Sunday observer 09 06 2013

THE SUNDAY

The Sunday

SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

CMYK

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PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

ENCOUNTER

• Vol. XI NO. 4,000

SHOWBIZ

Pg 26

This Is Not The Democracy Nigerians Died For - Clem Ehebha

• SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 20 13 • N100.00

Eucharia Anunobi Walks Another Marriage Pg 20

Rt Hon. Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, Deputy Governor of Edo State with Hajia Mariet B i n k o l a , P r o j e c t Manager, Edo State Action Committee on AIDS (SACA) as he presented Edo State Strategic plan for HIV and AIDS 2010 2015 to the public during the lauching at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, Benin.

Photo: MOSES OBOH

Grounding Of Oshiomhole’s Aircraft

Aviation Agencies Clear Air MR. Yakubu Dati, the coordinating spokesman of aviation agencies, said yesterday that the agencies had utmost respect for all governors in the country.

Dati, who is also the spokesman of FAAN, said this at a joint news conference held at the corporate headquarters of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in Ikeja.

The conference was held to further give clarifications on the cause of the delay of the helicopter that was supposed to fly Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State from Benin City to Awka, Anambra State on

Friday.

Dati urged Nigerians not to politicise the issue,

stressing that NAMA was only performing its legitimate functions.

“We hold Governor Oshiomhole in high esteem and part of the Federal

Ministry of Aviation’s respect for him informed his being made our special

Revive Mining Industry, Chemical Engineer Urges FG

A former National President of the Nigeria Society of Chemical Engineers, Mr. Sabo Sodangi, has called for more collaboration between the

Federal Government and investors to revive the mining industry.

Sodangi, who presented a paper yesterday in Kaduna, at a public lecture organised

by the Kaduna State chapter of the society, said the Continues on pg 2

guest of honour during the inauguration of the remodeled Benin Airport terminal some weeks ago, “ Dati said.

Dati, who said all the aviation agencies also hold all governors in high esteem, urged pilots to always comply with directives of the agencies.

Continues on pg 2

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SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

NEWS Aviation Agencies Clear Air

Continued from pg. 1 Mr. Ifeanyin Nwankwo, NAMA Director of Engineering Services, said that filing and submission of flight plans and manifest was a global standard practice in aviation sector.

Nwankwo said the aim is to protect the lives of passengers on board.

He recalled that recently, NAMA had challenges with some pilots which were amicably resolved.

Mr. Chuks Onyegiri, General Manager, Air Traffic Control Operations of NAMA, said that all airlines had been informed of the new development regarding filing of manifest and flight plans by pilots.

“That information has been passed round to them all since April and all ought to have been

complying with the directives, “ he said.

Mr. Adebiyi Oyeyinka, the Air Traffic Controller on duty at Benin Airport said that filing the flight plan and manifest was necessary for official documentation, security and safety purposes.

“In case of any accident, it is one of the documents that the search and rescue team would need to perform their duties.

“If passengers travelling through commercial buses at motor parks fill manifests, it should be of utmost importance to pilots and airline operators, “ he said.

Mr. Supo Atobatele, the General Manager, NAMA, said that the agency acted professionally to enhance safety of the flight.

“Filing of flight plan and passenger manifest by pilots as required by the pilot that was supposed to have lifted Governor Oshiomhole on Friday had no political undertone at all.

“It is purely an aviation matter bordering on rules and regulations.

“Basically, as matter of rules, we need to know where the aircraft was going and how many people on board.

“NAMA by statute is covered by legislation to demand for all these. But the pilot or his employer failed to comply with simple procedure, “ he said.

Atobatele said the issue was a minor one that should not have been given any political coloration, adding that NAMA would never be political in discharging its duties.

Abia Police In Show-Of-Force Over MASSOB Sit-At-Home Order THE Abia police command weekend deployed its officers and men to parts of Abia in a show-of-force to demonstrate its readiness to quell any lawless acts on Saturday.

Reports say that the team, comprising mainly mobile policemen and women, drove

round Umuahia and other areas in trucks, chanting songs.

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) had issued a sit-at-home order for Saturday to members of the public in the defunct eastern region.

Lawyer, Others Want Child Labour Eradicated Through Rights Act MRS. Ijeoma Alinnor, a legal practitioner, weekend called on relevant agencies to eradicate child labour through effective implementation of the Child Rights Act. Alinnor told newsmen in Umuahia that the Act explicitly stated the fine of N50,000 or fiveyear jail term for anyone who indulged a child in exploitative labour.

She said the strict implementation of the punishment would serve as a deterrent to anyone planning to indulge in the act.

She appealed to the government to set up a task force to ensure that parents or guardians of hawkers or those

CHANGE OF NAME EKEKHOR, I formerly Miss. Anthonia Ehinomhe Ekekhor now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Anthonia Ehinomhe Zeru Mutana. All former documents remain valid.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AGBONZE- I formerly known as Miss. Oghogho Jennifer Agbonze now wish to be known as Mrs. Oghogho Jennifer Arabala.

Former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and general public please take note.

engaged in hard labour were brought to book.

Also speaking with reporter, Mr. Chukwudi Ezeikpe, the President of the African Child Peace Initiative, said that “children from large families are often faced with the challenge of being forced to do hard labour”.

Ezeikpe called for a legislation to prohibit parents from having more than three children or at least having the number they could cater for adequately.

On her part, Mrs. Ngozi Uduma, the Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in the state, said a good number of children who ended up as victims of child labour were from the rural areas.

“The agency has embarked on a sensitisation campaign to enlighten those in the villages on the dangers of allowing their children to go and live with relatives or friends in the city.

“In most cases, these relatives or friends mistreat the children and subject them to precarious and inhuman conditions,” Uduma said.

The command’s spokesman, Mr. Geoffrey Ogbonna, explained that the command was poised to forestall any act that could threaten the peace and security of the state.

Ogbonna said told newsmen that the show-of-force was also carried out in Aba, the economic hub of the state, as well as other major towns and villages.

He called on members of the public to disregard the MASSOB order and to go about their lawful businesses without any fear of molestation.

“We are on top of the situation,” he said, adding that officers and men of the command were on red alert and keeping 24hour surveillance in all the nooks and crannies of Abia.

“The command warns MASSOB and any other group that would engage in any act capable of breaching the peace to stir clear as anyone caught would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” Ogbonna said.

Also speaking on the MASSOB order, the Special Adviser to Gov. Theodore Orji on Security, retired Navy Capt.

Chris Osondu, described the agitation by the group as “unrealistic”.

Osondu advised the leadership of the group to work toward the unity and development of the country rather than dissipate its energy and resources pursuing an obsolete and unrealistic project.

He urged residents of the state, market men and women as well as shop owners to disregard the order and open for business on Saturday.

He gave the assurance that security agencies in the state would be alert to deal with any acts of lawlessness and criminality.

Immunisation: Physician Calls For

Community Awareness Campaigns A public health physician, Dr Seun Coker, weekend called for aggressive community awareness campaigns among the rural women on the need for childhood immunisation.

Coker, a resident doctor at the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina, told newsmen in Lagos that such programmes should be intensified to reduce infant mortality and morbidity rate.

A website, www.diffen.com/ difference, defines “Morbidity as the state of being diseased or unhealthy. It also refers to an incidence of ill health in a population.

“Mortality is the term used for the number of people who died within a population and it also refers to the incidence of death or the number of deaths in a population.”

Coker said, “Government at all levels should intensify efforts on raising awareness level on the importance of childhood immunisation, particularly among the rural women.

“There is need to organise programme for the education of the mothers on the importance of childhood immunisation in reducing infant mortality and morbidity rate. “ The local governments should also endeavour to hold periodic dialogue with the rural women with a view to mobilising them to accept immunisation services.”

Coker also called for public health education among the resistant group on the risk factors, danger, side effects and possible transmission of diseases that a

By PAUL OKOMAYIN STUDENTS of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ekehuan campus, yesterday morning protested over what they termed non-availability of water on their campus.

The protest, which started in the early hours of the day, saw students barricading the main entrance to the school, chanting solidarity songs, while expressing their displeasure over the untold hardship they have been made to go through because of the water scarcity.

They complained that the hostels have been hit by the water

Continued from pg. 1

chemical industries, large, small and mini briquette plants.

“As a result of the consequent multiplier effect, there will be upstream, downstream and ancillary industries that will be springing up around the coal industry, opening jobs and small businesses.”

Sodangi added that the coal industry would open up the export market, especially in chemicals derived from gasification, liquefaction and industrial processes.

He also said that the use of coal would help to reduce reliance on

as way of preventing diseases in their children and increasing their chances of survival.

“This group of people have been hindered by religious beliefs and unfounded rumours.

“For instance, some wrongly believe that immunisation can cause infertility, paralysis, infections like HIV/AIDS and immunisations were ineffective in preventing diseases,” the physician said.

Coker said that childhood immunisation had been identified as one of the most cost-effective interventions to prevent major illnesses and infant deaths.

“The importance of childhood immunisation cannot be downplayed particularly in environments where children are undernourished and die from preventable diseases,’’ she said.

Nasarawa Govt To Beef Up Security In Public Schools NASARAWA State Government has restated its commitment to beef up security in all public boarding schools to ensure the safety of the lives of students and staff.

Hussaini Abubakar, the state Commissioner for Education, said this weekend while inspecting Government College and Government Science Secondary School in Obi that were recently attacked by armed robbers.

According to him, “the state

UNIBEN Students Protest Scarcity Of Water scarcity for the past two days without the school authorities listening to their plight.

The students, who demanded to be addressed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, amid solidarity songs said that Margaret Ekpo (female) and Nelson Mandela (male) hostels are worst hit by the water scarcity.

Normalcy was, however, restored when the Dean of Students, Prof. Victor Omozuwa later addressed the students, assuring them that efforts would commence immediately to restore water supply, while pleading with them not to escalate the situation.

government will partner with security agencies, traditional rulers, recognised vigilance groups and stakeholders in the host communities to enhance security in all boarding schools across the state”.

He commended the efforts of the traditional ruler of Obi, Danjuma Orume, for taking prompt action by sending vigilance groups to the affected schools to bring the situation under control.

“It is the proactive action taken by the traditional ruler of Obi by sending vigilance groups to the affected schools that ensured the return of normalcy to the schools,” he said.

While advising all principals and staff to work in harmony with their host communities for smooth running of normal academic activities, the commissioner also assured them of continued government support.

He attributed the high rate of social vices in the society to collapse in the value system and advised the youth to engage in meaningful activities rather than stealing.

Abubakar called on parents to instil moral discipline in their children, adding that “everyone would give account of his activities on earth to God on the last day”.

Oba Donates Food Items To Edo NUJ

By RAYMOND OSOGBE THE Oba of Benin has donated a cow, tubers of yams, bags of rice and cash to the Nigeria

Revive Mining Industry industry has huge potentials for employment and economic development of the country.

The paper was entitled, ‘Coal and its uses: Prospects and Opportunities in Nigeria’.

He said Nigeria has huge coal deposit which could be harnessed to provide electricity, replace the use of fire wood for cooking and limit the cost of fuel.

“The resuscitation of coal mining and usage will open up and revive such industries as the railways, coal-fired power plants, cement plants, sugar plants,

child would be exposed to if not immunised.

She said that government should also conduct periodic health systems research to identify hindrances to effective delivery of routine immunisation at household and community levels. “ The mass media should be harnessed to the maximum extent so as to increase the knowledge and change the attitude regarding immunisation among mothers, especially rural women,” Coker added.

She said that though immunisation coverage had greatly improved nationwide, it had been hampered by the ignorance and misconceptions among rural women.

“Most rural women are still ignorant of the importance of getting their children immunised

firewood for cooking, thereby reducing the felling of trees, deforestation and desert encroachment.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Abdul Audu said the government should focus on the exploitation of coal because of its potentials as alternative revenue earner.

He described Nigeria as a blessed country with abundant solid minerals and called on the chemical engineers to also tap from the available resources to make an impact on the nation’s economy.

Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, in fulfillment of the Monarch’s pledge to resuscitate the quarterly media parley with Journalists in the state.

The items which was delivered by the Secretary to the Oba, Mr. Osazuwa Oronsaye Guobadia was received with great satisfaction.

Mr. Osazuwa in a letter conveying the items said His Royal Majesty was unable to host the Journalists in his palace due to some traditional engagements, hence the Oba directed him to bring the items and cash to the N.U.J Secretariat.

Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Desmond Agbama on behalf of the executive and entire journalists in the state expressed gratitude to the Oba for the royal gifts.

Comrade Agbama said the NUJ would continue to revere the Oba,

and assured of their unalloyed loyalty at all times.

The NUJ Chairman said Journalists in the state will continue to use their profession to promote the rich culture and tradition of Benin Kingdom.

Comrade Agbama used the opportunity to wish the Oba a happy birthday anniversary celebration, while wishing him many years reign on the throne of his forefathers.

Meanwhile, all Journalists have been invited to a get together on Sunday June 9, 2O13 at the NUJ Press Centre, Benin City beginning at Noon.

The occasion will be used to also honour Journalists who were recently appointed as Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Chief Press Secretaries at state and local government levels.

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NEWS Tribunal Orders NPC To Recount 5 Localities In Katsina State THE Census Tribunal has ordered the National Population Commission (NPC) to conduct a recount of persons in five localities in the Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Delivering judgment last Friday in Abuja, Mr Abraham Yisa, Chairman of Tribunal ‘A’, said the order was based on the respondent’s failure to disprove claims by the complainant that there were no head count in the localities.

The localities are Kongolan, Gwajo-Gwajo, Eka, Mai’adua and Dantshe.

The council had earlier contested the 154,092 population figure declared for it by the NPC following the 2006 National Population and Household Census, saying it was grossly inaccurate.

It alleged that the respondent failed to enumerate in 34 localities due to shortage of enumeration materials.

It further alleged that NPC

failed to register some enumeration areas in the council due to irregularities.

In the lead judgment, Yisa held that the complainant’s witnesses in the areas gave first-hand evidence in respect of the five localities.

He said that the tribunal upheld the testimonies of the witnesses, adding that they and their households were not enumerated.

He further said that the complainant was able to give evidence in five out of the 34 areas it alleged were not enumerated.

“The witnesses testified that they did not see any enumerator in their households; this is a fact and the tribunal believes the witnesses had firsthand knowledge but the respondent argued that their testimonies were hearsay.

“One of the witnesses also testified that he was not enumerated, and he was also aware that his neighbours were not enumerated; but the

respondent did not show the tribunal any unequivocal proof to the contrary,’’ Yisa said.

‘The tribunal finds that the

credit of evidence given by the complainant witnesses was not shaken. Therefore, orders a recount of Kongolan, Gwajo-

Gwajo, Eka, Mai’adua and Dantshe by the respondent.

“In respect of other areas allegedly not enumerated, the

Experts Say Oral Sex May Cause Throat abnormally.

SOME health experts have your nose to your neck.

He also noted that if detected Cancer said that indulging in oral sex “The larynx (voice box) and might expose one to throat cancer.

They told newsmen that this could be possible due to Human Papilloma virus (HPV), a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) spread through oral or genital sex.

According to them, the HPV Type 16 that causes throat or oropharryngeal cancer is also the cause of many cases of cervical cancer in women.

A medical website, ww2.cancercenter.com, says, “Throat cancer is any cancer that forms in the throat. The throat, also called the pharynx, is a 5inch-long tube that runs from

pharynx are the two main places where throat cancer forms.

“Throat cancer is a type of head and neck cancer, which includes cancer of the mouth, tonsils, nose, sinuses, salivary glands and neck lymph nodes.“ Dr Ndubuisi Onwuka, an Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat doctor), said recorded cases of strains of HPV-related throat cancers were increasing.

“HPV has been associated with cancers such as that of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus and throat and HPV- related throat cancers are becoming rampant.

“Recent medical studies have shown that throat cancer has

become more common in men than cervical cancer is in women.

“Majority of the cases are transmitted through oral sex.

“In Nigeria, there is no accurate data and statistics to capture or document cases, so, it is very necessary to raise awareness of this.

“We understand that people may have their diverse sexual orientations, but it is wise to be cautious with some modes of coitus or sex to avoid getting some preventable diseases,“ he said.

Onwuka explained that HPV causes changes in cells that are infected, thereby making them to become cancerous or grow

Police Urge Nsukka Residents To Ignore MASSOB Order

THE police have urged residents of Nsukka, Enugu State, to ignore the June 8 sit-athome order by the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

Mr James Nwokolo, the Divisional Police Officer for Nsukka told newsmen that the people should go about their

Kwara Commissioner Blames Global Warming For Collapsed Bridges THE Kwara Commissioner for Transport and Works, Dr Abubakar Kanike, has attributed cases of collapsed bridges in some parts of the state to global warming.

Kanike told newsmen on Friday that the bridges that were constructed several years ago were not designed to accommodate large volumes of water. “ Global warming has changed the trend of climatic events and this accounted for heavy rainfalls in Nigeria.

“Some of the bridges do not have sufficient drainage facility to take care of huge volumes of water and that is why we are having cases of bridge collapse,” he said.

Kanike, however, assured motorists and pedestrians that the state government would fix all damaged bridges to

lawful businesses.

Declaring that the police would not tolerate any act of lawlessness, Nwokolo said that arrangements had been concluded to provide adequate security to the residents.

“The residents should feel free and go about their normal

tribunal holds that the complainant has failed to discharge the burden of proving its case on preponderance of evidence,’’ Yisa added.

businesses as the police will provide adequate security for them.

“The police will deal ruthlessly with anybody or group that will engage in any act of lawlessness.

It is the constitutional duty of the police to protect lives and

property,’’ he said.

Nwokolo urged parents to advice their children and wards to stay away from anything that would put them in trouble.

‘It is unlawful for any individual or group to stop people from going about their lawful businesses. The police will arrest and prosecute anyone or group

trying to breach the peace,’’ he said.

MASSOB had last month issued a sit-at-home order to the Igbo on June 8 to mourn their kit and kin killed by the Boko Haram insurgents in the northern parts of the country.

early, HPV-related throat cancer could be easily treated.

“Throat cancer caused by HPV, which is transmitted orally, may not be difficult to be treated if detected on time.

“It is not as difficult as those caused by smoking or drinking alcohol.

“Other infections that may be passed through cunnilingus (oral sex) include syphilis, herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

“Like every other thing in life, we advocate moderation and safe sex practices,“ he said.

Also speaking, Dr Ikechukwu Okeke, a Public Health Practitioner, said that one would be more prone to developing throat cancer if one smoked cigarette, tobacco or drank excessive alcohol.

He listed other risk factors to include lifestyle, sexual orientation, age, number of sexual partners and frequency of cunnilingus.

“One is more at risk of developing throat cancer if you smoke or drink.

“Your sexual orientation also contributes. If you practise same sex, you are at a higher risk of getting HPV.

NMA Advises Intending Couples To Go For Haemophilia ‘Actually haemophilia is a Understanding Genetic THE Nigeria Medical how to go about investigating it, Screening genetically inherited disease Conditions, a service of the U.S. Association (NMA) in Kaduna but now with advancement in has advised intending couples to go for haemophilia screening for the safety of their children.

