Sunday observer 08 09 2013

CMYK

The Sunday

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

• Vol . XI NO. 4,013 •

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 20 13 • N100.00

HEALTH WATCH

Pgs. 9

14 Things Your Eyes Says About Your Health

ISSUES

Emmanuel Eminike drives past Malawian defender to score the opening goal for Nigeria in the World Cup Qualifier match played yesterday at the U J Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Pg. 26

Society, RTC And The Ember Months In Perspective

EDSG To Provide Affordable Houses For Edo People - Hon Francis Evbuomwan

By ROSE ORIBHABOR

THE Edo state government is soon to make affordable houses available to the people of the state.

This was made known S U N D A Y by the Honourable OBSERVER. Commissioner for According to Hon Housing and Urban Evbuomwan, who is the Development, Architect pioneer Commissioner Francis Evbuomwan in the Ministry, the new during an exclusive Ministry was set up to interview with the reorder the urban

development sector, develop some estates in the three senatorial districts of the state as well as encourage private sector investment in the housing sub-sector.

Continuing, the Commissioner said “whether you are a private or government worker, when we start, you will have

SHOWBIZ

access to those houses on owner occupier basis and pay over a period of time. Some mortgage banks have written to Edo state government wanting to partner with it in providing affordable houses for the people, stating that government will in a big way reshape the urban setting and redesign our urban

space for more commodious living”.

Hon Evbuomwan said that the Ministry has also facilitated the establishment of Shoprite in Benin city, stating that the company has been given a site for their operation and would soon start work.

“We are also looking Continues on pg.2 Pgs. 20/21

Cossy Orjiakor Stirs Emotion With Boobs At Startime Event

SOCIETY

Pg. 26

Mind The Friends You Keep

INTERVIEW

Pg. 27

Oshimhole’s Administration Is Doing Well - Princess Ekiuwa Inneh Pg.9

Lack Of Policies, Cause Of Poor Housing Finance Sector DR Oluwole AladeOjomo, an Environmental Resources and Spatial Planning Consultant, said inadequacy in past government policies to address affordability issues was the bane of the housing finance sector.

Alade-Ojomo told newsmen yesterday in Lagos that the major problem with government policy was that it did not acknowledge current challenges facing the sector.

“Instead of promulgating policies that will address these challenges, successive government attempts have been about building houses that are unaffordable to the targeted low income groups,” he said.

He said policy and regulatory challenges, insufficient capital base, unavailability of secondary market and a lack of credit enhancement vehicles, were some of the challenges that government should address to improve the sector.

“Even though housing cooperatives have been able to deliver housing to members, where government and the organised private sector have failed, government should still intervene and complete the mortgage

EDSG

Continued from pg 1

at several other options, that is, real estate development options that will improve the urban environment in the state.

Recently, we published adverts inviting investors who are interested in developing private housing estates in Benin city to come forward and government is assisting with land and infrastructures”, the Commissioner said.

On what he has to say about the unfolding drama in Taraba state, Commissioner Evbuomwan said “all I can say is that in Edo state, what we always insist on is that the rule of law must prevail. The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is quite clear on what to do when a governor is incapacitated, so we call for maturity, for people to obey the laws of the land and handle the issue the way it is prescribed in our constitution”.

sector reforms,” he said.

The consultant said even the National Housing Trust Fund scheme (NHTF), in spite of the money it collected from workers so far, had not been successful in rising to the challenge of providing housing finance to Nigerian workers.

“The scheme is burdened by loopholes that have rendered it ineffective in assuaging the housing needs of workers.

“A major challenge is that the maximum amount the fund can approve is calculated on the basis of low-income housing.

“But unfortunately, there is either insufficient stock available in that price range or the units are simply not affordable,” he said.

Alade-Ojomo urge the Federal Government to mobilise relevant agencies and parastatal agencies to make available incentives, such as land use reforms,

subsidies, building materials, cost reduction programmes, and tax exemption status.

“This will ensure increased housing delivery in the appropriate price bracket,” he said.

Alade-Ojomo, then, advised the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to restructure and re-position for better service delivery.

“A full functional housing finance sector cannot be possible without a functional and sustainable mortgage system’’.

THE riverside of Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State was thrown into pandemonium on Tuesday night when a young man stabbed his girlfriend to death over a minor disagreement.

The SUNDAY OBSERVER gathered that the boy, identified as Lucky Ndakwe was said to have confronted his girlfriend at about 7.30 p.m. at the town’s waterside over suspicion of cheating on him which degenerated into heated argument.

Sources disclosed that when the deceased could no longer tolerate the unruly behaviour of her boyfriend and decided to walk away, but her assailant dragged her back with several stabs.

Boy Stabs Girlfriend To Death In Delta

By BETTY IDALU “It was when the girl was trying to fight back that the boy rushed for a bottle of beer, hit it on his head before stabbing the girl. When he saw that the girl was bleeding profusely he attempted to run but was apprehended by onlookers”, the source said.

SUNDAY OBSERVER learnt that attempt to save the girl’s life proved abortive because she died on her way to the hospital which sparked some protests in the town following the refusal of security agents to allow aggrieved people to lynch the boy.

“There was confusion everywhere because the people who were angry and wanted to lynch the boy were

refused to apply jungle justice on the boy. The people were angry because they felt the girl tried to help the boy in his business and did not deserve to be treated that way by the boy”, the source said.

It was gathered that the corpse of the girl had been deposited at Bomadi General Hospital while police had commenced investigations into the actual cause of death.

Delta Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Lucky Uyabeme did not pick his call when SUNDAY OBSERVER called yesterday and he also refused to respond to a text message for confirmation of the incident.

adding that the child in her custody was from a source she refused to name.

Narrating her story to reporers, Nungu said she got information about the herbal clinic in Cameroun.

She said she borrowed the money she used in buying the drugs which made her pregnant.

“I came to Nigeria, met the woman who owns the herbal clinic and bought the drugs. One month after taking the drugs, I met with my husband and became pregnant,’’ she said.

Nungu said that she had not given birth before and fed the baby with baby’s food because her breast had no milk.

She appealed to men of the NIS to release her and her baby to return home.

Her friend Mende corroborated the story, saying that she witnessed the delivery of the baby.

“I heard her screaming while in the delivery room and later heard the cry of a baby; I rushed in and saw the new born baby who was still covered with blood.

The baby is currently under the care of the NIS in Calabar.

NIS Arrests Suspected Child Traffickers In Calabar

THE Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Calabar on Saturday said it arrested two Camerounian women child trafficker’s suspect with a fiveday-old baby.

The state NIS Comptroller, Mr Samuel Igoche, said the

suspects include a legal practitioner, Mrs. Ngala Nungu, 47, and Mrs Mende Cecilia, 54.

Igoche told reporters that Nungu claimed to have delivered the baby at a herbal clinic at Okitipupa in Ondo state.

He said that Nungu claimed she spent N1.5 million to buy herbal medicine from the lady who owns the herbal clinic.

He said that investigation conducted by immigration officials showed that Nungu never gave birth to the baby,

order, thinking they can ignore an important policy such as this and get away with it,’’ he said.

The director, who said the exercise would be continuous one, declared

that all offenders would face the wrath of the law.

“There is nobody in Ekiti, who will say he is not aware of various existing Environmental laws that are

passed by the House of Assembly and assented to by Gov. Kayode Fayemi.

“They think we are not serious about this, and so, they must pay dearly for this until they learn to comply.

Ekiti Govt Arrests 70 Landlords Without Toilet NO fewer than 70 Facilities In Their Houses landlords have been arrested in the last two months for defaulting in providing toilets facilities in their houses in Ekiti.

The Director of Environment and Sanitation, Mr Tunde Balogun, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend.

Balogun described the landlords as “recalcitrant residents’’, who always test the will of government when issues relating to policies and programmes come up.

He said that the affected landlords would be prosecuted under the Ekiti State Environmental and Sanitation Law, 2004 and the Environmental Regulations 2009, as amended.

He recalled that this year, the state Ministry of Environment organised an awareness campaigns on the need for the landlords to abide by government’s policy of “One House, One Toilet’’.

“Those landlords, who were arrested, turned deaf ears to the government’s

Alaba Electrical Dealers Association Hails Product Registration THE Electrical Dealers Association of Nigeria (EDAN), Alaba International Market, says the registration of products by Standard Organisation of Nigeria, has curtailed the sale of substandard goods in the market.

The association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Felix Apunonu, said this in an interview with reporters in Lagos at the weekend.

Apunonu said the registration process, which commenced in 2011 with the establishment of Alaba Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Desk, had achieved tremendous result.

He said: “since the introduction of the SON desk, importation and sale of substandard products has been reduced to its barest minimum.

“Product registration has contributed greatly in reducing the circulation of

sub-standard goods in the market.

“The registration is compulsory and requires every electrical dealer to register his product using his company name.

“The company’s name is inscribed on the product after payment of the requisite fees, and the registration is renewable after three years.

“I must state categorically that since the commencement of the registration process, the association has achieved over 65 per cent reduction in the sale of sub-standard goods.’’

Apunonu said that after registration, a dealer is issued a “SONCAP’’ to identify his products.

According to him, it is now very easy to trace dealers with sub-standard goods, since the name of the company is clearly inscribed on the product.

“It has also succeeded in reducing the importation of

inferior goods because the products will eventually be traced to its owner,” he said.

The spokesman told newsmen that registration of product also gives a dealer exclusive right to his registered product and prevents imitation of products.

Police Begin Search For Abducted Archbishop Of Anglican Communion THE Police Command in Rivers said yesterday that its detectives had commenced search for Bishop Ignatius Kattey, Archbishop of Niger Delta North of the Anglican Communion.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP. Angela Agabe, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that Kattey was abducted with his wife, Beatrice, on Sept. 6.

Agabe said the bishop and his wife were abducted at 10.30 p.m at Eleme, in Eleme Local Government, on their way to

Port Harcourt.

She said the kidnappers abandoned the wife in her husband’s car and fled with the bishop into the bush.

“As we speak, detectives and our Anti-kidnap Unit are on top of the case, they have commenced serious search to free the bishop unharmed.

“No group has claimed responsibility and no ransom demand has been made,’’ she said.

Agabe urged the people to give police useful information that would assist it fight crime in the state.

NEWS Delayed Enactment Of PIB Threatens Economic Growth - Expert

L-R: Deputy Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Dr. Dogara Mato; Governor Mukhtar Yero and Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, inspecting Galma Multipurpose Dam project in Kaduna State recently.

Floods: NEMA Advises States

On NIMET Warning ALHAJI Mohammad Sani-Sidi, Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has advised states likely to be affected by floods as predicted by the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) to match early warnings with action.

Sani- Sidi made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

He called on the state governments to identify safer grounds and construct Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps for vulnerable communities.

NIMET report indicates that states mostly to be affected by floods are Zamfara, Yobe, Sokoto, Rivers, Taraba, Plateau, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Niger and Nasarawa.

Others are Lagos, Kwara, Kogi, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Gombe, Edo, Ebonyi, Delta, Cross Rivers, Benue, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, and Adamawa.

It also identified 90 local government areas that are likely to be affected by flooding in 2013.

The director general urged states with non-functional State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to put in place mechanisms for disaster management and response in their domain.

He said the establishment of SEMA and local emergency management communities at states and local government areas respectively had become imperative for prompt emergency response Sani-Sidi urged NEMA officers to pay greater attention to the most vulnerable in managing of internally-displaced persons.

He said NEMA had started setting up of permanent IDPs camps in safe places across the country to attend to the

needs of vulnerable people caused by natural and manmade disasters.

The director general said that in managing IDPs, special attention should be given to the needs of children, women, the aged and the physically-challenged.

“The devastating floods of 2012 have exposed our high level of vulnerability and the urgent demand for all critical stakeholders to rise up to their responsibilities.

“This challenge calls for a well-coordinated, principled

and effective flood disaster management that will safeguard human life, properties, vital infrastructure, as well as protect our fragile ecosystem,’’ he said.

He said the devastating floods of 2012 were a wakeup call for emergency managers to renew their efforts at confronting the challenges and lessons learnt from the disaster.

Sani-Sidi said his office had given approval for the training of stakeholders in camp management and coordination in all NEMA’s zonal offices.

MR Godwin Samuel, an oil and gas consultant, has said that the delay in the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was threatening the country’s socio-economic growth.

Samuel, who is the Managing Partner, Synthetic Energy Ltd., told newsmen in Lagos that this delay was a factor in the low involvement of Nigerians in the sector.

He said that the current situation in the local oil and gas industry was not attractive to investors.

“There is an urgent need for the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of these bills before investors move away.

“Inability of lawmakers to

Number Plates: FRSC Records

Positive Turnout THE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Osun State says it has recorded positive turn out on the directive by the commission for motorists to change their vehicle number plates to new ones on or before September 30.

Speaking to newsmen in Osogbo Osun State Sector Commander, Mr Imoh Etuk said the commission recorded an

Stakeholders laud FG Over N15b Loan To Agriculture (BOA) which responsible for about 90 per Yerima, who said the loan Farmers would in turn disburse them cent of the food we eat on our would assist small holder

A cross section of stakeholders in the agriculture sector have commended the Federal Government for making N15 billion available as loan to farmers for this year’s planting season.

The stakeholders told newsmen in Abuja that the loan would offer the much awaited access to cheap financing for the sector.

Recall that Vice President Namadi Sambo had announced the approval of the loan at the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) recently.

Sambo had explained that the loan would be routed through the Bank of

to farmers at a single-digit interest rate.

The vice president also disclosed that the National Council on Privatisation had been granted approval to unbundle the BOA with a view to making it more efficient.

Responding to the issue, Mr Aboderin Philip, said that the loan, if well utilised, could go a long way in addressing the difficulty farmers go through before getting such facilities.

Philip, who is the Agriculture Supervisor for Kuje Area Council, said that smallholder farmers should be the major beneficiaries of the loan.

“This group of farmers are

table and they should be the ones to benefit from this kind of incentive,’’ he said.

He said the Department of Rural Development in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development should work with the BOA to identify the ‘‘real’’ small holder farmers.

Philip said that one of the challenges bedeviling management of loans meant for farmers was the difficulty in identifying who the real farmers were.

Mr Charles Yerima, the National Programme Coordinator, Association of Small Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), said the loan was long overdue.

pass the bill has caused many investors to divest or withhold new investments,’’ he said.

The consultant said that non-passage of the bill might jeopardise economic growth of the country.

He said that the delay in the passage of PIB had also slowed down the implementation of the national gas master plan.

Samuel said that this day might further delay the much needed deregulation of the oil and gas sector.

He said that Nigeria would continue to import refined petroleum products and award endless turn around maintenance contracts for petroleum refineries if the bill was not enacted soon.

farmers acquire modern farm implements, however , urged the Federal Government to ensure that the money was judiciously used.

Also speaking, Mr Henry Olatujoye, the President, National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN), said that the loan should be extended to all categories of farmers.

“The other time the N200 billion agriculture loan was announced; we learnt it was for commercial agriculture and no one could explain how the money was spent.

“So, there should be thorough screening of prospective beneficiaries of this N15 billion facility,’’ Olatujoye said.

increased turnout of applicants for the new number plates as the deadline draws nearer.

He said motorists that had changed from the old number plates and those that are applying afresh for the new number plates have increased tremendously between the months of July and August.

He said the state record showed that 232 motorists applied for the new number plates in August alone against 24 in the month of July and that 134 also changed to the new number plates in August against 67 in July.

He also added that 527 motorcyclists applied for new number plates in August against 83 applicants in July.

He said these figures were indicators that the public enlightenment and rallies carried out by the command on the need for motorists to change to the new number plates were yielding positive results.

He warned motorists that are yet to comply with the directive of the commission to do so or risk arrest from October 1.

NEWS

Army Sends Snr Officers To N/East THE Nigerian Army has sent a combined team of senior officers from the Army and Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to different locations in the North Eastern part of the country.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade.

The statement said the team was to monitor the deployment of troops to the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army.

It said the team would assess the level of effectiveness of the Division’s deployment in handling the next phase of the security operations in its area of responsibility.

“They will on return to Abuja, brief the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff on the present state of the mission being undertaken by the Division.’’

Report recalls that the 7 Division was formed recently to take over the security operations meant to check terrorist activities as ordered by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The statement said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubike Ihejirika, would visit Maiduguri, to assess the deployment of troops of the newly formed Division.

It added that after being briefed by the Division’s General Officer Commanding, Ihejirika would visit some locations of the troops and equipment of the formation.

The statement said that the formation had been tasked to continue the operations to flush out terrorists from the North East.

It would be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan on May 14 declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa in response to increasingly violent attacks by the Boko Haram sect.

He ordered the army to take all necessary action, “within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists’’.

THE Federal Government is to collaborate with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to address Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Head of Information Unit of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Mr Salisu Haiba.

The statement quoted the National Planning Minister, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, to have disclosed this at a pre-planning meeting for a proposed collaborative round table on “Infrastructural Development and Public-

private Partnership in Nigeria’’.

It said the meeting, which was organised by the commission and the WEF would further consolidate on the collaborative effort being put in place by the Federal Government to improve infrastructure in Nigeria.

Usman described infrastructure as a critical growth driver and an enabler for agricultural transformation.

“It is necessary to know the kind of infrastructural development needed in the country in years to come,’’ Usman said.

Bilateral meeting between Nigeria and Kenya in Kenya weekend

NTDC Boss Promises Transformation Of Tourist Attraction

THE Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) says it is committed to the transformation of the nation’s tourist centres to meet international standards.

The Director General of NTDC, Mrs Sally Mbanefo, told newsmen in Lagos that the country’s tourism potential would be harnessed to improve the economy.

“Investing in the sector will create employment opportunities for the people and also boost the country’s capacity in revenue generation especially in foreign exchange.

“In line with our mandate, the NTDC is committed to transforming the tourism sector to meet international

FG To Collaborate With WEF - Minister He said that with the right policies and enabling e n v i r o n m e n t , infrastructural development would thrive as evidenced by telecommunication sector.

The WEF Director/Head of Infrastructure and Urban Development, Dr Pedro de Almeide, said the delegation was in Nigeria to deepen engagement with the country with a view to addressing its infrastructural challenges.

He said the visit was to deliberate on modalities of a forum scheduled for 21014 in Nigeria.

standards,” she said.

Mbanefo said to this end, a stakeholders’ forum would be held in Lagos on September 9 to brainstorm on sustainable tourism development plans for the country.

“The forum will deliberate on the challenges facing the sector and proffer solutions.

“Stakeholders have a vital role to play in the development of tourism in the country.

“NTDC cannot exploit the country’s tourism potential alone; it requires the support of stakeholders,’’ she added.

Mbanefo, a former banker, said stakeholders

from airlines, travel agencies, embassies, hospitality industry and tours would provide the necessary framework for the tourism industry.

Earlier at an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos, Mbanefo solicited the support of the media in rebranding and promoting the nation’s tourism landscape.

Reports say that Mbanefo had called the meeting of members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) to discuss tourism issues and also unveil her agenda for the industry.

A tourism practitioner, Mr Olugbenga Adebayo, has said that many indigenous hospitality businesses were losing their clients to foreigners due to poor management.

Adebayo, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Gbadeshire Travel and Tours Ltd., said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

“ It is regrettable that Indians, Lebanese and Chinese are the beneficiaries of our hospitality business. “ This is not good for our image as it shows our ineptitude in management,’’ he said.

Adebayo also said that lack of access to long-term loans was the bane of the

She said:“ Nigeria has fascinating tourism potential it can showcase to the world and the role of the media in this regard is very crucial.

“It is when tourism writers project positively the country’s rich potential that tourists from all over the world can be attracted to Nigeria.

“Without the media, there is no way foreigners can know the country’s tourism assets and potential.’’

Mbanefo urged stakeholders, including the media to collaborate with the NTDC, saying promotion of tourism should not be left to the corporation alone.

...As Practitioner Laments Loss To Foreigners

hospitality sector of the economy. “ Proprietors of hospitality businesses have been struggling to have access to soft loans in order to expand their businesses. “ It behoves on the Federal Government to set aside funds for the hospitality industry to enable it grow, ” he said.

NEWS E. A. ADEBOYE On Sunday

Free From Harm Memorise: “And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.” Acts 28:5 Read: Acts 28:1-6 WHILE some watched the reaction which is more servants of God are under a microscope as powerful my blood or becoming cold, a few instructed by the the disinfectant?” I others are remaining doctor. Then they saw replied, “Your hot, steaming hot, may that a few second after blood”. So he asked you be hot for God! the germ landed on his me to put back the Sometime ago, there skin, they died. That is disinfectant and was this particular an example of a cover the water with physician who became firebrand!

