Nigerian Observer

THE

NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

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PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 NATURAL MEDICINE Page 19

Hidden secrets for Eye care

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013

• Vol. 37 NO. 242 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013 • N 100.00

Apply for tax ID numbers, FIRS urges tax payers

By VICTOR OMOALU BENIN CITY - The Edo State Internal Revenue

Service (EIRS) has said that with effect from Monday June 13, 2013, all eligible taxpayers,

including corporate bodies/organizations and individuals applying for Tax clearance certificate

(TCC) without Tax Identification Number (TIN) will not be Continues on page 2

Trade/Investment

Edo, Brazil to partner PLACE OF PRAYER Page 21

Believing in the potency of the name of Jesus

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR BENIN CITY- Edo State Government has assured the trade delegation from the state of Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil, that it would do all within its reach to fast-track the process that would ensure that the two states cooperate in trade and investment that would be of mutual benefit.

The state Deputy trade and Governor, Dr. Pius good Egberanmwen Odubu investment relationship gave the assurance while between Edo state and receiving the trade Rio Grande Do Sul state delegation from the state in Brazil.

Dr. Odubu promised of Rio Grande Do Sul, the state Brazil in Benin City that government will give yesterday.

He said that the state necessary attention to government officials will the entire process, meet with the trade adding that Edo state is delegation and identify looking forward to a areas of mutual interest fruitful deliberation which will blossom into a between the two states.

Earlier, the Nigerian

Ambassador to Brazil, Mr. Vincent Okoedion, who accompanied the trade delegation to Government House, Benin City, noted that the trade delegation was in Edo state to discuss trade and investment opportunities with the state government with a view to

going into partnership that will be of mutual benefit.

On his part, the leader of the trade delegation, Mr. Luiz Fernando Mainardo, said they were being guided by the external policy of Brazil which encouraged them to strengthen relationship

with Nigeria.

He expressed hope that this first visit will boost the expected trade cooperation between the two states.

Mr. Mainardo used the opportunity to invite Edo State governor and his deputy to attend the two

trade fairs in the state scheduled for August this year and March 2014.

At the Palace of the Benin Monarch, Mr. Mainardo who was led there by the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, expressed the

Continues on page 2

Former Minister hails Oshiomhole

By FRIDAY OBANOR BENIN CITY - The immediate past Minister of State for Works, Engineer Chris Ogiemwonyi has commended Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in his determination to combat the increasing wave of insecurity in the state.

Engineer Ogiemwonyi made this commendation yesterday at the first year Anniversary of “Come Alive for Niger

Delta Initiative”, an NGO Set up to empower youths in the region.

He said Comrade Oshiomhole has within the last six months invested the state’s scarce resources heavily in the procurement of modern crime fighting equipment to assist the State Security Operatives to effectively combat the rising wave of criminal activities in the state.

The former minister who identified insecurity and unemployment as the twin problems presently bedeviling the country,

TIT BIT “While some may say that poverty led them into criminality, there are still some others, who were led into criminality by riches.”

- Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

however, regretted the declining nature of the Nigerian State.

Commending the initiative of the organizers of the programme to empower youths as well as conduct free diabetic test on people, Engineer Ogiemwonyi, noted that

Continues on page 2

VISIT:L-R: Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil, His Excellency, Mr. Vincent Okoedion, the State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Odubu, Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere and the Edo State Head of Service, Princess (Mrs.) Ekiuwa Inneh during the Brazilian Trade delegation visit to Edo State yesterday. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.

Senate President bemoans management of pensions funds

By JOSES SEDE ABUJA – Senate President, David Mark yesterday decried the management of pension funds in the country with a whopping N2.9 trillion of pension funds stashed away in banks while hapless pensioners roam the streets in want and abject poverty.

Worse still, he said the funds are entrusted into

the hands of novices who in turn mismanage them or engage in outright embezzlement to the detri-

ment of the country and the citizenry.

In his comment after a Bill to Repeal and Enact

the Pension Reform Act has been passed through its Second Reading, Senator Mark also decried constant in-

vitation of pensioners for verification, and queried: “how can you be verifying every year?”.

Continues on page 2

Edo born Fidson founder gets award

By AYO AYENI LAGOS – Managing Director, Fedson Health Care Plc, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae has received the award of outstanding

Chief Executive Officer of the year in the recently held pearl Nigerian awards in Lagos.

Dr. Ayebae, founder of the leading pharmaceutical company

in Nigeria, was presented with the prestigious award by the former Minister for

Information, Youths and Sports, Sir Alex Akinyele in recognition of his o u t s t a n d i n g entrepreneurial

Continues on page 2

THE

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013

News Apply for tax ID numbers Continued from page 1

processed.

To this end, all eligible taxpayers, especially those under the Personal Income Tax (PITA) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) in Edo State have been advised to register and obtain the TIN which is free and currently on going at the TIN office of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), No 80, New Lagos Road, Benin City.

A statement signed by the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah, said that the TIN integrates all tax information in one single and universally accessible number that would give the taxpayer convenient access to tax records in the country

as well as safeguard him/her against double taxation.

According to the statement, it is expected that any

corporate body/ organization and individual applying for Tax clearance certificate should have registered for and

obtained the Tax Identification Number (TIN) in line with the section 85 subsection 3(e) of the Personal Income Tax Act as amended.

Former Minister hails Oshiomhole

Continued from page 1

government alone cannot tackle the problem of unemployment and poverty without complementary roles by the citizens.

He called for more support, especially from multi-nationals so that it can empower more youths who are today roaming the streets due to unemployment.

Speaking at the occasion, the Obasogie of Benin Kingdom, Chief Eduwu Ekhator called on well-to-do members of the society to assist government in solving unemployment problem in the

country.

While charging the youths to be honest in all their dealings, Chief Ekhator, however, called for creative minds amongst the youths, adding that if we are creative and articulate in our doing, we cannot continue to wait for government to create job opportunities for us before we can get ourselves engaged”.

Welcoming guests, the Coordinator of the initiative, Comrade Lawrence Ighodaro said there are so many lives to be touched by the scheme.

“For this past one year, the nurturing and tendering of this noble initiative had been very revealing as well as daunting.

“The number of diabetes patients that the initiative has attended to in the past one year has been enormous and unprecedented and has further brought to the fore the alarming rate at which the disease is ravaging our people”, he lamented.

High point of the ceremony was presentation of N200, 000 cheques as soft loan to two groups out of the seven to be empowered in the first phase of its empowerment.

Senate President bemoans management of who are not economists.’’ he pensionswherefunds asserted. the committee would

Continued from page 1

He therefore canvassed the introduction of a properly

managed pension fund regime by engaging “people who are very experienced in the management of pension”, to mitigate the situation.

“I think the problem we’ve had is that, we have all sorts of rookies; people who have no idea about managing funds, not to talk of very huge pension fund.

I think it’s a very specialized area where you cannot just wake up tomorrow morning and be appointed to manage the pension fund; you will mismanage it; that’s what I suspect has happened.

The national budget is N4.9 trillion and we have money in the pension fund up to N2.9 trillion. So, you can imagine the amount of money at the disposal of few individuals who are not properly supervised, who have no training in management, and who just dip their hands into the funds as and when they feel like.

I think the essence of this pension reform is to make sure people who are properly trained are put in charge of the pension fund for proper management.

There is hardly any pen-

sioner in this country who is not going through hell; he makes all his contribution; when it’s time for him to receive his pension, then, people don’t recognize him anymore.

When he is paying his contribution, he is a very lovely person and everybody is petting him until he retires; when he should now enjoy his pension, then, the nation forgets him.

It is bad and we must do everything possible to make sure that people who have worked and contributed receive their pension on time.

I know that year after year retired members of the armed forces go for verification; how can you be verifying every year? It’s because there is no proper arrangement.

The armed forces pension is better managed than most pensions. So, if that of the armed forces is bad, you can imagine what the others are going through”, he stated.

Referring the Bill to Sen. Alloysius Etuk led Senate Committee on Establishment for further legislative action, presiding Senate President noted that “there are areas

have to work very hard” and warned:`` This is not one of those Bills that will come here with so many mistakes.’’

“The committee will need to work very hard, particularly in bringing the States and the Local Governments; as at now, we can’t make laws that affect the States in terms of pension; they are the only ones who can do that; but if we want to harmonise and make it uniform, then, we must also amend the Constitution to make this a concurrent exercise.

“Secondly, I think that applying it for infrastructure is very important; at the moment, because it is not properly managed, we can’t do it; otherwise, this huge amount of money just sitting down there does not make sense for anybody, even for laymen like me

He said that pension money could be usefully invested or channelled to a better use so that the nation can benefit, saying,“ we cry of lack of infrastructure all the time while there is so much funds sitting down there idle for people to embezzle.’’

Earlier in his lead debate, Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba explained that if passed into law, the Bill will ensure a wider participation in the pension scheme, timely remittance of pension contributions, improved retirement benefits as and when due, strengthen the Pension Commission to regulate the sector, ameliorate the defects in the extant law and provide a sustainable pension regime in the country.

The Committee is to report back in four weeks.

Edo, Brazil to partner Continued from page 1 hope that the visit would lead to fruitful business partnership between Edo State and Rio Grande Do Sul.

Responding, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, expressed delight over the visit, especially as it is aimed at developing Edo State.

Edo born Fidson founder gets award Continued from page 1 recognizing the company’s prowess in the Nigerian Pharmaceutical industry.

Fidson Healthcare Plc, under Dr. Ayebae’s leadership, has recorded remarkable turnover growth of about 39 percent from N5 billion in 2010 to N7 billion in 2011.

The company’s Net Current Assert also increased tremendously by about 538 percent from N312.8 million in 2010 to N1.9 billion in 2011 (one of the highest recorded by any quoted company in Nigeria).

It is in recognition of this remarkable performance that Dr. Ayebae was honoured with the prestigious award of the 2011 pearl most outstanding CEO of the year.

The visionary leader and astute businessman expressed delight while receiving the award and also thanked the organizers of the awards ceremony for

performance and considering him worthy of the honour.

He, however, maintained that the award is not for him but for the exceptional performance of his management team.

According to Dr. Ayebae, “this award is for every member of management and staff of Fidson Healthcare Plc, for their resilience in ensuring that the company continues to grow everyday, both in terms of our financial performance and in our quest to adding value to the lives of Nigerians through the delivery of quality healthcare solutions to our esteemed customers”, he said.

Born 55 years ago to the family of Pa James Amamosi and Chief (Mrs) Esther Ayebae in Agenebode, Edo State, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae started the Fidson journey in 1995 with the establishment of a small pharmaceutical

distribution company that has today emerged Nigeria’s foremost pharmaceutical company, renowned for her defining role in the manufacturing and marketing of healthcare products in Nigeria.

His recognition by the pearl awards Nigeria as the outstanding CEO of the year is a justification of his leadership qualities, with which he has led a management team of professionals to grow a Fidson healthcare Plc that is now a leading player in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry.

The pearl awards since birth in 1995, is according to the organizers the only award in this part of the world that identifies and rewards performance, earnings and returns leadership by companies quoted on the stock exchange.

President Chief Executive, Pearl awards Nigeria, Mr. Tayo Orekoya noted that the award process is based on verifiable facts and figures which are also published consistently in the awards publication, the Nigerian Stock Market Annual (NSMA), the awards is also said to have earned an endorsement by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2003.

The event witnessed the convergence of several dignitaries and government officials, including former Minister of Information, Sir Alex Akinyele, Chairman of the Honeywell Group of Companies, Oba Otudeko, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, CBN, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu and a host of others.

OBSERVER NUJ gets Royal Blessing

By RAYMOND OSOGBE BENIN CITY – Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Observer chapel, have called on the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa to intercede on behalf of the NIGERIAN OBSERVER to enable it live up to expectations.

This call was made yesterday at the Oba’s palace, Benin City by the new Chairman of the Observer chapel, Comrade Kehinde Osagiede while briefing the Monarch on the state of the medium.

Comrade Osagiede told the Monarch, that the executive officers are highly committed to erecting a befitting secretariat for the union.

He explained that, the NUJ, Observer chapel, being the oldest in the South South GeoPolitical Zone and one of the oldest in the country is desirous of having befitting legacy.

Soliciting the royal father’s assistance, Comrade Osagiede appreciated the fatherly role of the Monarch to the chapel over the years.

He wished the union well in all its endeavours and extended warm appreciation to them for coming to the palace.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of a large birthday card to the Oba on behalf of the union and in commemoration of the forthcoming birthday of the monarch.

Those who accompanied the union chairman to the palace include Comrade Delon Ogieva, (Vice Chairman), Comrade Raymond Osogbe (Secretary), Comrade Sylvester Oboh (Assistant Secretary), Comrade Prince Richard Eweka (Financial Secretary), Andy Egbon and Comrade Solomon Enaigbe.

Neighbourhood Watch

SSG clears air on salary

By QUEENNETH A. suspension OROBEDO

BENIN CITY - Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof.

Julius Ihonvbere has clarified that the decision by government to suspend the salaries of members of the Neighbourhood Watch Committee is part of efforts to carryout forensic analysis of its composition.

He made this known in Government House, while commissioning some refurbished vehicles to enhance the activities of the committee.

According to Prof.

Ihonvbere, the detailed audit of the composition of Neighbourhood Watch Committee, is to ensure that only persons who are doing the job effectively earn their pay.

The SSG commended the leadership of the committee for refurbishing the vehicles, asserting that it was a clear testimony of their innovation and commitment just as he assured of government’s continued support in their role to enhance security in the state.

Chairman, Neighbourhood Watch Committee, Major General Charles Omoregie (Rtd) said the four vehicles were refurbished with over 2.5million naira, noting that they will help address their logistic challenges.

In a related development, Prof.

Ihonvbere also commissioned a 40KVA generating set acquired by the State Agency for the Control

of HIV/AIDS with a call on the body to sustain its campaign against the HIV/AIDS. He advised the body to sustained its campaign against the HIV/AIDS scourge in some flash points where the disease might be prevalent.

Prof. Ihonvbere added that the government will provide SACA with a permanent office accommodation as soon as the planned renovation of the ninth and tenth floors of the Palm House building amongst others are completed.

Project Manager, State Agency for the Control of HIV/ AIDS, Hajia Marriet Binkola expressed gratitude to the state government for the prompt payment of its counterpart fund which has remarkably helped the agency to attract the needed funds.

At a separate session with a delegation of the Institute of Corporate and Business Affairs Manager, the SSG said the present administration believes in human capital development which he affirmed is the veritable tool to drive the desired change.

He pledged the state government’s partnership, saying it was in line with the present focus of the comrade governor’s emphasis on small and medium scale enterprise, agriculture, among other areas.

Registrar of the institute, Mr. Charles Bakare told the SSG that its business development initiative is designed to help check the high level of unemployment in the country.

Journalists tasked on information dissemination

By THOMPSON ERHOMONSELE BENIN CITY - Edo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil and Gas, Hon. Orobosa OmoOjo (JP) has tasked journalists to always feed the public with credible and adequate information.

He gave the advice when the executive member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo state Ministry of Information and Orientation chapel led by the Chairman, Mrs. Rose Imonikhe paid him a courtesy visit in Benin City yesterday.

Hon. Omo-Ojo recalled that as a Journalist with over 26 years experience, he was familiar with

the terrain of information dissemination with its inherent challenges.

The commissioner, however, disclosed that the Ministry of Special Duties, Oil and Gas was doing its best to provide the needed tools to enhance its information dissemmation machinery in the ministry.

While emphasinging that the correct and current name of his ministry is Ministry of Special Duties, Oil and Gas, he enjoined the journalists in the Information and Orientation ministry to also assist in beaming the activities of his own ministry to the larger society even as he assured them that he will always honour any invitation they extend to him for any event.

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Inside Edo Residents Of Esan South East Tasked On Environment Sanitation

By OKOH INNOCENT

The leader of the Brazilian Trade delegation to Nigeria, Mr. Luiz Fernando, presenting a book to the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon Pius Egberanmwen Odubu during their visit to Government House in Benin City yesterday. PHOTO: CHARITY OZIGBOESERE

UBIAJA- Residents of Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo state, have been charged to see the monthly environmental sanitation exercise as a compulsory responsibility which must be taken with all seriousness even as cleanliness is next to godliness. The Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. (Dr.) Joseph Ikpea, gave this change last Saturday at Ubiaja, during the monthly sanitation

exercise.

The council boss who observed that the exercise was not functioning in some areas, disclose that already, discorsion has been opened with traditional rulers and community leaders in the affected areas seeking their cooperation on how to achieve serious compliance in future exercise.

He further disclosed plans by his administrion to engage more work force during future sanitation exercise to ensure

compliance in the exercises.

The cleaning exercise also witnessed the evacuation of debris from the market dump site, a situation that has brought signs of relief to Ubiaja market.

During the exercise over, twelve environmental offenders were convicted by the mobile court sitting in Ubiaja, even as a Iorry driver who identified himself as Kenneth Obioma was jailed for seven days for driving indiscriminately and resisting arrest by law enforcement officers.

Group Presents Award To Egor, Etsako West Chairmen

By KESTER OGIESEWI

The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Chris Cooter (right), explaining a point during his courtesy visit to Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor in his office in Benin City recently. PHOTO: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY

USELU- The People’s Movement for Oshiomhole has presented an award to the Executive Chairman of Egor Local Government Council, Hon. Victor Enobakhare and Hon. Hassan Kadiri of Etsako West Local Government Councils respectively.

Speaking at the

Orhionmwon LG Awards Scholarship To Pupils, Students ABUDUThe Orhionmwon Local Government Council has awarded a one year, scholarship to six pupils and students who distinguished themselves during a spelling competition which was organised as part of activities to mark this years children’s National Day celebration. The Chairman of the council, Chief Roland Ibierutomwen made the announcement in his address during the celebration in Abudu the headquarters of the local government area.

The beneficiaries who are in primary six are, Ayemere Joshua of st Thomas Acquinas Primary School, Omoregie Osarugue of Divine

Knowledge Primary Schools, and Osayande success of Esigie Demostiation Primary school all in Abudu.

For the secondary schools categories, the beneficiaries are Okunbor Doris of Divine knowledge Academy, Onome Favour of St Thomas Acquinos Secondary School and Ehiorobo Aisosa of Girls Model Secondary School all in Abudu.

Chief Iberutomwen enjoined youths in the locality to be role model by shunning all evil tendencies and social vices that would be inimical to their well-being.

He admonished them to channel their energies to meaningful activities that

would enhance their future endavour.

The council boss used the occasion to call on leaders, parents and

teachers to avoid all forms of indulgence that are capable of corrupting and leading children to engage in anti- social behaviour.

presentation ceremorony, state Public Secretary of the movement, Mr. Yaskin Otunba Williams stated that the awards given to the two local government chairmen was in appreciation of the laudable achievements of the two council chairmen within the short period they assumed office.

The People’s Movement for Oshiomhole who described Hon. Enobakhare of Egor Local government as a grassroof mobilize said that the local government chairmen has been a leader with the cha and sheer determination to lead the people in teams of infrastructure development.

The Publicity Secretary

of the movement, Gaskin Williams also stated that with the wealth of experience of Hon. Enobakhare, Egor Local Government should expect rapid and meaningful development in the local government area. Hon. Enobakhare as Chairman of PMO in 2006 displayed amiable leadership qualities which endeared him to the people of the local government and was able to lead the three senatorial districts of Edo state with over ten thousand members.

The movement also stated that Hassan Kadiri who is also the state vice chairman is also working seriously for the success of the organization.

Edo Govt Commissions Operational Vehicles For Neighbourhood Watch Neighbourhood Watch state

By NDIDI OJIEH which he described as a BENIN CITY –In a renewed effort to boost the activities of the Edo State Neighbourhood watch, the state government, On Monday, commissioner four operational vehicles for the security outfit.

The commissioning ceremony was performed by the Secretary to the state Government (SSG) Prof.

Julius Ihonvbere at Government House, Benin City.

Speaking at the event, the SSG praised the ingenuity of

the Executive Chairman of the Edo state Neighbourhood watch, Maj-Gen. Charles Omoregie (rtd), for resuscitating the vehicles which had been abandoned over the years.

He noted that Maj-Gen. Omoregie’s leadership qualities are a reflection of his innate ability as an astute manager of men and resources.

The SSG assured that the payment of the monthly emoluments of personnel of the Edo state Neighbourhood

Watch which had been temporarily suspended would commence after the verification exercise of the staff strength of the security outfit.

Prof. Ihonvbere expressed the effective operations of the Neighbourhood Watch, adding that the commissioning of the operational vehicles was a practical measure towards strengthening the operation of the outfit.

Responding, Maj-Gen. Omoregie thanked the SSG for placing faith in the Edo

veritable component of community policing in the state.

Maj-Gen. Omoregie noted that the problem of logistics had been one of the challenges facing the security outfit, adding that the provision of the operational vehicles would help to boost its activities.

He assured that he would continue to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the activities of the Neighbourhood Watch, adding that the vehicles will be put to judicious use.

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Across The Nation 11 Families Get Full Compensation

Nasarawa Sets Up Commission Of Enquiry LAFIA- Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State said that government would soon institute a Judicial Commission of Enquiry on the recent killing of security agents in the state.

Al-Makura announced the plan in Lafia when he received a delegation of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) concerned stakeholders, led by Sen. Abdullahi Adamu.

According to the governor, the commission will thoroughly investigate the incident with a view to fishing out and punishing the perpetrators and their sponsors.

