Nigerian observer 31 07 2013 by Nigerian Observer

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 38 NO. 286 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013 . N 100.00

Police stop CSOs rally in P’Harcourt

MIDWEEK MAGAZINE

PORT HARCOURT – The Police in Port Harcourt, Rivers State yesterday prevented the Niger Delta Civil society Coalition from holding its planned rally at the Port Harcourt Liberty

Page 16 -17 Reinventing Africa for the challenges of the twenty-first century

Stadium, Port Harcourt. As early as 8 a.m., all entrance into the stadium had been

barricaded by stern looking heavily armed men and officers of the Nigerian Police.

Their aim, it was gathered was to prevent members of the civil society and other invited guests from gaining access to the venue

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Shut Down Of Benin Airport

Oshiomhole dissociates Edo Govt

NATURAL MEDICINE

By ADAMS OYIBOKE

Page 19

ZINC, imperative for eyes and reproduction

BENIN CITY – Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State yesterday dissociated the state government from the closure of the Benin Airport, saying it was the Airport Station Manager, Mr. Sunny Ayodele who carried out the closure. However, he disclosed Chief Oseni Elamah who at a Press Conference spoke with newsmen that the state Board of said the FAAN Manager Internal revenue Service was the one who closed (EIRS) only closed down down the airport gates the administrative office and prevented of the airport in order to passengers and compel the authorities of intending passengers the Federal Airport from going out and into Authority (FAAN) to remit the airport. the PAYE tax deducted According to him, “In from salary of its staff the presence of the CP over the years. (Police Commissioner) Chairman of EIRS,

Edo State

GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT INVITATION TO TOWN HALL MEETING ON EDUCATION EDO State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole wishes to invite the executives and members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNIBEN and Ambrose Alli University Chapters, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics in the state, Civil Society Groups, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Market Women Association, Student Groups, Women Associations, Non-Governmental organisations, media executives and practitioners, teachers, Parents Teachers Associations in the state, community leaders and indeed other stakeholders in the educational sector in the state to a Town Hall Meeting on Education. Time of the Town Hall Meeting will hold from 9.30a.m. on Wednesday, 31st July, 2013 at the Imaguero College Hall, Benin City,Theme is “The State of Education in Edo State”. Signed: PATRICK OBAHIAGBON, Esq., Chief of Staff.

and SSS, I directed my officials to break open the keys to confirm that we did not seal the airport”. “Action by Ayodele was targeted at blackmailing

and disrupting information. We have a subsisting court order to so distrain their office”, Elamah added. He said EIRS had last

year distrained the airport, besides the s e v e r a l correspondence exchanged between them to persuade the

FAAN to remit the tax. Following yesterday’s development at the airport, Abuja and Lagos bound passengers were

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Chief Judge frees 11 prison inmates

By INNOCENT OMOAKA/DAVID LAWANI/PAUL-OJOR ANGELA BENIN CITY – The Edo State Administration of Justice Committee led by its Chairman and the State Chief Judge, Justice Cromwell Idahosa yesterday discharged eleven inmates of the Oko Medium Security Prison in Benin City. The inmates were among the 988 awaiting trial inmates at the Oko Prison for offences, including alleged armed robbery, unlawful

Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu (right), Deputy Governor of Edo State with Prof. Osariemen Osunbor, former Governor, Edo State during Holy Matrimony of the son of Mrs. Erewele at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, Sapele Road, Benin City. Photo: MOSES OBOH.

Kidnappers to face death penalty By KEN ABU/WINIFRED OSASOBO

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BENIN CITY – The Edo State House of Assembly has prescribed death penalty for kidnappers in

the state. This followed the passage into law, and

ILORIN - Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, has advised the Federal Government and striking lecturers to

reach a consensus. Ambali gave the advice in Ilorin while speaking with journalists at the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge. He said no lecturer derives joy in going on

“ The two parties strike and appealed to both parties to work for the should go back to the restoration of academic drawing board and discuss their grievances activities in universities. reach an The university’s branch and of ASUU, however, did agreement. not join the strike. Continues on page 2

amendment to the bill for a law to prohibit

Strike: VC begs FG, ASUU

kidnapping in the state after consideration at the committee of the whole. During consideration of the amendment, the prescription of death penalty for kidnappers generated a heated debate as some lawmakers failed to see the wisdom in its inclusion as canvassed by others.

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News

Chief Judge frees 11 prison inmates

Continued from page 1 possession of firearms, stealing and giving of false information. Speaking on his visit to the Oko Prison, Justice Idahosa said, it was in line with his annual visit to prisons across the state to deliver judgment

on criminal cases overlooked, long overdue and to decongest the prison. He however reiterated his commitment at ensuring speedy trial of criminal cases before the criminal division of courts in the state. He commended the efforts of

the Hon. Attorney-General of the state and the office of the department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for improving the process of the trial of inmates at the criminal division of the courts. In a related development, the state Comptroller of Prisons,

that in the case of individual(s), each of them shall on conviction be sentenced to death while in the case of corporate body, forfeiture of all assets or property to the state. Sections 7, 8 and 9 of the principal law which prescribe conviction to life imprisonment were amended to reflect death penalty. Meanwhile, plenary session for the first quarter, third session of the fifth assembly came to an end yesterday with an announcement to that effect by the Speaker of the

House, Hon. Uyi Igbe during plenary session. According to him, during the quarter, the House sat for a total of 50 days during which two bills were passed into law while three are at different stages of consideration. The Speaker also disclosed that during the period, a total of 12 petitions were received from members of the public by the House, while 12 resolutions were adopted and six reports are pending before different committees with three motions also pending. The House is expected to reconvene for the second quarter on September 9, 2013.

“I appeal to the two parties to close the gap, understand each other and come to terms on the demands of the striking

lecturers,” he said. Ambali also said the university would soon start generating electricity from alternative sources using

Kidnappers to face death penalty

Continued from page 1 It was the view of some lawmakers, including Hon. Friday Ogieriakhi (Orhionmwon II) that death penalty was capable of driving kidnappers to the desperation of killing their victims who ordinarily would have served as evidence for conviction by law courts when the victims are able to seek their release. This view was however defeated by lawmakers who voted in favour of the inclusion of death penalty in the amendment, which further strengthened other section of the law, including section 4. Section 4 indicates that any person who attempts to commit kidnapping is liable, upon conviction to life imprisonment. Section five of the amended bill which relates to the involvement of corporate bodies and individuals aiding or abetting abduction states

E. N. Etowa, represented by the Deputy Comptroller of Oko Medium Security Prisons, Mr. Olugbenga Babarinde commended the chief Judge in ensuring that inmates awaiting trial whose cases were over looked and overdue get justice. According to him, the efforts of the Chief Judge have helped in decongesting prisons in the state. He however lamented the worrisome high incidence of crime in the state as a major set back in the total decongestion of the prisons in the state. The comptroller also called on the state government to assist the Oko Prison with vehicles and other logistics for conveying inmates to the courts being serviced by the Oko Prison. The inmates discharged included, Okpame Ikponmwosa, Victor Arifo, Jonah Edeh, Emeka Nwaenyi, Nnamdi Okoro, Lucky Uche, Godwin Edobor, Chukwuemeka Ayanwu, and Sunday Idodo.

Strike: VC begs FG, ASUU Continued from page 1

Oshiomhole dissociates Edo Govt

Continued from page 1 some

stranded. It was gathered that there was enforcement of a court order for the distraining of the airport in lieu of tax not remitted to the state government to the tone of N14,937,333.78k. As at 8 a.m., officials of the EIRS had arrived the administrative office of the airport to seal the administrative office block by placing it under lock and key. The order was sequel to a motion experte from the State High Court of Justice in suit No. B/RC/51/2013 dated May 3, 2013 seeking an order to seal up FAAN for failure to pay a total sum of N14,937,333.98 tax to the state government. The court order reads in part, “an order to distraining upon any land premises or place of business in respect of which respondent is the owner at Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Benin City in satisfaction of tax liability in the sum of N14,937,33.98”. The order was displayed at the entrance gate into FAAN Administrative block which was under lock and key. Speaking with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER,

of the stranded passengers said the Airport Station Manager took the issue personal as he personally came and shut down the Airport gate and directed that the light at the terminal be switched off. “It is indeed sad. Nigerians and even the Airport should not be dragged into the issue of non-payment of tax”. “The airport is a public ground with free entry and exit regulated by laws, we do not need to take the laws into our hands”, a passenger stated. When asked the time passengers have been held down, an expatriate who claimed anonymity said “For more than three hours”, adding that “no aircraft is allowed to take-off”. According to her, “business has been completely dashed for today. I am going to Lagos and from Lagos to the United States of America, but here I am frustrated, I don’t know what to do”, she lamented. The entrance gate into the Airport was later reopened by the Station Manager after over two hours. However, as at press time, there was no sign that passengers would be air lifted as many had left the airport premises.

The rally was called to protest the alleged impunity being employed to foil the political crisis in the state. Chairman of the Civil Society Coalition, Mr. Anyakwee Nsirimovu who arrived the venue early yesterday, said that President Goodluck Jonathan was using his ‘men’ and officers

of the Nigerian Police to undermine democratic rule in the state. According to him, what happened is comparable to what Nigerians witnessed during the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida which he described as dictatorial and never allowed for freedom of expression.

Police stop CSOs rally in Continued from page 1 P’Harcourt proposed for the rally.

All efforts to speak with the Airport Station Manager, was unsuccessful as he was said to be attending a crucial meeting.

its dam, solar power and waste. He further said the university’s scientists were working round the clock on the alternative sources of energy. Ambali added that several proposals were received from interested companies to partner with the university on the project.

NSE sets to revolutionise capital market

LAGOS - Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Mr Oscar Onyema has said that the new Nasdaq OMX trading platform would revolutionise the nation’s capital market. Oscar said this at a technology expo tagged “XGen Expo” organised by the Exchange in Lagos. He said that the new trading platform would be the fastest in Africa and would aid the development of the country’s capital market. He said the new trading technology was highly sought after by foreign investors in Africa. Onyema said that migration to the new trading platform would begin during the third quarter of 2013, adding that up loading of the trading platform would be done in two phases to ensure seamless migration. “The first phase will be on equities, bonds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), while the second phase will be on derivatives, futures and options. “This 21st Century technology in Africa will ensure online real time trading and increase market efficiency.” He urged the market’s stakeholders to take advantage of the new trading platform. Mr Ade Bajomo, NSE’s

Executive Director, Market Operations, said the proposed 1 trillion dollars (N155 trillion) market capitalisation by 2016 could be achieved with a robust trading technology in place. Bajomo said that the Nasdaq OMX platform would enhance market liquidity, investment diversification, and enhance introduction of new products. He said the platform would allow the bourse to trade on options and futures to deepen the market. Bajomo said the platform was necessary considering that e-trading was the trend globally. “The NSE will not want to be left out. “The new technology is about changing experience of doing business in our market,” he said. Bajomo said the platform would offer investors and participants the flexibility to do business from anywhere, as well as increase investor confidence. He said that fund managers under the new platform could connect to their broker dealer from anywhere. The executive director said the testing of the platform would be concluded this week, adding that the market operators would undergo five weeks training to ensure seamless migration.

BNCL GM Bags award of By ADAMS OYIBOKE/ excellence EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU BENIN CITY – An Award of Excellence has been presented to the Ag General Manager, Bendel Newspapers company Limited (BNCL) publishers of “The OBSERVER” titles, Pastor Monday Aigbe by the executive of the National Association of Edo State Students (NAESS). Presenting the award on behalf of Edo State Students nationwide, the National President of the Student body, Prince Festus Otono, said the award was in

recognition of the commitment of Pastor Aigbe to the sustenance of good governance and the nascent democracy in Edo State and Nigeria in general. Speaking, Mr. Aigbe thanked the body for the award, saying it is an impetus for more commitment. He assured the association of BNCL’s support in the area of publicity of its activities that would advance the cause of the Edo State Students nationwide.

Census Tribunal ‘A’, has called for a review of the National Population Commission Act 2004. Yisa, who made the call in an interview with journalists, said the review of the Act, was necessary in order to ensure speedy completion of cases. Specifically, Yisa said the Act should state a time frame within which all cases must be heard and concluded, rather than “leaving it vague as it is now’’. He also said that there should be a time frame for filing petitions, for reply by respondents, for taking evidence and for delivery of judgment, as it is in the Electoral Act. Yisa said the review would not only give credibility and recognition to the tribunal, but also speed up the completion of cases. He noted that petitions arising from the results of the census conducted in 2006 were still pending before the tribunal, six years after, and said that it would be good if the existing Act be amended to provide a time frame for filing cases. “For example, the 2006 Census results were not released on time.

“The results were released long after the tribunal was established and the tribunal had to wait till the results were released and gazetted,” Yisa said. He, therefore, called for a quick review of the laws setting up the tribunal. Similarly, Yisa called for the introduction of legal rules and procedures to be used in adjudication by the tribunal. He flayed a situation where the existing high court rules and procedures were being used by the tribunal’’, and said that, as a simple fact finding body, the tribunal must not be bugged by complex technicalities, rules and procedure in deciding cases. “This tribunal is a fact finding one and we are budged down by technical rules of procedures. “We have the rules of tribunal and where the rules do not cover any particular subject we are asked to fall back and use the High Court Civil Procedure Rules. “In this case, some counsel use Federal High Court Rules, while others use the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) rules, and these are complicated rules, which delay the work of the tribunal,’’ he said.

Tribunal boss seeks review ABUJA – Mr. Abraham of NPC act Yisa, the Chairman of the

World Toilet Day Wateraid Nigeria lauds LAGOS – Dr. Michael Ojo, UN WaterAid Nigeria’s country representative, yesterday lauded the United Nations (UN) General Assembly’s decision to declare November 19 every year as “World Toilet Day“. Ojo, who gave the commendation in a news statement, said, “It is an historic decision to declare 19 November as World Toilet Day. “It will assist in increasing global awareness on sanitation, as well as end open defecation. “WaterAid welcomes this recognition of the global sanitation crisis and the need for the UN and member states to take action. “This is not just the creation of yet another UN day, but another sign that governments are beginning to recognise the importance of toilets.” The WaterAid Chief said

that the UN resolution was unanimously adopted on 24 July in New York. Ojo said that the resolution urged UN member states and partners to promote behavioural changes and come up with policies aimed at increasing access to sanitation, as well as end open defecation in communities. He said, “2.5 billion people around the world lack access to safe sanitation. “And it has been estimated that 69 per cent of Nigeria’s population lacks basic sanitation. “This means only 31 per cent of the population have access to sanitation.” Ojo, therefore, called for collaboration between public and private organisations in realising the objectives of the World Toilet Day across the globe.

Inside Edo Vice Chairman Applauds Participation In Sanitation dumping refuse in the gutters. BENIN CITY -The July Osifo disclosed this while council boss is prepared to Exercise Meanwhile about 73 persons statewide environmental monitoring the exercise in the ensure that people in the Sanitation exercise in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area has been described as one of the best in the local government. The vice chairman of the council Hon. Benson Igie

locality. Hon. Osifo who represented the council boss, Hon. (Mrs.) Itohan oosahon Ogbeide said he was impressed over the turn out of the people of the locality. He said that the council brought out more than

15 tippers to evacuate heaps of refuse at various markets and as well as debris from gutters in the area by tricycle operators. He commended the effort of the Tricycle operators for

being able to come together and ensured that something was done for the road to be motorable. Osifo assured the people of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area that the

L-R: Mr. Grant Orugbani, Chairman, South-South Zone of the Nigeria Institute of Management , Chief John Odigie Oyegun, former Governor of Edo State, Deacon Vincent Agemomhen, Chairman, Freedom Group of Companies, Chief (Dr.) Michael Olawale-Cole, President (NIM), Mrs. Victoria Oyegun, and Dr. Uno Uwaga, Deputy President, NIM, at the cocktail Party to mark the South-South Zonal Summit which took place at the Residence of Chief Oyegun. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.

Gov Oshiomhole Tasks Students On Social Vices BENIN CITY- The Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole has admonished students in the state to shun all forms of violence, tribalism, cultism, Indecent dressing, drugs abuse, corruption and be commited to their studies if they must lead in the future. The governor gave the admonition at the weekend during a three-day programme

of the 2013 National Conference of the National Association of Edo State Students (NAESS) held at the school of Health Technology, Benin City. The governor who was represented by the Senior Special Assistants on students matters, Comrade Musa Ohimini Alechenu, described the event as timely as it will futher help students in their academic activities. Chairman of the occasion, Elder Ogbeide Uwumwonse advised students to deviate from any act capable of Jeopardising their

BENIN CITY - The leadership of the Nigeria union of journalists at the state council has been urged to take urgent steps to stamp out quacks among practitioners. This was contained in the eleven point communiqué issued at the end of the zonal meeting of the Nigeria union of Journalists held in Benin City. The communiqué also urged members of the NUJ and the various chapels to pay their professional fees and remit their check-off dues to the state, zonal, and national secretariat as at when due. The leadership of the zone F of Union stated that there are plans to resuscitate the annual media games in order to bring journalists in the zone together to foster unity, while a committee was set up to fine tune the proposed South-South ministerial briefing scheduled

for later this year. The leadership of the zone F of the NUJ commended governor Adams Oshiomhole for his support to the state council of the NUJ and for transforming Edo State, especially in the areas of roads and schools reconstruction. The Edo State Commissioner of Police Mr. Folunso Adebanjo was also commended for his good media relations and his pro activeness in crime prevention and control in the state. The leaders of the zone however expressed displeasure over the current political crisis is Rivers State and called on all parties involved to sheath their sword and resolve their differences amicably, even as they commended the National Assembly for the steps taken to find a lasting solution to the crisis in Rivers State, and urged the Federal Government to intervene by ensuring peace in the state.

By EVELYN AMOWIE IGBINOSUN/OYENMWEN OMOROGBE

future. He urged them to take their studies seriously if they must become future leaders of tomorrow. Earlier the president of the National Association of Edo State students Prince Festus Otono, recalled his earlier promise on assumption of office to engage in constructive dialogue with the state government as regard bursary/scholarship to Edo State students. He attributed the success of any

organisation to unity, just as he said for unity amongst members towards ensuring that the objective/set target of the association are met. Prince Otono stated that the conference which was tagged Nigeria’s democracy, leadership challenges and Dilemma of Nation Building was an annual event aimed at bringing together all Edo State students, interact and chat the Way forward, especially in the area of good governance.

locality are living in a conducive and clean environment and therefore advised the people to stop

were arrested and brought before the mobile court seating at Ugbekun health centre for environmental offences.

Group Honours Commissioners, Others BENIN CITY- The National Association of Edo State Students (NAESS) has honoured the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Lucky James with an award for his unwavering commitment to community development and youth empowerment. Receiving the award on behalf of the commissioner, the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs in the ministry, Mr. E Ehigiamusoe thanked members of the association for the honour saying it would spare him to further commitment to duty. He dedicated the award to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, saying he provided the enabling environment for him to do the right thing at the right time. National President of NASS, Prince Festus Otono had prayed the governor to consider the payment of bursary to students of the state orgin in tertiary institution nationwide. Other recipients of the 2013 NAESS award included the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe,

NUJ Decries Existence Of Quacks Among Practitioners

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Student Matters, Comrade Musa Alechenu; Comrade Bashir Kadiri, Vice Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State chapter and former Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State chapter, Comrade Anthony Kaduna Eboigbodin at the National Conference of the National Association of Edo State Students held in Benin City at the weekend. PHOTO: SOLOMON ENAIGBE

Commissioner for Works, Barrister Osarodion Ogie, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Henry Idahagbon and the General Manager, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Publishers of the Observer titles, Pastor Monday Aigbe.

Security

Community Seeks Govt Assistance By JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM

IGBANKE- The Chairman of Oligie Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State, Mr. Aghedo Bassey has appealed to all tiers of government to provide the necessary equipment and financial assistance to enable them combat crime in the area. Speaking in an interview with The N I G E R I A N OBSERVER at Oligie Igbanke. Mr. Bassey disclosed that some hoodlums recently barricaded Agbor Uromi Road during which they unleashed mayhem on indigenes of the area. He said that since the incident people of the area have been living in fear adding that what is required now is for government to provide support that would encourage members of the vigilante. He disclosed that during the robbery incident they were confronted by members of his outfit during which there was a gun battle. He however said that no live was lost. The Vigilante men in my area are still looking for the hoodlums to face prosecution”, he said.

Inside Edo

Incest: More

Witnesses Testify By ROLAND OSAKUE/ INNOCENT OMOAKA AUCHI: Three prosecution witnesses testified before Magistrate Ikwuemosi Osayande (Mrs.), on the criminal case preferred against one Festus Joseph, who allegedly had carnal knowledge of his daughter and also gave false information to the Police in Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo state. In the Criminal Case with charged No MAU/1C/2013A, the accused person( Festus Joseph) is standing trial over an offence punishable under Section 125 A (A) (b) and 357 of the Criminal Code. Testifying in the Case, the 6th prosecution witness, Mr. Daniel Taiye Erbohboi, a Social Welfare Officer in the Department of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Auchi, after being led in evidence by Police Corporal Joshua Ogbaneme told the court how PW4 (Destiny Joseph) lodged a compliant of sexual harassment against the accused, who was her father. The PW6 told the court that at the welfare office in Benin City, PW4, who was in a stable state of mind narrated how she was sexual harassed by the accused over time and that it was when she could no longer bear the unlawful sexual acts that she now reported the matter to the welfare office. Under cross examination by P.T Braimah Esq., Counsel to the accused, Mr. Erbohboi told the court that he referred the

Hon Philip Shaibu Majority leader Edo State House of Assembly welcoming Hon Patrick Obahiagbon Chief of Staff Government House who represented Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, during the flag-off ceremony of the Rural Agricultural Development training scheme of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in conjuction with Hon. Philip Shaibu at JattuUzairue Etsako West Local Government Area last week Thursday PHOTO: GODWIN ISEGUAN

complains of Destiny Joseph (PW4) from the Auchi Welfare Office to Benin City for onward assistance, since he was on vacation. Similarly, the 7th prosecution witness, Mrs. Lucy Bello, Coordinator, Association of Orphanage in Nigeria, Edo state and the Director, Amadi Orphanage, Benin City testified how she received a letter from the Director of Social Welfare in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, urging her to provide temporary shelter for PW4 (Destiny Joseph). The copy of the letter was later admitted by the court as exhibit ‘K’. Under cross examination by Counsel to the accused person, PW7 told the court that she got to know about the carnal knowledge of the PW4 by the accused when she (PW4) narrated her ordeal while at the custody of the Amadi Orphanage. The witness further stated that PW4 told her that her (PW4) step mother and wife to the accused was aware of the sexual harassment meted on her by her biological father (Festus Joseph). On the evidence of the 8th prosecution witness, Mrs. Mary Emimah, a nurse and manager at the Amadi Orphanage told the court that she received PW4 (Destiny Joseph) into the home for temporary shelter as directed by the letter from the Welfare Office of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Meanwhile, Magistrate Osayande (Mrs.) has adjourned continuation of hearing in the case to August 13, 2013.

