Sunday observer 06 04 2014

CMYK

The Sunday

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

PERSPECTIVE

Pgs. 12/13

• Vol. XI NO. 4,042 •

ISSUES

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2014 • N 100.00 Pg. 7

Religion And The National Cake

Foreign Fashion In Africa:

Styles Or Vices

National Conference

Clergy Warns Against Inflamatory Statements

BY OSE EHEBHA

THE Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, Most Rev’d Friday Imaekhai has advised delegates to the ongoing National Conference against narrow ethnic, religious, political or economic agenda.

Imaekhai urged them to instead seize the opportunity to reposition Nigeria to the extent that the north and south could

be seen as one geographical unit that can co-exist despite differences in tongue and tribe.

Continues on pg.2

Tiv, Jukun, Fulani Sign Ceasefire Agreement LEADERS of Tiv, Fulani, Jukun and Hausa communities in Taraba, have signed a peace agreement on behalf of their people to end violence and foster development.

This is contained in a communiqué issued yesterday in Jalingo at the end of a peace

meeting.

The reports state that the meeting was presided over by Mr Michael Zuokumor, DIG in charge of Operations and leader, Presidential Peace Committee.

The communiqué stated that Continues on pg.2

SOCIETY

MARRIAGE CEREMONY: President Goodluck Jonathan (middle), acknowledges cheers from crowd that came to welcome him on his arrival in Yenagoa to the marriage ceremony of his daughter at the weekend.

Pg. 22

Parental Failure In Teaching Children Mother Tongue

BEAUTY SHOP

How You Can Dress Fashionably Pg. 14

POLITICS & ISSUES Pgs. 16/17 National Conference

The Contending Interests

Inflamatory Statements Continued from pg.1

Speaking with SUNDAY OBSERVER in Ekpoma, Edo State, the religious leader warned delegates against making inflammatory statements with potentials of plunging the nation into chaos, adding that the inferno likely to emanate from such remarks could consumed even the makers.

He commended the president for the convocation of the conference, noting that it is an opportunity to proffer solutions to the myriad of problems that have bedeviled and militated against the unity and development of the nation.

“We advise delegates against the danger of going to the conference with narrow ethnic, religious, regional, political or economic agendas.

“The concept of brotherhood must be the watchword because of its values of love, justice, equity and fair play.

Collaboration and not competition are values

that can help build our nation.

“As a multi-cultural and multi-religious nation, we expect the conference to devise ways and means of fostering the rights of every Nigerian to freely practice his or her religion in private or public, as well as acknowledge the contribution of religion to nationbuilding.

“We advise Nigerians

and delegates to the National Congress to avoid making inflammatory statements capable of plunging the nation into chaos, believing they have other places to run to.

“Such people should know that God moves in a mysterious way as they may themselves be consumed by the inferno they would have created.

Tiv, Jukun, Fulani Sign Ceasefire Agreement Continued from pg.1

representatives of the four ethnic groups in four local government areas of Wukari, Ibi, Donga and Takum met and resolved to end violence.

It stated: “The Fulani and Tiv agreed to immediate cessation of hostilities.

“They said they are ready to embrace peace and no party should carry out any attack on the other no matter the provocation.

“The meeting appealed to the government of Taraba to facilitate the return of Tiv and Fulani who fled the area to their respective places of abode to enable them continue their farming and

cattle rearing activities.

“The Fulani should henceforth stop invading, killing, burning houses and destroying crops and other economic trees belonging to the Tiv people.”

The communiqué stated that farmers agreed to assist to put an end to cattle rustling in order to maintain peaceful coexistence.

It said that a joint task force comprising of Tiv, Fulani, Jukun and Hausa youths should be established by the government in the four local government areas.

The meeting requested that the Mobile Police Barrack in Akwana, Wukari should be completed and occupied by

NECO Releases 2013 Nov/Dec Examinations “through the adoption of THE National Results effective quality control Examination Council (NECO) has released the 2013 November/December examination results.

The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Promise Okpalla, who announced this on Friday in Minna, said that out of 51,759 who sat for the examination 31, 201 candidates scored credits in Mathematics.

Okpalla said 28,113 candidates, representing 48.7 per cent of the candidates scored credit in English Language.

He said that Zamfara recorded the highest cases of malpractice in the examination, with 6.14 per cent and was followed by Imo with 5.28 per cent.

The registrar said that there had been improvement in NECO results in the last three years.

He attributed it to its collaboration with stakeholders and security agents, especially the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Okpalla said that the council fared well in the conduct of the examination in spite of challenges it faced, and called for

DR Joseph Odumodu, the Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged local manufacturers and importers not to sell or distribute their products without registering them electronically with the organisation.

He gave the warning in Enugu at the weekend at an event to mark SON day at the ongoing 25th Enugu International Trade Fair.

sustained cooperation from the public and stakeholders.

He said Zamfara and Imo topped the list of states with the high cases of malpractice, the Federal Capital Territory and Bayelsa recorded zero per cent in cases of examination malpractice.

He stressed that the council had maintained zero-tolerance for examination malpractice

measures.”

In his contribution, Chairman of NECO Board, Dr Paddy Njoku, commended the council for the painstaking manner it was conducting its activities.

Njoku urged every stakeholder in the education sector not to rest on his oars until cases of examination malpractice in the country were eradicated.

Mobile police personnel to ensure security in the areas.

The communique was signed Mr Julius Butu, Secretary General, Tiv Taraba Cultural Social Association; Mr Zando Hoku, President, Jukun Youth Cultural Development Association and Alhaji Mafindi Danburam, State Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association..

Others are DIG Zukuomor, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, AIG Zone 3 Headquarters, Yola and Mrs Kalafite Adeyemi, Commissioner of Police, Taraba Command.

condition.

The private transport companies visited included G. U. O. Motors, Agbonifo Line, Edegbe Motors, Bob Izua Motors (BIM), Muyi Line and Ameosa Motors.

Leader of the team from the Ministry Mr. Osayande Okoro explained to the management of the transport companies and all the passengers that it was a good initiative of Edo State Government

He expressed concern that most businessmen flouted the rules of the organisation by marketing and selling their products without registering them electronically.

He warned that if caught, such businessmen would be punished in accordance with the law.

“Standard Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP), Mandatory Conformity Programme (MANCAP), and eproduct registration were rolled out to help local manufacturers and importers thrive in their businesses.

“The e-product registration is compulsory for all,’’ he said.

On product counterfeiting, Odumodu reiterated the commitment of the organisation to eradicate fake and sub-standard

products from Nigerian markets.

The D-G solicited the support and collaboration of market associations, professional groups, stakeholders in the private sector as well as ministries, departments and agencies to confront the menace.

“We must avoid patronage of substandard goods because if we don’t patronise them, importers would stop importing them,’’ he said.

Earlier in his address, Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, the President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), commended SON for participating in the fair.

He suggested that products approved by SON should be displayed in subsequent fairs to enable people to know and buy them.

Minister Of Works Inaugurates N3.2Bn Benin-Ondo Road Project THE Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, on Friday inaugurated the construction of the N3.2 billion Benin-AdumagbaeEgba-Akure Road in Edo and Akure with completion period of two years.

Onolememen explained that the 22.22 km road was awarded to Enerco Nigeria Limited after a rigorous procurement process with a view to realising the contract within an appreciable time frame.

He said that the road,

Edo Transport Ministry Takes Safety Test To Transport Companies EDO Ministry of Transport has embarked on road worthiness and safety test of vehicles belonging to private transport companies in Edo State.

During an unscheduled visit to some of the transport companies in Benin City yesterday, technical experts deployed an electronic gadget to diagnose whether the engine and brake system of the commercial buses were in perfect working

Register Your Products Electronically, SON D-G Urges Manufacturers, Importers

through the state Ministry of Transport to ensure safety of the drivers and passengers as well as the vehicles on the roads.

Some passengers and the coordinator of Ameosa Motors Mr. Osagie Iguma commended Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the Commissioner for Transport Ambassador Orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP) for introducing the safety measure to road transportation.

which would connect Edo and Ondo, was significant to the Federal Government as it transverses many communities with abundant raw materials and farm produce.

He said upon completion, the road would enable communities access direct inter-state transportation of products to enhance socioeconomic activities in the two states.

“It would be recalled that the communities along this road corridor were known for mass production of raw materials and other farm produce.

“But the deplorable state of the only road linking them to major cities for the sale of their products hampered their development.

“The project was awarded at the sum of N3.2 billion and would on completion serve as an alternative route for travellers from the Western part to the South-South and the South-Eastern zones.’’

The minister applauded the efforts of Sen. Ehigie Uzamere, the Minority Whip, House of

Representatives, Samson Osagie and Rep. Nosakhare Osahon.

He said “there is so much to gain when leaders, irrespective of political differences, work together for the common good of the people’’.

Onolememen called on the communities, traditional rulers and people of Edo and Ondo to give the contractor all the necessary support for the full realisation of the project.

Osagie, who also spoke during the ceremony, said the project was the biggest ever to be attracted by a Federal lawmaker to his state and expressed his belief that the contractor would do a good job.

“I shall constantly be on the look out to ensure that this job is done as specified by the ministry and I will continue to ensure funding for the project from the federal budget,’’ he said.

He acknowledged the pioneer-effort of Dr Iyayi Efianayi, the community leader, who singlehandedly financed the construction of the road in 1965 and maintained it until 1988.

NEWS Sanusi Files Fresh Suit To Stop FRCN Investigation A Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed April 11 to hear a suit filed by Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, seeking to halt investigation into his tenure by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN).

Sanusi, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, had filed the suit through his counsel, Mr. Kola Awodehin (SAN).

He is seeking a declaration that the FRCN constituting itself into an investigating body in a manner contained in some newspaper publications of March 24 is ultra vires in its powers.

Sanusi joined the FRCN and the Executive Secretary of the FRCN as the first and second defendants.

Reports state that Sanusi is seeking a declaration that the conduct, actions and decision of the defendant were ultra vires.

He averred that the FRCN’s declaration in a briefing note dated June 7, 2013 and submitted to the President were ultra vires in their powers as contained in the FRCN Act, 2011.

He also wants a declaration that the defendant, having reached a conclusion as to his culpability as CBN governor, indicated in the briefing note can no longer conduct any investigation on the same matter.

“A declaration that the defendant’s recommendation regarding the plaintiff in briefing note date June 7, 2013 that he having been removed from office as CBN governor, were ultra vires under the FRCN Act 2011.

Sanusi urged the court to declare that the proposed investigation as advertised in the Punch Newspaper of March 24 was tantamount to a breach of natural justice.

Sanusi, therefore, sought an order restraining the defendants or any person, body, agent, or privies, under its authority, or pursuant to the FRCN Act, from conducting and continuing with investigation or inquiry as advertised.

Reports state that the defence has, however, filed a preliminary objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

In a short ruling, Justice James Tsoho, said that he would hear the defendant’s objection and the plaintiff’s motion together.

Tsoho, however, ordered that the status quo should be maintained until the suit was determined.

“It is hereby ordered that status quo as at the time of instituting this suit should be maintained until it is determined,” he said.

He adjourned the case to April 11 for hearing.

Ill-fated boat that sank recently in Lagos being recovered by Lagos State waterways authority at the weekend.

2015: NURTW Warns Members

Against Violence, Partisanship THE National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has warned its

DSS To Appeal Against Court Ruling On Sanusi THE Department of State Services (DSS) has said that it will appeal against Thursday’s ruling of the Federal High Court Lagos, directing it to release the international passport of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

A statement by Marilyn Ogar, the Deputy Director, Public Relations, DSS, in Abuja, expressed “disappointment and dissatisfaction with the judgment’’.

Justice Ibrahim Buba gave the ruling in Lagos.

The court had ordered the release of the suspended CBN Governor ’s passport and awarded him N50 million as exemplary damages.

“It is therefore necessary to state that in impounding the passport of Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Service acted in accordance with the law.

“For the avoidance of doubt, section 3 (2) (b) of Instrument SSS No. 1 of 1999 made pursuant to section 6 of the National Security Agencies (NSA) Act, provides as follows: “The State Security Service is hereby empowered to impound and keep in its custody the passports or any other property of persons or organisations under investigation if considered appropriate by the Director General.

“Returns of all such seizures shall be rendered to the National

Security Adviser, while such passports shall be returned to the owners as soon as the investigation is concluded.’’

Ogar, however, said that the “service holds and continues to hold the judiciary in high esteem as a critical partner in nurturing our democracy and nation building’’.

members to desist from all forms of malpractices and violence during the general elections in 2015.

This is contained in a statement issued over the weekend in Abuja by Mr. Kefas Yaro, Director of Information Services of the union.

“I am warning every member to desist from partisan politics as the union‘s constitution kicks against it. Any member caught in the act will be dealt with constitutionally.

The statement said the union would be organising lectures, seminars and workshops to educate its members on how to maintain peace.

It added that the essence of the workshops was to educate members on the need to eschew violence at all times.

“The union will partner with relevant agencies to assist the government in all the activities aimed at improving the affairs of the state by dissemination of its policies to members.

“We will also assist the

government and security agencies in the provision of logistics toward elections in the state,’’ it said.

Yaro expressed the commitment of the union to contain the activities of thugs and touts adding that its leaders would join hands to fight against anti-social activities.

He said that the leadership of the union had restored sanity among members and that there had been absolute peace in the motor parks.

improving access to information, enhancing teaching and research and be abreast with the global method of learning delivery.”

The vice-chancellor said the university had made adequate arrangement and provided resources to achieve the goals and objectives of the institution.

“We will ultimately replace exercise books with laptops and iPads as well as analogue form of writing examination with computer based tests.

“By the beginning of second semester 2013/2014 laptops and iPads with embedded line of software will be available and

students will get them with interest-free loan payable in two academic sessions,” he said.

Mustapha said students would be required to simply open an account with any of the university’s finance banks to enjoy the facility.

The vice-chancellor cautioned the new students to guard against social vices like gangsterism, cultism, indecent dressing and alcoholism, to enable them come out in flying colours.

Reports state that 9,549 students matriculated at the event.

ABU Introduces E-learning, To Provide Ipads Loans To Student

THE Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, said that it had introduced facilities to promote e-learning in the institution.

Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, the ABU Vice-Chancellor, stated this in Zaria at the matriculation of students for the 2013/2014 academic session.

He said that the university would soon commence the distribution of laptops and iPads to students, on loan, to enable them key into the new system of learning at the institution.

These measures, he explained,

were part of the gradual phasing out of “analogue teaching” at the university.

Mustapha said: “We will continue to provide you with revolutionary and state-of-theart learning and teaching modes, skills and robust internet communication to facilitate elearning.

“Our ultimate goal is to gradually and systematically replace the analogue teaching and learning mode delivery in line with 21st century ICT guided teaching mode.

“This is with a view to

Kwara Police Command To Include Fulani Herdsmen In Community Relations C’ttee

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former CBN Governor

THE Kwara Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ambrose Aisoba, has directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in the state to include Fulani herdsmen as members of the Community Relations Committee.

The police boss announced this in Kaiama, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara, while speaking with newsmen.

Aisoba, who was in Kaiama to visit police formations in the area, explained that the decision was aimed at checking the constant farmers-herdsmen clashes over grazing land.

“I’m trying to bring all stakeholders together and a put a measure in place.

“The Fulani must be incorporated in the Police Community Relations

Committee in each local government area.

“It is in that place that people, farmers and other stakeholders can rub minds together.

“Issues are raised and resolved at that forum,’’ he said.

Aisoba also urged politicians in the state to play by the rules, saying no security agency could force any candidate on

the electorate.

Meanwhile, Aisoba has advised traditional rulers in the state to shun partisan politics.

The commissioner gave the advice on Friday when he paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Sheu Muazu.

He said such action always stripped traditional rulers of respect.

NEWS Complete Uromi, Uzea, Anegbette Road Now, Monarch Urges FG Stories By AUDU ADAMA

nerve centre of Afenmai land.

While appealing to Companies to come and invest in his domain, The Oliola emphasized that in time past, Alika River, a tributary of the River Niger which flows through his domain hosted many Medium - sized Ships which he noted, were used to evacuate farms produce.

The Oliola who lamented the current sorry state of affairs in the area said that geographically, his entire domain with its alluvial soil, settled on the bank of the River Niger with many Ponds he argued, could be explores for purposes such as fish farming, irrigation and dry season farming.

The Clan Head also disclosed that his predominantly Agrarian Community with boundary with Kogi State could

AUTHORITIES of the Federal Ministry of Works has been enjoined to complete the on – going 30 – kilometer Uromi / Uzea / Anegbette / Ukpeko – Orle Express Road on schedule to enable new Companies and former Farm Development Companies which deserted Anegbette to return and invest in the area.

This appeal was made

by HRH Yakubu Momodu Ugbodaga, The Oliola of Anegbette and Clan Head of South – Uneme in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State while playing host to the Sunday Observer at his Palace, Anegbette. He stressed that when the road at that axis of his Community was motorable, Companies as PEMO Nigeria limited, Bendel Farms which was into Rice production, Sona Breweries which was into Rice and Maize Farming, the John Holt and the United Africa Company [THE UAC] which all engaged in commercial activities in the area thus making her the commercial

THE Edo State Government has been called upon to post more Teachers to Imiava Secondary School, Anegbette in order to minimize the current financial burden being borne

THE Edo State Government has been commended for reconstructing the erstwhile obsolete and narrow bridges, grading and asphalting of Ugbekpe / Udaba / Anegbette earth road which had remained inaccessible for decades especially during raining seasons.

The Oliola of Anegbette and Clan Head of South Uneme Clan HRH Y. M Ugbodaga who gave this commendation at his Palace, Anegbettte, stressed that the reconstruction of the road has opened up the hitherto sleeping Communities not only in his domain but elsewhere, saying “my community which has been one of the commercial centre in Afenmai land is gradually regaining its old glory” He also commended the State Government for the comprehensive renovation works carried out at Imiava Primary and Secondary Schools, Anegbette,

Oghomere / Imiava Primary School Oghomere, Uzanu Primary and Secondary Schools, Uzanu as well as the Public Primary School in Udochi The Clan Head also lauded the State Government for mobilizing Foreign Partners to cite Agro – Allied Industries in his domain and for placing Anegbette in Edo State website which he noted was currently drawing global attention to the community.

The Edo State Governor was also hailed by the Traditional Ruler for appointing some of his Subjects into his Cabinet The Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Momoh got the monarch’s eulogy for reconstructing the dilapidated Anegbette Market and for providing an electricity generator to power the proposed street light.

The Royal Father also commended all his Subjects that have in one

benefit from the dredged River Niger with prospective Investors having access to the wider

world and would not have problems evacuating their Produce to the various markets.

The Clan Head was full of optimism that when completed; the road besides opening up the area

would also promote Integration, Cohesion among the people of Ishan / Etsako axis of the state.

From left: Enugu State Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Jude Akubuilo, Managing Director, Sun Communications, Mr Femi Adeshina and President Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, during Sun Communications Day at the ongoing 25th Enugu International Trade Fair at the weekend.

Edo Govt Urged To Post More Teachers To Imiava Sec School by the Community as a result of the Community Teachers employed to close the vacuum created by the absence of adequate teachers

Anegbette Community Commends To EDSG Over Infrastructure Dev way or the other contributed to the Peace and Development of his Domain.

in the School.

The Call which was made by the Oliola of Anegbette and the Clan Head of South Uneme, HRH Y.M Ugbodaga while speaking to the Sunday Observer in his Palace, Anegbette, lamented that all the Teachers that were previously posted to the School had to relocate because the Community was before now inaccessible due to the bad nature of the two major roads linking it with

Taraba Govt To Ensure Juicial Autonomy -Ag Gov THE Acting Governor of Taraba, Alhaji Garba Umar, has said that the state government would implement judicial autonomy to enhance quick dispensation of justice.

Umar said this at the swearing-in ceremony of the new judge of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Alfred Yakubu, in Jalingo.

He said that judicial autonomy was necessary considering that the court “is the last hope of the common man’’.

Umar said the government would also increase funding of the judiciary as well as develop its infrastructure.

He said that the

appointment of Yakubu was based on merit and had the approval of the National Judicial Council.

Umar urged Yakubu to justify his appointment by complying with his oath of office.

“You are expected to be honest and sincere in all your undertakings and always remember that God will hold you personally accountable for your actions,” he said.

In his response, Yakubu thanked the state government for the appointment, and promised not to betray the trust reposed in him.

He said he would uphold his oath of office at all time.

the outside world. He disclosed that the School which is the only Government Secondary School in the area serves about Eight Communities that make up his Domain.

The oliola also expressed worries over the infrastructural decay at the Anegbette Cottage Hospital established during the Military era. Though the monarch said the Cottage Hospital serves his entire domain, part of Ekperi and many other Fishing and Farming Communities, it lacked enough Medical Personnel including doctors, nurses and sufficient beds.

