The Nigerian
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 38 • NO.409 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 20 14 • N 100. 0 0 CHILD/HEALTH & YOU
Page 15 Babies born too soon also have right to live (1)
Group consoles Benin Monarch
By RAYMOND OSOGBE
BENIN CITY – The Benin Royal Monarch has been admonished to take solace in the fact that, his late wife, Oloi Esther Erediauwa, Eson N’Erie left her positive foot print in the sands of
time. The advice was given yesterday, by Prince S. E. Eweka in the Oba’s Palace, Benin City when officers and men of
Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) paid a condolence visit to the Oba of Benin. Prince Eweka who spoke on behalf of
Olufemi Eson, Area Commander, Edo State Senatorial District, told the Monarch that, the demise of the Eson N’Erie was indeed painful and quite regrettable. He, however prayed for the repose of her soul. Continues on page 2
2016 Edo Guber Poll
Oshiomhole warns pol appointees
RELIGION Page 23
Who is this satan
BENIN CITY - Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has warned political appointees in the state to shun the politics of who becomes Governor of the state in 2016 and devote themselves to service delivery. my appeal that this Speaking yesterday at party is not about the swearing-in of Mr. gubernatorial Chris Okaeben as the candidate. It is much state Commissioner for more than that.” Youth and Sports, he The Governor who said any appointee who said it is too early in the wants to join the life of the present gubernatorial campaign administration to be now, before INEC blows plotting about who the whistle, “can be takes charge in 2016 excused”. to the detriment of He said: “It is not time governance said “we to discuss the politics of must not forget that we 2016. By the grace of must use the current God, I look forward to mandate in such a way handing over by that so that we can earn date. That is a long way the opportunity to to go and only God preside. We must knows among all of us never subordinate who would be there. That governance to is why I want to repeat
politicking. To do so is to abuse the trust the electorate has placed on us and above all it would be tantamount to taking
the electorate for granted”. He continued: “Let me say even those who want to contest election
in 2015, they must never forget that the only official justification and accepting reason for seeking office is to use it for service
delivery. And that being so, we must not pursue tomorrow’s mandate at the expense of the Continues on page 2
Political Consultation
Atiku visits Oshiomhole
BENIN CITY - Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has paid a visit to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State as part of his consultations round the country on his next political moves. Atiiku during the visit to the governor in Benin City yesterday said the leadership of the All Progressives Congress
led by General Mohammadu Buhari, the interim party chairman, Bisi Akande, Bola Tinubu and other chieftains of the party visited and urged him to return to the party. “I told them that I will take my time to consult nationwide with political associates and stakeholders and I have them on both sides of the
TIT BIT “Experiences are like the tools, the more tools we have, the better prepared we are for upcoming jobs”. - Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama
divide. So the purpose of this visit is to consult. Atiku who noted that Governor Oshiomhole was doing well in the
Continues on page 2
REGISTRATION: The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Crowwel Idahosa (middle) being registered for the Tax Identification Number (TIN), while Chief Oseni Elamah, the Executive Chairman, Edo State Internal Revenue Service (2nd left) looks on.
Trans-Sahara Gas Project
Nigeria mobilises $700m ADDIS ABABA President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in Addis Ababa announced that Nigeria has mobilised
700 million dollars to support the completion of Nigeria-Algeria gas pipeline project. Jonathan made this known in a report on the status of the Trans-
Saharan gas pipeline project, presented at the 30th meeting of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee. Represented by the
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof Viola Onwuliri, Jonathan renewed the special commitment of Nigeria to jump start the project, which has an estimated
eulogized Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi
on his humble dispositions in protecting the integrity of the people of Benin Kingdom, just as Continues on page 2
Obayuwana eulogises Oba Ovonramwen
BENIN CITY – A legal icon and former Attorney-General and Commissioner for
Justice in Edo State, Barr. Osagie Obayuwana, has
cost of 20 billion dollars. He said the immediate focus for Nigeria was to connect major gas supply sources in the Niger Delta region through pipeline infrastructure that traverses the northern half of the country and delivers gas to the Nigeria/Niger border. “We have raised $450 million in Eurobonds and Continues on page 2
News
Obayuwana eulogises Oba Ovonramwen Continued from page 1 he identified lack of synergy between the government at all levels and the people as the bane of national development. He posited that the existence of this synergy during the pre colonial periods between the Oba and the people of Benin Kingdom was responsible for the greatness of the Kingdom. Barr. Obayuwana spoke to The Nigerian Observer at
Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, Venue of the celebration of the centenary of Oba Ovonramwen, the Oba of Benin who was deported
to Calabar in 1897 and later died in 1914, exactly 100 years ago. Barr. Obayuwana, a humble rights activist and a cultural icon, described the reign of Oba Ovonramwen as unique, because being a king, he was loyal to his people and stood for Justice for his people, from the
hands of the Europeans led by Captain Philips. He emphasized that Oba Ovonramwen yielded to the law of the land by not receiving the whites as visitors, which was forbidden at the time of the proposed visit. He averred that the dignity and respect for our custom by the great Oba would forever remain indelible despite the price he paid in his forceful deportation to
Oshiomhole warns pol appointees
Continued from page 1 existing one. We must find time to address the imperatives of 2015 and yet offer good governance to the people of the state.” He said: “conscious of the fact that time is of the essence, we must devote every minute of our time to think, reflect, strategise what we must do differently to continue to put PDP to shame and to continue to uphold the values of our party which is service delivery to our people. Warning those poised to kickstart gubernatorial campaigns far ahead of schedule, Oshiomhole said: “anyone who wants to devote his time to gubernatorial campaigns can easily be excused.” On the commissioner being sworn in, Oshiomhole said: “Comrade Chris is joining us at a time when we have to make a critical balance between our primary mandate which is the primary purpose of politics and politicking. To find sufficient time to deliver convincingly to the good people of the state. The reason why we seek power is not for its own sake, not to be addressed as the Comrade Governor, or Commissioner. “It is that this and other
offices are used collectively to improve the quality of life of the people. He charged the commissioner “you do have enormous challenges in your hand. The immediate challenge is to reposition our sports and making more investments in sporting activities in the state including the primary and secondary schools, reinventing the Principal’s Cup. “You have to reinvent the Bendel Insurance Club. We have currently put in place an Interim Management Committee in our search for answers. We have not done too well in this area. Now that we know that we have not done too well, we have to work harder to do much better
Group consoles Benin Monarch
Continued from page 1 Coordinator and Izegaegbe A.
Among those that accompanied the Area Commander to the Palace were Adebusoye Olushegun, Edo State Commander, Obaseki Ola, Ovia SouthWest Local Government Area, Coordinator, Sunday Pullen, Oredo Local Government Area
Atiku visits Oshiomhole
Continued from page 1 state said “I want to commend you for the good work you are doing in this state. Everybody who knows what is happening in this state knows the good work you have been doing and I urge you to continue the good work. I thank you very much and I wish you well”. The former Vice President said he would also consult with his political associates and stakeholders in the South-South Geopolitical Zone. Responding, Governor Oshiomhole described the former Vice President as a man with enormous capacity to listen, to engage, to contest, but without harbouring any bitterness. “We were excited when I received your letter of intention to pay us a visit as a follow up to the meeting of the leadership of my party, with you at your residence in Abuja where they didn’t hide the fact that you will be a strong pillar and an asset
tomorrow” he advised. “I want you to note that people can be down three dacades the way Edo was down and dismissed five years ago, but with a fighting spirit they can rise again. Let it be said that before you Bendel Insurance was where it was and under you it has moved and surpassed other clubs exactly the same way that Edo State was once the laughing stock and today things have changed and they are changing”, he remarked. Responding, the new Commissioner said the appointment is a call to duty and a call to drive a process adding that his appointment was a great honour and pledged to contribute his quota to uplift the state.
to APC. “I am convinced and I think every democrat will agree that in every truly liberal Democratic Party, you would have two broad based political parties because there are two broad ideas in ideology that guard governance. It’s about those who believe in what is happening and are satisfied and those who don’t”. Oshiomhole remarked that “the country is bigger than any individual and we are all stewards. The beauty of democracy is that the citizens will have a government they deserve at any point in time. My hope and belief is that we would in politicking recognize that it is all about Nigeria and Nigerians.” He wished the former Vice President God’s wisdom in reaching a decision that would impact positively on the people of the country. The Governor and the former Vice President later went into a closed-door meeting.
among others. Similarly, traditional rulers from the South-South Geopolitical zone, led by the King of Nembe Kingdom in Bayelsa State also visited the Benin Monarch to commiserate with him. In the same vein, members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) led by Rev. Moore also paid a courtesy call on the Oba. Also Umor Ikpi, Corp Commander, Sector Command, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) led men and officers of the command to pay condolence visit on the Benin Monarch.
Calabar by the Europeans, who, were on a mission of selfish interest. Barr. Obayuwana spoke glowingly of Oba Ovonramwen as a beacon in the history of the black race. As a well respected Benin man, who is endowed with our rich culture, the human rights lawyer praised the efforts of the organizers of this year ’s centenary celebration, especially Chief Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri (MON), who found it worthy to eulogise the Oba and called on all Benin sons and daughters to have a synergy that would create an avenue for workshops, seminars, conferences and conventions to further discuss Benin history, so that generations yet unborn would appreciate Benin’s contributions to civilization and Nigerian’s history in particular. He especially thanked the Chief custodian of our rich culture and tradition, His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa (CFR) for preserving our cultural heritage. Barr. Obayuwana who, flayed the attitude of post colonial government in Nigeria, for not mobilizing popular input in governance, appealed to the government at all levels to use this centenary celebration as a platform to consolidate peaceful co-existence and to also accord Oba Ovonramwen, a national honour for being a great Oba who was the last to be conquered and whose death coincided with the birth of Nigeria in 1914.
Jega wants independent body to prosecute electoral offenders ABUJA - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday called for the establishment of a body to prosecute electoral offenders. Prof. Attahiru Jega, the INEC Chairman, made the call at a two-day National Stakeholders forum on Electoral Reforms in Abuja. The forum was organised by INEC, Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Foundation and four other civil society organisations. Represented by Hajia Amina Zakary, INEC Commissioner (Election and Party Monitoring), Jega said that the commission had recommended for the body in the proposed amendment of the electoral law. He said INEC did not have the time, resources and capacities to shoulder electoral challenges, adding that the establishment of the body would ensure timely prosecution of electoral offenders. “INEC proposes that a body known as the Electoral Offences Commission with powers to investigate and prosecute breaches of relevant electoral provisions be established,’’ he said. He suggested that the secretary of the commission should hold office for a period of four years from the
300 Edo farmers get fishing inputs ILLUSHI – Over 300 artisan fishermen in Edo State who registered and were captured in the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) Scheme of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the federal government benefited from the distribution of subsidised fishing inputs. The inputs with 50 percent subsidy included fishing canoes; bundles of nets with accessories including floats, sinkers and marine rope. The beneficiaries in 60 groups were drawn from Agenebode Akeh, Udochi,
Nigeria mobilises $700m
Continued from page 1 an additional direct equity contribution of about $250m in support of this project. “The NNPC, which is the executor of this project has completed the concept design for the pipeline, which is an important milestone since I last provided an update on this project to the committee”. The report by the president noted that work had begun in the acquisition of Rights of Way survey of key segments of the pipeline, while work on the environmental impact assessment study of the pipeline would soon commence. Jonathan informed the NEPAD meeting, chaired by President Macky Sall of Senegal, that the front end design of the pipeline would be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2014. “This will be followed closely
by major construction activities on the Trans-Nigeria segment. “It is our expectation and aspiration that work on the Trans-Nigeria segment and will be completed, as planned, by 2018”. The $20 billion transsaharan project, when completed will transport about 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas from Warri through Niger Republic to Algeria and to Spain and Europe. The gas pipeline when completed will be operated by the NNPC and Sonatrach of Algeria, both of which will hold 90 percent shares of the equities of the project. The national oil company of Niger Republic, SONIDEP, will hold ten per cent equity. Jonathan also told the committee that NNPC, SONATRACH, SONIDEP, have engaged a reputable consultant to carry out the
date of his appointment. Jega also proposed that the period of office of the secretary should be renewable for another four years. In his remarks, Senator Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo) observed that INEC’s proposed amendment in the Electoral Act should have considered who should appoint the INEC chairman. He also said that the proposed electoral amendment did not state what happened to INEC if it commits a mistake. He suggested that INEC should be unbundled to the extent that it was limited to the conduct of elections alone. He commended the commission for the proposed amendment to the act, which was submitted to the National Assembly. Earlier, Mr Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director, support the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), urged members of the National Assembly to support the amendment of the electoral law. He faulted the appointment of the INEC chairman by the president.
revalidation of the 2006 feasibility study of the project. This, he said, was necessitated by recent developments in the environment and the study would be concluded by March. “This study is part of our collective determination to ensure that robust gas supply sources and gas marked windows still exist for the project. “Preliminary results indicate some uncertainty around the market opportunities in Europe and this is due mainly to possible intra-European gas pipeline projects from Russia that may compete with supplies from Africa”. The project is intended to integrate the economies of the region in line with NEPAD’s vision to boost GDP of participating countries, create wealth and improve the living standards of people in the region.
Udaba-Ekperi, Ofukpo, Osemegbe, Illushi, Ifeku Island, Evbuarue-Nukpo, Gelegele, Oregbeni, Temboga, Ogbese and Olumoye communities all in the state. Before declaring the presentation ceremony open, at Illushi, Esan South East Local Government Area, State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdul Oroh disclosed that the state was among the 27 states in Nigeria, including Federal Capital Territory that benefited from the Aquaculture Value Chain under the GES scheme. He reiterated that only artisans fishermen who registered for the scheme are benefiting from the input distribution exercise. While enjoining all fish farmers who have not registered for the GES scheme to do so, the Commissioner disclosed that the registration involves biometric data capturing which would provide a national data base which is needed for planning and development of the fishery sub-sector. According to him, it is the desire of both the state and federal government to ensure self-sufficiency in fish production and utilization in the country, adding that with fish farmers support through keying into the programme, the exercise would achieve the goal and objective for setting it up.
News Edo SEEFOR Engages 530 recruitment has a preYouths requisite for democratic BENIN CITY – The By FRIDAY OBANOR
Coordinator, Edo State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR) project, Mr. Taiwo Akerele said in Benin City that over 500 youths have benefited from the Agency’s Youth Employment Project. He disclosed this at a weeklong training/ orientation seminar organised for youth drawn from the three Senatorial District of the state and employed under the SEEFOR Public Works programme. According to him, “SEEFOR is an interventionist project meant to help collaborate
and ease stress burden of women and youths through youth empowerment scheme in the state.’ Akerele, a Senior Special Assistant on World Bank project to Governor Adams Oshiomhole noted that the engagement of the over 530 youths was to enable the beneficiaries become fully employed under the project. According to him, even with the project ongoing, SEEFOR has also helped able-bodied men/women in the society to contribute their quota to the development of the state. He noted that the
balance as a way of ensuring transparency in the entire process. General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Ms. Gillian Uche Ochugbue said the essence of SEEFOR project is to help reduce unemployment of youths which is the focus of present administration in the state. Meanwhile, State Media Officer of SEEFOR, Comrade Flora Bossey has assured youths in the state who were not captured in the ongoing exercise to be patient as the recruitment exercise is a continuous one.
General Manager, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, publishers of OBSERVER titles, Pastor Monday Aigbe and the Public Relations Officer, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Captain Abdullahi Abubakar during a courtesy visit to the General Manager in Benin City yesterday. Photo: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY.
Dividends Of Democracy, Exclusive OKPOHUMI – The Right Of Electorate -Ijegbai Chairman of Owan East Local Government Council, Chief Jimoh Ijegbai said that
Practising Fee Controversy
Court Adjourns Lawyers, NBA’s Suit Indefinitely
LAGOS - A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned indefinitely hearing in a suit by some lawyers challenging the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over a raise in practising fees for lawyers in the country. The plaintiffs are: Mr. Seth Amaefule, Miss Amaka Aneke, Mr Celestine Nwankwo, Mr Charles OlaOni, and Mr. Tayo Arojo. The plaintiffs are seeking an order restraining the NBA from implementing the new fees which they described as too exorbitant. Joined in the suit as defendants are the NBA President, Mr. Okey Wali (SAN), General Council of the Bar and Attorney General of the Federation. Others are Mr. Taiwo Taiwo, the Chairman, NBA, Lagos Branch, and Mr. Onyekachi Ubani, the Chairman of Ikeja Branch. At the resumed hearing of the case, Mrs. Olutola Adepoju, the counsel representing the first to fourth defendants, informed the court that they had withdrawn their motion for stay of an interlocutory order granted by the court. She said the withdrawal was as a result of the motion which she noted had been overtaken by events. “It is already overtaken by
events since an appeal had already been filed, argued, and judgment reserved.’’ Adepoju urged the court to grant an adjournment to abide with the decision of the Court of Appeal. Counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Tunji Gomez, did not object to the adjournment, but informed the court that he had not been served with the defendants’ statement of defence. Justice Rita OfiliAjumogobia, in a short ruling, adjourned the matter indefinitely. “This matter is adjourned sine die to abide with the decision of the Court of
Appeal,’’ she ruled. The judge, however, ordered the defendants to furnish the plaintiffs with its statement of defence. The plaintiffs had filed the suit on February 18, 2013, challenging the hike in lawyers’ practising fees. In their motion, they averred that the General Council of the Bar had in a circular dated April 6, 2012, made an upward review of the fees for lawyers in the country. “By the review, lawyers who are less than five years at the bar were to pay N10, 000 as opposed to N2, 000,
while those above five years were to pay N20, 000, as opposed to N4, 000. “Those above 10 years at the bar were now to pay N35, 000, as opposed to N7, 500; those above 15 years were to pay N50, 000 as opposed to N10, 000, while senior advocates are now to pay N100, 000, as against N20, 000. They argued that a handful of lawyers will suffer hardship if the defendants were allowed to proceed with the collection of the new practising fees. The plaintiffs, therefore, urged the court to restrain the defendants from implementing the new practising fees.
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State (middle) with the State Basketball team when he received them in Ilorin recently.
the dividend of democracy is the exclusive right of the electorates. While noting that good decisive vote by the electorate brings development to the people, he also said that every project executed by his administration was made possible because he was empowered by the votes of the electorates. Chief Ijegbai who was represented by Hon. Johnbull Airenakho made this known during the maiden edition of the Owan Club 92 award ceremony which took place in Okpokhumi. Chief Ijegbai, who was given an award of
Excellency by the Owan Club 92 for what was regarded as unprecedented performance, assured that the award will spur him to perform better in order to take Owan East to greater height. He said he will not relent on his oars until Owan East is completely transformed. Among the awardees were former Rector of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Dr. Friday Eboreime, Special Adviser to Edo State Governor, Barr. Dennis Ejere and President of the Association of Senior Civil Servant of Nigeria (ASCON) Edo State, Chapter Joe Amokhai.
Rainstorm Disaster
LG Boss Assures Victims Of Succour IHIEVBE – The Chairman of Owan East Local Government Council, Barr. (Chief) Jimoh Ijegbai has assured that succor will come the way of the victims of rainstorm disaster which occurred in the area in January 24, 2014. He said rainstorm is a natural disaster than can never be avoided. Chief Ijegbai gave the assurance after an assessment tour of the area in order to ascertain the extent of damages done by the rainstorm. According to him over 96 buildings, including
public schools were affected by the disaster and therefore appealed to the state and federal government to come to the electricity poles damaged by the rainstorm in order to restore power supply to the affected communities. Where most of the affected buildings had their roofs completely or partially blown off. The Owan East Council boss was accompanied on the assessment tour by the Vice-Chairman of the Council, Hon. Andrew Osigwe; Supervisors and top government functionaries.
News PPA Chairman Decries Lack Of Internal Democracy In Pol Parties
Chief of Air Staff, AVM Adesola Amosu, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh, Chief Army Staff, Major General Kenneth Mamama and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jubril at the screening exercise of the Service Chiefs by the Joint Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives on Defence, Army, Navy and Airforce in the National Assembly, Abuja. Photo: OMOYE AMINU
ABUJA – Mr. Peter Ameh, the National Chairman of the Progressive Peoples’ Alliance (PPA), has decried the lack of internal democracy within political parties in the country. Ameh told newsmen in a telephone interview in Abuja, that lack of internal democracy was responsible for the crisis in some of the parties. According to him, the lack of adherence to the constitution of political parties is the bane of internal democracy. The chairman stated that there was the need to check the phenomenon to ensure a level playing ground within political parties. He said that the Electoral Act and the party’s constitutions
Agency Makes Case For Hydrogeological of water-bearing Maps For Borehole Construction layer permeable rocks or ABUJA - Mr. John Shamonda, the DirectorGeneral of the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) has advised the Federal Government to ensure the production of hydrogeological maps to guide the construction of boreholes in the country. Shamonda, also told newsmen in Abuja that the map would prevent the construction of unproductive boreholes in the country. According to him, the map can help to reduce the number of quack drillers that has been on the increase in the country. He said: “Hydro-geological mapping is what the government needs to now pay a lot of attention to. “If you have that map it would be a form of Bible for people that are doing borehole drilling all over the country. “Because you will be able to have the relative information that you need, have an idea of the water yield of the aquifer you want to tap and be able to know the extent. “It will help in averting what we call abortive borehole; we have so many abortive boreholes all over the country, which is not good enough. “We want bore holes to be productive and the only thing that will help this country is to have this hydrogeological mapping,`` he said. The director-general said that between 2002 and 2005 the government provided funds, which were used to produce hydrogeological maps in only a part of the country having divided the country into eight parts. Shamonda said that at least four billion naira would be required for the production of hydrogeological maps for the
entire country. He explained that owing to changes in population and nature, the maps would have to be updated every five years. According to Shamonda, minimising the construction of unproductive boreholes would enable the public to get value for money spent just as it would make the natural environment safer. The DG said that the depletion of underground water in the process of abstraction would depend on the nature of the environment. He said: “In some area it could deplete, in some areas it may not and that is why we have what we call observation wells, which is giving information on the fluctuation of the ground water levels. “And that information is one that you need to know whether you are over-abstracting or you are safe with your abstraction because that water that is there is coming from somewhere we call it recharge - the aquifer is recharging. “If the abstraction is more than the rate of recharge then you have subsidence, underground water will start going low. “Government needs to give us money to have enough observation wells, but we are trying with what we have. “We have even drilled some observation wells, in which we are now going to automate them with monitoring equipment,” he said. He said that though the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recommended 100 observation wells for Nigeria, only 32 had so far been drilled. Hydrogeology is the area of geology that deals with the distribution and movement of
groundwater in the soil and rocks of the earth’s crust commonly in aquifers. Aquifers are an underground
unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, or silt) from which groundwater can be extracted using water well.
were part of the requirements guiding the operations of political parties. “As such, the leadership of political parties must adhere to the rules as prescribed by the party’s constitution and electoral law to ensure internal democracy” he said. Ameh said that there was the need for the National Working Committee (NWC) of political parties to allow members and executives to function without intimidation as stipulated by the parties’ constitution. “The secretary, publicity secretary and any other party official should be allowed to do their jobs without interference. “And if there is any misunderstanding within the parties, there is an internal mechanism within the political parties that should be adopted to resolve the issues,” he said. Ameh urged politicians to provide a level playing ground in their parties to ensure fairness and equity among members. “If there is equal treatment of party members, internal
democracy will be promoted” he said. He said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must work collectively with other stakeholders to ensure the sustenance of internal democracy within political parties. To this end, Ameh said that INEC had created an Electoral Alternative Dispute Resolution Department where members of political parties were being trained on how to handle disputes within their parties. “Since INEC has done this, it should also provide guidelines for tackling issues that could emanate from political parties’ conventions, congresses and primary elections.’’ The chairman also urged journalists to be objective in their reportage of the activities of political parties, especially when in crisis. “Journalists should engage in balancing their reports while reporting crisis in political parties” Ameh said.
