Nigerian observer 30 11 2014

THE SUNDAY

1

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

CMYK

The Sunday

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

Focus

• Vol. XI NO.4,076 • SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 20 14 • N 100.00

FASHION & STYLE VIEWPOINT

Pg. 12

Pg. 7

Oshiomhole Needs Our Support And Commendation

President Jonathan’s New Skills

-Hon. Obasanmi

Buhari Commissions Projects In Edo, Hails Oshiomhole

FORMER Head of State and Presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd.) has commended Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State for the monumental development his administration has brought to Edo State in the last six years.

General Buhari gave the commendation yesterday when he commissioned the newly reconstructed six Lane Airport Road and the remodeled Imaguero College, in Benin City which has 18 blocks of a total 104 classrooms, a large School Hall, a Chapel, staff rooms, an ICT Centre and other

standard conveniences.

The former Head of State who was thrilled at what he saw said, “let me express my appreciation to the Governor for the great work he has done in this state and also to express my delight and congratulate the people of Edo State for the massive support given to Comrade

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and the All Progressive Congress (APC) were at the weekend united in their condemnation of Friday’s Kano bomb blast that took the lives of many people.

Both the President and the APC agreed that the insurgents who are suspected to be the mastermind of the latest blasts ‘cannot break the tenacious Nigerian spirit that has welded the country for the past 100 years will continue to hold it together’.

President Jonathan spoke Friday night in Lagos at an event to celebrate the creative industry while the APC issued a statement signed by Lai Mohammed on Saturday to that effect.

Jonathan, who had arrived Lagos for the event, had to leave due to the bomb blasts that rocked the Kano Central Mosque, spoke through the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke.

He said the challenge of insurgency breaks his heart but pointed out that terrorism and insurgency will never break the country or its citizens.

“The nation is more important than any individual and the spirit that has welded the country for the past 100 years will continue to hold us together.

“We must stand against insurgency and move the Continues on pg.2

Adams Oshiomhole.

“I am very grateful and appreciate your success. By setting the idea of infrastructural development and putting the people first in

all your policies, till the end of time, the people of Edo State will never forget you, I congratulate you for your ideas and all”, he said.

He also appreciated the

Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba n’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba Erediauwa for the support he has given to the administration of Comrade Oshiomhole in the last six

years, saying the achievements recorded so far in the state would not have been possible but for the royal father’s support.

At the commissioning of the road, Governor Oshiomhole said, “We thought that looking at all the projects we have in the state, the Airport road is the flagship. It took the Continues on pg.2

Boko Haram Can’t Break Nigerian Spirit, Say Jonathan, APC

Politics And Issues Pg. 16/17 Impeachment For Sale

R-L: Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, Prince Tony Momoh, Maj-Gen Mohammadu Buhari, former Head of state and Governor Adams Oshiomhole at the commissioning of the reconstructed Imaguero College in Benin City yesterday.

Agriculture

Pg. 9

Promoting Sustainable Rice Production In Nigeria

Healthy Living Pg. 27 Health Benefits Of Guava Leaves

THE SUNDAY

2

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

Stakeholders Blame LASU Crises On Poor Funding, Government Interfernce STAKEHOLDERS of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has said that poor funding, government interference and bad leadership were the root causes of the looming crises in the institution.

They stated this at the LASU Alumni summit on the theme: “Charting a new course towards achieving stability in academic calendar and monumental development in the institution.’’

Mr Yomi Orisha, Pioneer President, Lagos State

University Students Union (LASUSU), said the history of the institution in the past 30 years was that of eluding crises due to government interference.

Orisha, however, noted that in charting a new course of academic stability and development for the institution, that the state government should stop handling the university as an extension of its government house.

“LASU, as a universal institution, must be allowed to operate independently and

choose its principal leaders, without any interference from the government,“ he said.

Orisha said the first four years of the university was stupendous, until later years when it became a central focus of stateism and religious fanaticism.

He said that corruption, bad leadership and shortage of academic and non-academic staff, among other issues, were also problems facing the institution.

The former student union president, however, lamented that LASU, unlike other

Continues from pg. 1

the House. We then subsequently re-ordered our budget to reflect the priority of Edo people and this road became one of those flagship projects.

At the commissioning of the Imaguero College, General Buhari hailed the governor for his red roof revolution and called on the staff and management of the school to put the facilities to proper use.

While thanking Buhari for honouring his invitation to commission the projects, Oshiomhole said: “Your Excellency let me thank you for coming to commission some of our projects. As you can see, we have completely rebuilt this school. This school is a near reflection of schools in Edo State. A school that was once the pride of our people over the years was completely brought down.

“I came here and I saw the dilapidated buildings. No roofs, there were potholes in the classrooms and yet our children were compelled to sit in those classrooms. Because the school was near collapse and the teachers were not being paid for an upward of three to four months, education in Edo State collapsed.

“We recognised that the challenge for us was not to lament this decadence in our public schools so we took proactive steps in revolutionising the education system in the state by providing solid structures with modern facilities that meet international standards and what you are witnessing today cuts across the length and breadth of Edo State.

“Today, the Edo Child in public school enjoys free education from the primary to senior secondary school.

There is also an extension of free bus ride to all Edo School Children, whether in public or private schools as long as they are on school uniform “Your Excellency sir, available statistics carried out by the Federal Ministry of Education has it that the number of out of school pupils in South-South Nigeria is least in Edo State with a total of 7% while some neighboring south south-states have as much as 20%.

Oshiomhole however maintained that Nigeria can and will change for good come 2015 if a man trusted and tested like General

Muhammadu Buhari is saddled with the responsibility of governing the country.

Representative of the Oba of Benin at the projects commissioning, the Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri regretted the colossal damage the opposition Peoples Democratic Party did to the state in the past.

He said, “Though we do not play active politics, we are not blind to good things and we want to assure you that we will continue to support your administration.”

He however advised politicians not to overheat the polity and avoid politics of bitterness and play the game according to the rules.

On the entourage of General Buhari were leaders of the APC including Chief Audu Ogbeh, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, among others.

...In Edo Hails Oshiomhole intervention of our paramount traditional ruler, the Oba of Benin who had to do a letter to the then Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon, Zakawanu Garuba at a time when PDP had two-third members of the House.

“They had bluntly refused the budgetary allocation that was provided for in the appropriation of 2009 which provided for the construction of this road along with other roads construction in Benin City. This road was part of the Budget I was directed to bring down to Abuja by the leader of PDP who is currently the Chairman of their Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih “I was asked to take the Budget up to his sitting room and the then Speaker of the House was seated along with other principal officers of the House and I was asked to go through the Budget page by page”.

Oshiomhole maintained, “When the chief saw the allocation to Benin Roads, he asked me why should you devote so much resources to Benin Roads. I thought it was an honest question and I attempted an honest reply. I said to him sir, given the resource profile of Edo State and all that we need to do, I am convinced that if we are going to make progress with our lean resources, we do not want to spread our resources so thinly everywhere such that we make no impact anywhere.

“Given the crisis in Benin in terms of erosion, we needed to make huge investments on Benin roads and drainages and he said to me, no, reduce the budget on all the roads in Benin City by 50% and redistribute it into recurrent expenditure.

“Whereas our budget was designed to achieve a ratio of 65 for capital and 35% for recurrent, by the time chief was done, the budget had been revised in favour of recurrent. What was actually left for Airport road was not enough to mobilise any serious contractor to site.

Invariably, the intervention was meant not to construct the Airport road along with all other roads in Benin City”.

“Over time, the ratio of the House changed and APC produced the leadership of

universities, was also not well funded.

“The wealth of the nation is meant for intellectual development of the citizenry, therefore, a large per cent of the 500 billion generated by Lagos State should be allocated to the university,” he said.

Orisha further charged the university management to deploy other means of generating internal revenue and desist from siphoning the institution’s funds.

“LASU makes lots of money from its various satellite campuses but the university continues to be comatose because of bad leadership,” he said.

Prof. Afolabi Olumide, LASU’s founding Vicechancellor, said that while funding was a major problem of the institution, it should not be the sole responsibility of the government.

nation forward’’, he said.

The APC while stating that terrorism will never prevail over the nation said the attacks had again confirmed what it had always believed that “terrorism is an attack on our nationhood and the way we live.

“Every attack against innocent people, including women and children, or those who are performing or pursuing their commitment to their God or faith, is a cowardly and senseless victimization and exploitation of vulnerability.

“The fabric and character of our people, whether in Kano or anywhere else across the nation, are stronger than this attack on our collective humanity.

“Our resolve as a nation will always overcome evil and any assault on how we live and practice our respective faith,’’ the statement said.

The party, in the statement, commiserated with the people of Kano and all the affected families.

“We pray that God will grant repose to the souls of those who were killed in the blast, while also wishing all those who were injured in the attack a speedy recovery’’, it added.

It urged people of Kano to demonstrate the Nigerian spirit of compassion and strength of character by

force for the course of change in the institution.

Dr Ola Gbadamosi, president, National Association of Academic Technicians (NAAT), LASU chapter, urged the government to establish a State Education Trust Fund.

“Corporate bodies and organisations in the state should also be mandated to contribute to the trust fund towards developing education,” he said.

Gbadamosi called for a single term of office by the institution’s principal officers, adding that a robust staff welfare and training scheme should be developed.

Prof. John Obafunwa, the LASU Vice Chancellor, noted that there was a fundamental problem in the university and that until it was confronted and addressed;, things might not be set right.

students had higher degrees awarded to them while several honourary degrees (Honoris Causa) were also conferred on distinguished personalities. Ambassador Martin Uhomoibihi was honoured with a Doctor of Letters; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senator Bala Mohammed got a Doctor of Governance degree, just as Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga got a Doctor of Business Administration degree.

In his acceptance speech, Senator Bala Mohammed dedicated the award to President Goodluck Jonathan and members of his transformation team within the Federal Executive Council who found him worthy to serve as the FCT Minister.

While urging the university and indeed all universities in Nigeria to invest more in research and development to take the nation to another level, the minister stated that the transformation agenda of the current administration has put together a 30 years national integrated infrastructure master plan which will bring about accelerated development across the country.

He stated that it was a N485 trillion road map that will catalyze the provision of infrastructure, oil and gas as well as other social facilities.

This he observed will demand the building of a critical mass of capacity put approximately at 33 million jobs. The Minister therefore challenged universities to build these capacities to make Nigerian graduates eligible for such jobs.

The founder and chancellor of the school, Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion appealed to government to address deficiencies in the education sector in order to speed up development. He also drew attention to the fact that the Igbinedion University was the first private university in Nigeria.

The pro-chancellor, Professor David Awanbor announced the full reaccreditation of all of engineers in Nigeria (COREN) and the medical programs by the medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

The convocation ceremony was earlier declared open by the chancellor of the institution and former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion.

after the bank must have done its own quality validation on the names.

Atte said instead of the initial 2,935 farmers that were to benefit from the 30 million agriculture loan, 100,000 real peasant farmers will be granted N100, 000 loan each to boost agriculture in the state.

He said the disbursement is going to be in phases , adding that once the first phase of the beneficiaries have received their fund, processing for the next phase will commence immediately.

The commissioner commended Gov. Idris Wada

for his determination to do the needful for the state’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

Atte said he had visited the local government areas in the state to make sure that only real peasant farmers are shortlisted.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Mohammed Yusuf, said the ministry was determined to ensure success of the loan scheme.

He said it was for that reason the ministry had been meticulous in its procedure for disbursement.

Igbinedion Versity Graduates 787 Students

By BERNADETTE IDALU

THE Igbinedion University Okada (IUO) yesterday graduated 787 students during its twelfth Convocation Ceremony at Okada.

Of these number, 24 graduands bagged first class honours, 264 got secondclass upper, 270 got second class lower while five graduands got third class degrees respectively.

Besides, several other

...Nigerian Spirit, Say Jonathan, APC

Continues from pg. 1

“The funding of LASU should be a collective responsibility of the government, the university, as well as all its stakeholders, for the pursuit of excellence,” he said.

Esther Ashafa, LASU’s Founding Registrar, also said that the problem of the institution resulted from shifting focus from the vision of the founding fathers to individual ambitions.

“The vision and slogan of the founding fathers is to make LASU great, and is a task that must be done but that is no longer the present culture in the institution,” she said.

Mr Oluwatoyin Oshun, a former registrar of the institution, said the human element was the critical element responsible for the looming crises in LASU. Oshun urged the Alumni Association to be a driving

providing succour and support to one another.

The statement commended the security agencies for their continued sacrifice in confronting insurgency, despite working in very difficult circumstances.

“We want you to know that your work and sacrifices secure our nation and, for that, you will never be forgotten. Together we will get through this.’’

According to the statement, the party also resolved to work with the Federal Government to fight terrorism, to better secure the nation.

3,000 Farmers To Receive N100,000 Loan Each In Kogi, Says Commissioner THE Kogi Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Zacheus Atte, said 3,000 validated peasant farmers in the state are to get N100,000 loan each in its first phase of agriculture loan disbursement .

Atte stated this at a news briefing in his office in Lokoja on Friday.

The commissioner said the target beneficiaries for the loan were in the realms of 100,000 farmers.

The commissioner said he had collated 83,000 validated farmers’ names and that the disbursement to 3,000 farmers would commence

THE SUNDAY

3

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

NEWS 7 Year-Old Boy Earns Salaries In Local Council

Prof.(Mrs.) Cordelia Agbebaku, Vice-Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University (right), congratulating Prof. (Mrs.) Celestina Isiramen, during the 48th inaugural lecture of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma on Thursday. PHOTO: LUCKY AGIE.

WONDERS they say shall never end especially in a country like Nigeria where anything can happen, hence it was recently discovered in Etsako central local government council that a 7 years old boy has been a full staff of the local government for more than 3 years now.

According to an impeccable source who pleaded anonymity, the chairman of the local government, Hon. Emmanuel Momoh had come under severe criticism over non-payment of salaries to staff and other casual workers in the council and also for not performing his administrative duties to the expectation of the people.

This, the source said,

Matchet-Wielding Man Attacks Train In Lagos

A matchet-wielding man on Friday attacked a Lagos bound passenger train at Agege Station, shattering the side windows of the locomotive engine and wounding several passengers.

Our Correspondent aboard the train said that the young man, aided by his gang members, attacked the train

immediately it stopped at Agege.

Reports state that the attack caused a few minutes pandemonium at the station as passengers and passersby scampered for safety.

The target of the man, said to be on reprisal mission, was the engine driver but he missed him and shattered the side windows of the train’s

engine in the process.

The attack propelled the driver to move the train forward to Ikeja Station.

As the train moved, the man later started attacking the passengers hanging on the train’s engine and others hanging at the entrance of the coaches.

The driver was later forced to stop and propelled back to

Agege Station with the bid to arrest the attackers.

Reports state that though the attackers had disappeared into the Agege market, one of them was later arrested and brought in handcuff to the Railway Police Command at Ebute Meta.

Efforts by the newsmen correspondent to get the Commissioner of Police in

Kwara PDP Denies Attacking Governor’s Convoy THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara said it had no hands in the alleged attack on Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed’s convoy by some unidentified persons in

Kaiama on November 25.

Chief Rex Olawoye, the Chairman of the party’s Publicity Committee, declared this in a statement in Ilorin at the weekend.

Odubu Assures Edo NBA Of Support EDO State Deputy Governor Dr. Pius Odubu has assured the newly elected executive of the Benin branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) that he will always support the body whenever he is called upon to do so.

He was speaking when he received members of the bar leadership who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House over the weekend to introduce themselves to him..

CHANGE OF NAME JACKSON – I formerly known as Miss Precious Osarugue Jackson now wish to be known as MRS. PRECIOUS O S A R U G U E EHIKHIOYA. Former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public please take note.

They were led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ken Moziah and the association’s chairman Princess Patience Iyomoh.

Welcoming the new NBA executive in the state, Dr. Pius Egberanwmen Odubu expressed confidence in the ability of the new executive to deliver.

As a member of the Bar, the deputy governor promised to always support the association’s activities to elevate the legal body to an enviable height.

The newly elected chairman of the NBA Benin branch Princess Patience Iyomoh said the association was proud to associate with the deputy governor as their colleague based on his support for the NBA dating back to his days in the House of Representatives.

Prince Iyomah asserted that the Benin branch of NBA under her leadership will continue to identify with Dr. Pius Odubu as one of their own.

Reports state that Kwara Governor had lodged a formal complaint to the state Commissioner of Police on the attack on his convoy.

Ahmed alleged that some members of the opposition party in the state were behind the attack.

The governor’s convoy was attacked after he flagged-off the KishiKaiama Road and inaugurated the Kaiama General Hospital.

Olawoye, who described the attack as “ignoble’’, said that it was “a breach of law and protocol’’.

He, however, called for proper investigation into the attack, saying that “the perpetrators of the shameful behaviour should be brought to book”.

“We join meaningful Kwarans in condemning the barbaric action in its totality as it runs counter to the principles on which PDP operates.

“PDP is run under total compliance to the rules and laws of this great nation and is acknowledged for discipline and great respect

for constituted authority,” Olawoye said.

He advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government to desist from shifting the blame of their woes on the PDP. “We enjoin the APC led government to look inward and see where APC has reared, nurtured and developed young men into unwholesome business of hooliganism,” he said.

Olawoye, however, said that it was unbelievable that any thug would have the audacity to way lay the calibre of a serving governor with retinue of security surrounding him.

According to him, if there was any protest during the governor’s visit to Kaiama, it was an indication that everybody was tired of the government that neglected the people of the area.

Olawoye urged the governor to wake up from his slumber and be more responsive to the yearnings of people for socio-economic, political and physical infrastructural development.

charge of the command, failed as his aides said that he had yet to be fully briefed about the incident.

Officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) also declined comment on the issue, saying the media would later be briefed after investigation had been concluded.

prompted the chairman, Hon. Momoh to carry out a staff verification exercise to ascertain the actual number of workers on the council’s pay roll. It was discovered at the end of the exercise that most of the workers in the local government are either full time students of higher institutions who seldom show up at the council, or personal staff and relations of politicians.

Some major questions arising from the shocking discovery of the 7 years old boy are hinged on the educational qualification of the little boy who obviously is yet to have a first school leaving certificate to have qualified him for any employment or whether he would abide by the civil service rule of 35 years of service and retire at the age of 42 when he is supposed to be enjoying his prime age in service.

All efforts to reach the council chairman Hon Emmanuel Momoh for comment over the issues proved abortive as he refused to answer calls put across to his cell phone.

Pa Ogboe Is Odionwere Of Okhunmwun Community

THE Benin Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo has ordered that Pa. Osarobo Ogboe remains the substantive and traditionally recognised Odionwere of Okhunmwun Community.

Ruling on the findings/ recommendation of the panel of Chiefs headed by Chief Aitenguoba of Benin Kingdom, the Benin Monarch declared that Pa. Igbinoghodua Odigie is not recognized by the Palace of the Oba as an Odionwere in Okhunmwun Community.

The Oba said the traditional sanction of Aburo placed on the Odionwere by Okhunmwun Community should be lifted immediately, as allegation of destroying buildings leveled against him and Mr. S.I. Osayemwenre was found to be false.

However, Pa. Osarobo Ogboe should pay the fine previously imposed on him by the community for fighting and to make peace with the elders and youths

- Oba

of Okhunmwun Community.

The Oba equally declared that Chief Samuel Okunhon (the Aiyobagiegbe of Uselu) should remain the secondin-command in Okhunmwun Community while all rights belonging to an Odionwere be left for the Odionwere, Pa. Osarobo Ogboe alone while Chief Aiyobagiegbe of Uselu should assist the Odionwere and other elders to organize the peaceful meeting of reconciliation in Okhunmwun Community.

The former CDA Executive of Okhunmwun Community, headed by Mr. S.I. Osayemwenre was allowed to complete its tenure of office since the community acted in dishonour against the decision of the Oba while Mr. Louis Ulamen was asked to vacate the chairmanship position as his CDA executive is not recognized.

THE SUNDAY

4

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

NEWS

Shippers Association To Divert Cargoes To Ghana

THE Lagos State Shippers Association, on Friday said it would direct its members to divert their cargoes to Ghana as the cargo sheds at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, had remained shut.

The association’s President, Mr Jonathan Nicol, who made the assertion in an interview in Lagos, said the sheds had been shut for nine days.

He said: “We (shippers) are moving some of our cargo to Accra, Ghana, as the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) and Skyway Aviation Handling company Ltd. (SAHCOL) sheds remained shut’’.

Nicol said the shippers (importers and exporters) were taking this stand because goods stocked in the sheds were attracting huge demurrage and

they (shippers) could not quantify how much loss they had been incurring.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had on Monday said the cargo sheds of the airport should remain shut until terminal operators complied with new operational procedures that would not threaten national security and revenue.

The closure of the sheds was based on the confrontation between the customs and the licensed agents.

The Customs Area Comptroller of the Airport Command, Mr Tajudeen Olanrewaju, said government had directed officials to identify and allow passage of perishable, medical and diplomatic goods, which had remained trapped due to the crisis.

He said the NCS had the power to deal with any violator or

saboteur who threatened national security and collection of revenues for government.

Olarenwaju said that government would continue to keep the cargo warehouse closed because the clearing agents had demonstrated that they were not ready to comply with regulations.

The comptroller said that

agreements signed with the agents in the past had failed as they had consistently violated the rules that restricted their access to some parts of the cargo terminal.

“It has become increasingly insecure to carry out businesses

at the cargo section of the airport because the agents have through their collective action continued to threaten national security.

“The agents have displayed lack of capacity to enforce the new regulations in sensitive areas where cargo is kept at the airport.

“The warehouse remains shut until the agents and terminal

managers show capacity to operate without threat to security,’’ he said.

Nicol added: ‘the shippers are losing so much; especially at this time that we have supply contracts to our various clients.

“We appeal to the Nigeria Customs Service and the freight forwarders to resolve the issues at stake.