The Oliola further disclosed that most of the Staffs employed during the Military era were retrenched with no replacements made; a development which the Clan Head noted has led to a lot of their pregnant Women losing their lives at child birth. He therefore called on the State Government to address these inadequacies to prevent further health hazards in the Community.

The Royal Father further implored the State Government to reactivate the abandoned Water Borehole sank by a previous Council Chairman and also erect an over-head water tank, as well as provide them with a Stand – by Generator, lay Water Pipes and

distribute the Water to the entire Anegbette Community.

In a related development, the Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Momoh, has been enjoined

by Oba Ugbodaga to collaborate with the State Universal Basic Education Board [SUBEB] to ensure that more Teachers are posted to all the Primary Schools in South Uneme Clan The Clan Head also enjoined the Council Boss to post more health officials to Udochi, Imiava Health Centres and Ukpeko – Orle Dispensary as well as other Settlements in his Domain to enforce Community Health rules through training and enlightenment so as to make for easy eradication of communicable diseases.

The Oliola also enjoined Hon. Momoh to reactivate the abandoned borehole at Sabo and Okpokwili quarters in Anegbette. He also implored the Council Boss to complete the on – going water projects in Udochi and Imiava Communities to avoid his people patronizing water sources unfit for human consumption, just as he lamented a recent heavy down pour that ravaged the entire Anegbette Community owing to the poor drainage system put in place by a past Council Chairman and called for its reconstruction.

WORLD NEWS Under Shadow Of Violence Afghans Vote In Landmark Election VOTING was peaceful during the first few hours of Afghanistan’s presidential election yesterday, with only isolated attacks on polling stations as the country embarked on the first democratic transfer of power since the fall of a Taliban regime in 2001.

Four voters were wounded in an explosion at a polling station in the southeastern province of Logar. It was the most serious attack so far on an election that Taliban insurgents had vowed to derail, branding it a U.S.-backed sham.

Police in the northern province

of Faryab said they had arrested a would-be suicide bomber trying to enter a polling station, while in Ghazni, in the southeast, a volley of rockets were fired but landed far from a voting centre.

“I call on the people of Afghanistan to prove to the enemies of Afghanistan that nothing can stop them,” Yousaf Nuristani, chairman of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) said after he had cast his own vote as a polling station opened in Kabul.

About 12 million are eligible to vote, and there are eight candidates, with former foreign

Afghan women vote at a polling station in Kabul yesterday. Voting began yesterday in Afghanistan’s Presidential election, which will mark the first democratic transfer of power since the country was tipped into chaos by the fall of the hardline Islamists Taliban regime in 2001.

ministers Abdullah Abdullah and Zalmay Rassoul, and former finance minister Ashraf Ghani the favorites.

Hamid Karzai, the incumbent, is barred by the constitution from running for the presidency again.

But, after 12 years in power, he is widely expected to retain influence through politicians loyal to him.

More than 350,000 Afghan troops were on duty, guarding against attacks on polling stations and voters. The capital, Kabul, has been sealed off from the rest of the country by rings of roadblocks and checkpoints.

The Taliban have warned civilians they would be targeted if they try to vote, and at least 10 percent of polling stations are expected to be shut due to security threats.

Most foreign observers left Afghanistan in the wake of a deadly attack on a hotel in Kabul last month.

A veteran Associated Press photographer was killed and a senior correspondent of the same news agency was wounded on Friday when a policeman opened fire on the two women in eastern Afghanistan as they reported on preparations for the poll.

The National Directorate of Security intelligence agency said it had arrested a man and seized a cache of rocket-propelled grenades, assault rifles and police uniforms from a house in Kabul hours before the election began.

C/Africa Muslims Trapped In The ‘Alcartraz Of Africa “THIS is hell within hell,” says Ibrahim al Awad, his sandals sloshing through red mud on his way through a suburb of Bangui that has become a desperate refuge from sectarian violence.

Ibrahim is headed for a mosque that now acts as a refugee camp for around 2,500 Muslims fleeing attacks in the Central African Republic’s capital and beyond.

As weeks of vigilante raids by mostly Christian militias have threatened to turn into a fullblown genocide, many of those sheltering in the mosque are trapped inside, too scared to leave.

“This is the Alcatraz of Africa,” says Ibrahim.

The rainy season has started in Bangui, and Begoua, where the mosque is located, has turned into a muddy quagmire.

It is close to PK 12, a point north of the city that provides the only road out for tens of thousands of Muslims fleeing

the bloodshed.

The tense PK 12 area has seen frequent, murderous raids against Muslims by the “antibalaka” militia in a campaign of retribution for atrocities carried out by mostly Muslim Seleka

rebels who seized power for 10 months in March 2013.

Inside the gloom of the dingy mosque, many lie prone under blankets with vacant stares, scarcely reacting to the sight of visitors.

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Obama administration officials for the 2011 drone-strike killings of three U.S. citizens in Yemen, including an al-Qaida cleric.

U.S. District Judge Rosemary Collyer said the case raises serious constitutional issues and is not easy to answer, but that “on these facts and under this circuit’s precedent,” the court will grant the Obama administration’s request.

The suit was against thenDefense Secretary Leon Panetta, then-CIA Director David Petraeus and two commanders in

the military’s Special Operations forces.

Permitting a lawsuit against individual officials “under the circumstances of this case would impermissibly draw the court into ‘the heart of executive and military planning and deliberation,’” said Collyer. She said the suit would require the court to examine national security policy and the military chain of command as well as operational combat decisions regarding the designation of targets and how best to counter threats to the United States.

JAPAN has ordered a destroyer in the Sea of Japan to strike any ballistic missiles that may be launched by North Korea in the coming weeks after Pyongyang fired a Rodong medium-range missile over the sea, a government source said yesterday.

Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera issued the order during the week, but did not make it public in order to avoid putting a chill on renewed

talks between Tokyo and Pyongyang, the first in more than a year, local media reported earlier.

“The defense minister made the order from April 3rd through to the 25th to prepare for any additional missile launches,” the source said.

Onodera, the source said, did not deploy Patriot missile batteries that would be the last line of defense against incoming warheads.

Media reports said the North

Korean-Japanese talks in Beijing this week broke no new ground, but ended with an agreement for further meetings.

The firing of the Rodong coincided with a meeting in The Hague between U.S. President Barack Obama and the leaders of South Korea and Japan and followed a series of short-range rocket launches.

The launch appeared to be a show of defiance by North Korea.

US Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Over Prone Strike

Japan Orders Military To Strike Any New Korea Missile Launch

E. A. ADEBOYE On Sunday

The Reality Of Faith MEMORISE: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:1 Read: Genesis 12:1-4 Bible in one year: Ezekiel 46:19-48:35,Psalm 77:1120 THE Lord Almighty is calling us to a life of faith in Him. A life of faith involves a substantial walk with God with evidential trust and commitment to Him. Some people claim to have faith, but in the real sense of it, they do not. The heroes of faith did substantial things in their walk with God. For example, the Bible in Hebrews 11:8 says: “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” Though he did not know where he was going, he trusted the One who called him out that He would take care of him. He lived as a patriarch while he was still

childless. No wonder God loved Him and gave him an everlasting covenant of blessing. There are many ways in which we can honour God, but the best way is by our faith in Him. In fact, His heart is filled with joy when He sees His human creation trust Him for everything.

This is why the Bible in Hebrews 11:6 says: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Jesus Christ demanded faith from His disciples as a requirement for experiencing the supernatural. He said this to them in Mark 1I :22-23: “Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast

into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

This implies that our faith must not be misguided; rather, it must be in the God that never fails. As we continue in our journey of life, only faith can make us land safely at the glorious destination.

Now what is faith? In the context of today’s Bible reading, simply put, faith is accepting the verdict of God in all situations. Faith is not praying contrary to the perfect will of God. Faith is saying “Yes, Lord!” many people settle for what is not the perfect will of God and later regret their desperation. It is faith when what we believe for tallies with God’s intention, We must learn to identify the will of God as we exercise our faith because faith that is outside the will of God is nothing but magic. Jesus Christ exercised His faith in the will of His Father when He prayed in Luke 22:42. My prayer is that God will give you the Godkind of faith in Jesus’ Name.

ACTION POINT

Father reveal your will in all situations of my life in Jesus’ Name,

“There are many ways in which we can honour God, but the best way is by our faith in Him. In fact, His heart is filled with joy when He sees His human creation trust Him for everything. This is why the Bible in Hebrews 11:6 says: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Judge Spares Criminal ‘Because He’s Too Tall For Prisons Beds And Uniform A criminal who is 7ft 2in tall has escaped jail because he is too big for prison beds.

The 23-year-old giant, Jude Medcalf, was also too large for prison uniforms, a judge decided.

Medcalf, who admitted a series of crimes, was ordered to be released as he suffers from a little-known growth disorder, Klinefelter syndrome.

He terrified an innocent woman by firing a BB gun at her through a window, Exeter Crown Court in Devon was told. He then went on to steal Christmas presents and tea money from an NHS office.

Medcalf was freed from jail after Recorder Mr Adam Vaitilingam QC was told he

had already spent 75 days in custody. He had faced problems throughout his

Woman Strips Down In Street To A Los Angeles woman says Prove Big Is Beautiful she’s tired of Hollywood’s obsession with perfection.

So, she’s doing something drastic right in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard to

show other women that it’s perfectly fine to be large and have good self esteem.

While you may or may not

agree with Amani Terrell’s method, no one can argue with her message of loving yourself at any size. Amani weighs 260 pounds. She knows she has to lose weight.

In the meantime, she refuses to be down on herself.

She says, “You can not seek validation from other people.

This world is very cruel. You must seek validation within yourself and be kind to yourself.”

Amani decided to strip down to her bikini in the very busy Hollywood Boulevard to show the world that women are beautiful at any size. While most people had a positive reaction…some, not so much. One guy yelled that he lost his appetite.

Another sarcastically called her “Precious”. Amani responded like this, “That was very unkind but that’s cool because I love myself.”

Firefighter Rescues 6-Foot Python From Blaze A firefighter put his reptilehandling experience to good use when he rescued a 6-footlong python from a burning home in western Michigan.

Muskegon firefighter Scott Hemmelsbach told reporters that he reluctantly agreed to enter the two-story, smokefilled house that night to

retrieve the snake. He says he cradled the “weighty” snake before carrying it to safety.

“It was trying to crawl up the side of his terrarium and get out,” Hemmelsbach said.

“His face was pushed up on the screen and trying to get out. There was a lot of smoke and he was trapped.”

Man Does C-Section on Dead Porcupine, Saves Baby A Maine man in search of a valuable mineral cut open a dead porcupine on the side of the road and unexpectedly pulled out its baby.

Jared Buzzell, of Lisbon, says he was searching for wild mushrooms when he saw a porcupine get hit by a car in Minot. Buzzell says he’d heard that a valuable mineral deposit used in Chinese medicine formed in the stomachs of porcupines.

He then cut open the dead porcupine to search for the mineral and instead found the baby.

According to him, he cut the umbilical cord and thought the baby porcupine was dead until he started massaging it and it began breathing.

Buzzell is caring for the baby at home and plans to give it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

The firefighter said he learned how to handle snakes while he was at Grand Haven High School, where he helped showcase them.

“I’d take them around and show them to the kids in the elementary classes,” he said.

“That didn’t bother me at all.”

When Hemmelsbach reached the python inside the home, he gingerly handled him so not to scare the reptile.

“I removed the screen off the top and knew to approach it by coming up behind his head. He became very active, and I was glad because that meant that he was OK.” Two people in the home escaped without injury, fire officials said. The fire significantly damaged the home, and the cause is under investigation.

“I would do it for any creature,” Hemmelsbach said. “I’m just glad it had a happy ending.”

time in custody because there were no beds or uniforms to fit him.

He was given a six-month curfew and 12-month community order after being held in jail on remand.

The court was told Medcalf ’s chromosomal disorder, which also leaves him with adolescent emotions, was diagnosed last year.

Today a leading expert said judges must take the condition into account when sentencing offenders.

Sue Cook, national coordinator at the Klinefelter Syndrome Association, said: “Sufferers develop a very aggressive side and a few do get into trouble with the law.

“If someone has the condition, this should definitely be taken into account when sentencing.”

Brian Fitzherbert, prosecuting, told the court that when Medcalf saw his girlfriend calling the police after he had attacked an acquaintance’s car in Torquay, he fired the BB gun at her, which cracked a window.

She did not know whether the gun was real and feared for her life, the court heard.

Medcalf, from Newton Abbot, admitted possession of an imitation firearm and a bladed article, criminal damage and burglary at an earlier hearing. He had been remanded in custody for sentencing.

Odd News Compiled By Aleogho Irene & Ogbewi Joseph

2-Year-Old Dials 911, Saves BRITAIN’S youngestMum’s Life ever 999 caller saved his mum’s life when he dialled the emergency services after she collapsed with a huge blood clot.

Riley Ward, two, is only just learning to talk – but when mum Dana Henry fell ill at the family home he incredibly managed to use the phone to summon help.

In an audio clip released by paramedics, the tiny tot can be heard telling the stunned operator: “Mummy’s asleep.”

He then keeps picking up the phone and putting it down again, in between shouting ‘hello’, and can also be heard saying: “Mummy’s on the floor”.

Operators traced the call to Riley’s home in Barrowupon-Soar, Leics, and sent paramedics to help Dana.

She was rushed to hospital where she underwent emergency surgery after

doctors discovered a blood clot and dangerous bleed on her ovary.

The 27-year-old said: “I’m so proud of Riley. He is mummy’s little hero. I have told so many people about what he did. My friends who have young children are so amazed, and are making sure their children would know what to do.”

Paramedic Paul Staples said: “When I got to Dana’s house, Riley stood at the door with a big smile. I think he was excited he had a police officer and paramedic in his house. He was really interested in all my equipment and kept coming to check on his mummy.

“His family must be so proud of him. He is a really brave little boy.”

Riley has since been given an award by East Midlands Ambulance Service.

Girl Stabs Her Best Friend 65 Times For Posting Their Unclad Photos On Facebook A 16-year-old girl was so outraged after a Facebook dispute with her best friend that she murdered the young girl by stabbing her in the back 65 times.

Erandy Elizabeth Gutierrez ruthlessly murdered her friend Anel Baez after a dispute over some Facebook photos Erandy Elizabeth Gutierrez was furious after she received messages that alerted her to the fact that her friend had uploaded unclad pictures of the pair to the social network.

She told her friend, Anel Baez, also 16, that she would be lucky to survive until the end of the year.

‘It may seem that I am very calm, but in my head I have killed you at least three times,’ Gutierrez wrote to Baez via Twitter.

Laughing off Gutierrez’s threat that she would ‘bury’ her ’before the end of the year’, the unwitting Baez invited her friend to her home in Guamuchil, Mexico to patch things up.

According to local police,

Gutierrez asked to use the bathroom but instead went into the kitchen where she found the knife she used to stab her friend over 60 times.

A police spokesman explained that after the murder Gutierrez tried to clean the blood from her clothes and the weapon but was unsuccessful. Gutierrez

tried to hide her role in the murder after fleeing the scene and even pretended to grieve alongside her other friends.

But following police investigations she was eventually arrested at her best friend’s funeral – keeping the sinister promise she made to see her buried before the end of the year.

A landlord demanding rent arrears threatened tenants and German police with a whirling chainsaw, a police spokesman said.

The frightened tenants called police to the scene, and the 45-year-old man eventually dropped the

chainsaw when the officers showed their guns.

The spokesman said the landlord was apparently trying to collect 13,000 euros ($17,900) in rent on a flat in the southern town of Burgau.

He was charged with threatening bodily harm.

German Landlord Tries To Collect Rent With Chainsaw

Religion And The National Cake

MY experiences in Fatima College, Auchi were very refreshing especially when the Muslim Students asked for permission to build a Mosque in our Catholic School. Then the principal was a Catholic Priest. The School authority considered it a noble idea even though we did not have a separate building for a chapel. We used the multipurpose hall for masses and the regular morning, afternoon and evening prayers. For us Christians, it was good news that our Muslim friends desired a Mosque at their own expense. We did not think of building a Chapel to compete with the Muslims.

Rather we assisted the Muslims voluntarily in carrying blocks, fetching water and the required manual labour. It was as if we all grew up in an environment were our parents did not train us to be religious rivals. Later in life, it would be normal for me to see Muslims contributing even financially to the building of some of our Churches. This dream was realised in my early priestly life. When the Catholic diocese of Auchi was created, the joy of the Otaru of Auchi was manifest in the ceremonies and financial contribution to the reconstruction of the Cathedral. Some Muslim Alumni of Fatima College came out to support the Church in kind and cash. For us, this was no news. It was the normal way to life. In my days in Fatima College, I had a class mate who was also my room mate. We studied together but he would not say his prayers like every devout Muslim would do. We had our first term examination. I passed very well while he failed very well. He was very sad and asked me why he did not pass. I simply told him, “It is because you do not pray”. From that moment, he started going to Mosque to pray as required by Islam. We had the second term examination and both of us passed very well.

What eventually gave my friend a moral conversion was very dramatic. It was on a market day! We came back from school very hungry in the afternoon. We went to the market to buy ingredients to cook. A young girl came from nowhere and gave my friend a slap saying, “Bastard, you think I will not catch you! I will kill you today”! I quickly held my friend and begged that he should not retaliate. He shouted, “O boy! I am not a Christian like you, I cannot

By FR. CORNELIUS AFEBU OMONOKHUA

turn the other cheek for this stupid girl, leave me to teach her a bitter lesson!” I refused to allow him fight back.

Later, the girl realised that she mistook my friend for someone else yet did not apologise. We returned home. I started cooking

morning! What saved my friend were the testimonies of some people that witnessed the incident in the market.

Each of us has a beautiful story to tell about Muslim and Christian relations in our various parts of the world but my experience with Muslim

while he was still very embarrassed and confused.

Gradually, he recovered himself and we enjoyed our late lunch laughing over the incident of the “lady gladiator”. I enjoyed the way and manner students teased each other those days, making jokes out of very serious issues! The next day, there was a loud cry not too far away from our house.

Tragedy, the girl that slapped my friend was found dead in her mother’s room in the

relatives, friends and colleagues in my local environment would today plunge me into “the danger of a single story” (to use the words of Chimamanda Adichie). I have narrated my encounter with so many good Muslims in some of my essays. Among my single stories are my experiences in Mali and Egypt. I stayed in a hotel in Segho, Mali. There every worker was a Muslim.

They identified me as a priest because of my clerical wears

yet their hospitality was extra-ordinary. You can imagine my amazement that in this same Mali where I saw good Muslims witnessed the dawn of (religious) insurgency that same year. In Cairo, Egypt, the staff who happened to be Muslims in our Hotel arranged a vehicle and a driver to take us round the city. We visited the

pyramids and other beautiful places. That same year the (religious) insurgency in Egypt started.

I am trying to reconcile my single stories to the stories narrated by some Christians in the Northern part of Nigeria. Some of these stories are frightening and look like fictions. Other stories especially from our Muslim partners in dialogue appears to be convincing that some Christians and Muslims are allowing

“Religion and the share of the national cake have been identified as an indicator of religious injustice that gives birth to conflicts in Nigeria. Therefore, Religious leaders should be prudent enough to know that as long as the government is involved in religious affairs, religion looses the power to be the voice of the people. Religion should serve as the moral conscience of the government. Government officials should use their religious values to promote justice, human dignity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.”

Issues themselves to be used as cheap tools by a few privileged people in Nigeria to grab the National cake and positions as if it is Christianity and Islam that are in competition and unhealthy rivalry. I need further help from our Northern Muslim brethren to reconcile these stories with the report that just reached us from Fr. Kelvin Obineche and Lemark Peter, the priests of St. Teresa Catholic Church Funtua in Sokoto Diocese on April 1, 2014 that on March 31, 2014 afternoon some armed youths forced their way into the parish

compound and destroyed the Church and other buildings alleging that a Christian Corp member insulted their Prophet- Mohammed. The report continued that a similar scenario had taken place on March 11, 1987 and April 18, 2011. They said that this wreckage is coming just two weeks after the completion of the renovation of the damage of 2011.

Recently, a lot of conversations have been going on between Christians and Muslims. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has had two interactive sessions with Muslims of various sects this year 2014 in January and March. A lot of conversations are also going on in different groups between Christians and Muslims. The level of openness and frankness on the side of Muslims and Christians has reached a point where the divides are able to tell each other what they like and detest in each other.

Some people traced the root of the competition between Christians and Muslims to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The impression is that religious

rivalry looks like a policy in the political history of Nigeria.

