Nigerian observer 28 11 2014 by Nigerian Observer

The Nigerian

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 39 NO.131 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 • N100.00 ART ALIVE Page 19

Shrines and deities of Benin Kingdom

2015: We have gone beyond consensus - Atiku

OWERRI - Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has ruled out any plan by leadership of the All Progressives Congress to pick a consensus candidate ahead of the party’s

presidential primaries. He said that at this stage of the race, the issue of consensus candidacy is not being

considered, adding, “we have gone beyond consensus and we are all working and looking towards the actual

primaries.” Atiku, who stated this in Owerri, Imo State, yesterday, during his Continues on page 2

Party Primaries

REFLECTION Page 23

Influence of capitalism on Nigerian religions

INEC releases time table By OLALEYE OYINDAMOLA

BENIN CITY – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said political party primaries ahead of the 2015 general elections will begin tomorrow November 29, 2014. According to the INEC that of House of Resident Electoral Representatives and Commission, Edo State, Senate will hold Hon. Baritor Kpagih, the December 7 and 8, 2014 Peoples Democratic Party respectively. (PDP) will hold its primaries for the House of Assembly tomorrow, Saturday November 29, 2014 while that of the House of Representatives and Senate will hold December 6 and 7, 2014 respectively. The All Progressives Congress (APC) will hold its primaries for the State House of Assembly on December 1, 2014 while

He said the commission has concluded plans to monitor the parties primaries in the state and give its report in line with section 85 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended. Hon. Kpagih also told our correspondent

that the primaries for the State House of Assembly of Labour Party in the state will also come up December 29, 2014, while that of the House of Representatives and the Senate will come upon December 1 and 3, 2014 respectively. According to him, the

primaries for the p r e s i d e n t i a l candidates will be supervised by the INEC headquarters in Abuja. He stated that the INEC in Edo State received the notice of election, which harps on parties convention;

congresses, primaries, among others in line with the relevant sections of the Electoral Act. The commissioner also disclosed that the commission had on Monday commenced the distribution of permanent voter’s cards Continues on page 2

... meets political parties, reschedules PVC distribution By JOSES SEDE

ABUJA - Independent National Electoral Commission yesterday, announced rescheduling of the ongoing production of Permanent Voter Cards and preparation for Continuous Voter Registration in six states and remaining nine Local Governments in Lagos where the exercise is yet to be conducted. A statement issued in Abuja by the Chief Press Secretary to INEC

Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, and made available to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER after a meeting with leaders of 22 registered political parties identified Niger, Katsina, Rivers, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Borno as well as nine Local Governments in Lagos State “that were left out in the recently concluded third phase of the programme” as states where PVCs were yet to be distributed and CVR still pending. Continues on page 2

TIT BIT

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” - Mahatma Gandhi

4TH ANNUAL CAPITAL MARKET RETREAT: L-R: Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh; Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed and Director-General, Nigerian Stock of Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema, at the opening of the 4th Annual Capital Market Retreat in Abuja yesterday.

Corruption Allegation By JOSES SEDE

ABUJA - Senate of the Federal Republic yesterday, squared up to former President Olusegun Obasanjo allegation of corruption against the National Assembly, describing it as unfortunate and a deliberate attempt to denigrate the institution. In a statement issued

Senate replies OBJ

by its spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the red

chamber noted that it was unfortunate that the former president would distort the

issue of constituency projects as meaning a direct monetary

advance to lawmakers Continues on page 2

BENIN CITY – Former Minister of State for Works,

Engineer Chris Ogiemwonyi will formally join the All Progressives

Congress (APC) today. He will be received at the Urhokpota Hall,

Oba Ovonranmwen Square, Benin City, by Continues on page 2

Chris Ogiemwonyi joins APC today

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

News INEC releases time table

Continued from page 1

to registered voters which he said will last till thirty (30) days before the February 2015 general elections. He said the exercise has

shifted to INEC officers in the local government headquarters where registered voters who are yet to collect permanent voter’s card can go and do so at the commission’s office before the general elections.

Hon. Kpagih, who expressed appreciation to Edo people over the concluded registration exercise, however advised registered voters to go about their cards collection

in an orderly manner. He advised politicians to play the game according to the rule, as well as eschew violence which could be detrimental to their political career.

states.” To ensure effective distribution of PVCs and mitigate difficulties encountered in the previous phases, INEC rescheduled the exercises to hold as follows: In Rivers and Nasarawa states and remaining nine Local Governments in Lagos, PVC Distribution has been slated for between Friday, November 28 and Sunday, November 30,

2014 while CVR will take place between Wednesday, December 3 and Monday, December 8, 2014. For Kaduna and Katsina states, PVC distribution is for Saturday, December 6 and Monday, December 8, 2014, while CVR is for Wednesday December 10 and Monday, December 15, 2014. Similarly, in Niger and

Borno states, PVC distribution will take place between Friday, December 12 and Sunday, December 14, 2014 while CVR will be for between Wednesday, December 17 and Monday, December 22, 2014. Idowu said party leaders at the meeting expressed understanding and pledged full support for the commission’s efforts.

wilfully contravening the budget laws by ceding its power to execute to the National Assembly, if it was the case.” The Senate, according to the statement, challenged the former president to go a step further to furnish Nigerians with details of how the National Assembly members became executors of national budget rather than being law makers. Abaribe said: “It will also help to clear the allegation once and for all, if any presidency official not only from the time past but currently, could come forward and explain the true position of the so called constituency projects. Doing so would at least set the records straight.” Accordingly, the Senate warned political leaders to be wary of the consequences to the nation’s democracy of dragging the revered institution of lawmaking to public odium just to score some political points.

EKPOMA - The Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State has been ranked 17th best university in Nigeria in the 2013 Webometrics World University ranking released recently. This was revealed by the Vice-Chancellor of AAU, Prof. Cordelia Agbebaku while speaking at the 48th Inaugural Lecture Series of the university titled:”Single Womanhood and Nowadays Churches in Nigeria: A Haven or Hoax?”, delivered by Prof Celestina Isiramen of the faculty of Arts. Agbebaku said the position is a tremendous improvement on the assessment of National Universities Commission (NUC) in 1999/ 2000 which placed the university at distant 35th among Nigerian universities.

... meets political parties, reschedules PVC distribution Continued from page 1

He said, “At the meeting with political party leaders, the commission presented a progress report on the production of PVCs and explained lingering challenges necessitating a readjustment in the previously announced schedule for distribution of the cards and CVR in the outstanding

Senate replies OBJ

Continued from page 1

and thus amounting to the “promotion of corruption” by the National Assembly. Abaribe said the most unfortunate thing in the deliberate diatribe against the National Assembly, was exPresident Obasanjo’s allegation that the lawmakers were “siphoning public funds through what they call ‘constituency projects”. The allegation, according to Abaribe was spurious as it were because it is very distant from the truth and is nowhere near reality. He added that if it were so, the former president would not have tolerated such for the period he was the president of the country. Abaribe said: “Ex- President Obasanjo for the avoidance of doubt, was the initiator of the constituency project in the year 2000 as a means of ensuring that projects were fairly spread across the country using the Senatorial zones as the spring board. “To ensure execution of the projects, Obasanjo again factored the constituency

projects into the annual budgets to be implemented by the executive depending on availability of funds. That is to say that no lawmaker ever comes close to the funds or even determine the contractor for the said projects or when the said contract would be awarded. “So, it looks curious and surprising that former President Obasanjo would turn around after over 10 years of initiating such a project to allege that the National Assembly is performing the function of both the executive and the parliament. “Is it not preposterous for anybody to believe that members of the National Assembly would against the provisions of the constitution with regards to application of separation of powers, award contracts ‘to their agents to execute’ and expect the Presidency under a President Obasanjo or any other President for that matter to pay for what they are not part of? “Such allegation stands logic on its head, as it amounts to an indictment of the Presidency for

Uduaghan offers automatic job to 5 knows the best. parents By OTAS OSAYANDE One of the parents of the ASABA Delta government is to offer automatic employment to each of the five parents who lost their children at the College of Education Staff Demonstration Primary School in Agbor, Ika North Local Government Area. The parents were also presented with a cheque of five million naira each to cushion the trauma and other psychological pains they had undergone as a result of the death of the primary 3 pupils. The five pupils died on November 2, 2010 when a water tank collapsed on them as they were receiving lessons inside their classroom. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan told the parents yesterday that government will consider a job placement for each of them as soon as possible. Uduaghan who spoke through his Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha explained that “the money cannot return the

lives, what we are doing now as government is a token to put an end to the tragic death of the five pupils that lost their lives”. He tasked the parents to please forget the sad incident in other to reduce their pains and heal their wounds even though the government gesture took a long time to come. The governor appealed to them to accept what happened as no body questions God who

deceased children, Mr. Emmanuel Okoro, on behalf of others commended the governor for showing concern to their plight. Those who received the five million naira cheque include Emmanuel Okoro, Francis Uyamasi, Nimbidu Kiyem, Philo Ibe and Austin Okolie.

Chris Ogiemwonyi joins APC today Continued from page 1 Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the state Chairman of APC, Barrister Anslem Ojezua. A statement by the Publicity Secretary of APC, Comrade Godwin Erhahon indicated that Engineeer Ogiemwonyi is joining the party with many supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including many APC faithful who were misled into decamping to PDP by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. The statement described

Ogiemwonyi as, “a great philanthropist and outstanding patriot reputed as a cheerful builder of men, homes and communities. A recipient of the royal bead as an outstanding subject of the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa, Ogiemwonyi hails from Idunwebo (Paternally) and Ugbighele (maternally) in Ugboko ward, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State.

Webometrics ranks AAU 17th best varsity in Nigeria By OSE EHEBHA

“In 1999/2000, Ambrose Alli University was ranked No. 35 in the National University Commission (NUC) academic programme ranking as captured in the accreditation exercise. “But today it gladdens my heart to announce that the Webometrics World University ranking of 2013, ranked Ambrose Alli University No.17 in the top 25 best Nigerian Universities. “The university is ranked over for some first generation universities and Federal Universities of Technology”, she said. She attributed the feat to the massive support the university enjoys from the state government, just as she expressed optimism that the university would attain better ranking during the next assessment. She consequently sued for the cooperation of all stakeholders of the institution to enable her administration attain higher heights. Giving reasons for the long interval between 47th and the 48th Inaugural Lecture, the vice-chancellor said the series were stalled due to the long ASUU strike and other variables. It would be recalled that the last inaugural lecture was held on June 27, 2013.

Monthly sanitation holds BENIN CITY- The tomorrow monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise in Edo State will hold tomorrow Saturday November 29, 2014, between the hours of 7:00am and 10:00am without restriction of human and vehicular movements. A statement by the Commissioner for Environment and Public Utilities, Prince Clem Agba requests members of the public to clean –up their

premises, desilt drains in front of their house and collect the refuse together for easy disposal by the State Waste Management Board. The statement directs all Local Government Council to adequately finance their Environmental Health Departments to embark on intensive evacuation of refuse within their locality.

Public Relations ’ll enhance globalisation By VICTOR OMOALU - Expert

BENIN CITY - The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has been described as a veritable tool that would help enhance the message on globalization. The Managing Director/ Chief Executive officer, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam made the remark during the Dr. Sam Epelle memorial Gold Paper Public Relations Lecture organised by NIPR in Benin City, yesterday . Engr. Abdulsalam who was the Chairman of the occasion , noted that public relations has played a pivotal role in the development/ globalisation of the aviation sector on the airspace. Represented by Barr. Paul Oki, Engr. Abdulsalam disclosed that the aviation sector has witnessed a landmark transformation under the President Goodluck Jonathan transformation agenda. President of the NIPR and Chairman of Council, Rotimi Oladele, extolled the virtues of the late Founding Father/ President of NIPR, late Sam Epelle. He asserted that public relations was more of doing what is right, about what is

right to somebody who is right and at the right time. Delivering a lecture on the topic: Social Media, Public Relations and Globalization, Prof. Emevivo Biakolo, noted that public relations like the social media was defined more in practice, rather than in theory. He pointed out that public relations was targeted at one-stop and single –office treatment of stories about organisations, while the social media was centred on multiple point of view/ centres of production and curation. According to him, while public relations tend to manage the media content in relation to the clientorganisation, the social media have no intrinsic media content. Speaking on the late Sam Epelle, Chairman of the NIPR Board of Trustees, Frank Tamaro-Koko, said late Epelle could be see beyond being a founding member of the institute in 1963. He noted that the legacies he (late Epelle) bequeathed on the institute can not be overemphasized.

Invitation to anarchy - PASAN

NASS in v asion, inv By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - Members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, yesterday decried last week’s police invasion of the National Assembly and their continued siege on the Ekiti State House of Assembly. They insisted that the action of the police was a clear invitation to anarchy

and that the continued denigration of the legislature was dangerous being the most important symbol of democracy. In a news conference in Abuja, Acting National President of PASAN, Mr. Mohammed Bala, canvassed constitutionally empowered Sergeant – At – Arms, who would be solely responsible for security of the legislature.

We have gone beyond consensus

Continued from page 1

consultation tour of the Southeast zone, noted that he was in the presidential race to make history in the APC. He urged the party delegates to work for the victory of the party, even if their candidate is not picked at the primaries, saying the quest to take power from the Peoples Democratic Party should be put ahead of individual interest. The former vice president also confirmed that he has a pact with the state governor,

Rochas Okorocha, who is also in the presidential race. “I chose to make Imo the last state I will visit in the Southeast because of two major reasons. The first reason is that Imo State is my second home and, secondly there are two of us that are in the presidential race from this state – myself and Governor Okorocha. “Any vote for him is a vote for me. When you have voted for him you have voted for me and when you vote for me you have voted for him,” Atiku stated.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

News

NAHCON Completes Airlift Of Nigerian Pilgrims Hajj 2014:

ABUJA - The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said that it has completed the airlift of this year’s Nigerian pilgrims back to the country. The commission said this in a statement signed by its Head, Media, Malam Uba Mana, and e-mailed to newsmen in Abuja. The statement said that the last and final flight of Kabo Air departed King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at about 12 p.m. on Monday, November 3. It said that the flight conveyed 412 pilgrims and 88 officials from Kwara. “With the flight, 2014 Hajj operation has been successfully completed. “The return journey began on Thursday, October 9, 2014, with the expectation that the airlifting exercise would be completed in 27 days. “Alhamdu Lillahi, (to God be the glory) it was done in 26 days with 138 flights. “A total of 76,000 Nigerian pilgrims participated in this year’s Hajj,’’ the statement read in part. According to the commission, pilgrims were airlifted in 145 flights through airports spread across Nigeria during the outbound flight between Sept. 6 and Sept. 28 to Saudi Arabia. “For the return journey, however, all the 37 countries, including Nigeria that participated in the Hajj exited the Kingdom through the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. “As a result, the commission, throughout the in-bound airlifting, maintained a strict policy of

‘first to arrive Saudi Arabia first to return to Nigeria’.” It explained that a comprehensive report detailing the entire operation was being prepared for submission to the Federal Government. NAHCON commended the federal government, the National Assembly, state pilgrims’ welfare agencies, private tour operators and all pilgrims for making this year’s operation a resounding success.

L-R: Chairman of occasion, Prof. Tola Atimo, Assistant Vice President, First City Monument Bank, Mr. Adetunji Lamidi and representative of the Assistant Controller, Customs Oyo/Osun Command, Mrs. Elizabeth Isofi, at a lecture on youth employment opportunities and future in Ibadan.

Acts Of Violence Will Not Be Tolerated -FG

2015 Election: ABUJA - The Federal Government has said that it was determined to ensure that acts of political violence were decisively dealt with ahead of 2015 general elections. The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Sambo Dasuki, said this at a two-day workshop on security awareness orgainsed for the media by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Dasuki was represented by Mr Layi Lasehinde, the Director, Policy and Strategy, NSA office. He said that government was committed in its resolve to rise against any behaviour that would jeopardise the peaceful conduct of the upcoming

elections. According to him, it is disheartening that some media and “unpatriotic politicians are busy deriding the present administration for their selfish interests.” “Such act encourages

Plateau Police Command Recovers 25 Stolen Vehicles, Arrests 4 Suspects

Some of the internally displaced persons collecting materials presented by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Yola on Wednesday.

Tambuwal: 80 APC Lawmakers ABUJA - More than 80 lawmakers were at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat for a consultative session with party executives. The more than 80 lawmakers, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, had a closed door meeting with APC leaders. Before the closed door session, the APC Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun,

divisiveness and increases insurgency and insecurity in the country. “I, therefore, warn those people to desist from such unpatriotic acts which are capable of over-heating the polity. “Any further attempt to derail our common resolve to forge a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria will be rebuffed by the relevant security agencies. I assure you there will never be sacred cows. “Every Nigerian must learn to live by the rule and strive to be our neighbours’ keeper. “We must therefore unite,

especially the media, which is required to ensure peace and development of the country,’’ he said. In his remark, Mr Abdullahi Shehu, the Director, Special Services Office (SSO), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said that the workshop was aimed at sensitising the public on security consciousness. He said it would help the populace to understand the importance of security, safety and the various precautionary measures to be taken in the event of emergency. He enjoined the participants to seize the unique opportunity of the workshop to help rebuild the dream of united Nigeria through constructive contributions.

Meet With Party Exco

said he was delighted to host the Speaker for the first time at the national level. Describing Tambuwal as an exceptional bridge builder, Odigie-Oyegun said he was impressed at the way the Speaker’s colleagues heralded his coming each time. He said “this is the first

meeting at the national level that I’m having the pleasure of hosting you as a member of the APC. “It’s a measure of the mind when your own colleagues treat you like this?. You’re an exceptional bridge builder. “You constructed a coalition for peace among your colleagues as soon as

you became Speaker?.” The APC chairman said the party had an infusion of adrenaline and Tambuwal’s arrival brought the latest infusion. He said that the party was leading the nation on a path of salvation and rescue and the meeting was to strategise and consult to ensure that salvation.

JOS - The Plateau Police Command said that four men suspected to be specialists in car snatching and stealing of generators had been arrested. The suspects include a tailor, William Ezeudo, 30, and one Joseph Abel, who confessed to snatching cars at gunpoint for sale in Akwa–Ibom. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Nasiru Oki,told newsmen that the arrest was

made possible by the efforts of detectives attached to the metro area command in Jos. Oki, who said some members of the gang were still at large, added that it was easy to apprehend Ezeudo because he was always in possession of stolen items. The commissioner said the suspects would be charged to court soon, and called for more public support to rid Plateau of criminal elements.