L-R: Bishop Ukpong; Rev. (Mrs.) Joy Izevbigie, Bishop (Dr.) Osadolor Izevbigie; Bishop (Mrs.) Onibere; Archbishop (Prof.) S.G.A. Oni Onibere, Primate International Communion of Bible Churches and others during the enthronement of Rt. Rev. Osadolor Izevbigie as Bishop of Christ the Living Word Bible Church Int’l Inc.
New Church Leader: Member Goes To
LAGOS - A leader of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Mr. Adepoju Arogundade, has filed a motion before Federal High Court in Lagos, to stop the appointment of new head of the Church. The motion sought to restrain trustees of the C & S Church in Nigeria, from further appointing a spiritual head, pending the determination of a suit against it. When the case was mentioned, counsel representing the plaintiff, Mr Tunji Gomez, informed the court of the pending motion, and applied that the case be stood down, to enable him sort out some processes.
Justice Ibrahim Buba, however, refused a stand down, adding that the court had too many matters to deal with. He, therefore, adjourned the case till February 14, for hearing. Arogundade had filed the suit in February 2009, seeking an order reinstating him as the rightful leader of the C & S Church in Nigeria. Joined as defendants in the suit are: Incorporated Trustees of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, and Mr Adebola Adewuja. The plaintiff averred in his statement of claims that the C & S Church, founded in 1925 by Capt. Emmanuel Abiodun, and
Court
registered in 1930, had a constitution which clearly stipulated the mode of leadership succession. He said that the constitution provides that after the death of a leader, the oldest in the church would take position as the next leader. The plaintiff averred that after the death of his father, he became the oldest member of the church as of right, to be appointed leader. Arogundade stated that rather than appointing him as successor, in line with the C & S constitution, one elder
Adebola Adewuja was appointed in his stead. He, therefore, wants the court to declare the appointment a nullity, since it contravened the provisions of the church’s constitution. In addition, Arogundade is seeking an order re-instating him as the rightful leader of the Church. The plaintiff in his new motion, wants the court to restrain the defendants from further electing a leader of the church, especially as the tenure of Adewuja had expired. The plaintiff wants such appointment stayed, until the substantive matter is decided by the court.
South South Amaechi, Ikimi Appointed To Resolve Leadership Crisis In Bayelsa
YENAGOA - Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers and Chief Tom Ikimi have been nominated by the leadership of All Progressive Congress (APC) to resolve the crisis
rocking the party in Bayelsa. Chief Richard Kpodo, the Interim Chairman of APC in Bayelsa, confirmed the development in Yenagoa in an interview with newsmen.
Kpodo said the reconciliatory committee also included SouthSouth members of the Interim
L-R: Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reform, Dr. Joe Abah; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Servicom, Mr. Sylbriks Gbriki and Nodal Officer for NTA, Mrs. Eugenia Abu at the Servicom 2014 Nodal Officers’ Retreat in Abuja yesterday.
Both factions have opened parallel secretariats of APC in Yenagoa. Mr Miriki Ebikibina, former National Youth Leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and leader of the ACN component of APC also confirmed the peace move. He said that all the feuding
Committee of the party. According to him, the decision to harmonise the factions was informed by the need to avoid imposition of party structures and allow formidable team of party executives in the home state of President Goodluck Jonathan. The chairman said the committee would also intervene in the crisis rocking the party in Akwa Ibom. He said the choice of Amaechi was based on his supervisory role as the leader in-charge of the party in Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom. Kpodo said the committee was expected to meet with the factions of the Bayelsa APC in Port Harcourt. The APC leadership crisis in Bayelsa is between those who joined the party from PDC led by Kpodo and the former members of ACN for the control of APC structure in Bayelsa.
ABUJA - The absence of EFCC Counsel, Mr Sabastine Hon,, on Monday stalled hearing in an FCT High Court in a suit filed by EFCC against former Aviation Minister Babalola Borishade and four others. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged Borishade, his former personal assistant, Tunde Dairo, and the others with mismanaging a N5.2 billion Aviation Safe Tower contract. Others on trial for the alleged
law provides life imprisonment on anyone convicted of rape. The commissioner noted that the relatives were preventing the victims from seeking redress in court for fear of publicity. He assured them that Section 36 of the Constitution had made provision for the protection of a
victim from publicity if he/she was below 18 years. Dantsoho expressed dismay on how some relatives of rape victims were pressurising the ministry to drop cases it was handling, warning that the ministry would no longer entertain such request.
Absence Of Counsel Stalls Trial Of Borishade, 4 Others
Seek For Justice, Commissioner Urges Relatives Of Rape Victims KATSINA - The Katsina State Commissioner for Justice, Alhaji Ibrahim Dantsoho, has urged parents and husbands of rape victims to always report such cases to appropriate authorities for redress. Dantsoho gave the advice in Katsina while addressing newsmen on the activities of the
ministry. He said that the advice became necessary in view of the rising number of rape cases across the state. “It is alarming to note that
every five out of 10 cases brought to court is on rape. “That is what prompted the ministry to liaise with the state legislature to amend Section 283 of Katsina State Penal Code Law cap 96 of 1991 in order to address that issue,’’ he said. Reports say that the amended
offence are a former Managing Director of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, Rowland Iyayi,, an Australian, George Eider, and Avsatel Communications Ltd. The suspects were arraigned on November 19, 2009 by EFCC on a 15-count charge of taking bribe and forging aviation contract documents. At the resumed hearing, Hon sent a letter conveying his apology over his inability to appear in court. Opposing the submission, counsel to Borishade, Mr Sunday Onuabi, said “ this is the second time that this case is being adjourned at the instance of the prosecution. “My lord, it was the prosecution that asked for today‘s date at the last adjourned date and yet he is not in court. “ My lord, he did not notify us that he will not be in court today.”
FRSC To Enforce Installation Of First Aid Boxes In Vehicles
Nigerians Warned Against Bush Burning
MAKURDI - Mrs Victoria Esa, the Executive Director, Environment and Climate Change Amelioration Initiative, an NGO, has warned against bush burning and indiscriminate felling of trees. Esa gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Makurdi. She said bush burning and indiscriminate felling of trees were contributing to deforestation, erosion and global warming. According to her, heat generated by global warming is also contibuting to rising cases of diseases in the country. She urged the forestry departments at the state and federal levels to intensify efforts at reducing the massive felling of trees across the country. Esa enjoined Nigerians to plant trees and flowers and nurture them to maturity in order to mitigate the effect of deforestation and its attendant consequences on the socioeconomic lives of the people.
factions have been ordered to observe ‘ceasefire’ “The only aspect of APC crisis in Bayelsa is that loyalists of former Gov Timpre Sylva want to hijack the party from us. “We are hopeful that the committee will resolve the issues before the inauguration of the party in Bayelsa.
Masquerade entertaining during Igue festival recently. Photo: BRIGHT IMHANZETO
337 Die In 570 Accidents In Ogun ABEOKUTA - A total of 337 people died in 570 road traffic crashes between January 2013 and December 2013 in Ogun, the FRSC has said. The Ogun Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Adegoke Adetunji, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abeokuta.
He also said that a total of 2,011 people were injured in the road crashes. Adetunji said that the figure was a decrease from the 971 road traffic crashes in 2012 in which 405 people died and 2,710 were injured. The FRSC boss said that most of the crashes recorded in 2013
were due to over-speeding, dangerous driving and brake failure. Adetunji, who urged motorists to always obey traffic rules, said: “Our mandate is to reduce road carnage significantly and we are leaving no stone unturned to achieve this. “Drivers must learn to observe
-FRSC
traffic rules and regulations at all time. “It is sad to see how people die on the roads due to negligence and refusal to obey rules that govern safe driving. “They must refrain from buying used tyres because most of them had expired before they got into the Nigerian market.”
PORT HARCOURT - The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC) Rivers Command says it will soon enforce the installation of First Aid boxes in commercial vehicles. The State Sector Commander of the Corps, Mr Sunday Oghenekaro, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that all vehicles would be compelled to acquire First Aid box in 2014. He noted that First Aid box “is very necessary’’ in both commercial and private vehicles to save lives in periods of emergency on the roads. “In this 2014, we are poised to ensure that all vehicles carry First Aid boxes because they perform very important function in times of needs,’’ he said. He said that as part of the effort to save children during road accident, child restrain should be provided in private cars. Oghenekaro warned motorists against carrying children on their laps while driving, saying “it is a dangerous habit carrying children on the laps while driving.
South West Attempt To Block Budget Will Be Counter-Productive - Expert
Vice President Namadi Sambo (left) been welcomed by President Alassane Ouattara of Cote D’Ivoire during his courtesy visit to the Presidential Palace in Abidjan recently.
the people. He said that blocking a budget would portray a political party as anti-people. “Ideally, political parties are formed in every democratic setup as the machinery of the system with the sole aim of taking the mantle of political leadership through popular idea and masses- oriented ideology. “It will indeed be
counterproductive if a major opposition party like APC decides to go murky by blocking all executive bills on the floor of the National Assembly including budget. “All the economic life of Nigeria is predicated on the budget, therefore, no serious economic activity will take place without the budget and Nigerians will be in misery and abject poverty.
It advised government and other media owners to forthwith engage the leadership of all industrial unions in the media industry on the evolution and implementation of Media Salary Structure. “We will not relent until all slave camps in the name of media organisations go into voluntary liquidation. “We, therefore, solicit the support of every right thinking Nigerian to join the crusade of salvaging media practitioners from the contemporary economic doldrums,’’ the union said. The zone comprises Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states.
BENIN CITY – The death has been announced of Mrs. Agnes Ufalo Oshiokomo Ivowi She was aged 75. Late Mrs. Agnes Ivowi who died on Monday December 30, 2013 at Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, is survived by her husband, Oyaseh O. Denis Ivowi, four children, one grand child, brothers and sisters, in-laws, including Mrs. Ida Anthonia Ivowi Ikuenobe, (daughter) Engr Osi J.A. Ivowi (Son) Mr. Olume G. Ivowi (Son) and Mr. Isi B, Ivowi (Son). Burial arrangement for late Mr. Agnes Ivowi began on Saturday January 18, 2014 with a memorial service at our lady of Lourdes Parish, St Pauls Catholic school, Moongate, Milton Keynes, England, while body arrives Benin City on Thursday January 30, 2014 with vigil mass at House No. 5, 14th Street, EDPA, Ugbowo Housing Estate, Benin City at 5 pm. There will be another requiem mass on Friday January 31, 2014, at St. Albert’s Catholic Church, UNIBEN, Ugbowo, Benin
City at 9am. Body will be taken from Benin City for Ayogwiri, Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. There will be flag stop at Afashio in Etsako-West Local Government Area while funeral Mass holds at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Ayogwiri, Uzairue and to be followed by interment at her residence in Ayogwiri. On Sunday February 2, 2014 there will be a thanksgiving service St Albert Catholic Church, UNIBEN, Ugbowo, Benin City.
OSOGBO - Three women have appeared before an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court and charged with beating up an activist, Olayinka Ibrahim, at the NUJ Press Club in Osogbo. The Prosecutor, Insp.
Fagboyinbo Abiodun, told the court that the accused persons, Bimbo Akinwumi, 28, Olufemi Adeyemo, 26, and Nike Oyinlola, 22, committed the
offence on January 22. Abiodun said Ibrahim, who is the President of the Federation of Informal Workers in Osun, was allegedly beaten when he attempted to rescue a person attacked by the women. “The accused beat the activist and damaged some of his valuables yet to be valued before he was rescued by some fellow activists and the police was called in,’’ Abiodun said. He said the offence contravened Section 516 and 351 of the Criminal Code of Osun 2003. The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Mr Olusola Aluko, granted bail to the accused persons in the sum of N50, 000 each and two sureties in the like sum. Aluko said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and must have evidence of tax payment. He also said the sureties should attached two passport photographs in the affidavit of means and adjourned the case to February 24, for mention.
OSOGBO - A peace advocate, Mr Ajibola Owolabi, has described the directive by the All Progressive Congress (APC) to its National Assembly members to block all executive bills as “counterproductive’’. Owolabi, the Executive Director of Advocacy for Advancement of Peace and Harmony in Africa Initiative (ADAPHAI), an NGO, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo. He said that the essence of formation of political associations was to mobilise the people and make them conscious of the ideal of good governance. Owolabi added that all the activities of such associations must be geared toward the peoples’ interests. According to him, party politics should not be personalised at the detriment of the people if the political party really exists for the wellbeing of
NUJ Advocates Better Wage For Media Practitioners
AKURE - The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone B, has advocated better wage for all media practitioners across the country. This is contained in a statement by the zonal Vice President, Mr Dele Atunbi in Akure. The statement described the monthly take home of media practitioners as a “slave wage’’. “Going by the current economic realities, the wage regime in the media industry is slavish compared to what obtains in other parts of the world. “In advanced countries of the world, information purveyors are given a pride of place in the scheme of things.
“The wage index in the media over the years is a deliberate attempt by media owners to continue to put media practitioners under the jackboot of economic slavery,’’ the statement said. According to the union, the disparity in the take home of media practitioners and other civil servants is economic dehumanisation, deprivation and marginalisation. It pointed out that the media in collaboration with other well-meaning Nigerians fought for the independence of the country. “In fact, the media is the unequalled vanguard for the enthronement of the current civil rule in the country. “With the pivotal role the
Court Remands 2 Men Over Alleged Assault On Police ADO-EKITI - An AdoEkiti Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded two men, Ojo Okunade, 25, and Hammed Oladeji, 20, in prison custody for alleged assault on police man. Prosecutor Emmanuel David told the court that the accused committed the offence on January 21, at old Garage, Ado-Ekiti. David told the court that the accused unlawfully attempted to kill one constable Ojo Adedayo, attached to Swift Response Squad, Ado-Ekiti. He said the accused inflicted severe injuries with knife on his forehead, hand and leg while performing his lawful duty. The prosecutor added that
the accused also aided criminals to escape police arrest on a case of attempted murder. Emmanuel said the offence contravened Sections 10 and 320 of the Criminal Code of Ekiti State 2012. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. David also applied for an adjournment to enable him remit the case file to the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution for legal advice. The Chief Magistrate, Idowu Ayenimo, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending the advice of the DPP. He adjourned the case to March 7, for mention.
media played in the enthronement of democratic governance in the country, media practitioners deserve a better welfare package. “This is therefore important to accord them their dues because of their patriotism and belief in the Nigerian project, apart from being academically qualified for a living wage,’’ the union added. The union therefore called for the implementation of Media Salary Structure to correct the imbalance in the disparity in the wage regime between media practitioners and other civil servants. It also admonished media practitioners in collaboration with all industrial unions in the industry to step up their advocacy for a better life.
Madam Agnes Ivowi For Burial
Mrs. Agnes Ufalo Oshiokomo
3 Women Docked For Allegedly Beating Up A Man
L-R: Executive Director, Convention on Business integrity (CBI), Mr. Soji Apampa, Executive Director, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Haruna Waziri and Secretary, Mrs. Josephine Igbinosun, briefing on Corporate Governance rating system.
Lagos Studying Abroad: Parents
Urged to Seek Expert Advice
LAGOS - A guidance and counselling expert, Mrs Folusho Ojo, has urged parents to always seek counsellors’ advise before sending their children to study abroad. Ojo who works at a private school in Lagos, gave the advise in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. She said that it was unfortunate that many parents sent their children abroad without preparing them for the challenges they would be exposed to while abroad. “Because, there are so many things happening nowadays; as it is happening in Nigeria here, so also it is happening over there.
“And the children that are not well tutored will join the cult that will be to the disadvantage of even the child and the parents. “So, it is necessary for parents to bring their children for counselling. “And, before coming to such a gathering, as an education fair, it is also very necessary for the counsellor, especially those schools that have counsellors to guide them. “To know the purpose of their coming, not just to take their materials for the fun of it, it has to be of much importance to them.“ The counsellor also advised parents to stop sending their
underage children to study abroad, saying that it would be of no advantage to the child. She said, “I usually advise such children and their parents to go for ‘A’ Levels which is the foundation, so that at least, they can be matured before going into the university. “I think they should be either 17 years old or 18 years old before entering into the university; it will be to their advantage. “It may not even happen in Nigeria, because in some universities, if they are not 16 plus they will not give them admission.
The enthronement of Rt. Rev. Osadolor Izevbigie as Bishop of Christ the Living Word Bible Church International Incorporated, took place on Sunday January 19, 2014 at the Chruch’s premises along 1st Federal Road, Benin City. Rt. Rev. Izevbigie (left) being worn the crown as Bishop by Bishop Ukpon from Sapele.
Murder Trial: Court
Adjourns Case To Feb 18
LAGOS - A Lagos High Court, Igbosere, has adjourned the murder trial of an ex-police officer, Segun Fabunmi, till February 18 due to the absence of a prosecution witness. Fabunmi, a former Divisional Police Officer of Pen Cinema, Agege Police Division, is facing charges of murder and attempted murder. He is accused of shooting to death one Adedamola Daramola in Lagos on January 9, 2012, during the protests against the removal of fuel subsidy. The accused also allegedly caused grievous bodily harm to Alimi Abubakar, Egbujor Samuel and Chizorba Odoh during the protests. At the resumed hearing of the case, the prosecuting counsel Mrs Olabisi Ogungbesan, Director, Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions, apologised for the absence of a witness, one Mr Sunday. She said that the witness, the Investigating Police Officer, was testifying in a Magistrates’ Court in Ikeja and prayed the court to stand down the case. Ogungbesan said she would have communicated the development to the court and the defendant’s counsel, Mr George Oguntade (SAN), but she thought the court would have other
matters before his arrival. Oguntade, however, told the court that it was a Monday and no one knew when the witness would get to the court. He suggested that the matter be adjourned. Justice Olabisi Akinlade asked Ogungbesan if the witness was the only one she was bringing and the prosecutor said there were two others. The judge said: “Why bring witnesses one by one? I have given you a whole day and you have not come to court with a witness. “The same thing happened at the last trial date; I thought you were ready to deal with this case expeditiously”. Akinlade said it was an
insult for the High Court to wait for a witness who had gone to testify at a Magistrates’ Court. “I can’t continue wasting my dates because I expect you to bring two or more witnesses to court,” she said. The judge adjourned till February 18 for continuation of trial. Reports say that the alleged offences of the accused contravene Sections 221, 249, 285 and 327 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
Archbishop (Prof.) S.G.A. Oni Onibere, Primate, International Communion of Bible Churches (left) presenting the staff of office to newly enthroned Bishop Izevbigie.
APC’s Directive On Bills Blockage Good For Democracy - Fashola LAGOS Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State said the directive by the All Progressive Congress (APC) directing its lawmakers to block executive bills was good for democracy.
The governor spoke with newsmen after inaugurating the Ejigbo-Ajao Estate Link Bridges in Lagos. He said that the planned
Bank Employees Arraigned Over Theft
LAGOS - Three bank employees and their two accomplices were arraigned before Chief Magistrate A.O. Awogboro over the theft of N6.5 million from a customer ’s account. They are facing a 12-count charge bordering on stealing, forgery and conspiracy. The men, Timothy Ibeh, 24; Samuel Dada, 27; Adeyinka Awojobi, 29; Obaseki Ojo, 26, and Simon Abu, 26, were docked at a Tinubu Magistrate Court, Lagos. The Prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Okoye, told the court that the accused committed the offences between October 14, 2013 and November 21, 2013 during
work hours at First Bank, Marina, Lagos. He said that the accused forged the signature of one Mr Onche Ugbabe at different times and stole the sum of N6.5million from his account. “Ibeh, Adeyinka and Dada, employees of First Bank solicited the help of Ojo and Abu and used their accounts to stash the stolen money. “On different occasions, the accused persons withdrew the sum of N500,000, N550,000, N350,000, N620,000, N520,000, N825,000,
N620,000, N750,000 and N420,000 respectively,’’ Okoye said. The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 409, 361 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. However, each of the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them. Awogboro granted each accused bail in the sum of N1million, with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till February 26 for mention.
blockage was nothing more than the use of legislative weapon to achieve some democratic gains. According to Fashola, the planned blockage of executive bills is aimed at promoting the ideals of democracy and is only being misinterpreted by critics. The governor said that the lawmakers had the constitutional right to use blockage of bills for developmental purposes in line with the democratic essential of check and balances. He noted that there was nothing abnormal about the plan as every arm of government had the right to act as a check on the other. “In the process of that check, institutionally, the legislature has found as a legitimate weapon, the withdrawal of cooperation from the executive, to bring the executive back on the negotiation table.
“Nobody can claim ownership of Nigeria, so when everything else fails, legislators can resort to the withdrawal of cooperation to achieve some democratic gains. “Even, when the PDP had full legislative majority, the parliament employed the same weapon. We have examples in the delay of the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill by the party for three years now, and no one seems to know why. “The same party in the majority returned the budget, and you know how the budget came back to the National Assembly. These are clear examples of withdrawal of legislative cooperation. “In all these cases, we did not hear the PDP saying that democracy was going to be truncated. “Then, how can the same weapon be seen now as an attempt to truncate democracy?” Fashola asked.
News Fuel Tanker Explodes, Kill 2 In Funtua FUNTUA (Katsina State) - A diesel tanker exploded and killed two persons at Bakin-dutse in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State. Eye witnesses told newsmen that the deceased persons were the driver of the tanker and a welder.
Members of APC Interim Management Committee Adamawa Chapter during their inauguration in Yola recently.
Unilorin Partners U.S. Varsity On Stem Cell Research
Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, Abiye Seikibor and Chairman Senate Committee on Airforce, Senator Ahmed Alkali at the screening exercise of the Service Chiefs by the Joint Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives on Defence, Army, Navy and Airforce in the National Assembly, Abuja. Photo: OMOYE AMINU
ILORIN - Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, said the institution was collaborating with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, U.S. on stem cell research. This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Kunle Akogun, the Director, Corporate Affairs Unit of the University in Ilorin. The statement said the vice chancellor was a one week visit to the University of WisconsinMadison, U.S. It said that the collaboration with Wisconsin-Madison would afford the University a world class Stem Cell Research Laboratory. It said Ambali visited the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Prof. Rebecca Blank, and some world renowned experts on Stem Cell Research, including Prof. SuChun Zhang. “The VC also met with other renowned stem cell researchers; Prof. Ralph Albrecht, Prof. Jeff Johnson and Prof. Tim Kamp,”
MAIDUGURI - No fewer than 15 persons are feared killed after gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram militants attacked Kawuri town in the Konduga Local Government Area of Borno. Some survivors told newsmen in Maiduguri on Monday that the attack coincided with the weekly market of the town. “The gunmen arrived the town using four wheel vehicles and
The Commissioner of Police in Borno, Alhaji Lawan Tanko, confirmed the attack but declined to give details. “Kawuri was attacked yesterday resulting in several deaths and injuries. “Casualties are being counted. No exact figure yet,” he said in a text message to reporters. Borno has been the hotbed of the Boko Haram insurgency.
Gunmen Kill 15 In Borno pretended to be villagers coming to the market. “Unknown to the people the gunmen had planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at strategic areas in the town before carrying out attacks on residents,” Malam Isa Ibrahim, a survivor, said. He said that the gunmen also set several houses and shops ablaze before fleeing. Ibrahim said about that 15
persons were found dead at the end of the attack. Malam Fantara Madugu, another survivor, said he counted about 15 bodies at the end of the attack. “We counted about 15 bodies of victims at the end of the attack. “We also assisted in conveying about 20 injured persons to the hospital,” he said.
