Nigerian observer 29 07 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 39 • NO.044 • TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2014 • N100.00 NUTRITIONAL HEALTH AND DIETETICS

Page 14

Medicinal plants as cure for diseases

National Confab shifts resumption Media and

By JOSES SEDE to August 11 Communications, ABUJA - Sequel to Akpandem James possibility that copies of its draft report may not be ready for distribution among the delegates, the National Conference 2014 secretariat has

announced change in the resumption date of members from August 4 to 11 this year.

This, the conference management indicated was to avoid a situation where delegates return

to Abuja without having the necessary materials to conclude the session within the time frame specified in the Work plan.

The Conference’s Assistant Secretary,

announced the shift in a press statement, noting that substantial works have been done on the various sections of the report and the Continues on page 2

Female bombers hit Kano again . kill 5, injure 15

By JOSES SEDE

PERSPECTIVE Pages 16-17

The Protocol on Women’s Right Between practices and provisions

KANO - Two dare devil female suicide bombers yesterday, rocked the city of Kano at different spots, leaving in their trails casualties and panicky residents, some of whom now flee southward.

The first detonation bomber, according to which claimed four lives reports at about 2:00 pm including it’s female positioned herself at the carrier and caused entrance of the trade fair various degrees of injury complex, close to a to eight others at a shopping mall, where Nigerian National some security agents Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) mega station, Hotoro, Kano, while in a queue to procure kerosene occurred at about 10 o’clock in the morning.

Less than five hours after the incidence, another female bomber blew up herself at the Kano trade fair complex.

The female suicide

were drafted to secure the area.

Immediately the security men noticed some foul play in the suicide bomber’s attempt

to mix-up with the ever crowded shopping mall,

she promptly detonated the bomb, concealed in

Stand up to defend democracy, Mark charges NBA

ByJOSES SEDE ABUJA - President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has sent a message of congratulation to the newly elected national executive of the Nigeria Bar Association, just as he challenged them to rise up to the responsibility of protecting and defending the nation’s democracy.

Senator Mark in the congratulatory Message to the Austine Alegeh- led executive members

expressed happiness over the smooth conduct of the election held in Abuja.

The Senate President Urged the NBA executive to sustain and indeed improve on the sanctity of professional excellence, rule of law and human rights which the legal profession is known for .

According to Mark: “History has placed the leadership of NBA on you at this moment. It is incumbent on you to justify the confidence Continues on page 2

TIT BIT “If you carefully observe how a generation handles its natural endowments and its young ones; then you can truly tell how close the generation is to extinction.”

- Kinglsey Ogbeide-Ihama

EID-EL-FITRI: A cross section of Muslm faithful during a prayer session at the Ikpoba Slope Prayer Ground as part of activities to climax the one month Ramadan fast in Benin City. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE.

her Hijab and blew herself in the process.

C o n t a c t e d , spokesman of the Kano Police Command, ASP Magaji Musa Majia confirmed that four persons were killed in the blast.

The first incident, as confirmed by the Police Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, happened at about 10:00am, when the suicide bomb went off at the NNPC mega filling station at Hotoro Quarters along Maiduguri Road, Kano.

Frank Mba, in a statement explained that “Due to the security barricade allegedly put in place by policemen on duty at the station a female had slipped into the crowd of citizens buying kerosene at the station before detonating the explosives” According to the Police Force PRO, “the suicide bomber and three others have been confirmed Continues on page 2

Ebola: Nigerian Ambassador, 58 others undergo screening IKEJA - The Lagos State Government said yesterday that it had identified no fewer than 59 people who has contacts with Mr. Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian who died of Ebola Virus in the state.

Dr Jide Idris, the Commissioner for Health, said at a news conference in Ikeja that the contact tracing became imperative to ascertain any possible transmission of the virus by the victim.

Idris said the identified contacts comprised 44 hospital and 15 airport

them had so far been found to be infected with the virus.

The commissioner, contacts, including the He said 20 of the however, said the Nigerian Ambassador to contacts had been contacts did not include Liberia. screened and that none of Continues on page 2

Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on

Muslims to use the spiritual benefits of the Ramadan to contribute to the development of the nation.

Use spiritual benefits of Ramadan to develop Nigeria - Lai Mohammed LAGOS - Alhaji Lai He made the call on Monday in Lagos at the Eid-el-Fitri prayer organised by the NasrulLahi-L-Faith Society

(NASFAT), to mark the end the Holy Month of Ramadan.

He also urged Continues on page 2

News

National Confab shifts resumption to Continued from page 1 Following the August 11 Management’s decision, the management hoped the entire draft would be ready by the scheduled date.

James disclosed that due to the two-day public holiday (Monday and Tuesday) – July 28 and 29 respectively declared by the Federal Government for Salaah and the volume of the report, which various sections have to be

integrated and produced at the same time, it was obvious that “500 copies of the draft report in the required volumes may not be ready for distribution to all the delegates on Monday August 4, 2014”.

He added the possibility was slim as external facilities needed to reproduce the

volume required, were also not available from last weekend due to the long holiday.

The statement however noted that the change in resumption date may not affect other schedules already set for the eventual winding up of the four month Conference.

Continued from page 1

typically rush to the filling station for purchases.

This attack is coming just a day after a bomb explosion blamed on Boko haram killed at least five people in Kano State and forced the

authorities to cancel festivities marking a major Muslim holiday.

At least five people were killed Sunday and eight were injured in a bomb attack on a Catholic church in the mainly

Continued from page 1

reposed on you. You will do this by upholding the integrity, professional excellence and being a team player.

“Besides, the ordinary Nigerian believes that the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man. You should do more to ensure that Nigerians have trust and confidence on the Judiciary at all times.”

Senator Mark reminded the NBA of the need to continue to stand and defend the defenceless, protect the weak and the vulnerable in the society.

He specifically, urged the NBA to make the protection and Defence of democracy their cardinal objective, adding that by their calling, they are strategically paced to ensure

with on his flight to Nigeria on July 20, as the airline had yet to release the passenger manifest for investigation.

“The airline manifest has not been provided by the airline as at the time of this report and therefore, the precise number of passenger contacts is yet to be ascertained, especially as two flights were involved (Monrovia-Lome and LomeLagos).”

The commissioner urged Nigerians not to entertain fears about Sawyer‘s case as the state and Federal Governments were doing everything possible to prevent any risk to the country.

Idris said that the deceased’s body had been decontaminated, using 10 per cent sodium hypochlorite and cremated with the permission of the Government of Liberia.

“A cremation urn has been prepared for dispatch to the family. The vehicles containing the remains have also been decontaminated while the hospital in which he died on July 25 has been demobilised.”

Idris said that the State Ministry of Health had designated an isolation ward at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, for case management, adding three other centres were under way.

National Conference 2014 adjourned plenary session yesterday, July 14, 2014, while delegates were informed to reconvene Monday, August 4, 2014 to certify the draft report of the Conference expected to be assembled by its Secretariat within the recess period.

Female bombers hit Kano again

dead” while “eight persons are injured and rushed to the Hospital.”

He also stated that despite the explosion, the bomber did not succeed in igniting the gas station as planned, due to the security barricade allegedly put in place by policemen on duty at the station, a situation that would have clearly led to many more deaths and injuries.

“It is instructive to note that the Mega Station did not go ablaze due to the security barricade put in place by the policemen on duty at the station; such a situation would have clearly complicated the Emergency response”, Mba continued, adding that security forces have cordoned off the scene while the Police Bomb Disposal experts are “sweeping” the area.

“Citizens are advised to stay off the scene, be vigilant and report any suspicious person(s) or activities to security forces,” he said, disclosing further that a full scale investigation has commenced while intensive patrol of the city is ongoing.

Volunteer witnesses told our reporter that the attacker had targeted women who had lined up in the Hotoro area on the outskirts of Kano to buy kerosene.

The queue, we further gathered, was long as the widely-used kerosene for cooking is often in short supply in Kano and when a new shipment comes in, women

Stand up to defend democracy

that the citizens enjoys their fundamental human rights unhindered under a democratic rule.

Senator Mark however assured of the Senate and indeed the National Assembly’s collaboration with the NBA especially in the process of legislation for the good governance as well as the Welfare and security of the citizenry.

Nigerian Ambassador, 58 others undergo Continued from page 1 The commissioner urged screening residents to report people with those he might have been

Use spiritual benefits of Ramadan to develop Nigeria -

Continued from page 1 Muslims and Christians to embrace peace to enhance progress in the country.

He said that Nigeria would progress if Nigerians love one another and coexist peacefully, irrespective of their religion.

He said that the challenges currently facing the country required the efforts of all citizens to overcome it.

“We must rise up with one voice to condemn all acts of terrorism; condemn those terrorists wherever they are and try our best as Muslims to ensure peace reigns in our community.

“I urge Nigerians and Muslim faithful not to go back to the old ways during the Ramadan period.

“They should ensure that they continue the good works of giving, forgiveness and tolerance

Christian Sabon Gari area.

Also the same day, a woman suicide bomber blew herself up outside a university after police prevented her from carrying out an attack, injuring five officers.

regardless of our religious or ethnic differences.

“We should also cultivate the habit of praying for our nation; Nigeria is for all,” he said.

In his sermon, Alhaji Abdullahi Akinbode, the Chief Imam at the occasion, urged Nigerians to pray for the restoration of peace in the country.

He urged Muslims to ensure that the lessons they imbibed during the month of Ramadan was made a lifelong experience.

He decried the current security challenges facing the country and urged Muslims to assist government at all levels to restore peace in the country.

“Muslims love peace, Islam does not preach violence and we are peaceful people.

“Terrorism has no place

in Islam; those people who are committing these crimes against humanity are not one of us.

“The moment Nigerians are tolerant of the human limitations of the other person by seeing everyone as creation of God, all the vices that threaten to tear the country apart will be eliminated,” he said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Sherrif Yusuf, President of NASFAT, urged Muslims to use the pe-riod of the Eidel-Fitr to reflect on their spiritual lives.

He urged them to reflect on how they could contribute more meaningfully towards the unity, stability and progress of the country “I advise Muslims to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan by ensuring that we are guided by the quest to do good to our fellowman as well as tolerate one another,’ he said.

abnormal cases of bleeding and fever to the appropriate authorities for intervention, as high fever with bleeding from all body openings were symptoms of the disease.

Idris also urged residents to always keep their environments clean and maintain good personal hygiene as Ebola virus spreads easily in dirty environments.

Also speaking, Prof. AbdulSalami Nasidi, the Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) warned against the consumption of bats and monkeys as these animals had been established to be the original sources of Ebola.

“This is time for those bateating and monkey-eating communities to be careful now. Ebola started from the eating of chimpazees. How the virus got to the monkey, nobody knows yet.

“But this is the time to be careful about the eating of monkeys and bats. The Ebola threat is high in West Africa and people should start taking precautions.”

In a remark, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, also warned Nigerians against the unsupervised burial of people who died from suspected Ebola case.

He said 40 per cent of cases in high risk countries were transmitted from victims‘ bodies, stressing that an Ebola corpse was deadlier the patient.

On her part, Mrs. Yewande Adeshina, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, urged traditional healers to collaborate with the government in checking Ebola threats by reporting suspicious cases for the right intervention.

Performance

Catholic Priest tasks Edo LG Chairmen

By OSE EHEBHA

IRRUA - A catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Francis Okhai has charged Local Government chairmen in Edo State to perform for the good of the people if they are to be relevant after office.

Rev. Okhai the parish priest of Annunciation Catholic Church, Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State gave the warning when the chairman of Esan Central Local Government Council, Prince Solomon Eromosele came for thanksgiving at the church over his successful one year in office.

The chairman was accompanied on the thanksgiving by the state commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Lucky James, Edo State All Progressive Congress (APC) chairman, Barr.

Anslem Ojezea, deputy speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Edoror, chairmen of Esan North East, Esan West and Igueben, Local Government Conucils, Hon. Sam Oboh, Hon.

Saturday Ogbeide and Hon. Julius Asemota respectively, amongst others.

The catholic priest admonished the state council bosses to deliver the dividends of democracy to their people, warning them to learn from the misfortune presently bedeviling some of their predecessors who allegedly embezzled council resources while at the saddle.

He lauded Prince Eromosele for the people oriented projects he has executed in the past one year in office, calling on others to emulate him.

He advised the Esan Central Council boss to always put God first in all he does, just as he prayed God to grant him more wisdom, strength and good health to do greater works.

In his speech, the celebrant, Prince Eromosele said he was spurred to offer thanks to God because of the enormous strength and wisdom He has provided him to deliver on his campaign promises to his people.

Customs in Seme handles N4.9bn goods LAGOS -The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Seme Border yesterday said it handled exportable goods valued at N4.9 billion between January and June.

Area Comptroller Willy Egbudin said this in a midyear report of the command made available to newsman in Lagos.

Egbudin said that goods exported were plastics, furniture, fruit and drinks in retail packs, mattress, beer and slippers, among others.

He said the total amount due for the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme was N24.5 million.

The comptroller said in spite of the challenges posed by the aquatic and marshy terrain of the command, it had achieved higher level of suppression

of smuggling and other related offences.

He said this was possible through increased enforcement activities, enlightenment of border communities and the trading public about the dangers of smuggling.

Egbudin said 18 suspected smugglers were arrested and their cases were at various stages of investigation and prosecution.

The comptroller said the command also made 487 seizures with a Duty Paid Value of N196.2 million.

He said that during the period under review, ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and complaint-goods with a Cost Insurance Freight value of N5.39 billion were cleared through the command.

ABUJA - Cinema and park operators in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have decried low patronage as Muslims celebrate the Eidel-Fitr festival.

Some of the operators, who spoke in separate interviews with newsmen yesterday, attributed the reason to economic hardship and the current security situation in the country.

Mr. Terkura Avue the operator on duty at Silver Bird Cinema said the low patronage was unexpected.

He however expressed hope that fun seekers would

vist the cinema before the end of the day.

“We believe the low patronage is due to the insecurity in the country; people have decided to take precaution and stay at home.

“People want to be confident that they are save when they come out and government has to instill this confidence in the people.

“Businesses are crumbling as a result of the low patronage,’’ he said.

Avue urged entrepreneurs to complement government’s efforts by setting up security checks at business places and public centres.

Eid-el-Fitr: Cinema, parks operators decry low patronage

News NGO Organizes Free Health Care Services

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR

L-R: Permanent Secretary, FCT, Mr. John Chukwu; FCT, Mr. John Chukwu; FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide; FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed and Vice- President Namadi Sambo presenting a sallah greeting card to President Goodluck Jonathan during a sallah homage to the President by FCT residents led by the Vice-President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently.

Ex-Observer Editor Interred

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR

BENIN CITY – the remains of Mr. Sam Augustine Osabuohien Eguavoen (a.k.a SAMBAS),

Late Mr. Sam Augustine O. Eguavoen

former Editor as well as Chairman, Board of Directors, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), publishers of the Observer titles have been laid to rest in Benin City.

Prior a “Day of Tribute and Prayers” for the deceased was held in Benin City where relations, friends and well wishers described him as gentle and kind person whose professional skills as a journalists would continue to be remembered.

Hon. Andrew Omoriyekemwen ans Mr. Ernest Obasuyi who worked with the late Editor of The NIGERIAN OBSERVER described him as a core

professional who took his job seriously.

Hon. Omoriyekemwen recalled how the late Sam Eguavoen was instrumental to his joining The NIGERIAN OBSERVER in 1975 as a journalist, just as Mr. Obasuyi recalled how they grow up together, and even worked together in The Nigerian OBSERVER in 1968.

Similarly, Mr. Josiah Obadigie described the deceased as intelligent, very sociable and lover of fellow journalists.

In a sermon, the Rector, Baptist College of Theology, Benin City, Rev. (Dr) Michael Oboh urged those present at the event to learn to glorify and please the creator as He

is the Alpha and Omega.

Rev. Oboh stressed the need for the gathering to avail themselves of every given situation as was being done by the family of the deceased, noting that they should let their actions reflect the good works of God. The late Sam Eguavoen who died at the age 70, is survived by a wife, children and relations.

BENIN CITY – A group known as Global Democratic Initiative (GDI) in collaboration with Shieb Clinic and Maternity, Benin City, recently organized a five-day free medical health care for the needy to mark the birthday anniversary of the co-ordinator of GDI, Mr. Odoligie Edebiri.

The free medical health care took place earlier this month in Benin City.

The first day featured lecture on Hypertension and Management, Examination and checking of blood pressure, and medication.

The second day featured lecture on Diabetes and Management as well as examination/checking of blood sugar level and medication.

Stress and management was the topic of the lecture on the third day of the exercise, just as checking of blood mass index (BMI) and weight as well as medication were carried out.

On Friday, July 18, 2014, fertility counseling/family planning procedure was examined in the lecture, while the last day featured general consultation, among

others.

One of the beneficiaries of the gesture, Mr. Ben. Asemota, appreciated the initiative.

He appealed to individuals and groups to emulate the laudable effort of GDI by organizing free medical health care and treatment for low income earners who hardly afford medical health care.

Similarly, Mrs. Grace Ehimen expressed gratitude to GDI for organizing the five day free medical health care for the needy as part of events to mark the birthday anniversary of the coordinator of GDI and wished him long life and prosperity.

On his part, the celebrant and co-ordinator of GDI, Mr. Odoligie Edebiri assured that he will continue to positively “touch lives” and contribute his quota towards the development of society.

The GDI coordinator who is a son to Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, appealed to Nigerians who can afford to assist the needy not to hesitate to do so.

Over five hundred persons benefited from the five-day free medical health care.

Employment, My Cardinal Programme - LG Boss UBIAJA – The Chairman, Esan South East Local Government Council, Hon. Joseph Ikpea said employment has been one of the cardinal programmes of his administration.

Disclosing this in a chat with newsmen in Ubiaja, the

local government headquarters, Hon. Ikpea said the development was in line with the welfarist programme of Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s led government in Edo State.

According to him, the local government has employed

several indigenes of the locality in paid jobs, having realized the multiplier effects of such employment.

He noted that employment is a sure way of reducing poverty in any society saying that the exercise is a continuous one.

Gov Lamido Assures On Protection Of Non-Indigenes DUTSE - Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa has assured non-indigenes living in the state that their rights as Nigerian citizens would be protected.

Lamido gave the assurance when he received the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Sunusi, who paid him Sallah homage in Dutse.

He explained that all non indigenes living in the state were there as a matter of ‘right’ not ‘privilege’, hence would not be discriminated

against.

The Governor said that Nigerians were free to live where ever they chose without any undue harassment by any individual or government.

The governor said those asking Nigerians to register in their own country were sending a wrong signal that was not healthy for the unity of the country.

According to him, leadership is about understanding the people

being governed, with a view to protecting their lives and property, irrespective of their religious or ethnic background.

Earlier in his remarks, the Emir of Dutse, Sunusi, had thanked the governor for transforming the state in the past seven years of his administration.

He said that both indigenes and non-indigenes had been living peacefully in the state, promising that efforts would be made to sustain the statusquo.

President Goodluck Jonathan (6th right), Vice President Namadi Sambo (4th right) with some presidential aides during a sallah homage to the President by FCT residents led by the Vice-President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently.

2,000 Nigerian’s Trained In German Language - Institute

LAGOS - The Director of Goethe Institute in Nigeria, Mr. Marc-Andre Schmachtel, yesterday said the institute has trained 2, 000 young Nigerians in German Language since its inception in 2011.

Schmachtel told newsmen in Lagos that there had also been a growing interest of Nigerians in learning the language.

“Between year 2011 and 2013, there has been an increase in the number of young Nigerians that sought training in the speaking of German Language from the institute.

“Within this period, there was an increase in their number from 10 to 15 per cent.

“There are already more indications from state governments and parents wanting their children to come to the institute to learn German Language,’’ he said.

Schmactel said Nigerians’ knowledge of the language would assist them in studying and working in Germany.

He noted that the institute would introduce the learning of German language to some

secondary schools in Lagos State in September as a pilot project.

He attributed the growing interest in learning the Language to the present free education opportunities in Germany.

“These young Nigerians and their parents seem to have realised the high cost of getting education in the U.S. and UK today.

“They have started going to places where their education financial requirements are low compared with what presently obtains in the U.S. and UK,’’ he said.

News Bauchi Residents Cry Out Over Threat By Horse-Riders

BAUCHI - Residents of Bauchi metropolis have expressed concern over the activities of some horse riders that had posed threat to lives of innocent people.

Expressing their feelings in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi on Monday, they said that some horse riders, mostly youths, had turned the highways to a horseriding arena, causing accidents and sometimes killing pedestrians.

Hajiya Rashida Yusuf, a civil servant, narrated how she witnessed an incident where a horse-rider killed a pregnant woman.

“Sometime ago, I was by the road side when a horse rider crushed a commercial motorcyclist that was carrying a pregnant woman.

“The woman died on the spot and the cyclist was seriously injured.

“I was also once a victim of the horse riders. My car mirror was equally bashed by a horse rider within the metropolis, sometime ago.

“Therefore something needs to done on the issue of riding horses in highways within the metropolis,” she said.

Another civil servant, Malam Salihu Adamu said that apart from the threat to lives, galloping dangerously on a tarred road amounted to act of cruelty to the animal.

“Horse riding is supposed to be on sandy ground because of the nature of the animal’s leg, as tarred roads could cause injury to the horse.

Mrs Amina Ahmed, a Journalist in Bauchi, told newsmen how a 13 year-old horse rider crushed a motorcyclist and his passenger along a busy highway.

“The incident occurred along Ran road. The boy was plying the road, galloping dangerously, when the horse crushed the motorcyclist and his passenger.

“The victims, who gave their names as Jibrin Dare and Shehu Usman from Babi village, had to be rushed to the hospital by a Good Samaritan.

“The horse-rider however escaped unhurt but the horse sustained knee injury.

“The under-aged rider told us that the owner of the horse had sent him on an errand, covering a distance of about two km, and had given him the horse to ride in place of transport money,” she narrated.

Alhaji Adamu Ahmed, a horse rider who plays polo, while acknowledging the threat posed by horse riders within the metropolis, suggested that an alternative place be provided for whoever wanted to ride a horse.

According to him, the hobby of horse riding is fast gaining popularity among the youths, as such, a pitch for horse riding should be provided as an alternative.

In his contribution, Mr. Mohammed Sanusi, a student, kicked against horse riding in town, suggesting that a law be enacted to moderate the activities of horse riders.

Speaking to newsmen on the issue, Chairman, House Committee on Security, Bauchi State Assembly, Malam Iliyasu Zwal, said he had initiated a law moderating the activities of horse riders within the metropolis.

According to him, the law has been assented to by Gov. Isa Yuguda since August 2012, but is not been implemented.

Zwal narrated how he personally saw two separate accidents involving horse riders threatening the lives of innocent people.

“There was a time an elderly man riding a bicycle was knocked down and killed by a horse rider in my presence.

“A similar incident occurred in my presence along Palace Road, when a youth and a 70 year-old woman riding a motorcycle, were

crushed by a horse rider.

“The young man was hurt but people around had a herculean task resuscitating the old woman, who sustained severe injury,” he said.

The lawmaker wondered why the law he initiated, was not being implemented.

“The law does not seek to stop horse riding completely, but to moderate same in such a way that the safety of innocent people is not jeopardized.

“Unfortunately, there is no implementation because those responsible for enforcement, the FRSC and police, are saying they do not have copies of the law,” he lamented.

In separate interviews, Bauchi Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr. Amos Buba and the Public Relations Officer of the state police command, DSP Hassan Mohammed, told newsmen that they were yet to get copies of the law.

The State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr.

Almustapha Suleiman, was not on seat when newsmen visited his office several times, for his comment on the matter.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Muazu Abubakar, declined to speak, saying he could only do so on the orders of the commissioner.

Reports say that the “Ceremonial Horse Riding (Restriction) Law” assented to by the governor, has made it mandatory for horse riders to obtain a permit, after paying N200,000, before being allowed to use horses during ceremonies.

It also provides for a fine of between N35,000 and N50,000 in cases of injuries and up to N150,000 if the action of any horse rider results in the death of any resident, as well as a provision for a maximum of three years imprisonment, among other provisions.

EID-EL-FITRI: Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu (middle) flanked by the State Head of Service, Mr. Jerry Obazele (left) and the Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Enabulele when he led Muslim faithful in the State on a Sallah visit to Edo State Government yesterday in Government House, Benin City. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE.

Weed Control Technique Enhances Yields By 100 Per Cent In Bauchi - BSADP

BAUCHI - Maize Farmers in Bauchi State had been recording 100 per cent yield per hectare in the past three years as a results of adopting striga weed control techniques introduced in 2011, Programme Manager of Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP) Dr Iliyasu Gital, told newsmen in Bauchi yesterday that the techniques had helped control damage done to crops by triga weed, specie of parasitic plant that suffocates and destroys crops.

He said that the techniques, namely crop rotation, mixed cropping and the application of viral powder, were copied from Kenya, and had proved to be very effective.

Gital explained that before the introduction of the techniques, 25 Agriculture Extension Agents were trained, after which each of them selected 20 farmers within his areas of jurisdictions for trial.

“20 farmlands were selected, to established demonstration farms. Each farmer adopted one of the

newly introduced techniques of triga control on their maize, sorghum and cow-pea farms.

“Where farmers used to get 50 per cent yield, they got 100 per cent of their potential yield, while where some earlier recorded zero yield due to damage by striga, they got 50 per cent and subsequent years, recorded 100 per cent,” he revealed.

According to him, the success of the techniques is being reviewed constantly and where problems are detected, experts are invited to conduct research.

Insurgency: Archibishop Urges Nigerians To Seek God’s Intervention

Cross section of Muslim faithful during prayer session at the Ikpoba Slop Prayer Ground as part of activities to conclude the Ramadan fast in Benin City on Sunday. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE.

ABUJA - The Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Joseph Oche-Job, has urged Nigerians to continuously seek God’s intervention in their wish to see the end of prevailing insurgency in the country.

Oche-Job made the appeal in an interview with newsmen after inducting Very Rev. Jacob Bamidele, as the Presbyter/Administrator of the Methodist Church of Abuja.

CAN Hails Gombe Govt Over Peaceful Eid-El-el-Fitr

GOMBE - Rev. Abare Kala, Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Gombe state, has commended the state government for providing adequate security during the Eidel -Fitr celebration.