Ex-Plateau Speaker, Lalong, Picks APC Governorship Form JOS - Mr Simon Lalong, the former Plateau House of Assembly Speaker, has picked the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form for 2015 governorship poll. Lalong, who paid N5.5 million for the nomination and expression of interest forms at the party’s headquarters in Jos, said there was need for “urgent change’’ in the Plateau. “Plateau must change its political leaders if we must

move forward,’’ Lalong, a former member of the PDP, told newsmen shortly after he picked the form. He said he had prayed and fasted before making up his mind to contest, and declared that he was in the best position to bring “sanity’’ to the state because of his experience. The ex-Speaker, however, expressed the optimism that he would clinch the APC ticket.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

South-West Amosun Presents Applicants 5,000 C Of O ABEOKUTA - Ogun State Government has presented 5,000 Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and Building Plan Approval to beneficiaries of the state’s Home Owners’ Charter scheme. Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who presented the documents to qualified applicants at the Arcade Ground in Abeokuta, said the government gave a discount by reducing the cost from N500, 000 to N95, 000. The governor said that the scheme was introduced because of the difficulty people encountered in acquiring genuine certificates and title documents for landed properties. Amosun who explained that that similar exercise would henceforth not attract discount, commended the people for turning out en masse to benefit from the scheme. He pledged his administration’s continued commitment to provision of dividends of democracy to the people, and commended the professional bodies and financial institutions that helped in making the scheme a success. “The overall success of

the scheme depended largely on your continuous and unflinching support and we want to assure you that we will continue to work with you,” he said. The governor assured qualified applicants who had yet to get their certificates to exercise patience, saying they would definitely get the document in due time. Amosun promised that 500 title documents would be signed and presented to beneficiaries on a weekly basis. Mr Wale Osinowo, the Director-General Bureau of Lands and Survey, said that

Man Remanded For Defrauding Pastor ABEOKUTA An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Ogun has remanded a 33year-old man, Olayinka Ogundairo, in prison custody for allegedly defrauding a pastor of N400,000. According to the prosecutor, Cpl. Moshood Hammed, the accused committed the offence sometime in February at the Saraki Adigbe area in Abeokuta. Hammed said that the accused defrauded one pastor Jacob Oyedokun of N400,000.00, after tendering false certificates. “The accused entered the church of Pastor Oyedokun and claimed that he is

Teenager Jailed For Theft ABEOKUTA - An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Ogun, sitting at Isabo has sentenced a 19-year-old man, Sulaiman Alao, to one year imprisonment for unlawful entry and theft. The accused was facing a two-count charge of unlawful entry and theft. The Prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Ozimini, told the court that the accused jumped a fence to gain entrance into a house illegally. He said that the offence was committed on November 11 at about 3:30 p.m. at Olorumbo Community at Asero in Abeokuta. According to the prosecutor, the accused jumped the fence and

the programme was aimed at helping property owners in the state that had lost hope in protecting their property. The state Chairman of Community Development Council, Chief Isaiah Olatokunbo, commended the governor for the gesture, adding that the presentation of C of O had put doubting “Thomases to sleep’’. The chairman urged the government to simplify the procedure to enable more people to benefit from the programme.

entered the house of one Yemi Ogunleye and stole a car radiator and alternator, valued at N30, 000. “Alao was sighted by a neighbour when he jumped into the compound. “The neighbour raised alarm and the accused was caught when he tried to escape with the loot,’’ the prosecutor stated. Ozimini said that the offences contravened Sections 383 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Laws of Ogun State, 2006. The accused, however, pleaded guilty as charged. The Magistrate, Mr Emmanuel Adekute, thereafter, sentenced Alao to six months imprisonment for each of the two counts. He was, however, given an option of N40, 000 fine.

studying abroad but his benefactor had died. “He tendered a forged NYSC discharge certificate, a certificate of a Master of Science degree in Anatomy and Physiology from the Council of the Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, U.K., and a Kebbi State University of Science and Technology statement of results. “The accused said he needed money to travel, in order to finish his program abroad and promised to pay oyedokun back, but that was the last that was seen of him, until his subsequent arrest. “Ogundairo was later caught through the help of a female church member who the accused showed interest in and who was still in contact with him,” Hammed said. The prosecutor submitted that the offences contravened Sections 383, 390 (9) and 467 of the Criminal Law of Ogun, 2006. The accused, who pleaded guilty to a three-count charge of fraud, stealing, and tendering forged certificates to defraud, confessed that he had never travelled out of the country. The accused had no legal representation. The Magistrate, Mr Martins Akinyemi, ordered that the accused be remanded at Oba Prisons, Abeokuta. He, thereafter, adjourned the case to December 4, for tendering of facts on the matter.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Inside Edo Funeral For Pa Olikiabor

2015

CNPP Endorses OmoOjo Candidature By ERANGA ISAAC

BENIN CITY – The Edo State Chapter of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has endorse the candidature of Comrade Orobosa OmoOjo for the Ovia Federal Constituency in the National Assembly ahead of the 2015 general elections. Omo-Ojo, the present State Commissioner for Transport is contesting under the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC). A communique signed jointly by the State Chairman, Prince Roy Oribhabor and the Secretary – Engr. Marvelous Imasuen, and made available to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER indicated that Comrade Omo-Ojo was chosen after a careful and general assessment of all the aspirants vying for the position. According to the communiqué, Omo-Ojo was painstakingly and unanimously endorsed by the CNPP in view of his, great intellect, audacious vision, effective performance and physical courage to agitate for the down trodden, and to rescue the squalor disposition of the people of Ovia Federal Constituency. The Edo CNPP thereby used the medium to call on

the leadership APC to consider Comrade OmoOjo as the people’s choice, that victory for him at the primary will guaranteed victory for APC in the 2015 general elections. The CNPP also called on all aspirants to be law abiding while urging all residents in Edo State to pick their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) in order for them not to be disenfranchised.

Hon. Victor Edoror, Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (right) receiving an award of excellence for good governance from Mr. Ozigbo Obazee, President Owan Alonge Youth Movement during the movement’s courtesy call on the House. PHOTO: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

MDG’s Charges Students On Promotion Of Culture

BENIN CITY – The Focal Person/Executive Director (MDGs), Princess Theresa Erediauwa has advised students in tertiary institutions to preserve and promote their cultural

heritage. She gave the admonition in Benin City when she received a delegation of Edo State Chapter of the National Union of Benin Students.

She stressed the need for students to promote and preserve their cultural heritage in educational institutions so that foreign cultures would not

Miss Ede Oshiokomoh Joana, (standing in front), leading Platoon 5 sub-guard during the platoon competition at Mangu NYSC orientation camp, Plateau State, Nigeria.

gradually erode their priceless and invaluable heritage which were bequeathed by their progenitors. Princess Erediauwa admonished the students to forge a common cultural identity, always dress in their cultural attires and speak their language at any given opportunity, particularly with those who understand the language in order to portray their culture to other people. President of Edo State Union of Benin Students, University of Benin and University of Benin Teaching Hospital Chapter, Mr. Osawe Ekuase Irorere stated that the Union was formed with the objective of projecting and promoting Benin culture. While inviting the Executive Director to the proposed Benin Cultural Day Celebration, Irorere said it is aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom and to bring Benin students together as a means of enhancing unity and oneness among Benin students.

Kelvin 3 Idogun Family Members Bag Award Catherine Weds Okechukwu Emeh has been slated By VICTOR OMOALU

BENIN CITY – Three sons of Idogun family in Afokpella, Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State have been confered with awards for excellent service by the University of Benin during the institution’s convocation ceremony held at the weekend. One of the awardees Dr. Sylvester Idogun who was confered with the professional award expressed gratitude to God Almighty for the honour done him. Prof. Idogun who asserted

that there is no substitute to hardwork stated that he would not have attained his present status but for his hardwork, commitment and dedication to duty. He said the award would spur him to give back to society through his planned opening of a foundation where the young ones could benefit in the form of annual grants. He advised the young ones to be humble and imbibe the spirit of humility if they must aspire higher. Former President of the National Association of Edo

State Students (NAESS), University of Benin Chapter, Comrade Idowu Idogun who was honoured with the NAESS National Role Model Achiever ’s Award of Excellence said he feels fulfilled with the award. While thanking the association for the award, Comrade Idogun, acknowledged the outstanding quality service of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Osayuki Godwin Oshodi, saying that he provided the enabling environment for learning to strive.

BENIN CITY - The solemnization of holy matrimony of Miss Catherine Omosefe Asoro and Mr. Kelvin

Kelvin and Catherine

for today, Friday November 28, 2014 at No. 112 Second East Circular Road, Benin City.

BENIN CITY – The families of Owie Olikiabor Egbede and Osayande Ebose of Uvbe and Ekae in Uhunmwode and Ikpoba Okha Local Government Areas, respectively Edo State have released the programme for the funeral of Late Pa Douglas Owie Olikiabor, the Odionwere of Etete Community who died August 27, 2014 at the age of 96 years. She is survived by 12 children including Pastor Monday Ighodaro Owie, a Principal Assistant Registrar, University of Benin, (UNIBEN) 50 grand children, six great grand children, a brother and a sister. The funeral began with a service of songs held yesterday at his residence, No. 7 Etete Street, Old Sapele Road, Behind Satana Market, Benin City, according to a statement signed by Osaretin Eric Douglas Owie for the family. Today, Friday November 28, 2014, the remains will be taken from UNIBEN Anatomy Department for Iying-in-state, grave side service and interment/ night dance at the family compound. Saturday November 29, 2014, there will be social dance at his Etete Street residence beginning at noon, while a thanksgiving service will hold on Sunday November 30, 2014 at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Upper Room Parish, No. 3 Adesuwa Grammar School Road, Benin City, beginning at 9am. On Monday December 1, 2014, is inlaws, grand children’s day/ Izakhue/Isoton at the family’s compound at 10am.

Late Pa Douglas Olikiabor

Thanksgiving BENN CITY – The programme for the 2014 annual thanksgiving of Victory International Family Assembly (VIFA) is slated for today, Friday November 28 to Sunday November 30, 2014. The programme with the theme, “show forth His Glory” will hold at the Eagles Worship Centre, 15 Aerodrome Close, Off Ekewan Road, Benin City. Ministers at the programme include, Bishop Curtus Fianu, Rev. Rex Akpojaro from London, Apostle Moses Grandeur and host Bishop Jolly Osadolor.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Across The Nation

EDHA Urges Govt To Equip Fire Service

BENIN CITY - Edo State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution calling on the State Government to as a matter of urgency establish and equip a fully functional fire service in the 18 Local Government Councils of the state. Parliament adoption of the resolution was sequel to the consideration of a motion at plenary sponsored by the member representing OwanWest Constituency, Hon. Michael Ohio-Ezomo. The resolution also urged the State Government to ensure adequate training for fire fighting and disaster management personnels thereby enabling the proper operation of fire fighting and disaster management equipment. It further states that as an initial remedial step, Edo State citizens and residents should ensure homes and offices have functioning fire extinguishers at strategic places such as kitchens and areas where there is high risks of fire outbreak. While moving the motion at the floor of the House, the member representing OwanWest Constituency and chairman, House Standing Committee on Energy and Water Resources, Hon. Michael Ohio-Ezomo stated that the

Obtain Permanent Voter Card,

motion is meant to solve the critical effects of fire disasters. He noted that fire disasters could be curtailed and averted if there are functional fire services and equipment, adding that, the non-availability of functional fire equipments has resulted to the lost of lives and properties. Hon. Ezomo described as unfortunate a situation where several buildings are razed down by fire, leaving the owners of such buildings with economic set backs and hardship but would be averted if there are functional equipments around the buildings. The lawmaker while decrying the poor state of the fire service in the state, noted that there is need for the state Government to partner with the local government councils for the provision of fire engines and equipments in every local government councils in the state adding that the relevant government agencies should ensure that buildings have functional fire equipments. The Majority Leader, Hon. Philip Shaibu while supporting the motion described the pathetic situation when fire incidents occurs. There are no personnels to combat the fire disaster, noting that the motion is necessary as it caters for the interest of the

people as it will not only save lives and properties but will generate employment. Other lawmakers who spoke in favour of the motion described it as peoples oriented motion as it will reduce poverty and the destruction of micro organisms in

the soil and encourages farming and it will reduce the effect of bush burning from farmlands. They also called for a mandatory policy for the installation of fire equipments to buildings while the State Ministry of Housing and Urban

UNHCR, ECOWAS Advocate Protection Of Refugees Rights

Hon. (Sir) Michael Ohio-Ezomo, member representing Owan West Constituency, Edo State House of Assembly moving a motion on the floor of the House recently. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

ABUJA - The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has called for the protection of the rights of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in West Africa. The UNHCR representative to Nigeria, Ms Angele DikongueAtangana, made the call at the opening of a two-day 2014 U N H C R - E C O WA S Commission Retreat with the theme: ‘’Strengthening the partnership between UNHCR and ECOWAS Commission.’’ Dikongue-Atangana said the meeting was organised to review the progress of the partnership between the two bodies following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2001, and explore ways to further improve the partnership. “UNHCR partnership with the

Jubilations As Uromi Community Assoc Gets New President By TUNDE EIGBIREMOLEN

UROMI (Edo) – The Enoje of Uromi, His Royal Majesty, (HRM) Zaiki Anslem Odaloighe Eidenojie II has removed Chief Okosodo Okoh, the Eni of Uromi Kingdom as the National President of Uromi Community Association (UCA) and replaced him with Chief Phillip Idemudia, the Adia of Uromi Kingdom, and an Abuja-based industrialist as the New President of the Association. A statement by the National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Uromi Community Association, Hon. Sunday Omodiale said the Ojuromi has directed Chief Okosodo Okoh to hand over all documents and materials in his possession to the new chairman and wished him

the 18 local Government Councils. He directed the clerk to send clean copies of the resolution to the State Governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, the 18 Local Government Councils and other relevant agencies for immediate action.

Hon. Foly Ogedengbe, Chief Whip and Chairman, Edo State House of Assembly Committee on Education presenting the committee’s report on a petition titled ‘Protest Against Premature Retirement of Mr. Oshiokpokhai M. B. (Director of Fire Service) from Edo State Public Service by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) after 25 years, 6 months in Service for the House consideration recently. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

Buhari Charges Supporters CALABAR - Presidential aspirant, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has called on members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River to ensure that they obtained Permanent Voter Card (PVC). Buhari made the call in Calabar while addressing delegates to the forthcoming National Convention of APC slated for December. 10 in Abuja. “Make sure you get the PVC because it is only with it that you can vote out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’’, he said. He solicited the support of the delegates and assured that he would do his best if voted to president in 2015. “We are here to solicit your support. What I am saying is that when you vote me into office, I will do my best’’, Buhari said. Decrying the menace of Boko Haram in the North Eastern part of the country, the former Head of State added that the activities of the sect had nothing to do with religion. Chairman of the party in the State, Mr Usani Usani described Buhari as humble, honest and intelligent leader. He said that the country would witness a new era if Buhari was voted into office in 2015. According to him, the aspirant has demonstrated his concern for the state chapter by coming to personally solicit for its support. The former President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), urged delegates to look at aspirants that would deliver the presidency for the party rather than any other considerations.

Development should ensure its strict compliance. Summing up deliberations, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe while citing section 14, subsection 26 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution noted that the state needs a fire fighting truck in all

well in his future endeavours. Meanwhile, eminent sons and daughters of Uromi both at home and in the diaspora, including Market Women, Artisans, professionals and community leaders have hailed the removal of Chief Okosodo Okoh and his subsequent replacement with Chief Phillip Idemudia as the New National President of the Association, describing it as timely, most appropriate, decisive and in the best interest of Uromi Community. In his reaction, the National Chairman of Uromi Uzea solidarity Movement, Prince Dave Oseghale thanked the Ojuromi for the change and described Chief Idemudia’s appointment as a round peg in a

round hole, even as he was enthusiastic that his track record as a successful businessman and community leader will, no doubt, attract the needed development to the community. Others who spoke with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER described the replacement of Chief Okosodo as a welcome Development at this time to fasttrack the progress and development of Uromi and urged all and sundry to put their hands on deck to accelerate the progress of the kingdom. While thanking the Onojie of Uromi for his foresight and initiative in the appointment of Chief Phillip Idemudia as the

new helmsman of the Association, they called on him to justify the confidence reposed in him to take Uromi-Uzea to the next level of development.

His Royal Majesty, (HRM) Zaiki Anslem Odaluighe Eidenojie II

ECOWAS commission has yielded good results in multiple fields including local integration of thousands of refugees under ECOWAS protocols on free movement of persons, rights of residents, and the management of the asylum migration nexus. “It has also facilitated the reintegration of returnees in postconflict communities. “Additional efforts are needed to be made towards the improvement of the legal protection environment for our people of concern in West Africa, the refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and the stateless persons. “This may only be achieved through the ratification and proper domestication as well as subsequent implementation of the relevant conventions.“ She urged participants to give priority attention to the adoption of joint comprehensive strategic action plan covering all areas of interest involving relevant departments of both organisations in order to ensure efficiency. The UNHCR representative also urged members of both organsiations to be willing to adapt to emerging challenges in West Africa such as climate change, civil war, terrorism, and the outbreak of diseases. The ECOWAS Commissioner for Social Affairs and Gender, Dr Fatimata Dia Sow, said the retreat was timely for the West African region considering the challenges currently facing the area. The ECOWAS commissioner also urged participants to focus on promoting the rights of displaced persons in the region.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

News PDP Nullifies Disqualification Of Aspirants ABUJA - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) has nullified the disqualification of all aspirants by its Screening Appeal Committees. This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Olisa Metuh, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, in Abuja. He asked aspirants, who had been cleared by different screening committees for primary elections, to disregard any purported disqualification by the committees. According to him, the announcement follows inquiries by PDP members, especially

aspirants across the country. “For the avoidance of doubt, the screening appeal panels are neither authorised by our electoral guidelines nor by the constitution of the PDP to disqualify aspirants already cleared by the screening committees. “In this regard, the NWC declares all such

disqualifications by appeal panels null and void as they clearly violate laid down rules and the principles of natural justice and good conscience, ’’ Metuh said. The national publicity secretary therefore directed all affected aspirants to ignore such disqualifications and move ahead with preparations for the party’s primaries

Prof. Emevwo .A. Biakolo (right), in a chat with Barr. Paul .T. Oki, Company Secretary, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) at the annual Dr. Sam Ebelle Gold Memorial Lecture organised yesterday in Benin City by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations. PHOTO: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY.

Expert Blames Diseases On Open Defecation

MINNA - The Deputy Director, Niger Ministry of Health, Hajiya Rakiya Datti, has said that over 80 per cent of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, polio and Ebola are contacted through open defecation. Datti made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen

in Minna. She said children who were vulnerable die daily from the outbreak of cholera, diarrhoea, polio and Ebola, which were transmitted through water and air. She added that if open

Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Nisan Kubenye (left) and Barr. Raymos during the commissioning of farm equipment at Asaba, Delta State.

defecation was not curbed, there would be continuous spread of diseases. She stressed that “as long as open defecation is not put to an end, the society will be diseased, as there will be infection and re-infection even when government puts more efforts to curtail it.’’ The deputy director added that promotional campaigns and programmes would serve as key to an end to open defecation but creating toilets should be the primary concern of every house builder. She said “it is the responsibility of the Urban Development Board to ensure that toilets are incorporated in the master plan before any building can take place. Datti, however, urged the Federal Government and state governments to provide adequate facilities in public places for easy access so as to reduce open defecation in

Legislators Urge Govt To Implement Grazing Reserve Law ILORIN - Kwara State legislature has called on the State Government to fully implement the grazing reserve law in order to put an end to frequent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers. The House made the appeal in a resolution after adopting Report of Ad hoc Committee that investigated the recent clash between herdsmen and farmers in Onire District, Asa Local Government Area. Many lives were lost in clashes that erupted in several villages between the Fulanis and farmers

in January. The clashes also led to destruction of farmlands and property worth millions of naira. Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee and Deputy Speaker, Prof. Gana Yissa, said in the 20page report that peace had not fully returned to the affected communities. The Speaker, Mr Rasak Atunwa, who read the resolution of the House, urged the state government to fully implement the State Grazing Reserve Law. He said that the implementation of the law would ensure proper

monitoring of the activities of cattle rearers in all parts of the state. The House also called on the veterinary and security officers in the state to check the influx of herdsmen through regular registration of those willing to reside in any local government area. The legislators also urged the government to implement the provisions of the State Farmers and Herdsmen Settlement of Dispute Law of 2006. They described peace as an

important index for development and advised the state government to embark on sensitisation on peaceful co-existence among the people. The legislators commended the state government and the Emir of llorin, Alhaji lbrahim SuluGambari, for responding promptly to end the mayhem between the herdsmen and the farmers. They, however, called for payment of compensation to those who lost farms, houses and other property in the crises

the country. She also urged private ventures to go into the business of building public toilets that would be monitored by states’ environmental sanitation officials to ensure that they were hygienic and safe for use. She said “the Build, Operate and Own (BOO) toilet is a source of income to individuals, the government should emphasis on this theory so as to bring about

development. “Environmental health officers, sanitary officers should also have a role to play in the BOO. “Officers should go to communities to enlighten the people on the dangers of open defecation. “There should also be law enforcement with appropriate sanction at the federal and state level on open defecation to ensure people adhere to it.’’

Kumuyi Admonishes Nigerians On General reminded political leaders Elections He to understand that they came ILORIN - The General Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has, urged Nigerians to critically examine the manifesto of those seeking elective offices. He said this would help to determine their suitability or otherwise for election in 2015. Kumuyi gave this advice while speaking to newsmen in Ilorin Kwara state The religious leader was in llorin for the take-off of a threeday crusade by his church at Eyenkorin, on the outskirts of the state capital. The cleric described as ‘mere speculations’, insinuations about the possible break-up of Nigeria after the elections. He asked Nigerians to separate ‘pronouncements’ from ‘prophecies about the future of the country. Kumuyi said Nigerians must put hands together to elect people who will do the will of the majority in 2015.

into office for the good of the people. Kumuyi described his visit to the north central state as one meant beyond religion and ethnicity, saying he was sure God loves the people of Kwara and had seen what they might be passing through. He said he was ready to pray for God’s intervention in the affairs of the country. “Let there be enlightenment; let the media tell us this is where Nigeria ought to be. For instance, we all want an economically stable country. “We should look at the manifesto of politicians and pick the ones that will deliver, that will help the people, we should not pick just because of religion or ethnicity. “If we vote for the right people, this country will be great and our politicians must always remember that they are in office for the people”, Kumuyi added.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Abuja FG Develops Policy On Waste Management

ABUJA - The Federal Ministry of Environment said it had developed a draft policy and strategic plan on the management of electronic waste (e-waste) in the country. The Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Mallam, said this in Abuja at the Consultative Stakeholders’ Workshop on the Management of Electrical and Electronic Waste in Nigeria. Represented by Mr Abdul-Kazeem Bayero, the acting Director, Pollution and Environmental Health Department in the ministry, Mallam said the Federal Government was determined to address the challenge of e-waste. “The Federal Ministry of Environment is determined to avert the environmental hazards of ever increasing toxic heavy metal contained in the electrical/ electronic equipment in our environment. “So far, the ministry has developed draft policy, guidelines and strategic plan on the management of e-waste which are all awaiting ratification by relevant stakeholders. “Furthermore, regulations on the management of ewaste have been prepared by the National Environmental Standard Regulation and Enforcement Agency (NESREA), which has been approved and are in force. “Federal Executive Council has restricted the importation of the e-waste into the country because of the hazardous components of e-waste and lack of capacity to manage it’s environmental sound manner by the informal

sector,“ she stated. The minister said that Nigeria was a signatory to international conventions and agreements that address chemical management issue. She said that the instruments were responsible for global success in the management of hazardous waste in everyday life. “It is my expectation that partnership in the field of chemical management especially on the e-waste stream should be strengthened to equip Africa Countries including Nigeria. “It should be strengthened with the necessary tools to overcome the challenges of managing the ever increasing quantum of ewaste. “It is also my sincere hope that the workshop will achieve its objective of strengthening s t a k e h o l d e r s ’ collaboration and partnerships on the management of e-waste in Nigeria and other African Countries.“ According to her, electronic and information technology industry is the largest and fastest growing industry in today’s manufacturing world. “This industry thrives on rapid technology changes, which lead to accelerated discards of older models. “The discarded older models called e-waste, form a rapidly growing waste stream in the world, with the attendant negative environmental and health impacts. “These e-wastes find

their way through legal and illegal imports into countries in Asia and Africa such as Nigeria. “The challenge of complying with stringent environmental safeguards and controls in developing countries; and the economic costs in the developed countries are responsible for adoption of the easier option of exporting e-wastes to developing countries. “Consequently, most of these e-wastes are shipped to African countries under the guise of second hand or nearend- of life equipment, either as gifts or illegally through the ports,“ she said. Mallam, however, said that it was estimated by Osibanjo and Nnorom (2007) that by 2030, developing countries would be discarding 400-700 million obsolete person computers per year. This, she said, was in addition to 200-300 million obsolete computers in developed countries, thus further compounding the problem. In his address, Dr Abdu Bulama, the Minister of Science and Technology, said that electronic waste could have been described as loosely discarded, surplus, obsolete, or broken electrical or electronic devices.