Fire Destroys Property Worth N50 Million In investigation to unravel the division, assisted by some of fire extinguishers and other Omu-Aran police military personnel were on hand fire-fighting equipment in the cause of the fire. OMU-ARAN (Kwara) Properties worth more than N50 million were destroyed in a fire incident that gutted a warehouse in Omu-Aran, Kwara. An eyewitness told newsmen that the warehouse, located at Aperan Way and behind a filling station, was stocked with foam and building materials. It caught fire at about 4.15 p.m. and raged for more than three hours before the arrival of fire fighters from Ilorin. Reports say that although no life was lost in the incident, police men from the Omu-Aran
to maintain law and order in the area. Mallam Mustapha Ibrahim, an Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent, who led the team of firemen, told newsmen that he received a distress call at about 5.30 p.m. and immediately headed to Omu-Aran. He said that the intensity of the fire was due to the materials stocked in the warehouse which accounted for the huge losses incurred in the incident. Ibrahim attributed the fire to a suspected electrical malfunction, adding that the non- availability
premises also contributed to the huge losses incurred. “We had on many occasions highlighted the importance of fire-fighting equipment, especially when dealing with volatile items such as this. “You can never tell when any incidence of fire could happen; so it is ideal for offices, companies and organisations to take precautionary measures to minimise losses,” Ibrahim said. Mr Adamu Zawah, the divisional police officer in OmuAran, told newsmen that the command had commenced
They said the tanker was loaded with diesel, but had one of its compartments broken down and a welder was called to repair it. “While the welder was fixing the compartment, the tanker burst into flames and both the driver and the welder sustained
severe burns and were rushed to the hospital where they died,” an eye witness said. The FRSC Unit Commander in Funtua, Mr Rabiu Usman, confirmed the incident and gave the registration number of the tanker as, XA 224 FTA. Usman advised tanker drivers to always be cautious with the vehicles, especially when they were loaded with fuel.
Alhaji Rasak Jimoh, owner of the warehouse, said that he did not have insurance cover on the warehouse, adding that he was notified of the incident on phone and immediately raced to the scene. “I had just finished praying when somebody called me to notify me of the fire incident and I immediately rushed to the warehouse,” he said. Jimoh appealed to the government for assistance to cushion the effect of the fire incident.
it said. “The VC had successfully secured commitment from the University of WisconsinMadison to partner UNILORIN and the university would ensure the structural development of the stem cell research centre. “The VC had stressed the commitment of the University to the training of technical staff on stem cell research and related activities,” it said. The statement noted that the University of Ilorin would be responsible for the provision of relevant regulations to support the development of the stem cell research centre. It added that the university would also provide security and accommodation for all visiting staff of the University of Wisconsin-Madison after they
arrived in Nigeria. It noted that Ambali’s visit was in furtherance of the Federal Government’s mandate to the University as the only University designated in the North-central geopolitical zone for BioTechnology research. “The VC reiterated the resolve of the University to produce a critical mass of health professionals with competencies in management and control of common communicable and non-communicable diseases. “We also want to translate research findings and generate funds through the commercialisation of key research outputs and foster national, regional and international linkages for collaborative research in partnership,’’ it said.
10,000 Scramble For 60 Jobs At CIRS LOKOJA - More than 10,000 unemployed graduates have applied to fill 60 vacancies at the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service. A competent source in the service told newsmen in Lokoja yesterday that the service had advertised for applications from suitably qualified candidates to be engaged as Revenue Trainee Officers. The source said that about 900 of the applicants had First Class and Second Class Upper Division degrees as well as Distinction and Upper Credit at HND level. It was gathered that government embarked on the recruitment drive to harness fresh brains following its resolve to reposition the service for operational efficiency in conformity with international best practises in tax administration. The office had been flooded with letters, notes and calls from government officials and politicians in frantic efforts to secure positions for their children, wards and
relations. The source said that only candidates adjudged most suitable and qualified would be short listed and subsequently offered jobs, and that government was determined to ensure transparency in the exercise. However, the Executive Chairman of the service, Alhaji Ahmed Musa, confirmed that the service had advertised the job vacancies and that the office had been inundated with application letters. He assured that no stone would be left unturned in the effort to meet the target of N8 billion revenue for this year. He said that the bulk of the target was expected from capital gain tax, stamp duties and rent income tax levied on landlords in the state. Musa said that the state government in its bid to strengthen tax administration and drive for improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state had granted full financial autonomy to the service.
Abuja Violence Against Children
Minister Raises Alarm
L-R: Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, Chairman Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa at a meeting with Executive Director, SOPRISE COMPANY, Mr. Peter Jenesen and Svenson on the problems of gas flirting in Nigeria held in Abuja. Photo: OMOYE AMINU
ABUJA - The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, has decried the increasing rate of violence against children in the country. Maina said this in Abuja at the opening of a three-day workshop on the Prevention of Violence Against Children in the country. The minister who was represented by Mrs Bolane Jaji, identified acts of violence against children as rape, trafficking, child labour, and sexual exploitation, among others. “However, it is disheartening to note that many Nigerian children face barbaric acts of violence that jeopardise their
INEC Releases Time Table For Osun Governorship Election
ABUJA - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the timetable for the Osun governorship election billed for August 9, 2014. In a statement released by Mrs Augusta Ogakwu, INEC’s Secretary, the commission said the notice of election would come up on April 1. It said campaign by political parties would also commence on May 11.
“The collection of forms by political parties for the election and the conduct of primaries, including resolution of disputes which can arise from the primaries, will be on May 19 and June 2 respectively,’’ the statement said. The commission also fixed the last day for the submission of Forms CF001 and CF002 for June 19 and the publication of Personal Particulars of Candidates for June 16.
The statement also indicated that INEC has also fixed the last date for withdrawal by candidates and replacement of withdrawn candidates by political parties for June 25. The timetable showed that submission of nomination forms by political parties and the publication of electoral register of voters for the election would be on May 1 and May 8 respectively. It said the publication of
structures that flouted the approved construction plan in the FCT and make necessary corrections. Atebije said that building in Abuja was different from what was obtained in other parts of the country, adding that the essence of strict regulation of buildings in the FCT was to make life easier for both developers and residents. “It is important for illegal buildings to be removed so that the right structures can be put in the right places at the right time by the right people,’’ he said. He said that the department demolished more than 12,000 structures in 2013, adding that many more of such structures would be demolished in 2014. He, however, assured natives of Abuja that their houses would not be demolished until they were properly resettled. “In 2013, we demolished 12,000 structures, mostly shanties, and more will be removed this year in line with our plan to deliver one of the best cities in the world,’’ he said.
“But the natives lived in the land before the FCT came to be and until they are resettled, we cannot remove their structures,’’ he said.
FCTA Tasks Developers On Building Approval ABUJA - The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Department of Development Control, has advised developers to ensure they have genuine land titles before developing their structures to avoid demolition. Mr Nathaniel Atebije, the Assistant Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, told newsmen in Abuja that developers should be guided on acceptable norms in terms of construction. Atebije said that such approvals would ensure that the building was in consonant with the land use act, adding that structures that do not meet such approvals risked being demolished. “We advise all developers to ensure that they have genuine titles and they should be guided on what is acceptable in terms of construction. “This is to ensure that such a building is in consonant with the land use, and if a building does not possess the stamp of approval of the department, it is illegal,’’ he warned. He said that the essence of monitoring was to identify
notice of poll and submission of names of party agents to Electoral Officers of Local Government Councils would come up on July 23 and July 24 respectively. The timetable has August 7 as the last day of campaign by political parties.
prospects of development into productive and well adjusted adults. “Violence against children takes place when adults use their strength or position of power to hurt them on purpose and not by accident. “Such violent acts include rape, trafficking, sexual exploitation and a host of others. “Violence against children exists in every country of the world, irrespective of culture, ethnic groups or background. “It is in recognition of this fact that the UN Secretary-General in 2005 conducted a global study on the issue and Nigeria contributed to the study by filling out the questionnaire sent to all UN member countries,“ Maina said. The minister said it had been observed that acts of violence against children always took place in familiar settings. She said that all hands should be on deck to end the violence against children, adding that it was important to create avenues for children subjected to such treatment to speak up. “The study among others identified five settings where violence occurs namely: the home and family; schools and educational settings; institutional - that is care and
judicial; the workplace; and the community. “It is however sad to note that all of these settings are places where children have been placed in the care and trust of adults, who by their positions have a duty to protect the child from any form of violence or illtreatment. “Most violence against children remain hidden and unreported due to fear, stigma and lack of trust in constituted authorities. “Many of the affected children are afraid to report violence because they will be blamed or isolated,“ the minister added. She said that protecting the rights of children was the collective responsibility of all Nigerians, hence the need to put the children’s needs above all issues. Hajiya Rabi Galadima, the Director, Child department in the women affairs ministry, said that children were the bearers of Nigeria’s hopes and aspirations. She spoke of the need to sustained efforts at promoting their interests. Galadima said many children were being denied the full benefits of their rights in their states due to the non-passage of the 2003 Child Rights Law.
urged all state governments to review the policy. Ebisike described environmental health as the fulcrum of public health. “And the health of Nigerians will not improve despite the huge resources being expended by governments unless there is appreciable improvement in environmental health,’’ he said. The registrar noted UNICEF’s
greater profit. “There is no other intervention in any other aspect of health that yields up to 50 per cent of such returns on investment,’’ Ebisike said. He cited malaria as one of such vector borne diseases that required improved sanitation as a better intervention. According to him, instead of continuing to waste funds promoting ‘Roll Back Malaria’, let us promote ‘Roll Back Mosquitoes’. The registrar said that since the commencement of the Roll Back Malaria campaign, “the incidence of the disease has more than doubled since the 1999 figures.’’ Ebisike said that promoting the ‘Roll Back Malaria’ campaign in a dirty environment enriches multinational pharmaceutical companies who sell drugs and mosquito treated nets to the country. “If we promote ‘Roll Back Mosquitoes’ we empower our people to clean their environment with fewer mosquitoes and reduce incidence of malaria. “The control of the disease is more of an environmental problem than a medical problem and the earlier the authorities accept this fact, the better for the nation,’’ he said.
Council Urges Emphasis On Preventive ABUJA - Mr Augustine call for money to be spent on Health Ebisike, the Registrar, sanitation because it would yield Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON), has called for more emphasis on preventive than curative health. Ebisike told newsmen that many diseases required improved sanitation as a better intervention. He stressed that curative health was resulting in huge cost to individuals and government and
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri Ileft) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Holger Nielsen at a meeting in Addiss Ababa during the 22nd Ordinary session of the African Union recently.
Business & Economy Kogi IGR Appreciates
National Quality Policy Will Usher In Economic Growth -Aganga
- Gov Idris
LOKOJA - Kogi State Government has said that its internally generated revenue (IGR) appreciated to N500 million in 2013 or 178 per cent from the N180 million recorded in 2012. Gov. Idris Wada made the disclosure while fielding question from newsmen during the second anniversary celebration of his administration in Lokoja. Wada also attributed the growth in revenue to blockage of loopholes and restructuring of the state’s tax collection system. He said that a team from the British Department for International Development (DFID) was currently working with the state government on the fundamentals of IGR collection. According to him, the DFID had under the partnership enhanced the state’s revenue drive by donating two vehicles and 10 motorcycles to the state’s Board of Internal Revenue. Wada said that the board had commenced digitisation of tax collection process and employed 100 graduates to further enhance revenue generation. He identified the contributions of DFID to include training and retraining of new and old staff of the state’s board of internal revenue. On plans by the state government to construct a bridge across the River Niger/Benue from Ganaja to Shintaku, Wada said that the two-kilometre bridge would be constructed under a public private partnership estimated at N49 billion. The governor who described the project as very dear to him, said that an Abuja-based firm has started sourcing for funds for the project that was expected to be on a build-operate and transfer module. He said that the aim of the project was to enable the people and government take advantage of the flat land across the river for development projects, leverage the state’s IGR and reduce cost of accommodation in Lokoja.
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Bayo Sodade; Commissioner for Finance, Mr.Ayo Gbeleyi; Special Adviser to Lagos Governor on Budget, Mrs. Iyabowale Aluko and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ben Akabueze at the 2014 Lagos State Budget breakdown in Lagos recently.
ABUJA - The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to usher in economic growth through an articulated industrial revolution plan known as the National Quality Policy. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, made this known at the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee for a National Quality Policy (NQP) in Abuja. Aganga, who is the Chairman of the committee, said the committee’s term of reference included but not restricted to fashioning out acceptable measurement standard for goods and services. The committee has members from key agencies of government and the private
operating in Lagos, you can see that the influx of people have been reduced to the barest minimum because new standards have been introduced. “We have a gate control system that is recently introduced. So is only those that have genuine business to do in the ports that are allowed to go in.“
sector. “Today will go down in the annals of Nigeria’s economic developmental history. I am honoured to be pioneering this national effort aimed at repositioning Nigeria in the comity of nations. “The present administration of President Goodluck Jonathan is committed to ushering in a period of economic growth and efficiency through the wellarticulated Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP),’’ he said. The minister explained that “we do not in any way mean to belittle efforts of the past’’. According to him, it rather hinges on recognition of the necessity for ironing out loose, uncoordinated and unscientific efforts toward enhancing trade in Nigeria over the past years. “We do not have a national policy for quality standard infrastructure, we are adopting this after 54 years of independence.’’ He said the policy would produce a broad-based system to provide quality specification for all manufactured products in the country. “The inability of the country to firmly have an export-based economy stems from the fact that most of our products lack acceptable global quality. “As the globalisation of the markets continues its relentless pace and as it is shaped by technological developments, more and more governments are carefully reconsidering the overall arrangement of their national quality infrastructure. “This is coming about because enterprises in the developing economies in particular face daunting challenges in accessing markets in the more developed economies,’’ Aganga said. According to him, over and above the financial, management, logistics and skills challenges, they also need to have access to a supportive but internationally recognised quality infrastructure. He, however, said that such a step would ensure access to independent attestation of product or service which was considered as a prerequisite to gains access to international markets. Reports further state that the policy will also strengthen the national metrology system, and in particular, raise the profile of the component in the country’s overall activities.
it has lean stems but very big tubers buried under the ground. “Everyone gets surprised when big and unexpected tubers are uprooted during harvest; its appearance on the farm is deceitful and that is why it is christened 419.’’ He said that OSADEP conducted 26 fortnight training of farmers to expose them to how they could improve on crop production and protect the farm from pests and other attacks
during the period. Also commenting on the Cocoa Value Chain, Omisore said 707 cocoa farmers across the state received agro-chemicals and fertiliser to boost production and improve on the quality of their produce. According to the manager, the Federal Government also assisted other categories of farmers under the partnership between Osun State Government and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
Debris from a warehouse gutted by fire in Omu-Aran, Kwara recently, where property worth over N50m was lost
Cargo Shipment Up By 2.6% In 2013 - Spekosman
LAGOS - The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said that the cargo throughput (shipment) at the ports rose by 2.6 per cent to 19.8 million tonnes in the third quarter of 2013. Mr Musa Iliya, the Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs of NPA, told newsmen in Lagos that the ports recorded a cargo throughput of 19.3 million tonnes in the corresponding period of 2012. He said that the increase in cargo throughput was achieved through continuous dredging activities by the Lagos Channel Management and Bonny Channel Management. “Most of our ports in Lagos and in the Eastern parts of the country recorded a high gross, quite an increase in the gross tonnage of ships that arrived in the areas concerned. “This was done due to the dredging activities that were undertaken by the Lagos
Channel Management and the Bonny Channel Management. “From 2006 to date, the Lagos Channel Management recorded 53.5 million metres and that has attracted a lot of bigger ships coming to the Lagos channel. It is the same for the East, which is done by the Bonny Channel Management. “We have a responsibility, especially for the general areas. Each terminal operator has his own security network and we work together. With that, we also have the Port Police Command. “We work together to make sure that security is beefed up at our ports. Like the terminal operators, they have their own security and they have been able to check influx of unwanted persons into the terminal. “They (terminal operators) have also developed the standard
of security to meet up the ISPS Code which is required by the International Maritime Organisation. ‘If you go to the port today, especially the Lagos and the Tin Can Island ports that are
FG Boosts Cassava In Osun -Project Manager
OSOGBO - The Federal Government in 2013 supplied farmers in Osun with 26,556 bundles of improved cassava to boost production in the state, says an official. Mr Mukaila Omisore, the Poject Manager, Osun State Agriculture Development Project (OSADEP), has said in Osogbo, that 1,300 farmers benefited from the hybrid cassava called “TMS 419”. Omisore told newsmen that the cassava variety was tagged “TMS 419” because of its deceptive nature, explaining that
Technology Using ICT To Boost Administration Of Justice By AHMED UBANDOMA DELAY in the administration of justice in Nigeria is sometimes blamed on the judiciary. These delays, experts say, could be attributed to the “refusal’’ of the judiciary to key into the modern trend, as judicial officers continue to record proceedings manually. Cases are also filed manually, instead of electronic filing, which is cheaper and faster. They believe that if the judiciary embraces Information Communication Technology (ICT), it will quicken dispensation of justice. However, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), said the judiciary could not continue to live in the past. “The judiciary cannot operate with old models when everything around it, like the economy, education has radically transformed in the light of current technological realities. He said that the 21st Century Nigerian judges needed capacity building, not just in the area of law and procedure, but also in other areas to enable them to function properly. “They must also be well-grounded in management skills to manage their court dockets, to manage their supporting staff and perhaps, of equal importance, to manage counsel and litigants/witnesses who come to their courts.” Musdapher, who launched the first-ever Nigerian Judiciary Information Technology Policy Document for the computerisation of all facets of the judiciary in the country, said that the judiciary must embrace ICT. The former CJN, who spoke at the 2013 Nigerian Judges Conference, said: “The time has come for courts in the country to embrace Information Technology so as to reduce the chronic delay of justice delivery. “Various challenges exist and they prevent us from reaching this our vision of having justice system that is simple, fast and efficient. “Primary amongst these challenges is the sustained use of out-ofdate paper-based systems and processes which delay the administration of justice”. Musdapher had earlier directed the National Judicial Institute (NJI), to make it mandatory for judicial officers to undergo ICT training to enable the officers to overcome the contemporary challenges. A cross-section of participants at the Conference of All Nigeria Judges of Lower Courts, also stressed the need to use ICT to quicken dispensation of justice. Mohammed Yayajo, an Upper Area Court Judge in Bajoga, Gombe
State, said using modern methods in recording court proceedings would quicken dispensation of justice. “I am certainly appreciative because it will help us in our proceedings, in terms of quick dispensation of justice,” he said. Another participant, Magistrate Regina Basi of Yahei Magistrates‘ Court in Cross River, also said that application of ICT would go a long way in assisting judges in adjudication. On her part, Chief Magistrate Tessi Ansa-Agho from Calabar, Cross River, said the ICT reform in the judiciary would boost administration of justice. “Personally, I have keyed into it and most of the times if I have judgment or ruling to deliver, I will just type in the topic, pick out
what I want and I keep on updating it. “That is how it is supposed to be and it will make justice dispensation easier, quicker, faster, enjoyable and convenient,” she said. Stakeholders want the judiciary across the country to promote the use of ICT. They also want chief judges to emulate the former FCT Chief Judge, Justice Lawal Gumi, who established e-filing of court cases. Under the system, court officials, litigants and lawyers could access or file cases from anywhere and at anytime. The world now is a global village, where ICT has come to stay. The judiciary must embrace modern technology in order to boost quick dispensation of justice and decongestion of the courts.
Refutal
Re: Your Aids Are Misleading You:
IBB Warns Jonathan
By KASSIM AFEGBU
MY attention has just been drawn to a news story and statement purportedly credited to me with a blaring headline “Your Aides are misleading you; IBB warns Jonathan” published in one Global Village Extra, an online publication. To state the least, this is outright blackmail journalism and a sad commentary on journalism practice; a profession that I hold dear to my heart. I wish to state unequivocally that I am currently working in Edo State as a Special Adviser
to the Comrade Governor on Media and Public Affairs, a position which was expressly endorsed by my boss-for-life General IBB. Let me also state without mincing words that I did not issue the said statement that is flying around the social media on behalf of IBB. Let me also declare with all the emphasis at my disposal that General IBB did not authorize anyone to issue any statement on his behalf let alone crediting same odious statement to me; Prince Kassim Afegbua. Even though General IBB has not officially appointed a
Media Spokesman since I left, my acceptance of the offer of Special Adviser by my Governor automatically removes me from being General IBB’s Spokesman, a position I so cherished and a personality I so admire. It is therefore bad journalism for one obscure, good-fornothing, unprofessional platform such as the Global Villa Extra, to fabricate a statement and credit same to me, not only to mislead the public but cause disaffection amongst the personalities involved. General IBB is a leader of leaders that I admire so much and one whose understanding of the
delicate politics of the country is, in my honest view, unequalled. I have been a very good student of his political school of thought since I met him till date and I will remain so till the end of time. It is not in his character to join issues with leaders in such pedestrian manner as reflected in the so-called statement credited to me. This rebuttal becomes instructive to put the records straight and disabuse the minds of our numerous followers, friends and associates who may come across this statement in one way or the other. It is also to remind the publisher[s] of Global Village Extra that
journalism is a very serious profession that requires all the ethics, decorum and standard from all practitioners, but certainly not this category of naysayers, hirelings and journalistic-jobbers that are trying to mislead the public. When I called the local mobile telephone number of the online publication: 08165076156, no one answered my several calls. In fact, the receiver from the other end was cutting my calls. When I called the international number 00912407041545, a receiver from the other end who refused to disclose his name, expressed shock at my declaration. He did promise to instruct his co-
conspirators to remove the tissue of concocted lies from their site. As at the time of writing this rebuttal, he has not done so. I therefore wish to formally disown the said statement in part, whole and its entirety. It was neither authorized by me nor General IBB and should be so discountenanced. I wish to thank my reputable colleagues in the media who quickly saw through this statement as a piece of abhorrence and alerted me almost immediately. May God continue to replenish your wisdom and deep sense of judgment.
