering plants provide us and the rest of the animal world with the nourishment that is

fundamental to our existence. In the words of Walter Judd, a botanist at the University of Florida, “If it weren’t for flowering plants, we humans wouldn’t be here.” From oaks and palms to wildflowers and water lilies, across the miles of cornfields and citrus orchards to my father’s garden, flowering plants have come to rule the worlds of botany and agriculture. They also reign over an ethereal realm sought by artists, poets, and everyday people in search of inspiration, solace, or the simple pleasure of beholding a blossom.”Before flowering plants appeared,” says Dale Russell, a paleontologist with North Carolina State University and the State Museum of Natural Sciences, “the world was like a Japanese garden: peaceful, somber, green; inhabited by fish, turtles, and dragonflies. After flowering plants, the world became like an English garden, full of bright color and variety, visited by butterflies and honeybees. Flowers of all shapes and colors bloomed among the greenery.” That dramatic change represents one of the great moments in the history of life on the planet. What allowed flowering plants to dominate the world’s flora so quickly? What was their great innovation? Botanists call flowering plants angiosperms, from the Greek words for “vessel” and “seed.” Unlike conifers, which produce seeds in open cones, angiosperms enclose their seeds in fruit. Each fruit contains one or more carpels, hollow chambers that protect and nourish the seeds. Slice a tomato in half, for instance, and you’ll find carpels. These structures are the defining

By CLEMENTINA UKIRI

trait of all angiosperms and one key to the success of this huge plant group, which numbers some 235,000 species. Just when and how did the first flowering plants emerge? Charles Darwin pondered that question, and paleobotanists are still searching for an answer. Throughout the

sunflowers appeared in my father’s vegetable garden. They seemed to sprout overnight in a few rows he had lent that year to new neighbors from California. Only six years old at the time, I was at first put off by these garish plants. Such strange and vibrant flowers seemed out of place among the

1990s discoveries of fossilized flowers in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America offered important clues. At the same time the field of genetics brought a whole new set of tools to the search. As a result, modern paleobotany has undergone a boom not unlike the Cretaceous flower explosion itself. In the summer of 1973

respectable beans, peppers, spinach, and other vegetables we had always grown. Gradually, however, the brilliance of the sunflowers won me over. Their fiery halos relieved the green monotone that by late summer ruled the garden. I marveled at birds that clung upside down to the shaggy, gold disks, wings fluttering, looting the seeds. Sunflowers

“Flowers have a way of doing that. They began changing the way the world looked almost as soon as they appeared on Earth about 130 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period.”

defined flowers for me that summer and changed my view of the world. Flowers have a way of doing that. They began changing the way the world looked almost as soon as they appeared on Earth about 130 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period. That’s relatively recent in geologic time: If all Earth’s history were compressed into an hour, flowering plants would

flowering plants, we humans wouldn’t be here.” From oaks and palms to wildflowers and water lilies, across the miles of cornfields and citrus orchards to my father’s garden, flowering plants have come to rule the worlds of botany and agriculture. They also reign over an ethereal realm sought by artists, poets, and everyday people in search of inspiration, solace, or the

exist for only the last 90 seconds. But once they took firm root about 100 million years ago, they swiftly diversified in an explosion of varieties that established most of the flowering plant families of the modern world. Today flowering plant species outnumber by twenty to one those of ferns and conebearing trees, or conifers, which had thrived for 200 million years before the first bloom appeared. As a food source flowering plants provide us and the rest of the animal world with the nourishment that is fundamental to our existence. In the words of Walter Judd, a botanist at the University of Florida, “If it weren’t for

simple pleasure of beholding a blossom. “Before flowering plants appeared,” says Dale Russell, a paleontologist with North Carolina State University and the State Museum of Natural Sciences, “the world was like a Japanese garden: peaceful, somber, green; inhabited by fish, turtles, and dragonflies. After flowering plants, the world became like an English garden, full of bright color and variety, visited by butterflies and honeybees. Flowers of all shapes and colors bloomed among the greenery.” Written by Michael Klesius Republished from the pages of National Geographic magazine.

Law EASTERN Zone Section 56 of the Magistrates’ Courts Law provides that the practice and procedure in civil appeal from Magistrates’ Courts to the High Court shall be in accordance with rules of court made under the provision of the High Court Law or of the Magistrate’s Court Law. The rules are in fact contained in order 56 of the High Court Rules 1955. Unless the legislation which confers the appellate jurisdiction otherwise provides, the said High Court Rules apply, and it is immaterial that the rules were made subsequent to the legislation concerned. The time for appealing is one month from the date of the decision. The appeal is brought by filing the notice of appeal in the Magistrate’s Court that gave the decision. The notice should be in form D 10 prescribed in the schedule to the rules, varied where necessary to suit the circumstances of the case, provided that no variation of substance shall be made. The notice should show the reference number of the case, the names of the parties, the date of the decision, and the grounds of the appeal. Unless otherwise stated in the notice, the appellant shall be taken to be complaining of the decision as a whole. The address of the appellant shall be stated, and this shall be a place within the Judicial Division in which the Magistrate’s Court is situated. The address of the respondent shall also be endorsed on the notice of appeal. It is no longer a requirement of the rules that a copy of the decision shall be attached to the notice of appeal. The decisions on that issue are

no longer relevant. The notice of appeal shall be served on all other parties to the appeal within one month of the decision. It was originally held that failure to do so is fatal to the appeal and the appeal may be struck out. Fourteen years later, this decision was not followed and it was held that once an appellant had filed his notice of appeal within one month of the decision, he could not be blamed for the failure to serve the notice within time, as service of process is the domestic affair of the court, those responsible for the service being outside the control of the appellant. The appellant shall deposit in the registry of the Magistrate’s Court such sum of money as may be determined by the Registrar of the Court to cover the cost of the proceedings to be compiled as record of the appeal in sufficient copies for the appellant, the respondent, and the High Court. The rules prescribe that the deposit shall be made so that the record shall be ready within three months of the decision. The main object of this provision is to promote the speedy hearing of an appeal. Failure to comply with it will not render an appeal nugatory. The Registrar shall certify and forward to the High Court a copy of the record. The respondent is entitled to a copy of the record without payment. He may collect it from the registry of either court, and at least while sending him the hearing notice for the appeal the Registrar of the High Court shall attach a copy of the record if he had not already collected it. The High Court may enlarge the time for filing

Procedure For Appeals By A. OBI-OKOYE

an appeal or for service of the notice of appeal as well as the period within which to deposit the assessed amount for the record (0.56 r. 6 26). . An application to that effect shall be on notice supported by affidavit which shall cover all facts and occurrances

that would persuade the court to grant the application. Where the time for taking any step has expired but the step has not been completely taken, the respondent is entitled on a formal application to the court to have the appe4 struck out (0.56 r. 7). The appeal comes up for hearing as may be fixed by the High Court. The hearing notice for the respondent shall be served in the normal method unless the court orders a substituted service. The

hearing notice for the appellant need not be served but may be sent to him by registered post at the address endorsed on his notice of appeal (0.56 r. 2(3)). The appeal is heard by one Judge of the High Court. There is no provision in

the rules for abandonment or withdrawal of a civil appeal. If the appellant fails to comply with the requirements precedent to the hearing of the appeal, i.e. if he fails to prosecute the appeal, the court shall dismiss the appeal (0.56 r. 11). Similarly where an appeal is abandoned or withdrawn the court shall dismiss the appeal. If on the hearing date the appellant fails to appear or to be represented by counsel if he was absent, the court has a discretion to dismiss the

“The court has power to allow the appellant to amend the ground. Also, the respondent is not entitled to object to any defect or error to the summons or other process which could have been amended if objected to in the court below.”

appeal or to strike it out. The effect of either order is to affirm the decision of the lower court. Generally an order of dismissal is final while that of striking out postulates that the appeal may be relisted. But by striking out the appeal and expressly affirming the decision appealed against, the High Court

notice of appeal has been amended with leave of court, so as to vary or add to the grounds of appeal therein. Any error or defect in the notice of appeal may similarly be amended so as to enable the appellant to be heard on any ground. The respondent is not entitled to object to any defect in the form of setting

might be deemed to have intention of bringing finality to the appeal as far as it is concerned. If then an order has been drawn up and entered, the appeal has come to an end as far as the High Court is concerned: The court is functus officio and has no jurisdiction to re-open the matter. What has not been canvassed yet is whether or not the court has power to set aside a dismissal and order a fresh hearing as an order made in the absence of a party. The non-attendance of the respondent on the hearing date, provided he was duly notified, shall not preclude the court from hearing the appeal if the appellant is pre sent (0.56 r. 11). The appellant is not entitled to be heard on any ground not included in his notice of appeal unless the

forth any ground of appeal unless he can satisfy the court that he was misled and so did not prepare adequately for the hearing (0.56 r. 13). The court has power to allow the appellant to amend the ground. Also, the respondent is not entitled to object to any defect or error to the summons or other process which could have been amended if objected to in the court below. Neither can he object to any variance between the summons and the evidence in the court below. But if the respondent can show that he was thereby deceived or misled, the High Court may consider sending the case back for retrial (0.56 r. 14). A defect to the notice of appeal, if objected to, may be amended (0.56 r.15).