The state Chairman of the association, Dr aliyu Bappah, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.

According to Genetics Home Reference: Your Guide To

National Library of Medicine, haemophilia is a bleeding disorder that slows the blood clotting process.

People with this condition experience prolonged bleeding or oozing following an injury, surgery, or having a tooth pulled.

In severe cases of

haemophilia, continuous bleeding occurs after minor trauma or even in the absence of injury (spontaneous bleeding).

Serious complications can result from bleeding into the joints, muscles, brain or other internal organs.

and what that simply means is something that is inherited from parent’s right from conception; the patient or the sufferer will be born with it.

“Currently, it is not common; the only thing is that in the past, we didn’t have sophisticated facilities and the medical know-

L-R: Representative of the Chief of Army Staff, maj-Gen Hussaini Saliu; I-G Mohammed Abubakar and Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Amb. Bulus Lolo, at the deployment of Police Officers for peace keeping mission to Mali in Abuja weekend.

medical practice, we are able to detect some cases.

“As far as our environment is concern, the most important thing is for parents-to-be, to embark on screening and detection of this disease before marriage like HIV/AIDS screening and sickle cell testing.

“This is the only way that we can prevent it. It can be detected and the couples can be advised, counselled and guided appropriately.

“But in the event that they go ahead and marry, once a person is suffering from haemophilia, actually it is not a licensc to death. There are interventions that could help, especially if the person can afford it. There is genetic therapy, though not currently obtained in Nigeria, but abroad. The person can be diagnosed with the disease.

“Here in Nigeria, after it is detected, there are measures that we take that improve the quality of life of the sufferers. So, hospitals would have to be factored constantly in the routines of the sufferers.’’

Bappah urged the government to assist the sufferers of the condition and advised the pubic to keep its environment clean to maintain a hygienic and germfree environment.

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News Edo State Launches HIV/AIDS Programmes Devt. Project

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR

EDO State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has launched the state HIV/ AIDS Programmes Development Project –2 (HPDP-2) just as he formally presented the year 2010 –2015 state strategic plan for HIV.AIDS.

FG Threatens To Blacklist Library Projects Consultants THE Federal Government has threatened to blacklist the consultant in charge of the construction of e-library projects in federal unity schools in the country.

The Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, gave the threat on Friday in Abuja at a meeting with the management of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), consultants and contractors handling the projects.

Wike said that the threat had become imperative due to the lackadaisical attitude of the consultant towards the project.

He said that the consultant lacked the ability to produce evaluation and variation report of the projects as at when needed.

“Your irregular visit to the sites to ascertain the evaluation report has delayed payments to the contractors.

“I am disappointed in you, because you do not go to the project sites regularly as expected. “ You are suppose to be the eyes for UBEC and the ministry, I hope, we do not blacklist you from continuing overseeing these projects,’’ he said.

The minister said that the construction of the library projects was important to President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigerians as a whole.

He directed UBEC to pay the contractors who had completed their projects, adding that those who had not completed their jobs would have their remaining payment stopped.

Speaking at the ceremony in Benin City, at the weekend, the Governor who was represented by the state Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Pius Egberanmwen Odubu said the implementation of HPDP-2 was geared towards HIV/ AIDS impact mitigation.

He noted that the present administration in the state in November, 2009, transformed the state Action Committee on AIDS (SACA) into an agency, to coordinate the 18 Local Government Action Committees on AIDS.

The state government according to the governor has fulfilled all conditions on the provision of personnel, logistics and counterpart funding set by Donor/Partner for HIV/AIDS programme implementation and sustenance of its success in Edo State.

The Comrade Governor pointed out that the state government has continuously maintained a track record of total commitment to the prevention and mitigation of the impact of HIV and AIDS

the risk of HIV infections’ scale up interventions, increase access to HIV counseling, and testing care and support services.

Highlight of the ceremony

THE Delta Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Tony Nwaka, has advised Delta residents living in flood

Why Our Warning Strike Did Not Become THE Non–Academic action if the matter was not Indefinite -NASU Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) says it cannot embark on indefinite strike because of intervention of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Mr Ilesanmi Olatunbosun, Chairman of NASU, Yaba College of

Technology (YCT), said this in an interview with newsmen on Friday.

It would be recalled that the national leadership of NASU embarked on a warning strike on May 27 to press for the implementation of the Consolidated Tertiary

recent report by the UN should be a wake-up call for Nigeria to assist the farmers on effective method of processing and storing farm produce”. Recall that a recent report by the United Nations said over one billion tonnes of food worldwide were being wasted due to lack of processing to store the shelf life of farm produce.

The expert also noted that small scale farmers were the backbone of the country’s agricultural sector, adding that government should focus

Ojehomon commended the Federal Government for introducing the New Rice for Africa (NERICA) initiative for farmers.

She said this had increased farmer’s household annual per capita rice income to over N17, 000.

“The adoption of NERICA has increased the yield of farmers by 526 kilogrammes per hectare,” she said.

She also said the NERICA rice tasted better with high protein and amino contents.

Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS 15).

Olatunbosun said the NBTE had promised the leadership of NASU that it had put in place machinery to meet their demands by the end of June.

He said the NBTE had given its words that the Federal Government was working out fresh modalities for the implementation of the CONTISS 15.

According to him, a letter sent to NASU by the NBTE indicated that anomalies were discovered in the modalities earlier prepared for the implementation.

He said that the national secretariat of NASU had decided to summon an emergency meeting to decide the next line of

was the formal launch of the year 2010-2015 state strategic plan for HIV/AIDS by the governor who was represented by the deputy governor.

Delta Commissioner Advises Residents To Vacate Flood Proned Areas

With Rosettes in the middle are from left: Nigerian Ambassdor to Ethiopia Amb. Bulus Lolo, I-G Mohammed Abubakar and representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Major-Gen. Hussaini Saliu, with police officers deployed for peace keeping mission in Mali, before their departure in Abuja weekend.

Expert Tasks FG On Storage Of Farm DR Vivian Ojehomon, the on them especially in the area Produce Chief Research Officer at the of marketing.

National Cereal Research Institute, Badeji, Niger, has called on the Federal Government to provide effective methods of storing farm produce for farmers.

Ojehomon told reporters on Friday in Ilorin that processing of farm produce to increase the shelf life was hampering food production inspite of the fact that the country was having a potential buoyant farming industry.

According to him, the

as part of the strategies to improve the health and welfare of Edo people, adding that the state has adopted a multi-sectorial approach in dealing with the scourge by collaborating with other tiers of government, National Action Committee on AIDS (NACA), international organizations as well as faith and community Based groups.

Earlier, the project manager, Edo State Agency for the control of HIV/AIDS, Hajia Mariet Binkola, said the HPDP-2 is aimed at reducing

resolved by the end of June.

Reports say that activities at the YCT were being crippled by the ongoing strike of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP).

SSANIP is also on a nationwide strike to protest the non- implementation of the CONTISS 15, among other issues.

Some other demands of SSANIP are that polytechnics should not be included in the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and a stop to the discrimination against Higher National Diploma holders.

Recalled that members of the SSANIP on Tuesday embarked on a protest rally in Lagos to further press home their demands.

proned areas of the state to vacate such areas for safer zones to avert any disasters.

Dr Nwaka gave the advice in an interview with newsmen at the weekend in Asaba.

He said that the advice became necessary following the warning of impending flooding in many states of the federation, including Delta this year.

It will be recalled that the meteorological department of the Federal Government had earlier issued warnings on impending floods.

Nwaka urged the people living in flood proned areas to relocate now before the onset of heavy rains and the accompanying floods in order to avert the disaster which occurred last year.

He also advised the people to clear the drainages ahead of the rains since Delta was listed as one of the states to be affected by this year’s flooding.

According to him, the farmers who live in flood plains should ensure that they plant crops that could be harvested before the onset of heavy rains in order to avoid crop losses due to flooding.

The commissioner disclosed that the state government had put together a contingency plan to tackle any disasters arising from flooding.

He said that a sensitisation programme on the dangers of flooding had commenced in the state.

Nwaka urged the council chairmen in the areas affected by flooding last year to gear up and ensure that people living in such areas were relocated to safer zone early enough. “Apart from what it has spent, the state government also set up a committee to manage the Federal Government’s grant to the victims,’’ the commissioner said.

It would be recalled that Delta was among the states seriously affected by flooding last year in which thousands of families were displaced and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

Both the state and the Federal Government have spent a lot on flood disaster in the state to ameliorate the plight of the flood victims.

“The committee has been distributing farm inputs to the affected victims in the last few months,’’ he added.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

Mako Shark, Possible Record-Breaking might be a world record.

LONG mako shark, shark, caught off the southern Catch The angler made the giant weighing in at 1,323.5 California coast, was reeled pounds, is no tall tale. The

in by Jason Johnston of

Mesquite, Texas, and its size

catch—using chopped fish as

Odd News Compiled By LOVETH OKPOKPO bait—while on a charter fishing trip off Huntington Beach, Calif., on Monday. It didn’t come easy, reports CBS Los Angeles.

“He took out a quartermile of line ... and five times he came out of the water over 20 feet,” Johnston told the station. “It was amazing.”

He added, “It’s unreal.

This thing is definitely a killing machine. Any wrong step, I could have gone out

of the boat and down to the bottom of the ocean.”

Johnston had plans to go out again Tuesday with the same charter boat to try his luck a second time.

According to the local CBS station, the shark’s measurements have not been officially confirmed as a world record. But the ignoramus shark, which will be donated to research, has already provided Johnston with the story of a lifetime.

10-Yr-Old Fights TWO would-be robbers Robbers met their match on Monday

Italian Businessmen Drop Pants In Tax yet joined the referendum FIVE Italian Protest campaign, Graziani said, businessmen stripped off their trousers and protested outside parliament recently, demanding the abolition of a tax collection agency they blame for the suicides of scores of their peers.

The men posed for the cameras in their shirts and underwear, carrying signs that read “You are killing thousands of jobs”.

Their business lobby,

Cobas Imprese, is one of two groups demanding a referendum to abolish Equitalia, an agency that collects back-taxes and fines. They accuse it of exacerbating the economic crisis by hounding the indebted owners of failing businesses.

“In the past 18 months, 162 businessmen have committed suicide because

they have ended up in the teeth of this agency,” Giuseppe Graziani, president of Cobas Imprese, told reporters.

Italy’s economy, the euro zone’s third biggest, is mired in a recession that has been dragging on since mid-2011, driving up unemployment and forcing the closure of thousands of companies.

No political parties have

Scientists Uncover God’s Bathtub

IMAGINE a lake that’s never been affected by climate change or any other man-made influences.

Australian scientists say they have found just that—a remote lake whose crystalclear waters seem to be in the same chemical state as they were about 7,500 years ago.

“It’s like God’s bathtub,” Dr. Cameron Barr told the Australian Associated Press of the body of water now named Blue Lake. “It is beautiful. It is absolutely beautiful.”

Barr and his team of researchers from the University of Adelaide say the lake—one of the largest on North Stradbroke Island off the south Queensland coast, according to the AAP—is so pure that you can see more than 30 feet below the surface to its bottom.

“It appears that Blue Lake has been an important climate ‘refuge’ for the freshwater biota of the region, and is in the same condition now as it was 7,500 years ago,” Barr told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Barr, who published his findings in the current issue of Freshwater Biology, said it’s the only such lake of its kind known to be in Australia.

To reach its conclusion, the team studied the lake’s water quality, fossil pollen and algae, which team members then compared with photos taken of nearby areas on the island over the past 117 years.

Several other nearby former lakes have dried up over the past 40 years due to

climate change, Barr noted.

In fact, Barr’s team was on North Stradbroke to study the effects of those former bodies of water when his team stumbled across the anomaly that is Blue Lake.

The lake’s water has remained unchanged, said Barr, because its waters drain into a nearby swamp and are replaced by an aquifer every 35 days or so.

“Because it’s constantly being updated it doesn’t suffer from the vagaries of the climate in so far as it doesn’t evaporate and become more saline,” Barr told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

“It doesn’t fill up and become fresher. It just remains constant.”

Barr said something as small as sunscreen samples from tourists could alter the lake’s chemistry.

although former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, whose party belongs to the left-right coalition led by Enrico Letta, has previously called for the agency to be closed.

Equitalia was the target of firebomb attacks last year, and an anarchist group sent a letter bomb at the end of 2011 that wounded one of the agency’s directors.

evening when they encountered a brave 10-yearold.

It all began around 5:30 p.m. when the suspects, dressed in disguise, knocked on the door of the Brooklyn home. When two teenage girls opened the door, the two men pushed passed them, and headed upstairs, according to the Associated Press.

When one of the suspects tried to enter a bedroom on the second floor, the 40-yearold home owner slammed the bedroom door on one of the home invaders arms, causing him to drop the gun.

The owner’s 10-year-old son grabbed the gun and fired a shot into the wall. One of the suspects fired back,

without hitting anyone. The would-be robbers then ran off.

Police are investigating, according to the AP story.

They say other kids were in the house at the time but did not witness anything.

Another brave boy also recently made news for his quick thinking during a home invasion.

In Detroit, when burglars forced their way into Jaden Kanka’s home, the 9-year-old heard the intruders talking to his mom and boyfriend in the front of the house. He sneaked out the one-story bedroom window and ran to a neighbor, who called the police.

The criminals were still in the home when police arrived and were quickly arrested.

Cat On Illegal Mission Detained INMATES at Russia’s prisons have been known to bribe guards to obtain cellphones. But using cats as couriers?

Guards patrolling a prison colony in Russia’s north saw a feline on the fence and it seemed to be carrying something. On a closer look, they found a few cellphones and chargers taped to the cat’s belly.

The federal prison service said recently that this happened on Friday at Penal Colony No. 1 near the city of Syktyvkar in the Komi province, 1,000 kilometers (some 600 miles) northeast of Moscow.

It wasn’t clear how the cat was supposed to drop off its loot.

The courier cat

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SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

DEUTERONOMY 8:11-18 says “Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy

Sunday Sermon With Bishop Clement Ehidiamen in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me”. No matter who you are today, God made it possible for you to be there. But we live in a world where people forget what they should

thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich

made you (a nobody to be somebody highly admired) have you forgotten how he gave you your present employment and are you aware that many smarter and better than you brain wise are still seeking for employment now?. I

rich fool in the book of Luke 12:16-21, you will discover that the first thing that worked against the rich fool was self deception. He was deceived by his own mind that his hard labour had earned him so much wealth, he forget that there

and labouring? He forgot that it is only the living that labours, the dead can do nothing. Psalm 150:6 says “let everything that hath breath praise the lord”. The wickedness in the hearts of some people will not make then remember and acknowledge God over their successes rather they attribute the glory to friends who gave them the connection, club or society, fetish powers. No wonder the holy bible says in Jeremiah 17:9 and 13 says “The heart is deceitful

Beware That Thou forget Not The Lord (Part 1)

God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day”.

Has it ever entered your heart, that you are who you are today because God wanted it so? Has it ever occurred to you that you are not more qualified than those that are less than you in different endeavours of life? Are you the type that thinks that you got to your present level in life because of your brain, smartness, connection or background?

Has it ever occurred to you that what makes you a living being is owned by God? Psalm 100:3 says “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture”.

Paul a great scholar in the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:10 “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not

remember and remember what they should forget.

We live in an age where people pursue the shadow, forgetting or relegating the object that gives the shadow; we live in a world where people forget and ignore the hand that has lifted then to their present status. Even if you are a nobody now, that you are alive at all means that there is still hope for you. “For to him that is joined to the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion” Ecclesiastes 9:4. Stop complaining and start appreciating God. A parable was said about a man whom after God has blessed, attributed that glory to himself. Luke 12:16-21 says “And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take

towards God”. Have you forgotten how God has made you to climb the ladder of success from one level to another, have you forgotten how God has delivered you from the arrows of death through accidents, bullets, crashes, afflictions and sicknesses, have you forgotten how he

remember what a song writer once said “I am here to today because he kept me, I am alive today, only because of His grace”.

WHY DO PEOPLE FORGET GOD AFTER HE HAS MADE THEM? a) DECEPTION: If you look at the parable of the

were people that worked harder than himself but earned very little. He forgot that the land he planted the crops on belongs to God, he forgot that the crops he planted were made by God, he forget the rcain that fell on the crops to grow, God allowed it. He forgot that the breath that gave him strength to work for the harvest is God’s. In all these, God was not mentioned in his success story. Dear reader, don’t be deceived, God is the strength behind your success story. 1Samuel 2:89 says “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silence in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail”. b) WICKEDNESS: Looking at the parable above, the man purposely did not mention God, probably he felt where was God when he was clearing

He forgot that the land he planted the crops on belongs to God, he forgot that the crops he planted were made

by God, he forget the vain that fell on the crops to grow, God allowed it. He forgot that the breath that gave him strength to work for the harvest is God’s.

above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters”. The rich fool was called so because; he did not acknowledge God the source of his promotion. The book of psalms 53:1A says “the fool hath said in his heart, there is no God….” c) INGRATITUDE: We live in an age where people remember the many things that God is yet to do for them but forget the ones he has done. An age where people view to be more important, things that are yet to be done than things that God has already done.

Probably, the rich fool prayed after planting his seeds like every other farmer will do for rain to make the seeds grow into plants but after harvest did not include God in his sharing formular as a way of gratitude. Malachi 1:6 and 8 says “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? And if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, wherein have we despised thy name? And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts”.

To be contd.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

Negative Impact Of Cellophane LOOKING at its To The Environment usefulness in our day to day life, its portability, packaging prowess and durability, one can say that the nylon or cellophane which is mostly use for bags and packaging various items by manufacturers today has become easily noticed in every refuse dump in every home no matter how poor they might be. The cellophane has become so common among Nigerians hence it has come to be part of our everyday life and it would seem hard to imagine a world without them. But we have grown so used to them that no one stops to give a thought to the impact it has on our environment.

Cellophane is a transparent cover used for covering various materials or substance.

It is a water proof material.

Despite the numerous uses of the cellophane, one can not shy away from negative impact it is having on our environment due to the blockage of our waterways occasioned by the continuous improper disposal of the cello-

phane product. Products such as sachet water (pure water), rubber bag, products packaged with cellophane and other end product in the home which are byeproduct of cellophane or polythene.

Cellophane takes a long time to decompose and they are likely to survive long enough to present a threat to animals if littered, it can also block our drainages, litter our streets, highways and rural areas. Due to its non-degradable nature it tends to stay where it landed for a very long time, blocking our drainages, gutters and other flood control outlets, thereby increasing flooding in our streets, villages and towns as is being witnessed in our environment nay country today.

As the peak of the rainy season approaches, citizens are urged or expected to dispose their waste properly especially the cellophane or polythene materials which have the tendency to block the gutters and drainages around us help to

E

NVIRONMENT

With ANTHONY AIBANGBEE

“ Remember the protection of our environment requires the efforts of all, so that we can bequeath same to the next generation after now. So why leave that waste unattended to, pick it up and contribute your quota to the protection of our environment.”