Among the examples cited with statistics is the number of times religious traditions are mentioned in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. according to which the words “Sharia” is mentioned 73 times, “Islamic” 28 times, “Kadi” 13 times and “Customary” 66 times, while the word “Christian” does not exist in the constitution. Others refer to the discriminations in some States in pilgrimages as if this is the obligation of Federal and State governments. The way and manner Christians and Muslims make demands on government based on what is done for one religion and not done for the other is taken by some people as a basis of religious rivalry. These are only few examples of what appears to be a religious struggle and scrabble for the national cake. This attitude is affecting efficiency in so many sectors of the nation. In appointments, instead of asking if a person is competent, the first question borders on whether the candidate is a Muslim or a Christian and where the person comes from. There is the story of a Senator who is always sleeping at every session but he wakes up occasionally to ask, “Are they insulting my people”? If the answer is “no”, he would continue his slumber.

A lot of people have advised that Federal and State governments should not interfere with religious institutions and religious issues. If a person in government has the resources to build a Mosque or a Church, because of his or her belief, that is a different story.

Religion and the share of the national cake have been identified as an indicator of religious injustice that gives birth to conflicts in Nigeria.

Therefore, Religious leaders should be prudent enough to know that as long as the government is involved in religious affairs, religion looses the power to be the voice of the people. Religion should serve as the moral conscience of the government. Government officials should use their religious values to promote justice, human dignity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. When they go astray, the religious clerics should have the courage to bring them to the right course. Let us not forget, but remember that he who pays the piper dictates the tone.

Fr. Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua is the Director of Mission and Dialogue of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja and Consultor of the Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims (C.R.R.M), Vatican City (comonokhua@hotmail.com).

VOCATIONAL training is the backbone of industry, yet it’s sorely lacking in many African countries. Nigeria is a prime example. In solving the puzzle of the nation’s growth, is the missing piece the development of its greatest resource?

On a rig, we can’t afford to make a mistake. Safety is such a critical issue, we cannot risk having an improperly trained person working on our rig, and unfortunately there aren’t enough trained Nigerian workers,” says an executive of a well-known oil corporation headquarters in Nigeria.

Oil-industry jobs in Nigeria are well-paying and in demand but companies needing qualified workers often have to look outside the country to recruit qualified staff or spend substantial capital and effort on training their own employees to do the work.

A key reason for this problem is the lack of a direct connection between the needs of Nigerian industry and the nations output of trained technical workers. In many other countries, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is an integral part of economic development strategies. But in Nigeria, rather than creating the necessary synergy between education and industry, the TVET system has largely deteriorated over the past three decades. Lack of focus on the education system allowed it to become unregulated, underfunded and underutilised.

In addition, technical and vocational education has fallen out of popularity among young Nigerians who, instead, are focusing on obtaining university degrees rather than developing skills that are in demand such as electrical work, plumbing, telecommunications or machinery operations and repair. “Too many Nigerians prefer university degrees,’ says an executive at a large state-run TVET board. “There are no trained doers.’

Many Nigerian industry leaders complain that even among trained TVET graduates, the lack of a reliable certification process for technical and vocational skills hampers employers’ ability to hire Nigeriantrained TVET employees.

Underinvestment in the sector has also led to poor training

of teachers, deteriorating facilities, and a gap between industry needs and what training centres offer.

According to a business development officer at one of the largest oil and gas industry training centres in Nigeria, the certificates that are given out by TVET schools are “worshipped too heavily.” Industry executives contend that the concern over certification should be concentrated on improving the private sector’s input into the creation of qualification requirements.

In nearly every sector of the economy, the dearth of proper skills training is cited as a detriment to productivity and growth. This situation is not only a problem for individual companies, but it has a national impact as well.

While Nigeria’s economy is expected to grow 70% annually in the coming years, a growth rate that matches India’s, Nigeria’s biggest

potential constraint to achieving this growth is the scarcity of local labour, possessing the necessary expertise and skills. This lack of trained employees has led to labour importation, increased costs and stagnated domestic employment.

Anyone driving around Lagos these days can see the impressive number of hotels under construction. The hospitality industry is booming, due in part to the increasing number of business travelers coming to Nigeria every year.

Nevertheless, hotels are struggling to find qualified staff members and often poach from their competitors. Skilled kitchen workers are in particular short supply. In fact, the manager of a prominent hotel in Lagos complained that he had to hire most of his pastry staff from Benin, which has a leftover legacy

of kitchen training from the French.

But although many Nigerian business leaders complain about the scarcity of trained labour, few have made moves to implement training centres. One exception is the Dangote Group, which has set up a state-of-the-art training academy worth N1bn in Obajana in order to create a pipeline of new talent for its companies. Unfortunately, their efforts are not the norm.

Despite some informal training programmes, some entrepreneurs hire from abroad when they can, and, in some sectors such as construction, much of the training is taught on the job.

Construction is a great growth industry. One respected publication says Nigeria and India will be the only countries to enjoy higher construction growth rates than China from now until 2020. As the country grows,

Industry Nigeria’s critical need for such infrastructure as housing, roads and hotels will require plumbing, electrical work, bricklaying, tiling, welding, painting and carpentry. That’s where TVET skills will he in particularly high demand.

But right now the lack of such a trained cadre is putting a brake on growth. The site manager of a large hotel under construction in Lagos asserted, “I am entering my seventh year of constructions.

In any other country a similar hotel would and take three to four years to build, but I have such constraints with trained labour that everything takes the time and I lose time and money redoing processes because they were not done right the first time around.”

The CEO of a domestic construction company observed that while the delays are rooted in multiple factors, properly trained

The Missing Piece

By ERIC STAMBLER

“Oil-industry jobs in Nigeria are well-paying and in demand but companies needing qualified workers often have to look outside the country to recruit qualified staff or spend substantial capital and effort on training their own employees to do the work.”

labour would certainly reduce construction time and improve the safety of finished buildings.

At the same time, localcontent laws mandate that oil and gas companies have to increase the percentage of Nigerians they employ along all stages of the value chain.

Critics, however, say that without creative approaches to expand TVET opportunities, its hard to see how the local-content laws and the governments economic development strategies can be implemented in any significant way.

‘There is an interesting opportunity for private companies to fill this training niche,” stated the CEO of a project finance company headquartered in Nigeria.

“By bringing front runners in technical and vocational training to Nigeria, you can create a brand name recognisable for its quality within the private sector.’ One essential component of this approach is to make sure that sector-leading companies get involved at formative level where they can contribute to tailoring the curriculum to their needs in order to ensure that they are getting the trained labour they need.

Besides the oil and gas industry, for which Nigeria is known, the sectors of retail, construction, hospitality have specific skill sets that make them conducive to TVETtrained labour. These sectors also have some overlapping skills. Somebody who is trained in welding can work both at an oil-rig and at a construction site. The same transferability can be applied to the retail and hospitality industries. Workers trained for specific roles such as kitchen, food and beverage or front-office customer service can easily transit to working in a restaurant or supermarket chain.

TVET can be the vehicle to address these requirements and provide workers with skills relevant to the evolving needs of industries. In addition to contributing to overall national economic growth, such training can help address skills gaps in different economic sectors, create jobs, and enhance entrepreneurship and selfemployment opportunities. It can be a win-win effort for Nigeria’s teeming population and help the nation diversify its huge economic potentials.

Maladministration: The Sad

Story Of Imagbon Community SOME visitors and passersby had, over the past few months commended what they more often than not, refer to as the new face of Ogun state going by the massive road construction embarked upon by the present administration. The sprawling six-lane ‘highways’ and the walkways, the flyovers and the N250million pedestrian crossing all made up the major reason for this new-found love for the Gateway State.

Impressive and intimidating as they are, the huge construction site which Ogun State is as of now triggers some yet-tobe-answered questions. .

Those who fall into the category of ‘State Is Working’ incessantly praising the current government of Ogun state are not to blame, they have only said what their eyes saw. However, the salient fact remains that they have only seen what they have been programmed to see.

Ogun state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has tactically ensured that all projects or would-be state projects are sited where the unsuspecting visitors to the Gateway could easily see at first contact; in the preview of visitors, that is, very close to the highway. This is one of the main reasons why the proposed model schools which primarily should be within communities are conspicuously located right beside major roads for ‘all to see’ .

Renowned educationists will perceive this as dangerous to the lives of the students when the schools eventually take off.

By ADEKOYA BOLADELE

Another is the proposed housing project.

Arguably, residential areas are believed to be serene and quiet; free from the hustle and bustle of the cities. It is therefore shocking that the dual residential estate project by the state government in Abeokuta and Sagamu share the same fence with the busiest highways in Nigeria.

Some have tagged the roads project of the state government as mere playing to the gallery while others have proposed village renewal against the much advertised urban renewal, but these are topics for another day.

The story today is that of ‘Imagbon community’.

Like other communities in the state where hardship and struggle for survival remain unsung even amidst the unending borrowings, bonds and bank loans, people of the communities wallowing in abject poverty, towns and villages populated by jobless youths who have taken to advance fee fraud to make ends meet, the Chinese and other foreigners counterparts are being awarded road contracts with the indigenes only being employed as labourers.

Imagbon community is a story of outright neglect, lost hope and sadness which has continued to rock the boat of Ogun state.

Why Imagbon you may ask. One of the most intriguing revelations about this community is that it shares the same boundary with the state’s seat of power located at

Oke Mosan. The people of Imagbon see and watch the governor ’s convoy drive by their community to his tastefully furnished office everyday. It is therefore unfortunate that with so much

South local government of Ogun state is light years behind civilization!

A recent visit to the community shows absolute contrast with the live outside. While the seat of power was a glow with constant electricity and potable water, the

Spotlight table their grievances before the state governor or any of the agencies and ministries, a community leader who wishes to remain anonymous revealed that on several occasions community leaders have approached the ministry of local government affairs but in vain having been referred to their local government council to lay their grievances.

Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun State Governor

proximity to the seat of the government in power, the community of Imagbon in Abeokuta

residents of Imagbon lives in hell. When we demanded why the community has failed to

The community chief who was in tears revealed how he lost a son to cholera just three

months ago as a result of the dirty water which is the only source of water for the community.

A staff of the only school within the community who spoke, also spoke anonymously said; ‘We have tried all we could, you know this community is a border town. Anytime we go to the Abeokuta South Local government they will say they are not responsible for our predicaments and that we should go to Obafemi Owode but is the same story. They only come when it is time for elections..

Investigations reveal that few months ago an aide to the state government who happens to be the daughter of late Chief M.K.O Abiola, Costello was in the community with a team of CNN crew parading the community as one of the few areas her NGO is offering humanitarian aids to.

This we learnt got her an exclusive international interview on the Cable Network News (CNN).

When asked what happened to the intervention provided by the governor’s aide, a member of the community said; ‘After all the white men came with cameras and took pictures of us and the school nobody ever came back. What the tall lady (referring to Costello) only gave us was 500 naira!

“Those who fall into the category of ‘State Is Working’ incessantly praising the current government of Ogun state are not to blame, they have only said what their eyes saw. However, the salient fact remains that they have only seen what they have been programmed to see. Ogun state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has tactically ensured that all projects or would-be state projects are sited where the unsuspecting visitors to the Gateway could easily see at first contact.”

THE Edo meaning of ancestral worship is the worship of their departed fathers or parents, chiefs, kings and the dead people of Edo who have left their footprints in the sand of time. In the ancient times, the lives of the Benin (Edos) from day to day was seen as meaning-less to them without the thought of the help their ancestors rendered to them. The Bini man held strongly to this before the arrival of Christianity.

The ancestral spirits were the most intimate gods of the family which were consulted daily and in all important occasions. It is relied upon as the saviour of all the living things. The ancestor had a profound influence on their lives and also their belief in it had a far reaching s o c i o l o g i c a l consequences, affecting the introduction of Christianity. It is their believe that through the ancestral worship that ghosts of the departed families of one’s g r a n d f a t h e r, grandmother, father and

mother uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters could be appealed for any possible help by prayers and sacrifices.

Sacrifices were offered to the ancestors at intervals regularly or when a diviner indicates.

Even up till this moment, some Benin

therefore spirits and can still have influence and powers over the people.

Once every year, the whole Benin Kingdom join the reigning Oba to offer sacrifices to his ancestors.

The ancestors are therefore believed to have survived death and

watching over them throughout their life time irrespective of wherever they maybe.

They believe that whatever concerns them, be it health or fertility is of great importance to their ancestors. One of the greatest connections

BRIO With Francis Odupute

landed property belong to the senior son since it is only through him that the propagation of the

senior son of the family lets out the land to others without the approval of the elders in the family

they may call the ancestors to harm him.

It is a strong belief among the Edos that the ancestors are ever present, watching over them and directing their

affairs. This is one of the reasons why many sacrifices are made to the ancestor. Through the worship of the ancestors, Edo social order has been maintained.

The Concept Of Ancestral Worship In Benin

people can never eat without first throwing small pieces of whatever they want to eat on the ground for their forefathers, and once this is done, it is believed that the ancestors can remove any poison from such food if the food contained any.

It is their believe that the ancestors can influence good and evil and the fortunes of their own descendants. The kings or the Oba’s ancestors are of national importance and they are believed to be conceived to exercise an overall control on the religion of the Benin. The past Obas had been ruling the nation before joining their ancestors, they are

Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin Kingdom

By MARY YOUNG

to be living in the spiritual world which is known as “erinmwin” but still take good care of their living family

between the ancestors and the living is that they can seek rebirth into the same family through reincarnation.

ancestors can become a reality. The alter of the ancestral shrine also belongs to the most senior son of the family in addition to the land since he is the Okaegbee

members and are still very much interested in the affairs of their families. They see their departed ancestors as not being far away from them and that they are

As far as the family land, it belongs to the ancestors and it is their bonafide property particularly if the land is large. It is also the reason why most of the

in most cases. If they want to sell the family land, they must first consult the spirits of the dead to know if they can sell or even let out to other people. If the

“It is a strong belief among the Edos that the ancestors are ever present, watching over them and directing their affairs. This is one of the reasons why many sacrifices are made to the ancestor. Through the worship of the ancestors, Edo social order has been maintained.”

WITH the emerging denials here and there by the Abia State Government of not being responsible for the unlawful arrest and illegitimate detention of the Associate Editor of

where he is also brazenedout with 10-count charge that the court said bordered on sedition, defamation of character and intention to cause dilemma in the state?

The court was not seeing that it was a sheer

Wabara.

But the NAN had written that in an interview with NAN on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Geoffrey Ogbonna confirmed Wabara’s arrest. Does this

government of pretenders that we have come to endure in Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji’s Abia State?

Does it mean that the said “seditious” articles that Wabara wrote were against the police or the

View Point Without hiding their faces in shame and apologising to Wabara and Nigerians of good will for their unpleasant abuse of human rights and abuse of Wabara, the

earned as a result of the indignity he suffered in the hands of the said seventeen police men who besieged his Lagos residence and whisked him away in a most

So, On Whose Order Was Ebere Wabara Arrested?

The Sun, Mr. Ebere Wabara, Friday 28 March 2014, the question is, on whose order was he repugnantly arrested and who is the plaintiff on the suit charging him for sedition?

While in the hospital after he was released from the gulag at Umuahia on Saturday night on the said orders of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, it was learned that Wabara was on Monday 31st March 2014 charged to court by an Umuahia Magistrate Court in Abia State. There was also an order to arrest Chuks Onuoha, the Abia State correspondent of The Sun newspaper and others the suit described as “at large.”

The “sedition” noise clamped on Wabara was that he authored certain articles which those charging him for “sedition” did not found favourably. But without mincing words, who is the plaintiff in this matter in which Wabara is being charged to court for sedition in absentia,

anarchy on the side of the police who acted to effect the arrest of Wabara simply because there was a rumour that someone wrote a petition and without verifying the foolhardiness of the petition, the mesmerized police swooped into action, which some Nigerians who are lawyers are saying would cost the police and whoever that instigated them to act unlawfully, dearly at last.

As it could be deduced, the Abia State Government is playing hide and seek game in the matter of the criminally arrest of Wabara as it vehemently denied being part of the arrest on Sunday, after Wabara was arrested and released, saying in a press statement by Mr. Charles Ajunwa, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Theodore Orji of Abia, to News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the state government was not aware of the arrest of

By ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE

Mohammed Abubakar, Inspector General of Police not go a long way to tell the world of the

“Curiously, the Nigerian Police authorities continue to charge media practitioners and critics with sedition in spite of its non existence in the Nigerian law. It is the same way that the police continue to rely on the colonial Public Order Act – which has been declared by the Appeal Court as unconstitutional and illegal and unjustifiable in a democracy – to repress freedom of expression.”

court? If no, why are they so inquisitive to defend truth with mendacity?

Who is the prosecution counsel Chief Chukwunyere Nwabuko representing in this matter since the Abia State Government had denied knowledge of Wabara’s arrest? Does it mean that the alleged articles said that Wabara wrote “along with others at large”, on March 10 in The Sun newspaper, page 21, entitled: “T.A. Orji’s seven years demystification of Kalu” and others were against Chief Nwabuko?

sources that are bent on dehumanising Wabara on Monday 31 March, made their blundering claims (very bogus) in the newspapers that Wabara has “jumped bail”. This is just that he was unable to report at the police in Umuahia on that Monday, being the dictate of the police, when he was released from police cell that Saturday night.

The sources and forces against Wabara did not even respect the said letter that the counsels of Wabara wrote to inform of his hospitalisation following the strains he

ignominious manner not befitting a democracy.

The police which can be said are doing a hatchet job in this matter; the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN), in a press statement issued by Okechukwu Nwanguma, National Coordinator of NOPRIN shortly after Wabara was arrested, said: “Sedition was a colonial offence used by the colonial authorities to suppress opposition and to repress the freedoms of speech and the press. It has since been expunged from the Nigerian law.

“Curiously, the Nigerian Police authorities continue to charge media practitioners and critics with sedition in spite of its non existence in the Nigerian law. It is the same way that the police continue to rely on the colonial Public Order Act – which has been declared by the Appeal Court as unconstitutional and illegal and unjustifiable in a democracy – to repress freedom of expression.”

It is essential to say that with analysts’ observations on this matter that both the police and the court that are fronting the prosecution of Wabara did not and, are not, following due process. They failed before the case started by going to a far place like Lagos State, from Abia State, to unlawfully arrest a man who was not a common criminal, but a journalist, without a prior warrant order.

Odimegwu Onwumere, a Poet/Writer, writes from Rivers State.

THE African continent, like every other continent around the globe is a conglomeration and stack of different and peculiar individuals, groups and organizations.

These collations of persons, group of persons and organizations are not all emanations from the African soil. In other words, some of these individuals, groups and even organizations are not original to Africa. It is pertinent to note at this juncture that the activities of the early missionaries in the African soil went a long way in colouring the outlook of Africa such that novel investments, innovations and ingenuities traced their feet into the African society through this medium of colonization.

These droplets of foreign initiatives can be conveniently designated as redefining the image of the African society. To say that it redefines the image of the African society further exposes the fact that Africa wore a particular image, which is ontological and very indigenous to her before the advent of these foreigners On her soil. In this light, it becomes

imperative for us to painstakingly attempt a brief introspection into the various phases of the African society up till this present dispensation.

which the African man boasts of publicly and would ever be proud of. In this era, Africans depended solely on the instruments used and

Perspective

non-achiever. These instruments, in their crude nature, helped them in sparking off agricultural activities at such early stage of development, and even in building

enticing. This is because slaves were merely properties owned and could be manipulated in anyway the owner

of the Africans and our system. Like every normal human being who has the natural desire for freedom and autonomy, Africans

residential homes.

Communalism was at its peak during this era amongst the Africans such that the bad fate of one of them affects the whole lot of them. To further prove

wanted. Through this singular act of offering their fellow countrymen to the whites in exchange for goods, African chiefs made some of their own people to the status of

their ingenuity, they initiated the idea of representative form of governance; a situation where they appoint a member from each clan to go and represent such particular clan in the village meeting usually held at the village square or market square. Life, for them, was very simple as they co-operated with their environment harnessing the resources around them for their daily leaving.

Colonialism came to the fore when Africans were engrossed with their most cherished way of life.

Before the advent of colonial masters at African shores, African kings had their slaves who were at their beck and call.

The coming of slavery now introduced the idea of selling these slaves to the white men in exchange for their goods which were

slaves in foreign lands.

Having subjected themselves to the will of the foreign invaders, they became totally subservient to them. Some of the foreign innovations that were used by these colonial masters to colonize Africa at this stage were their establishment of churches and school market and political systems.

Having established their ideals in the African soil, the Westerners became the stronghold of almost all the facets of the African existence. They spread their tentacles so fast such that they are deposited in almost all the major establishments in Africa not as workers but as overlords who oversee the proper manning of those investments. Through that, their ideals and work got imprinted in the mind

started fighting for their freedom, and independence. The effort to achieve that sparked off from an enclosed circle of few African patriots which include personalities like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Herbert Macaulay, etc. Later, it grew into groups and movements of which the Pan-African Movement can be cited as an example. Like a wild fire, it became engrossed into the minds of almost all Africans that they really need to be liberated from their home slavery. The efforts and individual positive contributions of Africans to realize this dream became the propelling force towards their respective independence stories.