Kala told newsmen in Gombe yesterday that considering the incidents that occurred in some

states few days to Sallah, the state government and security agents deserved a pat on the back for ensuring an incident –free celebration.

“We really thank the Almighty God for his protection, the celebration was observed under

a peaceful atmosphere.

“The security agents and the state government deserve commendation; we shall continue praying for Almighty God to continue giving them the strength and wisdom to contain the security challenges.

“We will continue to pray for peace in Gombe, North East subregion and the country at large,” he said.

He then appealed to Muslim faithful, to continue observing the good lessons of Ramadan.

“We should all embrace the tenants of tolerance, and peaceful co-existence,” he said.

He expressed worry over the unabated acts of terrorism in the country, especially in the northern parts, but said that with “God’s intervention, the attacks will be brought to an end.”

“I am worried; I have always been worried that the nation should experience this kind of bomb attacks.

“But, I still believe that God, in his infinite mercy and for the sake of His people, will shorten the days of our troubles.

“God will bring remedy to the situation in a very short time,” he said.

“For now, Nigerians should bear, knowing that when a nation experiences terrorist phenomenon, it is not just something that you can stop in a twinkle of an

eye’’, he added.

Oche-Job advised the people to be patient while praying over the issue, saying that patience was necessary because the terrorists took time to plan the havoc they were currently unleashing on the nation.

“So, we cannot just expect it to end the way we think’’, he said, adding that it took the civilised and developed countries, which had experienced terrorism, time to overcome it.

He said, “for example, it took Ireland, which experienced terrorism in the 1980s, a long time to overcome it.

“Today, there is peace in Ireland; so, we are praying that one day, we shall say that terrorism was in Nigeria.”

South-South Asaba Sub-Station For Inauguration August 28

Lawmaker Empowers Youths

- Contractor ASABA - Mr Domicent Etsese, Director, AK-AY Electric Contracting Firm, which is handling the Asaba power substation project has said that the project would now be inaugurated on August 28.

Etsese, who made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Asaba, said the 330/ 132/33KV sub-station was earlier scheduled to be inaugurated on Monday.

He told newsmen that the onemonth extension of the inauguration date was to enable the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to complete work on the high tension lines from Benin to Onitsha.

He explained that the high tension would feed the substation which would guarantee uninterrupted power supply to Asaba, Ibusa, Ogwashi, Agbor, Okpanam and other communities in Delta.

The area is currently supplied power from one feeder in Obosi sub-station in neighbouring Anambra.

Etsese said the new sub-station in Asaba which has six feeders has room for expansion.

He said that with the inauguration of this sub-station project, it would sustain electricity supply within the state and the outskirts of the state would also benefit.

“We had planned to commission the station by the end of this month but rain has not really been a very good friend.

We have almost concluded the pre-commissioning test.

“But the contractor handling the Benin-Onitsha high tension lines has yet to put the terminal towers for the connection of the lines into the sub-station,” the director said.

L-R: Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, Prof. Hayward Mafuyai; Counsellor, Royal Thailand Embassy, Mr. Sakeson Sarobol and Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University Thailand, Mr. Lope Phavaphutanon during the visit of Thailand Agricultural experts to the University of Jos recently.

such as computer repair, fashion designing and welding.

The lawmaker expressed the hope that the youth would not only be gainfully employed but create jobs for others.

He added: “It is my belief that the gesture will go a long way to improve the quality of life in our society”.

Okon urged the beneficiaries of the skills acquisition programme to be focused and make the best use of the opportunity to better their lives and the society.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries has commended the lawmaker for the gesture and promised to be self-reliant and contribute to transforming the area.

Mrs Eno Okon, a widow, who got N100, 000 under the business support scheme, lauded the legislator for including widows in his empowerment programme.

She said that “for Ime Okon to remember a widow like me in his empowerment programme, God will also remember him in all his endeavours.”

Lassa Fever

Residents Urged To Take Preventive Measures Vice President of Tanzania, Dr. Mohammed Bilal (right), speaking with newsmen at the 45th Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference at Arusha International Conference centre in Tanzania recently.

East-West Road To Be Completed This Year - Minister

IBESIKPO (AKWA IBOM)-The Minister of Niger Delta, Dr Steve Oru, has reassured Nigerians that the East-West road would be completed this year, saying the project was a top priority to the ministry.

Oru gave the assurance at Owot Uta in Ibesikpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom while speaking with newsmen.

“The East-West road is the flagship project of the Ministry of Niger Delta and my primary aim and focus is to ensure that it is completed by the end of 2014.

“By January 2015, the road must have been completed and put into use to facilitate economic activities in the region.

“My strategy towards ensuring the realisation of this project by the end of this year

UYOThe member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency in Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Mr Ime Okon, says he has spent over N11 million in empowering 250 youths in his constituency.

Okon told newsmen in Uyo that the youths were empowered with vocational skills and award of scholarships to be self-reliant.

He said that he had spent over N6 million in awarding scholarships to some of the beneficiaries in tertiary institutions across the country and N5 million on various skills acquisition schemes.

“As part of the efforts to support the free education policy of the state government, my office in the 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 academic sessions spent more than N6m on scholarship to students in tertiary institutions.

“We have also spent N5 million on training other youths on various skills and small businesses as well as giving them start-up packs,” he said.

Okon said that the beneficiaries acquired skills

is to ensure that the contractors handling the job are all paid effectively so as to meet up with time.

“I have also assured the contractors handling the job that money will be released to them through PPP and SUREP to facilitate the completion of the job,” he said.

The minister said the ministry was established with the aim of providing rapid development in the Niger Delta region, adding that his administration would work to achieve that.

He said that part of his plans in the ministry was also to ensure effective human capital development and empowerment of the youth, through local and overseas training programmes.

He noted that Niger Delta youths no longer see criminality as a way of

survival, adding that the ministry had a microfinance scheme which provided funds for small scale businesses.

“We have plans to work with various families in the region to inculcate positive orientation on their children so that they will be partners

in the development of the region.

“We as a ministry have also pleaded with the people of the region to see the need to be good Nigerians who will be out to protect the developments in the region and to discourage vandalism.”

BENIN CITY - The Edo State Government has warned residents of the state to adhere strictly to measures that will prevent the outbreak of Lassa fever, a deadly decease caused by rats.

The Director of Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Dr Osamwonyi Irowa, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Benin City.

Irowa advised the people to avoid getting into contact with rats, endeavour to keep food items in covered containers, keep their environment clean and avoid bush burning.

The director reminded the people that Edo is one of the states that have cases of Lassa fever.

“Edo Central and some parts of Edo North Senatorial

Residents Pay N10 To Read Newspapers

ASABA - Newspaper vendors in Asaba, the Delta State capital, now collect N10 from readers who preferred to read the papers at newsstands instead of buying them to save cost.

Mr Azuibuike Emmanuel who sells newspapers at the popular Ibusa Junction told newsmen that most readers now preferred paying N10 and reading the dailies to buying them.

Azubuike said that he decided to introduce the levy since the

readers, most of whom were unemployed, craved for information but could not afford to buy the newspapers.

He said that he could no longer tolerate their reading the papers free because he was not making huge sales like he made in the past.

Miss Abigail Onwuzulike also told newsmen at the Summit Junction newsstand

that she also charged each of such readers N10 to read the headline since they did not want to buy.

Onwuzulike said that some of them even preferred pairing with others in paying the amount to be allowed to flip through the papers together.

She added that she had been able to realise some money from the levy to augment the income she made from sales.

Districts are endemic to the disease,’’ he said.

“One case of Lassa fever in any territory is an outbreak, we have had two cases in the state this year and every effort is being made to reduce the incident of the disease.’’

He called on the people to go for early treatment once they felt the disease had been contracted, noting that it is fatal.

“Anybody who has symptoms such as fever, sore throat, diarrhea and pink eye, among others, should get screened immediately, for confirmation and treatment.’’

According to him, treatment is free for those exposed to the virus in the state and other parts of the country.

He described as false, the belief in some quarters that indigenes of the endemic areas in the state were not affected by the disease.

“Lassa fever is not a spiritual thing; indigenes also die when they come in contact with the disease.

“It is just that in most times, they don’t access treatment and when they die, they say the cause of the death is spiritual,” Irowa warned.

He, however, said that some people had immunity and may not come down with the disease, adding that researches were on to provide a vaccine for it.

South West Ramadan: Ajimobi, Wife Preach Peace, Tolerance IBADAN- Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has urged Muslim faithful and other Nigerians to reflect on the essence of the holy month of Ramadan and its message of tolerance and forgiveness.

He made the call in a message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo, on the occasion of the Ramadan celebrations.

Ajimobi said the month-long Ramadan was meant to affirm that even as mortals, man could move towards perfection through denial of the desires of the flesh which would in turn lead to purity of the soul.

He urged Muslims imbibe the lessons of Ramadan by ensuring that they are guided by the quest to do good to their fellowman as well as tolerate one another.

“The moment Nigerians are tolerant of the human limitations

of the other person through seeing everyone as creation of God, all the vices that threaten to tear the country apart will be eliminated,” he said.

Ajimobi urged the people of the state to continue to exhibit disdain for violence and brigandage which they have demonstrated in the last three years of his administration.

He said the people of Oyo State had sent a message to the whole world that the profiling of the state as a hotbed of violence was misplaced.

“Peace is what has opened doors of prosperity to our state; we all know what this state was when it was ruled by fear and bloodshed.

“I urge all of us to pray for continued peace in Oyo State; when we all live in peace, development and prosperity will

come our way,’’ the governor said.

In the same vein, the governor’s wife, Florence, in a message, signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Yejide

Gbenga-Ogundare, urged residents to continue to pray for peace in the state.

“I pray that the grace following the Holy Month of

Ramadan will be upon everyone in Oyo State.’’

She commended residents, especially women, for being peace-loving and allowing the

fear and love of God to reflect in their interactions.

She urged them to fight against every force that might want to distabilise the peace in the state

Prospective Voters Storm Electoral Ward For PVC OSOGBO- Prospective voters in Osogbo thronged the various electoral wards in the town to collect their permanent voters cards (PVC).

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced earlier that temporary voters cards would not be used for the state’s August 9 governorship election.

Mrs. Adenike Tadese, Chief Public Affairs Officer of the Commission in Osun, said PVCs would be distributed across electoral ward collation centres in the state.

According to the announcement, the exercise will take place on July 26 and July 27 after which uncollected PVCs would be available at local

government offices of INEC. A pensioner, Mrs. Iyabode Olusegun, said she wanted to avoid travelling to the local government office.

“That is why I have decided to stay till I collect the card today (Sunday).’’

A businessman, who spoke with newsmen on condition of anonymity, said it was thoughtful of INEC to set the two days aside for collection of PVC. He said the decision had afforded more eligible voters the opportunity to acquire the cards.

Our correspondent visited some wards, including Okinni in Egbedore Local Government Area where the exercise was also peaceful and orderly.

L-R: Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital (UCH), Prof. Temitope Alonge; representative of Olajumoke Akinjide Foundation, Mrs. Dupe Akindeko; Special Assistant to the Minister of State for FCT, Mrs. Funmilayo Aigbomiah at the Presentation of Medical Supplies and Essential kits donated to UCH by Olajumoke Akinjide Foundation in Ibadan recently.

Ramadan: Alaafin, Adedoja, Felicitate IBADAN- The Alaafin of Muslim faithful not to go back With Muslims Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, to the old ways which they has congratulated Muslim faithful across the country for witnessing the end of Ramadan and celebration of the Eid-el-Fitri festival.

The traditional ruler gave the congratulatory message in

a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Alhaji Azeez Fehintola, made available to newsmen in Ibadan.

He urged his Muslim brethren across the country to

continue to forsake sins in line with the injunctions of the Quran as observed throughout the fasting period.

In the same vein, the former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, urged Nigerians to continue to show love to one, even, after Sallah.

Adedoja noted that it is only love that can help move the Nation forward.

“If the insurgents can show love, I don’t think there will be killing in any part of the nation.

“I urge Nigerians and

forsook during the Ramadan period.

“They should ensure that they continue the good works of giving, forgiveness and tolerance regardless of our religion or ethnic differences.

“We should also cultivate the habit of praying for our great nation; Nigeria is for all.

“When there is peace in our land, the atmosphere will be attractive for all - both citizens and foreigners,” Adedoja said.

The former minister also prayed for peaceful election in Osun, saying Allah’s mind should prevail.

Osun Guber PDP Urges Muslims To Pray For Peaceful Conduct

L-R: Guest Speaker, Mrs. Victoria Famakinwa; Prof. Bolanle Awe and Principal State Counsel, Oyo State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Modupe Awosemusi at an awareness campaign on sexual and other gender-based violence in Ibadan recently.

OSOGBO- The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun has urged Muslims to pray for the peaceful and successful conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, Chairman of the party in the state, made the appeal in Eid El Filtri message in Osogbo.

reports stated that Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 9.

“As Muslims, we should pray to God for a successful election, come August 9, we should also pray for the forgiveness of our sins.

“Our hope lies in God to deliver us from all situations, be it economic or political,”, he said.

Lagos

Clerics Task Muslims On Lessons Of Ramadan LAGOS- Clerics have urged Muslims to uphold the lessons of Ramadan to promote love and unity in the country and to sustain the blessings of God as Ramadan draws to an end.

The clerics told newsmen in Lagos that there would be peace in Nigeria and the world at large when people adhered to the lessons of Ramadan.

Dr Mashuud Fasola, Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Lagos, urged Muslims to hold on

to the lessons of Ramadan to promote national unity.

According to him, the lessons are the fear of God, love, caring for the poor through charity and sacrifice, among others.

“Fasting elevates a person from the material life to a higher spiritual life and helps him or her to approach a spiritual level where he can show humility and selflessness.

“Muslims should be committed to serving Allah and looking beyond Ramadan by showing

love, care and tolerating one another without discrimination.

“All these virtues will strengthen our national unity,” he said.

Imam Saheed Oki, Chairman of the Surulere Branch of NASFAT, said that “fasting instills Islamic values, such as compassion, cooperation,

diligence, firmness, affection, fear and trust in God’’.

According to him, such values increase the practical aspect of the unity of Muslims that is

Newly Reconstructed Police Post Ready For Use

Suspected Robbers Nabbed

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS- Nine suspected armed robbers have been apprehended by the Police at different locations in Lagos, just as different types of arms and ammunition were recovered from the bandits.

Authoritative source disclosed that on 24/7/2014 at about 0140hrs, policemen attached to Alakara Division while on stop and search duty at Olosa area arrested four men namely Afeez Oyebanji Abbass Lasisi Wasiu Salami and Ottohor Benson in a Toyota Camry S/Car with Reg. No. EPE 685 CD. One locally made pistol and one live cartridge were recovered from the hoodlums and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department Yaba for further investigation.

On the same day, at about, 1045 hrs policemen attached to Isheri Division while on patrol along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway also arrested four suspects namely Victory Anoechi Chimayan George Onyemachi Equanumhu Oyebisi Afeez and Chidinma Onwe all of no fixed address with a Toyota Camry car with reg. No. LSD 568 CZ at Berger area.

Items recovered from the suspects includes one locally made pistol with one live cartridge, one laptop, one Ipad, eight telephone handsets, seven wrist watches, cash sum of about Eighty-Six thousand seven hundred and eighty-five Naira (#86,785.00) one Navy cap, one flash drive, six necklaces, four rings, one ECOWAS passport, two travelling bags and weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa The case is presently under investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department Yaba.

Similarly at another part of the state on the same day, at about 1030hrs, Policemen attached to Ejigbo Division acted on a tipoff at Mosalasi area of Ejigbo and arrested one Obieze Asumba aged 21 years old with a Hyundai S/Car displayed for sale.

The suspect had changed the colour of the vehicle and removed the plate number for easy sale. The case is under investigation at Ejigbo Division.

Meanwhile, two armed bandits who invaded Big Treat Supermarket located along First Avenue Festac Town, Lagos were apprehended by mob and beaten

to a state of coma before been rescued by the Police.

It was gathered that on 23/7/ 2014, at about 0430hrs, two suspected armed robbers, Evans Matthew of No.23, Mission Street Alafia Suru-Alaba and one Aliu Sanni of no fixed address were rescued from angry mob and re-arrested by policemen attached to Festac Division.

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM

L-R: President, Exam Ethics Marshals International (EEMI), Mr. John Nebo; Director of Studies, Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT) Graduate School of Professional and Legal Education, Prof. Gab Agu and Chairman, ESUT Senate Exam Malpractice Committee, Prof. Alexander Nnaji at EEMI Conference in Enugu recently.

ATSSSAN Issues Fresh Ultimatum To FG IKEJA- The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has issued a fresh 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to appoint a substantive directorgeneral for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The ultimatum is contained in

a letter given to aviation correspondents in Lagos by the Deputy National Secretary of the association, Mr Captain Tarnongu.

The letter was entitled: ‘ReDemand for a Substantive Director-General for NCAA’ and addressed to the Secretary to the

Federal Government, Sen. Ayim Pius Ayim, dated July 24.

Tarnongu said in the letter that the ultimatum was given, following the expiration of a previous one given to the

A man with his 4 children on a motorcycle in Bauchi during Eid-el-Fitr on Sunday.

government.

He said that the union was driven by deep patriotism and commitment to contribute their quota to the transformation agenda of Mr President in the aviation industry.

Tarnongu noted that the attention of the SFG was earlier drawn to the leadership vacuum existing in the NCAA in a letter dated June 18.

“As stakeholders in the industry, we are aware of the enormous responsibility of this authority as a chief regulator of standards and custodian of safety in the industry.

“Thus, we are justifiably disturbed on the inability of government to appoint a substantive DG for the NCAA. “We are by this letter, giving notice of the extension of our earlier 21-day ultimatum for another 14-days to lapse on August 12, by which time we expect the government to expedite action to confirm a substantive DG,” he said.

Tarnongu noted that the union would be at liberty to deploy any other legitimate means to press their demand if the current one failed.

Lack Of Visionary Leadership, Bane Of Devt LAGOS- An author and empowerment consultant, Mr Ayo Emakhiomhe, has lamented that a lack of visionary leadership was a major setback to the development of the country.

Emakhiomhe who spoke with reporters after the launch of his book in Lagos said that a leader must be visionary to be able to perform well. ‘’The book is entitled, ‘’ From Employment to Empowerment’’.

According to him, Nigeria’s challenge is not bad leadership, bad employers or lack of infrastructure but the lack of visionary leaders.

shared among other religions.

“Fasting establishes equality among the rich and the poor as well as other tribes and religions.

“These feelings motivate the rich people by way of empathy to assist the poor in the society.

He said that it was only when a leader or a person was empowered that the person would perform well on any leadership position or job.

The author also said that the book provided essential insights on how to be empowered for leadership, advising the populace to make out time to acquire skills and additional knowledge to be assets to the nation. ‘’ A leader or person who wants to be empowered must have vision, do a self-appraisal, plan and implement, carry out a reflective life management and have legacy,’’ he said.

Emakhiomhe said that if a

leader empowered himself, if students, employees or employers empowered themselves, the nation would be better. ‘’These efforts will help to create more employment opportunities and alleviate poverty in the country,’’ he said.

The reviewer of the book, Mr Victor Akinyemi, described the book as a wake-up call for people to be better informed on how to move forward in life.

Akinyemi said that the book provided advice on the need to cut down cost, expenses as well as save fund so as to prepare to be empowered.

- Stakeholder ‘’The book tells about life as an employee and how a job helps to meet the needs of a person. But it expresses worry that the job will not always be there. ‘’The book teaches a worker how to ensure that the person lives a realistic life that is well empowered. It stresses the need to be well informed and knowledgeable,’’ the reviewer said.

He urged employees to develop themselves through training beyond what they had when they came into the job.

LAGOS -The Lagos State Government has handed over a newly reconstructed Police Post for use by Igbogbo-Baiyeku and its environs in order to boost security of lives and properties and as a measure for reducing security threats often occasioned by the activities of illegal land speculators popularly called “Omo Onile” within the area.

Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola who commissioned the Police Post, said that the commissioning of the Police Post for use by Igbogbo-Bayeiku communities was an attestation to the validity of the trust given to him and the All Progressive Congress (APC) to always deliver on their mandates.

Governor Fashola who was represented at the ceremony by his Special Adviser on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga solicited the continual support of the residents with the security operatives that will be working tirelessly to secure their goods and property.

“This Police Station and the personnel that will be working here will not be effective without your support. They are your friends, therefore, cooperate with them. Report any suspicious activity through our dedicated tollfree security lines, 767 & 112,” he added.

The Governor commended the residents and youths within the community that despite the security challenges faced by the community during the period of construction work on the police station, they maintained peace and serenity with security agents within their neighborhood.

“I will urge everyone here present to pass on the message to your family members, friends and associates to ensure a high level of security awareness and report any suspicious activity within their neighborhood to the security operatives.” the Governor pleaded.

The representative of the State Commissioner of Police and the Area Commander of Area N who spoke at the event, commended the unquantifiable support of the State Government to the development of the State Police Command through the provision of ammunitions and conducive working environment.

He however pleaded for more cooperation and support from the State Government, citing the instance of the Area N Police Station which still operates under a ‘make-shift’ structure.

The leader of the youths of Igbogbo Bayeku, Barrister Adeboye Dankuwo on behalf of the entire community presented other needs of the community in a document to the Governor with the hope that those needs would receive the attention of the government in earnest.

Across The Nation Insecurity

Zazzau Emirate Cancels Salah Durbar ZARIA (KADUNA)- The Zazzau Emirate Council in Kaduna State, has announced the cancellation of Eid-El-Fitr durbar and all other festivities in honour of victims of the dual bomb blast that rocked Kaduna metropolis.

It would be recalled that last Tuesday, two separate bomb blasts occurred in Kaduna metropolis, claiming many lives.

Addressing Journalists in Zaria on behalf of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, the Wazirin Zazzau, Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, said the decision became necessary in view of

A group entertaining guests with hyenas during Eid-el-Fitr at Emir of Bauchi’s palace on Sunday.

Abducted Schoolgirls: FG Open To Negotiation ABUJANigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Joy Ogwu, says the Federal Government is still open to negotiation to secure the release of over 200 schoolgirls abducted in April.

In an interview with the CNN in New York, and monitored by the newsmen in Abuja, Ogwu said “terrorism is a global problem that requires global solution’’.

She was speaking on the latest terrorist attacks in Kaduna and Kano, which killed several Nigerians and injured many others.

Ogwu said the international community should use the momentum created by the Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping to reflect and “go forward’’ in the fight against terrorism.

It would be recalled that it is now more than 100 days after the schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists in Chibok, Borno.

“Instead of a military option, the strategy has widened to include negotiation and dialogue with these people.

“I believe that it is time to move forward really, to find a solution to this problem, to find the girls first and foremost,’’ Ogwu told the CNN. The Nigerian UN envoy said the nation had been traumatised that the schoolgirls have been kept by the terrorists for over three months.

She said Nigerians have not given up hope on the release of the girls as they have persevered in prayer vigils, protests and appeals to their abductors to free them.

“I believe that it is time for us to get together in a concerted action.

“At the UN, where I am Nigeria’s Permanent Representative, I made a statement in 2011 when the UN building in Abuja was bombed.

“I noted, very unequivocally, that violence and suicide are not in the character of the Nigerian.

“This is an alien culture. It is an external influence and it is important to work concertedly with all nations to make sure

that it is not implanted in our culture.

“We forbid suicide as a people and people who commit suicide are not given a decent burial.

“So, what indoctrination is that, that persuades a young person who is named a terrorist to strap himself and bomb people or to abduct children?

“This is an alien

- UN Envoy

indoctrination and part of the strategy to deal with it is to deradicalise these people.

‘They must be de-radicalised to become normal people again,’’ Ogwu said.

According to the Human Rights Watch, Boko Haram has so far been responsible for

the death of 2,053 civilians in 95 attacks during the first six months of this year.

In May, at the request of Nigeria, the terrorist group was added to the UN Security Council’s al-Qaeda-linked organisations subject to an arms embargo and asset freeze.

Railway Corporation Warns Against Trading On Rail Tracks MINNA- Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) District Office in Minna, Niger, has warned people in the state against trading and clustering on rail tracks, saying it was unlawful.

The Public Relations Officer of the corporation in the district, Alhaji Akinwoye Abdulraouf, gave the warning in an interview with the newsmen in Minna.

Abdulraouf said the illegal acts were also dangerous as to

lives and could adversely affect operations of the corporation.

“The corporation put gates at all its terminals but motorists and traders at the Gwari Market in Minna have destroyed the gates, in the name of trading.

“The gates at the rail tracks have been destroyed repeatedly by impatient motorists in spite of sensitisation in the media and one-on-one encounters with traders in the market,’’ he

said.

He added that the keeper of the level crossing alerted people with a red flag whenever a train was approaching but was usually not taken serious by traders and motorists who continued to clog the rail tracks.

“A locomotive engine cannot stop for traders on the tracks; it is not done; it is impossible because it has the right of way

Non-Return Of Fulanis’ Worries Council Chairman KAFANCHAN (KADUNA)The Chairman of Kaura Local Government Council of Kaduna state, Mr Kumai Badu, has expressed worry over the nonreturn of Fulanis in the area following the return of normalcy.

The chairman told newsmen in his office in Kaura that the council had made adequate security arrangements to guarantee the safety of the Fulanis in the area.

“Members of our community have a forgiving spirit and are willing to accommodate the Fulanis when they return as they have put the past behind,” he said.

The chairman promised to meet with the traditional rulers

and youths to pave way for a hitch-free return of the Fulanis and ensure peaceful co-existence among the diverse communities in the area.

Badu disclosed that the council would include the Fulanis as members of its security subcommittee as a deliberate strategy at deepening peace, unity and economic prosperity.

“The gesture would give them (the Fulanis) a sense of belonging and togetherness,” he said.

It would be recalled that a meeting urging the return of the Fulanis was convened last week at the instance of Sen. Nenadi Usman of Kaduna South Senatorial District in Kaura.

the security challenges confronting the state and the nation.

“In view of the sad happenings in kaduna and other parts of the country, Zazzau Emirate Council has canceled this year’s Sallah festivities.

“The decision is a mark of respect for the people that lost their lives during the twin bomb explosions that occurred on July 23rd, in Kaduna metropolis.

“The emirate commiserates with the families and relatives of those that lost their lives and wishes those that sustained injuries, quick recovery,” he prayed.