Nature Science IN any natural environment the external conditions change; living things are influenced by such changes and respond to them. This ability to respond to environmental changes enables them to make the most advantageous use of the opportunities arising from these changes during their daily lives and to further their own welfare or that of their young. Moreover, in their daily life, living things are subject to varying external stimuli, and their survival depends on the ability to adjust themselves as far as possible to environ mental changes. This sensitive contact with the world and the power to respond to a stimulus is known as irritability. It is a property of living protoplasm and is characteristic of all living things. The understanding of irritability in organisms involves the understanding of their behaviour towards a number of external influences and internal conditions; this is a very involved matter. The organisms themselves are very complex, consisting perhaps of millions of cells, and the conditions which affect them are numerous. Irritability is shown in its simplest form by the singlecelled, organisms. For example, what external conditions are important to an amoeba and to which is it sensitive? If we observe a living amoeba in water on a glass slide, we find that in its flowing movements (Fig. 154) it is sensitive to light, heat, touch, chemicals and electricity. Physical shock, touching with a needle or an electric shock, makes it withdraw its pseudopodia and the

amoeba becomes an inactive ball. Contact with food particles in the water, however, stimulates a pseudopodium to flow round and engulf them. On the other hand, a particle of sand is not engulfed and contact with such a ‘foreign’ body causes the pseudopodium to be retracted and put out in a different direction. If, however, such non-food particles are moving, they are engulfed and later ejected, probably because small moving Algae and Protozoa form a considerable part of the food of Amoeba, and on contact with one of these a p s e u d o p o d i u m immediately engulfs it. An amoeba on a microscope slide will move away from strong light, or a drop of a dilute chemical such as soda water, acid, salts and sugars. It will also move from a higher to a lower temperature. Any part of the amoeba seems to be sensitive to stimuli, and the cell responds by putting out pseudopodia which can be withdrawn and put out in other directions if the conditions prove to be unfavourable. In totally unfavourable conditions all pseudopodia are withdrawn and the animal becomes spherical. In dry conditions an amoeba may become dormant; the outside of its body takes on a thick coat and the amoeba is protected in this coat as a cyst until favourable conditions return. Paramecium is much more active than Amoeba and can move about rapidly by means of its cilia. It darts about quickly in the water and if it meets an obstacle it can

Irritability In Organisms reverse to avoid it before swimming off in a new direction. It will swim rapidly away from chemicals and a rise in temperature, but will swim towards increased oxygen. Like Amoeba it responds positively to favourable changes but negatively to harmful ones. The response in these simple animals is one of movement. The whole cell

water. It is very small and moves so fast that it is difficult to see it under the microscope. It is sensitive to light and will travel towards light so as to place itself in the best light-intensity to carry out its photo synthesis on which it depends for food. The multicellular animals are laced with much more difficult problems in

different parts of the animal. Also, the more specialised organs an animal possesses, the greater is the problem of getting these organs to work together in unison; this we call coordination. Animals have two ways of solving these two problems of communication and coordination; the one is by means of a special system of communication, called a

cells in the different sense organs which report changes in the conditions which are important to the life of the organism, such as temperature, food substances, oxygen, carbon dioxide and other wastes, contact with surfaces, damage and light intensity. Normally, each ‘caller’ is stimulated by and perceives only one type of change. The messages are carried by

body seems to be able to receive stimuli and the whole body reacts. How this is achieved, we do not know. Chlamydomonas is a single-celled green plant, but unlike Chlorococcus (or Protococcus it has two cilia or flagella by means of which it can swim rapidly in the

adjusting themselves to changes in the outside world. The more specialised and complex the animal, the more complicated these problems of response become. The larger the animal, the more difficult it is to establish communication between

nervous system, and the other is by means of chemical messengers or hormones which circulate in the body. In simple animals such as Hydra the nervous system is a simple network of cells. In more complex animals, the nervous system works like a telephone system and has a number of central exchanges which are the nerve centres. It is a twoway system in which messages come in with information from ‘callers’ in different parts of the body and messages go out from the exchanges with order for action to be taken by any particular organ. The ‘callers’ are the sensory

the long thin protoplasmic extensions or axons of the nerve cells which actually do carry electric impulses as do telephone wires to which they can be compared. Large numbers of these nerve lines are combined together in protected ‘cables’ called nerves, which are the white stringlike cords we see in dissection going to and from main organs and nerve centres. Messages travel from the sense organs via the sensory nerves to the nerve centres which then send out messages to the organs of response, usually muscles or glands, via other nerves called motor nerves.

“The multicellular animals are laced with much more difficult problems in adjusting themselves to changes in the outside world. The more specialised and complex the animal, the more complicated these problems of response become.”

International

Sisi On Brink Of Presidency As Egyptians Vote EGYPTIANS voted yesterday in an election expected to install army chief Abdel Fatah al-Sisi as president, with supporters brushing aside concerns about political freedom and hailing him as the strong leader the country needs. Three years after the historic uprising against Hosni Mubarak, the vote is set to restore a pattern of rule by men from the military after Sisi toppled Egypt’s first freely elected leader, Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood. Voters lined up to cast ballots at polling stations guarded by soldiers in face masks and armed with assault rifles. Sisi faces only one challenger in the two-day vote: the leftist politician Hamdeen Sabahi. “We see Sisi as a real man. Egypt likes a strong man,” said 64-year-old Saber Habib, clenching his fist to make his point as he waited to vote in the city of Suez, east of Cairo. “We want the country to move forward and for the people to have bread,” said Habib, a contractor. Widely regarded as Egypt’s de facto leader since he toppled Mursi after mass protests, Sisi, 59, faces manifold challenges including an economy in crisis and a campaign of Islamist violence that has spiraled since he overthrew Mursi. To the Islamists, he is the mastermind of a bloody coup that led to a crackdown that has killed hundreds of Mursi supporters and landed thousands more in jail. Secular dissidents who led the 2011 uprising against Mubarak have also been

imprisoned. At the same time, several hundred members of the security forces have been killed in a campaign of violence by radical Islamists since last July. The last year has been the bloodiest period of internal strife in Egypt’s modern history. The Brotherhood and its allies have called for a boycott, declaring it “the election of the presidency of blood”. Eleven of the group’s supporters were arrested while staging a protest in Alexandria, Egypt’s second city, security officials said. The government says the Brotherhood is a terrorist organization. As he voted in Cairo, Sisi waved to supporters, who shouted “President, President!” “Today Egyptians are going to write their history,” said Sisi, who hopes a big turnout will give him a strong mandate. The election is the seventh vote or referendum since the 2011 uprising that raised hopes for democracy. But three years on, with democracy seen as an experiment that failed, many Egyptians say stability comes first. Sisi won 95 percent of votes cast in advance by Egyptians overseas, but an opinion poll by the Washington-based Pew Research Center suggests a more mixed picture, with Sisi viewed favorably by 54 percent and unfavorably by 45 percent. At one polling station reserved for male voters in Cairo, all bar one person in a line of around 50 said they would vote for Sisi,

who has been lionized by media run by the state and big businessmen overwhelmingly supportive of the army. “I’m voting for Sabahi because of his program and because Egypt needs a civilian president to begin building a democratic society like other countries have,” said Fathi Abdelhamid, 58, a

Abdel Nasser, Anwar Sadat and Mubarak. That pattern was briefly interrupted by Mursi’s divisive year in office, during which important institutions of state resisted his authority. The 2012 election won by Mursi was contested by around a dozen candidates, in stark contrast to this vote.

Critics fear Sisi will rule Egypt with an iron fist. Human rights groups have raised serious concerns about accounts of torture in police custody, and a court’s decision to sentence some 1,200 Brotherhood supporters and members to death earlier this year drew criticism from Western governments.

primary concerns and said Egypt is not ready for a Western-style democracy a view with echoes of the Mubarak days. The election will have a bearing on relations with the United States, which has linked the future of its long-standing military ties with Cairo to the political transition. Following Mursi’s

“What happened in Egypt was wrong and the best message against it is to boycott this vote,” said Abdel Karim Mohamed, a 45-year old accountant, speaking in hushed tones as he parked his motor-bike near a polling station. Witnesses and security officials said 400 Mursi supporters staged a march against the election in Kerdasa, a town on the Cairo outskirts where 14 policemen were killed in an attack last August after the security forces killed hundreds of Mursi supporters. An influential Muslim cleric with Brotherhood links urged Egyptians to boycott the vote. Sheikh Youssef al-Qaradawi, who lives in Qatar, said Sisi had “disobeyed God”.