According to the Nicontrol erosion and flood and avert possible flood- gerian Metrological ing within and around Agency (NIMET) this year 2013 will experiour environment.

ence heavier rainfall than last year. Since we all witnessed what happened last year, preparations should be in top gear to reduce or forestall the destruction of properties and lost of life, by disposing our polythene products properly, so that they would not block our water ways. According to NIMET director general “the fact that rainfall may not be as we saw last year does not mean that there is nothing to worry about; we need to take precautions so that the negative effects will be avoided.”

Proper disposal of our waste and most especially the polythene materials which has the tendency to obstruct the flow of water is a habit we must imbibed in our

environment if we must join hands with government in fighting flood and erosion in our environment.

Without proper disposal of these wastes, the efforts of government in combating flooding and erosion through the construction of the storm water projects, gutters and side drains will be a mere wasted effort and resources.

Remember the protection of our environment requires the efforts of all, so that we can bequeath same to the next generation after now. So why leave that waste unattended to, pick it up and contribute your quota to the protection of our environment.

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

THE Word of God Is The Wisdom of God. Proverbs 4:7 states, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get Wisdom.”

Wisdom Is The Ability To Recognize Difference.

Difference between right and wrong.. . in people.. .in

this philosophy removes the burden of Decision-Making from you and me, making God responsible. The fact remains Your Decisions are deciding your Future and the quality of your life.

God has given you that responsibility. “Choose you

Twelve spies went to Canaan. They spied out the land for 40 days. Ten men came back full of doubt and unbelief. For every day of doubt, God gave them a year of heartache. “And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and

iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know My breach of promise,” (Numbers 14:33-34).

Doubt Produces Pain Like Faith Produces Miracles. If you do not get into faith, you will get into doubt. I did not get into faith because I

BRIO With Francis Odupute

Life.

Doubt leaves you stripped

believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from

Seven Decisions That Will Decide Your Success

an environment.. .in a countenance.

When Joseph looked at the countenance of the butler and the baker, he saw Difference. “And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad,” (Genesis 40:6).

When Jesus hung between two thieves, one recognized His Difference. “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him, saying, If Thou be Christ, save Thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this Man hath done nothing amiss,” (Luke 23:39-41).

There is a popular teaching that God is in control of everything. He decides everything. But is God really in control of everything?

I walked up to a preacher who had been teaching in a conference. He said, “God is in control!” I asked, “Of what?”

He replied, “God is in control of everything.”

“Really? Everything that happens was planned by God?” “Yes. Everything.”

“So, if a woman is raped we cannot prosecute the rapist because God was in control?

If a man was murdered you cannot prosecute the murderer because God was in control?”

“I had not thought about that.”

If everything that happens is decided by God, what is the purpose of Wisdom.. .the ability to recognize Difference.

What is the reward of knowledge? What is the benefit of obedience? If God has already planned everything, why pursue teaching?

Nothing would bring more comfort than to think everything that happens was planned by God. However,

this day whom ye will serve,” (Joshua 24:15).

Your Decisions Decide Your Success In Life.

That is why I wrote this book.

YOUR DECISION To BUILD YOUR FAITH Your Faith Decides Your Experiences.

Faith is something that can be built. You can cause Small faith to become Great faith.

God is not responsible for your faith. You are responsible for your faith.

Why is faith important?

Faith is the only thing that produces Miracles.

God has never responded.. .to pain.

God has never responded. . . to tears.

God has never responded.. .to a human problem.

God responds to faith.

Faith Is The Only Voice God Respects.

What is God like? The character of God is hidden in Numbers 23. It explains the character of God...His behavior. ..His conduct.. .His personality. “God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?”

(Numbers 23:19).

God has one obsession.. .to be believed. God craves to be trusted. He becomes angry when He is doubted. God’s Only Pain Is To Be Doubted; God’s Only Pleasure Is To Be Believed.

Everything good God has planned for you will not happen until you trust Him. “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord,” (James 1:6-7).

What Makes Doubt So Deadly..?

Doubt Produces Tragedies As Quickly As Faith Produces Miracles.

wanted to own a Rolls Royce. I got into faith

of protection.

3 Faith Reminders Faith Comes When You Hear God Talk.

Faith is confidence in God. Faith Is Voice-Activated.

Faith is not a silent voice inside you. Faith must be

because I did not want to experience the tragedies doubt produces.

DoubtAuthorizes SatanicAttack Against Your

released with your mouth.

You cannot even be saved until you speak. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt

By MIKE MURDOCK bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in

Mike Murdock the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your

the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation,” (Romans 10:910).

How Do You Build Your Faith.,?

Faith comes by hearing.. .the words of God. God has hidden trust capability in His words.

When I hear something God says, faith rises in me.

Every morning I listen to The Bible on my iPod. What Enters You Determines What Exits You. How do you get darkness to leave a room? You turn on the light and the entry of the light forces the exit of the darkness.

This is The Law of Displacement.

Daniel put it this way.

“How does a man break off iniquity? By acts of righteousness.” (See Daniel 4:27.)

How do I cause doubt to leave? By bringing faith in.

When God begins to talk, doubt and fear die.

Every Decision You Make Will Be From Fear or Faith.

You must develop your own faith.. .others will contribute to your doubts.

Build your faith.

Nurture your faith.

Saturate your Mind with The Word of God. All doubt will be dispelled. Every word that enters your ear should be Faith-Talk.

The greatest chapter in The Bible is Psalm 119. It talks about what The Word of God will do in your life. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” (Psalm 119:105).

“The fact remains Your Decisions are deciding your Future and the quality of your life. God has given you that responsibility.”

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SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

Naked Truth Your Comments On The Crisis Rocking The Nigerian Governors Forum THE last may not have been seen or heard of the crisis rocking the Nigerian Governors forum. As the umbrella body of all governors in the country have been factionalised presently, with each laying claim to authenticity of the chairmanship position of the body after a controversial election to elect its leadership with one faction being led by incumbent, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Cross-River State and the other by Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State.

And as usual, Naked truth sought the various views of the citizenry concerning this unending crisis rocking the Nigeria Governors forum. Compiled and presented for your reading pleasure by Citizen Emma Kola Okhakhu.

Our Leaders should be ashamed – Pius O. Ede The outcome of the Governors forum election has unmasked the masquerades in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It has further justified the subtle and constant attack of its moral and ethical principles as a party. The crises is real and should be fought by all true democrats. Election is a game of number, they did not go there for selection.

I personally watch the clips on AIT and nobody complained during the exercise and if at the end the interest of the bigger, masquerade is not met, you take it, at least to show that Governors cannot be robotised.

Our leaders should be ashamed.

Crisis is political – Richard Eweka The crisis rocking the Nigerian governors forum is political and a big shame not only to the governors themselves but to the Peoples Democratic Party which have the highest number. It is a big shame that as small as the governors forum, her election could not be conducted properly without argument, rancor and dissatisfaction about the process. Now we have two factions, two chairmen. It is a shame on the part of the governors. It is only in Nigeria you have governors forum, nowhere else in the world. The crisis rocking them is now made the business and problem of Nigeria as a whole. The nation does nothing now than discuss the issue of governors forum leaving other pressing national issues. To have peace, the forum should be

disbanded, so that we have our peace as a nation.

It is not surprising –Osaretin Okhomina The crisis currently rocking the Nigerian Governors Forum did not take me by surprise in that in a situation where darkness and light are cohabiting, there will always be problem. The forces of darkness cannot suppress the divine light that comes from God. Again, it is a clear indication that no matter the evil machinations against good it will not succeed. What we see in the Governor forum is an act of God to reed this nation of evil men who have vowed to make this country ungovernable, so that His perfect will can be fully enshrined. The crisis is a good omen that in 2015 the forces of good will take over the leadership of this country. To the collective destinies of all Nigerians will no longer be

determined by a select few who think Nigeria is their personal property. It is a good omen so we can decide for ourselves democratically who to follow. May the efforts of our founding fathers never be in vain, and may the will of the Almighty prevail in

is a true reflection of the kind of democracy we are practising in Nigeria. It is a pointer to the fact that what we are having in the country as at today is civil rule and not a true democracy.

If the Governors could dance naked to this level for just

With CITIZEN EMMA KOLA OKHAKHU Nigerians are learning from our tragedy of leadership –Francis Odupute Interesting and very dramatic! Sometimes, it is good for some things to happen but let it not be death. Now Nigerians are

Jonathan this country, so that our leaders will see themselves as leaders indeed and not Lords. God bless Nigeria.

True reflection of our democracy –Obanor Friday The crisis rocking the Nigerian Governors Forum

an Association of 36 members; you could then best imagine what happens in their various states where they preside over local government elections which is the pure responsibility of the various states government.

Again, for Mr. President to be fingered in this macreba dance is shame of a nation and also a reflection that we are still more than ten miles away from achieving true democracy like what is obtainable in Ghana and other countries of the world.

learning more from the tragedy of leadership in this country where personal interest over rides national interest. Our ogas at the top are teaching us the “dynamics of Hate democracy” – the PDP way; and I think this is dangerous.

The power tussle rocking the NGF is a clear indicator that most of our leaders are power-greedy and petty.

And from what is going on.

I see PDP going down. But are the oppositions any better? Politics in our country is always built around the goal and vision of amassing personal

wealth and power at all cost before your tenure is over.

It’s a reflection of things to come in 2015 – Edobor Harrison The Nigerian Governors Forum crisis is showing to Nigerians how political crisis will rock 2015 elections if not properly checked now. It is showing to Nigerian that if 35 honourable men can conduct election between themselves, how can they guarantee a free, fair and credible election in 2015.

Personally, Governor Amaechi won the election according to the video that was circulated on the internet, so let those who won, rule because they won on the battle field. PDP should stop playing politics with this governors’ forum wahala and give us better governance, instead of occupying Nigerian mind’s with this so-called political issues of who will emerge the presidential flag bearer of the PDP. -Victor Imade To me I see the crisis rocking the Nigerian Governors forum as selfish, greedy attitude troubling them. It is something regrettable that elected governors are now fighting for position without hearing or listen to those that have elected them. You can see how all sense that personal ambitions is over-heating the polity and distracting the purpose of electing them by the people.

I want to say categorically that if possible these governors should be shown the way out by way of the people voting against them and they should be ashamed of themselves.

“The crisis rocking the Nigerian Governors Forum is a true reflection of the kind of democracy we are practising in Nigeria. It is a pointer to the fact that what we are having in the country as at today is civil rule and not a true democracy.”

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SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

VOX POP

Indefinite Strike Action By The Nigerian Union Of Teachers THE Nigerian Union of Teachers recently embarked on an indefinite strike action for failure of some state governments to pay the 25% allowance due them. Fifteen states (15) out of the thirty-six (36) states have been affected by the strike action. Teachers they say are very important in the society, as they are the key determinants of youths’ future, as leaders of tomorrow. It is on this ground that SUNDAY OBSRVER interns: Salami Blessing, Queen Obiekwuye, Paul Okomiayin and Ukiri Clementina Egwolomena went out to conduct a general opinion poll. the demands of the teachers, Excerpts. pay them what is stipulated Oshiomhole is trying – Mrs. and let them go back to their Tina Idehen Business jobs. The government is comwoman pletely to blame, they know So far, I think Oshiomhole’s what is right yet they won’t has done a good job but he do it. should not taint his good Government should do the works by his little misunder- right thing – Wilson standing. I say ‘little’ because, Ighodalo, Teacher the teachers are entitled to In attempting to answer this their right of 25% allowance question, more concentration and all the other issues con- should be given to the concerning minimum wage. The cept, ‘failure of governance’ government should do what is which also implies the incomright and pay teachers what is petency of government, rightfully due to them so they which today has become can continue with their duty. normal. This is gross Issues should be handled corruption. The government rightly – Mr. Robinson should stop looking for the Ekanem, Businessman black goat in the dark. Do the The NUT and the govern- right thing and stop dillyment should have handled this dallying. The government in the right way. I personally should stop being indifferent do not think strike is the best to the plights of the governed. option in this kind of situation. Children are being affected Dialogue should have been – Dorcas Egiliwe, Student considered to resolve the unIt is wrong, the strike action fortunate turn of events. We I mean. The children are beknow very well, they are ing affected. They should be entitled to be paid for their considered, their mates are in labour but the children should school while they walk about also be considered. It is com- the street idle. It is very unmon saying that ‘the idle mind fair. I suggest the NUT call off is the devil’s workshop’. the strike for the sake of the These children have nothing students and maybe give the to do than roam the streets government a little more time now they are out of school. So to resolve the problem. That I suggest this issue be re- is what I think. solved so the children can go Nigerians understand only back to school. strike – Uyi Osahon, BusiGovernment to blame - nessman Osas Obasohan, Teacher Strike. That is the only soluSeriously, I don’t understand tion Nigerians know to even the government of today. The the smallest of problems strike has already taken effect, which is wrong. I do not no doubt… what the govern- blame the NUT, though. They ment should be doing is put- are only asking what is ting together reasonable ef- rightfully theirs. I mean these forts to call the teachers back. teachers are humans, they The government should meet have families who are de-

pending on them. It is not right to withhold from them what they’ve laboured for. We should not forget that without these teachers, there would be no governors, no presidents and certainly no future for this

the nation by bringing up the children. It is their right.

The government of the day should meet their demands so that the children can go back to their various classes. The future of this nation is on

Pascal - Children will go to the streets without teachers I see no reason why the government should delay the teachers allowances, it means the government does not want the children to learn because

think it is necessary they embark on the strike action, because to me that is the only way to get the government to see to their plight. Though, I know the students/pupils will eventually suffer it but they

these children, let’s never forget that.

if the teaches are not there for the children, then we will find the children in the street.

Teachers are very important in our society Doris Government should try and put things in place for the teachers because teachers are very important in our society even the farmers still need the teacher to put them through in planting or harvesting. So the government should please meet up with their demands.

A labourer deserves his wage – Barr. J.E. Akhale My view is that a labourer deserves his wage. If some states have paid, then the defaulting states government should know that it is desirable for efficiency in carrying out their jobs. So, they should pay. A situation wherein you want a teacher to give you comparative service as their counterparts in other states that have been paid, and yet you deny them, and you are shouting that you love the children. The union should know that the future of our children should not be put in jeopardy.

The strike action is necessary – Azuka Samuel About the strike issue, I

can always get back to their academics if the strike is called off. The strike action is necessary, because it is not a practice to started today, it has been a regularly practice by civilian.

It is justifiable – Tracy For me, it is justifiable, because these teachers have responsibilities. Most of them are fathers, mothers and guardians. And with the 25% allowance that they are entitled to, they will use it to sort out those needs. It is their right.

It is justifiable. I think NUT has been sending letters to the state government and I feel if by now out of the 36 states some have paid, remaining 15 states, who have not paid, then it must be a fault from the state government. I watched the TV, when NUT, Edo State Chapter said Edo State Government has not called for dialogue, and the commissioner of Edo State is saying they called NUT for dialogue but they failed to respond. So, who do we believe? So, I think there is a form of cajole there. The NUT deserves to go on strike, it is their right.

Primary school pupils

nation. I guess they are all unconcerned because their children do not attend public schools so they are not affected in any way and this is wrong.

Issues should be resolved – Prophet Monday Idehen The teachers should be treated like every other civil servant. It is wrong for the government to allow the NUT to go on strike thereby denying the children their educational right, making them loose sight of their future.

The government of the day should wake up to their duties because of our children. So that the academic calendar do not pass them by.

The teachers are not demanding for too much, just 25% which is nothing compared to the labour and energy put in to better the future of

“The teachers should be treated like every other civil servant. It is wrong for the government to allow the NUT to go on strike thereby denying the children their educational right, making them loose sight of their future”

Why is it that the teachers are never tired of strike? – Mr. Ayo Teachers again, the governor have recall them and now what next is strike, why is it that teachers are never tired of striking here and there, some of those other states have not even started paying this money. So why is that of Edo State being different.

The teachers should consider the children - Madam Faith Teachers should go back to work because they are not the only workers the government is paying. We also know that they are trying but they should consider the children.

Give the teacher what they want - Wealth Musa The government should call these teachers to have a heart to heart talk, the government should try and give these teachers what they want in other for the children to go back to the classroom, without them some of these children will be on the streets and at the end of the day you will find out that they are not ready to learn again.

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NEWS EXTRA

Inorganic Farming, Detrimental To Man DR Sunday Akpa, the Permanent Secretary in the Plateau Ministry of Environment, said that inorganic farming could be detrimental to both human and environmental health.

Akpa made this known at a ceremony organised by the National Environmental Standards And Regulations

Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in Jos to mark this year’s World Environmental Day. He said that inorganic farming required the use of chemicals in the form of fertiliser, herbicides, pesticides, growth promoters, hormones, colourants and a host of other additives.

According to him, the chemicals used are not usually

completely metabolised or destroyed before the food harvested is consumed.

This, he said, could be responsible for the increase in non-infectious diseases such as cancersa.

“Apart from the harmful effects of the chemicals on human, these substances have a direct effect on the land and both surface and under-ground water.

“The natural ecological balance is grossly distorted therefore after some years the land is degraded and not suitable for anything; should we therefore, not stop and think about the food we eat?

“The consequences of the act includes soil erosion, climate change, and the destruction of the natural habitat for wide life;

Much Of The Anticipated Insurance Premium In 2011 given up to 30 days to remit Still Outstanding - Official premiums collected to insurance

MR Olorundare Thomas, Director-General, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), has said that between 27 and 28 per cent of total premium anticipated in 2011 were still outstanding.

Thomas told newsmen in Lagos that this would not happen in 2013 because of the “No Premium, No Cover” policy.

He said that the first quarter and half year reports from the insurance companies indicated this and that enforcement of the ‘No Premium No Cover’ would make it possible.

Thomas said that the gross premium income recorded by the insurance industry in 2013 would be known

by December 31.

Reports say that insurance premium is the amount of money stipulated by insurance company that a policy holder must pay for active insurance coverage.

“From 2011 statistics, between 27 and 28 per cent of the total premium incurred remains outstanding.”

According to him, the success of ‘No Premium No Cover’ will enable the sub-sector to play its role of financial intermediation actively.

The director-general said that he envisaged that complaints from policy holders to the NIA Complaint Bureau regarding payment of claims would reduce in 2013.

Once premium is paid, the insurance company is bound to pay claims should the insured suffer any loss’’.

Thomas said that the bureau was an initiative of the association to shore up the image of the insurance industry, adding that matters referred to it were being resolved at no cost.

He said that the idea of having the bureau was to ensure that its members acted responsibly to the needs of the policy holders.

Reports say that the enforcement of ‘No Premium No Cover’ became effective from

January 1.

It was also reported that insurance brokers had been

companies and there were penalties for defaulters.

-Environmentalist

this leads to great pressure on the overall environment.“ Akpa said that large-scale agriculture also required the massive clearance of natural vegetation, a trend, which he noted, had led to the loss of a large expanse of forest cover for agricultural use worldwide.