Idahagbon Admonishes Graduands By ISEMHENBITA FAITH / ANUGOR BLESSING

BENIN CITY – The chairman of the 34th Annual Graduation/Prize Giving Day ceremony of Lydia Group of Schools Benin City, Hon. Soni Idahagbon, has advised secondary school graduands to be focused and make judicious use of every available opportunity in life. He gave the advice at the weekend during the graduation ceremony of Lydia Group of Schools which was held at the school’s premises, Dumez road, Benin City. He added that according to research by the school’s authority, 98 percent of students who graduated from the institution have acquired tertiary education and are gainfully employed. Also speaking, the Principal of the school, Mr. Peter Edeoghon said the school, as a coeducational institution which believes in all round development of the child has always maintained first positions in academic and sporting competitions. Mr. Edeoghon recalled the success recorded so far, adding that one of such was the official commissioning of ultra-modern hall of the school. Prizes were given to the most outstanding students and

outstanding staff by a financial institution while the school also presented gift to the graduating students.

A cross section of traditional rulers at the Rural Agricultural Development training scheme of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in conjuction with Hon Philip Shaibu at Jattu-Uzairue Etsako West Local Government Area last week Thursday PHOTO: GODWIN ISEGUAN

Threat To Kill: By ROWLAND OSAKUE/ INNOCENT OMOAKA EKPOMA - The Magistrate Court sitting in Ekpoma and presided over by Magistrate Margaret Iluobe (Mrs) has adjourned further hearing in the criminal case preferred against one Judith Ive Okuosun and six others in the Ambrose Ali University (AAU), Ekpoma to August 21, 2013. In the case with charge No MEK/18C/12 before Magistrate Iluobe, the accused persons; Judith Ive Okosun, Juliet Obehi Okosun, Esther Ogbeide, as well as three lecturers of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU); Ekpoma, Samson Ogbeide, Igbudu Samuel and Ojeabulu Eghosa Clement and one Aruya Ohis William are all facing criminal trial for stealing, threat to kill, unlawful detention and publication, false statement and assault, committed against one Engr. (Dr.) Peter Otubu at Ekpoma. Testifying, the 6th Prosecution Witness, Aliyu Isiaka, a Police

Court Adjourns Case To August 21

Corporal with the State Criminal and Investigation Department (CID), Benin City led in evidence by the State Prosecutor Counsel, Mr. Anthony Okungbowa told the court how a case of conspiracy, stealing, demanding of money with menace and unlawful detention of the PW1 (Engr. Peter Otubu) was referred to his section, then headed by the PW5 (Inspector Festus Agese) vide a petition by the PW1

against the accused persons, after it had been reported to the Police Division at Ekpoma. He told the court that during investigation, the 1 st and 2 nd accused persons led his team to the 3rd accused person (Esther Ogbeide), who was arrested and brought to the Police station where she volunteered statement,

indicating that after she arrived the scene of crime, she offered cloth to PW1 as he was then striped naked. Corporal Isiaka later identified the statement which was then admitted as exhibit ‘V’. Under cross examination by A. U Osunde (Esq), Counsel to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd accused persons,

Corporal Isiaka explained that during investigation, no packet of condom was recovered from the residence of the 1 st accused person (scene of crime). He added that the packet of condom now exhibit ‘M’ before the court was brought to the Police department by the mother of the 1st and 2nd accused persons, who also volunteered statement indicating that she was given the packet of condom by her daughters.

grant leave to them and their team of expert to enter the land in dispute situated in Area BC 10 at Okomu Forest Reserve in Ovia South West Local Government Area, Edo State for the purpose of taking samples of ruminants of their bulldozed and burnt crops by the defendants in the presence of police authorities and officials of the court without hindrance. The applicants however sought the order so as to avoid

the interference by the defendants or their agents and for same remnants to be observed by the experts and kept in the custody of the court for use during trial, as well as any such further order or orders as the court may deem fit in the circumstance. It would be recalled that the applicants had earlier gotten an interim injunction from the court to restrain the defendants from further encroaching on their farm lands.

Motion On Notice: Court To Rule On August 1 By ROLAND OSAKUE

OKADA - The High Court sitting at Okada, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State and presided over by Justice U.I. Erameh has reserved ruling on a motion on police brought before it by cocoa farmers against Okomu Oil Palm Company Limited for Thursday August 1, 2013. The applicants in the case, Hassan Tajudeen, Fatai

Oyelaji, Alhaji Ganiju Eniola and Pastor C.O. Osunlakin on behalf of themselves and Yoruba Cocoa Farmers in Area BC 10, Okomu Forest Reserve had brought the motion against Okomu Oil Palm Company and Dr. Graham Hafer, pursuant to Order 36, Rule 3, (1) (2) and Rule 7 of the High Court Civil Procedure Rules of Edo State, 2012. In the case with Suit No. HIGU/1/12, the applicants sought an order of the court to

Inside Edo Club Expresses Commitment To Development By JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM

IGBANKE – The Vice President of Igbanke Unique Club, Dr. Godwin Ojieh has said that the club is committed to the advancement and development of the community. Speaking in an interview with The N I G E R I A N OBSERVER at Igbanke in Orhionmwon Local

Government Area, the Vice President disclosed that the recent meeting held by members of the club was to assess their performance so far, adding that some of the laudable achievements so far recorded by the club include the donation of 200 chairs and desk to Igbanke Grammar School to enhance and create a conducive environment

for learning. He said that members of the club are ready to work together and ensure that the community continues to enjoy basic infrastructural facilities like schools, good roads, pipe borne water amongst others. Dr. Ojieh however enjoined members to be

good ambassadors of the club. Meanwhile, members of the club have also visited the Enogie of Omolua, (Igbanke) Community, HRH C.I.O Uwaifo JP in his palace. The Enogie, HRH Uwaifo JP while addressing members urged them to show more

commitment to the aims and objectives of the club even as he also advised all indigenes of the community in the area both at home and in the diaspora to come home and contribute towards the development of the area. He however prayed for the club members and

wished them success in their future endeavour. Responding, Barrister Isaac Azika thanked HRH C.I.O Uwaifo for his fatherly role which has been manifested positively in the entire lives of Igbanke people and wished him long life and God’s wisdom to rule the kingdom.

Akerejola Condoles With Irumundomon IGARRA - Hon. Joseph Family Folorunsho Akerejola, Chairman, Akoko-Edo Local Government Council and the entire people of the area have condoled with the wife, and the people of Esan West Local Government Council over the death of Hon. Henry Irumundomon who until his death was the Executive Chairman of Esan West Local Government Council. In a condolence message signed by Mr. Matthew Daodu Aigbiniode, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Akerejola, said, “with pain and sadness of heart, we received with rude shock the news of the death of my colleague, friend, and a comrade. “It is quite unfortunate that the cold hand of death has snatched you from your immediate family, the people of Esan West Local Governmetn Area and indeed all of us in Edo State at the time we all need you most. “I know that the omnipotent Lord who has allowed this to

happen will grant you eternal rest in heaven. “I condole your wife, children and the people of Esan West and urged them to take solace on the fact that there is hope here after.” “As a colleague, I will miss you; as a friend, I will miss you, he added. He also noted, “we are encouraged by the verity that late Hon. Henry Irunmudomon had left a momentous character behind that are worthy of emulation by all and sundry in the political and moral societies.” “The petite phase he spent as a local government boss has unforgettable jiffy that has impacted surely on men, women, boys, girls, old and young people of Esan West and environs, I wish his soul and souls of the faithful departed rest in perfect peace. Amen,” Akerejola further stated.

R-L: Senate President, Sen. David Mark, Benue State Dep. Speaker, Hon. Stephen Onmeje, Hon. Hasan Sale and Hon. Samson Ogwu after a courtesy visit to Senate President by Ado Okpogwu and Ogbadibo Federal constituency led by Hon. Hasan Sale in Otukpo Benue State. Photo by Omoye Aminu.

Clergy Advocates Training Of Pastors, Evangelists By ROLAND OSAKUE/ INNOCENT OMOAKA

BENIN CITY – The Chairman of Perfection Bible College, Nigeria, Benin City, Dr. Pastor Vincent Diakpomary has

advocated the need for effective training of Pastors and Evangelists in Nigeria. Pastor Diakpomary made the call at the weekend in Benin City during the 2nd Matriculation and graduation ceremony of

L-R, Minister of Interior, Hon. Abba Moro, Hon. Samson Ogwu , Hon. Hasan Sale, Senate President, Sen. David Mark and Benue State Dep. Speaker, Hon. Stephen Onmeje after a courtesy visit to the Senate President by Ado Okpogwu and Ogbadibo Federal constituency led by Hon. Hasan Sale in Otukpo Benue State. Photo: Omoye Aminu.

perfection Bible College, Nigeria. He described recent media reports of Pastors involved in activities which tend to dent the image of God and the Church in Nigeria, as a result, of lack of adequate training for the men of God. “Most Pastors who are caught in such acts that are rubbishing the Christian faith in Nigeria found themselves in the ministry without been called to the ministry by God,” he said. The proprietor and Rector of Perfection Bible College, Ambassador Godspower German added that the routs in christiandom are as a results of lack of models to teach upcoming Christian leader, stressing that Christianity without character is only a total failure.

He therefore stressed the need to train Christian leaders who are going to champion the battle to preach the gospel of Christ. “It is now the time for Africa to preach the gospel to other parts of the world,” he added. According to Ambassador German, “Nigeria will not disintegrate as predicted by the West but survive its present challenges in order to spearhead the mission of Africa in preaching and Evangelizing Christ to the world.” Speaking during the ceremony, the Registrar of the Bible School, Mr. Sunday Ekerikevwe charged the graduants of the bible school to be steadfast in their calling through a heart dedicated to God’s will, studying the scriptures and fervent prayers to God.

Inside Edo

Body Tasks FG On Transparency By ADAMS OYIBOKE/ OYENMWEN OMOROGBE/ EVELYN IGBINOSUN BENIN CITY –The Federal Government has been called upon to declare and make public the revenue accruing from, the solid minerals and Extractive Industries as paid by various companies or industries in the sub-sector federal government on transparency groups urges. The National co-ordinator of “publish what you pay” Nigeria, Faith Nwadishi gave the hint at a-one day roundtable on Nigeria Extractive Initiative (NEITI) organised in Benin City in collaboration with keyenum Immalah foundation. She said government often times declared total revenue realized from the oil and gas sub-sector when allocating revenue to the subunits of the nation without telling Nigerian’s actual revenue

realized from the extractive and solid mineral that constitute part of the shared revenue to states and local government. She argued that such arrangement was wrong and amounts to high level of corruption on the part of government and the management of the industries operating in the host community. The group also frowned on the high level human degradation and absence of social –economic infrastructures in the varion states. She maintained that NEITI was set up to fight against such inherent corruption in the extractive, solid minerals and the oil and gas sectors. According to her, “ NEITI represents own national domestication of the Global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiotive (EITI), which occupies, not only an important place in Nigeria

socioeconomic reform but an in important step in the Fight against corruption” High point of the occasion was the review of NEITI Act

2007 through contributions and suggestion from members present. Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

(NEITI) Act came into being on May 28, 2007. The Act provides for the development of a framework for transparency and

Group Calls For Reinstatement Of Lecturer

By ISEMHENBITA FAITH

BENIN CITY- The Stakeholders on Conflict Resolution and Early Warning (SCREW), has called on the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin

(UNIBEN), Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, to reinstate Mr. Iduemre Ochuko of the Department of Sociology who was victimized by the Dean of faculty of social

science of the institute in 2010 for no just cause. This was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Director/ExChairman, Committee for the

Community Newspaper Publishers Resolve that the Differences stakeholders Association of Community BENIN CITY- The crisis in the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN), Edo State Chapter, has been resolved. The resolution was at a peace meeting facilitated in Benin City, Edo State, by the national leadership of the association led by its National President, Comrade (Mrs.) Sotonye Fulton. At the meeting, all parties to the dispute agreed to work together as one united body so as to move the association forward. To this end, the parallel stakeholders caretaker earlier set up by some aggrieved members of the association was immediately dissolved while the elected executive headed by Deacon Ralph Okhiria was given the green light to continue with its legitimate functions. The resolution of the conflict was contained in a release the National Publicity Secretary of the association, Mr. Douglas Igberase urged both factions to honour the agreement reached in the interest of the association. In view of the above, we hereby notify the Edo State Government, the media security agencies and other

Newspaper Publishers, Edo State Chapter has resolved its differences and decided to work as one under the chairmanship of Mr. Ralph Okhiria”, the statement added. Other ACNPN National Officers who were present at the reconciliation meeting included the national secretary, Mr. Enoma Omorodion, South-South Vice President, Mr. Peter Iwelome, Publicity Secretary, Mr. Douglas Igberese and the Treasurer, Mr. Jude Ebemieyugo,

accountability in the reporting and disclosure by all extractive industry company of revenue due to or paid to the Federal Government.

Students of The Polytechnic Ibadan, locked out over non-availability of power and water in their hostels in Ibadan on Monday.

Defence of Human Right (EDHR), Edo State, Comrade Igbotako Nowinta. According to the statement, Mr. Iduemre Ochuko was appointed Assistant lecturer in 2010 and via an appointment letter, while the council of the University approved it. Two weeks later, another letter was issued to him withdrawing the letter earlier of regularization on the premise that it was issued in error. Mr. Ochuko took the matter to the public complaint commission (PCC), Edo State office which investigated the matter and discovered that it was a perfect case of victimization. SCREW therefore urged Prof. Oosayuki Oshodin to align himself with the path of justice and equity by reinstating Mr. Iduemre Ochuko as lecturer in the Department of sociology.

Benin Monarch Charges Security Operatives On Diligence By IYOMA UMEH BENIN CITY - The need for security operatives to exercise extra diligent and vigilance in their line of duty has been emphasized.

This formed the crux of the advice given the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty Oba Erediauwa to the executive cadre and officials of The Edo State Command of the National Taskforce on

5th from right, Executive Director, Faith Nwadishi, Koyenum Immalah Foundation (KIF) in a group photograph with Participants in a workshop on Publish what you pay which took place at Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, Benin City recently. PHOTO: Lucky Agie.

combating illegal Arms during a visit to the palace of the monarch in Benin City. Leading the top management team and some Taskforce officials on the visit, the Director of Enforcement, Dr Nosa Ighodaro told the Oba that they were in the palace to introduce members of the Edo State Command and Management that were recently inaugurated at Abuja. He said it was also to brief the Monarch on the operations of the National Taskforce and its relevance in the hierarchy of security operatives in Nigeria, as well as seek the Monarch’s Blessings. The Director stated that the National Taskforce, which was set up in 2011 under the Ministry of Iterior, has among its terms of reference, to combat illegal importation smuggling of goods, light arms, ammunitions, small weapons and oil pipeline vandalizing

which he state, are presently constituting serious security challenges to the nation. He reiterated the resolve of the Taskforce, command, partner and cooperate with relevant security agencies in the task of checking the proliferation of smallarms and ammunition, its arbitrarily use and illegal deployment in unleashing terror in the popualace. The Oba, in assenting to the reguest for Royal Blessings, directed a senior palace chief, the Iyasere Prime Minister of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, to perform the ceremony of administration of Royal Blessings. The Monarch further advised the management team to ensure that training and retraining of the Taskforce officials is a constantly feature during the administration so as to engender diligence and vigilance in their mode of operation.

Workshop Rural Agricultural Development Training Scheme by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Edo State in conjunction with Hon. Philip Shaibu, Majority Leader, Edo State House of Assembly, at Jattau-Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government held last Thursday in pix. PHOTOS: GODWIN ISEGUAN

Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly addressing participants.

Hon. Philip Shaibu, Majority Leader, Edo State House of Assembly (left) and Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, Chief of Staff, Government House representing Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Ayo Edegban, Edo State Coordinator, National Directorate of Employment delivering a keynote address.

One of the participants responding

Hon. Philip Shaibu, Majority Leader, Edo State House of Assembly speaking.

Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, Chief of Staff,Government House addressing participants.

Mr. Joshua Fagbemi representing Mr. Kunle Obayan, Director, Rural Employment Promotion Programme of National Directorate of Employment Abuja delivering his address .

A cross section of the trainees

Across The Nation Police Foil Bank ABUJA- The police in Rivers Robbery said that they have confiscated 11 guns and other dangerous weapons after foiling an attempt to rob a bank. This is contained in a statement issued by CSP Frank Mba, the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, in Abuja. It said that the seized guns included two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG) with 593 rounds of ammunition and eight AK47 rifles with 1635 rounds of ammunition and 57 magazines. Others are one G3 rifle, two dynamites with detonators and other explosives cans, two gas cylinders with welding accessories, one sledge hammer and one axe. The statement said that the arms were taken away from three vehicles hidden at a mechanic village at Ihugbo on the EastWest Road in Ahoada. It added that the vehicles — a Volvo S40 car, a Mercedes-Benz Saloon car and a Nissan

Secretary to Adamawa State Government, Mr. Kobis Aris (2nd left) donating bags of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs to widows in Guyuk LGA of Adamawa State recently.

Pathfinder Jeep — had also been impounded. It noted that the operation followed extensive intelligence activities carried out by the Rivers State Police Command “in the early hours of Friday, July 26’’. Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has commended the officers and men of the command for the successful operation. He enjoined all police commands and formations to step up their intelligence gathering activities to facilitate their efforts to provide adequate security for the citizenry. The police chief, appealed to the public to report all suspicious activities to the police. Abubakar also urged the citizens to have confidence in the ability of the police to discharge their constitutional duties effectively.

FRSC Bans Metal Work JOS- The Federal Road Safety On Tricycles Corps (FRSC), has banned additional constructions on tricycles which many riders carry out to protect the machines against being damaged by other vehicles. The FRSC Public Education Officer in Jos, Mr. Saidu Badamasi, told newsmen in Jos that the corps would begin to arrest defaulters from August 1. The officer said that the construction was illegal, and that the metals used for it could injure passengers and pedestrians. Reports say that many riders in Jos put additional metals in front, back or on all sides of their tricycles popularly known as Keke NAPEP. Badamasi said that the construction contravened road traffic regulation. “We observed that tricycle riders within the Jos metropolis keep mounting metals on their tricycles. “This is an additional construction on the tricycle. “The National Road Traffic Regulation prohibits one to make any additional construction on his vehicle or tricycle. “Where you must do anything, you have to meet the FRSC, and

inspections will be done on the vehicle to be sure that such a step will not affect safety,’’ he said. Badamasi said that the additional construction encouraged rough riding. “Once you drive without any consideration for other road users, certainly, you are bound to cause problems on the roads. “This is why we directed them to dismantle any additional construction on their tricycles, especially the metals,’’ he said. He told newsmen that the FRSC had cautioned more than 500 tricycle riders against the act, and had invited members of the riders’ association to a meeting in that regard. “We told them to educate their members to desist from such an act, but we are surprised that some are yet to heed to that,” he explained.

Corruption:

ACN Chieftain Seeks Stiffer Laws

LAGOS-Mr. Sunny Moniedafe, the former FCT Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), in Lagos has urged the National Assembly to

enact stiffer laws to punish corrupt officers in the country. He told newsmen that some corrupt government officials were still moving freely without

Sanitation: ABA -An Abia Mobile Sanitation Court in Aba, has sentenced three persons for contempt. One of the offenders, Samuel Okorie, a driver, of 203 Ohanku Road, Aba, who claimed to be deaf and dumb, was jailed one week or to pay N10,000 fine. Reports say that Okorie had refused to answer questions from the court, which sat at Alaoji in Ugwunagbor Local Government Area. The Senior Magistrate, Dr Diamond Olewengwa, had asked the convict where he lived and rather than respond, he gesticulated like a deaf and dumb

Secretary to Adamawa State Government, Mr. Kobis Aris (2nd left) donating bags of fertilizers to District Head of Banjiram, Malam Musa Talaka, in Guyuk LGA of Adamawa State recently.

being arrested and tried. Moniedafe was reacting to the total removal of immunity for president and governors by the House of Representatives.

“Government needs to tackle corruption before even talking about total removal of immunity because people who are without immunity still loot government’s

Court Jails 3 For Contempt

person. The magistrate said: “You do not hear or speak”, and Okorie nodded his head in affirmation. Olewengwa said: “Wait, you will hear and speak now when I finish;” as signed a committal form for Okorie and read the sentence to him. When the court sentenced him, Okorie asked: “What did I do that my sentence should vary from those of other sanitation offenders?” Immediately, the policeman handcuffed him with others for movement to Aba Prison. The court also jailed Chinedu Ikeaja, a mechanic, for two weeks

or N20,000 fine for contempt. Ikeaja, who was arrested on his way to fetch water from a borehole at 7.55 a.m by health workers, said that he had cleaned his workshop at Alaoji and was going to fetch water before his arrest. After getting his name and address, the magistrate fined Ikeaji N1,000 for contravening the sanitation law but he protested and started disturbing the court. After refusing to heed warnings not to disturb the court, the magistrate signed a committal form for Ikeaja and sentenced him to two weeks in jail or

N20,000 fine. The magistrate asked the convict to return to his court at Aba –na-Ohazu on Aug. 9 to enable him to know if he had been purged of his contempt and for a review or otherwise of the sentence. The court also jailed a woman, Felicia Ikechukwu of Oyigbo, Rivers, two days or N10,000 fine for contempt. The magistrate had fined Ikechukwu N2,000 and awarded N1,000 cost but she protested and refused to pay on the ground that she had no money. When an elderly woman, who claimed to be Ikechukwu’s mother pleaded with the court,

the fine was reduced to N1,000, yet she refused to pay. The court asked her to keep her car keys with the court bailiff if she wanted to go; she refused and instead fought the magistrate’s police orderly who asked her not to go without keeping the keys. The woman’s attitude angered the magistrate, who called her back to the court, signed her contempt form and sentenced her to jail for two days. He said that he fined the woman N10,000 or two days in prison to serve as a deterrent to others who would disrespect the court.

treasury and go free. “I am sincerely against removal of immunity because it is the least of our problems. “All the former governors that were said to be corrupt, what has happened to them? “Some civil servants who are corrupt don’t have immunity, yet none of them has been arrested,’’ he said. Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, the Initiator of the Peoples Movement for a New Nigeria (PMNN), an NGO, said government should ensure that immunity did not cover matters bordering on corruption. “There are certain matters in which the president and some governors have some form of immunity but not something that bothers on corruption. “But on issues that border on general state policy, immunity must stand because without it, there will be confusion. “So, throwing the whole immunity clause away is like throwing the baby away with the bath water,’’ Ndu said.