After attaining independence, there arose another new form of colonialism which is best termed Neo colonialism.

This is due to the fact that these various innovations of the Westerners became enshrined into the African corpus such that it became difficult for them to exist without them. This situation brought about two schools of thought namely, the Traditionalists and the Modernists. While the former argues, that those values deposited on the African soil by the Westerners should be jettisoned for Africans to really be independent, the latter upholds the view that, since those western values are helpful in the uplift of the African society, they should be fully adopted. It is equally pertinent to mention here that the moderate group arose to situate a moderate outlook towards this issue such that the African traditional heritages and value systems which are really not evil or inhumane should be

Foreign Fashion In Africa:

By NWACHUKWU KINGSLEY

THE VARIOUS PHASES OF THE IMAGE OF AFRICA FROM THE PRECOLONIAL ERA TO THE PRESENT EPOCH OF AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT Africa of the precolonial era has continued to be a denigrating and derogatory factor in the face of both historical studies and intellectual jingoisms. In fact, in every international table wherein African matters are discussed, this era is always referred to and, in most cases, in a very negative light.’ This is however from the standpoint of these foreigners who do not understand the mindset of the ontological African man and the value system of the African. Thus, this era has a lot of values

cherished by their forebears. They were very close to nature such that they interact with things

around them in their natural state. Nature itself provides them with most of the instruments they need for survival A typical example of this is their ability to make fire out of stones. Several other instruments were naturally at their disposal and they rationally utilized these instruments since they have to define each instrument According to its work without any foreign aid, Africa, even as presented in Homer’s Odyssey, was a prosperous one. Since this is the case, then the arguments put forward by Hegel, Levy BruhI etc, that Africans were irrational become questionable.

These instruments were viable and even enviably possessed at that time such that anyone who lacks any of them is considered as a

retained and the bad ones abandoned, while those western values that can help Africa to develop should be adopted and accommodated. This is

it especially when we consider its meaning in line with the nature of our engagement. In this light, Style can be defined, not only as a way of doing something, but also an

really a tussle as to whether those foreign fashions should be regarded as vices or styles in Africa.

EXPOSING THE CONCEPT OF FASHION, STYLE AND VICE It is apposite to conceptualize our understanding of fashion, style and vice as they form the recurring themes of this essay. The importance of this heightens when we consider the nature of the historical background afore explored on the nature of the image of Africa from the precolonial era to the postcolonial era even down to this present time of our existence. Furthermore, in attempting this task, we should place their meaning side by side with the fact that we are concerned about the present African situation.

The concept, Fashion, brings to mind the idea of the style of dress put on at a particular point in time.

Amongst the various meanings presented in the lexicon, one of them perfectly brings out the idea of what we wish to designate fashion in this work. It reads: “The style of dress, behaviour, way of living, or other expression that is popular at present” This is somewhat all-embracing.

Thus, when we talk of foreign fashions in Africa, we refer, generally, to the totality of the way of life and mode of doing things in Africa which are not ontologically African but strange to them, since the idea of foreignness connotes strangeness, newness, unusualness, and even exoticness. The concept, Style, should not be mistaken for Fashion or be seen as a tautology to

impressive flair in the way something is done and the exhibition of skill and good taste. A Flair can be designated as a talent and a natural ability to do something well. In this sense, it can be regarded as virtue, especially if we regard virtue as an admirable quality whether viewed from the moral angle or not. This can immediately be contrasted with the concept of vice which means an immoral habit and conduct Thus, this write-up can also be written as, ‘Foreign Fashion in Africa: Virtue orVice?”

CONFRONTING THE QUESTION OF THE VIRTUOUSNESS OR IMMORALITY OF FOREIGN FASHIONS IN AFRICA There is no easy route towards solving this problem. As such, there are several factors that have to be considered in attempting this. In pitching our tent with the moderate groups in the afore elucidated historical insight, it is commendable to give concession to any action or activity or fashion that will improve our society. As such, foreign commodities which are beneficial for us are not to be jettisoned. In this light then, such commodities that are to be accepted cannot be those that promote immorality but those that are not only admired but also are embodiments of virtue and values. Relating this to the foreign fashion in Nigeria, we have to examine those fashions critically. If fashion includes the totality of the way of doing things especially in our time; following a particular tradition, then we have to critically examine the situation of life in Africa.

It is crystal clear that most of the major investments, stock exchanges, locomotive facilities, telecommunication services, and even the

21st century. It ranges from the styles of dressing among our youths nowadays to the several mal-uses and abuses of the copious electronic gadgets available. The worst issue

Styles Or Vices media in Nigeria are fashioned out from the western initiative and these have helped a long way in bettering the situation of Africa especially when rated

among other developing continents. In this light, this can be considered as a virtue which should be applauded and given a large room for its firm fertility in Africa. On the other hand, some of the foreign fashions in Africa have led to the” underdevelopment and retardation of the moral growth in Africa. This is very prominent among the dome of the youths in this

is that these are done with impunity. The rate at which the present day youths inadvertently appear nude on the street just to imitate the dressing style of the westerners whose culture

are really different from that of the Africans, this is not only alarming but also deafening. This includes the rate at which pornographic sites are visited by some of these youths too. The inability of these youths to uphold the right etiquette of the usage of these gadgets has even ended most of them in some untold harms and scandals. The detestable state of this situation

Perspective sequel to its ability to gradually efface the moral norms in the minds of the youths and replacing them with immoral actions, can sufficiently serve as a conclusive reason for its designation as a vice.

A saying has it that one does not throw away the dirty water with the baby. this can be imported into the case of the effects of the influx of foreign fashions in Africa, for having examined the encouraging and

growth and advancement in Africa. This is very important since every culture which needs to grow has to wriggle itself out of its tight enclave and enclosure so as to reach out for what is admirable in other for the improvement of their own. Foreign fashions in Africa can, therefore, not be conceived as bad in themselves. Instead, it becomes necessary to dread these vices when their excesses are not

deleterious sides of the coin, it should not be totally jettisoned, churned out of, and expunged from the milieu of the African society. Rather, there should be a conscious sieving process amongst these fashions with the intention of retaining the ones that promote the positive cultural values of the African society and discarding the ones that retard the pace of morality,

checked especially as they are imported into a culture that is not an ontological owner of such fashions.

Their abuses also present them as evil practices that must be avoided. To checkmate this, there is the dire need for private and public enlightenment designed for the youths for the inculcation of the right attitude and disposition towards these foreign fashions around them.

“We have to examine those fashions critically. If fashion includes the totality of the way of doing things especially in our time; following a particular tradition, then we have to critically examine the situation of life in Africa”

have got the basics, it is time to have fun?

Buy some great shoes, cute accessories and get a new hair style or a hair cut! No need to go classic here unless that is your taste –handbags, shoes and jewellery are the things to show off your sassy side.

Confidence is key: If you do not have confidence, nobody will admire your look. You have to believe in yourself, and then everybody else will join in the

B

eauty Shop With

Gloria Omoruyi

“Where you live, where you go and what you do are major factors in dressing fashionably! For instance if you wear a ball gown to the office, that is not fashionable; likewise if you wear a business suit to the market place.”

How You Can Dress Fashionably EVER wondered how certain people always look “put together” It is because they dress fashionably and have their own sense of style!. In case it is difficult for you to have to appear as smashingly attractive as they are, follow these tips and you will be on your way to having a fashionable wardrobe organize. Get out all your clothes and decide which ones you want and do not want.

Flatter: Look at yourself

in the mirror and as objectively as possible. Pick things about your physical appearance you like and dislike. This will assist you in choosing colours and styles that will suit your appearance Style: What do you like? Do you want to incorporate trendy items into your wardrobe or do you prefer a classic look?

Context: Where you live, where you go and what you do are major factors in dressing fashionably! For instance if you wear a ball

gown to the office, that is not fashionable; likewise if you wear a business suit to the market place.

Shop: The best thing to do is to buy long-lasting pieces that will retain their class throughout seasons.

Fashion change: Fashion changes extremely quickly.

Do not fill your wardrobe with things that will not be appropriate the same time next year, and do not spend a lot of money on fashion items.

Shop more: Now that you

admiration. Do not wear something that will not make you feel beautiful. If you feel uncomfortable, everyone can see that. Being fashionable is being confident.

Clothes do not look more attractive or beautiful if you expose your skin too much to the public. It is fine to show some skin, but clothes do not have to reveal a lot of cleavages, plunging V-neck necklines or mid-riff bearing to be attractive. Always live something to the Imagination and stay fashionable!

AS the debate on President Goodluck Jonathan’s speech entered its third day yesterday, focus started shifting from issues raised in the speech to matters central to the National Conference and what to make of them.

Opinions and counteropinions flowed as delegates

to the problem remains the realization that no tribe is greater than the other, “no one is a first class citizen, and no one is a second class citizen. Every one is qualified to rule this country.”

It was his view that in the absence of tolerance, the

for those who stole public funds to return them without being prosecuted.

“We must be serious about fighting corruption,” said Magayi Dambatta; adding that for Nigeria to succeed in this, there was need to reorganize the anti-corruption agencies followed by diligent

recommendations of the Conference are implemented and not allowed to go the way of other recommendations in the past.

He said it was time for delegates to strip themselves naked, “not just to say that we believe in the

Nation said were totally dependent on what the federal government would do instead of rising to their responsibilities of providing leadership and governance.

He said in some parts of the country, it has become

For Chief Chris Eluemunoh from Anambra State, “the Igbos have no other country than Nigeria; therefore the unity of this country is paramount to us.

This unity must be anchored on equity and justice.”

difficult and even impossible to buy a piece of land for the purpose of building a church for worship and that those responsible for such prohibition were the elite.

Francis Doukpolagha from Bayelsa State told the Conference that the failure of the Nigerian State stemmed from the fact that democracy has become government of the people by the people but not for the people.

Ignatius Kevin Edet lamented what he called inequality and imbalance in the creation of local government areas in the country and urged the Conference to use the opportunity of the dialogue to correct the anomaly.

He suggested the application of capital punishment as a check against corrupt practices by public office holders, a position enormously canvassed for by other speakers.

Correct census as a basis for revenue sharing and infrastructural development was suggested by Charles Edosomwan, SAN, from Edo State who also emphasized that “we need to put power in the strata of government that is close to the people.”

Veteran journalist, Ray Ekpu, said the President’s speech constituted a new thesis for the reconstruction of Nigeria and that Nigeria as it is today requires a new architecture.

Ekpu noted that Jonathan seemed like someone who does not want “this house to fall,” still he said the house called Nigeria was too rickety and weather-beaten to be left on the wish list of a permanent structures.

Ekpu said for a country that has had 14 different administrations in 53 years, “that is cyclical stability.

There is no way a country can grow in this manner.”

Dr Osahon Enabulele of the Nigerian Medical Association proposed a massive national health policy that would cater for the health needs of the rural dwellers.

In addition, the NMA chief suggested that “a time has come for us to look at the mental and medical fitness of our political leaders,” as a way of ensuring that they are fit and proper to occupy public offices.

Dr Silas Eneyo from Rivers State likened Nigeria to a building with collapsed pillars and advised: “Let us not pretend to be painting a building whose pillars are collapsing.”

It was his view that the pillars of any federation lie in its justice and equity system and that the Conference has provided the delegates opportunity to rebuild the house with sound ideas and recommendations.

Gary Enwo Igariwe said Nigeria has been bleeding for sometime, has gone on its knees and though it wants to stand, it was actually going down. He urged delegates to identify reasons for conflicts and address them.

He cautioned against selective solution, “when you solve a problem in a particular area and ignore the ones in another area, you have not done anything; you are merely relocating the problem.”

He said most of the problems can be easily resolved through restructuring of the country; advising that delegates should leave their ethnic standards and discuss Nigeria.

Professor Eddy Erhagbe told the delegates that for Nigeria to move ahead, the bottom-line remains good governance because “corruption is not regional, it is not ethnic; corruption is an elite conspiracy.”

Corruption, Insecurity, Religion And Ethnic Issues Top Debate

By JOSES SEDE

deliberated on issues of corruption, security, economic development or the lack of it, religion, and ethnic nationality with focus on the minority and majority question.

While some of the speakers suggested that corrupt officers, especially those in public service, should face death sentence, others agreed that economic development with the practical consequence of job creation will check the issue of insecurity nationwide.

Former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae said Nigeria’s problem started when the military, in 1966, murdered regional government which had served as a tonic for development of zones across the country.

He also stated that abolition of Parliamentary system of government where power was with the entire cabinet and replacement with Presidential system where powers lie with an individual had caused serious political crises in the country.

Femi Falana, in a moving contribution, said the Conference, though not sovereign, has provided Nigerians with a window of opportunity “to find out why we are poor in the midst of plenty while a microscopic minority of the population is rich and smiling to the bank.”

He said corruption has endangered the corporate existence of Nigeria, and advocated political justice, social justice and environmental justice.

On the issue of ethnic minority and majority, Chief Edwin Clark pleaded with delegates to give it priority during committee discussions so that at the end of the Conference, existing controversies arising from it would become a thing of the past.

He said the natural solution

dream of nationhood would be difficult to achieve; “if you are a southerner and the other person is a northerner, if you cannot live together, then there will be no Nigeria.”

Dalhatu Bashir from Jigawa State noted that at creation, Nigeria came with a promise and it was that promise that moved the country in the right direction.

He recalled that late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, an Igbo man was born in Zungeru in northern Nigeria, grew up in Igboland but went ahead to win election in the heart of Yorubaland.

It was his view that if at the end, the outcome of the National Conference makes it possible for any Nigerian living anywhere in Nigeria to have equal rights of citizenship, then it would justify the reasons it was convened.

Describing the President’s speech as s t i m u l a t i n g , comprehensive and forthright, Ibrahim Bunu said delegates should not fail to negotiate and should not negotiate out of fear since Nigeria belongs to everyone.

On security, Abubakar Chika Adamu from Niger State said, “Nigeria is at war with itself. Security remains our greatest challenge. We must stop playing politics with it. We here must do what we ought to do and leave the President to do what he has to do to solve this problem.

On corruption, he observed that Nigerians have moved from mere stealing to looting and have graduated from looting to mass looting.

His suggestion was that a softlanding should be created

Chairman, National Conference, Idris Kutigi prosecution.

A representative of Nigerian youth, Ben Dontoye demanded legal backing to the adoption of capital punishment against corruption. He believed this would be the only way to drive fear into people who have taken to corrupt practices as a trade.

Former Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Coomasie cited the absence of sincere leadership at different tiers of governance as one problem that Nigerians are worried about.

Added to this, he said, was the intolerable level of insecurity in the country. He suggested that agencies constitutionally charged with maintenance of security in the country should be restructured and funded.

Retired General Muhammed Mansur Dan Ali informed the Conference that out of the 36 states of Nigeria, 33, if not more have soldiers deployed to the streets.

He said the National Conference should recommend complete restructuring of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies for effective performance of their duties.

Senator Seidu Dansadau made one appeal in his comment: that Jonathan should ensure that the

indivisibility of Nigeria but to practically demonstrate it.”

His position was supported by Professor Godini Dara who insisted that the lofty ideas and recommendations expected at the end of the Conference must be implemented to free Nigeria from the grips of economic apartheid.

On corruption, he said there was need to establish ethical standards; and on the economy, Dara strongly urged the President to free Nigeria from what he called the witchcraft of the World Bank while industrialization should take the front seat both in budgeting and planning.

Both Illiya Danga and Burus Daleng remarked on the courageous decision of the President to go ahead with the Conference in spite of oppositions and wished that with the same courage, the President would implement the decisions of the Conference without fear or favour.

Sale Dauda from Bauchi State attributed insurgency in every part of the country to the failure of states and local government who he

transforming Nigeria from being a country of ethnic nationalities with no citizens, from being a country replete with brazen and mass theft of public funds by officials of government, from being a

Politics And

With HAMEED BRAIMA

National Conference: The C

President Goodluck Jonathan

TEMPERS flared and everyone’s adrenaline rose for fear of early break up of the National Conference on Wednesday March 26, 2014 when the delegates could not agree on the voting procedures in resolving matters where no consensus had been reached.

Some delegates had moved to reduce the 75 percent votes of delegates sitting and voting to reach agreement on any matters as contained in the National Conference Rules to 2/3 which they argued is the constitutionally allowed voting standard in passing bills and laws in the nation’s parliament.

The issue became so thorny that the chairman of the National Conference Justice Idris Kutigi had to adjourn proceedings for one week to allow for back stage resolution of the logjam.

To do that, a total of 50 eminent delegates carefully chosen from across the various interests in the land otherwise called Super Delegates were mandated to fashion out an acceptable percentage of votes needed to pass any matter as a decision of the conference.

These 50 egg heads could only succeed in bringing the figure down from 75 percent as prescribed by the rule to 70 percent. This was indeed the middle course between those who wanted 2/3 which is 65 percent and opponents who wanted 75 percent.

Therefore, when the latest position was made public on Monday last week,

Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief. After all, the conference which has rekindled many person’s hope in the possibility of restructuring the country is yet alive and kicking to the disappointment of the pessimists who do not believe anything good can ever come out of the National Conference.

No matter how much one may dislike the pessimists of the ability of the ongoing National Conference to fix Nigeria, one must agree that events that have played out at the confab do not tend to encourage even the die hard supporters of the conference.

The attitude of the average delegate at the conference has not given Nigerians any hope of a possible evolution of a new and better socioeconomic and political order that is capable of

Jerry Gana

place where there is disequilibrium in wealth sharing among its citizens, to such that is founded on the principles of equity, justice and fairness in the true sense of the wordings. Achieving this will be a Herculean task given the faulty governance structure bequeathed by the military to the present ruling class.

The question now is how do we change all this? This is where the problem lies given the contending interests between those who believe they currently enjoy some forms of advantages under the present faulty governance structure and those who feel they had been at the receiving end of the faulty structure and would want it changed.

This is why the furor generated by the simple inhouse issues of adopting voting procedure was expected. It was expected because starting from the president through the governors down to the councilors at the ward level of governance are beneficiaries of the existing faulty governance structure and would not be in a hurry to want it changed.

This is why President Jonathan, the Secretary to the Government of the

National Conference in session

Federation Anyim Pius Anyim and the committee on the modalities for the National Conference in setting the rule raised the ante to a never achievable 75 percent votes to pass any resolution at the conference.

Though, the president action had been reasoned to have been driven by his patriotic zeal to keep Nigeria united in its diversity, we all know that given the deep sittedness of some of the grievances and demands from the many interest groups in the country, the conference can hardly achieve that in deciding on any issue hence the agitation for its downward review by those opposed to the status quo.

It is important at this stage that we point out one of the thorny issue that would definitely be a talking point at the conference, ie the issue of equity in the allocation of local government councils to states. The disequilibrium in the allocation of Local

Government Area among states of relatively equal population has been a source of anger and despondency among citizens of state who feel they have been cheated.

Going by the 2006 census, Lagos and Kano states proved to be the most populous states in Nigeria with each boasting of 10 million people. The big irony is that while Lagos

has twenty local government councils recognized by the constitution, Kano has over forty. Delegates from Lagos and other states like Bayelsa which has two local government short of the constitutionally guaranteed ten local government a state must have may wish to use the conference’s platform to draw attention to the

ano them ado that allo to e cou T of c the form LGA to r

“Many have suggested that the s at the conference should be how t economy. How to utilize the huge sectors of the economy like agricu sector which were left to rot awa resources which though generat for oil producing nations but employment due to the high tech are hardly available in our shore

d Issues

AH

financial burden it might place on the government at the centre since funds are allocated from the Federation Accounts to states and local governments.

States with higher number

room left for pragmatic approach to problem solving.

This is why the quality of deliberations at the conference has been rated below average despite the caliber of persons there in.

Contending Interests

malies with a view to getting m sorted out through the option of a fool proof system t would ensure equity in the ocation of local governments each of the 36 states of the untry.

This issue has been a source conflict between states and federal government with the mer creating additional As and the latter declining recognize them as validly

created centres of administration. The failure of the Federal Government to recognize the additional 47 local government councils created by the Ahmed Tinubu administration in Lagos State has been seen in many quarters as a clever way by the Federal Authorities to stop other states from following the Lagos example owing to the huge

sole business of the delegates to make Nigeria a productive e petrol dollars to grow other ulture and the manufacturing ay in the advent of petroleum te enormous and easy wealth scarcely generate enough hnology requirements which es.”

of LGAs have always gained more from the centre.

Delegates from states with more local governments would wish the status quo remained for them to get more money from the centre while those who have been feeling short changed in the allocation of LGAs are calling for the restructuring of the local government system, doing away with the present structure that was created by military fiat in patronage of a few individuals and group and replace it with such that would take into account the qualifying demographic statistics.