While sympathising with former Head of State Gen Muhammadu Buhari and a prominent Islamic preacher, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, who were targeted during the attacks but escaped unhurt, the emir prayed to God to prevent a repeat of the incident.

“I urge both Muslims and Christians to continue to pray for peace, security and progress in the state and the nation at large,” he advised.

A man and his son displaying a phthon during Eid-el-Fitr at Emir of Bauchi’s palace in Bauchi on Sunday.

but people are careless and adamant in their ways,’’ he stressed.

Abdulraouf recalled a recent incident which involved a couple at a rail line at the Gwari market in Minna, saying that the wife managed to escape but the husband was not as lucky.

He said that the train driver struggled to avoid hitting the couple but was unsuccessful, adding that if the driver had done otherwise, the train would have derailed and all the people on board would have died.

According to him, items recovered from the accident are yet to be claimed by the family of the couple.

He stated that by the corporation’s regulation, the accident victims were supposed to pay for the damage to the locomotive as a result of the incident, adding that it would cost the corporation a lot of money to repair the locomotive.

He, however, said that the corporation would sustain its sensitization of the public on the dangers of trading along the rail lines and of ignoring the red flag alert by the level crossing’s keeper.

Abuja Save Indigenous Languages From Extinction, UNESCO Urges Nigerians

ABUJA- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has advised Nigerians to revitalise the country’s indigenous languages to prevent them from going into extinction.

The Regional Director of the organisation, Prof.

Hassana Alidou, gave the advice while speaking at newsmen forum in Abuja.

She said that languages kept both in written and oral forms could be well-preserved thus preventing them from dying off.

“It is natural phenomenon that you will have languages that are there; some will die and some will evolve.

“But of course our natural languages should be viewed as our cultural, economic, political and historical wealth.

“As long as communities are ready to use them, we should contribute to revatalising them, to using them in all aspects of life.

“Therefore, it’s very important to know that

communities which are using their languages in the oral form and in the written form are going to be communities which are going to see their language kept.“ According to her, the national policy on languages will only be effective if every community and country plays its roles in revitalising them.

“Yes, there is a national policy to promote all the languages.

“But this national policy will be only effective when speakers of the languages community speakers of the languages - are using them in their day-to-day activities at home, in the communities, in education, and in all aspects of life.

“Of course in UNESCO, we are for linguistic diversity and, every year, we celebrate languages and we highlight endangered languages so that everything is done to save them.“ The regional director said that UNESCO encouraged the

Illegal Arms Dealing

Civil Defence Operative Arrested

ABUJA- The police have arrested Idris Saidu, an operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger over alleged involvement in illegal arms deal.

A statement issued by the force spokesman, ACP Frank Mba, has said that Saidu was arrested on July 22 by police detectives in the state.

The statement said that the detectives recovered two AK47 rifles and a large chunk of ammunition from the suspect.

It said the 33-year-old suspect, who was attached to NSCDC headquarters in

Minna, was arrested at Fadikpe area of Chachanga Local Government Area of the state following a tip-off.

According to the statement, Saidu confessed that he bought the arms and ammunition as his contribution to assisting his maternal community engaged in community crisis with herdsmen in Taraba.

“The suspect, who has given useful information to the police that will lead to the arrest of his accomplices, will be arraigned in court as soon as investigation into the case is completed,’’ it said.

promotion and teaching of indigenous languages adding

that sustaining them was solely the responsibility of the

governments of member states.

She, therefore, advised national governments to develop policies to cater for

the preservation of such languages.

She, however, stressed the need to maintain the country’s oral traditions.

Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Ima Niboro (left), welcoming UNESCO regional Director, Prof. Hassana Alidou to his office during the visit to NAN headquarters in Abuja on Sunday.

FCTA Has Reduced Infrastructure Deficit - Minister

ABUJA- The FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed, has said that infrastructure deficit in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been reduced to the barest minimum.

Mohammed who made this known in a Sallah message said the administration was able to solve some challenges of infrastructure through the support of the National Assembly.

He said efforts were also made through the Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) to boost infrastructure in the satellite towns and also complete some pending projects in the FCT. The minister said in spite of the country’s present challenges, Nigeria is still a

UNESCO regional Director, Prof. Hassana Alidou; Executive Secretary, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non formal Education, Alhaji Jibrin Paiko and Deputy Editor in Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs. Nkechi OKoronkwo at a NAN forum during the visit of the regional Director to NAN headquarters in Abuja on Sunday.

nation that could make progress.

“Nigeria can achieve its desire of being one of the best economies in the world in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity,’’ he said.

Mohammed however congratulated Muslim faithful across the country, especially those residing in the FCT, on the completion of the Ramadan month.

“I want to implore the Muslim faithful to use this

occasion to pray for the nation as it strives to overcome the current security challenges, and reflect on the lessons learnt during the month of Ramadan.

“They must continue to imbibe the teachings of Ramadan in their daily lives which are primarily premised on selflessness, sacrifice, patience, modesty and spirituality,’’ the minister said.

He called for prayers for the success of Nigeria’s

leadership under President Goodluck Jonathan, saying “God should continue to give him the wisdom to steer the affairs of the country’’.

Mohammed also enjoined all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs and political inclination, to continue to live in peace and harmony with one another.

The minister however assured that all security outfits in the FCT had been adequately prepared to deal with any unexpected criminal activities during and after the festivity period.

Cultural Diplomacy ’ll Help Recover Stolen Artifacts - UNESCO Director ABUJA- Prof. Hassana Alidou, the Regional Director, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has said that fostering cultural diplomacy among countries would help Nigeria’s recovery of its stolen artifacts.

Alidou said this while speaking at the media forum in Abuja.

She said the role of the organisation in safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting the cultural and creative industries gave it the comparative advantage of providing platforms for dialogue.

“Really, Nigeria is doing very well in terms of promotion of its culture, cultural industry, looking at really expanding world heritage sites.

“But in terms of really taking away cultural artifacts, UNESCO is working diligently with Nigeria.

“Wherever there is cultural artifact which is displaced from its original country, we use cultural diplomacy to really bring back these cultural artifacts to its country of origin.

“And so, I think that UNESCO and Nigeria are doing very well and we are continuing through dialogue.

“I think it’s something that does not happen overnight. It’s something that has to be established.“ Alidou said that the exclusion of the culture sector from mainstream government strategies and action plans had been a major challenge in the cultural sector.

According to her, the role of UNESCO makes it a catalyst for partnership, which can help promote the sector.

She said that it was the responsibility of UNESCO to promote intercultural dialogue, cultural diversity and protect

illicit trafficking of cultural goods through a framework of repatriation.

“It has to be established that there is dialogue between country A and country B and a framework for repatriating.

“Because sometimes when you find an object, it is really repatriated into the country of origin.

“So it’s done in a way that both parties feel at ease because historically, they are contributing to really promoting world cultural heritage.

“So, Nigeria and UNESCO are working hand-in-hand in that particular area.“ She commended the Nigerian government for the way it had promoted its diverse cultures as well as its cultural industry.

She, however, appealed to the government to develop and expand Nigeria’s heritage sites so that they could be included on the world heritage list.

Business + Economy

ABUJA- Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has said that it generated N1.45 trillion revenue from tax in the second quarter of 2014.

According to FIRS’ report on its operation during the period, which was obtained by the newsmen in Abuja, the revenue was realised from oil and nonoil taxes.

Report say that N639.26 billion representing 43.93 per

FIRS Generates N1.45trn cent of the collected revenue was generated from Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) while N815.9 billion or 56.07 per cent was collected from non-oil taxes.

The breakdown of the collection from non-oil taxes showed that N556.3 billion was realised from company income

tax, N197.25 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT) and N38.06 billion from Education Development Tax (EDT).

It also indicated that collection from consolidated account during the period was N12.03 billion, N7.6 billion from technology development fund and N2.5 billion from gas

income.

Stamp duty, the report revealed, accounted for N1.86 billion of the revenue while N290.4 million was realized

from capital gain tax during the period.

It stated that N312.49 billion was collected in April, N569.21

billion in May and N573.45 billion in June.

Reports state that the tax revenue collected by the service during the period showed an increase of 15.54 per cent from about N1.05 trillion realised in the first quarter.

CBN Retains 12 Percent Lending Rate ABUJA- The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has said it would retain the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) or lending rate of 12 per cent.

The Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, made this known when he briefed newsmen on the outcome of the MPC meeting in Abuja.

Emefiele said that the 12 per cent retention was a unanimous decision of the committee.

“The committee decided by a unanimous vote to retain the current stance of monetary policy with one member voting for an asymmetric corridor around the MPR. “Consequently, the Monetary Policy Committee voted to retain the MPR at 12 per cent with a corridor of plus-minus 200 basis points around the midpoint.

“The committee also retained the liquidity ratio at 30 per cent, while Public Sector Cash Reserve Requirement and Private Sector Cash Reserve Requirement, was retained at 75 and 15 per cent, respectively,’’ he said.

Emefiele said that the committee was satisfied with relative stability in the macroeconomy as reflected in the impressive growth rates, stable consumer prices and exchange rate.

According to him, the committee is concerned about the weak translation of stability to macroeconomic gains in employment and access to

finance by Small and Medium Scale businesses.

“It, therefore, emphasised the need for MPC decisions to take into account the long run impact on unemployment level, wealth creation and growth of businesses.

“The committee noted that potential of power sector to stimulate output growth through enhanced investment and spill over effect in employment generation if challenges in sector are effectively addressed,’’ he added.

The CBN governor said the committee noted that gas to power remained a binding constraint in reaping the benefits of the recently concluded power sector reforms.

He added that the committee further expressed concern about the liquidity level and the tendering uptick in inflation.

Emefiele said this might not be connected with poor harvest in some agricultural producing areas, particularly in the NorthEast and North-Central states of the country.

“The committee welcomed the moderation in the rate of depletion in external reserves in recent months.

“The reserve accretion needed to improve much faster to provide a strong resilient buffer to fiscal operations.

“The committee, however , said that a gradual reduction in the country’s import bills through

domestic production of some of the major food imports should be a key element in the overall reserve accretion strategy,’’ he said.

On Inflation, he said the committee noted that the policy direction for inflation, exchange and interest rate must be seen not only in the context of price and financial stability.

The governor said that the policy should also help to enhance the quality of life of Nigerians and promote employment generation.

On external sector development, Emefiele said that all segment of the foreign exchange market witnessed a considerable degree of stability during the period.

“The exchange rate at the retail-Dutch Auction Segment (rDAS) of the market was flat at N157.29 to a dollar.

“At the inter-bank market, the selling rate opened at N162.20 to a dollar and closed at N162.95, representing a depreciation of 0.46 per cent.

“Consequently, at the Bureaux de Change (BDC) segment, the exchange rate opened at N167.00 to a dollar and closed at N168.00 to a dollar, representing a depreciation of N1.000 or 0.6 per cent.

He said that gross official reserve rose to 40.20 billion dollars by July 18 from 37.31 billion dollars as at end of June 2014.

He attributed the increase in reserve to increase accretion and moderation rate of depletion.

President, Life International Foundation, Dr. Olubunmi Usim-Wilson (right) presenting food items to old women at the 28th edition of food bank outreach in Abuja at the weekend.

FEC Approves Water Master Plan ABUJA- The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a 16-year National Water Resources Master Plan to ensure proper management and development of the nation’s water resources.

The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, said this in Abuja, when she briefed State House correspondents after the weekly FEC meeting, which was presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Ochekpe said that the master plan was developed by

President, Life International Foundation, Dr. Olubunmi Usim-Wilson (left) presenting drugs and food to old women at the 28th edition of food bank outreach in Abuja at the weekend.

the ministry in partnership with the Japan International Agency, and would be implemented in three phases.

According to her, the first phase will last from 2014 2020, the second phase from 2021 - 2025, and the third phase from 2026 - 2030. · Cue in audio “We got an approval for the National Water Resources Master Plan 2013, which we developed in partnership with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.

“The master plan will last from 2014 to 2030 and the intention of the plan is to ensure that the water resources in Nigeria are properly managed.

“That we have adequate supply and utilisation of water in the country in acceptable quality and standard and we have national coverage.

“Through the master plan, it is intended that we will be able to gather and collate appropriate information that will help in terms of hydrological, hydrometrological and hydrogeological information management within each hydrological area and basin within the country.“ According to Ochekpe, the plan also contains proposals on how to use water resources

to mitigate the effect of climate change to support the development of irrigated agriculture in Nigeria.

She said that the master plan recognised the roles and responsibility of all stakeholders in water sector and would ensure proper investment in the water resources development in the country.

The minister said that the master plan, which acknowledged the fact that government funding of the water sector might not be enough to bring about the development of the sector, proposed the commercialisation of water services to increase the revenue base of the sector for the maintenance facilities and development of new ones.

Ochekpe said that the plan had also identified the private sector and the Public Private Partnership as additional sources of funding for the sector.

She said that donor agencies would complement the limited budgetary allocations from the Federal Government, adding that by the master plan’s estimation, the nation’s demand for water would increase from its current 5.93 billion cubic metres per year to 16.58 billion cubic metres in 2030.

Seminar

Securing Financial Freedom BEING lecture delivered by Barr. Felix Agbonrofo at the Starpeal Consult one-day seminar for Co-operative Societies in Edo State held on July 3, 2014 at Archbishop Ekpu Youth Centre, Benin City.

INTRODUCTION: If which is the key to financial you want to be financially freedom. Certainly, being free, you must understand financial free is not the what financial freedom is. It exclusive preserve of a few. means different things to If this is true, why has different people but in the financial freedom eluded context of this paper, and still eluding many financial freedom simply, is people?

The reality is that many a person abilify to meet his/ her basic needs without people are still in financial having to wor about money; bondage because they a situation where aperson’s believe that only a few can income exceeds his attain financial freedom.

They are unaware that expenses.

The plain truth is that a anybody who decides to be poor person unable to meet financially free can indeed his basic needs and that of attain that status. The his family for food, shelter journey to financial freedom and clothing is in financial begins once a person realises bondage and can never be that he/she has all the tools truly happy. Such person is to be financially free.

Experience has shown that in urgent need of financial emancipation and there are specific principles deliverance from poverty. utilized by successful people The pursuit of financial in achieving financial freedom is a worthy goal freedom. These eternal and which all self respecting and immutable principles are responsible men and women already known to most of us. should engage as its benefits Our aim in this seminar is to cannot be over emphasized. present them in a Wallace D. Wattles refreshingly practical and captures this succinctly in easily applicable manner.

FIRST PRINCIPLE: his classic book “The AWARENESS AND Science of Getting Rich”, ABSOLUTE FAITH IN “Whatever may be said in GOD praise ofpoverty, the fact Be aware that God made remains that it is not possible you in His image and to live a real/v complete or likeness, Like God, you are successful ljfe unless one is a creative being, able to rich. There is absolute bring to existence that which nothing wrong in wanting to you conceive and desire. be rich. The desire for riches is real/v the desire for a “Anything the mind can richer, fuller and more conceive and believe it will abundant ljft and that desire achieve- Napoleon Hill .The is praiseworthy. The person common saying, “he can who does not desire to live who thinks he can” is true in more abundant/y is this regard. Failure to abnormal in like manner the acknowledge and use our person who does not desire creative powers has left a lot to have enough mong to buy of people in the bondage of lack and wanton poverty; all he needs is abnormal” The good news is that we Indeed people are perishing can all achieve financial from lack of knowledge. freedom as each of us has the Putting your creative ability to create wealth and prudently manage wealth power to work requires

absolute faith in God distinct from hope and belief. In the case of hope you are wishing that what you desire comes true. But you are not certain. At the level of belief you think something is true, or that it will happen, but you are still not certain. But at the level of absolute faith, you are completely certain.

There is no doubt. You are

as certain of the outcome as you are that the sun will rise and set tomorrow. This is the faith needed to achieve financial freedom. Absolute faith is beyond belief; “z7 is the substance C things hoped for the conviction of things not seen” — Holy Bible. Remember, anyone that entertains doubts receives nothing from GodHoly Bible SECOND PRINCIPLE: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF If you don’t believe in yourself, you will struggle all the days of your life.

Believing in yourself is having confidence, high self-esteem and faith in your ability. Nothing sabotages the race to financial freedom like low self-esteem and this plays out in two major ways (1) Looking at past failures and determining the future accordingly and (2) Blaming

others including the government for past failures.

These negative emotions are anchors that will hold you back from becoming financially free. The simple truth is that an event or couple of events does not determine who you are. You are not your past. It may be who you were at the time, but it is not who you truly are. You must gain self belief

to be able to walk the path to financial freedom. Below are some useful tips on how to gain self believe (a) Think as a confident person- “You become what you think about all day long. “ — Ralph Waldo Emerson. ‘f want to be a millionaire think like a millionaire’ Ken Saro Wiwa (Basi and Company). Think about your greatest qualities, your positive strengths. Your greatest assets, remember the accomplishments that you have had. Have only powerful, confident, thoughts about yourself. (b) Be courageous.

Successful people are not immune to fear; successful people take action in spite of fear. “God has not given you a spirit of fear but a spirit of boldness, for the righteous are bold as the lion” - Holy Bible. (c)Stay positive in spite of

“To be financially free, you must set clearly defined goals otherwise; you will float aimlessly in an ocean of infinite opportunities.”

the negativity around you.

In Nigeria, negativity is everywhere, it can be extremely hard to avoid, but when you hear it let it bounce off of you. Do not engage in conversations that are complaining or gossiping. Hang out with positive people and use positive affirmations e.g. I can do all things through Christ that strengthens

me” - Holy Bible.

THIRD PRINCIPLE: SETYOUR GOALS To be financially free, you must set clearly defined goals otherwise; you will float aimlessly in an ocean of infinite opportunities.

When you set your goals, you are moving in a purposeful direction, with a clear understanding of the ultimate destination. You are taking charge of your destiny. The decision as to what investments you make or legitimate business you undertake to attain your goal of financial freedom is your prerogative. ‘7 am the mtzcter of my fate; I am the captain of my soul’ William E. Henley. “Cherish jour vision and your dreams as they are the children of jour soul, the blueprints of your ultimate accomplishments.

“- Napoleon Hill FOURTH PRINCIPLE: TAKE ACTION In order to reali2e your goals, you must take action.

In the real world, it isn’t enough just to dream, or visualize; hard work is required. You cannot escape it; Taking action towards the attainment of your goals is essential to financial freedom.

According to Henry David

Thoreau ‘If people advance confident/y in the direction of their goals, and endeavour to live the ljft that they have imagined, they will meet with success une4ected in common hours. “The Holy Bible puts it succinctly ‘faith without good work is dead’ Create Multiple Sources of Income: In taking action, we advise that you create multiple sources of income, relying on just one source of income is akin to putting all your eggs in one basket.

Investment and business opportunities are as diverse as they come. The following are some available investment options: (z) Fixed deposit: Placing money in a fixed deposit account used to be profitable and low risk investment option. But it is no longer attractive due to the very low interest paid on such accounts. (i Shares: You can invest in the shares of blue chip companies. But the recent crash of the Nigerian Capital market shows that though returns on investment can be high, it is also a very risky investment. (iii) Annuities: You can purchase an annuity from a reputable insurance company. Annuities are contracts between you and an insurance company. You make payments over time, and when you retire, you receive a guaranteed income for life or for a fixed period of time that can help meet your retirement needs. (iv) Life insurance: You can also take out a life insurance. Life insurance can be an effective way to guarantee that your spouse or loved ones will have sufficient funds if you suffer an accident or early death. (v) Contributory pension scheme: This is meant to provide financial security for employees during retirement (vi) Real estate: Instead of building a gargantuan edifice, which may become a liability in terms of maintenance, you could decide to build a number of flats, live in one and earn rental income from the others.

4 mix of these investments is advised. You can also Continues on page 15

THE need to conserve our forest through scientific research to improve the quality of forest trees in Nigeria becomes more important than ever.

Forests are a source of wealth and beauty which we should collectively conserve.

FOR instance, there Is the need for governments at all levels to encourage the planting of neem frees. The neem tree, particularly in the Northern part of Nigeria, is one of the most economic trees you can find anywhere.

RESEARCH has revealed that apart from using It to reduce the effects of desertification, it has been discovered in the last ten years that there are so many things that can come out of the neem tree.

FIRST, there is the neem oil. Sold all over the world and used by most cosmetic industries, the neem oil is a by product of the neem free. The neem seed when crushed, produces one of the best cosmetic oils anywhere in the world.

THERE are also other byproducts which come out of making the oil and many of them are being used at the moment for making soap, detergents and paints. it has been discovered lately that a good part of local paints used all over the North for painting mud houses, are also byproducts of the neem tree.

BASED on the above, deliberate efforts need to be made, more than ever before, to conserve our forests, for the economic, social and agricultural value.

FORESTS are an important component of the national environment which play a significant role in water and soil

THE NIGERIAN

Imperative Of Forest Conservation conservation. The importance of forest lies In its ability to hold rain water, which is gradually released to the soil below and streams which flow through them.

BESIDES, forests act as protective cover for the soil against the action of rain and wind. It also reduces the speed of wind and devastating effect of erosion. Forests any where in the world provide home for wild life.

INDEED, forests, especially the luxuriant rain forest in Nigeria is being depleted at an alarming rate. Apart from serving as a source of timber, forests are daily destroyed for farming activities. Added to the above is the destruction of this natural environment for the siting of industries, residential buildings and road construction.

WHEN the forests are destroyed the soil is left bare and consequently exposed to erosion and in some cases, flooding.

Therefore, many plant species are lost and the natural home of wild life destroyed. The above factors conspire to reduce the number of wild life available.

THIS accounts for why some hitherto thick forested regions of Nigeria are now left as a barren semi desert today.

HOWEVER, there is the urgent need to strengthen the selective felling of frees

based on existing laws. Young trees should be preserved while tree planting should be encouraged to replace those already consumed or dead.

WHAT we have seen over the years were mere rhetorics rather than pragmatic tree planting policies by government at au levels. The efforts towards forest conservation will be far from success unless the issue of bush burning is addressed. Bush burning has led to the destruction of forests, wild life and loss of soil fertility. Sometimes, this damage and soil degradation become irreversible.

GOVERNMENT should therefore introduce protective legislative measures to prevent the incidence of bush burning.

HOME to several plants and wild life, conserved forests will serve as tourist centres as it is obtainable in a country such as Kenya.

TOURISM will help to diversity the economy of Nigeria, provide employment and provide huge revenue required for national - development FINALLY, the conservation of our forests should not be restricted to the confines of government alone.

Traditional rulers, Non Governmental Organisations (N.G.Os.), private firms and the public should adopt the culture of preserving the work and gift of nature bearing In mind that not every country of the world has this same blessing.

Therefore the duty lies on all of us to protect and preserve our forests for future generations.

About The Federal Cutting Edge Republic Of Nigeria (2) (Continued from last week) WE the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: Having firmly and solemnly resolved: To live in unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign Nation under God dedicated to the promotion of inter-African solidarity, world peace, international co-operation and understanding: And to provide for a constitution for the purpose of promoting the good government and welfare of all persons in our country on the principles of freedom, equality and justice, and for the purpose of consolidating the unity of our people: DO HEREBY MAKE AND GIVE TO OURSELVES the following constitution:PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERRIA 1999 Equally, laughable is the assumption that Nigeria is a “Republic”; a supposition that sounds as hollow as a clanging cymbal. Like federalism, it is simply an idea without a firm practical base. A republican system of government in actual sense is based on the idea that the people, through their elected representatives, are supreme. At the head of a republican system is a popularly elected president who is expected to work for the common good of all members of the polity. The legislature is supposed to ensure that the president does not become tyrannical, and that the original articles establishing the republic are adhered to. These principles of popular rule are based on the ideas that spurred the American and French Revolutions, and which subsequently formed the foundations of the new republics; principles that have since been borrowed by other states.

Truly speaking, can the circus show currently being played out in Nigeria, where elections are brazenly rigged and candidates standing for political offices handpicked and forced on the people, be said to be based on republican principles? Can Nigerians be said to be truly supreme under the current cosmetic political arrangement where, despite being Nigerians, they are debarred the rights of Nigerians? How representative are representatives who hardly consult their various constituencies - made up of people who supposedly elected them to protect and project their interests - before contributing to the lawmaking process? Can legislators who hardly visit their constituencies to ascertain the wellbeing of their electors be called true representatives of their people? Can a lawmaker who collects constituency allowances running into billions of naira over a period of four (4) calendar years without executing a single, laudable project be called a representative of his people? Can

With Obuseh Jude

a legislator whose preoccupation is fighting for committee portfolios, furniture and other beggarly allowances be termed a representative of his people?

Legislative bodies at the various levels of government in Nigeria qualify as assemblies of fowls; they are simply cocoons of caterpillars, where the grandest schemes against the people are concocted and executed. The parliament should naturally be the protector of the people’s liberty in a true republican sense. A virile parliament checks executive excesses and is the only hope of the common man. It is the closest arm of government to the people, and is the only forum through which they can participate in governance.

The American and French republics are founded on the ideals of popular representation.

This is in recognition of the

the achievement of the country’s independence.

But what am I even jabbering about? Why should we expect anything productive from a pack of Wolfhounds who get into office through the back door? We all know how floored the processes of political succession in this country are. We know how skewed the conduct of elections from the primaries to actual voting are. So, why should we expect manna from those who ceaselessly defraud and circumvent the system at will to become our rulers? We have politicians who become arrogant once they are in office, forgetting all their post-election promises (empty slogans they impudently call manifestos), and assuming the garbs of demigods. They transform themselves into emperors, who develop egos as large as cathedrals and become

is in reality an oligarchy that operates in the full mode of an absolute monarchy; a system of government run by a few people with practically unlimited powers. At all the three cadres of government – federal, state and local - you have principalities aping republican federalism. At the head of this hierarchical structure is the president who acts as the potentate, ably assisted by an advisory council of elders made up of “selected” members

novel role played by the people in the independence struggles of both countries. These ideals have continued to drive citizenstate relations in these countries.

That is why the security of the lives of Americans is treasured above those of other nationals.

That is why America is ready to go war to protect the common interests of its people globally.

That is why American leaders listen to the opinions of their people before hashing out policies – domestic and foreign - that will affect them in the long run. But the truth of the matter is that Nigeria represents a poor copy of these original models.