Reports state that Bulama was represented by Mr Agoro Olayinola, the Chief Scientific Officer in the ministry. The minister said that the geometric increase in electronic waste generated and available for disposal was not unconnected to the rapid changes in technology. He attributed the increase in generation of electronic waste to the quest for highly sophisticated electronic software and equipment. “It has become imperative

to channel a proper way of managing and controlling our electronic waste by creating a policy framework that will ensure strict compliance to the rules and regulations guiding importation of electronics and other relevant equipment,“ he said. The workshop was organised by the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders.

The objective of the workshop is to bring together stakeholders to develop sustainable strategies on the use of demonstrated (pilot) Best Te c h n o l o g i e s / B e s t Environmental Practices. Best practices for the reduction of Unintentionally Produced Persistent Organic Pollutants (U-POPs) and Polybrominated DiphenyI Ethers (PBDEs) released from e-waste recycling and disposal.

Horsemen displaying at the Durbar event of Abuja National Carnival in Abuja on Wednesday.

EFCC, CSOs Sign Agreement To Tackle Corruption ABUJA - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has, entered into an agreement with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to strengthen the fight against corruption. The new agreement with the theme: EFCC-Civil Society Partnership Against Corruption,’’ is expected to

Worriors displaying at the Durbar event of Abuja National Carnival in Abuja on Wednesday.

function in a system called the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Support Network (ACE-Network), formerly known as the AntiCorruption Revolution (ANCOR). The EFCC Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, said the commission decided to review ANCOR in order to check the abuses perpetrated by some of its members under the guise of fighting corruption. “Among the programmes initiated by the commission for a people-driven anticorruption war, was the Anti-Corruption Revolution (ANCOR) campaign, which was launched in December. 2008. “As good as the concept was, the programme was soon bedeviled by several challenges. These include some of the vices it had set out to curb. “ A d m i n i s t r a t i v e l y, ANCOR was also discovered not to have

adequate data bank of partners and there was generally poor monitoring of their activities. “It is in light of these observations that the commission decided to review the ANCOR programme. “The MoU takes into account lessons the learnt from the experiences and challenges of the past.“ Lamorde acknowledged that closer collaboration between the commission and all segments of the Nigerian society was critical to the successful execution of the anti-graft war in the country. “EFCC is in tune with the international consensus that the failure of many state parties - that is governments - to actively engage civil society and the private sector in their anticorruption campaigns have been one of the key reasons for the numerous failures of national initiatives to tackle corruption.

“Community and public power are the most effective catalysts for the initiation and sustenance of the muchneeded ethical reforms in this country.“ Mr Olarenwaju Suraj, who signed the on behalf of the Civil Society Organisations, said the agreement called for the collective involvement of both the government and the people to restore the nation’s battered image. “It is not about the government but also about the people. We are committed to ensure the ANCOR situation does not recur. “We are going to critically engage the commission and we are committed to a more serious fight against corruption in Nigeria.“ In a good will message, a representative of the World Bank Office in Nigeria, Mr Roland Lomme, said the global bank looked forward to practical results from the anti-corruption initiative.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

News Psychiatrist Urges Nigerians To LAGOS- A Consultant Avoid Worries Psychiatrist, Dr Olugbenga

Head of Operations, INEC, Rivers, Mr. Boko Ekong (left) and Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, inspecting permanent voter cards after receiving them in Port-Harcourt recently.

Refuse Evacuation

Owoeye, has urged Nigerians to endeavour to live happily with less worries in order to maintain a good mental health. Owoeye, who works at the Federal NeuroPsychiatry Hospital, Yaba, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. He said that mental illness could affect anybody and urged people to maintain a good mental health in order to have a balanced physical and social health.

Mile 12 Traders Appeal For More Trucks LAGOS- The Mile 12 Market Traders’ Association has appealed to the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) to increase the number of trucks evacuating refuse in the market. The association’s Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Mohammed, told newsmen

in Lagos that a single truck allotted by LAWMA to the market was inadequate. He said: “Based on the peculiarity of the market, we appeal to LAWMA to increase the truck stationed at the market to two or three trucks daily. “The Mile 12 market is different from other markets

LAGOS – The Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) in Lagos has announced that Nigeria topped the list of trade transactions from West African countries in the 2014 Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI). ITPC’s Deputy Director, Mr Bona Kusuma, told newsmen in Lagos that Nigeria recorded about 21.2 million dollars (N3.5 billion), Togo 6.4 million dollars, Ghana 3.7 million dollars, Cameroon 2.7 million dollars and Republic of Benin 1.9 million dollars. “From available statistics from West African countries’ transactions in the 2014 TEI, Nigeria recorded the highest level of transaction among Togo, Ghana, Cameroon and Benin. “And the total transactions of these West African countries at the expo amounted to 35.8 million dollars with Nigeria leading the list of West Africa countries,’’ he said. Bona said the expo which held from October 8 to October 12 in Jakarta exposed participants from the region to Indonesian electric lamps, agricultural products, herbal products and medical products. He said the participants were

also exposed to Indonesian’s textile products, food and beverages, margarine, soaps, sardine, paper, cosmetics and rubber products as well as barge and tug boats. Bona said the expo had afforded Nigerians opportunities to explore the business in Indonesia. “TEI is an annual event designed to promote high quality Indonesian-made products and services to the global market, improve business and investment networking. “The expo gave opportunities to Nigerians and other visitors from West Africa to meet oneon-one with different Indonesian products and services exhibitors,’’ he said. Bona expressed satisfaction with the growing interest of some Nigerians in doing business with Indonesians. The official said that the Indonesian Government would continue to improve on its bilateral relations in the years ahead. Bona expressed optimism that by the end of 2014, the trade volume between Nigeria and Indonesia would have risen by 30 percent.

Indonesia Trade Expo Nigeria Tops Transactions

in Lagos due to the influx of trucks with goods from different parts of the country. “Most of these goods are perishable items, thus the volume of waste generated is much. “Most times, the LAWMA truck stationed to evacuate refuse from the market stays for three days overfilled with waste. “This situation is not proper because the stench from the waste can be hazardous to the health of the traders, customers and the residents close to the market,” he said. When contacted, Mr Ola Oresanya, the Managing Director, LAWMA, said that the traders’ position was not true. Oresanya said that the truck evacuates the quantum of waste generated from the market to the dumpsite daily. “We move the quantum of waste from Mile 12 market to the dumpsite every night. We discharge our duty promptly,” he said. According to him, the agency considers several factors and logistics before deploying trucks to a market. “Nobody will ever admit that they have enough of everything. Our people should learn to appreciate the government for the service it is rendering. “To rent a trailer per day ranges from N150, 000 and above, multiply that by 30 days and you will see that it’s much. “What it cost us to service Mile 12 market alone is above N7.5 million monthly and the market pays about N400, 000 for refuse rate

monthly. “Some of these markets do not even pay regularly even when the government has highly subsidized the rate. “The government holds sanitation as a core area of focus and it is spending a lot to ensure that every market is clean,” Oresanya said.

“Mental illness is no respecter of person. It affects the rich, it affects the poor, it can affect anybody. “And they must know what those things are, risky lifestyle that can lead to it. “You must try as much as possible to live your life on daily basis; you do not need to worry about things, a very reasonable lifestyle. “Avoid drugs, avoid alcohol. You must be able to live within your means. Anything that will take sleep from you, do not go into it. “You must have a realistic estimate of your own ability and live within it. “So, these are some of the things that will make you to be healthy, physically and mentally, because without mental health, there is no health. “So, you must maintain your mental health first for you to be able to balance physically, and also socially. “

He said that early recognition of mental illness would aid early treatment of the disease and better outcome of mental wellbeing. The consultant said that inadequate health-related facilities were major challenge in managing the mentally ill in the country. He said that Nigeria had less than 200 psychiatrists to manage about 160 million Nigerians. “We need a lot of healthrelated facilities to take care of the mentally ill in our society. We do not have enough personnel. “In our hospital here in Lagos, we have only about 530 beds to manage the population of about seven million which is not enough. “People are breaking down on a daily basis, because they are brought to the hospital with various illnesses.“

Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Funsho Philips (left), with Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Hajia Saratu Umar, at the NIPC’s stakeholders interactive engagement with diplomatic corps in Abuja recently.

SMEDAN To Conduct Survey On ABUJA- The Directordescribed MSMEs as MSMEs theHe‘driver’ General of Small and of the economy, Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Mr Bature Masari has said that the Agency was fine-tuning plans to conduct a new national Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) survey. Masari said this in Abuja at the 2014 MSMEs summit and awards. Masari said the survey was to update the 2010 report, which showed that there are over 17million MSME’s

with a cumulative employment of over 32million in the country. He recalled that the need to assess the contribution of MSME subsector to the Nigerian economy partially led to the national MSME survey conducted in 2010. “I am very confident that this figure would have significantly increased and that explains why the Agency plans to conduct another survey,” he said.

adding that MSMEs had the potential to place Nigeria as one of the top 20 economies of the world by 2020. He, therefore, tasked stakeholders to jointly work towards creating an enabling environment to help tap the MSMEs potential to bolster the nation’s economy. “The MSMEs space is large and demands the unflinching commitment of stakeholders and practitioners,” he said.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY(27/11/2014) Stocks

Open

Change

Deals

Units

Value

165.01

172.04

7.03

1,686,635

286,908,772.50

7UP

150.3

155

4.7

89,478

13,627,975.07

NEIMETH

0.89

0.93

0.04

699,894

615,232.48

ABCTRANS

0.6

47,300

29,739.00

NEM

0.62

0.61

-0.01

1,634,266

1,013,443.08

900.32

905

4.68

91,242

82,965,190.08

ACCESS

7.85

7.5

-0.35

18,585,260

145,650,262.00

NESTLE

AFRIPRUD

3.05

-0.05

1,266,892

3,814,938.45

NEWGOLD

2044

2048

16,384.00

AGLEVENT

1.3

30,200

39,400.93

NIGERINS

0.5

1,000

500

AIICO

0.84

0.8

-0.04

79,266,816

63,445,008.40

NPFMCRFBK

0.89

0.92

0.03

210,185

193,370.20

ALEX

10.43

2,791

27,658.81

NSE30

1569.02

1586.29

17.27

250,362,252

4,070,247,263.00

ASHAKACEM

22.8

21.71

-1.09

622,865

13,808,362.97

NSE50

1708.54

1729.84

21.3

336,079,489

4,395,429,427.00

AVONCROWN

1.59

10,000

15,900.00

NSEASI

34583.29

34705.48

122.19

486,510,413

4,631,878,296.00

BERGER

8.7

22,838

200,114.92

NSEBNK

367.19

369.43

2.24

234,929,375

2,392,851,681.00

BETAGLAS

22.05

4,027

90,230.80

NSECNSMRGDS

880.71

906.33

25.62

13,159,904

735,025,172.40

CADBURY

42.09

40,118

1,688,176.90

NSEINDUSTR

2037.17

2023.75

-13.42

2,982,655

204,171,962.70

CAP

36.15

39,078

1,443,903.82

NSEINS

143.43

144.95

1.52

95,047,408

83,738,607.29

CAVERTON

3.61

3.79

0.18

494,752

1,868,544.72

NSELOTUSISLM

2159.67

2169.08

9.41

11,815,642

526,740,463.40

CCNN

11.29

0.29

110,098

1,231,982.00

NSEOILGAS

412.02

417.83

5.81

24,060,091

607,666,514.10

CHAMPION

9.36

9.8

0.44

280,505

2,589,494.50

NSLTECH

0.5

60,000

30,000.00

CHAMS

0.5

2,550,000

1,275,000.00

OANDO

22.99

21.85

-1.14

22,911,721

527,416,380.10

CHELLARAM

3.95

200

752

OKOMUOIL

28.14

29.54

1.4

655,847

19,328,994.91

CILEASING

0.5

27,500

13,750.00

PORTPAINT

5.04

35,000

167,840.00

CONOIL

49.23

9,476

443,192.52

PRESCO

27.43

28.8

1.37

3,269,851

90,927,130.56

CONTINSURE

0.89

30,000

27,900.00

PRESTIGE

0.5

51,947

25,973.50

CORNERST

0.5

11,111

5,555.50

26.9

28.24

1.34

3,368,383

94,859,529.32

COSTAIN

0.95

0.99

0.04

215,460

213,105.40

REDSTAREX

4.2

4.25

0.05

270,000

1,142,006.00

COURTVILLE

0.5

150,000

75,000.00

RESORTSAL

0.5

6,000

3,000.00

CUSTODYINS

3.82

0.18

4,009,846

15,977,643.61

ROYALEX

0.5

265

135.15

CUTIX

1.48

1.5

0.02

277,863

422,575.70

RTBRISCOE

0.85

110,520

94,881.20

CWG

4.56

4.34

-0.22

50,000

217,000.00

SCOA

4.67

1,625

7,215.00

DAARCOMM

0.5

2,000

1,000.00

SEPLAT

440

418.01

-21.99

251,957

109,177,162.90

DANGCEM

185

179.99

-5.01

350,242

64,083,786.06

SKYEBANK

2.61

2.6

-0.01

2,864,453

7,448,803.29

DANGFLOUR

6.23

21,216

125,598.72

SOVRENINS

0.5

1,200

600

DANGSUGAR

6.76

6.6

-0.16

1,523,562

10,005,579.78

STANBIC

30.45

1.45

1,048,459

31,673,387.71

DIAMONDBNK

6.03

6.06

0.03

8,562,363

52,567,012.17

STDINSURE

0.5

500

250

DUNLOP

0.5

45,415

22,707.50

STERLNBANK

2.33

2.35

0.02

56,312,892

131,325,302.80

ETERNA

3.09

3.23

0.14

759,192

2,382,402.81

TANTALIZER

0.5

2,503,381

1,251,690.50

ETI

17.99

0.01

8,373,065

150,696,130.90

TOTAL

157.47

20,376

3,356,510.24

ETRANZACT

2.21

1,000

2,320.00

TOURIST

3.51

3,200

10,688.00

EVANSMED

2.2

2.09

-0.11

2,643,160

5,534,710.07

TRANSCORP

4.16

3.96

-0.2

15,942,751

64,145,015.09

FBNH

10.05

10.4

0.35

18,377,987

190,719,413.90

TRIPPLEG

1.86

4,977

8,809.29

FCMB

3.36

3.3

-0.06

2,736,156

8,881,280.41

UAC-PROP

10.53

330,437

3,463,790.18

FIDELITYBK

1.62

1.55

-0.07

15,317,828

24,516,831.57

UACN

41.99

242,688

10,602,852.54

FIDSON

3.4

3.35

-0.05

1,055,000

3,585,700.00

UBA

4.9

5.14

0.24

46,308,636

235,303,675.30

FLOURMILL

48.03

50.43

2.4

3,018,388

149,015,776.10

UBCAP

1.81

1.82

0.01

2,649,867

4,822,702.00

203.99

214.18

10.19

311,399

66,285,208.96

UBN

8.02

8.42

0.4

2,996,425

24,767,985.95

GLAXOSMITH

33,582

1,745,602.40

UNIC

0.5

172

GUARANTY

25.2

0.2

9,747,971

245,400,857.30

UNILEVER

34.6

1.6

183,777

6,363,723.59

GUINNESS

158

460,369

72,697,193.53

UNITYBNK

0.5

619,600

309,800.00

HONYFLOUR

3.29

462,587

1,492,085.08

UPL

4.12

44,972

179,327.76

IKEJAHOTEL

3.62

3.5

-0.12

302,365

1,079,384.10

UTC

0.5

INTBREW

23,710

623,537.40

VANLEER

12.08

1,063.04 282,130.00

JAPAULOIL

0.5

62,600

31,300.00

VETGRIF30

15.7

15.85

0.15

17,800

JBERGER

60.66

95,168

5,601,242.02

VITAFOAM

3.75

3.85

0.1

717,875

2,695,720.10

JOHNHOLT

0.98

52,625

49,467.50

VONO

1.05

1,895

2,069.50

LASACO

0.5

300,000

150,000.00

WAPCO

78.6

2.4

1,520,644

122,723,166.40

LEARNAFRCA

1.41

1.4

-0.01

50,000

70,000.00

WAPIC

0.63

0.66

0.03

9,421,430

6,038,557.31

LIVESTOCK

2.23

2.34

0.11

866,449

2,023,464.66

WEMABANK

0.95

-0.05

1,860,877

1,768,572.65

LOTUSHAL15

10.77

10.76

-0.01

9,037,063

97,260,089.77

ZENITHBANK

20.85

20.9

0.05

65,860,482

1,375,174,820.00

MANSARD

2.89

0.11

4,370,085

13,051,293.00

MAYBAKER

1.54

1.61

0.07

242,104

388,862.44

TOP 10 GAINERS

MBENEFIT

0.5

11,000

5,500.00

Stock

MOBIL

157.39

165.2

7.81

47,402

7,754,889.38

MRS

525

27,930.00

NSEASI NSECNSMRGDS NSE50 NSE30 FO NSELOTUSISLM MOBIL NB NSEOILGAS 7UP

MTI

0.5

50,000,000

25,000,000.00

NAHCO

4.9

68,953

334,504.29

NASCON

7.87

1,192,059

9,366,819.80

Close 34705.48 906.33 1729.84 1586.29 214.18 2169.08 165.2 172.04 417.83 155

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain 122.19 25.62 21.3 17.27 10.19 9.41 7.81 7.03 5.81 4.7

Stock Loss SEPLAT NSEINDUSTR DANGCEM OANDO ASHAKACEM ACCESS CWG TRANSCORP DANGSUGAR IKEJAHOTEL

Close 418.01 2023.75 179.99 21.85 21.71 7.5 4.34 3.96 6.6 3.5

-21.99 -13.42 -5.01 -1.14 -1.09 -0.35 -0.22 -0.2 -0.16 -0.12

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 AS we approach the February 2015 general elections, enthronement of democratic principles and standard is sine qua non. it is an acceptable truism that one of the political realities of our contemporary global system is democracy. IT is a political process which focuses on the necessity and imperative of governments to rule only by the Consent of the majority. The popular belief Is that properly understood and practised, democracy can remove the layers of national socio-economic and political darkness. Countries that have attained the Status of mature democracy Continue to insist that It will be absolutely difficult to get things done in pluralistic society with poor records of democratic values and practices. WITH the way things are going politically in contemporary Nigeria, it is very doubtful, whether Nigerians will ever realise the dreams of allowing democratic tenets to influence the Country’s political life. IN this connection, democratic reality implies that all Nigerians must be willing to take difficult democratic decisions, and must see the benefits in supporting their Country’s democratic Institutions by exercising their franchise as voters, known collectively as the electorate. With the current state of democracy in the country, many Nigerians have openly wondered whether the struggle. For political independence was a worthwhile exercise. Clearly, all is not well with democracy in Nigeria. Still, democracy remains the only viable and sustainable weapon for tackling national backwardness and for securing recognition and respect from the international community. No one will ever doubt the political fact that a strong democratic foundation will provide Nigerians with the opportunity to. choose their own future. THERE is need for all Nigerians to work together democratically, and openly express, indeed, demonstrate their commitments to the development of democracy. One of the disturbing features of the Nigerian democracy