Naira Devaluation ’ll Have Mixed Effects On Economy DR. Obida Wafure of the Economics Department, University of Abuja, says the recent devaluation of naira by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will have positive and negative ripple effects on the economy.

Speaking with reporters in Gwagwalada, FCT, Wafure, said that the devaluation would encourage local industries and also bring about closure of many that depend mainly imported raw materials.

NAN recalls that the CBN had on Tuesday in Abuja announced the devaluation of the Naira by N13 as part of measures the bank said were aimed at strengthening the nation’s economy.

“Once a currency is devalued, there are negative and positive effects to the economy, especially at the value chain of every nation state, but the negative effect supersedes the positive effects.

“The negative effect is that it will increase the rate of importation and so many industries will be shut down as they will not afford to import some raw materials.

“It will also lead to unemployment and lower the production capacity and thereby bring about inflation as the Growth Domestic Production (GDP) growth rate will fall.

“Our GDP growth rate is measured by the activities in the economy, so by the time inflation is going on, the economic activity of the country will fall.‘’

- Expert

Wafure defined devaluation as when a currency is deliberately lowered to the value of the money of one country when exchanged with another country’s currency and depreciation when lowered naturally.

A group of hunters and vigilantes on their way to the battlefield in Mubi from Yola at the weekend. They have been supportive of the military in the fight against insurgency.

Africa Needs Stable Electricity For Successful eGovernance

A South Korean ICT Expert, Mr. Kuk Jeong, on Friday, in Seoul said “Africa needs adequate and stable electricity supply to successfully develop and implement e-Government and to fight corruption.

Jeong, a Senior Research Fellow with the Korea Information Society Development Institute (KISDI), stated this at a Stakeholders’ Workshop and Instructors Training on capacity development of e-government for Nigerian civil servants.

A total of 30 Nigerian civil servants are currently undergoing a three-week capacity training in egovernment in South Korea.

He said Africa needed to have ‘electric government’ before it could truly build electronic government, adding that the major challenge facing developing countries was inadequate supply of electricity.

“Internet technology to be preceded by electricity.

Economic growth depends on continued reform in developing countries. Corruption has cost developing countries’ to loss tens of billion dollars annually.

“It is now acknowledged that e-government has great potential for government reforms in Africa. It needs this because it alleviates an administrative burden and helps to deal with fraud and corruption.

“It is a quick way for governments with limited infrastructure to catch up with the rest of the world in deployment of services.’’

Jeong said with e-government, there would be efficiency, transparency and the potential for easier interaction between governments and citizens, as well as essential for economic growth.

He said “once African countries have constant power supply like the developed nations, it will bring about good governance, boost economy and free societies on the continent.

and quality of the commodity.

According to him, jute bag is the best packaging material for cashew nuts, but “very expensive’’.

Anga said that farmers had been using polypropylene bag, which is affecting the quality of the nuts because it (poly bag) does not allow air penetration.

“We need the federal government’s support in subsidising the procurement of

the jute bags.

“This is because the jute bag is very expensive.Jute bag is the right packaging material for cashew nuts.In the past cashew farmers were using polypropylene bags to pack their cashew.This gives rise to poor quality because when you pack it in polypropylene bag the quality diminishes.This year, the produce recorded a boost because it was sold off

“People focus on doing business the way they know, with lots of requirements and paperwork, but e-government is about convenience and doing business as fast as possible.’’

The expert said African governments required to push egovernment and to streamline

investments and boost the revenue base of the state’’.

He also promised to restore peace and engage the youths meaningfully in a manner that they will have no time to cause problem in the state.

He urged the people to return the state to mainstream national politics by voting for the Peoples Democratic Party at all levels during the 2015 general elections.

He said because of the proximity of the state to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the state could not afford to remain in the opposition.

He said the state had benefited tremendously from the Federal Government in terms of employment and physical development, hence the need to reciprocate by voting for PDP in all elections in 2015.

He told the delegates that he was offering himself to serve the state following the “clarion call” on him by the people to save them from the misrule of the

incumbent government in the state.

He said the raging skirmishes in the state had nothing to do with communal violence but a plot by the unscrupulous politicians to displace some voting communities in order to retain power in 2015.

He however enjoined the people to secure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as the tool to be used to vote out bad governance.

Maku said unlike in the past where delegates were only used for primary elections, he promised to integrate them into his government when elected, to give them a sense of belonging.

He said the party needed a formidable candidate with mass support of people across all social and ethnic groups to win in Nasarawa State.

He said he had acquired the experience and exposure to lead the state to peace, prosperity and development, which eluded it since the advent of the APC.

Maku To Transform Nasarawa If Elected Governor

LABARAN Maku, the former Minister of Information, has promised to bring modernity to every facet of Nasarawa State if elected as governor of the state in the 2015 general election.

Maku made the pledge at the weekend while addressing delegates of the party in Nassarawa-Eggon, Akwanga and Wamba Local Government Areas of the state.

According to him, “my government will utilise our proximity with the federal capital to create the modern infrastructure in order to attract

Cashew Growers Seek FG Support On Packaging THE National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) over the weekend sought the Federal Government’s support in repackaging of cashew in jute bags.

Mr Sotonye Anga, the National Publicity Secretary of the association, made the request in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

He said that the jute bags would enhance the packaging

processes for its development and implementation in their various countries.

“The use of ICT and the support of new ways of thinking and working in public administration with the enhanced provision of information and interactive

services accessible over different channels is the foundation of egovernment.’’

He said “e-government brings about greater government accountability, easy to access information, convenient services, quick response to requests, fast delivery of services, as well as data security and confidentiality.’’

completely and we want to sustain the tempo in the coming years,’’ Anga said.

According to him, cashew market is worth N35 billion and that more than 300,000 families depend on it for their livelihood.

“We are saying government should please support cashew farmers. We need subsidised jute bags, so that after producing quality cashew, we will not pack it wrongly again.

THE SUNDAY

5

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

E. A. ADEBOYE

On Sunday Anointing Destroys The Yoke MEMORISE: “And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck. and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing”. Isaiah 10:27 Read: Psalm 26:1-6 Bible in one year: 2 Chronicles 20:2423:15 Ecclesiastes 2:9-17 WHENEVER it rains, water flows from the sky (top) to the ground (bottom).

This same principle applies to the anointing.

The anointing flows from the top (leaders) to the b o t t o m (congregation). If your leader for instance is anointed, then the anointing will flow down to you. If you pray for your leader, you are praying for yourself. Rain brings comfort and refreshment. In like manner; the anointing destroys yokes — Isaiah 10:27 says: “And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off

thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.”

The anointing brings freedom, liberty, relief, refreshment, release from prison, healing etc (Isaiah 61:1). Rain brings a new start; the anointing does the same (Isaiah 61:2-3).

The anointing brings beauty for ashes and joy for mourners. Rain is a sign of divine favour, so is the anointing in the life of the anointed. The anointing announces divine favour. God uses the anointing to show that a man has found favour with

Him; this was the case with David in 1 Samuel 16:12-13.

Rain activates seeds sown; the anointing also activates whatever God has ordained. When God promises you something, the anointing activates its actualisation (2 Samuel 2:4).

Whatever yokes the anointing has destroyed cannot be resuscitated except the person involved goes back to sin, thereby opening the door to bigger yokes of the enemy. In John 5:14, Jesus told the healed man at the pool Bethesda to go and sin no more lest a worse thing comes on him.

The anointing of God can flow without ceasing if you abide in Gods will.

In Isaiah 35:1 0, the anointing of God on your head is called everlasting joy, this shows its ability to continuously flow without ceasing.

KEY POINT PRAYER POINT: Father, anoint my head with your fresh anointing that will bring an answer to my generation.

“The anointing brings freedom, liberty, relief, refreshment, release from prison, healing etc (Isaiah 61:1). Rain brings a new start; the anointing does the same (Isaiah 61:2-3). The anointing brings beauty for ashes and joy for mourners.

Rain is a sign of divine favour, so is the anointing in the life of the anointed.”

WORLD NEWS Venezuela’s Maduro Plans Government Pay Cuts Due To Oil Police Slide VENEZUELA’S President Nicolas Maduro said on Friday he and other government officials should take salary cuts as part of budget reductions in response to the lower price of oil.

The South American member of OPEC derives 96 percent of its export revenues from oil, so the drop in prices to multi-year lows on the global market has hit hard, exacerbating a national economic decline, foreign currency shortage and scarcity of basic goods.

“This is a test for me,” Maduro

said in a speech on state TV, reiterating that Venezuela would lobby within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries cartel as well as among non-OPEC producers for an oil price target of $100 per barrel.

U.S. crude tumbled 10 percent on Friday in its biggest one-day drop in more than five years, with benchmark Brent breaking below $70 a barrel.

Venezuela’s petroleum export basket, which averaged $103.42 in 2012 and $98.08 in 2013, dropped to a four-year low of

FRENCH President Francois Hollande brought a message of hope to Guinea on Friday, where thousands of residents lined the roads while clapping, drumming and dancing to catch a glimpse of the first Western leader to visit a country hard hit by Ebola.

Guinean President Alpha Conde greeted his French counterpart at the airport and said that if Hollande could visit the country, then anybody could.

“There is hope,” said Hollande, “The hope of those who have been cured. The hope that we can control this epidemic ... The very fact that hope exists.”

But the French leader also warned that isolation “in a health crisis can become an economic crisis which can set off a political crisis.” Guinea is scheduled to have presidential elections next year, and Conde is the first democratically elected president since its independence from France in 1958.

During a visit of about eight hours Hollande toured an Ebola treatment center run by Doctors Without Borders, the principal care provider in the epidemic, and congratulated French and Guinean health workers for

their bravery.

At a meeting attended by Conde, Hollande heard updates from aid groups and Guinean and French officials. The room burst out in applause when an Ebola survivor was introduced.

“Ebola is something else.

When you do not have Ebola you have a life, you have dreams. When you have Ebola, you are treated like a dead person, even after you are cured,” survivor Fanta Camara said. Ebola survivors have been driven from their villages and fired from their jobs as they carry a huge social stigma.

Camara said Ebola had “totally isolated” Guinea but that Hollande “is showing us that we are not alone.”

Hollande was to fly Friday night to a summit of Francophone countries in Dakar, Senegal, where he said he would again appeal for international mobilization to fight the epidemic.

Ebola has ravaged three West African countries — Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone — and sickened nearly 16,000 people, making it by far the largest Ebola outbreak in history and the first to infect capital cities. It has whipped around populations.

French President Cheered In Ebola-Stricken Guinea

$68.08 on Friday, the government said.

The Venezuelan president, who last year won election to replace late socialist leader Hugo Chavez, has seen his popularity fall in part due to the economic crisis. He said he was decreeing a new committee to recommend public spending cuts.

“This commission is going to take an axe and chop wherever we need to,” he said, adding that various budget cuts were needed.

“I have ordered a revision of salaries of ministers and state enterprises, starting with the president of the republic.”

Maduro reiterated his assertion that global oil prices would eventually bounce back, and scoffed at his political foes who say the fall in revenues could be a final nail in the socialist government’s coffin.

“The oligarchy thinks it is time to defeat the Bolivarian revolution, our revolution of independence,” he said.

“I have said it before. We are in conditions to withstand the oil fall, have no doubt,” added Maduro who has repeatedly said the country’s foreign debt commitments and domestic welfare programs would both continue to be fully paid.

French President Francois Hollande has his temperature measured upon his arrival at the Donka hospital in Conakry, Guinea.

Tunisia’s Outgoing Premier Backs TUNISIA’S next Broad Coalition government should be a broad as possible coalition so that it has the necessary support to implement difficult economic reforms, the outgoing prime minister said Friday in an implicit backing of an Islamistsecular alliance.

A secular nationalist party called Nida Tunis won the most seats in October’s parliamentary election on an explicitly anti-Islamist platform.

While the moderate Islamist Ennahda Party came in second, many Nida Tunis officials have characterized any potential alliance as “unnatural.”

Without the Islamists, who hold 69 seats to Nida Tunis’ 86 seats in the 217 member assembly, the new government coalition would be fairly weak.

“Obviously to pass reforms,

you need a large consensus,” Mehdi Jomaa told The Associated Press on the eve of the 15th biannual summit of French-speaking countries in Dakar, Senegal.

“Considering the difficulties that we have, (the governing coalition) has to be the largest possible and what’s more it has to be open to an opposition.”

Tunisians overthrew their long-ruling dictator in 2011 in part because of high unemployment, a situation that has only become marginally better in the intervening years.

Jomaa’s government of technocrats took over in January after an Islamist-led coalition stepped down amid a political crisis. He put forward a strategy to reinvigorate the economy by cutting subsidies and

government jobs and reforming outdated policies to lure in new investment.

A presidential runoff between Nida Tunis’ leader, Beji Caid Essebsi and the current interim president, Islamist-backed Moncef Marzouki, is set for December.

Alone among the Arab Spring countries, Tunisia’s democratic transition has remained on track, however it could still be derailed by social unrest stemming from high inflation and unemployment.

An estimated 3,000 of Tunisia’s disaffected youth have flocked to fight with the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria — the most of any foreign country.

Jomaa said some 400 had returned and were under investigation.

THE SUNDAY

6

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

French Farmers Cry Wolf Over Sheep Killings FRENCH farmers, who regularly bring livestock into Paris to punctuate their protests, drove some 250 sheep into the shadow

of the Eiffel Tower during the week to highlight an unusual concern - that a growing wolf population is killing their flocks.

A shepherd bottle-feeds a young lamb in front of the Eiffel tower in Paris during a demonstration of shepherds against the protection of wolves in France.

Wolves were reintroduced to France in the 1990s under an international convention on wildlife conservation in Europe.

There are now an estimated 300 wolves in the country and the number is growing each year. According to the French sheep organization (FNO), the number of animals they kill has risen too - by nearly two thirds since 2011 - and is likely to top 8,000 this year.

“We are asking that wolves be removed from sheep breeding regions because they are incompatible with our work,” Michele Boudoin, secretary general of the French sheep organisation (FNO) said.

She stressed that France’s “wolf plan”,

Brawny Bearded Brewers Bare Nearly All IF hops make you hot, and For Charity easy,” said Pauly. “We have you like your men like your beer — stout — these guys have just the thing for you.

A group of brawny, bearded brewers from the Sheboygan area has posed mostly nude for a calendar that is raising money for charity.

The 2015 Brew Men Calendar features 11 brewing professionals from 3 Sheeps Brewing, 8th Street Ale Haus and Plymouth Brewing Co. Proceeds from the calendar, which can be bought online or at various bars, grocers and liquor stores in Wisconsin and northern Illinois, will be donated to the Movember Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on men’s health issues, including prostate and testicular cancer.

Unsurprisingly, the idea came about when they were enjoying a few beers. After Kurt Jensen, owner of 8th Street Ale Haus, began talking to some of his brewing buddies about doing charity work, the group of beer-lovers eventually came up with something similar to a swimsuit calendar.

Grant Pauly, founder of 3 Sheeps, said he hopes the calendars will raise awareness and stimulate conversations about men’s health, he told Sheboygan Press Media (http://shebpr.es/ 1xTr2us ).

“I was down in Chicago when someone who saw the group photo on our Facebook page came up to me and we ended up having a 20 minute conversation,” he said.

The photos were shot in early October by a professional photographer who doubles as a beer enthusiast. Each month of the calendar depicts a different

step of the brewing process.

Jensen said convincing the guys to take off their clothes for a good cause was easier than he expected, and Pauly agreed.

“Putting the calendar together, that was pretty

the most difficult part ahead; getting the word out.”

The calendar marks the first fundraising effort of Brewers Against Bad Things, a group that Pauly and Jensen recently founded to raise money for charitable causes.

which compensates farmers for sheep losses and pays for prevention measures and staff, cost the government nearly 15 million euros ($19 million) in 2012.

“We don’t want the money, we want to do our job in good conditions,” she said as a flock of brown “Noires de Velay” sheep arrived at the meeting point.

Luc Bourgeois, a young shepherd from southeastern France, said he lost 150 of his 3,000 sheep this year.

Ten were killed directly, he said, while the rest jumped in a ravine as they fled.

The farmers want the right to shoot wolves immediately if their flock is attacked, and are calling for a quota of wolf killings, currently set at 24 annually, to be increased or removed altogether.

Members of the FNO and the wider farm union FNSEA were due to meet Agriculture Minister Stephane Le Foll and the head of the environment minister’s chief of staff later in the day.

Odd News Compiled By

CHIZIMUWA NWABAU

Ex-State Worker Charged With Stealing 610 Helmets A former Pennsylvania state worker has been accused of stealing 610 combat helmets and faces federal charges.

The Philadelphia Inquirer says 43-year-old Marietta resident Michael Gantz worked as an acquisition officer at the Department of General Services’ surplus property warehouse.

Criminal charges filed Friday in U.S. District

Court in Harrisburg allege that between July 2009 and January 2010 he stole combat helmets the federal government provided for distribution to state and local law enforcement officers.

Investigators estimate the value of the helmets at more than $5,000.

Gantz apparently doesn’t have a listed telephone number and can’t be reached for comment.

Residents Asking Why City Smells Like Cat Urine RESIDENTS are hoping tests on air samples can explain why their western Pennsylvania city smells like cat urine.

New Castle residents began noticing the smell November 1 in the city about 45 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The New Castle News says the smell is still lingering near a sewage treatment plant in the city’s Mahoningtown neighborhood.

State environmental officials don’t believe the

odor is harmful, but they don’t yet know what’s causing it.

A spokeswoman for the P e n n s y l v a n i a Department of Environmental Protection says on-site monitoring didn’t detect any hazardous substances in the air.

But tests on air samples to determine what’s causing the smell will take weeks to complete.

The DEP is also testing wastewater to determine whether it’s causing the smell.

Swiss Group Wants Sausages Dogs To Be Petted, Not Eaten

This undated photo provided by Brew Men Calendar, shows the front cover of the 2015 Brew Men Calendar featuring brewers from Sheboygan County, Wis. The 2015 Brew Men Calendar features brewing professionals from 3 Sheeps Brewing, 8th Street Ale Haus and Plymouth Brewing Co.

AN animal rights group has petitioned the Swiss government to ban a traditional, if rare, practice of eating cats for dinner and turning dogs into sausages.

Tomi Tomek, president

Passengers In Russia’s Arctic Give however, weren’t amused IN other countries, you by the incident, and may be asked to give a Airliner A Push push to a car stuck in the desperate to get home. the tractor was doing much prosecutors launched an mud. In Russia, passengers in the Arctic came out of an airliner to the bitter cold to help it move to the runway.

A Russian-made Tu-134 with 74 oil workers and seven crew members onboard was due to fly from the town of Igarka on Tuesday to Krasnoyarsk 800 miles (nearly 1,300 kilometers) to the south when the plane couldn’t move onto the runway. It was -52 C (-61 F) outside and the passengers seemed

The plane belonged to a regional division of the major Russia airline UTair, which said ice on the runway surface caused the plane’s pushback tractor to begin slipping, according to the state news agency RIA Novosti.

Eager to help, several dozen men were seen in an amateur video pushing the plane by leaning on both wings. However, the video also showed a tow bar attached to the front landing-gear, suggesting

of the work.

“The plane was towed, of course, because it would be physically impossible for people (to move it),” Oksana Gorbunova, an aide to the regional transportation prosecutor, was quoted as saying by the state news agency Tass.

“Most likely, the passengers of the plane decided to make some kind of selfie,” airport director Maxim Aksenov was quoted as saying by Tass.

Russian authorities,

investigation into a possible breach of safety regulations.

“It would be funny if it didn’t pose a horrendous threat. People could have damaged the aircraft skin and the flaps,” said Gorbunova.

Gorbunova said the passengers were asked to leave the plane when it got stuck. When a tractor began towing the airliner, some of the passengers left a bus and tried to help move it.

of the animal rights group SOS CHATS Noiraigue, which campaigned successfully last year to ban the sale of cat fur, said 3 percent of the population still eat cat and dog, mainly in the regions of Appenzell, Lucerne, Jura and Berne.

“You can’t report it to the police because there’s no law against it,” she said.

Dog meat is traditionally used to make sausages and a fatty remedy for rheumatism, while cat can be served for Christmas dinner.

The activists handed in a petition with 17,900 signatures calling for the consumption of family pets to be outlawed.

THE SUNDAY

7

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

SINCE the return of democracy to Nigeria on May 29 1999, Edo State has been one of the few States among the 36 States in the Federation under several administrations that have benefited from good governance that have made life better for the people.

The people of Edo State under the leadership of the Comrade Governor Adams Aliu Oshiomhole have witnessed tremendous development both in infrastructure and human capital development. The people have felt the physical presence of the government for the first time in 10 years under the All Progressive Congress (APC) administration in the State.

The Oshiomhole regime has opened the eyes of the Edo people and have created the awareness among the electorate that their vote is all they need to put the right people in power which in the long run will transform to good governance through good policy implementation that will not only develop the state physically but that which has equally developed the people.

The past six years of the Comrade Governor ’s leadership in the State has brought great transformation in many respect as the hitherto ancient status of Benin City has been changed to every thing modernity can comprehend in the 21 st Century and has consequently become a model to other States.

His performance so far has confirmed that Nigeria as a nation still has credible leaders with outstanding qualities, leaders that have the love of the people at heart, leaders that came into politics not for their selfish interest but for the sole purpose of serving the people and improving their living standard..

His performance in the past six years thus far has

also attracted comments from political watchers, analyst and commentators and even international Organisations like World Bank, which has certified the State as conducive for foreign direct investment.