Across The Nation Oppose Child Marriage, Olanipekun Urges children? Human trafficking is a Nigerians recurring habitual circle backed

L-R: Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Vincent Terebe, his wife, Rabi and Director, Centre for Educational Technology and Entrepreneurial Development, National Open University, Dr. Saratu Audu at a news conference on the activities of the university, in Kaduna recently.

IBADAN- To sustain future generations, Chief Wole Olanipekun, (SAN) the former Chairman of the University of Ibadan Governing Council, has urged Nigerians to reject legalisation on child marriage as well as oppose child trafficking. Olanipekun gave the advice at the Dorcas Oke Hope Alive (DOHAL) public lecture on “Human trafficking and Challenges of the African child’’ held at the University of Ibadan. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said that early marriage was a form of child trafficking and urged Nigerians to rise against the incidence. “Tell me where it is written in the holy books that a girl child should be given in marriage. A child of 13 would first see it as a child’s play. It is evil. “It is a vicious circle that has extended to the embassies. Why do the embassies give visas to our

Embrace Domestic Tourism, Imoke Urges Nigerians

CALABAR-Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River has implored Nigerians to embrace domestic tourism instead of the current trend of holidaying abroad. Imoke told a team of visiting journalists that the mind set of the average Nigerian that good tourism destinations were outside the country was incorrect. He said Nigeria was blessed with some sites much better than those abroad. According to the governor, if one per cent of Nigerians choose to visit Cross River’s tourist destinations in a year, it will mean a record 1.6 million visitors. This, he said, was in addition to pocket-friendly costs which exclude visa fees and international flight charges. Imoke also urged the Federal Government to evolve a tourism policy so that the federal might could be visible in developing the sector. He noted that pristine and unique tourism destinations were in remote areas, citing the state’s famous Obudu Cattle Ranch Resort tucked away in a mountainous region with the challenge of accessibility. The governor said the major roads leading to the Obudu ranch were federal roads, “with none of them in any shape worth mentioning”. He lamented that the government at the centre had not done enough to encourage tourism. Imoke said that though Cross River was not as rich as most south-south states, his administration was being proactive in providing the enabling environment that would attract big investors so as to improve the living standard of the people. He said that his administration had looked inwards by increasing its internally generated revenue from a mere N200 million monthly to about N2 billion presently. The governor added that the enabling environment for big multinationals to invest in the state was being provided and that this had started providing results.

He said that the three oil palm plantations established by international agrobusiness giant, Wilmer, in conjunction with PZ Cussons, could be seen as lifechanging ventures that would

positively impact Cross River, Nigeria and the ECOWAS subregion. Imoke said he had visited a Wilmer plantation in Indonesia that had 17,000 direct employees,

comparing this with the entire 20,000 civil servants in Cross River. The Wilmer/Cussons plantations in the state, he added, had already taken thousands of

youths off the streets and given them a means of livelihood. Imoke said that it was with a view to providing employment that he insisted that the full value chain of the palm oil processing— from the crops to the refining plants— should be domiciled in Cross River.

Govt To Attain 85 Percent Water Supply strategy would also promote NANGERE (YOBE)-The Target In 2015 maintenance culture and the Yobe State Government says it MDGs:

has put in place the necessary machinery to provide 85 per cent of the people’s water needs by 2015. Alhaji Sidi Karasuwa, the Commissioner for Water Resources, gave the assurance when he inspected borehole construction and rehabilitation projects in Nangere and Jakusko local government areas. He stressed that the state would be able to attain the water targets of the MDGs by 2015. Karasuwa stressed that the state government had commenced the drilling of 850 boreholes in various rural communities across the state. “The government deliberately embarked on these projects to meet the water needs of the rural populace, while the Damaturu regional water supply project is in progress and it will meet the water requirements of the state capital. “Most parts of Yobe State are located in the arid region with very difficult geology but this administration has deliberately taken the challenge of providing water to most of the rural communities which never had water facilities since the creation of the state. “The ministry is inspecting these projects to ensure that work is done according to specifications. This will enable the government to get value for its resources, while the people enjoy abundant and hygienic water supply,’’ he said. Karasuwa noted that similar inspections had been carried out on projects in Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani and Potiskum local government areas. He, however, noted that the

projects’ completion was initially disrupted by the security challenges which faced the state. “I am satisfied that our contractors who fled their project sites are now back; They have resumed work on these facilities and, we hope to

complete these projects as soon as possible,’’ he added Karasuwa noted that the beneficiary communities contributed five per cent of the contract sum for every facility so as to give them a sense of ownership, adding that the

facilities’ protection. The commissioner said that the projects, when completed, would address over 80 per cent of the water challenges facing the people of the state, adding that “this administration remains committed to this cause.’’

promote healthy living. He also solicited the traders’ support for the government’s efforts to develop the state. Also speaking, Dr John

Idumange, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Social Media, said that the government was aware of the traders’ complaints, particularly those relating to the multiple levies by various ministries.

Govt To Build 3 Modern Markets

YENAGOA- The Bayelsa State Government is to build three ultramodern markets in Opolo, Kpansia and Igbogene to complement the Swali ultramodern market in Yenagoa, the state capital. This is contained in a statement in Yenagoa and signed by Mr. Ekio Benson of the Bayelsa Public Information Management Committee (PIMC). The statement quotes Chief Boma Spero-Jack, the Chairman of the committee, as saying that the projects would be executed because of the dearth of befitting markets in the state Spero-Jack, who said this during an interactive session with Swali market traders in Yenagoa, stressed that when the market projects are completed, the stalls would be given out to traders at minimal rates so as to ease their burden. He said that the state government was aware of the supportive roles played by the traders in facilitating the election of Gov. Seriake Dickson, pledging that it would make concerted efforts to improve their wellbeing. Spero-Jack, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, urged the traders to always keep their environment clean so as to

by a strong cartel. “We have the global convention which must be adhered to. There should also be reciprocity of love between the parents and the child, but now there is a void. “ We are destroying the very foundation and future of our children,’’ he said. He said the people needed to appeal to government to caution foreign embassies who allow room for trafficking. “There is the need for our people to talk to some of these legislators. I once discussed it with Senate President David Mark. “ There is need for psychologists to examine the people who are sent to positions of authority in this country,’’ he said. Olanipekun said a report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) indicated that over 12 million Nigerian children in 1995 and 15 million in 2003 under the age of 14 were engaged in child labour. He said child trafficking was not simply a social or moral problem to be treated with casual initiatives, maintaining that no government or organisation could single handedly combat child trafficking. “Government, law enforcement agencies, judiciary, employers and workers organization, NGOs and other civil society actors would have to participate in the coordinated action to fight child trafficking. “Also, there must be a very strong policy and institutional framework to address it,’’ he said. Also speaking, Bishop Wale Oke, the President of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, said that child trafficking and child marriage had become a terrible menace. “A prostitute voluntarily gives her body. In this case, the girl child has no choice because she has no liberty and no access to her rights,’’ Oke said. The DOHAL foundation was established 10 years ago in memory of Dorcas, the only daughter of Oke, who died after the usage of a fake typhoid drug.

L-R: APGA chieftains, Mr. Sunday Nwachukwu; Ichie Okuli Ejike and Ngozi Ugwu at a news conference on Appeal Court’s ruling on APGA’s leadership tussle in Enugu recently.

Business + Economy Addressing Infrastructure Deficit, Key To Africa’s South African per capital ABUJA The consumption of 4,803 kilo Development Okonjo-Iweala Coordinating Minister for the sector remains the most waltz per annum,’’ said. Economy, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, has reiterated the need to address infrastructure deficit, in order to enhance the African economy. Okonjo-Iweala said this while addressing a high level policy Dialogue on Infrastructure and Structural Development in Nigeria, organised by the African Development Bank, on Monday in Abuja. “If African economies and Nigeria are to achieve the structure transformation, then infrastructure deficit must remain a priority for the next decades. “We know that the productivity of our firms is reduced as much as 40 per cent and the region’s growth by about two per cent each year, due to the infrastructure deficit,’’ she said the Minister said that there was the need to tackle the issue of governance and corruption head-on along with the diversification agenda. She said that a World Bank survey on firms in Nigeria indicated that the greatest threat to diversification of the economy was infrastructure deficit, which stood at 53 per cent, followed by power and then corruption. “Infrastructure comes first, access to long term finance second and corruption third. So, this shows you how they ranked the challenges we have and it makes this seminar a very important one,’’ she said Commenting on Nigeria’s plans, she said government was working on a 30-year National Integrated Infrastructure Plan (NIIP) to tackle the situation. According to her, government will take ideas from various development partners on how to tackle infrastructure deficit in the country. She said that while most developed countries had core infrastructure stock of about 70 per cent, Nigeria’s infrastructure stock was estimated at only 35 per cent. This, she said, indicated a huge gap in resources needed to tackle the situation and how to meet the benchmark for countries that were more developed. “The deficit in the power

stock; you just need to

compare us with South Africa to see where we are.

“Our per capital energy consumption is a 136 KW

hours per annum, which is less than three per cent of

L-R: Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms Arunma Oteh, World Bank Nigeria Country Director, Mrs. Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, Vice President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Prof. Mthuli Ncube and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at a high level policy dialogue on AfDB Infrastructure and Structural Transformation Plan for Nigeria in Abuja recently.

She said that implementation of the NIIP would positively triple the current situation. She called for polices that would drive social inclusion, adding that Nigeria would not want to continue to be a growing economy with Gini index going in the wrong direction. Gini index measures the extent to which the distribution of income or consumption expenditure among individuals or households “China Gini is about 42, Nigeria 48, Brazil 55, South Africa 63 compared with Gini of 31 on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),’’ she said.

Marginal Field Operators Seek Govt Assistance

LAGOS -Mr. Layi Fatona, Managing Director, Niger Delta Exploration and Production Plc., has advocated for government’s financial support to marginal field operators to sustain

Nigeria’s oil sector growth indicators. Fatona, in a telephone interview with newsmen in

Lagos, said oil field managers needed more funds to continue in business. Marginal field is any oil field

L-R: Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, resident representative, African Development Bank (AfDB), Nigeria Field Office, Dr. Ousmane Dore and Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, at a high level policy dialogue on AfDB Infrastructure and Structural Transformation Plan for Nigeria in Abuja recently.

with a daily production capacity of not more than 10, 000 barrels per day. Such an oil field’s commercial viability is low, in comparison to the highly viable oil wells. Fatona stressed that public funding would make marginal field operators become more skillful to generate at commercial value, provide employment for Nigerians, and contribute more to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Of the 32 marginal fields that had been awarded so far, only nine were already in active production, while the remaining 24 were yet to be activated. Fatona said for increased indigenous participation in the oil and gas sectors to be sustained, government should organise bids to local groups or companies interested in

Association To Empower 1500 Youths LAGOS The Coordinator, Community of Agricultural Stakeholders of Nigeria (CASON), Mr. Sotonye Anga, said that 1,500 youth would be empowered in agribusiness through its agricultural conference. Anga told newsmen in Lagos that the conference, taking place between August

7 and August 8, would bring ideas, finance and technology to the youths. “The conference is a platform for Nigerian youths to get the necessary exposure to agribusiness opportunities, technology, and funding, to enable them develop their agricultural enterprise,‘’ he said. Anga said the conference would also bring solutions to

agricultural problems in the country, which was in line with the Agricultural Transformation Agenda. The coordinator said that experts on Agricultural commercialisation and enterprise development from within and outside the country would deliver papers at the

event. “The experts will handle critical issues that can lead to mass youth engagement and employment in agriculture,‘’ he said. Anga said that the conference would be free and urged all those interested to attend, adding that there would be a follow-up to ensure that the ideas were put to use after the conference.

exploration and production. “Bids for the sale of marginal fields should be restricted to indigenous companies. “However, to be successful in the marginal field business, there is the need for good analysis, understanding of the competitiveness in the business and increased government support,’’ he said. Fatona, however, called for the special terms for marginal field operators to be clearly stated in the proposed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), after it has been assented to. He said that the PIB must be beneficial to marginal oil producers, to enable them to become more productive and make their ventures more commercially viable. Fatona also said that such field operators required the appropriate technology to ensure their efficiency, saying that “government can also assist them with modern tools of operation“. “We deployed a lot of strategies, including funding mechanisms, to ensure that we realise our company’s objectives. “Raising money was a challenge, but we eventually put up a partnership and we started production. “Today, the field we manage is producing about 2,500 barrels per day and there are expectations that in the next two years, given the opportunity, we will be producing close to 10,000,“ he added.

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY(30/07/13) Stocks

Open

Change

Deals

Units

Value

MAYBAKER

2.7

131,070

331,853.80

7UP

75.9

25,954

1,797,351.20

MBENEFIT

0.5

500

250

ABCTRANS

0.9

633,352

577,002.38

MOBIL

116.95

16,026

1,856,266.45

ACADEMY

1.62

88,129

140,685.03

MRS

36.14

94,051

3,209,322.45

ACCESS

10.86

11.05

0.19

202

15,194,456

167,668,689.38

MULTITREX

0.5

3,880

1,940.00

AFRIPRUD

1.82

1.76

-0.06

598,560

1,069,065.76

MULTIVERSE

0.5

380

190

AGLEVENT

1.43

16,712

24,065.28

NAHCO

6.83

6.62

-0.21

1,011,791

6,743,040.95

AIICO

0.9

0.91

0.01

1,744,473

1,570,060.63

NASCON

12.45

12.3

-0.15

724,861

8,987,697.70

AIRSERVICE

4.8

4.32

-0.48

461,900

1,995,608.00

169.32

172

2.68

142

1,252,766

214,197,356.85

ALEX

10.5

5,500

51,975.00

NCR

18.7

500

8,415.00

ASHAKACEM

26.2

1.2

2,721,662

71,469,177.60

NEIMETH

1.5

1.52

0.02

274,246

412,766.60

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

112,000

56,000.00

NEM

0.74

0.75

0.01

785,855

579,305.40

AVONCROWN

1.71

10,000

15,400.00

NESTLE

959

995

128

124,990

123,831,030.18

BERGER

9.5

83,826

771,744.72

NIGERINS

0.5

1,278,837

639,418.50

CADBURY

52.2

53.9

1.7

692,405

36,998,876.89

NPFMCRFBK

0.82

100,000

82,000.00

CAP

47.81

263,530

12,057,426.31

OANDO

12.5

-0.5

184

10,361,356

131,342,001.94

CCNN

9.03

9.15

0.12

1,191,371

10,913,998.86

OKOMUOIL

44.5

95,648

4,226,723.48

CHAMPION

12.1

13.31

1.21

131,500

1,750,265.00

PAINTCOM

1.8

7,500

13,500.00

CHAMS

0.5

207,670

103,835.00

PHARMDEKO

1.85

2.03

0.18

667,000

1,338,950.72

CILEASING

0.5

5,000

2,500.00

PORTPAINT

94,310

516,717.00

CONOIL

33.67

106,398

3,532,461.32

PREMPAINTS

10.93

200

1,968.00

CONTINSURE

1.23

165,520

194,189.00

PRESCO

39.9

-0.1

633,106

24,962,131.22

CORNERST

0.5

0.53

0.03

12,869,345

6,436,202.50

PRESTIGE

0.52

21,832

11,351.64

COSTAIN

1.3

57,949

75,881.70

44.05

437,526

19,202,119.54

COURTVILLE

0.7

0.75

0.05

4,262,700

2,984,607.14

REDSTAREX

4.85

4.45

-0.4

288,400

1,287,429.00

CUSTODYINS

1.59

1.56

-0.03

367,619

570,391.47

REGALINS

0.5

170,625

85,312.50

CUTIX

1.83

11,665

23,446.65

RESORTSAL

0.5

18,000,000

9,000,000.00

DANGCEM

194.77

194.73

-0.04

110

1,009,139

196,498,493.68

ROADS

9.06

666

5,434.56

DANGFLOUR

9.5

413,674

3,932,944.90

ROYALEX

0.52

0.55

0.03

111,203

59,505.56

DANGSUGAR

11.8

11.32

-0.48

103

1,911,626

22,227,911.81

RTBRISCOE

1.5

1.6

0.1

172,636

269,472.65

DIAMONDBNK

6.61

6.68

0.07

8,868,934

59,254,282.26

SKYEBANK

4.6

121

5,253,266

23,703,412.64

DNMEYER

1.58

31,040

47,378.80

SOVRENINS

0.5

142,870

71,435.00

DUNLOP

0.5

29,275

14,637.50

STANBIC

15.58

17.13

1.55

577,778

9,801,686.01

ETERNA

3.28

3.19

-0.09

792,249

2,453,119.04

STERLNBANK

2.63

2.74

0.11

152

22,656,808

61,852,471.60

ETI

14.46

14.55

0.09

100

5,804,471

84,219,300.29

TOTAL

153.08

159

5.92

44,964

7,017,954.70

EVANSMED

4.5

1,183,315

5,365,529.23

TRANSCORP

1.4

1.37

-0.03

4,377,093

5,987,147.22

FBNH

17.17

17.05

-0.12

591

28,796,062

493,992,147.36

TRANSEXPR

1.32

1.19

-0.13

343,000

408,170.00

FCMB

4.76

4.71

-0.05

106

14,711,840

69,631,691.92

UAC-PROP

16.09

16.5

0.41

734,420

11,936,075.33

FIDELITYBK

3.05

3.02

-0.03

106

10,508,393

31,939,711.43

UACN

61.25

-1.75

763,330

46,707,936.71

FIDSON

2.09

2.04

-0.05

1,620,012

3,436,268.02

UBA

7.81

7.65

-0.16

249

8,803,002

68,169,796.92

FIRSTALUM

0.5

150,000

75,000.00

UBCAP

1.11

1.15

0.04

130

40,362,351

45,606,457.78

FLOURMILL

86.3

104,817

8,908,671.38

UBN

12.05

12.1

0.05

848,753

10,257,839.38

39.44

2.56

269

3,189,383

133,492,081.38

UNIC

0.5

2,000

1,000.00

FTNCOCOA

0.5

160,000

80,000.00

UNILEVER

62.56

111,353

6,966,557.24

GLAXOSMITH

222,618

13,359,140.00

UNIONDAC

0.5

5,850,000

2,925,000.00

GNI

0.5

4,050

2,025.00

UNITYBNK

0.59

2,845,675

1,698,322.00

GUARANTY

25.05

0.05

449

22,885,134

578,373,772.28

UNITYKAP

0.5

170

GUINNESS

241

241.15

0.15

165,053

39,851,919.38

UPL

4.38

4.3

-0.08

785,800

3,380,585.00

HONYFLOUR

3.19

3.09

-0.1

2,361,765

7,365,323.12

UTC

0.85

171,526

144,797.10

IHS

2.75

2.48

-0.27

1,326,000

3,535,500.00

VITAFOAM

4.55

4.31

-0.24

431,100

1,866,114.90

IKEJAHOTEL

0.9

0.88

-0.02

562,354

494,161.52

VONO

1.39

1.26

-0.13

100,000

126,000.00

INTBREW

24.65

70,695

1,710,452.20

WAPCO

99.5

105.01

5.51

106

811,639

84,537,941.62

INTENEGINS

2.25

184.73

WAPIC

0.87

1,312,172

1,169,200.82

IPWA

1.15

1.24

0.09

1,397,088

1,577,017.87

WEMABANK

1.17

1.24

0.07

8,358,340

10,081,727.39

JAPAULOIL

0.52

1,950,232

1,008,597.05

ZENITHBANK

20.05

-0.05

386

18,461,891

372,591,676.18

JBERGER

79.99

309,524

24,231,520.19

JOHNHOLT

1.35

2,132

2,601.04

Stock

JOSBREW

0.9

135,800

124,279.00

LEARNAFRCA

1.7

224,300

381,185.00

LINKASSURE

0.5

370

185

LIVESTOCK

4.9

4.79

-0.11

946,128

4,361,969.59

MANSARD

2.2

758,000

1,667,610.00

NESTLE TOTAL WAPCO NB FO CADBURY STANBIC CHAMPION ASHAKACEM UAC-PROP

TOP 10 GAINERS Close 995 159 105.01 172 42 53.9 17.13 13.31 26.2 16.5

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain 36 5.92 5.51 2.68 2.56 1.7 1.55 1.21 1.2 0.41

Stock UACN OANDO DANGSUGAR AIRSERVICE REDSTAREX IHS VITAFOAM NAHCO UBA NASCON

Close 61.25 12.5 11.32 4.32 4.45 2.48 4.31 6.62 7.65 12.3

Loss -1.75 -0.5 -0.48 -0.48 -0.4 -0.27 -0.24 -0.21 -0.16 -0.15

Issues Why Growth, Development Is Not Sustainable In Nigeria SINCE the return of democracy to the most populous black nation in the world on May 29 th 1999, our political stage is a must watch as our politicians have become good actors and actress over night acting out various scripts handed over to them by thepower-that-be to the dismay of political watchers, analysts, commentators and even the electorates, as they all are left to wonder aloud the caliber of politicians we parade as a nation. Politics has become a very lucrative venture and a profession for all irrespective of educational back ground. People now see it as an easy way of becoming a millionaire over night without much labour and sweat. All you need is to know how to loot the treasury, steal the peoples-resources and be good in not keeping promises made to the electorate. Everybody wants to be relevant and useful as well as be the boss that will continually call the shot and when this is not the case, they tend to ferment trouble to impose fear and authority on anyone that wants to stand on their way. This they do intentionally to heat up the polity and appear to be relevant in the skim of things. Heating up the political oven is now the order of the day for some of our political class as they derive pleasure in making the country ungovernable.