Analysts believe that the delegates might be able to achieve little in meeting the expectations of Nigerians given the fixated minds of most of the delegates on how to solve the nation’s problems. The nomination of arch promoters of sectional interest as delegates to the conference where issues of core value to the progress of Nigeria and its people are expected to be ex-rayed and tackled tend to call to question the actual motive of the conference. Many have asked why the likes of chief E K Clark, Jerry Gana, Bode George, Jubril Aminu etc all of whom had contributed to the woes of Nigeria are at the conference. The question they will need to answer is what solution they intend to proffer to the faulty Nigerian governance structure from which they all benefited.

This is where the argument against the over 60 percent representation of persons aged between 70 and above at the conference; tend to make some sense to the average follower of political trends in Nigeria.

The general consensus has been that these senior citizens besides having contributed in one way or the other to the problems we are now trying to solve, they also have fixed ideas of how to solve the problems with no

This probably is why threats of pulling out of the conference when probably pushed to the wall by representatives from a section of the country is what we hear from the conference including demand for allowances for hurriedly recruited personal assistants not provided for in the remuneration package for the delegates.

The delegates must realize as they settle down for the business that brought them to Abuja that all shades of opinion no matter how ‘stupid’ or brilliant must be taken into account and dealt with in a most pragmatic way for purposes of consensus building.

Since every section of the country has got one complain or another it is bringing to the fore, therefore it must be said that all contending interests must agree on the principle of give and take.

It is a fact that some people want to secede from Nigeria; some want to control their resources; some want federal system of government, others want confederation or unitary system of government. Others believe

E. K. Clark

Idris Kutigi

that all the problems of Nigeria stemmed from corruption and inequality and discrimination which if tackled headlong by the government would put the nation on the fast lane of socio-economic development. When put in the basket and carefully analyzed, what is considered best for the citizens of Nigeria, should be adopted and used as a working tool to turn things around.

Many have suggested that the sole business of the delegates at the conference should be how to make Nigeria a productive economy. How to utilize the huge petrol dollars to grow

other sectors of the economy like agriculture and the manufacturing sector which were left to rot away in the advent of petroleum resources which though generate enormous and easy wealth for oil producing nations but scarcely generate enough employment due to the high technology requirements which are hardly available in our shores. Though, the country makes money from crude oil sale, its citizens are not employed because owners of the oil mining technology would not encourage backward integration through the promotion of local content in terms of technology transfer. As a consequence, there is what we have come to refer to as capital flight and jobs export which are responsible for the mass poverty in the land despite the nation’s riches from petroleum sales.

The delegates should of necessity concentrate on issues that would put an end to the present gulf existing between the few class of elites and the mass of Nigeria people. They must strive to fashion ways to bring down the cost of governance in the country and promote the culture of value for money in government contracting. This is a golden opportunity. We have to make it happen because we might not have a second chance in the face of current strife’s threatening the very foundation upon which the country is built.

GOD has no more precious gift to a church or an age (and I would add family) than a man who lives as the embodiment of

families are geared to human attainment apart from holy atonement.

Secular humanism promotes best effort apart from the Saviour’s

strange. Exodus 20:12 says, “Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the lord

sacrifice. “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the traditions of men according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ” (Colossians 2:28).

If the church is not in your house on a daily basis, the meeting place becomes mundane and

your God gives you. “You cannot reject family and protests allegiance to Christ and his spirit of forgiveness even in the worst of family circumstances.

Please endeavour to read carefully the following long passages of scripture before you proceed. (1 Peter 3:1-7, I Peter 4:8-11; Ephesians 5:25-31, Ephesians 6:1-6.

God says in Genesis 2:18, “it is not good that man should be alone”.

God then adds, “I will make him a helper suitable

R

eflections

With MOSES EVBUOMWAN

Our Relationship With Family (1)

his will, and inspires those around him with faith of what grace can do.

I don’t take delight at all in saying many husbands and fathers, wives and mothers, even some preachers and pastors, are faked by the deceiver into debasing and devaluing and debunking the Christ centered value he places upon marriage and family.

Too many homes and

“Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the lord your God gives you. “You cannot reject family and protests allegiance to Christ and his spirit of forgiveness even in the worst of family circumstances”

S

unday Diet

With ERNEST IKHUREIGBE

IT is true that God could decide to visit anyone on his own when he feels one deserves what should be given to one as his own child.

He is merciful and compassionate. He could decide on his own will to release liberally Roman 9.15 says ‘ “I will have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion”.

There are many occasions God decided and still does respond to the needy at their moment of needs. It is however, pertinent to point out here that God does not just relieve the needy out of his or her predicament, he does it in line to his will and most probably the sacrifice such persons had made.

Luke 7:13 states – And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said unto her, weep

not. And this act of compassion was unto a widow whose only son was dead and be was being taken to be buried. Jesus had compassion on her and because of her, Jesus passed through to showcase his mercy and compassion to the one who had almost lost all hope of life.

Beloved, there was a turn-around in her life, those who were mourning for the lost of her only son had their dirge turned into songs of praise for the great miracle wrought through the Lord Jesus, of which they were witnesses.

It is also a matter of necessity to keep the lord informed of our predicaments as stated in the scripture. No wonder when the man known and seen to be blind cried out to the lord for mercy Jesus still asked him “what wilt

for him”. Do you believe there is a void, an incompleteness to, a need of that which the woman adds to fulfill the man’s life? If iron sharpens iron, but there is only your piece of iron how does one get sharpened, honed brought to one’s full potential without that which God provides?.

But of course there is much more that God wants man to see. Just as the man is incomplete apart from his wife, the deeper message is, “the man is incomplete without God”.

The marriage expands the greater need of God himself in the flesh, the wife is a great fulfiller a great satisfaction, a great completence, but in the

spirit-realm the need of God himself is amplified.

God says in Isaiah 43:21, “the people whom I formed for myself will declare my praise”. But if there is no marriage, no union, no joining together with him, man is left empty, unfulfilled, struggling to discover meaning, incomplete, always searching for a substitute that never satisfies.

God’s intention is through the relationship of husbands and wives the world sees, lived out the picture of Christ and his church, the bride.

We know that genesis told us there was a leaving and a cleaving so that they become as one flesh. But

that prophetic event was the unfolding of the marriage of Christ with his bride, the church it is a great mystery.

How have you responded when it dawns on you, “my marriage is to be such a portrayal of Jesus marriage to the church that men around me take note of him (Christ) by my marriage and family relationship”.

Is my marriage not only a Bethlehem of Holy Presence on earth, is it also an empty tomb of resurrection life, power and hope?

When the world around views our homes and families, do they see that wedding bliss of Christ and his bride?

You Can’t Receive Unless You Cry Out

thou that I should do unto thee?” And the blind man said unto him, Lord that I might receive my sight.

Immediately, it is recorded that the man received his sight and followed Jesus in the way Mark 10.52.

Beloved, what is the situation Like? Even if its beyond man, it can not be above what the saviour cannot take-over or solve.

The widow in 2 Kings 4.1-7 cried to the man of God when the situation became critical, she got the succour she desired and the Bible recorded that her creditors who had besieged her to take her children as bondmen at her old age were fully settled and she had enough to live on.

Please note that in every gathering where God’s name is honoured and acknowledged, an outstanding miracle awaits some one in the crowd who believes that his/her time to be delivered is come.

In mark 5:25-34, a woman was in the crowd

that thronged to Jesus Christ, she had decided in her mind that her reason to be healed was that moment, she waded into the crowd till she got her target – (verse 28). She received a desired response from the touching of Jesus Christ.

Her twelve years of blood flow from her body ceased immediately. She testified of her long sufferings and pains before she decided to have a contact with the great healer.

Jesus Christ is there to take any battle of your life, Jehoshaphat did give a testimony of his miraculous escape from the bandits of three nations that gathered to attack his dormain 2 Chron 20:1-2.

He cried to the Lord and was assured that he–as taken over the battle. 2 Chron 20:15. He believed God and he appointed singers to celebrate ahead of the victory. As assured

by God, the nations had no

option than to fight one another till they became dead bodies 2 Chron 20.22-25.

Beloved, Jesus is still the same yesterday, today and forevermore Heb 13.8. We cannot but cry to him at our moment of needs. We must, however, acknowledge that he know all about us, hence we must seek his mercy at all times and ask for the grace to do according to his will.

It is when we do his own that he is provoked to give heed to our various desires. Remain blessed.

“It is also a matter of necessity to keep the lord informed of our predicaments as stated in the scripture. No wonder when the man known and seen to be blind cried out to the lord for mercy Jesus still asked him “what wilt thou that I should do unto thee?” And the blind man said unto him, Lord that I might receive my sight.”

RELATIONSHIP

What Happens During Courtship

COURTSHIP is said to be the period during which a male and a female that are to get married soon get to know each other before getting married proper.

It is the time when you know who you are to marry, that is studying each other by knowing certain things about the person’s character, the study can even extend to family members of both parties getting to know each other before the introduction of both families. This period has ended up well for some while to others their dreams had been shattered in the process of studying themselves as a result of some unpleasant behaviour exhibited by some of them. It should be the time to help each other spiritually, morally, emotionally and even financially. As a female that is involve in courtship you can go to your suitor’s (husband to be) house to help him do some cleaning like the washing of cloths and dishes as well as cleaning of the apartment, you may not be doing this alone if he is the helping type he will join you. Cooking is one vital thing you should also involve yourselves in during this period. Doing things like this will help to build the relationship.

And as both have been attracted to each other, this should also be extended to their parents and family members.

This can be achieved by showing their parents respect, as a girl (wife to be) you are not expected to look down on your mother in-law to be for any reason weather because of her low status. Respect her in the

same way you respect your own mother and also do the same to the rest members of the family. Respect is reciprocal, the boy (husband to be) should also reciprocate by doing likewise to the girls family people.

semen you as a male released during sexual intercourse with a girl you are yet married to was not given to you by God to be miss-used.

Demons can work on it and even turn it against you to make your life miserable.

Sexual

is unknown to many which is one very good reason God is very angry about it when done before marriage.

Some Christians may be because of the fear of losing their suitor agree to go to bed with them before marriage. And on the other way round some girls compel their suitors to sleep with them before marriage

However, this period is being perceived negatively by some members of the society, they use it to defy their bed by sleeping together before getting married and in the process some experienced broken relationship and have ended up sleeping with more than one partner with the excuse that the person is not good enough with so many other reason which is a sinful habit before God. Defying the bed before marriage is one of the sin’s God is most grievous at, because the

relationship between a man and woman was made by God to be an agreement between both of them, it is a kind of spiritual agreement that

with, the reason because they want to know if they can satisfy the sexual desire of a woman or is potent.

Children of God should

By BINITIE ROSELINE

avoid this evil done by some people in the world because it will jeopardize your relationship with God, it will kill you spiritually which is the more reason you should run away from sex before marriage because it is not one of those things you should be involved in during courtship.

Courtship should not be seen as the period of engaging with more than one partner as if you are

trying your luck with the various partners to see if things would work out between them. This nasty exercise have claimed the lives of many in various

ways. In the process of sleeping with different men and claiming you are into a relationship, some females get pregnant not knowing the right person responsible for the pregnancy. This may lead to abortion of the pregnancy, a very risky practice that has claimed many lives, if the lady is not lucky enough can die in the process. A suitor may find out that his wife to be is sleeping with another man and may be she is already pregnant for him. Of course such pregnancy can not be accepted by that man because the girl in question has a questionable character.

Whether you are a boy or girl, there is no good reason to be a two timer because when the other person finds out it would be scandalous.

Courtship is worth experiencing in life because it is the only opportunity you have to know your partner in life before marriage proper.

It should not be abused by being involved in indecent act during this period. Any Act of indecency done in this period may tarnish your image for life, and the way that people hold you in their heart may be reduced. People may not be able to trust you again. This is why it is advisable that you use your courtship period well because it is one of the moments you will not forget in your life.

“Sexual relationship between a man and woman was made by God to be an agreement between both of them, it is a kind of spiritual agreement that is unknown to many which is one very good reason God is very angry about it when done before marriage.”

s h o W b i z

Compiled By VICTOR OMOALU GSM: 08078811406

Fuji Artist, Sunny Adesokan Dies

BY MARTIN ERHARUYI

DEATH once again has found it’s way into the Nigerian Entertainment World on Sunday, following the death of Lagos based Fuji artist who is popularly known as Actor Jordan. He has played a Suberb role in the Fuji Family, being the only popular Igbo Fuji artist.

According to his associates, Sunny died at the age of 40 in the early hours of Sunday after a brief illness.

The diseased long term promoter, Mr. Tunji Sarumi also

called Saros said “Sunny performed in Epe, on the outskirt of Lagos on Friday.”

The proprietor of Erowa Records said that the artist, whose last album, “capable,” which was released in 2011 was healthy until that Sunday morning, when he complained of cold, adding that he was rushed to a hospital in Ikeja when his condition got worst, but later died.

Popular Fuji Stars Wasiu Pasuma and Alao Malaika described the death as a great lost to the Nigerian Entertainment Industry.

Actor Steve Eboh Expresses Fears For Nollywood NOLLYWOOD actor and producer, Steve Eboh, has expressed his displeasure over the fate of Nollywood in the next few years.

The actor stated that the future of Nollywood is not clear, especially with the recent happenings in the guilds within the industry.

“I can also tell you that the Association of Movie Producers’ (AMP) recent election was a shame. I wrote to the board of trustees of the association, raising issues I thought were important. But they went ahead with the election.”

Furthermore, Steve added that presently, Nollywood is not moving in the right direction.

“Really, I fear for the industry. The AMP people are worse off because, at least, the AGN president asked President Jonathan for support on important issues such as a national secretariat and backing for training. In case of the AMP, the leadership of the association has nothing to show for their time in office. They are just collecting money from the public and private sector.”

Piracy Bane Of Entertainment Industry

BY MARTIN ERHARUYI

A Benin-based famous artist, Fada Benson Halla has described the modern development in

the entertainment world as an advantage to the industry.

The Benin music Commando, stated this in an interview with

showbiz, while trying to compare the old standard and the present standard in music industry.

He said that, the advent

I Paid IK And Begged MCs Just To Perform

POPULAR song artiste and song writer, Harryson Okiri aka Harry Song now Mr. Songs, has poured encomiums on his former record label Question Mark, for having believed in

• Herry Song

him through the journey to stardom. -Harry Song The Five Star music hear a show is going artiste said that he had on. At some places, I to pay and beg MCs beg and pay to just to perform, yet he perform. I try as much as I can for people to will be turned down. me sing.

“Sometimes, I go to hear some shows when I Sometimes, I will beg from evening till when they will finish the show without any response.”

“I remember I attended a show at Oniru, the MC that was anchoring, I gave him 1000 naira just to perform, but the show finish, dem no allow me perform.”

Harry song added that the challenges upcoming artistes have is that because people don’t know them, they will be scared to invest their money on them.”

“As an upcoming artiste, people don’t know you and sometimes people are scared to associate or invest in you, so it’s not easy.”

of modern digital studio has made music production easy for artistes as against the old difficult process of production due to lack of materials and limited producers.

Talented Benson Halla, who sojourned into the music industry in 1998, has added to his credit eight (8) albums including a hit album titled “Alaze” which he said is a story of an orphan who grew from “grass to grace.”

Lamenting the challenges that have rocked the entertainment industry in Nigeria, the Super Star identified “Piracy” as an incurable virus that has weaken the strength of the Nigerian Entertainment industry, pointing out that music materials have been illegally pirated for commercial purpose without the consent of the original owners.

He said “piracy has eaten deep into the fabrics of the music industry which PMAN is trying to bring to the barest minimum, asserting that “monkey dey work baboon dey shop.”

The Benin based artiste also described the establishment of the COSON body as a welcome development, expressing optimism that the body will help to fight those who play music publicly without paying royalty to the original owner of the music.

Steve Eboh

I Can Only Marry A Man That Will Make Me Happy NOLLYWOOD Actress Chika Ike, has revealed that she is set to marry again once the ideal man walks up to her.

According to the brand Ambassador of energy drink, ‘Bullet,’ who was once married to Tony Eberiri in 2006 before they officially got divorced in 2013, said that she was once a victim of domestic violence when she married and almost lost her life in the process.

“I don’t want to talk about the divorce because it is already in the past and I have since moved on. I am still open to marriage and I might give it a second shot because I believe in love.

For now, I am most

• Chika Ike

concerned with my own happiness”.

Speaking about the high rate at which celebrities’ marriage are crashing, Chika said: “Celebrities also make mistakes. I don’t think they have a bad time combining their successful careers and managing the home front or their marriages on the side.”

“All the talk about some men being afraid to walk up to a female celebrity and ask her out does not make sense to me. Any man that cannot walk up to me and toast me is not manly enough. I don’t have a long list or criteria for my ideal man. All I want is that he must make me happy.”

I Did Not Run Away From Home -DJ Swlitch into another genre of music?

I will say the X-Factor competition brought out some hidden talents in me. I didn’t even know that I can rap, and at the same time sing and dance, but with the help of the show, I can do virtually anything I set my mind on. So, I won’t just be rapping, I will be singing, not just a style.

I can do reggae, play guitar, and basically entertain.

Do you think you’ve achieved your dreams?

Well, everyone wants to be the best in whatever they delve into and most especially in the entertainment circuit but it isn’t just about what you want; someone has to work for it to be the best. My aim is to be the best and I always say that being the best isn’t that you are the only one people are looking up to, it’s about doing something nobody can do or that will be very difficult for others to do.

NIGERIA’S sensational rapper, Obianuju Catherine Udeh, popularly known as DJ Switch, who was crowned Africa’s first X-Factor winner last year, has attributed her success to hard work and prayer.

This dynamic all-round 29 years old entertainer spoke with Nigeriafilms.com on her pathway to fame, correcting the people’s popular wrong perception of her away from home and her undying passion for music.

How is life treating you after X Factor?

I thank God for my life. Life after X-Factor has changed for good.

It’s the only obvious thing that can happen after a show like that. I feel like I’m closer to my dreams. Now, I can’t really move freely as before, going out is somehow restricted. I’m more careful; people are watching and expecting much from me after the show.

With the new status of yours, do you intend to rebrand the name DJ-Switch?

There may be a rebranding, but the truth is that I’m a DJ. Though, a lot of people think I only

sing but I can be DJSwitch when I am on the steel wheel in events, and when I’m performing at another event as a musician, it can be Switch.

Any project presently?

Yea, I’m recording albums, promoting my songs. Though, I have had quite a number of setbacks in life but I don’t think that shouldn’t stop anyone from doing what they are supposed to do.

Presently, I’m in the studio, recording and the rest will be said later.

A lot of people know you as a rapper, are you still maintaining that role or venturing

IN 2012, the marriage between Nollywood actress, Sophia Chikere and movie director Tchidi Chikere, reportedly crashed like a pack of badly arranged cards. But long before the crash, there were several reports, that another actress, Nuella Njubigbo, was dating the movie director. In fact, some reports openly suggested Nuella was the reason Tchidi sent Sophia packing.

Since then, rumours were rife that both Tchidi and Nuella found another haven in each

other ’s arms until a couple of days back when the news broke that Tchidi would be having a traditional marriage with Nuella on Friday, March 28, 2014, two days ago. From all available information the wedding held and both Nuella and Tchidi are now husband and wife.

As true as that is, no one ever believed the director was actually going to marry Nuella because reports of their romance were something people received with levity and

DJ Swlitch

How I Lost My Marriage -Sophia Chikere oftentimes, like a joke, that could only amuse and be forgotten. So, when the news of their impending marriage broke, it was received like another joke, especially, when the two parties involved, neither came out to deny nor confirm anything.

Until the silence was broken by Nuella on Thursday in a release sent to several media houses. She confirmed that she would indeed, be getting married to the movie director, saying she and Tchidi never crossed the lines as

friends and that the talk about her being pregnant for Tchidi was mere rumour.

“My heart is remarkably at peace with this decision, and I am willing to take this leap of faith which every married woman has taken. Where this love will lead me I cannot say, I am not God, but, I have hope, faith and believe that it will lead me to a good place. Every one of us in this life deserves a chance to be happy. I am taking my own chance” she said.

But there was someone who found all she said not only distasteful but a whole lot of baloney. That person is Sophia Chikere, who has claimed she is still legally married to the movie director.

Nuella released her statement on Thursday night and Sophia was quick to follow Friday morning. Hear her: I swear with my life, my children’s life and everything I have, that Nuella started dating my husband before he left the marriage. But because I respect my husband a lot, the father of my three boys, I have kept calm and won’t talk and comment because there is no need to wash your dirty linen in public.

Tchidi is a wonderful husband and father and will always be.

But if Nuella opened her mouth and said that she wasn’t dating my husband before he left the marriage, if she’s lying, let her not see anything good in life and if I’m lying,let me not see anything good in life.

This question is for Nuella: Nuella, since you broke my marriage, have I called you? Have I looked for you? No! After what you did, you still have the right to lie and say you were not in the picture? You want to deceive the public? But you can’t deceive God. You put what God has joined together asunder and made my children cry to bed every night.