Parliaments in Nigeria have generally been speech-making forums where passing references are made to the supposed needs of the people. This is very unfortunate considering the significant input of Nigerians to

encapsulated in self-love: that allnatural poison. To worsen issues some of us aid and abet these malpractices either by omission or commission. When you help a politician to rig himself into office, and get paid for your indiscretions, how can you expect anything from him once he consolidates on his position?

Has he not paid his dues to you already? Have you any moral grounds to ask anything from him in return once he is in office? No wonder the culture of impunity has continued to fester in this country. No wonder those who ultimately succeed to political offices become impassive to the demands of the people to deliver the much-vaunted dividends of democracy. Why not? Have they not paid the pipers? Why shouldn’t they dictate the tune?

The federal republic of Nigeria

of both the legislature and “appointed” top members of the bar. At the state level, you have a similar formation with the governor, together with an advisory council of Satraps performing the same functions as its counterpart at the centre. The local government, at a lower level, replicates the scenarios at the top of the ladder.

Our political system is simply a kingdom arrangement that is based on hereditary succession, where parents build political structures and live them to their children and children’s children; an establishment that is closed to the ordinary Nigerian without financial or any clout whatsoever; a political Cosanostra in which important decisions of public importance are deliberated upon and the innocent citizens are compelled

GSM: 08033510173

“The federal republic of Nigeria is in reality an oligarchy that operates in the full mode of an absolute monarchy; a system of government run by a few people with practically unlimited powers.”

to swallow the quack prescriptions of these physicians of death. Forget all the doctored consultative sessions that are held from time to time by government and its agencies before policies are pronounced: they are mere public show-offs. Most decisions are taken before they are brought to the public realm. Have you ever wondered why most government policies are decreed into existence whether the public likes it not? Flash back to the adoption of various economic policies prescribed by Breton wood institutions - International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank et al - such as the asseverating Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) of the Ibrahim Babangida years, the belt-tightening Austerity Measures of the Shehu Shagari era, etc. The most annoying part of the whole mess is that ordinary citizens are forced to bear the brunt of the careless actions of the blind bats misleading this country whenever these policies fail; which they always do. From poorly conceived economic policies, profitless foreign policy initiatives, to visionless development plans, the princes of this country have continued to act with daring effrontery; they have continued to test the will of Nigerians, pushing them closer daily to the wall. What they have created is “their” republic, not “our” republic. The ricochet effect of this impunity is better not imagined.

Our oppressors have no legitimate authority whatsoever to rule over us because what they claim as authority was invented and foisted on us by the precedent set by the first generation of spoilers that ever set foot on our soil. This precedent assumes the right to rule forever, which has been firmly embedded in our politics; a precedent that has been copied to perfection by succeeding generations of hitchhikers who have bestrode this country’s political landscape like colossuses. That is why the “kings” of Nigeria see their positions as divinely ordained and their children – political and biological - as the rightful heirs to their imperial positions. When you hear of political godfathers “anointing” their protégés for political positions, they are simply expression their assumed king-making powers which should not be challenged by mere mortals, for challenging them is said to be the same thing as challenging God. Talking of kings, the Nigerian president is reputed to be the most powerful president in the world.

He is the Zeus to whom other lesser divinities must bow - the boss of all bosses whose decisions must never be questioned. Ironically not even the American president, the natural claimant to that exalted position possesses the degree of powers exercised by his Nigerian counterpart. Our president has maximum powers at his disposal.

Despite the sterile attempts in

recent times - especially since the return of civil rule in 1999 – to check this ugly trend through constitutional reviews, judicial proclamations, and other feeble moves, not much has changed.

Our president has powers comparable to that of an absolute Monarch. He literally controls the flow and exercise of power among the three arms - executive, legislature and judiciary - and levels of government – federal, state and local government. He virtually does no wrong. We are well aware of how the presidency controls the ruling party, consistently influences elections into the national assembly (senate and house of representatives), determines who becomes governor in all the states controlled by the ruling party, appoints, controls and removes principal judicial officers at the national level at will, controls all other significant agencies (public and private) outside its core jurisdiction, appoints and – covertly - controls all principal electoral officers at both the national and sub-national levels, and influences the whole political process - both during and after elections - using the currency of corruption, subterfuge, and naked force at its disposal. This coupled with the dependency toga foisted on its constituents and other related bodies through a sickly federal structure, results almost in complete fusion - or concentration of powers - in just one man and his gang of courtiers. These overbearing attitudes are replicated at all levels of government by the chief executives in office. Only almighty kings exercise such omnipotent authority.

In the Nigerian republic there are two classes of citizens: the “real citizens”- that is those who control the machinery for the authoritative allocation of values - and the “associate citizens”- the larger population. The real citizens control all aspects of national life. They decide those that are qualified - or not qualified - to hold public office; decide the kind of policies that best suits the state; and own, control and distribute the resources of the state. The real citizens are the only ones who enjoy full human rights, for the republic is theirs. For the associate citizens, their membership of the state is a privilege and not a right. They are supposed to follow the orders of the real citizens and to refrain from complaining. The few privileges they enjoy are premised on how obediently they kowtow to the whimsical dispositions of their betters. That is why our laws are discriminatory in their application. That is why when a poor man commits a crime he is made to feel the full brunt of the law either through jungle justice or by other damnably punitive measures deemed necessary by our apostles of moral correctness.

To be continued

Nutritional Health And Dietetics

Medicinal Plants As Cure For Diseases

MEDICINAL plants is defined as any substance with one or more of its organ containing substances that can be used for therapeutic purpose or which can be used as precursors for the synthesis of antimicrobial drugs (sofowora, 1982, 1984). According to him, it is estimated that there are about 250, 000-500, 000 species of plants on earth of which a relatively small percentage (1-10 percent) of these are used for food by

such as licorice ginger and astragalus root.

The Bible is full of references to herbs such as aloe, myrrh and frankin-cense. The Greek physician Hippocrates (460377 B.C), who is believed to be the first practicing physician, recorded between three hundred and four hundred plant remedies in his writings.

In the first century, another

noted the skills of Africans in effecting cures with plants and the expertise of specific ethnic groups such as the Fulani, Yoruba, Dahomeen and Ashanti who were regarded as especially skilled with herbal medicines.

Although, elements of various African healing traditions surrive, wherever Yoruba and Dahomean slaves were present

human and animals.

Medicinal plants contain numerous biologically active compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, fats and oil minerals, vitamins, alkaloids, quinones, terpenoids, flavonoids, carotenoids, sterols, simple phenolic glycosides, tannis, saponins polyphenols, to mention a few which have medicinal activities.

The first ‘herbal guide dates back five thousand years to the Sumerians, who used herbs such as caraway and thyme for healing. Ayurreda, the traditional medicine of India that is still practiced today, may be even older.

Herbal prescriptions were written in hieroglyphics on papyrus in Ancient Egypt.

Onions and garlic were favorite remedies. The first Chinese herbal, “the Wushi Er Bing Fang “ (prescription for fiftytwo Diseases) was compiled some where between 1065 B,C and 711 B.C. It included herbs

Greek physician, Dioscorided, listed five hundred plant medicines in his herbal, “De Materia medica”, which was used until the seventh century.

There are many examples of many Europeans relying on traditional herbal cures administered by enslaved people who in turn rejected the main European treatments of the time which included bleeding and purging. Africans often used their own traditional remedies to treat diseases they were already familiar with.

A wide range of plants such as Okra, aloes and cotton were used to treat all sorts of illnesses such as water retention, piles and veneral diseases and to heal wounds.

Herbal remedies were used against diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, small pox and worms.

Along with China and India, west central Africa represents one of the most developed ethromedical tradition.

Earopean slavers repeatedly

in sizable numbers, their cosmology and ethnomedical system came to predominate.

Research shows that in the use of plants, African practices differed dramatically from those favoured by Europeans.

Herbal treatments were often prepared from living plants rather than the dried concoctions favored in white medicine. Vitamin rich –greens formed a central component of the diet of New World Africans and roots and herbs made into infusions (bush teas) remain to this day central to the tradition al cures of the Caribbeans.

West Africa’s rich tradition of using bush or herbal teas and

greens for both food and medicine was the source of their continuing importance in the African Diaspora. In West Africa, the leaves of at least 150 species of plants are used as food with 30 cultivated and 100 collected, gathered in the wild (Odugbeni, 2006). African herbal remedies endure to this day in the Caribbean folk healing system. The survival of an African ethnomedical and epistemological tradition results in part from its capacity

to deliver both physical cures as well as psychological solace to New World Africans.

Plants native we to the tropic and to Africa played a direct role in healing diseases whose origins are attributed to a physical and spiritual holistic origin-The genus Rauwolfia spp, which acts as a tranquilizer was commonly used in Africa as well as by diasporic populations in carbbean.

Euphorbia spp which provide relief from colds, indigestions and Pain are found in traditional pharmacopoeias of both areas.

Research shows that Brazil which absorbed more that 4

With

O.C. Madu GSM: 08056379608 million African immigrants retains African religious and medical systems. They also exhibit magicoredigious ceremonies scarcely different from those in Africa. The mainstream of Jamaican contemporary folk medicine is an unbroken continuity from Africa through plantation slavery. Folk Medical knowledge was part of the total cultural package of interacting elements brought by slaves from Africa. It was the type of cultural item that existed in the minds of Africans and was not likely to be lost during the middle passage.

Both in Africa and Jamaica, medicine men and other practitioners received their calling in dreams, visions and visitations from the spirits.

Animals live in equilibrium with the plants surrounding them using these plants as sources of food and intuitively or through years of trials and error as medicine. Traditional medicine refers to health practices, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plants, animals, and mineral based medicine, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well being (WAO 2005).The use of plants as medicine to cure or prevent illness and to lubricate the wheels of social interaction at the interpersonal and group level is, a behaviour that predates civilization and in today’s civilization. It is found in every society irrespective of its level of development and sophistication (odugbemi, 2006).

The earliest reference to these medicinal plants as cure for diseases are to be found in the manuscript of the “Eber papyrus” which contains 700 medical formulas and it dates back to 16 th century B.C (simpson and ogorzaly, 1986).

The drugs of today’s modern society are products of research

and development by major pharmaceutical companies but among raw materials researched and developed are naturally occurring materials obtained from plants. Hence, when we take well package medicines, that we might be taking a processed plant product.

Medicinal plants will seemingly continue to play an important role as health aid inspite of the millions of chemical compounds currently synthesized in the laboratory and available for screening for action of therapatic values, natural products, particularly, of plants origin remain the most important sources of new drugs (odugbemi, 2006).

The use of medicinal plants constitutes an important part of African heritage. Though modern orthodox medicine has improved the lot of many people worldwide, it is noteworthy today, it is well to remember that in many cultures, modern medicine complements traditional practices as is obtainable in industrialized societies eg.

China and India (Odugbemi, 2006). In these societies, herbal remedies have become more popular in the treatment of minor aliments and also, on account of the increasing costs of personal health maintenance.

Indeed, plants today, face either extinction or loss of genetic diversity. In Nigeria, the majority of citizens still use medicinal plants and visit tradititional medicine practitioners for their health care need (odugbenu, 2006).

It was reported by WHO that in Nigeria, the ratio of Traditional Health practitioners to the population was 1.110 while, the ratio of medical Doctors to the population was 1.16. This give credence to the fact that people patronize Traditional medicine practitioners (TMPS) for their primary health needs more. For more counseling, the writer will be of help to you.

“Animals live in equilibrium with the plants surrounding them using these plants as sources of food and intuitively or through years of trials and error as medicine.”

Seminar

Continued from page 11 decide to start a business in which case, before beginning any business you opt for, it is advisable you perform a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat) analysis and thereafter if the business is feasible you should develop a business plan.

Employ Professionals: Whether it is in making investments or starting and managing a business, it is advisable you employ the services of professionals such as lawyers and accountants. It is always cost effective in the long run.

Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish.

Fznandng Your Investments and Business: There are various sources of investment and business finance, the following are the popular ones: (a) Personal Savings: Your personal savings are your primary and easiest source of finance. Saving is the act of putting some money aside now for future use. It involves making sacrifices of present consumption for a wealthier tomorrow.

Learning to budget our expenses will enable us to determine areas of our income we can make savings for investment or business purposes.

(I Relatives and Friends: Members of your family or close Mends who have faith in you and want to see you succeed. They may give you a grant or a loan with low interest. (c) Partners & Equity Investors: You can get people to partner you in the business or take up equity (shares) in your company. In this case they will share in your profits. (d) Insurance: Some types of life insurance policies have cash value, which can be borrowed at very low interest. (e) Cooperative Societies: You can also take loans at from your cooperative society for investment purposes or to start a

Securing Financial ...

business. The interest on cooperative loans is often low compared to the interest on loans obtained from commercial banks and micro finance banks.

Commercial and Micro finance Banks: These banks are licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria to grant loans. You can obtain loans of up to N500,000.OO from the micro finance banks without collateral. The drawback of micro finance bank loans is that the interest

compounding. Time has the uncanny ability to generously grow your investment. George S. Clason in his book, “The Richest man in Babylon” showed how Arkad a boy from a poor background became the richest man in Babylon by starting from an early age to invest 10% of all that he earned and reinvested the lO% along with the interest. When you save and invest money and reinvest

rates are usually very high making repayment very difficult. (g) Informal Sating Gmupr You can also join a group of people in an arrangement where participants contribute a fixed amount periodically and give all or part of the accumulated funds to one or more member(s) in rotation until all members have benefited from the pool. This method of fmancing is known locally in Yoruba land as ‘Esusu”or ‘ ‘ (h) Money Lenders: Loans from the source is easily accessible but the very high interest rate makes it unattractive.

FIFTH PRINCIPLE: START EARLY If you must be financially free, you must begin early to invest so you can benefit from the law of

the principal sum and the interest, compounding works for you. Compound interest grows gigantically faster than simple interest.

The earlier you begin, the more you can use this “secret” to your advantage.

SIXTH PRINCIPLE: PERSISTENCE Persistence means never give up. Napoleon Hill, in his great book ‘Think and Grow Rich’ tells a story titled ‘Three Feet from Gold,” which illustrates the point that the most common cause of failure and poverty is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat.

The story is about Mr. Darby, a gold miner who sold everything he had to buy the proper equipment for gold mining. After what seemed like a considerable investment of time and

“Most people don’t realize just how close they are to achieving financial freedom, they give up just before they are about to break through.”

effort, he gave up his considered unsatisfying endeavour, sold everything to another person. The person called an expert, a mining engineer. The expert said that the previous owner, Mr. Darby was not familiar with fault lines. The expert’s calculations showed that the vein was just another 3 feet from where Mr. Darby had stopped drilling. That is exactly where the gold was found.

Most people don’t realize just how close they are to achieving financial freedom, they give up just before they are about to break through.

The Story of the poor widow in the bible is another instructive lesson in persistence. The judge who neither feared God nor man had no choice but to give in to the poor widow’s persistent demand for justice. You may have heard that “it is darkest just before dawn.” Achieving goals can be like that too. It can seem bleak and unpromising, but if you give up, you will miss out on the victory. ‘It is constant and determined effin that breaks down all resistance, sweeps awaj all obstacles.”

Some people look at financially free people and say, “they are so luckj” and think that they don’t have any challenges. Well that is not the case. Financially free people have had to handle adversities, overcome challenges, and gO over, under or through obstacles.

Here is a man who had tremendous challenges and adversity in his life. Can you guess who this is?

He failed in business.

He was defeated for state legislator.

He tried another business.

It failed.

His fiancée died.

He had a nervous breakdown.

He ran for Congress and was defeated.

He tried again and was defeated again.

He tried running for the Senate. He lost.

The next year he ran for Vice-President and lost.

He ran for the Senate again and was defeated.

And the man, who signed his name A. Lincoln, Was elected as the 16 President of the United States Abraham Lincoln obviously did not allow defeat to become permanent.

He persevered, and in spite of the challenges he rose above them and become the president of the United States. His life is a true testimony of the fact that indeed ‘For the resolute and determined there is time and opportunify.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson It is evident that it is your reaction to adversity that will make the difference. It is what you do about the bad situation that matters.

Always remember that: “Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens to us, not by what 4Jè brings to us, but / the attitude we bring to 1 A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst.... a spar/c that creates extraordinary results.”

What keeps financially free people on the path to financial freedom is simply a burning desire to succeed.

According to Glenn Clark, in his classic book, “The Man Who Tapped the Secrets of the Universe”: Eveg man has consummate genius within him. Some appear to have it more than others on/y because they are aware of it more than others are, and the awareness or unawareness of it is what makes each one of them into masters or holds them

down to mediocrity.

Mediocr4y is se/f-inflicted and genius self bestowed.

Bve successful man and they are many, carnes with him the key, which unlocks that awareness and lets in the universal power that has made him into a master. That !y is desire’ Desire is very important because without a strong desire for a particular result, in this case the desire to be financially free, you will likely not stay focused on your goals. You will find obstacles and roadblocks to be ancreasingly more challenging. When you are knocked down by the vicissitudes of life, you may find it impossible to get back up. But when you have a burning desire to succeed, the obstacles and challenges, which fill the road to success, become steppingstones to success.

S E V E N T H PRINCIPLE: STAY HEALTHY Here the common aphorism, “health is wealth” comes to mind. Without good health the pursuit of financial freedom is hindered and near impossible. Even if attained, financial freedom is of little or no use to a perpetually ill person as he or she cannot enjoy the good things of life.

Hence, it is imperative that we take practical steps to / live a healthy life. The five simple steps we can take in this regard are (a) maintaining appropriate body weight, (b) eating a balanced diet, (c) exercise (d) managing stress and (e) regular medical checkup.

CONCLUSION In conclusion, you must realize that the road to financial freedom is not a Broadway; it takes patience and perseverance to journey through it. Always bear in mind that “Rome was not built in a day’ You won’t become financially free overnight, but one thing is sure if you faithfully and diligently apply the aforesaid principles you will definitely achieve your goal of financial freedom. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step “

Perspective

The Protocol On Women’s Rights:

Provisions

“HARMFUL practices” means all behaviour, attitudes and/or practices which negatively affect the fundamental rights of women and girls, such as their right to life, health, dignity, education and physical integrity.

States Parties shall commit themselves to modify the social and cultural patterns of conduct of women and men through public education, information, education and Communication strategies, with a view to achieving the elimination of harmful cultural and traditional practices and all other practices which are based on the idea of the inferiority or the superiority of either of the sexes, or on stereotyped roles for women and men.

States Parties shall prohibit and condemn all forms of harmful practices which negatively affect the humor: rights of women and which are contrary to recognised international standards. States Parties shall take all necessary legislative and other measures to eliminate such practices, including: a) creation of public awareness in all sectors of society regarding harmful practices through information, formal and informal education and outreach programmes; b) prohibition, through legislative measures backed by sanction, of all forms of female genital mutilation, scarification, medicalisation and paramedicalisation of female genital mutilation and all other practices in order to eradicate them; c) provision of necessary support to victims of harmful Practices through basic services such as health services, legal and judicial support, emotional and psychological counselling as well as vocational training to make then: self supporting; d) protection of women who are at risk of being subjected to harmful practices or all oilier forms of violence, abuse and

intolerance.

The protocol affirms and reinforces the language of CEDAW, which also requires states parties to take all appropriate steps to eliminate social and cultural patterns and practices that are discriminatory to women. The protocol’s provisions on harmful practices also affirm existing provisions in the CRC and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which both prohibit practices prejudicial to the well—being of the child. The CRC requires states to take all appropriate measures “with a view to abolishing traditional practices prejudicial to the health of children.” The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child requires states to “take all appropriate measures to eliminate harmful social and cultural practices affecting the welfare, dignity, normal growth and development of the child. Other global standards guaranteeing the rights to life, liberty, security of the person, and health have also been interpreted to include women’s right to be protected from harmful practices.

However, in a significant advancement of women’s sexual and reproductive rights, the protocol goes further than existing treaties in requiring states to prohibit, through legislative measures backed by sanctions, all forms of female genital mutilation. No other global human rights instrument expressly calls for the prohibition of FC/FGM by name. The language of the protocol also does not allow for a cultural defence of FC/FGM, whereas the African Charter arguably does.

The protocols provisions on harmful practices lay to rest arguments that customary and traditional practices can prevail over the rights is of women under the Africa Charter. Under that document, the lack of specificity on discrimination

against women has left them vulnerable to arguments that “cultural values” and community norms should prevail, even when physical harm results. Since women are underrepresented in the judiciary and legal community, these arguments have rarely been rebuffed. The protocol affirms the primacy of women’s rights to nondiscrimination and reproductive self— determination under regional law. It requires states to eliminate cultural and traditional practices that discriminate against women and, in this respect, the protocol makes clear what the African Charter omitted -that the legal protection of tradition ends where discrimination against women begins. The protocol further provides that “women shall have the right to live in a positive cultural context and to participate at all levels in the determination of cultural policies.”

States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to.. c) protect women, especially the girl-child from all forms of abuse, including sexual harassment in schools and other educational institutions and provide for sanctions against the perpetrators of such practices.

States Parties shall adopt and enforce legislative and other; measures to guarantee women equal opportunities in work and career advancement and other economic opportunities. In this respect, they shall... c) ensure transparency in, recruitment, promotion and dismissal of women and combat and punish sexual harassment in the work place.

The protocol is unique among global human rights treaties in expressly articulating girls’ and women’s right to be protected from sexual harassment as a key component of their right to equality in education. The protocol also affirms women’s right to be free

Bet

from sexual harassment as a basic social and economic right and as a key component of their right to work.

Existing global treaties espouse the right to education and to equality in education, but do not directly address the sexual

expressed concerns over high levels of sexual harassment of women, including in schools and work environments. The Human Rights Committee has also considered sexual harassment in work or education to be a form a discrimination against women.

as the preferred form of marriage and that the rights of Women in marriage and family, including in polygamous marital relationships are States Parties shall enact appropriate legislation to ensure that women and men enjoy the same rights

harassment faced by girls and women in attempting to exercise their right to education. With respect to sexual harassment in the workplace, global human rights treaties do not provide clear protection to women.

However, international standards have been interpreted to include women’s right to be protected from sexual harassment. For example, the CEDAW Committee has explicitly identified sexual harassment as a form of violence against women and has

III. Provisions Relating to Rights within Marriage States Parties shall ensure that women and men enjoy equal rights and are regarded as equal partners in marriage. They shall enact appropriate national legislative measures to guarantee that; a) no marriage shall take place without the free and full consent of both parties; b) the minimum age of marriage for women shall be 18 years; c) monogamy is encouraged

in case of separation, divorce or annulment of marriage...

1. A widow shall have the right to an equitable share in the inheritance of the property of her husband. A Widow shall have the right to continue in the matrimonial house. In case of remarriage, she shall retain this right if the house belongs to her or she has inherited it.

2. Women and men shall have the right to inherit, in equitable shares, their parents’ properties.

The protocol clearly specifies 18 as the minimum age of marriage, affirming girls’ and women’s right to be protected from child marriage. It also provides for freedom from forced marriage and other discriminatory practices during and upon the dissolution of marriage.

The protocol surpasses current global human rights protections by prohibiting forced marriage practices and articulating a woman’s right to

“The protocol is unique among global human rights treaties in expressly articulating girls’ and women’s right to be protected from sexual harassment as a key component of their right to equality in education. The protocol also affirms women’s right to be free from sexual harassment as a basic social and economic right and as a key component of their right to work.”

Perspective

tween Practices And decide herself on matters of marriage and family. It is also the only international human rights treaty to identify monogamy as the “preferred form of marriage. These provisions clearly external the protocols reach into the spheres

violations faced by widows in Africa are acute; these transgressions are specifically addressed under the Protocol for the first time in a regional or global human right instrument.

Apart from the protocol, the only other human rights

of Family, community, and tradition — the areas where women are most likely to experience violations of their sexual and reproductive rights.

The protocol is also unique in its articulation of widows’ right to equality under international law, its express guarantees include those of a widow’s automatic right to become the guardian and custodian of her children, unless contrary to their interests and welfare; and of a widow’s right to remarry and, in that event, to marry the person of her choice.”

Widows face severe deprivations of their fundamental human rights in many regions of the world; existing global standards guaranteeing the right to equality and nondiscrimination may be interpreted to include widows’ rights, but have seldom been applied to combat discriminations against widows at the national level. The sexual and reproductive rights

instrument to specify a minimum age of marriage is the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which provides that child marriage “shall be prohibited and effective action, including legislation, shall be taken to specify the minimum age of marriage to be 18 years….

Further, CEDAW provides that “the betrothal and the marriage of a child shall have no legal effect and all necessary action, including legislation, shall be taken to specify a minimum age for marriage.’ However, CEDAW fails to specify 18 as the minimum age of marriage.

Women’s right to equality in marriage is guaranteed under CEDAW and the African Charter, though the charter notably fails to explicitly affirm women’s right to fully and freely consent to marriage. Other global human rights standards have been interpreted to include a prohibition on forced marriage practices. For example, the

Committee on the Rights of the child has determined that forced marriage is both a harmful traditional practice and a form of gender discrimination. In a General Comment, the Human Rights Committee has identified women’s right to free and informed choice in marriage as an element of women’s right to equality.

PUTTING THE PROTOCOL TO USE: SUGGESTIONS FOR ADVOCATES The protocol provides a strategic platform for advocates seeking to bring women’s sexual and reproductive rights to the attention of citizens, organisations, governments, and policymakers throughout Africa.

This section provides both advocates and policymakers with suggested guidelines on how to use the protocol to advance women’s sexual and reproductive rights, both nationally and locally.

Advocate for Ratification of the Protocol The protocol, which has received the necessary 15 ratifications, has entered into force and is a legally binding instrument on ratifying parties.

To find out if a particular country has signed and ratified the protocol, visit the African Union’s Web site at http:// www.africa-union.org/home/ welcome.htm.

Advocates in countries that have not yet signed the protocol should press their governments to sign.

Advocates in countries that have signed but not ratified the protocol can lobby their governments to complete the ratification process.

Uphold Protocol’s Objectives Once a state has ratified the protocol, that state is bound under international law to refrain

their human rights.”

Article 26 of the protocol requires all states parties to “ensure the implementation of the this Protocol at national level… States parties are further required to submit periodic reports to the Africa Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Commission), which will monitor the legislative and other measures taken to ensure woman’s full realization of the rights guaranteed in the protocol.