By RICHARD OKORO-EWEKA

When the system becomes heated with trivial issues they’ve created the focus of the nation is now turned away from serious issues threatening to destroy the nation to resolving the trivial issues introduced and made to become the focal point by our selfish politicians. Issues like the Boko Haram threat, economic development, education and security matters are now left to suffer at the expense of the new discourse brought to bear by our political class. Issues like the mayhem in the Rivers state House of Assembly, amending of clause in the 1999 constitution that will create room for some of our so called leaders to abuse our young females all in the name of marrying them early. Aside these issues, the release of the former security officer to late Gen. Sanni Abacha Hamza AlMustapha have also overheated the political system of Nigeria and elicited reactions and counter reactions from political watchers as well as, security experts both within and outside the shores of this country. Some see the release as a way for President Goodluck Jonathan to settle the North come 2015, some others never saw it otherwise and they believe he has been vindicated from a crime he never committed. Commenting on these

political and security issues that had over heated the political stage of Nigeria, a former Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and a two time Military Governor of Taraba and Oyo States

mind, the brightest brain and patriotic members among its citizens. When this is done, there will be order and stability in the system, this will lead to growth and sustainable development”. “The show of shame carried out by our law

synonymous with the one that happened in Ibadan in Western Nigeria in 1958 which led to operation wetier and saw the military intervening in that administration. History is again trying to repeat itself; this is calamitous, insensitive, and mischievous in the land and can cause political anarchy if left unchecked. This is a political calamity, and if this political intolerance is

President Goodluck Jonathan

respectively, a well trained detective, Prince Amen Oyakhire said the political intolerance exhibited by law breakers in the Rivers state House of Assembly was a big disgrace and shame on the nation, the people and democracy.”Government and politics are serious matter handed over to brilliant, best informed

makers turn law breakers filmed and shown to the international community has further damage our reputation as a nation and shown the caliber of politicians we parade as a nation. The political intolerance has further taken the political class far away from solving our political problems. The drama in Rivers is

“Despite the delay, the court of law after 14 years has proved him innocent of the crime of killing Kudirat Abiola. Justice is costly, the rich get bailed but the poor get jailed. It is incredible to note that a judge will seat down to write 366 pages just to nail an innocent citizen. The Court of Appeal did a good job and took time to look at the evidence and discharge Mustapha from all the crime.”

not handled with care, it can cause more problems for the nation pushing her away from solving the already existing one”. Prince Oyakhire said this act has threatened and undermined the security of the nation, he wondered how possible is it for five (5) members of the house to summon the House and impeach the speaker. The House has been used as a venue to summon political evil. The Nigerian politics is faced with lies; there is no truth any longer. There is nowhere in the world where 5 equals 27, not even in calculus, branch of mathematics. There is a big danger in the offer, democracy is threatened.

Let no body take this act for granted. “What happened in Rivers state a is fallout from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) both at federal and state, unless something serious is done, democracy is just on its way to calamity”. Commenting on the release of former security officer to late Gen. Sanni Abacha, Major AlMustapha, Prince Amen Oyakhire said Mustapha is one of the brightest and brilliant officers in the Nigerian Army today. Mustapha is a brilliant officer who became the security officer to the head of state Gen. Sanni Abacha as a captain before he was promoted to a Major.” Mustapha is a brilliant, dedicated, and courageous Army officer who was prosecuted for obeying orders from his boss. He was locked behind bars for 14 years for a sin he never committed”. “Despite the delay, the court of law after 14 years has proved him innocent of the crime of killing Kudirat Abiola. Justice is costly, the rich get bailed but the poor get jailed. It is incredible to note that a judge will seat down to write 366 pages just to nail an innocent citizen. The Court of Appeal did a good job and took time to look at the evidence and discharge Mustapha from all the crime. The Court earlier discharged Shofolahon and Bameyi who was also accused with Mustapha”. “. What we desire may not be great as what we deserve; our leaders should take this to heart. In crisis period, we should be strengthened by faith so that we can come out as true patriots who are also loyal to God. Our leaders should stand by the truth, be honest in all they do and ensure justice is given to all irrespective of who needs it, as it is on these bases that the society will be stable and equally develop.

View Point AT major roads and street across towns and cities in Nigeria, there is always an avalanche of this set of people. With their wares on their heads, in rickety tables and other mobole “shops”, these people run after vehicles, seeking to get patronage. At other times, these traders, who sell products and wares such as gala, drinks, household items, fruits, recharge cards, handsets and accessories, take advantage of traffic jam, popularly called “hold up” to display and sell their items. Apart from this, a large chunk of them who are children and youths, use walkways, pedestrian brigdes, roadsides and a host of other platforms to market their products. Generally, street hawking and trading has become a “norm” in Nigeria from Lagos to Port-Harcourt, Benin to Kano, Abuja to Ibadan, the story is the same. There is hardly any road that one passes through in the country that young boys, children and even some aged people, are not seen, as ants jostling for a cube of sugar, with sweat dropping from their body as rain from the sky, panting for potential buyers of their wares. Usually, street trading and hawking, are known to pose serious threats to the society. In a statement on Edo state government’s website, “unknown to the perpetrations of street hawking and trading, “ they are involved in a very dangerous line of business” street traders and hawkers, are prone to road mishaps. Often, they could either be knocked down by speeding vehicles or get their legs crushed by vehicles that battle with them for the available space on the road. Similarly, at high ways, street traders, “advertise” their wares by sticking them continuously into moving vehicles.

The drivers of these automotives, may get distracted and thus endanger the lives of their passengers. Besides, there have been reported cases of theft and robbery encouraged by these street merchants. According to the official website of Edo state, there was a case involving a lady. The report noted that the victim, was held by traffic jam at Akpakpava and was approached by some traders to buy their wares. However, as she was disinterested, she ignored, keeping a straight face and looking ahead so they could leave. Regretably and unknown to her, the hawkers stretched their hands into her car and carted away with her bag which housed valuables including her newly purchased laptop, driver, license and ATM. Also, there have been myriad of stories where gunmen disguising as hawkers, rob ununsuspecting motorists. It has been noted that some people (robbers) who pretend to be “gala sellers”, hid guns in their cartons used in displaying their goods while any motorist who beckons on them, might risk losing treasured things as phones, money and others when they (motorists), are threatened . In addition, hawking constitute road nuisance such as traffic jam and littering of the environment. Experts say most of these merchants, display their goods carelessly on walkways, and as such, obstruct vehicular and human movement. At other times, wares displayed by these traders which are bought, used or eaten, are left lying on the road and thus constituting environmental pollution. Furthermore, most hawkers have had their fair share of abuse and assault. Street hawkers, are largely constituted by children of school age often, they fall victims of abuse and assault

Addressing Problem Of Street Trading By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU

by unscrupulous-minded fellows as most of them stay late before going home. Reports have emerged that some human traffickers have taken advantage of the vulnerability of the situation faced by hawkers to advance their cause. Regretably, more people, despite these dangers, are taking to street trading and

either out of school due to lack of money or simply school while they hawk to make ends meet. For some of these hawkers, since the situation in the nation could not get them jobs, they resorted to it instead of “stealing”. An Abuja resident who does street

that the hiking of rents to astronomical levels beyond the reach of the average traders, is a drawback to the fight against street merchants. For Ihekoronye, “some of us have made several efforts to rent shops either in the markets or by the streets but the rents

good profit. He noted that he sells over three cartoons of sausage rolls daily. “You sell what you want to sell quickly because people are very hungry, make your profit and buy another cartoon for sale” he said. Often, most people are in a haste to get what they want and as such, traders on the streets, provide viable option for them. A lecturer,

hawking. What could be the possible reasons why people will be standing under the scorhing sun, putting their lives in danger? Although some states have made laws against street trading, it had persisted due to poverty and high rate of unemployment that is prevalent in the country. It is a known fact (according to media reports), that most street traders are mostly children who are

hawking for a living, was quoted as saying that he will rather hawk than steal. According to a street trader in Port-Harcourt, Edwin, Ihekoronye, he is peddling goods on the street so as to eke out a living and provide basic amenities for his family. Another factor responsible for the street business, is the high cost of stalls and shopping space in most places in the country. Observers say

demanded are guite excessive. He asserted that nobdy likes selling goods on the road. “I would have preferred to sell my wares in the market or in a shop elsewhere, as this would end my years of exposure to harsh weather conditions and constant extortion by members of the government task force” . Moreover, Adeyemi Olufunke, as reported, hawks fruits along Iyana-Oba axis of Lagos state and says her reason for engaging in the trade is because it needs little capital to start up but yields good turnover. According Jerome Omaka, a street trader, “I only had N10,000 when I was starting business two years ago, while David Ugochukwu, who has clocked a decade in the business says that it yields

Benue State University Makurdi, Thomas Kajo, revealed that street trading is thriving due to factors as immediacy to the consumers. Hawking provides opportunity for people who do not have time to do “shopping” on the roads. He argues that this is made possible with the avalanche of wares sold by street traders/ hawkers. Corrborating, a patronizer of street traders, simply identified as Joshua, said that. “A situation where one leaves the home very early and returns when all shops are under lock and key has no option but to make purchases from street traders.” The question one might be tempted to ask is will street trading ever end in Nigeria or it is just a case of shuttling between ekeing a living or endangering one’s life?.

“In addition, hawking constitute road nuisance such as traffic jam and littering of the environment. Experts say most of these merchants, display their goods carelessly on walkways, and as such, obstruct vehicular and human movement. At other times, wares displayed by these traders which are bought, used or eaten, are left lying on the road and thus constituting environmental pollution.”

International Features

DIPLOMATS long have stressed the urgency of resolving the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, yet as a new round of Mideast peace talks begins, Secretary of State John Kerry thinks there are more reasons than ever to move quickly. In Kerry’s thinking, time is running out. Even if Israel wanted to, it would be difficult to remove mushrooming Israeli West Bank settlements whose population has doubled since 2000. Demographers have warned that it will be only a matter of a few years until Arabs outnumber Jews in the Holy Land. And last year, the U.N. General Assembly recognized a state of Palestine in the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem — a move that could let the Palestinians take their complaints over settlements to the International Criminal Court. The new round of talks, which resume Tuesday in Washington, follows six months of shuttle diplomacy to restart negotiations that broke down in 2008. An attempt to restart them in 2010 failed after a single day. And before that, scores of diplomats have failed to broker peace. After five years of diplomatic stalemate, there has been a flurry of activity in recent days to set the stage for the talks that all sides agree will be difficult. On Sunday, the Israeli parliament voted to free 104 long-held Palestinian prisoners — some who killed or wounded Israelis — in four stages linked to progress in the talks, expected to last nine months. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took heavy criticism from conservatives and families of those killed by the prisoners. One protester outside Netanyahu’s office held a sign depicting a prison release form that was stamped with handprints made of red paint to symbolize blood. On Monday, Kerry announced that Martin Indyk, who played key roles in the Clinton administration’s multiple — but unsuccessful — efforts to broker peace between Israel and Syria and Israel and the Palestinians, has assumed day-to-day responsibility for negotiations. The Israeli side is led by chief negotiator Tzipi Livni,

Israel, Palestine Peace Talks

Secretary of State John Kerry, left, sits across from Israel’s Justice Minister and chief negotiator Tzipi Livni, third right, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat, second right, Yitzhak Molcho, an adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, fourth right, and Mohammed Shtayyeh, aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, right, at an Iftar dinner, which celebrates Ramadan, at the State Department in Washington, marking the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. a former foreign minister who was active in the George W. Bush administration’s ill-fated peace talks with the Palestinians in Annapolis, Md., and Yitzhak Molcho, a veteran adviser to Netanyahu who was part of the Israeli team involved in Obama’s two previous attempts to broker negotiations. The Palestinian team is led by chief negotiator Saeb Erekat and President Mahmoud Abbas’ adviser, Mohammed Shtayyeh, both of whom have been major players in failed negotiations with the Israelis since 1991. Kerry spoke for about 45 minutes with representatives from the Israeli negotiating team late Monday and then for another period of about 45 minutes with the Palestinian side before sitting down for dinner on the top floor of the State Department. While he talked with the Palestinians, the Israeli team relaxed on an eighth-floor terrace overlooking the illuminated Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. The 90-minute dinner was billed as an Iftar meal, which breaks the day of fasting for Muslims during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. They sat at a rectangular table — five U.S. officials lining one side and the two Israeli and two Palestinian negotiators on the other — to dine on sweet corn and shell bean soup, grilled grouper, saffron risotto, summer vegetables and apricot upside-down cake. “We’re happy to welcome you. It’s really wonderful to have you here — very, very special. We have, obviously, not much to talk about at all,” Kerry joked after the participants sat down shortly after 9 p.m. at the table topped with a mint green cloth and goblets of mango iced tea. The State Department would not disclose details of the discussions, saying only that they were “constructive and productive.” Livni told Israeli media there was a “good environment” at the dinner. “I think we are starting talks out of a deep belief that it is in the interest of both sides and I really hope that it will continue that way,” she said. While reaching an agreement “won’t be easy,” Livni said, “I mainly believe that giving up is not an option for us. This is an Israeli interest.” She declined to offer details, citing “a main agreement that everything that is said in the room remains in

the room.” Livni arrived in Washington by train from New York City, where she met with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “There is a lot of cynicism and skepticism and pessimism, but there is also hope,” she told The Associated Press after meeting with the secretary-general. Shibley Telhami, a professor of government and politics at the University of Maryland who is familiar with the State Department’s work to restart the talks, said Israel’s decision to release Palestinian prisoners was an important gesture that buys time and builds confidence. But gestures are “not going to transform the mistrust,” he added. “I think there are two types of people — those who think a two-state solution is no longer possible and those who think that while it might be possible, there’s not much time left to do it. The reason being? Settlements, especially in east Jerusalem,” said Telhami, who served as adviser to Middle East Special Envoy George Mitchell during Obama’s first term. The Palestinians want a state in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem — territories Israel captured in 1967. Since that war, Israel has built dozens of settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, now home to more than a halfmillion Israelis. That makes a partition deal increasingly difficult, some say impossible. Some Palestinians already have lost faith in a two-state solution because of the encroachment of Israeli settlements. “I think the possibility of a two-state solution died a long time ago,” said Diana Buttu, a Ramallah-based analyst and former legal adviser to Abbas and Palestinian negotiators. “To believe in a two-state solution, you have to believe that Israel will remove settlements.” She is not hopeful and says the two parties are “miles apart.” While the Palestinians want a state in the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, they have accepted the principle of limited land swaps to allow Israel to annex some of the dozens of settlements it has built. Palestinian officials reiterated Monday that they received U.S. assurances that Washington considers the 1967 lines the basis for border talks. Abbas also sought a freeze in settlement building. While there

will be no freeze, Israel has agreed to slow down settlement construction and refrain from announcing new projects, according to a senior Palestinian official who spoke on condition of anonymity because of a gag order Kerry slapped on negotiators. In exchange, the Palestinians have vowed not to go to the United Nations as long as talks are under way. The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in November to upgrade the Palestinians from a U.N. observer to a nonmember observer state, a move vehemently opposed by the U.S. and Israel. Recognition as a state gives the Palestinians the right to apply for membership in U.N. and other organizations, including the International Criminal Court. Population is another issue that is making some people in the region wary of a future without peace. Early this year, the Palestinian statistics bureau estimated that Arabs will outnumber Jews in the Holy Land by the end of the decade, a scenario that could have grave implications for Israel. The demographic issue is a main argument for Israeli backers of creation of a Palestinian state. They say relinquishing control of the Palestinian territories and its residents is the only way to ensure Israel’s future as a democracy with a Jewish majority. Setting up a Palestinian state alongside Israel, however, has eluded both sides for two decades. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Monday that Kerry “believes that time is not our ally.” “As time passes, the situation on the ground becomes more complicated, mistrust deepens and hardens and the conflict becomes even harder to resolve,” she said. “It allows for vacuums to be filled by bad actors who want to undermine our efforts.” Monday marked Day No. 1 of final status negotiations on a nine-month timetable with the idea that if progress is going well, talks could be extended. “They have agreed to work together through the course of that time and the secretary absolutely feels that time is of the essence,” Psaki said, adding that nine months does not represent a deadline or cutoff date.

Midweek Magazine INTRO: EVERY Wednesday and for the next couple of weeks, this paper will feature on its centre spread a serialised version of a book on the challenges of Leadership and Development In African (Theory and Praxis) it is a collection of selected Essays of the secretary to the Edo State Government Professor Julius O. Ihonvbere it will therefore be a platform according the Editor of the book, Dr. Monday lewis Igbafen which promises to share and bring to the vast majority, the knowledge of this great activities scholar, teacher and humanist, Prof. Ihonvbere about how and why we are where we are as Africans. It is also to promote his ideas and recommend them to humanity on how we can extricate ourselves from our collective socio-political and economic amnesia”. It is our hope that this objective will be achieved as you keep a date with The Nigerian Observer, Happy reading. AFRICA, no matter from what perspective we look, remains in deep trouble. This should not be a cause for fatalism or afro-pessimism. It is true that the crises of politics, economy and society are deepening. Yet, beneath these crises are sites of integrity. Struggle, hope and commitment to change for the better. One of the major problems of statecraft and politics in Africa has been the inability to generate, package, and implement viable and effective programs for growth, development and democracy. It is embarrassing to note that there is not one area of politics, economy and society where an African state could he said to have been so successful that its example should he a lesson to the world. Even where the issues, contradictions, and needs are so glaring, the postcolonial state in Africa and its custodians have managed to snatch failure and confusion from the palms of success. In large measure, beyond the usual annoying suffocating and vitriolic propaganda on radio, television, and newspapers, African policy makers if they can be so described) have managed to put the cart before the sick horse, ignore glaring realities while manipulating the people and squandering scarce resources on irrelevant and irresponsible projects. This is usually done in the name of helping the people, promoting nation-building indigenisation, Africanisation, national unity and development. When the so-called leaders are not squandering incredible

opportunities for growth and development, they busy themselves with intra-and inter-state wars, harassing women, children, intellectuals and activists. It is amazing that in 2010 Nigeria, there is still a huge national debate about North vs. South, South West vs. North East or whatever, all in the diabolical struggle to corner power for primitive and mindless accumulation that has so far precipitated pains, poverty, alienation, violence and instability. If we take a total look at the African condition today, one reality that we cannot accuse African leaders and policy makers of doing in the last six to seven decades is that they promoted any form of development. To be sure, failed policies have “developed” the pockets and bank accounts of a tiny class of political elites and their hangerson. For the majority of Africans who are suffering from grinding poverty and hopelessness, what has passed for public policy since the so-called political independence has been nothing but pain, hunger, marginalization, exploitation, domination, and deliberate impoverishment. Death by Government (R.J. Rumen, Transaction 2000) or death by public policy has become the outcome of numerous halfbaked and poorly thought-out policies as well as outlandish corruption that have been unleashed on Africans. The results have been clear. Increasing instability, violence, uncertainty and insecurity in all African states. This has affected local and foreign political and

Reinventing Africa For The C

economic relations, encouraged the establishment of unnecessary and very violent military and so-called security forces, thrown up war lords, child soldiers, militants, and all sorts of criminals including smugglers; widespread infrastructural and institutional decay and dislocation that reproduce inefficiency, waste, corruption, and the gross mismanagement of society. An example is the dilapidated state of once world- renowned African Universities, hospitals, and research institutions: Poverty, hunger, disease, social atomization, crime, rural-urban migration, prostitution, and cultural degradation have increased all over Africa as a result of failed policies and the insensitivity of the custodians of state power: The massive brain and brawn drain that has emptied African institutions of their most creative minds. Africa loses more than 23,000 professionals annually while it expends US$4 billion on the services of 100,000 foreign consultants and advisers — civil wars, violence, decayed values, failed policies, bad leadership and governance have contributed to the brain drain; Bureaucratic inefficiency and dislocation leading to mass alienation from the state and its programs and agents evidenced in the privatization of the state and the development of a “parallel” or “alternative” state, especially in the area of provision of services- health, education, roads, electricity, water, security, and communications. Despite the propaganda, trying to establish a business in Africa is still like going through hell and corruption deprives the people of the services they deserve as citizens; The lack of political will to take bold and strategic decisions to address the structural challenges of the continent has culminated in a recycling of outdated and discredited strategies of governance and planning. What we get are meetings, conferences, and other time-wasting activities:

By PROF JULIUS IHONVBERE

a lot of motion but no progress. African governments have wasted billions of dollars holding Summits and Conferences and coming up with fanciful documents that they never have the sincerity or political will to implement. Over 100 of such Declarations, Reports, Special Papers, etc exist; The failure of political institutions and processes that have culminated in coups and counter-coups thus eliminating options for democratic development and political engineering continues to mediate opportunities for holistic development. Coups have established a culture of intolerance, violence, commandism, and corruption as well as the criminal abuse of power. While the soldiers often claim to be stepping in to restore order and check corruption, they have not generally performed any better. Indeed, Africa’s problems have not abated in any way; Science and technology backwardness in every respect resulting in the lack of access to contemporary and strategic information, poor negotiating skills, inability to improve agriculture, and the backwardness of educational institutions in a rapidly technology-driven and changing global order; A very low or poor capacity to vision due to bad leadership, bad policies, lack of sectoral integration, poor data generation, processing and dissemination, and the culture of quick wins, short-term planning strategy, and a pathological fixation of primitive accumulation at the expense of longer-term strategic and holistic planning. These are just a few of the consequences of the failure of what the African elite has dubbed “public policies,” “policy-making,” “development planning,” and “governance” since the 1960s. It is no wonder that at the beginning of the new

“These are just a few of the consequences of the failure of what the African elite has dubbed “public policies,” “policy-making,” “development planning,” and “governance” since the 1960s. It is no wonder that at the beginning of the new millennium, Africa was the poorest, most technology-backward, most politically unstable, most crisis-ridden, most-indebted, and most foreigndominated and exploited as well as the most marginal continent in the world.”

millennium, Africa was the poorest, most technologybackward, most politically unstable, most crisis-ridden, most-indebted, and most foreign-dominated and exploited as well as the most marginal continent in the world. Foreign debt represents up to 80 percent of GDP in net present value terms in most countries, inflation rates average between 12 and 45 percent, unemployment rates (excluding the informal

in education. The statistics can be frustrating and intimidating (see African Union, Global Coalition for Africa, Economic Commission for Africa, and the World Bank). No matter how we stretch the statistics, the African continent has performed woefully. It is so bad that it is very difficult to imagine that since the l960s, there has been anything like planning, strategic thinking, or public policy designed to serve the interests of the people, reverse underdevelopment and dependence, and reconfigure the region’s marginal location

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Prof Julius Ihonvbere

sector) ranges between 12 and 25 percent, while the savings rate in Africa is the lowest in the world. As well, 15 of the world’s 20 most impoverished nations are in Africa, with over 3 million refugees and 18 million internally displaced persons. It is estimated by the international agencies that over 250 million Africans lack access to potable water, while over 200 million have no opportunities to access basic health services. More than 2 million children die before their first year, over 150 million youths are illiterate, and almost half of rural females do not attend formal schools. As a result of wars, over 20 million landmines had been laid in Africa and Angola alone has over 9 million. You can just imagine the cost of the landmines and the difference such funds could have made

and role in the international divisions of labour and power. Countries that showed promise in the 1960s and were hailed as “miracles” and “model states” degenerated into wars, dictatorships, and aid-dependent states within a decade of independence. Most pitifully, the average annual growth rate in most African states has been in the negative since the l960s, though doctored or manufactured data may have given some states growth rates above 5% which are often not reflected in the Physical Quality of Life Index, GNP per capita levels, or infrastructural development. Rather, what we have witnessed has been irresponsible leadership, rising debt profiles, dilapidated infrastructure, outdated technology; malnutrition, poverty, growing contradictions and