He said that the killing of the security agents was not only a blow to the state but a challenge to the authority and sovereignty of Nigeria.

Al-Makura said his administration would not relent till the perpetrators of the crime were brought to justice.

Earlier, Adamu said they were at the Government House, Lafia, to express sympathy to the people over the killings and to render support toward the restoration of peace in the state.

Adamu, a former governor of the state, urged the state government to reciprocate the ultimate price paid by the security personnel by ensuring that their death was not in vain.

He also urged the state government to rise to the challenge.

“The least the government and the people of the state can do is to reciprocate their sacrifice by fishing out their killers to face the full weight of the law.

“It behoves us as citizens to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Nasarawa State Government in this obviously difficult task of defeating the forces of darkness stalking the land,” Adamu said.

He called on the people to embrace peace, noting that peace was the most valuable social commodity in the world without which human progress and development would be impossible.

“As a state, we must not allow the little gains that our efforts are beginning to have to be lost as a result of this misfortune,” Adamu said.

The former governor also urged the state government to educate the people on their roles to avert violence in the current security challenges in the country.

Dana Aircrash:

Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere and His Excellency, Mr. Vincent Okoedion, the Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil at the arrival of the Brazilian delegation to Nigeria at Benin airport yesterday. PHOTO: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE

Some of the Brazilian Trade delegation, dancing with the Benin Cultural troupe during their arrival at the airport in Benin City yesterday. PHOTO: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE

IKEJA- Eleven families of the victims of the June 3, 2012 Dana air crash in Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos have received full compensation, the airline management has said.

Mr. Tony Usidiamen, the airline’s spokesman, disclosed this in Lagos at a news conference to commemorate one year of the crash.

According to Usidiamen, the 11 families have received full compensation of 100,000 U.S. dollars each while 95 others received an initial 30,000 U.S. dollars each.

He said they all received the compensation as at May 25.

Reports say that 153 passengers, including crew members, and six residents of the area died in the crash.

Besides, properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.

Usiadiamen, flanked by Mr. Sam Ogbogoro, the Media Relations Officer of the airline and Mr. Obialor Mbanuzor, the Head of its Commercial Services Unit, said compensation would be paid to all victims provided they had valid document to back up their claims.

He added that the families of 20 other victims had submitted their letters of administration from the Probate Registry of Lagos State High Court.

“The letters will be verified by the airline’s insurance firm, the Lyodds Insurance Company of London, for payment.

“However, eight families did

not submit any claim in respect of their lost family members; they may file their claims later,” he said.

He expressed appreciations to Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State who waived the 10 per cent that should have been paid to the state for damages.

On those who lost properties to the crash, Usidiamen said they had been paid the initial US 30,000 U.S. dollars by Prestige Insurance.

According to him, the claims submitted by them have been sent to estate valuers for evaluation.

“Their claims are being evaluated because the law did not stipulate what should be paid to those who lost their properties on ground,” he said.

Usidiamen added that there were plans to unveil a cenotaph at the site of the crash on June 3.

According to him, other activities for the commemoration include a jumat service at the Lagos State secretariat mosque on May 31 and a mass at St Leo’s Catholic Church on June 2.

“There will also be a memorial procession from the Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal 2 to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Annex on June 3,” he said.

Mbanuzor said 65 families of the victims had gone to court over the claims, adding that compensation would be paid to them after judgment on the matter.

Council Boss Pledges Constitutional Administration

AFUZE- The Executive Chairman of Owan East Local Government Council, Hon. (Barr.) Jimoh Ijegbai has assured past political office holders on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that he will do everything right, just and constitutional in ensuring that the entitlement owed them are paid, regardless of their political party.

Hon. (Barr.) Ijegbai gave

this assurance when he played host to the past political office holders in Owan East Local Government between 2007 and 2010.

Commending them for the visit and their solidarity, the Owan East Council boss said that one good turn deserves another.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Hon. Collins Oreruan and Vice Chairman in the administration of Hon.

Kashietu Ohiwerei said they were in the Chairman’s office to felicitate with him on his victory at the April 20, 2013 local government polls and to extend their hands of fellowship and support for him.

Hon. Oreruan added that as members of the PDP and past political office holders,

Man, 70, Remanded For Attempted Murder ADO-EKITI-An Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court has remanded one Johnson Omoye in prison for alleged attempted murder.

Police prosecutor. Bamikole Olasunkanmi told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 9 at about 12:30 p.m. at Igaraodo-Ekiti.

He said the accused on the said date, unlawfully attempted to kill one Vincent Omoye by

shooting him with a dane gun, which caused his being hospitalised.

He said the offence contravened Section 320 of the Criminal Code, Cap C 16 laws of Ekiti State of Nigeria 2012.

Counsel to the accused Busuyi Ajayi urged the court to grant his client bail, promising that he would provide responsible sureties and would not jump bail.

The plea of the accused person was not taken.

The prosecutor opposed the bail application, saying that the victim was still in the hospital and that the accused might jump bail.

Chief Magistrate Simeon Ojo consequently remanded the accused in prison, and adjourned the case to June 17 for further hearing.

there is need to join forces with the present administration to move the local government forward for the benefit of the people, and

the local government.

While praying God to give the Chairman wisdom and good health to pilot the affairs of the Council, Hon. Oreruan appealed to the Council boss to assist in the payment of their unpaid entitlement.

Gombe To Upgrade Airport To International Standard GOMBE- The Gombe State Government yesterday said it would upgrade facilities at the Gombe airport to international standard.

Alhaji Shehu Ahmed, Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure told newsmen in Gombe that the government would key into the current efforts of the Federal Ministry of Aviation to access funds for the project.

He said that the funds would be utilised to remodel the airport’s terminal building, provide an operational cargo terminal and cold stores for preservation of

perishable goods for export.

“We want what will give Gombe the status of being truly an international airport, not a mixture of arrival and departure but things you see in an international airports in terms of character and design.

“Our aim is to make the state a real commercial and tourist destination, considering its central location in the North East sub region. “ he said.

Ahmed said the focus on air transport was because of its safety and reliability, as well as timely movement of people and goods for enhanced economic services.

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South South Emergency Communication Centres Will Boost Security UYO- The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications Technology, Dr. Henry Akpan, said that security challenges in the country would be reduced with the inauguration of emergency communication centres.

Akpan made the statement while inspecting facilities at the Uyo Emergency

Projects

Monarch Tasks Council Chairmen EKPERI (EDO) -Alhaji Deke Kanoba, the Monarch of Ekperi Kingdom in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo, has called on chairmen of local government councils in the state to execute people-oriented programmes.

Kanoba made the call in an interview with newsmen at Ekperi.

He said this was the only way to raise the standard of living of people at the grassroot levels.

He also said that the only way the performance of the chairmen would be measured was for them to provide tangible, essential and peopleoriented programmes.

The monarch also admonished the chairmen to ensure prudent use of resources at their disposal for effective service delivery.

He said that in order to ensure overall development across the state, the chairmen must complement the state governor’s development strides.

“With the performance of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the council chairmen have no alternative than to sit up to perform at the grass-root level as a way of complementing what the governor is doing at the state level.

“They must embark on meaningful projects that will promote massive development at the grass root and add value to the lives of the people at that level,” he said.

It will be recalled that the council chairmen were sworn in on April 26, following their victory in the council election of April 20.

Communication Centre built by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).

He said that since the emergency calls routed through the centre were free, callers with zero kobo in their telephones would be able to make calls and tell the centre their challenges.

The permanent secretary said the introduction of call centres would not only help in reducing crime but would also help in flood control, fire disaster, road accidents and more.

According to him, ‘’when these call centres are inaugurated and fully functional, you will see that people who are in distress, will be able to make toll-free calls to relate their problems for onward transmission to the agencies responsible for the handling of such issues. ‘’This will not only reduce cases of security challenges in the country, it will also reduce cases of flooding, accidents, collapsed buildings and fire incidents. ‘’I think the call centre in Uyo is completed but what we need to do now is to fast-track the commissioning of this centre and also the other ones in other parts of the country. ‘’We want to make sure that Nigerians can see the benefits of these call centres that will assist us in getting across to governments in emergency cases and also to have response from these emergency cases. ‘’What we are going to do is to increase the awareness of

these call centres, the number to call, so that when anyone has emergency situation anywhere, such person can reach us in this call centre and we in turn will reach out to the police or whichever organisation that will be responsible for the solution to the emergency.’’

Akpan noted that the call

centres were necessary, especially at this time of the country’s democracy as it would strengthen democracy by providing voice free call services to all Nigerians, irrespective of the time of the day.

Also speaking, the Project Manager, Mr. Alkasim Umar,

Worshippers at the 2013 Navy Week Inter-Denominational Church Service in Abuja on Sunday.

FG To Establish National Children Resource Centre

UYOThe Federal Government said it would establish a National Children Resource Centre next year to address issues relating to

development and welfare of Nigerian children.

L-R: Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice ADM. Dele Ezeoba, his wife, Vivian and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, at the 2013 Navy Week Interdinominational Church service in Abuja on Sunday, 26/5/13.

NDDC Procures Tractors To Boost Agric PORT HARCOURT - The NDDC says it has procured 100 tractors to enhance mechanised farming and boost food production in the Nigeri Delta region.

The commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Iditoye Abosede, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.

The statement quoted the Managing Director of the commission, Dr Christian Oboh as saying that the tractors would

be distributed equitably to the nine-member states that make up the commission. ‘’The procurement of 100 tractors is in line with the transformation agenda of Mr. President to boost the agricultural sector as well as create employment for youths. ‘’These tractors will support Ministries of Agriculture in the nine states of the region to boost food production and food security.’’

He said that the commission

said that the call centre was one of the mandates of the NCC to provide platforms through which citizens, if they were in distress, could dial a toll-free number and get attended to.

He stated that the emergency communication centres were

- Perm Sec

being replicated in the 36 states of the federation and Abuja.

According to him, the one in Uyo, is one of the various call centres across the country. ‘’What you see here in Uyo is what you will see in other states of the federation. The emergency number to reach the Uyo call centre is 122,’’ he said.

would partner with the Government of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta states to establish fish farms.

The statement also said that the commission would soon inaugurate 11 completed hostel blocks out of the 18 being built in various institutions in the region. ‘’The building of hostels in various institutions of higher learning in the nine states is a programme that the current

board has been seriously pursuing to its completion. ‘’When we came on board, these projects were in a very bad shape and nearly all the report of various agencies criticised the NDDC for it.

“But I’m glad that 11 of the projects are ready for use,” Oboh said in the statement.

The managing director said that 600 metres span-bridge and side drains in Akwa Ibom state was ready for use.

The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom, Lady Valerie Ebe, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the 2013 Children’s Day celebration in the state, said the centre, when established, would provide information and communications technology training for the children.

Jonathan said the government had also provided funds for the establishment of a National Modern Child Development Centre in Abuja to provide vocational skills for street, school, and out of school children in the country.

The president said the Federal Government would complete the National Children Resource Centre by 2014.

“The project, when completed, will serve as a resource centre on issues relating to the development and welfare of Nigerian children, provide ICT training and serve as a criterion of the Nigerian children parliament.

“Government has also provided fund for the establishment of the National Modern Child Development Centre in Abuja to provide vocational skills for street, school and out of school children in the country.”

He said the programmes were in line with the government’s efforts to boost activities of children with the formal education system.

The president also said the government would focus

attention on issues of vulnerable children, adding that the National Priority Agenda for Vulnerable Children had been developed as an eight-year strategic framework to guide the body’s operation.

He said the agenda of the 2020 strategic and objective plans would ensure the protection of vulnerable children in Nigeria and reduce child poverty.

Jonathan said the government was also carrying out advocacy for the education of the girlchild, adding that girl-child education would reduce infant and maternal mortality as well as discouraged early marriage.

The president said the Federal Government was concerned about violence against women and children, especially childtrafficking, child-battery and child-trading, which had became daily occurrences in the country.

He said the Nigerian children had been given platforms to express their opinions on issues affecting their well being through the establishment of the Nigerian Children Parliament.

Jonathan also said the children parliaments had been institutionalised in the state and Local Government levels to make their views known to governments for help.

“To ensure child protection in Nigeria, the Federal Government will establish a child-help line to protect the rights of children. The project will enable children in any kind of crisis to call for help,” he said.

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Across The Nation Cleric Urges FG To Focus Attention On Children JOS- The President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, urged the Federal Government to increase the level of attention given to the Nigerian child.

Kaigama told newsmen in Jos on the Children’s Day Anniversary that the level of attention given to the welfare of the Nigerian child left much room for improvement.

He said that he had always insisted that the family, school and places of worship were strategic areas for the formation of children.

Kaigama said the institutions were better-placed for moulding the character of children while government should provide the environment by meeting the needs of schools.

The Arch Bishop said government had the duty to provide the right environment for learning for the vast number of Nigerian children.

According to him, I have always preached against negative indoctrination of children, especially teaching them to hate others because of tribe or

religion.

“When we do that, we are injuring them, we wound the children and the wound hardly heals; children are the hope and future of Nigeria therefore they should be given every attention.

“Government should invest heavily, seriously and strategically on our children

which has not been the case to reduce the large number of children that roam the streets.

“Look at the large number of children that roam the streets.

“Some are called Almajiris, a lot cannot go to school because schools are on strike, teachers are either not paid or lack instructional materials.

Dietician Advises Nigerians On Healthy Foods ABUJA- A Dietician at the Garki Hospital, Abuja, Ms Yemisi Olowookere, has advised the public on foods that play positive role in the overall mind health and mental agility.

Olowookere told newsmen in Abuja that a healthy diet low in cholesterol could encourage good blood flow to the brain.

She said that a healthy diet would reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Olowookere said that food such as grilled salmon, spinach, virgin olive oil, blackberries, provide potent anti oxidants known as polyphenols that zap inflammation and encourages communication between neurons.

She said that such food also improved ability to soak up information.

She said that apples could help to improve blood pressure and it prevents the deposit of cholesterol within the arteries.

Olowookere noted that apple was a leading source of quercetine, an anti oxidant plant chemical “that keeps one’s mental juices flowing by protecting the brain cells.’’

She, therefore, recommended eating of apples with their skin on since that was where one would find most of their quercetine.

She said that grape fruit contains polyphenols that improves communication between brain cells.

She said that since the brain could not work without energy, choosing whole grains would release glucose slowly into the blood stream, keeping one mentally alert throughout the day.

She, however, recommended

brown cereals, whole wheat and brown pasta.

Olowookere also recommended eating of oily fish which contains Omega 3 fats that occur naturally in only fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines.

She said that Lin seed oil, soya bean oil, pumpkin seed, walnut oil and soya beans were all good for healthy brain function and extra virgin olive oil was heart friendly.

She also recommended eating more blueberries, oranges, more tomatoes as the Vitamin C present would ensure increased mental agility.

The dietician also said that using broccoli was a great source of Vitamin K known to enhance cognitive function and improve brain power.

16 Students Benefit From Halliburton Grant

Prof. Amen Uhunmwangho, Provost, College of Education, Ekiadolor, Benin having a tete-a-tete with the Hon. Commissioner for Secondary, Technical and Tertiary Education during his courtesy visit to the college recently.

Measles: Jigawa Immunises 1 DUTSE- Jigawa Government said it had immunised more than one million children against measles in the just concluded 2013 Health Week in the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by Alhaji Mati Ali, the Public Relations Officer in the state Ministry of Health and issued to newsmen in Dutse.

The week tagged: “Maternal, New Born And Child Health”, is designed to improve health status of children and women.

Ali said that the exercise was conducted between May 20 and May 24 in 576 selected health facilities in the state.

He said that more than 1

“Our children are our treasure; if we develop them well, then we will have a better and greater Nigeria,” he said.

Newsmen reports that many churches in Jos and Bukuru held activities to mark the Children’s Day. The First Baptist Church Bukuru staged a play called “A True Witness’’ and had a child, Adebisi Adeleke, preaching from the Book of Acts 1:8 and 1 Peter 2:9.

The Living Faith Church, Rantya, also had children’s carnival presided over by Pastor Peter Bassey.

Million Children million children were targeted for vaccination against measles and 956, 169 children were provided with nutrition support while 92, 961 mothers were sensitised on best breast feeding and sanitation habits.

This, he said, was part of the health sector intervention to enhance service delivery at the grassroots. ‘’We conducted measles vaccination exercise and nutrition support services to children and mothers during the four-day exercise.

“More than 3, 000 personnel were engaged to facilitate smooth conduct of the exercise,” he said.

The spokesman said that the exercise was conducted in

collaboration between the state government and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA).

Ali restated government’s resolved to reduce mortality, control measles and other child killer diseases as well transform the health sector.

Gov’s Wife To Pay Orphans’ Tuition Fees KADUNA- The Wife of Kaduna State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Yero, has said she would settle school fees of orphans at the Adnai Orphanage, Kaduna.

Courtesy visit to the College of Education, Ekiadolor, Benin by the Honourable Commissioner for Secondary, Technical and Tertiary Education, Barr.

Washington Osifo.

Left is the Provost, Prof Amen Uhunmwangho. (left) is SUG President, Comrade Eric Igbinovia.

Mrs. Yero, who made the pledge during a visit to the orphanage, urged Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and wealthy individuals to assist the less-privileged in the society.

She said she would introduce programmes that would improve the lives of women and children in the state, and urged people of the state to maintain conducive environment for socioeconomic development.

The wife of the governor also urged parents to inculcate good morales in their children to enable them become better leaders of tomorrow.

Responding, the Coordinator of the home, Mrs. Elizabeth Afuwape, said the orphanage had more than 40 children and 300 widows.

Afuwape commended the wife of the governor for selecting the orphanage for the visit.

EKET (AKWA IBOM)-No fewer than 16 undergraduate students has benefited from the one N1 million Halliburton Energy Service’s scholarship grant in Akwa Ibom.

Rev. Uche Samue, the Manager, Administration and Travel Management of the Firm, who presented the cheques to the students, said the scholarship was to lessen their financial burden in school.

He added that it would be renewable every academic year base on their academic performance.

He advised the beneficiaries to see the funds as a “life line’’ given to them to relief their parents/sponsors of financial burden.

He charged the students to make good use of the opportunity they have by studying very hard and come out with good results in their examinations.

According to Samuel, their good results will be a prerequisite for continuous benefits from the scheme.

He said that the firm places so much importance on education because of the long term benefit it would bring to the host communities in which they operate.

One of the beneficiaries, Miss Inyang John, an indigene of Iwuo-achang community in Ibeno LGA, studying Medical Laboratory Science in the University of Calabar, expressed appreciation for the gesture.

She said that the company had rescued her from paying exorbitant school fees.

John, a two-time beneficiary said the grant had made her concentrate on her study and her performance had also improved a lot which had reflected in her grades.

She promised that the money received would be used solely for the purpose it was meant for in order not to disappoint the company for its generosity.

The scholarship is a joint venture of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mobil Producing Nigeria unlimited (MPN) and Halliburton.

The beneficiaries are from communities of Ibeno, Eket, Esit Eket and Onna Local Government Areas.

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Lagos Mixed Reactions Trail Amaechi’s Suspension From PDP LAGOS -The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and political activists on Monday reacted differently to the suspension of Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While human rights lawyer, Mr. Mohammed Fawehinmi, urged the PDP to rescind the decision, APGA and a civil society group, Coalition of Odu’a SelfDetermination Groups (COSEDG) believed that the issue was PDP’s internal affairs.

Newsmen reports that the PDP’s

National Working Committee (NWC) had in a communiqué at the end of its emergency meeting on Monday announced Amaechi’s suspension.

The communiqué was read by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief

Olisah Metuh.

The NWC said that it considered the petition submitted to it by the Rivers Executive Committee of the party against Amaechi, alleging that the governor violated Articles 58, (1), (b), (c ), (h) and (m) of the PDP’s constitution.

Fawehinmi, who is the eldest

son of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) told Newsmen that “it is improper for the PDP to have suspended the governor.’’

“PDP should rescind the decision and allow the governors’ forum to move forward in the interest of the nation.

British Council Restates Commitment To Child Welfare LAGOS -British Council Nigeria restated its commitment to protection of Nigeria’s children from abuse, exploitation and negligence.

The council said in statement to mark 2013 Children Day that it was important to create “child-safe environment” in Nigeria communities.

“As we all celebrate Children Day, it is important that we are reminded about our responsibilities in creating a child-safe environment.

“We believe every child matters, everywhere in Nigeria,’’ the council said.

According to the statement, child protection involves taking steps to safeguard children from all forms of abuse.

It also expressed the council’s preparedness to safeguard and promote children’s welfare in Nigerian communities “Many children experience abuse every day from people they know and trust. The situation threatens their survival, development and participation in society.

“We at British Council Nigeria are therefore, campaigning for lasting change to ensure that children are safe and protected.

“We influence national and international policy and practices, by listening to children, educating parents and mobilising communities,’’ it said.

The statement said that the council would continue to work with other organisations in ensuring the protection of children rights.

the controversial governors’ forum election which should be handled with care in the interest of our democracy.’’

Mr. Rasaq Oladosu, the Director of Strategy of COSEDG, said “the issue is PDP’s internal affairs; the reactions of Nigerians are unnecessary.

“The governors’ forum is getting more attention than it deserves. It is a body that has no constitutional relevance.

“What they are doing is a distraction. There are more germane issues in our democracy including the challenges facing us,’’ he said.