In an interview with Reuters, a former Muslim Brotherhood leader warned that government oppression was fanning militancy that will pose a threat abroad unless the army-backed authorities start respecting freedom and human rights. “There is no option for any government in Egypt other than to bring about national reconciliation,” said Abdel Moneim Abol Fotouh. “The injustices must stop. “Egypt’s presidential elections will not wipe the country’s human rights record clean after 10 months of gross violations,” rights group Amnesty International said in a statement. Sisi has listed security and the economy as his

overthrow and the crackdown, the Obama administration suspended much of its $1.3 billion in annual military aid to Cairo. But last month it announced it would resume some of the aid, partly to help in the fight against militants. Monitors from the European Union and U.S.funded Democracy International are observing the vote, and more than 400,000 members of the security forces have been deployed to secure polling stations across the country. As voting began, one of Egypt’s state-run TV stations reported a bomb had exploded outside a polling station. The Interior Ministry denied the report, saying the noise was a car back-firing.

Abdel Fatah al-Sisi

manager at an engineering firm. Interrupting him, the person next to him said: “But most people want someone with experience, and that person is Sisi. Look at his experience in military intelligence. He knows how to work with the state.” Since the army overthrew the king in 1952, Egypt has been ruled by a succession of military men - Gamal

“Witnesses and security officials said 400 Mursi supporters staged a march against the election in Kerdasa, a town on the Cairo outskirts where 14 policemen were killed in an attack last August after the security forces killed hundreds of Mursi supporters.”

Courtesy: REUTERS

International Features

Ukraine’s Next President And Moscow’s Offer UKRAINE’s next president pledged yesterday to restore control over the separatist east with a more effective military operation, and said he would meet Russian officials in a matter of weeks to secure their help in resolving the crisis. Moscow said it was ready for dialogue with Petro Poroshenko but he should scale back his armed forces’ campaign in the east, where pro-Moscow gunmen have declared independence in two provinces. Ukrainians rallied overwhelmingly in Sunday’s election behind Poroshenko, a billionaire owner of chocolate factories and political veteran, hoping the burly 48-year-old can rescue the nation from the brink of bankruptcy, civil war and dismemberment by their former Soviet masters in the Kremlin. Preliminary results with about half of votes counted gave Poroshenko 53.7 percent of the vote towering over a field of 21 candidates with enough to avert a run-off. His closest challenger, former premier Yulia Tymoshenko, secured just 13.1 percent and made clear she would concede. In a news conference yesterday, Poroshenko made clear his most urgent task is finding a modus vivendi with the giant neighbor that has seemed poised to carve Ukraine up since a pro-Russian president was ousted in a popular revolt in February. “I hope Russia will support efforts to tackle the situation in the east,” Poroshenko said. He said he planned to meet Russian officials in the first half of June.

Poroshenko said he was ready to talk to proMoscow separatists who lay down their arms, but would not meet with “terrorists” who threaten the security of the state. Ukraine’s “antiterrorist” military operation against rebels in the east would press on but must be more effective, he said. So far, Ukraine’s military forces have had little success against rebels who have declared independent “people’s republics” in the eastern industrial heartland. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov repeated a weekend promise by President Vladimir Putin that Moscow would respect the will of Ukrainians. Moscow was ready for dialogue with Poroshenko but Kiev should not step up its military campaign, Lavrov said. Poroshenko’s robust margin gives him a firm mandate, even though millions of Ukrainians were unable to vote in eastern regions prowled by armed pro-Moscow separatists. Many Ukrainians clearly rallied behind the frontrunner as a way to demonstrate national unity, three months after a proRussian president was ousted in a popular revolt and Moscow responded by seizing the Crimea peninsula, massing troops on the frontier and expressing sympathy with armed separatists. A veteran survivor of Ukraine’s feuding political class, Poroshenko served in cabinets drawn from governments on both sides of Ukraine’s pro- and antiRussian divide, but threw his weight and money

behind the revolt that brought down his Moscowbacked predecessor in February. He has taken a heavy burden on his shoulders,” said Larisa, a schoolteacher

were killed in the region last week. Yesterday, the international airport in Donetsk, the biggest city of the Donbass, closed after dozens of armed separatists

supplier, seems determined to maintain a hold over the second most populous exSoviet republic. Nor is it clear that Poroshenko has new

Poroshenko can be sure of a welcome from the European Union and the United States - President Barack Obama hailed the election as a step toward restoring Ukrainian unity.

Ukrainians react to Petro Poroshenko’s declared election victory. Poroshenko says it’s time to end conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

who was among crowds watching the results on Independence Square, where pro-Western “EuroMaidan” protests ended in bloodshed in February that prompted President Viktor Yanukovich to flee to Russia. “I just want all of this to be over. I think that’s what everybody wants.” In the eastern Donbass coalfield, where militants shut polling stations cutting off some 10 percent of the national electorate from the vote, rebels scoffed at the “fascist junta” and announced a plan to cleanse their “people’s republic” of “enemy troops”. More than 20 people

arrived at the terminal in the early hours to demand the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the area. No violence was reported. Claiming a popular mandate for a resumption of efforts to bind the nation of 45 million into association with the European Union - a drive that triggered the whole crisis six months ago - Poroshenko said he was ready to negotiate with Putin and called Russia a vital partner. He insisted Crimea must be returned. Yet it remains unclear how the tycoon can turn firmly westward as long as Russia, Ukraine’s major market and vital energy

“Declaring that his first trip would be to the Donbass - though quite when is unclear as it may take some time to be sworn in - Poroshenko said he was ready to negotiate with anyone, and to offer the region autonomy, Russian language rights and budgetary powers that many want in the east.”

answers to resolving the uprising in the industrial east, given the weakness of his forces and the threat of Russian military intervention - a threat that has raised fears of a new Cold War, or worse, and has been met by only tentative U.S. and EU economic sanctions. Declaring that his first trip would be to the Donbass - though quite when is unclear as it may take some time to be sworn in Poroshenko said he was ready to negotiate with anyone, and to offer the region autonomy, Russian language rights and budgetary powers that many want in the east. “To people who have taken up arms but are not using them, we are ready to give amnesty,” he told an earlier news conference at which he fielded questions in a fluent mix of Ukrainian, Russian and English. “As for those who are killing, they are terrorists and no country in the world conducts negotiations with terrorists.”

But although Putin told an international audience at the weekend he was ready to work with a new Ukrainian administration, Russia could still use the gaps in the election in the east to challenge its legitimacy. A senior member of Putin’s party, deputy parliamentary speaker Sergei Neverov, gave a taste of that when he wrote on Facebook: “It is hard to recognize the legitimacy of elections when tanks and artillery are wiping out civilians and a third of the population is driven to the polling stations at gunpoint.” He ridiculed Western leaders for endorsing the vote. In a statement, Obama did not pre-empt the results by naming Poroshenko but praised Ukrainians for turning out to vote. He called the election “another important step forward in the efforts of the Ukrainian government to unify the country and reach out to all of its citizens to ensure their concerns are addressed and aspirations met”. Courtesy Reuters

International Car Bombings In Homs

Al-Qaida Claims Responsibility

HOMS, Syria - Al-Qaida’s main affiliate in Syria claimed responsibility yesterday for two deadly car bombings in a pro-government neighborhood of the central city of Homs. The Sunday attacks, in which at least 10 people died, undermined the semblance of peace that had returned to the shattered Syrian city since a ceasefire deal in May between rebels and President Bashar Assad’s forces. The claim of responsibility was posted on the Nusra Front’s Twitter feed. “God has given a gift to his warrior servants of the Nusra Front in Homs,” said the statement. “The two (cars) were detonated at the same time to kill the greatest number of thugs,” it said, referring to pro-government gunmen. Sunday’s explosions struck the city’s Zahra district, which is predominantly inhabited by Alawites and Christians who have mostly supported Assad in the civil war, or remained neutral. Syria’s conflict, now in its fourth year, has killed at least 160,000 people, according to activists. The bombings in Zahra suggest that even as rebels steadily lose ground across Syria to pro-government forces, groups like the alQaida-linked Nusra Front can still turn to large-scale bombings and attacks to pressure Assad. The latest attacks could also

threaten an agreement that is being negotiated between the government side and the rebels in the al-Waar neighborhood, across the Orontes River from Homs. “The explosions ... may affect this agreement negatively,” said Thaer Khalidiya, an activist from Homs. Another Homs-based activist, Beibars Tilawi, said the rebels from al-Waar seem willing to leave the area, fearing for the fate of its tens of thousands of residents if the government blockade continues.