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Midweek Magazine

Challenges Of The Twenty-First Century

nsions within and between ocial classes. African leaders, ken collectively, have done o much harm to our peoples nd nations. For a continent at is so resource endowed, ere are numerous questions e ordinary observer must sk: Why did this happen? What exactly did they fail to cognize or concentrate on? Why did they fail so woefully n creating the required stitutions, social relations, nd enabling environments or promoting growth, evelopment, stability, clusion and democracy?

opportunistic and incapable of competing with powerful and fully entrenched profit and hegemony seeking transnational corporations. Consequently, African policy makers and leaders moved from one error to the other further complicating the already precarious and distorted African condition. Because they were able to accumulate from the existing dire conditions, they resisted all calls for change. The struggle for power became coterminous with survival. Some wrote their names into

The Neo-colonial nheritance We argue that right from the eginning the political nvironment at independence as a set up. Africa was rogrammed to fail. But many f the nationalists were too ungry for power that they did ot see what they were getting nto. Those that saw it were nly being too happy with heir lucrative but unequal ssociations with foreign apital. The state inherited was nonegemonic and lacked the apacity to create the sort of nvironment that would have lowed public policy to be ational, sustainable, and ffective. Africa did not nherit an environment that as conducive to democracy, rowth, and development. The ustodians of state power ere equally set up to fail. hey lacked economic power, heir political power was agile, and they were

their constitutions. Others adopted strange names and titles just to scare their citizens. They closed democratic spaces. They gave very little or no thought to reviewing the compact between the people and the state by putting in place the sort of constitutions that would protect liberties and ensure that accountability, social justice and democracy governed the larger society. In fact, African elite did everything to by-pass the rules of politics, depoliticize the polity, intimidate the people and their communities, and divert attention from the realities of underdevelopment and unequal exchange. In less than a decade following political independence, irrational politics degenerated into war: the state became the major or primary means of accumulation and constitutions were abrogated,

suspended, disregarded and discarded. State power became arbitrary and an instrument to dominate, oppress, exploit and terrorise the people. To capture that power, which guaranteed wealth, influence and authority, politicians resorted to all sorts of methods both legal, but mostly extra legal: thuggery, vote inflation, ballot box snatching, fake voting centres, bribing the police and electoral officers, fake results, and manipulation of region, religion and ethnicity. These patterns of politics wasted scarce resources, lives, property, and eroded the credibility of the executive that organised elections, those that were (s)elected, and the policies and laws that they produced. Africa was back to square one. In some cases, things were so bad that a culture of authoritarian nostalgia- where people begin to admire previous dictatorships- set in and demands were even made for a return to the colonial days. In this situation, progressive, people-centred and holistic public policies were no longer possible. Ethnic, regional, religious, and personal considerations came to determine public policies from defense, political appointments, through budget allocation and investments in education, infrastructure and agriculture. We contend that a genuine foundation for effective democracy and development was subverted by the elitist and opportunistic approach to the negotiations for political independence, the compacting of illiberal postindependence constitutions, and the style of political governance that relied on personal rather than democratic and collective rule. Added to this was a very hostile and exploitative international economy dominated by the West and its corporations and complicated by Cold war politics and calculations. The failure to capitalize on the political support and enthusiasm of the people to execute a radical restructuring of inherited institutions and relations of power and accumulation negated possibilities for a new

politics in Africa. The pains inflicted on African peoples by the crop of leaders that emerged at, and since political independence are difficult to define. In most cases they are indescribable and unbelievable. Rather than build hope in the people, confidence in the state and encourage productivity and progressive nationalism, the post-colonial leaders did the exact opposite. They relied on the use of foreign schools for their wards, foreign hospitals for medical attention, use of foreign banks, airlines and advisers; the use of private security in place of public police, private water boreholes and private electricity generators in place of publicly provided alternatives, and investments abroad rather than in the local economy. In some way, the African elite lost faith in the substance or quality of post-colonial governance. The postcolonial state was privatized and used only as an instrument for rapid primitive accumulation and its instruments of coercion were frequently deployed to settle private disagreements and the control of power by political despots. Coupled with economic mismanagement, rabid corruption, irresponsible political behavior and squandermania, the near abandonment of the state by its very custodians weakened it and made it largely irrelevant to the daily lives of the people. The state was now seen and treated as enemy by the people, a force that was to be avoided, cheated, attacked, and subverted as opportunity permitted. Such a state had no room for the rule of law, social justice, human rights, and constitutionalism. All these were sacrificed on the altar of political expediency, the hunger for power and the arrogance of a political elite with only a tenuous relationship to real production. It is only by understanding the depth of the deprivations, humiliations, and violence that we can fully appreciate the nature of the new politics in Africa. And this is exactly why we must reinvent Africa for progress. New Politics In Africa?

It is easy to talk about reinventing Africa for growth, development and democracy. Why should we have any hope for the future? Has the global system changed the peripheral location and role of the continent in the global divisions of power, production and exchange? Have African leaders, especially the custodians of state power changed their style of politics? Can we say there are holistic national, sub-regional and regional programs in place to change the face and fortunes of the continent? Are there new ways of bridging the huge gap between leaders and the people and rebuilding confidence in government? These are some of the salient issues that we must interrogate. It is refreshing to note that there is an increasing feeling of euphoria in Africa these days. For a continent that was awash with brutal dictators, corrupt regimes, misplaced priori ties, institutional decay, and social dislocations and violence, the recent political openings and renewed commitments to democratic values give hope for a better future, if they are sustained. True, there is much to worry about in the illiberal democratic realities of the continent. In fact, most of the newly elected politicians still act and sound very much like the dictators of the past. They are violent and intolerant of democratic processes and discourses. They try to ‘modernise’ dictatorship and brutality. They want to be thanked for using public funds to execute projects. They focus on things that people can see rather than on the people themselves. Hence, health, education, agriculture, and social development often give way to buildings, even more universities and roads; especially the expansion of already motorable roads. They give democracy a bad name as they waste public funds in building personality cults, servicing youth vanguards and Women’s wings of their parties. Though parliamentary elections have been held in over 48 African states since the 1990s, the truth is that democracy is

struggling to survive as the politicians continue to contaminate and compromise the context of democratic practice. They do enough to scare anyone from believing in a better future for Africa. This not withstanding, the emergence of new issues, new discourses, new leaders, and new political parties on the continent’s political landscape has altered the balance of forces and encouraged a radical alignment and realignment of political forces. It is a realignment that is still in process and the nations of Africa are by no means experiencing it at the same pace or level. Irrespective of the particular country concerned there are certain common variables that are shaping the content and context of contemporary politics in Africa: the end of the cold war; donor complaints about aid fatigue; the end of apartheid and the emergence of South Africa as a central player in continental politics (they just hosted the world CU to the satisfaction and amazement of all); the increasing unpopularity of’ military juntas; the increasing influence and power of civil society groups and the emergence of a new breed of articulate politicians. To these, we can add the new commitment of international organizations and Western governments to the new democratic agenda; the new recognition of the centrality of pluralism, gender, identity and nationality issues in the articulation of political platforms; increasing access by ordinary people to new technologies of communication, and the political impact of globalization requiring at the minimum, democratic practices, respect for human rights, and multiparty political arrangements. Africa, in spite of its d e p e n d e n c e , underdevelopment, and marginalization in the global divisions of labor and power has not been spared the impact of these developments and they are critical to reinventing its image and politics. To be Continues

“In this situation, progressive, people-centred and holistic public policies were no longer possible. Ethnic, regional, religious, and personal considerations came to determine public policies from defense, political appointments, through budget allocation and investments in education, infrastructure and agriculture.”

AUCHI POLYTECHNIC P. M. B. 13 AUCHI OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR

2013/2014 ADMISSION INTO HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA (HND) (REGULAR) Applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified candidates for admission into the Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes of the Polytechnic for the 2013/2014 Academic Session. A:

HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA (HND) Higher National Diploma programmes are available in the following disciplines:

SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY Polymer Technology Science Laboratory Technology (a). Physics/Electronics (b). Chemistry/Biochemistry (c). Biology/Microbiology (iii) Hospitality Management (i) (ii)

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN Sculpture Ceramics Painting Textiles Graphics

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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS STUDIES Accountancy Business Administration and Management Marketing

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SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Civil Engineering Technology Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology i. Electronics/Telecommunication Option ii. Power/Machines Option Mechanical Engineering Technology: i. Manufacturing Option ii. Power/Plant Option Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology

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Gently scratch the covered portion of the Admission request Access Card to uncover the hidden Access Number (Pin Code). This is a 12 digit number under the foil.

Open your web browser and type in Auchi Polytechnic URL: www.auchipoly.edu.ng to display the Auchi Polytechnic web page.

At the top left corner of the page, you will see the Admissions link. Click on NEW ADMISSIONS. But if you have filled an application form previously with your access card, and you desire to edit or print copies of the form or Acknowledgement Slip, just enter your username and password then click login.

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(ii)

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In addition to specific Departmental requirements, candidates must possess Five (5) Ordinary Level credit passes at one sitting or six (6) Ordinary Level credit passes at two (2) sittings, which must include Mathematics and English Language, in WAEC, NECO or NABTEB examination. Also, candidates must have at least one year Post National Diploma (ND) Industrial Experience (IT) or two (2) years Post National Diploma Industrial Experience for candidates with a pass grade at the National Diploma level. Academic transcripts from the candidate’s Institution (except for graduands of Auchi Polytechnic) must be submitted before the application for the Higher National Diploma admission will be processed.

GUIDELINE FOR HND ADMISSION: All candidates seeking admission into the Higher National Diploma programmes of the Polytechnic must ensure that they were offered admissions through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board during their National Diploma programme(s). Any candidate that does not have an Admission letter from JAMB for the National Diploma programme is ineligible for the Higher National Diploma admission, as such persons will not be mobilized for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. Candidates are to note that these requirements supersede the information contained in the Polytechnic’s Prospectus.

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The Application Form Request Page will appear. Carefully complete the Application form request form that is displayed when you clicked New Admissions. Ensure that you provide all required information. Note: Provide a username, (preferably your e-mail address) and a password. Write your user-name and password in a safe place because you will need them for subsequent logins. Then type in the Access Card Pin Code as required. Then click submit. Complete the Application form that is displayed carefully. Ensure that you provide all required information correctly as false information may disqualify your application. Fill in the subjects and grades you obtained in the specified examinations you have taken. Fill in Your Sponsorship and reference details as required and save the form. If you are sure that all information provided are correct you can finally click Submit to finish the application process. You will be prompted to upload your passport. Make sure your passport is not larger than 2x2 inches in sizes. If you are sure all information provided are correct, click Submit Application Form. Print a copy of the Acknowledgement slip and two copies of the application form. Attach photocopies of your credentials and birth certificate to the forms and enclose them in the envelope already purchased. Then submit the envelope at the Bank where you purchased the application access card.

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Natural Medicine

Zinc, Imperative For Eyes And Reproduction ZINC is a mineral which many of us are not aware of its nutritional values. We don’ t seem to care whether we eat it in our meals or use it as a food supplement for health reason. Researches have shown that zinc prevents cataract/glaucoma, promotes good taste and smell, enhances immune function, acts as an antioxdants, assists in the management of an enlarged heart, helps in detoxification of the body, contributes to proper celluar division as well as perform several other functions. However, my interest is not concerned with these roles of zinc, today. I want to focus rather on how zinc promotes eye and male reproductive health. A lot of us think that the eyes alone need Vitamins A, B-complex, E and C zeaxanthin, lutein, bilberry, evebrigth or alpha lipoic acid. Wrong!! The eyes also require zinc. This mineral activates vitamin A and enhances its absorption. Invariably without zinc, a person may suffer from vitamin A insufficiency accompanied by poor vision, low immunity and compromised mucuous membrane development. Zinc is highly concentrated in the retina and Iris of the eyes. This tells you that zinc is critical to the physiological function of these parts of the eyes.

Therefore, ensure that you have adequate supply of zinc daily if the health of your retina and Iris is to be guaranteed. Like Vitamin A, C and E, zinc is also an antioxidant. Although one, it also assists the body to make superoxide dismutase which is equally an antioxidant. Superoxide dismutase, gluthathione and catalese are three major antioxidants in the body which fight oxidation within it. At the end of the day, therefore, zinc prevents the degenerative ageing of the eyes caused by free radicals. Infact, if you desire durable clear vision, macular acuity and strong eyes, then you need zinc. Also, zinc is good for your prostate gland. Check out this gland. What do you find? It is that it stores 80% of all zinc supplies in the body. Simply, this means that zinc is very critical for the manufacture of seminal fluid produced by the gland. Infact, this fluid contains lots of zinc since sperm is carried in the medium of this fluid, the sperm benefits from the protective role of zinc within the body and while inside the woman’s reproductive organ. It is for this reason zinc is considered a fertility aid for men This isn’t all. Zinc promotes male virility given the fact that it builds the health of the prostate gland. Without this gland, erection is not only

difficult, ejaculation is inhibited. Now, do you have frequent sex and ejaculaton? Then, you are losing a lot of zinc in your seminal fluid and sperm. You ought to replace this

situation is worse off if you are over 50. At this age frequent sex quickly elates the zinc store of the body. Studies show that more than one sex a month runs down your “battery” of zinc in the body. One ailment associated

zinc. If none exist from within the body or outside it from foods or supplementation, a person will face not only deficit in his reproductive capacity, he will suffer serious health crises. This is because zinc has several functions it performs in the body. The

remotely with zinc deficiency is an enlarged prostate otherwise called benign prostate hyperplaxia. What really causes this disorder are many. But one of them is the high level of prolactin hormone in the blood. Incase you don’t

“Zinc is highly concentrated in the retina and Iris of the eyes. This tells you that zinc is critical to the physiological function of these parts of the eyes. Therefore, ensure that you have adequate supply of zinc daily if the health of your retina and Iris is to be guaranteed.”

With

Dr. MAO

08030717341

know, it is prolactin that stimulates the female breast to produce milk during conception. Also, prolactin cause some men’s breast to enlarge. Meanwhile, women with elevated prolactin find it difficult to conceive without it being normalized by medication. Such women’s breasts release milk if the nipples are squeezed yet they are not carrying any pregnancy. So far for some

rising to abnormal levels. Additionally, when prolactin level, is already high, there are natural medicine for normalizing it. If nothing is done, you are not only pre-disposed to an enlarged prostate but low sperm count. Age factor contributes to high prolactin level in the blood. For example, researches reveal that as from age 40, the hormone begins to rise in men if

notes on the prolactin hormone. As I was earlier saying, when it is high in a man’s blood, his testosterone level also rises. Some of this testosterone binds to a protein leaving behind excess of it now know as free testosterone. In the presence of 5-Alpha – Reductase, an enzyme, this substance is converted to dihydro-testosterone. This is a very reactive form of testosterone which binds to the prostate glands and cause it to enlarge. Well, there is a saving, medical grace. With zinc sufficiency, this disorder can be prevented. Testosterone in the blood can be prevented from

unregulated. Beer drinking, also, is linked to elevated blood prolactin. This explained why alcoholics often have enlarged breasts, low sperm count, poor libido and benign prostate hyperplaxia. Conventionally, zinc can be obtained from tomato, Onion, garlic, lettuce, avocado pea, fish, soyabeans, egg yolk, oysters, crab meat, soy lecithin, kelp, stinging nettle, chickweed, milk thistle, alfalfa, burdock root, beans, poultry and red meat. But, note, our soils are so overcultivated that they don’t contain zinc anymore. So food grown on them lack zinc or only contains a little of it. A way out of the problem is zinc supplementataion.

New Horizon

Man, Know Thyself (1) What Is The Philosophy Of Krishna (God) Consciousness? K R I S H N A Consciousness is not a question of belief, it is a science. And the first step is to know the difference between a living body and a dead body. The difference is that when someone dies, the spirit soul or the living force leaves the body. And therefore the body is called dead”, so there are two things: One is this body and the other, the Living force within the body. That is the difference between the science of Krishna Consciousness, which is Spiritual than ordinary material science. As such, in the beginning it is very difficult for an ordinary man to appreciate the movement. One must first understand that he is a soul or something other than this body. For one to understand this at any moment, requires a higher intelligence. For example, as a child grows, he becomes a boy, an adult and the adult becomes an old man. Throughout all this time, although his body is changing from a child to an old man he still feels himself to be the same person, with the same identity. Just see how the body is changing, but the occupier of the body, the soul, is remaining the same. So we should logically conclude that when our present body dies, we get another body. This is called transmigration of the soul. So when people die, it is the physical body, that dies? Of course Yes. That is clearly explained in the Bagavad. Gita 2:20 states: “For the Soul, there is never birth nor death, nor having

once being, nor does he ever ceases to be. He is unborn, eternal, ever existing, undying and primeval. He is not stain when the body is slain”. Krishna Consciousness is a serious education, not an Ordinary’ religion. If the Soul is undying, does everybody’s Soul going to he with Cod when they die? Not necessarily. If he qualifies himself in this life to go back home, back to Godhead — there and then, he can go there, if he does not qualify, he gets another body. There is qualification to go the Kingdom of God and you cannot access yourself, no matter your present status — materially, religiously or otherwise. The assessment is done by higher beings not stationed within this earth planet. Also note that there are 8,400,000 different bodily forms. According to ones desires and karma, the Laws of nature gives one a suitable body. It is like when a man contacts a disease and then develops that disease, is that difficult to understand. For example, suppose somebody has contacted small pox. So after seven days he develops the symptoms. What is that period called - incubation. So you cannot avoid it. If yon have contacted disease, yon must develop it by nature’s law. Similarly, during this life, you associate with various modes of material nature and such association will decide what kind of body you are going to get in the next life. That is strictly under the law of nature whether you know it or not. Everybody is controlled by the stringent Laws of nature,

and dependent on nature laws but people always think they are completely free. They are not free, but they are imagining that they are free, but they are completely under the Laws of Nature. So, your next life will be decided according to your activities on earthsinful or pious, as the case may be.

Is it true that we are free to choose what we believe to important which may be good or bad? Here it is not a question of believe. It is a Law. For instance, there is a government. You may believe or not, but if you break the Law, the government will punish you. ignorant of the Law is no excuse. Similarly whether you believe or you don’t believe, there is a God. If you don’t believe in God and you independently do what you like, you Will be punished by the Laws of

Nature. There is no devil in between. Man is the devil. Does it matter what religion one believes in? it is not a question of religion. It is the question of science. You are a spiritual being, but because you are materially conditioned, you are under the Laws of material nature. You may believe in the Christian religion and I may

believe in the Hindu religion, but that does not mean that you are going to become an old man I am not going to be. We are talking of the science of growing old. This is natural law. It is not that because you are a Christian, you care becoming old or because I am I am a Hindu I am not becoming old. Everyone is just becoming old. So, similarly, all the laws of nature are applicable to everyone. Whether you believe in this religion or that religion, it does not in

“The Krishna Consciousness movement is meant for those who are serious about understanding this science of knowing God in detail. Generally people want to know God briefly and sharpsharp because the pastor or man of God is there to finish up. No, science of God requires every man or woman to carry his or her own cross, because its based on past and present Karma.”

With VICTOR ANIUKWU

an way matter in this connection. You are saying that there is one God. How? Definitely there is one God and one Nature’s Law, and we are all under that natures law, made and controlled by God. And so if we think that we are free or that we can do any thing we like, that is our foolishness. What difference does it make to be a member of the Krishna Conscious movement? The Krishna Consciousness movement is

understanding. So, when your body is finished, or annihilated, you are not finished. You get anther body, just as you may change your coat and shirt. If you come to see me tomorrow wearing a different shirt and a different coat, does that mean that I am a different person, No. Similarly, each time you die you change bodies, but you the spirit soul within the body remain the same. This point has to be understood,

meant for those who are serious about understanding this science of knowing God in detail. Generally people want to know God briefly and sharp-sharp because the pastor or man of God is there to finish up. No, science of God requires every man or woman to carry his or her own cross, because its based on past and present Karma. There is no question of being sectarian. Students, Christians, Moslems, Hindus are part and parcel of this science of God. Even an atheist can be reformed by being a member of this detailed science of God. What difference would it make to someone being taught how to be a Hare Krishna person? In fact that person’s real education begins. The first aphorism is to understand that you are a spirit soul, and because you are a spirit soul, you are changing vow’ body. This is the ABC of spiritual

then one can make further progress in this Science of God consciousness in details. About Hare Krishna movement literatures, what is the significance? These literatures are meant to draw you closer to whom you are, and also to convince you about the great need for spiritual life. Is it necessary that everyone must join? It doesn’t matter. The mission is to educate everyone with equal opportunity. Frankly, people are grossly in ignorance, and just living in a fool’s paradise, thinking that when their body is finished, every thing is finished also. That is foolishness in the first order. Why are you interested in telling people about the first dimension of spiritual life? Yes, our first concern is to tell everyone about this first dimension-that you are not this body, that this body is a Continues on page 24

Place Of Prayer

Doing It As Unto God

WHY do you do the things you do? Why are you in the relationship you are in? Why are you showing goodness to that man or woman? I have found that a lot of people do the things they do out of selfish motives. People tend to be good to only those that they feel they can gain something in return from (Luke 14:12-14). When such people do not get the expectation of their heart from such people, their hearts get broken. Those that keep doing things for the sake of man, rather than for God’s sake, will continually suffer heart breaks because man cannot be relied on. A young female banker once fell in love with a young, uneducated and unemployed man. she loved him so much that she was willing to spend her resources to change his status. She helped him to gain admission into the University and became responsible for his school fees, books and general upkeep. She did this without complaint for several years till the young man graduated from the university. This young lady, had a motive for what she was doing, she was doing all these so that the young man would eventually marry her. So, you can imagine her shock and disappointment when this young man graduated from the university and told her that he could not marry her, that he was in love with another lady. The lady almost lost her mind. She had to suffer all this because she did all she did not because of God, but because of man. There is no reward for anything done because of man. If you do it because of God, then God will ensure your reward, either through that man or someone else. God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah in Jer. 17:5-7, “Cursed be the man

that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart depart eth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is”. The heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked (Jer. 17:9). No matter how good a man looks or acts right now, it is folly to place your trust in him. For it is the nature of man to fall short of expectation. Human beings are the most ungrateful of God’s creation. They forget past goodness so easily. Even God had a bitter experience with man that He made. It got so bad that the bible tells us in Gen. 6:6 that it repented the LORD that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart. If man that was made by God could disappoint his maker, then who are you to be spared the deception of man? Only God can be trusted implicitly. It is only with Him that we can be sure not to find variableness or shadow of turning. When your relationship with man is as unto the Lord, and not unto man, then you will not only save yourself from disappointments and heart breaks, you will also qualify for God’s reward. The bible gives this great admonition in Eph 6:7-8With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. Those that relate with their fellows as unto the Lord will certainly enjoy God’s reward continually. We can take examples from the lives of two women in the bible that

did what they did, not because of man, but as service to God, and got rewarded by God for the selfless service they rendered. First is the example of the Shunammite woman seen in 2Kings 4. This woman made herself a host to Prophet Elisha whenever he passed through Shunem, not for any selfish motive, but because she wanted to be of service to God. When Elisha called her to ask what he could do for her to reward her kindness,

young enough to get another husband, she refused to turn her back on the old, lonely and dejected Naomi. Whereas Orpah under pressure from Naomi to go back, kissed and went away, Ruth kissed and cleaved. There was obviously nothing Ruth could gain from following Naomi, yet she stuck to her. She decided to be nice and available to Naomi, not for Naomi’s sake, but for God’s sake. She followed, not knowing where she was going. For her selfless service to God, she finally

she had no request to make because all she had been doing was not for Elisha’ sake, but was done, as unto the Lord. And so as reward for her selfless service to God, her barrenness was wiped away, even though she had given up all hope of ever having a child. Ruth is another woman that enjoyed God’s reward by selfless service to Him. Although a widow and still

married the wealthiest man in their city and became an ancestor of the Lord Jesus. When your services are pure, not tied to the apronstring of human reward, you get divine reward. When your motive is service, not in expectation of human reward, heaven will step in to help you. Many husbands relate with their wives because of what they expect to gain. Many

“Ruth is another woman that enjoyed God’s reward by selfless service to Him. Although a widow and still young enough to get another husband, she refused to turn her back on the old, lonely and dejected Naomi. Whereas Orpah under pressure from Naomi to go back, kissed and went away, Ruth kissed and cleaved. There was obviously nothing Ruth could gain from following Naomi, yet she stuck to her.”