THE NIGERIAN

Role Of Democratic Players is that the Nigerian elite have not demonstrated enough support for the country’s democratic process, especially in times of increasing political uncertainties. The bulk of the Nigerian elite have virtually abandoned political involvement in government and governance. They have left the process of democratic development in the hands of the ‘politicians,” which may well explain the low level of adherence to democratic procedures and values in the country * ONE of the reasons why most of the highly development States are experiencing stable democracy is the undiluted commitments of their elite to ensuring right political governance. It must be repeatedly stressed that Nigeria will find it hard to rise to the much desired political status of becoming one of the most stable and progressive democracy, if the Nigerian elite choose to remain on the political fence, or exist as mere political spectators. Undoubtedly, the Nigeria elite can, just as their overseas counterparts have demonstrated, contribute to the growth Of the Nigerian democracy. Greater elite participation in the country’s democratic process must become the defining characteristics of Nigeria’s political System. Despite marking 54 years as a nation, the political attitude of the majority of the Nigerian elite has been predominantly negative. It thus appears that Nigeria’s efforts to advance democratically will require a new shift in favour of greater elite involvement in the nation’s

politics. THERE is no doubt that the degree of support for democracy is largely influenced by economic fortunes. This means that the 71 percent of Nigerians living below the poverty line, by international estimates or the 54 percent poor Nigerians, by a 2005 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) report, are not economically motivated to demonstrate sufficient and effective support for Nigerias democracy. All the same, the less privileged classes In Nigeria can offer considerable support for achieving sustainable democracy in Nigeria, if they can be overtly organized into pro-democratic groups. The current economic and political reform efforts may well push less economically empowered Nigerians from their economic adversities right up to the middle class bracket. Economically and socially disadvantaged Nigerians may well discover in the long-run how support for democracy can widen opportunities for political influence and business. SINCE independence in Nigeria in 1960, it is reasonable to infer that the country has failed to enthrone a durable and sustainable democracy in our democratic efforts in the last 15 years. The appointment of Professor Attahiru Jega as INEC Chairman, was an attempt to ensure flawless election but recent outcry against him on the issue of polling units is a litmus test BY all standards, the path to democratic development in the country will require joint political efforts between the ruling party, political parties and most importantly, the Nigerian electorate. Clearly, in a pluralistic society like Nigeria, democratic enthronement is possible, only If there is organizational unity at all levels of governance. The Nigerian elite, the electronic and the Print Media, have significant roles in the race to reach democratic maturity, by helping the people to understand the democratic process, guide them to appreciate what Nigerians want from the country’s democracy as well as outline the structure of democratic opportunities the Nigerian political system can support.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Education

IN another one week, a chapter would have been closed, while a new era opens in the annals of the historical evolution of one of Nigeria’s prestigious ivory towers, the University of Benin. Over the years, this renowned citadel of learning has produced great men and women who have made giant strides in their various endeavours and contributed immensely towards national development, as well as advanced the cause of humanity. Indeed, the University of Benin has evolved through thick and thin, thus its present status as a centre of academie excellence and moral renaissance. It is on record that one administration after the other has made unprecedented efforts at transforming the University in order for it to compete favourably with other similar institutions within Nigeria and across the world. However, it is expedient to note that in the last five years, precisely from 2009 till date, under the Professor Osayuki Godwin Oshodin led administration, the institution has witnessed massive infrastructural turn around and continuous development of human resources, culminating in the training and retraining of personnel, including the employment of over 4,000 academic and nonacademic staff. Professor Oshodin is certainly a man of history as he is the first Benin man ever to be appointed to the exalted office of Vice Chancellor since the University was founded. If public opinion is anything to go by, he would be leaving behind a legacy worthy of emulation as he steps

Prof Orumwense - Square Peg In A Square Hole

UNIBEN VC Seat: down as VC by November ending 2014., upon completion of his tenure which many have described as eventful and challenging.

pedigree? The answers are not farfetched. He is no other person than Professor Faraday Osasere Orumwense, a Professor of Matérial Engineering.

his graduate and post graduate studies at the University of Staffordshire and University of Leeds — both in England, United Kingdom. It is worthy to

Born on 20 June, 1954 to the aristocratic Orumwense family of great Benin Kingdom, he acquired his secondary education at the famous Western Boys High School, Benin City. He later proceeded to the present Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi where he obtained a National Diploma (ND) in Civil Engineering in 1975. Thereafter, he proceeded overseas for

stress that the young Orumwense, due to his exceptional brilliance and intelligence, won the Federal Government of Nigeria Education Scholarship to further his academic career here in Nigeria and the UK. Upon his return to Nigeria, after a successful academic sojourn abroad, he started-off as a Lecturer in one of the nation’s leading University, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Enugu ‘Campus). He later got

Prof. Osasere Orumwense

Already, a new Vice Chancellor has been appointed to take over from Professor Oshodin by the Governing Council of the University, led by the Pro- Chancellor/ Chairman of Council, Dickson Bob Effiong, a former distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, in consonance with extant rules and procedures. At this juncture, the pertinent question to ask is: who is this new VC? What are his antecedents and

another appointment with the University of Benin as a Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the year 2001 and served in the capacity of the institution’s Admission Officer. Subsequently, due to his resourcefulness and by sheer dint of hard work, Professor Orumwense was appointed as Administrator of the Ekenwan Campus of the University. Like they say, a golden fish has no hiding place. No wonder, he was appointed the Pioneer Rector of the Edo State — owned Institution of Technology and Management (ITM), Usen in 2004 by the Dr. Lucky Nosakhare lgbinedion led administration. He was re-appointed for a second term in 2008 account of his outstanding performance in piloting the affairs of the Institute. He returned to the University of Benin in 2012 after a successful tenure in office. It is crystal clear that the virtues of resourcefulness, hard work and dedication have become manifest in all his endeavours. Until his new appointment and elevation to the exalted office of Vice Chancellor, Professor Orumwense was the Acting Dean,

“A veritable team-player and lover of peace, he abhors any kind of discrimination against fellow human beings — irrespective of race, creed, religion and socio-economic status.”

Faculty of Engineering. An unassuming achiever of many positive parts, the man Orumwense, has been honoured with several awards for academic excellence and selfless service to humanity. He is also an active member of several national and international Professional bodies, Including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). A veritable team-player and lover of peace, he abhors any kind of discrimination against fellow human beings — irrespective of race, creed, religion and socioeconomic status. He is a devoted christian faithful and responsible family man who is happily married with children. This erudite Professor of material engineering, whose humility belies the robustness of his modest achievements in life, has a mission to work with other patriotic Nigerians for the fulfillment of the Nigerian dream. No doubt, Professor O r u m w e n s e ’s appointment can best be described as a square peg in a square hole. Taking into congnisance his capacity, mentality and impervious tenacity, he is poised to taking the great University of Benin to the next level, as he formally assumes office on 1st December, 2014. Finally, we have implicit confidence in the ability of Professor Orumwense to perform and deliver the goods like the uncommon reformer and transformer that he is. This piece was written by Austin Otas - Osegbe A Benin-based Public Affairs Analyst.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

THE NIGERIAN

Discourse

Overcoming Fear Of Failure

“ALL that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything, what we think we become” (Buddha). The fear of failure is coined from the Greek word Atychiphobia. This Phobia is real in every human being. No matter how highly placed we are, we still experience that initial fear that what we are about to do might fail. That explains why failure is a common thing today. The truth is that the only way to go to Heaven is to die. In other words, if we fear death, we will not make heaven. (Richard Eromosele). Atychiphobia can stop us from succeeding in life and at work. It leads to a constructed lifestyle and is particularly devastating for its effects on a person’s willingness to attempt certain activities. Persons afflicted with fear of failure considers the possibility of failure so intense that they choose not to take the risk. Don’t forget that a life that does not entertain risk is not worth living; know that life itself is risk. What Atychiphobia does to people is that often the person afflicted with this phobia will sub-consciously undermine his own efforts so that he no longer have to continue to pursue a

By KINGSLEY MBADUGHA/AYOBAMI OGUNGBE

particular goal. Because efforts proportionate to the achievement of personal goal and fulfillment. This unwillingness to try that arises from the perceived inequality between the possibility of success and failure, holds the fear of failure back from a life of meaning and the realization of potential. When you don’t do something you wanted to do, oftentimes your disappointment has less to do with the results you failed to create and everything to do with your interpretation of what that failures means. That you are not talented enough, or competent enough, or confident enough or good enough in certain things should not make you develop Atychiphobia rather the only way to change your reaction to failure is to challenge the beliefs that create it, that is those ideas about what failure means. And the best way to change those beliefs is to change the thoughts that shape them that is the things that go through your mind and head right after you feel you’ve let yourself down. Psychologists and neuroscientists estimate we

think between 45,000 and 51,000 thoughts per day. If the majority of those entail negative interpretations of your weaknesses and mistakes, you will limit your potential because the prospect of failing will seem catastrophic. The Good News is that you don’t have to look far to start changing the thoughts that limit you. At any given time, there are millions of other people thinking and feeling something similar to what you are, like dealing with similar circumstances, dreaming similar dreams and finding new solutions and ways of thinking. According to Ingrid M. Lindauer, Failure could be the personal belief that you are just not good enough, then assuming that to be truth. Letting yourself settle into that concept breeds an atmosphere of defeat which then upholds the original idea. Atychiphobia can be

immobilizing, it can cause us to do nothing, and therefore resist moving forward. But when we allow fear to stop our forward progress in life, we are likely to miss some great opportunities along the way. Many of us are afraid of falling at least some of the time. But fear of failure is when we allow that fear to stop us from the things that can move us forward to achieve our goals. CAUSES OF FEAR OF FAILURE (ATYCHIPHOBIA) Atychiphobia can be linked to many causes, for instance, having critical or unsupportive parents is a cause for some people. Because they were routinely undermined or humiliated in childhood, they carry those negative feelings into adulthood. Experiencing a traumatic event at some point in your

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

life can also be a cause. For example, say years back, you gave an important presentation in front of a large group, and your performance was poor. This experience might have been so terrible that you developed a fear of failure about other things, and that fear can go on and on. One fascinating things is that those with actychiphobia create direct link between the possibility of failure and competition, and in an inherently competitive society, they find that it is best to avoid the problem altogether. The person is more strongly motivated to avoid failure, rather than to achieve success, tends to be more unrealistic in aspiration. Looking at the current state of modern society which has placed so much emphasis on perfection in every aspect of life, a person with actychiphobia will often not risk trying until perfection is assured. They draw their values as an individual from their success relative to societal standards. This change is most readily observed in the classroom setting, where students are forced or lured to compete for a limited number of rewards or awards, most often the scarcity of good grades. SYMPTOMS OF ATNCHIPHOBIA According to online Wikipedia, those suffering from atychiphobia may experience physiology symptoms typical of phobia such as, irregular health beat, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, nausea which means a sensation of unease and discomfort, overall feelings of dread, newousness, stomach disorders, perspiration, faintness etc. These symptoms manifest when one is confronted with the possibility of failure, such as when they are asked to perform a task at which they believe they cannot be 100% successful. The individual may suffer from a breakdown, and if left unchecked, these symptoms will continue to worsen. A drop in self-confidence and

loos of motivation are likely to occur, imagine what will happen to one who lose motivation, the ultimate drive that compels one to act or react towards certain things or towards achieving certain goals. As a result, it is common to avoid situations where this confrontation may occur. However, it is avoidance that impairs the sufferer’s freedom as opportunities are lost in all aspects of life such as career and family. In addition, the inability to overcome this anxiety is in itself a form of failure. Achievement-oriented individuals learn to strive for excellence, maintain optimistic expectations and to not be readily discouraged by failure. Nevertheless, atychiphobia (fear of failure) can be curtailed. Some people believe that overcoming the fear if failure is entirely dependent on a person’s willingness and motivation to change. As with many psychological problems though, especially those relating to the subconscious, there is no complete cure. The debilitating effects of atychiphobia cannot specifically be overcome by changes to an individual’s thought process, as their ability to cope in the event of fearful situations is compromised by their very fear. The most common forms of treatment for fear of failure are through self help and other motivational techniques. Conclusively, it is very imperative and vital for us to understand that the only way to success is to do what we want to do inspite of our fear of failure knowing fully well that if we dare, we have a chance to succeed. But in a situation where we fail to try, because of fear of failure (atychiphobia) we stand no chance of achieving anything in life. We will end on this note according to Yun Molina, which says “Failure is a bitter sweet experience that enables us to understand that our focus was not in the right place.

“Atychiphobia can stop us from succeeding in life and at work. It leads to a constructed lifestyle and is particularly devastating for its effects on a person’s willingness to attempt certain activities.”

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Insight

SINCE the inception of formal education in the world, culture is being born and nurtured through the application and implication of educational knowledge. Culture still thrive and grow with the help of different formal educational programmes sponsored by various scholars and academic that carry culture as part of their communual lives. In a simple and coincized explanation of both terms, “culture is education, and education is culture”. This means that if one of these want to take place, the other must be present and play a huge part in bringing success in the performance of the other. Culture as we all know is the total way of life of every individual in any given environment and locality. Culture in this aspect covers every sphere of human lives. Culture play a huge part in what happens in the human society. It is part of what make things goes around and well because it guides and nurture ones character, behaviour and attitude. Education in its own part has done more than enough to the development of human lives and societies. Education as we know is a means whereby knowledge and skills are being acquired. The education can be divided into two segment namely: Formal education Informed education Formal education is the type of education that is being acquired through the process of attending formal academic schools like secondary schools,

colleges, and universities. This process is to acquire knowledge and skills by a process known as tutoring or teaching and learning. This type of education was introduced to Nigeria society by the Westerners in order to improve and enhance human lives in Nigeria, and to promote their cultural beliefs and heritage. Education (formal) has lifted and enhanced cultural values and heritage, thereby promoting cultural development. In general education has caused cultural development in many ways, and these are few. Education as sociocultural attitude when we say this, we simply means culture has taken its shape and behaviour based on the Education knowledge it has imbibed. The ways and manners knowledge and skills are taught and learned affect our cultural attitude and the means of acquisition. For example in the Western world, their cultural values and heritage are being taught and promoted through the process of education. Even the way they interact and socialize with themselves and other people makes us to know the amount of education they have acquired. Socialization is very paramount and germane in the society. And that is the reason why sociologists said society gives birth and room for socialization. In every country in the world, culture is being preached. And how the preaching and the enlightenment is being done and accomplished with the help of education.

Education As A Tool For By LAWRENCE OMORODION/MARY OKPEBE

In every meetings that are being held in the United Nations Conferences. All the leaders of the world communicate their cultural heritage with the help of formal education,

way of reinforcing the standard of education in any given society. Culture encompasses every aspects of human lives which includes food, mode of dressing, interactive manner,

and awareness that they have been exposed to. Education serves as the respiratory organ through which culture survives culture is being elevated and practiced by most of the scholars and historians of today who used their knowledge and skills to keep and preserve cultural values and heritage. It stores all the moral attitude in affiliation to cultural belief system. Culture is a belief concept, has in a

marriage and other ceremonial activities. But with all these, there is something that can promote and all the same time utter the development and mprovement of cultural attitude and practice and that is education. Most cultures of the world, especially African culture have been taken abroad and imbibed by the foreigners. And this can’t be done with the

“Education (formal) has lifted and enhanced cultural values and heritage, thereby promoting cultural development.”

help of a lay man who is not educated, and even if he is able to take it, he can’t explain and expose people to his own cultural belief. But with the help of education culture had gone through many process

linguist is a person that has the knowledge and skills to interprete other foreign languages even if he/she is an alien to a particular culture and society. And for a linguist to emerge, he has to gain an education and

simultaneously and it is still on the go. For one to enlighten people about his/her own cultural belief and benefit, he/she must be educated in order for a smooth inferaction and amiable relationship to travail. Even understanding the cons and pros of culture requires a good understanding of cultural languages, that is, learning how to write and read the cultural words and signs. In the process of studying and enlightening, educational knowledge and skills are required. With the help of a linquist, culture is being spoken and shared on a mutual tolerance. A

academic back ground. Linguist relate to people about what a particular cultural languages means and entails and he/she finds out the languages of past cultures that has existed before. With the help of linguists, some people’s cultural background can easily be traced and treated. Education has done enough in bringing back dead and forgotten cultures with the help of Anthropologist, Anthropologists are scientists who studies analize the origins and characteristics of human beings and their societies, customs and beliefs. These people with the help of a formal education

THE NIGERIAN

Insight

r Cultural Development acquired knowledge and skills in order to carry out their daily work and duties. Through campaigns and awareness programmes, many cultures are being preached and shared with other people who are aliens to the cultures in

international recognition. The Cross River cultural festival that have been celebrated since the inception and origins of the Cross River people did not get international recognition until the 21st century when the

educated historian that brought their knowledge to use by inviting the government, both the federal and state involvement in bringing Cross River cultural heritage to lime light. In China, their cultural

belief and background relies mostly on education because education propagates most of the dos and don’t of their cultures. Education promotes their cultural heritage thereby beautify and purify the cultural image of the

counter and thereby leaving them outstanding among other cultures of the world. The Italian cultures, especially the Roman culture and traditions are being taught in various colleges and universities around the world. It is because these people

combined their education alongside with their culture. In Creece, there are main cultures that are usually referred to religious, education, and culture are merged together to bring about cultural awareness and enlightenment.

Why Ingratitude Is Prevalent By MBADUGHA KINGSLEY L.

focus. There are different cultural campaigns all over the world, to sensitize and enlighten people on the usefulness and importance of cultures and beliefs. And these campaigners did not start these campaign programmes on their own without education acquisition. As education thrives all through the centuries, so it culture but cultures are carried far with the help of educationist and academic scholars. For example Bini culture and ways of life would have being unknown till now if not for the emerging historians who have been soliciting and calling for

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

IN a society where there is no sanity, insanity becomes sanity. Ungratefulness is the mother of unfaithfulness and for that reason, ingratitude has become an integral part of our society. Ingratitude and ungratefulness have become a normal thing in both our relationship with our fellow man and our relationship with God as well. If you ask most people if they are ungrateful. They will probably reply of course not. However, this attitude is so ingrained in their lives, they cannot openly admit or even realize that they are ungrateful. The questions are, how can you tell if you are ungrateful? Are there things that identify ingratitude? And if so what can you do about it?. Webster ’s dictionary defines Ingratitude, as not appreciating or valuing what you have or have been given, unexpressed gratitude is also ingratitude. In today’s fast paced world, most people seem to not have time for thankfulness and appreciativeness, work, family, soccer practice doctor’s appointment and other things have become their main priorities. They seems to have no time to thank others. But lets consider the following. Have you ever given someone a gift and not received thanks for it? Have you ever feet unappreciated by family or friends or at your workplace? If so, how did it make you feel? Probably not very good. Take a country like America or any other country that is well developed and blessed as people believe. This country enjoys plentiful food, shelter, electricity, running water, wealth, air

conditioning, heating transportation, sanitation, and many other blessings. If you happen to find yourself in one of those country, take a close moment look around and fully take in all of the many blessing you will notice that the land is filled with chronic grumblers and complainers although. There are countless blessings, there seems to always be countless things to gripe about, be it traffic, the economy, food prices problems at work, difficulties with family, desire for additional material possessions and ill health, etc. Never before in the history of man has the world shown this unspeakable characteristics at it does today. Human being is always in search for want, man is constantly hungry for the possession of the things of this world and because of man’s constant quest for or accumulation of the things of world, the tending to appreciate and be grateful for thing done for them has become something so hard to do. I was speaking with one of my friends one day, I said to him, how are my sure that you appreciate each and everything that I have done for you so far, he laughed. Check yourself and grade yourself on the ground of how grateful and appreciating you are when something good come to

you. If our level of gratitude towards our fellow human being is as low as this, how much more of God who most people sometimes do no believe in? Ask yourself, how grateful am I to God? The Bible records the experiences of another nation, the ancient nation of Isreal who also constantly complained and murmured. No matter what God did for them it was never enough. Exodus 3:8, God said “And I come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land unto a good and a large unto a land flowing with milk and money”. But this was not enough for them and when they encountered problem in the wilderness, they all murmurd and said. “And wherefore has the lord brought us unto this land to fall by the sword, that our woves and children should be a prey? Were it not better for us to return into Egypt? And they said to one another let us make a captain and let us return into Egypt (Num. 14:24). This was the reaction of the people of Isreal after been rescued by God from the Bondage for 430 years in the hand of the Egyptians. You that is reading this text, will say, well am not an Isrealite, but look at your life very closely and check how

grateful you are to God for everything he has been doing in your life very closely and check how grateful you are to God for everything her has been doing in your life. We tend to be so committed when we need something from friends and people around us, but the reverse is the case one we get what we were bargaining for. Thank you has become a forbidable phrase in the lips of many in the world today. The nature and situation of things in the world today has made many people to take God for granted. The only time we remember our creator is in time of trouble and after that, our relationship with God subsidies and no more words of thanksgiving. If you as an individual has nothing to thank and appreciate God for, I believe that thanking God for making you see the light of early sun is enough reason. Ask yourself about the place of God in your life? Our culture of ungratefulness has bred unfaithfulness to God in our own part. It is when you are grateful that you can be faithful to your maker. Thanksgiving is really very important and it is something that every one should try and get himself actualized with because one is liable to lose favour and blessings that are yet to come. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord continue to live in him, rooted and build up in him,

strengthened in the faith as you were taught and over flowing with thankfulness (Col. 2:6,7). We are aware that the sin of disobedient that led to the fate of man, all points out to ingratitude. Now imagine that if the sin of ingratitude can cause the fall of the human race, think of the negative effect of ingratitude in your life. It is very important for one to show appreciation. Don’t say that I am always grateful for what favour I receive from people because you cannot tell yourself the real truth about your attitude toward showing gratitude it is wrong to continue to wallow our and swim in that ocean of ingratitude and believe in it, there are more harm than good in so doing the ability to maintain a healthy relationship between you and your fellow man and between you and your God will really make you understand yourself as a person. Sometimes people do not know how bad they have presented themselves before others by not saying thank you. Some do not know how to use expressions to show how appreciative and thankful they are but through their actions, it is known but the write-up is for those who do not show gratitude both in actions and in words. When you show appreciation for what one has done for you, you stand a chance of receiving more. And when it comes to appreciating God believe me its not something you should think about.

“Ask yourself about the place of God in your life? Our culture of ungratefulness has bred unfaithfulness to God in our own part.”