He said that though the human specie and animals could not survive without food, the inorganic production of food now in use, was highly demanding on the environment.

He said that if the human race was to survive on earth, there was the need to review the food

production and consumption patterns worldwide.

Also commenting, Dr Wiliam Lappai, the North Central Zonal Director, of the agency, said the commemoration should enable leaders and all concerned to emphasise environmental issues to enable all stakeholders to know their responsibilities and become agents of change.

According to him, the day is set aside to make the world habitable for people and for generations unborn.

Reports say that the theme for the 2013 World Environmental Day is; “THINK, EAT, SAVE”.

Farmers Solicit For Early Distribution Of Fertiliser FARMERS in Benue State have reiterated the need for government to embark on early fertiliser distribution.

The farmers made the call in an interview with newsmen at the weekend in Makurdi as they queued to redeem their allocations.

They underscored the need for early procurement of the commodity, to avoid late application, which they said, results to low yields.

They, however, expressed gratitude to the government for providing the commodity.

The reports say that the fertiliser distribution for the 2013 farming season has commenced in earnest in Benue.

It was gathered that the distribution was taking place in 30 centres across the state. newsmen further learnt that the distribution was done based on the registration of farmers that was carried out in 2012 in line with the Federal Government directive.

It was also reports that farmers in Makurdi and its environs were seen on queue collecting the product at the Benue Fertiliser and

Chemical Company located at Industrial Layout, Makurdi.

In a separate interview with the General Manager, Agro Company, Mr Tony Apam, said he was impressed with the turnout of farmers for the exercise and assured them that the commodity was enough to go round.

Apam admonished them not to worry but exercise patience, stressing that the commodity would surely go round.

It was gathered that Agro Company was in charge of the fertiliser distribution in Benue.

Police Officers deployed for peace keeping mission in Mali, displaying before their departure at the Police headquarters in Abuja weekend.

Ineffective Mortgage System, Cause Of Low great disparity between the Real Estate Growth - Expert type of funds in our mortgage A real estate consultant, Mr Taiwo Fajolu, has attributed the slow pace of growth of real estate industry in Nigeria to lack of effective mortgage scheme.

Fajolu told newsmen in Lagos that viability of the real estate sector in

any economy depended solely on effectiveness of the mortgage scheme.

“Our real estate sector can contribute immensely to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) if the government revives the mortgage sector,”

he said.

Fajolu, who is the Managing Director, Vantage Habitat and Estate Company, said the interest rates on short-term loans from mortgage institutions were too high.

According to him, there is

Woman Sues For Divorce Over Threat To Life A 32-year-old house wife, Hajiya Amina Safiyanu at the weekend prayed a Kaduna Sharia Court two, Magajin Gari to dissolve her marriage to her husband, Mansur, over threat to her life.

Amina told the court that her husband, was in the habit of beating her and also threatening to kill her, whenever they had a small quarrel.

“He will beat and threaten to kill me.

“The last time we quarrelled, he beat me and I fainted. After i

gained consciousness, he ordered me to pack my belongings and return to my parents house.

“It is over three months now since I moved to my parent’s and he has never visited or sent anything to me or for the children” she said.

Amina pleaded with the court to ask Mansur to divorce her, if he was not interested in the marriage.

In his defence, Mansur, of Rigasa Area, of Kaduna told the

court that he does not beat his wife.

“I have never laid my hands on her. Why would I beat her?

“The only thing that happened before she left the house was that as I was getting dressed for work, my wife blocked the doorway where I was to pass and wanted to fight me but I did not answer her.

“I pushed her and left the house. After the incident, before I returned from work, she had moved her belongings and the

children from my house,” he said.

He told the court that all efforts to make peace with her had failed.

Presiding officer, Khadi Ibrahim Inuwa ordered Amina to produce her witnesses in court.

“Since your husband said he did not beat you, you must come with your witness who can testify to your claims,” he said.

Inuwa, adjourned the case to June 21, for the witnesses to appear in court.

market and what is actually obtainable in mortgage system elsewhere.

He said that for now the country’s mortgage institutions offered short-term loans for long-term projects.

Fadoju said that it was not advisable to use short-term funds to invest in long-term projects like housing.

“Most of the mortgage institutions offer short-term funds at about 28 per cent interest rate to finance longterm investments.

“For a mortgage, you need to bring in long-term fund with low interest rate for investors to recoup their investments and pay-up the interest,” he said.

Fajolu urged the government to create the enabling environment for private sector to drive the

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SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

Understanding Your Child

GOD gave us children to be their custodians and as they come, they all come differently. As a parent you need to understand your children individually. Mothers will always say each child came differently, the pregnancies are never the same, neither the delivery because each child is unique in his or her own way, just the way God created us. Take a look at twins for instance, no matter how identical they may be, they are different in some other ways.

When planning a family, parents need to pray and ask God for understanding and wisdom to deal with each of the children, to reveal each child, their peculiarities, the kind of child He is entrusting to your care.

Children are like plain sheets of paper when they are born, so you need to watch and know what and how to write on them because it determines what they become at the end of the day.

We all want our children to be successful in life, to be in the well known professions, that is why you see parents forcing or pushing their children to read certain courses in the higher intuitions or trying to push them into a certain school because that school is known for a particular thing. If a child has a flare towards Arts subjects, do not force the child into science, watch and

know where the child’s capability lies. Parents have often made the mistake of making their children live out their own lives, maybe they were unable to achieve certain goals, they tend to pass it on to the children to achieve it, forgetting that, the children came with their own life to live and not a carry-over one. It is wise for parent to talk to their children as reasonable

human beings. When they are young, maybe as toddlers they mumble words, and we reply normally to them, all these, they store in and eventually they will comprehend. Then

as they are growing and in school, know the areas in their studies, where they are strong and lacking, find a means of helping to improve and help to direct them in the area of their inclination, if he is good in Sciences or Arts, guide him.

I once heard a story of a young man that desperately wanted to be a musician but his father made him to become a medical

doctor, which was what the father wanted to become but couldn’t because he failed the exams. So he forcefully caused his son to study medicine. Out of respect for his father, he

Motherhood With Chelson SMS: 08023457637

dreams. One day, he went through it and was given an award became one of the best and he was made to doctors in the country. give a speech, it was He was like a miracle then he spoke up for the

helped him fulfill his dreams now he was going to achieve what he has so long desire.

And he became one of

“When planning a family, parents need to pray and ask God for understanding and wisdom to deal with each of the children, to reveal each child, their peculiarities, the kind of child He is entrusting to your care.”

doctor, everyone was going to his hospital, built by his dad, infact he was very successful, his dad was proud of him but deep down he was sad, because he was not living his

first time that he was very unhappy with what he was doing, that he actually wanted to be a musician. He walked away from the presentation after telling his dad he had

the well known musicians in the world.

Pa rents should understand that because they came with their individual peculiarities, never compare one to another. You are bound to have some on the quiet side, some on the slow end while some on the quick side of things. Watch, learn and know where each child fall on and guide accordingly.

This is where respect for our children also comes in, respect their wishes, whatever they want or desire in life, the best thing for parents to do is letting them know the rules, ways, how and what they are going into.

Because of parental instinct, some parents want to protect them from making mistakes but without these experiences and standing up on their feet, they will never learn the ways of life.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

Hope For The Single THERE are millions of singles who want desperately to become married, but there are also millions of restless married people who wish they were single. Being single comes with a lot of fears, fear of remaining single for life without a partner, fear of growing old alone, of not having children, of being left out, fear of missing out on the joy of sharing great joys, hopes, dreams and aspirations with a partner, fear of dying alone. When it comes to what matters most in life for the single, it is not sex, although important and enjoyable, it comes in as a low priority.

Granted, sex to some degree is a concern but it is not the thrill-seeking side of sex that they longed to experience before death but the feeling of having someone to come home to.

Some singles participate in a pot-pourri of sexual experimentation in an attempt to mask a deeper need (the God-shape void in their soul), afraid to face their fears, using it as a narcotic to tranquilise the pain, while some (the Christian singles) think, “If only I could have sex, everything would be alright.

Take a look around you, in the office, at home, in the bars, car parks or a dimly lit roadside, we are surrounded by people whose restlessness prompt them to reach daily for a cheap sexual sedative, thus missing out on God’s perfect

prescription to fill up their void. These singles believe the goal of sex was to reach orgasmic joy, accepting that the more the merries as long as they play safe, but not all are that fortunate as many had contacted various degrees of STDs, HIV/AIDs and even died, throwing their bodies and caution to the wind, living under the illusion that if they stop this conquest game, their identity would evaporate, they have to grow and get accustomed to this way of life and there is fear preventing them from making a change,.

Are you a single and this portray your life?

Is there an hunger for peace inside of you?

Now can you tell from experience that sex isn’t filling the void?

Do you want the quality of your relationship with men and women to take a leap for Lord?

Do you know how to break the chain of fears that binds you? Well, here is the answer to all those fears, loneliness, multiple partners, “PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT ALL FEARS.” 1 John 4:18.

God didn’t create the world and take an eternal vacation but watched with the eyes of a loving father as mankind fell from grace, as sin sliced through His perfect design for sexual intimacy. He knew mankind would try to use feasible resources to piece things back together or pretend as if there was no problem,

but rather than allow mankind to wallow in hopeless fear and pain, he provided a solution.

John 3:16-17; “for

God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him

Relationship With Chelson SMS: 08023457637 should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” It was Jesus who paid the price for all of our sins, including your sexual excesses and brings unending joy, peace that gently nurtures your malnourished soul. Intimacy with God, is the best antidote for discontentment as a single, where you find yourself energized in ways no sexual high could ever produce even when you are starring in the face of life-long singleness.

Don’ts In A Relationship EVERYONE wishes to be in love and to be loved. That is why most of us fell in love blindly, yes, they say, “love is blind” but if you are blind, you might fall into a big pit in which you can’t come out, then what next?

Well, you tend to go into a relationship because basically you are searching, looking for, desiring, wanting and expecting something from your partner. When we enter into a relationship with great expectation or determine to make the relationship work, some of us go all the way, throwing wing to the winds, putting everything into the relationship just because we want it to work out perfectly.

Males and females are guilty of these attitudes. Men trying to win the woman of their heart in anyway possible to the extent of taking care of the lady’s family even when she has not agreed to his request yet. While the women do some silly things to get the men.

Here are some Don’ts you should never attempt in a relationship.

Spending too much time before the mirror: Most of us want to be at our best when going out on a date with a partner, so we tend to spend the whole day making up, dress-

ing to kill, not wanting him to see you without a make-up.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best but never allow him/her to see your blemishes or hair mussed only proves that you believe beauty is only skin deep. Remember that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. If you want a lover, let him/her see you in your natural self sometimes, but for me, I think the first time is better.

Deny Your Feeling: Sometimes, we come across people with lots of baggages and tend to deny our feelings about the baggages, accepting them, saying you’re cool when you’re not. You need to learn to be honest about your feeling. For instance, you meet a guy or a girl with a child already and you say you don’t mind but you throw a temper when he/she can’t see you because he/she is spending time with the child. Or your partner says he/she has a lot of the opposite sex as friends you can’t say you’re cool with that and then you start freaking out and getting jealous whenever you see your partner with the opposite sex.

And also if your partner says he/she want to keep seeing you but also have other relationships, don’t say it’s cool

because we all know none can take it without being hurt.

Co-habiting: Many couples co-habit with the excuse of knowing each other better, how each lives, the likes and dislikes, some to see if they can tolerate each other after wedding. Well, courtship is not living together. Most couples that live together before marriage are more likely to break up within a few years.

Even if there is a commitment of marriage, don’t just move in to be his cook, wash woman or man, sex slave to each other and at the end of the day, there’s no marriage. It is better to wait until you are very sure of each other, love and respect each other’s before getting married. After cohabiting, what is left of the relationship for the marriage life to enjoy?

Become an ATM machine: Using money to entice some

one is not the best option in a love relationship. It’s good to spend money but it should not be the base of the relationship. Some people go the extra mile of giving their partners free or complete access to their bank accounts despite the fleshy car, latest designs, apartments and whatever. At the and, you are dumped and the money gone.

Don’t Tattoo Names: Love last forever, therefore, you want to crest your partner’s name on your body so that it will stay on you, to prove your unending love. Sadly, these tattoos often outlast the relationships. Or you declaring your undying love to your partners on social networks, using his/her pictures on your phones and social network pages but have you checked his/her phone or status to see if there is anything about his/ her love for you?

“Most couples that live together before marriage are more likely to break up within a few years.”

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SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

Early last week, General Mohammadu Buhari, former Head of State and Presidential Candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the 2011 Presidential elections attacked the Federal Government’s current war on terror and acts of insurgency in the north eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. He was said to have accused the Federal Government of double standards in tackling the problems of insecurity in the country wherein Niger Delta militants were being given special treatment and

ticket for the 2015 presidential election that the joint military operation in the north east was an aggression against the north. The APC is gearing up to challenge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the presidential poll which

north eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, insisting the act was an act of aggression against the north.

The former Head of State since making what most Nigerians consider as unfair

Politics &

W HAMEED

Buhari: Between

the incumbent president is believed to have interest in contesting.

General Buhari did not stop there; he accused politicians from the Niger

comment and a misrepresentation of the security situation in Nigeria and the approach to tackling it, has not had rest. He has come under attack by well

• President Goodluck Jonathan

the Boko Haram members hunted and hounded by the Federal authorities. He was speaking during a personality interview “Guest of the Week” on Liberty Radio monitored in Kaduna.

Buhari was quoted as saying during the progamme where he spoke on a wide range of issues including the emerging All Progressive Congress (APC) and his determination to back any body who picks the party’s

insurgents vis a vis those of the militants who operated from the Niger Delta?

In case the retired general has forgotten, the Niger Delta militants strove against economic injustices they felt was being perpetrated against them by

Delta of encouraging the insecurity in the country by recruiting and arming youths in their desperate attempt to gain or retain power. He said “the Niger Delta militant were trained in some skills and even given jobs but the ones in the north are being killed and their houses destroyed by the federal government.”

He crowned it when he reiterated his rejection of the Emergency Rule declared by the Jonathan administration in the three

the Nigerian state. Their case became easy to handle because their demands for their inclusion in the booming economy of the oil rich region was within the

presidential election since 2003 and failed in all attempts has allowed frustration to take the better of him through his constant throwing of inventives at

• Mohammadu Buhari

meaning citizens with the Christian Association of Nigeria. (CAN) calling for his arrest and prosecution over what it called the general’s “inciting statement.”

The CAN President, Ayo Oritsejafor faulted the claim

by General Buhari that the Boko Haram insurgency was a product of injustice against the north.

It is important that we ask from General Buhari the injustice he is talking about and what are the demands of the Boko Haram

power of the federal government to grant. This is not to say that the government at any time condoned the activities of the Niger Delta militants as general Buhari would want the world to believe. But what are the Boko Haram insurgents asking for? A sovereign Islamic state within the indissoluble Nigerian entity and this is not within the powers of the government to grant.

General Buhari who had serially contested the

the Jonathan administration in his bid to get cheap popularity. Like previous attempts, all of such inventives hulled at the Jonathan administration and his predecessors in office had made General Buhari less a national leader and had consistently shrunk into the toga of an ethnic jingoist as is currently playing out and this has further dealt a fatal blow to his final quest to rule the country once more. I think General Buhari should be

wiser by now since no known northern leader has raised his voice in support of his inciting comments and if any, it has been that of surprise and when th leadershi

by Abu rejected amnesty insurgent to demon increase attacks in in northe scores o their liv What di cajole the the amn was drop by Governm as good a is Buhar the bad trying to that the w in the nor the entire The q Buhari fa is, ‘whos Boko H fighting? the whol killing a innocent Christia rulers, Is found cou their nefa bewilderment especially un Islam when most northern security elites and leaders have region w come to agree with the general Federal Government on north? If s the need to end the Boko should b Haram insurgency say so an through the current political c operation in the zone. he curren Put in another way, trouble.

His atta General Buhari is war on te standing alone on this at a time ignoble path of playing politics with the security commen of this nation. One is governm compelled to ask, where counter was this General Buhari him out a who wan

A

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Issues ith BRAIMAH

casualties during some of the deadly operations to flush out the militants from the creeks. It is surprising that General Buhari who in the build up to the 2011 general elections declared that Nigerian can not surrender to the insurgents following the spate of bombings

territorial integrity of the Nigerian nation which he desperately seeks to rule over once more. One is compelled also to ask again if the retired general is keen to rule over a fragmented Nigeria state with pockets

aversion to western education and establishment of an Islamic state.

One would have expected a General Buhari to understand the nuances of the Boko Haram insurgents

n Statesmanship And Sectionalism e Boko Haram p as represented bakar Shekkau the offer of to the Boko Harm s and went ahead strate it through d bombings and Baga and Bama rn Borno where f Nigerians lost es and property. d Buhari do to se felons to accept esty offer which ped on their laps the Federal ent? Your guess is s mine. Then why i now because of politics of 2015 make us believe ar on insurgency th is a war against north. uestion General iled to ask himself e interests are the aram insurgents Or is he out to tell e world that the nd maiming of people including ns, traditional lamic clerics who rage to denounce rious activities as ic and hapless operatives in the ere done in the ‘interest’ of the o, General Buhari e bold enough to d come out of the over under which tly hides to foment

ck on the present rror in the country the whole world is ding the ent approach on terrorism marks s a crude politician ts power just for

the sake of it and would do anything to get it. This probably explains why he has always engaged himself in dogmatic criticism of every government in power since his first failed bid to be elected president in 2003 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) platform.

Before his recent tirades, Gen Buhari had described the nation’s democracy as a colossal failure. Many who are familiar with his brand of politics and as an ex coupist who sacked the democratically elected government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari on December 31st 1983 were not surprised.

His recent comments besides exposing him as a frustrated and desperate power monger, they have also unmasked him as an anti democratic character who had over the years masqueraded the nation’s partisan political space as a socialist with the magic wand to reform Nigeria and rid it of the current massive economic corruption bedeviling it.

Now, Nigerians are wiser that this Buhari would rather than solve the current economic corruption problems add both social, and ethno-religious corruption, form of corruption that would exacerbate the current ethno-religious problems already plaguing the country.

I think the Jonathan Presidency, should heed the call for the arrest of General Buhari by the Christian Association of Nigeria

(CAN). This is so because the General might have many more things about Boko Haram to tell Nigerians.

He may need to expatiate on his claim that the militancy in the Niger Delta caused the insecurity in the country.

He may need to explain how the militancy in the Niger Delta which began in early 2000s led to the Maitasine episode of 1980 in Kano, the ethnoreligious riots in Kano and Kaduna in the early 1990s which like the Boko Haram is doing were mainly targeted at Christians and southerners who lived and worked in those cities.

How else can a supposed statesman tell a lie to himself when he can not even relate with the historical facts of his country?

Contrary of General Buhari’s attempt to re-write the history of the emergence of militancy in the Niger Delta and insurgency in the north, the Yar’Adua administration did not just offer amnesty to the militants on a platter of gold as General Buhari tended to make us believe.