I keep calm and you have the audacity to say that you weren’t dating my husband when we were together? Let the wrath of God be your portion. Now that you have taken my hubby and you are getting married to him like I heard, are you happy?

Are you fulfilled? Let the Almighty God fight for me and judge you.

Let vengeance be of God who knows everything and sees everything. My God is able and he’s not asleep.

He sees. He knows. And he feels what I feel. He is the Lord who cares for me and my kids.

As for my husband, he is a wonderful father and I will never ever disrespect him”

My aim is to be number one in anything I’m doing.

How was your journey so far in the entertainment industry?

The journey so far has been good; the show was a lot of hard work and by the special grace of God, I emerged winner. After the show, my experience soared, and the realization of my dream is another good experience. Though, there were hiccups and bad moments but I wouldn’t say anything about it but my greatest belief is God’s time is the best.

Talking about your formal group Da Pulse, why did you leave and do you regret leaving the group?

First of all, I didn’t leave the band. The group is a wonderful band and we are still very much in touch. God decides because sometimes there were things that are not really meant to be, and sometimes they are.

Sometimes you should just consider the factor around you, I’m grateful for the experience that united us together; we’ve learnt our mistakes and are linkingup on how to deal with them. We were much younger then and we didn’t really know how to handle fame; nobody leaves the band. Da Pulse is still strong together as a group and I can’t really say there is a musical group that has come out and beaten us; we are still very much in touch with one another.

In recent time, what have you learnt in life, with the things happening around you and the changes?

I’ve learnt how to be patient and give gratitude to God, because in recent time certain things have happened that if I hadn’t believed in God would have put me in a lot of trouble. So that’s why I will always say every delay and disappointment is a blessing.

There were speculations that you were not in good terms with your mum ; how true is that?

Let me correct that impression. It’s very funny how I say something and people misunderstood the meaning. I did not run away from home like a prodigal son. I didn’t leave home without my

mother’s consent. First of all, I’m well above 18, so I can leave home if I want to, but what I meant when I was on stage was, you know when your soul is passion driven that you forget going home from time-to-time because you are bent on achieving your dream.

I’ve been chasing the dream for so long and when I got it, I was excited. Every good family wants the best for its children; families are always the encouragement the children need. They can entice a child with a job in a big company if there’s any opportunity there or a job in an oil company. I studied Geology, and my family has done more what I mentioned to keep me at home but I blatantly rejected the offer by saying no. I did not return home for the fear of being forced to work in companies like Shell. All I wanted to do is music.

So I never ran away from home.

How about your daughter?

My daughter is good.

I don’t want to say anything about her to the public. My focus is music and more music.

Any plan of tying the knot soon ?

Drop it! Marriage isn’t the next programme on my agenda. I have the green light to the mainstream of music industry. Marriage is good but for now, it will be like a distraction from the goal.

What should your fans expect from you soon?

People should expect my new singles. They should expect a show like no other one from me. I always say to my manager, you can’t play songs because people are singing; there must always be value for money and I always guarantee my family and I mean my family at large, talking about people that are at home with me, people that love me out there, people that scouted me. When they buy ticket to come and watch my stage performance, they won’t regret time and money invested. My fans should expect my new single in the nearest future and when it comes out, it will be a narration of my life story telling the people where I am coming from and where I am going.

What keep you going?

God!

LANGUAGE is a necessity for communication to take place. Language can be seen according to pyles as ‘ s y s t e m a t i z e d combinations of sound which have meanings for all persons in a given cultural community.

FIRST LANGUAGE Some people considered the native language to be the first language that they know how to write, speak, listen and read. First language is the number one language we first learned in childhood. It is also the language we use most often, and can speak fluently.

MOTHER TONGUE Mother tongue is the language spoken in your native dialect.

WHY MOTHER TONGUE IS CALLED ‘MOTHER TONGUE’ Tongue also means language in this sense. It is called mother tongue because it is the language spoken by the mother country in which we were born.

In multilingual societies like Nigeria, Ghana, and most African countries, mother tongue does not refer to only the language spoken by the mother country. Mother tongue also means the language the mother or caretaker passes on to the child. The assumption is that children grow under the eye of their mother, hence it is called mother tongue.

There is need for parents to teach their children their mother language because with the

Society

Parental Failure In Teaching Children Their Mother Tongue

By ISEGBELE JUSTINA

look of things, the passing down of parental language appears to be diminishing more and more.

I am shocked at those parents who have choosen not to speak or teach their native language to their children for various reasons, or whom have been persuaded to believe that speaking their native language to their children will hurt them socially or academically if the primary language of the community is different.

EXCUSES FOR NOT TEACHING MOTHER LANGUAGE

the child and prevent him from speaking or learning either language well, or alter their language development speed.

2.

Others give the ever so common excuse that once the child goes to school, they will forget the other language.

3.

Some parents take it as a hard job to teach their children their native language 4.

Most parents believe that teaching a child a second language is a bad idea.

5.

Some parents complained that they have a learning disability or

1.

Some parents believe that being exposed to more than one language at an early age will confuse

they are dyslexic just because they have difficulties in learning new languages.

“Parents should always make it a duty by speaking to their children in their native language anytime they are together and especially at home. Since much more hours are spent at school speaking and thinking in English language, it is of utmost importance that the native language is spoken whenever there is a chance.”

6.

Parents also give lack of time as an excuse for not teaching their children their language.

7.

Other excuse is that, they themselves (the parents) do not know how to speak their language because they were not taught.

The number of Nigerian students that are not taught their native language by their parents is on the increase each year.

Being attentive to excuses given by parents for not teaching their children their native language will not help us as a nation in our drive to develop our cultural heritage of which language

important to learn another language apart from English language.

Parents should always make it a duty by speaking to their children in their native language anytime they are together and especially at home. Since much more hours are spent at school speaking and thinking in English language, it is of utmost importance that the native language is spoken whenever there is a chance.

It is expected of parents to buy videos and books in their native language for their children to listen and read. This will stimulate

is an important element.

The effects of parents not teaching their children their native language are so numerous. These include the alternation of children from their cultural heritage, impeded communication between parents and their children and the extinction of Nigerian language.

They feel separated from their culture which would have been in existence if they knew how to speak and understand their language.

ADVICE TO PARENTS Parents should not allow those excuses get into their way of raising bilingual children. They should know that it is very

the learning and allow some different words and expressions that are used in the native language in a playful and fun way.

It is fun to speak your language to your children.

Don’t give up, remember that, if the children learn both language at an early age, they will speak with no accent in either one.

Speaking their mother language is an added skill that will serve them well in the future.

There is a mother who regretted profusely for not speaking to her daughter in her native language. When the girl grew up, she met a guy from her mother’s native country and got married, but when they

moved to his country, she did not know how to speak the language and had a very hard time finding a job and relating to his non - English speaking family!

It was such a shame.

Always speak your native language to your children. Institute the language law in your home ie only your language can be spoken at home. Don’t engage in conversations where both languages are spoken back and forth, use your language only.

There is need for parents to keep on maintaining the native language because the children’s first language is critical to their identity. It helps them to value their culture and heritage which contribute to a positive self-concept. When the native language is not maintained, important links to family and other community members may be lost.

Students who learn English and continue to develop their native language have higher academic achievement in later years than those students who learn English at the expense of their first language. There is also better employment opportunities in countries and overseas available to individuals who are fluent in English and other language.

The effects of children not being taught their language are inexhaustible and more than 90% of these effects are negative.

In order to save children from these and reduce the unnecessary stress placed on language schools which become swamped with indigenes wanting to learn their languages.

It is advisable for parents to teach their children their language and preferably when they are very young, as a first language. This will be to the advantage of parents and later on the children.

SEVERAL years ago traffic light was among tales that were told of such big cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and much more, and even when they were introduced to the ancient city of Benin, they were scanty. Red, yellow and amber are the colours of the traffic light, Red for ‘wait’ Green for ‘Go’ and Amber for ‘get ready’ to either wait or go. The traffic light serves the primary purpose of controlling vehicular and human traffic, in the society.

Towards attaining the Benin –City renewal and Beautification drive of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, traffic lights have now become a sight to behold in major roads and junctions in the Ancient City, name it.

Akpakpava, Sokponba, Ekenhuan, Mission road, Airport road, Ibiwe street, Owoseni, New Lagos road but to mention a few, these roads and others still in the process of being erected, as equipments in the various sites indicates, now have traffic lights with sign posts indicating the names of the roads and direction of the toads in the city. The ministry of transport who is in charge of this laudable project must also be commended for its drive towards reducing the rate of accidents on our roads and also adding beauty to the environment, inspite of the many challenges that come with this initiative due to the impatience and disobedience nature of our drivers as to obeying traffic rules and regulations.

Adhering to traffic rules and regulations is a major challenge towards the attainment of proper use of these digital traffic lights, as most drivers seem to be in a hurry and there seems to be stiff punishment for disobeying these rules.

And at times when these

rules are to be enforced, the over zealousness of the staff of the ministry might make you confuse as to weather the alleged defaulters were really caught in the act, because

Environment because a look at some of them at times, suggests that they are either not working at all or malfunctioning which might be due to electrical fault, hence the ministry should put concrete

arrangement in place, so that this gift from the comrade governor will serve its purpose and last its stipulated life span, while we should also imbibe good maintenance culture.

The role of traffic light today in our society are numerous; firstly it eases vehicular movement on our roads while also reducing accident rate which

patience among road users knowing fully well that, it is ‘better late, than never’.

In addition to these, Aesthetic beauty of these traffic lights and sign post,

always lead to loss of lives. Secondly it gets to teach us the meaning of the three colours being used in traffic regulation since we have come to know that Red means stop or wait, Green means ‘Go’ and Amber means ‘ Get ready’ it provides members of the society the unique opportunity of being educated on what the three colours means, what they look like and are called. It also aids pedestrians while crossing the major road, since they now know when to and when not to cross, this also go a long way to cub road accidents on our roads.

More so, the traffic lights have created a kind of orderliness among road users, as they know when to move or stop, while the pedestrians know when to cross or wait, this orderliness when imbibe as a culture will go a long way in projecting our society as an orderly society, that adhere strictly to rules and regulations, even as it will also inculcate

can best be described as a wonder to behold, as a look at it mostly at night, make you appreciate the urban renewal drive of the comrade governor, as the lights change from red to green or amber as the case may be, at intervals, and the various eyes gazing at it for the next instruction, one cannot help but applaud the Giant strides of the state governor.

Traffic light users are all enjoined to always obey traffic rules and regulations, as there are no excuses for violation. So whenever you come across those traffic lights, take a look at the colours and follow the instruction appropriately, for Red says ‘Stop’ Green says ‘Go’ and amber says ‘Get ready’.

For a better Edo is achievable, it is not in the future, it is in the now, we must be the change that we wish to see. The comrade governors different efforts at making the state better can best be supported by us, if we obey laid down rules and regulations and not vandalizing infrastructures in our domain.

Traffic Lights, Playing A Vital Role In Vehicular Movement

there is no video or camera evidence to suggest such, scene of this nature often results in fracas between these officials and the alleged defaulter, which makes me wonder who among them was right.

More so, adequate arrangement should be made for the regular maintenance of this priced societal assets,

“The role of traffic light today in our society are numerous; firstly it eases vehicular movement on our roads while also reducing accident rate which always lead to loss of lives.

Secondly it gets to teach us the meaning of the three colours being used in traffic regulation.”

C The Mysterious Bird (3) Story Time

“WE shall go and see the bird when our parents are in the fields,” the boy said. “I heard that birds which give much are very colourful”.

That afternoon, as the man and the woman were in the fields, the two children crept up to the bird’s hut and opened the door. Once inside, they looked about nervously and it was a few minutes before they saw the bird sitting in its corner. The bird watched them suspiciously. It had grown used to the man and his wife, but the children were unfamiliar.

The children approached the bird and looked closely at him, while the bird stand back with its dark eyes, and blinked.

The boy looked at the bird’s feathers and shook his head.

“It is sad,” he said. “The bird has lost all the colour from his feathers.

When it heard this, the bird looked down at his own feathers and sighed.

“It is because I have been kept in here for so long, “the bird said to the boy. “I have not seen the sun for many weeks.’

The boy shook high head.

“I am sorry,” he said.

“If that is so, “said the bird, “you should be taken me out into the sunshine for a few minutes. A short time in the open air would restore all the colours to my feathers.”

The boy and the girl agreed to do this for the bird.

Carefully they lifted it in their arms and took the bird out into the open. Then they sat the bird down on a low branch of a tree and watched the colour return to his feathers. It happened quite quickly, and soon the bird was no longer faded.

“He is looking happier, the girl whispered to her brother.

“His feathers are normal again.”

“Thank you,” said the bird.

And with that, he flew up into the air and had soon disappeared. The girl looked at the boy and wailed. “We shall never be forgiven, “she said. “We shall never find a bird like that again.”

The boy was afraid of telling his father what had happened, and so he went out into the hills to look for another bird which was exactly the same as the bird which had escaped. He searched in all the places he knew birds liked, but in none of these did he find a bird which looked at all similar.

On his way home, though, he was surprised by a strange sound in the grass. There, sheltering behind a small bush, was a bird which

By ADELA BROOKS looked almost the same as the milk bird. The boy seized the bird, which did not resist but just looked at him and blinked.

The woman was unable to answer his question she went back to the bird and tried again to milk it, but once more, all that the bird gave

hildren’s World

out into the bush to see if they could find another bird that would give milk. They felt responsible for the loss of the first bird and they knew that sooner or later they would have to confess

With LOVETH EKEMOGIE 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789

Jokes

Teacher & Student

By ESOSA EGUAKUN

to their parents what had really happened. They walked far, and eventually they came to a place where there was a group of boys calling out in excitement.

They ran over to join the group of boys and saw that they had surrounded a bird and were throwing stones at it and calling it name.

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That night the woman went to milk the bird in its special hut. After she had finished she brought the calabash out and gave it to her husband.

He raised it to his lips and took a sip.

“This is not milk, “he said “it is water. Why has our bird given us only water?”

was water. This made the woman wail as she could think of no reason why the bird should suddenly have turned against them in this way.

The next day, while their parents sat under a tree and mourned the change in their bird, the turn children crept

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Riddle

By ESOSA EGUAKUN What has one head, one foot and four legs?

A bed How many letters are in the Alphabet?

There are 11 letters in the Alphabet What is the center of gravity?

The letter V What goes up, but never coming down?

Your age How many months have 28 days?

All of them Where does success come before

work?

In the dictionary What breaks when you say it?

Ans. Silence What starts with P, and ends with E and hug a million letters in it?

Post office If you were in a race and passed the person in 2nd place, what place would you be?

2nd place How can you spell cold with two letters?

Ic (Icy)

How do you get straight A’s?

Ans - By using a ruler Why did the kid study in the airplane?

Ans - Because he wanted a higher education What did you learn in school today?

Ans - Not enough, I have to go back tomorrow Why didn’t the sun go to college?

Ans - Because it already had a million degree What goes up and down but does not move?

Ans - Stairs What makes the calendar so popular?

Ans - Because it has a lot of dates Why did the picture go to jail?

Ans - Because it was framed Why did the teacher wear sunglasses?

Ans - Because his class was so bright.

Teacher: you missed school yesterday, didn’t you?

Ans - Student: Not really Teacher: I hope I didn’t see you looking at John’s exam?

Student: I hope you didn’t either.

Igbo Man AN Urhobo man invited his friends for his father’s burial, after lowering the coffin, they put yam, rice, meat e.t.c. into the grave. Hausa man asked why?.

The Urhobo man smiled and said. “According to our tradition, the dead man is going on a long journey and need all the food items. The Hausa man dropped N50,000 inside and said. “When the food finish, buy more. The Yoruba man also dropped N50,000. The Igbo man smiled and brought out his cheque book and wrote a cheque of N150,000 dropped it in the coffin and took the N1,000,000 notes as change. See Igbo man sense…

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Poem

The Coin Toss

BY the time Bobby arrived, the football game had already started “why are you so late? “asked his friend. “I couldn’t decide between going to church and going to the football game. “So I tossed a coin, “said Bobby. “But that shouldn’t have taken too long”, said the friend. “Well, I had to toss it 35 times.

WHEN God has not finished with you, death will not come the way it hurts us. John lived to be very old. John was a preacher in the wilderness.

He was the first runner of the end time. We are the second runner. (Jnl: 29-42).

The history of John affords a striking illustration of the

dealings with people, how they showed love to them during times of trial and how they saved them from being swept away by the mighty current of evil. God expects them to keep the armour on till He bids them to lay it down. We are in the end time - the time when the falling out will take

way in which God can use aged people. There are many people, when they are old; they think they have past service, ready to fall out at any time. Even when the Lord deems it fit to use them, they cease to bear witness for the Lord; John was not such kind of old man. He was a preacher of message of joy, proclaiming a risen Saviour who was interceding for his people. When John had lived very old with Christ, the communications he was receiving from heaven became greater than when he was young. The highest regard in heaven is given to those who have spent all their life bound up with the work of God. Though they may lost some of their vigour through passing test and trials of life, the Lord does not lay them aside, but He gives them special grace and wisdom. When people that are handling positions in the church are not doing anything because of the work of one person; that person (or rich man) is collecting God’s blessings of everybody. There are many prisons in life. When you need a child, don’t give up or no house rent, no food, don’t give up. It does not matter how a person lived this world but where he is going. Al) things worketh together for good with those who loved him (Rom 8:28-35).

When those who have spent their lives in the service of God draw close to the end of their earthly ministry the Holy Spirit will make them realize how important and serious it is for them to recount the experiences they have had in connection with the work of God. They will give the record of their

place and where that Evil man will take control. A person blocked his ears with video phone when he is sleeping on bed. Can he do so with the Bible? We should not be selfish but selfless in the work of God.

poultry where it will disturb his neighbour and himself is living elsewhere? Will a man who loves his neighbour as himself build a fish pond where it will disturb his neighbor and himself is living elsewhere? Will a man who loves his neighbour as himself plant

for God’s intervention to solve the problem. The Ministry will be recommended if they keep taking the right step in the right direction.

God does not prevent the plotting of the wicked men, but He causes their devices to work for good to those who in trial and conflict

Religion cross is to voluntarily participate in Christ’s sufferings as He carries out His redemptive purpose.

Paul said he rejoiced in his sufferings because he knew that by them he was able to participate in the sufferings required to bring

God’s intervention may seem delayed, and release may not be immediate, but one should not give up.

Hannah did not give up on her problem of childlessness, she intensified her prayer she never asked God why me?

others into Christian maturity. You will never be able to endure the suffering of the cross unless you first have to be convinced that Jesus is the Christ. He will introduce you to your cross. There is no Christianity without cross.

We have not suffered half as much as Christ suffered yet we complain of pain (Matt 27:19). If you are waiting for a relationship with God that never requires suffering or inconvenience, then you cannot use Christ as your model. God’s will for you involve a cross. First, take up your cross, and then you can follow Him. Pray that God grant you the courage to follow Him to the end in Jesus name; that He will not allow you to deny His presence in your life in Jesus name) that He will not allow your focus to be shifted away from him in Jesus name, that you will not be tired of serving Him in Jesus name. May the Lord grant you the grace to live and die like Him in Jesus name. Matt 16:24-25.

No matter the source of one’s problems, the way out is drawing closer to God in prayer - all manners of prayers till God delivers.

But at the end, God answered her prayers, and gave her a son according to her request. David in all his anguished and trials in life, even in the hand of Saul the King, he never asked God why? He was faithful, prayerful and never stops trusting God for His goodness, faithfulness and power to deliver at all limes. But at the end of it all, David was delivered from the hand of King Saul and also made King of Israel. Whatever you are passing through in life; keep on trusting God, be prayerful and rely on Him, He will surely see you through. Pray that by His power, you will be delivered from your troubles in Jesus name, thank God because the Lord is in charge of your problems, pray that the Lord will make you an over comer in every ramification in Jesus name, that the Lord will arise and intervene in ‘,‘our situation in Jesus name, that every storm blowing over your business and your family, you command it today to be still in Jesus name.

Many are the affliction of the righteous but the Lord delivered them out of all.

(Ps 34:19).

In Exile For The Faith [2]

Jesus used the story of the Good Samaritan to interpret the kind of love we should have When the Priest and Levite saw the poor man lying half-dead on the road, they took to the other side of the road. But when the Good Samaritan saw the man, he stopped and showed love and compassion to him. (Lk 10:30-37). When you build a house, when you go to school, when you attend a job, when a farmer plants a farm, all these cost you a lot.

So also the kingdom of God cost you. The reward is ahead of you. Jesus said “love your neighbour as yourself”. Jesus did not say “love your neighbour more than yourself ’. But the Priest and Levite love themselves more than their neighbours. Today, many Christians are like the Pharisees and Sadducees.

They don’t love their neighbours as themselves.