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 With Francis U. Odupute

Art Alive

Shrines And Deities Of Benin Kingdom THE ancestral shrines and state in the royal palace are considered to be the holiest place and essential core of the kingdom. For this reason the palaces represents the spiritual as well as the secular centre of the realm. The Religious practices at court extend downwards in the hierarchy and the social ranks are reflected in the equality and splendour of the paraphernalia. Just as the king is ritually responsible for his office and kingdom, the rituals held at the house altars of the various office holders are meant to safeguard the latter ’s social position and the well being of their families. In Pre-Colonial Benin, Bronze objects were reserved exclusively for the ancestral altars of the king or queen mother, dignitaries were only allowed to use wooden heads, which at best were covered with imported brass sheet. Today these restrictions no longer apply with the same rigour and the objects with which a chief adorns his ancestral altar instead depend on his economic means. In addition to the altars, shrines for the several deities play an important role. Especially important for supporting royal sovereignty is the worship of the sea god olokun who is also known as the god who bestows fertility and wealth. On the art works, a wide spectrum of motifs alludes to the relation between him and the Oba. These are, for instance, mudfish, crocodiles, pythons and stylized depictions of

By OJEKHEBHOLO BLESSING OSE

Portuguese white which stands for purity and good fortune, dominates on shrines dedicated to olokun, and he is represented in clay with some regalia and retinue as are characteristically found in depictions of

shrines. In traditional households, before important undertaking in the past for example, before setting off to warmen wash themselves with water from osun

the Oba, since the gods, as the king’s counterpart, is the ruler of the underwater world. Ogun, the protective deity of war, iron and metal working, enables human to produce implements, arts, weapons and nowadays, machines, out of metal. The hot colour red associated with this god characterizes the shrines erected to him, which often consist of an accumulation of metal parts. Osun is the spiritual power inherent in medicinal plants, insects and reptiles. Massive trees in the forests around which pots filled with water and leaves are placed; can serve as Osun

pots, which strengthens them for their tasks. Ogiuwu is the terrifying god of death; a shrine dedicated to him once stood in the royal palace close to the war shrine (Nevadomsky 1993). In addition to the Oba himself as the highest oracle priest, healer and herbalist, the presentation of the ritual significance of kingship is in the hands of ritual specialists who take care of the shrines and execute central functions in the religious ceremonies. In the past, numerous ritual vessels were used in this context whose original purposes we can nowadays not always determine for certain.

In this shrine, you can find the royal rattle staff (ukhurhe). The rattle staft (Ukhurhe) belongs to the Oba, for only him owned the bronze versions back then.

used in prayer at royal at royal ceremonies by chief Isekhure, priest of the Oba’s ancestors. A proverb explicitly ties it to the Oba’s right to take life. One of the staft’s patterns first appears in

carved out, in which a loose piece of wood makes a rattling noise when the staff is shaken or hit on the ground. By this, contact with the spiritual sphere is established. The particular form of

Ukhurhe serve one or two purposes; they are either the essential items on an ancestral altar (all else including bronzes and ivories are mere adornment) or are the emblems of a masquerade or other cults. Decoration distinguishes them. Cult ukhurhe usually have a figurative midsection while ancestral ukhurhe finale indicate royal or non-royal clients. The heir commissions them as the first act of proper funerary rites shaking them to call upon the ancestors for blessing or curses. Even a king ancestors are represented by wooden ukhurhe but a bronze example was formerly

the 18th century at least two depict hands holding mudfish (a typical royal motif). Some illustrates a figure with a raftle staff while other shows the hand of good for, tune another elaborate example in the metropolitan museum of art portray the Oba on top an eleptiant flanked by leopards. It is thought to represent 18th century Oba Akenzua 1 trumphing over his enemy, chief Iyase n’ode . Rattle staffs –Ukhurhe are the basic furnishing of an ancestor altar in Benin they consist of a wooden staff divided in segments, in the uppermost part of which one or two cavities are

segmentation is modelled on that of the Ukhurhe Oho plant and symbolizes the life span of the deceased. It is the duty of the eldest son to have a rattle staff like these carved when his father dies and to place it among the other staffs leaning against the back wall of the ancestor altar with this act he enables the deceased to join the community of the ancestors. Rattles are found on partneral ancestor altars. Some other stuff like the Altar of the hand – Ikegobo of an Oba, Altar of the Iyoba –Ikegobo of an Iyoba, Altar stool – erhe e.t.c.

THE NIGERIAN

Art And Culture

Chalk In Edo Culture CHALK in Edo Culture is a symbol of Joy, happiness and merry making, of purity, of Love, of rejoicing, in prayer, in blessing, in anointing, in healing; and in Child birth. It is used as an invitation for people to rejoice with one another of good fortune, and a mark of festivity such as child birth, Chieftaincy title, age group initiation and elevation, promotion or what may make a person rejoice, such as escape from an accident or a blessing received. The white chalk is smeared on the forehead when a child is born as a mark of joy, rejoicing and peace. It is smeared on the body when Victory is won. “Rejoice with me for God has poured on me white chalk”, so too when good luck strikes, wining an election, excels in an examination, flee from danger or calamity. White chalk is not scorch, not bitter nor burns. It is a proper name in a naming ceremony given by parents to children “Orhue” to both male and female. In triumph-white chalk-orhue is used for jubilation and distributes to people present, friends and relations with the

words “Jubilate with me” while the chalk is distributed. In chieftaincy, the chalk is used to anoint the body saying “the palace has done me favour”. In folklore, the great Ancestor entered this planet when the whole earth was covered with chalk known as cretaceous period’ when the land was chalky. Chalk is a compound of calcium, carbonate, a substitute for this is school chalk used for writing. It is found at river banks, moulded and use for various rites. Chalk-Orhue is widely used for making marks on the forehead, face, chest and arms as signs of purity, good fortune, luck and blessings received. Chalk is used also in drawing patterns on shrines. It is used before prayer is offered. Extensively chalk is used in every rite, from child birth to human demise and continuity. Truly the white chalk is used a lot in daily rites and activities of culture. From the very beginning, the Edo people began to extract, collect and develop the technique of making white chalk- Orhue to various designs and shapes. Handiwork method is still the method of making chalk moulds.

The chalk was manufactured for food in ancient time. It was used for healing umbilical cord and wounds. Chalk and salt were used together in eating and for prayer. Chalk is white kaolin from the shell of sea animals. Salt is a substance found on the bed of sea water and is used to

used during supplication, for blessing, and anointing. The use of white chalk, as mark of purity also accompanying subsidiary offerings where fertility is assured. It is used as a powder for babies. White chalk is used to scrub or to paint sacred places. It has been used for painting and

season or to preserve food. The uses of both chalk and salt in Edo Culture are very necessary in certain rites. They are also used for requests, either through invoking or personal contact. In the ancestral worship, the chalk is

decorating of houses, and sacred buildings. An altar of a shrine could be white washed with white chalk. Chalk was medicinally used for healing, craw-craw, rashes, sores, wounds and cuts, by putting poultice of chalk on it.

“Chalk is used also in drawing patterns on shrines. It is used before prayer is offered. Extensively chalk is used in every rite, from child birth to human demise and continuity.”

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 With AMBROSE EKHOSUEHI

(Papa Orhue yeo). A lump of chalkOsorhue in the name of a deity can ward off rogues. Merchants putting such on their trays also attract nice customers and influences good sales. In the rites for the departed, someone making a chalk line on the ground, having lead the living, would bring the dead into the houses as an ancestor, through door way. As the

attitude. The older the person was the higher the rank. The more the descendants, are, the more the prestige in the land of the living. Chalk from cradle to the propitiation of Ancestor portends good luck, good Omen and Favour. It features favourably in proverbs and words of wisdom, such as” those who rub chalk do not rub charcoal.” (Ogbe Orhue, I gbe ibi).

ancestor enters, guns are fired to welcome the ancestor. A pillar of white chalk-Osorhue, is placed on the altar where the ancestor would be worshipped. A white chalk representing Ancestral spirit is dragged on a string back into the house, where it is placed on the altar built to receive it, where it is affirmed in a ceremony when un-wanted spirit is finally dismissed. The children would dedicate the altar in the rite, while the senior son officiates as clergy. The rites depend on the degree to which the person fulfilled social

At the annual Igue festival, the blessing of human heads at any tim chalk is a necessity. The head is regarded as the controller of all consciousness, representing the purposive sentient aspect of the human personality. When a person anoints head with chalk, other parts of the body including the hands, are affected. The hands are reference to manual skill, physical strength, general vigour and enterprise to the use of chalk in Edo Culture.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Opinion Qualities Of Remarkable Employees IN today’s multifaceted world, where abnormality has become normality and vice versa, its questionable to say remarkable employees exist. The devilish spirit of “I don’t care” has so much engulfed the lives of many humans that they work for other without sincerity of heart. An employee is someone who is paid to work for someone else. The world all over is full of employees that are paid to carry out task assigned to them by their employers. We all know what makes a desirable employee; someone who comes to work on time, is reliable, has positive attitude, is both a leader and a follower. But what makes a remarkable employee? Someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty? What makes someone a true superstar in the office? Remarkable employees are people who are dependable, proactive, diligent, good leaders and good followers…they possess a wide range of easily-defined, but hard to find qualities. They stand out from the crowd because of the traits they possess. Remarkable employees possess the following qualities. Remarkable employees speak when others won’t. Some employees are hesitant to speak up during meetings. Some are even hesitant to speak up privately. An employee once asked me a question about potential layoffs. After the meeting, I said to him, ‘why did you ask about that? You already know what is going on”. He said, “I do, but a lot of other people don’t and they are afraid to ask. I thought it would help if they heard the answer from you.” Remarkable employees are good problem solvers and examine problems in multiple ways. Their anticipation of issues keeps them thinking ahead on potential problems and they often have alternative options before problems arise. Most of them realize that the problem understanding is much more valuable than alternative solution. Remarkable employees are not people who cannot contribute to the progress of their managements. Rather, they are people whose management can count on for solutions to problems. This is because “well done” is better than “well said”. Remarkable employees praise in public. Positive

feedback doesn’t just have to come from a supervisor. Colleagues praising colleagues adds a positive vibe to the work place and encourages collaboration. Potential clients can immediately sense camaraderie among your employees and it bodes well for your company reputation. Remarkable employees will naturally praise their peers without being compelled to do so. That sort of positive behaviour is infectious and goes a long way to uphold company morale. An adage says that “if you thank a man for the good he has done, he will have the zeal to do more.” This singular attribute of remarkable employees will build love among colleagues that will compel them to work hand-in-hand for the success of the management. Furthermore, remarkable employees know when to complain in public and in private. Everyone complain sometimes, often with good reason. But many officer concerns are better handled in private. Remarkable employees know which issues might be sensitive and can easily identify what’s appropriate to bring up at a meeting and what’s appropriate to bring up in private. Little wonder did the Bible say that “there is time for everything.” They understand the policies of their management and know how to talk and behave themselves during and after meetings so as not to bring their management to disrespect. Remarkable employees work with sincerity of heart. Its quite appalling with the way the hearts of many people have become so much wicked that they work as if they were being compelled to do so; as was done to the Israelites in Egypt. Often time, I hear people (employed) say, “am just doing this work for doing sake; God knows I cannot kill myself because of government work, how much are they paying me that I should kill myself for that useless work; after all others close before time so why should I be different.” Remarkable employees work without grudges. They don’t follow the crowd, rather, they stand out from the crowd. They seek the interest of their management irrespective of the circumstances they found themselves. Their ultimate

goal is to see their management progress, as such they work with all their hearts, using minimum input to induce maximum output. Also, remarkable employees know when to cool it. As energizing and entertaining as an eccentric

works”. Remarkable employees are not known for eye service. Their works are devoid of hypocrisy. Remarkable employees don’t adhere to their job title. They jump in without being asked. They think on their feet and adapt to changing

expected to but because they just can’t help it. One thing that also define remarkable employees is that they are humble yet very passionate about what they love. The remarkable ones find strong ego’s very distasteful yet they wear their passion 24/7. They can as easily follow as lead and in all situations pay attention to

personality may be, you also want an employee who knows when to take it back a notch. It is often a tough balance to strike, but remarkable employees know when its time to be serious and when its time to play. As the Bible enlightened us, remarkable employees who have the interest of their organizations at heart, will play work when its time to work and will rest when such time is due. It must be pointed out that its only those who have the interest of their management’s success at heart that will be able to strike this balance. And those that do this are no other persons but remarkable employees! Remarkable employees don’t do eye service. Research have shown that more than 80 percent of today’s employees do eye service. Many employees work with utmost attention when their supervisors are around. They work at such time so that their heads can have the impression that they are good employees. It baffles me a lot when I hear employees say “it’s when oga is around that I’m serious, when he leaves, nothing concerns me and their useless

situations quickly and effortlessly. They see what needs to be done and do it, even if it falls outside of their job description. They follow the Bible doctrine in James 4 v 17. He who knows what is right and fail to do it for him it’s a sin”. Remarkable employees don’t wait to be compelled or told to do what is right in the interest of their management before they do it. They take to their and carry out task even if it falls outside of their primary duties just to make sure their organisations make progress. Remarkable employees always demonstrate creative spirit and drive. According to Doghudje 1992 creativity is innovation, creativity is breaking new grounds. Creativity is taking risks. Creativity is experimentation. Creativity is change brought about by man. It is being different. It is being new. It is being unique. It is being superior. It is being better”. Some people are rarely satisfied (I mean that in a good way) and are constantly tinkering with something. Great employees follow process. Remarkable employees find ways to make those processes even better not only became they are

being strong team players. Remarkable employees embrace and drive change. The best employees are often a little different, quirky sometimes irreverent even delighted to be unusual. They seem slightly odd, but in a really good way. Unusual personalities shake things up make work more fun, and transform a plain-vanilla group into a team with flair and flavour. People who aren’t afraid to different naturally stretch boundaries and challenge the status quo and they often come up with the best ideas. Remarkable employees are just there to make the difference. Remarkable employees work extremely hand. They understand that without hard work you get nowhere in life. They know the basic science of life your input will equil your out put. They don’t depend on luck to get them anywhere, they depend on their skills and ambition to get them to where they want. They will rarely complain about how hard they are working because they know that all their hard work will pay off. They expect the utmost from themselves and when they are focused there

By STANLEY UGAGBE/OMEIZA ROBINSON/EDET ELIJAH

is nothing that can stop them. In addition remarkable employees are incredibly curious and eager to learn. Most people are stubborn they don’t like to learn to explore new things and are very narrow-minded, remarkable employees are the complete opposite. They are very open-minded and are always studying something

new, learning and constantly asking questions so that they can find out more information. They know that knowledge is the back bone of success and they are hungry for more information because the more they know the easier it makes for them. They apply or take advantage of what they learn in life. Remarkable employees want to learn everything about everything. Finally remarkable employee live in the present moment. They know that “now” is the only time they can control. Remarkable people don’t waste time, they use it. They understand that the past is the past and they have learned from it. The future is what will happen when they are excelling in their present. They are always focused on the current moment and don’t get lost in the game of time. They “look over the horizon” to see the future. Extremely remarkable people live in the present, with one eye on the future. The big question is, are there remarkable employees in our time? How about you? Are you remarkable in your office? If no, amend your ways!.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Religion

Need For Personal Bible Study IT is written in the Holy Bible “study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”, (11Timothy 2:15). This position is an authority to the effect that, Christians should not just accept and swallow anything from their leaders in the name of ‘fearing or serving God’, without having recourse to the commendation of the Christians in Berea, who did not blindly follow the doctrine and practice of great Christian leaders at that time, without searching to know if the things they practice or preached were actually based on the provision in the scripture. It is also written that. “ These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they receive the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so,” (Acts 17:11)> Many other scriptural provisions abound, that also goes to prove that Christians should be careful in accepting teachings from their leaders Based on what is documented in the Holy Bible, Christians are expected to personally study the Bible through individual efforts, by the aid of the Holy spirit, so that they will not become subjected victims to people’s personal opinions or feelings, as it relates to Christian practice. It is written that “ Till we all come in the unity of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man,

PREVAILING Prayer only prevails through the prevailing spirit it is not a work of man, even of the holiest men and women of God. It is the work of the Holy spirit in you and through your cooperation. Samuel Chadwick, a great minister said “The biggest thing God ever did for me was to teach me how to pray in the spirit”. No one ever becomes a man or woman of prayer except through the Holy spirit. How can you prepare his way so that the spirit can intercede in prevailing prayer through your being? Remember, you will always recognize that you are far too weak in prayer to prevail. Rejoice! “ The spirit helps us in our weakness” (Rom8:26). Again and again you will need to confess with paul, “Lord I do not know how to pray as I ought. I do not know exactly what all the details are for which I should prevail.”

unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, wherby they lie in wait to deceive”, (Ephesians 4: 13-14). “Hear my words, O ye wise men,; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge. For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat” (Job 34: 34:2and 3). Another scripture has it that “Beloved, belive not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because mange false prophet are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the spirit of God. Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God and this is that spirit of antichrist, where of ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world”, (1John4:1-3). Today, particularly in Nigeria, and some African countries, Christians express so much fear concerning church leaders mode of operation. They do not search the scripture to know how things should be done and why they should take a particular approach. They are easily swayed by tactful and well calculated, and arranged teachings; in such that, they do not receive interpretation of the scripture through the Holy Spirit, rather, they believe

By OMEIZA ROBINSON

every word that their teachers and leaders heap-up for them to hear and retain. Even when they should take proactive steps to humbly and respectfully approach their leaders in the spirit of love and

punished. Recently, a pastor in South Africa, Pastor Lesego Daniel of Rabboni Centre Ministries, located at Garankuwa TUT campus, Pretoria, was alleged to have made his members eat

continue to hold water. The people have been made to begin to see their fellow men as gods, and also treat them as such. We have seen where in the church, leaders ask their members to bring cane with them to church service.

justice, in a bid to point-out or attempt to correct the misnomer that is noticed, or unbiblical practice that the church leader may be found guilty of, they will rather regurgitate the fear that had been planted in them which has it that” touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm”. Or they will project the case where Miriam and others spake against Mosses and were

grass early this year, and later, made them drink petrol that he “miraculously” turned into pineapple juice, claiming that it tastes sweet, like pineapple juice and Iron Brew. In Nigeria, we have seen cases where church leaders have made a ‘god’ unto the people in the sense that they enjoy so much control over the church members to the effect that whatever they say will

The purpose was to flog the devil spiritually, by hiting the cane on the walls of the church. Another case experienced in Nigeria is a situation where the pastor of the church made members of the church to throw punch in the air, with the believe that they are fighting the devil with the intent that they would secure success or break through in the fight. In other Nigerian churches,

there has been cases where leaders make the people pray that demons should die. The question that should agitate the minds of people along this line is that “do demons really die, knowing that they are spiritual and not physical beings?” “Did Jesus kill any demon during his ministry on earth?” These, and many more, are the questions that church members should ask and also search the scripture to know, whether or not, these practices are to be totally accepted, as part of true Christian practice. Some churches have also been found to teach their members practically on how they should speak in tongues through emulation. When people truly study to show themselves approved unto God just like the scripture suggest, then it would be very easy for them to figure-out whether such teaching is based on the scripture or not. True Christian life should be patterned after the ‘way of life’ as led by Jesus while he was on earth, and all the examples and instructions he gave. If it were true that demons die, then all the demons, including witches and wizards, and even satan himself, would have been totally eradicated, and the world would be free from evil. Christians should endeavor to study to show themselves approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, but with proper spread of the truth among other young Christians in such that wrong information will not go into circulation. There is need for Christians to study the scriptures so that they will not be carried away by every wind of doctrine.

Becoming Mighty In Prayer Rejoice. The spirit Himself intercedes for you with groans too deep for you ever to be able to express. Since the Holy spirit has that burden to help you pray and to prevail through you, God is far more desirous of your prevailing than you ever realized. The spirit groans for you to become mighty in prevailing prayers. He has infinitely many groanings that are humanly inexpressible for you to become mighty in prevailing prayer. For the many significant needs in the life of others, The spirit wants to make you mighty to prevail for them. God has no other way. He has ordained to bring his will to pass through your being joined to the prevailing intercession of both God the son on heaven’s

By EDET ELIJAH /UGAGBE STANLEY throne of grace and God the spirit. The spirit longs to possess you more and more fully that he may pray through you more and more prevailingly. God understands your heart broken confession, even as Paul confessed that he did not know how to pray as he ought.( Rom.8: 26). At the end of Yourself, give yourself again to God in total obedience can you confess with Oswald J. Smith. Ah, that burden for souls-how it has characterized God’s anointed ones all down the centuries! … a host of … mighty wresters with God. Their, my brethren is experience I crave above all other”.