NIGERIA is blessed with abundant human and natural resources which nature has endowed her with. The country’s climatic conditions favour wide variety of agricultural activities, including the cultivation of wheat. Additionally, Nigeria is the most populous country in the Continent of Africa, with abundant economic resources, which, when properly harnessed, may enable the country to achieve the status of a rich and developed nation. ALTHOUGH its industrial sector is underdeveloped due, in part, to inadequate capital for investment and lack of technological know-how, yet the country has prominent industrial concerns such as giant oil industry, iron and steel complexes, steel rolling mills, pharmaceutical companies, food processing Industries, car assembly plants and so on. Although most of these Industrial concerns are not functioning optimally and many of them depend on imported inputs, they can serve as a basis for industrial take-off, if we put our acts together. HOWEVER, despite Nigeria’s extensive landmass, growing population, agricultural and industrial potentials, the country remains economically backward, indeed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had at a time classified Nigeria as a heavily indebted country with difficulties in meeting debts servicing obligations; Certainly, these attributes are a minus in our national drive towards socio-economic and political development. THERE are divergent opinions on the relationship between effective leadership and the economic organization of Nigeria, and how to expand the productive base of the country. Literally, economics is the distribution of scarce resources for optimum development of a society. Thus, successive governments had pursued vigorously, policies that will strengthen economic growth and development in Nigeria. But despite the economic efforts of past and present governments, Nigeria is yet to achieve basic economic aspirations. LITERATURES on the Nigerian economy have cited leadership problems as a major cause of the
THE NIGERIAN
Growing The Nigerian Economy country’s inability to effectively mobilize her resources. Critics have shown quite clearly effective leadership is a great obstacle to development in Nigeria. Leadership problem has hampered the country’s progress in the political, economic, military and socio-cultural sectors. Poor leadership lies at the root of our continuing social, moral, economic and political crises. Practically, all our misfortunes in Nigeria have been due to poor leadership. It seems, therefore, that the Nigerian leadership structure determined to place the blame for the unstable situation the frustration and difficulties confronting them on their leaders. THUS, in contemporary Nigeria, we have observed and rightly too, that there is a great yearning for the total transformation of the process of producing appropriate leadership. This yearning, which grows more urgent by the day, is both legitimate and understandable. After decades of hopes raised and hopes dashed, it should not be surprising that Nigerians are wary and weary. HAVING gone through decades in which their faith in their national leadership have been abused and affronted, Nigerians impatience with their leaders and almost total distrust of government functionaries can no longer, be-dismissed as mere cynicism. AT independence, expectations throughout Nigeria were high and the possibilities for greatness were almost limitless. Considering her vast resources, the country appeared set for good attainments, and fulfills what the international community saw as her destiny to lead the black race into the main stream human and technological civilisation. REGRETABLY, the Nigerian economy has hit an all time low. There is massive under utilization
resources. What is more painful is that our industrial sub-sector is not producing at full capacity. Despite being blessed materially and humanly, our cost of production remains high with growing unemployment. Also only crude oil is being seriously tapped, and production was negatively affected by the Niger-Delta crisis, thanks to the amnesty programme which has largely restored the oil sector. Our concern here is that outside oil, resource mobilization efforts are rather disappointing. In our estimation, if the attention given to crude oil had been extended to other minerals and the agricultural sector, definitely. Nigeria would have attained desirable and sustainable development. THERE is no doubt that Nigeria is richly endowed. The country has all It takes to become a super power. Somehow, our major problem is the leadership question, which has inevitably impaired our ability to mobilise our resources. However; we believe that our system of government has contributed to this poor leadership problem. Our political structure especially the adoption of a warped federalism has combined effectively to deprive Nigeria of a sound process of getting the right leadership Even democracy which is expected to produce effective leaders is now, a major political problem in Nigeria. WE believe that problems such as corruption, and inter-ethnic wars and suspicion, which have contributed a lot to the failure of leadership, can be adequately tackled, particularly as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has braced up to the problem in recent times. AT independence in 1960, the international community amazed at the economic potentials of Nigeria, was quite certain that if our resources were appropriately managed, Nigeria would one day become the giant of Africa. Unfortunately, due to the failure of our leadership to strategically mobillise our resources for political, socioeconomic and cultural advancement of our nation and people, Nigeria is yet to make appreciable gains in development, worsened by a very poor infrastructure base.
With CYNTHIA JIWUEZE 08095627953
Teens And Mothers
challenges are however made clear in choosing subjects which would be related to the career of interest. At this period, many of them get confused on which subjects to choose due to many factors associated which may include their intellectual ability, family (parents) desire, schooling, personality, self concepts and self esteem, values, sex, self differences, environment and interests. The factors that affect teenage career choice can not be completed without mentioning the influence of peers on their career choice. Because peers usually stay or discuss together, they tend to express their feelings on the type of career they would want to choose. These teenagers are not mature
The Manager Teenagers Influence One Another With CYNTHNIA JIWUEZE
GOD be the glory for this day He has made. We would have actually continued on our previous topic on delinquency but due to circumstances beyond my control as my system suddenly developed a fault proving difficult to get work copied, I resorted to handling this today. Please do bear with me. Peer as related to this topic means group of individuals that share the same age bracket, idea, and the same quality. These individuals are said to be close to one another and therefore most times play together, sit together, do work or discuss together. Young people like teenagers tend to form this group knowingly or unknowingly. Some of them have good intentions as seen in some that study or work in common, while others have bad intentions. It is meanwhile noteworthy that the peers
group brings about psychological and social support. Teenagers that form this group use it to achieve motivation and encouragements. However the negative effects of individuals in this group can not be neglected. These effects can be called peer influence. Peer influence implies wanting to be like another person of the same group in the manner he talks, behaves, takes decisions or handles issues. Show me a naughty student and will tell you the group he belongs to or friends he keeps. This peer influence has eaten deep into today’s teenagers that many of them do not live their original lives. They tend to imitate their peers and therefore live a fake life. These peers influence are made visible in the teenagers’ talks. They device different signs and manners with which they communicate some forms
- slangs or slogans. This may include” l makwa anyi wu”, “It is a Long story”, “Nwanne I gaghi aghota’ (You would not understand) etc. Another way this influence is obvious is through their dress code. Peers influence one another the way they dress. They do this for self notice and side attractions. This is why many indulge in sagging, and wearing of indecent dressings. Peer influence also deeply affect individuals decision irrespective of family background. This is made visible especially in their choice of occupation. Teenage career choice and aspiration are fully
integral part of developmental task encountered in this period. This is because teenagers are in transition from childhood to adulthood. And for them to attain to a stable and socioeconomic independence in their adulthood they have to do the following: 1. Develop intellectual skills and ideas needed for assuming the duties and privileges of citizenship. 2. Select and prepare for an occupation This is why between the age of 15 and 19 when they must have reached the senior secondary (SS1-SS2) many of them face challenges on the choice of career. These
enough as to understand prerequisite needed for career choice as regards to their natural endowment such as talents, passion for a particular career, aims and objectives. They discuss based on what they think, what they see in the society and so on. Because peers tend to imitate their fellow, they go on choosing wrongly the other person’s choice; others agree to choose a similar without minding if they have the capacity for that career. To feel among the said group parade about with this decision unfortunately, they regret in the future. Peer group choose career based on fantasy, involving such choices
such as Medicine, Law, Engineering etc. These choices are more emotional than practical, made in the content of their world rather than in the actual world in which they will eventually function. Peers career choice are influenced by one another due to their low self esteem, lack of confidence, ignorance of oneself, lack of personal interest on a certain career, fear of not belonging, poor academic performances, fear of one’s peers and feeling that friends could turn on them. However, to tackle these influences in order to make a better choice the following are suggested: 1. Practice self awareness and understand your hobbies, your talents and your passion. 2. Ask questions on subjects that are needed to pursue your hobbies. 3. Study seriously these subjects, no matter how difficult they may seem. 4. Be proud to tell your peers as well as declaring boundaries where they cannot pass. 5. Locate a role model on the particular career, 6. Pray to God and be committed to it. The above steps are very necessary to avoid the influence. Peer influence on career choice is very dangerous as the effect tells on one in the adulthood when one’s peers must have been separated. Wrong career choice can lead to pains, disappointment and unfulfillment which can result to poverty. Teenagers should discover what they want today and therefore go committed about it. A stitch in time they say saves nine.
“Show me a naughty student and will tell you the group he belongs to or friends he keeps. This peer influence has eaten deep into today’s teenagers that many of them do not live their original lives. They tend to imitate their peers and therefore live a fake life.”
Ajuwaya Today NYSC Holds Inter-Secondary School Quiz Competition Today
By ERUKUBAMI OMOLADE
THE Editorial/ Publicity Community Development Service of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Oredo Local Government, Benin City, will be staging an inter-secondary school quiz competition today, 30 th January, 2014. The competition will hold at the National Orientation Agency Hall, Boundary Road, Off Airport Road of the Benin metropolise. The Quiz competition according to Mr. Dayo Peters, The General Secretary of the CDS group, is important in mobilising the youths in secondary schools across Benin City, by helping the students in attaining more knowledge through the various questions they will be asked. Over half a dozen secondary schools will be participating in the competition. The schools are Edokpolor Grammar School, Idia College, Edo College, Ascension Group of Schools, Lydia Secondary School, Anglican Girls School and several other schools will be slugging it out for honours at the first edition of the inter-secondary school quiz competition. Quiz competition which happens to be a criteria for educating students is a great force that can bring about positive change to the academic career of students. Once education is recognized as a potent weapon against any form of hardship in the nation, then the nation’s goal or goals will eventually be achieved. The quiz competition which will be honoured by different personalities from militaries will be used in developing and encouraging students towards pursuing excellences in the future. The competition will also be used in touching the
lives of the students and beyond in many positive ways. NYSC officials will also be there to observe the high level of wisdom that will be showcased by the students of these schools. Representatives of these schools will be asked questions in various subjects as their intelligence will be tested in English, Mathematics, general knowledge that comprises science, commercial and art subjects respectively, and finally current affairs will be used to test the children’s knowledge on the past events in the country. Different prizes are up for grab for any school which emerges as the winner, although, consolation prizes will also be given to both first-runners up and secondrunners up respectively and as well as other participants. According to the president of the CDS group (Editorial/Publicity), Mr. Promise Ihezie, said this is not the first time the press group is embarking on such project, as it will be recalled that, the CDS group carried out a ‘spelling Bee’ competition sometime in June 2013, and the eventual winner was Edo College. Mr. Promise further disclosed the aim behind the execution of the competition which serves as the CDS group’s project. “This will be used in testing and displaying the knowledge of the future leaders of Nigeria, by empowering them (students) academically”, he said. The president said that “it is a known fact that Nigeria is blessed with intelligent children across the nation and Edo State is never an exception. The project which happens to be the first inter-secondary school quiz competition was picked by my CDS group in order to remind the general public on the high level of knowledge
“Quiz competition which happens to be a criteria for educating students is a great force that can bring about positive change to the academic career of students. Once education is recognized as a potent weapon against any form of hardship in the nation, then the nation’s goal or goals will eventually be achieved.”
embedded in the Nigeria students and these will further indicates that the
future of the nation is absolutely bright once students are frequently
empowered in the area of academics, that is,
NYSC D-G, Brigadier-General Johnson Bamidele
“education”. Aggregating the marginal gains this project will have on the lives of the students that will be present is something that is highly immeasurable. It is going to be an experience of a life time for the leaders of tomorrow and this will serve as an additional development for Nigeria. Education is no doubt central to development, making it the bedrock of any developed nations. It does not only empower people by opening doors for them to lift themselves out of poverty, it also strengthen nations by making them forces to reckon with in global affairs. The intersecondary school quiz competition will be geared towards maximizing the inbuilt academic potentials of the students, to the betterment of Edo State and the nation at large. All roads must lead to the National Orientation Agency Hall by 10:00am, where knowledge will be tested and intelligence will be displayed by youths of this great nation.
Education For All - EDG By EZE NNENNA ADA
IN the spirit of patriotism, the Education Development Group (EDG), a Community Development Service (CDS) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Oredo, has in their enthusiasm to make a better and brighter students of excellence in academics, envisioned an idea which they have brought to life. It took off last week, at the NYSC Zonal office Oredo, Off Golf Road, GRA Benin City, at 3:30pm – 6pm, Monday – Friday. The EDG Corps members has organise a free Intensive Training classes, that is, evening lessons for the SSII and IIIs in their community and others, especially those that are preparing to write External Examination like GCE, WAEC, NECO, POSTUME and JAMB. Also, carrier counseling and Skill Acquisition were carried out. Apart from the objectives and goals of the EDG CDS group to better the sector of Education in our dear nation, to breed a dedicated and malpractice-free students, impact knowledge and learning skills, determination to success through hardwork, it has also been the desire of every individual corps members and the body of the NYSC to render a selfless service to our country Nigeria and these they wish to achieve
by having a productive impact to their immediate host community. The EDG of the NYSC Oredo have in this view come up with what is believed will be an effective strategy or idea to help the young minds who are in the ladder to accomplish ‘The reality/licence to academic pursuit’ that is, scalling through WAEC, SSCE, GCE, JAMB etc. These examinations which determine who will further their education in Nigeria and West Africa at large has pose a fierce danger in the dreams of the education oriented young minds and students both fresh and those that have been out from high schools for years and have unwillingly made registering for External Examination a yearly harbitual ritual. What can one say? Such a luck, such a school system, such a school teacher/ teaching, such a student or should we put the blame on the dwindling educational system, well, if the brain box is in order, definitely the components would be effective and the out put will be educating and beneficial to both the user and the receiver. In essence I am trying to deduce the failing system we experience in our educational sector as a major factor of mass failure of
secondary school students in their final assessment, as in, WAEC and so on. Personally, I believe that when things are not working out the way it should be after doing what seems as the right process, then something else should be tried. Afterall, change is one thing that is constant. There should be shift or change, or better still update in our educational system and body. There should be a reorientation of the mind, both of the giver and of the receiver, with these, there would be a sure gain to our efforts. Considering the massive failure recorded in recent results released by the WAEC, GCE, the high percentage of failure got me wandering and thinking if the syllabus being taught in our schools is really in accordance to the syllabus used in setting both internal and external examinations for secondary schools students and leavers. In effort to stem this kind of embaracing output of poor standard of education in the country, the Ministry of Education headed by Mr. Nyesom Wike, must forcemove the rigid and stagnated system of our education. And how do we do that? It maybe asked. Other ideas and innovations of other educationists, other country’s
secret of successful educational system should be looked into. There is no harm or shame in burrowing a little good aspect from another country in order to better our especially for the sake of our education. It is said, “knowledge is power” and I say with understanding, it is the strength of a nation. All these lapses outside the wild divulging internet technology and social network craze, have also helped mastermind the laziness and poor reading culture among our students both in high school and tertiary institution. The Federal Government should take this to heart as goodwill to our dear country, Nigeria. Students within Oredo Local Government Area should take advantage of this diamond opportunity provided by the EDG/NYSC to correct this dismal performance of students in examination. It is an added advantage. For, understanding can come in diverse ways and no additional knowledge or teaching for the purpose of more is a waste. As corps members, it is a way to give back to the society and help revive the educational excellence in our young ones.
Child |Health & You
IN this presentation of ‘CHILD HEALTH AND YOU’, we shall review the peculiarities of those babies that are born too soon when compared to the ‘Expected Date of Confinement (EDC)’ or the ‘Expected Date of Delivery (EDD)’. They certainly have a plethora of difficulties and challenges coping with the demands and stresses of life outside the womb but they also certainly have a right to survive, live and develop. They have a right to live and not just to exist! They have challenges and the greater public health challenge is to make them live!! This is even more so in developing or resourcecompromised economies. This is a follow-up on a previous Presentation of ‘CHILD HEALTH AND YOU’ which centred on the comprehensive review of the origin and celebration of the World Prematurity Day (WPD): 17th of November of every year. As exhaustively discussed, the WPD is set aside to draw global attention to the peculiar difficulties and needs of premature babies and matters related to prevention, recognition, critical care, rehabilitation and optimizing the outcomes of survivors are brought to the fore for collaborative international action on the 17th of November annually. The unique impetus for the declaration of the WPD and the global collaborating Organizations across continents world-wide were comprehensively reviewed especially as we prepare to celebrate the 2013 WPD. Babies born too soon: Premature Babies In normal circumstances, mothers who become pregnant are expected to ‘carry’ their babies in the womb for nine calendar months following which they deliver the babies at the dates computed by their healthcare providers; dates referred to as the EDC or EDD. The EDC is computed from a formula predicated on an assumed normal duration of pregnancy equivalent to 40 weeks. On or about the EDC, the pregnant woman
Babies Born Too Soon Also Have Right To Live (1)
experiences a number of signs and changes/ events in her body which enable the experienced mother or the health worker to recognize that she is in ‘labour’ that will ultimately lead to the delivery of her baby. When these signs or events occur before 37 completed weeks of gestation (pregnancy), the woman is recognized as experiencing or having a ‘Premature Labour’. It is such a premature labour that results in the birth of a ‘Premature Baby’: a baby born too soon! Premature Births: Some Known Causes or Associated Factors Several factors are known to be associated with a predisposition to premature labour with the consequent birth of premature babies. Some of these factors are related to the mother, some to the foetus and others to the womb (uterus). Factors related to the Mother There are many causes of, or factors associated with, prematurely related to the mother. These include, among others, age of the mother especially before the optimal ‘Reproductive Age Decade’ (20 to 29 years) especially before 16 years. Mothers who are increasingly beyond 35 years of age are also quite predisposed to having premature deliveries. ‘Unmarried Pregnant Woman’ is also predisposed to premature labour which progresses subsequently to the birth of premature babies. The psychological and hormonal changes and effects on pregnancy and its duration from the warm support of a caring husband are the benefits of pregnant women who are married. Such unmarried women are also less likely to avail themselves of the full benefits and advantages of properly conducted Antenatal Care
By PROF CHARLES O. EREGIE Services. It is during the Antenatal Clinic Services that comprehensive ‘Foetomaternal’ Surveillance is undertaken to yield data and indices that indicate the need to monitor the pregnancy more
to the extent that specialized groups of Obstetricians provide highly skilled care for the pregnant mother (Maternal Consultants), the foetus (Foetal Consultants) and the placenta (Placental
closely and intensely to prevent premature labour and the resultant birth of premature babies. In developed countries, this antenatal surveillance is very critical to effective management of pregnancy and, therefore, the control or prevention of prematurity. Several sophisticated instruments and facilities are required for this foetomaternal surveillance in addition to the highly skilled medical human capacity/ critical mass of very specialized trained medical personnel. A very high level of sub-specialization has been achieved in the civilized world
Consultants). This very high level of sub- specialization has a positive impact on improved antenatal care with resultant reduced prevalence of premature births. The nutritional status of mothers is also very important as a determinant of the outcome of pregnancies and particularly concerning a predisposition to premature labour and the attendant delivery of premature babies. ‘Maternal Malnutrition’ is a huge business in Obstetrics (Care of Pregnant Women by Obstetricians), Neonatology (Care of the Newborn by Neonatologists) and Child Health/ Paediatrics (Care of
The nutritional status of mothers is also very important as a determinant of the outcome of pregnancies and particularly concerning a predisposition to premature labour and the attendant delivery of premature babies.
Well and Sick Children by Child Health Physicians and Paediatricians). Pre-pregnancy maternal nutritional status determines the outcome of pregnancy concerning the duration, weight of the baby and the gestational maturity especially prematurity. The
nutritional status of the mother during pregnancy is another very important determinant of the outcomes of pregnancy particularly regarding the birth of premature infants. After delivery, the nutritional status of the mother remains a critical factor in child survival, health, protection and development. A malnourished mother has a plethora of difficulties and challenges providing the desired optimal child rearing practices for her newborn and the growing child. This is worse still, and more so, if the malnourished mother is nurturing a premature baby. The Pre-pregnancy nutritional status of the mother, the Maternal Phenotype, contributes to determining the body composition of the baby, including the premature baby, at birth and this has a correlation with the future development of Noncommunicable adult diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Hypertension and Ischaemic Heart Disease among several others. Several diseases or disorders
in the mother before and during pregnancy also contribute to determining the delivery of premature babies. Some of the conditions may occur before and persist into/ during gestation while others occur specifically only in relation to the pregnancy. The former are Medical Morbidities in pregnancy while the latter are Obstetric Morbidities in pregnancy.
These medical diseases/ disorders include, among many others, Diabetes, Hypertension, Anaemia, Infections (Malaria, Urinary Tract Infection, Tuberculosis, Toxoplasmosis, Syphilis, Cytomegalovirus Infection, Herpes Infection, Hepatitis, HIV/ AIDS etc) and Cardiac Disorder. The Obstetric morbidities include, in addition to several others, Antepartum Haemorrhage, Pregnancy-induced Hypertensive Disorders, Premature Rupture of Foetal M e m b r a n e s , Oligohydramnios, Polyhydramnios and Multiple Gestation. In civilized economies, Physicians who are experts in the sub-specialties of maternal afflictions jointly provide care for these pregnant mothers in conjunction with the Obstetricians particularly the Maternal Consultants. This collaborative joint management may, in fact, be facilitated in Joint Specialties/ Specialists Clinics. To be contd
Media Preparing For Journalism THE problem of recruiting the right people into journalism whether from school or from the university and of ensuring that they achieve and maintain the necessary level of education and technical efficiency, is one of the most important thing facing the press. This is because all depends on the quality of the individual journalist not only the status of the whole profession of journalism, but the possibility of bridging the gap between what society need from the press and what the press is at present giving it. In some developed and developing countries of the world, journalism enrolment in their nation’s colleges and universities, is very high indeed. Thousands of young men and women are spending four years preparing to be newspaper reporters, broadcast journalists, magazine writers, and editors, public relations practitioners and adverting specialists. Some will make big reputations for themselves. Others for one reason or another can hardly get into journalism, while some others will devote a few years to the mass media and then move onto a different line of work. However, in most developing countries or the third world, most of students with school certificate or the university graduates, are employed as journalists and to be trained on the job. Such countries are unlike Britain where the National Council for the Training of Journalists laid down the courses and examination that
Unveiling Today’s Print And journalists must pass before they can be sure of holding their jobs. As the N.C.T .J operates in Britain, are similar bodies established in most countries. In those countries such as United States, young stars go from school to college, and then to universities where there are courses in journalism and the best jobs go to the graduates. The aims and purposes of the council include the establishment of standards of qualification for entering into journalism and the formulation of schemes for the training and education of journalists including press photographers. There are basically two ways of entering the training schemes organized by the NCTJ: either by getting a job on a newspaper and the applying to enter the training scheme which combines practical journalism with part-time study or by taking the one year full-time course organized by the NCTJ. What is most important in all this is the recognition that journalism is a profession requiring specific preparation just as do accounting, law, engineering, medicine, science and other subjects in the university. Today’s journalist must be educated for his job, which is one of the most demanding in the world. Such Journalist cannot hope to cover the Governors office, the presidents (Aso Rock) in Nigeria, politics, the courts, the United Nations
By OSAYAMWABO OSEMWEGIE ERO or foreign countries without the proper equipment. As the police, soldier, doctor or surgery needs training, so the reporter must have special knowledge and background for his assignments. A reporter must have a reasonable knowledge of current affairs; know the names of the president, vice president of the United State, the name of the first man to walk on the moon, to know where the Commonwealth Prime Minister’s Conference was held in 1983. His skills must include a sure grasp of the English Language, the basic tool in journalism. He is expected to write a straight forward piece of English prose with properly shaped sentences, accurate grammar and accepted spelling, compelling sentences that inform the reader or the listener without putting him to sleep. He must also know how to gather news, a process which often involves getting information from people who don’t want to give it. Such information must be organized for its place in the newspaper, radio and television. Today’s journalist must be educated in the broad sense. He must understand the forces that shape our society and the world. He should know subjects such as the economics, sociology, natural sciences, history and the arts. It must be added that
academic qualifications are not everything. Personality counts for a lot. Journalist must meet many people however briefly, throughout their working careers. They must be able to persuade strangers to talk easily to them, often about worrying or intimate aspects of life, and often at times of crisis or stress problems such as water pollution, poverty, medical care, housing, education, crime and how these affect your country, community and the role in the world affairs. Clearly, the man and woman assigned to these areas will have to be well qualified. Let’s look at some ways in which this can be achieved. Qualification for Journalism The West African School Certificate or other equivalent higher certificates such as the British NCTJ (National Council for Training of Journalists) (David Wainwright 1972) is a prerequisite for employment. The NCTJ has representatives from the Newspaper Society (Proprietors and managers of provincial papers in England and Wales and London Suburban papers) the Newspaper Publishers Association (National Newspapers) the Guild of British Newspaper Editors, The Institute of Journalists, The National Union of Journalists, and from newspaper are journalists’ organizations in Scotland,
“However, in most developing countries or the third world, most of students with school certificate or the university graduates, are employed as journalists and to be trained on the job. Such countries are unlike Britain where the National Council for the Training of Journalists laid down the courses and examination that journalists must pass before they can be sure of holding their jobs.”
Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland and other four Educational nominees by The Department of Education and Science represented in the Council. An International Centre for Advanced Training in
to those with master ’s degree. A student studying journalism has the advantage of learning the skills and techniques of writing, editing and getting a sound libral arts background at the same
co by ha or M in pa lo br
Journalism was also set up under the auspices of UNESCO and the Director of the British NCTJ is one of the five members. International Executives Committee of that Center. Training schemes run by the council became compulsory for the new entrants to journalism. They’re some similar council for training journalists in other parts of the world. It is possible to get reporters job on some newspapers with only school certificate or high school Diploma. Such a person however can expect to have limits placed on his career. A university degree is virtually required for an editorial position in the news media. Editors have so many university graduates from which to choose broadcast stations are even giving preference
time. Despite their critics, (most of them that are unfamiliar with journalism education) journalism, institutions and departments are producing most of the men and women working in the mass media today. Editors prefer them because they know these graduates are prepared to go to work. Most newspaper, broadcasting (radio and television) do not have the time or facilities to conduct training programmes. They depend on the journalism schools for this. Journalism education is not all “how to”. Schools of journalism and department offer such courses as mass media and society, communications and the law, history of journalism and communication theory and methods. Journalism
P 1 su run tra co ov Th co ye (on (o sh th co Ju are 2 ca no re Bl co mo the rel ne pr tel
Media
d Broadcast Journalism
ourses are usually taught y instructors who have ad experience in the news r advertising media. Many journalism stitutions also recruit art-time instructors from cal newspaper and oadcast stations.
are held at the end of each block release period. 3. Other Methods:There may be other cases where neither of these schemes is practicable. As earlier written many patterns of training have been lined up. Most
Pattern of Training 1. Day Release: - Where uitable courses are being n in the neighbourhood aining day release ourses on one day, a week ver, a period of two years. hey follow the councils ourse in English (over two ears) Local Government ne year) newspaper law ne year) the study of horthand (over two years) e trainee takes the ouncils examination in une. Practical journalism e included in the courses. 2. Block Release:- This an be arranged where it is ot possible to hold day lease training courses. lock Release training ould be held about twelve onths apart. These cover e same subjects as day lease courses but more ewspaper, produce rogramme in radio and levision. Examinations
advanced and some developing countries have their own system of training journalists. The main subjects studied are shorthand, typing, English, local government, newspapers law, and current affairs, English is studied so that journalists have an effective command of their own language, with clarity of end expressions. They can use many books, but they are expected to produce an original piece of writing of at least 2,500 words on a subject of their own choice, based on detailed research. Details of these course are available in the developing countries from the British Council offices or form information of British High Commissioner or Embassies in Nigeria. Such countries
according to David Wainright (1972) are: Aden Afghanistan, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, British Handuras. Ceylon, Chile, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, Gibraltar Greece, Guya’r’a, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauñtius, Mexico Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippians, Zimbabwe, Rumania, Sarawak, Sirra-leone, Singapore, Republic of South Affica, South Vietnam, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Republic, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Zambia. Qualities of a Journalist There are many qualities that a journalist cans posses but as an educated person, he must have some special qualities that make a journalist. Without such special qualities, a journalist will never make a significant contribution to the field. The spark and drive will be lacking. A journalist must, as a matter of fact be plugged into his environment. He must know what is going on in the world, aware of the forces. That stirs people and affects cities, states and nations. He must be curious about these things so that he can ask questions and not always being satisfied with the answers. He must not accept anything at its face value, maintaining a healthy
skeptism about what others tell him. A journalist must find out things for himself rather than taking anyone’s word for a fact. One of the sterling quality of a journalist is a resolve to make the world a better place than he finds it. That is, he has a crusading streak and he is never ashamed of it, anywhere he found himself. He is constantly asking questions, learning through experience, reading viewing, listening and talking to news sources and anyone else who can increase his knowledge. In addition to his own television, radio station or newspaper, he views, listens, reads other papers, magazines and looks on a variety of subjects. If he is a specialist, say in economics, or science, he is aware of new thinking in microeconomic or physics, chemistry medicine and psychology, and when he attends a press conference in these areas, he knows the right questions to ask. A journalist is also interested in his community. He is an observer and a chronicler but in another, he bears a great deal of responsibility for what is good or bad about his town. If a newspaper or broadcast station fans, riot through sensational or inaccurate reporting damaging the city or hurts any human relationship that can cause loss of life. It is the duty of a journalist to find solution and mend the broken bridge. This he could do through news medium by
promoting better relations and reporting the issue fairly and going behind the rioting to find its causes. It is also the duty of the newspaper or the media to take teen look at people in office, if they are incompetent or corrupt, the public should know about it. Newspaper, radio and television and their reports must never be satisfied with the status quo in the community or country. In some parts of the world where corruption is almost the order of the day, news media should alert the public to such wrongs in the society. Policemen and politicians are hardly likely to confess their malfeasances if they are not exposed. It is the characteristics of the journalist to have good attitude toward his working hours. He usually, is not on a nine to five schedule. He frequently chasing down or writing a story while those in other occupations are going home for the day. The zealous reporter does not mind this, however, he realizes that breaking news is not predictable that anything may happen in any part of his country or the world at anytime. So a journalist must get used to irregular hours even taking some pleasure in the fact that he is a bit out of step with those in more prosaic jobs. Writers have said that the most important quality for a reporter is the desire to be one and the satisfaction and pleasure he takes from his work. He must be interested in writing his story and if he
is not interested, no one is going to be interested in reading his story either. It is true that a committed man or woman journalist is not down for long. The importance of his work and the pride he takes in it, soon raise his spirits. If he does not like one newspaper radio or television station he can move to another. If a particular assigmnent bores him, he can ask for a new one with a reasonable expectation that he will get it. Journalism as we have read, is ever changing and no one needs stand still. Journalists must approach his task with zest and imaginative. Journalists are also motivated by the fact that he has a front row seat to the world’s events whether they be a local narcotics raids kidnappers militant robbery cases or terrorist attacks or war in the Middle East - Iraq (2003). He knows what is happening before most other people. The reporter mixes easily in all kinds of groups. He may be on the first name basis with the mayor and have the private phone numbers of scores of other officials. Yet he has no hesitancy in interviewing men on picket lines, disputants in a civil rights issue, and criminals behind bars. Journalism has its critics and newsmen must learn to live with this fact. “But there are few who would deny that it is an interesting business” says: Stein (1972) The quality of a journalist is also his social role which identifies the behaviour expected of him. Social role is the responsibility, obligation and rights, he should perform in the process of his duties.
“It is true that a committed man or woman journalist is not down for long. The importance of his work and the pride he takes in it, soon raise his spirits. If he does not like one newspaper radio or television station he can move to another.”
With Obuseh Jude
Security Issues Security Sector Rivalries:
Implications For National Security IN some of my earlier write-ups on this page, I have always harped on the need for a marriage of perspectives among Nigeria’s various security organizations for the muchneeded synergy that would ease the achievement of the goals of the ongoing war on terror and other acts of violence and criminality to be activated; of the need for the rivalries among the country’s security forces to be jettisoned for a more united and coordinated approach in the war against violent groups. As noted in these discourses, the lack of a united front against violence among the Army, Navy, Air-force, Police, Directorate of Military Intelligence, State Security Services, Civil Defense Corps, et al, is largely responsible for the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria. This conviction was based on practical lessons drawn from contemporary examples in other countries involved in the global campaign against the activities of fundamentalist consortiums. Following the early December 2013 attacks by the dreaded fundamentalist Islamist terrorist group, Boko Haram, on some military facilities in the Northern halsve of the country that left scores of casualties in their wake, the visceral tug in relations among the heads of the country’s armed forces was once again brought to the fore – a development that exposed the wide chinks in country’s declared war on terror and other acts of violence. The said spat was said to be a fallout of the purported re-arrangement in the security sector that saw the transfer of the coordination of the war on terror from the office of the (prior to the sacking of the Service Chiefs by Mr. President) former Chief of Defense Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’aad Ibrahim, to that of the former Chief of Army
Staff, Lt General Azubuike Ihejirika; a development that did not go down well with the former who saw the new arrangement as a slight on his person and office. Since the onset of the impasse in the nation’s defense sector, plethora of conspiracy theories have made their rounds both in the conventional and unregulated social media; a development that has cast a cloak of darkness over the sector as a whole. But since this is not my chief concern in this particular discourse – I’ll keep this open for another day – I’ll proceed to point out the deleterious effects of allowing the traditional rivalries in the country’s security sector to continue unaddressed, especially in these dark times when the safety of the lives and properties of Nigerians are threatened on a daily basis by violent groups whose uncensored activities have pushed the country closer to the edge. The traditional disunity among Nigeria’s security organizations is a continually re-occurring decimal that is as old as the country itself. The causes, patterns, and dynamics of the face-offs in the security community have had serious back-lashing effects on national security – strategic and collective – both in their planning and execution. The main bone of contention have always bordered on the overlapping roles or functions of the country’s security organizations; a clash of responsibilities and interests among the military, police, the intelligence community, and other participants in the
security sector. Within this pack, clashes between the police and the army are prominent, followed by those involving the police and civil defense corps. This is coupled with other intraorganizational squabbles that are most times hidden from public scrutiny. Nigeria operates an eclectic security system that
relate symbiotically for the much-needed synergy germane to the fluid functioning, maintenance, and growth of the sector as a whole; a system that is up to the task of checking all acts of violence and criminality across the country; a system that can be trusted by Nigerians. But ideal as the country’s
territorial integrity, citizens, properties, and institutions of the state, these supposed arbiters of peace and order have traditionally engaged themselves in zero-sum wars of supremacy that have inadvertently become bulwarks inhibiting all initiatives directed towards the proper defense and
goal of the system – providing reliable, top notch security services to the larger society. This is standard practice in climes where things work. But, unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Nigeria where, over the years, the cracks within the sector have continued to burgeon
is projected towards checking local and external threats to national security, with several participants – military, law enforcement , and intelligence – as suggested by the makeup of the National Security Council and captured in the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, Section (25) (a-i). This creates the impression of a wellordered and close-knit security system in which the several units constituting it
security system appears to the casual observer, the practical realities on ground paints the picture of a sector in visceral crisis as demonstrated by the strange-bed-fellow relationships among its constituent units; relationships that are defined by cut-throat competitions for relevance. Rather than accepting themselves as partners charged with the collective task of securing the
protection of this country and its people. A well oiled security system, ideally, operates symbiotically, with all the parts functioning smoothly for its general wellbeing. From the planning of strategies to the practical execution of these action plans on the field, all parts of the system work as a unit, discharging their individual functions as constitutionally prescribed, but remaining committed to the general
at an alarming rate, raising bold question marks about the preparedness and ability of the country’s supposed custodians of security to truly do their jobs according to the terms of their job descriptions. From a military suffering from an illusion of grandeur emanating from a false sense of superiority over its counterparts in the sector, a police force desperately craving for relevance and recognition in the face of its battered image and apparent relegation to the lower ladders of the sector, to other glory-seeking agencies and organizations who have joined the mix of praise-seekers, it has being a potpourri of unbridled competition for
“The main bone of contention have always bordered on the overlapping roles or functions of the country’s security organizations; a clash of responsibilities and interests among the military, police, the intelligence community, and other participants in the security sector. Within this pack, clashes between the police and the army are prominent.”
Continue on Pg 21
Opinion
The Power Of Concentration IT’S of extreme importance to master the art of concentration. To make the greatest success of anything in life you must be able to concentrate your entire thoughts upon the idea you are working on. The greatest man would accomplish nothing if he lacked concentration. Sometimes you can find strong power of concentration in yourself when you are decisive and sincerely want to excel in your studies, pass an important exam, or playing a favourite game. This kind of concentration becomes available to you. Your concentration can be raised because of some needs and desires. Developing it on a systematic way, brings it under your control, and grants you the ability to use it easily. With no exertion whenever you need it. Real and powerful concentration is developed gradually, through daily work, and with special exercises. It has to be approached in a reasonable and practical way. The key to achieve success in whatever you do is to concentrate on only one thing at a time and put your 100% effort in that activity. At that time you should forget about anything else. When you notice that you simply have not been paying attention to what you have “read” ask yourself what other thoughts or feeling might be distracting you. Use the power of auto suggestion to tell yourself that you will not allow these distractions or anxieties to overwhelm you now onwards. Keep on repeating this process till the time you do not get desired results and do not loose patience in process. To sharpen the power of concentration, you need to practice like every thing else in life. The mind so loves its freedom more than anything else and would try to stand in your way whenever it can. Always remember that the choice is yours to be a slave to the mind and its whims, or to be its master. It may be difficult to accept that the mind is only some kind of a machine and that you’re not the mind. It’s an instrument, which has its value if used correctly, but at the present, this instrument, which has its value if used correctly, but at the present, this instrument rules man. You are not the mind and its thoughts they are just some kind of power you are using. By mental exercises it’s possible to train the mind and master it. It should be put in its proper place, as a servant to you not as your loss and master. When starting to learn to concentrate you have to find a suitable place where you can be alone and undisturbed. You can at crossed logged in the floor or chair if you can. Sit with
your spire erect. Take deep breaths relax your body and your mind state, this exercise daily without thinking about anything for at least five minutes put your whole attention into the exercise. Be careful not to fall asleep, daydream or think about other matters. The moments you start thinking about something else stop the exercise and start allover. When you become good at this exercise then you can lengthen the time and if possible include another session in the afternoon. Try not to attempt too much at the beginning. Go slowly do not overdo or tense you brain. The ability to focus and concentrate at will are not only extremely beneficial but in fact some of the most important of all abilities ultimately rely without adequate concentration nothing worth while can be achieved or true progress accomplished; this is such an important truth that everyone should fully understand. On the other hand with the ability of complete powers of concentration quite literally anything is possible. When mastered, concentration can be of unimaginable benefit in our life; through concentration we can increase our productivity and give ourselves greater peace of mind. The power of our concentration depends a lot upon our physical well being. I ‘m fine and tired, unhealthy and afflicted by miner ailments, concentration would be more difficult. We should be of good health both physically and spiritually as. Although concentrating while ill is difficult, it’s not impossible. Everyone has two natures. One wants us to chance and the other wants to pull us lack. The one that we cultivate and concentrate on decides what we are at the end. Both natures are trying to gain control. The will alone decides the issues a person by one supreme effort of the will may change his while career and almost accomplish miracles. You may be that person concentration opens up interior avenues that connect you with the ever lasting laws of being and their exhaustless foundation of unchangeable truth. Concentration has been defined as the ability to direct ones thinking in whatever direction one intended. To concentrate we have to learn a skill, and as with any skill this means practice repeated day after day until we achieve enough improvement to feel that we can concentrate when we need our ability, to concentrate depends on commitment, enthusiasm for the task, skill at doing the task, our emotional and
physical state, our psychological state and our environment. Concentration is sometime described as a spotlight, focusing your awareness on a subset of what’s going on in your head or in your awareness on a subset of what’s going on in your environment. Some people have more control over the spotlight than others do, and everyone has
trained mind can focalize. To hold a thought before it until all the faculties shall have had time to consider that thoughts are concentration. The person that cannot direct his thoughts, wishes, plans, resolutions and studies cannot possibly succeed to the fullest extent. The person that is impulsive one moment and the
surrounded by all kinds of thoughts, some good, others bad, and you are sure to absorb some of the later if you do not build up a positive and mental attitude. If you concentrate on needless moods of anxiety, worry, despondency, discouragement and others that are the result of uncontrolled thought, you will realize how important the control of your thoughts are. Your thoughts make you what you are. You will find that the man that
more control in certain situations than others. Concentration of your mind can only be developed by watching yourself closely. All kinds of development commence with close attention. You should regulate your every thought and feeling. When you commence to watch yourself and your own acts and also the acts of other people, you use the faculties of autonomy, and, as you continue to do so, you improve your faculties, until in time you can engineer your every thought, wish and plan to be able to focalize the mind on the object at hand in a conscious manner leads to concentration. Only the
next has not the proper control over himself. He is not the master of his mind or of his thoughts, feelings and wishes. Such a person cannot be a success. When he become irritated, he irritates others and spoils all chances of any concerned doing their best. But the person that concentrated controls his every work and act, and thereby gains power to control others. He can make his every move serve a useful and every thought a noble purpose. Through concentrated thought power you can make yourself whatever you please. By thought you can greatly increase your efficiency and you are
concentrates is well poised, whereas the man that allows his mind to wander is easily upset. When in this state wisdom doesn’t pass from the subconscious storehouse into the consciousness. There must be mental quiet before the two consciousnesses can work in harmony. When you are able to concentrate you have peace of mind. There cannot be perfect concentration until there’s peace of mind. So keep thinking peace, acting peace, until you are at peace with all the world. For when once you have reached this state there will be no trouble to concentrate on anything you
By SANDRA ESOSA OMREGIE
wish. Concentration and affirmation sometimes work hand in hand so while concentrating you could affirmate positive words like “I have the power to do and to be whatever I wish to do and be”. Keep this mentally before you and you will find the thought or statement will be of great help to you. Concentration can overcome bad habits as well. Habit is both a powerful enemy and wonderful ally of concentration. You must learn to overcome habits which are injurious to your concentration and cultivate those
which increases it. Concentrate also on courage, as courage is the back bone of man. The man with courage has persistence courage. He states what he believes and puts it into execution. As you concentrate on courage it would be the driving force that would take you to memories, achievement and fulfillment. A man that lacks courage would not take the bull by the horn in his business and this will stagnant his business. Concentrate on your religion, business, money, family, education, etc. and you would be shocked at the magnificent result that would be attained.
“Concentration of your mind can only be developed by watching yourself closely. All kinds of development commence with close attention. You should regulate your every thought and feeling.”
Motoring
With OSAGIE AIFUWA 08023412452
Defensive Driving Techniques
NOWADAYS driving according to the rules and regulation of the road by a driver does not necessarily guarantee his or her safety. This is because you may be driving well and still be involved in accidents. Bad drivers (killer) often decide the fate of so many innocent road users. The problem could be traced to the fact that majority of the drivers plying our road may not be mentally, emotionally, psychologically and physically stable coupled with the basic truth that great percentage of the motorists are not discipline and dedicated to their developing positive driving skills and attitude perceptions. Many drivers do not concentrate behind the steering thus driving with absent mind. The solution to the problem is an individual approach called defensive driving and safe driving. Defensive driving could be described as driving techniques to avoid accidents thus saving lives, time, money and properties in spite of incorrect actions of other road user e.g. motorist, cyclist, tricyclist, pedestrians, truck pusher, etc. A driver should always avoid a situation where his safety depends mainly on the response of another driver of a vehicle. Element of defensive driving practices lies in the driver conviction
that: * Every other road user is a potential threat to him and that he is also a threat to other road user: Every other road user should be regarded as a mad person: * He should be ready to protect himself against all kinds of accident causing situations: * A defensive driver should always react in the correct manner when faced with unexpected emergencies: * A driver should be able to re-organize hazards: understand the defenses and act in time to prevent accidents and he should not panic at any emergency situations AIMS:. * Preventing or avoiding accident or collision, * Reducing the effect of collision or accident if it could not be avoided and * Survival driving to stay alive. * Drive with care, stay alive and alert, reap the fruit of your good driving Be sure that all safety gadgets (brake light, brake reversing lights, rear-lights horn, trafficators, rear and side view mirrors, speedometers etc are functioning properly. In the raining season when the road is wet, always reduce speed to avoid problem on slippery surface and when the rain is heavy, apply commonsense speed. Limit and drive with caution
and turn on your parking lights as a warning to other motorist. Limit your speed to the approved commended limit. Expressway 100 Kmp, Highways 50Kpm Urban/local road 5OKmp The speed limit is subject to local condition only not applicable at adverse road conditions. Defensive driving is the art of pre-emptying the attention of other motorist on the road with or without them trafficating or signaling their attention. The knowledge will always prepare you to be in a better position to avert danger on the road since you will not trust anybody on wheel. There are many things we can’t control while driving but we can control our behaviour and actions. Driver’s error accounts for more than 70 per cent of all collisions. If you are a young driver remember that though your reaction time may be fast, inexperience may cause a fast but incorrect reaction’. Drive within the speed limits and pay attention to your driving. Practice scanning down the road instead of directly in front of your vehicle. This will help you spot hazards in time to act correctly. Stay alert; don’t think that because you have
experience behind the wheel you can’t be involved in a collusion. * If you are stressed or anxious, change your state of mind before getting behind the wheel. * Change your driving habits to fit your physical abilities. * Drive shorter distance, stay out of heavy, fast traffic. * Stay on familiar roads and streets. AVOIDING COLLUSION AT ROUNDABOUT * Be watchful * Don’t assume field of way either to the left or right * Give way to traffic on your left don’t change lanes indiscriminately * Trafficate your exit (turning) on time *Maintain your exit lane in good time * Never face traffic round about * The condition of the driver that could affect his/her driving ability vision * Poor vision can impair driving ability Many people suffer from night blindness. While others are prone to glare blindness. Others suffer from reduced vision caused by glaucoma or rarely, a vitamin A deficiency, other drivers use drugs that can reduce vision and some drivers require to wear glasses for contact lenses fail to do so. What is night blindness? Night blindness is an inability of the light sensitive cells (roads) in
the retina of the eye to work effectively. This may also result in limited vision in low light blindness and may have difficulty in distinguishing movement of shape of objects in subdued light or darkness. They may also have difficulty in judging distance and speeds of moving objects such as on coming traffic or vehicle ahead or behind them, when driving in adverse conditions. HOW TO PREVENT COLLUSION AND DEFENCE AHEAD: * You must keep safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead; * You may use two seconds rules by reciting, example, saver safer You must decrease your following distance on wet road or adverse weather condition by using four seconds rule: * Always have good anticipation during an emergency situation; Always have adverse foresight on the vehicle ahead of you, collision with the vehicle behind. * You have to be alert to study situation and condition around you. You have to be alert all the time and make use of your mirror always, imbibe in the LSM (look signal movement) look at your
mirror. Signal your intention by making use of your tafficator indicating your next direction. * Show your Intention in good time before and not after your turning. * Discourage trail gaiters always, allow them to pass. * Always stop safely and smoothly when necessary. COLLUSION WITH THE VEHICLE YOU ARE PASSING: * One of the causes of head on collision is improper overtaking and passing * How do you determine if the pass is necessary or legal? * First ask yourself if the pass is necessary and safe (legal or illegal). * Maintain proper following distance; * Look ahead * Look behind by using your side mirror and the inner minor; * Trafficate or signal left; * Check behind sport places you cannot see with the aid of your mirrors unless by using direct looking with your eyes. * Tap your horn to forewarn the vehicle ahead of your that you be seen; * Move left, into the passing lane, do not overtake or pass a vehicles through the right lane because you many not be seen while making the illegal passing; * Increase your speed by accelerating if necessary; * Signal right.