With Pastor Samuel O. Osaghae SMS Only 08030809339

wives are good to their husbands because of gain. And so, when the love or action shown is not reciprocated, there is problem. Anything you do for human beings because of the human being, you will certainly be disappointed in the response you get. If you want peace in your heart, then you should

don’t have reward for whatever you do for man, only what you do for God receives compensation. Many people are offended by their Pastor because they believe they have served enough to gain reward. We don’t serve Pastor; we serve God in the Pastor. If you serve Pastor for Pastor’s sake, you

not relate with people with an eye on reciprocated blessings; relate with people because of God. Don’t train your children with an eye on them taking care of you in the future. Children are not investments, they are your responsibility. You must know that not all children you take care of will eventually take care of you. There are children you did not invest in that God can later bring to you to take care of you. Some people do things just to hear “thank you” from man. “Thank you” is not edible; don’t kill yourself over it. Practice how to live with men because of God. Any man that acts with man, expecting man’s appreciation will be depreciated. Only God can, reward you correctly. You

will not get God’s reward, the best you can get is the Pastor’s reward. The bible makes this clear in Matt. 10:41 - He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man reward. If no man recognizes your works, God who sees our secret good works, carried out in the dark, will reward you openly. In conclusion, hear these words of Jesus in Mark 9:41For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily! say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. This summarizes our whole point- those that will not lose their reward are those who do it- as unto the Lord.

International

Compiled By ISAH STELLA .O.

Jail Break In Pakistan As Taliban Gunmen DERA ISMAIL KHAN, The Pakistani Taliban said they Pakistan - Taliban fighters Storm Prison had sent a squad of 100 fighters disguised as police and armed with bombs and grenades broke 250 prisoners out of a Pakistan jail in a brazen overnight attack that undermined the new government’s ability to combat an escalating insurgency. The assault on the heavily guarded Central Prison in the city of Dera Ismail Khan took place despite reports that regional officials had received intelligence a fortnight ago suggesting such an attack was imminent. The carefully planned attack

underlines the growing capabilities of the Pakistani branch of the Taliban, an offshoot of the Islamist insurgents of the same name in neighboring Afghanistan. Despite promising peace talks with the insurgents during an election campaign earlier this year, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appears to be accepting that the use of military force may be unavoidable after a series of high-profile attacks.

Explosions Rock Propane Plant In Central Florida, Seven Injured

Egypt’s interim President Mansour meets with EU foreign policy chief Ashton in Cairo

FLORIDA, USA- Dozens of explosions rocked a propane tank servicing plant in central Florida, northwest of Orlando, late on

EU’s Ashton Meets Egypt’s Mursi CAIRO- Egypt’s rulers allowed an EU envoy to meet deposed President Mohamed Mursi, the first time an outsider has been given access to him since the army overthrew him and jailed him a month ago, and she said she found him in good health. European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton revealed little about her two-hour conversation with the deposed Islamist leader after she was taken to an undisclosed location to visit him. “I’ve tried to make sure that his family know he is well,” said Ashton, who has emerged as one of the only figures accepted by both sides as a potential mediator in a conflict that has plunged the most populous Arab state into violent confrontation. Ashton said Mursi had access to television and was informed about the situation in the country. Nearly 300 people have been killed in violence since he was removed on July 3. Ashton said she had made meeting Mursi a condition of her offer to visit Egypt, where she also met with the general who removed him and other top leaders: “I said I wouldn’t come unless I could see him (Mursi).” Media have speculated about why the military-backed rulers would have allowed her to meet the ousted leader who had been kept incommunicado for a month. She denied that she carried an offer to Mursi of “safe exit” if he were to renounce his claim to the presidency. She also said she did not know where she was when she met him. “I saw where he was. I don’t know where he is but I saw the facilities he has,” said Ashton. Earlier, Ashton’s spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said on Twitter that Ashton had held two hours of “in depth” discussions with the ousted leader.

Egypt’s authorities say Mursi is being investigated for charges including murder, stemming from a 2011 jailbreak when he escaped detention during protests against former autocrat Hosni Mubarak. Ashton, Europe’s top diplomat, has been shuttling between

Egypt’s rulers and the Muslim Brotherhood to try to pull the country back from more bloodshed as one of the only outsiders that is accepted by both sides as a potential mediator. Foreign countries are urging the military-backed rulers to reach compromise with Mursi’s

Brotherhood to bring the country back from the brink of further bloodshed. Eighty Brotherhood supporters were gunned down on Saturday. The government has ordered the Brotherhood to abandon a vigil it has maintained with thousands of supporters camping out to demand Mursi’s return.

Thousands Mourn Victims Of Italian POZZUOLI, Italyrails the coach broke Bus Crash guard Thousands of people packed into through as it plunged off the road. a sports hall in the southern town of Pozzuoli yesterday to commemorate 38 people who died when a coach plunged 25 meters (80 ft) off a motorway viaduct in one of the worst road accidents in Italian history. Prime Minister Enrico Letta was among an estimated 4,000 mourners at the service during a day of national mourning called after the accident, which occurred on Sunday night as the coach was returning from an excursion. “This tragedy has hit everyone. It was a punch to our hearts and affected all of the city,” said Salvatore Gritti, who lost a friend in the crash. Many of the victims, including numerous young children, came from Pozzuoli, just outside the southern city of Naples, and many were related, adding to the sense of loss in the sweltering hall where the funeral was held. “I had two nieces with their respective husbands (who died) plus four others who were injured,” said Luciano Ariello. “The daughter of my niece with her husband and two children (were injured). Now they are in hospital. I just don’t know how they are but at least they are alive,” he said. Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the accident focusing on suspicions of manslaughter, but no charges have been laid and no clear indications have yet emerged as to what may have caused the crash.

An autopsy has been ordered on the body of the driver, who died in the accident, and investigators have also been examining the wreckage of the bus for evidence of possible mechanical failure, as well as the

The disaster came just days after 79 people were killed in a high speed train crash in Spain, for which the 52 year-old driver has been charged with negligent homicide.

Thai Oil Spill Spreads To New Bay On Resort BANGKOK — Workers in Island white suits used buckets to scoop up globs of crude oil blackening the once white sands and emerald waters of a tourist island in Thailand’s eastern sea yesterday, as the oil slick continued to spread three days after leaking from a nearby pipeline. Progress was being made on cleaning the oil that washed into Prao Bay on the west coast of Samet Island on Sunday night, though not fast enough, and rough seas and strong winds spread thin films of dispersed oil to a rocky bay farther north, said Rayong Deputy Gov. Supeepat Chongpanish. “The most urgent issue is to get rid of the oil from the bay as soon as possible,” Supeepat said in a telephone interview. “The longer it stays on, the worse effect it will have on the people and environment.” Provincial authorities have declared Prao Bay a disaster zone, but said that more popular beaches on the island’s east coast remain untouched. There is concern, however, that if not contained soon the slick could

spread to beaches across the island and on the nearby mainland. Authorities said it would take some time to assess the environmental damage. About 50,000 liters (13,200 gallons) of oil - about the amount contained in one and a half tanker trucks -spilled into the Gulf of Thailand off Rayong province on Saturday morning from a leak in a pipeline operated by PTT Global Chemical Plc., a subsidiary of state-owned oil and gas company PTT Plc.

Monday, injuring seven workers, at least three critically, and prompting the evacuation of nearby homes, authorities said. No one outside the plant was hurt by the blasts, which began at about 10:30 p.m. local time at the Blue Rhino propane gas filling station in the town of Tavares, about 40 miles northwest of Orlando, said John Herrell, a Lake County sheriff’s spokesman. Fifteen workers out of the two dozen on duty were initially reported missing, but all subsequently were found unscathed, Herrell said. Two others were safe from the outset. “Obviously it was a very, very dangerous scene” when firefighters arrived, Herrell said. The chain reaction of explosions, ripping through 20pound propane cylinders one after another - one tank every few seconds at its peak unleashed tall columns of flames into the night sky. Homeowners several miles away reported feeling shocks from the explosions. CORRECTION/ CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, AKUETA O. GODWIN wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as AKUETA GODWIN and AGUETA GODWIN. And that the name AKUETA was spelt in error in my WAEC Certificate as AGUETA. Henceforth, I am now known as AKUETA. O. GODWIN. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, WAEC and Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma should please take note.

AUCTION SALES

There will be a public auction sales of scrapped, unclaimed and abandoned vehicle and motorcycles at Okada Division of the Nigeria Police, Edo State Command. Date of sales is two weeks from this publication. ITEMS ARE: Nissan Sunny Car Reg. No. CH 157 KTU, Daylong Motorcycle, Qlink Motorcycle, Reg. No. QK 467 SAP, Nanfang Motorcycle, 2 Haojue Suzuki Motorcycles Reg. Nos. QG 487 USL, QM 126 APP. For further information contact Signed: Chief Joe Ike, Police Auctioneer 08028963209

and seven suicide bombers on a mission to free some of their top leaders, and they said they released 250 prisoners - a number roughly matched by local Pakistani authorities. Fighting continued into the early hours of yesterday, with explosions and machine gunfire rattling the city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, on the edge of Pakistan’s lawless tribal regions bordering Afghanistan.

CHANGE OF NAME EVIENBOR – I formerly known and addressed as Evienbor Timothy Osemeikhian now wish to be known and addressed as Irabor Timothy Osemeikhian. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME EDIONWELE – I formerly known and addressed as Miss Patience Efese Edionwele now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patience Efese Aperuah. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME OMEHRA – I formerly known and addressed as Miss Omehra Josephine Christiana now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osajie Josephine Christiana. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

OTTA – I formerly known and addressed as Miss Odion Isaac Otta now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gloria Odion Imorgan. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

OKPERE – I formerly called Miss Angela Ojiemende Okpere now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Angela Ojiemende Omomoh. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

International

Compiled By ISAH STELLA .O.

Veteran Pakistani Politician Elected down. He was once charged with President conspiracy to commit murder

Mamnoon Hussain, presidential candidate of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, stands as …

A Policeman and Soldier stand outside a Prison following a Taliban attack in Dera, Ismail Khan.

Chinese Man Stands Trial For Poisoning Dumplings

BEIJING — A former food plant worker in China confessed in court yesterday to poisoning frozen dumplings that sickened 10 people in Japan in 2008, a scandal that strained BeijingTokyo relations just months before China hosted the Olympic Games. The official Xinhua News Agency said yesterday that 39year-old Lu Yueting went on trial in Shijiazhuang in northern China’s Hebei province and that Japanese officials were present. A court employee confirmed the trial but did not give his name, which is common among lowranking Chinese bureaucrats. A verdict is expected to be announced at a later date. Citing local prosecutors, the state-run English-language China Daily newspaper said the man is likely to receive at least 10 years in prison. The former worker of Shijiazhuang-based Tianyang Food Plant was dissatisfied with

his wages and, in late 2007, injected insecticide into several boxes of frozen dumplings to get attention from his managers, Xinhua said. The products were later sold in Japan and in the Chinese city of Chengdu. Four Chinese people also were sickened, Xinhua said. Millions of bags of dumplings

were recalled, and Chinese food products were taken off shelves in Japan out of food safety worries, while Beijing prepared to host the 2008 Olympics Games. Xinhua said authorities detained Lu in 2010 after more than two years of investigations. China Daily said he contaminated the dumplings with methamidophos, a type of pesticide.

ACCRA- Ghana police are questioning a couple who locked their three children in a house in Accra for years possibly to try to protect them from society’s evil, a police inspector said yesterday. Police broke into the fourbedroom house in the Madina neighborhood in Ghana’s capital Accra, after a tipoff and rescued the children, aged 8, 6 and 2, who had been living in the house with their parents, a

sheep, a goat and dogs. Police arrested the man and woman, who have been released pending charges, and the children were placed with social services, said Inspector Agnes Ajo-Awuku, of the police Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit. The children appeared confident and were not traumatized. They spoke English, which they apparently learned from television and radio, and some of the Ghanaian language, Ga, AjoAwuku said.

ISLAMABAD - Mamnoon Hussain, a veteran Pakistani politician and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s trusted ally, was elected president yesterday in a vote by legislators for the largely ceremonial post of head of state. Hussain, 73, will be sworn in on September 9 at the presidential palace due to be vacated by incumbent Asif Ali Zardari, who is stepping down at the end of his five-year term. Ousted in a bloodless coup in 1999, Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party swept back into power in a May vote that marked the first transition between civilian governments in a country ruled by the military for more than half its history. The new president was elected by an electoral college made up of members of the two houses of parliament and assemblies in Pakistan’s four provinces. Given its dominance in parliament, the PML-N was guaranteed a walkover even before the main opposition party, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), announced it was boycotting the vote to protest against a change in the election schedule. Hussain won easily in the provinces of Punjab, Sindh and Baluchistan and got 41 out of 110 votes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He won 277 out of 311 votes in the upper and lower houses of parliament, emerging as the clear winner. Hussain, who will be president for five years, resigned his membership of the PML-N soon after the election results were announced, in what is seen as a symbolic move to establish himself as a non-partisan president. Hussain has been an active member of the PML-N since the 1960s. He was governor of the southern province of Sindh from June to October 1999 when Sharif ’s government was overthrown by the then army commander, General Pervez Musharraf. Traditionally, presidents have been figureheads in Pakistan although Musharraf wielded extensive powers when he held the post. Under Zardari, the presidency was largely stripped of powers though he enjoyed

Ghana Police Find Children Locked In House For Years

“They abused (the children), denied them their rights and freedom of going to church and going to school. The environment they are living in is very, very dreadful,” she told Reuters, adding that the parents said the world was evil. Relatives of the family said they were not aware of the existence of the two younger children and the parents had prevented them from entering the house for years, Ajo-Awuku said.

considerable influence in the previous administration. The party Zardari heads, the PPP, was elected in 2008 on the back of a sympathy vote after his wife, the popular ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated after returning from self-exile. His leadership of the ruling party gave him influence but Zardari still came under considerable criticism as Pakistan lurched from crisis to crisis, its economy crippled by power cuts and security undermined by a growing insurgency. Zardari will lose his immunity as head of state when he steps

after his brother-in-law, Murtaza Bhutto, was killed in 1996 but he denied any wrongdoing and was never convicted. However, after his wife’s government collapsed in late 1996, he was arrested and charged with corruption, such as for receiving kickbacks in deals involving a Swiss company. He was never convicted and denies the charges but spent the next eight years in jail. In 2009, the Supreme Court scrapped an amnesty law that had dismissed corruption charges against thousands of Pakistani politicians, including Zardari.

ANKARA- Turkish soldiers shot into the air and fired tear gas to disperse a crowd of around 1,000 fuel smugglers trying to cross into Turkey from Syria, the Turkish military said. The group threw stones at military patrol vehicles sealing the Turkish border at the town of Ogulpinar in Hatay province and refused to disperse after warnings in both Turkish and Arabic, the statement said. The military said it seized 6,000 liters of diesel following the incident on Monday. There were no casualties. Smuggling of fuel and other goods has risen on Turkey’s 900 km (560 mile) border with Syria, triggering a growing number of confrontations over the past month and underscoring Ankara’s concerns that Syria’s more than two-year-old civil war is fuelling lawlessness and dragging in neighboring states. With its hilly terrain and

thick vegetation, Hatay, a panhandle province that juts down into Syria, makes a relatively easy crossing point for smugglers and Syrian rebel fighters, as well as refugees fleeing the fighting. Turkish troops have been wounded and have returned fire in a spate of border incidents over the past month. A Turkish border patrol last week killed a civilian trying to cross illegally into Syria after the group of men he was with opened fire. Turkey shelters around 500,000 Syrian refugees as well as rebels fighting to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, but while backing the Syrian insurgents, it denies arming them. In the most serious spillover of violence in weeks, two Turkish teenagers were killed last week by stray bullets fired during clashes between Islamist militants and Kurdish fighters in a Syrian border town several hundred kilometers east of Hatay.

MOMBASA, Kenya - A Kenyan judge has sentenced a man to death for the murder of British tourist David Tebbutt and handed him a separate jail term for abducting the victim’s wife from a remote beach resort near the Somali border. The murder and kidnap in 2011 shook Kenya’s tourism industry. The wife, Judith Tebbutt, was taken away by boat and held by Somali pirates for six months. Soon afterwards, Kenya’s military launched an offensive against al Shabaab militants then controlling much of Somalia. “I have sentenced Ali Babitu Kololo to death for robbery

with violence and I have also sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment for abduction,” magistrate Johnstone Munguti told Reuters by telephone after issuing the sentence late on Monday. Kenya has not carried out a death sentence for years and most people on death row spend the rest of their lives in prison. Kololo had been sacked from his job at a safari village several months before the attack. He protested against the sentence, shouting his innocence from the dock, witnesses said. “At some point we shall all die,” he said as police handcuffed him.

Turkish Troops Tear Gas Fuel Smugglers At Syrian Border

Kenyan Sentenced To Death For Murder, Kidnap Of Briton

New Horizon

Continued from page 20 covering (your shirt or coat.) and that within the body you are a living force. If one fails to understand this first dimension, one cannot make any meaningful spiritual progress in relation to our next life, how does the process of transmigration work? The process is very subtle. Note that the spirit soul is invisible to our material eyes. It is atomic in size. After the demise of this body, which is made of the senses, blood, bone, fat and so forth, the subtle body of mind, intelligence and ego goes on working. So at the time of death, this subtle body carries the small spirit soul to another gross body. The process is just like air carrying fragrance. Nobody can see where this rose fragrance is coming from, but we know that the air is carrying it and you cannot see how, but that is being done. Similarly, the process of transmigration of the soul is very subtle. According to the condition of the mind at the particular time of death, the minute spirit soul enters into the womb of a particular mother through the semen of the father, and then the soul develops a particular type of body given by the mother. It may be a human being, it may he a cat, a dog, an elephant or anything. Are we something else before this life time? Yes. Is it that we keep coming back as something else in the next life? Yes, because you are eternal. According to your work in each life time, you are simply changing bodies. Therefore, you should want to know how to stop this business, and how can remain in your original, spiritual body, which is eternal and that is Krishna (God) consciousness in reality. So if one is Krishna conscious he wouldn’t risk coming back as a dog? The

Bagavad – Gita answers that question 4:9. “One who knows the transcendental nature, of my appearance and activities does not, upon leaving this body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arguna”. God is saying, “Anyone who understands Me is free from birth and death”. But no-one can understand God by materialistic speculation. That is not possible as is found in today’s world. One must first come to the spiritual platform, then he gets the intelligence required to understand God. First to know that you are not this your body, but a spirit soul, part and parcel of God and so you are undying but ever primeval as the supreme Lord. And when you understand God, and your relationship, one does not get any more material body. He goes back home, back to Godhead and lives eternally, no more change of body, no more transmigration, no more reincarnation. This is where the Bible quotation comes in - ‘That it is hound for man to die hut once.” And that is relating to perfectional stage where when you go, you don’t come back again. Is it that a person who dies experiences a higher level of reality? It is not the person who died, but the body. According to Vedic Knowledge, the body is always dead. For example, a microphone is made of metal. When electric energy passes through the microphone, it responds by conveying sound electric impulses, which are amplified and broadcast over loud speakers. But when there is no electricity in the system, nothing happens. Whether the microphone is working or not, it remains nothing more than an assembly of metals,

With VICTOR ANIUKWU

Man, Know Thyself (1) plastics, etc. Similarly the human body works because of the living force within. When this living force leaves the body, it is said that the body is dead. The living force is the important element, its presence alone makes the body appear to be alive. But alive or “dead” the physical body is nothing more than a

but which makes matter appear alive? This is a simple matter. There is an active principle which makes the body move, and when it is absent, the body no longer moves. So the real question is, “What is that active principle”? This inquiry lies in the heart of the Vedanta Philosophy. Infact the Vedanta- Sutra begins with

collection of dead matter. This body is not worthy of grief, therefore those who are wise lament neither for the living nor for the deadBagavd - Gita 2.11. The dead body is not the real subject for philosophical inquiry. Rather we should concern ourselves with the active principle- that principle which makes the dead body move- the soul. How do we know about this force which is not matter

the aphorism — atato Brahma Jijnasa-What is the nature of the self within the body? Therefore a student of Vedic Philosophy is first taught to distinguish the difference between a living body and a dead one. If he is unable to grasp this principle, we then ask him to consider the problem from the standpoint of logic. Anyone can see that the body is changing and moving because of the presence of

“One must first come to the spiritual platform, then he gets the intelligence required to understand God. First to know that you are not this your body, but a spirit soul, part and parcel of God and so you are undying but ever primeval as the supreme Lord.”

the active principle -the soul. In the absence of the active principle, the body neither change nor moves. So there must be something within the body that makes it move. This is not very difficult. A tape recorder is made of dead matter, but as soon as you the living person push a bottom, it works. Similarly, the body is a dead matter. But within

the body is the life force. As soon this life force remains within the body, the body responds and appears alive. For instance, we all have the power to speak and if I ask one person to come here, he will come. But if the active principle (the soul) leaves the body, I may call him for one hundred times, but he will not come. That is very simple to understand. But what is exactly the active principle? That is a separate subject matter, and the answer to that question is the real beginning to that spiritual knowledge. If someone says he is a spirit soul, how can he experience it? How can one experience the spirit soul that exist in him. Everyone should know that he is the living force or active principle. Everyone ultimately knows that they are not the body. Even a child

knows it. We can observe this by examining the way we speak. We say, this is my finger. We never say, 1 finger. So what is that “1”? This is self-realization, factually, we are not this body. And this realization can be extended to other living beings. Why does man kill animal? Why give trouble to other living beings, knowing that the life force in you is in other living beings including the animals. One who is self realised can see that this is another living entity, he simply has a different body, but the same active principle that exists within my body is operating within his body. The self realized person sees all living entities with equal vision, knowing that the active principle, the self is present not only in human beings, but within the bodies of animals, birds, fish, insects, trees plants, lion, elephant, ants, etc. What is religion all about? Religion means science, but people have wrongly taken religion to mean faith- I believe, Religion also means learning how to obey the Supreme controller God. So you may be Christian, I may be Hindu, it doesn’t matter. We must both accept that there is a supreme Controller or Power -that is real religion. Not that we believe animals have no Soul, that is not religion. That is most unscientific. Religion means, scientific understanding of the Supreme Controller and that’s all. In the state, a good citizen is one who understands the government and obeys its laws. So if you become a bad citizen by ignoring God’s Laws, then you are irreligious. And if you are a good citizen, then you are religious. In truth “He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, and does not want to know, is a fool, avoid him” Materklly and spiritually such a human being (male or female) is not worthy to live Such a human being is seen as dead among the living. Because he is Spiritually briefed .