God desire you to help meditate the light of the Gospel and the saving power of Jesus through your prayer. In redemption, there is only one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus (1Tim.2:5) But God needs thousands of cooperating intercessory mediators today. By your prevailing prayer, place one hand on the throne of grace and the other on the need of the world Moses did Isaiah, Jeremiah and Daviel did. Will you? Luther did. Wesley and Whitefield did, Apostle Ayo Babalola did, Pa Josiah did, will you?. Prayer power is not something worked up, its not

loudness of voice or physical or emotional self –assertion. It is power of the spirit within your spirit. He will work mightily in you as he prays mightily through you. He will burn the “ought” of prevailing prayer in your innermost soul. He will give you a holy “must” that drives you to your knees. In this restless, busy age, most of us have never learned to give God time in prayer. We would rather work for God than pray. We will rather attend another service than pray. We would rather watch TV that pray! May God forgive us? Bishop J.G Ryle confessed, “We spend our spiritual strength and forget to renew it. We multiply engagements and curtail prayers… We work when we ought to pray…. The servant

whom the Holy Spirit must use must resist the tyranny of work- overwork. He must resolve to be alone with God even if the hours spent with him appear to rob his fellow men of his service”. Beloved Andrew murray wrote, “Heaven is still as full of spiritual blessings. God still delights to give the Holy spirit to them that ask him. Our life and work are still as dependent on the direct importation of the divine power as they in Pentecostal times. Prayer is still the appointed means for drawing down these heavenly blessing and power upon ourselves and those around us. God still seeks for men and women who with all their work of ministering give themselves to preserving prayers.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Religion “AND ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”. John 8:32 THE disciples of Jesus Christ in the book of Acts 11:26 were called Christians for the first time in the city of Antioch, when the people of Antioch saw that the disciples assembled themselves in the church throughout a whole year

Father hath sent Him into the world (to preach good tidings unto the meek, and to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives etc.) even so has He also sent His disciples into the world. Jesus further stated in verse 16, that His disciples were

the affairs of this life. They live their lives in accordance to the scripture in II Timothy 2:4, which reads “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” True Christians must recognize the fact

up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.” The meaning of this prophecy is this: Jesus would not contend with opponents neither would He raise His voice in the street to cause a mob “spirit” that would incite the people to fight for Him against His opponents. Therefore, the

teaching the people. The disciples of Jesus in Antioch were seen to be Christ-like as they preoccupied themselves with their sole assignment, the great commission which was handed down to them by Jesus Christ, before His ascension into heaven. And that great commission, as written in Matthew 28:20 was that, the disciples and indeed all genuine followers of Christ should go and teach all nations, making them to observe all things whatsoever Jesus has commanded them with the promise that He will be with them always as long as they remain in their divine calling. From thence the disciples were not in any way distracted from their heavenly assignment as we can observe in Mark 16:1920 “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” Jesus Christ says in John 17:18 that as His

not of the world even as He was not of this world. If therefore the disciples of Jesus Christ and indeed all genuine Christians are not of this world, it means they are not to love the world, neither the things that are in the world. Otherwise, if they do, it means the love of God is not in them as it is written in I John 2:15. And one of the three abominable things that are in this world is pride of life which is not of the Father but of the world. It is important to recognize the fact that genuine Christians, that is, the saints of God, who are born of the Spirit of truth are always at war with principalities and powers, with spiritual wickedness in high places, with the rulers of the darkness of the world. All these make up the army of satan. Christian soldiers, especially the Ministers of God are the major targets of these principalities and powers who muster their unseen arrays waiting for their unguarded hour. And so they cannot afford to be at ease in Zion and entangle themselves with

that the whole world lieth in wickedness because the world and its vain glory belong to satan, the prince of this world. Satan tempted Jesus Christ with the kingdoms of the world and their vain glories. That would have meant bowing down to satan, if he had allowed Himself to be enticed by the glory of this world. Even when Jesus perceived the intention of some men to forcibly make Him a king, because they saw all the miracles that He did, Jesus avoided this earthly honour, by departing from them to hide Himself. John 6:15 He declined the earthly honour because He knew that His kingdom was not of this world, where people who desperately aspire for a political ambition make use of their “loyalists” to defend themselves against their enemies or their opponents. John 18:36 In Isaiah 42:2, Prophet Isaiah, prophesied of Jesus Christ who is the perfect example for all Christians, who are conscious of heaven. And what was that prophecy? “He shall not cry, nor lift

kingdom of the world as spoken by Jesus is not for heaven-bound Christians. They have a kingdom that is yet to come, in which they shall be made kings and priests, to reign with Christ on earth here. Revelations 5:10. Christians who love the appearing of Jesus Christ in the rapture are therefore commanded to keep themselves unspotted from the world and its system. For this is the only pure and true religion for Christians. James 1:27c Genuine Christians who want to enter heaven are warned by the Spirit of truth not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers but to come out from amongst them and not to touch the unclean thing so that they can be the true sons and the true daughters of God the Father as written in II Corinthians 6:14-18 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what

With REV. OLU GEORGE (Servant Of The Most High God)

agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will

We can now proceed further to define what politics is all about and who is a politician. By dictionary definition, politics means the act or science of government or

Christians And Party/Partisan Politics - The Mind Of God (Part I)

“All these make up the army of satan. Christian soldiers, especially the Ministers of God are the major targets of these principalities and powers who muster their unseen arrays waiting for their unguarded hour.” be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord A l m i g h t y . ” POLITICKING IS AN UNCLEAN THING FOR THE SAINTS OF GOD, WHO HAVE THE VISION OF HEAVEN. From all that has been said so far, we have come to know and understand what Christianity is all about, and who is a Christian.

the management of a political party, political affairs or opinions. It m e a n s MANEUVERING AND INTRIGUING. A politician, by dictionary definition, means an INTRIGUER OR A MANEUVRERER or one who is interested in party/partisan politics or one engaged in political life/affairs, one who makes a profession or a game of politics. TO BE CONTINUED COURTESY: SERVANT OF THE MOST HIGH GOD, OLU GEORGE CHRISTIAN GOSPEL CHURCH (The Truth Centre).

“It is important to recognize the fact that genuine Christians, that is, the saints of God, who are born of the Spirit of truth are always at war with principalities and powers, with spiritual wickedness in high places, with the rulers of the darkness of the world. All these make up the army of satan. Christian soldiers, especially the Ministers of God are the major targets of these principalities and powers who muster their unseen arrays waiting for their unguarded hour.”

THE NIGERIAN

Reflection

Influence Of Capitalism On Nigerian Religion AFRICANS, according to Professor John Mbiti, “are notoriously religious, and each people has its own religious system with a set of beliefs and practices.” Mbiti’s observation may not be far from reality. Here in Nigeria almost everything we do or say are directly or indirectly influenced by our religious beliefs and background. Most of the official gatherings in Nigeria begin with opening prayer. Even when the politicians meet for official purpose, a Muslim and a Christian are usually appointed to lead the group in an opening prayer. Moreover, the numbers of religious denominations in the Nigeria are uncountable. People are beginning to build mosques, even in none Islamic areas. Some of our Muslim brethren are even engaging in all night vigils and crusades. Churches and Mosque are the most available and most accessible structures in most streets in Nigeria. But does this really mean that Nigerians are religious as Mbiti observed? By the way, what does it take to be a true religious? What type of religion are we even practicing in modern Africa society? Pope John Paul II of the Blessed memory wrote in his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Ecclesia in Africa, that “Africans have a profound religious sense, a sense of the sacred, of the existence of God the creator and of a spiritual world” This, to some extent, affirms the claim of Mbiti that Africans are notoriously religious. But if I may add, that was then! A critical look of how the Africans are practicing their so-called religion would force one to ask if Africans are actually religious as they claim to be? A Pastor once complained that most of the people he prayed for are not showing appreciation. He cited an example of one of the politician he prayed for during the last election. He went as far as prophesying to him that he will surely win the election. The politician then promised to purchase a landed property worth of twenty-five million naira for his ministry if he wins. Luckily for him the politician

actually won the election. The pastor complained that up till then the politician has not redeemed his pledge. It took me time to convince the pastor that it was not him but God who gives victory and moreover, the bible clearly stated, freely you receive freely you should give (Matthew 10:8). A capitalist religion does not believe in this principle. Men of God are beginning to charge money in order to conduct an ordinary family liberation. A family that is struggling financially is expected to borrow or even take a loan before they could be liberated from their bondage. Even sacramentals such as anointing oil, holy water are sold at a very high cost. Imagine an ordinary bottle of holy water is sold at five Thousand Naira. That five Thousand Naira happens to be what some casual workers are receiving in a month. It is an indirect way of saying that the Holy Water and anointing oil are only meant for the rich. Missionary schools seem to be the most expensive schools in Nigeria. Churches are no longer rated based on the number of converts or the spirituality of the faithful but on the returns they make. If you are a priest or a pastor and you want to be recognize as a hardworking man of God then you must visit your bishop of general oversea often with a smiling envelops. Failure to do so can easily lead to your transfer to remote areas. Even if one is calling down fire like Elijah of old, that does not matter; what the Church leaders want to know is how much money you are able to make. They are not even interesting in the welfare of the people. We have forgotten that Jesus fed thousands of people during his own public ministry. And he told Peter, he head of the apostles, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). One of the pastors once cited an example with himself how God can transform people’s life over night just because of seed sowing. He told his audience that one day God told him to give out his only car; which he did in obedience. After that sacrifice God blessed him

with six jeeps. This is another way of trying to force God into our capitalist mentality. The God I know is not an insurance company. He is not a businessman. He is rather a generous God who even “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

burials because of money but when a poor man dies they will simply send an ordinary catechist to bury him. This is not Christianity – it is pure capitalism! Thank God, Nigerians are advocating for local government autonomy; this autonomy should also be extended to local stations in

One does not need to bribe God before receiving blessings from God. Our God is not a capitalist, who exchanges favour with money. He does not even need our money. He cannot be bribed like most religious leaders of our time. The modern religion has been adulterated with the influence of capitalism. You can even call it a Capitalist religion. In a capitalist religion money is the ultimate value. Money speaks louder than faith. In a capitalist religion the richer you become the more religious you are thought of. People no longer run after men of God for blessings rather men of God are running after rich men, especially politicians. When a rich man dies, no matter how sinful or corrupt he may be, most men of God would prefer to attend their

the Church. The local stations usually contribute money to develop the main parishes and dioceses but there is no system in place where the local stations receive fund from above to develop their poor stations. That is why the local stations are getting poorer while the main parishes are getting richer. Unfortunately, most of the rich men in the cities would prefer to make their donations in big parishes where people could easily notice them. This is not Christianity but capitalism! The Church in the northern part of Nigeria is facing all kinds of hardship due to the Boko Harram insurgencies. There are some parishes in the Northern parts of Nigeria where the Priests could not even afford their daily bread from the Sunday mass offerings. One of the Bishops

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 With REV. FR. JOHN DAMIAN ADIZIE PHONE: 08076635886

in the North, His Lordship Most Rev. James Daman once told me that they are even the ones feeding some of the refugees in their state. If we are not practicing a capitalist religion in Nigeria by now the Church in the Southern part of Nigeria would have started sending some relief materials to the Church in the North. When the Church in Judea experienced famine, the disciples sent relief to the brethren who lived in Judea” (Acts 11:29). St. Paul narrated how Macedonia

According to him, “The current financial crisis can make us overlook the fact that it originated in a profound human crisis: the denial of the primacy of the human person! We have created new idols. The worship of the ancient golden calf (cf. Ex 32:1-35) has returned in a new and ruthless guise in the idolatry of money and the dictatorship of an impersonal economy lacking a truly human purpose.” Our people are no longer worshipping God but money, the root of evil.

made some contributions for the poor saints at Jerusalem (Romans 15:26-27). Most of the churches and schools in Nigeria were built by the early missionaries with foreign donations. They were able to do this because they were not influenced by capitalism. In communal system of religion, which the early disciples practiced, “all who believed were together and had all things in common” (Acts 2:44). As a result, “There was not a needy person among them” (Acts 4:34-35). This can never take place in a capitalist religion. The Holy Father, Pope Francis’ laments the negative influence of money in our world today; and how money has negatively affected evangelization. He went as far as describing money as a modern form of idolatry.

Pope St. John Paul II observed, during the African synod, that “The primary and most fundamental fact noted by the synod Fathers is the thirst for God felt by the people of Africa. In order not to disappoint this expectation, the members of the Church must first of all deepen their faith. The Church must begin by being evangelized herself” (Ecclesia in Africa, no 47). Charity begins at home. The Church cannot evangelize others without being evangelized. The best way the Church can effectively bring transformation to our modern world is by practicing the principles of transformation as stated in the gospel of Christ. Action speaks louder than words!

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

International China Drafts First Domestic Violence Law BEIJING - China has drafted its first national law against domestic violence, a move hailed by activists as a step forward in a country where abuse has long been sidelined as a private matter. The new law, published Tuesday, formally defines domestic violence for the first time and also streamlines the process for obtaining restraining orders — measures that anti-domestic abuse groups have advocated for years. “Over the years, we’ve many times felt powerless ourselves to help victims,” said Hou Zhiming, a veteran women’s rights advocate who heads the Maple Women’s Psychological Counselling Centre in Beijing. “If this law is actually enacted — because the issuing of a draft means it will now enter the lawmaking process — we will be very pleased,” said Hou, whose centre is one of China’s longestrunning anti-domestic violence

organisations. “At the very least, there’s finally movement on this law,” she said. But advocates also say the draft law, released by the Legislative Affairs Office of China’s State Council, excludes unmarried and divorced couples and falls short in some others areas. Less than two decades ago, physical abuse was not even acceptable as grounds for divorce in China. In 2001 the marriage law was amended to explicitly ban domestic violence for the first time. But without a legal definition of the term, many victims — if they report abuse at all — have been shuffled from police to women’s federation to neighbourhood committee, with authorities reluctant to intervene unless serious injury is involved. Currently little protection is available if a partner threatens violence against a victim who

tries to leave, advocates note, as restraining orders are rarely issued in China and shelters are nearly non-existent. Courts must rule on restraining order requests within 48 hours, according to the draft law — but if one is granted, the victim must start a lawsuit within 30 days or it will lapse. The draft law stipulates that police must respond to reports of domestic violence and that schools, hospitals and other institutions may face “serious consequences” for failing to report cases to the authorities. Nearly 40 percent of Chinese women who are married or in a relationship have experienced physical or sexual violence, the state-run China Daily newspaper reported Wednesday, citing new figures from the All China Women’s Federation. The group, which is linked to the ruling Communist Party, has previously reported that abuse takes place in 24.7 percent of Chinese families.

India’s State-Owned Bank To Launch Islamic Fund NEW DELHI — India’s largest state-owned bank will launch an Islamic equity fund next month aimed mainly at attracting investments from the country’s 170 million Muslims.The Securities and Exchange Board of India, the country’s banking regulator, recently allowed the government-owned State Bank of India and three mutual funds to launch Sharia funds. An official said Wednesday that the bank was expecting to attract an initial 1 billion rupees ($16.4 million) to the fund which will launch on Dec. 1. A large section of India’s Muslim population remains outside the banking system, partly because Islamic law known as Sharia prohibits interest. Shares of companies linked to alcohol, tobacco, gambling and casinos and financial institutions that earn interest would be excluded from the fund. “It will be a diversified equity fund, including large cap, midcap and small cap funds,” said Dinesh Khara, managing director and CEO of the bank’s SBI Mutual Fund. “We will identify stocks that meet all aspects of Sharia banking laws,” Khara said. India’s stock exchanges have between 600 and 700 companies that are Sharia-compliant. The new fund has the approval of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, an authority that oversees the observance of Muslim civil laws in India. In May last year, the Bombay Stock Exchange had launched India’s first Sharia index, which tracks the performance of Sharia-compliant companies. These companies have given a return of 46 percent, performing better than the 30-share BSE Sensex index which gave annualized return of 41 percent. India is only the second country outside the Islamic

world where a state-owned bank is offering a Sharia-compliant fund. The U.K. issued sovereign

Islamic bonds in June. Global Islamic banking assets were estimated at around $1.8 trillion in 2013.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi watches a guard of honour upon his arrival for the 18th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Kathmandu.

12.2 Million Syrians Need Humanitarian Help -UN UNITED NATIONS — An estimated 12.2 million Syrians need assistance because of increasing violence and deteriorating conditions in the country, up from 10.8 million in July, the U.N. humanitarian chief said Tuesday.

Pakistan Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif (centre), waves as he arrives at the Tribhuwan Airport to attend the 18th summit of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

But Valerie Amos told the U.N. Security Council that the delivery of aid from Turkey and Jordan to rebel-held areas in Syria without government approval has “made a difference.” She urged the council to extend the authorization for cross-border aid which expires on Jan. 9. Amos painted a grim picture of the worsening situation in Syria: a 40 percent contraction in the economy since 2011, three-quarters of the population living in poverty, a 50 percent drop in school attendance, and 7.6 million people displaced inside the country and 3.2 million who have fled to other countries — the largest displacement in any conflict. Amos’ briefing followed the release Tuesday of SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon’s report to the council on implementation of the July 14 resolution authorizing cross-border delivery of aid to Syrians in rebel-held areas without government approval through four crossings in three countries. One crossing from Iraq, now controlled by extremists, has never been used. Amos said that since the adoption of the resolution, and primarily through cross-border

India-Pakistan Friction Slows South Asia Integration

KATHMANDU - South Asian leaders from Afghanistan to the Maldives met in Kathmandu on Wednesday for a summit that was undermined by traditional bickering between rivals Pakistan and India. In Nepal, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was due to hold two-way talks with every country in the volatile region except Pakistan, as neither neighbor is ready to seek talks to reduce tension between the nuclear-armed states. Divided when they won freedom from British colonial rule in 1947, the two countries have barely agreed on anything since, a predicament that has left the three-decade-old South Asian

Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) dysfunctional. “More often than not, IndiaPakistan disputes have overshadowed the organization,” Nepal’s former prime minister, Baburam Bhattarai, wrote in the Republica newspaper. “It is now time for India to take the lead.” Despite a free trade pact since 2006, South Asian nations conduct only 5 percent of their total trade with each other, and there are few transport and power links among them. “My vision for our region is a dispute-free South Asia, where,

instead of fighting each other, we jointly fight poverty,” Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said in a speech that acknowledged the grouping’s sparse achievements. But hopes for a meeting between Modi and Sharif to restart the peace process faded after Sharif told reporters on his plane that “the ball is now in India’s court”. India says Pakistan needs to commit to “meaningful dialogue” before they can meet at the summit, which opened on the anniversary of 2008 attacks by Pakistani militants on

Mumbai that killed 166 people. India would like to make SAARC a viable economic counterweight to China. Modi hoped to build on goodwill he earned by inviting SAARC leaders, including Sharif, to his inauguration six months ago. But his ambition looked unlikely to gain traction in Kathmandu, with Indian officials on Tuesday saying Pakistan was blocking proposals to integrate energy grids and free up road and rail movement. After the May overtures to Sharif, ties between India and Pakistan have again been frayed by exchanges of fire on the border in disputed Kashmir, which killed 20 people last month.

deliveries, the U.N. has gotten aid to nearly all hard-to-reach locations in four governorates — Aleppo, Idlib, Daraa, and Quneitra — which is why it should be renewed. Australia’s U.N. Ambassador Gary Quinlan told reporters after closed council consultations that Australia, Jordan and Luxembourg plan to draft a resolution extending the crossborder operation for 12 months. According to Ban’s report, the U.N. and its partners have reached an average of 66 hard to reach areas per month since the resolution’s adoption compared with an average of 38 per month in the four months leading up to the vote. Amos stressed, however, that the U.N. is still falling short in meeting humanitarian needs in Syria, especially in getting aid to the 212,000 people in besieged areas — 185,500 in governmentcontrolled areas and 26,500 in opposition-held areas. She urged the council to call for the lifting of sieges, keep pushing for a political solution and call on Syria to reduce red tape and include medical supplies in convoys. She also urgef donors to fund the increasing humanitarian needs. In the report, the secretarygeneral accused the government and opposition of targeting civilian areas and lamented the increasing numbers of people killed, injured, displaced and in need of assistance. Ban said the Islamic State terrorist group, which controls a large swath of Syria, must be defeated. But he expressed concern “that a military campaign alone could lead to further radicalization and spark a cycle of renewed violence” — and that groups on all sides “are profiting from the deteriorating security and governance environment.” The report said airstrikes by an international coalition against the Islamic State group in Syria have taken place on a near-daily basis, “with reports of some 865 people killed, including 50 civilians.”

THE NIGERIAN

Turkey Condemns Tripoli Air Strikes ANKARA - Turkey on Wednesday condemned air strikes claimed by the Libyan government on an airport in Tripoli controlled by a rival administration, setting it at odds with the country’s internationally-recognized authorities. Turkey appointed a special representative to Libya last month, who became the first envoy publicly to meet with the parallel government in Tripoli, fuelling suspicions that it is advancing a pro-Islamist regional agenda. Turkish officials say the move is part of Ankara’s efforts to promote U.N.-backed peace negotiations. “We strongly condemn the air strikes,” the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement. “These attacks deepen the existing problems in Libya and the atmosphere of conflict and scupper efforts to resolve the crisis by peaceful means.” The ministry statement said the Libyan crisis could only be resolved with an end to foreign interventions, a ceasefire and comprehensive political dialogue, calling for all parties in the country to support the U.N. efforts. Libya has descended into chaos three years after the toppling of strongman Muammar Gaddafi, with warring factions battling for

Yemen’s Main Oil Export Pipeline Blown Up

SANAA - Saboteurs blew up Yemen’s main oil export pipeline on Wednesday, halting crude flows, the country’s defense ministry and an industry source said, in the latest attack on a key source of foreign currency. Yemen’s oil and gas pipelines have been targeted repeatedly, often by tribesmen feuding with the central government, causing fuel shortages and slashing export earnings for the impoverished Arabian peninsula country. The defense ministry’s news website www.26sept.net said Wednesday’s attack had occurred in the area of Habab in Marib province, halting flows to export facilities on the Red Sea. An industry source confirmed the stoppage in crude flows. Yemen has said oil flows through the Marib pipeline, its main petroleum export route, at a rate of around 70,000 barrels per day (bpd). Before the spate of attacks began three years ago, the 270-mile (435-km) pipeline carried around 110,000 barrels per day to Ras Isa, the export terminal on the Red Sea. Most of Yemen’s output is from the Marib-Jawf area in the north, with the rest coming from Masila in the southeast.

control and the capital Tripoli run by an alternative government partly backed by Islamist groups. Mitiga airport has been hit at least twice this week. Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah alThinni has said his government’s air force was responsible for the strikes on “Libya Dawn”, an armed group backing the rival administration. Libya Dawn took over Tripoli in the summer, setting up its own government, taking over ministries, and forcing Thinni and the elected parliament to move to Tobruk, 1,000 km (600 miles) east of the North African oil producer’s capital.