In addition, states parties are required to “provide for appropriate remedies to any woman whose rights or freedoms...have been violated.”

The adoption or repeal of legislation, implementation of policies and programs, and enforcement by national—level courts and other mechanisms of existing legal standards can fulfill the obligations outlined in the protocol.

Reform Legislation that Hinders Women’s Rights Advocates can lobby policymakers to reform national laws in accordance with the sexual and reproductive rights guaranteed in the protocol. And in countries where national laws or constitutions require the domestication of international treaties, advocates can push their governments to incorporate the protocol into local laws and policies. National courts can then exercise jurisdiction over eases involving violations of the treaty.

Advocates working at the national level can lobby the government to amend existing laws that fail to respect the rights guaranteed in the protocol.

Advocates can also lobby governments to adopt laws that will protect the rights guaranteed under the protocol. Finally, advocates can use the protocol to urge governments to pass laws

prohibit FC/FGM; • family laws that guarantee women’s right to equality in marriage, including their right to land and property ownership during and upon the dissolution of marriage; and • legislation that penalizes sexual harassment in schools and the workplace.

Laws that implement women’s rights include: • legislation that guarantees women the full range of reproductive health services; and • laws that establish institutional mechanisms for monitoring women’s status and adjudicating complaints concerning gender discrimination.

Examples of laws that require accompanying policies or programs include laws that address or recognize the following: • violence against women; • sexual discrimination against women; • women’s right to sexual and reproductive health; and • a woman’s right to abortion.

Promote National Policies and Programs that Support the Implementation of Women’s Rights Although national laws guaranteeing women’s rights are crucial for empowering women, it is equally important that governments adopt policies and programs that create the conditions necessary for women to exercise and realize their legal rights. For instance, although a state party may pass legislation decriminalizing abortion, without a policy or program that provides for safe and accessible health care during and after the procedure, the right t to abortion exists only on paper. Similarly, sexual violence may be penalized under a state’s criminal law, but sexual violence

and policies, which are backed by programs that implement the rights promised in the protocol.

To achieve this end, advocates using the protocol to help make sexual and reproductive rights a reality for African women should consider taking the following steps: • push national and local policymakers to enact policies and programs that seek to fulfill women’s rights; • ensure support for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that serve women; and • advise policymakers on the conditions necessary for women to effectively exercise the rights guaranteed under the protocol.

Redress Violations of the Protocol in National Courts Article 25 of the protocol requires all states parties to “provide for appropriate remedies to any woman whose rights or freedoms...have been violated.” States that have incorporated the protocol into national law can use their courts to uphold their international legal obligations to protect women’s human rights. In states that have yet to incorporate the protocol into national law, courts can still play a crucial role by enforcing domestic legislation regarding reproductive rights.

Advocates can bring cases before national courts to help address violations of women’s sexual and reproductive rights.

Use the Protocol to Raise Public Awareness of Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Rights Treaties help advocates articulate the nature amid content of women’s human rights. The language of the protocol, therefore, may be used to educate women and men, policymakers, and advocates on the meaning and significance of legal standards, entitlements, and obligations as they apply to

“Advocates working at the national level can lobby the government to amend existing laws that fail to respect the rights guaranteed in the protocol. Advocates can also lobby governments to adopt laws that will protect the rights guaranteed under the protocol.” from any acts that would defy the object or purpose of the protocol. As a result, any state that ratifies the treaty immediately assumes an obligation to uphold its stated objective “to ensure that the rights of women are promoted, realized and protected in order to enable them to enjoy fully all

that implement the rights laid out in the treaty.

Laws that protect women’s rights include: • criminal laws that penalize gender-based violence, including violence that occurs in the family and the home; • laws, with education and outreach components, that

cases will not be effectively reported or addressed by the courts without a policy or program to train police officers, lawyers, and judges to take this crime seriously and handle victims with dignity.

Governments must therefore translate the protocol’s guarantees into national laws

women’s rights in Africa.

Because the protocol largely affirms, and in some cases surpasses, existing global standards, it can help educate and remind policymakers about their existing obligations to women.

Courtesy: Centre For Reproductive Rights

Issues

Preparing For Retirement Introduction FOR so many people, retirement isn’t a word to think of until they are a few years or months to retirement. Retirement is one of those realities of life that everyone must be prepared for. Retirement is not something to be scared of because it is inevitable.

Even the Bible recognizes this and puts it this way: I must work the works of Him who sent me, while it is day; the night cometh when no man can work. John 9:4. In Deut 31:1-2, Moses said, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in.

Also see Joshua 13:1 Whether you are a Pastor, banker, teacher, accountant, journalist, footballer, doctor or lawyer, someday, you’ll stop working. This may either be voluntary or compulsory: due to old age, ill-health, or disability. The elders say (the office will see the end of the worker) Preparing for Retirement Retirement cannot be wished away, because it is practically impossible to work all one’s life, even in self employment and in ministry.

Except that life is cut short early by death, if you live to an advanced age, there is that point where, biologically, your body will begin to give in to years of toil and the process of natural aging.

When one is a bit unlucky, that process of yielding to physical constraints could come prematurely due to physical incapacitation of one form or another.

What all these simply says is that, one way or another; a day will come when, even the strongest man will be unable to actively fend for himself. When that day comes, will you be ready?

REDEMPTION LIGHT So, not only should you be interested in comfortable retirement, you should also work for timely retirement.

Retirement planning is a deliberate process to provide for that period when you could be out of steady income due to retirement from active work.

It’s all about thinking ahead, about seeing the

inevitable future and moving early to position oneself for the challenges.

Average life expectancy of Nigerians hover in the early 50s, though a large number of Nigerians live well beyond 80. This means they have to make adequate plan for

retirement and old age.

Though no one wishes it, but even if you die on the job, there is need to make proper provisions for those you’ll leave behind.

The Starting Point Your starting point to your retirement is when you get employed and start earning income.

The Need to Work: Work is important, whether you work for yourself or for someone else. It engages you and removes idleness. It also helps you to develop your talent and attain selfactualization. In paid employment, salary package and time are important considerations. There is a guaranteed agreed income at the end of the period say monthly. Your background, contacts, status, experience,

By BAYO OLUGBEMI

age, disposition has a lot to do with your job. Your job has a lot to do with your future or destiny Self Employment: Here, you have your own business from where you

succeed. Planning for retirement with determination is made simpler and quicker.

Hybrid Employment Part time Employment Between two spectrums,

children, leave a small mark in some little niche; then we pass away and that’s it.

Finished.

More than this, the unexpected may just show up. For instance, Boko Haram suicide bombings have sent many to untimely

earn a living. You are likely to put in all that you have; spirit, soul and body to enable you succeed in the venture. Being on your own makes you free to actualize your vision. It gives you confidence and courage. It is the fastest way to becoming somebody in the society. It is your best bet, if you cherish independence, but you must have the strong will to

here you are engaged by somebody and you are also involved in some personal business. Do your work and mind your business Things To Consider While Working.

The fragility of Life; We are born to this life, grow up, go to school, get a job, make some mends, make some money, raise a few

graves while some others have been seriously maimed.

Be focused: It takes a focused driver to get to his destination safely.

Life is full of challenges, but if you are focused, you can achieve a lot.

Keep your family intact: Whether married before employment or not, recognize your family as the

bedrock of your life. Your family is your life. It is a foundation you cannot ignore Plan It is important to start planning early in life and planning cuts across every area of life.

Financial Planning helps

you to make efficient use of your money. Family Planning is to deliberately choose the number of children a couple wants to have and the spacing of the birth of one child to the other.

(May be too late now).

Retirement planning is a conscious plan put in place while working to take care of one’s needs when one is out of work.

“It takes a focused driver to get to his destination safely. Life is full of challenges, but if you are focused, you can achieve a lot.”

Drumbeats Power Of Dreams

The Heroes ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1809-1865) ABRAHAM Lincoln knew a great deal about loss. His mother died when he was nine, he lost an election to the Illinois State Legislature (I832) failed to obtain a desired appointment as Commissioner of the General Land Office in millions ( lost senate races (1855-1856) lost a Vice Presidential nomination (1856) and in (1864) he seemed on the verge of losing a bid for a second term as President. In (1850) his four year old son died, in 1862 his twelve years old son died. Few people, however, remember Lincoln losses because his victories were so important.

Born in a log Cabin in Kentucky, Lincoln attended only a few mounts of blab school a school with no books of which the students repeated the teacher’s words aloud. He moved with his family to South West Indiana and then later to Illinois. He became a captain in the Black hawk war and was elected to the Illinois State Legislature in 1834.

Along the way he taught himself mathematics, read classical literature and worked on his writing style lie took the Bible as his model for writing and speaking arid disciplined himself to produce Crisp, Clear, Simple Sentences. He once said, “I will study and prepare myself, and one day when the time comes I will be ready “ He wrote to a friend “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other thing” Lincoln worked as a general store shopkeeper for a while a venture that led him into bankrupt and left Lincoln owing $1,100, a tremendous sum in these days. He promised to pay it all. It took him fifteen years, but he kept his word, Lincoln began his law practice in 1836, when his clients overpaid him, he sent refunds. People in the area began to call him “Honest Abe”.

As a state legislator, Lincoln took his first step against slavery. His stand was not popular- only five lawmakers sided with him, and seventyseven sided with the slave owners in a key vote about slavery. He became the first president ever elected without

an electoral vote from a slave state. By the time Lincoln took office, the confederacy had declared its existence and the civil war began his first year in office. A major turning point of the civil war came with victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, Lincoln was asked by his genera on the eve of the Gettysburg battle why he was so cairn. He answered; “ spent fast night in prayer before the Lord.” He has given to me the assurance that our cause will triumph and that the nation will be preserved.” Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address” is considered one of the most outstanding political speeches in American history. It was only five days offer General Lee Surrendered on the evening of Good Friday in 1865 that Lincoln was shot while attending a performance at Lord’s theater.

Throughout his life, Lincoln was unwavering in his desire to do what was right and to do his best. He once said during the civil war, “I do the very best, I know how the very best I can and I mean to keep on doing it to the end, if the end brings rue out all right what is said against me will not amount to anything. If the end brings me out all wrong, then a Legion of angels swearing I was right will make no difference.

THOMAS EDISON (18471931) What would a logical person expect from a man who was branded by a school master as “retarded” and who finished only three months of formal education certainly not the versatile and inventive life of Thomas A. Edison.

Edison produced his first invention a electric voterecorder, when he was only twenty-one years old it did not sell as Edison had hoped. He refused, however, to be discouraged and moved on to invent an improved stock ticker system. It did sell-for $ 40,000, a tremendous sum in the late nineteenth century. A series of other inventions followed and Edison was both wealthy and famous. He didn’t seen to notice, however He was too busy inventing. He patented the phonograph in 1877 and the practical incandescent light in 1879.

He was not the first to invest an electric lighting system, but

he was the first to develop a system of distributing electricity power, which made electricity available for ordinary home use, In 1882, his company began producing electricity for homes in New York City, and the home use

many industrial firms established later. He is credited with developing the concept of “Corporate RTD” in house research and development divisions that employ scientific practical teams to develop practical products What few people know about Edison is that for most of his life he suffered from seriously impaired. Hearing, He chose to compensate for his impairment in two ways, hard work and focus on inventions

Abraham Lincoln of electricity spread rapidly through out the world there after. He later organized several industrial corn panics, including General Electric Company.

Among Edison’s achievements, lie contributed greatly to the development of motion-picture cameras and projectors, made significant improvements to the telephone, telegraph, and type writer, and invented a dictating machine, a mimeograph machine, and a storage battery, in all, he patented more than a

that would either enhance his ability to hear or give him ample means of communicating apart from the spoken word.

Many of Edison’s inventions were not “first” in a particular field, but rather, important enhancements that made creative inventions more usable. Edison sought to make the genius of others accessible and practical. In that, he succeeded as no other American has.

He continued to work wit]) dogged persistence until his

With Apostle Dr. Raphael O. Ayemere 08035459593

Scotland and migrated to the United States of America at the age of thirteen Where he got a job, earning a dollar a week as a Weaver’s Assistant in a cotton factory.

Few would have predicted he would become one of the wealthiest and most powerful in the nation: As a messenger boy in a Pittsburgh telegraph office, Carnegie learned telegraphy.

He advanced quickly to become a division superintendent for the Pennsylvania railroad.

Through friendship with the inventor of the sleeping car he became a part of the woodruff sleeping car company and made his first small fortune.

He invented some of his earning in Pennsylvania oil lands and increased his wealth enormously. After the civil war, he entered the iron business. In 1868, he introduced the Bessemer Process into the steel industry and established steel words in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.

Carnegie consolidated all of his interest in 1899 into the Carnegie steel company, and two years later he retired from business with a fortune estimated at a half billion dollars.

Carnegie then turned to philanthropy as his “occupation.” In 1912 he announced the creation of a foundation that he had funded with $125 million to carry out his philanthropic schemes, which already exceeded $200mi He desired to die a poor man, but at his death, was still worth $22million having

various peace- related enterprises. As a writer, he vigorously denounced war, and his books.

The Gospel of wealth the empire of Business, and problems of today became international bestsellers With very little formal education himself, Carnegie gave generously to educational institutes. He was a major benefactor of the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, and he gave generously to Saint Andrews and Aberdeen Universities in Scotland. A gift of $15 million to the Carnegie foundation for the Advancement of teaching was designated to aid teachers in their retirement. Carnegie Hero funds provided financial gifts to help widows, orphans, and those who were incapacitated for heroic attempts to save human lives.

The Carnegie Institute, which he funded initially with a gift of $22 million, was established to encourage research into ways to improve the general welfare of man kind more than $50 million was given to help libraries.

A reporter once asked Carnegie the secret of his success. He replied, “ I own it alt to my flashes. I woke up early in the morning always there came into my mind with the waking a flash telling me what to do that day, and if I followed those flashes, I always succeeded.

The reporter then asked, “you mean that you have heavenly visions, and like the man in the scriptures you were

“Throughout his life, Lincoln was unwavering in his desire to do what was right and to do his best. He once said during the civil war, “I do the very best, I know how the very best I can and I mean to keep on doing it to the end, if the end brings rue out all right what is said against me will not amount to anything.” thousand separate inventions.

Early in his career, Edison set up a research lab at Menlo Park, New Jersey, where he employed a group of assistants to help him in his research.

This became the prototype of large research laboratories that

death at eighty four. He was liked by those who knew him and an inspiration to other inventors and entrepreneurs who followed him.”

ANDREW CARNEGIE (1835-19 19) Andrew Carnegie was born in

been a factory worker himself, he was very concerned about the personal welfare of the workers and established a multimillion dollar benefit fund from the employees of the Carnegie steel company.

He also gave millions to

not disobedient to your visions.’?”

With a smile Carnegie replied, “Call it that if you like.., it was the following of these silent admonitions and directions which brought me the success you say I have achieved”.

Gender Issues Modern Women And Traditional Values WOMEN are usually faced with two burdens in this modem society: the traditional duties expected of them as wives and modem civilization which gives them some rights. In those days in a typical African setting, when a woman marries, she retains her first name. If she was called Osamede, she retains that name. But Colonialism brought Christianity and that changed everything and the woman adopts her husband’s family name and she becomes Mrs. Notwithstanding national constitutions according women “equal rights,” women’s right as regards inheritance, marriage and divorce, freedom of movement (travel) etc are so severely circumscribed in many countries in Africa by patriarchal values and male dominance that for all practical purposes they are nonexistent. In a number of African countries, a married woman can only travel with her husbands’ consent. In some countries, a woman has no right to separation or divorce unless the court orders it or the husband consents. Men may divorce their wives for adultery, but women need two grounds to divorce and male adultery is an insufficient cause of divorce.

Women in some parts of

the world find alimony too tempting to ignore at divorce. Not so here. The Nigerian ex-wife only gets a pittance and an equally mean allowance as child maintenance. Many fathers do not even honour the court injunction on the allowance and invariably, some women go without it. She can hope for no understanding nor sympathy at the readjustment stage after a broken marriage.

In our culture, men are not supposed to ask their wives for family support, but this is happening now. A lot of women are the ones responsible for economic viability in the family. The result of financial insecurities in the home would mean the woman has to work for 24 hours. She knows the order. After a day’s job, the mother comes back home to continue her duties as a woman since she is supposed to take care of the home. Even though she works, she still inns the home.

A woman’s career and educational achievement may place her in a high status which intimidates men.

Some believe that too much education for woman would do wedlock no good. They believe she will be difficult to control. The question then is, should a woman avoid success? A big No! Women should succeed in their jobs.

By ABIBATU LAWANI-AGBADA

But they have to manage their success with humility and modest life style.

Although, women empowerment through education is very important,

jealous of his wife’s success instead of supporting her?

Whose name is the woman bearing? If the woman is successful, the glory will rub off on him because she is actually bearing his name.

part of the reaction of men towards women empowerment is that many men are now jealous of their wives status. This is very wrong. Why would a man be

Every woman needs encouragement and push from her husband.

All these talk about equality is not necessary because when a woman is

well placed in the society, her achievement will speak for her and men will respect her. It is not enough for women to continue to shout about women equality and liberation.

They should get more education. It’s only through

whatever a man is doing, he needs the support of his wife to succeed. Behind every successful man they say, there is a woman. A good wife plays complimentary role to her husband whether as a house wife or career woman.

education that a woman can achieve equal right in the society. Many determined Nigerian Women have emerged as judges, commissioners, doctors, great politicians, etc. In

Nigerian constitution does not deprive women of their rights. Even though she feels that oppression by her husband is a private affair.

Women do not recourse to the court if they are wronged.

“Although, women empowerment through education is very important, part of the reaction of men towards women empowerment is that many men are now jealous of their wives status. This is very wrong.”

Issues Nature Science FROM our study of farm soil, it is evident that the growing of agricultural crops will take minerals away from the soil and that the removal of the crop at harvest will reduce the amount of humus-forming materials returned to the soil. Even if the soil is fertile and has a reserve of minerals, we shall soon exhaust the supplies of nitrogen compounds in it and the crops will cease to grow well unless we add humus in every possible way.

Good agricultural practice adopts several ways of doing this.

Compost making. All waste plant materials, weeds and farm rubbish of all kinds which will decay, are collected into a properly constructed heap and are allowed to rot and break down into a material called compost.

This is humus material, and the process of making it is only copying what happens in nature.

Grass cuttings, animal manure, urine and kitchen waste are valuable additions to the compost heap. Books on gardening or farming describe in detail how to make compost, but the management of the heap must be in accordance with the important stages of the decomposition process as far as they are known.

The usually accepted practice is outlined below The first stage of fermentation and oxidation is carried out by bacteria in the air; during this process a high temperature is generated in the heap which kills insect pests, flies’ eggs, harmful bacteria and seeds of weeds.

Woody material is attacked slowly and should be composted in a separate heap, or burnt first and the ashes then added to the heap. A starter’ is necessary to encourage rapid oxidation; rotted animal manure, urine or nightsoil can be used for this purpose.

Moisture and air are essential at this stage. A suitable heap is 4 ft. square and 4 ft. high. it should be built on bare ground, in layers of rubbish 6 in. thick and with a thin layer of manure scattered between each. The heap must be turned at least once to bring the outer parts of the heap to the centre.

The second stage of the process begins as the temperature of the heap falls, and is carried out by fungi which require moisture and warmth. The threads of the fungi break up the plant material and, after about three weeks, these fungi then die off. The heap should then be turned or the next stage.

The third stage requires air and it sets in as bacteria and mycetozoa take over from the fungi. The heap should be kept moist but must not be wet enough to exclude air. After three weeks,

Soil Conservation

Helping The Nitrogen Cycle the heap should be turned again and then left for the final stage of decomposition, which is carried out mainly by bacteria that do not require air.

The compost should have a sweet earthy smell and should be clean to handle, crumbling easily in the fingers. During the last three

weeks of formation, the heap must be protected from rain and sun since high temperature and oxidation may result in the loss of much humus material, and considerable amounts of nitrogen may be lost as ammonia. In the dry season it may be necessary to protect the heap all through the

process. In the wet season it is essential to see that the heap drains well and does not become waterlogged. A continuous formation of heaps ensures a constant supply of compost and the continuous useful disposal of rubbish.

When applying compost to the

farm, it should be used carefully and must be dug into the soil.

Exposure to hot sun and the drying out of the compost on the surface of the soil may result in the destruction and loss of much potential plant food which has been laboriously produced.

Manure from sewage disposal

Geotropism GEOTROPISM is the directed response of plant organs to the force of gravity. If seeds are planted in the soil at random, it is well known that after germination the radicle always grows downwards and the plumule upwards, no matter what their original positions were when they emerged from the seed. Stems grow away from gravity and are said to be negatively geotropic; this would normally bring them and their leaves into the light. Roots grow towards gravity into the soil. The bending response is caused in each case by unequal growth of

the two sides, upper and lower, of the roots and stems, with respect to gravity.

The klinostat is a clockwork mechanism which turns a cork cylinder at the rate of about one revolution every fifteen minutes.

Seedlings can he pinned to the cork cylinder so that, as the cylinder revolves in a vertical plane, the point being exposed to the stimulus is therefore changing all the time and the effect of the force of gravity is thus neutralized. Radicles and plumules in such experiments grow on in their original direction and show no geotropic effect,

proving that it is the force of gravity which affects them. If they are grown on the cylinder without revolving, they show the normal geotropic curvature.

Careful experiments have shown that the concentration of auxin in the growing region of a stem is greater on the lower than on the upper side; this causes greater growth on the lower side, and as it grows the stem bends away from gravity. With roots, the same auxin is formed in greater concentration on the lower side but it has the reverse effect on the root cells, slowing down their growth; the lower side

“Careful experiments have shown that the concentration of auxin in the growing region of a stem is greater on the lower than on the upper side; this causes greater growth on the lower side, and as it grows the stem bends away from gravity.”

con sequently elongates more slowly than the upper side and the root grows down towards gravity.

It is thought that this concentration of auxin is toxic for root growth which is thus inhibited on the lower side.

Ingenious research experiments with both radicles and coleoptiles have proved that it is the tip which receives the gravitational stimulus (as it does the phototropic one) and that it is the growing region behind the tip which responds.

Side shoots of plants grow horizontally or at an angle to the gravitational pull (diageotropic or plageotropic). Their final position. however, is the result of their reaction to gravity and of the effect of the main shoot. If a main shoot or leader is destroyed, a side shoot takes over as the leader and grows vertically.

Leaves are usually sensitive to light and become orientated at a fixed angle to the direction of light, but if there is equal illumination all round them, they become plageotropic, setting themselves at an angle to gravity.

Farmyard manure is not usually obtainable, but another source of animal manure is human waste.

Old pit latrines, or burrow pits, in which night-soil has been buried can be opened after a year or two and the residual humus material dug out; this is quite safe to use for the farm or vegetable garden and is valuable. The use of sewage materials, or nightsoil, on a large scale requires very careful organisation as it is not only very unpleasant but a dangerous source of infectious diseases, and careless disposal is a great danger to public health. It has been carried out very successfully around Kano and Ibadan, under the supervision of the Public Health authorities, and the farms and vegetable gardens in these areas benefit greatly from the dressing of manure applied to the soils.

Green manures. Leguminous crops, for example Calapagonium, Pueraria, Vigna (Pigeon Pea) or Mucuna, are grown as cover crops on land left fallow and, whatever system of crop rotation. is used, one such leguminous crop is always included. The cover crop protects the surface of the land from heavy rain, and the root nodules increase the supply of nitrogen to the soil. During the growing season these plants provide fodder for cattle, sheep or goats and at the end of the season they are dug into the soil. The soft stems and leaves rot in the ground and add humus to the soil.

The importance of humus may be summed up by saying that the fertility of the soil depends upon the preservation and conservation of its humus material. Compost making, green manures, grass fallows and mixed farming help to maintain the humus supply, which is the sole source of nitrate essential to plant growth. These methods are also sources of phosphate and other essential mineral elements, e.g. calcium, potassium and magnesium. The humus colloids have a favourable effect on the tilth properties of soil; they protect the nutrients in the soil from being leached out by the rain and help the infiltration of water into the soil, so reducing water run-off and soil loss.

Artificial fertilizers. Artificial fertilisers are becoming cheap enough for enterprising farmers to use for supplementing the plant nutrients obtained from humus.

It may be mentioned here that artificial fertilisers can sometimes provide minerals which are deficient in an area of land; it will also be evident that natural manures prepared on land deficient in certain minerals will also be deficient and must be supplemented with fertilizers, if all the plant’s requirements are to be satisfied.

Courtesy: Andir

Agriculture

IN areas where cattle can be reared, what is called mixed farming is possible. This is the incorporation of animal husbandry into a drop farming system. The cattle can be used for ploughing, if no mechanical plough is available, and the small farmer can cultivate larger areas.

The animals supply meat and their dung is a valuable addition to the land, helping to keep up the supply of nitrogen and humus in the soil. Cattle used for ploughing must be strong and well fed if they are to work and keep healthy; areas of the farm must therefore be used to grow fodder for them. They also need care and, at certain times, shelter, which is difficult for the small farmer to provide. Areas ploughed up and planted for fodder or leguminous grazing can be incorporated into a rotation cycle, and the cattle can be crop fed or grazed. Fallow areas which are set aside for grazing must not be grazed continuously, otherwise they become devoid of suitable fodder plants; these areas, therefore, must be enclosed or rested periodically and, if possible, they should be ploughed and replanted with fodder crops and pasture.

Dwarf cattle are resistant to trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and can be used in areas where the tsetse fly is prevalent.

These cattle are, however, too small for ploughing work and are used only occasionally by farmers in these areas merely as a casual addition to farming; they graze over areas which are left fallow. Experimental stations are gradually producing cattle which are larger, strong enough to plough, and yet resistant to trypanosomiasis; it may become possible for the small farmer to incorporate these cattle into his farming system and use them for ploughing to extend his cultivated areas. Such cattle

would still need proper husbandry; sufficient food and shelter would be needed; and perhaps grazing times would have to be limited to early morning and late evening td avoid tsetse-fly infection.

It seems likely that larger cooperative farms might be more successful than small family farms. Large units would have more resources; they could be mechanised and run more scientifically with technical advice, and so incorporate good animal husbandry with a proper system of arable farming. The soil erosion problems would probably become intensified if ploughing and other operations became mechanised, and careful preventive measures against erosion would have to be taken.