Curator Urges Parents To Inculcate Traditional Culture LAGOS -Mrs. Edith In Children

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State (left), symbolically registering 5year-old Ruth Asigo (right), as a pupil into primary one in Lagos Public School, at the 2013 Children’s Day Celebration in Lagos recently.

Ekunke, the Curator, National Commission for Museum and Monuments, Lagos branch, urged parents to inculcate traditional culture, norms and values in children to promote indigenous culture.

Ekunke told newsmen on the sideline of Children’s Day celebrations in Lagos.

She said that most children had lost their traditional norms and values for cultural imperialism.

“The purpose of this is for the children to embrace the

Man, 32, Charged With Theft

LAGOS -32-year-old unemployed man, Emeka Ezeakonaobi, has appeared before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, over alleged N180,000 theft and assault, The accused, who has no fixed address, was arraigned on a three-count charge.

The Prosecutor, ASP Godwin Eze, told the court that the accused committed the offences on May 15, at the Alaba Rago Market, Okomaiko in Lagos.

“The accused, and others now at large, within the market, stole N45, 000, a BlackBerry and a Nokia phone, worth N135,000, all

Apapa Amusement Park To Reopen Soon LAGOS -Mr. Ashamu Fadipe, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations on Monday said the Apapa Amusement Park would be reopened soon.

Fadipe told newsmen in Lagos that the rehabilitation work on the park would be completed in few months time. newsmen reports that the state government shut down the park for rehabilitation on March 19, 2012.

“I am shocked by what the party has done by suspending one of its most hard working governors.

“As the chairman of the governors’ forum, Amaechi canvassed support for issues such as Sovereign Wealth Fund and community policing,’’ he said.

But the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Maxi Okwu, insisted that parties reserved the rights to suspend any erring member.

“The PDP has the right to suspend any member it deemed to have erred.

“This could be a fallout from

Fadipe said that the park, when reopened would be managed under a public private partnership (PPP) deal.

The permanent secretary said that the decision to redevelop the park was borne out of its desire to return the park to its former glory for fun seekers.

He said that the new park would comprise various centres that would drive the leisure and resort development of Lagos City.

totaling N180,000.

He said that the items belonged to Mr. Eze Oba. “The accused, after stealing from the complainant, also assaulted him by breaking a bottle on his forehead, causing him to sustain an injury,’’ he

said.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 171, 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate, Mr. Taslimi

Shomade, granted him bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till June 24 for mention.

Newsmen reports that Section 285 provides that any person who steals any property is guilty of a felony, and liable, if no other punishment is provided, to imprisonment for three years.

traditional culture, norms and values of the country for the betterment of the nation.

“But children of these days have cultivated the habit of the Internet fraud, drug pushing and illegal ways of doing things.

“In the past, children of nine years used to prepare traditional cuisine, go with their parents to farms and also appreciated and valued the nation’s norms and culture.

“But the children of nowadays, have lost their traditional cultures and values to the Western world, “ Ekunke said.

She urged parents and teachers to cultivate the habit of imparting and inculcating traditional ways of doing things for our children to appreciate things of the past.

The curator said that children were the leaders of tomorrow, adding that parents must impart in the children how to appreciate the history of the past to readjust the present and the future.

Picnickers at the National Museum during the Children’s Day celebration in Lagos recently.

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Across The Nation OOU: Police Foil Students

Riot AGO-IWOYE (OGUN) -The police in Ogun have foiled what could have been a violent protest by the students of Olabisi Onabanjo University,AgoIwoye.

The students, who are at loggerheads with the institution’s management over regularisation of studentship and refusal to allow unregistered students to write the Harmattan semester examination, were said to have planned a violent protest to disrupt the ongoing second semester examination.

It will be recalled that the state government in a statement on May 19, warned students who had not completed the registration formalities or fully paid their school fees to stay away from the university premises during the examination.

Following the announcement, the students staged a protest on May 20 against the government’s decision not to allow

unregistered students to participate in the examination.

Consequently, the second semester examination, expected to commence that day, was suspended. It eventually started on May 22.

The students allegedly sought the support of other students and that of the leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to disrupt the ongoing semester examination.

One of the students, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said NANS leadership had already accepted to join them in the protest.

According to him, an injury to one is an injury to all.

It was learnt that based on the information on the planned protest, security operatives, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mr. Mohammed Abdulkadri, arrived at the institution’s main campus around 5:30 a.m., and deployed to strategic locations.

R-L: Sir Chief (Dr.) Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin and others members of Knight of St. John during the installation of newly elected officers of Benin Grand Commandery of Knight of St. John International which was held in Benin City. Photo: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY.

Obi Tasks Drivers On Cleanliness ONITSHA (ANAMBRA) Governor Peter Obi has urged drivers to assist the government in maintaining a clean environment by insisting that their passengers drop refuse and disposables inside vehicle waste baskets.

Obi made the appeal during the 2013 Anambra Drivers Day celebration held in Onitsha on Sunday.

Represented by Dr Chike Ohamobi, the state Commissioner for Transport, Obi said that it was now mandatory that every commercial vehicle must have a waste basket. ‘’Whether you get it from the government or not; it is now imperative that each vehicle must have a waste basket. ‘’We want you to assist us control littering of the environment with refuse, especially the annoying empty water sachet and polythene bags found everywhere. ‘’You can also educate your commuters of the environmental, economic and agricultural benefits of proper disposal these polythene bags, as I have taken time to explain,’’ he said.

The governor also urged the drivers to co-operate with the state government toward reducing avoidable road crashes. ‘’Again, we want you to park properly in designated motor parks and bus stops to help us check road crashes.’’

Mr. Isong Unoh, who represented the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ballah Nasarawa, urged drivers to co-operate with policemen since their work was meant for the overall security and protection of everybody.

Also speaking, Mr. Anthony Metta, who represented sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Uchenna Omeje, advised commercial drivers to ensure that their vehicles were in good shape before ‘hitting the road each day.’

A cross section of the newly elected officers of ‘Benin Grand Commandery of Knight of St. John International in Benin City. Photo: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY.

In his remark, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor, the state Chairman, Urban Commuter Drivers Welfare Association, thanked Obi for the “massive” reconstruction and repair of the state’s roads, saying that it had reduced the frequency of repair of their vehicles. ‘’I will like to inform Gov. Peter Obi and our distinguished guests that one of our numerous challenges is multiple taxation.’’

He also appealed to the governor to allocate land to the drivers to enable them to build a secretariat and a training school for drivers,’’ Okafor said.

Bauchi Assembly Considers Bill On Compulsory HIV Test

BAUCHI - The Bauchi State House of Assembly is working on a Bill that will make it mandatory for intending couples to undergo HIV screening.

The sponsor of the Bill, Ilyasu Zwall, representing Lere/Bula Constituency, told newsmen in Bauchi, that the bill had already gone through First and Second reading.

He said that the bill, when passed, would require intending couples to be tested for HIV in any government recognised hospital “at a time not earlier than one week to the day of the wedding”.

It also made it mandatory for individuals to conduct tests when marrying additional wives.

According to the lawmaker, the enactment of the law is long over-due considering the number of lives being lost as a result of marriages contracted without checking the HIV status of couples.

“My experience when I was the Chairman of NLC in Bauchi, compelled me into sponsoring the Bill.

“Some civil servants that discovered that they were HIV

positive confided in me that they got infected through their spouses, having failed to carry out pre-marriage HIV test.

“There was this pathetic case of a man with three wives, who added a fourth one without carrying out the test.

“It turned out that the fourth wife was HIV positive and by the time the discovery was made, it was too late as the man had contacted the virus and spread same to the other three wives.

“As I am talking to you now, both the husband and the four wives have died, leaving orphans behind for relations to carter for.

“When I became a lawmaker, I thought one of the ways to address the problem, was to initiate a Bill for compulsory HIV screening before marriage, which was exactly what I did,“ he said.

The lawmaker explained that he spent six months consulting with stakeholders, such as religious and community leaders, health experts and state

agencies dealing with HIV and AIDS, before drafting the Bill.

“I am happy that not even a single stakeholder opposed the idea. They all supported and gave me inputs. As I am talking to you now, the Bill has passed the First and Second Reading.

What is left is the Third Reading.

“The Bill has already been

forwarded to the House Committee on Health to convene stakeholders hearing, after which it will be passed and given to the state governor for his assent,” Zwall added.

Reports say that the Bill was tagged “A law to provide for a compulsory Human Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus (HIV) test before marriage and

for related and incidental purposes thereto”.

It would also compel intending couples to present HIV test certificate to any clergy or religious institution before marriage.

It provided that “any man who is diagnosed as HIV positive shall not be married to a woman that is diagnosed as negative, and vice versa.

Anambra: PDP Vows To Win Guber Poll ENUGU - The South East zone of the PDP Transformation Movement has vowed that PDP will wrest power from APGA, the ruling party in Anambra, in the coming gubernatorial election in the state.

Its zonal coordinator, Mr. Ikechukwu Anazodo, made the declaration in Enugu, while addressing the executive members of the movement from the five states of the zone.

He said that the working document for the election was ready, adding that it would be released to the relevant stakeholders in due course.

Anazodo, however, called on the members of the group to work toward the “new Anambra project’’, while ensuring PDP’s victory in the election proposed for November.

“For far too long, the citizens of Anambra have been taken for granted by successive political leaders. These leaders have converted their selfish and selfserving desires into community aspirations.

“The rights of the Anambra citizens to choose their leaders should no longer be taken for granted. Only persons with good track record and selfless

service should be given the mandate to govern the state,’’ he said.

Anazodo said that the movement had also prepared a blueprint to re-shape the political scene of the country, particularly in efforts to tackle the challenges of youth unemployment.

Mr. Gabriel Ugwuozor, the Zonal Publicity Secretary of the movement, said that the group, which was operating from the office of the PDP national chairman, had representation in the six geo-political zones as well as the states and local governments.

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Abuja Jonathan Justifies Emergency Rule In Some States ABUJA -President Goodluck Jonathan has again justified the emergency rule and ongoing military onslaught against insurgents in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.

He said that the Federal Government could no longer watch innocent Nigerians being attacked by members of the Boko Haram sect, adding that the decision was spurred by the desire to restore peace to the affected areas.

Jonathan said this in Abuja at a church service organised as part of the activities lined up to mark the 2013 Democracy Day. The President, who was represented by Senate President David Mark, said that the Federal Government would do more to ensure total peace, not just in the North, but in the entire country.

In the speech read by Mark, Jonathan reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians wherever they lived.

“Our country is going through trying times, especially in parts of the North, where insurgents have made life unbearable for innocent citizens.

“No responsible government will fold its arms and watch criminals destroy what some people have spent their entire lives to build.

“I want to assure all Nigerians

that this administration will live up to its responsibility; we will restore sanity to the streets of Borno and other parts of the North-East,’’ he said.

Jonathan, however, urged Nigerians not to relent in the fight against criminals in the country, stressing that criminals, under whatever guise, must not be allowed to succeed in their

activities.

He also pledged that his administration would not relent in its fight against corruption and other vices in the society.

Besides, Jonathan assured the citizens that his administration would champion the rebirth of Nigeria as the giant of Africa, noting that the government was

already making progress in some sectors of the economy.

Earlier, in his sermon, Pastor Gabriel Olutola underscored the need for Nigerians, especially those in leadership positions, to uphold the virtue of righteousness.

Olutola, who spoke on “Righteousness exalts a

nation’’, said that the fortunes of Nigeria would be better if the citizens followed the ways of God, as enunciated in the holy book.

He stressed that the country’s leaders must eschew corruption and greed, while the followers should support them with

FCTA Nullifies Appointment Of Community Head

Children celebrating at children’s day rally in Abuja recently.

Clergyman Appeals For More Vessels For Navy ABUJA -The Director, Nigerian Navy Chaplaincy, Lt.Cdr. Godshelp Osaghae, in Abuja appealed to the Federal Government to provide more platforms for the service to do its job effectively.

Platforms are ships, boats and vessels used by the navy.

Osaghae made the appeal at All Saints Military Protestant Church, Abuja, at the 2013 interdenominational church service to mark the 57th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.

“For the navy to carry out its constitutional responsibility of defending the territorial waters from any form of criminality, there should be enough platforms.

“The platforms we have today need to be beefed up as the scripture tells that no man goes to war on his own expense.

“The navy cannot go to war on their own expense; I know those things are being worked on.

“As soon as the platforms are received, we shall deliver on the mandate to rid the nation’s waters of illegal bunkering and oil theft,’’ he said.

Osaghae said no genuine transformation could take place without God’s guidance.

“Genuine transformation is not in your ability but in God’s ability.

“Anything you are doing should be a sacrifice unto the Lord and if this is done, transformation will take place.”

In her comments, the Minister of State for Defence, Mrs. Olusola Obada, who took the first Bible reading, said there was a need for people to look unto God.

prayers.

Olutola said that most of the challenges confronting the nation could be tackled if the country’s leaders and their followers learned to trust one another.

Newsmen reports that the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, read the first bible lesson while the senate president took the second reading.

Special prayers for Nigeria were offered by clerics from different denominations.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Ayim Pius Ayim, Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Mike Oghiadome, service chiefs, ministers and other top government functionaries attended the service.

Obada said if this was done; it would lead the people to a full realisation of how things should be done in the country.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Dele Ezeoba, who took the second Bible reading, said total restoration of the country was possible if everyone would key into the Jonathan administration’s transformation agenda.

The service was attended by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, senior naval officers, friends and families of the navy.

Newsmen reports that the Nigerian Navy was established on June 1, 1956 with about 200 officers.

The service has since evolved into a multi-mission branch of the Armed Forces with wartime roles and multifarious peacetime duties in aid of the economy and survival of the nation.

L-R: Representative of the President, Senator Bala Mohammed; Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe and Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, at the children’s day rally in Abuja on Monday.

Man Arraigned For Criminal Trespass ABUJA -An Abuja Grade 2 Area Court in Kado has arraigned one Zira Nice, 34, a dry cleaner, of Lipopo St., Maitama, for alleged criminal trespass and attempt to commit an offence.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr. Christopher Roko, told the court that, one Bilyam Garba, of behind Orient Hotel Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, reported the matter to the Utako police station.

Roko said that Garba alleged that the accused trespassed into his premises with the intention to commit offence.

He said that when the complainant asked Nice, “he didn’t give him any reasonable explanation.’’

Roko said that the offence

contravened the provisions of sections 95 and 342 of the Penal Code.

Section 95 and Section 342 both recommend imprisonment for a maximum term for the offence or with or without an

option of fine.

Section 342 stipulates that, “Whoever enters into or upon property in the possession of another with intent to commit an offence or to intimidate, insult is said to commit criminal

trespass.”

The accused, however, denied the allegation.

The Presiding Judge, Mr. Ahmed Ado, however, denied bail to the accused and adjourned the case to 17, June.

ABUJA -The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has nullified the appointment of Mr. Ismaila Iyah, the village head of Dobi in Gwagwalada Area Council.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Oluyinka Akintunde, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister of State for FCT, Ms Olajumoke Akinjide, and issued in Abuja.

The statement said that Iyah’s appointment was irregular and did not follow the due process.

It said that the FCTA had directed Mr. Abubakar Giri, the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, to suspend the appointment of the village head until further notice.

“The FCTA wishes to reiterate that, in all matters of appointment of district and community heads, the administration’s approval must be sought before such appointment is made by any area council.

“Consequently, based on this breach of the regulation by the area council, the appointment of the village head of Dobi is, hereby, invalidated until laiddown procedures, rules and administrative processes as well as due process are complied with by the council,’’ it stated.

The statement said that the FCTA, however, advised members of the Dobi Community and their leaders to remain lawabiding and peaceful, while the appropriate procedure was adopted in handling the matter.

Dikko Orders Resolution Of Conflict Between Soldiers the common good of the nation,’’ And Customs Officers Dikko said.

ABUJA - The ComptrollerGeneral (CG) of Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, in Abuja called for immediate resolution of the conflict between customs officers and soldiers in Katsina State.

This is contained in a statement issued by Customs Deputy Public Relations Officer, Mr. Joseph Attah.

In the statement, Dikko described the circumstances that led to the “unfortunate conflict as insensitive and tactically wrong”.

He directed the Customs Area Controller to immediately liaise with the Army Commanding Officer and resolve the conflict

amicably.

He called for caution in the face of current security challenges, noting that firing of a gun while pursuing smugglers near a military barracks was tactically wrong and insensitive on the part of the Customs operatives.

“We are partners working for

The CG commiserated with Lt.-Col. A.O. Oyelade, the Commanding Officer, 35 Battalion, Nigeria Army in Katsina State, for the injuries he sustained while confronting insurgence in Daura.

Dikko also prayed for his quick recovery.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013

Business + Economy NSE: Stakeholder Wants Stamp

Duties, VAT Discontinued LAGOS - Alhaji Rasheed Yussuf, the Managing Director, Trust Yields Investment Ltd., has advised the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to stop stamp duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) on capital market transactions Yussuf made the call in Lagos in an interview with newsmen.

He said that the removal of stamp duties and VAT on the transactions would attract more investors to the capital market.

He said that now that the equities had achieved the 37,000 index mark, there was the need to sustain the tempo of the market by implementing the policy immediately.

Yussuf said that the SEC should implement the policy six months after it was pronounced.

He said that the non implementation of the policy would constitute a major disincentive to investment in the market.

Yussuf expressed fears that the market would experience mixed performance this week when the audited 2012 financial results of some major companies would be released.

A senior official of SEC, who preferred anonymity, told newsmen that the commission would soon complete the documentation of the policy which was announced on December 3, 2012.

“SEC will make pronouncement on the issue as soon as the documentation is completed,” the official said.

Meanwhile, the NSE AllShare Index appreciated by 1.20 per cent to close at 37,350.53 last week against the 36,907.81 achieved in the preceding week.

Also, the market capitalisation of listed equities

advanced by N142 billion or 1.20 per cent to close at N11.94 trillion last week from the N11.79 trillion posted in the preceding week.

Costain led the gainers’ table by 58.51 per cent or 55k to close at N1.49 per share.

Cadbury followed with a gain of 45.01 per cent or N20.03 to close at N64.53, while Evans Medical appreciated by 44.44 per cent or 80k to close at N2.60 per share.

Conversely, Courteville Business Solution topped the losers’ chart by 25 per cent or 24k to close at 72k per share.

It was trailed by UTC Nigeria which lost of 21.74 per cent or 20k to close at 72k, while Ikeja Hotel declined by 20.22 per cent or 18k to close at 71k per share.

A total of 2.12 billion

shares worth N25.67 billion were traded by investors in 31,806 deals last week.

This was against the 2.29 billion shares valued at N24.03 billion exchanged in 29,048 deals in the preceding week.

Reports say that the Financial Services Sector remained the toast of investors, accounting for 1.48 billion shares worth N12.67 billion in 16,807 deals.

It is trailed by the Consumer Goods Sector with a total of 158.01 million shares valued at N5.68 billion traded in 6,284 deals.

Forty-four units of NewGold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) worth N93, 588 were executed in four deals.

This is against a total of 63 units valued at N136,137 traded in three deals in the preceding week.

Fuel Subsidy: EFCC Accuses

2 Marketers Of Forgery IKEJA -The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said that two oil marketers, Aro Bamidele and Abiodun Bankole, used forged documents to obtain N1.3 billion fuel subsidy payment.

The EFCC made the allegation through one of its investigative officers, Mr. Ahmed Lawal, at the resumed trial of the marketers before Justice Lateefat Okunnu of an Ikeja High Court.

Reports say that the marketers are being prosecuted alongside their company, A.B.S. Investment Company Ltd. Lawal, who was led in evidence by EFCC Counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said that the accused persons did not import petroleum products for which they collected the money.

He said: “From our investigations, the mother vessel left Sweden on February 20, 2011, contrary to the claim by the accused persons that it left

the country on February 9, 2011.

“The documents relating to the ship transfer between the mother vessel and the first daughter vessel were forgeries,’’ the witness said.

He said that the claim of the accused that the ship discharged 20,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) was false.

The witness further told the court that the Quality Marine Services Ltd., denied issuing the documents including the bill of lading, contrary to the claim of the accused.

Defence counsel, Chief Anthony Idigbe, while crossexamining Lawal, said that the EFCC failed to thoroughly investigate the cargo manifest, certificate of origin and certificate of quality before charging his clients to court.

The judge adjourned the matter till June 5 for continuation of trial.

Security agents screening children during the 2013 Children’s Day Celebration in Bauchi recently.

Fish Sellers Count Losses

Power Outage: DUTSE -Fish sellers in Dutse have bemoaned their losses caused by unstable power supply in the state capital and its environs.

Some of the traders told newsmen that the situation had affected their businesses negatively.

Okechukwu Ibe, a fish seller, said that he had lost two cartons of fish valued at N20,000 in the last four days due to power failure.

“When the fish went bad, I had to throw them away because nobody will buy them.”

Mrs. Catherine John, another fish trader, told newsmen that she lost

N15,000 worth of fish due to the erratic electricity supply.

Another fish seller, Mrs. Moremi Bayo, described the situation as unfortunate and appealed to the government to intensify efforts to stabilise power supply, to assist small-scale businesses.

“The only way government can assist us is by giving us constant power supply because it will boost our businesses,” she said.

Reacting to the development, Alhaji Baffa

Usman, the Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), attributed the power outage experienced in the last few days to a problem in the national transmission grid.

Usman stated that the power failure affected the whole country and was not peculiar to the state.

He said that the problem had been rectified and assured the people that steady electricity supply would soon be restored to consumers.