Also commenting on the issue, a political analyst and commentator, an advocate

dividend of democracy to the people of the State. I wonder why people will just chose to be enemy of development. All they are interested in doing is over heat the polity and ensure that the State becomes difficult to lead, but Oshiomhole in his wisdom has continued to do better in

the crisis.” I wondered why the government at the centre is interested in Edo State by supporting nine legislators as against the majority in the House. This act is preposterous, terrifying and a threat to the survival of democracy in the nation. I would advise the Federal Government to stay away

V

iewpoint

Nigeria Police Force to intimidate the speaker for his defection by withdrawing all his security men. “I urge all those involved to have a rethink and refrain from their

advise those who are in the habit of writing frivolous petitions in the local government area to malign people to find other means of profitable or other means of livelihood. Some of these

actions. The action is open humiliation and intimidation because freedom of association is entrenched and guaranteed in the constitution of 1999 the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This type of humiliation that the speaker suffered also happened to Chris Ngige when he was governor of Anambra State.

Governor Rotimi Amechi of Rivers State has also drank from this pool, I wonder why will people be humiliated in such manner especially those opposing the party at the centre. He called on the Federal government to work in unity with states not minding the political difference, as this is the instrument of development”.

He blamed the Nigeria Police Force for the invasion and called on the Inspector General of Police to caution his men not to involve themselves in politics but rather direct their energy to curtailing crime and the insurgency facing the nation.

On the APC party primary coming up in December, Hon. Jeffrey Obasanmi calls on all aspirants to play by the rules and never to see politics as a do-or-die affair.

He advises them never to engage themselves in politics of bitterness but put the party first in all they do.

“I want to assure all aspirants contesting in the primary that APC as a party will create a level playing field for them to participate.

He said people with good track record and impeccable character should be chosen.

He said this is important to put bad leaders out of office who assume political position to loot the treasury.

He said those to be chosen should be those that have the love of the people at heart and believe in the supremacy of the party. He

people are surrogates desperate politician in the area.

“For example, in AkokoEdo Local Government Area, a desperate politician in the area put about six surrogates together to write frivolous petitions against the person of APC chairman in the local government council because of stomach infrastructure. The content of the petition is baseless, as it has no truth in it. They are desperately looking for a way to destroy the party instead of building it, people of this nature are after money and what to eat”.

Speaking further he said Comrade Peter Akpatason, member House of Representatives empowered the people of his constituency recently and of some of these petition writers got a blockmoulding machine, a big size engine. Also a good Samaritan gave him the sum of one hundred thousand naira to be able to set up his business, but surprisingly he sold all he was given for two hundred and fifty thousand naira after Peter Akpatason warned all recipient never to sell what they got from the empowerment scheme.

Hon. Obasanmi said empowerment materials should be given to credible and deserving persons.

On the 2015 general election in Nigeria Hon. Obasanmi said the APC would sweep the polls across the country. He said with the crop of highly respected and credible leaders at the Nation and State Executive Committees of the APC, victory is very sure. “Those who may not be successful at the party primaries should see it as the wish of the people because the people are in a position to decide on who will represent them. He called on party members to be united to retain the state for APC.

Oshiomhole Needs Our Support And Commendation -Hon. Obasanmi -

of good governance and Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC) AkokoEdo Chapter Hon. Jeffrey Obasanmi say the developmental strides of the Comrade governor for the past six years are commendable. He called on the people to continue to support the APC as a party and the governor as the leader of the party in the State as well as party national leadership for it to spread development across the country.

“Governor Oshiomhole has succeeded in moving Edo State to an enviable height and the state is now an envy of other states. The governor has provided social infrastructures in almost every community in the State. He has constructed and is still constructing roads, market, schools and the like. The governor has truly performed in the past six years and has brought good governance to the people of Edo State”.

“Oshiomhole is a presidential material any day and if given the chance to lead this nation will transform the political and economic life of the nation.

He certainly needs our commendation and support especially now that enemies of the State are doing everything at their reach to distract the governor from further delivering the

By RICHARD EWEKA

Hon. Obasanmi

the midst of these. He called on other leaders to emulate the leadership style of the Comrade governor and make life better for the people”.

Hon. Obasanmi expressed delight in the way and manner the APC legislators handle the House of Assembly crisis despite the provocation from their PDP colleagues. He equally commended the Comrade Governor’s ability to handle

“His performance so far has confirmed that Nigeria as a nation still has credible leaders with outstanding qualities,”

from issues of this nature and concentrate more on winning the war against Boko Haram”.

Commenting on the collection of voters’ card and continuous voter registration exercise, the APC chieftain said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has done well so far but needed to ensure that all those that registered get their voters card in preparation for the election. He frowned at the alleged missing voters cards in the State and called on the appropriate authority to correct it before it becomes too late.

On the recent defection of Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal,Speaker House of Representative from PDP to APC, Hon. Obasanmi said it is the beauty of democracy but however condemned the move by the Federal government to use the

THE SUNDAY

8

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

DESPITE efforts being put by the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives towards fighting the menace of illicit drugs production, circulation, marketing and consumption, more people are being recruited daily.

recovered.

A convicted drug addict who served his two-year jail term at the central prisons in Benin City before relocating to Abuja after his release, Mr. Godswill Akatagbo said that Abuja is a potential haven for illicit drugs after Lagos and

mMore, importantly, youths are increasingly becoming addicted to hard drugs.

In Abuja, the nation’s capital, many youths, mainly from well-to-do homes are increasingly joining the big ‘boys club’ that abuse drugs like Indian hemp, which is commonly produced in Nigeria, heroin, cocaine and others like methamphetamine, syrups and tablets with codeine capable of intoxicating are mostly found in military barracks, schools, motor parks and even among local traders that sell provisions in kiosks.

Assorted illicit drugs that include mainly Indian hemp and amphetamine were recovered from suspects arrested within the FCT by the NDLEA. Other drugs like cocaine, heroin and some pharmaceutical products on the prohibited list found in custody of unauthorized or wrong persons were also

port Harcourt. Though, Akatagbo refused to say whether or not he is still into illicit drugs deal, he gave an insight into the business in the nations capital, “majority of llicit drug consumers in

Abuja are young men and women who are mostly from well-to-do families.

They sometimes come to a place near Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja to buy 3 or 4 wraps of cocaine that cost N2,800 each. You cannot count the number of

ones. Some agents even hawk drugs, the mobile agents sell on commission.”

According to the head of Clinical Services Drug and Alcohol Treatment Education and Rehabilitation unit at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, over 6

Searchlight

in the north-west zone use drugs. He also said due to the rise in drug addiction, young people make use of cough syrups to make themselves

laws restraining people from abusing some of these drugs, these kids have resorted to using lizard dung and gadagi (a substance resembling tea

high.

According to Amina Duniya, a sociologist and Psychologist, there are different kinds of drugs including the hard drugs and the prescribed drugs are mainly codeine even through it is meant for medication, some people use it for something else.” She explained, she said, “recently, I went to a pharmacy to buy drugs and a boy just came in and asked for codeine and he was given; right in front of me, he shook the bottle and drank the whole bottle. After he finished he asked for water and left, it was surprising that the pharmacy attendants did not even see anything wrong with what the boy did.”

With what we see everyday, Nigeria might soon top the list of countries with the highest intoxicants because everyday these youths come up with new and easy ways to go about intoxicating themselves because there are

leaves) which are normally easy and cheaper to afford.

According to users, Lizard excrement produces a strong effect when mixed with Robin blue. That effect is said to be similar to the one produced by a heavy consumption of whisky. The white portion of the dropping is a killer drug when inhaled or taken orally they cause rapid rise in blood levels, producing an effect akin to the intensity produced by an intravenous injection, the feeling produced also resembles inebriation.

A medical practitioner says, “what we need to do as a society is to put hands together to see that we can curb some of these intoxicants that have become irresistible to some humans in the society. There is a huge cost in social, health and economic terms if we do not bring a halt to these activities of our youths in the society.”

Drug Use On The Rise Among Nigerian Youths

IN this area of the world, while several species of snakes may cause more bodily harm than others, any of these venomous snakes are still very capable of causing human fatality should a bite go untreated, regardless of their venom capability or behavioural tendencies.

Rattlesnake is a highly distinguishable for its tail; the rattlesnake belongs to the pit viper snake family. Some of its species have hemotoxic venom, which, if transferred to the victim, causes the degeneration of organs, destruction of body tissues, and disruption of blood clothing or coagulopathy.

Rattlesnakes are capable of striking at up to two-thirds of the length of their elongated bodies. Unfortunately when a rattlesnake is biting you with the most venomous capacity, such as the Eastern Diamond Back, expect to experience breathing difficulties, hemorrhage, and paralysis.

The other most dangerous snake is the blackmamba. It can be found across the Africa continent. It is said to be the fastest of all the land snakes with speed up to 12mis/hr. It is also know to attack with acute precision and forcefulness. To top it all, this species can launch twelve strikes in one blow.

Blackmamba venom also contains a post-synaptic neutrotoxin component, and the snake has the ability to inject the toxic substance in a single bite. That amount is far,

By OSAMWONYI O. EDDY. teens that come around to buy cocaine. There are a few advanced men and women but majority of the customers are the young

million bottles of codeine are sold on a daily basis in the north-west part of the country.

NDLEA report of 2013 also shows that over 11% of people

The Venom Of Corruption

more than enough to cause death in 50s.

Corruption over the years has bitten deep into the Nigerian Society ever since the attainment of independence in 1960s. The word corruption cannot be seen with the physical eyes but its deeds are visible.

Nigeria gained her independence in a bloodless manner in the sense that it was through negotiation between the citizens and the then colonial masters. Corruption over the years is a venom sting to the society by our political leaders who pretend to have the interest of the country at heart.

The blackmamba snake is the fastest snake on Land so also corruption is the fastest killing venom in the society. An individual can be corrupt without him knowing, so also these snakes possess this

By MUSA JOSEPH

venom without knowing the amount of toxins it carries.

In our country today we breed corruption; we nurture it by our attitude toward it.

Imagine how somebody will steal billions from the national pulse and no body will be able to stand up to him. Corruption in the broader sense makes us to think that we are divided based on our tribe, religion, culture and so on.

Corruption has foundation and origin. According to the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, corruption is the willingness to act dishonestly in return for money. The dictionary went further to say it means evil or immoral. Corruption actually started from each and every one of our

families. If a family is not able to handle this menace when it is coming up, it grows to a larger extent that it inflicts it on the society.

From the aforementioned snakes, when they were little, they can cause no harm to humans but when they become bigger, they can kill faster than any other thing.

The same thing is applicable to corruption, if these families are unable to stop it at a tender age, it grows to an unstoppable manner. That is what we are seeing in Nigeria today.

This corruption of a thing is seen in all sectors of the economy. You can easily find it in our homes, places of work, churches, political arena and so on.

Most Nigerians today are aware of these nefarious activities that is being carried out

“Our leaders are embezzling money everyday and they are using it for their personal interest thereby paralyzing or hampering the growth of the economic system. The venom that is released by these snakes contains huge amount of toxins that can paralyze and kill faster so also is corruption.

in the country on daily basis without linking it to the foundation and appearance of corruption.

However, corruption can be seen in various manners. Lets look at our educational sector, if you go to our various institutions, you will discover nefarious activities that are being carried out by our students and lecturers.

Imagine a student giving lecturers bribe in order to gain a pass mark in the offered course of study. Some even go to the extent of sleeping with the lecturers just for a pass mark.

Our institutions are now producing half-baked graduates who further transfer their idiosyncrasies to the society at large.

Even in the public sector, when an individual is not questioned for his/her attitude toward the public, it becomes a symbol of corruption by which others look up to and follow.

Now if you are to look at the effects of corruption on the society and from the aforementioned snakes bits effect, you will discover that it can cause paralysis, death and so on.

It paralysis the Nigerian Economic System: the aim of any country is to develop, to grow, to move forward. But in the case of Nigeria since the attainment of independence

corruption has been the order of the day.

Morris, a Professor of Politics says corruption is the illegitimate use of public power to benefit a private interest. Our leaders are embezzling money everyday and they are using it for their personal interest thereby paralyzing or hampering the growth of the economic system.

The venom that is released by these snakes contains huge amount of toxins that can paralyze and kill faster so also is corruption. It is said that the first thing that kills a man is not the actual thing that kills him but fear.

It also increases the crime rate in the society; when a graduate is not employed upon the completion of his course of study in the university, he/she have no choice but to take to crime as means of survival. That is why you see cases of kidnapping, prostitution cyber crime and so on.

When the individuals are not well paid, they have no choice but to involve themselves in an abominable activity.

Corruption pervades all sectors of our national economy and we need to address it as fast as possible.

Corruption is a strong venom that have been stinging our society, that is paramount to be addressed as quickly as possible, if we must record development in all facet of the economy.

THE SUNDAY

9

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

IN the pre-independence and early post-independence eras, agriculture was the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy, as groundnut, cocoa and rubber were the major cash crops of the country.

Observers recall that during those periods, many staple crops, including rice,

ought to invest substantially in agriculture to enable the country to survive under the looming global food crisis.

Mabinuori, nonetheless, stressed that government could encourage local rice farmers to increase production via the introduction of price subsidy, adding that with increased

more expenses in producing a 50kg bag of rice than their counterparts in Indonesia and other rice-exporting countries.

“If Nigerian farmers are to sell their rice in the open market and compete with imported rice which sells for N200 per measure, while the local rice goes for N300 per

situation. Government ought to make sound policies that would facilitate the efforts of local rice farmers to boost production.

“We have good soil and good climatic conditions, while our farmers are willing to work. What government needs to do is to put all these factors together in promoting

A

griculture

farmer, bemoaned the economic costs of sustained rice importation by Nigeria, saying that rice importation had resulted in huge capital flights and increasing unemployment.

locations across the country.

Adeshina said that the 10 rice mills would be located in Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Bayelsa, Bauchi and Anambra states, while the six cassava processing

He said that the country was currently a net importer of rice, adding that the development had adversely affected local rice production, while increasing the fortunes of those involved in rice importation.

He recalled that past federal administrations failed to boost rice production in the country because of the poor implementation of different agricultural policies such as “Operation Feed the Nation and Green Revolution’’, among others.

Alamu emphasised that the government should make pragmatic efforts to boost rice production in the country through the introduction of good incentives for farmers such as the provision of loans and agricultural inputs.

This is not to suggest that the government is not making efforts to improve local rice production in the country, as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adeshina, has repeatedly given the assurance that Nigeria would start exporting rice by 2017.

For instance, Adeshina made such projection when he signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bank of Industry (BoI) in Abuja on rice and cassava development.

The minister said that the bank would provide N13.6 billion as intervention fund for the establishment of rice mills and cassava processing plants, as part of efforts to transform Nigeria into a rice exporting country by 2017.

He said that 10 integrated rice mills and six cassava processing plants would be established in various

plants would be sited in Ondo, Ogun, Abia, Delta, Cross River and Nasarawa states.

The minister said that the intervention fund was conceived by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to facilitate the fulfilment of its Agriculture Transformation Agenda.

Adeshina said that in the next three years, Nigeria would become a rice exporter, as each of the 10 rice mills was expected to produce about 36,000 metric tonnes of rice each year.

He said that the project would be a 100-per-cent private sector initiative, with the Federal Government providing only the enabling environment, with a view to building the capacity of the country’s small and medium enterprises.

All in all, observers agree that the BoI-anchored intervention fund will certainly aid efforts to provoke massive rice production and minimise rice importation in the country.

They believe that the fund, in addition to the one-billiondollar (about N160 billion) Memorandum of Understanding which the Federal Government recently signed with business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on rice production, will soon transform Nigeria into a rice exporting nation.

All the same, experts insist that the government ought to initiate pragmatic schemes aimed at boosting the country’s food security, as part of efforts to address the dire effects of the anticipated global food crisis.

Promoting Sustainable Rice Production In Nigeria

By VICTOR ADEOTI (NAN)

beans, corn and millet, were widely grown across the country, saying that Nigerians were then able to feed well and live well.

They, however, note that in the oil boom era when petroleum became the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy with huge earnings from oil exports, there was a remarkable shift of focus from agriculture, resulting in a significant drop in agricultural production.

Attesting to this fact, Dr Sarah Alade, a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, disclosed at the recent Africa Rising Conference in Maputo, Mozambique, that Nigeria spent an average of four billion dollars (about N640 billion) annually on rice importation.

“Agriculture is the to economic development in Africa; on the average, Nigeria spends about four billion dollars on the importation of rice.

“We definitely need to improve the domestic market to harness the natural resources we have,’’ she said.

Alade argued that if Africa was able to transform its agricultural sector, the continent would be able to feed its people and have surplus for others.

She, however, said that the Nigerian government was doing everything possible to minimise the risks in the agricultural sector so as to facilitate the participation of local investors.

She noted that the government’s agricultural programme, the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, had equally attracted the participation of many foreign investors in agricultural projects.

Sharing similar sentiments, Mr. Joshua Mabinuori, the National Vice-President, Association of Small-Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), bemoaned the huge government’s expenditure on rice importation on a yearly basis.

He described the expenditure as “a colossal waste’’, insisting that the government at all levels

rice production, resources hitherto expended on rice importation would be saved.

measure. Who is going to buy the local rice? Nobody!!

“But if the government

sustainable local rice production in the country.

“Government also needs to

He reiterated that the introduction of price subsidy for local rice production would discourage rice importation, while boosting local rice production and consumption, as well as youth employment.

Mabinuori argued that rice farmers in rice-exporting countries enjoyed subsidies, adding that the policy encouraged them to produce more rice for export.

He also underscored the need for the government to subsidise local rice production, saying that it would minimise rice importation and encourage rice exportation.

“The prices of the rice we are importing are being subsidised by the governments of the riceexporting countries; that is why they can produce rice in large quantities to boost exports to other countries.

“We have to free ourselves from sustained reliance on rice imports; if we don’t free ourselves, we would remain like this perpetually and unemployment would continue,’’ he added.

Mabinuori argued that local rice farmers incurred

wants to promote local rice production instead of relying on rice imports, then, it should be ready to offset that N100 difference.

“Government should buy the locally produced rice from farmers at a reasonable price and then push it to the market at a lower price.

“Through such arrangements, people will be encouraged to buy the rice; while the farmers would remain in business and be encouraged to produce more as well,’’ he added.

However, Mr. Olu Ademola, an agricultural economist, said that in spite of government efforts to boost local rice production via various programmes, not much had been achieved.

Ademola, who noted that Nigeria was one of the world’s largest importers of rice, stressed that the development should be a source of concern to policy makers, particularly because of plans to transform Nigeria into one of the 20 leading economies of the world by 2020.

“I think pragmatic efforts should be made to address the issue and improve the

carry all the stakeholders along in the decision making process. Rice farmers, rice millers, rice distributors should never be side-lined in policy formulation and implementation as to local rice production,’’ he said.

Ademola also urged the government to encourage active private-public partnerships in rice production.

He said that the provision of enabling environment, good roads, good power supply and interest-free loans, among others, would encourage farmers to increase rice production which, in turn, would lessen rice importation.

Ademola, however, underscored the need for the government to sensitise the citizens to the benefits of buying and eating locally produced rice.

He said that the public sensitisation activity was considered imperative because of the erroneous belief of most Nigerians that locally produced rice was inferior to its imported variant.

In his opinion, Mr. Olutimileyin Alamu, a rice

“We have to free ourselves from sustained reliance on rice imports; if we don’t free ourselves, we would remain like this perpetually and unemployment would continue.’’

THE SUNDAY

10

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

Edo Arts Commissioner Hails Cartoon Africa Biennial

BRIO With FRANCIS ODUPUTE

...As American Critiques Event

ONE by one, visitors trickled in to the massive compound of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre on Airport Road, Benin City, three days ago, Thursday, November 27, 2014, for the opening ceremony of the 2nd edition of ‘Cartoon Africa International Biennial (CAIB), festival/ exhibition.

It was the first of its kind in the ancient city of Benin, and many local artists, art students, art lovers and culture practitioners were eager to feed their eyes and minds, even at very short notices and little media publicity given to the event that was not enough to deter many from their curiosity and quest for inspirations and cultural exchanges which the event promised. And when all was fully set, the chairman of the occasion Honourable Annena Jemitola, Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, bared her mind on the comedic art show.

Addressing the audience shortly before declaring the CAIB 2014 exhibition open, the commissioner said, “it’s a pleasure to be here. I really wanted to come…I’ve already had a look at the exhibition inside, and I must say it is an eye-opener; and you will go places.

“Cartoons are almost extinct in Nigeria today and I know a lot of us grew up on cartoons. You know, that was the days when children actually believed in cartoons, when we actually lived cartoons.

Cartoons then were cartoons that shaped our lives. Even in the newspapers – I remember that when I was old enough to read newspapers, I usually went to the cartoon page first, and from the cartoon page you also learn about what’s going on in the country-the social problems, the economic problems,… so, even if you were not old enough to appreciate those problems, but at least it was already forming in your mind and you have ideas of what the world was actually holding

in forth for you,” Hon. Jemitola explained.

Speaking on the theme of the event the commissioner observed that “It’s apt that it is titled “Africa of the Future,” and I must say, with good cartoons we can have Africa of the future we all dream of, and I hope that this will bring a revival, not only in Edo State, but in the entire country. “So, you’re a pace setter. All over again – forget that there used to be, that there were cartoons – look at yourself as somebody that is starting it, building it, bringing

Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Annena Jemitola, addressing the audience.

The Arts Commissioner and other participants taking to tour of the exhibitions.

many things for the development of our society.

“So I see it as a program that every one of us has to encourage so that people can now begin to see it like other cultural activities happening in Nigeria…

Even now that we’re preparing for the Edo Festival of Arts and Culture, we should find a way to integrate this into it because this is a new dimension of Art promotion,” Mr. Eromosele (Pikolo) advised.

Meanwhile, an Art Critic

Daniel Eromosele (pikolo) SSA on Arts, Culture and Tourism

Prof. Jean Borgatti critiquing the event

interest back in it, and success will be yours in the name of God,” the chairman advised the initiator and curator of the event, Mr. Francis Umendu Odupute.

Speaking earlier at the occasion, Mr. Daniel Eromosele, (Pikolo), the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Arts, Culture and Tourism, said the cartoon Africa international biennial

of Art especially, and we in the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, we always want to encourage anything that we know can encourage and uplift the image of our country, the image of our tradition , anything that can bring peace and unity to our existence.