Grass fallows or leys These are areas left for some time under grass or mixed grass and leguminous cover. This land can be combined with a mixed farming or crop-rotation system.

The organic content of the soil is built up on such land because the grass adds material to it year by year. When the land is cultivated again, the grass stalks should be ploughed or dug in.

CROP ROTATION Crop rotation is the system whereby different crops are grown in rotation on the same areas of a farm during the course of several years. Crop rotation is usually combined with a scientifically planned system of fallow periods and manuring.

The aim of this rotation is to use the land to its best advantage, but at the same time to conserve its fertility as far as possible. Such planned economical use of land is today of the utmost importance to tropical countries where peasant-farming practice will, if not revised, gradually exhaust the soil of its nutrients, with the result that whole areas may become infertile desert. The old

Mixed Farming

method of shifting cultivation is no longer possible, since within community land boundaries untouched areas of forest no longer exist. Also, the extended bush-fallow system, whereby a farmer returns to the same piece of land after a number of years, has become a dangerous practice, because the land cannot be left long enough between crop cultivations to recover its nutrients. Extensive areas of farmland have already become infertile, and better systems of land usage must be found if rapid deterioration of the soil over even larger areas is to be halted.

To find a good farming system in any area which makes the most advantageous use of the land and yet preserves its fertility as far as possible by combining the methods of crop rotation, fallow periods and manures, is a complicated matter. This can only be decided by agricultural experts with scientific knowledge and experience of that particular area.

Many important considerations must be taken into account, and agricultural stations are available to give expert advice. The farmer is told the main crops and best variety of these crops for the system most suited to his soil and the climate of his area. The crops must be those which the farmer wants to grow, although he may be advised to include new crops if they are necessary to complete the crop-rotation system.

The following table shows some of the possible crops for an ordinary farm in the main regions of West Africa, but it does not include the vegetable garden or the permanent crops, such as cocoa, rubber, oil palms, etc., for which different arrangements must be made.

MAIN CROPS yam cocoyam cassava bean*

ADDITIONAL CROPS maize groundnut sweet potato bean melon and pumpkin

Middle belt (Moist Savannah)

yam, cassava Cocoyam guinea-corn cotton

late maize bean groundnut sweet potato melon and pumpkin tobacco, fibre

pigeon pea sword bean Cetrosema Stylosanthes Voandzeia

Dry belt

millet Guinea-corn

groundnut maize Bean Melon, pumpkin Tobacco, fibre Sesamun, sunflower

Stylosanthes pigeon-pea sun-hemp Voandzeia

Wet belt

*bean is included as main crops because it is an important source of protein.

COVER CROPS Mucuna fodder or green cow-pea(edible crop) pigeon pea (edible crop) sword bean Calapogonium or Pueraria fodder Centrosema

Some of the main considerations which govern a rotation system are as follows: I. The period over which one cycle of rotation is carried out; a three-, four- or five-year cycle can be chosen.

2. As far as possible, crops which make different mineral demands on the soil must succeed each other in the cycle, if fertility of the soil is to be maintained from year to year. Deep-rooted crops should alternate or be combined with surface feeders.

3. A fallow period must be included in the cycle and its length will depend on the quality of the soil.

4. Rotation alone will not maintain fertility and a system of regular manuring must be adopted by which animal manure, green manures or artificial fertilisers are added at least once every four or five years.

5. Leguminous crops must be included because of the valuable additions in nitrogen which they make to the soil. They are used as green manures, cover crops or mixed grazing fallows.

6. At all times land must be kept with a good cover of vegetation, especially during periods of heavy rain, as a protection against excessive leaching and soil erosion.

In selecting which crops should alternate, it must be remembered that the main crops, such as yams, maize, guinea-corn and cassava, which produce the bulk of food, exhaust the soil of its nutrients and should therefore not follow each other, unless manure is added at the same stage in the cycle. As a general rule, if two main crops follow one another, it is advisable for ‘top crop’, like maize or guinea-corn, to alternate with a ‘root’ crop, such as yams or cassava. Yams need fertile soil since they make heavy demands on all plant minerals; they are

therefore always planted with the addition of manure or fertiliser.

Plants of the same family tend to make similar demands on the soil and should not succeed each other without manuring. Cassava can tolerate poor soil conditions and is suitable for the end of a cycle; moreover, if the cassava is followed by a fallow period, the tubers are best left in the ground until they are wanted so that they can be dug up as required. Deep-rooted crops like yams, cassava and cotton should alternate with shallow-rooted ones like maize, groundnuts and melons. Deep roots increase the amount of top soil, because they penetrate the subsoil and their small branch- roots break off and help to extend bacterial action deeper into the soil. Agricultural experts can advise farmers about which minerals are exhausted from the soil by particular crops, and a careful selection of plants which do not have exactly the same requirements will help to con serve the soil minerals.

Guinea-corn and maize, for example, are heavy on nitrate while a leguminous crop, such as beans or groundnuts, requires less. Maize should never follow tall grass fallows in the South Guinea savannah of the middle belt which are often low in nitrate, but a legume, such as Voandzeia, should be planted in a period between these two crops.

Mixed cropping Where the soil is satisfactory, interplanting of deep-rooted crops with shallow- rooted ones is often practised, so that the best use is made of the one growing season; for example, yams are often interplanted with melons or maize. Late maize can be planted so that it can be harvested after a short-term crop such as groundnuts. Cow-peas, which form a good cover, provide good

food and persist through most of the dry season, are often planted with cassava cuttings or with other tall crops. In middle-belt areas, yams may be planted with rows of guinea-corn so that the corn stalks which remain after harvesting can be used as supports for the yam vines. Rotations must be planned, so that the crops can be planted and harvested at the appropriate times of the year, one harvest following another accordingly. Such a rotation could be formed using short-term crops, and crops which take longer to mature.

Short-term legume fallows, e.g.

Mucuna and Pueraria, are usually dug into the soil as green manures when late plantings are made.

Longer fallows such as cow-peas and Centrosema are left to continue over the dry season until the next season’s planting begins.

Fallow periods may have to be extended in places where the soil is poor; if an annual like mucuna is used, it can be left to seed itself and grow up again.

Pigeon peas may be left with a leguminous cover crop for a whole year. Deep- rooted perennial covers have been used effectively in some areas; for example, ‘icheku’ (Ibo), Acioa barteri, is planted in parts of Eastern Nigeria and its deep roots bring up fresh sup plies of minerals which are returned to the soil by leaf litter. From time to time the tall shrubby growth is cut down, leaving sufficient poles for interplanted yam vines to twine up. After harvest the ‘icheku’ shoots out again and re-forms the cover. In Ibibio country, ‘nya’ (Efik), Maero niacrophyllum, has been used for the same purpose.

More usually the cover crop is interplanted towards the end of the growing season, and it then establishes itself in time to survive and cover the land in the dry season.

Issues Health

WHEN you begin a program for better health, it’s important to understand the effects cleansing has on the body. If you are like most people, you’ve probably spent your life eating dead, processed, and chemically-laden foods. So it comes as no surprise that many of the toxins from those foods are stored in your body. But as you consume clean, living food, you will, in effect, be giving your body permission to finally get rid of those toxins.

Some times this is an uncomfortable process. As your body begins dealing with the damage caused by your former lifestyle, you may experience symptoms which for a short time could actually make you feel worse. But my friends, please don’t give up! The good health and energy you have so long desired are right around the corner.

When you begin eating living, nontoxic food, your body will begin reversing the tides, having the energy and nutrients to begin ridding itself of the stored toxins.

Excess weight that was used to store toxins will begin to come off as well. Yet, before you experience unbroken health and wellness, you may experience some discomfort as your body expels these toxins. People some times experience cold or flu-like symptoms, while others mistake the symptoms as allergies. I know one man who, although he said he felt good, was coughing up phlegm for almost eight weeks-he was a former smoker.

There may be body aches, nausea, dizziness, headaches, pimples, stuffiness, or mental fogginess. The symptoms, or any combination of these or other symptoms, can come and go, and can range widely in severity.

But don’t worry! They are merely the signs that you are finally giving your body what it needs to shake all those toxins loose from their isolated places to sweep them out. The symptoms you’ll likely experience are a normal part of what is called a healing crisis.

Later, we’ll navigate more thoroughly through the healing crisis. But for now, we’ll discuss how the healing crisis is a natural part of the cleansing process.

There are several elaborate systems your body uses to cleanse itself, which all cooperate in what is called the elimination system. It involves much more than the so-called elimination organs—skin, lungs, colon, kidneys, and sinuses. Your body will use these elimination organs as the exit point for getting rid of the toxins. As this happens, you should know that a very complex and welldesigned process has been going on to get the toxins to these exit points. Most of what you’ll be feeling during your healing crisis will be the effect of having the toxins in your blood stream again. That means they’ll be passing through all your tissues on their way to one of your elimination organs. And they’re

Cleansing The System

By GEORGE MALKAMUS

being carried there by various properties in your immune and elimination systems.

But you aren’t completely at the mercy of how aggressively your body cleanses itself! You can cooperate with your body to keep the pathways of elimination open and clear.

The detoxification symptoms you may feel as you get healthier will be made worse if you don’t help your elimination organs do their job. So, let’s talk about the elimination exit points and some things you can do to support your elimination process and lessen the healing crisis symptoms.

Skin. Not many people consider the skin when they think about their organs, but the skin is the largest organ of the entire body. It keeps out most of what we want out, and it keeps in what we want in. You may have thought only your lungs provide oxygen and nitrogen to your body, but much of your respiration actually occurs through your skin. Your skin also helps remove poisons from your body through perspiration.

Most people don’t think of sweating as a good thing. No one likes feeling self-conscious of how they smell. However, it’s one of the body’s best ways of removing toxins. We should encourage the body to sweat or the skin will become congested with toxins and microparticles.

Skin rashes and lesions result from tissue congestion inside the layers of the skin.

Keeping our skin clean with frequent bathing and showering will help prevent the reabsorption of toxins. Using natural products will help the skin breathe much better than their commercial, chemical counterparts. Avoid mineral oils, as they will clog pores. Also, choosing natural fabrics for clothing will help the skin’s respiration; man-made fabrics tend to hold in moisture, and they also restrict the skin’s ability to breathe.

Be careful with all antiperspirants and some deodorants, as they block the body’s function to sweat. Your underarms are designed to sweat for a reason, and if you block these outlets of toxic elimination, you beg for trouble. Your armpits are the abode of your lymphatic glands so preventing this area from sweating forces toxins back into your system. Further, most antiperspirants contain aluminum which studies have linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

You will need far less protection or masking from odor when your sweat no longer contains the backlog of toxins that cultivate 0 bacteria. In fact, after you’re on The Hallelujah Diet for a while, you’ll likely find that you don’t need deodorant at all because the e toxins will be gone

for good.

Lungs. Our lungs are among the largest, most valuable elimination organs. They exchange over 12,000 quarts of air per day. Gases are eliminated through the lungs particularly carbon dioxide. When we inhale oxygen the oxidation of our

How does matter arrive in the large intestine? First, food is chewed in the mouth and then travels down to the stomach via the esophagus, where it is further broken down and digested.

Living foods are easily digested in the stomach, because they still contain the enzymes that work with the digestive juices to break down the food. After digestion,

plethora of problems and is a major source of toxins in the body. You need to cooperate with this elimination system by supporting it with food that will help it function powerfully. You must also drink lots of clean water and juices throughout the day. Occasionally, it may be helpful to use a colon-cleansing herbal blend to assist in

body’s cells produces carbon dioxide.

As you breathe, the movement in your lungs diaphragm, and thorax act as a pump for lymph fluid as it flows through your lymph system. Your lymph system is the primary system your body uses to deliver toxins to your elimination organs. The lungs are also involved in body temperature regulations the acid!

Alkaline balance we discussed earlier, and the movement of fluid throughout the lymphatic system. In addition, deep breathing is the primary source for oxygen, which is vital for your body to produce the energy it needs to get through the healing crisis.

Pollutants and smoking will hinder your lungs, and they’re downright deadly. You can help out your lungs by taking long walks in fresh air; focus on filling your lungs; taking a few long, deep breaths instead of many shallow, quick ones. And when you are sitting or resting, position your body so you can breathe as deeply as possible. This will increase your absorption of oxygen and relax your body.

Colon. Your colon is one of the most obvious routes for elimination. Quite simply, your colon’s job is to remove water from fecal matter and expel that matter from your body.

it enters the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed and released into the bloodstream.

Everything else then moves into the colon. The gradually dehydrating and compressing matter is moved along the intestines through contractions of smooth muscles around the intestines and colon. Exercise and deep breathing helps to assist in this process. But what we eat affects the efficiency of this process.

Plant-based foods—with their great amounts of water and fiber—are digested in 30 to 45 minutes. The fiber acts as a broom that sweeps the colon clean. On the other hand, meat has no fiber and sticks around for 72 to 96 hours. Meat often leaves a residue that clings to the colon for months—or longer. Part of your Thanksgiving dinner from a few years ago could still be in there! To paraphrase Leonardo da Vinci: “When humans eat animal products, they use their stomachs as a graveyard.”

Other foods can also cause problems in your large intestine.

White sugar and flour have no fiber and simply ferment in your colon until they pass through it.

This can cause heartburn, headache, indigestion, and diarrhea.

A healthy colon is necessary for the body to function properly.

An unhealthy colon can cause a

removing the dead incrusted fecal matter. But once it is cleaned out, in most cases drinking enough juices and water and sticking with the 85-percent raw vegetable diet recommend in this book, will be enough along with exercise and deep breathing—to keep your colon working freely.

Kidneys. The kidneys filter your bloodstream, drawing toxins out of it. One of these toxins is uric acid. Uric acid builds up in your muscles and other tissues as a by product of metabolism and the breakdown of proteins as they are used to rebuild tissue. Meat consumption is a major source of uric acid toxicity. Many people have very high levels of uric acid in their blood and tissues because of their meat diet. It’s very easy for a human to exceed the ability of the kidneys to filter out uric acid on a meat diet.

As the kidneys filter out toxins, they will suspend them in water and send the solution to the bladder. Drinking lots of pure water and juices will help the kidneys function well. Make it your goal to drink a total of onehalf ounce of water for each pound of your body weight per day. (This quantity may include the fresh juice, but does not include coffee, tea or other beverages.) More about this in

the next chapter.

Eyes ears, nose, and throat.

Your body uses all of these organs to detoxify. Many symptoms we consider illness are really just our bodies expelling unwanted particles out of our system. You may notice your eyes becoming more crusty than usual in the mornings or they may form a mucus coating, which prompts you to rub them.

You can support all your elimination systems by eating fruits and vegetables with a lot of fiber. Juice fasting

occasionally (drinking juices only, but not consuming any solid food) can boost your body’s ability to cleanse and provide the nutrients your body needs to repair itself. Please note that we do not recommend juice fasting until you’ve been on The Hallelujah Diet for at least six months. Your body needs to cleanse slowly, and a juice fast can be harmful if implements too quickly.

Water fasting is not recommended for detoxing as it simply draws out toxins and does nothing to provide the body with needed nutrients.

The cleansing process is necessary, but it doesn’t have to be traumatic. Just remember, you’ve been putting toxins into your bodies for a long time and you can expect it will take a while to get them out. It won’t always be pleasant, but it will definitely be worth it. Make a commitment to try The Hallelujah Diet for at least a month. And remember, once you feel those obvious symptoms of the cleansing process, you’ll know you’re on your way to better health!

And now for the good news!

The vast majority of those who go on The Hallelujah Diet suffer from such mild symptoms, they don’t even realize they’re going through detox.

International

Gaza Fighting Abates As Diplomatic Tension Flares

An Israeli soldier smokes a cigarette after crossing back into Israel from Gaza recently.

Israel eased its assaults in the Gaza strip and Palestinian rocket fire from the enclave declined sharply recently, the military said, with both the United States and United Nations calling for a durable ceasefire.

Ukrainian Ministry Emergency Officer, left, Donetsk People’s Republic fighter, 2nd left, and members of the OSCE Mission in Ukraine examine a map as they discuss the situation around the site of the crashed Malaysia Airlines Flight H17 in the city of Donetsk, eastern Ukraine on Sunday.

GAZA/JERUSALEM - Israel eased its assaults in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rocket fire from the enclave declined sharply yesterday, the military said, with both the United States and United Nations calling for a durable ceasefire.

As international pressure mounted to end a 21-day conflict in which more than 1,000 people have been killed, an Israeli military official said the army would only fire in response to attacks, adding that this would be for an “unlimited” period.

However, Israeli troops continued to hunt and destroy cross-border militant tunnels inside Gaza, and it was not clear if Hamas Islamists who control the small enclave were ready to agree to a prolonged pause.

Hamas said on Sunday it wanted a 24-hour truce to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which started yesterday. In the hours after its announcement, Gaza gradually fell quiet.

Just one rocket was fired out of the battered coastal territory at the Israeli city of Ashkelon in the first nine hours yesterday the military said. Gaza residents reported brief bursts of tank shelling and no casualties.

“This ceasefire or abatement is dynamic on the ground. If we need to, we will respond,” Israel’s chief military spokesman, Brigadier General Motti Almoz, told local media.

U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold fire unconditionally, while the U.N. Security Council agreed a statement that called on both sides to implement a humanitarian truce that stretched beyond Eid. Netanyahu’s security cabinet met into the early hours yesterday to debate ceasefire proposals and also a possible escalation of the Gaza offensive, which Israel says was needed to halt Hamas rocket fire and destroy its tunnel network.

Israeli air, sea and ground attacks have killed some 1,031 Palestinians, mainly civilians and including many children, Gaza officials say. Israel says 43 of its soldiers have died, along with three civilians killed by rocket and

N/Korea Threatens Nuclear Strike On White House

PYONGYONG - A topranking North Korean military official has threatened a nuclear strike on the White House and Pentagon after accusing Washington of raising military tensions on the Korean peninsula.

The threat came from Hwang Pyong-So, director of the military’s General Political Bureau, during a speech to a large military rally in Pyongyang on the anniversary of the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War. Hwang, who holds the rank of vice marshal in the Korean People’s Army, said a recent series of South Korea-US military drills, one of which included the deployment of a nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier, had ramped up tensions.

“If the US imperialists threaten our sovereignty and survival... our troops will fire our nucleararmed rockets at the White House and the Pentagon — the sources of all evil,” Hwang said in his speech broadcast yesterday on state television.

It is not the first time that North Korea’s bellicose rhetoric has included threats of nuclear strikes on the continental United States and US bases in the Pacific.

But most experts believe it is still a long way from developing a viable intercontinental ballistic missile with the required range.

The North has conducted three nuclear tests, but is not thought to have mastered the miniaturisation techniques necessary for mounting a

warhead on a missile.

It does possess a range of shortand mid-range missiles capable of striking South Korea and Japan, and has conducted a series of test firings into the Sea of Japan (East Sea) in recent weeks.

The latest test on Saturday — guided by the leader Kim Jong-

Un — simulated a short-range missile strike on South Korea where 28,500 US troops are stationed, the North’s state media said.

It defied censure by the UN Security Council which officially condemned Pyongyang on July 17 over the recent tests as violations of UN resolutions prohibiting the North from using ballistic missile technology.

Police To Renew Bid To Access Ukraine Crash Site

SYDNEY, Australia - A joint Australian-Dutch probe team will renew efforts yeserday to gain access to the crash site of a Malaysian airliner in eastern Ukraine, Australian Federal Police said, after fierce fighting kept them away the previous day.

Evidence could be lost if fighting continued, said Deputy Commissioner of National Security Andrew Colvin, and the chances of finding the remains of all 298 dead grew slimmer as time passed.

An assessment would be made early yesterday Ukraine time of whether it was safe for the 49-

strong team to approach the site, Colvin told reporters.

“The fighting intensified overnight.

Whether the intensification diminishes over coming days and creates a more permissive environment, it may be as early as today that we say that fighting has diminished enough to go back in.”

Clashes overnight between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian rebels killed at least 13 people.

However, Colvin acknowledged that it could be some time before the team gained access to the crash site.

“There remains a possibility that we may not get there in the near

future,” he said. “I don’t want to consider the fact that we may never get to that site.”

Ukraine said that it was trying to dislodge the rebels, but denied it was fighting near the crash site, saying the separatists had put the monitors off by falsely claiming the army was operating nearby.

The unarmed Australian and Dutch team of police investigators, guided by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which has already made a short visit to the site, needed to be assured of a sizeable window of time at the site to complete the probe, Colvin said.

mortar fire from Gaza.

Tension between Netanyahu’s government and Washington has flared over U.S. mediation efforts to end the three-week-old war, adding yet another chapter to the prickly relations between the Israeli leader and Obama.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry visited the region last week to try to stem the bloodshed, his contacts with Hamas - which Washington formally shuns facilitated by Egypt, Turkey, Qatar and Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Israel wants Egypt, which also borders the Gaza Strip and views Hamas as a security threat, to take the lead in curbing the Palestinian Islamists.

It worries about Doha and Ankara championing Hamas demands to open up the blockaded territory. A flurry of media leaks by unnamed Israeli officials damning a draft agreement attributed to Kerry as too accommodating of Hamas was challenged by a U.S. official who, also anonymously, told reporters U.S. efforts had been mischaracterized.

Obama appeared to link Israel’s core demand for Hamas to be stripped of cross-border rockets and infiltration tunnels, to a peace accord with the Palestinians that is nowhere on the diplomatic horizon.

Repeated U.S.-led negotiations over the past 20 years have failed to broker a permanent deal. The most recent round of talks collapsed in April, with Palestinians livid over Jewish settlement building in the occupied West Bank and Israelis furious that Abbas had signed a unity pact with old foe Hamas. “The President stressed the U.S. view that, ultimately, any lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must ensure the disarmament of terrorist groups and the demilitarization of Gaza,” the White House said.

It added that while Obama wanted any truce to be along the lines of an Egyptian deal that ended the last Gaza war, in November 2012, the United States also supported “regional and international coordination to end hostilities”.

Qatari Foreign Minister, Khaled Al-Atteya, told Al-Jazeera TV that Israel had not respected the 2012 ceasefire agreement and said that it was time the blockade of Gaza was lifted.

“The demands of Palestinian brothers are fair and they are the minimum demands for a dignified life,” he said.

“We have worked with the U.S secretary of state and we were about to achieve substantial results, and the brothers in Hamas acted positively, but the one who rejected the Kerry proposal was Israel,” he added.

Speaking on Sunday, Netanyahu sounded open to easing conditions for the Gaza Strip’s 1.8 million Palestinians but said this must be “intertwined” with disarming Hamas.

“I think you can’t get social and economic relief for the people of Gaza without having an assured demilitarization,” he told CNN. Israel says the Palestinians have lost around half of their rockets during the fighting - an account disputed by Hamas - and that army engineers have located and destroyed many of the tunnels from the territory. Those excavations will continue under any short-term truce, Israel says.

The main U.N. agency in Gaza, UNRWA, said more than 167,000 displaced Palestinians had taken shelter in its schools and buildings, following repeated calls by Israel for civilians to evacuate whole neighborhoods ahead of military operations.

The Gaza turmoil has stoked tensions amongst Palestinians in mainly Arab East Jerusalem and in the occupied West Bank, which Abbas governs in uneasy coordination with the Israelis.

Medics said eight Palestinians were killed on Friday in incidents near the West Bank cities of Nablus and Hebron - the sort of death toll reminiscent of previous anti-Israel revolts.

CAIRO - Egypt’s army said it has destroyed 13 more tunnels connecting the Sinai Peninsula to the Gaza Strip, taking to 1,639 the overall number it has laid waste to.

Cairo has poured troops into the peninsula to counter a rising insurgency since the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi last year, and its security operation involves the destruction of these tunnels.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is the main power in Gaza, reportedly uses the tunnels to smuggle arms, food and money into the blockaded coastal enclave.

Israel has been waging a military offensive on Gaza since July 8 to

halt rocket fire, and it launched a ground assault on July 17 aimed at destroying the network of tunnels.

It accuses Hamas of using the tunnels to attacks on Israel.

Ties between Hamas and Cairo have deteriorated since the Egyptian army deposed Morsi on July 3, 2013. Hamas is an affiliate of Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood.

Cairo also accuses of Hamas of being involved in militant attacks inside Egypt, which have multiplied since Morsi was toppled.

Militant groups say their attacks are in retaliation for a police crackdown on Morsi’s supporters.

The crackdown has seen more than 1,400 people killed in street clashes.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as Miss Ogbonna Justina Ucheoma now wish to be call, known and addressed as Mrs. Okenu Justina Ucheoma. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

RECONCILIATION OF NAME I, Ogbeifun Osemwengie Rita wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Mrs. Osemwengie Rita. Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Mrs. Ogbeifun Osemwengie Rita. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

Egypt Destroys 13 More Gaza Tunnels

International Chinese Police Remove Church Cross Amid Crackdown

BEIJING - Hundreds of police took down a church’s cross yesterday in a city known as “China’s Jerusalem” for its many houses of worship amid a crackdown on church buildings in a coastal region where thousands of people are embracing Christianity.

Evangelist Qu Linuo said he and about 200 others had rushed to the Longgang Huai En Church in the eastern city of Wenzhou to protect the building but peacefully made way for the police, who used a crane to remove the 3-meter-tall (10foot-tall) red cross from its steeple.

Authorities told the church that the cross violated building height limits, and returned it to the parishioners, who wept and prayed around it, said Qu, who is a member of another church.

A man at the county’s public security office said he didn’t know anything about the incident, and the Longgang township police didn’t answer phone calls.

Across Zhejiang province, where Wenzhou is located, authorities have toppled or threatened to topple crosses at more than 130 Protestant churches. In a few cases, the government has even razed sanctuaries.

Officials say they’re enforcing building codes, although often they won’t specify which ones.

They also deny they are specifically targeting churches,

and point to the demolition of tens of thousands of other buildings, religious and nonreligious, that have apparently broken regulations.

But experts and church leaders in this province south of Shanghai — the only one where the incidents are happening — say the government appears to be trying to suppress the fastgrowing religion.

Official 2010 figures put the number of Christians in statesanctioned churches at 23 million believers, but the country also has vast numbers of believers who meet in secret. The Pew Research Center estimated 58 million Protestants in the country practiced the religion in 2011, along with 9 million Catholics the year before. Some experts say the total could be more than 100 million.