Customs Destroys 680 Bags Of Rice SEME (LAGOS STATE) The Seme Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has destroyed 680 bags of rice with duty paid value of

Wife of Adamawa Governor, Hajia Zainab Nyako (left), presenting food items to representative of the care givers and orphans/vulnerable children home, Mrs Helen John, at the 2013 Children’s Day Celebration in Yola recently.

N5 million.

The Customs Area Controller, Mr. Abdu Othman, told newsmen in Seme that the seizures were made two years ago.

“Today, we are destroying 680 bags of rice and we are also destroying drugs with duty paid value of N8 million.

‘The reason behind this destruction is because the bags of rice and the drugs are not safe for human consumption so they must be destroyed.

“We made the seizures of rice about two years ago, but we couldn’t destroy them because we didn’t have the authority to do so.

“As for the drugs, we seized them since 2008. We urged NAFDAC to take over them but they did not, so we are

destroying them in order to free up spaces in our warehouse,’’ Othman said.

He said the bags of rice were seized at the waterside on Owode axis and the operation took place at night.

Othman said that the command seized an average of 200 bags of rice daily and urged the people to desist from importing rice through the border.

“On a daily basis, our command seizes 200 bags of rice.

“The Federal Government has banned the importation of rice through the borders. This should be done through the seaports.

“The Seme command will not tolerate any form of smuggling and miscreants trying to engage in smuggling will be caught,’’ Othman said.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013

Painful Exit The Obazee and Obasogie families of Urhezen and Iguielaiho Town of Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State regret to announce the painful exit of their Son, Husband, Father, Grand Father, Brother and Uncle,

LATE ENGINEER GRAHAM

EFOSA OBAZEE Aged 58 years He is survived by Wife, Children, Brothers and Sisters amongst whom are:

WIFE

LATE ENGINEER GRAHAM

EFOSA OBAZEE Aged 58 years

OBSEQUIES

Mrs. P.I. Obazee Director Admin & Supplies, Ministry of Information & Orientation Benin City, Edo State

CHILDREN Miss Sonia .N. Obazee Miss Imuetinyan Faith Obazee Master Noah Eghosa Obazee

THURSDAY, 30TH MAY, 2013, 4.00PM – Service of Songs at No. 10 Akugbe Street, Off Siluko Road, Benin City.

FRIDAY, 31ST MAY, 2013 8.00AM – Body departs Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Sapele Road in a motorcade to his residence at No. 10, Akugbe Street, for a brief lying in State.

10.00AM – Body departs to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 108 T.V. Road, Benin City.

Interment follows immediately at Amagba Town.

SATURDAY, 1ST JUNE, 2013 12 Noon – Social Dance and Refreshment at No. 10 Akugbe Street, Off Siluko Road, Benin City

May His Gentle Soul Rest In Peace, Amen.

Signed: Children

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ON, Monday, February 18, 2013, a strategic meeting of stakeholders who believe in the importance of water and its significance to human life was convened at the instance of President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja to brainstorm on the funding and other related issues of this natural endowment.

DURING the summit tagged “Presidential Summit on Water�, several stakeholders including guests within and outside the country participated.

INDEED, we agree that the time for this Summit is long overdue, even as some speakers like former President Obasanjo noted at the Summit STAKEHOLDERS at the water summit appreciated the importance of water and came to the unanimous conclusion that water is an inalienable ingredient that sustains human life as ordained by God. Nothing can be truer than that.

IT was also a general consensus that there is the need for government at all levels to promote investment in water as an essential need not only for man but for other aspects of human life. Again, no one can controvert this.

IT is however important to note that for water to be made available to the people, first it must be accessible to the people both in the urban and rural areas. That is why government must be alive to its responsibility by providing potable water

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013 THE

NIGERIAN

The Presidential Summit On Water for the people and ensure that it gets to both the rich and the poor without any form of segregation.

UNDERSTANDABLY, water helps considerably in whatever circumstances in reviving the life of man. Little wonder then that a greater part of the earth is covered by water.

FOR instance, the agricultural sector, to a very large extent needs water because no farmer can boast of bumper harvest if water is not available and that is why water is important and should be protected by all.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER therefore calls on government at all levels to invest seriously in water projects with a view to boosting sensitive areas of the economy including the agricultural sector and the general wellbeing of the people.

ALSO, we believe that much as water remains an ingredient of paramount interest to human life, there is the need for preservation so as to prevent it from negatively affecting the health of the people.

The NIGERIAN OBSERVER commends the courage of government and other

stakeholders in holding the presidential summit on water.

WE also note that whereas it is not in contention that water is strategic to human existence, because it occupies about 70 percent of human body, what matters most to us in the present circumstance is the political will of governments to fund the process of water availability and preservation. The Summit must be taken beyond rhetorics.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER opines that the views canvassed by a section of the Summit yesterday that part of the Sovereign Wealth Fund be deployed to make water accessible, affordable and available to the people of Nigeria must be given serious consideration.

THE Water Summit must not end up like other Summits before it, which were never translated into action. The only way for the President Goodluck Jonathan administration to demonstrate to the generality of Nigerians that it means well for them, is to conscientiously mobilise resources, will power and political apparatus to make water available, affordable and accessible to the people without further delay.

THE reason for the above position is that over the years, the issue of water and sanitation had become over politicised.

The time to remove water from the realm of politics is now. This therefore, is the crux of the matter.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013

A Property Of NonVerbal Communication

Distance:

THIS paper tries as much as possible to taken in depth look at Non-verbal communication considering one/of its property!” distance’! and x-raying it to five broad categories which include personal distance, business distance, social distance, marital distance, educational distance and public distance. What all these means and why it is classified under Non— verbal communication. This paper intends to x—ray the topic and make for easy comprehension and understanding for participants and listeners’ of this seminar.

INTRODUCTION We have long been aware that it is very possible to communicate effectively without using verbal languages. The Non-verbal signs we used has been defined as ‘a1l external stimuli other than spoken or written words and including body motion, characteristics of appearance, characteristics of voice, and use of space and distance”. We all have interpreted body talk, perhaps without knowing we were doing so. We will use this paper to examine distance as a property of non-verbal communication and x-ray the topic of discussion for easy comprehension to all participant seated in this hall today.

The word distance, is not new to us all. We’ve used it one way or the other in some point while communicating. It has helped in driving home our point, pass information or communicate an idea.

Pause a minute and pronounce the word “Distance” inwardly, does it mean anything to you? Have you ever used this word? How was it used? Under what circumstances was it used? Do you have any new meaning for it now?

According to Andrew D.W, Roy M.B, and Darlyn R.W. (1991: 187) states that every person is surrounded by a psychological bubble of space. This bubble contracts and expands depending on the person’s cultural background and emotional state as well as the activity in which he or she is participating.

Distance to many means the space or gap between people, organization, territories, nations, and object. But Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary States that distance is the amount of space between two places or things.

According to Jesulowo and Oyinlola(2003:181) distance refers to the gap created between people. It can be the space between the people, nations, buildings, seating arrangement in a gathering, the arrangement in a room e.t.c.

Distance is used as a means of communication in both formal and informal situations. If distance is used for communication what then is communication?

According to Tony Abolo while delivering a Lecture on principle and practice of Advertising define communication simply as making information common. For Jesulowo and Oyinlola (2003:18 1) says it is a process of transmitting ideas, or thoughts (message) from one person (a sender) to the other (a receiver) for the purpose of creating understanding in the thinking of the person receiving the communication.

Citing peter little (1983) in Okpeodua (2003) communication is the process in which information is passed between individuals or organizations by means of previously agreed symbols.

According to Ojo (2001:1) most scholars (Mac Bride et al, 1981; Chapels and Read, 1974; Schrarnm, 1971; Bergin, 1980) aptly agree that communication involves exchange or sharing of ideas, opinions, information, feelings, attitudes, facts, messages and the likes and it is usually between two parties. This means that in communication, there is a common thing between the two parties.

Non-verbal communication is a communication without words. You communicate nonverbally when you gesture, smile or frown, widen your eyes, move your chair closer to someone, wear jewelry, Touch someone, or even say nothing. The crucial aspect is that the Message you send is in some way received by one or more people.

(Joseph A. D: 2005:105) Non- verbal communication is a type of communication which involves the use of extra- Linguistic devices to express thoughts and emotions. This aspect of communication is usually referred to as paralanguage.

Non-verbal communication takes the form of body posture, gesture, eye contact, facial expressions, silent body movement, touch and the likes. All these devices convey messages of their own like the verbal devices. For instance, the message given by somebody who sits alone with his face downwards is different from that of a person who sits in the midst of friends laughing excitedly. Even, some facial expressions may attract or repel people.

It is important to state here that both the verbal and non- verbal media are useful in communication but the verbal greatly needs the non- verbal to be effectively functional. At times, the non-verbal medium is used to drive home the point raised by the verbal medium. When there is interaction between two people, the two are used simultaneously and can be easily received through the non- verbal means.

While the non- verbal medium makes the ideas expressed by the verbal medium situational, its decoding may be difficult for the receiver of the idea if there is no mutual understanding of what the signals mean.

We have to take the above journey to be able to lay a foundation to the crop of the matter; Distance: A property of a non- verbal communication, under the following headings.

Personal Distance: - This refers to the gap which separates you from other human beings. You normally choose to stay close to your friends, but maintain a comfortable distance between yourself and mere acquaintances or between yourself and total strangers. We normally feel most comfortable keeping a distance when talking to strangers’ because invasion of this personal territory will cause us to back away.

When you go to the library or any public place where many persons have assembled, and you have to select a seat, you will most likely sit next to someone you know rather than next to a total stranger. In the case of an interview, when talking with the applicants, the chair of the applicant is not placed side by side with that of the interviewer, but rather placed facing each other because this distance wants to be maintained.

In general, people tend to be more accessible to friends, professional colleagues or business associates. Total strangers maintain a comfortable distance. The gap which separates an individual from others within his environment and which is only broken into by friends and colleagues is called personal distance. Strangers are not easily allowed into it while close friends can penetrates it with ease.

Business Distance:- Have you not noticed that the head of an organization normally has a large office to himself while five or ten junior workers share one office?. This in itself is an indication that the boss has more official power in the organization than the junior workers. This is the business distance created for him by status within the organization. You do not walk into that space unless you are sent for or have official business to discuss, or you are there as a cleaner to keep the office clean.

Social Distance: - Refers to the distance between people who have different social backgrounds. Their backgrounds may differ because of education, wealth, or religious belief.

Whatever the case, these differences often keep people apart as well as communicate the differences between them. Social clubs which are popular in many parts of Nigeria tend to emphasize the distance between one group and another.

Also part of social distance is the standing-seated interaction, in wish the person in charge stands and the other person sits. This occurs among others, in teacher-pupil, bosssecretary, and police officer-arrestee transactions.

Marital Distance: - This is a distance created in our matrimonial homes. It can be deliberate and also accidental, caused by circumstances beyond our control, due to disagreement between the husband and his wife. Distance caused by church activities like prayer and fasting that would require the husband and his wife to abstain from sexual activities. Job transfer for either the man or woman can also cause a marital distance, as well as little mis-understanding can make the couple live like strangers until they settle their differences.

Educational Distance: - This is the distance created by educational background and status. A University graduate will find it difficult to discuss freely with secondary school students because of the knowledge gap between them. These two different categories of students don’t reason along the same line and their frame of reference is difference. Rather, the secondary student takes instructions from the university student because he wants to be in that position tomorrow.

Public Distance: - It is used by teachers in lecture rooms and speakers at public gatherings as well as by public figures like politicians who place a barrier between themselves and their followers. When people with different cultural backgrounds come into contact, they often assume they have the same concept of space.

Public figures such as politicians, top civil servants, diplomats, honorable, commissioners, ministers, governors, president all maintain public distance in most of what they do. The head of state of a country and governors are not usually allowed to walk unaccompanied into a market place. When any of them addresses large audiences, he stays on a platform, at a reasonable distance from the people being addressed. Whenever you notice this, you know that these officials are maintaining public distance.

Invariably, they feel the need to be protected from danger, or from hostile members of the crowd. In spite of tight security and attempts to maintain this public distance, public figures like Nigeria’s Head of state Murtala Mohammed in 1976; John F. Kennedy of USA (1968); Indira Ghandi of India (1985) and Olof Palme of Sweden (1986) were, assassinated. Incidents like these help us to appreciate the need for our leaders to maintain public distance.

A distance therefore plays an important roles in life, in business transactions, within an organization, and other areas of human endeavor. They, too, can be consciously adopted and

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013 With Bamidele Michael 08064496136

Leadership Continues from page 13

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Citizenship And Community Leadership ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` `

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Agriculture An Overview Of Agricultural Development Programmes In Nigeria (1) What are the Organizational set up of the ADPs? The ADP is the implementation organ of the state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. It is semi-autonomous and focuses on the small farmer. It adopts the Integrated Rural Development Strategy in its operations. The policy making body is the Agricultural Development Project Executive Committee (ADPEC) headed by the State Governor or the Commissioner for Agriculture. Its executive body is the Programme Management Unit (PMU) headed by the programme manager. He is assisted by Heads of sub programmes and zonal managers.

What are the programmes carried out by ADPs? The ADP programmes include: A. ADAPTIVE RESEARCH B. EXTENSION OR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER C. INPUT SUPPLY D. RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE In Adaptive research, diagnostic surveys are carried out to identify problems inhibiting technology transfer

By OLUMESE MARK before conducting research under local conditions to evolve appropriate technology packages for adoption by farmers. The extension programme transfer improved packages to farmers through the extension agents in the field and brings problems of farmers to researchers from onward transfer to farmers.

The Training and Visit [T&V) approach is adopted in extension teaching. It involves monthly technology review.

Monthly technological review meetings (MTRM).

During [MTRM), researchers from research institutes and universities train subject matter specialists (SMSJ, who in turn train Village Extension Agents [VEAs] during forth nightly training sessions [FNTS) who in turn train farmers on improved agricultural practices.

Input supply programme of ADPs involves supply of inputs such as Fertilizers, Improved Seeds, Agro Chemicals, Farm Mechanization equipment through ADP farm service Centres.

For example, Kano, Borno, Bauchi and Kaduna ADPs went further to

privatize input supply by establishing similar companies in all the ADPs in the country.

Rural infrastructure programme involved provision

Dr Adesina Akinwumi, Minister of Agriculture commercialize inputs supply companies (FASCOM) to distribute all inputs except fertilizer which was being distributed by the State Governments.

It was considered desirable to

of infrastructure facilities, particularly Feeder Roads, Rural water through earth dams, deep wells and boreholes. Other programmes of the ADPs included Womenin-Agriculture (WIA),

livestock, /Fishery Development, land management and farm mechanization. The WIA programme focuses on improving Agricultural production, processing and marketing by women. The land management programme focuses on soil conservation and management. The farm mechanization programme focuses on small farm equipment and animal traction.

Some ADPs included Horticulture, Pest control, Veterinary services and Cooperative Agricultural credit in their programmes.

What are the financial supports for ADPs? Since the inception, the ADPs were jointly funded by the Federal Government, the State Government and World Bank through a joint counterpart funding arrangement.

Initially the World Bank during the IBRD loan period contributed 32 % of the incremental cost of financing the ADPs while the Federal Government contributed 25% and State Government contributed 43%. Later on, the World Bank contributed 60%, Federal Government 20% and State Government 14% for the Multi-State ADPs. When Naira was devalued, the contribution changed to World Bank 75%, Federal Government 15% and State Government 10%. The

` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` `World Bank’s contribution `was in form of credit offered `at a low interest rate. The World Bank contribution ` `stopped in 1995. ` What are the shared ` responsibilities for the ` ADPs? ` The responsibilities for the `ADPs in the country are `shared by the State Government, Federal ` `Government and World Bank. `Local Governments provide `tangential support such as maintaining Rural Feeder ` `Roads. The State Government `provides grants, the bulk of `the personnel, payment of staff salaries and is ` responsible for project ` `implementation. The Federal `Government provides funds, supervision and assists in ` `project implementation and `evaluation the IFRA and the Project `Agricultural Monitoring and Evaluation ` `Unit (APMEU). ` APMEU was established in `1975 to monitor and evaluate the ` ADPs operations in the country.

Both IFRA and ` `APMEU were merged in 2001 `to form the Project Coordinating Unit (PCU). The ` `World Bank provides credit, `technical and logistic support `through experts. ` The writer is the Zonal `Manager of Edo State `Agricultural Development `Programme, Central Zone, Irrua Nigeria. `

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013

Media

Overcoming Hurdles Of Media Digitization In Nigeria TECHNOLOGICAL advancements have reshaped the scope of media practice globally.

With these technological inputs, terms as digital broad-casting and digitization have emerged.

Digitization is a modern trend in broadcasting both in Nigeria and the world over. According to the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) digitization is the conversion of the broadcast and communication systems from analogue to digital. It is meant to improve the quality of reception and ensure a more efficient use of the spectrum.

The digitization of broadcasting will affect all facets of broadcasting name: transmission and reception, production (content).

To ensure the transition from analogue to digital broadcast, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2006, set June 17th, 2015 as dead line for all broadcast media to switch over (from analogue to digital). After this deadline was given by the ITU, Nigeria, as led by the National Communication Commission (NCC), set June 17, 2012 as her deadline for switch over (to digital broadcasting) This deadline targeted by Nigeria, was later moved to January 1, 2015.

However, despite the enormous benefits accruable with the introduction of digitization, it is still facing so much challenges in Nigeria.

Before talking about the hurdles in “switching over,” there is need to note that the Nigerian

government has made some frantic efforts to beat the deadline of 2015. In 2007, late President YarAdua, approved that the NBC should pilot the country’s migration from analogue to digital terrestrial television (DTT).

According to Emma Onuh (2010), citing Kombol (2008), as much as digital broadcasting sound plavisble, many countries including Nigeria will continue using analogue broadcasting. To him, one of the factors responsible for this, is lack of fund.

This is due to the huge capital base required before “switching over” (from analogue to digital). In developed clime, this is not the story as majority of their media organizations and citizens, have the financial muscle to “switch over”.

Again, in Nigeria, the populace are still battling to receive attention from government in tackling some challenges as hunger and diseases. How can a government battling hard to combat these “small” challenges be able to take digitalization seriously?

The Nigerian government is till battling hard to curtail these social menace and thus, are not interested in “whatever is called digitalization”.

Moreover, on the part of media practitioner, there is lack of preparedness and awareness (Ilesanmi, 2012 Onuh, 2010). In Nigeria, the journalism/media profession is wide open to all. For the professionals, there seems to be content (satisfied) with the analogue mode of transmission due to lack of

By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU information about the benefits that can be tapped from digital media. The lack of awareness by these journalists, have made them unable to coerce (persuade) the government

Communication Commission (N.C.C.), there is lack of technical know-how and experts on digital transmission. In Nigeria, most of the personnel (experts) in

Nigeria.

One of the efforts made by the U.S government as noted by the Federal C o m m i s s i o n Communication (2008) as of March, 2007 was that all television receivers shipped in interstate

digitization of media houses in Nigeria is poor power supply. Ayofe and Lawal (2010) said due to frequent power outage, bottlenecks always prevent automation from running smooth. This also has implication on the

commerce or imported must contain a digital tuner.

Apart from this, as at May 25, 2007, the commission required sellers of television receiving equipment that does not include a digital tuner to disclose at the point-of-sale that such devices include only an analogue turner and therefore will require a digital to analogue converter box to receive over-the-air broadcast television after the transition date.

Another point to note as one of the hurdles in

spending power of the media organization as most of them spend huge sums of money in fueling “generators.”

With all benefits of digitalization, these hurdles that have be identified, are reasons why they (benefits of digitalization), have not been fully tapped. As a great man, Laz Tzu once said, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a footstep. Let concrete steps be taken so that the 2015 deadline for digitalization can be beaten!

Labaran Maku, Information Minister

on why there should be a switch from analogue to digital transmission.

In addition, there is a dearth of infrastructure in media houses occasioned by corruption. The government in Nigeria though budget money for vital projects in communication, but corruption has always prevented these projects from been completed. No matter how good the promises for digitization are, it cannot work without a good infrastructural base.

As noted by the Nigerian

media only have knowledge or training in digital broadcasting and thus unable to handle the intricacies of digitalization.

This lack of expertise on digitalization has made it impossible to “switch over” as these professionals who lack technical abilities in digital technology, cannot be laid off.

Also, Onuh (2010), noted that a great problem in “switching over”, is lack of government commitment.

He juxtaposed Nigeria’s situation with that of

“Again, in Nigeria, the populace are still battling to receive attention from government in tackling some challenges as hunger and diseases. How can a government battling hard to combat these “small” challenges be able to take digitalization seriously? The Nigerian government is till battling hard to curtail these social menace and thus, are not interested in “whatever is called digitalization”.

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Midweek Continued from last week

THERE has been embarrassing lack of creative thinking and development initiatives on the part of the Nigerian elites who inherited the country from the British in 1960. Nigeria in 1914 was the seized property of Britain and they were free as it were to put her to maximum use for their own advantage. The question begging for answer is why had the Nigerian elites failed to use the same country to the collective good of society? It is needless to say that 1914 cannot be blamed for the default and ineptitude of the inheritors. At least as Tunji Adegboyega cited earlier rightly observed Nigeria ‘once worked’ (The Nation10-2-2013).