Thai Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-Ocha looks at reporters after addressing them at the Royal Thai Army Headquarters in Bangkok.

Thai Coup Leader Threatens Crackdown On Protests BANGKOK - Thai coup leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha said yesterday he had been formally endorsed by the king as head of a military council that will run the country, and warned he would use force if political protests flared up again. Prayuth seized power on May 22, saying the army would restore order after nearly seven months of sometimes deadly street demonstrations. The military has taken into custody scores of politicians, activists and others. CHANGE OF NAME

OJEFIA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mercy Omavuaye Ojefia now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Imade Mercy Omavuaye. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note.

Emmanuel Osunde turns 5 years today, May 27, 2014. Congrats from Mummy and Daddy.

“Will we go back to where we were before? If you want to do that, I will need to use force and impose the law strictly,” Prayuth said in a statement he read on television. “You will have to forgive any tough measures as they are necessary.” He did not set a timeframe for how long the army would stay in power, although he said he hoped to hold elections soon. The royal endorsement is a significant formality in Thailand, where the monarchy is the most important institution. But Prayuth’s address would have provoked conflicting reaction in a country polarized by nearly a decade of rivalry between the royalist establishment, of which Prayuth is a member, and Thaksin Shinawatra, a populist tycoon who broke the political mould. Prayuth, wearing a formal white dress uniform, said he would set up a council of advisers but gave no details on the form of a government that will run the country under his military junta, the National Council for Peace and Order. “The country needs a prime minister,” he said. The military ousted the remnants of a government that had been led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin’s sister, until she was removed by a court on May 7 for abuse of power. Thaksin was ousted as premier in a 2006 coup. The military has taken over with a heavy hand, throwing out the constitution, dissolving the Senate and censoring the media. Anyone who insults the monarchy or violates the military’s orders will be tried in a military court. Despite warnings, small crowds of people voicing opposition to the coup have been gathering daily in Bangkok since the takeover, as well as in the north and northeast, strongholds of the ousted government. There have been no serious clashes. Yesterday, about 100 people gathered at Bangkok’s Victory Monument where about 1,000 protesters massed on Sunday. Some shouted “we want elections” and “coup get out”, others held up signs with

messages such as “we want democracy”. Some police and soldiers blocked a nearby road. While the protests are a nuisance for the army, a more serious threat would be armed resistance from Thaksin’s “red shirt” loyalists. They have always threatened to fight a coup but with so many of their leaders detained or in hiding, activists say they have no plan for

opposition. Authorities seized weapons and detained activists in the northeast last week. Yesterday, an army ranger was killed in Trat province, near the Cambodian border, in a clash with suspected pro-Thaksin gunmen during a search, the army said. Earlier yesterday, Suthep Thaugsuban, a former proestablishment politician who led

protests that undermined Yingluck’s government, was released on bail, his lawyer said. He had been held since the coup. The army has also allowed Yingluck to go home, although she remains under military supervision with soldiers guarding her residence, a military official said on Sunday. But the easing of restrictions on Yingluck will do little to dispel concern among her supporters that the military is intent on a crackdown for reasons other than simply restoring order.

PALACE PRESS RELEASE The Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin has directed that this Press Release be re-issued. In a few weeks time (June to be precise), the Omo N’Oba will be celebrating his Birthday Anniversary. We wish to use this medium to invite attention to the Press Release issued on 9th May 2006, wherein we advised the Omo N’Oba’s friends, relations and wellwishers that the Omo N’Oba’s actual age should no longer be stated in greeting cards, print and electronic media. It will be enough to simply wish the Omo N’ Oba happy Birthday. We hereby remind all about the Omo N’Oba’s directive in this regard. The Omo N’Oba prays God Almighty and his Ancestors to richly bless you all.

Issues

Indecent Dressing: Effects And Way By IMONOFITANUTI MOMODU

THIS input would be adequately and satisfactorily elucidated or clarified by providing answers to the following questions. *What is dress? * What is the origin of dress? *What purpose is dress or dressing designed to fulfill? *What is Indecent dressing? *What are its sources and origin? What are its effects on our society? What are the views of our society and the scriptures? Dress is a piece of clothing or wool designed differently to be worn by women/girl, man/boy that covers the attractive and vital parts of his or her body. This means the type and design for our female folk is different from the type and design for our male folk. Hence trousers, shokoto, dashikin Agbada, buba, e.t.c are type of designs culturally and spititually allowed for our male folk. Likewise, the female is allowed by naturally and spiritually to wear skirts, blouse, brassirere, gown, hijab, scarf e.tc, which the males cannot wear and derive comfort from the society. From manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and legendary lore, we learnt that Dress was first worn by AD AM AND EVE ADAM was the first mankind created by Allah.

Eve was created from one of his ribs, to be his wife, complement his activities in all ramifications of human endeavor procreate save him from solitary existence and provide him with enjoyment. They dwelt in the garden of Eden until when they were persuaded by the devil to eat the fruit their creator had forbidden them from

eating from unset. This disobedience led to their expulsion from the Garden of Eden to the Earth where we are languishing for the sake of the sin. On Earth, their eyes became opened they immediately realized that

they were naked; therefore, have to provide a permanent solution to it which is dressing. This is the origin of dressing. The first type of dress designed and worn by progenitors is made of leaf. This only covers the lower part of their abdomen(waist). With technological development, man can now turn cotton, rubber,

and other synthetic fabrics into clothes, designed specially to cover the attractive parts of the body of mankind living or dead. Dress is designed to cover/fulfil the following conditions. Nakedness To cover nakedness/

Forward

nudity. The primary aim of dress is to cover nakedness. Nakedness is the situation whereby our natural body or bodies are raged and empowered by the government to enforce the street checking of indecent dressing in our society. Our Religious leaders

should intensify in their efforts to eradicate this evil vices. The youths should also be made to see the needs why they should join the crusade. Government should train special teachers to teach moral education from

primary schools to the tertiary institutions of learning as this is lacking in our educational institution today. Our pastors and church leaders should be made to realize their responsibilities to God and human race by repulsing the indecently

dressed females from their churches under mine their offers and what ever. The putting on head-tie by women should be made compulsory as their hair is one of the most attractive part of their body (ies) left uncovered with clothes or any other protective

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It prevents our body from heavy rain. During heavy down-pour, man can move freely with a well sown rain coat. It moisturizes our hair and skin. A well designed dress keeps our skin and hair moistured all the time. This promotes good looking, fresh and clean.â&#x20AC;?

material. To add beauty to our natural physique A well designed dress normally hide the blemishes on human body. A perfectly designed dress, covers ughiness of parts of our body, example rough skin, bad sore, k-leg, big navel etc. To promote a healthy skin. Decent dressing prevents the skin from dust, attacks of harmful insects, and sever damage from sharp objects. To prevent us from sever cold weather. During hammatten season, decent dressing keep us warm. This make us feel comfortable. It prevents our body from heavy rain. During heavy down-pour, man can move freely with a well sown rain coat. It moisturizes our hair and skin. A well designed dress keeps our skin and hair moistured all the time. This promotes good looking, fresh and clean. Absortion of sweat. Underwears like singlets absorbs sweat on our body like the blothing paper absorbs ink. Dress is to our body as muscles is to the skeleton, as skull is to the brain, as horacic cavity is to the heart, as shield is to the sword, as non-conductor is to lift wire. To package some of the elongated parts of our body examples, braisseve; pant, scarf etc. Where dressing does not satisfy these conditions or the primary aim with which it is designed to meet, it becomes INDECENT from Longman Dictionary of contemporary English, New Edition inter prints it as something that is shocking and offensive, usually bebecause it involves sex or show parts of the body that are usually covered.