So, I think that through these cartoons we can preach peace, we can do so

(CAIB) was an innovation that deserved all support from relevant stakeholders, noting that that was why the Edo State Ministryof Arts, Culture and Tourism, supported the project by hosting it.

In his words, “I want to commend the convener of this project; I think it’s a project that we all need to support because it’s a brand new one in the area

and Full bright Scholar, Jean M. Borgatti, who visited the CAIB exhibition commended the organisers, while pointing out areas that needed to be improved upon in subsequent editions of the international cartoon project.

Professor Borgatti said, “I think it’s a wonderful thing that you have done to bring together international

cartoonists here in Benin City, and it’s the hope that you get increasing support for this particular event so that you can hold it consistently. And it’s implicitly successful. And as I said, earlier, I’d have liked to see the names I mean a list of the people, so that I could see which cartoons came from what country, so on and so forth, because as with anything that involves visuals or art, there are somethings that I enjoyed, somethings that I didn’t like very much, and there are somethings that I didn’t have much good of

it – but that’s true for everything – it’s very much a personal response to these objects and visuals. But congratulation! Let me congratulate you on a massive effort. Well done.”

Over 124 artists from across the world contributed their works and are being exhibited at the week long event, the exhibition closes on the 2nd of December, 2014.

THE SUNDAY

11

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

What Is Your View On The Use Of Female Suicide Bombers By Boko Haram?

The use of female suicide bombers by the Boko Haram insurgents in the northern parts of Nigeria is becoming endemic with increased cases of young females involving in the act which has sent scores to their untimely graves. Given the unusualness of the practice which many thought was alien to Nigeria is almost a daily occurrence. In this wise NAKED TRUTH sought the view of Nigerians. Their responses are here served for your reading pleasure.

It shows their level of sophistication- Osaretin Okhomina The use of female suicide bombers by Boko Haram, goes to show their level of sophistication and preparedness to unleash further attacks on hapless Nigerians. This act is practically evil and uncalled for. It is against the wish of Prophet Mohammed and Islamic doctrines. On the other hand, female suicide bombers have come to stay, and if nothing is done about it, more people are going to be killed. For goodness sake, what is the Federal Government and Defence Authorities doing now? Because, the protection of lives and property is the responsibility of Government. In totality government has failed the people in this regard. Boko Haram and its insurgency, is alien to our culture and must be dealt with now before it becomes too late.

It undermines nature and the proper place of women-Okonye Uche Throughout ages, females have been regarded as innocent and docile beings that radiate peace and serenity. The use of females as suicide bombers by the Islamic fundamentalist sect Boko Haram, undermines nature and the proper place of women in the ecosystem.

Using women as bombers is an artistic design that has been carefully planned to catch members of the unsuspecting public unawares and wreck havoc that will be unimaginable in its magnitude. The use of women as bombers is

cruel, wicked, regrettable and indeed a big shame as the age long trust reposed on women is painfully eroding due to this dastard and inimical act. It is appalling and heart sickening.

It has added frightening twist to the problemImhoagene Richard The recent use of female suicide bombers by Boko Haram to perpetuate violence and wreck ruthless murder on innocent Nigerians has rendered a frightening twist to the insurgency in the North-Eastern parts of Nigeria. Apart from the fact that the act itself is inhuman and heartwrecking, it has revealed the magnitude of the crisis that befell Nigeria in 2009.

Further, it forces one to fear more for the lives of the over 219 Chibok Schools Girls abducted over six months ago. My heart bleeds… my thought goes out to the parents of those teenage girls as I try to fathom the emotional and psychological trauma they are going through at the moment. There are indications that the gruesome sect may have resorted in using these abducted girls, having brainwashed them with adulterated doctrines, to perpetrate terrorism.

It is preposterous, it is unthinkable, and it further exposes the inability of the Nigerian government to protect its own.

Very disheartening and inhuman-Gedu Long-Life Akpotueregha Sincerely speaking, it is disheartening and very inhumane for a man to use

his fellow man for suicide bombing in the first place, not to talk of a female who is expected to give birth to future nation builders in her womb to engaging her in such act.

Boko Haram itself has sold its soul to Lucifer and thus has no conscience of its own and therefore ready to truncate the destiny of many before the

arrival of its final doom just like the devil himself who has a triple fold mission to kill, steal and destroy who also would eventually get destroyed at the end.

It is therefore very unfair and wicked for Boko Haram to indulge in acts of involving female suicide bombers in their evil missions.

A Satanic Strategy- Abeh Promise To use female suicide bombers is the most dramatic and cruel strategy that an organization can use.

It becomes easier to penetrate targets because we are less suspicious of women harbouring evil.

Boko Haram and their Female bombers partners are not made up only of illiterates but also boast many young Nigerians with University degrees in, physics and engineering who have turned into bomb- makers. These are

people who come from respectable families and most are in their teens while not a few also are full adults some of whom failed to get jobs and became idle. Perhaps their parents have failed to get their gratuities and pensions after 35 years in the civil service and they struggle to put food on the table. They see no hope

under their government and out of desperation they have to join Boko Haram.

The Trend Worsens Insurgency In NigeriaOsagie Grace Ofure It is indeed a heart disturbing development or method adopted by the evil men (Boko Haram) to worsen the insurgency in the country. I believe that these females being used are those captured and brainwashed by Boko Haram men, tortured and threatened to carry out evil assignments by taking their own lives in the process. These female bombers that are being

N T

aked ruth With CITIZEN KOLA OKHAKU

used if well analysed are young and innocent girls or ladies that never thought in their wildest imagination could become monsters and agree to be suicide bombers. I believe it is against their will but were forced to indulge in the acts. My heart cries deeply whenever I remember the abducted Chibok schoolgirls and

other women and children that were kidnapped even before the Chibok girls issue. I believe that the girls kidnapped are being used and if nothing is done about this issue to see to the release of the abducted girls and bring the Boko Haram militancy to an end, then it’s unfortunate as we will keep hearing of more female suicide bombers and more insurgency.

I Fear For Chibok Abducted GirlsIkponmwonba Osazee Joel If it is true that over two hundred girls were kidnapped in Chibok in April, I think they are the

instruments used by the Boko Haram to bomb various parts of the North.

Also, the problem of ignorance and illiteracy is a factor constituting females going into the inhuman and deadly activity of bombing, because some of the female bombers do it voluntarily maybe due to poverty, illiteracy and ignorance among so many female folks in the North.

The issue also boils down to the family of the female bombers; it may be a deliberate decision between the parents of the girls and the Boko Haram Sect. It may also be that the sect used the threat method to get all these girls for the sake of bombing.

What A Way To Endanger HumanityOgbodu Rosemary It is unfortunate that Boko Haram has turned some of the young girls in Nigeria into inhuman beings. At the same time, government spokesman, Mike Omeri said that the security forces had arrested three people in neighbouring Katsina State including two girls aged 10 and 13 with explosive belts strapped around them.

The use of female bombers becomes easier to penetrate targets because we are less suspicious about women. It also shows desperation and tends to be the last card the Boko Haram has got to play, but we don’t know if Boko Haram has reached that stage or it has decided to play the card early.

“Boko Haram itself has sold its soul to Lucifer and thus has no conscience of its own and therefore ready to truncate the destiny of many before the arrival of its final doom.”

THE SUNDAY

12

I am in love with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his tyrannical

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

allegedly rude to Mr. Fayose, as Governor-elect.

Pro-Fayose’s thugs had

distance from the court premises. But an enraged Fayose shouted the judge

disqualified persons like Ayo Fayose, having being indicted and impeached as

Focus

President Jonathan’s New Skills

streak. He does it so perfectly, so cleanly, so evasively and remains absolutely detached from it. Except for the discerning minds that might trace the pinpricks or manifest terror in the nation polity to him, his puritanical mien, brimming face and meekly disposition forbids anyone to tare him with ‘status arrogance’ and virtual brigandage.

Mr. Jonathan remains for me a phenomenal of different cast that needs to be understudied; different to other dictators in living history, both dead or alive.

His ability to reck havocs and turn away smoothly without tracing them to him has become an artful logic would-be dictators should learn. It is not for nothing that all along he maintained sly and serpentine disposition. Even though President Jonathan has been seen as being inferior in reasoning, dull in imagination, tasteless in statecraft and anomalous in orientation, his sudden acquisition of tyrannical war chest speaks volume.

A tyrannical leader is one who rules without law or pretends that they exist. He looks to his own advantage rather than that of his people, and uses extreme and cruel tactics against his kind as well as others. As an absolute ruler, he is unrestrained by law or constitution.

Tyrants usurped legitimate constitutional rights of other Arms of Government and give illiterate interpretation of the law.

For the umpteenth times, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti has buried the sublime state of “Fountain of Knowledge” in the cesspool of political hooliganism. President Jonathan pretended not to know that thugs loyal to Ayodele Fayose beat up a judge, Justice John Adeyeye, for being

By ERASMUS IKHIDE

President President Goodluck besieged the court premises as early as 6a.m., while a detachment of policemen from the police headquarters were also seen on major streets and around the court, providing protection for the hoodlums.

The fracas that engulfed Ekiti State that day scuttled the State’s Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting billed to hold at the High court, Ado-Ekiti.

Nothing has been heard of the case ever. Justice Adeyeye of High Court 3, who was miffed by the huge number of the thugs as they surged towards the court premises had approached Mr. Fayose and urged him to prevail on “his supporters” to keep a safe

down. Immediately, thugs numbering about 20 pounced on Justice Adeyeye, beat him up and tore his clothes, while his co workers scampered and shouted for help. There were claims that Mr. Fayose personally slapped the judge.

A similar scenario had played out a week earlier when suspected PDP thugs stormed the high court premises, attacked the trial judge, some litigants and judicial workers in the bid to prevent hearing in a case to determine Mr. Fayose’s eligibility for the June 21 governorship election.

The case in question bothers on the eligibility of Governor Fayose. The 1999 constitution has

governor in less than 10 years. The e-eleven asked the Ado Ekiti High Court to determine whether Mr. Fayose is barred from being presented/sponsored as the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP on

June 21, 2014 Ekiti State Gubernatorial Election, having been indicted/found guilty for gross misconduct by a validly constituted administrative panel as provided for in Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended).

The saying that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely cannot be more current.

Last week, the speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Adewale Omirin and his deputy, Hon Tunji Orisalade were removed from their respective positions by seven members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus of the House, out of the 26 members! The impeachment came less than 24 hours after the lawmakers affirmed that the embattled Omirin remained their speaker and that they have no plan of impeaching him. In their place, the protem speaker of the Monday’s sitting, Hon Dele Olugbemi (Ikole II) and Hon Abeni Olayinka (Ado II) were elevated to occupy their respective seats.

The Ekiti House infamy came almost the same time the Federal House of Representatives’ Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal was prevented from entering the Hallowed Chambers by the Nigeria Police on the order of President Goodluck Jonathan. This is the first

time in a democracy the nation’s constitution is left in the hands of the Nigeria Police not only to interpret, but to assume executive power in another arm of government. Shamefully, the Nigerian Police allowed PDP lawmakers seamless entrance into the chambers, while the opposition party lawmakers were prevented from entering the same House. Suleiman Abba, the Inspector General of Police in his crassness has turned the nation’s constitution into police gazette and ultimate lawgiver.

There is a reason I should think we are approaching a tipping point of state collapse but for the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA. According to the association, the selective treatment of some of the lawmakers on the day of the incident “raises doubt in respect of the authenticity of the alleged security reports. The implementation of the security measures also lacked transparency and good faith.” It also condemned the attitude of some of the lawmakers who scaled the gate of the National Assembly, saying “their acts raise serious questions about the character of persons we elect to represent us and constitute a serious embarrassment to our Country.

Continues on page 13

“This is the first time in a democracy the nation’s constitution is left in the hands of the Nigeria Police not only to interpret, but to assume executive power in another arm of government. Shamefully, the Nigerian Police allowed PDP lawmakers seamless entrance into the chambers, while the opposition party lawmakers were prevented from entering the same House. Suleiman Abba, the Inspector General of Police in his crassness has turned the nation’s constitution into police gazette and ultimate lawgiver.”

THE SUNDAY

13

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

...President Jonathan Continued from page 12

“As we approach the 2015 General Elections, all our politicians must not engage in any conduct capable of truncating our nascent democracy.

“Political differences may exist but must be resolved with civility and in accordance to law. Our collective interest as Nigerians must not be sacrificed for personal interest.”

The NBA urged political leaders to always conduct themselves maturedly and responsibly, adding that “their acts raise serious questions about the character of persons we elect to represent us and constitute a serious embarrassment to our country.

“As we approach the 2015 general elections, all our politicians must not engage in any conduct capable of truncating our nascent democracy.

“Political differences may exist but must be resolved with civility and in accordance to law. Our collective interest as Nigerians must not be sacrificed for personal interest”, the statement reads.

If this is not democracy by another name, it is left for President Jonathan to tell Nigerians what it is.

Little wonder that the PDP national leadership backtracked after condemning the opposition lawmakers who scaled the fence to prevent the PDP lawmakers from impeaching Hon Tambuwal. I have said this

elsewhere that the impunity that has become the air President Jonathan administration breaths is as a result of people like Olisa Mentu, the PDP scribe, who speaks before he reasons.

In a deductive streak, the Department of State Security Service invaded the All Progressives Congress, APC office in Lagos, smashing, destroying every item in the office including APC membership database in a Gestapo’s manner. The nation’s secret security service who could not tame just two Boko Haram’s suspects in their den, who disarmed and killed a few of them in their Abuja Headquarters has suddenly find its rhythm and power.

“A petition was received by this service about some activities at No. 10, Bola Ajibola Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

The petition alleged that those behind the activities were cloning INEC permanent voter cards, with the intention of hacking into INEC database, corrupting it and replacing them with their own data.

“Based on this information, the service placed the building under surveillance and having been convinced that some unwholesome activities were going on in the building, it undertook a raid of the premises. “In the process, some persons were arrested, three hard drives and 31 Ghana-must-go bags of hard copy documents were recovered and taken away for further investigation. It must be noted that the said location had no signpost indicating

whether it was a private or government office”, DSS said.

The destruction of the opposition party’s membership database by security men is an exhibition of impunity and absolute power carried too far and a scandal that can best be compared with the Watergate Scandal of the United States of America that led to the resignation of the country’s president, Richard Nixon in 1974.

To say the least, it is an act of fascism and totalitarianism.

Mr. Jonathan proclivity to impunity may not be as legendary as those of Adolf Hitler and other demented dictators. But Nigerians should not underestimate the length President Jonathan’s lust for power can go.

Now, the APC has said apart from the Lagos centre, the operation is decentralized and similar centres are functional in about six different locations around the country. Shall we await similar invasion in those centres? Can we hazard what will happen in 2015 if the creeping fascism of Jonathan’s administration remained unchecked? Can President Jonathan and his government still tell the world it is ready for free and fair elections in 2015?

I am the least surprise at President Jonathan’s antics and his fascist method.

Over the ages, when third world rulers are getting unpopular and they still wish to continue against all odds they resort to all forms of banality. This is the kind

“The destruction of the opposition party’s membership database by security men is an exhibition of impunity and absolute power carried too far and a scandal that can best be compared with the Watergate Scandal of the United States of America that led to the resignation of the country’s president, Richard Nixon in 1974.”

of thing you get. From laying siege at the Ekiti High Court to beating up judge the following week; invasion of national assembly to impeaching Ekiti speaker with 7 members out of 26,

Focus

invasion of opposition ICT office within a space of few weeks.

To make matter worse, President Jonathan was celebrating his birthday in London while the nation burns! What a farce? How

come a British Prime Minister has not come to Nigeria to celebrate a thing, you may ask? That is how far removed evasive - President Jonathan is from the nation he governs.

Suleiman Abba, IG of Police

Tambuwal, Speaker House of Reps

Ayo Fayose, Ekiti State Governor

THE SUNDAY

14

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

Preventing Bad Breath

By HELEN OGIDI BAD breath or halitosis can be a major problem, especially when you are about to snuggle with your

sweetie or whisper a joke to your friend. The good news is that bad breath can often be prevented with some

simple. Bad breath is caused by odour producing bacteria that grows in the mouth.

When you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in

your mouth and between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell.

Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that

“As long as you brush your teeth, you should not have bad breath. The truth is that most people only brush their teeth for 30 to 45 seconds, which just does not cut it. To sufficiently clean all the surfaces of your teeth, you should brush for at least 2 minutes at least twice a day. Remember to brush your tongue too; bacteria love to hang out there.”

Beauty Shop With GLORIA OMORUYI

contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth.

Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are lots of myths about taking cane of bad breath. Here are three things you may have heard about bad breath that are not true.

Mouthwash will make bad breath go away. Mouthwash only gets rid of bad breath temporarily if you do use mouthwash, look for an antiseptic (kill the germs that cause bad breath) and plaque reducing one with a seal of Nigeria Dental Association (NDA).

When you are deciding which dental products to toss into your shopping cart, it is always a good idea to look for those that are accepted by the NDA. Also, ask your dentist for recommendations.

As long as you brush your teeth, you should not have bad breath. The truth is that most people only brush their teeth for 30 to 45 seconds, which just does not cut it. To sufficiently clean all the surfaces of your teeth, you should brush for at least 2 minutes at least twice a day. Remember to brush your tongue too; bacteria love to

hang out there. It is equally important to floss because brushing alone won’t remove harmful plaque and food particles that become stuck between your teeth and gums.

If you breath into your hand, you will know when you have bad breath wrong! When you breath, you do not use your throat the same way you do when you talk. When you talk, you tend to bring out the odours from the back of your mouth (where bad breath originates) which simply breathing doesn’t do. Also, because we tend to get used to our own smells, it is hard for a person to tell if he or she has bad breath.

If you are concerned about bad breath make sure you are taking care of your teeth and mouth properly some sugarfree guns and mints can temporarily mask odours too.

If you brush and floss properly and visit your dentist for regular cleanings, but your bad breath persists, you may have a medical problem like sinusitis or gum disease. Call your doctor or dentist if you suspect a problem. They can figure out if something else is behind your bad breath and help you take care of it.

POEM

Beauty Beauty is a thing of nurture Nurture beauty and it will replenish Give beauty money and it will glow Beauty is comfort. It’s nice The outer beauty is good but the Inner beauty is the best.

-PATIENCE CHINWEUBA G.

THE SUNDAY

15

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

“Breastfeeding also lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It may lower your risk of osteoporosis too. Since you don’t have to buy and measure formula, sterilize nipples, or warm bottles, it saves you time and money. It also gives you regular time to relax quietly with your newborn as you bond.”

MAKING the decision to breastfeed is a personal matter, its also one that’s likely to draw strong opinions from friends and family.

The American college

it can help you lose pregnancy weight faster. It releases the hormones exytocin. Which helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine

consideration with breastfeeding.

If a mother is HIV positive, she can pass the HIV Virus to her infant through breast milk.

When you have active.

Motherhood

If your baby has a rare condition called galactosemia and cannot tolerate the natural sugar, called galactose, in breast milk.

When a mother is

Hungry infants move their hands toward their mouths, make sucking noises or mouth movement, or move toward your breast. Don’t wait for your baby to cry that’s a sign he or she is too hungry. B- Be patient, breastfeed as long as your baby wants to nurse each time. Don’t hurry your infant through feedings.

Infants typically breastfeed for 10 to 20 minutes on

choose not to Breastfeed: Some mothers are ashamed to breastfeed their baby in public places.

Babies tend to digest formula more slowly than breast milk, so bottle feeding may not be as frequent as breastfeeding sessions.

Some mothers are faced with the problem of time, because some of them are working class women so they prefer the bottle

receiving chemotherapy for cancer.

What are the ABCs of Breastfeeding: A is awareness watch for your baby’s signs of hunger, and breastfeed whenever your baby is hungry. This is called “on demand” feeding, the first few weeks you may be nursing eight to 12 times every 24 hours.

each breast. C. Comfort: This is key, relax while breastfeeding and your milk is more likely to let down and flow. Get yourself comfortable with pillows as needed to support your arms, head, and neck, and a footrest to support your feet and legs before you begin to breastfeed.

Why do some women

feeding cause anyone can do that for them at home.

Some mothers today are scared of loosing their breast shape which is easy to work on.

Breastfeeding is very important to both mother and child I advise mothers to always try all within their power to breastfeed their babies and watch them grow well.

Importance Of Breastfeeding

of obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly recommend breastfeeding.

Both mother and child is very unique and it is important that every mother breastfeed her baby. Many mother’s often ask many question on breastfeeding.

What is the benefits of breastfeeding to my baby: Breast milk provide the idea nutrition for infants, it has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat, everything your baby needs to grow.

And it’s all provided in a form more easily digested than infant formula.

Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies. Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses and bouts of diarrhea. They also have fewer hospitalizations and trips to the doctor.

Breastfed infants are more likely to gain the right amount of weight as they grow rather than become overweight children. Breastfeeding plays a role in the prevention of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It’s been thought to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers as well.

Are There breastfeeding Benefits for Mothers: The answer is yes, breastfeeding helps to burn extra calories. So

By ABADA JOY bleeding after birth.

Breastfeeding also lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It may lower your risk of osteoporosis too.

Since you don’t have to buy and measure formula, sterilize nipples, or warm bottles, it saves you time and money. It also gives you regular time to relax quietly with your newborn as you bond.

Will I make enough milk to breastfeed: The first few days after birth, your breasts make an ideal “first milk.” It’s called colostrums. Colostrums is thick, yellowish and scant, but there’s plenty to meet your baby’s nutritional needs. Colostrums helps a newborn’s digestive tract develop and prepare itself to digest breast milk.

Most babies lose a small amount of weight in the first 3 to 5 days after birth. This is unrelated to breastfeeding. Even if you breastfeed less than recommended 6 months, it’s better to breastfeed for a short time than no time at all. You can add solid food at 6 months but also continue to breastfeed if you want to keep producing milk, as your baby needs more milk and nurses more, your breast respond by making more milk.