Rather than the circumstance of birth which is beyond the child’s decision, it is the relative success of the British in actualizing their dream through the Nigerian Project and the failure of the Nigerian elites in this regard since Independence that should amaze and make one most uncomfortable today. It should challenge and awaken us from slumber to the right road. I always wonder how the British elites from a tiny island overseas many miles away from home were able to use the 1914 action effectively to achieve their end and why the Nigerian elites have failed woefully to attain same feat since Independence. This crushing inability to manage things well should be our shame and not the day of our birth as a nation.

It is trite and wrong to continue to hold the view long after Independence that we are still poor and disunited because the British created our country for selfish reasons without asking ourselves what good we have been able to make out of the creation. It really hurts to even contemplate the foolish things the elites have done with the country including corruption and squandering of resources since Independence. While it serves no use shivering in the rain where there are friendly shelters around, common sense demands a change for the better. The problem is that the country’s elites have been suffering from what Tatalo Alamu calls “intellectual slavery” or “mental laziness” and so could not make the desired impact even in period of freedom. Even a denial or rejection of our history as

critics would like us have it cannot help. So weep not brothers and stop mourning, complaining and blaming 1914 amalgamation unduly for the nation’s current woes.

Tatalo’s concept of ‘ intellectual slavery’ is important in understanding what went wrong as it helps in answering many relevant questions such as: why the country in spite of the natural and geographical advantages has not been able to throw off the yoke of poverty and underdevelopment since the departure of the British colonial masters? Or why it has been convenient for us to continue to blame an event of almost one hundred years old for our current predicaments today and our inability to change the situation? The answer is persistent mental slavery of the Nigerian ruling Elites. Otherwise how come the colonial masters were able to use the creation to achieve their end, and our nationalists were able to use sentiments and insights from same to nurture a spirit of nationalism and fight for freedom but the post Independence elites have failed woefully to develop the country they inherited from the British? Here is it not more proper to blame our failure as adults on poor management of resources rather than the date of our birth? In short the Nigerian elites should be ashamed of their dismal failure in the management and administration of the country since independence.

While it is obvious that the Nigerian elites have not worn their creative thinking caps well, many of the reactions to 1914 reflect subtle attempt to deny or reject some aspects of our history as a people. There is feeling of shame or fanciful desire to black out that period of our history and where possible replace it with a rosier one perhaps as children of giants rather than dwarfs.

But doing so would amount to intellectual fraud that adds no ounce of value to our wellbeing. There is no use attempting to write fake history because it could mislead and backfire as was the case in Russia after the demise of Stalin. I truly wish that we were created by Angels but the truth is that we are not- Too bad perhaps, but as the saying goes ‘wishes are no horses’. The reactions to 1914 remind me of what Professor Jide Osuntokun calls the ‘ifs’ of history’ but as the renowned Scholars argues the Historian’s task is with facts rather than fiction leading to some well- drawn

Magazine

Centennial Existence Of Nigeria: lessons of life. The truth is that no matter the circumstance, Nigeria of today is largely a product of the action of Lord Lugard on 1st January, 1914 and in few months she would be 100years old. Longevity matters and it justifies some celebration.

As far as I know the house Jack built may not have been perfect or laid on very solid ground or foundation, but it is livable and we have indeed lived in it for nearly a hundred years now. Luckily that house is extra ordinarily endowed with vast materials of wealth and comfort for the occupants to strengthen, transform and sustain it to be among the best on earth. Unfortunately the inheritors have not lived to the developmental expectation.

This to me is the problem and not the house per se or its background.

It is high time we changed our perception, accord the amalgamation its due importance in our national history, identify and deal with what really went wrong with our country and celebrate our collective birthday as Nigerians. For practical purpose it must be admitted that many things went wrong after creation: poor management of resources, greed especially for political power, misrule, etc. The inheritors and managers of the affairs of the country after the exit of the white man failed to grow the country right and squandered our common inheritance.

A MILESTONE, HOME FOR ALL ON EQUAL BASIS AND RALLYING POINT FOR PATRIOTISM Otherwise 1914 represents an important milestone, a spring board to other good things and opportunity for worthy or useful contributions. Apart from the giant nature of the country it gave birth to, the creation served as a good rallying point for patriotic feeling and sentiments, nationalist struggle for independence, a large geo-political space to lay claims to, good platform to demand and fight for independence, a common reference point which the nationalists capitalized in their struggle for freedom from the British which became a reality in 1960. It serves as home for all the tribes amalgamated with equal rights and status of membership. In short the country created in 1914 by Lugard belongs to every Nigerian on equal basis.

By JOHN I. ABHUERE FNIM

Consequently, Independence was fought for Nigeria and all the peoples in the amalgamated territory by Nigerian nationalists. The Nationalists fighting for independence saw themselves as Nigerians rather than tribesmen.

The spirit of Nationalism engendered by 1914 is worthy of much emphasis. As it were before Independence it was propelling the nation to the

power politics set in to upturn the apple cart.

Were there to be able men on the helms of affairs, the common identity and shared experience of conquest, creation, and struggle for Independence etc ought to continue to serve as a source of inspiration and basis of unity and endless surge of spirit of nationalism and patriotism after Independence as they did before it. To recall

Lord Lugard high heavens. At least it created a great feeling of patriotism and ‘Nigerianness’ among the people and served as a kind of ideological bond for the collective struggle for independence. As Bala Usman observes that struggle was carried out on behalf of Nigeria by educated elites who saw themselves foremost as Nigerians- nationalists and not tribal bigots. In other words, the struggle for Independence by the educated Elites was not on behalf of their tribes or expired kingdoms or empires but on behalf of everyone within the boundary of a territory as defined and proclaimed in 1914. On this alone, 1914 deserves far more reverence than now obtains. And it could not have mattered who created Nigeria or where it was born- whether in a hut or mansion. Certainly without 1914 there would have been no Nigeria as we know it today. There are problems no doubt, but the country was doing well on its nation building efforts until something bad happened to thwart progress. The virus of

Why

proportion. The emerging Nigerianness that was so visible during the nationalist struggle for independence started to vanish rapidly.

While there is nothing much to worry about the circumstance of creation, there is much to be ashamed about post independence failure- a life badly led and a country largely misruled and misgoverned. In this respect the reactions to government’s decision to celebrate 1914 are important because they

of co pro of bee Mi no rea de ha Ni 19 po un cha has

President Goodluck Jonathan such commonality of patriotic feeling and identity actually propelled men and women into progressive action that resulted in the country’s Independence in 1960. In other words from the common identity linked to the 1914 action emerged our collective sense of nationhood and burning spirit of nationalism that propelled a fight against the British for political freedom.

This to me is the beauty and strength of 1914: the creation of a multi-cultural country of about 240 ethnic groups relating on equal basis and the subsequent growth of sense of nationhood and patriotic sentiment. The antics of the big tribes not withstanding each of them knows the fact that Nigeria belongs to each of the ethnic groups within the country created in 1914.

Unfortunately instead of making progress, successive ruling elites flunked- misfired and misled the country into civil war 1967-70 and corruption, tribalism and so turned an otherwise beauty and golden opportunity into a monster or liability of serious

remind us more of our collective weakness, failure or poor performance we cannot afford to ignore. We may not be proud of 1914 but the fact remains that it gave birth to a giant country with a bright prospect of greatness and resilience which unfortunately has been raped and mis-managed.

Though badly managed, yet Nigeria has continued to enjoy the respect and patronage of the rest of the world due to the immense potential and many advantages conferred on her by the amalgamation, especially huge population and vast land with rich mineral resources. She is dominant in the African continent and a force to reckon with in global affairs for its large geographical landmass, oil, thick population with brilliant people who are found all over the world making useful contribution to the advancement of humanity.

She is the Current winner of the African cup of Nations and occupies a large chunk of mother earth.

It is thus unfair and a mark

man the Ind cre inco Lea blam 196 skie to h off ima to nati Tat cen inca and cra prob stru the A CO BLA T con wro con dwi Nig cele self our nat con atta

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Midweek Magazine It Is Good To Celebrate misplaced aggression to ntinue to blame today’s blem on the circumstances birth as though history has n stagnant ever since. As ller (1969) observes “It is t what happens but your ction to what happens that termines your degree of ppiness or misery”. The gerian Elite’s reaction to 14 has been unhealthy, or, negative and imaginative. It has to be nged for the better. What been lacking is effective

to the ineptitude of the Nigerian elites. Most of the citizens especially youths have grown up with poor knowledge of history and wrong notion of the country.

There has been growing lack of faith, much hatred and scorn for the nation-state ostensibly because of the so called circumstances of its becoming. Citizens grow up with little or no love and commitment to fatherland as a result of the persistent wrong reference to 1914.

over 100 years ago our forefathers lost their crowns and territories not because of lack of courage, bravery or valor but due to poor technology. They fell to European advanced form of weapons of war– superior technology-what Beloc calls the ‘maxim gun’.

The importance of technology cannot be overstressed. As Kamil Idris of WLPO observes technology is critical to progress.

According to him in the last

David Mark, Senate President agement of the country by successive ruling elites since ependence. It is not the ation day but greed, mpetence and ineptitude of ders there- after that are to e. Otherwise Nigeria by 0 was heading high to the s until something odd began appen and to strip her elites creative energy, power of gination and to put asunder our collective sense of onalism. The mental slavery alo wrote about took the tre stage and they became pable of original thinking fruitful engagements beyond ss materialism. The main lem was politics- the brutal ggle for political power by educated Elites.

D V E R S E NSEQUENCES OF MING 1914 UNDULY here had been adverse sequences of blaming 1914 ngly. One of such sequences has been the ndling dearth of patriotism in eria. It is hoped that the bration would pave way to discovery and rekindling of spirits of patriotism and ionalism which suffered siderable set-back since the inment of independence due

As most of the citizens lack due appreciation of the history of the birth of their country especially the real reason for the fall of their otherwise brave fore- fathers before 1914 to the white man’s army, they had been less inclined to correct the defect of the past. Rather there had been blurred vision and misplaced priority in policy making.

The necessary bile, anger, fire, awareness and wisdom from lessons learnt to avenge and overcome our historical challenge had been missing.

There is therefore over 100 years’ old pain to kill or ameliorate defined in terms of poverty, underdevelopment and poor technology.

It is embarrassing to observe that today Nigeria has not made the desired progress since her creation. In terms of technology she is still inferior: the elites are not in a position to defend her territorial integrity better than our forefathers. They are lacking in confidence, knowledge and technology relevant to Nation-building.

This is important because

‘100 years or so, technological leadership has become a determining factor in wealth creation and has fired the growth of nations’ p.11. The relevant question here is: what level of development imagination have the elites applied to the Nigerian project since Independence? In particular what have they done to meet the challenge of technology deficiency? As Dudley Seers would have asked: what have they done to poverty, unemployment, infrastructure and human basic needs over the years?

What checks are in place today to match technology for technology should the European countries including the USA decide on a second colonization of the African continent? Is it 1914 that has prevented creative thinking and good governance in Nigeria?

There has been obvious confusion over the way forward and much time has been spent on crying over spilled milk. The worry is that like pre-colonial times Nigeria is still very weak technologically and thus

highly vulnerable to prospect of physical re-colonization by foreign powers. And there is no serious effort dedicated to preventing a repetition because the elites do not know much about the background to our very beginning and are not appreciative of the gift and blessings of 1914. There is therefore a knowledge gap to be filled by celebrating our one hundred years. Certainly a better consciousness of our beginning would emerge to fire the imagination and creativity of citizens including the youth for national growth and development.

The centenary celebration shall represent the first major attempt to really appreciate the essence of 1914 and to put our historical development in the right perspective. For too long, majority of citizens especially the youths have been misinformed and improperly educated about 1914. The celebration is thus a renaissance of sort which should provide opportunity for self appraisal and for many citizens especially the youth to be properly educated and well informed about their country. It should lead to self discovery and awareness that might help emphasize the need for citizens to be more patriotic, creative, committed to the nation-state and to safeguard the country from another round of defeat and colonization. That historical event is catalyst to our unity and development.

NOT ALONE There is much to celebrate about the gift of life- much more so a long life of one hundred years. Nigeria is not alone in the league that started low or rough. While the experiences of Singapore and the United States of America are relevant here, history shows that people celebrate what they think is important to them. The 1914 amalgamation is important because it is the cradle of Nigeria as we know it today.

The joy is her survival where others had petered which provides cause to glorify God for his mercies and opportunity living together as one country since that time.

The gift of life is to grow and improve the environment.

Even if we were born of slaves or poor, we should be able to grow to overcome those pre-natal problems or teething obstacles.

History is full of stories of rag to riches. According to the bible our beloved Jesus Christ was born in the manger but

grew to be great son of GOD revered and worshipped all over the world by Christians as king of the universe. The story of Jaja of Opobo is well known: the great king is said to have risen from the bottom to the top. There have been great leaders in the USA such as Jackson (1829) who became President of USA from humble beginning. Singapore is as multi-racial as Nigeria but it is far more developed than our country. Left in the lurch- poor and backward, Singapore rose to be a success story within few decades of independence through dogged, determined and visionary leadership. The Black Americans are doing their best in spite of their historical circumstance of slavery.

Obama with undeniable links to Kenya is today a two-term president of the USA. Thus it is not the circumstance of that country, but the good we make of life.

Perhaps the USA is the best example here in Nationbuilding. Like Nigeria, she started roughly and fought a civil war after their Independence within the first 100 years. Her background is multilingual and multi-racialin short a country of immigrants from different parts of the world. But unlike Nigeria, the USA is a country with development-conscious Elites, extra- ordinary imagination and limitless capacity for nation-building from A-Z. They are wellknown for ever inventing measures to promote patriotism, trade, agriculture, communication, Technology, welfare of citizens and wellbeing and development of their society through intelligent utilization of private and public resources. However by 1876 when the USA clocked 100 years things were very rough with the country. Yet she celebrated the centennial birthday with gusto and gratitude to God for having lived as a Nation run on principles of democracy for so long a time.

According to Remini, the USA was faced with many problems within her first 100 years but she ‘braced up to many challenges of nationbuilding’. An example of such problems was moral depravity as exemplified by large scale “corruption in public life during the gilded age”. He notes that the gilded age was ‘profoundly corrupt, poor in purpose and barren in result’.

And “Bribery, conspiracy, conflicts of interest, blackmail and associated crimes were common place” during the period 1870-95. Neither the economic sphere nor the

political domain was clean.

Elections were rigged in Florida, Lousiana, and Southern Carolina in 1876 which led to the subsequent declaration of Hayes as President after a ‘great deal of fraud and intimidation and manipulation’. There was for instance the economic panic of 1873 that brought depression, hardship and widespread suffering that lasted up to 1879. And the North was reportedly “tired of the Southern question” and so focused on making money, ’ However, the American spirit for nation-building rose with stoic determination to emerging challenges by punishing evil and strengthening public institutions rather than the individual to save the situation. And so “Grant administration ended on a happy note in 1876 -the centennial year of the Republic. The nation celebrated the centennial year – 100 years of trial and triumph” and of independence in democracy and of intensified sense of nationhood, spirit of nationalism and great pride in their country”.

There is no reason to be ashamed of our poor beginning. The winter for all its coldness has its use. 1914 marks the beginning of the existence of the geographical space known all over the world as Nigeria, the fifth or so largest producer of the black gold- oil. It is therefore not evil and should not be reason for perpetual state of regrets and inaction like the Ishan proverbial birdUkpolinmovien which according to traditional accounts spends its life mourning the death of its father, doing nothing else and so remained thin and sickly. For too long the Nigerian elites failed to manage our collective inheritance well. The centenary celebration is thus in order at least for being able to live together for so long a time. It should offer opportunity for critical reflection and self- renewal.

We should move on with courage and determination to change for better, the face of the world we inherited and make Nigeria truly great. The celebration which should be intellectual and ideological in thrust should not be for a whole year lest it loses focus and essence and becomes a wasteful jamboree.

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Issues

The Quest For Future Leaders ANOTHER May 27 has come and gone, but it’s memory will no doubt linger on in the heart of many children who won prizes and made friends in this 2013 children’s day celebration, a day set aside for children all over the world. It is common and usual for children to be spotted at recreational centres, amusement parks, zoos, parties and so on with their friends and family members to catching fun just as we saw in this year’s celebration.

Most parents used this period to make their children as happy as possible, knowing fully well that they are the leaders of the nearest future.

Every responsible parents are expected to use this period to mould and shapen the future of their children because the greatest gifts parents can give their children are roots of responsibility and wings of independence as we hope for a better tomorrow.

At this juncture, let me say congratulations to children all over the world on the celebration of another children’s day. No doubt, children’s existence makes parents, and indeed the society, happy and proud.

Many times, we hear people say, “children are the leaders of tomorrow.” This statement conveys the message that nature abhors vacuum.

The future leadership of a community, state or nation, rest squarely on the children, who will occupy vacant positions created by the exit of the present day leaders. It also means that in a few years to come, children will become teachers, doctors, journalists, lawyers, nurses, engineers, pilot, accountants, pastors, president, governors, and so on.

These children are important to parents, the church and the society.

Therefore, it is important to nurture, care and train them to be capable leaders of tomorrow and agents of transformation. It is true that without children in the society, there will be no growth, development and continuity of life, while the

world is at the risk of extinction.

A child cannot harness his or her potentialities or take his or her proper position in the society as a leader, if the family, school, church, media and government fail in their responsibilities. Therefore, parents should endeavour to give their children proper training if we must produce good leaders for tomorrow’s good governance. As the Holy Bible admonishes, “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he grows up, he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6.

Parents must be good role models to their children, like a former President; Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of USA. Lincoln was a man of vision, wisdom and of noble spirit. He was a cultured and polished man. History has it that he taught his children good morals. In his letter to his son’s teacher, Lincoln wrote, He (my son) will have to learn. I know that all men are not just, all men are true, but teach him the secret of quiet success. In school, teach him that it is far more honourable to fail than to cheat.”

Schools are places of learning and acquisition of skills. Thus, they contribute immensely to the realization of the dream of building today’s children into tomorrow’s leaders. Failure in this regard, will make today’s children impotent for meaningful contributions to nation building.

However, the challenge of exorbitant fees being paid in private schools, which children of the less-privileged cannot afford, should be addressed. As such, private school must endeavour to plough back part of their proceeds into training the less-privileged, but brilliant children.

Furthermore, government’s level of insincerity and Lukewarmness to funding education must also be addressed. Public schools must be funded, equipped and monitored for excellent performance too, in such a

By EDEKO A. MICHAEL

way that top government officials will be compelled to send their wards to public institutions instead of sending them overseas.

Again, moral instructions should be re-incorporated into schools’ curricula as it used to be in olden days, when children where taught the fear of God, and value for humanity.

Apparently, the church too, has a very great responsibility of bringing up children of our dream in fear of God, by impacting their lives with

infectious diseases as HIV/ AIDS and STDs. Suffice to say these could also lead to unwanted pregnancy.

Children should reject ignoble and destructive acts such as hard drugs, robbery, violence, cultism, prostitution, examination malpractice, etc. These vices, when resisted, help a child to grow into a person of integrity and lover of peace, who will in the future be enthrusted with the power to lead the nation.

Raising tomorrow’s leaders

sound teaching of holiness, righteousness, honesty, hardwork, contentment, selfcontrol and other virtues that can induce good qualities of good leadership. Also, the teaching of prosperity and materialism at the expense of hardwork should be discouraged.

To be a leader, it is expected that children must themselves desist from vices that can terminate their lives, prematurely. Sex before marriage, which is now rampant in our society can lead to contraction of

means instilling certain skills in your children. Here are some skills every future leader needs, and how you as a parent can help them achieve them.

Self-Confidence – This is one of the most important skills for a future leader, but it can’t be taught. Kids learn selfconfidence not just through praise, but also by having opportunities to learn things and do a good job. Enrolling your kids in extracurricular activities, such as team sports, individuals sports, and other activities such as Boy scouts

“Kids learn self-confidence not just through praise, but also by having opportunities to learn things and do a good job. Enrolling your kids in extracurricular activities, such as team sports, individuals sports, and other activities such as Boy scouts and Girls scouts, is an excellent way to instill them with the self-confidence they will need in order to lead people and/or organizations as adults.”

and Girls scouts, is an excellent way to instill them with the self-confidence they will need in order to lead people and/or organizations as adults.

Decision Making – Good leaders have to be able to make good decisions. Giving your child the opportunity to make decisions for themselves is therefore very important. This doesn’t mean that you saddle them with responsibilities that aren’t age appropriate. Start out with small decisions, like letting your child choose their clothing when they are young, and give them more and

to encourage this skill by assigning group projects and teaching team sports in physical education classes.

You can help by signing your child up for extracurricular team sports and other group activities. Even small things, such as coaching siblings on how to work out problems instead of simply playing referee when they fight, can help hone the ability to work with others.

Money – Being able to manage money, on a personal level as well as on a business or corporate level, is important if you want your

bigger decisions to make as they begin to understand the concepts of responsibilities and consequences. Modeling good decision making skills in your everyday life is also important, but don’t forget to talk to your children about why you make the choices you do, and how consequences shape the decisions we make.

Problem Solving – Problem solving is another important skill for good leaders to have.

School creates many opportunities for kids to learn about problem solving, and many extra-curricular activities such as chess, Boys scout and Girls scout, etc. can help to teach your child these important skills.

This is also another area where you can model the skills you want your children to have as adult.

Teamwork – Although we envision leaders as being above their peers, they also need to be able to work well with others. Many school try

child to be a leader someday.