Jan Vertonghen Not Seeking Spurs Exit

Welbeck Reveals Moyes Frustrations MANCHESTER United striker Danny Welbeck has admitted he found life under David Moyes difficult but refused to confirm whether he is considering his future at the club. Welbeck has spoken for the first time about comments Moyes made last December saying he needed “to be the last off the training field” and was not following the example being set by some of his United teammates. Talking to reporters at England’s World Cup training base in Portugal, Welbeck has now said: “I was pretty surprised [at the Moyes comments] to be honest. Before he made that statement I was doing extra training. Maybe he just didn’t see it. “I’ve grown up at Manchester United and been professional all through my career and I always do extra work. It’s born and bred in me to do extra work after training and maybe he wasn’t seeing that extra stuff. I was doing extras in the gym and on the pitch.” Welbeck also said he had struggled when played out on the left last season, as he believes he is most effective in a central striking position. “It does get frustrating. You want to be playing in a certain position and you’re not getting the opportunity to do that,” he said. “It’s the same for everyone — when they are being played out of

position, they don’t really like it. I’d like to play central. I’ve been playing on the left for a while and it’s got to the time where I want to stake a place up front. “My goals-per-game ratio is better for England. I’m much more free up front as there are three in midfield and three up front. That way there’s a bit more defensive cover rather than me being that defensive cover. Maybe I’m kind of let off the leash a bit more for England than United. “For United I’m more likely to be left wing of a four-man midfield with only two centremids so it’s a bit more difficult for me to maybe make those runs to get in and score those goals when I’ve got to think about my defensive duties as well.” Asked whether he was considering his future at the club, he replied: “I’d rather not answer that question.” However, he was encouraged by the confirmation that Louis van Gaal would take over as United manager for next season. “I heard the news about Van Gaal and I am happy,” Welbeck said. “He is a great man, a great manager. Looking at his CV tells you he has managed at some big clubs. I’m pretty sure he will be watching the World Cup. I want to make sure I show my quality.”

Jan Vertonghen

FIFpro Wants UEFA To Ease Sanctions

PLAYERS’ union leaders want UEFA to ease the punishment imposed on Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain for breaking financial fair play rules. FIFPro Europe president Bobby Barnes hopes UEFA can find “some way of lessening the blow” to avoid excluding players from Champions League squads. “The last thing we want is for players to miss the Champions League,” Barnes told the Associated Press ahead of Saturday’s final, in which Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid 4-1 after extra-time, calling for “maybe a staged or phased version of the punishment.” A UEFA panel’s sanctions for overspending include cutting senior player quotas for Man City and PSG to 21 from 25 in next season’s competition. That is intended to force clubs to promote home-trained young talent instead of relying so much on expensively bought players, meaning some elite stars could be left ineligible to play in UEFA competitions.

Danny Welbeck

England Can Emulate Liverpool, disappointment of missing out STURRIDGE formed one on the title, Sturridge insists Says Sturridge half of a lethal strike partnership Liverpool have moved on and with Luis Suarez at Anfield this season, as Liverpool came agonisingly close to claiming a first top-flight title since 1990, eventually losing out by two points to Manchester City. Few had given Brendan Rodgers’ men a chance of mounting a title challenge before the start of the season and, in similar fashion, Roy Hodgson’s England side are considered little more than outsiders in Brazil. However, Sturridge - buoyed by a return of 21 Premier League goals - sees no reason why England cannot compete against the best teams in the world. “There are other nations that are in a similar situation to us,”

he said. “There are no real favourites at this World Cup. Everyone’s got a chance. “It’s like when you look at the Premier League last season. Nobody would’ve said Liverpool would be challenging or have a chance of winning it. So regardless of whether we have pressure or not, whether people are saying we’ll win it or we won’t - it doesn’t matter. “It’s a different level of football to the Premier League. You have to understand it’s everyone’s dream to play in the World Cup. I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a kid, so for me I’m just excited about it.” Rather than dwell on the

JAN Vertonghen has told Sky Sports that he is not looking to leave the Premier League club this summer. Tottenham are currently without a manager after Tim Sherwood parted company with the side following their sixthplaced finish. A mixed 2013-14 campaign has led to speculation about players’ futures at White Hart Lane, including Vertonghen. But the Belgium international, who signed for Spurs from Ajax in 2012, has insisted he is happy with the North London club, regardless of who takes over, with Ajax boss Frank de Boer strongly linked with the post. “I’ve got a couple more years at Tottenham and I’m happy, and I want to stay there, so it doesn’t matter who the manager will be,” Vertonghen said. “He [de Boer] is a good manager but there are other good managers as well so, again, the chairman will make a good decision.”

have started to appreciate what was a superb campaign, including securing a return to the UEFA Champions League after a four-season absence. He added: “It was boxed off the day after we lost it. You’ve got to move on. Your lives have to move on. “It obviously wasn’t a great feeling, but we set ourselves the target of getting into the Champions League and we achieved that, so everybody’s content. “But sometimes you get so close, you feel like you’ve almost won it and then don’t achieve that it’s disappointing.&qu

Barnes sees room for negotiation because UEFA has not yet specified how many homegrown players must be included in the 21. “If there is a discussion to be had with UEFA then FIFPro would like to be involved in it,” the former West Ham United and England youth player said. “With the best will in the world, players are not responsible for the financial running of the football club.” Squad limits were among wide ranging penalties announced this month for nine European clubs, including fines of 60 million euros for the champions of England and France. It was unclear if Man City and PSG must still select at least eight homegrown players — including four trained at the club, and four more within its home country — or be allowed as few as five. UEFA said in a statement to the AP that it will give detail “in the coming days how it will apply the homegrown player element of the sanctions settlements.” Any relaxation on squad limit

Paolo Di Canio

rules is likely to irritate many in the 200-member European Club Association (ECA), who have curbed spending to meet UEFA’s demands The ECA, like FIFPro, has been a key stakeholder in UEFA’s lengthy introduction of the new rules. Barnes stressed that FIFPro “totally supports” the project. “We understand something has to be done,” he said. “I would like to think that if it happens in a phased way, it gives people an opportunity to get used to it and adjust.” Barnes said FIFPro also wants UEFA to look at relaxing rules on

suspensions for yellow cards that forced Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso to miss the win over Atletico. The Real Madrid midfielder’s one-match ban was triggered by receiving his third yellow card of the competition in the second leg of the semifinal against Bayern Munich. UEFA operates different rules in its European Championship finals tournament. Yellow cards are wiped from disciplinary records after the quarterfinals to ensure no player misses the final for a yellow card offense. FIFA has the same system at the World Cup.

Di Canio Keen On Celtic Job

FORMER Celtic forward Paolo Di Canio would consider a return to Parkhead as Neil Lennon’s replacement, the Italian’s agent has claimed. Di Canio has been out of work since he was sacked by Sunderland last September.

But his UK representative Phil Spencer says the 45-year-old would relish the chance to become Hoops new manager. He is quoted in a number of newspapers saying: “Paolo would be keen to speak to Celtic. “He played for the club and he certainly has a good relationship with the fans. “There has been no contact between Paolo and the club. But if there was, it’s something he would consider.” Di Canio joined Celtic from AC Milan in 1996 and went on to win the Scottish Professional Footballers’ Associations’ player of the year award in his first season. He quit the club after just one season following a pay dispute with then owner Fergus McCann before moving to Sheffield Wednesday. His spell in charge at the Stadium of Light was dogged by controversy and he was axed just six weeks into the season after failing to win any of Sunderland’s first five fixtures.

Messi Is Barca’s Solution NEYMAR has defended Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi from criticism, telling Brazilian television that Messi is the solution to Barca’s ills, not the problem. Sport reports Neymar speaking with Globo in an interview that touched on the forthcoming World Cup as well as the season just gone. It was Neymar’s first at Camp Nou and ended with Barca in second place, the Catalans failing to claim a trophy. The year was turbulent at Barca, with controversy over Neymar’s arrival, the resignation of President Sandro Rosell and the coming and going of Tata Martino, who has since been

Lionel Messi and Neymar

UCL Triumph Validates Move - Bale

REAL Madrid hero Gareth Bale believes winning the Champions League proves he was right to force through his move to the Spanish giants from Tottenham Hotspur last year. “It’s amazing,” he said, having Lisbon celebrated accordingly. “It’s hard to describe what it scored the 110th-minute goal that took Real into the lead against felt like,” Bale said. “Seeing all Atletico that led them on to a 4-1 the fans and all the players run win. “It’s the reason I joined Real over it was an amazing feeling.” The Lisbon goal follows Bale’s Madrid, to play in competitions like this and be able to win them. superb solo winner in this For me it is a dream come true.” season’s Copa del Rey final win Bale, who cost a reported 100 against Barcelona. “It has been great. But not just million euros in a deal that took until the final day of last to score the goals but to work summer’s transfer window to hard for the team and to get the complete, missed three good trophies that we deserved,” he chances in the final in Lisbon’s said. “We are all happy and just Estadio da Luz, including a first- want to enjoy it.” Cristiano Ronaldo, who later half effort that would have given scored a penalty to make him the Real the lead. As it was, they had to fight until first player to score in a the 93rd minute to cancel out Champions League final for Diego Godin’s 38th-minute strike different clubs, was first over to when Sergio Ramos headed congratulate Bale, who was brought in last August. home from a corner. “We work well on the pitch “Sometimes you don’t get the rub of the green but you have to together,” said Bale of his keep persisting, keep going and partnership with the Portuguese you may get that chance that will forward. “We are enjoying make the difference,” Bale told playing our football, the whole reporters. “Thankfully I was able team. Anybody will tell you no to get that chance and I was able matter who scores the goals we are all happy to win trophies. He to take it.” His goal, an angled header after obviously got on the scoresheet Thibaut Courtois had denied tonight and that was important for Angel Di Maria, was the moment us. “I felt that when we got the that Real’s 10th European crown was won, and their contingent in equaliser we had the momentum