Are there medical consideration with Breastfeeding? Yes there are some medical

Untreated tuberculosis.

When a mother is using an illegal drug, such as cocaine or marijuana.

When you are taking certain prescription medication such as some drugs for migraine headaches, parkinson’s disease, or arthritis.

THE SUNDAY

16

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

Politics An

With HAMEED

Impeachm President Goodluck Jonathan

ON Thursday November 20, 2014, the House of Representatives began the collection of signatures for the purpose of impeaching President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Champions of the impeachment move say the president had since assumption of office in 2011 committed serial constitutional breaches to qualify him for removal by the invocation of the constitutional instrument.

Toping the list of the

alleged constitutional breaches is what they called the reign of impunity and the president’s perpetual failure to fully implement the several Appropriation Laws passed by the National Assembly, the pervasive insecurity in the country particularly the north-east zone where the Boko Haram insurgents have annexed parts of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and declared them new caliphates under their

• Speaker Aminu Tambuwal

(Boko Haram) authority, including sundry other allegations.

To the lawmakers at the lower chamber of the National Assembly, the most provocative among the impeachment offences committed by President Jonathan is the Thursday November 20 barricade of the gates to the fortress of democracy by the police.

According to them, the National Assembly remains the only arm of government that represents the face of democracy in the country.

To them the president must be impeached for the action of the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force who they believe are under the control of the executive branch of the Federal Government under the headship of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

The Police had on that day prevented the speaker of the House of Representatives Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal from gaining entry into the National Assembly Complex even after personally identifying himself at the gate manned by men of the force.

Both the speaker and other House members who either accompanied the speaker or came to the premises after the gates had been shut had to find alternative means of

gaining entry into the chamber to carry out the business for which the House hurriedly adjourned on October 28, 2014 by speaker Tambuwal was reconvened to consider the President’s request for the extension of the Emergency Rule in the north-east states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

Although the House could not consider the request for the extension of the Emergency Rule in the affected states owing to what its speaker called the police laying siege to the hallowed chambers, the collection of members’ signatures for the purpose of impeaching the President went on freely on the floor of the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

To the House of Representatives members, the president is precariously liable for the action of the police, which in the instant case amounted to the brutality of the sacred honourable members.

Ironically, the House Directed its committee on police Affairs to carry detailed investigation into the police invasion of the National Assembly even after finding the Police institution guilty of brutalizing the honourable members for which President Jonathan only deserved to be issued a red card.

The behaviour of the honourable men brings to the fore the reckless resort to the use of the impeachment clause in the constitution by the legislature at the slightest suspicion of wrong doing by the executive branch of government. Politicians are now using the clause, which is a constitutional

instrument in multiparty democracy, in Nigeria as an instrument of blackmail and settlement of political scores.

Since the return of civil rule in Nigeria, impeachment clause as contained in sections 143 and 188 of the 1999 constitution has in most cases been observed in breach.

The lawmakers

obligation to the peop the provision of their needs. He could kee office even in the fa endemic corruption f long as the lawmaker their cuts by way of p constituency proj financing and fraud oversight functions w all of us know is legislators’ cash cow the nations schem things.

Even when

especially those of the National Assembly and a few state legislators who manage to find the nerves for personal survival, have deployed the clause originally designed to guarantee good governance as an instrument for selfaggrandizement.

To the merchants of impeachment, the President could keep his office even when he serially fails in his

legislators know th mass of Nigeria peop suffering in the mid plenty, the pres should continue to his job. He should ha job whether the su thieves are prosecute jailed or not due t prevalence of a sk justice system in the which protects on supper rich; the pres should have his job if he fails to deliver o promised targets

THE SUNDAY

17

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

nd Issues

D BRAIMAH

this statesman had been present in him when he was contemplating taking the action that has polarized the House and

was removed from office by only about five legislators in a 24-member Assembly. There is no need mentioning the

indeed the polity, he would have spared the country this agony of current power play.

On the whole, the abuse of the impeachment clause in the nation’s constitution has weakened the constitutional instrument meant to strengthen democracy in the face of abuses.

Since the Chief Olusegun Obadanjo days in government, the clause has been deployed for purposes alien to strict observance of the principle of separation of powers among the three arms of government.

The Obasanjo administration had turned the clause into an instrument of political witch hunt against perceived political enemies who must be sent out of the way for things to happen in his own way using the Nuhu Ribadu led Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The high handedness of the EFCC of that era which saw the anti graft agency coercing state legislators to sign impeachment notices directed against their governors, resulted in the illegal impeachment of Chief Diepreye Alamieseigha and Joshua Duriye of Bayelsa and Plateau States respectively.

While more than the two-third-signature requirement was procured for the impeachment of Alamieyeseigha, Dariye

Anambra and Ekiti episodes and several Deputy Governors and Speakers and their deputies who suffered similar fates.

From Enugu through Ebonyi, to Adamawa and recently in the Ekiti State House of Assembly where seven if proving to be greater than 19, stories of induced and illegal impeachments abound.

The inducement of legislators by some powerful forces in the corridor of power to carry out the impeachment of elected holders of both executive and legislative positions has over time weakened the potency of the constitutional instrument to promote and ensure good governance.

This explains why we have had more deputy governors or speakers of State Houses of Assembly falling to the almighty impeachment clause because the powerful helms men of the various states s wanted them out.

It is hoped that the impeachment hungry members of the House of Representatives would be checked by recent landmark judgment of the Supreme Court that besides voiding the impeachment of former Taraba Deputy Governor Alhaji Ali Abubakar also had some hard words for the politicians who it accused of trivializing a serious constitutional instrument by its reckless deployment.

According to Justice

ment For Sale

ple in basic ep his ace of for as rs get phony jects dulent which s the ws in me of the

at the ple are dst of ident keep ave his ubsidy ed and to the kewed e land nly he sident b even on his s on

electricity supply, he should have his job even if he does not have any blueprint to put the nation on the fast lanes of integrated development for as long as the Ghana must go bags keep flowing in.

But the president will have to be removed if any of the lawmaker is not getting automatic return ticket to the National Assembly to continue

with the feasting on the spoils of the poor. He has to be removed if his body language does not seem to be in tune with the thinking of the House membership on how the business of government should be conducted.

The president should be held responsible for the failings of the House leadership to conduct their affairs in line with its own rules on defection of its members from party

A to party B. The president has to leave for the wanton display of ineptitude by the house leadership to guiding the house on the part of honour resulting in the pervasive legislative rascality we see among members. The president will have to be impeached for allegedly ordering the police to stop the presiding officer of the House who had chosen to be a rebel instead of a team player in

a system that has been so kind to him; the presiding officer who believes so much on the peace, stability and cohesion of his new party that he considers his contesting the party’s presidential ticket after having been offered free nomination form as capable of stirring controversy, but would do otherwise where national interest is involved.

If the amount of party discipline exemplified by

Sylvester Ngwuta who red the unanimous judgment “impeachment of elected politicians is a very serious matter and should not be conducted as a matter of course. The purpose is to set aside the will of the electorate as

on the legislature who in 2010 denied themselves the financial autonomy the constitution amendment process of that period attempted to bestow on them when they all returned a no vote to the clause that sought to

Justice Mahmud Mohammed, CJN

expressed at the polls.

Whether it takes one day or the three months prescribed by law, the rule of due process should be strictly followed.

Justice Ngwuta concluded, “if the matter is left at the whims and caprices of politicians and their panel, a state and even the entire country could be reduced to the status of a Banana Republic, the procedure for impeachment must be guarded by the court” The Nigerian legislators particularly those at the state level who have lost whatever is left in their senses of worth due to their crave for crump from the tables of Chief Executive of States who have themselves devised means of maintaining their respective strangleholds

bestow financial independence on them.

Nigerians expect that members of the legislature irrespective of the level of government they operate they should mirror the character expected of the true bastion of democracy by truly holding the executive branch of government accountable.

They expect the legislature to maintain a high degree of selfdiscipline and restraints from all corruptible tendencies, which cause them to lose that selfesteem and courage to deal with challenging problems of bad governance, corruption and so on among public office holders.

The impeachment option must be the constitutional instrument of last resort in the business of ensuring good governance.

It is hoped that the impeachment hungry members of the House of Representatives would be checked by recent landmark judgment of the Supreme Court that besides voiding the impeachment of former Taraba Deputy Governor Alhaji Ali Abubakar also had some hard words for the politicians who it accused of trivializing a serious constitutional instrument by its reckless deployment.

THE SUNDAY

18

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

Seek God For Direction When Trouble Comes MAN is limited in knowledge and in power to solve the prevailing problems of mankind. Man cannot and should not depend on himself to either solve his own problem or that of others. And if he thinks he has such power, sooner or later he would see himself as a thin god and consciously expects God’s glory and honour to be bestowed on him.

This will be the beginning of his fall. Daniel 4:30-31.

In act of the Apostle, Herod’s subjects betrayed their emotions expressed and bestowed God’s desired glory on him. Act 12.23 states. “And immediately, the angel of the Lord smoke him because he gave not God the glory and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost”.

In Act 12: 1-4: The church suffered persecution in the hands 6 King Herod. He

seized James and killed him.

And when Peter was arrested, awaiting about be killed. The church had to protest and cried to God for intervention. Act 12:5-11 Peter was released to them as they requested on feverent prayer request. Every opportunity one has should not be misplaced or misused, as it may not easily come up again.

No wonder, the Blind Bantimanuers left no stone unturned when he had the opportunity to be free from his blindness. Mark 10. 4652. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have Mercy on me”.

He did not cease until he caught Jesus’s attention, who ordered that he should be called. His request was granted and immediately he receive his sight and followed Jesus in the way.

R

eflection

With RICHARD IMARHIAGBE

“THESE curses shall come upon thee and over take thee... If thou will not observe to do all the words of the law... Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of the law”Deut.28:15, Sand 61.

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” Gal.3:13 a The Bible says all

sickness and disease is a curse of the law. In Deut.28, the Bible specifically named eleven diseases being a curse of the law, the verse 61 encompasses all sickness and diseases as a curse of the law.

The scripture says Christ has redeemed us a (past tense) not will redeem us.

Webster defines the word “redeem” as; (1) To buy back. (2) To free from captivity by paying a ransom. Take note of this

Beloved, low long your problem(s) linger on is determined by when you realise it and seek appropriate solution from the real source.

The woman with the issue of blood knew her predicament but on her own decided to profer solution.

Mark 5:25-26.

It was when she realised that her money and the best physicians could not give her the desired healing she decided to seek the only physician that taken no money but rewards one according to one’s faith Mark 5:27-29.

It is recorded that she was healed immediately she touched his garment. Mark 5:34 may God give everyone in one trouble or the other the grace and wisdom to do the right thing before it’s too late.

No weapon can be as potent and bathal as the word of God. The word can deliver

and heal, it can as well destroy whenever it’s targeted. Psalm 107:20 2 Kings 1:10,12.

The Bible recorded that it is a terrible thing to fall out of the hand of God. We can only avoid being victims if we endavour to guide and be conscious of whatever we do on daily basis.

It is very important to seek counsel from anointed men of God but God should

S

unday Diet

With ERNEST IKHUREIGBE

always be glorified at all time, we should try not to ascribe the glory due to God to whoever God has used.

Jere 17.5. cursed be the man that trusted in man and maketh flesh his arm and whose heart departed from the Lord.

Whoever God decides to use is a mere instrument to showcase his glory.

Beloved Daniel was used, he did give honour and glory to God. Daniel 2:17-23.

Joseph was used neither did he ascribe the prowess to himself, nor to his wisdom rather, he acknowledged God as the revealer of secret over 41:16.

Beloved, God still gives instructions, power, wisdom and the grace to heed the instruction. Whatever is the trouble in your life cannot be beyond the power of your creator. He knows you and would never allow the trouble that can submerge you to come upon you. Just refocus on him and ask for his mercy.

“Beloved, God still gives instructions, power, wisdom and the grace to heed the instruction.

Whatever is the trouble in your life cannot be beyond the power of your creator. He knows you and would never allow the trouble that can submerge you to come upon you. Just refocus on him and ask for his mercy.”

You Are Redeemed From Curse Of The Law

truth that all your diseases and sicknesses have been bought over by Jesus.

The heart of a woman that was lamed and had never worked before, took hold on 1 Pet2:24 that says “... By whose stripes ye were healed” and she started thanking God and continue to confess what Christ did for her while she was still on her wheel chair and suddenly she walked out of her wheel chair.

The scripture works! If you believe. Jesus told Martha; “Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” John.

“Do not quit believing, don’t quit confessing what you believe and do not consider the symptoms, but only consider what the word of God says concerning your healing.”

11:40.

Confession: According to Duet 28:61, all sicknesses are the curse of the law. But Gal3:13 says Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the law.

Therefore, I declare according to the word of God; I am redeemed from (name the sickness) in Jesus name.

HEALING IS NOT A L W A Y S INSTANTANEOUS “... They shall lay hand on the sick, and they shall recover” Mk. 16:18.

Does this scripture in Mark say that all people who are prayed for will instantly get well? No. It says that they shall recover…

I prayed for a little baby of few months old, that was diagnosed with hernia by the doctor. He was already scheduled for admission but I told the mother that he will not go for the operation. I counseled her

to believe that the little baby was healed.

She later brought the child to the church after some weeks to testify that the child was perfectly healed.

The fig tree did not die immediately when Jesus cursed it. It took a while.

When you speak against sickness by faith, the word goes down to the root and cut it off and if healing does not manifest instantly, it will manifest with time, as you believe and maintained your faith in confession. Even when the symptom persist, take your stand in faith.

Do not quit believing, don’t quit confessing what you believe and do not consider the symptoms, but only consider what the word of God says concerning your healing.

The scripture says of Abraham Rom.4:19, “And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he

was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb”.

Although it was very obvious that Abraham was old and Sarah’s womb was dead, he was not moved by what he saw or experienced in his body, but what God told him. And 25 years later, his believe and confession gave birth to Isaac.

Don’t be moved by the pains, symptoms and the sight of the sickness or diseases, but be moved by what God says.

“We walk by faith, not by sight” 2Cor. 5:7.

Confession: Irrespective of the symptoms I feel in my body, I was healed the day I received Jesus as my healer (do so now if you have not received Jesus as your healer). I am adjusting in health and the healing anointing is working on me to effect a healing and a cure.

THE SUNDAY

19

“AND Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent, and she became his wife. He loved her deeply and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother.” Genesis 24:67.

Isaac loved the wife totally.

How far your marriage can go as a couple depends on your genuine and deep love for each other. When the love between couples is strong enough, it ensures that nothing can easily come in between them. Isaac and Rebecca’s love started from the moment they met each other.

In one of our marriage seminars, the guest minister for that day recounted how she went into marriage with option B in case the marriage fails. This position she took greatly affected their marriage in their early days until she retraced her steps after being counselled. The fact is that one should not go into marriage with such a notion because marriage is not the same as gambling. You cannot rush in and rush out because it is meant to last forever. Listen, the affection Isaac and Rebecca had for each other was beyond doubt and more than anything. They went all out for it and withheld nothing from each other.

This is called agape love.

They couldn’t even hide their love for a while when their lives were in danger. In Genesis 26:8, Isaac was caressing Rebecca and funny enough; he had already told everyone including the King that his wife, Rebecca is the sister. The scripture said, “But sometime later, Abimelech, king of Philistines, looked out of the window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah.”

Beloved, it is not possible for you to hide your love for your spouse because your compliments, behaviour and utterances in private or in public mean a lot about your relationship. In case you don’t know, the children know whether Dad and Mom love each other. I remember when my wife and I argued over an issue for some time. One day, our eleven year old daughter said to us, why are you always fighting? She mistook our argument for a fight. Of course, many arguments have resulted into fights in some homes. At that point, I realized that argument is not the best in resolving issues. It means

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

that you don’t need to raise your voice in order to be heard.

There are several ways through which you can communicate your plan, assessment, dissatisfaction or disapproval of something and getting your opinion across to your spouse without worries.

It might surprise you to hear that your family, neighbours, colleagues and in-laws also know how you relate or behave to each other. Where there is love, there are no pretences. It drives away doubt and fear. It manifests in the way and manner with which you treat your spouse.

Sometime ago, there was a case whereby at the death of a woman, her relatives insisted that she must be buried in her own father’s compound because the husband maltreated her when she was alive. The late wife’s family didn’t want the face saving burial plans, crocodile tears or window dressing from the husband. You must show love and protect your spouse and marriage from devilish or sensual love for or from another man or woman. You must not love material things like your jeep or car, property and work above your spouse and family.

You must not have ungodly preference for your work, business, ministry, associations, societies and friends to your spouse and children. We have heard cases where someone spends his money somewhere else and does not pay the school fees of the children, let alone provide money for the family’s upkeep. It is love that makes you to do things for your spouse without him or her literally begging for it. Do you know affection is like a magnet? I am talking about love, liking, fondness, warmth, friendliness and care for one’s spouse.

Have you ever wondered why a married man or woman is in love with someone else’s spouse? The reason is because they could not resist the temptation caused by greed, lust and uncontrollable sexual desire. What you get in such a relationship is not love, but death. The bible says in Proverbs 2:16, “Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from seductive words of the promiscuous woman.

She has abandoned her

husband and ignores the covenant she made before God. Entering her house leads to death; it is the road to the grave. The man who visits her is doomed. He will never reach the paths of life.’’ If I may ask, what or who is competing against your spouse in your life? There is nothing that kills slowly than

in case of any possible occurrence like the death of a parent or relation, loss of job, disappointment, business failure, financial losses, betrayal by a friend or colleague, persecution, embarking on difficult task, sickness, disability, pressure, worries, discouragement and troubles. In the scripture,

R

elationship

family and how we lived our lives. God is love and commanded us to love our spouses. It is on record that Isaac married only one wife during his life time even after the death of his wife, Rebecca.

are a widow or widower.”

Where love exists, you will not deny your spouse affection or sex. Where there is love, there are no two opinions.

Your attitude towards your spouse should not change

Love Your Spouse Deeply

BY PIUS ABAH/ KINGSLEY AGESE

when a man or woman discovers that the spouse is having an affair. Anything could happen to that couple and their marriage.

I have often wondered when I hear that a husband or wife could walk away from marriage because of the predicament of the spouse.

Look at that scripture again in Genesis 24:67b, “He loved her deeply and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother.” When your love for each other is profound, you become a special comfort to your spouse

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

Rebecca became a special comfort to Isaac after the death of his mother. It is frightening to hear that a married man or woman finds succour in the arms of someone else whenever they needed comfort and happiness. God condemned it and says it is sin of adultery which ultimate end is hellfire.

The word of God says in I Corinthians 6:9-10, “Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people – none of these will inherit the kingdom of God.” One of the questions that God will ask us on that Day of Judgment is about our marriage. He will ask us whether we loved, cared, trusted our spouses or maltreated or cheated on them and whether we brought our children up in the way of the Lord or not. Everyone must give account of his or her

It was the love he had for the wife that made it to be so. It doesn’t matter the situation or circumstances you find yourselves. The scripture said in 1 Peter 4:8, “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

Love is unconditional; neither is it seasonal nor does it expire. Your love for your spouse should not slack in times of sickness or difficulty let alone when someone’s wife is pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is love that will make a man or woman to stand by the spouse during difficult moments. No matter your age, your spouse should not look less attractive to you at any time. It is love that makes you look past your spouse’s shortcomings. You are willing to help your spouse at all times without manipulation or coercion. When you love your spouse, you won’t harass, intimidate or manipulate him or her. Where there is love, your spouse’s opinion counts.

There are no uses of abusive or harsh words like “I will show you, I will deal with him”, stupid husband or wife, impotent man or barren woman or behaving as if you

based on sudden change in your status of education, wealth, position, childlessness or giving birth to a particular gender always or unhealthy competition from your siblings and their spouses or family interferences, etc.

I will like to remind us what the word of God says about true love.

Read it meditatively. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.

It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

Suffice it to state that without the expression of undoubted love, couples and families will not only suffer unrest, but continuous misunderstanding and disagreement that leads to divorce, loss of valuables and the host of others thereby loosing the ultimate purpose for marriage (togetherness).

THE SUNDAY

20

s h o W b i z

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

JJ Barry Ent Holds EFA In UK, Honours Edo Indigenes

By VICTOR OMOALU

IN the midst of vanishing African Culture, the Edo Cultural Heritage has reigned supreme globally and the recently held Edo Festival and awards ceremony in the United Kingdom put together

by JJ Barry adding some spice.

Entertainment outfit, U.K, the Edo Festival/awards ceremony which is annual norm for Edo indigenes in U.K witnessed a full blend of Edo Cultural display, fashion performances and awards presentation to deserving personalities of Edo State.

Owner of the JJ

Barry Entertainment U.K, Mr. JJ Barry asserted that there has been a concerted effort by corporate bodies,/ individuals with a view to uplifting and preserving the cultural heritage of Edo and Africa at large.

While maintaining that Africa remains the hub of cultural heritage and values, Barry noted that the cultural history of Africa could not be complete without recourse to the Benin Cultural Heritage.

He said the Edo F e s t i v a l / Aw a r d s platform was created three years ago to identify and appreciate Edo indigenes for their

selfless contributions towards the development of Edo State and the Nigeria nation at large. He said it would also help to project the cultural heritage of Edo people through dancing, arts, painting, carving and bronze exhibition.

The event, which held at Webic Centre, Crimscott Street, off Grang Road London, United Kingdom could best be described as a night of glitz, glamour and fun as the venue was filled to capacity by dignitaries from across the globe who acknowledged the artistry on display at the event.

He disclosed that

Rukky Sanda Begs For Help

NOLLYWOOD actress, Rukky Sanda, is now a born again Christian as the actress took to her social media page to encourage friends and colleagues to try and lend a helping hands to others in need.

According to the actress, there are lots of people out there that need help while some have the basic needs and are not willing to help.