The church’s dramatic growth — and Christians’ allegiance to God above all else — has alarmed authorities, said Yang Fenggang, a Purdue University sociologist and leading expert on religious matters in China. It was difficult to imagine what sort of building codes the crosses would violate.

“The only reason I can think of is that the Zhejiang authorities intend to humiliate Christians by taking down the symbol sacred to them,” he said.

The province may have come under scrutiny because it is home

to Wenzhou, where more than a tenth of residents are Protestant Christians, the highest proportion of any major Chinese city, according to Cao Nanlai, an anthropologist who has studied and written a book about Christianity in Wenzhou.

Half the province’s 4,000 churches are located here, he said, partly a legacy of early missionary efforts here.

Known for its entrepreneurial vigor, Wenzhou has tens of thousands of small family-run workshops making shoes, toys and other products. Believers here appear to have applied that same eagerness to starting new churches, Cao said.

The cross removals and demolitions reflect the occasional flexing of political muscle by authorities to show who’s in control, he said.

Last week, parishioners at another church in the city successfully protected their cross from hundreds of police, said Zheng Changye, a 36-year-old member of another church. He said three people suffered serious injuries in the clash with police, and photos posted online showed several people bleeding from head injuries. yesterday, other photos posted on the China social media site Weibo showed parishioners at the Longgang Huai En Church praying on its steps and holding banners reading, “Anti-graft, anti-corruption, protect religion.”

A man stands near the razed remains of a Catholic Church in a village in Pingyang County of Wenzhou in Eastern China’s Zhejiang province.

Ebola Virus

Liberia Shuts Border Crossings, MONROVIA - The Liberian government has Restricts Gatherings closed most of the West African nation’s border crossings and introduced stringent health measures to curb the spread of the deadly Ebola virus that has killed at least 660 people across the region.

The new measures announced by the government came as Guinea, Liberia and

Ukraine

Death Toll Mounts As Clashes Intensify KIEV - Officials in rebellion-wracked eastern Ukraine say at least eight civilians have been killed by fighting and shelling in two cities held by separatist militants.

Authorities in Luhansk said yesterday that five people were killed and 15 injured by overnight artillery strikes.

Three were killed in Donetsk as a result of clashes, the city’s government said.

Territory between the cities has seen intensified fighting as government troops try to gain control over the area where a Malaysia Airlines plane was downed earlier this month.

Both sides in the conflict have traded accusations over the mounting civilian death toll.

Rebels accuse government troops of deploying artillery against residential areas.

Authorities deny that charge, but also complain of insurgents using apartment blocks as firing positions.

President Barack Obama of US.

Sierra Leone struggle to contain the worst outbreak yet of the virus.

Speaking at a task force meeting, Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said the government is doing everything to fight the virus including inspecting and testing all outgoing and incoming passengers by Liberia’s airport authority.

“All borders of Liberia will be closed with the exception of major entry points. At these entry points, preventive and testing centers will be established, and stringent preventive measures to be announced will be scrupulously adhered to,” she said.

Ebola can kill up to 90 percent of those who catch it, although the fatality rate of the current outbreak is around 60 percent.

Highly contagious, especially in the late stages, its symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea as well as internal and external bleeding.

Under the new measures, public gatherings such as marches, demonstrations and promotional advertisements

also will be restricted.

The outbreak has placed a great strain on the health systems of some of Africa’s poorest countries.

“No doubt, the Ebola virus is a national health problem.

And as we have also begun to see, it attacks our way of life, with serious economic and social consequences,” Sirleaf said in a statement.

Still, despite efforts to fight the disease, the virus continues to spread. A 33year-old American doctor working for relief organization Samaritan’s Purse in Liberia tested positive for the disease on Saturday.

The charity said a second American, who was helping a team treating Ebola patients at a case management center in Monrovia had also tested positive.

Samuel Brisbane, a senior Liberian doctor, who was also treating infected patients has died after contracting the virus, authorities has said. In Nigeria’s commercial capital Lagos, a Liberian man who tested positive died in on Friday.

centers across Africa, online classes and other resources, the White House said.

Mandela spent 27 years in jail under apartheid, South Africa’s former system of white minority rule, before eventually leading his country through a difficult transition to democracy. In 1994, he became the first democratically elected leader

next generation of young African leaders are a lead-in to the inaugural U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, being held August 4-6 in Washington.

About 50 African leaders are expected to attend what the White House says will be the largest gathering any U.S. president has held with African heads of state and government.

Obama To Rename Africa Programme For Nelson more programs for young of a post-apartheid South in WASHINGTON - A event yesterday African leaders, including Africa. program designed to foster a Washington with several Mandela four regional leadership This week’s events with the new generation of young hundred young leaders from African leaders will be renamed after former South African President Nelson Mandela.

President Barack Obama, who has said he was one of the untold millions of people around the world who were inspired by Mandela’s life, is set to announce the name change at a town hall-style

across sub-Saharan Africa.

The youngsters are participating in the inaugural Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, part of the broader Young African Leaders Initiative that Obama launched in 2010 to support a new generation of leadership there. The fellowship is being renamed as a tribute to Mandela, who died last

December at the age of 95.

Obama announced the fellowship during a stop in South Africa last summer. It connects young African leaders to leadership training opportunities at top U.S. universities.

In his remarks at yesterday’s event, Obama also was announcing new publicprivate partnerships to create

International More Than 50 Killed In Benghazi, Tripoli BENGHAZI/TRIPOLI - At others containing gas and diesel,” Clashes least 36 people were killed in NOC spokesman Mohamed al-

Black plumes of smoke is seen in the vicinity of Camp Thunderbolt, after clashes between militants, former rebel fighters and government forces in Benghazi on Sunday.

Libya’s eastern city of Benghazi where Libyan Special Forces and Islamist militants clashed on Saturday night and Sunday morning, medical and security sources said.

The government said more than 150 people have died, many of them civilian, in the capital Tripoli and Benghazi in two weeks of fighting as clashes forced U.S. and foreign diplomats to pull out of the country.

In Tripoli, 23 people, all Egyptian workers, were killed when a rocket hit their home on Saturday during fighting between rival militias battling over the city’s main airport, the Egyptian state news agency reported.

Since the clashes erupted a fortnight ago, 94 people have died in the capital, and more than

400 have been injured as militias exchanged rocket and artillery fire across southern Tripoli, the health ministry said.

Another 55 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Benghazi since the clashes have intensified over the last week between regular forces and Islamist militants who are entrenched in the city.

“Most of the victims we have noticed are civilians as the fighters have their own hospitals on the battlefield,” a Benghazi medical source told journalists.

Fuel storage tanks that supply Tripoli were hit on Sunday by rockets igniting a huge fire near the international airport, the National oil corporation (NOC) said.

“It is a tank of 6 million liters of gasoline and it is close to

Nigeria’s international airports were screening passengers arriving from foreign countries, and health officials were also working with ports and land borders to raise awareness of the disease. Togo’s government also said it was on high alert.

Security analysts were skeptical about the usefulness of these measures.

“In Nigeria’s case, the security set-up is currently bad, so I doubt it will help or have the minimum effectiveness they are hoping for,” said Yan St. Pierre, CEO of the Berlin-based security consulting firm MOSECON. An outbreak in Lagos, a megacity where many lived in cramped conditions, could be a major public health disaster.

The West Africa outbreak is believed to have begun as far back as January in southeast Guinea, though the first cases weren’t confirmed until March.

Since then, officials have tried to contain the disease by isolating victims and educating

populations on how to avoid transmission, though porous borders and widespread distrust of health workers have made the outbreak difficult to bring under control.

News of Brisbane’s death first began circulating on Saturday, a national holiday marking Liberia’s independence in 1847.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf used her Independence Day address to discuss a new taskforce to combat Ebola.

Information Minister Lewis Brown said the taskforce would go “from community to community, from village to village, from town to town” to try to increase awareness.

In Sierra Leone, which has recorded the highest number of new cases in recent days, the first case originating in Freetown, the capital, came when a hairdresser, Saudata Koroma, fell ill. She was forcibly removed from a government hospital by her family, sparking a frantic search that ended Friday. Kargbo, the chief medical officer, said that Koroma died while being transported to a treatment center in the east of the country.

Ebola Kills Liberian Doctor, 2 Americans Infected

MONROVIA — One of Liberia’s most high-profile doctors has died of Ebola, officials said and an American physician was being treated for the deadly virus, highlighting the risks facing health workers trying to combat an outbreak that has killed more than 670 people in West Africa — the largest ever recorded.

A second American, a missionary working in the Liberian capital, was also taken ill and was being treated in isolation there, said the pastor of a North Carolina church that sponsored her work.

Dr. Samuel Brisbane, a top Liberian health official, was treating Ebola patients at the country’s largest hospital, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center in Monrovia, when he fell ill. He died Saturday, said Tolbert Nyenswah, an assistant health minister. A Ugandan doctor died earlier this month.

The American physician, 33year-old Dr. Kent Brantly, was in Liberia helping to respond to the outbreak that has killed 129 people nationwide when he fell ill, according to the North Carolina-based medical charity, Samaritan’s Purse.

He was receiving intensive medical care in a Monrovia hospital and was in stable condition, according to a spokeswoman for the aid group, Melissa Strickland.

“We are hopeful, but he is certainly not out of the woods yet,” she said. Early treatment improves a patient’s chances of survival, and Brantly recognized his own symptoms and began receiving care immediately, Strickland said.

The American missionary, Nancy Writebol, was gravely ill and in isolation in Monrovia, her husband, David, told a church elder via Skype, according to the Rev. John Munro, pastor of Calvary Church in Charlotte, N.C.

Munro said the couple, who had been in Liberia for about a year, insisted on staying there despite the Ebola threat. “These are real heroes — people who do things quietly behind the scenes, people with a very strong vocation and very strong faith,” Munro said.

There is no known cure for the highly contagious virus, which is one of the deadliest in the world.

At least 1,201 people have been infected in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, according to the World Health Organization, and 672 have died. Besides the Liberian fatalities, 319 people have died in Guinea and 224 in Sierra Leone.

Ominously, Nigerian authorities said Friday that a Liberian man died of Ebola after flying from Monrovia to Lagos via Lome, Togo. The case underscored the difficulty of preventing Ebola victims from traveling given weak screening systems and the fact that the initial symptoms of the disease — including fever and sore throat — resemble many other illnesses.

Health workers are among those at greatest risk of contracting the disease, which spreads through contact with bodily fluids.

Photos of Brantly working in Liberia show him swathed headto-toe in white protective coveralls, gloves and a head-andface mask that he wore for hours a day while treating Ebola patients.

Earlier this year, the American was quoted in a posting about the dangers facing health workers trying to contain the disease. “In past Ebola outbreaks, many of the casualties have been health care workers who contracted the disease through their work caring for infected individuals,” he said.

There is no known cure for Ebola, which begins with symptoms including fever and sore throat and escalates to vomiting, diarrhea and internal and external bleeding.

The WHO says the disease is not contagious until a person begins to show symptoms.

Brantly’s wife and children had been living with him in Liberia but flew home to the U.S. about a week ago, before the doctor started showing any signs of illness, Strickland said.

“They have absolutely shown no symptoms,” she said.

A woman who identified herself as Brantly’s mother said the family was declining immediate comment when reached by phone in Indiana.

Besides Brantly and the two doctors in Liberia, Sierra Leone’s top Ebola doctor and a doctor in Liberia’s central Bong County have also fallen ill.

The situation “is getting more and more scary,” said Nyenswah, the country’s assistant health minister.

Meanwhile, the fact that a sick Liberian could board a flight to Nigeria raised new fears that other passengers could take the disease beyond Africa.

Dr. Kent Brantly (left) treats an Ebola patient at the Samaritan’s Purse Ebola Case Management Center in Monrovia, Liberia.

Alharari said. “The firefighters are trying to counter the fire but if they cannot, a big disaster will happen” he added.

In the last two weeks, Libya has descended into its deadliest violence since the 2011 war that ousted Muammar Gaddafi, with the central government unable to impose order.

The United States, the United Nations and Turkey have pulled their diplomats out of the North African country.

The United States evacuated its embassy on Saturday, driving diplomats across the border into Tunisia under heavy military protection because of Tripoli clashes near the embassy compound.

A British embassy convoy was hit by gunfire during an attempted hijacking outside the capital Tripoli on the way to the Tunisian border, but no-one was injured in the incident, an embassy official said on Sunday.

“It was an attempted hijack as the convoy was on its way to the Tunisian border,” the official said. “No one was injured but vehicles were damaged.”

On Sunday, shelling continued in Tripoli around the international airport that is controlled by militias from the western city of Zintan. More Islamist-leaning rival brigades are trying to force them from the airport, which Zintanis have controlled since the fall of Tripoli.

But clashes were far heavier in Benghazi overnight, where regular army and air force units have joined with a renegade exarmy general who has launched a self-declared campaign to oust Islamist militants from the city.

A source from the Special forces fighting Islamist militants in Benghazi told Reuters clashes involved warplanes hitting militant positions belonging to Ansar al Sharia and another group in the city.

Libya’s Western allies worry the OPEC country is becoming polarized between the two main factions of competing militia brigades and their political allies, whose battle is shaping the country’s transition.

Special envoys for Libya from the Arab League, the United States and European countries expressed their concerns about the situation in Libya, saying it had reached a “critical stage” and called for an immediate ceasefire.

“The UN should play a leading role in reaching a ceasefire in conjunction with the Libyan government and other internal partners, with the full support of the international envoys,” a statement issued after a meeting in Brussels said.

A new Libyan parliament was elected in June and Western governments hope warring parties may be able to reach a political agreement when the lawmakers meet in August for the first session.

But three years after Gaddafi’s demise, Libya’s transition to democracy has been delayed by political infighting and militia violence. Armed groups have also targeted the oil industry to pressure the state.

Issues Family

DEFINITION OF TERMS THERE are three main words in this topic. They include husband, wife and relationship.

Who is a husband? A husband is the man a woman is married to.

Who is a wife? A wife is the woman a man is married to.

Relationship this refers to the kind of things, the kind of life they are expected to share together. This relationship has a third part, which is God. It is a kind of trinity: God, Man, and Woman.

It is the spiritual merger of two souls to become one, i.e. 1+1=1.

It is a legal union of the two opposite sex who have entered in to a covenant relationship. Since this covenant relationship was the first institution to be ordained by God, he also gave command on how the relationship should be by giving every member responsibilities. Love & submission (Ephesians 5:22-23) “husbands, love your wives as Christ also love the church and gave himself for it” what is love? It is the first commandment, the greatest commandment. John 3:16 ‘for God so love the world that he gave his only begotten son…”

Another definition of love is seen in John 15:13 “greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life From the scripture above, no one has a better understanding of what Apostle Paul was talking about in Ephesians 5:25-33. To love involves giving. Van Dyke says that love is not getting but giving.

A husband should be able to express his love to his wife by giving her every thing he has from his heart, body and worldly possessions. He should be able to give her gifts. From Gen.24:53, we know that Isaac sent precious gifts to Rebecca. No gift is too small or costly for one’s wife. Remember the has demonstrated her love for you by leaving her home ties, friends and family name to share with you the joys and sorrows of life. As the mother of your children, she deserves a lot from you. “Unto whom much is given, much is expected”. The husband is also expected to cleave to his wife in ever way.

SUBMISSION AND REVERANCE (Eh. 5:22-23).

God gave Eve to Adam for control “...brought her unto the man” (Gen.2:22). All that the first woman should do is to submit to the leadership of the man as ordained by God from creation. God commanded the woman to submit to her own husband. “Wives submit yourselves unto your own husband”. (Eph. 5:22). It is an order; it is not to be debated; it is a matter of the heart, which will eventually find expression outwardly in your toughs, words, behavior and actions: If it is not from your heart, it is mere hypocrisy. Your words and actions will expose you as action speaks louder than voice. Note that you are to submit in everything (Eph. 5 24).

Note: make your suggestions in meekness. It should be discussed in an atmosphere of love and conclusion reached. Arguments and fighting should be avoided to and the loopholes through which the enemies might come in.

Stand in for your husband when he is not around. Live a life of humility and obedience, for prayer to work for you (1 pet. 3:1).

HOME MAKER A wise woman builds her home, the foolish scatter her home.

The home is what the woman makes of it. As you make your bed so you will lie on it.

Make your home peaceful, neat, conducive and attractive to God and Man. There are homes where, as soon as you get in, you will see joy and peace, while in some, it is tension and hatred, make your home a place where the Holy Spirit can dwell and progress. The way to keep the home is through prayers and fasting, watching spiritually, physically and keeping it clean and tidy: Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

The kind of word that comes out of from your mouth can also make your home attractive to both your children and husband.

The whole comfort in a home depends on how efficient the mother of the home performs her duty, not the house help. It requiresspiritually and physically. It takes a lot of energy and time. A lazy woman cannot keep a home, may God supply us he grace to keep our homes in Jesus name.

FAMILY HOSPITALITY For a family to be hospitable, it depends on the wife. If a woman

Keys To Happy Union

By H.E. ATEKHA-ODEMWINGIE

does not want visitors in her home no matter how hard the man tries the woman will make the person uncomfortable. Every woman should be hospitable.

There is a reward for it e.g. Acts 15:14, 15 talks of a woman, Lydia who hosted the apostles. Proverbs 11:24,25; Abraham hosted angels. Gen.1 8:6-12 TOLERANCE This is one of the keys to a successful marriage. Husbands should not say: “I cannot tolerate this or that” William Shake says that the faults of a woman are as many as the hairs of her head. No matter how many faults your wife has, you can forgive her, the same goes for the wife. ‘put on therefore... as the elect of God... bowels of mercies, kindness, longsuffering, forbearance and forgiving one another, if any has a quarrel again you even as Christ forgave you, so do you also” . ... “for charity (love shall cover multitude of slits “... many water cannot quench love neither can

floods drown it…” “Col. 3:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:8 (S. Solomon).

ATTENTION Everyone looks for attention. When the little child cries, he is crying for attention. When you give him the desired attention, he rewards you with a smile. Your wife, too deserves your attention.

So does your husband. You need other no matter your kind of profession, work or business, make sure you do not neglect you husband/wife. Do not make her a widow while you are still alive.

Solomon in Ecclesiastics 9:9; tells us: “live joyfully with the wife whom thou loveth all the days of thy vanity, what he bath given thee under the sun...” she is your jewel of inestimable value; your wife is the treasure you have on earth. It is wrong to have plenty of time to read papers, stay tuned to TV, Radio and Video sets, spend all your time outside and come home worn out.

“God gave Eve to Adam for control “...brought her unto the man” (Gen.2:22). All that the first woman should do is to submit to the leadership of the man as ordained by God from creation. God commanded the woman to submit to her own husband. “Wives submit yourselves unto your own husband”. (Eph. 5:22). It is an order; it is not to be debated; it is a matter of the heart, which will eventually find expression outwardly in your toughs, words, behavior and actions: If it is not from your heart, it is mere hypocrisy. Your words and actions will expose you as action speaks louder than voice.

Note that you are to submit in everything (Eph. 5 24).”

This often leads to a break down in communication be parents; give your wife the best of your attention. The wife should not allow her trade or job to take her attention from her responsibilities to her husband and her home.

APPRECIATION There are many ways a man can express his gratitude to his beloved wife. Tell her she is a beautiful woman. After eating and enjoying her food, what prevents you from commending her?

Praise her hard work she will work harder. In proverbs 31:28-31, we have the example of a man leading his children in praise of his wife.

The wife also should learn to appreciate her husband. Whenever our husband gives you anything, receive it with joy, pray for him, and tell him how handsome he is, sing and dance.

CARE How do you care for your wife? It is your marriage vow; women by their nature go through many hard times in life. This includes menstrual period, of pregnancy, period of labor and birth,

sleepless nights of weaning the child. The husbands must show special interest and concern to your wives during these periods.

Husbands work so hard to supply the family needs. You need to welcome him with a smile after a hard days job give him water to take his bath, give him food, and sit by him while he is eating, if possible. Try to take at least one meal together in a day.

HONOUR The woman is the queen of the family who must be honored, her husband should honor her, her views and opinions must be respected, even if you don’t take all, I Peter 3:7 “likewise ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the weaker vessel, as being heirs together of the grace of life: that your prayers may not be hindered” Any man who dishonors his wife dishonors himself.

FINANCE The man is the breadwinner (central bank) of the family while the wife is the home keeper (minister of finance).1Timothy 5:8 “But if any do not provide for his home, he is worse than an infidel”. Let your wife know how much you receive, it will control her demands.

Note: A Christian wife is prudent. Let family keep three accountsone personal each and one common purse. Proverbs say: “houses and riches are inheritance of fathers and prudent wife is from the Lord”. Proverbs 31:16-31 also shows that a virtuous woman can help her husband run the affairs of the family: Verses 11-12 indicates that “the hear; of her husband doth safely trust in her so that he shall have no need of spoil, she will do him good and not evil all the days of her life”.

Security The man is the chief security officer of the house both spiritually and physically. Lead your family to pray: ensure all doors are locked before you go to bed and be ready to defend your family.

Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games

Weightlifting Gold Medallist Targets Rio Olympics Gold GLASGOW - Chika Amalaha, Nigeria’s 2014 Commonwealth Games weightlifting gold medallist, on Saturday in Glasgow, Scotland said her target was to win at the 2016 Olympics scheduled for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Amalaha won gold on Friday in the women’s weightlifting 53 kg category.

The gold medallist told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that dedication, determination and discipline were the three Ds which would propel her to victory at the 2016 Olympics.

Amalaha said she was already working on her strategy for the Olympics the same way she did with the five Ps of “Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance”.

She said this ensured her success in Glasgow.

“Before I landed in Glasgow for this Commonwealth Games, I prepared very well. I always worked with my five Ps, which is ‘proper preparation prevents poor performance’.

“So, I had to work hard to prevent poor performance and I

worked for the gold and for the record.

“The next thing is for me to be determined, discipline and dedicated, which is what I will use to work for the next Olympics,’’ Amalaha said.

She also pointed out that the series of competitions lined up for her would help prepare her for the Olympics.

“I have some competitions ahead and I have to train for them.

This is to prepare very well to ensure I go for the gold in Olympics.

“I hope to sustain this feat with my three Ds of ‘dedication, determination and discipline’.

That is the only way to prosper.

“So, I have to prepare well for every competition and I always dedicate myself with a sense of discipline to achieve result.

“At my first attempt, I told God that I need him to be the rope of

Nigeria’s Boxing Coach Optimistic Of Winning Gold Inspite Of Questionable Officiating Bookmark GLASGOW (Scotland) Anthony Konyegwachie, Head Coach of Team Nigeria’s boxers at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on Sunday said Nigeria could still win a gold medal in spite of questionable officiating.

Konyegwachie told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after Nigeria’s first fight of the day against Wales that the level of officiating which saw Nigeria lose the fight was lamentable.

NAN reports that Waheed Shogbamu lost 0-3 to Zack Davies from Wales in the men’s light welterweight division through a unanimous decision of the judges.

“We were robbed in our first match today (Sunday).

Everybody saw it.

“Shogbamu won his fight clearly, but it was awarded to his opponent. It was a clear win, but they chose to make it a broad daylight robbery.

“We all know why it happened. Wales is part of the UK. But we thank God, and so far there is no problem,’’ Konyegwachie said.

He alleged that every strategy was being adopted by the organisers to ensure boxers from the UK get into the semi-finals, saying however that Nigerian boxers would not be deterred.

The coach commended Efetobor Apochi, the Team Nigeria boxing captain, for knocking out his Isle of Man opponent, Krystian Borucki, in the 91kg weight.

Konyegwachie said he would now want Team Nigeria boxers to go for the kill just like Apochi did, in order not to give the judges no room to play any antic.

NAN reports that Apochi technically knocked out Borucki, in two minutes 33 seconds, in a Round of 16 men’s heavyweight bout at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow.

NAN also reports that Waheed Taiwo lost his Round of 16 fight against Andrew Maloney of Australia in the men’s flyweight (52kg), through a unanimous decision.

Taiwo’s fight was Nigeria’s third bout for the day, and Kehinde Ademuyiwa will face Daniel Lewis of Australia on Monday in the Round of 16 of the welterweight division.

Ademuyiwa had defeated Salemani Kidunda of Tanzania to reach the Round of 16.

Another Nigerian boxer, Efe Ajagba, will step into the rings on Tuesday to fight Schaffer Paul of South Africa in the Round of Eight of the men’s super-heavyweight (+91kg).

NAN recalls that the trio of Marks Jelks, Monzavous Edwards and Ogho-Oghene Egwero had earlier in the day qualified for the semi-finals of the 100 metres men’s event.

Oluwatoyin Adesanmi also won gold in the female weightlifting 63kg category.

Obioma Okoli also picked silver in the same category to place Nigeria in the ninth position on the medals table with two gold, three silver and one bronze.

my hand and the strength of my body.

“When I was going for the second attempt, I was nervous and, due to tension, I had to go back and a spirit told me to go there and pull the weight

speedily, and that it is a baby weight for me.

“I then commanded the weight and it moved with me,’’ Amalaha said.

She commended other Nigerians and her coach for the

opportunity given to her to showcase her talent at the ongoing Commonwealth Games.

NAN recalls that Amalaha had also won gold in the 58kg weight category at the African Youth Games in Gaborone, Botswana in

May. She lifted 87kg in snatch then, to set a new African record.

The athlete went ahead to lift 102kg in the clean and jerk which was equally an African record.

Seabelo Senatla of South Africa dives to score a try against New Zealand during the gold medal match of the Rugby Sevens at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Liverpool Won’t Panic Buy

BRENDAN Rodgers has said he “will not spend money for the sake of it” after seeing a deal for Loic Remy fall through just 48 hours after Adam Lallana was ruled out for up to six weeks.

Liverpool completed the signing of Dejan Lovren from Southampton ahead of their 1-0 friendly win over Olympiakos, as part of the club’s preseason tour of the U.S., to take Rodgers’ summer spending close to the 100 million pound mark.

But after missing out on QPR’s Remy and seeing Lallana suffer an injury in training, Rodgers insisted he will not panic buy.

“There is money to spend, no question, but I won’t spend it for the sake of it. It has to be the right type,” he said. “If that means I have to wait until January then that’s what I will do. The players at the moment are in great condition. They are working very well and very hard.