If that was the case, what were the joint task forces doing in the Niger Delta, and still doing there today?

This same Buhari had before the Yar ’Adua administration, at the heat of the militancy in the Niger Delta condemned the deployment of military men of northern origin to participate in the joint military operations against the militants owing to the increased military

• Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, Chief of Defence Staff

involving the Islamic sects has turned full circle to be their advocate under the guise of protecting the interest of the north.

General Buhari should be made to account for all those who the Boko Haram insurgents have killed in the north. It presupposes that for every of such killings the north gained. This is only what can justify Buhari’s anti northern interest posture and propaganda since the successes recorded against the insurgents began with the full scale military operations in the north east last month.

One would have expected to see a grateful Gen Buhari to the present government for striving to maintain the

of sovereignties. This becomes compelling because Buhari appears to be the only one who is not pleased with the current successes recorded by the joint military operations to root out the insurgents.

General Buhari should learn that blind criticism only exposes the myopia and poor perception of the critic. What are the options the general is offering on the war on terror? Is he suggesting that we should now surrender to terror and do nothing?

It is unfortunate that the government had to call out its troops to quell the senseless and purposeless insurgents whose only cause of action is to force the citizenry to accept their

whose operations and activities are now spread across countries of West and North Africa.

Abubakar Shekau’s recent call for help in Boko Haram’s quest to Islamize Africa from global terror groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan should have guided Buhari’s comment except he wants to confirm our suspicion over time that he is their patron and financial. He should be bold enough to let the world know that he is a member of the terror group so that the global war on terror would catch up with him if the Jonathan’s government wouldn’t do it for fear that such action would be misconstrued for political witch hunt.

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S

unday Diet

With ERNEST IKHUREIGBE

and Omega of our lives.

Life that is sincerely committed to Him cannot be overcome by any power from the pit of Hell. It is a simple fact

A Life Committed To Christ Cannot Be Wasted FOR the love of mankind, Jesus Christ abdicated His throne to pay the Supreme Price, so that you and I can exercise dominion over the challenges of life and at the end be with Him, without blemish, to reign for life everlasting. John 3:15-16. He expects everyone created by Him to believe in Him in all its ramification for His attendants blessings to be our portion in the course of life’s journey on earth and eternal. May God continually grants us this grace to appreciate this sacrifice.

It is important to remind ourselves that the Lord’s importance is recognized by all, including the unbelievers but why it has become increasing difficult to accept Him is a different ball game.

They probably hold the misconception that, they would no longer be free to indulge in what seems to give them the “pleasure of life” which is vain and precarious to their total life.

In the Gospel of St. Luke: 17:19-31 is an account of a rich man and a certain beggar named Lazarus.

Both had their different experiences while on earth before they died. The Bible recorded that the rich man.

“Fared sumptuously everyday” – which implies He lived a “comfortable life” without

Christ in crises, hence his unpardonable experience in hell.

Brethren, there is no doubt that life in Christ Jesus would lead to a meaningful and purposeful life but when Chris is not given the chance to rule the affairs of man; it becomes bitter, griefstricken, purposeless and a failure.

In Luke 5:1-11, Simon Peter, who was a known fisherman had to contend with failure in his professional career but when he heard and obeyed the word from the Lord Jesus. His total life became a testimony.

“They enclosed a great multitude of fishes and their net brake.” (Verse 6).

And in addition, Jesus promoted him from a mere fisherman to a fisher of men (verse 10).

No wonder the outstanding testimonies that heralded his sermon at three different occasions. In Act 2:41 – “about three thousand souls” were won to Christ. Act 4:4 “about five thousand” gave their lives to Christ. And also in Act 5:14 “none added to the LORD multitudes both men and women”.

There cannot be a greater gain than he who decides to be committed to the LORD. It is not useless to devote some of our previous time to He who is the Author, Alpha

that He rules the Heavens and the earth and everything under the earth. No power can subdue Him. Phil. 2:1011. King David is known to be a man after the heart of God. He did all he could to please the LORD even when he found out that he had erred. God did acknowledge his foibles and pardoned him.

The young prophet in 1 Kings 13:1-3 had a divine instruction to be carried out but he failed in the course and he wasted on his life. “A lion met him by the way and slew him.”

1 Kings 13:24.

The b lind Bartmaeus lived a wasted life of begging to eke a living but when he heard of Jesus passing by he committed his cause to Him. He begged for mercy in an unusual manner that made Jesus to stand still for him.

He was personally attended to by Jesus Christ, who asked him “What will thou that I should do unto thee.” The blind man said unto Him “LORD that I might receive my sight.”

Immediately his sight was restored. Mark 10:46-52.

Beloved, there is no other reliable source of power and wealth than the MAIN SOURCE – He is a perfect giver and adds no sorrow when He gives.

James 1:17 Luke 1:37.

Remain blessed as you retrace your steps to Him.

“Life in Christ Jesus would lead to a meaningful and purposeful life but when Chris is not given the chance to rule the affairs of man; it becomes bitter, griefstricken, purposeless and a failure.”

EIGHT, the PastorPreacher prays for his sheep. 1 Samuel 12:23 says, “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that

R

eflections

With MOSES EVBUOMWAN

“Preachers, we are to feed them. We are to teach them. We are to instruct, disciple our church family in the richness of God’s Holy Word. Preach the Word.”

Role And Responsibilities I should sin against the Of Preachers (3) Lord in ceasing to pray for you.”

We know the example of our Lord and Saviour. But even knowing that I encourage you to take a day and rest in the four gospels to pick up on the spirit of our Lord related to prayer.

Ninth, the Pastor – Preacher feeds the flock.

1 Peter 5:2 says, Shepherd the flock of God which is among you.” Jesus is even more clear when in John 21:15. he said to Simon Peter, “Feed My lambs.”

What a weighty responsibility.

In Psalm 81:16; God says, “I would feed you with the finest or fat of the wheat and with honey from the rock. I would satisfy you. “There is such a powerful, informative word in Job 38: 41, “Who prepares for the raven its nourishment, when its young cry to God, and wander about without food? The answer? God does.

And if God does it for the ravens, what about spiritual shepherds and their responsibility for the sheep of God’s fold?

Preachers, we are to feed them. We are to teach them. We are to instruct, disciple our church family in the richness of God’s Holy Word. Preach the Word.

Paul spoke to Timothy (1

Timothy 4:6) about “constantly nourished on the words of faith and of the sound doctrine you have been following.”

Revelation 12:6 says, “Then the woman (the Bride, the Church) fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared

by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.”

1 Peter 5:4 says, (because you have been a faithful shepherd) “and when the Chief shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”

Tenth, the PastorPreacher is the one who must give account of his sheep. Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember those who rule (or lead) over you, who have spoken the Word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conducts.

Eleventh, the PastorPreacher as a shepherd is a night watchman. In Isaiah 62:6, God speaks, “I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem.

They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent.”

God speaks in Ezekiel 3:17, “son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel, therefore hear a word from

My mouth, and give them warning from Me.” Pastors-Preachers, I pray before Holy God that you are a true shepherd and not a false prophet. In Isaiah 57, God spoke about the false shepherds, manipulating ministers, of compromising preachers with divided hearts who, by their ministries, “slaughter the children in the ravines or clefts of the rocks.” (Isaiah 57:5).

In Isaiah 56:10-12, God described them, “His watchmen are blind, they are ignorant, they are dumb dogs, they cannot bark, sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yes, they are greedy dogs which never have enough.

And they are shepherds who cannot understand, they all look their own way, everyone to his own gain, from his own territory. “Come,” one says, “I will bring wine, and we will fill ourselves with intoxicating drink.

Tomorrow will be as today, and much more abundant.”

I challenge you to make a new pledge before Holy God right now, “Lord, I so desire to be that true shepherd who passionately cares for the sheep You have assigned to me.”

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7 Things Your Nails Tell About Yourself

By OMOROGBE OYENMWEN YOUR finger nails can provide clues to your overall health, but you do not know how to read Spoon nails can also be the nails. The indentathe signs. associated with heart tions can appear when Nail Pitting: Re- of low oxygen in the disease and hypothy- growth at the area unsearch has it that it is a blood and could be a roidism. der the cuticle is intersmall depressions in sign of various types of Terry’s nails With rupted by injury or sethe nail, nail pitting is lung disease. Nail the condition known as vere illness. Condimost common in clubbing is also Terry’s nails, the tips of tions associated with people who have pso- associated with inflam- each nails has a dark Beau’s lines including riasis condition matory bowel disease, band sometime, this uncontrolled diabetes characterised by scaly cardiovascular disease, patches on the skin. liver disease and Nail pitting can also be AIDS. related to connective Spoon nails: Actissue disorders, such cording to research as reciter’s syndrome spoon nails. (Koilonyand alopecia areata – chia) are soft nails that an auto immune look scooped out, the disease that can also depression usually is causes hair loss. large enough to hold a Nail clubbing: Oc- drop of liquid often, can be a sign of a seri- and peripheral curs when the tips of spoon nails are a sign ous underlying condi- vascular disease, as the finger enlarge and of iron deficiency ane- tion such as liver dis- well as illnesses the nails curves around mia or a liver condition ease, congestive heart associated with a high the finger tips, usually known as nemochromatosis, failure or diabetes. fever such as scarlet over the course of in which your body abBeau’s Lines: fever, measles, years, nail clubbing is sorbs too much iron Beau’s lines are inden- mumps and pneumosometimes as a result from the food you eat. tations that run across nia. Beau’s lines can

Fashion & Style also be a sign of zinc deficiency.

Nail separation: With a condition know as onycholysis the fingernails becomes loose and can separate from the nail bed, sometimes detached nails are associated with injury or infection. In other cases, nail sepa-

With ROSE ORHIBHABOR

separation.

Yellow nail syndrome: With yellow nail syndrome nails thicken and new growth slows this result in a yellowish discoloration of the nails. Nail affected by yellow nail syndrome might lack a cuticle and detach from the nail bed in places,

“YOUR finger nails can provide clues to your overall health, but you do not know how to read the signs.” ration is a reaction of a particular drug or consumer products, such as nail hardeners or adhesives. Thyroid disease and psoriasis a condition characterised by scaly patches on the skin also can cause nail

yellow nail syndrome is often a sign of reparation disease such as chrome bronchitis.

Yellow nail syndrome can also be related to swelling of the hand (lymphendema).

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S h o

Music

Eucharia Anunobi Walks Another Marriage ACTRESS Eucharia changes to maiden name, Biz shows the popular Anunobi prepares for AkuwaAnunobi actress, Eucharia Anunobi another marriage as she Information reaching Show Ekwu is now set to welcome another man into her life as she drops her marital Anunobi for maiden name.

The reason for the change of name was necessitated by the collapse of her marriage years back, and in a bid to prepare herself for another marriage.

This was made known Friday when she reverted to her maiden name and notified the general public about it. Nollywood actress turned evangelist, Eucharia Anunobi, who was once married to Ekwu. According to the declaration, she is now to be known and addressed as Miss Eucharia Akuwa Anunobi.

The change of name reads thus, “the Former Mrs. Eucharia Anunobi Ekwu is now known and addressed as Miss Eucharia Akuwa Anunobi , general public take note.” Many viewed this as a preparation for another man take over.

W

z

Fatai Rolling Dollars

Fatai Rolling Dollar Rolls On, In Critical Condition Eucharia Anunobi

b i

Movies

Actress Laide Bakare In Paternity Mess Over New Baby SURPRISE was the word when the news broke that popular actress; Laide Bakare has put to bed in America. Many were shocked because it was only less than a month she announced that her marriage to ex-husband, Olumide Okunfulire had crashed. And she had claimed that the child belongs to Tunde Oriowo.

Worried by that development, the exhusband wasted no time reacting to the news, claiming that he is the father of the child and not Tunde Oriowo as Laide wants the world to believe.

Olumide said, “I heard that my wife delivered a baby boy barely two months after she made a release that we were divorced, and she is saying that the baby belongs to one Mr. Tunde Oriowo.

“That is a lie, wicked lie.

I am the biological father. I have pictures to show that

we were always together, but she deliberately kept the pregnancy out of my knowledge.”

He further stated that he is ready to prove his case through a DNA test.

Olumide also challenged Laide to submit herself for the DNA test in order to determine the paternity of the new child.

Show Biz tried reaching through her cell phone; she did not pick the calls.

Laide Bakare

REPORTS just reaching us indicate that veteran musician; Fatai Rolling Dollar is presently receiving treatment at a Lagos Hospital.

According to information made available by close sources to the talented and energetic singer, is said to be unable to be confine to bed because

of his inability to move with his legs.

We were also informed that he has been admitted at the Almadiya Hospital near Abule Egba,

Lagos for the past nine days now. We learnt that he is gradually responding to treatment as the doctors battle to make him walk and keep the stone rolling.

Genevieve Sends Smiles To Fans SUPER screen diva, Genevieve Nnaji has sent a message to her fans on Wednesday. The sexy and accomplished actress posted pictures of herself on her twitter page, saying that the (pictures) bring smile to her face always.

She said: “Save this smile especially for you guys here on twitter.

That’s what you do to me.

Good night guys! Lots of love” Genevieve is one actress that has kept a close bond with her fans despite her fame and fortune. Just recently, an over-excited fan hugged her at an event in Lagos without fuss, unlike some ‘ super star’ entertainers who snub their fans at public functions.

Genevieve Nnaji

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SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

Theatre

Concert

Ex-Beauty Lights Children’s Day IF you‘ve heard of this cliché, “The rich also cry”, then what you‘re about to read will tell you more that, not all that glitters are gold.

It is a shocking story of one of the grand daughters of the fabulously rich billionaire businessman, Olorogun Michael Ibru whose reckless lifestyles is second to none.

The fatty 19 year-old girl, Alula is the gift of the lovegone-sour relationship between Gloria Ibru, a.k.a Mama G-the first daughter of Olorogun Michael Ibru and actor cum popular gospel singer, Sammy Okposo.

According to sources, Alula Okposo by her status in the society is one of the luckiest girls on earth; the grand-daughter of Olorogun attends one of the most expensive schools in the United Kingdom where she pays Ten Thousand Pounds (British Pounds Sterling) about N2.5m per term. And people close to the Ibrus confided that, the spoilt brat

was expelled for spending her school fees for a whole term (N2.5m) partying, drinking, smoking and enjoying life to the fullest.

Alula, 19 who is a chain

smoker we gathered is presently in the centre of a marriage break-up between one of her school mates, a British girl, Clea Carl and one Tim Bode Idowu Jnr., a London based high profile music promoter, CEO of Pattern Entertainment and co-founder of SN1 Group who coincidentally happens to be her (Alula) father‘s friend.

We gathered further that Tim 37, who schooled and lives in the UK with his parents and other siblings has been dating Clea Carl, Alula‘s school mate for a while and the duo had already chosen August 2013 date to seal their liaison before Alula came in. The well connected Tim has worked with the likes of Giggs, (Nathaniel Thompson) who won the BET Awards for Best UK Rapper in 2009 and Nigerian born Tiny Temper who was the only rapper that performed at the 2012 London Olympics.

His mother, Grace Idowu who we gathered is one of the most influential Black Women in Peckham area of London runs David Idowu foundation in honour of her son stabbed about 5 years

With FELIX OMOH-ASUN GSM: 07060576600

GLOBAL BUZZ Miley Cyrus Can’t Stop HER fans cannot really fathom Flaunting why she wants to show off her ‘backyard’, though she is excited for the video’s debut. She has let the world see almost every square inch of her body and she is not even of

Miley Cyrus

legal drinking age yet Critics are worried that in light of her new allegedly drug-fueled song, even at such a young age, the “We Can’t Stop” singer just cannot stop showing off her endowments.

And on Friday, the former Disney Channel star has tweeted an up close and backside to preview the single’s upcoming music video.

Michael Jackson’s Daughter In Hospital For Suicide Attempt Alula Okposo ago, the woman of substance also won Tesco Mother of The Year, 2012.

Our high dependable family source told this magazine that, in what looked like a planned script, Tim got invited to the Ibrus‘ Apapa residence sometime last year in one of his journeys to Nigeria for a get-together and the rest has been history since then, the next thing was that, the duo of Alula and Tim fell head over heel in love, going to places together including clubs and they were conspicuously seen during Alula‘s birthday celebration at Liquid Lounge on Victoria Island, Lagos, Encomium Black & White Ball and so on where her father who didn’t know anything posed with Tim in a photograph.

Alula, we were told kept bombarding Tim‘s blackberry phone with different nude pictures until Clea who was

Alula‘s Friend in school got wind of it when she saw Alula‘s several nude pictures in her fiancé‘s phone. We learnt that Clea fainted on the spot, with the phone in her hands when she saw it. And when she was revived, she immediately cancelled their wedding plans, which was why she was in Nigeria in the first place, and jetted back to the UK, leaving a devastated Tim. Alula‘s parents, Sammy Okposo and Gloria Ibru we gathered are fully aware and

are making sure they stop the relationship even though it‘s almost too late.

Sammy, the source told us scolded Alula at a function that he almost slapped her, we don’t know if it was in connection with the shameful affair.

-Culled from N a t i o n a l Enquirer

PARIS Jackson, daughter of the late Michael Jackson, was rushed to the hospital early Friday morning — and sources are saying it was a suicide attempt. She was even taken out of her home on a stretcher around 2 AM, right before she was ambulanced to a nearby hospital in Calabasas.

Sources say that the emergency call at 1:27 AM reported a possible overdose and another source mentioned the possibility of cutting! Paris has been tweeting some disheartening things lately.

Paris jackson

Amanda Bynes Could Have up in a store dressing Schizophrenia herself room and another store’s FOR what feels like forever now, Amanda Bynes has been exhibiting bizarre behaviour left and right. Her legal troubles in the driving department were, unfortunately, only the beginning.

Soon the report will Amanda locking

Gloria Ibru

I’m Lonely, Says KSB

EVER since the separation from her singer husband, Eddy Remedy, years back, Kehinde Ogungbe popularly called KSB has finally confessed that she is a loner and that whenever she needs to cry, she cries alone since there is no one to cry on.

Hear her, “I am a loner, I cry alone, and when I cry, I don’t shout to the world to let them know about it.

Rather, I go out to seek laughter. Most times, the person I go to is my elder sister, Moji Dokpesi. I would have called her to let her know that I am depressed.

She would laugh and urge me to come over.

Being a woman with a large The Remedy family when the going was good heart, she would definitely

dwarf my depression, and whatever it is that took me to her would become so insignificant that I will leave her place smiling.”

Well, the issue between Saint Kenny and her husband, Eddy Remedy, might be a serious one but from the look of things, Kehinde, probably, may not want to go back into that marriage again. Though, she has stated on a number of occasions that she is only separated from her hubby not divorced.

Though, sources said that Eddy Remedy has tried to crawl back into her heart, KSB, according to a family source, is not ready to welcome him back.

Amanda Bynes

bathroom, while employees were left to wait outside in fear that something truly disturbing or illegal could be happening on the inside.