In her words, “If my biggest problem is the drive to succeed at anything that I do and fulfill my dreams, and yours is to stay pretty, but all your neighbor wants is to get a job on time to meet up with the rent but you want a new car so badly and the person next to her just wants to get noticed by a guy she’s had a crush on since forever and all he

• Rukky Sanda

wants is to get a promotion at his job but all his boss wants is to loose some weight and his friend next to him just wants to find inner peace and happiness... I could go on... And on... But as we worry about these little things that might seem like the most important thing to us at the time, we all need to take a moment and think about the other person out there... There is someone out there at this very moment and all he wants is to see another day, Someone trying to make it through the night, Someone who is battling for his life, someone who is willing to put his life on the line just in the hope

that he will be able to save his sisters, someone who has food but can’t eat, someone who had all you ever wished for and lost it all in the blink of an eye. I could go on and on... But I’ll say this, we all need to be much more thankful for all we have, and remember to put people out there in our prayers; you don’t have to know people personally to pray for them. Prayer changes things. Nothing is Permanent and impossible is nothing. I always tell God to bless everyone out there in the world with a good heart and fulfill all our hearts desires positively, we should all do these. There is not wrong to want what we want in life, God has written our paths differently, and eventually his will be fulfilled. But we need to keep praying and helping each other every way we can. Pray for yourself, pray for your family, pray for your friends, pray for your country, pray for your nation, pray for the world for if there is positivity around u & the world is a better place, you yourself are closer to your dreams, and you definitely will find bliss. May God’s love and favor remain with us all in all we do and aspire for. Bless”.

organisers plan to add another colour to the event come the 2015 edition which he said would feature interschool cultural competitions in Edo State adding that the overall winners would

feature in the2015 edition in U.K. Those honoured at the occasion included Dr. Captain Hosa Okunbor, Osaro Pedro, Agbonifo Obaseki, Amb. Orobosa Omo-

Ojo Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Osahen Enabulele, President of Nigeria Medical Association, the Edo Heart Beat Band (first Edo Band in United Kingdom) amongst others.

Event Organiser and a guest

Edo cultural troupe thrilling the audience during the event

I Had Huge Crush On Chidinma - Wizkid

FANS of Star Boy, Wizkid are in for a swell time this week as Africa’s biggest music channel MTV Base brings an exclusive scoop into the young superstar’s life.

The documentary showcases the other side of Wizkid and reveals various interesting facts about him, one of which is his crush on fellow Nigerian singer, Chidinma.

“I’ve had a huge crush on Chidinma for a long time; she doesn’t know it but it’s true!” Wizkid

gushes.

Wizkid will also reveal his journey

through music and how he has managed to maintain the hype.

• Wizkid and Chidinma

THE SUNDAY

21

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

With VICTOR OMOALU - 08078811406

Mike Ezuruonye Boasts, Nobody Can Take My Place

GIVE it to the multiple awards winning actor, Mike Ezuruonye. He is indeed very talented and has a knack for roles interpretation.

He has in a short while raised to the Alist actors in Nollywood with over 70 movies to his credit.

In a recent interview with Sun Newspaper, the proud father of one revealed that no actor can actually take the position of another, thus no one can take his place in the Nigeria movie industry.

“I have said it many times, there is nothing like taking anybody’s position. In science, we were taught that one star in the sky is bigger than the whole earth; so it is in Nollywood, so it is in the African art. You have so much space; all you have to do is pitch your own tent.

You cannot take away those icons. You cannot take Ramsey Nouah out of the movie industry. You cannot have Nollywood without a Ramsey, you cannot have the African movie industry without a Rita Dominic, you cannot

know about Nollywood without having a Joke Silva or Olu Jacobs or an Nkem Owoh. All these people are iconic, you cannot take their place – it’s just not possible.

It is like a farmyard, just come and pitch your own tent so that people will now know that it is you, and you’re an icon for what you represent.”

The fair complexioned cute dude also went down memory lane to recall what his growing up days was like.

“I don’t like talking about that, but I want to believe that I was born by parents who could afford certain amenities. And of course, they were disciplinarians. They also taught me selfbelief.

My dad always says: ‘always believe in yourself, always put your head up anywhere you are to answer your name’.

And that has always driven me because even as an upcoming actor I was never scared; I respected my seniors, I respected the established stars and I always had a good thing about that.”

Before anyone could

attain success in life, he or she must go through certain challenges; Mike Ezuruonye is not an exception. He tells his own story.

“The merits outweigh the demerits.

The challenges are that you longer have a life; everybody wants to know you. It’s left to you to now find your inner self, your inner being, to find those who know you properly and be yourself. For me, I always don’t put the pressure of how popular I am on me. I always tell myself – that I should be a good representation for my craft, for my family, and of course because of the allegiance I owe people, I have to

27, 2014.

The rapper, whose real name is Okeje Okechukwu Edwards had his baby boy, delivered at a US hospital.

Formerly known as Nigga Raw, he got married to his wife in December 2009. He has since christened the new baby boy, Chizaram Ekpere.

the woman is from Trinidad and Tobago.

As organized as the place was, she got a shirt and put it on the ground and said to me,

‘please Mike, just touch the shirt for me and I promise I’m going keep it, I’m not washing it’. That was so deep for me.”

• Mike Ezuruonye

McGalaxy Defeats KCee

GOOD things don’t come easy as hard work they say pays better when diligently done and the reward for hard work is appreciation no matter how little it is. After about 11 months he became famous in the Nigerian music industry, ‘Sakem’

Nigger Raw Finally Knows Fate About Baby Boy After 5 Yrs of Marriage HE quietly fizzled out of the entertainment scene and various artistes quickly filled the void he left.

The veteran Nigerian indigenous language rapper, Mr. Raw Nwanne announced the birth of his first child, a baby boy, in the early hours of Thursday November

represent them well.

I’m a regular guy and the only difference is that I’m on TV so, that doesn’t put pressure on me.

Mike Ezuruonye is a regular guy who eats the basic things you get from the everyday market. He is a regular guy who doesn’t go out too much, his best companions remain his way back friends – people who knew him when he was nothing.

He is somebody who loves and always wants to tangle with the commandment of ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. I have respect for everybody.

I’m somebody who builds a lot of goodwill.”

He also recalled one

of his embarrassing moments as super star actor.

“Funny enough, it wasn’t even in Africa.

It was in the US, and

R e v e a l i n g excitedly the birth of his baby boy via his Facebook page, the rapper wrote: ‘I Can’t hide my joy!

Chizaram Ekpere, and she bore me a child. Mother and child are in good state. Thank You Lord. Welcome to the world my boy.

Fatherhood Thanks giving We Don’t Die We Multiply.’

crooner, MC Galaxy, has gotten the avenue to end the year 2014 on a good note.

Mc Galaxy was rewarded for his hard work at this year ’s Nigeria Music Video Awards when he won Best Use Of Dance In A Music Video along other strong contenders in the category like, Orezi — You Garrit, Dammy Krane — You Sabi Dance, M.C Galaxy — Sekem, May D — Jekajo Chindinma — Oh Baby, K.Cee — Pull Over.

His dance skills and style of music has captivated the hearts of many and gained him lots of fans especially after the release of his hit track SEKEM. Other winners at the event which took

place at the Eko Hotel and Suites, on the 26th, November

• Peter Okoye

2014, had the likes of Niyola, Olamide, Oritse Femi, Joe El, Nigeria’s video

Bruce Lee, Kemi Adetiba and others winning in the various categories.

THE SUNDAY

22

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

LEADERSHIP has been defined as a process through which a person influences and motivates others to get involved in the process of accomplishing a particular task. It is the state or position of being a leader, having the

allow him or her gain the power or rather authority to rule.

A leader must have a d e e p - r o o t e d commitment to the goal that he strives to achieve and must realize that the goal cannot be achieved alone without the help of

qualities of a good leader.

Leaders have unique things about them that propel them to greatness.

This helps them to lead masses to innovation and

others. A leader has to be practical and realistic but must talk the language of the visionary and the idealist.

Qualities of a leaderHaving courage: The

unforeseen problems.

Humility An adage says, “pride goeth before a fall. And even the bible’s principle states” humble yourself and I will exalt you”. Humility is not a weakness but more of a silent strength that has

ALTHOUGH times have changed, the qualities, these great leaders cannot be forgotten. Despite the fact that practices and ways of doing things have changed, the ways of these great leaders

M

otivation

completing law from London, he became the most important part of the Indian freedom struggle against colonial rule. His policy of nonviolent protest through

200 years now. His main characteristic was his foresight, vision, strategic planning and ability to lead people to success.

Abraham Lincon

civil disobedience eventually succeeded when he led his country to freedom in 1947. What made him great were his knowledge, resilience and exemplarily life.

This great leader was the 16th President of the U S and most well known of all time. He was in office during the American civil wars when he kept the people

What Leadership Is All About

Mahatma Ghandi

new ideologies.

Leadership has nothing to do with seniority or one’s position in the hierarchy of a company. It entails being strategically focused and applying behavioural techniques to build commitment and attain the best from your people.

Who is a leader?

A leader is an individual who leads a group of people be it the head of a country, an organization, party etc. It is therefore pertinent to state that any individual who aspires to be a great leader must strive in totality to have a good balance of different qualities, which can

By CHIDINMA CORNELIUS

tremendous advantage especially when challenges arise.

Accountability and transparency

cannot be overlooked.

What made them great can still be applicable in today’s leadership. The greatest leaders of all

Abraham Lincon

George Washington

daring and strong personality of a courageous leader is what makes him or her successful in ruling or rather leading his or her people. Courage projects a leader, which makes the individual take decisions at one point or the other.

Stability in life Leaders who want to be successful must endeavour to balance stability with flexibility to find the most suitable way to combat problems, which in turn give them the credit of being respected leaders.

Nevertheless, leaders should ensure to give sound judgment in order to avert series of

A good leader should be able to carry every member of his team along by being accountable and transparent in his dealings. An upright leader cannot be forgotten easily.

Hard work The little secret behind successful leaders is their unending handwork ability.

Lackadaisical and nonchalant attitude should at all cost be prohibited for effective and sound leadership.

True leaders must remember that, “hard work pays”.

Examples Of Persons With Outstanding Leadership

time and what made them great.

Mahatma Gandhi Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi better known as Mahatma Gandhi was born an ordinary boy with a determination to excel at what he did. After

George Washington The founding father of the United States of America was the leader of the American Revolution, and the first President of the U.S. George was a true visionary whose vision has endured more than

together and the reason the nation did not break into smaller parts. He ended slavery by emancipation progression. What made him outstanding were his determination persistence, beliefs and courage.

“Leadership has nothing to do with seniority or one’s position in the hierarchy of a company. It entails being strategically focused and applying behavioural techniques to build commitment and attain the best from your people.”

THE SUNDAY

23

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

SEX can be an objective but it can be a an instrument that leads to the achievement of another objective. Some people have sex in order to feel desired and not for the sake of sex itself.

The same exactly goes

are the same person then everything will become clear. You might fall in love with a woman just because she looks like the woman you loved before and the same goes for rape. A man can rape a woman just

for rape in many cases the rapist is just a person who is trying to reach a completely different unconscious goal while believing that he is just satisfying his sexual desire. Each human behaviour doesn’t map to a single psychological need but instead the same behaviour could appear because of many different psychological needs. In other words, 10 rapist could rape for 10 different reasons.

Below are some of the most common psychological drives behind rape.

Dealing with rejection – What does rejection has to do with rape? One of the reasons a man could rape a woman is to make up for the rejection he felt earlier by the opposite sex. By over powering someone from the opposite sex, the man can feel relieved of the shame of rejection you might be wondering why a man who was rejected by a woman rapes another one. But when you know that the subconscious mind believes that people who share certain similarities

because she resembles a woman who rejected him earlier.

Expression of power – The media teaches people indirectly that men are superior to women because of their ability to dominate them sexually. Because of these advertised beliefs some men rape women in order to assert their manhood especially if they had doubts about their own masculinity.

Feeling superior to women – All men want to feel superior to women but some of them fall prey to low self-confidence issue which forces them to believe that they are inferior to women. In such a case, the shame becomes unbearable and those men start to find another way to feel superior. Some men will usually find a healthy path to gain superiority such as building self confidence or succeeding in life, while other men who are too scared to do this might start taking a short cut which is raping women to feel superior.

Revenge – Some men rape women in order to

take revenge from that specific woman who wronged him or who resembles her or from women in general lets suppose that a man had every tough boss who happened to be a

they know that the rapist picks a target who resembles someone he already knows then the mystery will disappear.

Compensation – Some men don’t have a good societal life and aren’t any lucky when it comes

S

ociety

know. If a man feels he is not in control of his life and he wasn’t brave enough to regain that control in a socially

believe he is satisfying another need. In other words, men who rape women might believe that he is satisfying

acceptable way then he might become a rapist just to over power a helpless victim and so feel in control.

There are plenty or other motives behind rape events but each motive differs from the other.

But in all cases, rape happens to satisfy a

another need. In other words men who rape women might believe that they are doing it just to satisfy their sexual desire without realizing that there are other deep needs behind their motives. This include Unbridled sexual desire, sexual frustration, urge

certain psychological need.

When the subconscious mind wants to force a person to satisfy a certain need, it sometimes makes him

to control or challenge established patriarchy, deep sense of insecurity, unwilling to accept women who disturb the balance of power.

Psychological Drive Behind Rape

By LYSA BAYO

woman. In such a case that man will feel ashamed because his man hood is threatened by a woman and as a result he might be tempted to rape a woman who resembles her in order to feel good.

to dating. Those men are put under pressure by their peers and as a result they start to experience shame. Some of these men become rapist in order to compensate for the lack of intimacy in their social lives.

Also your past affects your present, some people wonder why some men rape old women who are above 60 or even 70 but when

Regaining control – Its funny how people who lack control over their own lives try to exert control over the less powerful ones they

“All men want to feel superior to women but some of them fall prey to low selfconfidence issue which forces them to believe that they are inferior to women. In such a case the shame becomes unbearable and those men start to find another way to feel superior. Some men will usually find a healthy path to gain superiority such as building self confidence or succeeding in life, while other men who are too scared to do this might start taking a short cut which is raping women to feel superior.”

THE SUNDAY

24

C

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

Story Time

The Bird With Two Heads

By NKECHI CHUKWUMA

ONCE upon a time, there lived a strange bird with two heads facing opposite directions. The two heads used to fight and argue with each other even for little reasons. While they shared

the same body the two heads behaved like enemies. They lived along a river bank.

One day, while flying over the river, one head of the bird, saw a fruit then flew down and plucked the fruit from the tree. The head that

tasted the fruit, praised it so much that it was very sweet.

While eating, the other head asked the head eating the fruit. Can you give me a piece to taste it.

plucking it. The other birds living in the tree told him not to eat it that it was poisioned.

On hearing this, the first head cried and begged him not to eat it.

Jokes Akpors And The Principal

Akpors And The Chemist Assistant The first head said; see we have only one stomach, so even if I eat it, it will go into our stomach. The other head begged and begged to taste but the first head refused. The second head, became depressed and vowed to eat the next fruit he sees without sharing.

A few days later, the bird was flying, the second head saw a beautiful pink fruit in a tree it flew down and tried

The second head thought it was a trick and the first head wanted to eat the fruit refused and insisted on eating it and said, afterall, it is going into our stomach.

The first head cried and begged all to no avail.

The second head ate the poisioned fruit. And they both died.

Moral: Avoid Quarrel in a family.

123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234

Story

The Bicycle

By NKECHI CHUKWUMA

Master Esogie Omoruyi clocked 10 on the 27th of November, 2014. Many happy cheers from mum and dad.

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789

Principal: Why were you absent yesterday?

Akpors: I attended a burial Principal: Hmmm! Akpors the professional lateness specialist.

Nothing will stop me from punishing you. Now answer me… who died?

Akpors: You see, the first son of the cousins of my grand mother’s Youngest Nephew who is also the youngest step – Brother to the woman who few gave birth to my uncle’s youngest step son and he was also.

Principal: Alright … (oh!) that’s enough just go to the class.

By NKECHI CHUKWUMA

sons were happy, they were sad that the old man forgot the exact place where the treasure was few days later, the old man died.

The sons decided to dig the land to find the treasure.

They worked very hard and dug their land. They could not find any treasure box. They decided to dig a spot because they believed it was buried there. They dug that spot so deep, but got nothing but water.

A passerby, noticed the dug land and water flowing from a spot. He talked to the sons about agriculture. They planted many food items and because of the water the land was very fertile.

The sons sold their products at a good price and earned a lot of money. They realised they had money because of their hard work. And they always worked hard, earned more money and lived happily.

Moral: Hard work pays.

With LOVETH EKEMOGIE

By LYSA BAYO

The Hidden Treasure THERE was an old man living in his village. He had four sons and they were very lazy.

The old man fell sick and was counting his last days in bed, he worried a lot about his sons future as the young men hesitated a lot to work. The sons believed that luck will help them.

One day, the old man called all his sons and let them sit near his bed. He said, he had a treasure box with gold coins and expensive germs for them and want them to share the treasure equally and live a happy prosperous life. The young men were really happy and asked their father where exactly did he place the treasure. The old man said he could not remember exactly where it is, but it is buried in their land he could not say exactly where it is.

Even though the lazy young

hildren’s World

OKORO was an 11 years old boy. He was the only child of his parents. Okoro’s father is a carpenter and his mother a house wife.

Although they were not rich, they were happy. Okoro’s school was far from his house and his birthday was coming up, he begged his father to buy him a bicycle so that he can go to school on his own instead of waiting for his dad to drop him off in the morning and his treeking back home after school. His father agreed and Okoro was so happy.

On his birthday, he looked up very happy expecting his bicycle his father gave him a big book as his gift, although he was not happy, he thanked

his father for the gift. One day Okoro saw a little boy being attacked by a deadly snake, Okoro killed the snake and saved the boy. The parents of the boy were very rich and they decided to reward him for saving their son’s life and they got him a bicycle as a surprise gift.

Okoro was so happy as he has always wanted a bicycle.

He took it home to his parents and they came to them, the rich man. He told them not to worry that if not for Okoro, his son would be dead, and he will do more for Okoro in the future.

Moral: Always help if you can, because you never know tomorrow, one good turn deserves another.

AKPORS goes into a chemist, reaches into his pocket and takes out a small bottle and a teaspoon. He pours some liquid into the teaspoon and offers it to the chemist’s assistant.

“Could you taste this please? The Chemist Assistant takes the teaspoon, puts it in his mouth, swirls the liquid around and swallows it. Does it taste sweet?, asked Akpors. No, not at all says the chemist assistant, “Good”, says Akpors. The doctor told me to come here and get my urine tested for sugar.

The Woman And The Bus Driver

A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says “ugh, that is the ugliest baby I have ever seen”. The woman walks to the rear of the bus and sat down fuming. She says to a man next to her. “The driver just insulted me! The man says “you go up there and tell him off. Go on, I will hold your monkey for you.

Akpors And His Angry Wife

EKAITTE! Where are you?

Akpors: Honey you remember that gold shop where you saw the diamond necklace and totally fell in love with you.

Ekaitte: (relaxed) yes, my king Akpors: Remember, I had no cash to buy it for you that day and I said, I will buy it for you one day?

Ekaitte: (Totally relaxed with a smile and a blush) yes! I remember my love!

Akpors: Good, I am in a beer palour next to the shop.

My Name Is Bisi

By HELEN OGIDI A Yoruba boy who was dating an Igbo girl, whose name was Njideka asked her to lie to his mum when he takes her home that her name was Bisi. He told her his mum had a phobia for non-Yoruba people and would never accept her once she knows her name was an Igbo name. She did as he instructed, on sighting the boy friend’s mum. She asked her what her name was and she said ‘Bisi” but not without her

characteristic thick Igbo accent.

The boy’s tribalistic mum was so happy that her son was getting married to a Yoruba girl ignoring the Igbo tone and she said. “What a lovely name, your boy friend’s brother’s name is Adebisi, his Dad is Olabisi and my best friend’s name is Omobisi, which of this is yours? She was confused and she replied Ndubisi.

The mother fainted.

THE SUNDAY

25

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

THE principle of sowing and reaping applies to every area of life. In life there are some basic principles that govern human existence and activities you cannot over look. There is also a natural order for everything. The scripture also is replete with these principles-toreap, you have to sow, live,

sowing for the purpose of reaping is often done with caution. For those who are new to the faith or in the midst of a major test or trial for example, a single mother doing two jobs to feed her children and barely able to pay rent might question the sanity of paying tithe or making a contribution beyond the 10

not expect such a positive return.

There are different things people sow today into their lives and the lives of others around them. Some sow good seeds through their words, deed of kindness and even a smile, while some others sow strife and contention, and some even sow death into their

something here that, you do not give to others because of what they are going to give back to you. Real reaping from what you sow into others comes from the good your seed brings forth in their lives. The only reason for living is for you to give to others and the reason for your salvation is that you might serve in

R

eligion

the heart insects and other things may disturb the farmer but he will never be weary of sowing. If you want to wait for a convenient time, I am afraid, there will never be

say to those who economize when giving.

But this I say those who soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly and he who soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. If you

God’s army. Many go to their graves with nothing to be remembered for, but there is an opportunity for

convenient time.

Ecclesiastes 11: 4 warns “he that observeth the wind shall not sow”. Are you

will give all you have to the lord, he will multiply it and bountiful blessings will come upon your life,

you not only to write your name on the tablets of gold but also indelibly in the heart of many even unto generations.

Every farmer knows that there is a proper time to put a seed in the ground. And as a Christian, the proper time is now. Ecclesiastes 11:6 says, “In the morning sow the seed, and in the evening withhold not whether shall prosper either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. Time is no longer on your side. Now is the time of opportunity, the appropriate time to leave a permanent positive mark on someone else’s life. Even if you have been sowing in the past and it seems there is no yield.

Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:9 says. And let us not be weary in well doing. This is not the time to give up.