His blood because He a missionary. Where Many of us are not would send me to he went to preach the what we ought to be locations with water Gospel soon because we have failed challenges and there experienced a plague to carry the divine fire would be no which killed people we were designed to disinfectant to apply. like flies. Through the carry. Some time in Beloved, germs are plague, germs were 1977, we went to Ilorin supposed to die when transferred to others (Nigeria) for a they come in contact Speaker and their deputies, and they too soon Redeemers Congress. with you but what is Eke said that the principal became victims. The There was scarcity of the situation today? Is without due process,’’ he officers of the upper doctor was busy pipe-borne water at your body harbouring chamber of the national said. not need thesickness? Are germs treating victims that assembly time. Thedidbrethren Ekethe advised thatoflocal pension. should the government plague but he did bewent to a river in the development inside He said that the allowance autonomous so that people not die. This amazed townthey andearned fetched was me morea thanyour body that was at the grassroots could some scientists bucket of water enough for themwhich to take carecreated to destroy benefit from the who dividends all their decided to carry out a wasofgreen in needs. colour as them? If there is one of democracy.

According to they him, thething you need now, He said that local test. They took the that was the best money for such pension can government be able saliva of oneshould of the could find.

Then they theit is the fire of the be used to improve to award contract on its own plague victims full of brought disinfectant socialaand economic life theMost High God. Ask and be responsible for its ordinary Nigerians and theirfor it until you truly deadly germs and to apply to the water. actions and “not the other languishedbecome a firebrand wayit round”, for the placed on the hand As ldependants opened it,who I heard in abject poverty. development of the of this physician, and God saying, “My son, like Paul that no grassroots. snake bite could On life pension for the harm.

Senate President, the

KEY POINT

According to Mark 16:18, believers are free from harm, but unfortunate, this does adding: not include situations where somebody be“I peace of the country, he explained by thattempting without God. comes or presumptuous hope foolish that the politicians will try to put a break and reflect on what they are doing in order not to truncate democracy.

“In democracy there is limit to what freedom is all about. Your freedom stops when you start to infringe on others freedom,” he said.

The former head of state stressed the need for politicians to take note of this and check themselves, and pointed out that “certainly, what is happening in Rivers is sad’’.

While praying for the

peace, “there will be no nation and people will not have the where withal to make a living’’.

He said that for the past three years, he had been involved in peacemaking efforts in Sudan, following the war between the Republic of Sudan and South Sudan.

According to him, having been involved in these peace efforts, I always pray that we must have peace in this country; having seen the devastation of war in other countries.

“Many of us are not what we ought to be because we have failed to carry the divine fire we were designed to carry.”

WORLD NEWS Obama Stands Firm, G20 Summit opponents were not reDivided Assad’s sponsible.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama defied pressure from fellow world leaders to abandon plans for air strikes against Syria, leaving deep divisions at a summit which overshadowed efforts to revive the global economy.

Leaders of the Group of Twenty (G20) developed and developing economies were expected to agree on a statement saying the world economy was not out of crisis but on the mend.

But Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin remained far apart on Syria after a dinner discussion on the civil war in the Middle East which stretched

deep into Thursday night.

“There has been a long discussion with a clear split in the group,” a G20 source said of the dinner in a Tsarist-era palace in Russia’s former imperial capital, St. Petersburg.

Japanese officials said there was an “exchange of frank opinions” on Syria.

Washington says troops loyal to Syrian President Bashar alAssad carried out a poison gas attack which killed over 1,400 people in rebel-held suburbs of Damascus on August 21. But Moscow says there is no proof

Syrian residents cross from Syria into Turkey, near the town of Azaz in Syria September 5, 2013

Unable to win United Nations Security Council backing for military action because of the opposition by veto-wielding Russia, Obama is seeking the backing of the U.S. Congress.

He stood firm in St. Petersburg, despite a warning by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon about the need to find a political settlement to end the war: “Every day that we lose is a day when scores of innocent civilians die,” Ban said.

Ben Rhodes, Obama’s deputy national security adviser, told reporters the president had “once again underscored the very high confidence that we have” of Assad’s role in the attack.

Obama also told the G20 leaders that it was important to uphold international norms against chemical weapons and depicted the Security Council as paralyzed.

Participants at the dinner said the tension between Putin and Obama was palpable but that they were polite to each other, and seemed at pains to avoid an escalation..

Afghan Aide Fears US May Leave Him to the Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project, a New Yorkbased legal services agency that helps applicants try to navigate the red tape.

“The applications just kind of get stuck from stage to stage to stage,” Katie Reisner, the nonprofit’s national policy director, told Yahoo News.

Unless lawmakers take ac

THE message recently scrawled on the hood of Janis Shinwari’s pickup was yet another reminder the Taliban wants him dead.

“They wrote ‘Judgment Day is coming,’” Shinwari told Yahoo News by phone from Kabul.

Since 2006, Shinwari has worked as an interpreter for U.S. troops, assisting American soldiers fighting terrorists in Afghanistan. Insurgents consider Shinwari a traitor and routinely warn his family that they plan to behead him.

“Each second, each minute, each hour I feel that I am not safe,” says Shinwari, a 35year-old married father of two young children.

With the U.S. steadily withdrawing from his homeland, Shinwari knows he needs out too. But despite applying to move to the U.S. two years ago under a special immigra-

Janis Shinwari with U.S. and Afghan forces at a police command post.

EGYPT’S army-backed government has decided to annul the Muslim Brotherhood’s legal registration within days, a newspaper said, pressing a crackdown on deposed President Mohamed Mursi’s movement.

While short of a formal ban, the move underlined the government’s determination to crush the Brotherhood. The authorities accuse the group that won five successive elections since 2011 of terrorism and inciting violence.

But so far they have failed to snuff out nationwide demonstrations demanding the reinstatement of Mursi, ousted by the army on July 3 after mass pro-

tests, or stem a rise in militancy, which culminated on Thursday in an attempt to assassinate the interior minister in Cairo.

The Brotherhood, sworn to peaceful protest, condemned the attack but urged its supporters to fill the streets of Egypt’s towns and cities again on Friday, for the third time in eight days, to reject what it calls an army coup against democracy.

Authorities are pursuing the toughest crackdown in decades on the Brotherhood, Egypt’s biggest political grouping.

Since July, they have killed more than 900 of Mursi’s supporters and arrested most of the

tion program for people who helped American forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, Shinwari is still waiting for an answer.

“They won’t tell us why it takes so long,” he says.

Shinwari is one of thousands of interpreters and military aides bogged down in the visa bureaucracy, according

Egypt For Legal Action Against Brotherhood movement’s leaders, including Mursi, on charges of murder or inciting violence against antiBrotherhood protesters.

The symbolic move to cancel its legal status applies to the nongovernmental organization registered by the Brotherhood in March as a defense against legal challenges.

The privately-owned AlShorouk newspaper said the decision would be taken within days, quoting Hany Mahana, spokesman for Social Solidarity Minister Ahmed el-Boraie.

The same official was quoted by the state-run Al-Akhbar news

Woman Twists Herself To The Extreme SHE’S been dubbed the world’s bendiest woman and, as these extraordinary pictures show, contortionist Julia

Guenthel is nothing if not supple.

The blonde woman, who performs under the stage name Zlata, can twist her body into the

most mind-boggling poses imaginable and has broken several world records for her flexibility.

Russian-born Zlata, 27, has been bending herself into the most improbable shapes since the age of four and is now preparing to be the star of the show at the upcoming International Contortion Convention in Cologne, in her adopted Germany.

The event will feature workshops, shows and various special events with Zlata as the main event.

Agile Zlata, a former gymnast, has been contorting herself ever since joining an after school circus class.

“As soon as I started doing it I was addicted and I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” she said.

Odd News Compiled By EJIROGHENE ONOJETA

Racial Church Welcomes Only White Members CHURCHES often do their best to welcome new members and make new congregants feel welcome, but one North Carolina congregation caused a firestorm when a lead pastor requested “only white people” serve as greeters.

Carmen Thomas, a member of Freedom House Church was outraged after receiving an email from Pastor Makeda Pennycooke asking people of color to refrain from serving as

greeters at the 9 a.m. service during the congregation’s busiest season, WBTV reports.

Pennycooke, an AfricanAmerican, sent the email to a group of church volunteers writing “first impressions matter” and that the congregation wanted “the best of the best on the front doors.”

Thomas told the news station she believed Pennycooke was attempting to attract white worshippers

lives for a whole year, as part of a social experiment.

It all started last year when Blair McMillan asked his fiveyear old son if he wanted to come outside and play, only to realize that even on a perfect summer day the child preferred to stay indoors and play video games on an iPad. He started thinking about his own childhood and how today youths have become so dependent on modern technology like computers, mobile phones and the internet. The 26-year-old father-of-two talked to teens and young people in their 20’s, most of which confessed they couldn’t even picture their lives without all their different gadgets, and began questioning contemporary public service announcements that encourage parents to get their kids active outdoors for at least 30 minutes a day.

He remembered that when he was a child, it was nearly impossible to keep kids sitting quietly indoors for half an hour.

And that when it hit him – what if he could go back in time and give his own children a taste of how life was back then? Since April, the McMillans have given up all modern-day technology, and went back to living in 1986 (the year Blair and his wife were born) with its bad hair, cassette tapes and most importantly, real social interaction.

Blair and his family don’t have internet or 24-hour news channels in their house. Instead, they have an old 1980’s TV set encased in a wooden cabinet and a “ghetto blaster” cassette player that plays songs from back in the day rather than modern hits.

They’ve thrown out their cell phones, mail real letters instead of sending emails, and knock on people’s doors instead of following them on Facebook.

They use film-based cameras and navigate by map instead of using a GPS navigation system.

Giving up all these gadgets that made their life so comfortable wasn’t easy, and Blair is first to admit that it took several weeks to shake the feeling that someone was constantly calling or texting him. “The strangest

thing without having a cellphone is that I could almost feel my pocket vibrating and I wanted to check my pocket,” he said. But at the same time, the experience has brought the family closer and given them an opportunity to talk to each other more.

But the McMillans’ experiment has also affected their relationship with friends.

Most of them have been very supportive of their endeavor, but some just couldn’t give up technology even when visiting the 1986 household. Blair has a “cellphone box” inside the front door and whoever wants to enter has to leave it there for the duration of their visit. Blair and his wife can only be reached on their old rotary phone, which has also inconvenienced some of their friends, but they say it’s nice to go out without anyone getting a hold of you. To make his experience even more realistic, Blair is even dressing like it’s 1986 and sporting a funny mullet-and-mustache combination. ”I’ve been touching a lot of people’s lives just through the people that I’ve met, when people see me and the way I look,” he told the Guelph Mercury. “They will stop to take pictures of me, and then I can talk to them. They think what we’re doing is really cool.”

Blair and his family plan to keep living in their 1986 bubble until April 2014. So far they have been having a blast and saving money, given there are no cable or internet bills to pay, but says winter is going to be the biggest challenge. “We’re parenting our kids the same way we were parented for a year just to see what it’s like,” McMillan says. ”I have nothing against technology. It improves fuel efficiency and health care. I’m not anti-technology. I wanted to taste, and I wanted my kids to taste what it would be like without it, and to see if we could actually do it.” He wants to turn his social experiment into a documentary about disconnecting from technology to reconnect with friends and family, and is currently looking for a film-maker to take over the project and a writer to chronicle their experiences.

Canadian Family Live Like Its 1986

MOST people couldn’t imagine a day without their fancy smart phones, but a family in Guelph, Canada has decided to shun all post-1986 technology from their

Mother Arrested For Beating Her Gay Son A North Carolina woman who allegedly attempted to “beat the gay” out of her teenage son is facing child abuse charges, police report.

Responding to a 911 call, a cop arrived last Saturday evening to the Whiteville residence Mary Gowans, 41, shares with her children. An officer noted there “was yelling and screaming from several subjects outside the house.”

According to a Whiteville Police Department report, the teenager told an officer that Gowans, seen at right, had instructed his younger

brother to “strike him repeatedly and he was instructed not to fight back.”

The victim told police that his mother then made him strip to his underwear and “proceeded to strike him with a belt across his body.” The brothers told police that their mother “stated that she was going to beat the gay out of him.”

Gowans also allegedly struck the victim “with a stick that left a large abrasion on his left shoulder.” The victim’s injuries were photographed after the he was transported to the office of a magistrate.

Free on bond, Gowans is scheduled for an October 9 District Court hearing in the child abuse case. She was previously busted this year for assault and battery

One Pound Wedding

A couple proved a wedding does not need to cost a fortune after ¬celebrating their nuptials for a quid.

Artist Georgina Porteous, 36, and singer-songwriter Sid Innes, 39, asked guests to bring food for their picnic reception in a barn behind their home and the minister offered his services for free.

Georgina’s aunt baked the three-tier wedding cake and her dad Harry played jazz on his sax for dance music.

They couldn’t avoid paying £70 for their license but the only other expense was the bride’s £1 second-hand dress – a far cry from the average £20,000 wedding price tag.

She said: “I don’t see the point in these massive weddings. We didn’t want or

need a big, fancy affair.

“We had a ball. The day went

beautifully. People said it was the best wedding they have

and, following the abuse bust, was collared for driving without a license and driving with a child in the car’s front sea

ever been to.”

The couple, of Inverness, plans to spend more on their honeymoon in Berlin, where they got engaged.

CHARACTER is the combination of qualities that distinguishes an individual person, group or thing; moral strength; reputation; disposition; a person of marked individuality.

Isaiah 51:2 made references to Abraham and Sarah saying “Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone and blessed him and increased him”. This statement in the Bible came from God Himself after Abraham lived this earth and died.

The word “Look” in the above verse of the Bible connotes to “see”, drawing one’s attention to a particular thing.

The word “look” can equally mean “to take as a model”, an example to be copied. So the above verse is actually pointing to us Abraham, a man to be studied and emulated.

There are qualities that distinguish Abraham from other persons then that made him a person of marked individuality.

Who was Abraham?

Abraham meaning the father is high was the son of Terah and founder of the Hebrew nation. His family settled in Ur of the Chaldees. He had two brothers namely Nahor and Haran.

Abraham was married to Sarah. After the death of his brother Nahor, Abraham and his family, including his nephew Lot and his father Terah, left Ur to go to the land of Canaan. After the death of Terah in Haran, Abraham then seventy five years old was called by God to depart to Canaan. Genesis 12:1-4 say “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee: And I will make of thee a great nation; and I will bless thee, and make thy name great, and thou shalt be a blessing. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth

Sunday Sermon With Bishop Clement Ehidiamhen

it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son,

Character Study Of Abraham (1) thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran”.

Abraham is worthy of emulation because he exhibited many character that qualified him for earthly blessings and eternal blessings.

God recommended him for studies when he said “Look unto Abraham .... “ It was said of Abraham “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed”.

For Abraham to have been qualified for this kind of blessings that still speaks on, even till tomorrow if Jesus tarries, he went through many test amongst which are: TEST OF OBEDIENCE: This is one of the most fundamental test God gives to His children. It was this test that Adam and Eve failed that drove them out of the Garden of Eden. It is a test that determines who your master is, because he who you obey constantly, promptly and continually is your master. It was in Genesis 12 when he was told to leave his father house and go to a place He would show him. After the discussion he left immediately without further questioning God. God has been calling many of us to come and serve. To some of us, He has spoken through dreams, there are others He had talked to through Bible studies or a preacher, yet disobedience has disallowed us from answering His call. There are many people still taking bribe even when the Bible says that

“Bribery blinds the eyes of the judge and pervert the judgment of the righteous”. Though you might still be in the Church but in disobedience to the call to Holiness. You can not be oppressing people or denying them of their right and yet say you are obedient to the call to

to circumcise himself and his house hold. Genesis 17:10-11 says “This is my covenant which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the

circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. I n the self same day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son. And all the men born in the house and bought with money of the stranger, were

Holiness. How can two unmarried people be living together as couple practicing illegal sexual intercourse with the deception that since they are living together already that they are married, you are disobeying God’s command, you are either practicing fornication or adultery or some form of sexual immorality. When God told Abraham to change his location, he moved immediately without delay.

Abraham demonstrated his obedience to God again when God told him

covenant be tweixt me and you”. In verse 22-27 of that same Genesis 17, Abraham obeyed promptly. “And he left and God went up from Abraham. And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him. And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was

circumcised with him”.

For the sake of understanding to circumcise is to cut off the foreskin of the male organ.

Medically it should be carried out when the male is still a child for a quick recovery.

But in Abraham’s case even when he was old he was ready to obey God to the letter by going ahead to do it and not only him but his entire house hold.

Abraham indeed is an epitome of total obedience to God and His word. In Genesis 22:1-3 says “And

thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him”. Abraham obeyed God to the extent that he was ready to offer any thing for God including his heir apparent as long as God will need him; No wonder God recommended him for study as a reference to the kind of obedience He is expecting from us which is total and prompt because “obedience delayed is disobedience in disguise’. So said Dr Great Ehidiamhen.

Abraham lived to become one of the greatest man that ever lived, because God’s word says in Job 36:11, “If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasure.” Isaiah 1:19 says “ If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” Many people want the blessings of Abraham but are not willing to obey God completely. Abraham passed the test of obedience and the blessings followed suit.

“God has been calling many of us to come and serve. To some of us, He has spoken through dreams, there are others He had talked to through Bible studies or a preacher, yet disobedience has disallowed us from answering His call.”

Five Reasons To Plant Trees Now (2)

AN orchard can provide food for the family and for sale or barter. Anyone who plants trees for these purposes now could be investing in a source of income for years in the future. The simple act of planting a $10 tree can yield hundreds of pounds (and dollars) of produce for years thereafter, with only a little yearly pruning, thinning and harvesting.

Trees can mitigate the effects of severe weather.

The effects of climate change are already being seen. Scientists, farmers, gardeners, and people who live in canary areas (the poles, islands) are witnessing the effects of drought, habitat change, and ice melt. Over time, the changes will become increasingly more obvious, probably in the form of more severe weather.

Trees can help mitigate the effects of many types of severe and more extreme weather. They hold the soil to prevent erosion from downpours and flash floods, holding it (and decreasing the soil temperature via shade).

They also prevent desertification and duststorms. The shade cast by trees decreases the effects of harsh heatwaves, and trees can usually survive drought much better than smaller plants. They can absorb carbon to help prevent the worst excesses of climate change, and they can provide habitat and food for other species that

make up our ecosystems.

Trees make an area more liveable.

Our lives are going to become more local.

Perhaps we should start to pay attention to what “here” looks like, feels like, and can provide; pay attention to whether the places we live are places worth living. Trees help cool an area, cut electricity use and cost, and soothe the eye - all while providing the benefits mentioned above.

One of the easily anticipated effects of an unraveling economy and a declining supply of oil is a need for cheaper modes of transportation, namely biking and walking. If we are to transform our urban areas to be walkable and bikeable, we will need to make them more pleasant than the baked scrubby Bermuda strips that now predominate (in Oklahoma City, anyway).

A helpful, but perhaps overlooked, way to encourage pedestrian transport is to plant trees.

Trees not only provide shade, but in groups and clusters, they cool an area down. The difference between walking down a shadeless street vs. a shady street in 100+ degree heat can be more than 10 degrees - the difference between walking and staying at home, in my experience.

Various sources estimate that trees shading a home can cut air-conditioning costs by 30-50%, which will also decrease the

strain on our aging electrical grid.

When air-conditioning

Not only are trees useful, but they are beautiful. Their green

Environment With CLEMENTINA UKIRI mountainside/forested vacation several times a year.

Any one of these reasons should be enough, but all of them

“Anyone who plants trees for these purposes now could be investing in a source of income for years in the future.”

becomes unaffordable (or electricity becomes unreliable), shade from trees could make a place bearable. And shade is not just a matter of comfort, as many people (elderly, infants, people with health issues) can suffer from heat distress, and even death from heat stroke in extreme cases.

soothes the eye. Their spring blossoms remind us that winter’s harsh reign is almost ended, and their multi-colored fall leaves remind us that the baking heat of summer is over. We will need beautiful places to live once we can’t escape to info-tainment all day long and a seaside/

together make planting urban trees, food forests, and managed woodlots an important part of any resiliency effort. Trees aren’t a cliche - they are a keystone of the environment, and therefore, our future.

Since trees take many years to reach maturity, we need to plant a variety

of fruit, nut, and shade trees now, wherever we can feasibly and safely do so. For food security, for heat in the winter and shade in the summer, for income, taste and nutrition, for a place worth living, plant a tree this fall.