Health

IN recent times, traditional medicine has been receiving significant attention in health management efforts across the world partly because several people have somewhat lost confidence in the efficacy of orthodox medicine. Analysts attribute the people’s loss of confidence in orthodox medicine to factors such as drug counterfeiting and drug reactions, as well as the affordability and accessibility of the healthcare delivery. They also observe that traditional medicine has been used to cure various lifethreatening ailments in all parts of the world at lower costs, even before the discovery of some medications. The general acceptance of traditional medicine is even attested to by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which notes that more than 80 per cent of the population of Africa depends on traditional medication. According to the global health agency, certain complementary and alternative medical therapies are also getting popular among Australians and Europeans. Besides, a survey conducted by the Roll Back Malaria programme indicates that 60 per cent of children with high fever in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Mali and Zambia, use herbs as first-line treatment. With this trend in its patronage, experts, therefore, recommend that traditional medicine should be regulated and incorporated into Nigeria’s healthcare system to ensure the quality, safety and potency of products. Sharing similar sentiments, Mrs Julie Offoboche, a former Solicitor-General of Cross River, urged the Federal Government to acknowledge the work of traditional medicine practitioners by licensing them and creating room for them in hospitals. She stressed that although orthodox medicine had a great value in healthcare delivery, there were some ailments that could only be effectively treated with local medicinal herbs. Offoboche noted that valuable goods and services, including herbal medicine, were being produced in Nigeria, urging the government to give tangible

Need To Incorporate Traditional Medicine

Health Care: support to these small-scale enterprises. “The government should give them some grant and ensure that the amount of money given to them is actually given to the right person. “When this is done, herbal medicine practitioners would be independent and be able to give quality service delivery; they can even perform better than their counterparts in India and China. “As regards herbal products coming in from India and China, people will tell you I took this and I took that but it did not work; when they take the Nigerian herbal formula, it would work for them. “Our herbal products are every efficacious. The government should give support to the herbal medications’ producers by giving them grants to enable them to conduct research and produce more drugs,’’ she added. Nevertheless, Offoboche noted that the Cross River Government had been licensing herbal medicine practitioners via annual renewable agreements, urging the Federal Government to replicate the policy at the federal level. Mrs Quincy Ayodele, a traditional medicine practitioner, shares a similar viewpoint. She underscored the need to develop and implement a national policy for regulating traditional medicine in the country so as to ensure its efficacy. She also stressed the need to incorporate traditional medicine into the country’s Primary Health Care system, saying that it would expand the citizens’ access to good, affordable healthcare delivery. Ayodele called on stakeholders in the health sector to develop long-term and short-term training programmes for traditional medicine practitioners to improve their knowledge. At the 62nd WHO African Regional Meeting in Luanda, Angola, in November 2012, traditional medicine practitioners also argued that research was very essential in

By ANNA ANGBAZO

the drive to improve the quality of traditional medicine. Traditional medicine practitioners from Congo, Mozambique and Mali, in their

herbal medicines. Sofowora said: “Traditional medicine has been with us since the beginning of time, and it is the only source of

preferred traditional medicine to orthodox medicine because of its affordability and accessibility. He, nonetheless, advised traditional medicine practitioners to share their knowledge with others,

Hon. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health separate contributions at the meeting, particularly stressed that the integration of traditional medicine into national healthcare systems would enhance the people’s access to affordable healthcare. However, Prof. Abayomi Sofowora, the former Chairman of WHO Regional Expert Committee on Traditional Medicine, stressed that the practice of traditional medicine ought to be strictly regulated. He said that the regulation of herbal medicine would stimulate the production of quality, safe and efficacious

healthcare for most people due to its accessibility and affordability. “The holistic approach attracts many people who want to go back to nature for treatment because many people are not happy with the healthcare provided by orthodox healthcare.’’ Sofowora stressed that the global trade in herbs grossed over 100 billion dollars per annum, stressing that Africa should seize the opportunity and start reaping the economic benefits of traditional medicine Angola’s Minister of Health Joseviera Dias Van Dinem noted that many Africans

“The holistic approach attracts many people who want to go back to nature for treatment because many people are not happy with the healthcare provided by orthodox healthcare.’’

stressing that most practitioners only bequeathed their skills to their family members alone. However, Mr Shekwoduza Baba, the Manager (Health Systems Strengthening Programme), Clinton Health Access Initiative, in Liberia, suggested that rigorous analytical work ought to be carried out to ascertain the potency of any herbal remedy which traditional medicine practitioners claimed to have discovered. “I have a soft spot for traditional medicine because the knowledge of healing has been passed on from generation to generation on my mother’s side. “I am working to catalogue all the medicinal plants which my mother recommended for managing or curing different ailments in 2013. “This is in an effort to set the foundation for further analytical work, which will involve isolating the active ingredients in the plants.’’ Baba, nonetheless, stressed

that in spite of claims of cure by traditional medicine practitioners and the demand for collaboration, the practitioners ought to disclose the contents of their medicinal preparations for scientific proof. Corroborating this view, Dr Dorcas Angbazo, a nephrologist at the National Assembly Clinic, said that inasmuch as there were claims of cure in traditional medicine, there should be clinical trials to ensure safety of the medications. She warned that the health hazards of ingesting traditional medicines without knowing their ingredients and dosage could be quite devastating. Angbazo cited an incident in Belgium in 1992 when chronic interstitial nephritis was diagnosed in most middle-aged women in the country who were using Chinese herbal pills to shed weight. She, therefore, called on traditional medicine practitioners to subject their claims to the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) for verification through thorough research. However, NIPRD’s Director-General, Prof. Karniyus Gamaniel, said that institute was only engrossed with research, adding that it was not a final product developer. He, therefore, stressed that the institute’s work on traditional medicine products could not satisfy the extant market standards in terms of the products’ dosage and standardisation. Besides, Gamaniel said that the institute was trying to reduce the spurious “can-cureall’’ claims of traditional medicine practitioners by verifying their claims on the treatment of sundry diseases. He, however, gave the assurance that the institute would collaborate with traditional medicine practitioners in efforts to garner wider acceptance for their products. According to him, research into herbal medicines was considered imperative because of the high patronage for the medicines, especially at the grassroots. Gamaniel and other experts, therefore, insist that without scientific proof of the potency of any traditional medication, the users face the risk of toxic, adverse side-effects. (NAN Features)

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SMOKING GUN BEWARE Welcome to 2012/ 2014 English Football Season. We The OBSERVER NEWSPAPERS WISHING YOU THE BEST LUCK THROUGHOUT

WATCH Next WEEK Season. Read the best Pools Guide. The OBSERVER Pools Special. Winner don’t quit and quiter don’t win - Editor FOR THREE DRAWS?

Moyes Confident Over New Man United Signings Manchester United manager David Moyes remains confident he can still bring in new signings this summer. The Red Devils have had want to be connected to that and multiple bids for Barcelona one day say they have played for midfielder Cesc Fabregas Manchester United. That is a big turned down and are now pull for any player.” considering a move for The former Everton boss also Everton’s Marouane Fellaini urged fans to consider the club’s as a cheaper and more attainable alternative. The Scot admits he would have liked to have wrapped up his transfer business at the beginning of the window but says he remains hopeful of completing deals in the coming weeks. “Ideally, you would get your signings done early. It is better if you can do that. But for different reasons it has not been possible to get them done at this moment in time. But I am confident we will get them done,” he told the Daily Mail. The increased spending power of Manchester United’s European rivals, Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain in particular, has made acquiring Moyes the continent’s top talent more difficult for the Premier League champions. Moyes, Nani scored two goals as a however, believes United can Manchester United XI won 2-0 still trump their rivals because against Crewe in a pre-season of their history and reputation. friendly that also featured the He continued: “That is not return of captain Nemanja Vidic something Manchester United and winger Antonio Valencia. are frightened of. Manchester Portugal winger Nani had not United are more than happy to featured on United’s pre-season compete with all of the teams. tour of Asia and Australia after There has been a change in the being given extra time off due dynamic because of PSG to international commitments coming on the scene recently. and a nasal problem, while Vidic That has altered things. But was also an absentee from the Manchester United will first-team squad due to sciatica. United took the lead on 10 always compete. minutes when Nani was brought “One thing it has got is the down just outside the penalty history. It has got the name. It area and he curled a free-kick has got the success. Players do

long-term future rather than judge him on instant results. “If you win one game folk will think you are good,” he added. “If you lose one folk

will think you are rubbish. You hope there is a little bit of sense and people understand where you are going. It is a big job.

“It is a new job. It will take time, as it would for anybody else. In a way, we are as much preparing for next year as we are this year at Manchester United. This club is always preparing for the future. We are looking at targets we hope to sign in a year’s time, not necessarily just this year.”

David Luiz says he is delighted to be reunited with his Chelsea teammates ahead of the start of their tour of the United States. The defender missed the first two weeks of preseason together with compatriot Oscar, Spain internationals Juan Mata,

inside the post. Crewe then lost Mathias Pogba to injury before Vidic made a strong interception to thwart Max Clayton as the United captain looked comfortable on his return. Valencia was also making his first appearance of pre-season before Crewe twice came close to scoring early in the second half. Clayton’s shot was saved by Sam Johnstone, with Byron Moore putting the rebound wide before Lee Molyneux

Fulham ‘Lead Race For Darren Bent’

Bent

picture at Villa Park under the management of Paul Lambert, and both Fulham and Newcastle have been linked with him. But the Londoners now appear to have the upper hand, only days after having said they would not be pursuing him because his wage demands were too high. But the Times reports that the Cottagers have tabled a new offer of £6 million - £2 million more than their first bid, submitted at the weekend. Bent, who signed for Villa for a record £24 million in January 2011, still has two years remaining on his contract. Earlier this summer,

Wenger Plays Down Suarez Talks because everyone is on tour at the moment and it’s very difficult to get in touch with people.” Wenger added that he does not expect any major transfer activity ahead of this weekend’s Emirates Cup. “We are ready to do quick deals but all the transfers do not depend only on us,” Wenger said. “But we are prepared to wait. It looks unlikely before the Emirates Cup.”

Luiz Glad To Be Back At Work

Nani, Vidic, Valencia Feature In the crossbar. Friendly Win rattled However, just moments later,

Aston Villa’s out-of-favour striker Darren Bent could be on his way to Craven Cottage after Fulham increased their offer for him, the Times reports. Bent, 29, is out of the

Arsene Wenger denies Arsenal is aggressively pursuing Liverpool striker Luis Suarez’s signature. Arsenal have been strongly linked with Suarez although Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers said they are not willing to let him go. “We are not close to signing Suarez or anybody else so there’s no reason why I should talk about it,” Wenger told Sky Sports News. “There is nothing to say. I have been away now for two or the weeks and it’s hard to see how things are advanced

the Red Devils scored again as the ball broke kindly for Nani as he raced into the penalty area and he kept his feet before rolling a shot into the back of the net. Vidic was replaced by Ben Pearson on 62 minutes and, two minutes later, Nani was taken off as his compatriot Bebe came on in a satisfactory work-out for United. Crewe, meanwhile, start their League One season on Saturday against promoted Rotherham United.

Cesar Azpilicueta and Fernando Torres, as well as Nigeria’s John Mikel Obi after taking part in the Confederations Cup in June. Oscar and Luiz were heavily involved in the tournament as Brazil went on to defend the cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Spain in the final. “I won my first title with my country so it was special for me and special for everyone in Brazil,” Luiz told the official Chelsea website. “It gives us a lot of confidence for the World Cup and we gave our people a great moment. “It was special because we showed to the world that Brazil have a good team again.” Luiz suffered a broken nose during the tournament but he says he has recovered and looking forward to getting back into action under the guidance of new coach Jose Mourinho. “Now I am okay,” he added.

“I spent some days in Brazil staying with my family because I miss them a lot when I am here, and then yesterday (Sunday) it was back for a proper training session. “The machine needs to work again so day by day I can improve my physical condition. “Today (Monday) is so special seeing everyone again at this club. “I have a good relationship with everyone so of course I miss the people here when I am away.”

David Luiz

Liverpool Chasing Papadopoudous

Newcastle had appeared to be the front-runners for his signature, and the Times says Magpies director of football Joe Kinnear will meet his representatives this week to try and resurrect a deal.

Liverpool are reportedly still chasing Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos, as they look to strengthen their defensive options as fears grow over Martin Skrtel’s future. The Reds are reportedly

preparing a £12 million bid for the highly rated Royal Blues defender. Skrtel has attracted attention from Napoli, but even if he doesn’t leave the club, Brendan Rodgers is keen on signing Papadopoulos as he

Dzeko In Pellegrini’s Plan

looks to beef up his defence before the start of the new campaign. The 21-year-old Greek international is very highly rated across Europe and has also previously attracted attention from the two Manchester clubs, City and United.

Manuel Pellegrini insists Edin Dzeko remains a key component in Manchester City’s plans for next season, suggesting he didn’t need Edinson Cavani or Robert Lewandowski. Speculation over Dzeko’s future at the Etihad has been mounting for months, where he was linked in a potential swap move to Napoli with Cavani going the other way. The 27-year-old Bosnian

has earned the nickname of ‘super-sub’, showing his impact by coming off the bench to score double figures, but failed to hold down a firstteam place. Pellegrini has however insisted that he trusts the striker and is expecting a promising season from Dzeko. “I have a lot of trust in him,” Pellegrini told Sky Sports after the Asia Trophy tournament. “Everyone was talking

before I arrived that we will bring in [Edinson] Cavani, [Robert] Lewandowski, all those players. But I always trusted in Edin Dzeko and he is now playing the way I want. “I am sure he will continue improving.” City have taken their spending to over £100m by having brought in the likes of Stevan Jovetic, Alvaro Negredo and Fernandinho.

Kyriakos Papadopoudous

Juventus Plan To Sell Strikers

JUVENTUS are looking to trim their top-heavy squad over the next few weeks with the club’s general manager Beppe Marotta claiming they have too many forwards. The Bianconeri have added Carlos Tevez and Fernando nine times last season, Llorente to their front line this while the two Merseyside summer, yet none of the four clubs could go head to strikers who were rotated on a head for Matri’s services. regular basis by coach Antonio Vucinic, Juve’s joint-top Conte last season have left the scorer last term with 11 goals, has said he would club. Alessandro Matri, Fabio only leave Juve for AC Quagliarella, Mirko Vucinic and Milan. Giovinco is less Sebastiano Giovinco are all likely to be offloaded, swelling the ranks in the Juve given his versatility. Once one or two attack, but Marotta says his club will not go into the season with strikers have been sold, all six, indirectly sending out an there will be no further invitation to the likes of Norwich departures from Juve this City, Liverpool and Everton to summer with Mauricio Isla now also happy to present their offers. “Our attack is overflowing stay, according to because it’s too much to have six Marotta. “Isla is our player and strikers of such quality,” he told Sky Italia. “We want to reduce it we assessed how we to five, maybe including one could possibly replace youngster, and we hope to find a him, but we were positive solution for us. “We’re analysing the offers, but what the players want is far more GIUSEPPE Marotta has important than what we want as hit out at Serie A organisers after Juventus were handed a club.” The Canaries have been linked a tough run of fixtures at with Quagliarella, who netted the start of the 2013-14

unsuccessful and he expressed his willingness to stay, so that chapter is closed,” he said. The sale of Arturo Vidal was

never on the agenda, meanwhile. “We refused offers from top European clubs for him,” revealed Marotta.

Antonio Conte, Juve Manager

Totti Rejects MLS Offer FRANCESCO Totti has said he is focused only on Roma after turning down an offer to move to Major League Soccer. Totti, 36, was contacted by Marco Di Vaio, of Toronto FC, and the former Italy international asked him to join the club, who play Roma in a friendly on August 7. But he decided his future was with Roma, and told a press conference in Kansas City: “It’s very gratifying to come up against a friend like Di Vaio. “He’s a great player and a great person, and he’s really happy in Canada. He wanted to give that experience a go, and he’s delighted with the way things are going. “It’s true that he asked if I’d like to play in America, but all I have on my mind right now is Roma. The club, with the signings it has made, is trying to build a side on a level with the best in Europe. “We want to become like them as soon as possible. We’re optimistic. You can only win things when you have strong players.” Before facing Toronto, the Giallorossi meet the MLS All Stars on Wednesday, and Totti expects that game to be a stern test of his side’s credentials. “The fact they beat a team like Chelsea [last year] says it all,” he said. “The MLS has grown a great deal in recent years and has become very competitive, both technically and tactically. “There’s going to be a lot of quality on the field, and I bet it’s going to be a spectacular match. There’s no doubt it’s an honour for me, and for Roma, to take part in this game.” Earlier this month, Totti indicated that he could retire from the game at the end of the forthcoming season.

... Marotta Slams Juve Fixture Pile Up

Valdes Eyeing Fourth Champions League

BARCELONA goalkeeper Victor Valdes says his dream is to win the Champions League in his final season with the club. The 31-year-old will be on his way out of the Camp Nou when his contract expires at the end of the 2013/14 season but he is hoping to add another important medal to his collection. Valdes already has three Champions League winners’ medal in his collection after lifting the title with the Catalans in 2005/06, 2008/ 09 and 2010/11, but he says new coach Gerardo Martino has encouraged them to be hungry for more success. “My decision to leave has not changed, and therefore this is going to be a very special season for me,” he told reporters. “I’d like to leave Barça having won the Champions League. “Tata has told us that we must never get tired of winning”. Barcelona have crashed out of the semi-finals of the Champions League for the past two seasons,

Victor Valdes

losing to Chelsea in 2011/12 before they suffered a heavy loss to Bayern Munich last season.

season. The champions begin the defence of their Scudetto crown with a visit to Sampdoria - the only side to beat them twice last season in Serie A - while a gruelling run of fixtures from the end of September sees them face a derby clash with Torino, AC Milan and Fiorentina, as well as two Champions League group games. Marotta feels Italian sides

competing on the continent should be handed better protection from Serie A organisers, telling Tuttosport: “Certainly the calendar has been less yielding in the last few years. “There are many cup matches close to important games in the season, or head-to-head matches which are traditionally tricky. “The league should better protect those who represent Italy in Europe. I realise this is difficult,

perhaps impossible in some cases, but it would benefit everyone.” Despite their ominous-looking start to the campaign, Marotta is fully confident his side have what it takes to secure a third successive Serie A title. He added: “The beginning is tough and we should be aggressive in those games, but this is one of our characteristics. We do not lack the will to win the championship for the third time in a row.”

Ecuador along with his wife, adding that some Ecuador players, including Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia, had committed to helping with the process. Chiriboga also announced that the main pitch at the national team’s training ground would be named after Benitez. Benitez joined Al Jaish earlier in July from Club America, after previous spells with El Nacional, Santos Laguna and Birmingham. An Ecuador Football Federation (FEF) statement read: “The FEF regrets to inform you of the death of Christian Benitez, the striker of Qatar club Al Jaish and the Ecuador national team. “Benitez, who was with his new club in Qatar, had a severe stomach pain, which was why he was rushed to a hospital, where after a few hours he suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest, which ended his life. “The Ecuadorian Football Federation extends its heartfelt sympathy to the family parents, wife, children - and

friends of our striker Christian Benitez. “May he rest in peace.”

squad for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

Ecuadorian Football Chief Leads Tribute THE president of the would charter a flight to return Benitez was a regular for his Ecuadorian Football the deceased player’s body to To Benitez country and made the Ecuador Federation (FEF) has led tributes to former Birmingham striker Christian Benitez, who died on Monday morning aged 27 after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest. The Ecuador international, nicknamed ‘Chucho’, signed for Qatari club Al Jaish less than a month ago. He was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pain hours after making his debut against Qatar Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassem Cup, but died shortly afterwards. “This morning we woke feeling profound pain, a pain that all Ecuadorians share, after losing an extraordinary human being, a son, friend, husband and player, “ Luis Chiriboga Acosta said in a statement on the FEF’s official website on Monday. The FEF president explained the Federation

Volkswagen Boss Urges Wolfsburg To Make Luiz Gustavo Move VOLKSWAGEN CEO Martin Winterkorn has urged Wolfsburg to step up their pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo. Dieter Hecking’s side confirmed earlier this month they were interested in signing the Brazil international, who has slipped down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena following the summer arrivals of Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara. Winterkorn, whose VW Group owns the Bundesliga outfit, has now backed die Wolfe to continue their efforts to sign the midfielder, despite his claims he is happy to stay at Bayern. “I say, if a player is on the market, efforts should be made

to get him,” the 66-year-old told Bild when asked about the player. The 26-year-old Luiz Gustavo, who joined Bayern from Hoffenheim for +17 million in 2011, has a contract until June 2015.