Will a man who loves his neighbour as himself build

By PRINCE BAYO OKUO a tree close to his neighbour’s fence where it constitutes a threat to the neighbour? There are people who only think of themselves and how to

maintain their faith and loyalty. God prepares His children to meet emergencies, to fill positions of trust, and to accomplish the great

make money. They don’t care whether the things they are doing is hazardous to their neighbours as long as they are making their money. The Ministry of Environment is responsible for environmental sanitation in the State.

Since the present administration in Edo State came on board, the Ministry has done a lot of good works in ensuring good sanitary health condition in the State.

Thank God, the Ministry has been able to solve some of the health - threatening problems caused by some careless people to their neighbours. -But there are still many sanitary problems which have not been solved by the Ministry in the State. When the person protesting against sanitary problem is not as strong as the person causing the sanitary problem, the problem will not have an end. The protester has to be praying

purpose for which their powers were given them.

Your “Cross” is God’s will for you, regardless of the cost. Taking up your cross is a choice; it is not beyond your control. You may have health problems or a rebellious child or financial pressures, but do not make mistake these as your “cross to bear”. Neither circumstances you face nor consequences of your own actions are your cross. Your

“You will never be able to endure the suffering of the cross unless you first have to be convinced that Jesus is the Christ. He will introduce you to your cross. There is no Christianity without cross.

We have not suffered half as much as Christ suffered yet we complain of pain (Matt 27:19). If you are waiting for a relationship with God that never requires suffering or inconvenience, then you cannot use Christ as your model.”

Why Do People Want Immediate Gratification?

THE problem with many people especially the young ones today is that they want i m m e d i a t e gratification, they want God to answer their prayers urgently, unknowingly to them, that God is not a mergician. In life, every

thing has its own time, once your time comes nobody can change it.

According to a Redeemed Pastor, pastor Emmanuel. He said God is ever ready.

He is not sleeping or never too late he is ever ready to answer your prayers. God is not

By UMUKORO A. EMMANUEL

sleeping waiting for the right time, he wants you to put your life in his hand.

Galatian 4.4 says but when the fullness of time was come God sent forth his son. Made of a woman, made under the law, 2 Peter.

“But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Many people in the world today want their miracle immediately, they don’t wart to wait for God to speak to them. Nobody is willing to wait for his or her time to come.”

IF you’re like me, and you’re tired of hearing about and talking about the economy, even it things are improving which I think they are, it’s still a scary world for a lot of people right now.

If you are one of those fearful of losing your job or if you have already joined the unemployment league, l urge you to maintain a positive attitude, worrying won’t help and in fact, may create even more problems.

Consider this: What if losing your job was your chance to finally clarify your career direction and define what you really want in your career?.

This should not be the end of the road, rather it should be a new beginning for better things to come.

Having been through the experience of not having a

But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Many people in the world today want their miracle immediately, they don’t wart to wait for God to speak to them. Nobody is willing to wait for his or her time to come. Isaiah 55:8. says for my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways, saith the lord vs 9, for as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your thoughts. You

Opinion can’t just plant a seed today and expect that seed to bring forth fruit immediately Isaiah 55"10. For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth and maketh it bring forth and bud that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater vs 11 so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth, it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that I please and it shall prosper in the thing where to I sent it. No matter what you are passing through your time is your time, nobody can change it.

What can we say concerning the story of the children of Israel when they were in captivity in the land of

What To Do If You Lose Your Job

By GLORY IGBOKWE

job, I’d like to offer some tips to help you through this unsettling time.

Don’t panic: Fear and anxley are natural, but if you allow these emotions to control your thinking you won’t be able to make good decisions, about what you’re going to do next.

Surround yourself with optimistic supportive people: Misery may attract company, fron loved ones but this is not the time to commiserate, you need to remain focused, positive and

inspired.

Create a job hunting schedule: This is an extremely important step because it will keep your mind focused so you don’t get depressed immediately.

Start looking into career building prospects or monster courage to get an overview of what’s out there.

Next do some targeted searches specific to your industry on sites that cater for your area of expertise.

Start networking:

“This should not be the end of the road, rather it should be a new beginning for better things to come. Having been through the experience of not having a job, I’d like to offer some tips to help you through this unsettling time.”

Networking is still the best way to get a job, spread the word that you are in job search mode among your friends, family, former coworkers – anyone that you

know who could help with your job search. Dig up names from internships or summer jobs and reach out to those people, join networking groups.

Egypt but when the time God wanted them to live the bondage which they were, nothing could stop them not to go. Even pharaoh himself could not hold them back, that is the word of God for you, once your time has come nobody can stop you, stop being in haste because these are the reasons why there are so many unprofessionals all over the world “quack” doctors, journalists, teachers, lawyers, pastors. All just because they want to make it as fast as possible nobody is willing to learn, nobody is willing to wait for his or her time to come because, they want immediate gratification. That’s the problem with young people today.

Consider an interim job: It will get you out of the house, boost your morale and offer some temporary financial assistance temporary agencies often have positions that can lead to permanent employment.

Look at your situation as an opportunity: If you have ever felt unsatisfied or unfulfilled in your work, this could be the opportunity nudging you to find the job you love.

CLIMATE change comes with never-beforeexperienced impacts. For example, crop yields and growing seasons will decrease even as changing rain patterns will worsen people’s access to water. Yet Africa’s population is projected to reach 2 billion in less than 37 years, and in 86 years, three out of every four people added to the planet will be African.

Decreasing crop yields and increasing population will put additional pressure on an already fragile food production system. That is why experts have warned that if the current situation persists, Africa will be fulfilling only 13% of its food needs by 2050. This situation will further threaten about 65% of African workers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods including children and the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity.

Hunger already affects about 240 million Africans daily. By 2050, even a change of about 1.2 to 1.9 degrees Celsius will have increased the number of the continent’s undernourished by 25% to 95% (central Africa +25%, East Africa +50%, Southern Africa +85% and West Africa +95%). The situation will be dire for children who need proper nourishment to succeed in their education.

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has estimated that African countries could lose between 2% and 16% of gross domestic product due to stunting of children as a result of malnutrition.

Climate-stressed African agriculture Changes in climate such as higher temperatures and reduced water supplies, along with other factors like biodiversity loss and ecosystems degradation, affect agriculture. According to Science, a leading international research journal, by 2030 Southern Africa and South Asia will be the two regions in the world whose crop production is most affected by climate change. For example, while wheat varieties grow well in temperatures between 15 and 20 C, in sub-Saharan Africa the average annual

temperature currently exceeds this mark during the growing season. Therefore, if current climate trends continue, by 2030 wheat production is likely to decline by 10% to 20% from 1998–2002 yields.

Food insecurity will likely lead to social unrest, as has been the case in the past. For example, between 2007 and

amidst climate change has been done before, and analysts believe that African countries need to incorporate this knowledge in their planning. They will also need to protect and fortify their water resources, which are critical to food security.

In the coming years, water for agriculture will be stretched to a painful extent.

adding that potential reductions in water, biodiversity and crops should compel Africa to pay closer attention to its current food system. In short, Africa needs an approach that works with nature, not against it.

New and better approaches There is a continuing argument as to whether the

Agriculture climate-resilient practices.

Nutrient depletion alone accounts for $1 billion to $3 billion per year in natural capital losses, according to findings by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

Ecosystem-based

nutrients to the soil while enhancing groundwater storage to improve crop productivity. These farmers have reclaimed 200,000 to 300,000 hectares of degraded lands and have produced an estimated 80,000 to 120,000 additional tonnes of cereal.

adaptation Unlocking Africa’s potential requires that policy makers in agriculture and the environment join forces with civil society and nongovernmental organizations to consider options that will

Other options include protecting watersheds and reinforcing their capacity to hold water and carry it to those who need it most; using integrated pest management, which is a natural and costeffective way of protecting crops; using agroforestry, intercropping and crop rotation, which bring nutrient diversity to fields and ensure continued and improved production yields in a natural way; maintaining forests and using forest foods; using natural fertilizers like manure; and using natural pollinators like bees, which, according to a recent study, could increase fruit yields by 5%. These alternatives are cost-effective: the project in Zambia cost only $207 per person. Similar projects in Uganda and Mozambique cost just $14 and $120 per person, respectively.

A ray of hope The most pessimistic forecast about the impact of climate change suggests that Africa may lose 47% of agricultural revenue by 2100, while the most optimistic predicts a loss of only 6%. The latter scenario depends on the assumption that climate change adaptation practices and infrastructure are already in place. But the difference between 6% and 47% is huge, which itself is a strong argument for investment in adaptations that will unlock Africa’s vast natural resources. Analysts believe that if Africa is to fortify agriculture and curb hunger, it will need to work with the natural environment, making it more resilient and productive under climate change.

The changing climate does not have to mean greater food insecurity in Africa. Many communities across the continent are already building resilience by stimulating their existing ecosystems and available natural resource bases. Building on such good practices, and properly managing the unavoidable effects of climate change, will unlock Africa’s potential to feed itself. The future need not be a future of want.

Despite Climate Change, Africa Can Feed Africa

2008, riots took place in many countries when prices of staples peaked. In 2010, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Mozambique after wheat prices went up by 25% due to a global wheat shortage caused in part by wheat-crop-destroying wildfires from record heats in Russia). The increase in bread prices led to fires, violence, looting and even deaths.

Fears extend beyond wheat scarcity. The Africa Adaptation Gap Report by the UN Environment Programme, the UN organ responsible for promoting sustainable use of the environment, confirmed the World Bank’s recent findings that with warming of about 2 degrees C, all crop yields across sub-Saharan Africa will decrease by 10% by the 2050s; greater warming (which is more likely) will cause crop yields to decrease by up to 15% or 20%.

Further bad news for African agriculture is that by the middle of this century, wheat production could decrease by 17%, maize production by 5%, sorghum production by 15% and millet production by 10%.

Additionally, if climate warming exceeds 3 degrees C, all present-day cropping areas for maize, millet and sorghum will be unsuitable for those crops. The question becomes, is Africa’s agricultural system ready to respond?

Protecting water resources Increasing crop production

By RICHARD MUNANG

In Africa, 95% of agriculture relies on rainfall for water, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The

industrial agricultural revolution will solve some or all of Africa’s climate change problems. However, experts maintain that

World Bank notes it is very likely that by 2020 the total availability of blue and green water (from rains and rivers) in all of Africa could decline by more than 10%. In addition, climate change threatens biodiversity and ecosystems, which are the foundation of agriculture.

Biodiversity losses and ecosystem degradation will affect the quality of the soil and the vegetation upon which livestock depends, states the World Bank,

industrial agriculture currently accounts for one third of all greenhouse gas emissions—the very element most responsible for climate change. Additionally, they believe that the resources and infrastructure required to operate an industrial agricultural system in Africa are impractical for smallholder farmers.

New machines also mean fewer hands, which may increase joblessness while reducing wages, affecting many who depend on agriculture. Because current practices cannot meet future demands, Africa must apply new and better approaches.

In July 2013, African leaders made an ambitious pledge to end hunger by 2025. They mean to do this by encouraging farmers to move away from cash crops, fragile cropping systems and heavily fertilizer- and pesticide-dependent systems and to adopt sustainable and

“The most pessimistic forecast about the impact of climate change suggests that Africa may lose 47% of agricultural revenue by 2100, while the most optimistic predicts a loss of only 6%. The latter scenario depends on the assumption that climate change adaptation practices and infrastructure are already in place.”

enable the environment and farmers to cope with climate change. One of the options being advocated is the ecosystem-based adaptation,, which is to mitigate climate change impact through the use natural systems such as drought-resistant varieties, more efficient methods of water storage and more diversity in crop rotation, says UNEP. In Zambia, 61% of farmers who applied an ecosystembased adaptation, such as natural resource conservation or sustainable organic agricultural practices, reported surplus yields.

Some yields even increased by up to 60%, while sales of surplus crops grew from 25.9% to 69%. In Burkina Faso, farmers are using indigenous methods to rehabilitate land. By digging small pits (locally referred to as zaï) on barren plots and filling them with organic matter, some Burkinabe farmers are able to add

Health & Economic Benefits Of Carrot

LOTS of women believe that it costs a fortune to have a healthy skin. Most women go extra miles to appear gorgeous and beautiful. No doubt, women need healthy skin to complement their beauty. But unfortunately while ignoring natural options, various chemicals in different combinations, mostly harmful to the body, are used with attendant side effects on the skin rearing their ugly heads later. Little do women know that a healthy skin is a sign of healthiness within. By maintaining healthy skin through the use of a balanced, healthy diet and also keeping fit, a woman’s skin is likely to look younger and better in the most effective and cheapest way.

Research studies have shown five top foods to consume to help us stay healthier and leave our skin in a much better condition.

They include: water, carrot.

Salmon. blueberries. Green tea.

Aside carrot being a reliable source for nourishment to sustain a beautiful skin, its economic value has the potentials of improving family income if only people can go through the rigour of processing beyond taking carrot as food.

While drinking of plenty water keeps the body and skin hydrated, removes any toxins within the body and rejuvenates the skin cells, carrot constitutes a main source of vitamin A which benefits the skins condition hugely. In addition, carrot contains antioxidants which prevent free radical damage of skin cell. Salmon fish is high in fatty acid such as Omega 3 which reduces the body’s production of inflammatory agents that can damage the skin. However, carrot like blueberries is a fruit which keep cell membranes healthy by keeping out any harmful substance which in turn keeps the skin healthy. They are fruits with the highest source of food that contains the most amounts of antioxidants, which help neutralize DNA free radical damage.

Water being universal substances and commonly seen in vegetables, carrot are common and popular vegetables, and a very nutritious one. Carrot

By OGECHIE OHAEJESI

provides the highest content of vitamins of all the vegetables.

Carrots are cultivated in an

against disease. Betacarotene, a member of the arytenoids family, was originally found in carrot and

A recent study found that eating nine or ten daily is effective in lowering blood pressure.

Carrots are tap roots, a type of root which grows downwards into the soil and

Healthy Living especially high in betacarotene. They are rich in minerals and vitamins.

The economic value of the product is enormous. Apart from being eaten raw, it can be processed into a carrot powder The products arc thoroughly washed and freeze-dried. It is freezedried at a very low temperature and then

“While drinking of plenty water keeps the body and skin hydrated, removes any toxins within the body and rejuvenates the skin cells, carrot constitutes a main source of vitamin A which benefits the skins condition hugely. In addition, carrot contains antioxidants which prevent free radical damage of skin cell.”

organic fertile soil complimented with fertilizer The product originated from Afghanistan, but today also cultivated in Northern part of Nigeria. It is grown largely in the Northern region manually. The manual cultivation of the product makes it difficult to achieve a significant large commercial quantity.

The brightly orange colored carrots contain carotenoids and flavonoids.

These are two important phytochemical, a natural bioactive compound found in plant foods. These elements work with nutrients and dietary fiber to protect

it is known for protecting the body by decreasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, blindness and certain types of cancer The deeper the orange colour, the more betacarotene in the carrot. Carrot nutritional values actually increase with cooking the tough cellular wall. Raw carrot does not breakdown very easily, therefore, cooking carrots until just tender makes their nutrients, including bet a carotene, more beneficial cooking also brings out their natural sweetness.

Eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables lowers the chances of cancer

swells. It comes in many sizes and shapes, round, cylindrical, fat, very small or thin. Fields are seeded with precision seeders from January to July. They take 6 to 2ldays to geminate and 70100 days to mature fully. The products are harvested by gently pulling it up from the soil holding the tops. They are harvested and packed in sack bag together with leaves to retain its freshness. Carrots are a common and popular vegetable to be eaten fresh.

Baby carrots are particularly tender and juicy. They can also be canned or frozen. Carrot juice is a very nutritious drink

grounded into powder. The carrot powder is stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool dry place, away from direct heat or sunlight and without refrigeration. The carrot is used in this process.

Nothing is discarded. This method captures all delicate nutrients and natural sweet taste in a highly concentrated powder.

The carrot powder reconstituted with water will make a rich, sweet tasting juice having pulpy texture, the result of utilizing the entire carrot in their process.

The carrot powder is 100% pure containing no fillers, coloring and sweetness. It is naturally sweet as a result of the carrot.

Carrot powder provides the convenience of always having a rich organic juice available, without the need to clean or even purchase a juicer This product is an excellent source of food during any emergency, traveling or stored in the home, since it only requires a source of clean water in order to be reconstituted back into a juice.

In order to retain the maximum amount of vitamin A in processed carrot, process has to commence when freshly harvested. Not subjected to long soaking or washing but processed immediately after preparation. The carrot powder after processing can last for a long period without loosing its value. This

processing has a very big economic advantage to women and the country at large. The powdered carrot can culminate into the establishment of cottage industries, thereby creating a more sophisticated employment opportunities.

Hitherto with processed carrot, a three-fold benefit is achieved that is, good money is realized, nutritive value retained and employment generation.

One shortcoming of the use of carrot in Nigeria today is that though the product is widely consumed after harvesting, it is without devising more means of processing or preservation for a longer period. Cases of wastage of this economic product abound. A well guided mechanized farming will help the women cultivate products like carrot and others in commercial quantity enough for the country and also for export.

A possible or deliberate focus on other directions of economic activities in Nigeria today, beyond oil, is likely to push cash crops like carrot to assume a position of economic importance in the county’s agricultural sector.

Nigeria focus should not only be on oil. The Ministry of Agriculture, Raw Materials and Development Council (RMRDC), National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) and other agro related parastatals should collaborate with small and medium enterprises, microfinance banks and Government agencies to finance economically viable products like carrot for the benefits of women.

Machines fabricated by the National Agency for Science Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) are at the disposal of the government, at a cheaper rate, to process the carrot. Also, a mechanized farming can be established to help women produce carrots in large quantities.

We must not only depend on United Nations or other world bodies for interventions on food and general economic crisis. Our Governments (Federal, state and local authorities) must insist on simple, well focused, indigenous solutions to economic challenges.

Imported agricultural processed products that could compete with these simple processes (like carrot in Nigeria) also should be banned from entering the country to allow local cottage industries to grow.

Education EDUCATION is the greatest force that can be used to bring about change. It is also the greatest investment that a nation can make for the quick development of its economic, political, sociological and human

house-helps to take care of their children.

Primary education This is education given normally to children aged between six and eleven years and above. Since the rest of the educational system is built upon it, the

education commission which has the following functions: • Prescribe the minimum standards of primary education throughout Nigeria.

• Inquire into and advise government on the

appropriate body designated by each state and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, and to any agency responsible for special federal government sponsored primary school project.

Secondary education

duration and be given in two stages, the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and the Senior Secondary School (SSS), each stage being of three year duration. Students of secondary schools must

Council (NECO) and others higher education covers the post-secondary section of the national education system which is given in universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of

System Of Education In Nigeria

resources.

It was in realization of this that a national policy on education was formulated for the country.

The policy seeks the inculcation of national consciousness and national unity, the inculcation of the right type of values and attitudes for the survival of the Nigeria society, the training of the mind in understanding of the world around, and the acquisition of appropriate skills, abilities and competence both mental and physical as equipment for the individual to live in and contribute to the development of his society.

In other to preserve the culture, Nigeria encourages the learning of at least one major Nigeria language-Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba in schools. In addition to the English language, which is the official language in Nigeria and the medium of instruction in Nigerian educational institutions, students are encouraged to learn the French language as a matter of policy.

Pre-Primary education This is referred to as the education given to children, aged three to five years prior to their entering primary school.

This type of education is currently being provided for mainly in privately owned institutions. Day care centres also exist for children below the age of two. The pre-primary schools are mainly concentrated in urban and semi-urban areas where there are working mothers who have no relation nor

By ENDURANCE AIYOMWAN

Technology, Colleges of Education, Advanced Training Colleges, Correspondence Colleges and such institutions as maybe allied to them.

Higher education The teaching and research functions of the higher educational institutions have an important role to play in national development particularly in development of high level manpower. Furthermore, universities are one of the best means for developing national consciousness.

Structure and organization of the Education system

Nyesom Wike, Cordinating Minister of Education

primary level is the key to the success or failure of the whole system.

The state and local governments have the constitutional responsibility for primary education but private sector, represented by individuals, communities, religious groups, and voluntary agencies are permitted to own and run primary schools. Private schools usually charge fees whilst public schools charge only a token amount of fees. Parents provide uniforms textbooks and other school materials in both private and public schools.

The management of primary education has been entrusted to the national primary

funding of primary education in Nigeria.

• Manage the national primary education fund as established by the federal government and allocate the funds to the

Secondary education is the form of education children receive after primary education and before the tertiary stage.

Government plans that secondary education should be of six (6) years

at least complete their six years for secondary school before given their secondary school certificate, which West Africa Examination Council (WASC), National Examination

The structure of formal educational system has four levels: Pre-primary Primary 6-year duration Secondary Junior and Senior of 3-year duration each.

Tertiary 4 years of University Education.