going into extra time and we looked a bit fresher. They had a few players who had cramps and stuff. We showed what a good physical condition we are in and thankfully got the job done.” Real assistant coach Paul Clement, the Englishman who accompanied Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti to Madrid after working with him at PSG and Chelsea, praised Bale’s determination and the crucial contribution of Ramos. “We were both very happy and the only thing I needed to say to him was ‘well done’,” Clement revealed of his immediate postmatch conversation with Bale. “He’s had a terrific first season for us, unbelievable. The sort of stuff that dreams are made of. “In normal time, over the 90 minutes, he probably had the best chances. But it was a wonderful moment at the back post in extra time and credit to his fitness and that physical stature he’s got. It’s just been a great first year for Gareth.” Clement admitted his own fears that Saturday would not be Real’s night. As the clock ticked into injury time, it seemed Atletico could hold off their cross-town

rivals. “As soon as it goes into time added on, you’re not sure it’s going to happen,” Clement said. “But that little moment of quality, a good cross and a fantastic finish from Ramos, who was outstanding, a real top, top player. He’s been brilliant in the last couple of months, especially attacking, and in the Champions League semifinal and now the final, he was wonderful in all three matches.” In extra time, Real pushed for a winner, but had already made their preparations for a penalty shootout when Bale scored. “I’d written the list out of the penalty takers,” said Clement. “You have to prepare for all eventualities. But I’ll keep the names to myself.”

Gareth Bale

replaced as Coach by Luis Enrique. Messi was even the target of criticism but Neymar has insisted he will always be by Messi’s side.

“Everyone sees the failure of a way. In my opinion, Messi is the best player I’ve ever seen,” Neymar said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. If I say something, I will defend it to the death. He was our solution, never our problem.”

Atletico Prepare For Player Exodus

ATLETICO Madrid coach Diego Simeone warned his side’s fans immediately after Saturday’s 4-1 extra-time Champions League final defeat to neighbours Real Madrid that the summer is likely to see important players coming and going at the club. Atletico seemed headed for a first ever European Cup due to Diego Godin’s first-half header, but deep into added time Sergio Ramos equalised for Madrid, and an exhausted Rojiblanco side could do little in the additional 30 minutes as Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo added a harsh look to the final scoreline. While winning a first La Liga title in 18 years this season should help lessen the pain of such a defeat, Colchoneros fans now have to deal with a likely exodus of key players from the club this summer. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is set to return to Chelsea with his third season-long loan deal having ended, and could now remain at Stamford Bridge as first-choice next year. Attacker David Villa, midfielders Jose

Sosa, Tiago Mendes, Cristian Rodriguez and Diego Ribas, and reserve goalkeeper Dani Aranzubia, are all also out of contract — with most if not all likely to leave. Thirty-six-goal top scorer Diego Costa is widely expected to also move to Chelsea in the summer in a deal worth around 32 million pounds, while cash-strapped Atletico may find it difficult to turn down big-money bids for attacker Adrian Lopez, midfielders Koke and Mario Suarez and defenders Filipe Luis, Godin and Miranda. While Simeone mentioned no names at his post-game news conference in Lisbon, he did admit that planning for next season would begin immediately, and suggested there would be plenty of ins and outs. “On Monday we will meet with [Jose Luis] Caminero, Andrea [Berta], Miguel Angel [Gil] and Clemente [Villaverde] to prepare the team for next season,” Simeone said. “We will see about the exits, the arrivals, the lads who might leave and the intentions of those who could come in.”

Champions League final against Atletico Madrid, netting in the third minute of injury time to send the game to extra-time. Madrid scored three more in the additional 30 minutes to win 4-1 and claim La Decima, 12 years after they last lifted the European Cup. The trophy was paraded around Madrid last night, ending at Santiago Bernabeu, and AS reports Ramos as saying during the parade that he hopes to end his career with Los Blancos. “I feel privileged to be part of the world’s best team,” the centre-back said. “I say this with a big mouth: I hope to be here for many years and retire here. “From the first day I noticed the affection of the fans and I will always be grateful. It’s a dream come true.” AS adds that Madrid are expected this summer to discuss a new contract with Ramos’ representatives. Ramos currently

earns around +6m but that could rise to +9m to make him the club’s third-highest-paid player, behind Gareth Bale [ +10m] and Cristiano Ronaldo [+17m]. Ramos last renewed his contract in 2011 and that deal expires in 2017. “The Lisbon goal is the most important thing in my life,” Ramos added. “When I saw that the ball went in it was a unique feeling that can’t be explained with words.”

I Want To Retire At Madrid - Ramos

SERGIO Ramos has said he never wants to leave Real Madrid and reports in Spain suggest the defender is in line for a new contract. Ramos scored the vital equalising goal in Saturday’s

Paul Clement Eyes Prem REAL Madrid’s English Job assistant coach Paul Clement has said he is ready to leave the Bernabeu as he looks to prove himself as a manager. Clement, who has worked with coach Carlo Ancelotti since the Italian spent two years in charge of Chelsea between 2009 and 2011, also working with him at Paris Saint-Germain. And after watching Real win their 10th European Cup with a 4-1 victory over Atletico Madrid after extra time in Saturday’s Champions League final, he said he was keen to test himself further. “I think the time for me to be a No. 1 is soon,” the Mirror quoted

- Neymar

the 42-year-old as saying. “A few opportunities have come my way, but this is a difficult place to leave. “It’s a great club, a great city, a great tradition, and it gives you the opportunity to win things. “I’m not ruling anything out. It’s more than likely it will be in England — but if a nice opportunity came up in another country, I wouldn’t rule it out.” He said working with Ancelotti had “given me a lot of confidence and given me the belief that one day I can do it,” adding: “But he hasn’t kicked me out of the door just yet.”

Sergio Ramos

Athletics:

Form,

Blake Back In Leads Jamaica To 4x100 Relay Title

OLYMPIC silver medallist Yohan Blake made it a perfect trip to the inaugural IAAF World Relays as he anchored Jamaica to a triumphant run in the 4x100 metres relay on Sunday. With double world champion Asbel Kiprop on A night after leading a anchor, the men clocked Jamaican team to a world record in the 4x200 relay, 14:22.22 to erase a previous Blake brought his Kenyan team’s 2009 record of countrymen home in 37.77 14:36.23. Collins Cheboi, Silas seconds to top Trinidad and Kiplagat and James Magut Tobago in the final race of the gave Kenya a comfortable two-day programme. “After our world and lead and Kiprop anchored the Olympic gold (in the 4x100), final 1,500 metres to earn the we wanted to confirm our Africans $100,000, including number one position today,” $50,000 for the win and said Blake, who missed the another $50,000 for the world championships and record. The Kenyan women were much of last season with a just as convincing on hamstring injury. Saturday in taking down the “It feels great getting into championship mode ... I am women’s world record in the event. back on track.” The U.S. women had a The Jamaicans were missing world record holder perfect Sunday, grabbing all Usain Bolt, who has yet to run three of the relays they this year, and key relay contested. Strong performances by member Michael Frater, but veterans Nesta Carter and Sanya Richards-Ross and Nickel Ashmeade and young Natasha Hastings helped Julian Forte had Blake in power the Americans to position for another winning victory in the 4x400 in 3:21.73 ahead of secondromp. “We have to work on some placed Jamaica. The American women also of the exchanges, but overall collected wins in the 4x800 it went well,” said Carter, who and 4x200 helped Jamaica win the world (8:01.58) (1:29.45), topping Kenya in title last year. Trinidad and Tobago were the longer relay and Britain in a well-beaten second in 38.04 the sprint. Jamaica could only finish with Britain third in 38.19. third in the 4x200 even with Kenya’s men delivered the Olympic and world champion day’s only world record, shattering the global mark in Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on the infrequently run 4x1500 anchor. The Americans also won the relay.

men’s 4x400 metres relay with world champion LaShawn Merritt grabbing the lead in the final 20 metres as the U.S. edged host Bahamas

in 2:57.25. But disaster struck in the men’s 4x100 as the U.S. team were disqualified after a poor exchange in the rounds.