With Obuseh Jude
Security Issues ...Implications For National Security Continued from Pg 18 acknowledgment by these men and women in uniform from a totally disappointed public. The truth is that the continued riff within the country’s security sector constitutes the greatest threat to its general security; not the activities of the various violent insurgent and criminal groups operating in the several theatres of low intensity conflicts across the country - one of the major reasons why violent groups seem to be having a field day plying their bloody trade all over the country. Rather than work as a single unit, the men and women charged with shielding Nigerians from threats of any form have focused on seeking glory for themselves, leaving taxpayers, who fund their salaries, at the mercy of brigands. When the supposed guardians of the people begin to shirk their responsibilities, busying themselves in selfaggrandizing pursuits, rather than performing their core duties to their chief constituency, no one is safe anymore. No wonder bombs are going off by the minute with reckless abandon in the Northern halve of the country on a daily basis! No wonder kidnappers are having a jamboree all over the country! No wonder armed robbers are spreading mayhem across the country with so much impunity! No wonder there is palpable paranoia mixed with trepidation all over the country, as Nigerians are daily pushed towards the precipice of tolerance! No wonder Nigeria has become one of the most dangerous
places on earth to live in! These violent infractions on the civil liberties of Nigerians are possible because of the inability of those empowered by the state to legitimately use force in protecting them to get their acts together. It is not as if the rumpus in Nigeria’s security sector is peculiar to the country alone. In fact, prior to 9/11, the security establishment of the United States of America was rent from within by the kind of animosities afflicting Nigeria’s security community. The Central intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Intelligence, the National Security Agency, the various police departments, counter-terrorism units, in tandem with other state and private security agencies and departments that constituted the country’s mighty military industrial complex saw one another as rivals. Each organization worked for its own interest, refraining from collaborating with others in intelligence gathering and sharing, and in other significant areas. Theses fierce rivalries had negative multiplier effects on the smooth functioning of the country’s security system. But the events of 9/11, led to the realization within defense circles that the only way to win the war on terrorism and other acts of violence within and outside the country’s borders was by joining forces for the common good of all Americans; a new thinking on security that overlooked inter-agency differences, a m a l g a m a t i n g organizations that were once strange bed fellows into a mighty army – a
united front against violence. This new strategic thinking on security is not restricted to U.S internal security alone. For instance, since the 9/11 debacle, there has been a massive paradigm shift in security thinking which has witnessed an increasing collaboration among
operation of the country’s security strategies. According to the popular maxim, “a house divided against itself cannot stand”. If the country’s security organizations continue their unbridled rivalries, no reasonable progress should be expected in the country’s much vaunted war on the
police, civil defense corps, State Security Services, paramilitary units and other intelligence units should begin to see themselves as partners in progress, ready to share intelligence and other operational strategies that are desperately needed to check violent acts from occurring, and to mitigate
countries with similar security threat indicators in attempts to check the burgeoning dimensions of the violent activities of extremist groups across the globe. The globalization of security has resulted in massive alliances between the security establishment of the US and those of other countries - a colossal move from national to international/global/ collective security. The response of states to 9/11 shows that in the postsovereign global world, there is need for a more united front against this scourge. There’s no harm in the drivers of Nigeria’s security industry borrowing a leaf from the American example in the planning and
several violent – both insurgent and criminal – cartels operating within the borders of the country. Rather, what we will continue to have are worst case scenarios where the phantom of violence will continue accelerating, expanding the circle of fear that already holds the country in its vice-like grip. For, in order to effectively check the activities of violent groups in the country, the heads of the various units in conjunction with the officers constituting the country’s security establishment must immediately sheath their swords and join forces for the general safety of the citizens of this country. The army, navy, air-force,
them when they do occur. An integrated tactical engagement and joint operations by the various security services is the only way forward for the country’s security system. Despite the recent sacking of service chiefs by the President, and their replacement with new ones, which was purely a political decision, there is an urgent need for all concerned authorities and stakeholders in the security industry to immediately convene a joint-stakeholders forum, with the aim of resolving the searing crisis in the country’s security sector; a kind of security palaver where room must be given for all players in the industry to state their grievances in order for the mediators to fashion out feasible solutions that would be satisfactory for all the conflicting parties in the sector. If ultimately convened, I would advise the conflicting parties to accept the decisions of the peace committee and forego their positions and personal interests for the common
“According to the popular maxim, “a house divided against itself cannot stand”. If the country’s security organizations continue their unbridled rivalries, no reasonable progress should be expected in the country’s much vaunted war on the several violent.”
national good. Again, serious efforts should be made on the part of government to come up with legislations and policies clearly defining the functions of each security organization in the country to prevent the current issues of overlapping roles or functions from ever rearing their ugly heads again in the future. Government must also refrain from politicizing the security of
the country. The tendency to grant political concessions to certain persons or groups because of their political clout or leanings must be immediately jettisoned for a more pragmatic, sagacious, objective and professional approach. The security of the Nigerian State and its people should no longer be toyed with nor compromised for political ends. When the operators of the various organizations constituting Nigeria’s security establishment begin to see themselves as partners and stakeholders in the task of securing the country and its citizens from threats of any kind, and not as rivals seeking parochial glory, there would be no need for all the brouhaha currently defining relations among them. The ongoing conflict in the security establishment presents a golden opportunity for the authorities to move in and arrest this age-long problem bedeviling this crucial sector of our national life once and for all. God save Nigeria!
Agriculture INTRODUCTION. THE Edo State Agricultural Development Programme (EDO ADP) formerly known as Bendel ADP was established by the Bendel State Government Edict No. 10 of 1985 as one of the second generation (Multi – State) ADPs in Nigeria. However, by the executive council conclusion No. EC (87) 9, the name as Bendel Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (BARDA) was changed to Bendel Agricultural Development Programme (BDADP). The ADPs in Nigeria including Edo ADP which is the extension arm of the State Ministry of Agricultural and Natural Resources. The main thrust of the ADP is extension using the Training and Visit (T & V) system. The programme has put in place, a systematic and well programmed, vigorous, result – oriented and time – bound extension apparatus. Under the system, an array of specialists in agriculture constantly visit the farmers, their farms and research institutes including faculties of agriculture in Universities at predetermined and programme periods to effectively disseminate proven, low cost, low risk and practicable modern agricultural technologies to the farmers. Beginning in 1985, the Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) in Nigeria, according to Erhabor (1995), adopted the training and visit system of extension. This system have been adopted in over forty countries of the world because of its endearing features which included professionalism, single line of technical and administrative command, concentration of efforts on extension tasks and specific activities at a time, time bound work, field and farmers orientation, regular and continuous training and linkages with research. Prior to the establishment of World Bank Assisted Agricultural Development Programmes, several extension delivery systems
were tested and tried in Nigeria. These included Ministry of Agriculture extension system, the commodity based extension system, the integrated Agricultural and Rural Development Approach (IARD), the National Accelerated Food Production Programme (NAFPP) strategy and others (Erhabor, 1995). These earlier approaches failed to achieve the desired goals of self sufficiency in food and agricultural production for the following reasons: i. I l l - d e f i n e d organizational structure and unclear modalities for extension work. ii. Lack of professionalism and inclusion of non-extension tasks in the work schedule of extension workers. iii. Poor logistic support
An Overview On ADP In Nigeria (1)
for field work especially in terms of mobility, nonpayment of kilometer claims, working materials and funding so inadequate. iv. Poor linkages with agricultural research and other support services agencies. v. Inadequate staffing and poor training of the available staff still in the service of the government. What was the history of funding of Bendel ADP like between 1985 to 1988? Edo State ADP (formerly Bendel ADP) was jointly funded by the World Bank (63.2%), Federal Government (21.2%) and State Government (15.6%) (CBN, 1995). Between 1985 and 1986, the ADP project was granted a total take off sum of N3.5 million to put up office building, buy vehicles, equipment and machinery, equipment
By DEACON OLUMESE MARK and machinery, recruit and pay qualified staff of Agric background, produce seeds and seedlings, construct roads, dams and boreholes,
conduct trainings, evaluation surveys, extensions services and adaptive research (Bendel ADP Annual reports, 1985
– 86). According to World Bank (1986), that amount was, barely sufficient to lay the foundation for the take off of the ADP project in only two zones – Bendel East and Bendel North. But the
Bendel ADP managed this sum of money quoted earlier to lay the foundation but to establish itself as a force to be reckoned within agricultural development see Table 1. Showing the funding history of Bendel ADP from 1985 to 1988.
Table 1: Funding History Of Bendel ADP (1985 - 1988) AGENCY ,000 MILLION (N)
YEAR 1985 1986 1987 1988 TOTAL
BENDEL STATE GOVERNMENT BUDGET ACTUAL 1.5M 1.5M 1.5M 1.5M 1.5M 408,000 4,908,000 3.0M
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET ACTUAL 0.5M 0.5M 1.5M 1.5M 1.5M 1.5M 1.5M 675,000 5M 4,175,000
I.B.R.D BUDGET 4,947,000 16,096,500 18,396,000 39,439,500
ACTUAL 3.5M 2.0M 1,161,500 6,661,500
Actual figure released $732,300.38 APMEU ANNUAL REPORTS (1985 – 88)
“Prior to the establishment of World Bank Assisted Agricultural Development Programmes, several extension delivery systems were tested and tried in Nigeria. These included Ministry of Agriculture extension system, the commodity based extension system, the integrated Agricultural and Rural Development Approach (IARD), the National Accelerated Food Production Programme (NAFPP) strategy and others “
Religion
With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA
Who Is This Satan
MANY Bible scholars contend that the subject of Satan should be ignored. The Agnostics even argue that there is nobody called Satan. But Paul the apostle admonished thus: “Lest satan should get an advantage of us for we are not ignorant of his devices” 2Cor 2:11. In order words he is saying if you are ignorant of the devices of the devil he can take an advantage of this even for a child of God. The verse further confirms that there is somebody called the devil. Therefore anyone who wants to stand firm with God should know the devices of the devil -who he is and how he operates. This branch of study in theology is called demonology. In terms of power the devil should be ignored for a child of God because he has no power before the child of God who has totally submitted himself to Christ. Jesus himself made this proclamation to the believer when he said: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore. .“ Matt 28:18. So before the believer the power of Satan is powerless power! Hear this again -“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth. And every tongue should
confess that Jesus Christ is lord” Phil 2:10-11 These verses point to the fact that the power of the devil is weakened before the believer but does not preclude us from being mindful of the antics or devices of the devil. This is why the Bible warns the believer again “wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” 1 Cor 10:12 The writer will not go into the historical theology of Satan. But suffice it to be said clearly that there is a being called satan who is the chief of the devils. His mission the Bible clearly states is “to steal and to kill and to destroy” Jn 10:10. He is depicted as a fallen angel in the book of Isaiah and called Lucifer. “How are thou fallen from heaven o Lucifer son of the morning! How are thou cut down to the ground.“ Isaiah 14:12 His original habitat was heaven but because of his sinful nature he was driven out of heaven- “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the devil and satan which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth and his angels were cast out with him” Rev 12:9 The chief weapon of satan is deception. Whoever you and whatever you are be careful not to be deceived in
your heart. The devil works with the human system to fulfill his mission. He can occupy your heart and begin to misguide and mis-direct you. The heart must be cleansed of every form of impurity if you would not allow yourself to be an instrument of the devil. “Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are” Roms 6:16. With your heart you yield to God or you yield
THANK you brethren as I share this revelation with you. This verse is a pitinstitutionalization of the Holy Communion concept. Because the Holy Communion was institutionalized on the eve of crucifixion of Jesus (Lk27:17-20). Why did Jesus describe himself as the bread of life? It is to describe his open access to every person even to the common man. Bread being a staple food even to the common man. The Hebrew word for bread is (Lehem) and the Greek word is (Artos). Bread from time Immemorial has been a staple food for the common man. And the revolution that swept Europe in the 17th and 18th Centuries bothered on this staple food. During the 1789 French
revolution for example, The people asked for ‘Le Paine” which was bread but King Louis the 16th taunted them with “gateau”. The revolution swept through Europe and brought to an end absolute monarchism in the whole of Europe overthrowing the bourbon dynasty in France, Tsadom in Russia and limiting the power of Tudors in England. This is to explain the power of bread in human history cutting across the various Strata of society, whether the bourgeois (upper class) to the proletariat and then to the Lumpenproletariat (The peasantry or the lower class). And Jesus describing himself as the bread of life, presents himself to all persons whether rich, poor, or the very poor, whether educated or uneducated, whether in leadership or
being led. He is that bread that giveth life eternal and God is no respecter of persons. He described his own bread as superior to manna. In the scriptures manna was a meal prepared by God which lasted for 40 years in the life of the Israelite (Exodus 16 15) In these words he described the power in his body. “Your father did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead” (John 6 49) but he said “I am the bread of life ... which cometh down from heaven that a man may eat thereof and not die” (John 6: 48 &
to satan. Purge your heart that is the seat of satanic activities if you refuse to give your heart to God! From your heart he operates evil devices - Lust, adultery, fornication, murder, stealing, drunkenness etc The devil on his mission via evil supernaturalism “Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil is as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour” Just as God is no respecter of persons; so
the devil is; if you do not have the power of Christ to sustain you. Did he not stand before the lord Jesus to tempt him? (Matt 4:1-4) if he could tempt our lord Jesus who therefore can he not tempt? A woman fought with the husband and in the process killed the husband: she blamed it on the devil: an elderly man was caught defiling a ten year old girl, he blamed it on the devil; a student was caught cheating in an examination, he
blamed it on the devil; a man got himself drunk and while drunk- driving he had an accident that almost cost him his life; he also blamed it on the devil. This blame is continuous yes the devil could be responsible for all this: but if you do not give him a chance in your heart he would not be able to operate. Hence the Bible says, Resist him and he will flee, “Whom resist, steadfast in the faith” 1 Pet 5:9.
Jesus Is The Bread Of Life 50). Hear the Lord speak again “1 am the leaving bread which came down from heaven if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever, and the bread that I will give is my flesh which I will give for the life of the world”. (John 6: 51) This was compounding to the Jews of that generation and if you have that perception, this Jewish spirit is upon you. And I pray it should not be upon you. This calls for all men to repent
“whosoever eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day for my flesh is meat indeed and my blood drink indeed” (John 6 54 - 55). Blood is the red fluid circulating in thie bodies of animal and men which signifies life principle (Genesis 9:4, Lev 17: 11, Deut. 12: 23) Christ shared his blood for our redemption (1Peter 1: 1820, Rev 5:6, 9 & 12 ). The
sprinkling of the blood had atonement for sin of man Rom 5: 9), (Heb 9: 11- 14). By the blood of Christ, the Christian has been justified (Rom 5: 9) loosened from sin (Rev 1: 5) sanctified (Heb 13 v 12) and will be redeemed eternally (Rev 7 14 -15). Therefore to eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ is to receive all gracious benefits which in death and life, giving blood can bring to the believer (6: 53 -56).
“The revolution swept through Europe and brought to an end absolute monarchism in the whole of Europe overthrowing the bourbon dynasty in France, Tsadom in Russia and limiting the power of Tudors in England. This is to explain the power of bread in human history cutting across the various Strata of society, whether the bourgeois (upper class) to the proletariat and then to the Lumpenproletariat”
International Features
Israeli Search For Palace Of King David HEBRON, West Bank - On an ancient hill dotted with 1,000-year-old olive trees, Israelis are busy excavating in search of the first palace of King David in the heart of the West Bank. The Jewish settlers who started the dig with the help of Israel’s Antiquities Authority say they want to turn it into an archaeological park to celebrate its historical significance. But for Palestinians who hope the West Bank will someday form part of a Palestinian state, the move is a grab not only for land but also for their past - a ploy to cut them out of history and away from land they say is rightfully theirs. The Bible says David, the second king of the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah, first ruled in Hebron before conquering Jerusalem to the north. “You come to see where King David started his first palace, it blows you away. I don’t know, it blows me away!” said David Wilder, spokesman for the Jewish community in Hebron. The dig, located on a plot of Jewish-owned land that is part of an island of 500 settlers among some 250,000 Palestinians, takes place under the protective eyes of Israeli soldiers toting automatic weapons. Most countries consider the settlements Israel has built on land captured in the 1967 Middle East war as illegal, and Palestinians fear the enclaves will deny them a viable state made up of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. The promotion of archaeological sites on this disputed land goes to the heart of the most explosive issues in IsraelPalestinian peace talks being brokered by Washington - building on occupied land, the status of Jerusalem and the future of Israel as a “Jewish state”. “I want people to visit Hebron and leave with the
cultural and religious significance of the site to the Jewish people, the state of Israel and people around the world,” Wilder said. “You don’t live in the past, but the past is an arrow showing where you’ve come from and where you can go to.” Shuaib al-Tamimi, a 22year-old Palestinian watching the excavation from behind a new chainlink fence around the site next to his family home, voiced his contempt for the plan. “Of course there are antiquities here, Roman antiquities. To say Solomon’s palace or whatever was here is a conspiracy and a big lie,” he said. “They come and plant the stones here, just to serve their own interests and take away our rights.” “JUDAISING” The first big marriage of settlement and archaeology tourism was the “City of David” theme park in occupied East Jerusalem, where densely packed Arab homes stand cheek-by-jowl with settler houses, surveillance cameras and private security guards. Many of the homes are subject to demolition as they were built without Israeli government permits, which can be difficult for Palestinians to obtain. The City of David welcomes Israeli school children, soldiers and evangelical Christians, among others, to the purported location of another of David’s palaces, which scholars believe is the Holy City’s oldest inhabited area. Israel cites such roots in laying its claim to all of Jerusalem, including the eastern area captured in 1967, and in designating the city its “eternal and indivisible capital”. The pro-settler organization Elad owns much of the land on which the City of David is located, including several houses for Israeli settlers that are scattered next to the ruins. Since January 12, Israel
has started extending the area of the park with a new Israeli dig on its fringes, drawing the anger and frustration of Palestinians who lack the authority to do anything about it. Demolition orders were also given to eight Palestinian structures in the same neighborhood, around a plot slated by Jerusalem’s Israeli-run municipality for a Biblethemed park and shopping area called “The King’s Garden”. Activist groups have gone to court to challenge the way the City of David is run - it is managed by
ruin and ancient oak at Beit El settlement, where the Bible says the patriarch Jacob dreamt of a ladder reaching to heaven, making the spot, she says, “a connection between heaven and earth”. Wearing a head scarf in the manner of Orthodox Judaism, Simon, who is the settlement’s tourism manager, reads Hebrew Bible verses, slowly closing the book and kissing it. “We read here that the Land of Israel was promised to Abraham and Jacob... and the irony is that, today, it’s considered disputed,” she said.
stymied by their lack of direct control over around two-thirds of the West Bank, as well as a lack of cash and internal political divisions that push the issue deep down the list of priorities. However one attempt has been made in the Palestinian village of Beitin, which scholars say preserves the Biblical name of Beit El next door. Excavations begun late last year are hoped to turn the remains of a Byzantine monastery and medieval mosque into a tourist site. “We think archaeology is being used as a cover for settlement policy, and
in Ramallah. “We intend to present the cultural history of Palestine, whether Jewish, Christian or Muslim, as an integral whole, while onesided excavations in Hebron and Jerusalem will only deepen the conflict and make a negotiated solution harder.” Simon, in Beit El, said she thinks Israel should annex the West Bank and give Palestinians full citizenship, but maintain the state’s Jewish character. The settlement issue for her is an existential question of Jews’ past and future. “What kind of peace would it be if we’re made
People work in a new dig on the fringes of the archaeological site known as the City of David, situated just outside the Old City in East Jerusalem
the Israeli Parks Authority as a national park but operated by Elad. “It was our claim that a private political and very right-wing organization misused these powers to advance its political agenda, part of which is to Judaise East Jerusalem,” said Michael Sfard, an Israeli lawyer involved in the legal action. The court threw out the petition, but the parks authority promised to review how the site is operated. EXISTENTIAL QUESTION In the West Bank hills north of Jerusalem, Judy Simon stands by a modest
Her tours around the site aim to impress upon visitors the centrality of the West Bank to Jews’ religion and history. Palestinians’ own efforts to showcase their past are
(Israel’s) lack of coordination with Palestinian authorities is a political decision,” said Hamdan Taha, head of the Palestinian Authority’s Department of Antiquities
to leave our homes?” she said.The first big marriage of settlement and archaeology tourism was the “City of David” theme park in occupied East Jerusalem
“Many of the homes are subject to demolition as they were built without Israeli government permits, which can be difficult for Palestinians to obtain.The City of David welcomes Israeli school children, soldiers and evangelical Christians, among others, to the purported location of another of David’s palaces, which scholars believe is the Holy City’s oldest inhabited area.”
International Suicide Bomber Kills 2 Afghan Army Soldiers KABUL, Afghanistan Provincial authorities say a suicide bomber has killed two Afghan soldiers in a market in eastern Afghanistan. Shafiqullah Nang, spokesman for the eastern province of Ghazni, said another three civilians were wounded in the blast in a bazaar in the Qarabagh district of the province on yesterday. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the bombing in an emailed statement. Also yesterday, Nang said, 15 Taliban fighters were
killed in an operation conducted by the Afghan National Security Forces in Ghazni’s district of Andar. He said he was not aware of any casualties suffered by government forces. He had no other details.
PARIS - NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen criticized Russia on yesterday for pressuring Kiev not to sign a free trade pact with the European Union, a move that triggered mass protests. Ukraine, caught in a tug-ofwar for influence between Moscow and Brussels, has been rocked by protests since it walked away from the EU association deal two months
NATO’s Rasmussen Criticizes Russian Pressure On Ukraines ago. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov resigned and deputies rolled back anti-protest laws to try to defuse the crisis. “An association pact with Ukraine would have been a major boost to Euro-Atlantic
Hong Kong Imposes Sanctions On Philippines
AAn armed Sudanese government soldier stands near a village in Bor where an exchange of heavy artillery fire rocked the strategic town recently.
Louay Safi spokesperson for the Syrian National Coalition, Syria’s main political opposition group, gestures as he gives a short briefing to journalists after a meeting with the Syrian Government at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva Switzerland.
HONG KONG - Hong Kong will scrap visa-free access for all Philippine diplomatic and official passport holders after Manila failed to issue a formal apology for a deadly hostagetaking in 2010. The Hong Kong families of eight tourists who were killed in the Manila shooting have demanded an apology and compensation, punishment for officials who dealt with the crisis and enhanced tourist safety, in a row that has soured ties. Hong Kong and the Philippines have close economic relations, with more than 100,000 Filipino domestic helpers working in the city, but emotions still run high over the killing of the tourists on a bus by a sacked police officer who opened fire amid a bungled rescue attempt. “The sanctions we just announced are just and justified. We welcome the continuation of dialogue between us and the Philippines to bring the matter to a final conclusion,” Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying told a news briefing. The former British territory of Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 but retains a high degree of autonomy over its affairs.
Female Politician Suggests Indian Women Invited Rape
NEW DELHI - An Indian female politician and activist has said rape victims may have invited attacks by their clothes and behavior, fuelling a national debate over a series of incidents of sexual violence against women. Asha Mirje, a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader in western Maharashtra state, questioned at a meeting on Tuesday why a 23-year-old physiotherapy student who was gang-raped on a bus in Delhi in 2012 was out late at night. The student died of her injuries and thousands of people took to the streets in nationwide protests against the prevalence of rape and sexual assault in the
Organisation and the European Union. Noting that cooperation between NATO and Russia had improved in some areas, he criticized Russia’s role in Eastern Europe. “We have real differences and real issues,” he said. “It’s obvious that Russia’s attitude is clearly hostile to the (NATO) alliance opening to the east.”
2010 Hostage Deaths
4 Dead In Bulgaria Cold Spell
SOFIA, Bulgaria - Heavy snow and strong winds have claimed a fourth victim of the cold spell that has gripped large parts of Bulgaria. Authorities said yesterday that harsh weather has left dozens of villages in the eastern half of the Balkan country without electricity and water. A 76-year-old man died after getting stuck in a snowdrift in the village of Povet, near the BulgarianTurkish border. Three other men have died in weatherrelated incidents in eastern villages in the last two days. Many roads are closed to traffic while rescue teams try to bring food supplies to remote villages. Hundreds of schools remain closed. The main Black Sea port of Varna was shut because of high winds.
security, I truly regret that it could not be done,” Rasmussen told le Figaro daily. “The reason is well-known: pressure that Russia exerts on Kiev.” Rasmussen also condemned police violence against the protesters and pressed Ukraine’s leaders to assert their independence, urging closer ties with his North Atlantic Treaty
world’s largest democracy. A number of shocking incidents have since been highlighted in Indian media, most recently the case of 20year-old woman who said she was gang-raped in a rural area of West Bengal in eastern India on the orders of a village court last week. Mirje, who is a member of the state women’s commission, said in reference to the Delhi assault: “Did Nirbhaya really have go to watch a movie at 11 in the night with her friend?” “Nirbhaya”, a Hindi word meaning “fearless”, has been
widely adopted by the Indian media as a name for the victim. She also commented on the gang rape of a photojournalist who was on assignment at a disused mill in Mumbai last year, asking why the victim had gone to such an isolated place. “Rapes take place also because of a woman’s clothes, her behavior and her presence at inappropriate places,” she said. Women must be “careful”, she said, and think if they are inviting assault. Sexual violence has become a huge social and political issue
since the Delhi rape and India toughened laws on sex crimes in March last year. Public anger over the poor state of women’s safety in Delhi was one reason that the ruling Congress Party was wiped out in local elections in the city last month. Mirje’s party belongs to the Congress-led national coalition government and her comments caused an immediate stir, with several television reports pouring scorn on her. “Every time such a statement is made by a public figure it justifies rape,” Kavita Krishnan, secretary of the All India
Progressive Women’s Association, a lobby group, told Reuters. “It’s unconscionable that people in public posts make such remarks.”