Similarly, there are a thousand reasons to plant trees, like they beautify our environment as well as reduce global warming by using up excess carbon dioxide from the

atmosphere and giving us oxygen. As it is, carbon dioxide is a green house gas. Now you have a reason to plant trees. I will plant a tree, you should plant a tree and let us plant trees to save our planet earth.

Courtesy of Christine Patton, originally published by Peak Oil Hausfrau | Sep 20, 2010 .

“Trees can help mitigate the effects of many types of severe and more extreme weather. They hold the soil to prevent erosion from downpours and flash floods, holding it (and decreasing the soil temperature via shade). They also prevent desertification and duststorms.”

14 Things Your Eyes Says About Your Health LEARN how bad eyesight and common eyesight problems may indicate larger health issues.

Here is Paula Spencer’s piece published on Caring.com to that effect.

Looking someone straight in the eye may or may not reveal their honesty but the eyes can tell you about cholesterol, liver disease or diabetes, if you know what to look for.

“The eye is a unique window into health,” says ophthalmologist Andrew Iwach, spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and executive director of the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco. “It’s the only place in the body where, without surgery, we can look in and see veins, arteries and a nerve [the optic nerve.”

The eyes’ transparency explains why common eye diseases such as glaucoma cataracts and macular degeneration can be detected early with regular eye exams.

“Unfortunately, people get busy and delay not only eye exams but regular physicals. That’s why eye doctors sometimes discover other issues, like diabetes or high blood pressure,” Iwach says. Especially vulnerable, he says: People like caregivers, who worry about others around them while neglecting care for themselves.

Keep your eye out for these 14 problems.

Disappearing eyebrows What it means: Shaved

By CLEMENTINA UKIRI .E. eyebrows are a fad (or fashion, if you will) in some circles. But when the outer third of the brows (the part closest to the ears) starts to disappear on its own, this is a common sign of thyroid disease either hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).

The thyroid is a small but

There’s usually a loss of hair elsewhere on the body, too, but the brows are so prominent, it’s often noticed here first. Early graying is a related sign of a thyroid problem. Women are more often affected than men, and hyperthyroidism especially strikes women in their 20s and 30s.

What to do: Mention this symptom to a dermatologist

changes.

A stye that won’t go away What it means: The vast majority of the time, a small, raised, often reddish bump along the inner or outer eyelid margin is just an unsightly but innocuous stye (also called a “chalazion”). But if the spot doesn’t clear up in three months, or seems to keep recurring in the same location, it can also be a rare

critical gland that helps regulate metabolism, and thyroid hormones are among those critical to hair production.

More clues: Brows tend to thin with age naturally. But with thyroid disease, the brow-hair loss isn’t evenly distributed; it’s a selective dropout on the ends.

or your regular doctor. Most other symptoms of both hyper- and hypothyroidism are notoriously broad and general. Before you see a doctor, make note of any other changes you’ve noticed, possibly concerning weight, energy levels, bowel or menstrual regularity, mood or skin

cancer (sebaceous gland carcinoma).

More clues: Actual styes are plugged-up oil glands at the eyelash follicle. Fairly common, they tend to clear up within a month. A cancerous cyst that mimics a stye, on the other hand, doesn’t go away. (Or it may seem to go away but return

ealth Watch

H

With AIBANGBEE ANTHONY

in the same spot.) Another eyelid cancer warning sign: Loss of some of the eyelashes around the stye.

What to do: Point out a persistent stye to an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in the eye). A biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. The stye is usually removed surgically.

Bumpy yellowish patches on the eyelid What it means: Xanthelasma palpebra, the medical name for these tiny yellow bumps, are usually a warning that you may have high cholesterol.

They’re also called “cholesterol bumps” they’re basically fatty deposits.

More clues: Sometimes people mistake these bumps for a stye, but with xanthelasma, there tends to be more than one bump and they’re quite small.

What to do: See your doctor or a skin or eye specialist. A diagnosis can usually be made by sight.

An ophthalmologist can also examine the eye and see deposits; for this reason, in fact, sometimes high cholesterol is first diagnosed during a routine eye exam. The problem usually isn’t serious and doesn’t cause pain or vision problems. A physician will also evaluate you for other signs of coronary artery disease.

Burning eyes, blurry vision while using a computer

What it means: You might be a workaholic, and you definitely have “computer vision syndrome” (CVS).

The eyestrain is partly caused by the lack of contrast on a computer screen (compared with ink on paper) and the extra work involved in focusing on pixels of light. What’s more, by midlife the eyes lose some of their ability to produce lubricating tears.

Irritation sets in, adding to blurriness and discomfort.

More clues: Does the problem worsen in the afternoon (when the eyes tend to become drier)? Is it worse when you’re reading fine print (more eyestrain)?

People who wear glasses or contacts tend to be bothered more by CVS. “Sometimes the problem is made worse by a fan positioned so it blows right in the face,” the AAO’s Iwach adds, noting that the air further dries tired eyes.

What to do: Reduce glare by closing window shades, investing in a computer hood, or checking out antireflective coating for your glasses (if you wear them). Simply tinkering with the contrast of your screen can help, too. White areas should neither glow brightly like a light source nor appear gray. Flat-panel LCD display screens (like those on laptops) cause less eyestrain than older models.

Keep reference material close to the same height as your monitor, giving your eyes a break from having to refocus so much.

“The eyes’ transparency explains why common eye diseases such as glaucoma cataracts and macular degeneration can be detected early with regular eye exams.”

WE often hear people say “I am a Christian”, when asked what religion they practice. And when asked why they think so or how they knew, some say it’s because they go to church, while some others say, “because I pray and sing gospel songs”.

True, Christians go to church, they pray and they also love worshiping and praising God. But is that all there is to being a Christian?

Being a Christian does not only mean how often you go to church or how early you go to church and listen that he was spat on, insulted attentively in church and abused because of his meetings, or how you sing love for you. You believe that and praise the Lord. Being a everything he went through Christian is much more than was as a result of his promise that and the things you do to to mankind. You believe that show you have received he was nailed on the cross as Christ is a part of it. a criminal because he wanted Someone once said that a to take away your guilt of Christian is someone who has crime and shame. You believe Christ in him and that when that he died for you so that ‘Christ’ is removed from the you can live and that he rose word “Christian”, remaining again on the third day to show alphabets, ‘IAN’, means ‘I you that death and the devil am nothing’. He realized that have no power over you. And he is now a Christian because you believe that He wants he has Christ in him and that you to always do what He gave him the automatic says and wants because you qualification for the trust Him enough that it is knowledge, wisdom, life and what is best for you and the abilities of Christ. He realized world. That is who a believer that he is something now in Christ is. because of Christ, that Being a Christian means sacrifice Christ came to earth that you now live your life for to give, and he is grateful for the one who saved you and that new life and shows it in not for any man or yourself. his every action and speech Being a Christian shows and dressing etc. He now that you have the Holy Spirit lives and can also die for the in you and you know that gospel of Jesus Christ. your body is God’s temple A Christian attends and so you treat it right and Church services and meetings respect it. but that is not all he does. He Being a Christian shows prays often but he knows that that you understand the even that is just a part of his implications of being a new life, but not all there is believer and also the to it. He sings songs of consequences of being an praises, thanksgivings and unbeliever. That makes you worship to the Lord but he go out to preach the Word of knows that it is because he God to the world to receive understands and respects the salvation from God and share sacrifice of Christ and that his also in the grace and promises new life of faith, hope and of God. love is as a result of the blood Being a Christian shows of that precious Lamb of that the same love that Christ God. He knows these things had for us which made him and he is grateful, and die for us is also in us and we constantly expresses it by the exhibit it everywhere we go. way he acts and behaves, the That the anointing of God way he handles situations that was on Jesus which made around him. That is the way him a healer and a miracle a Christian behaves – worker is also in you and will showing the love of Christ in make you do much more than everything he does and to Jesus did while he was on everyone he comes in contact earth, if you fully cooperate with. with the spirit of God in you.

Being a Christian is being Being a Christian means that a believer in the name and you have the responsibility of Ministry of Jesus Christ. You reconciling the world to God believe that he came to the of being genuinely pure in earth to save the world from heart and mind. You don’t go condemnation to a brand new to your office or work place life of salvation and victory. with a very gentle expression, You believe that he lived on nice smiles and good earth to show you the way for manners pretending to be a you to live. You believe that Christian and then go home he was bruised and wounded to beat up your wife and for your sins and children and also find transgressions. You believe everything she does so

annoying and irritating. The Word of God has a word for such “Hypocrite”.

If as a Christian you still feel something lacking in your spirit and that things are not going the way you want,

Christ to handle any situation or troubles you might be facing. The devil has no chance against Christ and that also means that as you are now in Christ, you also have that ability in you that the

BRIO With Francis Odupute

So You’re A Christian?

By NKEM KALU N. that does not mean, that the devil is dealing with you or that he still has power over you. No, it does not mean that

devil dreads. Your zeal and hunger for God’s word will bring you closer to God when you act on it and study

at all. As a matter of fact, that should give you more assurance that you are now a problem to him and the challenges coming your way are as a result of your repentance and commitment to God. In a case like this, where the enemy (devil) gives you a challenge that seems to you that its beyond your ability to handle, just know that from the day you accepted Christ as your saviour, you were also given the ability and power of

his word always allowing the Holy Spirit, the teacher of all things to teach you to your understanding his revealed word. He can explain through your pastors, friends at work and even your family members but be very sure and confident in his word.

Your constant prayers and studying of God’s word will always save you in any situation even though it seems as if there is a delay in the solution coming, always trust in God. God cannot be mocked

and He will not allow His children to be mocked either.

God loves each and every one of His creature but He loves ‘man’ more than any creature on earth.

If you understand the love

she just wanted you to take care of his house and property and not to sell any of them, you would quickly oblige and do any and everything in your powers to make sure the paints in the

of God, you will understand why He is calling out to you today to always trust in His word and in Him. He calls so many today but at the end, only very few will be chosen to see Him and be with Him forever.

If your best friend or someone you hardly know or have never heard of, died for your sake and you get to find out, you would be forever indebted to that person. And maybe you heard about his last wish also and that he or

house do not wear out or allow weeds to grow around it, you will frequently visit the place to make sure you keep to that person’s last wish.

Now if we can do that for a human being who just sacrificed his life, not just that but as he is dead, there is no more physical or spiritual bond between you two but just that wish, how can we not just do the little things that God wants us to do for our own good?

“Being a Christian shows that you understand the implications of being a believer and also the consequences of being an unbeliever. That makes you go out to preach the Word of God to the world to receive salvation from God and share also in the grace and promises of God.”

How Can Stowaway Daniel Ohikhena Be Assisted To Achieve ITH the dust yet to settle over the mistery His Ambition? surrounding the survival of the stowaway

W

boy, Daniel Ohikhena, his whereabout and the sudden appearance of his father, there have been divergent views as to how this young boy with a promising future but surrounded with a bleak environment to actualise it, could be helped.

Naked Truth went to town to seek the views of the citizens as to how young Daniel Ohikhena’s future ambition could be realized, with the help of the appropriate authorities. They are presented here for your reading pleasure.

He should be given scholarship – OSARETIN OKHOMINA Daniel Ohikhena – the stowaway boy took the greatest risk of his life when he embarked on a journey that would have been tagged disastrous. But the Hands of the Almighty God preserved him, glory be to God. I am very sure that Daniel’s penchant for knowledge drove him that far. Though many reasons have been adduced for his action, methinks that was the only way he could curry sympathy from the public. The young boy should not be prosecuted nor persecuted, as currently being canvassed in some quarters. The federal, state government and well meaning Nigerians should help Daniel actualize his dreams. I gathered that he is very good in electrical matters. This should form the basis of the help to be rendered. He should be sent to school, if possible on scholarship. When this is done, the society would have succeeded in saving a soul from the streets. God bless Nigeria.

He needs rehabilitation - IKHUREIGBE ERNEST It would be recalled that Daniel Ohikhena subconsciously threw caution to the winds and plunged himself into a very dangerous adventure in order, probably to make his plight and ambition known to the

concerned.

Thank God he is alive, otherwise he would have been tagged “a terrorist” if he had died. There are so many ‘Daniels’ in the lurch wanting and begging for attention but Ohikhena is the only one yet, that had taken a dangerous and suicidal action to elicit attention.

The government and families should brace-up and take up their responsibilities, they owe to their citizens and children respectively.

Daniel needs to be rehabilitated and assisted to keep his dreams alive.

However, his action is a pointer to the weakness of his family and a total failure of the authorities. He was only lucky and any one else that may want to take to ‘Daniel’s suicidal action, could end up in the bush as carcass.

Daniel should be applauded for his courage – RICHARD EWEKA The bracing, courage and fearlessness exhibited by Daniel Ohikhena who travelled in the wheel of Arik Air from Benin to Lagos is an issue to look at critically. The boy should be applauded for his courage and being able to beat the entire security network at the Airport, such act should be commended and rewarded. The federal government should pick this boy and sponsor him to the highest level of education after that; give him a job. This is necessary and important so

that other negative elements would not pick him for his bravery and use him against the country. This act by a 13year old boy is extraordinary, if they fail I will not be surprised if Boko Haram picks him and use him. If he is a Boko Haram member he could have succeeded in blowing up Arik plane. This act is a shame to

Daniel did a very great job.

He has proven to the people of Edo state and Nigeria at large that there is no standard security in the Benin Airport.

It is not an easy task for someone to trace his way into the Aeroplane without security personnel seeing him.

Daniel should be given scholarship to school abroad

Stowaway boy, Daniel Ohikhena

Arik and the Airport security.

He should be given scholarship – OSARIEMEN OSEMWEGIE Daniel Ohikhena took the risk of his life, he was between life and death never thought of the consequences that could befall him if the security personnel, air hostess and pilot had caught him. But all thanks to Almighty God that he is still alive and did not die during the process.

so as to enable him achieve his life ambition because his mission was not to kill souls in the Arik airline but to get to his promised land with the plane. So I plead with the security personnel to release Daniel.

He should be given scholarship abroad to discover his ambition COMRADE PSALM EHIAGWINA It is a very callous risk Daniel took without the consent of

Naked Truth Compiled By CITIZEN EMMA KOLA OKHAKHU the pilot, Air hostess and the security personnels; that is to tell you the security lapses in our Airports. The boy should be free because he has no evil or negative intention to cause harm or pains. Otherwise it would have been another dark day for Nigerians to mourn.

Finally, Airport is not a place anybody can just go to without a purpose, neither the run-ways. On this ground proper checks and balances should be put in place.

His talent should be tapped – OMONIGHO EHIKIOYA Daniel Ohikena, the stowaway boy took the entire country by surprise when he attempted to travel oversea on the tyres of an aircraft. This is unbelievable, but he succeeded. There have been calls from different quarters that the young lad be prosecuted. This goes far beyond prosecution. The talent of Daniel Ohikena should be tapped and channeled towards nation building. The federal government should not join forces with those calling for Daniel’s head. The leaders of this country on their part should look to the potential of the little boy. I would also expect the progressives, to press on Goodluck Ebele Jonathan government to see to the plight of the youths.

The case of this 13year old boy is a clear indication of the hopelessness of our youth, the ambition of the citizens of our country must not be suffocated on the alter of political and bureaucratic enforcement. The little boy’s ambition should be nurtured through qualitative education, and some groups should be ready to give the boy all the necessary support to make his dream a reality.

He needs educational support - DAVID ONIMISI LAWANI

The boy should be given all the necessary support both educationally and morally.

He should be assisted in all ways deemed possible in order for him to be able to realize his dream of going to America to achieve his dream career. He presently needs care, attention and other humanly possible assistance that could make him stand out among his peers. He should be rehabilitated constructively so as to enable him have a sound focus of whatever assistance that is being provided for him. He must also be listened to critically and patiently since he never had the opportunity before which could be the reason for his action. An endowment fund should be set aside for him in order for him to maintain a clean state of development and growth.

He should be trained in militancy – COMRADE PIUS EDE Whatever must have been responsible for master Daniel Ohikhena’s expensive venture is now a thing of the past. Two things you can not take away from the young boy now is coverage and determination. He has further exposed how porous our security system is.

He should be trained in militancy. It will help the would be leader to actualize his ambition in life.

Courage and determination are two vital qualities of a good leader, but he should be closely monitored to disallow him from applying them childishly.

Age is still very much on his side. He should be given the right training to enable him contribute maximally to the security system in this country. It is often said that from little beginning the greatest often grow.

This poll was carried out before young Daniel Was released to his parents.

“The young boy should not be prosecuted or persecuted, as currently being canvassed in some quarters. The federal, state government and well meaning Nigerians should help Daniel actualize his dreams.”

VOX POP

The Controversial Health Status Of Taraba State Governor UPRISING from all corners about the return and health status of the Taraba state Governor Danbaba Suntai cannot but be noticed across the country. Recall that the governor sometime last year was involved in an air crash when piloting himself in his private jet. Since then, he has been abroad for medical treatment. However his return to the country last month has raised a lot of controversies across board questioning his health status, to pick up the mantle of piloting the affairs of the state. Some have argued that he is not physically and mentally fit to resume duty and as such should be impeached. While another sympathetic school of thought, thinks he should be allowed to run the state, if he considers himself fit to do so. In view of this controversy, SUNDAY OBSERVER interns, Clementina Ukiri, Blessing Salami and Roseline Binitie went to town to feel the pulse of the people. Excerpts.

It Appears The Governor’s Surrogates Are Holding On To Power For Political Reasons – Prof Samuel Osemene

The current debacle in Taraba state is terrible and must be evaluated contextually. It is unfortunate that some of our leaders think they are entitled to their office both in good health and otherwise. If the governor cannot perform his duties due to health reasons, common sense dictates that he should abdicate judiciously. It appears the governor’s surrogates are holding on to power for political reasons. This is a good example of political corruption.

The beneficiaries of this political quagmire do not have the interest of the people at heart. It makes sense for the State Assembly to start i m p e a c h m e n t proceedings since the governor does not want to do the right thing by resigning. The apple does not fall far from its tree. The current crisis

arguably has its roots from the national level.

Do we have to remind everyone what happened when the former president was ill and how the political process was being manipulated by those around the president.

This is one of the reasons we need a strong two party system where checks and balances are respected by players of the game.

Allow Him Fly Himself In A Plane And Let Those Who Think He is Healthy Watch Him Land Safely – Moses Bob I think, the Taraba state Governor should be allowed to fly himself once again in a plane, and let those who think he is healthy, watch him land safely.

The People Of Taraba State Should Look For A Healthy Person To Govern Them – Mr. Odia.

My view on this issue is that, the people of Taraba state should look for a healthy person to govern them, if the deputy can take charge,

I am saying this because, this is what happened when the late President was alive, he was very sick but the people on top didn’t want us to know and I don’t know why. This man is a

this, the deputy should be there to do these things, there is no two ways about it, this is about life he should go and take care of himself and they should stop covering for him.

Lets Leave Every Thing For God To Decide – Osakpolor

Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State

let him do so because time is going, in the sense that things that are to be done in the state cannot come through because the Governor is not on seat. If his health is giving him problems, he should go and rest and leave the work for somebody else.

A Sick Person Should Not Be Forced To Rule The People – Mr. Osazee My view is that a sick person should not be forced to rule the people.

leader not just an ordinary man, so he should go and take care of himself first and allow his deputy to run the affairs of the state.

The Governor Should Go And Take Care Of Himself – Austin I don’t know the state of his health now, but I think that the work of the governor is to run the affairs of the state. The governor is supposed to ensure that things are being done right in the state. But in a case like

The health of a man is in God’s hands, it is not in our position to decide a man’s fate when he is sick. Let’s us leave everything for God to decide. I believe no man is happy to be sick and it is the prayer of everyone not to encounter such a thing in life. The man is sick but that does not mean he should step down from his seat, he believes in himself that he can still play his part while on his sick bed. I think he

should be given time because in this world no one knows what tomorrow has in stock for us. People should not be judged with their present situations.

He Should Resign – Enemuadia Erhuns The matter of a state can not be left in the hand of somebody that is sick. For God’s sake that position demands a lot from the governor. So my advice for him, is to have a rethink about his health status if he can get well on time, if not, he should resign for his own good and those people of the state. Now that he is sick, he can not play his role as a governor very well judging from the constitution of this country, an eligible candidate is one who is physically and mentally able, so what are we talking about, he should resign.

It Depends On How Long The Sickness Will Take – Ben Emokiniovo.

My view on governor Suntai controversial health status is that it depends on how long the sickness will take. Since it has become a matter of concern to other Nigerians, he should step down for another person to take over because as a governor, his own opinion on issues of the state matters most.

“It depends on how long the sickness will take. Since it has become a matter of concern to other Nigerians, he should step down for another person to take over because as a governor, his own opinion on issues of the state matters most.”