Yohan Blake

THE Super Eagles have arrived in London ahead of their international friendly against the Tartan Army of Scotland on Wednesday night in preparation for the Brazil 2014 World Cup. A statement by Ben Alaiya, the Super Eagles Media Officer, said on Sunday in that the team with Head Coach, Stephen Keshi at the head of the delegation left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Sunday morning. It said the team arrived the Heathrow Airport in London at exactly 2:15 p.m. local time, which is also Nigerian time. The statement said the team’s secretary, Dayo Achor and the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) friendly games Consultant, JairoPacho, were on ground to welcome the team. Fourteen players made the trip from Abuja to London, while Ukraine-based striker, Michael Babatunde, was already waiting at the team’s hotel, the statement added. Among them were nine foreign-based stars, while the

Gerard Deulofeu

“Until June 2 we do not need to give the final list to FIFA so why do it ahead of time?’’ he said at a news conference on Sunday. His decision means the likes of Diego Costa — the Atletico striker with a troublesome hamstring — has more time to get fit for the tournament. Deulofeu is the main beneficiary of Del Bosque’s delay, with the Barcelona midfielder now given the chance to position himself at the head of the queue in case of any unexpected pull-outs. “We trust him and if someone were to pull out tomorrow he would be top of the list,’’ Del Bosque added. Uncapped Athletic Bilbao defensive midfielder Ander Iturraspe remains in the group, while Chelsea striker Fernando Torres and Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata have a final chance to earn their places in Brazil. The duo are two of those thought to be primed for the chop but now get an extra chance to persuade Del Bosque otherwise. Del Bosque also added that the list was not final when asked about Manchester City duo Jesus

Super Eagles Against Scotland Tomorrow rest are based in Nigeria. The list includes Ogenyi Onazi, Victor Obinna Nsofor, Ahmed Musa, Michael Uchebo, Godfrey Oboabona, Gariel Reuben, Juwon Oshaniwa, Efe Ambrose and Sunday Mba. The statement, however, said that as at the time of this report, Emmanuel Emenike and Ramon Azeez were the latest to arrive camp. The home-based stars are Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Daniel Akpeyi, Kunle Odunlami and Ejike Uzoenyi. According to the statement, other players are expected to join the team by midnight on Sunday. It said the team would have its first training session for the friendly on Monday evening, with all the 30 players invited for the World Cup preparation expected to take part.

Reus Named Player Of The Year BORUSSIA Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus has been named Bundesliga ‘Player of the Season’ by his fellow players in Germany’s top flight. Reus, 24, won ahead of teammate Robert Lewandowski and Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben, Philipp Lahm and Thiago Alcantara, while Manuel

Neuer is named ‘Keeper of the Season’. Two hundred-and-twenty Bundesliga footballers took part in the traditional voting in kicker magazine. 45.6 percent of them placed Reus

in top spot after the Germany international excelled in the final third of the season, when BVB coach Juergen Klopp

Deulofeu Given Spain Call-Up

GERARD Deulofeu has been rewarded for his impressive loan spell with Everton with a call-up to the Spain squad for their preWorld Cup friendly with Bolivia. Coach Vincente Del Bosque was expected to trim his provisional 30-man squad for Brazil down to 23 on Sunday, but has instead opted to name 19 players for Friday’s match. The Real and Atletico Madrid players selected in the provisional group earlier this month are omitted after Saturday’s Champions League final, with Del Bosque now going to wait until the June 2 deadline to finalise his squad.

Int’l Friendly

Navas and Alvaro Negredo and Juventus frontman Fernando Llorente. The trio were named in the 30-man squad but have been omitted to face Bolivia. The clash takes place in Seville, with Spain also slated for another friendly against El Salvador on June 7 before they start their title defence against Netherlands six days later. Spain squad to play Bolivia on Friday:

Marco Reus

2015 AYC Qualifiers Flying Eagles to Face Lesotho NIGERIA’S Flying Eagles will take on Lesotho in the third and final round of the 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC) qualifiers in August after the southern Africans eliminated Angola. Lesotho completed the double over Angola on Sunday in Luanda when they beat the home team 1-0 to go through to the next round on a 4-1 aggregate. Lesotho had won the home first leg game in Maseru two

weeks earlier 3-1. The Flying Eagles had earlier on Saturday in Kaduna beaten Tanzania 4-1 for a 6-1 aggregate to qualify for the final round of the qualifiers. The Flying Eagles will now host Lesotho on Aug. 16, while the return leg will hold a fortnight later. The overall winners will advance to the 2015 AYC to be hosted by Senegal in March. Lesotho made their AYC debut

at the 2005 tournament staged by Benin Republic. They lost 0-2 to Morocco, upset Angola 1-0 before they crumbled 1-4 to Egypt. Lesotho recorded only a point at the 2011 AYC, which the Flying Eagles won in South Africa. They lost 0-2 to Egypt, 1-2 to hosts South Africa, before they forced Mali to a 1-1 draw to finish bottom of their first round group.

played him in a more central role in midfield. Coming back from a minor injury, Reus scored eight of his 16 Bundesliga goals in that time and set up a further five, lifting his assist total to 14. The impressive run-in not only earned him the prestigious title, but also sparked rumours of a possible transfer. But Reus, who reportedly has a 35 million euros buy-out clause to be activated in 2015 in his contract until 2017, has reiterated several times that he is happy at Dortmund and currently not thinks about leaving his hometown club. Bundesliga top scorer Lewandowski finished second with 17.7 percent of the vote, having impressed for Dortmund despite his impending free transfer to Bayern this summer. Bayern trio Robben, Lahm and Thiago finished on ranks three to five, with last year’s winner Franck Ribery only receiving six votes in total. Neuer topped the goalkeeper ranking with 27.5 percent. The Germany international defended his title from the previous years, but Leverkusen’s Bernd Leno came close with 22.5 percent of the vote. Barcelona’s MarcAndre ter Stegen collected 12.4 percent of the vote for his campaign at Moenchengladbach and finished ahead of Dortmund’s Roman Weidenfeller and Schalke’s Ralf Faehrmann.

French Open... French Open... French Open...

Djokovic Favourite For Title, But ...

I honestly can’t choose between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic for the title this year. In years gone by, it has always been a case of backing Rafa and wondering if anyone can upset him. Which usually turned out to be wishful thinking. Now it is not like that. Between those two wonderful players, I think it is 50-50. It is difficult to look at Djokovic beating Nadal at the Rome Masters last week, and thinking that he is somehow the underdog here. But then again, this is Roland Garros. It is Rafa’s stage, and trying to visualise him losing to anyone at his ‘home’ is very difficult. It has happened of course when Robin Soderling beat him in 2009, but overcoming Rafa over five sets in a Grand Slam in Paris is the ultimate challenge for any tennis player in the world, on any surface.

Serena Williams

Federer Moves On

ROGER Federer eased into the second round of the French Open with a 6-2 6-4 6-2 win against Slovakian Lukas Lacko on Sunday. Watched by his wife, Mirka, and his twin girls, Federer moved gently through the gears against the shaggy-haired Slovakian under grey skies on the Philippe Chatrier show court. The former champion, who has returned to something close to his best form after a disappointing 2013, admitted a trace of fear before the start of the year’s second grand slam. “I wasn’t nervous actually going into the match,” said Federer, 32. “It’s more just like those hints of fear, maybe yesterday, maybe this morning at one point, just for like five seconds ‘Oh, I really hope I don’t have to pack my bags today’, that kind of feeling.” But he had little to fear from Lacko and by mid-afternoon he was once again in a position to help Mirka look after their newly born twin boys. “Everything is great,” Federer said. Sixth seed Tomas Berdych beat Peter Polansky of Canada in straight sets while Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the 13th seed, overcame fellow Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vasselin 7-6(4) 7-5 6-2. Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny, the 15th seed, recovered from two sets down to beat Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain 3-6 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-0 Milos Raonic eased into the second round of the French Open after he beat the feisty Australian Nick Kyrgios 6-3 76(1) 6-3. Raonic pushed Novak Djokovic in the Rome semifinals before losing in three sets to the eventual champion and he eased through the first set against Kyrgios. The eighth seed was broken midway through the second but recovered immediately, leaving

his 19-year-old opponent to hurl his racket to the court, shaking his head. The Australian got increasingly frustrated through the second-set tiebreak, berating himself repeatedly, before Raonic took it 7-1. A finely executed forehand slice from the back of the court forced Kyrgios to hit long, giving Raonic a 2-0 lead in the third set. But it was soon Raonic’s turn to berate himself as a double fault gifted back the break of serve. Another break in the sixth game put Raonic on course for a threeset victory and he served out to win on his third match point. “I felt very good,” said Raonic. “I was able to do the things I wanted to do. In the first round you go in not knowing exactly how things are going to play out, and I was able to, when it mattered, put forward the right attitude and the right level of tennis.”