The strain in ties between the city and the Philippines comes during a sharp deterioration in relations between Beijing and Manila over overlapping claims of potentially oil- and gas-rich waters in the South China Sea. Leung said good progress had been made with regard to three of the four demands, including Manila’s offer of compensation for one of the survivors, although Hong Kong would not rule out further action to force the Philippines to apologize. Another possibility is a freeze on domestic helpers, similar to a move by Taiwan this year following the fatal shooting of a Taiwan fisherman by the Philippine coastguard.
CHANGE OF NAME EGHAREVBA - I, formerly known and addressed as Egharevba Kelvin Solomon now wish to be known and addressed as Monday Kelvin Ese. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, United Bank of Africa (UBA) and the general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME ERIBO – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ewemade Gold Eribo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ewemade Gold Eboigbodin. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
PUBLIC NOTICE
AUCTION SALES There will be a public auction sales of accidented, abandoned and unclaimed vehicle/motorcycles and household items at Ugbowo Division of the Nigeria Police, Edo State Command. Date of Sales is three weeks from this publication Items are: Vannette Bus Reg. No. EDO XA 334FUG, Daylong M/cycles Reg. Nos QP762 USL, AM363NSH, EDO GAR321 QA, QF588EKP, EDO QS714GAR. Other motorcycles like Cargo, Boxers, Nanfang, Quanyang, etc and household items. Contact: Abu Osodionahon Police Auctioneer 08060382828, 08074007087
International Thai Firms To Deploy 10,000 Police To Secure Voting BANGKOK - Thailand’s government will deploy 10,000 police in the capital for Sunday’s election, which protesters have promised to disrupt as part of their drawn-out attempt to topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The government decided on Tuesday to press ahead with the February 2 election, which the main opposition party plans to boycott and despite warnings that it could lead to more violence without resolving the country’s increasingly bitter political divide. “I ask Bangkok residents to come out and vote,” Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung
told reporters yesterday. “The police will take care of security ... Those who are thinking of going and shutting polling stations in the morning should think twice because the police will not allow them to.” Protesters prevented early voting at many polling stations in Bangkok last Sunday. They took to the streets in November in the latest eruption of a political conflict that has gripped Thailand for eight years. It broadly pits Bangkok’s middle class and royalist establishment against the mainly poor, rural supporters of Yingluck and her brother, ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who lives
in self-imposed exile. The protesters accuse Yingluck of being a puppet of Thaksin, a man they say is a corrupt crony capitalist who used taxpayers’ money to buy elections with costly populist giveaways. Chalerm, who is in charge of a state of emergency imposed last week, told reporters about 10,000 police would be dispatched on Sunday to take care of security at the capital’s polling stations. firmly on the sidelines, in contrast to the past: it has staged or attempted 18 coups in 80 years of on-off democracy.
police when a mob armed with stones and petrol bombs attacked a police station in northern South Africa on Tuesday night, local police said. At least 15 police officers were injured — three of them critically — when about 2,000 people attacked the station near the sub-tropical farming town of Tzaneen in Limpopo Province, said police spokesman Brig. Hangwani Mulaudzi. It is not known how many protesters were injured. Nineteen police vehicles were
damaged and extensive damage was caused to the police station, Mulaudzi said. “Anyone who was facing that situation last night would have no option but to do what the members did to protect their lives,” he said. Nine people were arrested for public violence, said Mulaudzi. The rampage is believed by police to have been sparked by allegations that a teenage boy was shot dead by police in the area. Mulaudzi said the situation remained tense on yesterday. Mulaudzi said the trouble
of a murdered woman was discovered in the area last Thursday. Two suspects were taken into custody for questioning by police on Friday but were later released. Angered by their release, community members went on a rampage on Saturday, burning the houses of the suspects. During that protest a 15-yearold boy was shot dead, allegedly by police, Mulaudzi said. “The firearms of officers who attended the protest were taken for ballistic tests to confirm if the boy was indeed killed by police,” he said.
Snow stormsk are forcecasted for the coming days in the already affected southeastern regions of Romania, in which road and rail traffic were badly disrupted and the army was called in to assist in the worst hit areas.
2 Killed In Attack On South African between police and the local JOHANNESBURG - Two Police community started after the body Thai Firms Feel Squeeze From Crisis, protesters were shot dead by
Thai anti-government protesters take to a street with a giant national flag during a march in Bangkok.
BANGKOK - Hotel occupancy rates in central Bangkok have plunged. Conventions have been canceled. Business deals have been postponed. Tourist bookings for coming months are way down. The latest spasm in Thailand’s near decade of political upheaval is taking an economic toll as anti-government protesters barricade Bangkok’s major intersections and confrontations between protesters and supporters of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra periodically flare into deadly clashes. Since a 2006 coup ousted Yingluck’s brother Thaksin Shinawatra as prime minister, Thailand’s economy has bounced back from several episodes of violent political conflict. However, the underlying failure to resolve deep divisions in Thai society has diminished its reputation as a reliable country for foreign business and raised the prospect of ever increasing instability. Southeast Asia’s secondbiggest economy could wallow below 3 percent growth this year, if the anti-government protests continue into the second quarter, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce projected. That is far below potential for Thailand, one of the
South Sudan To Try Rebel Leaders, Risking JUBA - South Sudan says fomenting a coup against his Two others were on the run: Ceasefire chief it will put key leaders of an government after fighting rebel delegate Taban alleged coup it claims triggered weeks of fighting on trial, in a move likely to threaten a fragile ceasefire with rebels. The announcement, made late Tuesday by Justice Minister Paulino Wanawila, underscored the animosity that still reigns between government forces under President Salva Kiir and a loose coalition of rebel fighters seen as loyal to Kiir’s sacked deputy, Riek Machar. Both sides implemented a ceasefire last Friday, but combat has only eased, not ended. Kiir accused Machar and other former officials of
broke out in the capital Juba on December 15. Eleven ex-officials were arrested, while Machar — who denied any coup plot — fled. Fighting quickly spread across the country. Aid groups say up to 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict. The release of the prisoners has been a key demand of the rebels. Prisoners have been divided into three categories: some to be tried, others suspected of involvement but who will be released to a third country — not yet named — and others who would be released without charge.
Wanawila late Tuesday repeated the coup allegation against Machar and said some rebel leaders would be tried. “If someone violates the law you dont go and torture that person, you prosecute that person according to the law,” he said. He said six men were targeted for trial. Four were in detention: Pagan Amum, former secretary general of the ruling party, ex-national security minister Oyai Deng Ajak, former ambassador to the US Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, and ex-deputy defence minister Majak D’Agoot.
Deng who signed the ceasefire, as well as Alfred Ladu Gore, an experienced guerrilla fighter and respected leader especially in his home region surrounding the capital Juba. Kiir has hinted he could use his power to grant amnesties but has said that legal processes must be completed first. Both sides say the other has already broken the ceasefire, but insist they are committed to the deal. Government and opposition rebels are still fighting for control in key areas, with the United Nations calling the situation “fragile”.
Seek Solution
world’s top tourist destinations and a base for global companies in industries from autos to hard drives. As recently as 2012 the economy grew 6.5 percent and growth of nearly 4 percent will be reported for 2013 when official figures are released. “It’s terrible. It’s worse than ever. We can’t see an end to it,” said Virat Jaturaphutphitak, vice president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents. Reservations from European and North American travelers to Bangkok through April are down 70 percent. Bookings from Asia are down 30 percent. “If this situation continues, we will have to close many businesses.” Corporate leaders fret that foreign investors planning new factories and business ventures will turn to neighbors such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore if the conflict drags on. Worries of a violent showdown increased after Yingluck’s government said it will press ahead with elections this Sunday, overriding objections from the Election Commission. Demonstrators are expected to block voting centers and the opposition Democrat Party is boycotting the election. Since the end of November, 10 people have died and more than 570 have been injured in the conflict. Protest leaders want Yingluck’s elected government replaced with a “people’s council” that would implement reforms such as rooting out corruption. Yingluck, supported by the country’s poor rural majority in
its north and northeast, has proposed some reforms but insisted that any changes must come after elections. “The perception from foreign clients is pretty bad. They don’t want to come. Business stops and is put on hold,” said Thinawat Bukhamana, a managing partner at law firm Baker & McKenzie Ltd. in Bangkok. He said some corporate financing deals his firm is involved in have been put off. Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Phureesrisak said hotels near the protest sites in Bangkok, as well as in hotels in nearby provinces that cater to foreign tourists, have suffered dramatic falls in occupancy rates to about 30 percent, far below normal for this time of year, considered Thailand’s high season. Political stability is a factor in whether Toyota Motor Corp. invests further in Thailand, the automaker’s Thailand chief Kyoichi Tanada said at a press conference earlier this month. Thailand is a production and export base for the Japanese automaker, whose four factories here churned out nearly 800,000 vehicles last year. Tanada hoped production could reach 1 million in three to four years, a goal that would probably require another 15-20 billion baht ($455-$610 million) of investment, he estimated. Seven businesses organizations including the stock exchange and tourism council have banded together since December to play a mediating role between Yingluck and protesters, but have been unable to get the two camps together.
Syrian Talks Resume Amid Falling Expectations GENEVA - Syrian negotiators have resumed talks over the country’s future a day after cutting short their discussions over a U.S. decision to resume aid to the opposition. The government and opposition delegates met with the U.N.-Arab League mediator Lakhdar Brahimi yesterday, but chances for a breakthrough before everyone goes home tomorrow appear almost nil as both sides continue to blame
each other for an impasse. A deal to allow humanitarian aid into the besieged city of Homs remain stalled, with the Syrian delegation demanding assurances the U.S. aid will not go to “armed and terrorist groups” in the central city. The negotiations aimed at ending Syria’s three-year-old conflict began last Friday in Geneva and Brahimi has said both sides were willing to continue despite lack of progress.
Man & Nature
With O.C Madu
He That Humbleth Himself Shall Be Exalted
THE expression: “He that humbleth himself shall be exalted”, means man must humble himself before his God in order to enter His kingdom. He should obey, serve and give similar biblical counsels, all these somewhat repulse the modern man at the outset, because of their simple, child-like and yet striking form of expression. Abd-ru-shin says that they offend his pride, rooted as it is the consciousness of intellectual knowledge. He no longer wants to be led so blindly, but desires to understand and consciously co-operate in all things in order to obtain through personal conviction the inner up swinging necessary to accomplish everything great. And this is not wrong. In his further development, man should stand more consciously in creation than he has done previously. And when he has joyfully recognised that the simple biblical expressions, the nature of which seems so foreign to the present times, counsel precisely what he voluntarily and with complete conviction decides upon through his knowledge of the mighty laws of nature, it will be as though a bandage falls from his eyes. He will be deeply shaken by the fact that hitherto, he only rejected the old teachings because he interpreted them wrongly and never seriously tried to penetrate them aright, so as to bring them into harmony with the perceptive capacity of today. Abd-ru-shin says whether it is said. “Submit in humility to the will of God” or having recognised the mighty laws of nature aright, use them according to their kind and activity, it is one and the same thing. Man can only make use of the powers that bear the will of God when he studies them exactly, thus, recognising them and adapting himself to them. To reckon with or adapt oneself to them really means nothing less than to adjust oneself to them, thus, to submit oneself to them. It means not to go against special nature of these powers, thus, going in the same direction, can he make use of the might of these powers. This is not mastery of the powers, but humbly submitting oneself to the Divine Will. Even if man ascribes much to his own
sagacity or to scientific achievement, this does not alter the fact that, it is nothing but a so-called discovery of the effects of the existing law of nature, that is, of the Divine Will, which man has thereby, recognised, adjusting himself to this will by the evaluation or use of these laws. This unquestionably is himself submission to the Will of God, it is obeying. But now to symbolism. Every happening in creation thus, in the world of matter, must come to a proper ending of its cycle or it can also, be said, it must close, its cycle. Therefore, according to the laws of creation, everything unconditionally returns to its starting point, where alone it can fund its end, thus, be severed, dissolved or extinguished as a working unit. This applies to the entire creation as well as to each single happening and it is the cause of the unconditional reciprocal action which in turn brings symbolism in its wake. Since all originated, it follows that each action must end in the same species of substance, hence it arose. Thus, an ethereal beginning must have an ethereal ending and of gross material beginning a gross material ending. Men cannot see the ethereal but the gross material ending of every happening is visible to all. For many people, however, the actual key to it, the beginning, is missing, because in most cases, it lies in a previous gross material existence. Although, the greater part of all happenings of reciprocal action takes effect only in the ethereal world, the operating karma can never be completely redeemed, unless in some way, the end manifests in the Gross Maternal World and becomes visible there only when a visible happening corresponds to the nature of the reciprocal action can an open cycle be closed and thus, bring about complete redemption, no matter whether through the nature of the beginning, the redemption brings good or evil, happiness or unhappiness, blessing or forgiveness. Abd-ru-shin says that this final visible effect must return to the place of its origin and to that person who, through some action or other, initiated it. In no single case can this be avoided. If in the meantime, the
person concerned has changed inwardly to such an extent that something better than the original action came to life in him, then the reaction of that original type cannot gain a
weakened returning reciprocal action must, in accordance with the immovable laws, become visibly effective in the world of Gross Matter in order really to be redeemed and
intended for him, there is the difference, however, that, it causes neither suffering nor harm, but may even bring joy. This Abd-ru-shin the author of gravil message says comprises a purely symbolical redemption of many heavy karma but still completely accords with the laws of
firm foothold. It no longer finds homogeneous ground in the upward striving soul, which has become more luminous and thus, lighter in accordance with the law of spiritual gravity. The natural result is that when it approaches the more luminous environment of the person concerned, a darker reaction becomes permeated and thereby, considerably weakened. But despite this, the law of revolution and of reciprocal action must be entirely fulfilled in its automatic operating power. It is impossible to annul any of the laws of nature. Consequently, even such a
extinguished. The end must flow back into the beginning. The dark karma, however, is unable to bring harm to the person concerned because of his more luminous surroundings and so, it happens that the weekend reciprocal action can only work on his immediate surroundings. In such a way as to provide the person concerned with the opportunity to do something voluntarily, the nature of which corresponds only to the tendency of the returning reciprocal action. In comparison with the original unbroken strength of the returning dark reaction
creation, which operate automatically in that way through the change in the condition of the soul. Therefore, most people often remain unaware of it. The karma, however, has been redeemed and immutable justice has been satisfied to its most delicate vibrations. But these happenings, which accord so naturally with the creative laws, hold such mighty acts of grace as only the omniscience of the creator could bring forth in His Perfect Work. There are many such purely symbolic atonements where otherwise, reciprocal action would strike heavily.
Example. A once hard, domineering character has burdened himself with heavy karma through indulging these attributes in the oppression of his fellow men. Active according to its specific nature, this karma proceeds on its course and must then fall back upon him with the same
characteristics, but many times reinforced. This vibration of ruthless, despotism often immensely reinforced through the law of attraction of ethereal homogeneous species, will in approaching him so interpenetrate his whole ethereal environment that, it will have an incisive effect on his gross material environment, which is closely connected with it, thereby, creating conditions forcing the originator to suffer to a far greater extent from a similar tyranny that did the people he once tormented. To be concluded.
“This is not mastery of the powers, but humbly submitting oneself to the Divine Will. Even if man ascribes much to his own sagacity or to scientific achievement, this does not alter the fact that, it is nothing but a so-called discovery of the effects of the existing law of nature...”
Eto’o Could Finish At Inter
City Face Battle Over Melbourne Re-Brand MANCHESTER City may face a legal fight if
they decide to re-brand the A-League franchise they recently purchased in Melbourne, Australia. City took a controlling stake of the struggling Melbourne Heart last week, and it is expected that they will seek to rename the club Melbourne City FC to continue the theme started by the Premier League side’s name and that of their nascent MLS franchise, New York City FC. However, an amateur side in Australia’s seventh tier founded in 1991 already goes by that name, and The Sun reports that the Victoria State League Division Five West club posted on their Facebook page: “We will not surrender
our club name.” That post has since been removed but another, currently online, states: “Due to the current circumstances MC FC would like to advise our fans, players and committee members that all public declarations will be made by our solicitors. “Any declarations unless authorised by the club or it’s [sic] legal team will not be supported by the club.” Melbourne Heart, who include former Liverpool and Leeds winger Harry Kewell and ex-Netherlands international Orlando Engelaar among their ranks, are currently bottom of the 10-team A-League.
Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard (3rd left) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal against Everton at Anfield Stadium on January 28, 2014.
Wenger Drops Transfer Hint
MANCHESTER United are negotiating with several sportswear companies as the Premier League champions look to secure a new recordbreaking kit deal. The club’s current 13year sponsorship deal with Nike, which is worth 303 million pounds ($502 million), expires at the end of the 2014-15 season. Nike did not agree to a new deal during last year’s exclusivity period for contract talks. According to The Times and The Guardian, Adidas, Warrior and Puma are among those interested in
becoming the club’s new kit supplier in a deal potentially worth 70 million pounds a year. United said in a statement that “we are currently are in discussions with multiple parties. ... This process is a routine practice used for our global and regional sponsorship deals and helps us maximize the value/ structure of the club’s partnerships.” On Monday, Arsenal announced a new kit deal with Puma which is worth 30 million pounds a year, the most valuable tie-up in the Premier League.
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has given a broad hint that he may yet seal a major transfer in the January window after all after claiming he may ‘have a surprise’ to announce before Friday’s deadline. difficult we have had in the Wenger has insisted in his Premier League this season,” recent press conferences that it stated Wenger. “It was down to was ‘highly unlikely’ that he us and also down to the quality would make a big money move Southampton showed. They in this window. played at a high tempo and made But that position may be it difficult for us. shifting in the final days of “In the first half, if you said I January, with injuries to Aaron would take a point I maybe Ramsey and Jack Wilshere have would not believe you, but it left the depth of his squad under shows the character of the scrutiny once more. players to come back in the Schalke’s Julian Draxler has second half. constantly been linked with a “You want the three points in move to Arsenal throughout this every game but it is a difficult window, yet Wenger would not place Southampton. When you be drawn on his possible targets look at the overall record it can in his post-match interview with happen sometimes away from Sky Sports. home you take only one point.” “I hope we have something to Meanwhile, Wenger tell you [on transfers], but not confirmed midfielder Ramsey is tonight,” was his cryptic response set for a further spell on the to a question about his transfer sidelines, as he suffered a plans after his side’s 2-2 draw at recurrence of the injury that has Southampton. “We lose a few kept him out of action for the players now and I have to think last month in training on about it.” Monday. Wenger claimed he was “Aaron Ramsey is out for satisfied with the point his side longer than we expected as he collected in the draw at St Mary’s had a little setback yesterday,” Stadium on Tuesday, admitting added Wenger. “It is the same his side were in danger of being muscle. He felt it a bit again so overwhelmed by a flying start we have to be cautious this from the Saints. time.” “The first half was the most
MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes has hinted at a squad overhaul at the end of the season following the club-record signing of Juan Mata. Moyes has sanctioned loan exits for Anderson and Wilfried Zaha while Fabio is on the verge of completing a permanent move to Cardiff City. Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra are amongst those likely to follow them out of the door in the summer. “I am not going to accept
it,” said Moyes when asked about his plans. “I am disappointed we are not in a much stronger position. I am disappointed with how we have played. “I, ultimately, take the rap for that. But what I will do is make it right. I am going to get better players in. Unfortunately I don’t think there will be more in January. But it will change. “I have given every player the opportunity to play and show what they can do. We have had a pretty good
chance to have a look at it,” quotes The Guardian. “The players have to perform. If they want to be here and making sure they have a jersey, they have to show it in the games. Undoubtedly this club wants to be at the top. We want to be challenging. At this moment in time we have failed to do that. We want to do something about it. “The message this sends, as I said in the summer, is that we’re going for all the best players in the world. Juan is
Man United Eye Record New Kit Deal
Moyes Hints At Big Changes
one of those players. He’s a top Spanish player, a top Premier League player and I think if you asked any supporter, no matter what club they support, they would be an admirer. “There will be more players like Juan in the future, no doubt about that. He plays for Spain, he’s played in big games already for club and country. I do see him fitting in and, hopefully, it doesn’t take him much time.
Ramsey’s latest injury, the ongoing concerns over Wilshere’s ankle problems and the four-game suspension looming for Mathieu Flamini after his red card at Southampton leaves Arsenal’s midfield looking a little light on numbers heading in a crucial run of games in February. If Wenger was considering rolling the dice and trying to force through his big-money move for Draxler, circumstances may just be encouraging him to make the deal happen.
CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho has staggeringly revealed that Samuel Eto’o could ‘finish his career at Inter’. The Cameroon legend is contracted with Chelsea until the end of the season after arriving from Anzhi Makhachkala, but had been repeatedly linked with a return to the San Siro since his departure in 2011. “He’s a big player, even if he doesn’t score 25 goals, because his contribution to the team is very high. We are happy,” Mourinho was quoted as saying. “He plays for titles. He decided to come here to the Premier League, to Chelsea, so Samuel is enjoying his career until the end. “We’ll see what he wants to do at the end of the season. Maybe he wants to go to Real Mallorca, as he promised his son. “Maybe he wants to stay with us, or go and finish his career at Inter. He doesn’t need titles, he doesn’t need money.” Eto’o was a key figure in Inter’s treble winning campaign back in 2010 before making the switch to Russian football for a club record +27m fee.
Samuel Eto’o
Police Investigate Coin-Throwing Incident
MERSEYSIDE Police have launched an investigation after coins appeared to be thrown at Liverpool striker Luis Suarez during the 4-0 win over Everton at Anfield. Suarez handed a coin to referee Martin Atkinson as he prepared to take a corner in front of Everton fans in the first half, and police believe other items were thrown in the Uruguayan’s direction during that time. Merseyside Police issued a statement saying: “We can confirm we are investigating following reports of some missiles being thrown during the Liverpool vs. Everton football match this evening, Tuesday, Jan. 28. “The incidents took place during the first half of the game when a number of coins and other small objects are believed
to have been thrown from the stands onto the playing area. “Officers are requesting CCTV from the stadium and will review any footage as part of inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incidents.” When asked whether Suarez had mentioned the missile after the match, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said: “He never mentioned nothing, no.”