High-powered leadership positions almost always have some sort of financial or budgeting aspect to job. The best way to teach your kid this skill is to give them an allowance and bank account at a young age, and to help and save, so that they learn the value of money.

Above all, we cannot ignore the fact that peace is important for the physical, social, cultural, political, economic, and infrastructural development. Therefore, our government should evolve conducive and workable policies devoid of political schism. The spate of kidnapping, assassination, child abuse, child trafficking, amongst others need to be checked.

Remember to pray always and seek the guidance of God who so love you and your precious children. Note that before God you and your children are the apple of His eyes.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013

Natural Medicine

With Dr. MAO 08030717341

Hidden Secrets For Eye Care

MANY of us don’t use our eyes into old age before we lose them today. When this happens, we suffer a set back. For instance, this is what visual Encyclopedia of Natural Healing, edited by Alice Feinstein, says: “Eighty percent of your awareness of the world comes to you through your eyes.

This whole scenario inspired the writing of the book Perfect Eyesight For Life.

Essentially, the book offers the reader knowledge-based hidden secrets of how to care for our eyes naturally and consciously to achieve two major benefits.

Firstly, it is to prevent eye disorders which arise from misuse of our eyes. Unknown to us, there are laid down dos and don’ts for the eyes.

If we don’t adhere to them, we traumatize our eyes which then start to malfunction.

The second major benefit of the book is that it introduces you to simple exercises, massages and other treatments you can use to keep your eyes healthy always.

The book has seven chapters in all. Chapter one of the book x-ray disorders of the eyes.

Namely, they are: shortsighted, l o n g s i g h t e d , astigmatism, blurred vision, eyestrain, redness of the eyes, drooping eyelids, dilated eyes, stye strabismus glaucoma, iritis, corneal ulcer, retina detachment, optic nerve/ chiasmal compression and

macular degeneration.

Also, contained in this chapter are body changes, malfunctions and disease like measles, allergies, m e n o p a u s e , hypertension, hypotension, river b l i n d n e s s , hypoglycemia, weak digestion, constipation and hypothyroidism that can cause eye disorders.

Chapter two of the book offers information on first aid treatment for our eyes when foreign bodies lodge in them; when chemicals spill into them; or when there is injury to the eyes, the eyelids and around the eyes. Furthermore, this chapter tells you about the six condition when we urgently need to seek additional help from the hospital after first aid has been given to a victim.

Chapter three of the book educates the reader on the damage computers are doing to millions of eyes these days. Indeed, all over the world you now have incidence of computer eyes. Visible symptoms of this eye disorder include: dry, itching eyes, excessive watering of the eyes … irritation and/or pain in the eyes.

Abnormal/frequent blinking of the eyes .. squinting and red eyes.

Lest one forgets, the

book in this chapter also discusses headaches and dizziness associated with computer use both of which damage the eyes and brain.

It is not only the computer that is a source of affliction to our eyes.

Also, the unnatural

Therefore, when you are going through this chapter, you will discover how the art of simply blinking your eyes, and rotating them as well as sunbathing, palming, focusing exercises, acupressure and neck/eye massages can save you from a visit to an opthalmologist.

Chapter six of the book outlines alternative healing therapies for the eyes. Of interest here are how sun-charged water in a blue bottle can be used as eye wash or eye drops to heal the eyes.

The book tells you that water is a curative agent, indeed. It goes on to educate the reader about how the Japanese use water to treat several ailments, including some eye disorders.

Another highlight of this chapter is that the reader is informed about how gemstones are used to cure eye problems. A case in point cited is that of the husband of Mrs. Rose Nwamara, reported in the Comet newspaper of November 11, 2004. he had been using glasses since he was 16. but when he was introduced to gemstone/ birthstones, his eyesight so improved that he dumped his glasses.

Finally, chapter seven of the book focuses on sun so as to minimize exercises and massages the right food for the ways we use our video display terminals is eye disorders arising for healing the eyes. eyes. Briefly, therefore, the book has detailed information on how to care for your eyes as well as heal them every passing day of your life using tested natural therapies. No other book delivers these health benefits to you and your eyes in a no-barred, comprehensive way. contributing to the problem. This issue is discussed in the book.

Similarly, the book informs us about how to watch television sets, how to illuminate our desk work and how to manage the glare of the

from them.

Chapter four of the book lists the unwholesome behaviour that can cause blindness for adults and babies. How about chapter five? It educates the reader on beneficial

“Chapter three of the book educates the reader on the damage computers are doing to millions of eyes these days. Indeed, all over the world you now have incidence of computer eyes. Visible symptoms of this eye disorder include: dry, itching eyes, excessive watering of the eyes … irritation and/or pain in the eyes.”

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013

New Horizon

With VICTOR ANIUKWU

The Ten Commandments THE ten significant laws in the Holy Bible presented by God to Moses during the period of the 40 years of incredible journey to the promise land. This task of a journey became credible at the end due to the merciful promise of God to deliver the Israelites from the clutches of King Pharoah the warrior and relocate them into the promised and. Note that if God wants to kill, no one can safe. And if God wants to safe no one can kill. King Pharoah in his capacity and capability was heavily punctured by God’s own tricks which king Pharoah could not understand only to meet with his waterloo. Material laws are meant to train and elevate someone to the platform of a gentleman or woman, so as to understand the true aim of life, because anyone who is not a gentleman cannot appreciate spiritual components and values and thereby meets with degradation. Material and Spiritual laws are meant for qualified human beings and not rascals. Of course some human beings still operate within the animal level, knowingly and unknowingly.

That is why we have the mode of goodness, the mode of passion, and the mode of ignorance. All within the human civilization. Let us reexamine the present situation of the ten given commandments of the supreme God. 1, Thou shall not have any other gods before me.

Generally there is one God written with the capital Letter G and all other gods are written with small letter g.

Everything and any other one emanates from God, who created the three worlds, the higher planets, the middle planets and the lower planetary systems. Capital God stands for one God and there is no way it can be translated into two. God stand for letter A to letter z (the beginning and the end of everything). This number one law further clarifies the bogus claim by some pseudo preachers in some quarters with hidden agenda who claim that the gentleman Jesus Christ is God. Let those concerned and their followers know that this is an abomination, a deceit, a serious offence that cannot be judged by anyone but God

himself. Let the learned ones within the assembly analyse these words of the Bible scrutinizirigly and see things from the eyes of the Bible and not from what one thinks nor imagines. One must be self convinced about what the Bible says intoto and not what one puts up from his own

the personality of God in detail. Not just knowing God in theory, such theoretical knowledge about God is incomplete. God is all knowing and all complete and that completeness is always there to be known by you and me only if you are submissively inquisitive and

earth beneath, or that is in water under the earth. This is a clear warning. There are analogies in the Bible that are been practiced in the present day. For example, God appeared in the Bible as a burning fire and so in America, there is a group, the Zoroastrians that worship fire

been a jealous God wants us to worship him in his personal form not in his impersonal form because God is not void. He is the supreme person. Today if you go to almost all the places of worshiping God, you will find nothing but an open dancing hall with no signs and paraphernalias

personal lanucinating mentality. Most preachers today supererogate themselves to what they over see there by claiming supremhacy. That is not spiritual.

In all circumstances, only God is RUPSEME, all others are but servants at various levels.

Finally the small letter god stands for all other small gods within the highest planets to the lower planets.

It is not an easy task to find God, but it is every one’s duty to keep searching till one finds God in its true and complete sense. A true spiritual leader who knows that God made man in his own image must be able to tell and show the people he leads, the true characteristics of God, otherwise such a person is a cheat. If you claim that you know God and you can take one to God, you must be prepared to explain

not dogmatic. In the realm of spiritual knowledge, there is elementary, intermediate, higher and the highest level.

Actually if you are in the right place where you will learn and know more about the personality of God, there and then you can understand that only in elementary school, you learn arithmetic, and in secondary school you will learn mathematics and in higher school that you can learn about calculus.

Materially and Spiritually, if you remain a coward in your search to know God, you may not have the complete knowledge of God. Every year your spiritual knowledge is just the same.

It is a challenge to man to know God in full because the pure in heart shall see God. 2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or that is in the

not as a graven thing but as the likeness of God as prescribed in the Bible. Also God told Moses to make a cross with a serpent on it and anyone who is able to look at it will be saved. Note that amongst all worship of God, the worship of God in his personal form is the highest.

Not to worship God in abstract.

This second commandment of God relates to other gods which should not be worshipped, because it is people of less intelligence that worship other gods.

Actually all worship are leading to God. Those who travel in an Aeroplane travel on a higher speed. Those who travel in a car go on a high speed and those who travel in a lorry, go on lesser speed, the aim to go back to God but at various speed limit.

3. Thou shalt not bow down thyself before them, nor serve them, for I am the Lord thy God, am a jealous God. God

directing you to the true worship of God. When you come to the true House of God of worship, you will feel the presence and vibration immediately and not in stimulation. The sincere search to know God continues and so the search does not end up in one church, or in one life time. It continues until perfection.

4. Thou shalt not take the name of thy God in vain. For now there is little or no respect for our elders and seniors not to talk of God in a far distance. The name of God has been used for so many negative and crooked ways. For example, people use the name of God to swear, cheat, lie, swindle and carry out nefarious acts. These are vain uses of the name of God, and must be checked now both at home and places of worship.

5. Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may

be longer upon the land which thy Lord thy God gaveth thee.

Statistics shows that majority of people around the world don’t honour their parents as expected. This is due to over ambition, mastership attitude and strong materialism. These egoism is always there in most people and in most cases both parents and all concern tolerate so much just to make ends meet. That is not the best bet to impart knowledge.

6. Thou shalt not kill. This particular statement has been changed to murder against to kill. This is dishonour to our father God. It is better to be wise not to distort the words of God because it burn like fire. Thou shall not kill relates to any-thing that has life including animals because all life is precious to God. No one can create life.

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery. This is common in todays society including places of worship. In homes, place of work, parties, public houses even in our media houses, sex is widely used without discrimination for advert promo. Sex that leads to adultery is now a common thing that cut across all the rank and file of all classes of people. Of course adultery is a great sin.

8. Thou shalt not steal, stealing involves taking another man’s money or property, Materially and spiritually stealing is strongly condemned and not to be practiced by anyone. The penalty is gravious.

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against they neighbour. Love your neighbour as they self because you also cant bear false witness against thyself.

Love rules the world. Always show a little love to who ever is close to you anywhere, anytime for it pays.

10. Thou shalt not convert they neigbour’s wife, nor his maid servant, nor his manservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbours. Train yourself to be a gentleman or woman and make use of your natural gift of positive thinking, positive actions and positive thoughts blended with proper human relations and all the above will truly be achieved, A good work, deserves a good reward. It is only a fool that will want to live and remain in a fool,s paradise. Just think higher, and seek, and you will find a better place.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013

Place Of Prayer Believing In The Potency Of The Name Of Jesus THE MARKS OF TRUE SONSHIP BELIEVING IN THE POTENCY OF THE NAME OF JESUS (Examine Yourself To Know If You Are Really In Faith).

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

2Corinthians 13:5.

TRUE sons of God are known by certain marks. Once these marks are there, there is no struggle with the identity of the believer. However, when the marks of true sonship are absent, then the believers identity as a true son of God is in doubt. Sonship of God should not be by words of mouth alone; you must bear the fruits of sonship of God. Remember that these marks are clear impressions and are revealed by strength and consistency of your intimacy.

The seventh mark of true sonship we will be studying in this series is Belief in the Potency of the Name of Jesus.

A person’s name is their identity. Protecting and defending a good name, or living up to one’s name are still meaningful concepts in today’s world. A person’s name represents their reputation, their family, their business, their legacy. In some cultures, a name is the most valuable thing they own, and it is dishonorable when their name is tarnished Since the days of antiquity, people could speak or act ‘in the name of someone because the name represents authority and power. Decrees could be issued and oral messages delivered in the name of a king, for example.

A name has a very strong influence on the bearer, It puts upon him an anointing for performance. The effect of this has been seen in sports like boxing. Mohammed Ali, the world boxing champion through most of 1970s is known to have always responded to the chant “Ali, Ali” with a greater display of

aggression.

For Christians. the name of Jesus Christ is the most wonderful and most powerful name in existence. In Psalm 72, although King David was writing about his son, Solomon, he also speaks prophetically of Jesus Christ. Verse 17 says, “His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed.”

Jesus Christ has given Christians the right and authority to use His name. This means that Christians have been given the power of attorney. Legally, power of attorney is the authority to act in another person’s behalf, at their request. It is authorization given by one person (Jesus) permitting another (Christians) to take action on his (Jesus Christ’s) behalf.

“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:13,14) “Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy maybe full. “(John 16:23 24) The name of Jesus Christ is not a magic word. The power is not even in saying words, but in understanding and believing all that the name of Jesus Christ signifies. His name represents all of His finished work on the cross, fulfilling God’s plan of redemption and salvation, victory over sin, death, and over the devil’s entire realm, When the name of Jesus Christ is invoked, it carries all of the power and distinction God gave to it. God raised Jesus from the dead, elevated Him to His right hand, and gave Jesus a name above “every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.”(Ephesians 1:21) Philippians declares, “God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee

should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.”

(Philippians 2:9, 10). Hebrews states, regarding Jesus, “when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (Hebrews 1:3, 4).

On the day of Pentecost, the people were deeply moved after Peter’s powerful sermon, and asked, “What do we do?” Peter

name of Jesus and all it stands for. “Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole, Nor is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. “(Acts 3:6,4:1 D, 12) It is by faith in this name above all names, the name of Jesus Christ, that people are

answered, “Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. “(Acts 2:38) One day Peter and John were going into the temple, when a lame man asked for a donation.

Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Later, when interrogated about this healing miracle, Peter was bold in defending the

saved, set free from bondage, healed of sicknesses and diseases, and made whole.

There is no other name under heaven more powerful or more significant, and this is a dynamic reality that Christians can believe in and have complete confidence in.

The bible says in John 1:12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name. Them that believe on the efficacy of His name are the

“Jesus Christ has given Christians the right and authority to use His name. This means that Christians have been given the power of attorney.

Legally, power of attorney is the authority to act in another person’s behalf, at their request. It is authorization given by one person (Jesus) permitting another (Christians) to take action on his (Jesus Christ’s) behalf.”

With Pastor Samuel O. Osaghae SMS Only 08030809339

true sons. Believing in the power behind the name Jesus is one of the distinguishing marks of true sons of God. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as he gave us commandment (1 John 3:2324).

The Name of Jesus Christ is above All Names. Jesus taught us to pray to the Heavenly

speaking in it: And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard (Acts 4:18-20).

There is power in the Name of Jesus to cast out demons:

Father; In His Name.

And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:1314).

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you”. (John 15:16).

“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name.

Ask, and you will receive, that your joy maybe full”. (John 16:23-24) Even the people who didn’t believe, realized the importance of the Name of Jesus. They tried to stop the disciples from

Acts 16:18-And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her” And he came out that very hour, There is power in the Name of Jesus to heal the sick: Acts 3:6-8- Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk,” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them- walking, leaping, and praising God. You will not fully manifest as a son of God until you believe in this name that is highly exalted and begin to use it as a weapon in your day to day activities on earth.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013

International

Compiled By STELLA ISAH

Gunmen Kill Female Polio Worker In Pakistan PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Police say gunmen in Pakistan have shot dead a female polio worker and wounded another in the northwest, while assailants have gunned down three Shiite Muslims in the south.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for slaying the vaccination workers, who have

become frequent targets of attacks.

Some Pakistani militants allege that polio workers are U.S. spies and that the vaccine makes people sterile.

Police officer Mushtaq Khan says the two women were attacked yesterday in Kaggawala village where they

went as part of a U.N.-backed anti-polio campaign.

Separately, police officer Najam Tareen says gunmen fired on a vehicle carrying a Shiite lawyer and two of his sons, killing them in the southern city of Karachi.

The megacity is a hotbed of sectarian violence, with Shiite professionals often targeted.

Fierce Fighting Between Sudan Troops after a shutdown caused KHARTOUM, — Sudanese And Rebels months by disagreements with Sudan government troops clashed with Police say gunmen in Pakistan have shot dead a female polio worker and wounded another in the northwest.

Pa Enoyogiere Goes Home BENIN CITY- The funeral ceremony of the late philanthropist and Community Leader, Pa Benny Osadolor Enoyogiere comes up on Saturday 1st June, 2013 in Benin City.

Late Pa Enoyogiere passed on at his residence in Benin City after a brief illness. He is survived by a wife, six children and many grand children. He was aged 95.

A statement by the eldest son, Barr. Faith Osama Osadolor indicated

that his late father was a social crusader and peacemaker in the Uzebu Community in Benin City.

He further stated that the remains of the late Icon will be committed to mother earth at his No. 52 Second Cemetery Road residence in the state capital and would be followed by afternoon social dance.

The statement, however, enjoined all family members, friends and well-wishers, particularly members of

Apex Club of Nigeria to attend.

Late Pa Enoyogiere

Osadolor

rebels in the conflict-wracked state of Southern Kordofan near the border with South Sudan, and each side claimed Monday it inflicted heavy losses on the other.

The clashes erupted Sunday in the Dandor area, 500 kilometers (300 miles) west of Khartoum.

Southern Kordofan state has been hit by violence for nearly two years, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians and killing scores.

Late Monday, Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir declared that his forces seized back another town in Southern Kordofan, Abu Karshoulah, captured by rebel fighters a month earlier.

In his nationally televised speech at a large rally in Khartoum, al-Bashir warned his southern neighbor against supporting rebels, calling them “mercenaries” and saying he would cancel all agreements with South Sudan if it continued to support them.

South Sudan broke away from Sudan in 2011 under a 2005 peace treaty that ended decades of war, but disputes remain over their

Israeli Minister Warns Russia Against Arming S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to heightened concerns that Israel Syria Damascus. Israel fears the could be dragged into the Syrian

JERUSALEM — Israel’s defense minister is signaling that his military is prepared to strike shipments of advanced Russian weapons to Syria.

Israel has been pressing Moscow not to go through with a promised delivery of advanced

missiles could slip into the hands of hostile groups like Hezbollah.

Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said yesterday that Israel believes the missiles haven’t been shipped yet but the military

“will know what to do” if they are delivered.

Yaalon spoke at an annual home front drill preparing for missile attacks. This year ’s exercise comes at a time of

civil war.

Israel is believed to have carried out recent airstrikes on weapon depots inside Syria destined for Hezbollah.

Japan Sex Slaves Story - Mayor Unrepentant TOKYO — An outspoken Japanese mayor who outraged many with remarks about Japan’s wartime and modern sexual services stood by his comments Thursday, but said he may have lacked “international sensitivity.”

Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto said his lack of sensitivity to America’s perception of prostitution might have caused outrage after his suggestion earlier this week that U.S. troops based in southern Japan should patronize legal adult entertainment establishments to reduce sex crime there.

Hashimoto, co-leader of an emerging nationalist party, also has angered Japan’s neighbors by saying the Japanese military’s wartime practice of forcing Asian women into prostitution was

necessary to maintain discipline and provide relaxation for soldiers.

He claimed Thursday that the practice was widely used by many other countries during World War II and that Japan was being unfairly singled out.

The U.S. State Department called Hashimoto’s comments “outrageous and offensive.”

Historians say up to 200,000 women, mainly from the Korean Peninsula and China, were forced to provide sex for Japanese soldiers in military brothels.

While some other World War II armies had military brothels, Japan is the only country accused of such widespread, organized sexual slavery.

Hashimoto’s comments added to recent anger in neighboring

countries that suffered from Japan’s wartime aggression and have complained about the lack of atonement for atrocities committed during that time.

Hashimoto said Thursday that he had no intention of retracting any of his earlier comments. But he said his remarks might have seemed inappropriate to people outside Japan with different values.

“If there is one big mistake I made, that might have been my lack of understanding of culture behind the U.S. sex industry — if you mention adult entertainment in the U.S., everyone thinks of prostitution,” Hashimoto said during a live TV talk show from Osaka, in western Japan. “I admit that my international sensitivity was

quite poor when I had to operate beyond national borders.”

The ruckus started Monday when Hashimoto commented on the wartime “comfort women” who had to provide sex to Japan’s Imperial Army. Hashimoto said that on a recent visit to the southern island of Okinawa he suggested to the U.S. commander there that the troops make use of the legal sex industry.

More than half of about 50,000 U.S. troops based in Japan under a bilateral security pact are on Okinawa, where base-related crime has long triggered anti-U.S. military sentiment.

U.S. officials rejected his proposal. “That goes without saying,” Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Tuesday in Washington.

common border, demilitarization and sharing of oil revenues.

“Let them drink their oil,” alBashir said, in a characteristically fiery speech, implying he would not allow South Sudan’s oil to pass through Sudan for export through the Red Sea ports.

South Sudan resumed oil production in April this year, 16

over oil transit fees.

A spokesman for the Sudanese army, Col. Sawarmy Khaled, said government forces clashed with rebels who attacked Dandor, killing more than 70 and seizing two of their tanks. Khaled’s statement was published in Sudanese media and quoted by official Radio Omdurman.