But nothing could really prepare her fans for the storm of erratic tweets — messages from Amanda herself that alerted all of Hollywood, that there was something more than ‘eccentric’ going on with Bynes.

This is a story of a second Twitter account, followed and retweeted by Amanda’s official account that hints of her weird character. This ‘Barbie’ character (AKA Malibu Barbie AKA @persiannyc27) appears to be an outlet for Amanda to reveal her darker thoughts.

Paris Hilton Turns family Woman PARIS Hilton and her mama Kathy Hilton have been having lunch at The Ivy before hitting the streets for some serious shopping.

Paris has of late cut down on the partying in her life, and has been focusing on the more important things - family! Good news you will say.

Paris Hilton and mom

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SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

LIVING

Cleanliness: Panacea To A Healthy PERSONAL hygiene maybe described as the principle of maintaining cleanliness and grooming of the external body. Hygiene is actually a scientific fact. Personal hygiene products are a billion dollar business in the commercial market, with many high profile celebrities endorsing products that aim to keep us looking our best. and dirt.

The Poor personal hy- application of a body giene, in relation to cream after every bath, preventing the spread is sure soothing to the of disease is skin and also keeps it paramount in prevent- hydrated and moist. ing epidemic or even For the face, it is pandemic outbreaks. worthy of note that the To engage in some skin on the face is very basic measure more sensitive than could help prevent other parts of your many diseases from body, so, a daily face being passed from per- cleanser is ideal for a son to person. smooth looking face.

Here are ways to You can either use take care of different your face cleanser in parts of your body. In the shower or wash the first instance, the your face separately at most important is your the sink. In the face, skin. Now how do you we have the eyes, the keep it neat and nose, ears and mouth. lovely?

And in keeping a hyShower daily. This gienic face, these is the commonest and component must not best way to get rid of be neglected. dirt, sweat and germs The eyes to start that your body may with is sensitive and have accumulated needs more than just throughout the day, rinsing and make-up to and it also prevents look good and healthy. pinworms and other It needs further care. hygiene related There is need to prodiseases. tect your eyes from Additionally, show- injury. Eat nutritious ering helps you feel, food, fruits and look and smell your vegetables like carrot best. When showering, with vitamin A, to a sponge and soap is maintain a strong and good enough to re- healthy eye. Using sun move dead skin cells glasses on sunny days

By UKIRI CLEMENTINA/BLESSING SALAMI

help protect the eyes from harmful sun-rays that can cause defects to the eye.

The nose which is also as important and sensitive, like the eyes needs hygienic care.

hale and snort the solution in your nostril.

Inhaling the salt solution will keep your nostrils disinfected and softens the nostril walls. Subsequently, you dig your

The nose produces sticky mucus to catch tiny dust particles that could be harmful to your lungs. However, this mucus can harden and clog to your nostrils. Here is how to clean them out easily.

Wash your hands, mix warm water with a pinch of salt, then in-

nose with your finger, as you remove the mucus. Again, wash your hands after this.

The ears needs ear drops once in a while to soften ear wax and to make it easier to remove. Ear irrigation with stream of water can also help remove earwax and dead skin from the ear canal.

Life

The use of cotton bud or swab bud to clean the ear cannals to get rid of dirts or whatsoever.

It is of utmost importance to watch your oral health, by good hygienic habits.

Having an oral health determines your body health. The first step to a clean and healthy mouth is a regular brushing of your teeth; at least twice a day.

Use toothpaste with fluoride. Brush with soft bristle toothbrush so your gums are less irritated. Change your toothbrush every 3 months.

Rinse your mouth with a mixture of salt and warm water after every brush session.

Stop smoking and drink little or no alcohol. Both habits increase the chance that you will have disease of your mouth and other major health problems. Eat healthy foods, and avoid drinking sodas and eating too many sweets lastly, book appointments with your dentists at least twice a year for teeth cleaning and check ups.

Keeping a healthy

and clean looking hair is a task that is not only fashionable trendy, but healthy. Trim your hair every 4-8 weeks.

Whether you are trying to grow your hair out or prefer to keep it short, trimming it will keep hair healthy, get rid of split ends and give an overall cleaner, healthier appearance.

Wash hair frequently with shampoo to wear off grease and dandruff. Always apply oil to hair to give it vitality, hydration and a shiny look. Oil in hair also make the hair easy to comb.

Nails needs regularly clipping. This will keep your hands and feet looking their best. It will prevent hangnails, breakage and potential damage to your nails. Use tooth pick to remove dirts from underneath the fingernails every now and then, to prevent bacterial infection.

Lastly on my list of hygiene is your hands.

Always wash your hands with soap and water. This is the best way to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands after using the restroom, before, during and after preparing food.

“Poor personal hygiene, in relation to preventing the spread of disease is paramount in preventing epidemic or even pandemic outbreaks.�

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SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

ART REVIEW

Heritage Special Souvenir

Traditional Rulers Of Afenmai Land: THE introduction of Traditional Rulers of Afenmai land, Edo State Royal Heritage Special Souvenir is an addition to the many dimensions to the documentation of history. The concept is the brain child of a chronicler and a certified entrepreneur, Wajeed Obomeghie, the Managing Director/CEO, Wadorm Communications a vanguard firm of info-marketing.

The special souvenir that is peculiar to him. chronicles the 34 high rank- Unlike other such artistic ing traditional rulers and the masterpiece before it, one 28 most prominent High thing that stands the chiefs of Afemai land, Edo special souvenir out is the State which administra- chronicle of the dates of tively is today referred to as coronation of the various Edo North Senatorial dis- traditional rulers written trict. Also featured is the against their photographs. permanent chairman, Edo Two things are obvious; State Council of Traditional among the 28 most promiRulers and the Benin Mon- nent high chiefs, there is arch, His royal Majesty, only one female. Secondly, Omo N’Oba, Uku while all of them had their Akpolokpolo, Erediauwa. title conferred by various This is strategic as it es- traditional rulers in poused the prominence and Afenmai land, it is a difdignity and acceptability of ferent thing for Chief the Oba as a custodian of Oseni Elamah, his title was traditional institution across conferred in Benin Kingthe length and breadth of the dom by the Oba entire Edo State. Edo State Erediauwa. The order of Governor, Comrade Adams placement of photographs Oshiomhole could be said to is not in any way in hierfeature in dual capacity – as archical order. This is unchief executive of the state derstandable as it may and as a traditional ruler probably lead to another even though he is not ad- voyage of discovery which dressed as ‘HRH’, a feature is capable of creating ad-

Job Security:

By ANDY EGBON

ditional burden for the publisher. One other quality which could also endear the art work to the public is that, it is customized; a digital print in a 30x20

Marketers of Nigeria (MAIMN) and an alumnus of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna and the Rivers State University of Science and

“Unlike other such artistic masterpiece before it, one thing that stands the special souvenir out is the chronicle of the dates of coronation of the various traditional rulers written against their photographs.”

His royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba, Uku Akpolokpolo, Erediauwa.

inches dimension canvass with golden frame. It is due for public presentation soon.

One of the most prominent High Chiefs, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) said of the concept, “fantastic job you did here; it’s detailed and breath-taking.” Wajeed Obomeghie is a member of Association of Information

Technology. No wonder, his technological background provided a launch pad for his creative idea for a project of this nature which was first presented as almanac in 2001. With the redefinition of the concept and the expertise that was brought to bear, one may be forgiven to think that the masterpiece is in the first phase.

Dealing With Uncertainty

IT is often tempting to feel relaxed and comfortable when you have a job thought to be secured. This is especially common when it is a government job, perhaps a state or federal job. In some cases, job security can be felt when working in a multi-millionaire company like the prestigious oil company in Nigeria and even the banking industry which at a time used to be a booming employment sector. Ironically, job uncertainty and insecurity is the anxiety that has enveloped many in the country these days, even as the so called government jobs are no longer secured.

Some years back, the tionalization and restructurdownsizing fever rocked the ing of federal government banking sector as the merger parastatals, commissions issue came to the front burner and agencies still lingers. It as a means of salvaging the was recommended that there increasing bank distress. should be a merger of some agencies, Since many of the banks could government not retain all staff, there was parastatals and departments need to rightsize. This re- with similar mandate and sulted in many losing their some others should be scrapped in order to cut means of livelihood.

The issue of retrenchment down cost of governance. is not peculiar to the banking This development has also or private sector. This practice raised panic that people is being duplicated by gov- would be rendered jobless.

Against this backdrop. It ernment in its various parastatals. In April 29, 2013, can be deductively said that the Federal government or- no job is secure. It is better dered the retrenchment of to bear in mind that no conabout twenty thousand work- dition is permanent as ers of the Power Holding Com- change is the only permapany of Nigeria ahead of take- nent thing in the universe and over by successful bidders of it can occur at any time. Noits assets. Apart from this, the body desires a job loss but fear of the execution of the since we live in a world of recommendation by the presi- uncertainty and unforeseen dential committee on the ra- contingencies, precaution-

By MAGDALENE IGIEBOR ary measures need to be put in place by individuals, peradventure the wind of retrenchment, sack, compulsory retirement or their likes decide to take its toll.

One immediate succour that can be readily available after a job loss is your savings. It may be the first and even the last resort. Sad to say, many people have the “live for today and forget tomorrow” attitude.

They exhaust their earnings and salaries on acquiring luxuries, living expensive lifestyles and even accumulating debt for the next month, such that they are desperately waiting for the next salary. Such people are often swept off balance when they are

hit by the blow of an unfortunate job loss. To save yourself from any accompanying financial and emotional strain, cultivate the habit of saving.

Save a certain percent of your income, no matter how little.

Some decide to save with a bank while others opt for cooperatives. Whatever your choice, the important thing is to have some savings.

Starting a business has proved to be enormously helpful. If you have a business you will not be solely dependent on your monthly income or salary and the fear of a job loss may not be too intense. If you are afraid of starting a business because of the

needed capital why not consider a business that is not capital intensive and then allow it to gradually grow, before you know it, you will become a proud employer of labour. As you contemplate starting a business, seek help from professionals, family, friends and others who will contribute to the success of your endeavour. Granted, a business will have its challenges, however, these challenges are surmountable.

People have scaled through, you definitely will.

Skill acquisition or better still having a handwork as we popularly refer to it is by far the most reliable, practicable and what I would like to describe as a saviour. Your savings may run out, your busi-

“To save yourself from any accompanying financial and emotional strain, cultivate the habit of saving. Save a certain percent of your income, no matter how little. Some decide to save with a bank while others opt for cooperatives. Whatever your choice, the important thing is to have some savings.”

ness may experience hiccups, but your skill or handwork will always be there to deliver you.

The importance of skill acquisition is obvious in society today as many youths are becoming more and more frustrated by the alarming unemployment rate and they have alternatively opted for the acquisition of skills to fend for themselves. Virtually all skills or talents are relevant to society, thus if you have one, update yourself in your specialization so you don’t go obsolete. I have seen many who don’t flinch whenever there is a threat of dismissal. I remember a friend telling me “If the office decides to lay me off tomorrow, I will not be left stranded, I will quickly resort to my hand and take care of myself and family.

In today’s world, living with job insecurity is a reality for many. But it doesn’t have to be stressful and negative.

The aforementioned suggestions and other practical ideas will help you be on top of the situation and save you the headache, heartache, trauma and anxiety of the uncertain and insecure labour market.

THE SUNDAY

24

WAY-BACK in my teens, I dreamt of doing

SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

Story Time

wind was furious. I muttered out, “what an angry night.”! Before I

Daring A Night Hunt For Snails a lot of crazy things, absurd, mischievous, and impressive were on my to-do list. Through times, I scanned to a point where I was at Egbeme village in Isoko South of Delta State. It is quite a remote farming settlement where tranquility and nature is at its best. It is located beside the coast line of the Niger River, where I was on a two-day visit.

So, in my adventurous, curious and ambitious characteristics, I planned a night hunt for snails with my cousin. The hunt was to be in a rain forest, which shares boundary with the village.

Lo and behold! The so much anticipated night came as we got set for our hunt which was to last three hours, from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. freezing with cold and anxiety, I pulled my bag wherein I packed a pair of garden gloves, a torch, water can, an oil lamp, a collapsible umbrella in case it rains, a helmet and a sack bag folded neatly for snails carriage. Alongside, we had a club and cutlasses for self defence in case of attack from wild lifes.

We left immediately through the river route, so we paddled on a canoe as it was shorter than using the foot road to our hunting location.

Paddling a canoe was quite exciting as I felt the cool mist of the morning dew kissing my exposed face and hands. Soon enough, we arrived at the forest with so much enthusiasm and guts. But just as we anticipated, the rains were on our heads.

Quickly, we opened our umbrellas for shade as we moved deep into the forest. In a low tone, I said to myself “it is not bad it rained, after all snails come out of their

By UKIRI CLEMENTINA EGWOLOMENA

hidings in cold, wet and damp places.” Just a little forward as we moved, we laid sight on a shrubby bush which could be home to the reason of our hunt.

I dashed toward it with my cutlass and torch, and

nearby. Little will one wonder why a colony of them bred there.

In no time, we went deeper into the forest with so much hope and high wishes. Passing through the bush paths, we heard croaking frogs, hissing

could say Jack Robinson, we heard thunder strike above our heads, at that point it dawned on us to start going home. We managed to find our way back to the canoe, and we paddled home feeling disappointed.

Though we didn’t get what we bargained for,

C

hildren’s World

With LOVETH OKPOKPO 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234

POEMS

By PATIENCE OKONKWO

Seesaw I sat down on a seesaw To see what I could see, But all I saw was seesaw Rising up in front of me.

I could not see the tree tops, I could not see the sky I could not see the far-off fields I sat and wondered why, I could not see the swingest, Or even see the slide I guess I need someone to sit down on The other side.

Trees Trees are tall Trees are green Trees are the loveliest things I have seen.

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JOKES

just within the shrubs was a kingdom of snails, both big and small. I quickly reached out for my sack bag and started picking them one after the other.

And around that place, we discovered a kind of fruit which served as food to snails standing

snakes and squeaking birds above our heads and around us. And after a while of walking, my torch went dead, as it was the only torch we had, except an oil lamp. So, I hurriedly brought out the lamp and lit it, but the rain was heavy and the

but I enjoyed every bit of the hunting adventure, as well as the experience we had that night. It made me have flashback and reminiscence on movies I have seen with similar scenes and background just like our hunting forest.

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RIDDLES

By PATIENCE OKONKWO

(1) What has a face and two hands but no arms or legs? (A clock).

(2) What is the easiest way to double your money? (Put it in front of

the mirror of course).

(3) What has a thumb and four fingers but is not alive (A glove).

(4) What has to be broken before you can 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567

use it? (An egg).

(5) What has a neck but no head? (A bottle).

(6) What gets wetter as it dries? (Towel) (7) What goes up and does not come back?

(Age).

What A Man Can Do ... girlfriend. I’m going to

Jokes

GOVERNMENT announced that if you have 5 kids, your salary will be N50,000,000. A man heard the news and said to his wife, “I have a kid with my

bring him so we can add him to our 4 kids.” When he came back, he saw only one of his kids remaining. he asked the wife, “where

are the other 3?” His wife replied, “you are not the only one who heard the news. Their fathers have come for them.”

By UKIRI CLEMENTINA EGWOLOMENA

Teacher: It’s very clear that you have not studied your geography. What’s your excuse?

Student: Well, my dad says the world is changing every day. So I decided to wait until it settles down!

Home Teacher: If I had five coconuts and I gave you three, how many would I have left?

Kid: I don’t know.

Home Teacher: Why not?

Kid: In our school we do all our arithmetic in apples and oranges.

Question: what is the difference or similarity between a marriage and a war?

Answer: A marriage is a war in which the enemies can sleep together!

Museum Administrator: That’s a 500 year old statue you’ve broken.

Banta: Thank God I thought it was a new one.

Teacher: Draw a diagram of bacteria Few minutes later….

Johnny: Here it is sir.

Teacher: Where? You haven’t drawn anything kid.

Johnny: Sir, can you see bacteria without microscope?

THE SUNDAY

25

SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

RELIGION

See God Face To Face THE problem of Philip is lack of belief and faith (Jn14:1O-14). Many people have been in the church but do not have belief. When we believe in the Son, we believe in the Father. Two are one. The Son learns from the father and father teaches the son what to do. Another way apart from belief through the word, people can believe through the work that God is doing through Jesus.

The problem in the world today is that people want to see God doing miracles without knowing that God is using people to do these miracles. Faith is the solid ground to work our belief.

Action on what you believe is faith. If you believe you are going to become a rich man, you take action to become rich. That is faith in action.

A woman prayed and God directed her to doing ZOBO and she was doing it with zeal. That is faith. This year, we should not limit ourselves if we are to have a broad mind. Look at the story of the woman whose husband left her in the hands of the husband’s creditors. She met Elisha who told her to get gallons of oil to be filled unlimited. Because of unbelief, she said there were no more gallons and as a result the oil flow stopped. The oil was formed from heaven.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Some people surround themselves with Christian films and cassettes and totally out of the program of God because they close their Bibles. As you read it, you get to know your destiny, why you were born and you do greater works.

Man is like God. From origin, Adam was able to give names to everything. Lion became lion as known today.

From origin man became photocopy. The final goal of why Jesus suffered for us and was sent as remedy is for us to make heaven and make peace return to us. When you discover the secrets of God you will see that God is your best friend and better than your spouse. How can we return to our original image?

We will not be comparing ourselves to one another in the world, compare yourself with Christ. You become unwise when you compare yourself with the people who do not know temptation.

When we need help, we don’t look down, look up. God is up, not down. When you look up you will receive healing from every damages done by the devil. In the days of Moses and the Serpent, all the people that looked down

perished but those that looked up were saved.

Return to your first love.

Love your neighbours as yourself.

Give your life to the things of God e.g. fellowship service. The flesh is fighting to pull the Spirit of God to the world and the Spirit of God is fighting to pull the flesh to God. Which one will you choose? Hannah returned to God and discovered that the devil was the person that closed her womb and God opened it.

The weakness of the spirit hinders people from hearing the voice of God. Some people work alone and labour excessively. Excessive work like Jackie does not make us prosper. People try many tactics in business until they settle in one. They copy from Mama Mercy, selling everything she is selling. Before long, the table is empty. But a child of God starts market with the will of God and raise graduates. If God says this is what you will do, no amount of copying by others will make them be like you. They cannot copy your knowledge.

God wants us to be in control because He is in control of the affairs of men in the whole world, that one thing which is needed in life is what Mary had chosen, that thing is the Kingdom. He is in control in heaven and also in control on earth. You will be in control as Esther was in control, you will run more than those who were born before you as Esther did. The Kingdom is the life of God. As Mary got it, she refused to be distracted. That one thing will not give you high blood pressure, stroke etc. Martha was dedicated to material things which wil1 soon pass away. Because of different distractions today, Christendom is suffering.