NEWS EXTRA

FG To Implement Outcome Of Rio+20 THE Federal Ministry of Summit Environment is set to implement the outcome of the 2012 Rio+20 summit to ensure environmental sustainability, the Minister of Environment, Mrs Hadiza Mailafia, said .

Mailafia said this in Abuja at a workshop on the adoption of the Framework of Action Plan for the Implementation of the outcome of the Rio+20 summit.

Reports say that “Rio+20” is the short name for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development that took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2012.

The summit focused on two themes — a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication and the institutional framework for sustainable development.

The seven priority areas highlighted at the summit were decent jobs, energy, sustainable cities, food security and sustainable agriculture, water, oceans and disaster readiness.

Represented by Mr Gambo Jakada, the Director of Human Resources in the Ministry, Mailafia said the ministry had in October 2012, organised a stepdown workshop to deliberate on the outcome of the summit.

She said the workshop was organized in collaboration with the UNDP for relevant stakeholders to come up with the implementation strategies that would be presented to the government.

“At the end of the workshop, a six-man committee of experts/ consultants was set up under the aegis of the UNDP, to develop a framework of action plan for the implementation of the outcome of the summit.

“This document has been developed and is before you today for your consideration and adoption,’’ she said.

According to her, Nigerian stakeholders have agreed on the need to integrate sustainable development into the National Vision 20:2020 and the Transformation Agenda, in line with the Rio + 20 outcome.

Mailafia said that the agreement involved developing the appropriate know-how and identifying priorities in the implementation of the green economy.

She added that the agreement involved building a strong support base mechanism as well as development partners in the various sectors of the economy.

Also speaking, Mr Momoh Abu, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, said the development of an action plan was in line with the major outcomes of the Rio+ 20 summit.

He said it aimed at achieving a green economy using a 10-Year Framework of Programme (10YFP) on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP).

In his presentation entitled: “Proposed Framework (Action Plan) for the Implementation of RIO+20 Outcome: The Future We Want for Nigeria”, Prof.

Emmanuel Oladipo, said implementing the plan would enable Nigeria to achieve environmental sustainability.

Oladipo, a consultant with the ministry, said the action plan would also enable the country to improve economically and socially for the sustainability of the future generation.

Anambra Poll: ANPP, CPC Wihtdraw From APC Merger

By JOSES SEDE The All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Anambra State have pulled out of the All Progressive Congress (APC) merger ahead of the November 16 governorship election in the state.

The state Secretary of defunct ANPP, Mr. Mike Igwilo, made this known to journalists in Awka at the weekend Igwilo said the party was pulling out because it was not consulted in all the activities leading to the merger and the recent primaries in the state that produced Sen. Chris Ngige as the flag bearer.

“We are marginalised in the party and not carried along. For this reason, we find it difficult to explain the merger to our

supporters who now float like sheep without shepherd,” report quoted the ANPP chief as saying to journalists.

Igwilo said that ANPP would make public its next plan of action before the end of September.

At a separate news conference, the state Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Mr. Chuba Ikeagwu, told journalists that the party had joined the newly formed People’s Democratic Movement (PDM).

He said the APC did not give a level playing ground for other merging political parties to compete for the governorship ticket in the primaries, alleging that only the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) controlled the party machinery in the state.

Vice President Namadi Sambo (right) in a handshake with Welfare/Social Sceretary, Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Dr. Patrick Emembolu, during a courtesy call on him by AANI in Abuja recently. With them are former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Josephine Anenih (2nd right) and Legal Adviser of AANI, Mr. Sola Oluwanuga.

Commission Disqualifies APC From LG Election

THE Cross River Independent Electoral Commission (CRSIEC) has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not qualified to contest the September 21 local government election in the state.

The Chairman of the commission, Mr Patrick Otu, made the declaration at a news conference in Calabar.

He said this was because the newly-registered APC did not comply with the Electoral Act of 2010.

Otu said the APC did not meet Sect. 84 (6) of the Act which states that, for a party to contest an election, it must have been registered 90 days before the election.

He said the CROSIEC, on March 18, published a notice of election and time table for the conduct of fresh elections into the 197 wards of the 18 local government areas in the state.

“The All Progressives Congress was formally

registered on July 31, 2013, one month and twenty one days to the Cross River local government elections.

“This means that the APC has not complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended, and therefore is not eligible to participate in the election.’’

He said the election would hold as planned, as the Cross River Local Government Law 2009 did not include registration of new parties as ground for postponement of an election.

The chairman said further that the clarification became necessary following rumours of postponement being peddled around.

He said the merger that gave birth to APC was consummated for the sole purpose of providing the constituent parties a formidable platform on which to contest all elections in

Nigeria.

Otu said that the founders of the party did not contemplate forming the party specifically to contest the local government election in the state.

“If this were to be the case, then the party would have ensured that it was registered 90 days before the elections, ‘’ he said.

He said the only way the party would participate in the election was postponement on sympathy ground.

Otu, however, said the commission would not do this.

Otu said this was because postponing an election in order to allow a newly-registered political party to participate would open a flood gate that would be impossible to stem.

He said it was outside the mandate of the commission to find a political solution, adding that this was squarely within the competence of political

National Industrial Court.

Anyim said the critical areas also include modalities for the payment of consultancy and specialist allowance for nonmedical officers in the health sector.

Others he said, were the 2008 Job Evaluation Report and review of retirement age for health workers from 60 to 65 years of age.

Anyim said the agreement reached between the government and the unions would no doubt restore industrial harmony in the union’s health sector which, he said, was restive in recent years.

He said that the president

approved the setting up of the committee to work out technical details and necessary modalities and ensure timely implementation of the terms of the agreement.

The secretary described the role of health workers in the development of the nation as critical.

In a remark, Alhaji Bukar Aji, Head of Civil Service of the Federation and Chairman of the committee, expressed gratitude to the president for finding members of the committee fit to undertake the assignment.

Aji said the assignment would be carried out in the best interest

actors.

“We are an election management body and by virtue of that, we are by law an umpire, ‘’ he said.

He, however, said that since the matter was before the courts, it would abide by any decision considered by the courts, adding that the commission was lawabiding.

“If the court decides otherwise, we will obey the court orders immediately, ‘’ he said.

Otu said that four political parties, including People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) and Nigerian Conscience Party (NCP) are contesting the election.

He said that the commission was putting in place measures to ensure credible election.

The chairman said it had begun sensitisation of the citizens to the need to participate fully in the election.

FG To Implement Agreement With JOHESU THE Federal Government has inaugurated a committee to work out modalities for the implementation of the agreement it reached with Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

Inaugurating the committee in Abuja, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, tasked the committee to work out modalities for the implementation of agreement reached in some critical areas.

He named the critical areas as non-skipping of CONHES 10, in line with the judgement of the

of the nation.

“We will give in our best in finding excellent and acceptable modality for the implementation of the agreement reached,” Aji said.

Reports say that the members of the committee were drawn from the Federal Ministries of Labour and Productivity, Health and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

Others include representatives from the unions, Budget Office of the Federation, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Trade Union Congress and the Nigerian Labour Congress.

Preparing Your Child For School IT is September, the month of school resumption for the children after a long holiday. We have had our children at home with us for the past 6 weeks or so, now they are back to school for more learning and excellence.

It is a new beginning for the children as they are beginning new classes, a time of entering school for the toddlers and those in JS 1. But unfortunately, there are some children, repeating their classes due to one reason or the other, remember as a parent, now is the time to help that child improve on his/her weakness by providing your time and extra lesson teacher. You should also show love more than ever. Because the child failed his exam doesn’t make him a failure in life.

Well, school time is here and there are certain things that are very important as the children are going back to school or starting a new class.

As parents, you must have made necessary provisions for the education of your children/ward even before they were born.

Education is said to be the best legacy a parent should/must give the children, with it, they will definitely be responsible citizens. In the same vein as you provide for them, it’s also parents’ responsibility to make children realize that they have an obligation to their parents, government, church and the society to make something out of their lives from what their parents provide, no

matter how little and be appreciative by going through school without the school going through

wise for parents to have education savings for their children so that whenever it is time, you are sure of prompt payments.

Provision Of Books: It

children pass through the class, textbooks can be handed down to the younger ones, thereby saving some money for other things.

Uniforms, like books

Motherhood With Chelson SMS 08023457637 in the rainy season now, it is advisable to buy rubber sandals for now if the school permits, otherwise go for solid

“As a parent, when your child/ward is of school age, take time out to survey schools that have what it takes to help better/improve your child’s intelligence and capability in handling things. Ensure it is a school where your child will be comfortable in learning and be free to express his/herself, with a conducive environment.” them.

Now, back to the important things children need and which must be provided by parents. They are: A Good School: As a parent, when your child/ ward is of school age, take time out to survey schools that have what it takes to help better/ improve your child’s intelligence and capability in handling things. Ensure it is a school where your child will be comfortable in learning and be free to express his/herself, with a conducive environment.

School Fees: Paying of school fees is of utmost importance because no school nowadays takes in a child on credit, especially the private schools, you have to pay even before resumption date. That is why it is

is a new start for the children, which means new books and writing materials, as each class has its own standard of books, but if older

can also be passed down, but if not, buying them is very important as it identifies your child as a student.

School Shoes: We are

shoes that can stand the test of time for your child. There are good bags everywhere that can accommodate books, but watch out for

strong and big ones, especially the hunchback bags they are better.

This period, is rush time for parents, trying by all means to provide the best for their children as school resumes, making sure the children are well prepared mentally, physically and emotionally. These are some of the best ways to prepare a child for what lies ahead, especially by sending the child to school with love so that no matter what happens in school, he/she is still your best child ever. You need to instill this in your child and watch him/her become the best.

“Education is said to be the best legacy a parent should/must give the children, with it, they will definitely be responsible citizens.

In the same vein as you provide for them, it’s also parents’ responsibility to make children realize that they have an obligation to their parents, government, church and the society to make something out of their lives from what their parents provide.”

ISSUES

Society, RTC And The Ember Months In Perspective (1) “PERSUASION or changing of people’s attitudes and behavior through the spoken and written word constitutes one of the more interesting uses of communication.”

William McGuire.

The ember months are here again. It is an exuberant and chirpy period. People who are into buying and selling of goods, services and products are usually high spirited. Friends and family on holidays especially those from European countries, referred to as “Akatey” in Bini slang cannot wait to paint the town in bright colours. Night life and fun places come alive despite the fear of kidnappers.

Regardless of the mirth and the need to visit fun places, the bloom of the ember months (September-December) could lead to gloom due to unfortunate incidences of road traffic crashes (RTC). A driver, especially an inexperienced one at that, is not expected to drive under the influence of alcohol or hard drugs, driving at night or in bad weather which reduces visibility in the name of the spirit of the season. Issues are compounded when drivers do not understand vital road traffic signs.

Many people, relatives included have erroneously been accused of being the cause of misfortunes or possible deaths of relative in road traffic crash situations due to the possession of mystical powers which defy logical explanation. Yet, such persons who belong to this school of thought never bother to ascribe fault to the driving attitude of the said individual resulting in the road traffic crash.

• An accident scene

By BERNADETTE IDALU A road traffic crash it should be understood is an unplanned but unfortunate event involving the collision of a moving vehicle which results to property damage, personal injury, death or upset of some kind.

Against this backdrop it is worrisome to observe that women who carry the “L” tag for “learner” mostly drive around Benin City unsupervised by an experienced driver with cars loaded with children. Being in experienced, they hardly look into their car rearview mirror; their concentration is torn between the children and the road. Most are not even good at reversing their cars yet their husbands let them go for daily cruises around town.

A growing concern is the presence of under-age drivers who do not even have a valid driving licence who struggle for driving space on Benin roads.

Many young bus drivers and their conductors take turns to drive shifts to hit their monetary target for the day. Unfortunately, they are hardly stopped for inspection by traffic law enforcement officers or the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) who mostly chase after private car owners on the Sapele road axis of Benin City. Agents of Oredo Local Government Area who adorn green reflective jackets wait for unsuspecting motorists to park on road sides especially close to bad spots off the New Benin market axis and surrounding streets to swoop on them. After due payments to such agents of government for violated rules, affected drivers

know better.

Enlightenment by the Federal Road Safety Corps and its Marshals on the need to prevent avoidable road traffic crashes seems to be taken with a pinch of salt. Somehow, officials of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency have been in the public glare due to brawls or spats with motorists who feel their rights have been violated by alleged overzealous officials trying to enforce traffic rules and regulations.

Head of Operations, Edo State Traffic Management Agency, Mr. Amadin Owas has had to come on air time and again to clarify burning issues as well as crave compliance of road users in the reduction of road traffic crashes and a better understanding of how the traffic light works.

Meyer H. Parry in his behavioural study of the driving situation, in his book, “Aggression on the road,” observed that, “It is not just the fact that more and more people are being granted driving licences that cause alarm, but the evidence that, in addition to the many already in possession of a licence, are those drivers who, though having successfully passed the prescribed Ministry of Transport Driving Test, are yet unfit to drive a motor vehicle. This unfitness is due to factors other than those covered by the driving test situation, i.e. the not-so-obvious factors of adverse personality patterns or behavior characteristics.”

A respondent, Mary Amen (Not real name), said that

despite having a valid licence she looses her nerve when male drivers try to intimidate her based on her sex not necessarily due to her driving skill. The need to prove her mastery of the road brings out a certain recklessness leading to over speeding or racing with the aggressor without due regard to other road users.

road traffic crash victims.

The attitude of commercial drivers is not encouraging.

Though passengers sometime scream at them to control speeding habits, some drivers shout back at their passengers, urging them to go buy their own cars especially now that they have to trek long distances due to the ban on the use of commercial motor bikes by the Edo State Government. For private car owners, they could take such warning in bad fate believing that they had been taken for granted. They simply

• Osita Chidoka

In a chat with Dr. Eddy Ehikhamenor, the Chief Executive Officer of the Save Accident Victims Association of Nigeria (SAVAN), the medical practitioner stated that Nigerians do not generally believe that a road crash can happen to them.

He revealed that the number of road traffic crash victims brought into the Accident and Emergency Ward of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on daily basis was alarming; occurrence has helped in overstretching hospital facilities leading to a rising incidence of no bed space for

ignore such observation or they could just decide to give you a monologue of how they have never been involved in a road traffic crash for the past twenty years and how they can drive even with one eye closed.

Unlike other months of the year there is a pressing need to know what is responsible for the high incidence of injury or possible death during the ember period. Meyer H. Parry in his book, “Aggression on the road,” observed that, “Television, radio and press reporting of the number of deaths due to a road traffic crash during the holiday against the previous year’s figures have become part of the holiday programme. Such reports make little or no impact on the population and motorists who have the belief that it could never happen to them.”

There is need for an appraisal of the situation— is it possible that these crashes are due to a lackadaisical attitude of society?

One is bound to ask. Or is it because it has not happened to a friend, relative or known person,

the mention of a road traffic crash (RTC) makes no meaning despite watching rescue scenes on television where candid visuals of mangled bodies and wailing onlookers bemoan the wanton loss of human life who did not make it to destination are shown?

Be that as it may, road traffic crashes have persistently accounted for huge loss of human lives on a daily basis.

Statistics by the Federal Road Safety Corps show that Nigeria contributes about 700,000 deaths out of the 1.5 million people killed by road traffic crashes all over the world annually. Every 30 seconds somebody is being hit on the world roads.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Nigeria contributes 14 people to the world death on daily basis.

The death rate is expected to increase by 65% in 2015 due to the reverse development of roads and poor maintenance culture. According to FRSC reports, over 100 road crashes happened in Edo State between January and October 2012.

Despite the enlightenment and jingles ruming in the mass media the attitude of people remains unchanged. They see no crime in sipping drinks with a high volume of alcoholic content shortly before engaging in driving. The incidence of cars loosing control and ramming into heavy duty vehicles (trailers) parked on either sides of the road is steadily on the increase in Edo State.

A journey round motor parks in Benin City shows that it is not unusual to witness the sale of aperitifs’ nicknamed, “Monkey tail,” “Shekpe” or “Roots and herbs,” in layman’s term which are meant to be drunk to keep users in good shape, ultimate performance capacity aside keeping sickness away. These roots and herbs infused in local gin to extract flavour and medicinal properties have different colours ranging from bright yellow, light brown to colourless. The unifying factor however is that they have no National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) number or registration nor have these herbal cure claims been verified after clinical trials by the Nigeria Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD).

To be continued

“According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria contributes 14 people to the world death on daily basis. The death rate is expected to increase by 65% in 2015 due to the reverse development of roads and poor maintenance culture. According to FRSC reports, over 100 road crashes happened in Edo State between January and October 2012.”

THE People Democratic Party (PDP) is in the news again for the same wrong reasons of its actors pursuing issues of personal and selfish

themselves with citizens common patrimony with state justice apparatuses looking helpless. This explains why the struggle

from the ruling PDP clearly demonstrates the ludicrous extent the average Nigeria politician can go when he/she feels he is not getting enough

to clinch political offices in the land have assumed a do or die status with actors employing whatever intrigues to out do their real and imagined opponents.

from the national cake.

Governors Babangida Aliyu, (Niger) Magatarkada Wamako (Sokoto) Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Danki Gari (Kebbi) stormed out of the Eagles square venue of the PDP special convention last week Saturday to announce later in the day of the formation of a new PDP with Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje naming himself as National Chairman.

Governor Amaechi of Rivers State who was not at the convention ground later joined them. May be we should cross check with INEC if procedures for forming a party have been met. They went ahead to also name Olagunsoye Onyilola and Sam Sam Jaja as their National Secretary and Deputy National Chairman South respectively.

Before this action, there were reported argurments about the list of delegates from Adamawa, the home state of the PDP National Chairman Bamanga Tukur who has been having a running battle with the state Governor Murtala Nyako which has left the party in the state factionalized.

Interestingly, the former vice president Atiku Abubakar is also from the North Eastern state. The three stalwarts have personal and sundry political interests to protect to the exclusion of others in their separate bid to dictate the political pace in the state.

It was learnt that the list of delegates from Adamawa had left both

Politics And With

HAMEED BRAIMAH

PDP Crisis And Polit Sentim

interest other than the core objectives for forming a political party viz; mobilizing men and materials to solving societal problems.

In Nigeria, the political parties that have been in

President Goodluck Jonathan

government at different tiers since 1999 have aptly demonstrated their letergic understanding of societal problems which they have without any qualms attempted to solve by first helping

The attempt by some PDP governors about six of them from Adamawa, Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi and Sokoto state in conjunction with former vice president Atiku Abukakar to break away

• Bamanga Tukur holds the ace

the governor and Atiku camps in the lutch with the Tukur’s camp enjoying all the attention.

You may say this was bad as it did not take into account the various political interests as enunciated above. But it is note worthy that neither Governor Nyako nor Atiku would have acted differently if they had found themselves in Tukur’s privileged position.

Also worth mentioning is that aside of the controversy surrounding the Adamawa delegates’ list which one may say provoked the sharp reaction of the duo of Governor Nyako and Atiku, one may be forced to ask what the grouse of the other separatist governors is? It is true that the quadruple of Aliyu, Nyaku, Lamido and Kwankwaso have been protesting the outcome of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) election, the role played by the party’s hierarchy and the Jonathan led presidency, nothing in the special convention can particularly relate to these governors as to provoke the formation of a parallel PDP with a three man National working committee in place.

This is where the conclusion drawn by watchers of the unfolding scenario that the whole drama was pre meditated and designed to cause disaffection among members can not be controverted.. It also boils down to who gets what position in the 2015 election particularly the presidency which the afore mentioned Northern PDP governors desperately want to return to the North. If not, how else should a

matter affecting Adamawa, a north eastern

the splitter group decided to fill first thereby giving to se obtai

Governors Nyako, Amaechi, Aliyu and new PDP Chairman, Kaw during the press conference that produced the faction in Abuja.

state get the most sympathy of governors from the north west as represented by Wamako, Kwankaso, Dankigari and Lamido.

The special convention was particularly called to elect officers to fill the vacant positions in the National working committee of the party following the resignation of most of the officers as a result of queries from INEC regarding the manner the affected officials were elected in the first instance which the electoral commission held contravened the relevant statutes. The office of the national chairman was not declared vacant neither was the office of the national scribe of the party to be filled following some legal issues surrounding the office.

These are the two offices

themselves out as lawless as the main PDP which itself observes its rules in breach.