Luiz Gustavo

Milan Abandon Silvestre Talks MILAN have abandoned negotiations with Inter for the services of Matias Silvestre, confirmed the club’s vicepresident Adriano Galliani. The Rossoneri jumped into talks with their crosscity rivals over the Argentine defender after it was confirmed that Daniele Bonera would be ruled out up to three months due to a knee injury. However, talks between the two teams have failed to progress and it is now confirmed that Milan will be looking elsewhere. “Instead of getting closer with today’s talks, we moved further away,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Therefore we are looking to other objectives instead. Have we abandoned the Silvestre option? Yes.” Reports suggested that Inter wanted to either sell Silvestre or loan him out with the option to sign him on permanently for free.

Okagbare, Blessing To Nigerian Athletics -Nesiama OMATSEYE Nesiama, the Technical Director, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has appealed to corporate organisations to help sponsor some of the programmes of the federation. Nesiama, who made the appeal in an interview with newsmen was reacting to Blessing Okagbare’s new African record in the 100 metres event of the Diamond League in London. Okagbare had eclipsed the 11.12 seconds African record formerly held by Gabonese, Ruddy Zang Milama, to post a new record of 10.79 secs in the dash. “I am appealing to Nigerians to rally round Okagbare. She is doing not only herself proud but the country as well. She is indeed a blessing’. “We need the help from corporate organisations. They should come to the aid of athletics because we have good programmes but without money,

we cannot progress,’’ Nesiama said. Okagbare, who participated in the Sainsbury Anniversary Games in London, returned a time of 10.79secs, beating American Barbara Pierre to the second spot in a time of 10.85secs. Kelly Ann-Baptiste of Trinidad and Tobago was placed third in a time of 10.93secs while Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce was fourth in 10.94 secs. Nesiama, who was delighted by Okagbare’s new record, noted that without funds, the AFN’s plan for ‘Rio 2016’ might not be achieved. “I am happy that she keeps proving her mettle. She is good and I know that with good

psychology, she will be among the world’s best,’’ he said. He also said that with such records being achieved by the senior team and personal best by some of the juniors, Nigerians could set the benchmark for future international meets. Okagbare, who had featured in not less than four IAAF Diamond Leagues, won the long

jump event at Doha, Qatar, with a wind assisted 7.14 metres on May 13. She recorded a time of 22.31 secs in the 200m event to place second also at the Doha meet. Okagbare also has a personal best of 6.98m (w+1.1) at the Lausanne DL IAAF Diamond League.

ZAMBIAN international Noah Chivuta reveals he was let down by Free State Stars, but holds no grudges as he is enjoying his time at new club Korat FC in Thailand. The 29-year-old striker joined Nakhonratchasima FC earlier this month after he was released by the Ea Lla Koto following two seasons at the club. The former Kabwe Warriors took part in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers for Zambia back in June and was expecting to be presented with a new deal by Free State Stars upon his return. That didn’t materialize, however, and he was forced into finding a new club, but he isn’t holding any grudges and feels let down by Stars. “They did in the way (let me down) because they didn’t say anything at the time- that they wouldn’t renew my contract,” he told MTNFootball. “I went to the national team and when I spoke to them they

Noah Chivuta

Ogundele Dreams Gold leave the rest to luck and God. “I am not bragging but I will not settle for a silver medal, my aim is to win a gold medal in my category through the help of God,’’ she said. Ogundele, a gold medallist at the 2008 Aso-Oju Oba Table Tennis Championships, commended the new table tennis board elected into office in April, saying the future was bright for the sport. The categories to be contested for are the Men’s Singles, Men Doubles, Senior Mixed Doubles, Junior Boys Singles, Boys Doubles and Junior Mixed Doubles. Others are Women’s Singles, Women Doubles, Junior Girls Singles and Junior Girls Doubles.

Arsenal Target Sunday Nba SUNDAY Mba is hopeful that his selection in this year’s Goal 50 will boost his profile as he looks to secure a move to European football. The Nigeria midfielder was linked with a transfer to Arsenal following his superb displays at the Africa Cup of Nations, but a contract wrangle with Warri Wolves put paid to his ambitions of playing in Europe. Now the 26-year-old is optimistic that he is back on track, and expressed his pleasure at his inclusion at No.24 in Goal’s countdown of the finest players of 2012-13. “I am on top of the world to hear this,” he told Goal. “It is a thing of joy to me. It is not easy for me to make the Goal

Chivuta Holding No Grudge

just told me to come back after the National team then we will talk. I thought we would talk about the contract, but only to find out when I came back that they weren’t going to renew it. Chivuta has already played one game for his new side and he admits he is happy with the warm welcome he was given after undergoing a trial in Malaysia. “When I went to Malaysia for trails we played a game with this team and they were interested in me,” he added. “I am enjoying the new club because of the supporters. They have welcomed me very well. The hardest part is the language and the food here, but I will get used to Thai food.” Regarding his options and choice to join the club, he said: “There were a few options (of other clubs to join), but this club had sent me the contract alreadyI just wanted a change. “I have no hard feelings, I did my best at that club and I felt like I was at home there- that’s how football is. I have to move on and just wish them the best.”

GANIAT Ogundele, a top table tennis player, on Sunday gave an assurance that she would win a gold medal at the maiden Lagos International Open Table Tennis Classics. The classics have been scheduled to hold from August 26 to August 31 in Lagos. Ogundele told newsmen in Lagos that she had been training since the competition was mooted. She noted that she did not want to take any chances when the tournament became a reality. “Regular training helps to improve a player’s standard, which is why I take time to practise on my own. Preparation is training, embarking on exercise and ensuring mental alertness. “As a player, I consider all these while training. I am not intimidated by any foreign player. I will do my best and

Blessing Okagbare

Oyo FA Boss Absolves Self From 3SC Predicament OYO State Football Association chairman, Leye Adepoju has absolved himself of allegations leveled against him by some section of Shooting Stars Sports Club fans, following the tight spot the Ibadan darling team finds itself with relegation now staring them in the face. The board member of Nigeria Football Federation clarified himself while featuring on a sports programme aired live on a national radio station in Ibadan last weekend. Adepoju used the opportunity presented by the programme to read the match commissioner and center referee report in week 20 Premier League match that featured 3SC against Kwara United. The reports of the duo according to Adepoju was what nailed 3SC before the Organising and Disciplinary Committee (O &D) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) who slammed a three-match ban on the team with their midfielder, Philip Asuquo and team manager Ajibade suspended for six NPL matches. Adepoju who was allegedly assaulted by some aggrieved fans after he was attacked after the

first home match played behind closed doors at Lekan Salami Sports Complex said 3SC’s problem is more internal than what most people are seeing outside. The legal practitioner however, urged the team to do self cleansing by looking more inward to fish out some elements who are working against the interest of the club, but insisting they are the people that will save the club from relegation. “I was not in the stadium when

3SC clashed with Kwara United, what I got was just the report which was presented by the match commissioner, centre referee, and video clips, which highly indicted 3SC. “I’m from Oyo State, so it won’t be a thing of joy to me seeing Shooting Stars relegated from the Premier League, what I think is to be done is a self examination of all organs connected with the club and fashion out a way to save the club,” Adepoju said.

50. It will really go a long way to push my football career forward. I am so happy about that.” Mba was the star of the show as Nigeria won the Afcon in January, netting the only goal of the final against Burkina Faso as well as in the quarter-finals against star-studded Cote d’Ivoire. He was also selected in Stephen Keshi’s squad for the recent Confederations Cup, and is ready to meet the demands that come with being one of Nigeria’s most prominent players. “The feeling within me right now is of fulfilment, that I have made my country and family proud with this recognition,” he added. “It means more hard work for me from now on in order to maintain the tempo and expectations from not only Nigeria but the world at large. I hope to continue in this way to make my fans happy.” Warri have allowed Mba to play on loan at Enugu Rangers for the remainder of the NPFL season after which he hopes to secure a permanent move, with La Liga his preferred destination. “I love Barcelona as a club but I am not saying any deal is coming from there for now,” he said. “I cannot say which club for now but any good club that comes for me I will go, even if it is an African club side.” Mba, finally, admitted his fondness for Goal, concluding, “Each time I want to get football news I go there. The site gives me authentic information that I seek.”

N/Central To Hold Grassroots Judo Workshop

A member of the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF), Sulieman Damisa, on Sunday said that the North-Central Zone had concluded plans to organise a grassroots Judo workshop and tournament. He said that the event has been scheduled to hold from August 21 to August 24 at the Youth Centre, Lokoja. Damisa told newsmen in Lagos that the event would be aimed at scouting for grassroots talents as well as acquainting students with the modern rules and skills of the sport. “Our aim is to discover

grassroots talents in Judo from primary and secondary schools in the zone; we also want to acquaint the students with the rules of Judo,’’. According to him, the championship will prepare the zone for the National Youth Games to hold from Sept. 19 to Sept. 29 in Abuja. Damisa, who is also the federation’s Chairman, Finance Committee, added that the competition would be held regularly to promote the sport. The National Coach and Coordinator of the event, Bash Bassey, said that the competition

would involve Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau states as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Bassey added that the event would feature 10 weight categories in each of the male and female events. According to him, the male weight categories are: 25kg, 30kg, 35kg, 40kg, 45kg, 50kg, 55kg, 60kg, 66kg and +73kg. The female categories are: 24kg, 28kg, 32kg, 36kg, 40kg, 44kg, 48kg, 52kg, 57kg, and +63kg.

We Must Be Grateful To Mourinho - Casillas THE Spain captain believes the

Maradona Kicked Photographer In Groin A photographer has filed a police complaint accusing Argentina legend Diego Maradona of kicking him in the groin. Enrique Medina, a paparazzo for celebrity magazine Gente, claims the attack happened outside Maradona’s father’s home as he waited to take a picture of the former midfielder on Sunday night. Medina clams the 52-year-old came out of the house, charged towards him “like he was taking a free-kick” and kicked him so hard that he “doubled over in pain”. “This wasn’t the kick of an ordinary person,” Medina told the Associated Press. “This is from someone used to kicking… He seemed very angry, out of his mind. Like something had happened in his father’s house.” Former Barcelona, Napoli and Boca Juniors star Maradona, who lifted the World Cup as his country’s captain in 1986, has had a long-running feud with the press. In 1994, he was given a twoyear suspended sentence after firing an air gun in the direction of reporters gathered outside his house. And while manager of the Argentina national team, he responded to his critics after his side sealed their place at the 2010 World Cup by telling a press conference to “suck it”. The controversial figure’s last job in football was as head coach for Al Wasl in Dubai, and he now works as a sporting ambassador for the Gulf city.

Portuguese coach made an important contribution to Real Madrid during his three-year spell and believes Gareth Bale is one of Europe’s very best Iker Casillas insists he is grateful to former Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho for his contribution to the success of the club. Mourinho won three trophies during his three-year stint at Santiago Bernabeu, although the latter part of his tenure is best remembered for a public fall-out with Casillas which led to the club captain being frozen out of the first team. Casillas, however, has stressed that the current Chelsea boss’ efforts in La Liga cannot be ignored, although he is relishing the prospect of beginning a new campaign under replacement coach Carlo Ancelotti. “I’ve only been training with Carlo, I don’t know what differences there are [between Ancelotti and Mourinho], but it’s not a question of looking back. You have to be grateful for Mourinho’s contribution to Real Madrid, but now we have to start with the hope that the club can be at the top,” he told a press conference.

Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale Too Young For Madrid - Pleat

FORMER Tottenham manager David Pleat believes Gareth Bale may be “a little bit young” to make a success of a potentially world record breaking move to Real Madrid. The latest reports suggest Real keen to promote the notion that Madrid President Florentino Perez a +100m bid has already been has yet to submit a formal written submitted by the Spanish giants offer for the 24-year-old, even for the Welshman. though Bale’s advisers have been What has not been in dispute for some time has been Real Lewandowski Vows To Give Madrid’s desire to sign Bale and Everything For Dortmund with their interest now seemingly about to be Schwarzgelben shirt. ROBERT Lewandowski converted into a huge offer, “I will give everything for has vowed to “give Dortmund, no matter what. Pleat suggests the Tottenham everything” for Borussia When I stand on the pitch and star would be wise to ponder his Dortmund this season despite options before accepting the play, I think of BVB. I will do challenge in Spain. the uncertainty surrounding my best and be successful,” he his future. “I think he’s a little bit young was quoted as saying by Bild. The Poland international has to go abroad and I doubt he’d “I hope that [Supercup] was find it easy,” Pleat told the long been linked with a move not the last trophy.” to Bayern Munich, although BVB’s determination to hold on to their star striker means he is likely to see out his contract with the club, which FIFA has appointed Algerian Congo 3-1 in a 2012 Africa expires next summer. referee Haimoudi Djamel for Cup of Nations qualifier, Lewandowski recently Ghana’s final Brazil 2014 also played on a Friday, admitted his public desire to World Cup qualifier against November 6, 2011 at the leave Signal Iduna Park had Zambia on 06 September in Baba Yara Stadium. caused “trouble” amongst Kumasi. some of his team-mates but, The 42-year old who after featuring in Dortmund’s handled the final match at the 4-2 DFL-Supercup win over BAYERN Munich’s Bayern on Saturday, he has 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in Thomas Muller says their assured supporters his sole South Africa earlier in the year preparations for the new focus will be on performing is regarded the right man for season are still on track well when he wears the despite the Supercup loss to this crunch encounter.

Ref Djamel To Handle Ghana-Zambia Cliffhanger

BBC. “Many have failed when they have moved overseas. One or two have succeeded, but not many. Most have had a difficult time. “I think he is young to go, but he might feel that with his partner and baby, it will be a new start for him. It might be better if he stayed, continued to work and maybe next summer leave if that is his wish.” Pleat managed Tottenham between 1986 and 1987 and his close dealings with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy during his spell as Director of Football at White Hart Lane allowed him to gain an insight into how the notoriously belligerent negotiator handles big transfers. Yet he suspects that Levy’s determination to hang onto Bale at all costs will be shattered if Real Madrid come up with the sort of offer that many suspect

they are now preparing to submit. “Regardless of whether the player wants to leave, the club are in the driving seat and Tottenham have always been very firm on this,” added Pleat. “If (a club) have strong and brave leadership, which they have at Tottenham, they have to resist any formal offer that comes in, which Tottenham are determined to do. “If something shattering like £100m is put on the table, then I think even the resistance of Daniel Levy may have to give in, but I think even supporters would understand it for that money.”

Haimoudi Djamel

He will be assisted by compatriot Abdelhak Etchiali and Moroccan Achik Redoaune. Algerian Mohamed Bichari will act as the fourth official. Kenyan Nicholas Musonye, Secretary General of the Council for Central and East Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), has been appointed Match Commissioner and Mohamed Bahou, also from Morocco as Referees Assessor. Djamel was the same man at the middle when Ghana beat

Borussia Dortmund. The Bavarians went into the match as favourites after beating their opponents in the same competition last season before eliminating them from the German Cup and then downing them in the Champions League final. However, the Black and Yellow got their revenge in front of their fans at the signal Iduna as they defeated last season’s treble winners 4-2. Nonetheless, Muller believes Saturday’s match should be treated as an

Iker Casillas

... Zidane Wants Bale Resolution

REAL Madrid assistant manager Zinedine Zidane is keen for Gareth Bale to sign for Los Blancos “as soon as possible”, with speculation the Tottenham star will move to the Bernabeu continuing to mount. Madrid have publicly pursued Bale this summer and despite Spurs

Muller Unfazed By Supercup Loss isolated event and should not spoil their good preseason record. “Up until the Supercup, our preparations were going really well, also in terms of the results,” he said. “But any team can be beaten if they don’t perform at their best, ourselves included. “That applies even more when you’re playing Dortmund, who are a great team as well. “If you take last season’s Champions League as the form guide, they’re the second-best side in Europe. “So, we didn’t lose the Supercup to any old team.

“He’s a winner, that’s obvious to everyone, but he’ll make it clear from the beginning. This club was on the edge of titles last season; we want to complete our objectives in all three competitions.” Madrid have been heavily linked with a renewed push for Tottenham star Gareth Bale in the coming weeks, with Spurs determined to hold on to their star man despite his desire to leave, and Casillas is not surprised to see los Blancos once again chasing one of Europe’s finest. “We’re talking about a player who, frankly, is one of the best three or four players in Europe, and it’s normal to talk about him,” the 32-year-old said. “We’re talking about a decisive player. The market is still open and I’m sure someone will arrive here before the beginning of the Liga season.” Finally, Casillas says competition for places at the club is good under Ancelotti - but admitted he was desperate to regain his No.1 spot next season. “Competition is always healthy. There are very good goalkeepers here and we must learn to live with that. I hear a lot about competition for my post, but in other parts of the pitch there are two or three players for one position as well,” he added. “I would love to be No.1 keeper. I work for it. But if you ask the others, they’re going to say the same. You have to compete to play in the XI of Ancelotti. I will have to fight as I always have.”

Although that said, we’d still rather have won it.” Pep Guardiola’s men will continue with their preparations when they face Brazilian side Sao Paulo in a friendly encounter on Wednesday night.

Thomas Muller

claiming time and again that their winger is not for sale, it appears the nine-time European champions are winning the race to sign him. And Zidane is hopeful a deal can be wrapped up soon for the Welshman, who is also reportedly a target for Manchester United. “We’re not going to give up on Bale”, Zidane told Le 10 Sport. “It’s impossible to forget about a player of his quality. “It’s only normal that Tottenham want him to sign a new contract but we’ve made it clear that he’s one of our main objectives.” Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas also spoke about Bale’s quality, describing him as “one of the three of four best players in the world” and someone “capable of changing a game”. Reports in the Guardian suggest that Bale shares Real’s eagerness to push the deal through as soon as possible, and that the situation could turn sour should Spurs continue rejecting the Spanish club’s advances. The newspaper claims Bale’s representatives will meet with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy this week, and if talks don’t advance then the 24-year-old could hand in a transfer request.

CMYK

Internal Colonialism “

MORE dangerous Nigerian elites have taken over from the British. Today, these group of people are worst than the colonial masters, because they have perfectly put in place a humiliating spectacle – internal colonialism. An incredible system in which Nigerians are now being enslaved by Nigerian elites.” – Quoted in WHERE WE ARE (Page 18)

Last week Saturday (27th of July 2013). The National Association of Edo State Students (NAESS) honoured two out of the most dedicated personalities in the civil society movement in Edo State with ACHIEVER’S AWARD. These personalities, Rev. David Ugolor, the Executive Director of African Network for Environment & Economic Justice (ANEEJ) and Comrade Kaduna Eboighodin former Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Edo State. They really deserved the awards for several reasons. Firstly, Rev. David Ugolor has for some years now been graciously making its international Secretariat in Benin City available for various civil society organization to rob minds and strategise on how our public servants etc can be held accountable on the issues of governance here in Edo State and nationally. For those who do not know, the civil society organizations in Edo State, of which I am a prominent member, mandated

Rev. David Ugolor and Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin current chairman of Gani Fawehinmin movement for Good Governance (GFMGG) to convene the stakeholders Town Hall Meeting at Urhokpota Hall, Benin City, recently, to find a way out of the imbroglio occasioned by the strike called by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). Readers will agree with me that the Town Hall Meeting mentioned above went a long way in urging members of the NUT in Edo State and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led administration to opt for peaceful resolution of the thorny issues that made the NUT to call off the strike in Edo State. That both David Ugolor and Kaduna Eboigbodin deserved the recent honour bestowed upon them by the National Association of Edo State Students, is to say the least because these are people I have worked very closely with in the last few years in the civil society movement in Edo State. Apart from the fact that I am a Director, Board of Trustees of African Network for Environment and Economic Justice, I am equally one of the visible leaders of Gani

Fawehinmi Movement for Good Governance. That is to say that I know both Ugolor and Eboigbodin very well. These two are easily dependable, practical and dedicated members of the civil society movement in Edo State. I therefore, use this medium to congratulate them for honour and recognition well

University of Benin and he scored 52/65. He was appointed Assistant Lecturer and was issued a letter which was approved by council. After two weeks, another letter was issued withdrawing the letter of regularization. The argument was that the letter was issued in “error”.

Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, to stand on the side of justice by reinstating Mr. IDUEMRE OCHUKO without delay. The recent

Ruqayyatu Rufai, Minister for Education

deserved. The civilian government of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, which has us over the last four years as partners in democratic progress, should continue to create the enabling environment for us the civil society in Edo State to thrive and blossom. Today, there is a glaring case of gross violation of fundamental human rights of one MR IDUEMRE OCHUKO of the University of Benin. In 2010, Mr. Ochuko was interviewed by the

“We are being colonised by fellow Nigerians. This is what I call internal colonialism; we must resist this charade; we must root out for a people’s constitution, no matter what it will take us.”

The complainant protested to the university and later took the case to the Public Complaints Commission as a last resort, and the Commission took up the matter with the university. Here is the findings of the PCC: “It was clear to the committee and Public Complaints Commission that the university made a mistake in withdrawing the letter of appointment of Mr. Iduemre Ochuko. It was on the basis of the above findings that the C o m m i s s i o n recommended that the complainant should be reinstated in the interest of justice.” Therefore, in the light of the above, I throw my weight behind the findings of the Public Complaints Commission and use this medium to appeal to the Vice-

pronouncement by the National Assembly on the much talked about Constitutional Amendment is most u n f o r t u n a t e , embarrassing and callous. The handwriting was visible during the Kangaroo visitation made by the Constitution Amendment Committee to various parts of the country. Today, well meaning Nigerians yearn for Local Government Autonomy; a situation where resources will go direct to the grass roots without interference from any

quarter. We don’t want pensions for leaders of the National Assembly. What is child marriage? Some of these legislators are simply not in tune with reality. All the fundamental changes we proposed to the constitutional A m e n d m e n t Committee have been jettisoned for parochial matters to satisfy their whims and caprices. Nothing is being said about the Electoral Act to sanitise our present porous electoral system. What has happened so far in the name of the Constitutional A m e n d m e n t Committee reminds me of McPherson, Lyttleton, Richard Constitutions etc; where the colonial masters went round some parts of the country only to sit down and doctor such constitutions to suit their fancy. Today, things are now worse, we are being colonised by fellow Nigerians. This is what I call I N T E R N A L COLONIALISM; we must resist this charade; we must root out for a people’s constitution, no matter what it will take us. NOWINTA, Wrote WHERE WE ARE

TOMORROW ON THIS PAGE

“

First rape is madness and like all mad people do, rapists deserve our prayers. The church must continually pray for them. Second rape is the moral equivalent of war and it must be treated as such.

”

-Hon. Josef Omorotionmwan

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