Recently both Pentecostal and non Pentecostals gathered together at Ring Road to pray for the peaceful affairs of Benin City with Jesus but some people were not there. Seek for the one thing as gold. Our life is hidden in Christ and Christ is in us. The devil will plant when he gets

By PRINCE BAYO OKUO

a place to plant. The word of God will make us to be in control so that God will take His place in our Life.

the fact he was hated by his brothers. God has a plan for everybody even before he was born (Jer 29:11). Joseph

God expect us to keep instruction so as not to be rejected or destroyed like Saul.

If the character of a child or wife is bad, he or she will spoil the mind of the father and he will not have the mind to do anything for him or her.

This was the story of Joseph before the father Jacob among all his senior brothers.

If we must fulfill our destiny, we must obey instructions.

Disobedient spirit is worse than witchcraft. Joseph was obedient to his father despite

laid the foundation for the plan by being honest and obedient to his father. This life is a journey every man or woman is to undertake to fulfill our destiny. The work of God must fulfill in the life of everybody who is serious with God, dedicated, living a life of example to others. God hates disobedience, this was why God tore off Saul in the kingdom when he disobeyed Him. The life of people who disobey will not shine the way God wanted it to be (Phil

1:26, Amos 3:7).

A man who was a drunkard was walking along the road when there was heavy storm and suddenly electric cable fell on his head and sparked fire. The man

shouted “Jesus” and was not electrocuted. One of his tenants who knew the man very well to be a drunkard was surprised that his landlord was calling the name of Jesus. Since the man escaped from electrocution, he became a born again Christian.

Today, he is now a Pastor of a church. When something bad does not happen to some people, they don’t give their life to Christ.

A boy got a new job which was very lucrative.

Another boy was eyeing his position. The boy said he knew his God and was careless with the second boy saying: “Nothing will happen”. A week later, the boy died. Has something not happened? Whatever God gives you, HE expects you to handle your possession with wisdom.

A man went to drop his three year old baby in the school. As the school nanny wanted to give the child water to drink from the stainless steel water bottle brought by the father, she discovered a cockroach inside the water.

There was dirt around the mouth of the water bottle which must have attracted the cockroach. The school authority immediately called the father of the child and expelled the child from the school for negligence of the parents. When the man got home, he was querying his wife for the carelessness because she filled the child’s water bottle. The woman was putting blame on the nanny that she put the cockroach inside the water bottle. If the nanny had not discovered the cockroach and the child drank the water alone, what would have happened? The man was a Deacon and his wife was Deaconess in the church. When God gives you a child, He expects you to give 100% attention to everything about that child and don’t expose your child to senseless tragedies in pursuit of money or material things.

When people are angry because you have four children or a job, will that stop you from having another child and job? Hence Joseph’s brother hatred did not stop Joseph from getting to his destiny. Rejecting Moses did not stop Moses from leading his people. Stop complaining or arguing with people; this is how you can be pure as God’s perfect children (Phil 2:14-16).

“The problem in the world today is that people want to see God doing miracles without knowing that God is using people to do these miracles. Faith is the solid ground to work our belief. Action on what you believe is faith.”

THE SUNDAY

26

SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

ENCOUNTER

This Is Not The Democracy Nigerians Died For - Clem Ehebha By

FELIX

MAY 29 every year holds a special place in the minds of many Nigerians.

Wednesday May 29, 2013 was not different when the Federal Government led by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan rolled out the drums to celebrate 14 years of unbroken democratic rule.

When viewed against the backdrop of what the nation went through during autocratic rule as orchestrated by the military regimes, especially that of Generals Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) and the late Sani Abacha, it can easily be said that the country has cause to shout: Amen!

However, a former Commissioner for Finance, Edo State, Hon. (Dr.) Clem Ehebha is not given to the euphoria of May 29. He is uninterested in the celebration given the deluge of unresolved grievances in the past 14 years of democratic rule.

To him, politicians of today want every Nigerian to shout with them ‘yes we have arrived’ on the podium of lies, they want Nigerians to dance with them on the dials of deceit and sip with them from the cup of illusion. According to him, this is not the democracy Nigerians fought for in the June 12, 1993 struggle, when many people were killed in the streets and for which M.K.O. Abiola was killed.

“Well the major gain of 14 years of democracy I will say is that we can talk without looking behind to see if the ‘khaki boys’ are around with gun and koboko. To that extent we have more freedom than we used to have. But actually we cannot call this democracy. I know people talk of democracy as a journey and not a destination. So, we can not call this democracy yet but a civil rule. Unfortunately, people who are not wearing khaki have the mindset of soldiers, they have military mentality.

There is no party in Nigeria I know of that is practising participatory democracy.

Most of the governments today in the country are made up of a cabal, friends and stooges that can be manipulated”, the former Commis-

OMOH-ASUN

sioner fumed.

He continued: “Many governors, elected officers have their mind made up of what they want to do, many of them pay lip service to democracy, that is the biggest tragedy of the system.

Many people died for this democracy we are now enjoying, many were maimed. MKO Abiola paid the supreme price. What is happening now is not the democracy Nigerians fought for in 1993, what we are seeing today is not why Abiola died, it is the opposite of it.”

He believes, if the present crop of politicians are practising democracy as it ought to be, all the noise between the Presidency and Governor Rotimi Ameachi of Rivers State should not have arisen in the first place. The suspension by his party Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he says, is an aberration.

“They cannot be right to have suspended him because the constitution of every party stipulates if any member infringes or breaches any part, a panel has to be set up to look into it, then summits report and make recommendation to the committee that constitutes it.

The person will have to be investigated, questioned and if unable to defend himself, then action is taken. We can see that this did not happen in the case of Amaechi. He is being victimized for standing up for his right which the constitution guarantee. In fact this is a litmus test for democracy.”

He berated the party for suspending him, saying PDP is on self destruction.

The one time Edo State Secretary of PDP declared: “If after 14 years of democracy we are not in the mindset of democracy, it is unfortunate. The people who sat to suspend him do not wish this country well. They should be ashamed of themselves and the positions they are occupying. Amaechi has the right to aspire to any position including that of the chairman, Nigerian Governors’ forum (NGF). I object to the suspension in its entity, and vehemently opposed to it.” In the same vain, he described NGF as an assem-

blage of uneven parties.

They do not belong to the same party, so all what they gather to do is to assault and ambush democracy. “They (governors) have used the Forum to ambush and suppress their Houses of Assembly and local govern-

cal Government should be parallel”, he opined. It is his belief that the ruling party at the Federal level, PDP, which has majority in the Forum is heading for self inflicted destruction with the way it is going about the division within the fold of the

Clem Ehebha

ment councils, many of them behave as monarchs, ruling and not leading”, he noted.

According to him, there is no governor today in Nigeria who believes in the separation of power. Every governor takes local government money, dictates to House of Assembly because he sees it as appendage of the executive. Infact most Houses of Assembly are in the pocket of the governors.

This is not democracy, “Imagine the President summon governors to Abuja like senior prefect and the governors quickly hire jets to fly them, this ought not to be.

President, Governors, Houses of Assembly and Lo-

governors. “The truth is you cannot give what you don’t have. PDP will unravel before the 2015 deadline. I think PDP will unravel, even earlier than expected. I do not see the existence of PDP in 2015 as it is today. Yes, it can still be on paper”, he stressed.

His reasons, he said, are based on what he called desperation for power just for the sake of it. “Many people will move away from the party that wants power just for the sake of it and not what it can be used for. The party is not using power for good.

The whole problem of under development in the country is indiced on corruption. Nigeria seems to be the head-

quarters of corruption, where individuals are richer than government, where you have a government taking more money through security vote than money for capital projects. People steal money for roads, money meant to build schools and hire teachers, yet we have a party that prides itself as biggest in Africa in power”, he enthused.

He sees the formation of a merger opposition party as a good omen. Ehebha who is a member of Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) argued that the formation of All Progressive Congress (APC) is the solution to PDP wastage. “We must form an opposition to rival PDP which have never had anything to show for it, being in power these past 14 years.

Because of lack of formidable opposition, PDP can go on and tell the world it is the biggest party in Africa.

Then you can ask the question if you are the biggest party while not the best economy in Africa? But what you see is the biggest party ruling over the poorest people in Africa. This is a minus. Power must be used to enhance people’s welfare and security. So, I believe a stronger opposition party and birds of the same feather must come together like ACN, CPC, ANPP to challenge PDP and redirect Nigeria resources towards what we can call Eldorado.”

He bemused a situation where political office holders do not listen to people that elected them into power.

He noted: “Today there is really no respect for people’s opinions. Most governors are carrying on as if they were lords and most of them believe that eight years are like eight millenniums years and their behaviours do not

portray that they have democratic mindset. They have no respect for contrary opinion or robust discussion. They sit with mediocres that will only massage their ego and that is the failure that we have had in these past 14 years of democracy. Most of the failures in government is because of half baked advices, self opinionated and selfish advices given by advisers who themselves are half baked without world view, no experience. Most of them have never worked any where, they are careers politicians who are afraid to lose their jobs. So they cannot give honest and candid advice, policy statement that can’t move the society forward. What we have now is stunted growth.”

He lampooned the President as missionless and visionless, saying critics have been fair to him. “I do not think he has enough vision to steer this country. I do not believe the president of the greatest and most populous black nation ought to be jackpot or goodluck thing. He needs to work hard and not depend on goodluck to govern. I am talking about competence not ethnic or zone thing. I believe Nigerians needs a hard working man who can lead, not rule and can take us out of the woods and give us dividends of democracy – security, employment, infrastructure, among others.”

He, however gave kudos to Mr. President by taking the bull by the horns and declaring a state of emergency in three northern states where killings and maiming have been going on in the past two years. His reasoned though belated, it was a decision in the right direction.

“According to him, there is no governor today in Nigeria who believes in the separation of power. Every governor takes local government money, dictates to House of Assembly because he sees it as appendage of the executive. Infact most Houses of Assembly are in the pocket of the governors.”

THE SUNDAY

27

SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

Hunger In The Midst Of Plenty

A hungry man is an angry man as they say and the deadliest war by humans is the war against hunger. This is summed up in the bini adage “Eko no gue evbare Ere gue Emianmwen” which means ‘the stomach that contains food cannot contain illness.’ And in this years World Environment Day Celebration, holding every 5th of June, the theme was tagged: Think, Eat, save. Which is included in creating awareness on the importance of food and it’s conservation, in the effort to fight the deadly monster called hunger. It is a known fact that most people in the world live in perpetual hunger.

Hunger is a feeling of discomfort caused by lack or want of food. According to hunger relief organizations statistics, 1.5 children die every year from hunger worldwide, which 33 percent (%) of the world population are considered to be starving.

The statistics also state that the time between deaths of people who die from hunger is 3.6 seconds. This goes to show the devastating effect of hunger across the world.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), food production around the world occupies 25 percent of all habitable land and is responsible for 70 percent of fresh water consumption, 80 percent of deforestation and 30 percent of given

house emissions. While food wastage is abundant, around one in every seven people globally go to bed hungry every night, while over 20,000 children under the age of five, die daily from hunger, according to UNEP estimates.

It has been observed that eating food restores an individuals character’s health indirectly over time and man must eat to stay alive. Even one experience of hunger can create a long lasting damage on the health of a child. Hunger and Malnutrition is a major predictor of children at risk of poor health and those at risk of chronic diseases.

Adequate nutrition is crucial to human capital formation and economic development because it prevents osses in productivity, resulting from ill-health, deficits in schooling due to poor academic performance and increased health care costs.

In fact the effect of hunger have both short and long term negative implication.

Despite this problem of hunger globally, many observers still believe that there is abundant food supply in some parts of the world but the food is largely wasted due to inadequate food preservation methods. Mr. Rufus Ebegba, Head of Bio-safety unit of the Federal Ministry of

Environment, conceded that Nigeria, for instance, had abundant food resources but no modern food preservation technologies. Saying that since, the focus of this years world environment day was in food preservation among other themes tangible efforts should be made to look into how to curb food wastage in the country.

Some have so much food to eat that the remnants are

laid wasted in the dustbin while some want and crave to eat but have no food, different stroke they say for different folks.

According to the United Nation’s food and Agricultural Oganisation (FAO) campaign, this year’s, theme: Think, Eat, Save. Reduce your food print’ is aimed at slashing food waste. According to them each year, an estimated one third of all food produced ends up spoiling in the bins of consumers, retailers, farmers and transporters.

This 1.3 billion tones, worth around 1 trillion dollars (American dollars), is enough to feed 870 million people who go hungry each day several times over.

The government should wake up and be alive to their responsibilities by providing basic

“We as individuals are to imbibe the culture of sharing our excess food with those in need, as this act is encouraged by all religions, hence the biblical command, love your neighbour as yourself.”

ealth Watch

H

With ANTHONY AIBANGBEE

infrastructural facilities to the citizenry in order to eradicate or reduce food wastage to the barest minimum. Hence modern storage or preservation facilities should be put in place so that food not meant for immediate consumption can be stored.

Moreso, provisions of power (electricity) which is the most vital, since it is needed to power the storage facilities. The government should also

health. But instead he urged people to use traditional preservation methods instead of chemicals or refrigerating (which is not reliable due to electricity) and take a liking for locally grown food.

We as individuals are to imbibe the culture of sharing our excess food with those in need, as this act is encouraged by all religions, hence the biblical command, love your neighbour as yourself, give and it shall be giving unto

build good roads to link the rural areas to the urban areas, as we are all aware that the (majority) rural areas are the food basket of the nation and also considering the huge amount of food that is wasted everyday due to inadequate transport facilities and bad road network.

Also many in the name of preservation, always use chemicals in preserving their food but according to martins Abochol (NAN), quoting medical experts, said people should be wary of using chemical for food preservation because some chemical substance could be harmful to human

you and the hand that waters shall be watered also. Not also forgetting the popular saying amongst us that givers never lack. Bearing all these in mind, why waste away while there is someone out there who is going to school, work or to bed hungry.

Avoiding food wastage will help to save lives and create a healthier society for us all. Hoping all our numerous readers had a wonderful World Environmental Day, 2013? and whenever you have those (excess) food before you remember to Eat, think and save a life. Avoid food wastage today.

THE SUNDAY

28

SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013

Moyes Seals First Deal As Utd land Varela

fee,” a statement on United’s website confirmed.

DAVID Moyes sealed his first signing as Manchester United manager as the Premier League champions confirmed the arrival of Uruguay defender Guillermo Varela.

Varela had a successful trial with United last season and Moyes has agreed to complete a deal to sign the full-back from Atletico Penarol for an undisclosed fee, even though the 20-year-old had played just one game for his club.

Moyes, who replaced the retired Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford at the end of the season, will be able to see Varela in action immediately as he is in Uruguay’s squad for the Under-20 World Championships in Turkey.

Varela will provide competition for the likes of Rafael and Fabio da Silva, Patrice Evra and Alexander Buttner.

“Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement to sign 20-year-old defender Guillermo Varela from Uruguayan club Atletico Peñarol for an undisclosed

Guilermo varela

Reina Understands Suarez Exit LIVERPOOL goalkeeper family.

Hopes Pepe Reina insists he is Real Madrid appears keen hopeful Luis Suarez will remain at Anfield, but understands the Uruguayan’s desire to leave the club.

Suarez, 26, has been linked with an exit from the Reds after admitting the media pressure in England has taken its toll on him and his

Lukaku Hints At Chelsea CHELSEA striker country’s 2-1 World Cup Return qualifying win over Romelu Lukaku has suggested he is likely to return to Stamford Bridge after a successful season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, insisting he is “not scared of competition”.

Lukaku, 20, scored 17 Premier League goals for the Baggies, 9 more than Chelsea striker Fernando Torres and two more than the Blues’ top scorer

Romelu Lukaku

Frank Lampard.

The Belgium international’s feats have prompted calls for his return to Chelsea after Torres and Demba Ba struggled domestically, with incumbent manager Jose Mourinho coy on his plans for the youngster.

Following his

Serbia on Friday, Lukaku gave his strongest hint yet that he will be making his way back to Chelsea.

“I already know where I’m going, or where I’ll be heading back to, but I won’t say any more than that,” he said. “The only thing I will say is that I want to succeed at Chelsea and I’m not scared of competition.”

Lukaku has acknowledged that he will have to earn his place in Jose Mourinho’s side and accepts his position may never be secure under the Portuguese boss.

“I have to prove myself again, even if he gives me some credit you still start from zero every single day,” the striker said. “I’m going there with the intention to succeed.

on the striker, although Liverpool will attempt to hold onto their top scorer unless a significant figure over the £50 million mark is offered.

Reina, who is preparing for Spain’s friendly against Haiti, is sympathetic to his team-mate’s wishes.

“I haven’t read Luis himself say he wants out of Liverpool to be honest,” Reina said.” He might say that the times have been a little bit rough and the media has been having a bit of a go at him. In the past it’s been difficult for him and his family.

“To be honest, I would like for Luis to stay at Liverpool, but I understand if he’s thinking about leaving for something bigger - when I say bigger I mean not as a club, just challenging for titles and playing in the Champions League and competing with the best.

“Because of the situation, because of the treatment by the media, it would be difficult for any player, not just Luis, to stay strong and be happy. Hopefully he will stay at Liverpool for many years, but I understand if the right offer comes for him and for the club for him to go.”

Former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres threw his support behind Suarez, claiming he has also been a victim of media scrutiny.

Balotelli Needs To Grow - Prandelli ITALY’s boss Cesare Prandelli admitted his disappointment in Mario Balotelli’s attitude after the striker was sent off during the Azzurri’s 0-0 draw with Czech Republic.

The result saw Italy maintain first place in their World Cup qualifying group, nine points ahead of the third-placed Czechs.

Balotelli’s discipline was once again brought into question after the AC Milan forward received his marching orders following his second yellow card in the 72nd minute.

Prandelli revealed he was ready to substitute Balotelli after his first booking and has urged the 22-year-old to show more maturity on the international stage.

“Balotelli has to learn how to accept situations and he needs to grow in that sense,” Prandelli said. “We will drum that message into him. I was going to substitute him, but I didn’t have time.

“I wanted depth and we did create some interesting moves, but we’re all lacking sharpness at the moment. The most important thing was the result.”

Despite his coach’s criticism, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon backed Balotelli, insisting his team-mate was hard done by.

“We saw him in the locker room and clearly he was disappointed, but I don’t think it’s a problem,” Buffon said. “He received two yellow cards, which can happen to anyone. He stepped on to the field and gave his all.

“I doubt a second booking can tell whether a player is mature or not. These things can happen on the pitch, so I see nothing particularly serious in it.

“He was unlucky, as it was a mid-air collision that happens many times and I think the

booking was harsh, especially considering he was carded a few minutes earlier. It was a foul, but a second yellow for that is excessive. His angry reaction was down to his disappointment, nothing more.”

With four qualifying games remaining, Italy have a fourpoint lead over Bulgaria and Prandelli commended his side on a positive away result shortly after the player’s finished their domestic seasons.

“It is a very valuable point.

Obviously we weren’t sharp at all, we were slow and we suffered,” he said. “These are the games that help form character, so it was a tough point, but an important one.