All what this points to is the fact that neither the main PDP nor the struggling one is true to itself as to their mission in politics. Little wonder there is mass poverty and unemployment with the attendant vices plaguing the land today. As stated earlier at the beginning of this piece, the entire crises is not about who is pursuing the core values and objectives of political leadership but about the spoils of office and power equation. The five northern governors being led by Babangida Aliyu for the presidency to return to the north come 2015 are basing their agitation on an alleged agreement president Jonathan had entered into with the governors forum

build presid presi conv Atiku PDP and G Buha Progr in the

purpo no o produ with arran Jonat south shoul the becau it is t produ make suffe unfor late fo Musa argum new ‘zon

Issues

Jonathan’s case be different? Is it because he is from the minority state of Bayelsa in the south south minorities zone who

grandstand and a bargaining chip for more attention. The demand by the factional PDP that president Jonathan should

especially with the resort to the court by the emerging faction whose intention is to destabilize the party..

But Bamanga Tukur

the majority feels must be chased out of office?

Many see the current crisis in the PDP as a calculated attempt by opponents of his 2015 reelection bid to portray him as a no gentleman which the president has severally demonstrated to the contrary.

We agree that playing ethnic card for political gains have not the least helped Nigeria to grow, and this is why the five northern governors who have been going about fanning the umbers of ethnic difference who have themselves enjoyed the privilege of serving their second terms in office should be advised to be patient and not be in a hurry to snatch the Presidency for their selfish advantage.

One fact is common about these north western governors and their leader from Niger. They would have by 2019 when the presidency would be returning to the north gone into political oblivion. This is what they hate to imagine. They should realize that with or without them, the interest of the north which they currently claim to protect would be served. But their quest is far from serving northern interest as has been pointed out earlier.

Coming back to the current crisis in the PDP and the supposed recalcitrance on the part of the breakaway group to toe the part of dialogue following their failure to turn up for a truce meeting on Tuesday with the president and a resort to the court to challenge the legality or otherwise of the Bamanga Tukur led PDP national executive is to say the least a

not present himself for reelection leave much to be desired needless mentioning their demand for the presidency to stop the EFCC from probing or investigating any official or persons connected with them..

This is laughable. It only goes to confirm the speculated existence of a parallel justice system in the country, one for the rich and powerful, the other for the poor and weak. If not why should a governor protest the arrest and prosecution of a brother governor’s son over allegations of money laundry for which he has been convicted by a court of competent Jurisdiction in the land.

What this explains in their definition is that the high and mighty should be insulated from criminal prosecution no matter the gravity of the offence committed including official corruption. This line of thinking among this governors who are seeking to rule over us at all cost only confirms how traumatized and weak the average Nigerian has become to the extent that he has become so docile and unconcerned about how affairs of state are being managed or mismanaged.

The walk out at the convention ground was pre-mediated as it was designed to get at the PDP hierarchy who the Atiku group felt muster too much influence over the party loyal membership. If not, how do you explain the surreptitious emergence of Olagunsoye Onyilola and Sam sam Jaja as officers of the factorial group.

It is yet to be seen how the knotty PDP crisis would be resolved

would not take kindly to this acts of recalcitrance as he came out smoking midweek to reaffirm his leadership of the ruling

tics Of Primordial ments

erve a single tenure to in their backing in the

attempted to use the same argument without success

wu baraje and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar

d up to the 2011 dential election which ident Jonathan won vincingly defeating u Abubakar first in the presidential primaries General Mohammadu ari of the Congress for ressive Change (CPC) e general election.

Advocates of the orted agreement which ne has been able to uce, claim that in line the PDP Zoning ngement, president than who is from the h south state of Bayelsa ld not seek re-election to office of president use according to them, the turn of the north to uce the next president to e up for the loss the zone ered from the rtunate death in office of ormer president Umaru a Yar’Adua. This ment however is not as advocates of this ing’ principle had

to shield President Jonathan from contesting the election in 2011.

It is important to note that these elements opposed to Jonathan reelection be made to realize that the constitution allows the holders of executive positions in government to seek re-election and president Jonathan’s case should not be different.

They also need to know that the PDP zoning formula that stipulates a rotation of the office of president between north and south did not specify the number of years each of the benefitting regions would spend in office.

Outside of this, the ruling PDP has established a tradition of mobilizing its structures to help sitting presidents and governors to obtain their second terms in office. The question now is; why should President

have been provoked by the serial rebuff of attempts at brokering a truce by the Bala kaoje faction especially with the PDP stakeholders at the presidential villa on Tuesday thereby forcing an adjournment for a behind the scene consultation with the critical stakeholders.

Many wonder the role of ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo in the whole PDP saga owing to his

• Chief Obasanjo, can he be trusted?

party threatening to invoke the party’s rules against the dissidents and their collaborators.

For the PDP National Assembly members and those elected under the party’s ticket who have in one way or the other identified with the Kaoje faction, Tukur threatened to declare their seats vacant.

The National chairman’s reaction may

strained relations with the incumbent president following his alleged unfair comments and association with anti Jonathan reelection campaigners.

Chief Obasanjo who himself had in 2007 attempted to subvert the constitution in his failed third term bid will not go far in the reconciliation efforts as Jonathan men would not trust him.

• Olagunsoye Oyinlola facing contempt charges

S

unday Diet

With ERNEST IKHUREIGBE

“Nobody would exhibit wicked vices and expect the dreams of life to be accomplished.”

instruction. (1Samuel 15:28) Your unfulfilled dream could be fulfilled if you wait patiently for your time and allow the will of God to have its way. No one can stop it unless you allow it.

Joseph, the son of Jacob had his dream and he pursued it till it was fully accomplished. If he has compromised to dance to his master’s wife request, God’s favour would have eluded him. Probably, he would have died a

Don’t Blame God For Your Unfulfilled Dreams LIFE is never a dream but a stark reality of what you sow in the course of life. Man could come up with the dream he intents to attain or achieve but bringing it to fruition or reality is what brings in Joy of accomplishment.

When man was created along with other God’s created things, it’s recorded in Gen 1:31, that it’s “very good”. But as man began to attain knowledge and relevance; He was courted and deceived to imbibe unholy doctrines that separated him from his creator. He became alienated; the expected dream and promises of God became a mirage!

Then Man was expelled from his comfortable abode into an abode of rigour and labour to eke a living.

Beloved, man is a special creature among all that God created. God expect man to develop on what he started, based on the power and authority bestowed on him but man grieved God for outright disobedience and disregard of his instruction to excel.

Man, in the course of life became beast and unreasonable that lofy dreams were shattered and unattainable. Gen 8:23 shows that “Seed and Harvest, will not

cease, so, unfulfilled dreams is an aftermath of the seed sown.

The promise of God for Eli and his generation was to be in charge forever but the promise of God was truncated by the unholy act of Hophini and Phinehas 1Samuel 2:30.

It is recorded that Eli and his ‘sons of Beliah’ (1Sam 2:12) died on the same day, thereby putting an end to their term of priesthood. (1Samuel 4:17-18).

Beloved, when your dream of life conflicts with your creator, you will count yourself lucky when you eventually survive it. It is only God’s mercy that could see you through.

Evangelist Jonah should be asked how he survived his captivity in the belly of a fish for three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17). He wanted to take God for granted but when he was entrapped, he surrendered and asked God for a second chance. (Jonah 2:1-2, 10) His disobedience nearly caused his death, which would have ended his journey prematurely.

King Saul’s dream to be the first king of Israel also from generation to generation ended as soon as he disobeyed God’s

glorious slave boy in ignorance.

Beloved, what you desired that is yet to be fulfilled is not impossible to be granted by God; if you decide to be guided and you exhibit the virtues that would glorify God and evidence Christ in you. Phil 4:8; Eccl 12:13.

Nobody would exhibit wicked vices and expect the dreams of life to be accomplished. You may think your dreams are fulfilled already, but, in no time, you will realized that you are in a fool’s paradise. God has not created you to be a stumbling block, in whatever disguise but to be a channel of mercy and blessings to those you come across in the course of your life Journey. As you are bent to carry out your wicked scheme, God is not unaware; at the appropriate time that would give Glory to His name, He will act suddenly and the long cumulative shame and disgrace will be unleashed.

Don’t contemplate to be a clog in the wheel of progress as the Lord who sees the intention of man is still on the throne.

Heb 13:8 Remain blessed in the Lord.

TENTH, compassionate ministry to children, youth and university students.

Without a doubt, this

R

eflections

With MOSES EVBUOMWAN

Compassionate Ministries (2)

must be a major priority of your strategy because Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me for of such is the Kingdom of heaven”.

E l e v e n t h , compassionate ministry even to your enemy. The word says in Matthew 5:43-46, “You have heard it was said, you shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you that you may be sons of your father in heaven.

For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same”?

God is not the enemy of our enemies. He is not even the enemy of His enemies.

Do you understand who is it that God loves? He not only loves those who love Him, but he loves those who hate Him and fight against Him. “God so loved the world”.

Has that

changed? He loves the just and the unjust. He loves the faithful and the faithless. He loves the braggers about God and those who belittle Him, including the atheists and the agnostics.

In Mark 8:35 Jesus says, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it, but whoever shall lose his life for my sake shall save it”.

Let us read this thought provoking story. In a New York City church one Sunday morning a very untidy, unkempt young man slipped into a back seat. He was a student at Columbia University. All night long he had walked the streets of New York, battling with his dark doubts, wondering if there was anything worth living for or anything he could believe in, many a student has gone through that.

During the prayers he did not bow his head, instead he look around the congregation, and across the aisle from him, he saw one of his teachers, a professor of science at Columbia, a man with many degrees and academic honours.

He knew that man’s great mind and spirit and reputation, and there he sat in church with his head bowed.

And the thought flashed in the young man’s mindif a man like that can believe in God, surely I can. A burden lifted from his mind. He went out of church with a feeling of hope and purpose. The professor did not know that someone in the crowd has touched him.

He did not know it for years.

But one day a medical missionary came back on a year’s furlough from India and the first man the missionary went to see was the professor, now an old man and retired.

Sitting in the professor’s study he said, “I don’t know what it was, sir. I think it was the look in your face, the fact that you were there.

Something in your devotion set things right in my heart”.

Compassionate ministries. Even touching those we are unaware of, because, of the grace of God, changes not only our hearts but our countenances.

“He not only loves those who love Him, but He loves those who hate Him and fight against Him.”

Beauty Tips You Can’t Do Without (1)

By OBIEKWUYE QUEEN

Gareth Bale Real Move Inspired By Champions League

Avoid Overly Rosey THIS week, I bring you the latest and greatest thing you want is for the Cheeks: always start your information about beauty and fashion. These beauty colour to fade. You can blush-line two fingers tips have been put to the test. They are tried and true. prevent such a mishap widths away from nose Some of the easiest and most useful beauty tips out from happening by using and only apply blush on there, these bits of information will help you build a deep conditioning Treble-winning Heynckes honoured

by German FA the apples of your cheeks. better beauty foundation so you can put your face treatment once a month.

This will ensure you create forward on a daily basis.

Fashion & Style

With ROSE ORHIBHABOR

locks some added lift.

Create a Fuller Lip: if you are sick of having thin pursued pucker, extend your lip line using a neutral toned lip-liner. Then apply lipstick over top. (P.S: be careful, though. Do not

moisturizing cream to your locks ends.

Clean Make-up Tools: whether you use a razor, a Q-tip or a powder brush, make sure to clean your make-up tools. After even a couple uses, they

extend lip-line too much).

One of the main reasons mascara will fade unto your face after you apply it is because it is old. Opt for a new container and always remember to keep your mascara tube tightly sealed.

Dry Out Pimples: believe it or not, dabbing tooth paste onto a pimple is a quick and easy way to dry it out.

Banish Oil: the fastest way to clear your skin of any oily breakout is to use blotting papers. They will clean up the excess oil on your epidermis and will prevent breakouts.

For Greasy Hair: avoid applying conditioner directly to your hair’s roots. Just apply the heary

become breeding grounds for bacteria which can cause breakouts, eczema and other skin conditions.

Avoid Post-shaving Redness: shave your hair, legs and underarms in the shower after standing under warm water for a few minutes. This will help open up the hair follicles and will soften hair so that they are less coarse to shave.

How To Find Your Shade When Choosing A Foundation: to find the right shade of foundation for you, test a product on the skin near your jawline.

Be sure to do this in natural light. This will ensure the foundation tone you choose is not too different from the natural shade of your neck.

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Barca-Madrid dominance is a tremendous injustice’ - Luis

Buffon: I’ll finish my career at Juventus

Eye Cream Best Cure For Cuticles: instead of spending money on cuticle cream, you can use extra moisturizing and hydrating

eye cream to cure dry cuticles.

Stop Your Hair Colour From Fading: if you have just dyed your hair, the last

This will help lock-in colour. It also has the added benefit of staving off dry and damaged locks.

a natural glow without going overboard. You’ll want to avoid brushing on too much so you don’t look like a clown.

Never Brush Curls Out With A Brush: loosen curls with your fingers instead of brushing them over. This will give them added life without flattening them out.

Add ‘oomph to Cheek Bones: to make your check bones appear higher and to give them more structure apply bronzer to the cheek bones, this must be applied under a thin layer of blush.

Give Your Hair a lift: before you start blowdrying your hair, add a volumizing spray to your roots. This will give your

“One of the main reasons mascara will fade unto your face after you apply it is because it is old. Opt for a new container and always remember to keep your mascara tube tightly sealed.”

Music Movies Cossy Orjiakor Stirs Emotions With Boobs At Startimes Event NOLLYWOOD actress, Cossy Orjiakor who hit the limelight through her generosity of exposing her voluminous boobs for public show is not tired yet.

Just last week at the Startimes/Vchannel event, where she was hosted, she gave the public a dose of her natural self to viewers free of charge. Show Biz gathered that the exposure

almost caused an explosion. So distraughted were those present that her boobs stole the event as many could not keep their eyes of her chest.

Cossy was said to have caused a stir as many watched helplessly when she arrived the venue. Her dress caused many mouths to stand open for minutes on. Guys, as well as ladies, feasted their eyes on her

‘things’, which popped out of her tight cloth. Her dress revealed more than necessary. Many could not help but wonder why Cossy won’t change.

It was an event meant to mark the third year anniversary of Startimes company in country and also to celebrate the entertainment industry in Nigeria. The show took place at Troy Lounge in Ogba, Lagos and it was well attended.

Rita Dominic Campaigns For Flood Victims STAR actress, Rita Dominic has shown the humanitarian side of herself. The talented and successful light-skinned make-believe icon is campaigning for victims of flood. Flooding has recently become a menace in Nigeria due to the climate change being experienced globally.

To garner support for those who have been rendered homeless by the natural disaster, Rita has thrown her full weight behind an initiative aimed at helping flood victims.

She is now involved in the “Flood With Love” campaign.

She recently did a photo session to promote the programme and also to urge the general public to donate for the cause.

W • Rita Dominic

Tiwa Savage, W izkid, Ice Prince Earn MOBO Nomination

• Tiwa Savage

NIGERIA’S trio of Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Ice Prince are potential winners of Music of Black Origin (MOBO) award as they have been nominated for the 2013 edition in the Best African Acts category.

They are to slug it out with other African acts which include Fuse ODG from Ghana, Bombino from Niger and the duo of Spoek Mathambo and Mafikizolo from South Africa. MOBO awards is one of the major events highly anticipated by many African stars.

• Wizkid

• Ice Prince

• Cossy at the event

Oge Okoye Dazzles In Estella Couture Gown At The Africa Awards, USA IT is an annual awards organized to showcase and recognize the enormous talents of people of the African descent who have made positive and selfless contributions to the betterment of Africans in homeland as well as in the Diaspora.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hope of Africa Organization - an organization that provides resources to orphans and the underprivileged in West Africa via medical supplies, education scholarship funds, school supplies, etc.

The awards drew dignitaries from all over including U.S

government officials and Nollywood actress, Oge Okoye, who was one of the award presenters.

Sources said she have been invited because she has helped the Africans in Diaspora and made a positive contribution to Africa through her roles in numerous Nigeria home movies.

She looked sexy, dazzling and elegant in a Estella Couture gown. Oge has come a long way in the entertainment industry in Nigeria.

Davido Acquires 2013 Mercedes Benz Weeks after I Go Dye took is said to have bought 2013 G63 AMG Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG in the delivery of N30m Lexus and

Nigerian entertainers are in serious competition as to who rides the costliest automobile.

• Davido

months after Wizkid’s Porsch car which cost him about N15, another singer sensation, Davido

• Davido’s N32m Benz

US, waiting to be shipped to Nigeria soon. It cost him about $200, 000 (About N32million).

Oge Okoye in the Estella Couture gown

Theatre

Concert

Miss Nigeria Pageant Organizers Battle Miss I won at the pageant, pageant, managing editor of Nigeria 2011 Over car what they told me it had expired. Daily Times, Mrs Isabella MISS Nigeria pageant organisers Daily Times Nigeria and Miss Nigeria 2011 Queen Feyi Sodipo are currently not enjoying the best of relationship. They have been at loggerheads for some time now over Daily Times’ attempt to take back the Hyundai Accent Feyi was given after being crowned the winner of the 2011 Miss Nigeria pageant. The organizers are yet to disclose why they want to take the car back but Feyi believes it is because she got another car from the Ogun state government for being an ambassador of the state. A few weeks back there were reports that three people were arrested after they tried to forcefully retrieve the car from Feyi and even kidnap her. Feyi spoke with a magazine last week about the incident and other troubles with Daily Times. She said: “They have been trying to take my car for months now.

They have been harassing me all around to surrender the car. The first time they tried it, they tried to force my car

open. The second time I had to drive into a police station where the car was impounded and later released to me.

Later, the Lagos Police Command invited me for a meeting. They spoke to me and Mr Anosike (Daily Times MD) and they requested I provide the car.

“I told them it was in Ogun state and they gave me three policemen to follow me to Ogun state to retrieve the car that is where the kidnap story came from. I don’t understand why they keep requesting for a car I won alongside the crown at the pageant. Maybe because I was given another car by Ogun state governor for being an ambassador, but even at that it’s still my car.

There was never an agreement that I should return the car after my reign. The car is presently with the police. I feel so harassed and humiliated. I didn’t enjoy my reign. Even when I wanted to go abroad for my scholarship, I couldn’t do that because when I asked for my scholarship which was part of

They didn’t do anything for me as a beauty queen. I was not even invited to this year’s pageant. I was the last queen and I should have crowned the next one, but they didn’t even invite me.”

A rep of the Miss Nigeria

Osamor said: “I really don’t know the genesis of the whole thing.

All I know is that Feyi has two cars and we wanted to recover one and we have asked the police to do that, so the matter is now between her and the police not us.”

Charles De Gaulle stayed when he visited the Chateau de Bagnolet.

He also took time to make his own special Hennessy Cognac, along with Kay Switch and

GSM: 07060576600

GLOBAL BUZZ Jennifer Lopez Back As ‘American Idol’ Judge

JENNIFER Lopez is back to “American Idol” as one of its judges’ panel for season 13.

While other shows go for the young vote with their judge’s panel, “American Idol” is going classic for the upcoming thirteenth season.

After months of speculation, producers have signed on second timer Jennifer Lopez, country star Keith Urban and former mentor jazz singer Harry Connick Jr.

The singer will make her return to the singing competition, joining returning judge Keith Urban and newcomer Harry Connick Jr.

• Jennifer Lopez

Hip Hop Star Rick Ross Goes Hollywood

Rick Ross

• Miss Nigeria 2011, Feyi Sodipo

D’Banj Tours His Luxury Hennessy Room pop star is said to be staying in a others. D’Banj says he will share on Friday for Paris. They will room, the same room In France luxury his rare Hennessy blend with return to Nigeria, along with the former president of France,

FORMER Mo’Hits record boss and singer, D’Banj who is in Cognac, Paris with his crew as guests of Hennessy, took a tour of his luxury room provided

by Hennessy as ambassador. The

With FELIX OMOH-ASUN

some lucky Kokoletes (Ladies) when he arrives in Nigeria.

The crew will depart Cognac

Hennessy Artistry team today.

RICK ROSS is planning a new attempt into Hollywood, rapping alone is not enough for the guy. He has linked a major deal with ICM, a company that represents a bunch of actor type.

The word is Rick Ross is going after a bunch of big time roles in the industry.

Rick did a pretty decent acting job in the last movie he was in “Days of Wrath” and has a major role on the new TV series “Magic City”

Eminem Insults Khloe Kardashian In New Single EMINEM in his latest single, “Berzek”, from his upcoming eighth album “MMLP2”, hurled insults on Kardashain. The 40year-old rapper puts Khloe Kardashian on blast by mocking the 29-year-old starlet’s looks.

“They say that love is as powerful as cough syrup and Styrofoam. All I know is I fell asleep and woke up in that Monte Carlo with the ugly Kardashian” he raps on the track.