Don’t be weary in well doing. The storm, the wind,

looking for a convenient time to sow, a convenient time to preach the gospel, a convenient time to give to others, a convenient time when all your needs are met. That shouldn’t be. Out of the abundance you have acquired, you can give a little to ease the pain of those around you. Don’t wait till when there is no joblessness, a time when there is no persecution, a time when you don’t have any challenge before you sow. It is best to sow when you genuinely have little or nothing. There are people that put their knowledge of accounting and economic principles into use when dealing with God. They economize when they are giving to God and they calculate a lot when they are trying to show others favour. Well, if you sow sparingly you are going to reap sparingly. II Corinthians 9:6 has this to

not only that he will write a record about you in this book of life.

If you have never sown bountifully since you became a Christian, you have been robbing yourself of great blessings.

If every time you want to sow you look for the least denomination of money, the most worn out clothes, the smallest portion of the material thing, you can never be remembered for anything worthwhile. If you have been sowing sparingly in the past, why don’t you prove God and sow bountifully, you are going to be surprised by what you are going to reap.

If you will sow bountifully at this time, your life will be different. Don’t do economics with God, just come to him and give to him whole-heartedly and he will reward you immediately.

Principle of Sowing And Reaping

you have to die (John 12:24) to be exalted, you have to humble yourself, (Luke 18:14). Note that you cannot sow just anything; it is impossible to plant maize and expect to harvest strawberry. You must sow what you want to reap; in fact, it is what you put in the ground that comes back to you.

Galatians 6:7, admonishes, “be not deceived God is not mocked for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

The law of sowing and reaping is called a law for a reason. It is a Godly principle and part of the covenant he made with Adam and all of creation on Genesis 8:22. While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

So far, the earth has not ceased, which means that the principle of seedtime and harvest (sowing and reaping) remains active and mankind is still subject to it. Whenever humans obey the laws of God, it takes discipline and faith in the beginning, but in the long run, blessings follow.

When people disobey God, their actions are void of faith and cessons are usually learned the hard way.

No doubt the act of

By BLESSING AIGBE

percent required. And yet the Bible asks Christians to test God with this type of sowing in Malachi. “Bring all the tithes into the store house, that there may be food in my house, and try me now in this “says the lord of host. The scripture goes on to say that the windows of heaven will open and there will be so much blessing, there won’t be enough room to store it.

It is not often God says you test him. In fact, nowhere else or for any other reason does God give Christians permission to do so.

Throughout the inspired word in the Bible, God gives command and requires Christians to demonstrate faith. The good news is that God also offers promises for those who are willing to trust him. A good example is “proverbs 11:18” that says, seeds sown in righteousness will have a sure reward. Galatians 6:7 also help to prove this point. “For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap”.

Of course, the scripture in proverbs is specific about the type of seed that brings rewards. If righteousness is required from the one sowing, then this implies that a Christian living outside of God’s will, may

generations yet unborn.

As it is best to always have the right focus, let’s

consider positive aspects of sowing.

Whatsoever seed you sow today will germinate and bring back plenty harvest for you just like corncobs and as such you must be very careful about it. The only purpose of planting or sowing a seed is to reap a harvest. So also, the only genuine reason for sowing into people’s lives is to get something in return. But, let me quickly point out

“ If you have never sown bountifully since you became a Christian, you have been robbing yourself of great blessings. If every time you want to sow you look for the least denomination of money, the most worn out clothes, the smallest portion of the material thing, you can never be remembered for anything worthwhile.”

THE SUNDAY

26

MASTURBATION is the process of stimulating one’s genitals with one’s hands for sexual pleasure. It can also be seen as the ejaculation of semen by hand.

Masturbation is a most

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

his fist. This certainly gives star gazing a new twist. Greek men and women both were known to masturbate and saw it as a gift from the gods. They believed that the god Hermes taught his son pan how to

as not to be aroused when cleaning their foreskins and daughters to have Clitoridectomies.(removal of the clitoris). Parents were encouraged to place their children in straightjackets, or wrap

CAUSES OF MASTURBATION The main cause is bad company where children hear and discuss sexual topics. When they are sexually stimulated, they engage in masturbation

L

iving

The other is rectal worms. The worm cause irritation to the anus and consequently, it gives rise to erection of the penis.

In such

Evil Of Masturbation common sexual activity.

Ironically, it’s also probably the least thing people will talk about.

Practically, all people masturbate. A recent nationally representative sample of almost 6000 men and women aged 14-94, masturbate at some time in their lives.

Most of the findings are not surprising. Men are more likely to masturbate than women.

Teens and college students report the highest frequency of masturbation, averaging two or three times per week. But this frequency decreases as we age. It is a fallacy that people only masturbate when they are not involved in a sexual relationship. It has been studied by some scholars that the frequency of masturbation increases with a person’s frequency of intercourse, especially in women.

Though most people believe that masturbation is an important way for people to discover their own sexuality, therefore preventing infection as long as their hands are clean and prevent pregnancy and STD. HISTORY OF MASTURBATION Masturbation has a long and colorful history. According to some ancient Egyptian myths, the god Apsu created the Milky Way when he copulated with

masturbate to help heal his broken heart when he was rejected by the nymph, echo (men and women).

A physician called Galen felt that the retention of semen is dangerous and leads to sickness. women in ancient Athens commonly purchased Dildos known as Olisbos, made of padded leather or wood. Greek men saw masturbation as a sin of poverty and if you had the money, you would pay someone to do it for you.

An early Christian bishop taught that masturbation was a worse sin than adultery, rape and incest because it was unnatural and a form of contraception.

In 1729, the post masturbation disease came with long list of serious and debilitating symptoms and the charlatans made a killing selling cures for this dreaded infection. This dreaded infection became so disastrous that in the 20 century, parents were encouraged to have their sons circumcised so

BY ERIC OGIEMARIAYE

their child in wet sheet and apply leeches to remove blood and congestion, or burn genital tissue with hot iron to make sure their child had no access to their genitals at night where the evil deed was likely to happen.

collectively without any shame and this is a very first wrong step. Since this evil act gives intense pleasure, they keep on doing quite regularly without knowing the adverse effect of the masturbation in the future to come.

circumstances, boys handle their penis, which gives intense pleasure to masturbate and later form the habit. Excessive use of stimulating diet such as meat, eggs, tea etc. Watching of sexual and love scenes in TV, cinemas. Talking of

“When you bathe, do not admire yourself in a mirror and never read pornographic materials. Keep it out of your mind, start each day with an enthusiastic activity and don’t remain idol or stay in bed all the time. Always fight against every thought of masturbation.”

sexual problem with young ladies in seclusion and also reading of amorous literature trigger people to masturbate.

EVIL /EFFECTS OF MASTURBATION Masturbation causes impotency if it is indulged. Therefore parents are advised to keep a watch on their children against all possible factors, which can tempt their children to masturbate.

Masturbation causes lower back pain, thinning hair, hair loss, weak erection, premature ejaculation, testicular pain, and dizziness and pimples.

Doctors have cautioned that loss of excessive amounts of semen could result in physical damage such as spinal cord deterioration.

Excessive stimulation can result in over production of sex hormones and abundant and unusually large amount of hormones neurotransmitters can cause the brain and body function to be extremely sympathetic.

PREVENTIONS OF MASTURBATION Never touch the intimate parts of your body except during normal toilet procedures.

Avoid being alone as much as possible and if you are associated with other persons having the same problem as you, you must break off their friendship. When you bathe, do not admire yourself in a mirror and never read pornographic materials. Keep it out of your mind, start each day with an enthusiastic activity and don’t remain idol or stay in bed all the time. Always fight against every thought of masturbation.

THE SUNDAY

27

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

H

GUAVA fruit is a common fruit and it’s a well known source of vitamins and vital nutrients, it’s said that a ripe guava is equal to

health care is either not accessible, or it is not affordable (or both).

There are constituents in guava leaf that attack pathogens.

It’s

prevents the absorption of sucrose and maltose by the body, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Drinking guava leaf tea for 12 weeks

HYPERRTENSION Researchers in Nigeria have found that guava leaf, in combination with ether herbs are useful for treating hypertension

cholesterol and triglycerides without any adverse effect on

DYSENTERY Guava leaves are herbal remedy for diarrhea and

four apples. Most of us know about the health benefits of guava fruit, but we are unaware of the fact that even guava leaves have several medicinal properties and offer an array of health benefits. Being packed with antioxidants, antibacterial and antiinflammatory agents and beneficial tannins, fresh guava leaves are considered as a natural pain reliever. The chemicals contained in these leaves such as polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids and tannins can be extremely effective in treating various diseases, due to its medicinal properties, guava leaf supplements are nowadays available in the form of capsules and guava leaf tea.

Guava leaf like many other herbs, has an amazing array of qualities, and it seems to be able to do amazing things. It can stop diarrhea and has saved many lives across the world. Especially in regions where modem

antibacterial. Guava leaf can regulate blood glucose levels, and can help make you thin.

Guava leaves are regarded as herbal treatment for several diseases due to their medicinal properties.

The health benefits of guava leaves are given below.

1. AID IN WEIGHT LOSS Guava leaves aid in weight loss by preventing the complex starches from being converted into sugars.

For this purpose, the carbs must be broken down in the liver for use by the body and guava leaves prevent the transition of carbohydrates to usable compounds. So this is one BIG plus for all those flying to lose weight.

2. BENEFICIAL FOR DIABETICS According to research conducted by the Yakult Central Institute in Japan, guava leaf tea can effectively lower blood glucose in diabetics by reducing the alphaglycosidase enzyme activity. Moreover, it

lowers the blood sugar levels without increasing insulin production.

3.

LOWERS CHOLESTEROL

and other stroke-related maladies. Moreover, studies has shown that drinking guava leaf tea for 3 months can lead to reduction in bad

good cholesterol.

Besides, the guava leaves are a great liver tonic.

4.TREATMENT OF DIARRHEA AND

dy s entery. For treating

ealthy Living

Health Benefits Of Guava Leaves

“According to research conducted by the Yakult Central Institute in Japan, guava leaf tea can effectively lower blood glucose in diabetics by reducing the alpha-glycosidase enzyme activity. Moreover, it prevents the absorption of sucrose and maltose by the body, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.”

diarrhea, boil 30 grams of guava leaves with a handful of rice flour in 12 glasses of water and drink this mixture twice a day. In case of dysentery, cut the roots and leaves of guava plant and boil them for 20 minutes at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius. Strain the water and drink in moderation until relieved.

TREATMENT OF BROCHITIS: Guava leaf tea is effective in treating bronchitis by opening up the lungs, loosening mucus and soothing coughs. Drink early in the morning for best effect..

THE SUNDAY

28 IN today’s Multifarious world where the devilish spirit of “I don’t care” has bedeviled the lives of many children, it’s questionable to state that good children exists. We are now in a world where children claim to be their own tutors.

Many now believe they know it all. Many of them have resulted to disobeying their parents. Some are even bold enough to open their mouths to rain insults on their parents. Self independence in what majority of today’s children are seeking and doing all sorts of ungodly things to achieve that.

The above notwithstanding, every parent desire and pray to have a “good child.”

Nobody on earth wants bad things and parents desire to have good children as well.

But it’s quite appalling that the more parents desire and work hard to train their children, the more we have indiscipline children in our society.

However, it must be stated that as we have bad children so also we have good children. But what makes a good child? What are the qualities of a good child?

One of the qualities of a good child is “SATISFACTION”. A child should always be happy with what he has and be satisfied. A child should not look at what others have and what he/she does not have. Parents need to make them realize that their belongings, are not less than others. A child needs to learn to stay happy and enjoy whatever the parents can offer. He needs to be told to be dedicated to his work and give his best any where he finds himself. A good child should be able to work hard and be

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

efficient, to stay away from any fraud, all these need to be instilled too on the child.

Assertiveness is another quality which to required by any child these days. It is the ability to put forward one’s thoughts truthfully

they control their destiny.

Benevolence is one of the most important characteristics a good child should possess. It is the desire to help others, do charitable deeds or an act of kindness. This should be

should be made to understand its meaning.

They should know how to behave with other and what to say to others while having a normal conversation or even when they are fighting. This

Parenting

can learn the same from you as a parent concerned.

Respect is one of the major qualities/a good

Raising Up A Good Child

and with confidence. A child needs to listen to the parents and understand what they say for his own benefit. But they need to be programmed with the ability to speak up if they are not comfortable with something or if something is not according to their liking.

A good child should share his troubles with his parents, and the parents should be ready to listen to him and encourage him from being self reliant, a child should be taught how to be responsible and taking the responsibilities of others.

Responsibility is a major quality that needs to be taught.

Making commitments and following it up is the basis of being responsible. When a child starts misbehaving, you as the mother have to question the child and tell her/him to be responsible.

A child needs to be taught at an early stage that few things are his responsibility like cleaning the house, washing his or her clothes and cooking or maybe cleaning the table after meals. A good child must learn to do all these.

A good child must not depend on others to do his work. doing things yourself give you confidence and makes you autonomous.

Being self reliant, helps child to take decisions, plan what they want in life and somehow get a feeling that

By BLESSING AIGBE

inculcated in a child as in today’s world, most people are selfish. The richest feeling in the world is to do a good deed anonymously and help somebody find out. So teaching a child has

quality is called Empathy.

They should know to what extent they can get rude and what they can say. They should be taught that they should do things which they can tolerate

to begin at home, by the parents at an early age. If you help your child to choose a good friend it will help the child. Helping others is not just charity or a good deed but it also provides immense satisfaction.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is a very famous quote and a good child

themselves. Explain to him how his actions affect others and what would be the consequences. If he bites his brother, explain that it hurts. If you see another child with a skinned knee, talk about how it must sting. You need to pay respect to his feelings and attention to his feelings and attention to his needs so that he or she to

“Benevolence is one of the most important characteristics a good child should possess. It is the desire to help others, do charitable deeds or an act of kindness. This should be inculcated in a child as in today’s world, most people are selfish.”

child should have; Respecting elders is another important quality.

This needs to be worked upon over a period of time.

Even when the child is small, the child needs to be told that his parents are elder to him and they need to be given respect. Then

slowly, they need to be told that not just parents but others of younger or equal age are to be respected too.

And respects begats respect. This leads to one being looked upon in the society. People want to be friends with such a person.

Hence, respect has to be taught. Because respect is important as a child with good quality. Patience is still one of the good quality a good child should possess.

Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting. There is a saying “The patient dog eat the fatest bone,” so as a good child you need to be patients. Good things come to those who wait. This quality of patience helps a child to wait for their turn,

not to cause unnecessary stress to themselves and to other and to enjoy the present moments. Also, while doing any specific work, if we are patient then the foundation is stronger leading to better results.

Once we develop patience and are in need or want of nothing, we find ourselves with everything and lack nothing.

This comes though, not overnight and is best if taught at an early age.

Patience is probably the biggest less for man to learn because with infinite patience, we are infinitely merciful and accepting and forgiving.

The next quality is trust; to be able to trust people and also not to break the trust people have instilled in them. If a child cannot trust, then the child will have a lot of issues in building a relationship, in talking to people easily and in moving forward in life.

Hence the child needs to trust people. Parents should try and trust their children in anything they do.

Being honest is the base of all qualities. Honesty is the best policy; this is one of the first quotes which is drilled into every child’s head. The child must understand what this means and also the importance of being truthful. The child learns from the parents and a parent should make sure not to lie to anybody in front of the child, especially at an early age.

Many a time, parents who want to avoid certain calls, make others lie about them not being at home and hence not take the call. At a young age, the child would learn this habit.

Being honest and accepting one’s fault, keeps one at a peaceful state of mind.

Honesty also includes being sincere and doing one’s work with full caliber.

Honesty helps to gain respect in the society.

These 10 values should be taught by the parent and should also show examples of all this values, because the child will copy from his or her parent.

THE SUNDAY

29

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

Arsene Wenger Happy With Nacho Monreal, But Has Winter Wish List

manuel Pellegrini Hints At january Signings For Manchester City MANCHESTER City boss Manuel Pellegrini has not ruled out making new signings in the January transfer window.

The champions look to have a serious fight on their hands to retain their Barclays Premier League crown with leaders Chelsea currently setting a ferocious pace.

That might tempt City back into the transfer market at the campaign’s halfway stage, as might continued involvement in the Champions League.

City, who face Southampton on the weekend and Roma early next month, still have a chance of reaching the knockout stages of the European competition following Tuesday’s stunning defeat of Bayern Munich.

“It’s a thing that maybe we will talk in a few weeks more,’’ said Pellegrini. “But not in this moment. We are just focused on the Premier League, focused on the game in Rome.

“If we continue in the Champions League we will have a lot of things to think about, but you must remember we have restrictions this year — restrictions that we cannot bring in important players because we must leave them out of the

squad for the Champions League.

“So we will see but I repeat that at this moment it is not the first priority to talk about. We are not thinking about that because I think it’s important to trust in the squad that we have.’’

The restrictions Pellegrini refers to are those imposed by UEFA last summer after the club breached the European governing body’s Financial Fair Play regulations.

City were limited to a net spend of 49 million pounds in the last transfer window and also had to limit their Champions League squad to 21 players, as opposed to the regular 25.

Fear of further sanctions will limit the amount the club are prepared to spend while the squad cap leaves little room for manoeuvre.

One player the club would be able to replace, however, is former England midfielder Frank Lampard, whose loan from sister club New York City is due to expire at the end of December.

Yaya Toure came through with the winner in Manchester City’s comeback 2-1 victory over Swansea.

Manuel Rellegrini

Mourinho: Ballon d’Or is bad

UEFA president Michel Platini proclaimed in midweek that a Germany player - not favourite Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win 2014’s Ballon d’Or due to the nation’s World Cup win in the summer.

On Friday, Real Madrid issued an embittered criticism of Platini’s remarks, stating that they clearly felt their top goalscorer and global icon Ronaldo was the most deserving of the accolade,

For Football

while coach Carlo Ancelotti also condemned the Frenchman for airing his views.

These sort of public spats are exactly what Chelsea want to avoid, according to Mourinho, who does not believe the obsession that clubs and players have over the Ballon d’Or is healthy or beneficial.

Bats Out For Cricketer Killed By Ball TRIBUTES for Australian test cricketer Phillip Hughes who died after being struck by a fast ball flowed on Friday, including a display of placing cricket bats outside homes and cricket grounds.

Sending photos of the bats in tribute grew quickly after a Twitter account put out your bats, was opened by Sydney cricket fan Paul Taylor with a photo of his cricket bat leaning against his front door.

“We’ve all played cricket in one way or another,’’ Taylor said on his Twitter account, the Australian broadcaster ABC reported.

“Backyard or beach cricket, no matter what level, we’ve all grown up with a bat and ball. This is our way to connect and show our sadness. Thoughts must go to (the bowler) Sean Abbott.’’

Abbott, 22, who bowled the 130-kilometre-per-hour ball that struck Hughes, has been receiving counseling and support from fellow cricket players.

The simple social media tribute has grown to hundreds

of photos taken in Australia and around the cricketplaying world of bats leaning on doors and gates, many of them with caps from local teams on the handle.

Hughes, 25, was struck by a fast bouncing ball during a state match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

It hit him just below his helmet behind his left ear, crushing an artery and causing heavy bleeding on the brain.

He was operated on to relieve pressure and placed in an induced coma, but he died on Thursday. The team doctor Peter Brukner called it a “freakish accident’’ adding it was “incredibly rare.’’

Sports players will be wearing black armbands this weekend, including the Australian Rugby Team the Wallabies who play England at Twickenham.

Cricket club games for Saturday have been cancelled, but it is yet to be decided whether the Test Series against India to start on Thursday in Brisbane will go ahead as planned.

“This kind of trophy, the Ballon d’Or, is not good for football,” the former Real Madrid and Inter boss told reporters. “This is why I don’t care about it.

“Sometimes it looks like we are looking for stars, we are looking for some people to be more important than others.

And this is not the culture we want in this club.

“I don’t care about it. But it’s there. It’s there as a consequence of the good work the team is doing. And, if they feel that, okay. It’s good for them.

“But the mentality here is not to be worried about that. Even less being obsessed with that.

“When I see these two names, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard, I think clearly they don’t think about it. They think about the team, about playing well and trying to win matches.”

Mourinho won Fifa’s Coach of the Year award - which is handed out in the same ceremony as the Ballon d’Or in 2010 after guiding Inter to treble glory and has since come second and third.

The Portuguese manager is currently in the midst of his second stint at Chelsea, after leaving Madrid in 2013.

Black Players Always Have To Give More

Okaka:

SAMPDORIA’S Stefano Okaka has revealed his opinion that he might have made his debut for Italy sooner, were he not black.

The 25-year-old has scored just two goals in 12 Serie A appearances for high-flying Sampdoria so far this season, but was called into the Azzurri fold for the first time by Antonio Conte for the internationals in September.

It was a dream debut for the striker as he came on from the bench to score the winning goal in the 1-0 friendly against Albania, but he feels his skin colour could be a reason for his delayed progress to the international scene.

“If I was white, I would be considered more of what they are: a black always has to give something more,” Okaka said in an interview with La Gazzetta.

“I feel totally Italian. When in May and 20 days ago they called me to offer me to play for Nigeria, I said no because I did

not feel ‘natural’, such as what happened when Conte called me for Italy.

“But my past in the youth levels is there, and today I am like a tree that does not know its roots.”

The former Roma and Parma man went on to talk about his aggresive on-field mentality, which he believes to be one of his most positive attributes.

“I am Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Okaka, and my mum said to me as a kid: ‘Stefano, you transform on the pitch’,” he added.

“It is true, I become the exact opposite. Out with the goodnature, in there I am a beast that does not look at anybody. I think it’s my strength.

“For 90 minutes I hate all of those who play against me.”

Fourth-placed Sampdoria could rise above Napoli and into the Champions League qualification places with a win when the pair face off on Monday.

MANAGER Arsene Wenger accepts Arsenal will have “to be creative’’ in the January transfer window, but has complete faith Nacho Monreal can provide “quality’’ cover in central defence.