But particularly a Grand Slam. And particularly in his domain where he has eight titles to his name. Djokovic is the one player who has the kryptonite to undo Superman, but Superman usually finds a way to fight back. That is how it tends to go with Rafa in Paris. He responds to pressure. All logic leads you to suggest Novak is the pre-tournament favourite. He beat Rafa quite comprehensively in Rome. But I think Nadal’s tennis is gradually improving. It may well improve during the fortnight in Paris, and I think we could well have the same old result if it continues to improve. Something tells me to stick with what we know best. It was so close last time between the two in Paris. Just

Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a return to Lukas Lacko of Slovakia during their men’s singles match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros Stadium in Paris.

one point changed it in the semi-finals with Nadal coming through 9-7 in the fifth set, but Djokovic is playing so well ahead of the tournament. Probably better than last season. Interestingly enough, the weather forecast isn’t good at Roland Garros. I think Rafa will suffer a bit with that to get the ball through the surface. The forecast in the first week is dreadful. The second week is a bit better. That would have to suit Djokovic. Rafa needs it to be a lot better. That could work against him. Rafa doesn’t have a brilliant draw. He could face David Ferrer in the last eight with Grigor Dimitrov and Nicolas Almagro in the fourth round all possible obstacles on his way to the semi-finals. All three men are very capable on clay. Djokovic’s path to the semis is better. He has a tricky first round match against Joao Sousa with Jerzy Janowicz, JoWilfried Tsonga and perhaps Milos Raonic or Kei Nishikori blocking his path to the last four, but you would expect him to see off those four on clay. Can Andy Murray contend? If you look at how close he came to beating Nadal in Rome, you would have to give him a chance. How much of a chance depends probably on the levels Nadal - he could face in the last four - and Djokovic are playing at. Murray is also a bit more fragile on clay than the two favourites. Roger Federer is probably alongside Murray as a player you think could do well. For years, Roger has been the second best player on clay in the world. Does that change now because Novak is playing so well?

Serena, Radwanska Roll Into Second Round

WORLD number one Serena Williams huffed and puffed into the second round of the French Open with a 6-2 6-1 win over local favourite Alize Lim. The defending champion long. Williams, who could face her sprayed court Philippe Chatrier with unforced errors in a match older sister Venus in the third that was not as one-sided as the round, did not want to put too much pressure on her scoreline suggested. Williams was so confident she shoulders, having already won would crush her training partner the tournament twice. “This year I’m just going day that she warmed up for the encounter wearing a blazer suit, by day. I do have to say this year but Lim proved to be a I don’t feel as much pressure on tenacious opponent despite her myself as I did last year,” she told a news conference. ranking of 138. “And that’s it. I just am doing In the opening set, Lim claimed 27 points but the best I can.” Lim never seemed to believe surprisingly 23 of those came thanks to Williams’s unforced that she could be the second player to beat Williams in the errors. Williams wasted four match first round of a grand slam. Asked if she was scared to points in the second set before wrapping it up on the fifth when play against Williams, with her opponent sent a backhand whom she sometimes trains at

the Mouratoglou tennis academy, Lim said: “Just after the draw, because very often that’s the kind of match she plays against other girls. “So I tried to focus having positive thoughts, and I thought to myself, Okay, I have played boys and it can’t be worse. “She doesn’t come from another planet, so if I can move well and I can hit my ball well, there is no reason she should win 6-0 6-0.” Polish third seed Agnieszka Radwanska capitalised on Chinese Zhang Shuai’s meltdown to advance. As clouds rapidly gathered

over Court Philippe Chatrier on a chilly morning, the first seven games went against serve before Radwanska bagged the remaining eight games. She ended her hapless opponent’s ordeal on the first match point with a fine volley to set up a meeting with Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic or French wildcard Mathilde Johansson. “It’s important that I settled in two sets and spent only one hour on court,” Radwanska told a courtside interviewer. Venus Williams, wearing a self-designed dress that added splashes of colour to a grey day, showed she is still a force at the

age of 33 by taking, and returning, all that Belinda Bencic could throw at her in winning 6-4 6-1. The 17-year-old Bencic, coached by Martina Hingis’s mother, traded low, hard blows with the American from the back of the court but Williams had too much experience for the Swiss. Another Chinese, Zheng Jie, was also among the early losers, going down 6-7(2) 6-3 6-4 to Anna Schmiedlova of Slovakia. Daniela Hantuchova, another Slovak and seeded 31, came from a set down to beat Jovana Jaksic of Serbia 2-6 6-2 6-4.

CMYK

Caring For The Elderly In Nigeria SOCIOLOGISTS always underscore the need for all members of the society to make pragmatic efforts to cater to the needs of elderly or aged persons. Gerontologists, experts in the field of medical science that deals with diseases and problems of old people, particularly emphasise that this category of people needs special care. They insist that the government and other stakeholders ought to initiate concrete plans on how to care for the elderly and make them useful in the society. The Nigeria Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (NSGG), t h e r e f o r e , underscores the need to have a national ageing policy to address the p e r c e p t i b l e challenges facing old citizens of the country. Prof. Adesola Ogunniyi, the Chairman of the NSGG, said that the policy was somewhat imperative in view of the claim of the United Nations (UN) that Nigeria had about 8.1 million old people, with a growing ageing population. He noted that if the UN figure was anything to go by, concrete efforts should be made to initiate a credible national policy for the elderly to look after the interests of old persons. Ogunniyi said that the NSGG was established to

c o m p l e m e n t government’s efforts to protect the interests of the elderly and facilitate their access to good health care services. Reinforcing the professor’s views, Mr Adeola Adeniji, an 82year-old resident of Abuja, argued that Nigeria did not have adequate plans for the elderly. He said that he had never received any form of assistance from the government, adding that old age had somewhat become a source of worry for most Nigerians because of the plight of old people in the society. Sharing similar sentiments, Mrs Elisabeth Moro, 75, said that life after her retirement from public service had been somewhat harrowing and difficult. She said that due to the fact that she was unable to build a house while in service, she had since been facing untold embarrassment by her landlord whenever it was time to pay rent. Supporting such claims, Mr Yinka Ajomole, the Executive Director of NSGG, observed that there was no concrete policy formulation and implementation process for the aged in Nigeria. He said that the dearth of research data on ageing in the country also constituted a major setback to efforts to ascertain the current status of elderly Nigerians. He, nonetheless, assured the public that the NSGG was committed to enhancing the capacity of the

elderly to remain productive members of the society. Ajomole said that the society was complementing the efforts of nongovernmental organisations, community-based organisations and the

elderly. He, however, argued that the adoption of an evidence-based approach to policy programmes and strategies would also improve the quality of life of the aged. Nevertheless, Ajomole advised the government to incorporate ageing education into the

MATTERS IN FOCUS With Femi Ogunshola instruments to address issues relating to ageing. The minister, who gave the assurance at a recent stakeholders’ consultative and policy summit organised by NSGG in Abuja, conveyed the government’s concern

Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health

government at all levels to increase public awareness on the challenges facing the elderly. He, however, recommended the development of a shared vision and common standpoint with passionate people on ageing in efforts to foster the evolution of strategic relationships within the society. He said that the society would also encourage the conduct of enlightenment campaigns to change the negative attitude of most people toward the

curriculum of educational institutions at all levels and the programmes of the sectors so as to ensure better living standards for old persons. He also suggested that the rights of the elderly to better living conditions ought to be discussed at the ongoing national conference. All the same, Hajiya Zainab Maina, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, said that efforts were underway to domesticate regional and international

about the increasing apathy of citizens toward caring for the elderly. She, however, conceded that care for the elderly had declined considerably because of prevailing economic challenges. Maina noted that the breakdown of extended family support system for older persons and rural-urban migration of younger persons in search of more favourable living conditions had also affected care for the elderly. However, Dr Isabella

Aboderin, a member of NSSG’s Board of Trustees, said that it was important for all stakeholders to brainstorm on ways of improving the wellbeing of the elderly. She underscored the need for Nigeria to formulate a national policy for the aged, adding, however, that the input of all the stakeholders in the proposed policy was essential. Aboderin said that the policy should also look into how to cope with the growing number of older people in the country and the implications. Ms Roseline Kihumba, Partner Relations Adviser, HelpAge International, a rights-based international nongovernmental organisation, said that old persons should have access to agefriendly and affordable health care services. “An age-friendly physical environment that promotes the development and use of innovative technologies that encourage active ageing is very important. “More should be done to expose, investigate and prevent discrimination, abuse and violence against older persons,’’ she said. All in all, analysts stress the need to make pragmatic efforts to promote the wellbeing of old persons because the youth of today will definitely become the elderly of tomorrow. (NAN)

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