He did not mention government casualties.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NEWCHANCE INVESTMENTS LIMITED ABUJA OFFICE 157, Cadestral Zone Kapwa

By St. Martins Catholic Church Lugbe, FHA, Abuja 08023063774, 08056245343

CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE 46, UGBOWO LAGOS ROAD, OPP. UBTH BENIN CITY. Tel: 08068311788, 08062809186 e.mail: newchanceltd@rocketmail.com

THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 COMPANIES LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF NEW CHANCE INVESTMENTS LIMITED

At the extra ordinary general meeting of New Chance Investments Limited duly convened and held at its registered office on the 18th day of May, 2013, the following resolution was proposed and duly passed that: 1. The company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to section 457 (b) of the Company and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

2. The inventory of the assets and liabilities of the company be taken.

The necessary papers be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission to notify them of the voluntary winding up.

Dated the 18th day of May, 2013

CHANGE OF NAME OSEMWENKHAE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osemwenkhae Esohe Comfort now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Azeta Esohe Comfort.

All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the general public should please take note.

RECONCILIATION OF NAME I, Florence Oboh wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Florence Harry as appeared in my various documents. It should be known therefore that I am properly known and addressed as Florence Oboh.

All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities should please take note

THE

NIGERIAN

23

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013

International

Compliled By ISAH STELLA

Power Outages Add To Egypt’s Woes

CAIRO When his neighborhood is plunged into darkness, high school student Maximos Youssef is forced to study for his year-end exams — critical in determining his future job prospects — by the light of a candle.

Youssef says he is in no mood

to learn, and the flame only makes sweltering summer nights without fan or air conditioner even hotter.

But, he says, “there is no other option. We have exams. We need to study.”

The 18-year-old is one of millions of Egyptians whose

Bomb Hits Afghan Lawmaker’s Convoy, 5 Dead

A wave of car bombings tore through mostly Shiite Muslim neighborhoods of the Baghdad area, killing and wounding dozens of people, police said, in the latest outburst of an unusually intense wave of bloodshed rocking Iraq. The blasts are the latest indication that Iraq’s security is rapidly deteriorating.

KABUL - An Afghan lawmaker says a roadside bomb under a bridge has hit his convoy on a major highway north of Kabul, killing five people.

Obaidullah Ramin, a lawmaker from northern Baghlan province, says he does not believe he was intentionally targeted by the explosion early Tuesday. Police confirmed his account.

He said the main highway leading north out of Kabul is often mined by Taliban insurgents to target official-looking convoys.

Three of Ramin’s relatives were among the dead.

Roadside bombs are a favorite Taliban weapon to target government officials as well as the both Afghan and international military forces.

The insurgents have stepped up

Bomb Fear Grips Baghdad BAGHDAD A coordinated wave of car bombings tore through mostly Shiite areas of Baghdad yesterday, killing at least 66 people and maiming nearly 200 as insurgents step up the bloodshed roiling Iraq.

The attacks in markets and other areas frequented by civilians are the latest sign of a rapid deterioration in security as sectarian tensions are exacerbated by antigovernment protests and the war in neighboring Syria grinds on.

More than 450 people have been killed across Iraq in May. Most of the killings came over the past two weeks in the most sustained wave of violence since U.S. troops left in December 2011.

The surge in attacks is reminiscent of the sectarian carnage that pushed Iraq to the brink of civil war in 2006 and 2007. April was Iraq’s deadliest month since June 2008, according to a United Nations tally that put last month’s death toll at more than 700.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Monday’s bombings, but they bore the hallmarks of alQaida’s Iraqi arm. The group, known as the Islamic State of Iraq, frequently uses car bombs and coordinated blasts against Shiites to undermine Iraqis’ confidence in the Shiite-led government.

The day’s deadliest attack happened when two bombs exploded in the eastern

Habibiya area on the edge of the sprawling Shiite district of Sadr City. Those blasts killed 12 and wounded 35, police said.

Twin blasts also struck an openair market in the predominantly Shiite al-Maalif area, killing six and wounding 12.

Another car bomb exploded in the busy commercial Sadoun Street in downtown Baghdad. It killed five civilians and wounded 14, police said. Among the wounded were four policemen who were at a nearby checkpoint.

The central street is one of the capital’s main commercial areas and is lined with clinics, pharmacies and shops. Firefighters were seen struggling to extinguish flames as police sealed off the area.

Several shops were partially damaged or burned.

“What crime have those innocent people committed?” asked witness Zein al-Abidin.

“Who is responsible for these massacres?”

Elsewhere across the bloodied capital city, police reported: — A car bomb went off in the eastern New Baghdad area as officers were waiting for explosives experts to dismantle it.

A civilian was killed and nine others wounded.

— In the north, a blast in the Sabi al-Boor neighborhood killed eight civilians and wounded 26. In the Kazimiyah district, a car bomb blew up near a bus and taxi stop, killing four and wounding 11.

Another blast killed four and wounded nine in the Shaab area.

And an attack in the Hurriyah neighborhood left five dead and 14 wounded.

— A bomb in the southwestern

neighborhood of Bayaa killed six civilians and wounded 16.

— In Baghdad’s central Sadria area, a car bomb killed three civilians and wounded 11.

— In the east, a blast killed five and wounded 12 in the Jisr Diyala area. Car bombs also struck the Baladiyat neighborhood, killing four and wounding 11.

— And in Madain, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of central Baghdad, a car bomb killed three and wounded nine.

Medical officials confirmed the causality figures. All officials

spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release information.

The day’s bloodshed was the deadliest since last Monday, when a wave of attacks killed 113 people in Shiite and Sunni areas.

That was the deadliest single day in Iraq since July 23, when attacks aimed largely at security forces killed 115.

The U.S. Embassy issued a statement condemning the latest attacks.

Although violence has decreased sharply since the height of the insurgency that followed

the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, militants are still capable of carrying out lethal attacks nationwide. The recent wave of attacks has raised tensions between the country’s Sunni minority and Shiite-led government.

Since late December, members of Iraq’s Sunni community have been protesting against the government. They cite a range of grievances, including poor services, discrimination and the application of tough anti-terrorism policies they believe unfairly target their sect.

Ferry Capsizes In Malaysian River, of thousands of people KUALA LUMPUR - An 21 Missing hundreds in sprawling Sarawak. Public overloaded ferry capsized after hitting rocks in a remote river in Malaysia’s part of tropical Borneo island yesterday, leaving 21 people missing and feared trapped inside the vessel, police said. Another 181 survivors swam ashore or were rescued by villagers.

The vessel was carrying nearly three times its recommended limit of 74 passengers, including many indigenous tribal palm oil and timber workers returning to their home villages for a harvest festival holiday, said Bakar Sibau, a district police chief in Malaysia’s Sarawak state.

Police divers, fire department officers and villagers were searching for the missing passengers in the river, known for stretches of swift-flowing rapids.

“We believe some of them might still be trapped inside the

boat,” Bakar said, adding that the passengers included men, women and children.

Rom Kulleh, a political aide who flew in a helicopter over the river shortly after the accident, said he and his state legislator boss saw the overturned boat.

“We spotted some people being saved by villagers in smaller boats,” Rom told the AP. The accident occurred during a 130-kilometer (80-mile) journey that usually takes about three hours.

Rivers form the main transportation network for

concerns about safety, including the enforcement of rules for ferry capacity, have occasionally emerged, but major boat accidents in Sarawak are rare.

“Overcrowding is common, but everyone is used to it. We are very far away here from the enforcement officials,” said Daniel Levoh, a district official familiar with transportation issues.

Borneo island is divided among three countries: Indonesian territory in the south, two Malaysian states in the north and tiny Brunei on the north coast.

tempers have been frayed by the recurrent power cuts hitting the country in recent days, blamed on — and contributing to — the nation’s plummeting reserves of foreign currency.

The outages have sparked scattered street protests across Egypt and calls on social networking sites for people to stop paying electricity bills, compounding the challenges facing President Mohammed Morsi and undermining the Islamist leader’s attempts to restore a sense of normalcy after two years of turmoil since the country’s 2011 uprising.

Morsi says Egypt only has 80 percent of its electricity needs met and that its turbines are outdated. “We have a real energy problem in Egypt,” he told reporters over the weekend.

A surge in crime, persistent street violence and political instability have compounded the crisis by scaring away tourists and investors, leaving the country cash-strapped for fuel needed to keep power stations running.

In the southern city of Luxor, a popular tourist destination, the lights went out in the international airport and in ancient Egyptian temples recently —raising fears that the power outages will further sap tourism.

Fuel shortages have already impeded daily life for millions.

For months, drivers have had to wait hours in long lines to buy subsidized fuel. Some factory owners have turned to the black market to cover their needs.

While blackouts occurred under Egypt’s longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted in the uprising, they became more frequent last summer. As temperatures climb again this year they have become part of daily life, even in the most upscale districts of the capital.

The outages have come to symbolize the disorder of the post-Mubarak era.

“It certainly is state mismanagement,” said Saber Mohammed Saber, a 30-yearold chauffeur. “The president is not competent,” he said. “This didn’t happen in the time of Hosni Mubarak.”

Amazon Workers In Germany Stage warehouses in Germany are Strike logistics centers, and

BERLIN— Amazon’s German workers are staging a short-term strike in a push for higher wages.

The ver.di union said Monday employees in Leipzig are walking off the job in a one-day warning strike.

The union is pushing the online retailer to adopt wage agreements similar to those

governing retail and mail-order workers, which include Christmas bonuses and extra pay for working nights, Sundays and holidays. The agreements could mean as much as 9,000 euros ($11,700) more annually for Amazon workers.

Amazon says its distribution

employees are already paid on the upper end of what workers in that industry earn.

Ver.di represents some 2,000 workers in Leipzig and 3,300 employees at Amazon’s Bad Hersfeld center. They staged a first strike earlier this month.

Employees of online retailer Amazon are on strike in front of the company’s branch in Leipzig, Germany

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Rodriguez Excited By Falcao Move

JAMES Rodriguez says he is excited about teaming up with his Colombia international team-mate Radamel Falcao at Monaco.

According to reports in both Spain and France, Falcao was due in Monaco on Tuesday to undergo a medical ahead of a +60 million transfer to the nouveau riche Ligue 1 side, where El Tigre will earn +10 million a year net.

However neither party confirmed these reports and on Monday evening Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo was claiming the player could remain at the Estadio

Zinedine Zidane

Zidane To Coach Madrid One Day

REAL Madrid’s president Florentino Perez says he does not know who will be the club’s next coach, but he wants Zinedine Zidane to “lead its sporting project” from now on.

Perez brought Zidane into Santiago Bernabeu in the Madrid’s off-field set-up in future, and could one day 2009, but the Frenchman was even coach the club. sidelined during Jose “We do not know who will Mourinho’s spell as boss and be the coach,” Perez said. has rarely been seen in Spain “But we want Zidane to lead in recent times. the whole sporting project. I However, the former France did not believe that Zidane international met the Madrid wanted to be coach, but in chief for two hours on these years he has decided to Monday at the latter’s office, be one. He is the sporting where the pair reportedly director and I would like a discussed who might succeed person such as him, with his Mourinho and which players status and knowledge, to be should be bought and sold this coach someday. At the summer. moment, when we choose a Perez later told radio show coach, he and Zidane will El Larguero that the former analyse the state of the team Madrid ‘galactico’ would be to give it a jump in quality. We a key figure at the Estadio

want to be the best again.”

The Spanish media remains certain that current Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti will soon be arriving in Madrid, with outgoing Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes next in line should that fall through.

The position will likely not be filled until it is known whether Perez will face a challenger in a potential presidential election on June 16.

The construction magnate, who revealed last week that Madrid had contacted PSG

Winning Serie A Is My Best So Far - Asamoah KWADWO Asamoah says winning the Serie A with Juventus is the greatest achievement in his career.

The Ghana international won the Scudetto in just his first season with the Old Lady.

Asamoah joined Juventus at the beginning of the season on a part-ownership deal from Udinese.

The 24-year-old impressed in just his first season with the Bianconeri – helping Antonio Conte’s side to successfully defend the title they won last season.

Asamoah now says the Scudetto triumph is the greatest achievement of his

career and is something he will be talking about for some time.

“For me it is a great achievement to play for a big

club in Italy and win the SerieA,” he said.

“Many players have played in Italy for many years but have not won the league.

about Ancelotti, said the planning for next season would not start in earnest until it was confirmed he would stay on as president.

“If there are no candidates

by Tuesday I will take possession and begin on the subject of the coach,” Perez said.

Arsenal whom he joined in 2011 from Turkish club Fenerbahce for Euros 7million.

“We signed Andre Santos for Copa Libertadores and his contract expires in July,” Gremio’s director of football Marcos

played with him before and now that we are going to be together it will be something nice too. I am full of pride to be with a friend and hopefully we can achieve big things.”

With Monaco’s Russian billionaire owner Dmitry Evgenevich Rybolovlev keen to quickly build an internationally competitive side, Falcao may not be the only big name moving from La Liga to the Stade Louis II.

Dortmund Signs Papastathopoulos BORUSSIA Dortmund have announced the signing of versatile Werder Bremen defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos.

The Greece international, 24, has signed a five-year deal with the Champions League runners-up for a speculated transfer fee of 8 millon Euros plus 2 million Euros add-ons.

“We are delighted that Sokratis has decided for Borussia Dortmund. He is a versatile defender, in whom we see a lot of potential,” Dortmund

sporting director Michael Zorc said.

Papastathopoulos added: “I had two years at Werder from which I personally profited very much. It is a shame that in a sporting sense things did not turn out the way we all wished for.”

Sokratis thanked his old club and said that they will always remain in his heart, adding that “it was time to make the next step.” Werder Bremen general manager Thomas Eichin thanked Sokratis for “doing a good job over the past two years” and wished him all the best for his future career.

Benitez Eager To Get Started At Napoli

RAFAEL Benitez said on Tuesday that he was “extremely excited” about his appointment as coach of Napoli, vowing to respect the club’s traditions and “very, very special” supporters.

The 53-year-old Spaniard has signed a two-year contract with the Italian club and succeeds Walter Mazzarri, who has joined one of Benitez’s former clubs, Inter Milan.

Benitez will arrive in

Santos Heads Back To Arsenal ANDRE Santos will head back to Arsenal after Brazilian club Germio’s failure to make the loan move permanent.

Santos, 30 has been at Germio since February after failing to hold down a first team place at

Vicente Calderon next season.

‘James’, who along with former Porto team-mate Joao Moutinho agreed to join Monaco for a combined £60 million last weekend, appeared to jump the gun by telling Colombian paper Tiempo on Monday night that he was looking forward to Falcao joining them too.

“Obviously it is good,” Rodriguez said. “I have

Chitolina told UOL. “It would be too expensive for Gremio to renew his contract; he is a very expensive player.

“We thank him for everything he has done, but we will keep Alex Telles and Fabio Aurelio.”

southern Italy after a successful but testing season as interim manager of Chelsea.

He faced opposition from the club’s fans following his appointment in November, but led the club to Europa League glory and a thirdplace finish in the Premier League.

Napoli finished second in Serie A this season, their best finish since a side featuring Diego Maradona won the Italian title in 1990, and Benitez said he was confident of taking the club forward.

“Now that the agreement is confirmed, I can say I am very happy and very satisfied for having committed to a great club with an illustrious heritage like Napoli,” he wrote on his official website, www.rafabenitez.com.

“I understand the history of the city and how the club forms a fundamental part of the culture and traditions of

Naples.

“I must confess that I am extremely excited because I can share my passion for football with the fans of Napoli; it is proven that they are very, very special.

“I look forward to experiencing each and every one of the fans of Napoli and their strong support for this project that we will begin.

“I’m happy to become a member of that great family of Naples and thus we can share the triumphs together.

Rafael Benitez

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Neymar Signs Five-Year Deal With Barca BRAZILIAN striker Neymar is now officially a Barcelona player after signing a five-year contract with the Catalan club.

The 21-year-old put pen to paper on Monday, just two days after announcing that he had decided to pick the La Liga champions over rivals Real Madrid.

Neither the player himself nor Barca have released financial details of the transfer, however, Brazilian media claim that the Spanish outfit will pay around 30 million euro to Santos for the youngster’s services.

Neymar’s father, Neymar Silva Santos, said on Monday that a contract was signed establishing the terms of the deal, and a final document will soon be signed in Spain by Santos, his son and Barca.

Santos had accepted an offer from Madrid as well but the allure of the Camp Nou side, who have reportedly been following Neymar since 2010, ultimately proved to be too strong.

“I’m sad to be leaving Santos, but it’s a great honour to be signing with a club like Barcelona and to be able to play with some of the best players in the world,” Neymar said.

The striker also posted a message on his official Twitter and Instagram accounts announcing his departure from the Brazilian club, where he started his professional career in 2009.

He wrote: “Here it ends this wonderful passage with a special club. Thank you for everything. I’ll keep these moments with me my entire life.”

Neymar inspired Santos to their finest run of success since the days

of Pele in the 1970s, helping them to the 2010 Brazilian Cup, the 2011 Copa Libertadores and three straight Sao Paulo state championships.

He is also the club’s leading scorer in the post-Pele era with 138 goals in 230 matches.

The striker will join up with Brazil’s Confederations Cup squad yesterday, before travelling to Spain for his official introduction to Barca supporters on June 2, following the Selecao’s friendly against England in Rio de Janeiro.

Neymar is likely to be given his favoured No. 11 shirt at his new club, currently worn by Thiago Alcantara, although he has said he will take another number if it proves to be a problem.

“Let’s see what’s available, that’s not going to be a problem,” he said.

Neymar Silva Santos

Spain Name Confed Squad SPAIN coach Vicente Del Bosque has named his 26-man provisional squad for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. The squad will be narrowed down to 23 players on Sunday ahead of the tournament which takes place in Brazil from June 15 to 30.

The squad includes 20 of the 23 players who won the European Championship last year with Fernando Llorente, Alvaro Negredo and Juanfran Torres being the three players who have been left out.

Negredoís exclusion has been the biggest surprise since the Sevilla man has been in good form for his club, scoring 27 goals in all competitions, five more than Fernando Torres.

However, Del Bosque says the competition was tight and that he

has opted for what he believes will be a suitable combination.

“Why don’t we call up Iago Aspas, Michu, (Imanol) Agirretxe? We can’t call up everyone, he responded when asked about Negredoís omission.

We’ve decided to call up Soldado because he’s had an amazing season.

The 62-year-old also justified the selection of Real Madridís Iker Casillas ahead of club teammate Diego Lopez, who has kept him on the bench during the second half of the season.

Iker suffered a slight injury.

Then he recovered, he said. The

Dutch Club To Offload DUTCH club VVV Venlo are to Nwofor off load ex-Nigeria U20 star Uche Nwofor after they were relegated.

After flirting with relegation for several seasons, VVV were finally demoted to the lower league after they finished 17th on the Dutch top flight table.

Life in the lower league means they can no longer cope with the wage bill they shouldered while they were up.

“Nwofor is one of the top stars they will now have to let go after they were relegated,” a top source informed MTNFootball.com VVV once paraded a huge contingent of Nigeria players, but last season Alex Nkume’s contract was not renewed, Ahmed Musa

departed to Russian club CSKA Moscow, while Michael Uchebo moved to Cercle Brugge in Belgium.

Nwofor joined the modest club in 2011 months after he finished top scorer at the African Youth Championship in South Africa, which Nigeria won.

He scored five goals in 27 matches in his debut season and scored eight goals this past season.

He had turned down several bigger profiled clubs including Portuguese giants Benfica to sign for VVV.

fact that he hasn’t played for some months isn’t significant.

He’s training and is in good shape.

“Diego Lopez has already played in the national team without anyone telling us that he had to play. There is strong competition for places and we have some great players. ìHe’s had an outstanding season, but we have a lot of faith in Iker, just as we have in (Pepe) Reina and (Victor) Valdes.”

Spain squad for Confederations Cup:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Victor Valdes, Pepe Reina Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa, Gerard Pique, Raul Albiol, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jordi Alba, Sergio Ramos, Nacho Monreal Midfielders: Javi Garcia, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Javi Martinez, Jesus Navas, Benat Etxebarria, Juan Mata, David Silva, Santi Cazorla, Cesc Fabregas Forwards: David Villa, Fernando Torres, Roberto Soldado, Pedro Rodriguez

Perez Plans To Keep REAL Madrid president Ronaldo Florentino Perez says he has no intention of selling Cristiano Ronaldo, who could be offered a bumper new deal to ensure he stays at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Ronaldo’s much-publicised “sadness” earlier in the season and a lack of negotiations to extend his current deal, which ends in 2015, have led to speculation that the attacker could be set for a transfer to Paris SaintGermain.

However, Perez told radio show El Larguero on Monday evening that the Portuguese player ’s sadness had passed and the future Madrid team would be built around him.

“I do not know if he has an offer from PSG,” Perez said. “He told me last summer that he was sad and I told him that we would do everything possible for him to be happy. He had a bad moment but it is over now. Since then, his behaviour has been spectacular Cristiano has been an example and has not had problems with anyone.

“He is the best in the world; we want to build the future Madrid around him. I would like him to be the best-paid player in the world.”

Some in Spain have claimed that Madrid would struggle to match the reported 20 million euro net contract that PSG could offer Ronaldo. Perez did not get into details on that, but did suggest his club had backed out of the race to sign Neymar - who has signed for Barcelona - due to the huge sums involved.

“Three years ago there was a possibility of signing (Neymar) and we wanted to take advantage of it, but then (Santos) did not let him leave and he signed a new contract,” he said. “He seems a magnificent player to me and I would have signed him if the conditions would not have altered the club’s ‘ecosystem’.

“We had to negotiate with the club, the father, an investment fund that had 40% of the rights.

For us it would have cost more than 150 million euro. I do not know how much Barca paid.”