International

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Russia Re-Supplies Rebels

- Ukraine

Men stand beside a damaged building near Mitiga Airport in Libya’s capital Tripoli.

Egypt Re-Opens Gaza Crossing CAIRO - Egypt reopened the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Wednesday for the first time since its closure in late October after a bombing in the Sinai Peninsula, officials said. The crossing, which is the only access point to the Palestinian territory not controlled by Israel, will open for four hours on both

Wednesday and Thursday, a government official said. “The crossing is being opened for two days to help traffic mainly from Egypt to Gaza,” the official said, suggesting that for now the reopening was only temporary. The United Nations says more than 3,500 Palestinians have been stranded on the

Egyptian side since the crossing was closed after a suicide attack killed 30 soldiers in the North Sinai on October 24. The attack, in an agricultural area northwest of provincial capital El-Arish, was the deadliest assault on Egyptian security forces since the army deposed Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013. The closure of the crossing has also prevented thousands of

Gazans from accessing medical treatment or higher education in Egypt and beyond, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in its November 17 bulletin. During the first six months of the year, when the crossing was closed for a total of 22 days, an average of 6,400 people crossed each month, it added.

Thai Junta Chief Defends Govt BANGKOK - Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha vigorously defended his position as leader on Wednesday, more than six months after he seized power in a bloodless coup, as a U.S.based rights group said the country had fallen into an “apparently bottomless pit”. Thailand has seen a fresh wave of resistance to the junta over the past week with dozens

detained and arrested for flashing anti-coup signs in public at the prime minister and for distributing anti-coup leaflets in the capital, Bangkok. Critics of the coup had largely gone to ground following an army crackdown aimed at silencing dissenters. Those who express disagreement face a possible two-year prison term.

Prayuth, who as army chief seized power from an elected government in May and was appointed prime minister in August, defended his role as prime minister and vowed not to use force against dissenters. “I did not seize power for my benefit. We do not want to abuse power and we do not want to use force,” said Prayuth, who is also head of the junta, formally

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha attends the plenary session of the 25th ASEAN summit at Myanmar International Convention Centre in Naypyitaw recently.

known as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). “My being in this position has not damaged the country.” The army took power after months of street protests that helped to oust the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The coup was widely condemned by the West. As part of its crackdown, the junta has also vowed to ramp up prosecutions of critics of the monarchy. In a rare move, three senior policemen were charged this week with violating Thailand’s strict lese-majeste laws which make it a crime to defame, insult or threaten the king, queen, heir to the throne or regent. The New York-based Human Rights Watch said in a statement that Thailand had “fallen into an apparently bottomless pit”. “Six months after the coup, criticism is systematically prosecuted, political activity is banned, media is censored, and dissidents are tried in military courts,” it said. Thailand remains under martial law and all political gatherings of more than five people are banned. Violators risk trial in military courts.

Afghanistan: UN Appeals For $405m Aid KABUL - The United Nations has appealed for $405 million to cover the humanitarian needs of the people in Afghanistan in 2015. U.N. humanitarian coordinator Mark Bowden launched the appeal on

Wednesday. He says that almost 8,000 civilians have been killed or injured in the war with Taliban-led insurgents this year, and more than 100,000 have been forced from their homes.

As the conflict expands in the coming year, more help will be needed, he says. Around 1.2 million children in Afghanistan are acutely malnourished, half a million of them younger than five years old. Half a million

children die each year of preventable disease, and already 4,000 families are facing the onset of winter without adequate housing. Last year, the U.N. appealed for $406 million in Afghanistan, but received $237 million.

KIEV - Ukraine leveled fresh charges that Russia was sending support to proRussian separatists in the east, saying that five columns of heavy equipment were seen crossing onto Ukrainian territory. The latest accusations come amid a standstill in diplomatic efforts to end the six-month conflict in the east in which the United Nations says more than 4,300 people have been killed. Separately, the Kiev military said one soldier was killed and five others injured in the past 24 hours as a fragile ceasefire declared on Sept. 5 continued to come under pressure. “The Russian side is continuing to provide the terrorist organizations of the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics with heavy armaments,” said a foreign ministry spokesman. Evhen Perebyinis told journalists that a total of 85 vehicles had been detected in the five columns that entered at the Izvaryne border crossing point from Russia on Monday. “Up to six of these were heavy armored transporters. The rest were vehicles and buses carrying fighters and ammunition,” he said. Despite what Kiev’s proWestern leaders and Western government say is incontrovertible proof, Russia denies sending in troops to support separatist rebels trying to hive off parts of Ukraine’s industrialized east and eventually join Russia. Asked about reports of Russian humanitarian aid convoys entering Ukraine without authorization, he said: “A significant amount of the goods which are being supplied ... is fuel, ammunition and other military help.” Perebyinis repeated an earlier charge that on Nov. 20, for the first time since a peace deal had been signed by Russia, Ukraine and the separatists, Ukraine had been subjected to artillery fire from the Russian Federation near the village of Kamyshine near the rebel-controlled border town of Luhansk. Describing the fire as “outright aggression” against Ukraine’s territorial integrity, he called on Russia to pull out its troops and equipment from Ukrainian territory.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

International Features

Europe Feels Sting In The Tail Of Russia Sanctions

AT a technology fair in Moscow last month, European executives faced the new reality of doing business in Russia since the West imposed sanctions: the number of companies at the international showcase had shrunk by half from a year ago. “The impact on business couldn’t be clearer. Fewer stands, fewer companies,” said Mark Bultinck, a sales executive for Belgian digital screen maker Barco, which had a booth at the annual expo for the audiovisual industry. The impact of the sanctions was already clear to Barco. The company lost Russia’s biggest shipbuilder as a client when the United States and the European Union blacklisted United Shipbuilding Corporation in July, meaning Barco could no longer sell screens to the company for its vessel training simulators. Barco’s experience shows how sanctions are having a broad impact not just on Russian companies but on European ones too and at a time when Europe’s weak economy can ill afford it. The European Union and the United States imposed economic sanctions on Russia in late July, targeting the Russian energy, banking and defense sectors to punish Moscow’s support for rebels in eastern Ukraine, the West’s toughest steps yet. As EU governments

consider blacklisting more Ukrainian separatists and potentially more Russians and companies over the crisis in Ukraine, anecdotal evidence and new EU data show the economic costs for Europe of pressuring the Kremlin. In August, the month after sanctions were imposed, EU exports to Russia fell 19 percent to 7.9 billion euros ($9.91 billion) compared to July, a loss of almost 2 billion euros, according to the EU’s statistics office Eurostat. Although the data is not adjusted for seasonal swings, exports were also down 18 percent compared to August 2013 at a time of year that is traditionally busy for exporters. The drop partly reflects the food ban Moscow imposed on the European Union in August in response to the West’s sanctions. But it goes well beyond that. Total EU exports fell 12 percent in the first eight months of this year compared to a year ago. In August, EU exports of machinery and transport equipment such as cars and tractors fell 23 percent compared to July. Compared to a year ago, those exports fell 21 percent. Manufactured exports fell 16 percent across the 28-nation bloc in August. Germany, which accounts for one-third of sales to Russia, saw a sharp drop

in sales of those goods, while Italy’s manufactured exports tumbled by almost half. The sanctions are having such an impact because EU companies can no longer sell civilian goods that could also have a military use, no matter how small, without a license. Tractors, cranes,

licenses can delay exports by two to three months because so many more products need licenses and customs are suffering a big administrative burden. “There are delays caused by the increased flow for individual licenses,” said Tristan Grimmer, a lawyer at Baker & McKenzie in

market.” One official at the Strategic Goods Control service for Belgium’s Flanders region said the number of applications for licenses had jumped by almost 40 percent since August and officials were flooded by emails from companies seeking advice. “Everyone wants their

all licenses are issued within 60 working days. But even in that time, companies are at risk of losing contracts to competitors from China and elsewhere, according to Frank Schauff, chief executive office at the Association of European Businesses in Russia. “Countries that have not imposed sanctions are able to jump in where the EU has left a gap,” said Schauff. “The economic

German Chancellor Angela Merkel address the press recently.

excavators and mechanical parts that are needed to repair cars and trucks all fall under the socalled dual use category and need a permit. Failure to obtain a license can bring a fine of up to 10 percent of the total value of the exported goods, officials say. But obtaining such

London, who helps companies navigate the process. “With the oil and gas sector, much of what is being addressed previously did not require export licenses, so you have an entirely new sector that is asking for license authorizations to supply the Russian

“As EU governments consider blacklisting more Ukrainian separatists and potentially more Russians and companies over the crisis in Ukraine, anecdotal evidence and new EU data show the economic costs for Europe of pressuring the Kremlin.”

file to be urgent. But it is not only in our hands. Sometimes we need certification by the Belgian embassy in Russia,” said the official, who declined to be named. In Germany, lawyer Baerbel Sachs at Noerr said that it was difficult to even get customs officials on the phone to discuss progress on a permit because so many people were calling. Efforts are being made to hire more staff and speed up the process, governments say. Britain’s Export Control Organisation says almost

position that the European Union has in Russia is at risk and it is very difficult to gain that back if it is lost.” Beijing’s envoy to Berlin said in October that China would seize business opportunities in Russia. At Belgium’s Barco, the company says it can still do business in Russia, but only up to a point. “You know that certain deals are no longer possible,” said Carl Vanden Bussche, the company’s director of investor relations. “It is a reality that we need to take into account.” Courtesy Reuters

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

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THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

How Zico Downed Liverpool And Inspired A Nation

BOB Paisley’s legendary Liverpool team flew to Tokyo in 1981 as favourites to win the newly invigorated, Toyota-sponsored Club World Cup. rebound. Unfortunately for the Reds, Zico was on another level who had beaten Real Madrid in despite Souness’ best attempts to the European Cup final in Paris, stop him. “I wanted to see how they faced Flamengo, the he would react to a physical Brazilian winners of the Copa challenge,” the combative Scot Libertadores, and found said later. “But I couldn’t get themselves 3-0 down by halfclose enough to him to find out.” time. He said his teammates had been As a result of his long wary of getting involved in a association with the game in physical game, given the brutal Japan after that Club World Cup match, Zico has a square named after him in Kashima and a bronze statue outside the city’s stadium. He returned to Japan 10 years later to play, manage and earn the title ‘the founder of Japanese football’ and ‘the god of soccer’. Zico made Alan Hansen and Graeme Souness, two of Liverpool’s finest players, look positively ordinary. His brilliant lofted pass over Hansen’s head left the defender flat-footed and sent Nunes through to score Flamengo’s first goal. Zico began a long relationship with Japanese football through the Toyota Cup. Photo: K.K.Kyodonews He repeated the feat for Nunes’ second and Flamengo’s third in the 41st minute. Zico also created the other goal, when his free kick on a hard, bumpy pitch was too fierce for goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar to Zico hold. Adilio scored from the

history of this competition in the late 1960s. That was a mistake. “We let them do what they wanted,” he said. Paisley, the downcast Liverpool manager, said his team had needed three touches for every one by the Brazilians. “We were beaten

by a better side with superior technique.” Kenny Dalglish barely had a touch. Zico had been top scorer in the 1981 Copa Libertadores with 11. He scored all four of Flamengo’s goals in the three-match final against Cobreloa of Chile. A year later he would star in the flamboyant Brazilian team that

somehow lost 3-2 to Italy in the 1982 World Cup – ‘the day football died’, he said. In 1991, Zico returned to Japan as a player, and was instantly a hero again. He signed for for Sumitomo, who later changed their name to Kashima Antlers. He scored 45 goals in 65 appearances and on one goal-crazy run in the old Japan Soccer League he scored in 10 straight games. He finished as a player in 1994 and returned for a testimonial match in October, 1995 – Kashima against Flamengo. He managed Kashima when they won the first of their seven titles in 1996. From 2002 to 2006, he coached Japan’s national team. Now Zico is acting as a pathfinder in another new league, India’s ISL. He is the most high-profile coach, as manager of Goa, and his comments on how to develop Indian football have been well

Atletico Achievement Delights ATLETICO’S UEFA Simeone

Champions League campaign got off to a disappointing start in September, beaten 3-2 at Olympiacos in their opening Group A fixture. But the La Liga champions runners-up in the Champions League last season - exacted revenge by routing Olympiacos 4-0 at the Vicente Calderon as

Australian Batsman Hughes Dies From Head Injury

SYDNEY - Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes died in a Sydney hospital on Thursday from a “catastrophic” injury to his head, two days after being struck by a delivery during a domestic first-class match. He was 25.

An emotional Australia captain Michael Clarke, trying to compose himself several times, read a brief statement on behalf of Hughes’ parents, brother and sister at a packed news conference at St. Vincent’s Hospital that was broadcast live around Australia.

“We’re devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother Phillip. Cricket was Phillip’s life, and we as a family shared that love of the game with him,” Clarke

read, before thanking the medical staff and holding back tears as left the room. Dr. Tony Grabs, a surgeon and director of trauma services at St. Vincent’s, said Hughes had died from a rare injury — there have been only 100 documented cases of

SEBASTIAN Coe confirmed on Thursday he plans to run for the position of president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). The double Olympic champion released a statement also saying he would unveil his election Manifesto and vision for

Athletics and the IAAF in early December. “I want us to have a renewed focus on engagement with young people and a real understanding of the global landscape that is shaping the next generation of athletes and fans,” the 58-year-old Briton said. “If we are guided by these

principles as we review and reform our sport then I am convinced that Athletics can enter a new era with confidence and ensure a bright and exciting future.” Coe has been IAAF vice-president since 2007. The job of president will be decided next year when Lamine

Diack stands down after 16 years in charge. The former Member of Parliament also headed the successful London bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympics and was chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) that oversaw the global sporting gathering.

standings, before Real’s city rivals Atletico Madrid beat them 3-1 in the capital last weekend - a game that saw both team finish with 10 men as Samuel and Gabi each collected a pair of bookings. Atletico captain Gabi will therefore be missing when the champions host lowly Deportivo La Coruna in Sunday’s early kick-off.

Second-placed Barcelona, meanwhile, are set for a stern examination of their Liga title ambitions when they travel to a stuttering Valencia on Sunday. Luis Enrique’s side head into the 13th round of fixtures two points adrift of leaders Real Madrid at the summit but appear to have emerged from a difficult spell, with Lionel Messi predictably to the fore.

Coe To Run For IAAF Presidency

vertebral artery dissection — which resulted in severe bleeding on the cricketer’s brain. After a CAT scan of the head, Grabs said, “He had extensive surgery to remove some of the skull from around his brain to help allow the brain to expand so it wasn’t compressed.” Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said Hughes did not make very much improvement over the 48 hours and “unfortunately, as a consequence of the injury, he died.” Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Hughes was immensely talented and dearly loved: “Without doubt, he was a rising star whose best cricket was still ahead of him.”

Real Out To Break Club Record At Malaga

WEDNESDAY’S 1-0 UEFA Champions League win over Basel was their 15th successive triumph, with Cristiano Ronaldo netting his 26th goal of the campaign to seal top spot in Group B. Real have twice achieved 15 straight wins in the past - in the 1960-61 season under Miguel Munoz and in 2011-12 when Jose

Mourinho was at the helm. And three points at La Rosaleda would give the bulk of Carlo Ancelotti’s team that claimed La Decima - a 10th European title - in May another prestigious entry into Real’s catalogue of phenomenal achievements. Javi Gracia’s Malaga were enjoying a purple patch of their own, five consecutive La Liga wins having fired them up the

received. He often gives examples of how Japan evolved and asks the Indian FA to follow the same path. Tom Byer, a household name in Japan for his football TV show and comic strip, knew Zico well. Byer, now the head technical advisor in Chinese schools football, told Goal: “Zico was probably the biggest overseas signing in Japanese football. “He played in Japan in that game against Liverpool, and when he came here to play club football he was a huge star. He helped other top overseas players come to Japan.” Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, on a visit to Brasilia in August, met Zico and other Brazilian football stars who had played in Japan and thanked them for helping to develop the sport in his country. For Zico, the man who led the way, it all started at that amazing Club World Cup match in 1981.

Diego Simeone

they qualified for the knockout phase. A Mario Mandzukic hat-trick and Raul Garcia’s ninth-minute opener saw Atletico to their fourth consecutive continental win. “We have produced some good performances recently,” Simeone said post-game. “Tonight we had continuity in our game and we were focused on the areas where we could hurt them. “Intensity is the key for this team. After a tough beginning [with the defeat at Olympiacos] it has been a great effort from my players to take us to the next round.” Simeone was reluctant to single out hat-trick hero Mandzukic, though he did praise the impact made by Atletico’s new recruits. Mandzukic, Miguel Moya, Cristian Ansaldi, Antoine Griezmann and Raul Jimenez all featured against the Greek champions. “That affirms the work of this squad and how the team have been reinvented with ten new players to keep on being competitive,” Simeone said. “There are many games to play and the most important thing is the quality of the minutes every player plays. Many players are in good shape and it’s not easy to be in the starting line-up.”

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Ancelotti Praises Defence After 15th Consecutive Win

THE prolific Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal of the game on Wednesday to ensure Real won UEFA Champions League Group B with a game to spare.

Ronaldo’s 26th goal of what is proving to be

another stellar season was enough to give the European champions a

15th consecutive win, matching the achievements of the Real teams in the 1960-61 and 2011-12 campaigns.

• Inell Michel

Gareth Bale struck the crossbar and Ronaldo spurned a golden opportunity to score his 72nd Champions League goal in the second half to ensure the Portugal forward is three goals adrift of new record holder Lionel Messi. Ronaldo’s first-half goal drew him level with Real legend Raul’s tally of 71 goals in Europe’s premier club competition and Ancelotti was able to reflect on another victory, but knew his side had failed to match the high standards they have set. The Italian said: “We have not played as we always do, a little slower, but good defending and we were concentrated. The most important thing was the victory.” Basel remain in second place and only need to avoid defeat against Liverpool at Anfield to join Real in the last 16.

Ancelotti is backing the Swiss champions, who had their chances to equalise in the second half, to go through. He said: “Basel played with a lot of heart. They showed an intense game and could therefore put us under

No Extra Satisfaction For Eliminating Benfica THE ex-Porto ace claimed he has never had any issue with the Eagles, whom he helped eliminate from the Champions League on Tuesday night Hulk says he did not derive extra satisfaction from Zenit dumping Benfica out of the Champions League just because he used to play for the Eagles’ bitter rivals Porto. The Brazil international set up the only goal of the game in Wednesday night’s Champions League Group C clash in Saint

so far in the competition has been.” Olympiacos (minus 5 goal difference) - three points adrift of second-placed Juventus (plus 3) - are all but consigned to Europa League football due to their inferior goal difference compared to the Italians heading into the final matchday.

Petersburg, with the forward picking out Danny, who blasted the ball home with just 11 minutes remaining to earn the hosts a victory that sets up a qualification showdown with Monaco at the Stade Louis II next month. Hulk admitted afterwards that he was overjoyed at having helped keep his side’s last-16 hopes alive but claimed that Benfica’s exit was of no interest to him. “We need back-to-back victories to move to the next phase,” the Selecao star stated after Zenit completed one half of their mission. “Thank God we managed to score and win the game. “It is special to win any game, regardless of the opponent. I played for four years in Porto and our biggest rivals were Benfica. But I always had respect for the club, I don’t hate Benfica.”

going well. It is an honour to be coached by him, I have so much

to learn and I am just happy,” he said.