Eminem even makes a jab at Kardashian’s husband, Lamar Odom in the track saying “Lamar O, sorry, we done both set the bar low”. Kardashian, 29 and Odom, 33, now join the list

of stars that Slim Shady has famously insulted.

The timing could not be worse for the reality star couple as their nearly four-year marriage is on rocky terrain due to the NBA star’s alleged struggles with substance abuse.

• Eminem and Khloe

Rapper Drake Responds To Kendrick’s Jab about my day, went and got DESPITE being named in Kendrick Lamar’s abuses in “Control” verse, it does not appear the rapper is sweating over it at all. When the man who is potentially dating Rihanna was asked about his reaction to the “Control” verse, he simply said “I went

• D’banj with hennessy Cognac

• D’banj in hennessy room

• Kendrick and Drake

dinner and kept it moving”.

Drake added “I don’t really have anything to say about it, it just sounded like an ambitious thought to me.

That is all it was. I know good and well that Kendrick’s not murdering me at all in any platform. So when that day presents itself, I guess we can revisit the topic”.

This reply comes on the tail of other rappers’ reaction to Kendrick’s verse in “Control”, a song he was featured by Big Sean where he crowned himself “The King of New York” and dissed a whole lot of other rappers.

• Compiled by Emmanuel Okogba .O.

ENCOUNTER

Edo Orphanage Home Is God-Inspired

IT takes the mind of gold to cater for the orphans.

Especially in a society as ours that is so burdened by poverty and inadequacies, catering for children without parents is a task not everyone is willing to shoulder. Thus, running orphanage homes is not really an easy one but when backed by divine inspiration, it becomes a sweet one.

That was exactly what home, the individual must happened to the founder of have the basic infrastructure Edo Orphanage Home, – a building with rooms, beds Benin. The setting up of the among others. He stated Home was divinely inspired. further that to run the home The Public Relations Officer on daily basis, money is and facilitator of the Home, needed, that is when an Sheddrack Irokharo, a appeal is sent to bigger minister of God, who spoke NGO’s like UNICEF, SAKA on behalf of the founder, Mrs etc, for help.

The PRO noted that Esther Ogbe, said God specifically instructed her to orphanage homes contribute open the orphanage home. to the society in so many “Well, she told me that what ways, especially rescuing prompted her to open this children that would otherwise home is not an ordinary thing. suffer abandonment and According to her, she had a possible death. According to vision, a calling from God on him, when children are three occasions in her thrown away, the orphanage dreams, telling her to care for owner takes them in and takes the less privileged. So she care of them, though through started to do so, although it the help of the public. “If not, wasn’t easy for her at first. It many children would have all started when the police died like that, they would brought a baby to her whose have been wasted, but for the father and mother died in a passion of this woman, Mrs motor accident on their way Esther Ogbe, my Director. to Lagos in the 1970’s. A She has saved a lot of friend of hers also brought a children. Like I was told, baby girl to her maternity - more than four hundred then she was running a children have passed through maternity clinic. The friend this home. Some, we adopted then was working with out to couples who have no Barclays Bank, now Union children of their own, and Bank, and that is how she such families become happy. started. And in 1976, she So this gives happiness” officially inaugurated the Also, he said, for those orphanage home,” Mr who need foster children, the Irokharo said. orphanage gives them the He noted that funding an opportunity to do so. It helps orphanage home takes the community, when some personal conviction to do so. families cannot cater for their At first, he opined, everything children; they take them to starts with personal funding, homes like Edo Orphanage then later source for under the Orphans and assistance from bigger Vulnerable Children Scheme.

NGOs. He explained that “We give them books, clothes before starting an orphanage

and they go to school. If not, those children would have been wasting away at home without means to get education” To him, anybody who cares for lives is doing a good work and to live is the most important thing, because without life, there is no hope.

- Shedrack Irokharo

work is preservation of life”, Irokharo told the SUNDAY OBSERVER. Although subvention comes in trickles, not all the orphanage homes receive subvention. That is why many Homes are trying to

nothing. That token cannot be compared to what we spend on the care of a child for a week.”

He gives kudos to Oshiomhole in his effort in trying to restructure the whole system though he

speculations that children from orphanage homes are traded to rich people who don’t have kids, or house helps. How true is this in relation to your home?, the PRO was asked.

“This home per-se has not

cannot be said to have actually done something tangible for the orphanages.

Nevertheless, he has put machinery in place - people have been asked to do one or two things - like the just concluded two-day empowerment seminar for the proprietors to know what they are supposed to do. So, so far, so good. This is the first time all the orphanage homes were brought together, and sensitized on empowerment, especially on the rights of the child.

And when asked how children come into the orphanage home, he said.

“Children come into the Home in two ways. One, through the Ministry and the second is through the police, and of course through good samaritans. When they come across a child on the street, helpless or abandoned by parents, they usually bring the child to the orphanage home for proper documentation and care”.

There are often

been discriminatory. My dear, when you say “traded”, it means sold. But the fact is that, nobody sells children here. I am a Christian and I make sure that such doesn’t happen here. What really happens is that some orphanage home owners have just been arrested for such acts. But what we do here is that sometimes, we adopt children out, we ask them to go and document it with the Ministry. And only those who the Ministry approves of, they are the ones we give children to. We don’t have the right to give out children without the approval of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

They are the ones that decide that”, was his answer.

He pleaded for assistance from individuals, corporate bodies and governments at all levels to assist homes in providing for the less privileged in the society because “one thing is to give the children as abandoned and another is to protect them. Now, we must make sure that these children are safe. The Oshiomhole government, through the

Some children of the orphanage home He noted: “So, you can imagine what would have happened to that child that was found inside a ditch some months ago, who was brought here so if nobody has accepted to care for that child, what would have happened.” All these are some of the selfless contributions of the home to the society. Apart from accepting abandoned or less privileged children, she renders counselling services to couples. She does all these for the entire community. “In all, plus or minus, the major

work it out with the government. “So we are trying to find out why some people receive subvention and others don’t, although Governor Adams Oshiomhole came to meet the system like that as the then Osunbor government left the system like that. I think about only four or five, the pioneer set of orphanage homes like our own, that started first are receiving subvention from the government. But the truth is that, the subvention is just a token, but we thank God, as we say, it is better than

She had a vision, a calling from God on three occasions in her dreams, telling her to care for the less privileged. So she started to do so, although it wasn’t easy for her at first.”

REFLECTION

ENOUGH of the complain, I rather we keep calm, let me try to explain, See’ it dates back to the 1930’s, When everything seems pleasing and interesting, Soon came the intruders, Till date there has been no rest on our boarders, Slave trade was abolished, But its mindset is yet to be purged, Little wonder everyone deep down has the urge, What can I exchange to get more, Drop the idea that its about saving for the raining day, But why save against the day when its still going to rain again, Disheartening as these urges are never satisfied, With the acquisition of more, So rise is the quest for more, A vicious cycle of greed,

Be A Solution

That will never satisfy need,

If we felt the white robbed us, We have wounded, battered, massacred and even help others kick the bucket more, Our inhumanity to ourselves, Everyday, is before us in the news, Yet its more like there is nothing new under the sun anymore, We have become a people of what’s the

By OSAGIE ALEX

worst that can happen, Because a lot of complainers, Few solution providers After independence, We never become free, It may seem we have been freed on the outside, But deep within we are held bound by chains of indiscipline, bribery, corruption, religious sect, and the likes,

Tearing ourselves apart in the name of wanting our voice to be heard by the authorities, Now after many lives have been lost, The nation bears the cost, Paying a hugh price, In a bid to placate those who breed incessant unrest, Amnesty became the rest,

How can this be, Like the proverbial from frying pan, to fire It has just been legally approved that crime pays, Conflict settled through dialogue is only for the first world countries, How can we celebrate those who have caused the nation pains, In a bid to put an end to their threats, Now that this is done, Its only a matter of time before it spreads east, west and south,

“The problem with Nigeria are Nigerians, be a part of the solution not the problem.

You are either part of the problem or part of the solution.”

So my question is, What now is our part?

I choose to play my part and play it excellently, Refusing to complain, But do my best passionately to see a strong and virile nation, I may not be in power, But I have power to influence, I may not be an authority, I have God’s word which is final authority, Now that amnesty has been granted, I will hope for a better society.

Government is not our problem, The problem with Nigeria are Nigerians, be a part of the solution not the problem.

You are either part of the problem or part of the solution.

Be a solution You are too blessed to be stressed.

Teenagers And The Struggle For Identity “WHO am I”? Is a question often asked by teenagers, though they may not voice it out loud or use precisely those words. One of the biggest challenges that they face during the transition between childhood and way that they see adulthood is this themselves in the mirror struggle with their own has a big impact on their sense of identity. They self-image. It’s human may act one way with a nature to want to particular group of peers identify who we are with and completely different the way our bodies are, with another. and when changes are Part of the confusion is taking place so quickly, caused by hormonal it can be hard to form a changes, which are clear picture. occurring so rapidly at Parents often wonder this stage in their lives. why even previously Their appearances are obedient kids suddenly undergoing radical start questioning transformation; their everything that they are bodies not only look but told once they reach also feel different. They their teen years. What are suddenly confronted kids are really doing is with issues that they exploring their own give little thought to independence and before: eg Body odour, preparing for the life of oily hair and acne, responsibility that lies having their periods and ahead of them. needing to shave. The Ironically, though the

By ASHIBUOGWU BENITA opinions of their friends and acquaintances become very important at this age even as kids are rejecting their parents’ overtures. Here is another area where their sense of identity

can become clouded, became they start comparing themselves to everyone else. They may worry about why they are developing earlier or later than their peers in certain areas.

Because puberty and adolescence are such confusing transitions, kids can feel a strong urge to check their own progress alongside that of another, or to gravitate to people who, for all outward appearances, seem to have it all figured out.

No wonder they end up questioning who they really are, after having spent so much time imitating others.

The ways in which teenagers are apt to lose themselves, however, probably help them to really find themselves in the end. A certain amount of experimentation with rebellion, imitation, and changes of image and attitude is probably necessary before they can form a real sense of what they want and how to go about getting it.

Parents who recognize this come to understand that they have to let go of their children to a certain extent of wanting to protect them. They can’t choose their kids’ identities. Kids have to discover them for themselves.

Children, I do hope you are getting ready for another school session? As a new session begins next Monday, I’m sure, you must be eagerly waiting to get into your new classes, with your new uniforms, bags, sandals and of course, your books for the new class. Wishing you all the bset as you prepare for another school session.

Now children are you ready for another story?

Have a great time with Clementina, the story teller.

Story Time to her without recognising her in any way. When four months had elapsed and the king had not once sent for Adiaha (for that was the name of the spider’s daughter), she began to get tired, and went back to her parents. Her

placed the medicine, and presented it to the king.

Directly he had eaten the dish his eyes were opened and he recognised his wife, and told her to come to him every evening. So in the afternoon, being very joyful, she went

The Woman With Two Skins (1) EYAMBA I. of Calabar was a very powerful king. He fought and conquered all the surrounding countries, killing all the old men and women, but the able-bodied men and girls he caught and brought back as slaves, and they worked on the farms until they died.

This king had two hundred wives, but none of them had borne a son to him. His subjects, seeing that he was becoming an old man, begged him to marry one of the spider’s daughters, as they always had plenty of children.

But when the king saw the spider’s daughter, he did not like her, as she was ugly. The people said it was because her mother had had so many children at the same time.

However, in order to please his people he married the ugly girl, and placed her among his other wives, but they all complained because she was so ugly, and said she could not live with them. The king, therefore, built her a separate house for herself, where she was given food and drink the same as the other wives.

Every one jeered at her on account of her ugliness; but she was not really ugly, but beautiful, as she was born with two skins, and at her birth her mother was made to promise that she should never remove the ugly skin until a certain time arrived save only during the night, and that she must put it on again before dawn. Now the king’s head wife knew this, and was very fearful lest the king should find it out and fall in love with

CAR Friend -Akpos, you drink too much, the money you use to drink for a year can buy a car Akpos Do you drink?

Friend No, I don’t Akpos Where is your car?

SPIRIT Pastor: Why do you sit in a corner when the other

By CLEMENTINA UKIRI the spider’s daughter; so she went to a JuJu man and offered him two hundred rods to make a potion that would make the king forget

father, the spider, then took her to another JuJu man, who, by making spells and casting lots, very soon discovered that it was the king’s head

down to the river and washed, and when she returned she put on her best cloth and went to the king’s palace.

Directly it was dark and all the lights were out she pulled off her ugly skin, and the king

Eyamba I of Calabar altogether that the spider’s wife who had made the JuJu daughter was his wife. This and had enchanted the king so the JuJu man finally that he would not look at consented to do, after much Adiaha. He therefore told the haggling over the price, for spider that Adiaha should give three hundred and fifty rods; the king some medicine which and he made up some he would prepare, which “medicine,” which the head would make the king wife mixed with the king’s remember her. He prepared the medicine, for which the food.

For some months this had spider had to pay a large sum the effect of making the king of money; and that very day forget the spider’s daughter, Adiaha made a small dish of and12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 he used to pass quite close food, into which she had 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121

Jokes

By CLEMENTINA UKIRI

church workers are busy….

Akpos: I’m busy too sir, I’m working in the spirit

PAKURUMO Ochuko: What does ‘Pakurumo mean’?

Akpos: Anybody that

Packs Rumours and spread it.

ADJECTIVE Teacher: Use the adjective “weightier” in a sentence.

Akpos: U sabi anybody weightier race pass Usain Bolt?

saw how beautiful she was, and was very pleased with her; but when the cock crowed Adiaha put on her ugly skin again, and went back to her own house.

This she did for four nights running, always taking the ugly skin off in the dark, and leaving before daylight in the morning. In course of time, to the great surprise of all the people, and particularly of the king’s two hundred wives, she gave birth to a son; but what surprised them most of all was that only one son was born, whereas her mother had always had a great many children at a time, generally about fifty. The king’s head wife became more jealous than ever when Adiaha had a son; So she went again to the JuJu man, and by giving him a large present induced him to give her some medicine which would make the king sick and forget his son.

To be continued

C

hildren’s World

With CLEMENTINA UKIRI 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890

POEMS

Bed In Summer

In Winter I get up at night And dress by yellow candle light.

In Summer, quite the other way, I have to go to bed by day.

I have to go to bed and see The birds still hopping on the tree, Or hear the grown-up people’s feet Still going past me in the street.

And does it not seem hard to you, When all the sky is clear and blue, And I should like so much to play, To have to go to bed by day? ~Robert Louis Stevenson

Down By The River Side Down by the river side the green grass grow. There sits Nene washing her clothes, she sings, she sings, she sings so sweet. She call to her playmate in the street, playmate, playmate won’t you come for tea? Come next Sunday at half past three.

- Blessing Salami

RELIGION

Stand Firmly For God (2) IF a Pastor is called by God, when he is preaching, his message will attract more people to his Ministry. When he wants to leave the Ministry, the crowd will protest.. A Pastor wanted to leave his Ministry for a bigger Ministry. But one member of the crowd promised, to personally finance the down payment on the biggest building the ‘Pastor could find if he promised to stay. The church became the fastest growing church in the region. Once a Pastor starts engaging in corruption or sexual immorality, his preaching which used to be dynamic will become weak. God has left him to his own devices. with the lady, then something happened. The Pastor left his The Pastor can be strong wife and married the and have personal Evangelist. He lied to people imagination to make it on his that his wife had deserted him own, to fool some of the and that he pleaded for her to people all the time. But the join him, but she refused. The more discerning members of Pastor was never again the congregation will begin to welcomed in that area; he realize that their Pastor is not the same. This will mark the beginning of the destruction of the entire Ministry. A Pastor invited a lady Evangelist to preach in his church. The woman was beautiful, her preaching and demeanour thrilled the Pastor. He described the woman as “the most beautiful woman that ever was”. The Pastor was married with children. He raised a love offering for the guest speaker and the money was kept inside an envelope. He left a complementary card inside the envelope to win the heart of the Evangelist. The complementary card contained the Pastor’s C.V, his business address, academic qualifications, phone number. When the lady went back, she started calling him on phone and they started showing love for each other.

The Pastor continued to invite wandered up and down the woman anytime the backslidden and virtually church has a programme. He useless to the Ministry of was telling people that good God. Is the Pastor supposed looks and good preaching to have more than one wife? made a good combination. In the Old Testament, The wife of the Pastor prophets like David, became uncomfortable with Solomon e.t.c. had her husband spending too concubines. These are not the much time with the lady same as wives. But in the Evangelist. The behaviour of New Testament, it was made the Pastor to his wife clear that if a man chooses not changed. He will go to church to marry, he can remain like in the morning and close in that. But if he decides to the night. He will lie to his marry, he should not marry wife when he goes to stay more than one wife. The

By PRINCE BAYO OKUO elders of the church should have called both the Pastor and his wife to find out what the woman would have done to make the Pastor think of going to have another wife.

The Pastor had to make a choice whether to obey his flesh or to obey God. ‘We are in the beginning of the signs of the end times. In view of the things happening in the world today, everyone who professes the truth should be awake because of

of inactivity to keep them from acting their part in spreading the truth, that they may at last be found wanting. Those who stand behind the pulpit make the mistake of pointing fingers at the unregenerate and saying, “If you want to enter heaven instead of spending eternity in hell, you will have to receive Jesus as your Savior”. That is true, but we must not focus our sights on the distant future when our life with Christ right now is more important. We are the Sons of God now. Our life

greater perils before us. The lack of activity and earnestness in the cause of God is dreadful. The death stupor is from Satan.

Unregenerate are surrounding our churches, because they do not exercise the talents God has given them, by imparting the light to those who know not the precious truth. The Lord calls for those who rejoice in the light, to make known the truth to others. Satan is seeking to hold God’s people in a state

as Christians is more important here on this Earth that we should not have much time to think about Heaven.

Multitudes are perishing daily.

But how many of the professed followers of Christ are burdened by these souls?

The destiny of the country hangs in the balance but this hardly moves even those who claim to believe the truth.

There is a lack of that love which led Christ to leave His Heavenly home and take man’s nature, that humanity might touch humanity, and

draw humanity to divinity.

Jesus was as much man as though He were not God, as much God as though He were not man, but sin never touched the person of the son of God. When the Jews were watching His every move that they might catch Him in the smallest sin, He challenged them with these words “Which one of you can prove that he is not guilty of sin”?

(Jn 8:8-46).

We are Christ representatives.

Our responsibilities are great. The opportunities He places

before us are wonderful, and we must make every minute of life count. When Jesus wants to take His place at the Father’s right hand, He left this great responsibility and privilege for you and me to do. If you say you are a bornagain Christian, do you see the man or woman who works beside you in your place of business as nobody?

Do you see your husband or wife as nobody? Do your children and neighbor see you as a mother or father and

virtuous woman or man? Do your pupils in the school see you as their mentors? Apostle Paul knew it and that was why he said, “For me to live is Christ”(Ph 1:21). You have to keep improving, positioning yourself. Stand firm as a Christian woman or man. Move with friends that will encourage and teach you the word of God so that Christ will be seen in you. We are the invisible church of Christ.

The many church buildings on the street where people gather to worship cannot impart on people’s lives if people are not born into the church. It is only as we live the consecrated life that we can rightfully represent the invisible church of Christ and impart on the life of others.

Peter and John changed the position of the lame man who was always sitting at the gate to the temple (Acts 3:1-16).

His address changed, his dressing changed, his speech changed, his mindset changed. Everything about the lame man changed. God will change your position today if you make your life count. When Jesus was at the house of Simon who was suffering from dreaded skin disease, a woman who knew Jesus as the Son of God came in and poured expensive perfume on Jesus head. What other people failed to do, the woman did it. She prepared His body for burial (Mk14: 39). Satan uses the listless; sleepy indolence of many Christians to strengthen his forces and win souls to his side. Many, who think that though they are doing no actual work for Christ, they are yet on His side, are enabling the enemy to preoccupy ground and gain advantages. By their failure to be diligent workers for the Master, by leaving duties undone and words unspoken, they have allowed Satan to gain control of souls who might been won for Christ.

Send your reaction on this message to: E-mail pbo1030@yahoo.com or 07055599615.

“We are in the beginning of the signs of the end times. In view of the things happening in the world today, everyone who professes the truth should be awake because of greater perils before us. The lack of activity and earnestness in the cause of God is dreadful.”

SOCIETY

Mind The Friends You Keep

THERE is a popular saying that some people come into your life for a season, while others come for a reason. The two should not be misunderstood as it is hard to find really good friends. The fact that some people pull a large number of friends makes them equate it to being popular or blessed. But what supercedes all is the quality of friends you keep and not the quantity.

A friend is one of the nicest things that you can have and one of the best things you can be.