One way for Madrid to raise money this summer would be to offload Kaka, who has two years

remaining on the 10 million euro-a-year contract agreed when he joined from Milan for 65 million euro in 2009. Perez said sporting director Zinedine Zidane and Madrid’s new firstteam coach would make that call, while claiming Kaka had not been a drag on Madrid’s finances.

“Zidane and the coach will decide,” he said. “(Kaka) helped the renewal of contracts with sponsors. Revenues went up by 400 million euro thanks to him and others. He had the bad luck to get injured and has not been where we all wanted, then Ozil arrived, but he is a spectacular person.”

While big names such as Gareth Bale and Edinson Cavani continue to be linked with the club, the feeling in Spain is that Madrid will have to sell to buy.

Perez was asked about two mooted deals: Fabio Coentrao to Monaco for 18 million euro and Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus for 30 million euro .

“I do not know if (Coentrao) will go, but whoever wants him will have to pay his release clause,” he said. “He has played a very good season. We have not talked to Juventus (about Higuain).”

Questioned about signing more Spanish players for Madrid this summer, the businessman suggested that right-back Dani Carvajal returning from Bayer Leverkusen was more likely than Isco signing from Malaga.

“I believe (Carvajal) will come,” he said. “He is one of ours. (Isco) is a good player, but we have lots of people in his position. I do not know if we need him.”

Perez admitted that the future of key Madrid playmaker Xabi Alonso, who has just 12 months left on his current contract, was a concern.

“We are delighted with (Alonso),” he said. “He has one year left on his contract and the new coach and Zidane will see about what to do. To replace him is very difficult. He is one of the biggest problems we have for the future, but we want to enjoy him for a little more time.”

We Respect Mourinho’s Decision - Ramos REAL Madrid defender Sergio Ramos says he respects Jose Mourinhoís decision to leave the club and believes they need an ambitious coach to replace him.

The Portuguese coach will leave the Whites at the end of the season after spending three seasons in the Spanish capital; however, Ramos doesnít believe it was the pressure that got to him.

“Everyone chooses their own future. If there’s one thing Mourinho has got, it’s experience, and I don’t think he’s leaving Madrid because of the pressure, he told reporters.

If he’s decided to go, there’s a reason. We respect Mourinho’s decision. I only have good things to say about him.

He’s one of the best managers in the world and he’s taught me to compete. That’s one of his

strengths.

Former Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes and Paris SaintGermain’s Carlo Ancelotti have been tipped as possible replacements and the Spaniard believes they would be suitable if they believe in the squad.

The president decides who the ideal manager is for this team, he added. He hasn’t asked us who would be best for this squad.

“At a group level, we need a manager who trusts this squad and is ambitious; who is determined to achieve things.

Heynckes and Ancelotti are two great managers, but we don’t know who is coming.

Right now, we want to finish the season well and beat Osasuna. It’s hasn’t been a good season, but we’ve played at a high level over the past few years.”

Sergio Ramos

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Eagles TargetWorld Cup Ticket EFE Ambrose has stated the Eagles main target is to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Brazil and not to win the Confederations Cup. The Celtic defender, who won the league and cup double, also expressed his delight to rejoin the Super Eagles as he dedicated his Scottish Cup win to his wife and daughter.

The full MTNFootball.com interview: MTNFootball.com: How do you feel ending the season with league and cup double?

Efe Ambrose: It was a great feeling, a dream come true for me.

How would you describe the past season?

It was a great one. I just say thank you to God who made everything smooth and good for me all season.

Who has your winners medal for the cup triumph against Hibernian on Sunday?

It is to my lovely wife and beautiful daughter.

The just concluded season was your first in Scotland, what pushed you on?

It was God. Without him nothing, I could not have achieved anything.

You played in Israel before

Promoted Palace Want NEWLY promoted EPL side Osaze Crystal Palace are considering making a second bid for West Bromwich Albion striker Osaze Odemwingie.

The Nigeria star has been tipped to leave ‘The Baggies’

Osaze Odemwingie

this summer following a series of high-profile clashes with the club after they had refused to allow him to join Queens Park Rangers in January.

Crystal Palace made a move for the 31-year-old around that time, but he didn’t want to drop down to the Championship.

However, following their promotion to the Premier League, Palace are contemplating renewing their interest from the winter, according to the Express and Star.

It is also believed that Hull City are monitoring the situation of the 4 million pounds-rated Nigeria international.

Scotland, which of the leagues is better?

I don’t want to compare both leagues, they are all good but I prefer Scotland.

There has been rumours linking you to a move away from Celtic, what can you say on this?

I don’t know, I believe all is well. It is normal to have speculations around a player who did well for his team or country, but I still have a running contract with Celtic.

How was the reunion with Eagles in the training camp in Germany?

It was good experience and nice to be back with the team.

Talking about the friendly match against Mexico, how ready are you?

I am fully ready for Mexico and that is why I am in camp now. By his grace I am looking forward to be part of the action.

Nigeria have two World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Namibia as well as the Confederations Cup, what could you say about these matches?

They are all important matches, but as far as I am concerned the World Cup qualifiers are the most important, they are my priority. We need to advance to next round of qualifiers. The Confederations Cup is also important and I won’t rule us out of winning it, but the World Cup ticket is the ultimate.

Efe Ambrose, Eagles defender

Cash Boost For Kenya Ahead Of Nigeria Tie THE Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is taking

Flying Eagles Readiness For U-20 W/Cup To Toure, Didier Zokora (Cote THE readiness of Nigeria Be Tested Today d’Ivoire) as well as Lilian U20s for the World Cup in Turkey will be tested by defending Toulon Tournament champions Mexico on Wednesday.

The Flying Eagles open their campaign at the Stade Perruc Hyeres in France by 5.30pm, which is 4.30 Nigerian time.

This will be Nigeria’s first outing at the 46-year-old tournament and the Flying Eagles will use it to prepare for the World Cup in Turkey.

Six of the 10 teams at this year’s competition will feature at the U20 World Cup, namely Nigeria, Portugal, Colombia, France, United States of America, and South Korea.

“We have a good team who

have been responding to training.

We will see how much they have learnt thus far,” said the Flying Eagles German assistant coach Jurgen Press.

Cote d’Ivoire have been the only African winners of this tournament, when they won it three years ago.

Mexico and Nigeria last clashed at U20 level two years ago when the CONCACAF giants defeated the Flying Eagles 4-1 in another invitational tournament in Panama preparatory to the 2011 U20 World Cup in Colombia.

Six-time African champions Nigeria will line up several players like U17 international

Flying Eagles goalkeepers; (from left to right) Usman, Osogwer, Okani, Felegha

defender Wilfred Ndidi, Switzerland-based goalkeeper Sebastian Osigwe and new Olympiacos of Greece midfielder Michael Olaitan, who are pressing to make the final 21man squad for Turkey 2013.

Enugu Rangers striker Alhaji Gero is expected to put behind the death of his younger brother this week as he aims to guarantee his place in the party to Turkey following the emergence of Dolphins striker Samuel Eduok as an attacking option for the team.

Mexico are handled by the experienced Sergio Almaguer and will parade FC Dallas of USA goalkeeper Sanchez Alcaraz along with players drawn from several of the country’s top clubs like Pachuca, Monterrey, Atlas and Cruz Azul.

To qualify for the 2013 World Cup, Mexico won five matches, scored 15 goals and conceded only a goal to emerge undisputed CONCACAF champions.

Meanwhile, Organisers announced no fewer than 1512 full internationals have passed through this annual competition and they include the likes of David Beckham, Frank Lampard (England), Mascherano (Argentina), Kaka (Brazil), Oman Biyk (Cameroon), James Rodrigues (Colombia), Kolo

Thuram, Didier Deschamps and Nicolas Anelka (France).

It has proved to be veritable ground for clubs and scouts across the world to watch firsthand promising prospects in topclass action.

nothing to chance as they have increased allowances for players and the technical staff ahead of the crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.

Sam Nyamweya, the FA President said on Monday that the increase by over 100 percent is aimed at motivating the team for the

Katsina Spotlight FC Receives N73m For Campaign KATSINA Spotlight FC has received N73 million for the prosecution of its campaign in the Nigeria Professional Football League this season, its Coordinator, Ayuba Umar, has said.

Umar said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Katsina that the money was released to the club by the Katsina State Government.

He explained that N43 million of the amount was released in March while the balance of N30 million was paid into the club’s account this month.

According to him the money was for match expenses, salary and the sign-on fees of players and club officials.

“The remaining N30 million was released this month and was also used in the payment

of second round league matches, second quarter salary and the remaining 50 per cent sign-on fees for players and officials. ‘’Part of the money was also used for the establishment of a feeder team in which indigenes will be recruited.’’

The coordinator said the feeder team was to produce more talented players for the pro-league group A team.

Umar, who said the team was second on the table after the first round league matches, expressed the hope that the club would be promoted to the elite league at the end of the season.

He commended the state government for its continued support to the club, and appealed to corporate organisations to assist the club to achieve more results.

June 5 home game against the African champions.

“The players have been earning Kshs 3,000 per day (US$35.30) and now the increase to Kshs 10,000 per day (US$117.65) should motivate the team better to be able to beat Nigeria,” said Nyamweya.

The Harambee Stars of Kenya will host Nigeria at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.

The home side will have to be at their best to revive their hopes of making it to the next round of the qualifiers.

Kenya are bottom of Group F, a point behind Namibia while Nigeria are joint top with Malawi on five points.

Nyamweya has also requested the government to announce June 5 a public holiday to allow Kenyans to watch their national team in the stadium and TV. “I kindly request the President and his Deputy to make this great day a public holiday so that Kenyans can get time to throng into Kasarani Stadium and see for themselves our boys taking on the African champions, because it’s another chance for Kenya to qualify for the World Cup,” said Nyamweya

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City Fans Pay Tribute To Mancini

Int’l Friendly: Hodgson

Pleased With England Fans ENGLAND’S manager Roy Hodgson has urged fans of the Three Lions not to sing offensive songs during today’s friendly against the Republic of Ireland.

Hodgson’s message, part of an email from the Football Association which will be sent to all fans attending the match, is part of an attempt to avoid the horrific scenes of the abandoned meeting between the two sides in 1995.

On that occasion, England fans began rioting at Lansdowne Road, forcing officials to call the match off after just 27 minutes, and the chant ‘no surrender (to the IRA)’ was a preemptive part of those clashes.

Hodgson has called for a civil atmosphere at Wembley.

Arteta Adapting As Song’s Replacement MIKEL Arteta says he has adapted well playing a deeper midfield role at Arsenal since Alex Song’s departure.

The Spaniard previously played in a more attacking midfield position until Song’s departure for Barcelona last August.

“I was the man to play in a different role, I had to adapt and I did the best that I could. I have sacrificed myself a lot for the team and worked as hard as I could and tried to help my teammates,” Arteta told arsenal.com.

“In my mind, I think ‘How can I make the players around me better? How can I make them feel more comfortable?’ I am talking about Santi (Cazorla), Aaron (Ramsey), Jack (Wilshere), Tomas Rosicky players like that.

“That was the hardest part probably, but I knew I could succeed in doing it. I watched a lot of players in my position and I am happy with the way I have done it.”

“Ahead of the Ireland fixture, on behalf of The FA, I would like to ask our supporters to please respect our opponents and welcome them in the right way,” the manager wrote in the email.

“Wembley is considered the world over as the home of football and we ask those attending to not take part in any chanting - particularly of a religious or political perspective - which could cause offence to our visitors or fellow fans.”

Hodgson will also ask England fans to refrain from such chants in his programme notes for the match, which is close to a 90,000 sell-out.

10,000 Ireland fans are expected to travel to London, although the Football Association of Ireland is not expected to issue a similar statement.

The FA received a letter from FIFA following England’s World Cup qualifying win in San Marino in March after fans allegedly sang a song suggesting Rio and Anton Ferdinand should be burned on a bonfire.

Gareth Bale

Real Dangle £65m Carrot To Lure Bale DANIEL Levy’s determination to hold on to Gareth Bale will be tested by a staggering £65million bid from Real Madrid. coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

The Tottenham chairman Although Spurs are will have to resist a massive already in negotiations with summer offer from the Spanish Bale over an improved giants after rivals Barcelona contract worth around finally captured Santos £170,000 a week, Real are forward Neymar on a five-year ready with the transfer fee. deal yesterday.

They regard the Wales Real accept they will have international as one of the to spend big to land Bale and world’s outstanding players will accelerate their plans to and will formalise their bid land the Spurs and Wales at the end of the season in talisman.

Spain.

Although Real had an Outgoing coach Jose interest in Neymar, the Brazil Mourinho is not involved in forward signed a pre-contract any of Real’s transfer agreement with Barcelona a projects and it is all taking year ago. place over his head.

After Barca comfortably Real president Florentino won La Liga this season, Real Perez wants Bale at the are making significant funds Bernabeu and his key available for a summer adviser Zinedine Zidane spending spree for their next confirmed Real’s interest in the player on Friday.

Bale won the grand slam of Player of the Year awards last season, scooping the Football Writers’

Association accolade, both PFA prizes and the Barclays Premier League honour.

The Tottenham forward has

always made it clear that he is happy at White Hart Lane, but admitted last season he would consider his future this summer.

Palace Hope To Extend Zaha Loan CRYSTAL Palace are likely to speak to Manchester United with regard to Wilfried Zaha spending next season on loan at Selhurst Park.

Zaha helped Palace secure promotion to the Premier League, with the forward capping a fine season by winning the penalty that secured the Eagles a 1-0 win over Watford in the Championship play-off final.

That victory at Wembley is believed to be the 20-year-

old’s last game for Palace, having signed for United in January. He was loaned back to the London club as part of the deal, but the Premier League new boys have not given up hope of keeping him next season.

“They might want him to gain experience playing in the Premier League for us, rather than maybe not playing for them,” Palace’s co-chairman Martin Long told Sky Sports News. “We probably will ask.”

MANCHESTER City’s fans have expressed their gratitude to sacked manager Roberto Mancini by taking out an advertisement in the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport to praise him.

It mirrors Mancini’s gesture in paying for a fullpage advertisement in the Manchester Evening News in which he thanked them for their support during his three-and-a-half year reign at the Etihad Stadium.

The City fans reportedly raised more than £7,000 for their ‘Grazie Mancini Fund’, and their message in Gazzetta dello Sport read: “Per sempre uno di noi (forever one of us). Once a blue, always a blue.”

Mancini was a hugely popular figure with City supporters after winning their first major trophy for 35 years, the 2011 FA Cup, and their first league title in 44, the Premier League 12 months ago.

He paid for a message to them, which read: “Manchester City supporters.

Three unforgettable years. You will always be in my heart.

Ciao. Roberto Mancini.”

Mancini was sacked by City on May 13, two days after the FA Cup final defeat to Wigan and on the first anniversary of the day City won the Premier League title.

In their final two Premier League games of the season, supporters chorused his name and produced banners and flags saluting him.

Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini is set to be named Mancini’s successor after the Spanish season finishes at the weekend.

Heitinga Hints At Everton Exit

Mikel Arteta

JOHN Heitinga has indicated to media in his native Holland that he could leave Everton this summer.

The defender’s contract at Goodison Park expires in 2014, and he has revealed that no new deal is currently on offer.

Heitinga, signed on a

five-year contract from Atletico Madrid for £6.2 million in 2009, believes Everton could decide to sell him now rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer.

The 29-year-old has had a poor season, but has refused to shy away from criticism, even taking to Twitter to

apologise to fans for some of his performances.

Discussing his Everton future, Heitinga told Dutch football magazine Voetbal International: “If they want to earn something for me, this is the moment. I have made no arrangement with the club about that. I will just wait and see what

happens.”

Heitinga was close to leaving Everton for Turkish club Fenerbahce last July, but the deal fell through because the two clubs could not agree a fee.

“Everton asked too much and the deal collapsed,” Heitinga said.

THE

NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013

The Canadian Connection PRODEMOCRACY, human rights and labour “ activists must consistently engage themselves in those struggles and lofty ideas that will lead to the drastic cleaning up of the state for the benefit of all and sundry. We should support Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in his determined efforts to eliminate political exclusion, marginalization and alienation” – Quoted in CONQUEROR OF THE GODFATHERS (Page 75) Something very positive happened in Benin City last week that I want the general public to know, especially those that did not have the benefit of reading about it in the newspapers or watched it on the television screens.

What happened was of immense advantage to the wellbeing of Edo State.

What took place at the Secretariat of the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) on Friday, May 24 th, was quite historic, unprecedented and worthy of mentioning on this page today. Because I was one of those invited to be part of the ceremony.

I am indeed most privilege to narrate the account of what actually transpired last week.

Also, what happened last week would never have occurred if not for the daring and uncommon efforts of one individual that has decided to work for humanity no matter whose ox is gored. This personality is not only a Comrade but a friend in deed; I have worked closely with him for more than ten years now in our collective efforts to bring

of economic conspiracy and political emasculation is known to quite a number of Edo State citizens. This man was cruelly framed up by the highest and mightiest powers within the Nigeria Police Force and elsewhere in the brutal assassination of his bosom friend, Olaitan Oyerinde-the late principal private Secretary of the Comrade Governor of Edo State.

This man is Rev. David Ugolor, the Executive Director of African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ). This man (David) is today wrestling with the Inspector General of Police (Goliath) and others in the matter concerning compensation which he duly deserved, because his fundamental human rights was brazenly taken from him for 42 days last year. To put it the way it was: Reverend David Ugolor was the Chief host when Mr. Chris Cooter, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria was his Guest last week in Benin City.

Before I will dwell on the

Chairmanship election of Nigerian Governor ’s Forum (NGF). The reelection of River State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi has brought out something very interesting; that the opposition should never relent in pursuing its agenda for the collective development of the

Canadian Connection which is indeed a big boost for the health of Edo State I will quickly say a few things about one of the big events that took place in the Country over the weekend: The

press was adequately represented, they too were excited with the way and many Mr. Chris Cooter responded to the issues of human rights, security, development, need for free, fair and credible election and most

Rev. David Ugolor country.

Where has political compromise, naked deceit, parochial alliance and outright mediocrity brought us as a nation?

Must we always bend to the evil doctrine of men of no substance or ability,

Mrs. Gladys Idahor used the opportunity to remind Mr. Cooter of his earlier promise to assist in refurbishing and repositioning Benin Technical College.

She equally thanked Rev. David Ugolor for bringing the Canadian High Commissioner to Benin City. sanity and meaning to our nascent democracy in Nigeria.

This outspoken, fearless and absolutely dedicated man to the struggle to emancipate the Nigerian masses from the shackles

ultimate in a democratic setting such as we have here today in Nigeria.

Wait a minute! Instead of us to be demanding purposeful, frontal and progressive governance from the Presidential Palace in Abuja, we are busy bothering ourselves with the parochial sentimental activities of

who have brought us nothing but acrimony, economic waywardness and democratic falsehood? For me the re-election of Governor Rotimi Amaechi is a further prove that might is not the

the Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF). Has the Governor’s Forum brought more dividends of democracy to Nigerian masses; has NGF put more food on the table of the people? No! We must look beyond the activities of NGF today, and ask ourselves where we want our country to be in 2015, and the type of characters that we will want to be in Aso Rock and other democratic positions then.

In 2015, we must collectively ensure that mediocrity is flushed down the drain, and instead push for cerebral and competent characters that will lead us to the promise land. Mr. Chris Cooter, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria impressed all of us during the ceremony at the Secretariat of the African Network For Environment and Economic Justice ANEEJ. The few of us (leaders of the Civil Society in Edo State) present at the ceremony were equally satisfied; the

importantly Technical Education which Edo State Government is passionately concerned with.

We must quickly remember that Mr. Chris Cooter had visited Comrade Adams Oshiomhole last year in which the matter of revamping Technical Education featured prominently during their discussion. In fact, Benin Technical College (BTC) was one of the issues robustly discussed, and Mr. Cooter made promises in that regard.

Therefore, the second coming of the Canadian High Commissioner to Edo State, last week as a Special Guest of an individual (David Ugolor) was utilized by the Chief host to the fullest. It was indeed an epoch making event.

The Chief host (David Ugolor) later invited us to Lunch at the Sage Hotel, where the representative of the Edo State

Commissioner for Education (Technical and Higher Education), Mrs. Gladys Idahor (Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education) was in attendance.

Hon. Rasak BelloOsagie, Hon. Member of House of Representatives (representing Oredo Constituency) also launched with us. Other dignitaries including some gentlemen of the press were equally at Sage Hotel.

Mrs. Gladys Idahor used the opportunity to remind Mr. Cooter of his earlier promise to assist in refurbishing and repositioning Benin Technical College. She equally thanked Rev. David Ugolor for bringing the Canadian High Commissioner to Benin City. Hon. Bello-Osagie in his brief remarks said that the importance of Technical Education cannot be over emphasized and thanked Rev. Ugolor for his bold initiative of bringing the Canadian High Commissioner to Benin City.

On his part, Mr. Chris Cooter said Technical Education is key to rapid industrialization and empowerment of citizens, that his country has benefited immensely from it; that Canada will continue to partner with the Government of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in that direction. The Canadian High Commissioner was elated with the infrastructural agenda of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

The Rev. David Ugolor’s Canadian Connection in bringing Mr. Chris Cooter to Benin City as his guest is something that should be commended. Give or take, it has equally benefited Edo State because the issue of Technical Education has been brought to the front burner once again.

NOWINTA, WROTE ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE: CONQUEROR OF THE GODFATHERS