Luis Suarez
Balotelli Wants Mourinho At City
PSG ‘Agree Fee For Yohan Cabaye’ PARIS Saint-Germain have reached an agreement with Newcastle United over a deal for Yohan Cabaye, according to L’Equipe, worth up to 23 million euros to the Premier League club. Cabaye, 28, left his Newcastle teammates ahead of Tuesday’s game at Norwich City and headed back to the North East to collect some belongings before flying to Paris — where he is expected to undergo a medical and sign a three-and-a-half-year deal on Wednesday. L’Equipe claims PSG will pay an initial 20 million euros for the midfielder — who cost the Magpies five million euros when he joined from Lille in 2011 — and will pay a further maximum of three million euros in performance-related bonuses. In an interview to be published in the sports daily on Wednesday, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi explained why the Ligue 1 champions have opted to bolster their squad with the imminent arrival of the France international. “We chose Cabaye for three reasons,” he said. “One, he’s a very good player, very promising in our eyes. Two, I’ve not met him yet, but I’ve been told he’s a really good guy. Three, he’s French and it’s very important for us to bring French players to PSG, to bring them back to the French league.” Reports in the French media claim senior PSG players Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva were asked about Cabaye’s potential arrival, and were said to be sceptical as to what he could bring to the club, with the trio of Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti and Blaise Matuidi currently functioning effectively. “Everyone has their job to do. There are important players, like the captain, Thiago Silva, and Ibra, who might have a feeling about this or that player,” AlKhelaifi said. “But they are completely in step with what the club is doing from every point of view. Of course, they want the best players in the world to come to Paris. The fans also want that. But Cabaye is a very good player, there is no doubt about that.”
MARIO Balotelli has revealed he would welcome the opportunity to work under Jose Mourinho again and has admitted he would return to Manchester City. The former Manchester City striker had a stormy relationship with the Portuguese manager during their time at Italian giants, Inter. And a year after leaving the Etihad to make a switch to the Red and Black half of Milan, the volatile 22-yearold striker can picture himself playing in the Premier League once again and for the Sky Blues. “Of course I would like to play under Jose again. In my first days at Inter we had some problems, but then it turned into a mutual respect, and now we have a real friendship,” Balotelli was quoted on Sky Sports. “It is never boring playing under Jose. When you are Lionel Messi
in Mourinho’s team it is a family and he coaches on the principal that if all is well with the family it doesn’t matter what is going on outside the team. “I said when I left Manchester that the fans were so good to me that I couldn’t see myself playing foranother team in England. “I got great support from the Manchester City fans during my time there and I will always respect them.”
PSG Chief Denies Reports Of Messi Move Mario Balotelli
PARIS Saint-Germain president Nasser Al Khelaifi has categorically told L’Equipe there is no chance of Lionel Messi joining the Ligue 1 club, and also explained why they could not pursue their interest in Miralem Pjanic. Reports in L’Equipe last to Paris, it’s because some weekend linked Messi, 26, limits really exist.” with a move from Barcelona The barriers to Pjanic’s to the French capital. Though arrival at the Parc des Princes one of the few clubs capable this winter were not financial, of meeting the 250 million however. Al Khelaifi euro release clause in Messi’s revealed that when PSG contract, Al Khelaifi stated enquired about the Bosnia emphatically the Argentina international, they met with international will not be seen stiff resistance from Pjanic’s in a PSG shirt. club, Roma. “No, never,” Al Khelafi said “When we spoke to AS to L’Equipe, before adding Roma, it became clear it the vast resources of club would be difficult to get him owners Qatari Sports during the January window,” Investments (QSI) were not Al Khelaifi said. “AS Roma infinite. “If we didn’t have are second in Serie A and any limit, we’d bring in challenging Juventus for the Messi. If Messi isn’t coming title. It was complicated for
Moratti Cancels Out Vucinic-Guarin Talk
MASSIMO Moratti has ruled out the possibility of seeing talks between Juventus and Inter resume over the Vucinic-Guarin swop deal. The two players looked destined to switch clubs with the Colombian heading to Turin, while Vucinic would make his way to the San Siro.
Massimo Moratti
But talks swiftly came to an end after the Nerazzurri fans protested the departure of Fredy Gaurin from the club and it has since sparked a feud between the management of the two teams. “Could the deal with Juventus be resurrected? I don’t think there will be any more negotiations,” he told Sly Sport Italia. “What have I got to say to the fans? Inter supporters take these things to heart because Juventus are the other party involved. You can’t criticise their reaction even if it might have been the right thing to do financially. “Nothing out of the ordinary happened to disturb the players other than that the crowd followed another story that wasn’t the game at hand. I hope the people being contested are able to prove they’re worth more than what the fans think.”
them to let one of their most important players go in the middle of the season. “The fans would have gone mad. That’s why that deal was complicated for us: finding a good player who is eligible for the Champions League really reduces the choice.” PSG are expected to close the deal for one such player, Yohan Cabaye, on Wednesday. A press conference scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CET during which
the France midfielder is expected to be presented to the media following his 20 million euro move from Newcastle United. His arrival threatens the place of international colleague Blaise Matuidi in Laurent Blanc’s starting lineup. The former Saint-Etienne man, 26, is out of contract in June, and has been linked most recently with Manchester City. Though he has been careful to maintain good relations with rival clubs, Al Khelaifi warned
City and others that PSG’s massive resources could be used effectively against any club should they disrespect the French side. “They know that if they touch any one of our players, we’re going to be opposed to them. And we’ll also go and contact their players. We respect all clubs. But if a club tries to recruit one of our players, they have to accept the consequences of that. And what I say is not only aimed at Manchester City who — as far as I know — have not contacted Matuidi.”
Vidal Commits To Juve
ARTURO Vidal has shut down any rumours of a possible January departure after committing his future
Arturo Vidal
to Juventus. The Chilean has been the subject of transfer speculation since last summer and has been
heavily linked with a switch to Manchester United, but he declared he has no intentions of leaving Turin so soon. “I’m happy to have scored 10 goals thus far,” said Vidal at the Gran Gala del Calcio on Monday. “I want to thank my teammates who have helped me a lot. “We’ve won two league titles and now we lack just a little before we can win a third one. “Do we see ourselves as the favourites? No, no. Will I leave the club? No, I’m staying in Turin.” Vidal arrived at Juve from Bayer Leverkusen in 2011 and has scored 27 goals in his 85 Serie A appearances.
English Football Clubs’ Spending Boosts 2013 Global Transfers
ENGLISH clubs led the way as worldwide spending on international transfers rose by 41 per cent last year to reach 3.7 billion dollars (about N5.9 trillion), football body FIFA says. for FIFA, in a report published qualification said English clubs spent 913 competitions, relegation, or million dollars on the players’ performance on international transfers in an individual level. “Clubs are hedging their 2013, an increase of 51 per bets, trying to be more cent over the previous year. Surprisingly, they were sensible in how much money followed by Italian clubs they put into the guaranteed who, in spite of widespread section and into the potential reports of financial section (of the fee).” The world football difficulties, splashed out a total of 475 million dollars governing body said English spending increased after the between them. This was a staggering jump Premier League signed a of 120 per cent year-on-year. new television rights deal for Spanish clubs were the three seasons starting with biggest sellers, which the 2013/2014. BSkyB and former state report said was prompted by a push to cut their debts, as t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s they received 565 million dollars between them. They were followed by Italy, Brazil, Portugal and England. There was a significant increase in so-called conditional transfers, where part of the fee is fixed and the rest is performance-based. Fees from such transfers leapt from 73 per cent to a total of 525 million dollars. Mark Goddard, General Manager of FIFA’s Transfer Matching System (TMS), said the jump in conditional transfers could be significant. “It is a very interesting trend because the market is becoming more astute. A lot of the transfers are based on either potential performance or past performance, if the players are older,” he told reporters. “Conditions can be represented by a number of Sepp Blatter performance factors such as
company BT agreed to a three-year deal worth 3.018 billion pounds (4.70 billion dollars) to show Premier League matches. It was a 70 per cent increase on the previous agreement. FIFA said 82 per cent of the spending came from nine countries, namely England, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and Portugal. Fifteen per cent was spent by 14 countries, comprising the market’s middle segment, while the remaining three per cent was
spent by the bottom segment of 116 countries. The lion’s share of the money was exchanged within Europe which accounted for 77 per cent of the total market value. The oldest player to be transferred internationally was aged 43. At the other end of the scale, there were 48 transfers of players aged 16 and 88 transfers of players aged 17. Argentina and Brazil spent less on transfer fees last year, with the former down from 25 million to 22 million
dollars. Brazil, more significantly, spent more, but it was down from 94 million dollars to 73 million dollars. “A currency crisis afflicting emerging economies has reduced Brazilian and Argentine buying power in the international market,” said the report. Brazil remained hugely influential, however, and 13 percent of all transfers, totaling 1,588, involved players from the 2014 World Cup host nation. Although agents are widely criticised for pushing up transfer fees, FIFA said only
seven per cent of all transfers involved a club intermediary and 14 per cent involved a players’ intermediary. United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and China all appeared in the top 20 spenders, often buying up well-known older players. “Well-funded leagues with a limited talent pool are increasingly looking for ways to raise their competitiveness as well as their global appeal,” said the report. “One way to do this is by the addition of slightly older and well-known players who are leaving more high-profile leagues.
NIGERIA striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni made his debut for Qatar Star League club Al Rayyan on Tuesday in a 1-0 home loss to Al Sailiya. Yakubu, a proven goal getter in several countries, sported jersey number 27 and was on from start to finish. He has played in Israel, England and China before his latest move to oil-rich Qatar,
where he has signed a contract for a year and a half. Al Rayyan are 13th on 14 teams league table with 14 points from 17 games. The former Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough forward scored 23 goals in 43 games for Chinese club Guangzhou R&F in 2012 and 2013 seasons.
Yakubu Debuts In Qatar
FIFA Alerted To Transfer Scam
FIFA has been alerted after a rogue group offered Tottenham the chance to sign FC Twente striker Luc Castaignos using falsified documents. The Dutch football employers’ organisation, FBO, has also warned three agents over the matter after Twente chairman Joop Munsterman’s signature was apparently forged for a false mandate document authorising Castaignos’ sale. Voetbal International reported on Monday that the ruse had emerged when Spurs were contacted by a Croatian negotiator claiming the Netherlands under-21 international was available for transfer. However, the Daily
Telegraph reports that Spurs — having good links with Twente following the Nacer Chadli transfer in the summer as well as being familiar with one of Castaignos’ agents — became suspicious and contacted the Eredivisie club. Twente issued a statement on Wednesday confirming that the FBO had alerted the Dutch football federation (KNVB) and asked UEFA and FIFA to take the appropriate measures. Twente’s finance and control manager Gert-Jan Nijweide added: “We were recently informed about this scam via an English club and subsequently contacted the FBO. The
people who have been using this falsified document have been sent a letter ordering them to stop immediately.” The FBO’s Serge Rossmeisl told Voetbal International: “We have written a letter to these
guys letting them know that they are using a forged document and demanding that they cease to do so immediately. “It’s a very unusual case. I’ve worked here for 12 years without coming across anything like this.”
MICHAEL Essien is hoping that his transfer to Milan will help him regain his spot back into the World Cup squad with Ghana. The Black Stars international has fallen down the pecking order for his national team after spending the first six months of this season on the periphery of Chelsea’s first team squad. His transfer to the San Siro giants comes at a crucial time for his World Cup aspirations and he admits he is hoping that regular game time with Milan
will see him make the trip to Brazil. “The coach [Clarence Seedorf] will decide when I play. If it’s good for the team, it’s good for me,” Essien told the media at his official unveiling at Milan. “In this way I hope to go to the World Cup in Brazil. I would like to play in the World Cup with my national team. “It’s going to be hard, but in football anything can happen. We’ll see what happens.” Essien is expected to debut
Yakubu Aiyegbeni
Milan Fueling Essien’s WC Aspirations for the Rossoneri in Saturday’s match against Torino and he admits he is looking forward to playing alongside his fellow compatriot. “I want to say thank-you, I’m happy to have joined the Milan family. I have my best friend Sulley Muntari here and I’ve known him a long time,” continued the 31-year-old. “There is also Ricardo Kakà who I played with at Real Madrid last year. I’m looking forward to starting to play with the group and I can’t wait to
give everything to the group.”
Michael Essien
Uzoenyi Credits His New Form To God And Eagles
Enyimba FC Win NPFL Pre-Season not only winning our home ENYIMBA International FC Tournament matches, but also at away, like I of Aba on Tuesday won the 2013/2014 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) preseason football tournament. Enyimba, who defeated the NPFL defending Champions, Kano Pillars by a lone goal, smiled home with a giant trophy and a cash reward of N1.5 million. The winner, who finished the tournament on nine points, did not concede any goal in the three matches played in the tournament. Enyimba had earlier defeated Warri Wolves and Bayelsa United 2-0 and 3-0 respectively. It beat Kano Pillars by a lone goal to carry the trophy. Warri Wolves finished second on the log with six points. Wolves, which suffered 2-0 and 2-1 defeats to league champions and Bayelsa United respectively; however went home with cash prize of one million naira. However, it was not a good outing for league champions, Kano Pillars as they managed to finish third on the log after recording a 2-1 win over Bayelsa United. Pillars, however pocketed N750, 000 in spite recording only one win in the tournament,
Correction IN our publication on Wednesday, January 29,2014, we inadvertently referred to the Honourable Commissioner with EDOGPADEC, Mr. Wellington Okoh as an indigene of Uromi. We have since discovered that he hails from Ewohimi in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State. We are sorry for the error. - Group Sports Editor
while Bayelsa finished the tournament on the fourth place after losing their three matches. They, however, went home with N500,000. The head coach of Enyimba, Zachary Baraje, said the win would spur the team in its first Confederation of African Football (CAF) champion’s league match against Anges De Notse of Togo. “I am now going to concentrate on my final preparation towards the continental match on Feb. 9, am looking forward to entering new season on a good note’’, Baraje said. He said that the pre-season tour as well as the encounter with the Togolese club would prepare the team for its first NPFL encounter away to Nasarawa United. “We will be working towards
did with El-Kanemi Warriors last season. “This, however, depends on if we get good officiating’’, he added. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the LMC, Salihu Abubakar, said the conclusion of the pre-season tournament was an indication that the new league season was around the corner. Abubakar said the LMC would follow-up the pre-season tournament and workshop with the inspection of 17 stadia expected to host the NPFL matches. According to him, clubs would be made to lose their home ground for league encounters if it failed to meet LMC standard. The tournament was organised by the League Management Company (LMC) and was played at the National Stadium in Abuja.
Ejike Uzoenyi
Players Salary Default
LMC Threatens To Dissatify Clubs THE League Management Company (LMC) said it would dissatisfy clubs over default in the payment of the agreed N150, 000 minimum wage for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) players. The Chief Operating Officer of the company, Salihu Abubakar, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday after the LMC conducted the draws for the new league season. He said that adequate measures would be taken to
ensure clubs comply with the agreement. “We will be conducting sports check on the clubs during the season; that means that we can go and ask for their books and confirm if the players have been paid. “We can dissatisfy the club if
Aminu Maigari
it fails to pay its players during the season,’’ he said. The LMC’s threat followed the 2013/2014 NPFL draw conducted on Tuesday which paired pre-season football tournament winners, Enyimba FC against Sunshine Stars FC of Akure. The pairing, which looked like the star match of the week, would see Enyimba play their first away game of the season, while Rangers International FC, Enugu would host Nembe City FC. The NPFL matches expected to begin on Feb. 21 would see league debutantes Giwa FC host Kano Pillars, while Warri Wolves welcome El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri. It would be a battle of the South and North as new comers Abia Warriors play host to Kaduna United, while Akwa United FC play Gombe United in Uyo. Bayelsa United and Sharks FC of Port Harcourt would face each other in the battle of the SouthSouth, FC Taraba and Nasarawa United would slug it out up North. Elsewhere, Heartland FC of Owerri would wait to confront
Emenike In $100,000-Jeep Storm EMMANUEL Emenike is in a face-off with a top car company over a jeep he bought for more than $100,000 but which has since developed a fault. The World Cup-bound Nigeria striker told MTNFootball.com he is now at a loss as to what to do after the BMW X6 he bought for 18 million Naira developed a problem a year after. And the car company has yet to return the car to him three months after he sent it back for repairs.
Fenerbache striker Emenike is so frustrated about the situation that he has been forced to splash another 10 million Naira on a Siena Jeep in the interim. “I am not happy with the way Cosharis (Motor Company) is treating me, I have been so calm with the whole situation for over four months now. They are really holding me to ransom, which is very bad for a reputable organisation like that,” Emenike lamented to MTNFootball.com
“I bought a car worth N18m and after a year, it developed a fault. I took the SUV back to Coscharis for repairs. Since I took the car to them for repairs, nothing has been done. They have been giving me unacceptable excuses. “I have told them to return my car so I could take it to Europe and repair or I should add money and take another car, but they have not cooperated in this whole situation. “They are not just taking me seriously and it’s very
annoying. I just need my car back.”
Emmanuel Emenike
Dolphins FC in Owerri, while Crown FC of Oshogbo travel to Makurdi to face Lobi Stars FC. Abba Yola, the Chairman of Kano Pillars FC in an interview with newsmen, said their first game against league debutantes Giwa FC was a “blessing in disguise’’. “We are happy and excited with the draw, having going to play our first match with a newcomer. “Away will help us to discover how strong the debutantes and the old teams are,’’ he said. Isaac Danladi, the Chairman of Nasarawa United, said his team would ensure it picked its three points against NPFL debutantes, FC Taraba. “The league is going to be exciting because I am playing my first match away to FC Taraba and we are looking at that match with great expectation,’’ Danladi said.
EJIKE Uzoenyi has told MTNFootball.com God and the Super Eagles are behind his new-found form after a torrid spell at French club Rennes. Uzoenyi has scored three goals and has been picked as the MVP in three matches as Nigeria face rivals Ghana in the semi-final on Wednesday in Bloemfontein. Last year, the left winger was not able to tie down a permanent deal at French club Rennes at the end of a six-month loan from Enugu Rangers. “I have put the events at Rennes behind me. I have regained my form, all thanks to God, my coaches in the Eagles and my team mates. “They all play role in getting me back to my good form. I am working hard to be at my best.” He also disclosed that unity and mutual respect in camp has been the magic behind the Eagles display at CHAN. “There is unity in the team and that is the major factor in our resurgence. There is a lot of high level respect in the group,” Uzoenyi remarked.
Super Four
Warri Wolves Triumph Over Bayelsa United WARRI Wolves FC on Tuesday in Abuja beat Bayelsa United FC 2-1 in the Glo Premier League Super Four competition. In the match played at the National Stadium, Abuja, Ebitimi Agogu scored the only goal for Bayelsa United in the 22nd minute, with the team having zero point after losing all their three matches in the tourney. Omofoman Freedom opened scoring for Wolves in the 36th minute of the first half, with Etebo Oghenekaro making the second goal in the 50th minute of the second half. Warri wolves collected a total of six points after winning two matches and losing one. The Bayelsa United Head Coach, Ladan Bosso, said the team could not get any point in the competition because the players’ finishing was not good.
He said the players were on the good side but that their challenge was finishing which they really needed to work on. He added that “I brought this selected players to the competition for them to be criticised so that we can make adjustments before their continental outings.’’ In his reaction, the Warri Wolves Coach, Paul Aigbogun, said he was happy with the performance of the team, adding, however, that a lot still needed to be done. Aigbogun said the competition was well organised “and that has helped us to prepare for our appearance on the continent.’’ Warri Wolves would be playing in the CAF Confederation Cup competition.
CMYK
Homosexuality: This New Western Religion
ADMITTEDLY, our relationship with the West has been defined by undue duplicity. Close to 54 years of our so-called independence, we are still largely in chains. Nigeria’s annual Balance Sheet is perhaps still prepared in Washington, DC. Even in the area of our much touted oil wealth, when the multi-nationals sneeze, Nigeria catches cold because they hold the key to the industry. Who is still asking questions about the $10.8 billion hitherto unexplained oil money, which came down from Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s original claim of $49.8 billion? Such probably did not listen to the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Engr. Andrew Yakubu, when he was writing his own testimonial and rendering the account of his selfaudit. For those who were lucky not to have listened to him, he said that a bulk of the money went into subsidy for kerosene — even when the pomp price of the product has remained around N200 per liter as against the N50 that we have always been told is the official pomp price. Once upon a time, we thought there was a Minister in-charge of the Petroleum Ministry. We also erroneously assumed that the stock of professional audit firms and good chartered accountants was not in short supply in this country. That explains why Sanusi’s $49.8 billion has now been explained away with a wave of the hand, without a word from those authorized to speak on such an issue. At the threshold of his departure from the Central Bank, Sanusi has just been reduced to an alarmist overnight. What an inglorious way to end a career that once looked quite alluring! Just imagine
how $49.8 billion has simply evaporated into thin air! But for how long will this financial rascality continue? Why has the audit of the NNPC accounts suddenly become a mirage? This is perhaps the relics from the West – just do it and don’t explain! It’s a height of impunity. Even granting that the
do or face the harsh punishment prescribed by them for non-adherence. We may lose the right to pick the crumbs that fall from their breakfast tables. When they suddenly turn homosexual, we must quickly bury our heterosexual instincts or risk loss of funding for those diseases, a bulk of which had been exported
The Apostle Paul was most emphatic in his reproach of homosexuals, when in the book of Romans 1:26-27, he admonished, “For this cause God gave them up
• President Goodluck Jonathan
• President Barack Obama
whopping sum of $49.8 billion (close to N1 trillion) has been spent on the best of motives, where can it be located in the 2013 appropriations? The National Assembly should be ashamed of itself for not living up to its responsibilities. Under its very nose, CBN and NNPC, among others, have transformed themselves into bigger Republics within the smaller republic of Nigeria. They have no spending limits and they require no legislative authorization and approval! But whatever happened to the provisions of Section 80 of the 1999 Constitution? The overbearing attitude of the West is carried through all aspects of our lives. At the social spectrum, for instance, they insist on determining everything: We must eat what they eat and forbid what they forbid. We must worship God the way they
mean the willingness to assert one’s own principled judgment, even when that entails violating rules, values and perceptions of others. A nation is ethically autonomous to the extent that it sticks to its guns about what it believes, even where doing so might put her in conflict with other nations. That’s why
to us by them. That’s where we are now. Since the enactment of the Prohibition of Gay Marriages Act, the penultimate week, a storm of indignation has burst forth in the West. They have been crying blood and threatening all types of reprisal against us. For us, though, the need for efficiency and order remains a powerful weapon against an obstreperous nation’s conscience to maintain her ethical autonomy. By ethical autonomy, we
Nigeria has acted forcefully to prevent the further embezzlement of public trust. The West introduced Christianity to us and did not hide the fact that homosexuality is an aberration. In the book of Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 the bible describes homosexuality as an abomination. In his own teaching, Jesus Christ made it clear that the reference to marriage is a reference to male and female (Mark 10: 5-9; Matthew 19:4-6).
unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature; and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of women, burned in their lust towards another; men with men working that which is unseemly; and receiving in themselves that recompense of the error….” To our greatest consternation, the Western leaders are now asking us to swallow the bitter pill of sodomy and attract the wrath of God.
Their next move might be to begin to coerce us into sleeping with our cats and dogs! Meanwhile, they are preaching one thing and practising another. Otherwise, by now, one would have heard that they have dissolved their existing marriages and replaced their former spouses with gays. Certainly, these Western leaders have a lot of explaining to do. If in this their new religion, they have stumbled into the fact that gay relationships lead to salvation; or that they are a panacea to corruption; or that therein lies the much needed cure for AIDS, then, one can understand the reason for the arm-twisting. Whichever way they go, this new religion of hypocrisy for which they offer no explanation certainly portend multiple tragedies: for contradicting God’s commands, they risk eternal condemnation; for turning people away from the ways of God, they risk more condemnation; and for cutting down on foreign assistance on HIV-AIDS of which they are the originators (with the direct correlation between homosexuality and AIDS), they could stand most condemned. All the same, God remains the final Judge but by all means, we deserve to be left alone!
“Certainly, these Western leaders have a lot of explaining to do. If in this their new religion, they have stumbled into the fact that gay relationships lead to salvation; or that they are a panacea to corruption; or that therein lies the much needed cure for AIDS, then, one can understand the reason for the arm-twisting.”
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