Friends are sailors who guide your rickety boat safely across the dangerous waters of life. A true friend is that one that reaches for your hand and touches your heart. But the sad part is, most people think all their friends are good, but most of them are “wolves in sheep clothing”. One of the mistake people make is to tell everyone their business. There are people you can’t tell a secret. There are some people who you tell your secret and it would be as good as announcing yourself on the front page of a newspaper. People should realize that not everyone you associate with is actually your friend or even likes you.

The fact that you don’t know what the thought of a person is should be a parameter for choosing those you associate with or call your friends because you never know who is for or against you.

To buttress the points above, I would refer to a message by Bishop T.D Jakes, the chief pastor of “The Potter’s House”, USA, which he entitled “Three types of Friends”.

According to the Bishop, there are three kinds of friends. The first types of friends are the Confidants. · Confidants- you have very few of themthese are people who welcome you unconditionally. They are into you whether you are up or down, right or wrong, they are in it for the long haul. You can have anything with them. Having a good confidant is one of the keys that unlocks the kingdom.

These are people who can share your deepest and darkest inner thoughts with you. They won’t judge you but will feed you instead of draining you. Have you ever had relationships where the person was emotionally immature and consistently draining you? It is okay to help others but you must have someone

BY OKOGBA EMMANUEL .O.

who feeds you so you can feed someone else.

These confidants will confront you; they will get in your business and get in your face and tell you when you are wrong BUT will also come back and be by your side no matter what. They will never leave.

The second types of friends are the Constituents

else that will meet their agenda, they will hook up with them and leave you. Don’t mistake a constituent for a confidant. By the time you fall in love or are connected with them in a relationship, they will hook up with someone else and break your heart, leaving you wondering, “I thought our relationship was deeper than that”.

They are the enemy of your enemy who will team up with you to help you fight a greater enemy. They will only be with you until the victory is accomplished. They are like scaffolding that is there until the building is built but is later removed because the building has been built.

Don’t be upset when they leave. They were not supposed to be there

· Constituentsthey are not into you but are into what you are for. They are for what you are for. As long as you are for what they are for, they would be with you but never think they are for you.

If they meet someone

Then the third group of friends are the Comrades · Comrades- they are not for you nor are they for what you are for. They are just against what you are against. They are strange bed fellows.

anyway. Don’t tell your dreams to your constituents; they will try to fulfill the dream without.

Don’t tell your dreams to your comrades because they will not support you because they are not for you in the first place.

So now you know who

that your friend really is because believe it or not, the friends we keep fall into one or more of the categories stated above.

Henceforth, form the habit of choosing your friends and not the other way round.

Choose friends that will be there with you come rain and sunshine, those who will be with you through thick and thin,

not fair weather friends who only come around when there is merry making or when they want to get something from you. Even the Bible makes us understand that by their fruits we shall know them. BE WISE!

“Choose friends that will be there with you come rain and sunshine, those who will be with you through thick and thin, not fair weather friends who only come around when there is merry making or when they want to get something from you.”

INTERVIEW

Oshiomhole’s Administration Is Doing Very Well PRINCESS (Mrs) Ekiuwa Inneh is the Head of Service, Edo State. In this interview with the SUNDAY OBSERVER, she bears her mind on government activities in the state, women participation in politics and other sundry issues.

It was anchored by Rose Oribhabor, Editor and an intern, Clementina Ukiri. Happy reading.

How has it been since you started as the Head of Service in Edo State?

Well, it’s been quite comfortable. I enjoy the cooperation of Mr. Governor. Since I started, I’ve enjoyed the cooperation of my colleagues and the cooperation of everybody in the civil service. So, I have had it good.

Has there been challenges?

Well, it’s a normal thing to have challenges in many situations, I come to work, and when I get back in the evening, I prepare dinner. So, it is your ability to strike a balance that matters. Somehow, I have been able to cope.

How do you access women participation in politics?

I am not a politician, so I don’t think I’m in a position to really access that. Looking at the trend, however, I think women are coming up slowly, at least we have women senators now and also have some at the House of Representatives, we have at the state level deputy governors, so, I think we are coming up. We might not have reached the peak

because it is a slow process, the women are doing well.

Do you think they are pushy enough?

Like I said, it is a slow process, because there are so many things involved in politics, you have to have money and you know that the women are not really financially empowered but they are doing well, considering the numbers in elective and appointive positions in Edo State. I am here as the Head of Service, we have Permanent Secretaries, Executive Directors, SSA, SA that are women, in short we are doing well. We might not have hit the mark of 50/50, but we are doing well.

Do you think we’ve achieved the 35 percent affirmative action in appointments?

I think so, in Edo State now, like I mentioned earlier, a lot of women are in positions. The other day, we were at Abuja and there were a lot of testimonies about women in appointive and elective positions. The Federal Government was credited to have hit the thirty five percent affirmative ratio in

-Princess Ekiuwa Inneh

• Princess (MRS.) Ekiuwa Inneh appointments. Here in Edo state, I don’t know the statistics but we have so many women, if we have not surpassed that thirty five percent, I will be surprised, but I haven’t taken the trouble to look at the exact statistics. But

“The Federal Government was credited to have hit the thirty five percent affirmative ratio in appointments. Here in Edo state, I don’t know the statistics but we have so many women, if we have not surpassed that thirty five percent, I will be surprised, but I haven’t taken the trouble to look at the exact statistics.”

then again, the governor was recently given an award in Abuja because they said we have about fifty women in government, although their statistics were not right, because they didn’t mention my office, but they still recorded fifty for us, which I think is a good number.

Ma, if you were to score yourself and this administration, how would you do that?

It is an administration that has done very well, I mean every body can see it, like somebody told me the other day that even the blind can appreciate what is on ground, so, that is a measure of how well the government is doing. But then, the governor also recognizes the fact that he has not been able to do

everything that he would have loved to do due to lean finances, because they are so many. Owing to the fact that he started from nowhere, I think the government is doing very well and people of the state are quite appreciative of what he is doing. His impact cuts across the entire state, it is not limited to Benin City alone, but across the three senatorial districts. And he is still anxious to do more because each time he talks about what he wants to do, you discover it is still far more than what he has been able to do so far. So the governor has done very well and he’s still doing well.

Ma, I heard the other time that you will soon retire, so, what is your plan for retirement?

Well, I will cross the bridge when I get there. It is true that I will be retiring very soon and having come this far, I think I’ll need some time to rest, then I will plan how to occupy my time. I will think of what to do, but let’s keep that first. I may be more involved in church activities, that will at least occupy my mind and time I am not really a business type of person, but like I said, when I retire, I will evaluate myself and make the decision on what to do.

Ma, how about your husband and children, how do they see your job, how are they able to cope?

My children are big now, my husband is able to cope also. My husband is a retired Permanent Secretary so he knows what it is to be a civil servant. Well, my children have all grown. Only

recently, my last child got married. So my children have been out of the way since I got into this office.

But it’s also your ability to strike a balance. There are some people who are at home twenty four hours but will still not achieve anything. When the children were younger, it was more challenging but now they are grown and all married and have their own children.

What is your message to Ni gerian women as

2015 is fast approaching?

They should work hard, it is hard work that is necessary in life. Whatever profession you belong to, don’t hide under the gender situation to lazy away. What a man can do, even if you can’t do it better, you should strive to do it as much as the man, because for a woman to succeed anywhere, whether in the service or in the business world, you must have to work twice as the men. For the men, so many things are taken for granted. First of all, when they see you as a woman, they have this mindset about you already. So, you have to work to impress whoever you are working with before you strive to succeed. Women should not allow their gender to be a hindrance so as to face the challenges of their office and then move ahead. For those who are in politics, we will pray for them, and render whatever support we can render by way of advice or maybe financial assistance. We should be there for ourselves, at the same time love ourselves. If all the women come out to vote for our fellow women, they will win because we have the number but we don’t really do that most of the time. So, my advice is that they should take whatever thing they are doing seriously and give it their best.

Aston Villa Boss Lambert Fined After The Scot argued with Regulatory Commission Ref Row Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho hearing, Aston Villa manager

Gerrman Striker Miroslav Klos (C) Vies for the ball during a World Cup qualifying football match on Friday

ASTON Villa manager Paul Lambert has been fined £8,000 ($12,000, 9,400 euros) by the Football Association after criticising the match officials following his team’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea last month.

Lambert was furious after Branislav Ivanovic was only booked by referee Kevin Friend for a foul on Christian Benteke in the Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.

Ivanovic went on to score Chelsea’s late winner and, adding to Lambert’s frustration, Villa also had a clear penalty appeal rejected for a handball by John Terry.

World Cup: Klose Equals German

Record, Ronaldo Grabs Hattrick

MIROSLAV Klose and Cristiano Ronaldo stole the limelight on a busy night of World Cup qualifying fixtures that saw several European nations edge closer to a place at the finals in Brazil.

Veteran Klose set Germany on the way to a 3-0 win against neighbours Austria which keeps them firmly in control of Group C, while Ronaldo netted a hattrick as Portugal came from behind to triumph 4-2 in Northern Ireland.

Reigning world champions Spain eased to a 2-0 win in Finland, while Italy are just one more victory away from qualifying for the finals after a 1-0 defeat of Bulgaria in Palermo, but it was not all plain sailing for the big boys, with the Netherlands having to scramble to draw 2-2 in Estonia.

Germany were far too strong for Austria in Munich with the 35-year-old Klose setting them on their way with the 68th international goal of his career.

That saw him equal Gerd Mueller’s German record for the most goals scored for his country, before Bayern Munich pair Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller got the other goals for the hosts on the night.

Germany are now five points clear of Sweden, who won 2-1 in the Republic of Ireland with Johan Elmander and Anders Svensson getting their goals after Robbie Keane had put the home side in front.

“We did our homework, we knew how Austria would play and we took the sting out of them,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew, whose team will qualify on Tuesday if they win in the Faroe Islands and Sweden fail to win in Kazakhstan.

Portugal are still two points clear of Russia at the top of Group F, but having played a game more, after winning an eventful game in Belfast.

In a match that featured three red cards, Northern Ireland twice led before Real Madrid man Ronaldo scored three times in 15 minutes late on to move him above the great Eusebio in his country’s list of all-time

leading scorers on 43.

Russia had earlier swatted aside group whipping boys Luxembourg 4-1, with Alexander Kokorin of Dynamo Moscow scoring a brace, to keep automatic qualification in their own hands.

Spain are now three points clear at the top of Group I with just two games remaining after Jordi Alba and Alvaro Negredo struck either side of half-time in Helsinki while France, in second, saw their goal drought continue with a 0-0 draw in Georgia.

“It was a very difficult game because they were very compact and we found it difficult to find spaces,” Spain boss Vicente del Bosque admitted afterwards.

Italy’s single-goal win against Bulgaria in Sicily means they need only beat the Czech Republic on Tuesday to book their ticket to Brazil from Group B. Behind them, the race for second and a prospective playoff berth remains open, particularly after Armenia won 2-1 in the Czech Republic.

The Netherlands saw their perfect record in Group D come to an end, however, in their 2-2 draw in Estonia.

Arjen Robben put the

Dutch ahead early on, but a stunning double from Konstantin Vassiljev turned the game on its head and the Oranje needed a last-gasp Robin van Persie penalty to spare their blushes.

Meanwhile, England took control of Group H thanks to their 4-0 defeat of whipping boys Moldova which featured a brace from Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck.

England lead the section on goal difference from Montenegro, who drew 1-1 in Poland, with Ukraine a further point back in third.

Ukraine hammered hapless San Marino 9-0 and England must go to Ukraine on Tuesday without Welbeck, who is suspended.

The booking for Danny Welbeck has overshadowed the night, that’s for sure,” England manager Roy Hodgson said. “It takes the gloss off a good team performance.”

“I don’t think there will be too many people, even amongst the refereeing fraternity, who will say that was a clear yellow card,” Hodgson told journalists at his post-game press conference.

“A 40-yard sprint, a ball that arrives on your foot, a splitsecond between the whistle blowing and the shot, a team

GERMANY coach Joachim Loew is set to sign an extension to his contract, keeping him in the job until 2016, the daily Bild reported.

The newspaper revealed that Wolfgang Niersbach, the president of the German Football Association (DFB), will confirm the news once Loew’s side have clinched qualification for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Germany beat Austria 3-0 in Munich on Friday to sit five points clear of Sweden atop qualifying Group C with three matches left to play.

They could seal qualification on Tuesday if they win in the Faroe Islands and Sweden fail to win in Kazakhstan.

finals in Brazil, and German team manager Olivier Bierhoff has said that they must “qualify (for the finals) before getting together to discuss” a possible new deal.

Bierhoff and goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke are also reportedly set to sign extensions to keep them with the national team until 2016, when Germany will hope to feature at the European Championship in France.

Bild added that Loew’s assistant Hansi Flick is likely to become the new technical director, a position left vacant when Robin Dutt departed to become coach of Werder Bremen.

Germany Coach Loew To Sign Loew’s existing deal New Deal expires after the World Cup

(Moldova) that’s already been wasting time from the very first minute, so they’d have been delighted to see the ball going behind the goal...

Elsewhere, Belgium are on the brink of qualifying from Group A after a 2-0 win in Scotland coupled with Croatia’s 1-1 draw in Serbia left them five points clear at the summit.

Also in that group, Real Madrid new boy Gareth Bale was an unused substitute as Wales lost 2-1 in Macedonia.

Switzerland are still four points clear of Norway atop Group E despite a remarkable 44 home draw with Iceland, for whom Johann Gudmundsson scored a hat-trick, while Group G leaders Bosnia-Herzegovina lost 1-0 at home to Slovakia, allowing Greece to join them there with a 1-0 win in Liechtenstein.

in the technical area following the incident and told the media afterwards: “We’ve been done by two decisions that were wrong.

“Decisions like that, I don’t think you can miss them, I really don’t. They’re big game-changers. My team never deserved that.”

But the FA on Friday slapped Lambert with the fine and said in a statement: “Following an Independent

Paul Lambert has been fined £8,000 in relation to postmatch media comments he made after his side’s game against Chelsea on 21 August 2013.

“The misconduct charge, which Lambert admitted, was that the comments implied the match referee was motivated by bias; and/or brought the game into disrepute, in contravention of FA Rule E3 (1).”

LUIS Suarez is at the centre of a new diving controversy after Uruguay beat Peru 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Peru coach Sergio Markarian slammed referee Patricio Loustau for sending off Victor Yotun for a clash with Suarez in the first half.

The Uruguay forward fell theatrically to the ground following the clash with Yotun who was shown a straight red card.

Marakarian told reporters: “I’ll do my best to make sure this referee does not go to the World Cup because I’m not ashamed to say it was totally decisive.

“What Yotun did was silly but I’ve seen worse, like elbows or persistent simulation that goes unpunished.”

Four minutes earlier Suarez earned his side a

scored - when he went to ground following a challenge from Christian Ramos, though, replays showed there was minimal contact.

Liverpool’s striker is currently serving a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

Peru are now five points behind Uruguay, who occupy the fifth-place play-off position in the Conmebol qualifying pool.

Suarez In New Cheat Storm penalty - from which he

Luis Suarez

Williams Sets Up Azarenka won 24 consecutive games Rematch In New York had before Li held serve in the

Tennis:

DEFENDING champion Serena Williams slugged her way to a US Open title rematch against Victoria Azarenka with a 6-0 6-3 victory over Li Na in the semi-finals.

World number one Williams thrashed a rattled Li, overcoming some staunch resistance at the end, while Azarenka returned to the Flushing Meadows final with a 6-4 6-2 win over unseeded Italian Flavia Pennetta.

“Just to be able to defend a title for once would be really awesome,” said French Open winner Williams, who will get her chance on Sunday after failing to go back-to-back following her 1999, 2002 and 2008 titles in New York.

Although overpowered in the opening set, Li battled valiantly in the second, saving six match points to hold serve before the top seed finally closed the deal on a seventh with an unreturned serve.

“It was a good match. It was tough at the end,” Williams said. “I got a little nervous but I was able to close

it out.”

Former French Open champion Li, China’s first semi-finalist at the US Open, admitted that she experienced a bout of nerves when she hit the Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

“I should not be, like, nervous because (it was) not (the) first time to play semis,” said Li, twice an Australian Open finalist. “But when I walked to the court I was feeling the court (was) so big. I mean, even my side, it was feeling like a football court.

“In the end, finally, I can play tennis,” she added with a smile.

Williams, hot off a 6-0 60 quarter-final win against Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro,

Serena Williams

second game of the second set.

“To hear constantly, ‘go Serena, go Serena,’ it is really a pleasure. I hear young voices and older voices and it really makes me feel so special,” said Williams.

Williams and Azarenka’s final will be the first back-toback title clash at the US Open since Serena and her older sister Venus battled for the crown in 2002.

Belarusian Azarenka trails 12-3 head-to-head against Williams, but has won two of their last three matches, hardcourt finals in Doha and Cincinnati.

“When you play against Serena, you have to play your best,” said Azarenka. “She makes me play my best.”

Williams is bidding for a fifth US Open title and her 17th in Grand Slams.

At 31, she would become the oldest women’s winner at Flushing Meadows since tennis turned professional in 1968, supplanting Australia’s Margaret Court who won in 1973.

I’ll Finish My Career At Juventus - Buffon GIANLUIGI Buffon insists he wants to finish his illustrious playing career at Juventus.

The 35-year-old has played more than 430 games for the Bianconeri since joining from Parma for +51 million in 2001, and the veteran has stressed he has no desire to represent another club prior to hanging up his gloves.

Speaking after Italy’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Bulgaria, he told reporters: “I’ll finish my career at Juventus. As long as they don’t get tired of me I don’t think I’ll leave Juve.”

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli said his side were indebted to Buffon following Friday’s win after the World Cup winner pulled off a string of sensational saves to maintain his side’s lead in Palermo.

But, Buffon feels his exertions were par for the course in a long and successful international career.

“I don’t know which [save] was the most

Buffon

difficult. As a degree of difficulty they were similar stops. I’m happy, but I don’t think this is the first time in 135 games I’ve done something good,” he said.

Buffon will equal Fabio Cannavaro’s record of 136 Italy caps should he continue in goal for Tuesday’s meeting with Czech Republic, and the exParma shot-stopper admits he will be proud to achieve the personal feat at Juventus Stadium - but only if his side can secure three points.

“I hope it will be a celebration for everyone.

The situation may be about personal satisfaction, but it will only matter if we are able to qualify for the World Cup,” Buffon added,

Barcelona Refute Abidal No Payment Claims

lifting the Copa del Rey last term.

“The team is in a great moment. The fact that most of the team is the same as three years ago helps.

Almost all the other teams have been dismantled and lost many players and we have not,” he said.

“We have maintained our core. [Radamel] Falcao was the great reference for last season but now we have David Villa, who will give us a lot.

“The team is playing the same way as two years ago. We have had many training sessions and years together.

“It shows that we are familiar and that we have not changed much from year to year.”

Gareth Bale says nothing could have stopped him from joining Real Madrid, claiming his “once in a lifetime” move was inspired by the opportunity to play in the Champions League and win trophies.

Bale joined the La Liga giants in an £85.3 million deal before the close of the transfer window. The Welshman insists he would not have stayed at Tottenham even if they had qualified for Europe’s elite club competition.

He told BT Sport: “It’s

once in a lifetime and I don’t think you can turn down a team like that.

“For me I want to be playing (in the) Champions League but also winning trophies.

“At a club like that they’re out to win every trophy they’re involved in.

That’s exactly what I want to do.

“When Real Madrid comes in it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I think if I didn’t take it I would probably regret it for the rest of my life.”

Bale said he hoped the

regard.

“The fans have been absolutely unbelievable with me,” he said. “They’ve supported me through the bad times and believed in me.

“The nights they were cheering my name, I will never forget the great European nights at White Hart Lane.

“They were amazing and Tottenham will always have a place in my heart.

“I hope they understand Real Madrid is an absolute massive, massive club and they will understand and respect my decision.”

Iker Casillas, Real Madrid Goalkeeper

Barca, Madrid Dominance Tremendous Injustice - Luis

ATLETICO Madrid defender Filipe Luis has described Barcelona and Real Madrid’s duopoly of Spanish football as “a tremendous injustice.”

Barca and Madrid duopoly over the title race have occupied the top two makes La Liga boring to positions in La Liga for the watch at times and is last five seasons, with the frustrated at the huge last league winner outside imbalance in funds the dominant pair coming in available to the top clubs. the 2003-04 season when “We are talking about Rafa Benitez led Valencia to two teams that no-one can glory. compare to,” the Brazilian Filipe, who joined left-back told AS. Atletico from Deportivo La “It is a tremendous Coruna in 2010, feels the injustice that the league is

Treble Winning Heynches Honoured By Pep Guardiola German FA discipline, respect and coach having taken charge in

BAYERN Munich’s treble-winning coach Jupp Heynckes was honoured with the 2013 Fairplay Medal by the German Football Federation (DFB) having guided the Bavarians to the Champions League title.