Atletico Did Many Things Well - Michel ATLETICO eased into the UEFA Champions League last 16 thanks to Mario Mandzukic’s hat-trick in Group A action at the Vicente Calderon. There was no repeat of Olympiacos’ shock 3-2 win on the opening matchday as the Greek champions were put to the sword by last season’s runners-up in Madrid. Olympiacos goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez - an Atletico

youth-team graduate - gifted Raul Garcia a ninth-minute opener. Mandzukic doubled the lead with a 38th-minute tap-in before the Croatia international striker completed the scoring with two quick-fire headers in the second half. “I feel bad because tonight we couldn’t compete like we did in previous matches,” Michel told UEFA.com. “It’s not because we did

Madrid Must Not Get Carried Away - Bale GARETH Bale has stressed that Real Madrid cannot afford to get carried away after they extended their winning streak to 15 games by beating Basel 1-0 on Wednesday, equalling a club record in the process. A single Cristiano Ronaldo strike was enough for Madrid to bag the full three points in Switzerland, but Bale has insisted that they must keep their intensity up if they are to keep the run going. “It’s a great record to equal and one we’re happy to have. I think we’re looking good at the moment. But the most important thing is to not get carried away, take each game as it comes, and try and perform the best we can,” Bale told reporters. “The most important thing was

the three points. We knew it was a difficult place to come and win. But we were professional about it and racked up another win. We want to finish top of everything. “We came into the game with our usual mentality. We went out to win. Basel are still battling to qualify, still fighting. You have seen teams come here and struggle. They made life difficult for us, but thankfully we got the win.” Bale then went on to praise Cristiano Ronaldo following the Portugal international’s 26th goal in 19 appearances. “It’s fantastic to play with him. Now hopefully we can just keep going.” Madrid resume domestic action away against Malaga on Saturday.

some things wrong, it’s because our opponents did many things well. “We have to accept that. Even when we do things well we still might not win, as happened against Juventus.” Michel also refused to blame Jimenez, who was at fault for Atletico’s opening goal of the

match. “I’m not going to single out one player and it would be unfair to pick out Roberto because he is giving us a lot but it’s true that the first goal was the beginning of the end,” said the 51-year-old. “This result shows you how important what we have done

pressure in the second half. “I think Basel is currently better than Liverpool. I see a small advantage for Basel for the last round [of matches].”

Serie A: Gervinho Stays Close To Asamoah THERE are three points separating second-placed Roma and defending champions Juve atop the Serie A table approaching week 13. African stars, Gervinho of Roma and Kwadwo Asamoah of Juventus, are so close they can almost touch one another. But who will come out tops at the end of the season? Roma stayed within a win of Juve after Adem Ljajic and Radja Nainggolan helped overhaul Atalanta 2-1 last week. Since then, Roma have travelled to Moscow, where they conceded in the 90th minute to draw 1-1 at CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. The last-gasp equaliser did not sit well with Roma captain Francesco Totti, who opened the scoring in Russia. “It was like getting punched by Mike Tyson, because I really did not expect that goal right at the end,” Totti told Sky Sport Italia.

“We played a good first half but being a big team means coming here and taking the initiative. We did not control the ball well towards the end and we were punished for it. “It was very difficult to play the ball on the ground in this cold but we are not looking for excuses. Unfortunately this little incident happened and nobody expected it.” Roma welcome an Inter outfit to the Stadio Olimpico desperate to win for the first time under new coach Roberto Mancini. Mancini was thrust into the hot seat on Sunday, drawing 1-1 with city-rivals Milan in his first match in charge since returning to the San Siro. Inter - 14 points adrift of top spot in ninth position - are winless in their past three outings in Serie A, but defender Juan Jesus believes the club are already showing signs of improvement with Mancini at the helm. “With Mancini things are

• Gervinho

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Fabregas Revels In Career Best Form and get the ball from here,

Wenger Rues Arteta Injury half, while Sanogo soon followed him with what appeared to be a hamstring problem. And Wenger conceded that the initial prognosis for Arteta is not positive. “That doesn’t look good, it’s a calf,” he told Sky Sports.

JOSE Mourinho’s side sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League and cruised into the UEFA Champions League last 16 by crushing Schalke 5-0 in Gelsenkirchen this week. Fabregas has contributed two goals to Chelsea’s relentless charge, but his exceptional playmaking has resulted in 14 assists from 17 outings. And the former Arsenal captain has credited Mourinho switching him to a permanent role in the heart of midfield for his eye-catching start to life at Stamford Bridge. He said: “Right now, I am playing some of the best football of my career. “One hundred per cent this is my best position. I feel more in control of the game, I touch the ball all the time, I feel happy. I go

from there, I can go forward, Oscar drops deep. “I feel free, I feel confident, I feel in control and that’s what I like the most in football. “Sometimes in the past three, four years in the national team and Barcelona, I was playing like a number nine. “I had to do it for the team but here, where I am playing today, it’s where I enjoy my football the most. “I am playing next to great players and they are playing very well and helping me. We have a very young, talented team. “The mood is great and hopefully, it will continue to grow as the season goes on because you know that for the next two months it’s going to be really tough – a lot of games.”

Toure’s Reds Slip In Europe

Liverpool Slip Up Against Ludogorets Is late in the game, Irrelevant - Rodgers 3-1, was buckled over in pain for explaining that it was due to

IVORIAN Kolo Toure’s struggling Liverpool side let slip a lead in their Uefa Champions League clash with Ludogorets last night to end 2-2 in their Group B tie. Georgi Dermendzhiev heaped praise on Ludogorets after the Bulgarian minnows snatched a late draw at home to Liverpool on Wednesday. Georgi Terziev headed home an 88th-minute equaliser as Ludogorets held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw in UEFA Champions League Group B at the Stadion Vasil Levski. Ludogorets made a dream start in Sofia, Dani Abalo capitalising on an error from Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in the fifth minute. Rickie Lambert levelled proceedings five minutes later and Liverpool took the lead via Jordan Henderson eight minutes before half-time. However, the Premier League side were once again punished for some questionable defending as Terziev nodded home his first goal for the club unmarked from a corner.

THE Reds led their Bulgarian opponents for most of the Champions League encounter before a late concession but would have needed to beat Basel in their final game either way A last-gasp Georgi Terziev leveller meant that the Reds suffered the ignominy of being held by their lowranked opponents in the Group B contest. Yet Rodgers, who saw goals from Rickie Lambert and Jordan Henderson put the visitors ahead after Dani Abalo had capitalised on Simon Mignolet’s error to give Ludogorets a thirdminute lead, was unperturbed. The setback did not change the fact that Liverpool can reach the last 16 by overcoming Basel at home in matchday six - something from which he took heart.

GOALS from Yaya Sanogo - his first for the club - and Alexis Sanchez sealed Arsenal’s progress into the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, but the result was soured by the calf problem sustained by Arteta. at the Emirates Stadium

With the likes of Danny Welbeck, Wojciech Szczesny, Jack Wilshere, Laurent Koscielny and Theo Walcott all missing the Group D clash

through injury, another absentee is the last thing Wenger wanted. Arteta was forced off midway through the second

• Arsene Wenger

Rodgers told Sky Sports: “To go a goal behind in this competition so early, you need a team that is together and has spirit. “We are disappointed with the goal at the end but it’s irrelevant now. We need to win against Basel anyway and we looked at that game at the start of the tournament as the crucial one.” Liverpool headed into the match on the back of a fourgame losing run and, far from being frustrated by seeing his side fail to win again, Rodgers praised their fighting spirit. He added: “I was worried when we went behind and it was a poor goal to give away but we showed wonderful resilience and kept our focus.” Rodgers withdrew Raheem Sterling, who had just missed a glorious chance to make it

illness. “He had a bad stomach and

“The top four is definitely possible. When you see the teams who should normally be in the top six nowhere near, you realise everything can change and that the league is so tight.” Despite their faltering domestic form, Tottenham are yet to lose in Europe this season

with two wins and two draws from their four games, and Eriksen hopes to replicate such results in the league. He added: “Maybe we are more confident in Europe, our feeling is more free, to play and show our skill. We need to try and show the same at home to Everton on Sunday.”

six or seven minutes,” the Northern Irishman revealed.

Aguero In Same Bracket As Ronaldo, seeing him at close quarters, he’s Messi - Lampard in that bracket. FRANK Lampard believes Manchester City team-mate Sergio Aguero should be considered in the same bracket as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. On the same night that the Barcelona ace scored three against APOEL to become the Champions League’s all-time leading scorer, overtaking Real Madrid legend Raul’s record, Aguero was bagging a hat-trick against Bayern Munich to keep City’s qualification hopes alive. And Lampard is confident that the former Atletico Madrid striker, who tops the Premier League’s goalscoring charts this season, can mimic his compatriot’s accolades if he maintains his current form, maintaining he is of a similar quality to him and Cristiano

Ronaldo. “I think it’s in his hands,” the veteran told reporters. “It’s a big call to make. Ability-wise, from

Tottenham Can Qualify For Champions League - Eriksen

THE north London outfit have lost five of their opening 12 games of the season to leave them 10th in the Premier League standings, but find themselves just two points off fourth-placed Manchester United. Tottenham host Partizan on Thursday knowing a win will see them confirm their place in the

Europa League knockout stages, with the competition victor being awarded a place in the Champions League next season. “We are just two points off the top four,” he told reporters. “The route to the Champions League by winning the Europa League is shorter but more difficult.

“It’s very difficult to take on the chin at the moment because we go into many games and you need everybody available. “But I think Arteta will be out for a while.” Aside from their injury concerns, Wenger was pleased with his side’s defensive performance after they were heavily criticised for their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Manchester United at the weekend. “The focus was to defend well together,” he said. “We had a similar game to Saturday but we focused really well not to give any chances away and overall it was a committed game and we were better defensively. “We are a team who likes to go forward and sometimes when we dominate the game we are victim of that and we forget to take precautions defensively. “We learnt from other games and we’ve done that better.” Wenger also had words of praise for Alexis, whose 13th goal of the season was a precise curling effort from outside the penalty area. “He has unbelievable fighting spirit and class as well,” he said. “He’s a mixture of talent and desire and that’s what you expect from top level players.”

Sergio Aguero

“If he can carry on with this form, doing it week-in and weekout, which he is doing, then people will talk about him in the same breath as them.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

NOC Presidency IOC, ANOCA Hail Gumel THE President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), German Thomas Bach, on Wednesday hailed the election of Habu Ahmed Gumel as the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President. Gumel was on the November 20 re-elected president of the committee after defeating the incumbent, Sani Ndanusa 19-17, in a close poll at an elective congress of the committee held in Asaba, the Delta State capital. “I would like to convey my heartiest congratulations on your election as president. “On behalf of the Olympic Family, I wish you success in your future endeavours and look forward to developing a fruitful cooperation in the interest of the Olympic Movement in Nigeria. “Let me take this opportunity to re-affirm the IOC’s full support and close collaboration in the dayto-day activities of your NOC in upholding the values and principles of the Olympic Movement as per the Olympic Charter,’’ he said in a press statement. The President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), Ivoirian Gen. Lasana Palenfo, also congratulated Gumel on his victory.

“I am particularly glad to congratulate you for your brilliant and successful election which was held on 20th November, 2014. “This is outstanding news for the future of your organisation in particular and the African Olympic Sports Movement in general. “Your election is a demonstration of all your drawing power that makes your leadership so widely recognised and appreciated,’’ Palenfo also said in a statement. He said that he was persuaded that Gumel’s guidance would give an impulse for consolidating efforts to give African sport more visibility and growth at continental and worldwide levels. “I have always appreciated your dedication and challenges-handling skills. “I would like to seize this opportunity to renew all my full support for your great strides to launch new projects to promote sports and youth in your country,’’ he added.

Indians Praises Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship

Chief Lucky James

Okhidemeh Cup Ends Sunday

that the competition improved the skill of her child in table tennis. “I was here during last year’s edition and I really enjoyed the competition. “And this year is more competitive compared to the last edition and the organisers are commended for the improvement,’’ Dadlani said. Smitha Madathil, whose child is a participant, described the competition as a platform for budding talents to hone their skills. “I have been coming with my child for the competition since 2013. “The young players are really benefitting from the championship by gaining more exposure. “My daughter won gold and silver in the girls’ doubles and mix-doubles, during the last year competition,” she said. Madathil, however, urged officials of the competition to be time conscious, saying that there was need to work on proper timing.

By NICHOLAS EBOIGBE

APANA Community will be agog today as the Okhidemeh Peace Cup reached its climax at the Apana Mixed Secondary School Mini Sports Complex Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to the coordinator of the tournament, Mr. Zero Okhidemeh eight male and female football teams in the under-18 category drawn from the council area took part in this year’s competition. He explained that the aim

of the tournament is to hunt and discover talents from the locality who would be groomed to eventually take up career in the football game in future. “The purpose of this tournament is to assist in developing the talents of our

Habu Gumel

Eagles’ Failure To Qualify ’ll Affect League - Fuludu 2015 AFCON:

EXI N T E R N AT I O N A L , Edema Fuludu, said on Wednesday the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify and defend their title at 2015 African Nations Cup at Equitorial Guinnea would adversely affect Nigeria’s league. Fuludu told newsmen in Lagos that sourcing for fund for the league was now imperative if the vibrancy of the league should be sustained . “Our not going actually will also reduce the chances of scouts coming to look into Nigeria. “So, it’s going to affect the domestic league in a way that it is the players who stands to benefit. “From being look into by those who want to take

SOME Indian women whose children are participating at the ongoing 46th Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship, have applauded the organisers of the competition. Reports state that the competition is organised by the Lagos State Table Tennis Association and sponsored by Molade Okoya-Thomas. It served off on the November 24 and will end on November 28 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Sports Hall at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. Some of the parents told newsmen that the tournament provided a healthy platform for exposure. Anita Menon, a parent of one of the players from the Indian Language College, said that the organisers had performed creditably. “It is good to watch my child play in this competition and this is wonderful,’’ she said. Sangeeta Dadlani, another Indian national, told newsmen

them out to ply their trade. “Economically, it’s not good for us, is not good for the local league. “It is when our national team excel at a place like the Nations Cup that the domestic league will have quality sponsorship they will now use it as a

bargaining stake. “They can tell them that ‘look Nigeria is in the map of world football, so they will not get good sponsorship. “ But it depends on how the current NFA does it because they want to rejuvenate our domestic league’’.

young people. Some of them really have potentials. It is good to discover and encourage them in order to build up in the football career. Who knows they can make good fortunes from football in future”. He emphasised that the football game have become very lucrative in the world asking parents to encourage their wards or children to participate in it. We want to use football to divert the interest of the young people from crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and others. Instead, they should be responsible people in the society. The dignitaries that would attend the grand finale are Chief Lucky James who will be special guest of honour, Honourable Hassan Kadiri, the Chairman of Estako West Local Government who would chair the occasion. Others are the Majority

Former Lagos FA Chairman Reacts TAIWO Afinnih, a To Peter’s Death former chairman, Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) has described late Yomi Peters, a former captain of the defunct Stationery Stores FC of Lagos, as shocking. Peter died on Wednesday at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital after a protracted illness.

“He was a very nice person, who loved football. He was my senior and we also played together. We also served on the Lagos State FA board in the same period and the Lagos Football Technical committee. This is such a bad news.

“May his soul rest in perfect peace and I pray that God gives his family the fortitude to bear the loss. He was indeed a great man,’’ Afinnih said. He said the late Peters was a person who was dedicated to the development of football in the state.

Leader of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Philip Shaibu, Chief Tom Uloko Barrister Hilary Oshomah and Comrade Moses Agbonlahor, Secretary of Edo State Chapter of Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON).

Tammy Danagogo

2015 AFCON Preps Start In December foreign-based call-ups join

ZAMBIA plan to kick off their preliminary phase of their 2015 AFCON training camp during the week of December 9. The 2012 champions will be taking part in their seventh Africa Cup at next year’s tournament that will be held from January 17 to February 8 in Equatorial Guinea. “The plan is to start camp by December 11 in Lusaka,” a FAZ official said. The official said 24 homebased player are expected to report for the preliminary round of camping before the

Kalusha Bwalya

them during the festive period. “From the 24 call-ups, the team of local players will be cut to around 13 or 12 by the end of December,” the official said. The official said the 13 home-based players who were part of the 2015 qualifiers are all expected to be part of the training camp under coach Honour Janza. Zambia qualified to the 2015 Africa Cup after finishing as runner-up in Group F on 12 points, one behind Cape Verde.

CMYK THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Programmed For Fraud ON Sunday, November 17, 2014, Edo state governor, Comrade Adams Eric Oshiomhole, raised the alarm that certain chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were once more involved in activities designed to undermine the on-going processes of collecting Permanent Voters Card, PVC, and Continuous Voters Registration exercise, CRV. His concern, which is a reflection of misgivings being expressed across the country, has a peculiar tinge as credible reports from across the state seem to suggest that officers of the party were importing mercenaries from neighbouring states, escorted by Nigerian Army personnel, into Edo. In particular, Uromi, homestead of Chief Tony Anenih and current works minister, Arch Mike Onolememe, was cited as one of the areas playing host to the mercenaries allegedly recruited to be registered as indigenes. To drive home the serious intent of those recruiting the mercenaries, hapless indigenes who attempted to protest the invasion were reported to have been bullied and harried into silence by the gunwielding soldiers. While the Comrade Governor’s opponents are likely to wave his allegations off as mere claims, unfolding events at both the collection points of the PVC which also serve as registration centres for CVR, seem to corroborate the fears he raised to the effect that there are indeed plans by certain political party and its agents to prime the state up for electoral electoral fraud and possible violence with the connivance of some disgruntled staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. That is, if one considers what appears to be a the electoral body’s deliberatively contrived plot to twist the outcome of the of PVC and CVR exercises in favour of the

said party. Of real concern is that voters favourably disposed to opposition parties are systematically misled into believing that they don’t have any permanent voter’s card in their names and are often hampered by calculated and deliberate logistical challenges that make it virtually impossible to be registered in the continuous voters exercise. This writer almost fell victim as he was unable to find his PVC until a sympathetic face insisted that he saw the card earlier. Reluctantly, one of the INEC adhoc staff at tge centre had to search the recess of a nearby heap of papers, found and handed it over to me. At best, INEC may be an unwilling co-traveller in a grand plan to undermine the smooth conduct of future elections as it may have been arm-twisted into tilting the outcome of both the PVC, CVR exercises and, ultimately, election results in favour of the PDP particularly in APC governed states. What must not be lost on anyone is that with the threat by aggrieved Nigerians to resort to self help if in the end INEC is perceived to have conducted any election in which the PDP emerges as dubious winner, the development stands a good chance of undermining national security as it could plunge the country into chaos of unimaginable proportions. The situation in both Edo, Rivers and Lagos is instructive. Several other incidents, particularly the one in Oredo local government area of the state, seem to give INEC away as culpable in the dubious scheme to deliberately disenfranchise voters opposed to PDP. Two INEC adhoc staff caught in the house of a leader of the party, conducting illegal registerion goes a long way to proving the governor’s fears as real. According to reports corroborated by police sources, vigilant members of the public caught them

red handed in the act and called in the police. A bag containing laptops, 58 temporary voters cards and identity cards of the INEC adhoc staff are among other incriminating evidences recovered from the house. However, while the two INEC staff, who took to their heels on realising that the game was up, are already cooling their feet at the state police command, the party chieftain is

absurdities associated with both PVC collection and PVR exercise are self inflicted abnormalities designed to help PDP realise its avowed determination to conquer states governed by opposition parties, particularly, the APC. In other words, with INEC as possible accomplice, voters in certain areas with huge support based for APC are being deliberately targetted for

MATTERS IN FOCUS By ERNEST OMOARELOJIE

ths shortfall in the number of Data Capturing Machines, ink, personnel and other important materials. For instance, in virtually all the centres accredited for the exercises, voters who trooped out in response to

Prof. Attahiru Jega INEC Chairman conveniently still on the run. Albeit, his wife is reported to have made useful statement, including admitting that indeed, illegal registration was conducted as alleged. Also in Benin City, the point was made by members of the civil society that only about 25 per cent of voters received their PVCs and or registered in the CVR exercise. What happens to the remaining 75 per cent cannot just be left to the imagination given its implication as it will not be a surprise that on the election day, 100 per cent attendance will be recorded even with less duly certified prior. For a start, INEC must be made to explain why it covered only 25 per cent leaving out a whooping 75. It is important to note here that reports from across the country have a similar bent. In virtually all of the reports, one gets the impression that the

disenfranchisement. The plot to possibly reverse popular wishes is multifacetted, involving clogging the processes with a motley of logistic and material inadequacies. Besides making it possible for mercenaries to be imported into opposition strongholds, inducing INEC staff with tempting offers, including money and conducting illegal registration in the homes of party chieftains, the exercises also created another major disenfranchisement with

carry simple civic responsibilities were unable to do so for laughable reasons. While many found their pictures on the displayed lists at the various centres without any permanent cards in their names, many more found neither pictures in the lists nor cards to match the temporary voters cards they brought for verification. Worse still, no INEC adhoc staff was seen in many of the designated points and where they managed to appear, they

did so with data capturing machines that seemed programmed to breakdown after registering a few faces. Yet, the forms on which fresh voters and those who could not find their PVC were to be registered were in short supply leaving hordes of voters crying wolf that INEC did not make any serious plan for the success of both exercises. The only difference is that in some centres, determined voters took it upon themselves to overcome the obstacles by providing such items as generators for powering data capturing machines, ink for thumb printing and photocopiers for duplicating registration forms. Even at that, INEC staff successfully slowed the process down as the DCMs broke down almost by the hour. At the end of the additional two days for CRV, more qualified voters went home without their voter’s cards and for now remain possibly disenfranchised permanently. Whatever the case is, INEC still has to answer the question of how how exercises it had years to plan ended up the way it did-bedevilled by elementary shortcomings that appear self imposed. However, Nigerian voters will learn in a matter of months how involved INEC is in the debacle being passed as PVC and CVR.

“It is important to note here that reports from across the country have a similar bent. In virtually all of the reports, one gets the impression that the absurdities associated with both PVC collection and PVR exercise are self inflicted abnormalities designed to help PDP realise its avowed determination to conquer states governed by opposition parties.”

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