“I have seen the development in some of the young players but if the right ones become available we would like to do something because I still have a lot to do on that front — but if they’re not available, I will wait.”

Of the Remy deal, Rodgers said: “It’s very simple — we’ve made a decision as a club not to go ahead with the deal. It’s unfortunate for the player. We’re disappointed for the player but there’s nothing more to be said and we will move on and look at other targets.”

Lallana, who damaged his

collateral knee ligaments in training, does not need surgery and will remain in the United States in order to get to know his teammates.

Rodgers added: “Last year if someone like Adam had gone down it would have really hurt us. It’s unfortunate for him but thankfully at this stage of the season, where he has got a good level of fitness, it means he can recover quicker.

“He won’t be too far away after the start of the season, which is great news. This year is vital for us. You’re going to pick up injuries and we need to have the players who can step in and that’s what we are trying to build.”

- Rodgers

Adam Lallana has injured collateral knee ligaments during Liverpool’s preseason tour of the U.S. Raheem Sterling’s fifth-minute goal was enough to see off Greek champions Olympiakos at Chicago Fire’s Soldier Field stadium. Sterling tapped in after Daniel Sturridge’s scuffed shot fell kindly for the England winger.

Rodgers said he was “delighted” with his new-look attack, particularly Sturridge, Sterling and the lively Lazar Markovic, as Liverpool continue

with life after Luis Suarez, who left to join Barcelona for 75 million pounds.

“We will get sharper but at the minute we are building up the resistance,” he said. “Our passing was crisp and precise and I was also pleased with how we defended. Overall I was delighted.

“Markovic looked exciting and Sterling was a joy to watch. I have seen a difference in Daniel and I think he’s ready to be the main man. He has come back from the World Cup looking really sharp.”

Napoli Duo Dismissed From Training RAFA Benitez ordered Jose Callejon and Valon Behrami to leave Napoli training early on Sunday, adding to uncertainty about their future.

Atletico Madrid have registered an interest in Callejon while Behrami, who departed following an argument with Benitez, is believed to be a target for Hamburg.

The incident comes after Lorenzo Insigne refused to talk to Napoli fans at the team’s official presentation over the weekend.

But club president Aurelio De Laurentiis attempted to play down speculation about Callejon and Behrami’s future, saying: “They are probably just tense because we’re not selling them.”

Christian Maggio hopes former Real Madrid winger Callejon can put his distractions behind him, telling Gazzetta dello Sport: “He’s a great player and we’ve got a great understanding.”

The full-back stressed the importance of becoming sharper

in defence if Napoli want to improve on recent near-misses in their attempts to win Serie A. He said: “Benitez has asked for us to be a bit more careful at the back, particularly on deadball situations. If we want to win the league, then we’ve got to succeed in doing that.”

Maggio also talked up the importance of Insigne to Napoli, adding: “He gives additional value to our side. He can give us that extra gear. Lorenzo’s fantastic, entertaining and he’s a lively Neapolitan.”

Chelsea New Boys Fire; City Stroll

JOSE Mourinho’s Chelsea came from behind to win 2-1 against Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana in a preseason friendly on Sunday night.

Pittsburgh.

Nik Kapun put Olimpija 1Stevan Jovetic handed the 0 up before the break but the Premier League champions Blues were rescued in the the lead after 12 minutes with second half as new signings a low shot that creeped in at Cesc Fabregas and Diego the near post and three Costa combined for the minutes later Gael Clichy equaliser, then a few minutes picked out Scott Sinclair in later, new centre-back Kurt the box and he slotted home Zouma netted the winner. the second from close range.

Branislav Ivanovic put the The goalfest was not over ball in the net soon after, but yet and midway through the it was ruled out by the referee first half Jesus Navas’ and Fernando Torres even had acrobatic effort from just time to chest over the bar from outside the box took a huge just a few yards out as the deflection and left goalkeeper Premier League side claimed Michael Agazzi with no the win. chance.

Later on Sunday, Rampant City added a Manchester City claimed an fourth after 27 minutes as impressive 5-1 victory over Nigerian striker Kelechi AC Milan in a weather-hit Iheanacho, who has been friendly at the Heinz Field in

training with the club for the past few weeks, picked the ball up on the edge of the box and turned 180 degrees before firing home.

Sulley Muntari pulled one

back for Milan just before the break as he tapped in with a close-range finish at the home of NFL side the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Following a delay due to lightening and heavy rain,

former City striker Mario Balotelli took to the field for the second half and had a goal ruled out for offside before Jovetic netted his second to make it 5-1.

Petr Cech To Stay And Fight

PETR Cech has rubbished suggestions that he could leave Chelsea before the end of the transfer window with Thibaut Courtois back at the club after a three-year loan at Atletico Madrid.

Cech, who has been linked with a return to France with Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco, joined Chelsea 10 years ago from Rennes and he has been a mainstay between the sticks throughout the most successful period in the club’s history.

The Czech Republic international has won the Champions League, the Europa League, three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups with Chelsea.

Highly rated Belgium international Courtois is expected to be first choice this

Filippo Inzaghi

season but the 32-year-old Cech is not prepared to walk away from Stamford Bridge without a fight.

Only on Saturday Cech had suggested he would reevaluate his position should Courtois start the season ahead of him in the pecking order. But now he has insisted the competition for a place in the team will be healthy.

“I’m staying at Chelsea, that for sure,” Cech told Ekipa24.

“I really don’t mind that there are two great keepers at Chelsea. That motivates me even more.

“You always have to fight if you want to be on a great level. And there is not only Courtois and me, even Matej Delac [Chelsea’s 21-year-old Croatian goalkeeper] is showing that he is a great keeper.”

Jose Mourinho, Chelsea’s Manager

Rafael Leaves United’s US Tour RAFAEL da Silva has left Manchester United’s tour of the United States because of a groin injury, the club have confirmed.

The Brazilian right-back missed Saturday’s 3-2 win over Roma and United do not believe he will be fit enough to feature in their remaining four preseason games in the U.S. Rafael, who had figured as a substitute in the 7-0 win over

Attletico Agree Antoine Griezmann Deal ATLETICO Madrid have confirmed that they have agreed a deal to sign Antoine Griezmann from Real Sociedad.

A statement on Atletico’s official website said the transfer would be completed subject to the France attacker passing a medical.

AS reports that Atletico agreed to pay 30 million euros to activate the 23-year-old’s release clause.

A statement on the Basque club’s official website read: “Real Sociedad would like to thank Antoine Griezmann for the professionalism and dedication he has shown during his years at our club, and wish him the best for the future both personally and professionally.”

Atletico boss Diego Simeone had already spoken of his admiration for the player, saying: “He is very quick and can give us a lot of options in attack.”

LA Galaxy, missed chunks of last season with thigh and groin injuries.

His departure leaves new United manager Louis van Gaal short of proven defenders after the summer departures of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra.

Van Gaal has switched to a 3-4-1-2 formation and, in Rafael’s absence, wingers Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young were used at right wing-back against Roma.

Meanwhile, Juan Mata has praised manager Van Gaal for his “demanding” nature after the Dutchman criticised his new charges for conceding two late goals against the Italian side.

The Spaniard told national newspapers: “He is right to be demanding. As a player you want a coach like this, always demanding more and to play better and try to win the games earlier or in a different way. After the game, when we had given two goals away, he was not very happy, but I think his way is that of a great manager.”

Mata became United’s club record signing when he joined from Chelsea for 37.1 million pounds in January but, despite his price tag, he was used as a left and right winger, as well as a No. 10, by former manager David Moyes.

Van Gaal has installed him in a central role behind two strikers and Mata said it is his favourite position.

He added: “Things are changing and everyone is finding their new role in the team, but if I play behind the two strikers I feel comfortable.

“I have played on the left or right, but my best season was when I played in that position under Rafa Benitez at Chelsea.”

Liverpool and Olympiakos wrapped up the exhibition action stateside as Brendan Rodgers side edged the Greek giants 1-0 in Chicago — thanks to an early strike from Raheem Sterling.

The Merseyside club was finally able to give a debut to 20 million pound signing Lazar Markovic who started and showed brief glimpses of his quality in 45 minutes of action.

Premier League rivals Everton and Leicester were also in action overseas, playing each other in Bangkok in a contest the Foxes won 1-0.

Foxes forward Gary Taylor-Fletcher provided the only goal of the game in the 66th minute, tapping in a centre from the right from Jamie Vardy, who had got to the ball before Toffees goalkeeper Joel Robles. The two clubs meet again at the King Power Stadium on the opening day of the top-flight season.

Swansea put in a dominant performance as they triumphed 4-0 at Plymouth, with summer signing Gylfi Sigurdsson netting a brace.

The Premier League side were 1-0 up on nine minutes as Rory Donnelly capitalised on a mistake by Pilgrims goalkeeper Luke McCormick.

After the break, Jordi Amat doubled the advantage before Sigurdsson - back on a permanent deal at the club he previously played for on loan in 2012 - struck twice, the second being a superb curling free-kick at the death.

Wenger: Chambers Deal A Gamble

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger admits the impending signing of Southampton defender Calum Chambers is a gamble.

The 19-year-old defender, who has only made 18 Premier League starts, is said to have agreed personal terms and completed a medical, with the BBC reporting that the move should be confirmed on Monday.

The deal is said to be worth up to 16 million pounds and, while Wenger understands the size of the fee may be surprising, he is confident Chambers will justify the outlay with his versatility.

Wenger said: “He can play at centre-back, right-back and

central midfield. I hope he will give us competition for the players in these three positions.

“He hasn’t played many games, no, but the English players on the market in England are very expensive and at the end of the day I was ready to take a gamble because he is a player for the future.”

Chambers will be the third youngster Wenger has signed from Southampton’s academy after Theo Walcott and Alex OxladeChamberlain.

His arrival may allow Carl Jenkinson to leave Arsenal, either on loan or permanently, with Hull among the teams interested.

Mangala Move ‘Not 100 Percent’ Done ELIAQUIM Mangala’s transfer to Manchester City is still not “100 percent” done according to manager Manuel Pellegrini.

The French defender was pictured in Manchester having undergone a medical more than a fortnight ago while last week City’s website accidentally released a video that seemed to show him signing for the club.

But Pellegrini, who first attempted to sign the Porto centre-back in the January transfer window, insisted Mangala’s protracted move is still yet to be finalised.

“I think it’s important not to talk about things that are not 100 percent, so I’ll keep my opinion [to myself] about

Sol Campbell

Campbell Re-open Racism Row, Believes Players Are ‘Too Scared’ FORMER England defender Sol Campbell believes his fellow black players are “too scared” to speak out about racism.

The 39-year-old, who retired two years ago after playing for Tottenham, Arsenal, Portsmouth, Notts County and Newcastle, claimed in March he could have been England captain for 10 years had he been white.

Campbell admits he has been disappointed by the reaction of several black ex-professionals, accusing them of being “too scared to own up” to the fact they have been victims of - or witnessed - racial abuse.

He told the Daily Mirror: “They are seeing what is happening around them and they don’t do anything about it. They love the status quo. They just want to toe the line.

“It’s a case of, ‘I’m all right, I don’t care who is coming up behind me. I’m too scared to own up’. Well, I’m not like that and I am never going to be like that, I’m just going to be me.

“People could have said what they did in a different way. John Barnes had bananas thrown at him. He is almost acting like nothing happened to him. People like him could have said, ‘maybe not 10 years, but I could see where he was coming from.

Articulate it in a different way’.

Ex-Manchester United and Liverpool midfielder Paul Ince, who captained England seven times during the 1990s, was one such prominent former

Schweinsteiger Sorry For BVB Video BAYERN Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has apologised after a video of him singing a derogatory song about Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund was published on the internet.

The two clubs have gone toeto-toe in the German top flight in recent seasons, sharing the last four titles between them, which has fostered a fierce rivalry among both fans and officials.

Though he won the World Cup alongside Dortmund stars such as Mats Hummels and Kevin Grosskreutz, Schweinsteiger, 29, was captured on film joining in with a fans’ chant in which Bayern’s rivals are referred to as “sons of bitches.”

“I have broken off my holiday because it has come to

my attention that a video with me in it has been spread around the internet,” the Bayern midfielder said on Facebook. “I would like to apologise to the fans, officials and players of Borussia Dortmund.

“I don’t want to gloss over anything. It is a well-known supporters’ chant, but I didn’t want to offend anyone with that swear word.”

Schweinsteiger added that he gets on well with all the Dortmund players, particularly Grosskreutz, who lent his international teammate his support via his Instagram account.

Grosskreutz wrote: “Hey Schweini! That wasn’t cool, but I understand your explanation with regard to this, and I will never forget everything that you have done for me! Everyone makes mistakes, and that should be the end of this!”

international team-mate of Campbell who rejected his claims, saying the defender “ wouldn’t have been England captain for 10 years - nobody is”.

Referring to the newspaper interview in question, Campbell added: “Then you’ve got Paul

Ince in the Daily Mail. It’s like ‘Really?’. What position are you protecting when your position can so easily be taken away?

“I know some of the political people are trying to kind of move the FA in certain ways.

“But you just get to the stage

where, if I’ve got black explayers going against me, then you start to think, ‘what is going on here?’. I’ll just let people drift and carry on doing my own thing.”

that,” he said in a news conference after City beat AC Milan 5-1 in Pittsburgh on Sunday.

Mangala is expected to cost 40 million euros, the price of his release clause at Porto, and the centre-back is likely to be City’s biggest summer signing.

Meanwhile, Pellegrini singled out striker Stevan Jovetic for praise after he scored twice in the thrashing of the Rossoneri.

The Montenegrin only made two league starts in an injury-hit first season in Manchester and Pellegrini told the Manchester Evening News: “Stevan had a very bad luck last year, he had a lot of injuries the whole year, so it’s very difficult for a player to have an important performance when he cannot play three games in a row.

“In this year he starts the preseason — well, he finished last as well — playing well and I think that now he works continually every day he will demonstrate why he’s here in Manchester City because I think he’s a very good player.”

Scott Sinclair, Jesus Navas and young striker Kelechi Ihaenacho were City’s other scorers against Milan.

Liverpool Sign Lovren From Southampton LIVERPOOL have signed yet another Southampton player, bringing defender Dejan Lovren to Anfield for a fee of £20 million.

Croatia international Lovren, 25, joins former Saints teammates Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert in moving to Merseyside this summer.

He only joined Saints last season, arriving on the South Coast for a fee of around £8.5m from French club Lyon.

The 6’2" centre-back started his career at Dinamo Zagreb, spending two seasons on loan at Inter Zapresic before establishing himself in the Croatian giants’ first team.

Lovren said it would be “something special to play at Anfield” as the club announced the deal on their website and Twitter.

“It’s a dream come true,” he said on the club’s website. “I’m happy and glad to be here. I’m proud and can’t wait to start.

“I know we have millions and millions of supporters - Liverpool is more than a club.

“After I played at Anfield last season, I said to myself: ‘One day I hope I’ll be able to play here for Liverpool’.

“The fans will know from the first minute that I’m a player that will give 100 per cent on the pitch.”

Liverpool finished second last season and are spending big after selling Luis Suarez to Barcelona

for £75m.

They have made five signings so far this summer, buying Lazar Markovic from Benfica and Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen.

But a deal to buy Loic Remy from QPR fell through after the France striker failed a medical for unspecified reasons.

A Liverpool statement read: “Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of defender Dejan Lovren from Southampton.

Calum Chambers

“The 25-year-old Croatian international today put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Reds after completing his medical.”

Although no transfer fee was announced by either club, Southampton confirmed it was a “significant fee” with reports putting the figure at £20million for the centre-back, who played all three of Croatia’s matches at this summer’s World Cup. He also scored the winning goal for the Saints against

Liverpool on Merseyside in the 2013-14 Premier League campaign.

On that previous appearance at Anfield, Lovren added: “Jose Fonte, my defensive partner at Southampton, told me to listen to ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ before the first whistle and to enjoy the moment.

“It was really amazing - I had chills on my arms and it’s something that I will never forget. I want to listen to that song every other weekend.”

Grosskreutz Grateful To Schweinsteiger

BORUSSIA Dortmund wing-back Kevin Grosskreutz has thanked Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger for his support during Germany’s victorious World Cup campaign this summer.

The BVB man did not appear a single minute during the tournament in Brazil as national team coach Joachim Low preferred others in his position and Grosskreutz has admitted that it was not easy for him to play a bitpart role.

“I owe a lot to Schweinsteiger and I am grateful to him,” the 26year-old is quoted as saying by Kicker.

“He helped me out right from the start of the World Cup and always supported me when I didn’t play.

“It was not easy to be a reserve player, but it is not about individuals at such a tournament. The World Cup was an amazing experience.

“I just tried to play my role for the team and contribute to the good atmosphere. And I always gave my all on the training

Grigor Dimitrov

pitch. That was important to me.”

Grosskreutz is one of the candidates to replace Philipp Lahm at right-back following the Bayern star’s international retirement and he’s determined to show that he’s up for the task.

“It will be a tense battle for the position of rightback and I will give my all to be in with a chance.”

Schweinsteiger had to apologise to Grosskreutz’s Dortmund after he was filmed chanting offensively about Bayern’s Bundesliga rivals

Vertoughen Flattered By Barcelona Interest

nothing is set.

“There is no done deal,” a source told the Los Angeles Times.

Lakers owner Jim Buss reportedly made Scott a verbal offer on Thursday and Scott and his representatives were reviewing it.

Because several frontcourt candidates withdrew from

consideration for the U.S. national team, USA Basketball invited Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap to its training camp this week in Las Vegas.

Millsap’s addition means 19 players will be competing for a spot on the final roster of 12 that will play in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain beginning Aug. 30.

TOTTENHAM defender Jan Vertonghen has admitted that he feels flattered Barcelona are keeping tabs on his situation at the Premier League side.

The Catalans - who recently signed Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia - are keen to further strengthen their defence ahead of the 2014-15 campaign and they supposedly see Vertonghen as a useful addition to their squad, much to the Belgium international’s satisfaction.

“It’s certainly flattering when a big club like Barcelona show an interest in signing you,” Vertonghen told Sporza.

“It’s confirmation that you are on the right track.”

Nevertheless, Vertonghen has made it clear that a transfer is still far away at this stage as the Camp Nou side are yet to have made an approach for him.

“They say ‘when there’s smoke, there’s fire’, but there’s no fire for now.”

The 27-year-old has a contract with Tottenham until the summer of 2016, but the Premier League side have offered him a new deal until June 2019.

Vertonghen joined Tottenham from Ajax in the summer of 2012 and has consistently been a key player at the Londoners.

SOUTH Africa ended New Zealand’s dominance of the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens with a 17-12 victory at Ibrox Stadium on Sunday to win the gold medal.

New Zealand had not lost a Commonwealth match since the sport made its debut in 1998 and they looked to be heading for a fifth consecutive gold when Sherwin Stowers crossed in the first half.

South Africa, who beat Samoa 35-7 to reach the final, came storming back and Seabelo Senatla grabbed two quick tries either side of halftime before Cecil Afrika

scored with three minutes remaining.

Joe Webber pulled a late try for New Zealand, setting up a nervous few minutes for Neil Powell’s side but the Africans held on for victory.

“It could have gone either way,” New Zealand captain DJ Forbes told reporters.

“They put pressure on us but we had a chance to win the game.

“But it didn’t go to plan and that’s rugby.

“We’re happy with second

best, so to speak. We are part of the legacy that has gone before us - we’d never been beaten.

“As a country we have a lot of chances to win medals but as a New Zealand rugby player it is disappointing to come second.”

Australia, who lost 19-7 to New Zealand in the semifinals, beat Samoa 24-0 to win bronze.

Rugby will make its return to the Olympics in its abbreviated format in Rio in 2016.

Kevin Grosskreutz

NBA - LeBrom To Wear No. 23 Scott Claims To Be New Lakers Coach CLEVELAND Cavaliers star forward LeBron James is switching back to wearing jersey No. 23.

James wore that number Instagram that he is in high school and during switching back to his his first stint with the original number.

Byron Scott said in a Cavaliers. He changed to television interview that he No. 6 during his four-year is the new coach of the Los stint with the Miami Heat, Angeles Lakers but the where he won two NBA team insisted that an titles.

James announced on agreement has not yet been reached.

ESPN reported Saturday that the Lakers and Scott agreed on a four-year, $17 million deal. The Lakers hold a team option on the final year of the deal.

“It feels fantastic,” Scott told KCBS-TV on Saturday night. “This is a dream come true. I always wanted to coach the Lakers, especially when I got to coaching. It’s so unreal. I have to thank (general manager) Mitch (Kupchak), Jeanie and Jim Buss to give me this opportunity.”

However, the Lakers said

Commonwealth Games - South Africa Shock New Zealand To Claim Sevens Gold

Remy Fails Medical, Liverpool Move Off

LOIC Remy’s move from QPR to Liverpool has fallen through after the Frenchman failed a medical.

The striker’s transfer has been cancelled following his examination, which he underwent in Boston on Tuesday.

The results took longer than usual to come through as the medical took place away from Merseyside.

Neither club has commented officially, and the specific issue is not known.

A possible heart defect was revealed in 2010, when Remy joined Marseille from Nice, but the transfer went through after further tests saw doctors give Remy the all-clear.

Back then, it was decided that Remy was still suitable for a career in professional

football. However, it is unknown whether the latest problem is related to his cardiovascular, or another issue.

Liverpool had agreed an £8.5m deal to sign Remy from QPR after he impressed on loan at Newcastle last season, earning himself a place in France’s World Cup squad.

Brendan Rodgers must look elsewhere to replace

Luis Suarez, who has joined Barcelona, though Rickie Lambert arrived before the World Cup. Liverpool are reportedly close to signing Belgian striker Divock Origi for £12.5m - they had originally planned to loan him back to Lille for the 2014/15 season but may now wish to press the 19year-old into immediate service.

Tennis-Dimitrov, Monfils Out Of Washington Tournament GRIGOR Dimitrov and Gael Monfils have withdrawn from this week’s Citi Open Tournament, it was announced on Sunday.

Dimitrov, who was the No. 3 seed, was diagnosed with flu and sinus infection.

“We will miss having Grigor as a part of this year’s tournament, but his health is priority number one,” said Jeff Newman,

tournament director. “We hope he gets better quickly and wish him great success for the rest of the year.”

Monfils withdraws for the second straight week because of a knee injury.

The Citi Open is the second tournament in the U.S. Open series which offers a $1 million bonus at the U.S. Open for the player at the top of the standings.

CMYK

$1bn Loan And Matters Arising

THE debate over the plan by President Goodluck Jonathan to source $1 billion loan to fund the on-going military campaign against Boko Haram insurgency and other related security challenges facing the country is needless. It is needless because in fighting a war of this magnitude, enough resources are required to win the battle.

It will be recalled that on Wednesday, July 16 2014, President Jonathan asked the National Assembly to approve government plan to take $1 billion loan to help in the prosecution of the ongoing war against insurgency in the country. Since then, both the conventional media and the social media has been a washed with different reactions; a development that prompted the DirectorGeneral of National Orientation Agency (NOA) as well as the Coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri to quickly set the records straight.

He said: “The request was made because the military needs to re-stock. All countries do it and it is not for the Nigerian government to go and collect cash from somebody. It is a long term arrangement which most super powers of the world including the United States have exploited”.

“This long process to be put together by the Federal Government is to ensure that there

is transparency in it and that it is used for the purpose it is meant for.

The loan is not just to fight Boko Haram but to re-stock the Armed Forces.”

Before now, Nigerians have been emphasising on the need to increase our military personnel and armament so as to be able to confront and defeat the security challenge posed by the menace of insurgency.

For example, Sam NdaIsaiah in one of his weekly commentaries in Leadership Newspaper has this to say “For decades, Nigeria has maintained a police force of 370,000 personnel. This is shameful for a country of 173 million people.

For a start, we must immediately increase

Nigeria’s teeming u n e m p l o y e d graduates”.

While still emphasising on the need to increase our military strength, Mr. Nda-Isaiah re-echoed

President Goodluck Jonathan

Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker House of Reps

the nation’s police strength to a minimum of 1, 000, 000 personnel. Ultimately, Nigeria will need 4, 000, 000 well trained and well-armed police officers. And these must be recruited from

soldiers.” But now, what do we have? We have 100, 000 soldiers with a population of about 173 million; and the President has asked the National Assembly to approve $1 billion plan to get credit to

what President Jonathan had earlier revealed in one of his official functions about our military strength. He said “In 1969, at the height of the civil war, Nigeria with a population of 56.1 million had 250, 000

MATTERS IN FOCUS With Comrade Edwin Ekene Uhara modern military hardware so as to confront the unfolding security challenges terrorism and its allies presents!

As we can see, the nature and pattern of warfare have changed globally; unlike in the past where the army is fighting a known and a visible enemy, what confronts us now is a travesty of the past! We are facing terrorist organisations whose main objective is to disorganise, humiliate and destroy lives and properties using guerrilla tactics. So, we can see that the use of Armoured Personnel Carrier and other combatant military hardware are obsolete!

Hence, as realities change, we must

David Mark, Senate President

execute the on-going military campaign, some Nigerians are raising their eyebrows on the matter, even when it is glaring that our defence sector needs more personnel, money, training and procurement of more

assess such realities and make amends to get the desired results.

This is why more advanced countries spend their huge budgets on new technologies as well as training personnel in line with the new trend. For

example, the Obama Administration made a departure from the usual way of fighting war by investing heavily on intelligence gathering as well as acquisition and use of unmanned aircrafts known as drones. That is why the US Army can cause confusion in the camps of the Taliban in Afghanistan or the camps of Hezbollah in Lebanon without boots on ground.

Funny enough, Nigerians have been calling for intelligence gathering in fighting insurgency, but here comes a President that has heeded their calls by asking the National Assembly to approve the $1 billion plan for the exercise, yet some are criticising the move.

Besides, why the President asked the National Assembly for the approval is because, the need for the expenditure was not captured in the budget. Hence, if the president should rechannel the defence money to the new area, it will amount to something else; so, to avoid situations like that, the President acted right.

Therefore, the President being law abiding knows what he is doing and why he is doing it. Instead of chastising him, we should join him in his altruistic efforts to dislodge, disorganise, dismantle and defeat the enemies of our peace and freedom by asking the National Assembly to approve the $1 billion plan.

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