“Jupp Heynckes has exemplified that one can achieve great success with

so unbalanced. That Barca and Madrid have budgets that are so immensely greater increases doubts that this is the best league in the world.

“It is more interesting lower down in the table than it is in the fight for the title. “[At Atletico] we have to try to fight with our weapons. We, with much work and humility, have barely reached them.

“From humility we have achieved many things, but to fight them is very complicated.”

The 28-year-old is still positive about Atletico’s current side, however, and believes they can continue to make their mark domestically and in the Champions League after

BARCELONA has released a statement after Eric Abidal claimed he wasn’t paid by the club during his illness.

The French defender missed 18 months at the Blaugrana after having a liver transplant, and the veteran told L’Equipe on Friday that he wasn’t paid during that period.

The Catalan side, though, have claimed that not to be the case in an official statement on their website.

“Both parties confirm that the Club duly complied with the contractual commitments stipulated in the player’s contract,” the statement read.

“That in January of 2012, even though the player relapsed and underwent liver transplant surgery two months later, FC Barcelona offered Abidal a contract extension which included a substantial renewal bonus.

The extension was signed.

“That in March of 2012, when Abidal’s disease reappeared, the club did not execute its option to unilaterally rescind the player’s contract per the stipulation in the contract that Abidal signed.

“By mutual agreement, FC Barcelona and the player suspended the contract until Abidal was medically cleared to play.

During this period Abidal continued collecting his agreed upon monthly payments and, upon his return to the first team, he received the proportional sum of his contract. “In June of 2013, when his contract was due to expire, the club and Abidal liquidated the contract.”

Read the original article on Football Espana The ultimate website for English-speaking fans of Spanish football

fairness,” said DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach at the ceremony in Munich.

Heynckes, 68, retired in May having led Bayern to the treble of Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League titles, as they lifted the European Cup for the fifth time, with ex-Barcelona

Jupp Heynckes, former Bayern Munich boss.

June.

Under Heynckes, Bayern won the Bundesliga title last season by 25 points, breaking or equalling 25 records in the process.

“I have always held fairness to be important, both as a player and coach,” said Heynckes in his acceptance speech before praising the Bayern squad.

“I’ve never seen a team that is so attentive when dealing with their fans.

“My players stopped everywhere and wrote countless autographs.

“Our success is not just down to our performances on the pitch.”

Gareth Bale’s Real Move Inspired By Tottenham fans would Champions League continue to hold him in high

NGO Organises Football Championship For Peace In Nasarawa

Hockey Nationa League Play Off:

Plateau Tigers, Kaduna Flickers For Super League

PLATEAU Tigers and Kaduna Flickers on Friday qualified for the IEI Hockey Super League at the end of National League Savannah conference playoff.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that no fewer than six states competed in the 4th International Energy Insurance (IEI) National Hockey League Savannah conference playoff.

The conference took place at the Astro-turf hockey pitch located at the Package ‘B’ of the Abuja National Stadium from Sept. 3, to Sept. 6.

The participating states were FCT, Plateau, Kaduna, Gombe, Nassarawa and Yobe.

The head of the coaching commission, retired Cpt. Fatai Atanda, who confirmed the result to NAN said that Plateau Tigers topped the Savannah conference National Hockey league playoff with 11 points.

Atanda added that Kaduna Flickers came second with 9 points, while FCT with 7 points, Nassarawa Flickers, Yobe Desert Rollers and Gombe Flickers finished third, fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.

“The top two winners will now wait for the winners and runners-up of the Atlantic conference which is still going on in Ijebu- Ode. “The Atlantic conference which kicked off on Sept. 5 will end on Sept. 7,’’ he said.

He also noted that the four teams will join some teams which had already qualified from the past league tournaments for the Super League.

“In the male category, we have Niger Flickers, Yobe Desert Rollers, Union Bank of Lagos, Police Machine, Kano Flickers and Sunshine Flickers of Ondo.

“In the female category, we have Bayelsa Flickers, Plateau Tigers, Police Machine, Yobe Desert Queens and Amazon Flickers of Benue,’’ he said.

It will be recalled that only Benue paraded their female team in the Savannah Conference playoff which automatically qualifies them for a slot in the Super League.

The Super League will be played at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium Hockey Pitch, Port Harcourt, from Sept. 15 to Sept. 21.

The winner and runner-up of the Super League will play in the African Club Male and Female Championship which is being proposed for Accra later in the year.

Victor Moses gets the upper hand as he beats a Malawian player during the World Cup qualifierrmatch yesterday in Calabar

2014 World Cup Qualifer

Eagles Quench Malawian Flames NIGERIA yesterday advanced to the final qualifying rounds for the 2014 World Cup after they beat Malawi 2-0 in Calabar.

The Super Eagles finished top of Group F with 12 points from six matches, while Malawi finished on seven points.

Fenerbache striker Emmanuel Emenike shot Nigeria ahead in first half

stoppage time, when he got to the end of a delightful long ball from Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi to coolly chip past the diving Malawi goalkeeper Charles Swini.

Nigeria increased their advantage in the 51st minute when Victor Moses fired home from the penalty spot after goal-bound Oduamadi was upended inside the box.

Malawi were reduced to 10 men in the 53rd minute when Limbikani Mzava received his second booking

for a late tackle on Ahmed Musa.

Nigeria created several other chances but goalkeeper Charles Swini was outstanding for Malawi as he denied Ahmed Musa twice and in the dying minutes of the encounter he again pulled off another great save off substitute Shola Ameobi.

Nigeria controlled the game from the kick-off with Victor Moses, Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa and Emenike on the attack from the onset.

THE Secretary-General, Nigeria Boxing Referees and Judges Association, Mr Rasaq Oyadiran, has identified the dearth of championships in boxing as a ‘major setback’ in the development of the sport in

Nigeria.

Oyadiran said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at end of a training course for newly recruited technical officials in Ilorin on Saturday.

facilities and avenues for boxers and coaches to test their strength and prepare for international meets.

The secretary-general said that members of the association held a meeting recently and agreed to organise regular boxing championships in some parts of the country.

Oyadiran said that Nigeria had won medals in boxing in the past, adding that more of such medals could be won if attention was given to the development of the sport.

He stressed the need for the three tiers of government to pay attention to the development of other sports in the country.

“What we have in Nigeria today is ministry of football, not sports.

“Other sports must be given fair advantage if we must do well in international tournaments,’’ he said.

By Nicholas Eboigbe/ Kehinde Osagie

Dearth Of Championship Responsible He stressed the need for the For Decline In Boxing government to establish

Alex Ekhorawa

CSKA Moscow striker Musa could have given the home team the lead as early as the third minute, but he dragged his shot from inside the box well off target.

Onazi’s two efforts from distance were also off target as Nigeria continued to pile on the pressure in search of the opening goal.

Malawi, on the other hand, were happy to soak in the pressure from the home team.

They kept their defensive shape and to their credit they were able to trouble the Nigerian defence on at least three occasions on the counter attack.

PACE-Setters Chaplain Awareness, an nongovernmental organisation (NGO) on Saturday organised a football competition among youths, to promote peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethnic and religion groups in Nasarawa State.

The NGO’s President, Victor Egbe, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia at the closing ceremony of the 2013 Youth Football competition.

Egbe said that the competition was also organised to reduce youth restiveness in the state for the overall development of the country.

“This organisation aims at promoting unity, love and peaceful co-existence among the people as well as arresting youth restiveness.

“The competition is part of our youth empowerment programme aimed making the youth to discover their hidden talents and potential for the development of the state and the country at large.

“As you can see, in football, there is no permanent enemy.

“When a goal is scored, everybody is happy and nobody will ask whether the goal was scored by someone from Eggon, Mada, Migili, Alago or by a Christian or a Muslim,’’ Egbe said.

The president said the competition brought together people from different ethnic, religious and political groups together in unity.

Egbe further called on the youth to shun any act capable of tarnishing the image of the state and the country.

He also called on the governments at all levels to give adequate attention to youth empowerment, in order to reduce youth restiveness, and to make them contribute their quota to national development.

NAN reports that Nasarawa “A.C. Milan” of Dunama beat Nasarawa “Chelsea FC” of Miana by a lone goal.

Coach Wants Athletes Given Access To Stadium Facilities

ISAAC Osagie, a Sprint Coach, on Friday appealed to the management of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, to increase the number of days athletes are allowed to train in the main bowl.

Osagie told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the two days allotted to athletes to train was inadequate.

“It does not help athletes to utilise the scarce facilities available in the training facility.

“We are allowed to use the main bowl just twice in a week — Mondays and Fridays — which is not good for athletes trying to improve on their skills,” he said.

Osagie said he expected an increase in the number of days allotted for training, especially as the Commonwealth Games was around the corner.

“We are supposed to be preparing for the Commonwealth Games that is coming up in 2014, so we need to make use of the limited facilities to prepare.

“Allowing just two days in a week cannot really do justice to what we need to achieve at the games,” he said.

The coach said that because the main bowl was open to athletes only twice in a week, “they are exposed to the risk of training on tarred roads at the stadium”.

“Athletes are seen training on hard and rough surfaces that are not conducive and they risk being injured.

“I am sad to note that my athletes train on the tarred roads because it does not help them in developing their skills.

Everton To Offer Baines New Deal As Reward For Loyalty EVERTON manager Roberto Martinez wants to reward Leighton Baines’s loyalty with a new contract after the club fended off interest from Manchester United in the summer transfer window.

Former Toffees boss David Moyes wanted to take the England left-back and midfielder Marouane Fellaini to Old Trafford with him, but only succeeded in buying the latter.

While the Belgium international had regularly hinted at looking for a new club over the last 12 months, Baines has been a model professional and Martinez believes that deserves recognition.

“Leighton is the most important player for us now and in the future,” said the Everton manager.

“We want to do what we can to reward that and let him know he deserves our appreciation.

“Contract talks will be opened but it is not just about the contract, it is about making sure he knows how much we want him and how much we appreciate him.”

Despite the loss of Fellaini - and, to a lesser extent, Victor Anichebe to West Brom -

Martinez believes his squad emerged from the transfer window stronger with the arrivals of midfielders James McCarthy and Gareth Barry from Wigan and Manchester City respectively, and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.

The latter two are on loan, but Martinez thinks those last-day signings, plus the quartet of Arouna Kone, Antolin Alcaraz, Joel Robles and on-loan Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofleu who arrived soon after he joined from Wigan earlier in the summer, have left the club in a strong position.

“In football you always want to keep the best performers, but he (Fellaini) leaves with our best wishes,” said Martinez, who would not confirm whether the Belgian had handed in a last-minute transfer request prior to his £27.5million move £4million more than his recently expired buy-out clause.

“There was a lot of talk (in the summer), but there was never a case of having to make a decision on it because the contractual situation with Marouane was straightforward.

Leighton Baines

Sunday Pools Guide

Atsu Hopes To Be Like Drogba

A critical X-ray of this week 09 matches programmed to be played on 14 and 15th September 2013, I have soft spot for an “X” between FULHAM vs. WESTBROM at No. 3 and SOUTHPAMTON vs.

WESTHAM at No. 5, both in the Premiership.

Traditionally or based on draw form sequence, both are inseparable pair for an “X” at the weekend. Please, my dear esteemed readers of this column try as much as possible to use both for fixed odd bet.

In the same vein, Dagenham vs. Bristol R at No. 35 and Rocdale vs. Torquay at No. 41 for one draw must.

In summary, No. 3,5,35, and 41 for at least two draws in this Week 09.

A visit to Coca-cola Football Championship League, I fancy Bolton vs. Leads at 9; Ipswich vs. Middlesbro at 12, Watford vs.

Charlton at 19 and Bourmouth vs. Blackpool for one draw.

Scanning through league one and two, possibly there are at least three draws at the weekend. The most likely draws are those at Milton KD vs. Nottsco at 27, Tranmere vs. Brentford at 30 and

BLACKBURN spent more than B£3.5million on agents’ fees last season, almost double any other club in the Sky Bet Championship.

According to figures published by the Football League on Friday morning Rovers, who finished 17th, committed a whopping B£3,538,034 to agents.

The next biggest spenders were champions Cardiff, who forked out B£1,836,193,

while second-placed Hull spent B£929,535 and Crystal Palace, who were promoted via the play-offs, B£1,345,913.

While that could be seen as money well spent Wolves, who were relegated, spent the third-highest total of B£1,676,300.

Blackpool, who currently top the table, were the only team in the division not to hand any money to agents last season.

• Alan Pardew

Magpies Submit 24-Man squad

NEWCASTLE Untied have submitted a 24-man squad for the first half of the 2012/2013 Barclays Premier League season. which he turns 21).

Clubs had to provide a The Tyneside outfit has squad list containing no more registered nine Home Grown than 17 players who do not Players according to the clubs fulfil the Home Grown Player official website. These criteria. The remainder of the players include: Nigerian squad, up to a total of 25, international Shola Ameobi, must be Home Grown.

Paul Dummett, Rob Elliot, A Home Grown Player Dan Gosling, Tim Krul, means a player who, James Tavernier, Ryan irrespective of his nationality Taylor, Steven Taylor and or age, has been registered Mike Williamson. with any club affiliated to the Changes to the squad list Football Association or the may be made during the Football Association of January transfer window.

Wales for a period, Players born on or after continuous or not, of three January 1st 1992 are classed entire seasons or 36 months as under 21 players and are prior to his 21st birthday (or therefore eligible to feature the end of the season during throughout the season,

Week 09

Fulham; Southpton For “X” SAYS DR. J.K. POOLS

despite not being named in the official 25-man squad.

Notable players that fall under these criteria are: Mehdi Abeid, Sammy Ameobi, Gael Bigirimana, Massadio Haidara and Haris Vukic.

NEW Chelsea man, Christian Atsu, says he wants to have the same impact at Chelsea that fellow Africans Didier Drogba and Michael Essien had.

Both the Ivorian international and the Ghanaian midfielder have managed to accumulate numerous accolades during the time at Stamford Bridge, although Drogba is now plying his trade in Turkey.

“I have a lot of respect for Essien because playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world is not easy,” Ghana international Atsu BBC Sport.

“I know that I’ve a long way to go to get anywhere close to what he’s done.

Hopefully, one day I’ll be mentioned in the same breath as Essien and Didier Drogba.”

Atsu arrived from Porto last week and was immediately loaned out to Chelsea’s feeder club, Vitesse Arnhem, where he expressed his determination to make an impression.

“I’m happy because as a player you always want to be playing to stay in good shape,” he added.

“When Chelsea came for me, I saw a good opportunity to work with a massive club and a great coach.

I know I have to prove myself at Vitesse first and I’m determined to do just that.”

Dagenham vs. Bristol R, both are No. 35 and 41.

My advise to those who want to be happy this season 2013 should endeavour to keep weekly records of SUNDAY OBSERVER pools Guide.

Hot Line; 07039275802 8 Treble Chance 1. Fulham vs. Westbrom 0-0 2. Southampton vs. Westham 0-0 3. Bolton vs. Leads 1-1 4. Watford vs. Charlton 1-1 5. Tranmere vs. Brentford 2-2 6. Ipswich vs. Middlesbro 2-2 7. Dagenham vs. Bristol R 3-3 8. Rochdale vs. Torquay 3-3 3 HOT PAIRS (A). 35-41 (B). 3-5 (C). 19-27 Good luck, says DR J.K Pools, Box 34, Irrua, Opposite Police Station, Irrua, Esan Central, Edo state.

Rovers Spend Big On Agents’ Fees

Ben Arfa Praises Geordie Faithful NEWCASTLE United midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa praised the Geordie faithful in a recent interview, admitting that they wouldn’t of been able to beat Fulham if it were not for the terrific home support.

Ben Arfa had the following to say on the club’s official website: “If you don’t have a crowd like that, maybe you don’t win. I think we wouldn’t have won because they [the fans] push and make pressure for the other team and give more power for us,” said the

Frenchman.

Ben Arfa has joined up with the France squad for their upcoming World cup qualifier against Georgia.

Hatem Ben Arfa

CMYK

Transformation Policy:

Group Expresses Optimism to participate actively in all aspects of agricultural activities.

He said that renewed interest in agriculture by the Federal Government would secure the country’s economic future by diversifying its sources of income to non-oil products.

“Believe me, I say that this initiative gladdens our hearts; but we must not let down our oars because it must be fully implemented.

“It is not totally enough to say you are launching an initiative, what becomes of it is what matters.

“This initiative will secure the country’s economic future and divert the world’s attention from our crude oil to our agriculture.”

The coordinator also said that the initiative would take unemployed graduates and youths off the streets, stressing that it was also capable of reducing insecurity in the country.

Anga, therefore, suggested that there should be a supportive framework whereby the government would assist youths in agribusiness with farm inputs.

The coordinator appealed to the public and private sectors to assist the government in ensuring the success of agribusiness by providing funds to drive the policy.

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan and President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya during the Kenya-Nigeria Business Forum in Nairobi at the weekend.

College Spends N66m For NBTE’s Accreditation THE Yobe College of Agriculture in Gujba says it has spent N66 million on facilities and construction of a 200-bed capacity hostel for students of its newlyintroduced courses.

The institution recently introduced five Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in agricultural extension and management, pest management and technology, animal health,

Veg Growers Express Fear Of Loss checkmate the effects of heavy rainfall.

He said the agitation for a permanent farm site was imperative as the land presently occupied by the cooperative members was leased.

“If the state government can assist us by providing a permanent site for vegetable farming, it will increase the production of vegetables in Lagos.

“Apart from this, by providing a permanent farmland to farmers, it will be easy to deal with the issue of recurrent flooding. “ Flooding is our major challenge as heavy rainfall washes away crops and even the manure applied on the present land which is too small.”

The secretary also appealed

to the state government to create vegetable collection centres in the state where farmers could bring their produce for easy access to retailers and consumers.

He said that this would make the market process easy and prevent wastage.

“We don’t always have people to sell our produce to most times because of the absence of conducive meeting points for buyers and sellers.

And, as vegetable is perishable it cannot be kept or preserved for a long time.

“If we have collection centres created by government, it would serve as a well known avenue where farmers can sell their vegetables quickly.’’

Samaila urged the state government to assist vegetable farmers in Lagos to increase their production to meet up with the demand of the people.

animal production and crop production.

The Provost of the College, Malam Mulima Mato, announced this to newsmen in Damaturu.

He explained that the college bought N12 million worth of clinical facilities to meet the requirements for the courses as required by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

“We are expecting the NBTE inspection team and

we are most prepared to receive them,” he said.

The provost explained that clinical facilities for microbiology and parasitology, crop thrashers and fruit extractors were among facilities procured by the college.

He said that the college had adequate manpower for teaching of the new courses.

Mulima commended the Yobe Government for supporting the college

SENATE Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma Egba, has called on youths in the country to embrace agriculture, saying that it had the potential to make them become self-reliant.

Speaking with newsmen in Calabar, Egba noted that the country was blessed with an environment conducive for agriculture.

If properly explored, he said, agriculture had the potential of providing employment opportunities for the nation’s millions of unemployed young people.

He said it was unfortunate that many youths ignored the economic potential in agriculture in preference for the oil sector.

“If the youths of this

country embark on commercial agriculture by securing soft loans from banks, it will help to reduce the search for white collar jobs among unemployed Nigerians.

“Before the discovery of oil in Nigeria, agriculture was the main source of revenue for the country. Farmers were the richest people in the country because their agricultural produce were exported to other countries.’’

He charged youths to be hard working and not to rely on politicians for stipends.

On the land dispute between Adadama and Inyima communities in Cross River, the Senate leader said that a peace committee had

towards providing basic learning materials and environment conducive to teaching and learning.

He assured the community that the staff and students would promote academic excellence to justify government’s investment in the college.

The provost said that veterinary clinical services of the college had been introduced to the farmers engaged in animal husbandry in the host community “as part of our community service”.

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Sen Leader Urges Youths To Embrace Agriculture

been constituted to look into the immediate and remote causes, with a view of restoring peace between them.

He called on all stakeholders in the crisis to contribute their quota towards ensuring that peace returned to the area.

He advised traditional rulers in the affected communities to properly guide youths in their communities, particularly in times of crisis.

“Security is every one’s business; it should not be left in the hands of the security agencies alone; timely release of information to the agencies will go a long way in preventing such crisis,’’ he said.

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