The Gunners have seen their squad decimated by injuries, with England midfielder Jack Wilshere ruled out for three months after ankle surgery earlier this week and captain Mikel Arteta set to be sidelined by a calf problem.

Wenger revealed the club would try to “rectify’’ their defensive options when the transfer window re-opens, and have been linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar.

However, the Arsenal boss insists bringing in any new player is not a matter of just simply writing out a cheque and shaking hands.

“You have to give us time.

We do our job as always.

This season we bought five players who are all top quality, so I think we have done really well on the transfer market and we try to repeat that in January,’’ said Wenger, whose side will look to build on the midweek Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund when they travel to West Brom for

Saturday’s lunchtime Barclays Premier League kick-off.

“However, to buy football players is not like you go into a supermarket and just say: ‘I want to buy a right-back or a centre-back.’ It is to find the right quality.

“If you go out tomorrow you will see that everybody looks for the same positions everywhere, so it is not as simple as it looks.

“In January, it makes it even more difficult because players are even less available than in June or July, but we will try to be creative and have one or two good ideas.’’

Laurent Koscielny is expected to return from his Achilles problem at The Hawthorns.

Arsane Wenger

Mourinho Lifts Chelsea Christman Ban

THE Portuguese suspended last year’s event after a 2-1 League Cup loss to Sunderland on December 17.

But Mourinho has now moved to ensure his players let their hair down ahead of the hectic Christmas schedule, and says he trusts his squad to ensure they maintain their fitness levels following a scintillating start to the season.

“I think it’s more important what they do when they are not with us than what they do with us,” said Mourinho, who can see his side move nine points clear at the top of the Premier League with a win over the Black Cats this weekend.

“With us, the percentage of the day is so small that what they can do here they can destroy in one click. And they have 20 hours to do that. It’s their responsibility. When they come here better today than yesterday and the recovery process is fluid, it’s because they’re doing that very well.

“Probably, because of that, the club is preparing a little Christmas party for them and their families. This is a squad with lots of young guys with kids a couple of weeks to 10years-old. I think it’s good for them.”

Mourinho rubbished any suggestion that he would dress up as Chelsea’s very own Father Christmas, but admits that the party will involve

players and children alike.

“I think I have to go to say a couple of words and, after that, to leave them with their families and kids,” he said.

“There are Christmas parties and Christmas parties.

“This one I think the families deserve and the boys are very happy to be with their families.”

Such is Mourinho’s pleasure at his team’s displays, he does not intend to ask Roman Abramovich to finance a January transfer splurge, claiming that his squad is “perfect.”

“I don’t want people to leave — I don’t want people to come in,” he added. “That, for me, is the perfect situation.

“If other teams do it in January, good for them. It will not be something I will use by saying, ‘these guys spend £30?million more’.”

Victor Valdes

THE SUNDAY

30

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

Who Will Replace Robben, Ribery And Lahm?

Bayern Must Not Lose Shaqiri And Hojbjerg THE injury problems suffered by the likes of Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben over the last few months should be a wake-up call to Bayern Munich.

Though the quartet have been the inspiration behind much of the success achieved under Louis van Gaal, Jupp Heynckes and current coach Pep Guardiola, all four of them are over 30 and beginning to enter the tail end of their careers.

And yet, two of the brightest prospects in Bavaria, Xherdan Shaqiri and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, could soon be leaving the club, frustrated by the limited opportunities they have received this term.

Shaqiri’s case is the more puzzling of the two.

In his first season at the club in 2012-13, he offered a much-needed alternative to Robben,

Ribery and Thomas Muller on both flanks as Bayern fought successfully on all three fronts.

This rotation, which saw him score eight goals in 39 appearances in all competitions, suited the Swiss youngster. Arriving from Basel, he was not accustomed to the pressures that come with playing for a club the size of Bayern. Being eased into the first team and learning from more experienced team-mates was in everyone’s interest.

But things have regressed since then.

Stuck behind the irrepressible Robben, last season Shaqiri made just

MCILROY still alive in Sydney despite mid-round collapseRory McIlroy suffered a spectacular twohole meltdown in the third round of the Australian Open on Saturday but he was not quite ready to give up on his title defence after windy conditions kept his rivals in check.

The world number one plummeted down the leaderboard when he dropped a combined five shots at the ninth and 10th holes but even a five-over-par 76 left him just six shots off the pace going into Sunday’s final round.

“I need a fast start tomorrow to have a chance,” he told reporters. “It depends too on what the guys ahead of me do.

I need some help. But the greens have been firmer every day. So a low score is higher than it was.

“I still feel like I can shoot a good one. I just don’t know if that will be enough. I’ll be trying my best. It’s the last round of the season so it would be nice to make it a good one.”

McIlroy had stayed among

the leaders for his first eight holes, sinking a couple of clutch par putts and rebounding from a bogey at the fourth with a birdie at the next which could have been an eagle had he not lipped out with the putt.

His driving had been erratic, though, and he paid the full price for it at the ninth.

He launched his tee shot into a reedy thicket and his first attempt to extricate the ball left it wedged under some matting, forcing him to take a drop with a two-putt on the green leading to a triple bogey.

At the 10th, he found the woods from the tee, again failed to get back on the fairway with his first effort and coming up short with a 10 foot putt for bogey.

“It was a tough day obviously,” he said. “The wind was up. I was doing okay, steady enough, until I got to the ninth. I hit a wayward tee shot into what I thought was a decent enough lie that I could advance the ball.

“But I didn’t realise what I

17 appearances in the Bundesliga and he is now nothing more than a backup player. The 23-

sale, with Juventus and Liverpool among his reported suitors.

“Liverpool made a bid

‘we’re not going to sell you’,” he said in September.

Their stance has

year-old looked set to leave in the summer, only for Bayern to block the

for me before the World Cup yet Bayern put their foot down and told me:

was standing on is not like dirt or earth. It was more like carpet. So the ball went underneath the carpet. Had it

been a normal surface it would have been alright, but down there it was impossible.”

changed, though, with club legend Franz Beckenbauer saying this week: “Bayern have already sent out a signal and indicated to him that he can probably go in the winter break if he wants.”

The club’s honorary president’s next statement was telling. “I think it’s a shame because he is a great talent.”

Bayern could well live to regret the decision.

Ribery is in good form at the moment, but had been on a steady decline over the course of 2014 after missing out on his coveted Ballon d’Or. Injuries have hardly helped his situation and his international retirement is as good a signal as any that he feels the need to manage his body.

Robben’s renaissance since his winning goal in the 2013 Champions League final shows no signs of subsiding but the

Louis Van Gaal

McIlroy Still Alive In Sydney Despite Mid-round Collapse

McIlroy

Dutchman’s chequered injury history is hardly an indication of a player who has many years left ahead of him.

Shaqiri is a combination of the two, with the desire to beat players and motor down the wing like Ribery - as well as cut inside and utilise his brilliant left foot just like Robben. Who better to step in and eventually succeed either of them than their long-time understudy?

Hojbjerg’s case is far more complicated. A talented young midfielder, the Denmark international is one of the best players to come out of the club’s academy since the likes of Muller, Toni Kroos and David Alaba. But he is well down the central midfield pecking order right now.

With the likes of Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Xabi Alonso and David Alaba for competition, and Thiago Alcantara to return from injury soon (not forgetting long-term absentee Javi Martinez), the 19-year-old rookie cannot get a look-in. His pessimism over his role has forced him to seek talks with the club this week.

“There will be talks,” he said on Tuesday. “It is unusual when a 19-yearold says that he wants to play more. But in football, everyone wants to play a part. I am not unhappy with the coach or management.”

Again, Bayern would be well-advised to keep the teenager happy, not just in the long term but in the immediate future. Lahm is out until February, Thiago has been sidelined with various ailments since March and Schweinsteiger’s injury problems are well documented. Hojbjerg

THE SUNDAY

31

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

Giggs On His Way To Becoming Manchester United Manager RYAN Giggs is the most decorated player in the history of English football but his “proudest moment” in the game was walking out of the tunnel at Old Trafford, suited and booted as Manchester United manager.

That was against Norwich City in April when Giggs took temporary charge following David Moyes’s dismissal, the first of four games in charge for the Welshman in which he won seven points.

“That was the proudest moment - walking out on to the pitch and the fans and the crowd giving me a great reception,” he reflected earlier this week.

“Growing up as a child supporting United and then obviously being lucky enough to play for so many years - I never actually thought I would be in charge of the team.”

On Saturday, Giggs celebrates his 41st birthday knowing that he is on the path to one day becoming United’s permanent manager.

The 20-time English champions face Hull City at home in a repeat of Giggs’s last time in charge at Old Trafford last season before Louis van Gaal took control in the summer.

That game ended up in a 3-1 victory in which academy product James Wilson scored his first two senior goals for the club.

Van Gaal is famed for nurturing proteges and has been credited with providing the training opportunities for great coaches including Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Frank de Boer.

For all Giggs’s insistence that he did not fall out with Moyes, it is true that the former midfield felt marginalised and ignored as part of the Scot’s coaching team last season, perhaps in part due to concerns that he was too close to some senior players.

Van Gaal, however, has been quite the opposite, encouraging Giggs to get involved beyond being the man who puts out the cones before training sessions at the club’s Carrington base.

The Dutchman appreciates Giggs’s knowledge and understanding of a club with whom he won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies but he has been handed more than a token role in the new setup.

Van Gaal says that Giggs has been given responsibility for “analysing the opposition and then relaying to the players what we have found” while the 63-

year-old also spoke of his assistant’s passion and determination when he held a meeting with the squad ahead of the Manchester derby earlier in November.

“I have seen a lot of trainees and I have thought that Ryan Giggs is a trainee but he isn’t a trainee, he is an exception,” said Van Gaal during a speech at an event to honour the Welshman in September. “I have seen a lot of trainees and I am very happy with him because he has showed already that he can communicate

with the group in front of him.”

Giggs has conspicuously sat next to Van Gaal during matches and been the man on the touchline during play, relaying instructions to the United players on behalf of his boss.

Van Gaal is also far from the autocrat often depicted in the media. He welcomes Giggs’s input into discussions around issues such as team selection and tactics, and he wants the United legend to question him and engage in debate.

Such active involvement in

day-to-day coaching and decision-making will stand Giggs in even better stead after 23 years as a top-level player, all but one of which were under Sir Alex Ferguson.

While former team-mates such as Paul Scholes are migrating towards media careers, Giggs is determined to become a manager and even suggested earlier this week that that might happen away from United, the only club he has ever known.

“It’s like an apprenticeship, it’s like starting out as a footballer -

Victor Valde’s Move To Manchester united ‘Still On’ Ryan Giggs

Liverpool Already Planning For Life Without Rodgers

LIVERPOOL have responded to a debilitating start to their season by exploring options to replace Brendan Rodgers as manager, Goal understands.

According to sources involved in the process, potential successors have been contacted to assess their suitability for, and interest in, the position.

The Premier League club’s approach, which is described as “very informal”, included questions about management style, training methods and philosophy. That the process began several weeks ago is an indication that Liverpool’s American owners are considering radical measures should their expensively restructured squad’s underperformance continue.

Rodgers was rewarded with an improved four-year contract after overseeing a wholly unexpected secondplace finish last season. The Northern Irishman was also permitted to lead a +147million summer spend on transfer fees as Liverpool sought to wrestle the Premier League title away from Manchester City this campaign while qualifying for the Champions League again.

Eighteen points adrift of leaders Chelsea having lost half of their opening 12 Premier League fixtures, the title is already unattainable, leading Rodgers to focus

resources on what has become a more open race than usual for fourth place.

Fenway Sports Group’s plan upon taking control of the club was to be benefiting from Champions League revenues from 2015 onwards.

Rodgers was not John W Henry’s first choice as manager when FSG last

Brendan Rodgers

you’ve got to learn your trade and that’s what I’m doing,” he said this week ahead of the launch of ‘Life of Ryan’, the DVD celebrating his playing career.

“It’s good. (Van Gaal) has been really good with me and he’s given me a lot of responsibility.

“I know the club, I know the culture and I try and help the manager with that but obviously he’s the one with the experience and he’s managed so many clubs.

“We try and learn as much as we can from each other. I know some of the players that we’re playing against as I’ve played against them.

“It’s just about trying to help each other but he’s the manager and he makes the decisions and I’m trying to learn from him as much as I can.”

changed coaches in the summer of 2012, only winning over the club’s principal owner with his performance at interview and a 180-page “document on the culture, philosophy and game plan going forward” that Rodgers claimed to have “been piecing together” for 15 years. It is understood that

Henry has had to be talked down from dismissing him as manager on at least two occasions since.

Should a definitive decision be made to change manager again, FSG are expected to appoint a young, forward thinking coach. Roberto Martinez was initially Henry’s preferred canditate

for the role in 2012, though his position at Everton and renowned loyalty to employers mitigate against him this time around.

Andre Villas-Boas - who has led Zenit St Petersburg to an eight-point advantage at the summit of the Russian Premier League - was also short listed two years ago, but is not keen on coaching in England again. FSG have been impressed by Jurgen Klopp’s achievements at Borussia Dortmund and are well aware that he has begun positioning himself for a job in England.

Asked this week if any Premier League club had contacted him, the German evaded the question.

“Sometimes timing is very important,” said Klopp. “In each part of life, I think.”

Rodgers, meanwhile, has seen bookmakers radically shorten odds on his dismissal.

“They obviously expect me to lose my job,” he said yesterday.

“It’s as simple as that.

That’s football. A few months ago, I was manager of year and now I’m favourite to get the sack. It’s part and parcel of this wonderful life of working in football. It’s shorttermism. All you can do is focus on the immediate job and what you can control. It’s about working with the players, really consolidating, defining and providing even more clarity in their roles.”

VICTOR Valdes’s bid to earn a contract at Manchester United remains unaffected in spite of his recent trip to Barcelona, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Reports on Friday suggested that the goalkeeper, who has been training with the Red Devils for the past few months, decided to end his spell with the club on Friday and return home indefinitely.

However, the Spanish paper claims this isn’t the case, as he will only spend the weekend in his hometown before resuming training with Louis van Gaal’s men on Monday.

The newspaper also states that his Uniteddebut could be imminent thanks to his rapport with United goalkeeping coach and former Barca mentor Frans Hoek.

Valdes is currently involved in a legal wrangle with Monaco over an alleged breach of contract back in July, while he continues to recover from a serious knee injury.

Nonetheless, the 32-year-old is reportedly hopeful about securing a permanent deal in Manchester and intends to amicably resolve his contractual issueswith the Ligue 1 side before the end of the year.

Victor Valdes

CMYK

THE SUNDAY

32

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014

Boxing Day Tournament: Okoh Seeks Corporate Sponsorship CHAIRMAN, Edo State Boxing Association, Mr. Wellington Okoh has expressed his desire to stage a robust, exciting and spectacular boxing tournament on December 26, 2014 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City.

Mr. Okoh, who kick started the lacking is the fund to stage a annual Boxing Day tournament robust boxing tournament”, Mr. in 2013 after years of lull, said Okoh told OSERVERSPORTS arrangements are on to re- in a chat in Benin City yesterday.

Mr. Okoh said that the engineer and re-invigorate the that sports December 26th Boxing show as perception one tournament in which development and promotion is everybody will look forward to the exclusive reserve of as the year approaches to an end. government was wrong as He said however, that this can government alone can not only be possible when corporate adequately cater for the needs of bodies, multinationals, public- the society especially the youths.

He therefore called for the spirited and sports loving individuals partner with the support of corporate bodies and effluent Edo indegenes both at Boxing Association.

“My dream is to make Edo State home and to join in the renewed once again the boxing “mecca” effort to revive sporting activities in Nigeria by staging and in the state.

Mr. Okoh pointed out that the elevating the annual December boxing tournament to a full benefits accruable to sponsors of the annual boxing tournaments entertainment industry. “ I am confident that we can include increase awareness of achieve this because we have the the firm’s activities or business pool of young talents but what is leading to more patronages as the

Super Falcons Know 2015 World Cup Foes In Ottawa FEDERATION of International Football Association will hold the draw for the 7th edition of the Women’s World Cup in Ottawa on December 6.

The draw will see representatives from 24 teams from six confederations which have qualified for the tournament gather inside Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa to know their opponents in the group stage.

Ottawa, Moncton, Montréal, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver were listed as the venues to host games of the competition which will hold from June 6 to July 5 2015.

A record 129 nations entered the qualifiers and that the finals will, for the very first time, feature 24 teams. This is the

seventh appearance of Nigeria’s senior women team in the tournament with their best outing at the 1999 edition staged in USA. The African champions were edged out by Brazil in an infamous golden goal in the quarterfinal after finishing as runners up in their group.

Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire are teh other African representatives.

yuletide draws more people to the entertainment industry.

“I am using this medium to appeal to organisations such as

Mr. Wellington Okoh

excited if considered as Africa’s women coach for the year 2014 following his achievements for the country and club side.

Okon who led the Super Falcons to winning their record seventh title at the Africa Women Championship in Namibia at first attempt as well as leading Rivers Angels to lift the league title and Federation Cup said he would be excited to be given a

look in by the continental football governing body.

“I will be the happiest man at that level. For me to be recognised [as the best coach in Africa], I will be very happy though I’m nothing just that God has been very wonderful to me this year in every competition I have participated in. It will be memorable one for me,” Okon told Goal.

The former Falconets coach also attributed his side’s achievements this season to experience gatherered this season.

“The winning mentality is there. We have grown from strength to strength this season.

We are champions and they knew what was at stake,” he said.

“We needed the three points against Edo Queens so as to achieve our ambition. I think winning away and getting the title is a plus for us.

“I’m the happiest coach because for the past five seasons we have been in the finals of both the FA Cup and league finals.

Players Hail Sponsor Of Asoju Oba Table promoting table tennis.

PLAYERS on Friday in Tennis Cup in“God will continue to bless the Lagos praised Chief MoladeOkoya Thomas, sponsor of the annual Asoju Oba Table Tennis Cup for continued support to the development of the sport.

Reports state that the 46th edition of the competition which served-off on November 24 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, ended on November 28.

In interviews with newsmen table tennis players commended the sponsor for sustaining the competition.

Ayo Omotara, who was the Eight seeded male player of the competition, said that the annual competition had impacted

positively on participants over the years.

“I started playing in this competition at a very tender age, and the competition really helped me to grow in the sport.

“Other players have also benefited,” he said.

Fatima Bello, the woman, who seeded Number Four player at the event, told newsmen that the competition had helped to increase the profile of the sport.

Fatima, who won the mixed double event of the competition alongside Ogunlade Azeez, urged the sponsor not to relent

Samsunspor.

Gaziantep BB are now 12th on the league table with 11 points from as many games.

sponsor of this competition that has enhanced the growth of table tennis in Nigeria,” she said.

Kehinde Borokini, a senior player, urged other philanthropists to emulate Thomas by sponsoring more sports competitions to boost the skills of budding talents.

“This is the longest sponsored table tennis competition in Nigeria; if we have other individuals who can also sponsor competitions regularly, Nigeria will be a force to reckon with in ping pong,” she said.

Meanwhile, a newsmen reporter, Kemi Ajayi, was defeated in two straight sets by Lukmon Ologunro of the Hallmark newspaper at the final of the Sport Writers’ Association of Nigeria event.

A total of 22 titles were to be clinched in the competition.

Edwin Okon

YABATECH: Intensifies Training

Ahead Of Polytechnic Games

Shola Ameobi

Super Falcons

the people of Edo State. I know they have the resources to do this and the state and our youths who are the direct beneficiaries of this noble gesture would continually appreciate them”.

Edwin Okoh eyes CAF Coach NIGERIA women handler Award Edwin Okon has said he will be

Shola Ameobi hits Target Again In Turkey NIGERIA striker Shola Ameobi scored his fourth goal for Gaziantep BB in the Turkish division two league Friday as they won 4-1 at

banks, network service providers, coca-cola, Guinness, Wesco Pools and other to help us sponsor this year’s boxing tournament as parts of their corporate social responsibility to

The former Newcastle United star scored his side’s second goal in the 50th minute to give them a 2-1 lead.

The 33-year-old former England youth international, who has 10 caps for Nigeria with two goals, made a sensational move to the Turkish lower league in the summer as a free agent.

He scored 53 goals in 312 league games he played for Newcastle United.

THE Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, is intensifying training ahead of the 18th edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games slated for December 4 to December 16 in Bida, Niger.

The institution’s Athletics Coach, Uruemu Adu, made this known in an interview with the newsmen at the weekend in Lagos.

He said that the school would be featuring 25 track and field athletes with the aim of dominating the Games.

Adu, also an Assistant Athletics Coach with the Lagos State Sports Council, said that he was asked to help the school to win many medals.

“We are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure better results at the Games,’’ he told newsmen.

He noted that some of the athletes were greenhorns, but

expressed the hope that they would perform well.

“The compact training sessions that started two weeks ago have made the athletes to exhibit uncommon skills that can stand out in any competition,” the coach said.

He said that the team had been given a target to surpass the school’s record at the 17th edition of the competition in Ede, Osun.

According to him, more attention is being given to sprinters because the school intends to use athletics to gain more medals at the tournament.

“Training is being administered to the athletes to put them in the right frame to supplant opponents of any class.

“The school’s eight gold, 10 silver and 18 bronze medals at the Ede Games will be exceeded at the Bida Games,’’ he said.

Printed and published by Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, 24, Airport Road, P.M.B. 1334 Benin City. Telephone; Lagos: 01 4930929, Benin: 052 257492, 257531 Editor. GLORIA OMORUYI (08025849707). Deputy General Manager (Marketing) (08023457566), Assistant General Manager (Advertisement) (08023808856) Lagos Office: 25A Alli Street, Off Tinubu Square, Lagos Island, Lagos. Abuja Office: Floor 1, Edo House, 75 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Tel/Fax: 09-5237631.

Carlo Ancelotti