4 years of Polytechnic Education (2-years of National Diploma (ND) and 2-years of Higher National Diploma (HND).

3 years at College of Education.

“The teaching and research functions of the higher educational institutions have an important role to play in national development particularly in development of high level manpower. Furthermore, universities are one of the best means for developing national consciousness.”

NEWS EXTRA UNILAG Matriculates 6, 488, Tasks Students On Hardwork

L-R: Director-General Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu; President Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye; Managing Director Juhel Pharmaceuticals, Mrs. Ukamaka Okoye and Director-General ECCIMA, Mr. Emeka Okereke during SON Special day at the ongoing 25th Enugu International Trade Fair, recently.

Quality Product’s ’ll Boost Nigeria’s Economy - SON MRS. Oluremi Ayeni, the Head of Trade Development Unit, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has advised the manufacturing sector to produce quality products to boost the economy.

Ayeni gave the advice in an interview with newsmen at the ongoing Enugu International Trade Fair.

She said that the manufacturing sector had been a major player in the advancement of economies worldwide.

“One of the major challenges facing the sector is getting the business community to embrace standards.

“Products manufactured here should be kept in specific standards and certified. The certification gives Nigerians the assurance on the quality of the product,” she said.

She expressed regret that consumers were in the habit of patronising substandard

products due to the lower price.

“People claim that because of cost they will buy any product they can afford and this is not good for our economy,” she said.

She said that manufacturers producing substandard products were doing disservice to the sector.

“We now encourage our companies to make sure they registered their products so that we can trace who is responsible for bringing what into the Nigerian market.

“We have zero tolerance for substandard products because if you put money there you will end up spending more on the long run.

“We want sustainable growth in Nigeria and the benefit of standard is that your products will outlive you,” she said.

Ayeni said that SON was concerned with influx of adulterated products into the market.

She said that one of the benefits of products registration was to work with brand owners as well as identify counterfeited ones.

She commended the Federal Government for taking measures to empower relevant government agencies to clampdown on substandard products.

“In the new dispensation, government’s effort is that we work in synergy. We want to make sure that we are seen as

one country where every government agency works to drive export growth,” she said.

Ayeni said that the performance of Nigerian products in the international market was now encouraging.

“Packaging is still an issue at the moment. So we must ensure that the presentation of our products can compete with equivalents from any part of the world,” Ayeni said.

ALHAJI Aliyu Abubakar, the Katsina State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism, has said that the manufacturing sector in the country is on the path of sustainable growth.

Abubakar spoke in Enugu

while addressing journalists at the ongoing 25th Enugu International Trade Fair.

“I have seen here our capacity to harness our natural resources for the progress of Nigeria. This is an effort to lay solid foundation towards growing the manufacturing sector,” he said.

Abubakar said that with the products at the ongoing fair, small and medium-scale industries in the country had good potential.

The commissioner said that Nigerians needed to be proud

said.

When contacted, an official of DAPPMAN, who preferred anonymity, said the association members were yet to get subsidy for products imported.

The official said the 47 members of the association were being owed N47 billion.

He said that the interests to be paid on the loans which the members took from the banks to import petrol had risen to N7 billion.

He said that the government had always advocated that there should be a level playing ground where all parties should be treated equally.

He said that the association members should also be

“You shall also be entitled to participate in recruitment tests in the final year, nomination for scholarship from external bodies on the request from organisations as well as selection as guest speaker at orientation programmes to motivate fresh students,” he said.

According to Bello, the package is not only attractive, but equally inspiring.

He admonished the students that the journey required determination diligence, focus and resilience.

The vice-chancellor, who gave a breakdown of the number of admitted students, said that 728 were in the Faculty of Arts and 940 in the Faculty of Business Administration.

He said that 1,036, 592 and 398 were admitted into the Faculties of Education, Engineering and Environmental Sciences respectively.

Bello also said that 289 students were admitted into the Faculty of Law, while 1020, 747 and 177 went into the Faculties of Science, Social Sciences and Pharmacy respectively,.

According him, the College of Medicine has 561 new intakes.

The vice-chancellor urged the students to shun all acts capable of compromising their stay in the university and their future.

Nigeria’s Manufacturing Sector On Substainable Growth Path - Commissioner

Tank Farm Owners Urge FG To Pay All TANK farm owners, have to stop the scarcity if Importers settled appealed to the Federal other oil marketers had been Government to pay the subsidy due to all petroleum products importers to enable the association members be in business.

Mr. Enoch Kanawa, Executive Secretary, Jetty Owners and Petroleum Tank Farm Owners Association of Nigeria, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

Kanawa said that for weeks now, tank farm owners had not had petroleum products to distribute.

“This has affected majority of our members because the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, (DAPPMAN), which supply products to the tank farms, had not been paid,” he

THE Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof.

Rahamon Bello, has challenged matriculating students to distinguish themselves in their academics so as to enjoy the institution’s motivational package for scholars.

Bello spoke at the 2013/ 2014 Matriculation ceremony for fresh students of the university in Lagos.

Six Thousand four hundred and eight-eight new students were administered the matriculation oath by the vice-chancellor.

He noted that 32,764 candidates applied for admission into the 50 yearold institution, urging the lucky ones to see their admission as not only noble, but glorious.

“You therefore must have the goal to acquire academic excellence for which this university is reputed.

“I wish to encourage you all to work hard and distinguish yourselves in your academics as our university has a motivational package for distinguished students on Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.50 and above.

“Included in the package are a scholarship of N50,000, provision of accommodation in choice hall, 50 per cent discount on bed space and nomination to participate in seminars and conferences nationally and internationally.

paid.

Kanawa appealed to the Federal Government to pay the association members to ease scarcity of petroleum products.

of the abundant human and natural resources in the country.

Abubakar said that Katsina was well represented at the fair due to the love it had for the business community in Enugu state.

“We brought our potentials that cut across our abundant natural resources and the capacity of our human endeavour.

“We want to portray and showcase our culture for the international community to see what we have done,” he said.

The commissioner said that

the industrial sector had received unprecedented boost following the state government’s investments in the power sector.

The state government is now in a joint venture with a German firm to generate 40 megawatts of solar energy added to the completed 10 megawatts wind mill project.

“There is another joint venture of 20 megawatts of solar energy in the pipeline.

“So, in a very short time we shall have 70 megawatts of energy being generated by the state government,” Abdullahi said.

Family Planning Can Improve Life Expectancy PROF Oladipupo Ladipo, the President, African Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AFOG), said that family planning could improve life expectancy significantly.

Ladipo told newsmen in Lagos that the low life expectancy in the country was a thing of concern to all wellmeaning Nigerians.

“Life expectancy in Nigeria at

- Gynaecologist

the moment is one of the lowest.

If you are born in Nigeria today as a woman, on the average, you are expected to live about 52 years.

“If you are a man, recently about 51 years, whereas in the developed world it’s over 80 years.

“And this is why, if you look

at our population structure, it is pyramidal in structure, heavy at the bottom.

“About 45 per cent of our population is under the age of 15, only about 6.5 per cent are over the age of 65 years.

“So, what family planning will do is to reduce that base of

the pyramid so that you don’t have many dependents.

“At the moment you have one adult in working age population looking after maybe two or three people.

“So, if you reduce the family size and increase the working age population, you’ll get to a stage where it will be one adult in working age population looking after one child.

No Fear Against Enyimba

Alex Ferguson To Teach At Havard

- Taraba Boss IT will be David vs Goliath when FC Taraba welcome sixtime champions Enyimba on Sunday in continuation of the Nigeria league, but Taraba chairman Tijjani Babangida has insisted they will not fear their more illustrious foes in Jalingo.

“We will not be afraid of Enyimba’s big name moreso in front of our fans,” said Babangida.

“On our good day we can beat just about any team in Jalingo and so we are really confident going into Sunday’s match.

“We have nothing to lose, but Enyimba have everything to lose if they go down against us. So, the pressure is on them and not us.”

The star attraction for the Jalingo outfit is 19-year-old Usman Mohammed, an attacking midfielder who former Ajax Amsterdam winger Babangida rates very highly.

Fidelis Saviour, who featured for Enyimba in the last campaign, will come face-toface with his former club and he also sounded confident they will beat the two-time African champions.

Taraba are sixth on the table with six points from after home wins over Nasarawa United and El Kanemi.

However, both were narrow 10 wins meaning the home team have to improve on their firepower.

The newly promoted FC Taraba have received a huge boost after their salaries for two months were cleared recently.

They have also been promised a special win bonus to beat Enyimba.

Manu Garba

SIR Alex Ferguson has accepted a long-term teaching position at Harvard University where he will lecture senior executives.

The former Manchester United manager - who was the subject of a study by the Ivy League university last year — has a role teaching a course called ‘The Business of Entertainment, Media and Sports.’

The 72-year-old retired in 2013 after winning 49 trophies, including 38 in his 26-year stay at Old Trafford.

Ferguson, winner of 13 league titles and two Champions Leagues in his time at United, said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity and privilege to contribute to such a respected centre of excellence.

Awoniyi Leads Flying Eagles To Morocco TAIWO Awoniyi, Alhassan Ibrahim and Musa Yahaya will lead the Flying Eagles 20-man squad to a series of tune-up matches in Morocco this weekend.

Awoniyi and Ibrahim each counterparts on Wednesday, fired a hat-trick in a test game April 9, and another game two on Thursday in Abuja which the days later. country’s U20 team won 12-0.

Both teams are preparing for The new Flying Eagles under 2015 African Youth coach Manu Garba will play two Championship qualifiers next friendlies against their Moroccan month.

Nigeria face the winners of the match between Kenya and Tanzania, while Morocco take on the winners of the clash between Togo and Equatorial Guinea.

The squad to Morocco: Goalkeepers: Adamu Abubakar, Abdulazeez Abubakar, Emeka Nwabulu Defenders: Aliyu Abubakar, Wilfred Ndidi, Prince Izu

Omego, Ifeanyi Nweke, Mustapha Abdullahi, Zaharaddeen Bello Midfielders: Abdullahi Alfa, Akinjide Idowu,Ifeanyi Matthew, Samuel Mathias, Musa Yahaya, Anthony Omaka, Bernard Bulbwa Strikers: Taiwo Awoniyi, Alhassan Ibrahim, Suleiman Abdullahi, Abubakar Lawal

Henry would turn to Falcons’tormentor as he broke freely from the right flank. Six minutes after the restart, he fed new comer, Paul Obasi to score Eaglets’ third goal. It was Henry again that provided Michael with the pull out to slot the ball behind the Falcons’ net for the fourth goal in the 41st minute.

He would later cap his fine performance barely a minute later when he guided the ball into the net after collecting a through ball from Orji

Okoronkwo but it was Okoronkwo who scored the final goal of the match when he got a through pass from Henry yet again.

“The time I have already spent at Harvard has been a stimulating experience and I look forward to developing my relationship and activities with the students, faculty and friends of the Harvard Business School community.”

Ferguson’s skills were the subject of a study by Harvard Business School professor Anita Elberse in 2012 called ‘Sir Alex Ferguson: Managing Manchester United’, while the former manager set out his eight key principles for success last year.

Elberse - who also collaborated with Ferguson on a Harvard Business Review article on his managerial methods - said of the former Old Trafford boss: “We look forward to welcoming Sir Alex Ferguson on the HBS campus to share his remarkable leadership journey, and contribute to our Executive Education participants’ ability to make a profound difference in the world.”

Ferguson retired as United boss last May after winning the 2012-13 Premier League title, though successor David Moyes has struggled this season with the Red Devils languishing in seventh place in the table.

Amuneke Praises Team After 6-0 Thrashing GOLDEN Eaglets coach Emmanuel Amuneke has praised his boys after they thrashed the country’s women’s team, the Super Falcons, 6-0 in a friendly on Friday at NFF/FIFA Goal project field.

Speaking after the 60-minute duel, Amuneke said the lads have substance to build upon in the days ahead, while insisting that nobody has been guaranteed a place in the team yet.

“We are impressed not because of the number of the goals we scored but because the boys have

started showing what they have been learning in the last few days,” said the former African Footballer of the Year.

“The level of their performance is encouraging and it is our duty to demand more from them but there is substance to build upon from these boys.”

The match was an opportunity for the Eaglets coaches to watch their new recruits under match situation and they responded well.

The lads would soon take the initiative after the Super Falcons

had taken the kick off.

Chidera Ejuke grabbed the curtain raiser in the sixth minute with a tap in off a pass from Kehinde Ayinde.

He was back 10 minutes later when he rode through the Falcons’ defence for his second goal of the match to end the first half 2-0 in favour of the budding Eaglets.

Amuneke brought in some fresh faces in the second half leaving behind Henry Daniel, Kingsley Michael, Joshua Auta and Dauda Abdul-Ganiyu.

Sunday Pools Guide Week 39

Walsall; Northton For ‘X’ SAYS DR. J.K. POOLS FEW weeks to the end of UK Pools season 2013/2014, the above captioned Headline games “Walsall vs Bristolc and Northpton vs Burton A for one draw must came rain or sun at he weekend.

The games occupied No. 22 and 30 in this local coupon of this week matches to be played on 12th/13th April 2014.

In the same vein, Crewe vs Wolves, at No. 13, Rotherham vs Bradfordc at 18 and Walshall vs Bristol C at 22 for two draws. They may supply three draws followed my discovery according to form draw Sequences.

A visit to the Premiership, I Fancy Stoke vs Newcastle at No. 3 and Fulham vs Norch at No. 2 for an ‘X”.

In English Division two, Dagenham vs Portsmouth at No. 24, Exeter vs Cheltenham at 25, Hartepool vs Chesterfield at 27, Northpton vs Burton A at 30 and Scuntrope vs Bury at 32 for another two draws.

The above are backed by league table sequence.

A visit to the Scottish Division I see Allog vs Morton at No. 35

and Queenosth vs Falkerk at 37 for an “X” must if form draw sequence is any thing to go by.

In summary Crewe vs Wolves at 13, Walshall vs Bristol C at 22, Dagenham vs Portsmouth at 24, Exeter vs Cheltenham at 25 and Northpton vs Burton A at 30 for at least three draws at the weekend.

All readers of the SUNDAY OBSERVER Pools Guide Column should as much as possible keep accurate weekly records.

07039275802 8 Treble chance 1. Stoke vs Newcastle 0-0 2. Burnley vs Middlbro 0-0 3. Crewe vs Wolves 1-1 4. Rotherham vs Bradford 1-1 5. Dagenham vs Portsmouth 2-2 6. Exeter vs Cheltenham 2-2 7. Northpton vs Burton A 3-3 8. Walshall vs Bristol C 3-3 3 Hot Pairs (A) 22-30 (B) 24-25 (C) 13-18. Good Luck says Dr. J.K. Pools Box 34 Irrua or Opposite Police Station Irrua Edo State.

Sir Alex Ferguson

I Won’t Choose My Successor - Wenger

ARSENE Wenger says he will have no input in choosing his eventual successor at Arsenal.

The Gunners travel to Goodison Park this Sunday to face Everton, with Wenger coming up against Roberto Martinez - a man who has been tipped by some to take over at the Emirates Stadium when the Frenchman steps down.

But while Sir Alex Ferguson had a major influence on David Moyes’ appointment at Manchester United last summer following his retirement, Wenger insists he will play no part in such a decision at Arsenal.

“I have told you many times, it is not my job to show, to choose who will follow me after, when I leave one day,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wenger suggested the rules on importing youngsters may need to be changed by FIFA following Barcelona’s pending transfer ban, although he still had some criticism for the Catalan club.

“Certainly they have not respected the rules,” Wenger said. “The rule is quite simple, you cannot move the players before the age of 16 unless their

parents move for professional reasons, so that of course creates a big debate — do the parents move for professional reasons or not? In this case, FIFA has judged the parents moved for football reasons and that is why they were banned because they have not respected the rules.

“What is not right is that the children move under the age of 16 without their parents. That is absolutely not right. Do they have to change the rules so you allow children to move with their parents if the club takes care of the parents? Maybe we have to go that way because it happens.”

Arsene Wenger

CMYK

FG, World Bank Collaborate To Fight Unemployment - Wogu THE Federal Government is collaborating with the World Bank to fight youth unemployment in Nigeria.

The Minister of Labour development of the and Productivity, Chief country.

Emeka Wogu, announced In spite of this this in Enugu at the Special collaboration, the minister Day of National Directorate held that skill acquisition of Employment at the 25th helped in creating self Enugu International Trade employment and that it was Fair. antidote to unemployment He described skill and idleness among the acquisition as an effective youths. and reliable tool for According to him, the s o c i o e c o n o m i c Federal Government is

committed to creating more jobs for the youths in the country.

He said government was doing this through Subsidy Re-investment Programme and Youth Empowerment and Social Support Operation.

“Government has also created a level to boost national productivity and foreign investments.’’

He called on local and foreign investors to join hands with the government to fight unemployment in

the country.

Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), called for a holistic approach to generate employment and create

wealth in the country.

Okoye commended the directorate for its constant participation at Enugu fairs, adding that more partnership was required for the development of the state and country.

Abolurin Advocates Special Court For Vandals THE Federal Government has been urged to establish a special court for the prosecution of vandals of public facilities.

The CommandantGeneral of NSCDC, Dr Ade Abolurin, made the call in a statement issued in Abuja at the weekend

by NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Okeh.

He added in the statement that collaborators with the vandals should also face trial in such a court.

The statement said the special court would help in resolving cases of vandalism of critical infrastructure and national assets, especially in the oil and power sectors.

It added that the court would complement the efforts of NSCDC personnel who apprehend the vandalism suspects around the country.

According to the statement, the number of vandals was alarming and worrisome.

“The special court is necessary to enhance speedy dispensation of justice”, Abolurin said, adding that the court should apply stiffer penalties for offenders.

It called for the support of the public in checking the nefarious activities of vandals by being vigilant and giving timely information to the corps.

It however, assured that the corps would continue to protect public facilities in the country, and declared that “the war against vandalism will be won.”

Arc Mike Onolemenmen, Minister of Works (right), with Hon. Samson Osagie, member, Federal House of Representative during the flag-off ceremony of Adumagba Egba-Akure Road weekend.

THE Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, has explained that the deployment of troops to some states in the NorthCentral was aimed at restoring normalcy in those states.

Olukolade told newsmen that the troops had made appreciable progress by recovering cache of

ammunition from the suspected herdsmen in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area.

Olukolade was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Div. Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Shehu Yusuf, and the Director of Operations, Maj.-Gen. Fatai Alli.

He said they were at the

Olukolade Explains Military Operations In Benue camp to boost the morale of troops at a field operations camp in the outskirts of Naka.

The spokesman assured the people of the state of their safety, and advised those that have fled to return.

According to him, the troops are strategically stationed across the state

to guarantee your safety.

He said the operations were also aimed at confidence building for the purpose of dispelling negative insinuations concerning the crises.

Olukolade said the intervention of the military in the crises was at the right time when all that was done to curb the

those with the intention to rig elections to steer clear of 2015 elections.

At the country home of Chief Clark yesterday there was unusual calmness as every aide of the former information minister contacted said that the situation was too saddening for any comments at the moment.

While refusing to comment categorically on the development, a close

associate of Chief Clark, Chief Godwin Ogbetuo, nonetheless expressed grief over the development, asking repeatedly, “Is kidnapping a good omen in Nigeria?”

The outspoken elder statesman, Clark, is currently participating as a delegate to the National Conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The kidnappers have placed a 50million Naira Ransome for the release of the son of the Ijaw national leader.

Delta Police Command Assures On Rescuing Abducted Clark’s Son

By BETTY IDIALU

DELTA State Police Command has promised to do all within its power in its efforts to track down the abductors of the son of Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

This is just as the police said investigation into the abduction of Ebikeme Clark by unidentified gunmen from his hometown Kiagbodo in Burutu Loval Government Area of Delta State, on Wednesday have begun.

“The state police command is doing everything humanly possible to rescue the victim” whose whereabouts was still unknown, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said yesterday. “However, with God on our side, we hope to succeed in this mission.”

Kalu called on the relatives of victim, Ebikeme Clark who contested in the last election into Burutu

Federal Constituency in Delta State to remain calm as the police will soon crack down on the kidnappers and secure the release of the politician who was whisked away through the waterway.

NIGERIAN OBSERVER gathered that Ebikeme only a few days ago began public activities to express the renewal of his aspiration for the House of Representatives warning

crises had failed.

He said the soldiers that were deployed to the state were sufficient to contain any insurgency.

“The men are prepared for the operations and are sufficient to manage the situation.

“We are conducting effective and efficient patrols to ensure that the whole place is dominated by military presence,” he said.

He appealed to those going about their legitimate businesses not to be intimidated by the heavy presence of the military within their locations.

“The men know what they are looking for, they are professional soldiers and do not harass innocent citizens.’’ he assured.

On his part, the GOC said he had been redeploy to Makurdi to ensure a speedy end of the crises and would stay until the crises were over.

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