“This is a bit like the game before the Euros against Russia.

Physically you can’t have fuel in the tank after a tough season, we knew that, but we wanted this point at all costs.”

Buffon was a standout for Italy, making a string of saves to salvage a point for the visitors, and the Juventus shotstopper was seen shouting at his defenders throughout the match.

“The most important thing for every player is to give advice and at certain moments a verbal jolt to get them going. I’m not the only one who does that,” Buffon added.

“When it comes to June matches, I remember quite a few poor ones, like a 0-0 in Norway and another with Switzerland.

We were often under pressure, so clearly there is something in the timing. After the season we sort of get deflated, as we think the campaign is over, so a month later are unprepared.

“Our training has also been aimed at the Confederations Cup, so our legs are heavy at the moment. More than that I saw a psychological issue and one of tempo, as we struggled to change gear.”

Manchester City Want El Shaaraway AC Milan are considering a reported 40m euro bid from Manchester City for highly-rated striker Stephan El Shaarawy, according to Gazzetta dello Sport Saturday.

El Shaarawy was the Rossoneri’s top scorer in the first half of last season but hit a dry patch following the signing of Mario Balotelli.

The 20-year-old halfEgpytian, half-Italian, who wears a distinctive mohicanstyle haircut, is called the ‘Little Pharaoh’ and is a fans’ favourite at the San Siro.

Gazzetta claims Milan could give in to City’s “pressing” and let El Shaarawy leave the club.

The same report linked Kevin Prince Boateng with a move to Chelsea and fellow forward Robinho with Brazilian side

Santos.

El Shaarawy, who alongside club-mate Mario Balotelli played for Italy in a scoreless draw against the Czech Republic on Friday, finished the season with 16 goals in 37 games.

He cost AC Milan approximately 15.5 m euros when the club bought him from Genoa and has emerged into one of the most exciting forward prospects in Italy.

El Shaarawy has already been the subject of transfer speculation this season with reports claiming Milan rejected a bid from Napoli in January.

Milan finished third in Italy’s Serie A, which ended three weeks ago, and will have to play a two-leg preliminary round tie to qualify for the Champions League group stages.

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Confed Cup Gives Chicarito Chance To Shine MEXICO’s popular forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez gets a new chance to shine for his country at the Confederations Cup after losing playing time with his club Manchester United.

The country’s star striker was instrumental in getting his nation into the FIFA tournament in Brazil, which takes place between June 15-30, after scoring seven goals to win the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup. His triumph in the regional tournament coincided with his brilliant debut with Manchester United in the 2010-2011 season, when he netted 20 goals to help the Red Devils win the Premier League and make him a household name in Europe.

In his second season, Manchester United only lifted the Community Shield and his

• David Bernstein

Bernstein Rejects Winter World Cup Calls

FOOTBALL Association chairman David Bernstein has refuted calls for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to be moved to the winter in an attempt to avoid playing in stifling heat.

A World Cup in December or winter,” Bernstein said. “It is a January has been considered, serious matter bidding for the with Qatar ’s soaring World Cup and countries temperatures in June and July including ourselves spent huge tipped to provide unsafe playing amounts of money bidding for conditions. the tournament.

Following suggestions from “The bid was for the World UEFA general secretary Gianni Cup to be played in June and July Infantino to permanently have and for it then to be moved to European Leagues scheduled the winter would be during the summer, Bernstein fundamentally flawed. If people weighed in on the debate want it in the winter they should surrounding the tournament in bid for it on that basis. To try and Qatar, claiming the World Cup get it through the back door like bidding process would be this is absolutely flawed.” “fundamentally flawed” if such Bernstein, who will step down a significant change was from his position with the FA introduced. next month, said there would be “My personal view is that it plenty at stake if the football would be a case of a false season was changed. prospectus if the 2022 World “I personally believe that the Cup in Qatar was switched to the

domestic league season should remain more or less the way it is now, running from August to May,” he added. “I think football is a winter game, that the public greatly enjoy their football through the winter and that we should think very carefully before we take football away from the public in the winter.”

Infantino supported UEFA chief Michel Platini’s assertions that footballers and fans would rather matches be played in the

summer.

“Whenever you play the World Cup it should be the best period for it,” he told The Times. “I had the same reflections on South Africa in 2010.

“Four years earlier in Germany it was nice sunshine. South Africa is a beautiful country, but at five o’clock, it’s night and it’s 0C. It’s not a celebration of football.

“You see people in stadiums with hats and scarves. Why did England, who brought to us this

Colombia Thwart Argentina in World Cup ARGENTINA and Colombia in South American qualifiers for aggrieved after Aguero’s second Qualifier both finished with 10 men after the 2014 World Cup. disallowed effort, which The Argentinians had striker a stormy but pulsating 0-0 draw appeared to have been wrongly

Late Strike Lifts US In W/C Qualifier BRAD Evans’ goal in injury time lifted the United States to a 2-1 triumph over Jamaica in the final round of 2014 World Cup qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Jurgen Klinsmann’s US team snatched three crucial points thanks to the last-gasp goal from Evans, which came three minutes after Jermaine Beckford appeared to salvage a draw for Jamaica with an 89th minute equalizer.

Jozy Altidore had put the United States ahead 1-0 in the 30th minute.

Off a corner kick, Michael Bradley beat a Jamaican defender and found Seattle Sounders defender Evans, who turned and fired the ball into Donovan Ricketts’ net.

“That never-say-die attitude is what got it done,” said Evans, who scored his first international goal.

The victory gives the United States seven points, level with Costa Rica and Mexico atop the six-nation final qualifying group, although the USA and Costa Rica have a game in hand.

Costa Rica notched a 1-0 victory over Honduras in San Jose on Friday courtesy of Roy Miller’s 25th-minute strike, while Mexico played to a goalless draw against Panama in Panama City.

The top three teams will advance to next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil, with the fourthplace team playing New Zealand for another berth.

In Kingston, the United States appeared to be in firm control

after Altidore opened the scoring with a header off a cross from Graham Zusi.

The visitors controlled the pace, but nine minutes after Altidore’s strike Jamaica threatened as midfielder Rodolph Austin gathered the ball in the penalty area only to see his attempt deflect off the far post.

The United States got a scare 11 minutes into the second half when Jermaine Jones was forced out of the game after a flying collision with Jamaica defender Daniel Gordon. Geoff Cameron replaced him in the 59th minute.

Altidore also departed the game with an apparent right hamstring injury in the 83rd minute, with Eddie Johnson coming on in his stead.

Nevertheless, the United States appeared on their way to collecting three points when Jamaica won a free kick that Austin curled in from the left. It found substitute Beckford directly in front of Tim Howard’s goal and Beckford headed it past the US keeper.

The United States kept pressing and were rewarded with their first victory on Jamaican soil in six tries in World Cup qualifying.

There’s still work to be done.

I think we can do better at certain moments, and I think everybody will tell you that from the top down,” Evans said. “There’s still work to be done, but three points on the road in a place where you haven’t won is pretty special.”

...Boateng Pats Ghana Players For Sudan Win KEVIN-PRINCE Boateng fueled talks of his imminent Ghana return after praising the Black Stars for their 3-1 win at Sudan in the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

The AC Milan player retired from international football in September 2011 citing health reasons.

There were several unsuccessful attempts by former

beautiful game, decide that football is for the winter and not for the summer? Cricket.

“The month of June, which is the most beautiful month to play football, is hardly ever used except for the Euros and the World Cup. But the World Cup is played only ever 12 years, more of less, in Europe.

I fully share this view that you have to play in the best period for football; that is not June or July in Qatar. This is an issue that FIFA has to sort out. The sooner they do it, the better. The decision for 2022 was taken in 2010, so in 12 years you can organise yourself.”

goal tally dropped to 12 as his time on the pitch began to take a hit with the emergence of Danny Welbeck.

His playing time took even more of a knock last season with the arrival of former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie at Old Trafford, who helped Manchester United reclaim the Premier League title.

The 25-year-old forward voiced frustration at the end of the season, with British media quoting him as saying “all the players in the world want to start every single game,” but he insisted that he was happy at the club.

Despite losing his place in the pecking order under Alex Ferguson, who retired after the season, Chicharito (“Little Pea”) scored 18 goals in all competitions for Manchester United.

He has been impressive when he dons Mexico’s green jersey, scoring 32 times in just 47 games since he joined the national team in 2009 while he was playing with Chivas of Guadalajara in Mexico.

Mexicans will hope he can continue his torrid pace in the Confederation Cup, when his team will face five-time World Cup champions Brazil, four-time World Cup winners Italy and Japan in Group A. Hernandez comes from a Mexican football dynasty.

His father, Javier “Chicharo” Hernandez, was on the 1986 World Cup team, and his grandfather, Tomas Balcazar, scored a goal in the 1954 tournament.

coach Goran Stevanovic and current trainer Kwesi Appiah to persuade him rescind his decision.

After the Black Stars enhanced their qualification chances by

beating the Nile Crocodiles, he wrote on his official Twitter page: “Well done Ghana black stars... congrats.”

Boateng was one of Ghana’s key players at the 2010 FIFA

Gonzalo Higuain sent off after a clash with Colombia’s Cristian Zapata midway through the first half Friday and also saw two second-half goals from Sergio Aguero disallowed for offside.

Venezuelan referee Marlon Escalante was escorted from the field at the whistle after a bruising contest which saw the home side’s players and coaching staff protest furiously after the second of Aguero’s two efforts was ruled out.

Argentina, who lead the standings by five points and remain firmly on course for an automatic qualifying berth with four games left to play, started a gripping contest at the Monumental Stadium with skipper Lionel Messi on the bench.

The Barcelona star, who is nursing himself back to fitness after a hamstring injury, was eventually brought on early in the second half but was unable to break the deadlock for Argentina against a fiercely committed Colombian outfit.

Colombia, who moved up to second ahead of Ecuador on goal difference, were well worth a point but Argentina will feel

adjudged offside.

A breathless opening 45 minutes saw both sides carve out a series of chances, with Argentina setting the pace before Colombia gained a foothold.

The frenetic pace saw players from both sides flying into some full-blooded challenges, and tensions boiled over on 26 minutes when Higuain and Zapata were given their marching orders.

Zapata saw red after appearing to lash out with a boot in retaliation for a sly kick by Higuain at the back of the defender’s legs as he thwarted the Argentinian.

Gonzalo Hinguain

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Flying Eagles Name World Cup Ovbokha (Bayelsa United), NIGERIA have named a final Squad Abduljaleel Ajagun (Dolphins), 21-man squad for the 2013 FIFA Christian Pyagbara (unattached),

Lady Omorede Osifo, Edo State Commissioner for Sports

U20 World Cup in Turkey, which kicks off on June 20.

Nigeria U17 international Wilfred Ndidi, a highly promising central defender, is one of the several additions to the squad.

The squad is drawn mostly from the Nigeria league, which provides 18 players, with three foreign-based professionals.

The pros are Belgium-based goalkeeper John Felegha, Michael Olaitan from Greek champions Olympiacos and Edafe Egbedi of Danish club AGF Aarhus.

Sixteen of these players featured at the 2013 African Youth Championship in Algeria, where Nigeria placed third to qualify for the World Cup. The Flying Eagles were knocked out by France in the quarterfinals of the 2011 World Cup in Colombia.

They are drawn in the first round against Portugal, debutants Cuba and South Korea.

Their opening game is on June 21 against Portugal.

The U20 World Cup final squad squad:

Former Boxers Give Back To Edo Sports

By KEHINDE OSAGIEDE

TWO former boxers Wellington John Okoh and Joshua Osmond Imadiyi have donated boxing equipment to Edo State Sports Council as part of their contributions to the development of boxing in the state. electric timer among other things The ex-boxers who to the Commissioner for Youth represented the state (Bendel) in and Sports Lady Omorede Osifo the 1980s before leaving for the weekend in Benin City.

United States of America, The state Sports presented the equipment which commissioner while expressing include headguards, punching appreciation for the donors’ bags, pump valve, coaches pad, philanthropic gesture, however

advised the sports council and the state boxers to make judicious use of the equipment.

The ex-boxers however revealed that they have come to redeem the pledge they made when they visited the state boxing Gym at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City earlier this year, adding that

Ikpoba Okha Boss Promises Support For LG Soccer Team

By NICHOLAS EBOIGBE THE Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Itohan OsahonOgbeide has promised to purchase football kit for the Ikpoba-Okha team.

Hon. Osahon-Ogbeide made the promise recently during a friendly football match between the staff of the council and the youth corp members serving in the council.

The chairman before performing the official kick off said the game would cement better and cordial relationship that exist between the two parties.

The match was played at the secretariat in honour of the out-going Youth Corpers serving in the Local Government.

The Captain of the Corpers team, thanked the chairman and staff of the council for their co-operation

and unity while their service lasted.

The skipper of the IkpobaOkha team, Osazee Ehauyi expressed satisfaction for the relationship which existed between them and the corpers.

Also, the chairman of the

Nigerian Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE) Ikpoba-Okha Branch, Pastor Scott Aigbovia said the game was put together to foster unity between the staff and the corpers.

they met the facilities in a pathetic state.

One of the donors Mr. Wellington while speaking, however, expressed hope that with the the present administration under the leadership of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Commissioner Omorede Osifo, the Sports Council will be revamped and the state will regain its lost glory in sports

Goalkeepers: Samuel Okani (Enyimba), Jonah Usman (ABS FC), John Felegha (Eupen, Belgium) Defenders: Shehu Abdullahi (Kano Pillars), Moses Orkuma (Lobi Stars), Ikechukwu Okorie (Enyimba), Kingsley Madu (El Kanemi), Chizoba Amaefule (Dolphins), Wilfred Ndidi (Nath Boys) Midfielders: Agboyi

Ajagun, Flying Eagles Skipper

Athletes Jostle For Honours At Enugu SSF MORE than 1000 athletes will gather in Enugu on June 10 to jostle for honours at the Enugu State secondary schools sports festival.

The Director of Information in the state’s sports council, Mr Edwin Eze, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that the festival, now in its second edition, will last for five days.

Eze said the festival would feature ball games and athletics.

He said that qualifiers had

MTNFootball.com The former Nasarawa United striker also revealed he wants to set a new goals’ record in the league after Jude Aneke’s 20

Dele Olorandare

been held in the three senatorial zones of the state to produce the finalists for the festival.

Eze said the festival provided the state an avenue to scout for talents at the grassroots in the various sports.

Also speaking on the festival, the Chairman of the Interministerial Committee on Interhouse Sports, Mr Joseph Omeh, said that 12 secondary schools – six boys’ teams and six girls’ teams – would feature in the football event.

Ghana Coach Lavishes Praise On GHANA coach Kwesi Record Scorer Gyan Appiah it will be difficult for anyone to catch up with striker Asamoah Gyan who has now set a new country scoring record.

Gyan on Friday night overtook legend Abedi Pele’s

33 goals with a brace against Sudan in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier to tally 34 goals.

At 27, it expected the Al Ain striker will double the

Olorundare Nigeria League Star Of The Week SUNSHINE striker Dele Olorundare is the MTNFootball.com star of Week 16 of the Nigeria league after his treble against Nasarawa United.

The Jazzy Stars of Jos discovery was chosen ahead of Bayelsa United’s Peter Ebimobowei, whose brace was enough to earn his team a 2-0 win over Kaduna United, and Taofeek Adepoju, who also scored a brace to help 3SC beat Nembe City 3-1.

Olorundare told MTNFootball.com he wishes to score more goals this season.

“My duty as a striker is to score goals, so when I score, I am excited. I thank God that I have been getting the goals this season. I am looking forward to more to end the season as top scorer,” Olorundare told

Uche Agbo (Enyimba), Michael Olaitan (Olympiacos, Greece) Forwards: Edafe Egbedi (AGF Aarhus, Denmark), Daddy Moses Simon (Unattached), Chidi Osuchukwu (Dolphins), Umar Aminu (Wikki Tourists), Olanrewaju Kayode (unattached), Alhaji Gero (Enugu Rangers), Samuel Eduok (Dolphins)

goals two seasons ago.

“I wish to score at least 25 goals. I am sure it is not beyond me, with God and my team mates supporting me, I will get there and can even go past that

target,” he said.

PROFILE Date of birth: December 12, 1990 Position: Striker/ Right winger Height: 1.80m Previous clubs: Jazzy Stars FC, Jos; Babanawa FC (defunct), Nasarawa United.

Goal scoring record: At Babanawa 8 goals; At Nasarawa United 7 goals; At Sunshine: In 2009/2010 - 9 goals; In 2010/ 2011 - 10 goals; In 2011/2012 12 goals in the league and 3 in CAF Champions League.

Current season – 9 goals as at Week 16 Honours: National FA Cup bronze with Nasarawa Utd in 2008; CAF Confederation Cup semi-finalist 2011; CAF Champions League 2012 semifinalist

number before quitting international football.

Appiah, who installed the former Sunderland player as his captain when appointed substantive Black Stars coach, heaps praise on Gyan for his historic feat.

“I would say congrats to him. He overworked himself and played a real captain’s game [against Sudan],” Appiah told www.Ghanafa.org “After we were one man down, he was the only one upfront fighting and fortunately, he got two goals for us.

“It’s not easy to achieve such a record and I believe he’s got more years ahead of him and can widen the gap.

It’s going to be difficult for other players to catch up.”

Gyan can increase his goal tally next week when Ghana travel to Maseru to play Lesotho in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

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Liverpool Can Still Attract Top Stars LIVERPOOL can still sign top-quality players despite failing to qualify for Europe, managing director Ian Ayre told the Liverpool Echo.

Brendan Rodgers’ side finished the Premier League season in seventh place, 12 points short of a Champions League spot.

They were off the pace in the chase for Europa League qualification too, ending the campaign 11 points behind fifthplaced Tottenham.

Liverpool last played in the Champions League in December 2009 - when they exited at the group stage - but Ayre believes the club’s absence from the competition is not a huge stumbling block when it comes to attracting players.

The managing director, who is responsible for conducting negotiations with potential signings, highlighted the fact that Liverpool managed to bring in Brazilian playmaker Philippe

Fletcher Set For Summer Comeback MANCHESTER United midfielder Darren Fletcher is set to return to action for the club this pre-season, according to a report in the Daily Mirror.

Scotland international Fletcher has been plagued by a chronic bowel condition for the past 18 months, and has not played at all in 2013.

The 28-year-old made a comeback last season, but only managed ten appearances for United - starting just two Premier League matches - and had to cut his season short in December.

However, following a second operation to treat his ulcerative colitis in April and a specialised diet programme, the Daily Mirror reports that Fletcher is targeting a return in time for United’s first pre-season under new manager David Moyes.

Fletcher has two years remaining on his current deal at Old Trafford.

Coutinho from Inter Milan and striker Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea in January.

“We can still attract top players to Liverpool,” he said. “Look at the last transfer window when we brought in Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge. Both had a huge impact on the team.

“As long as we continue to bring in players of that quality, we’ll be heading in the right direction.

“I’ve never been in negotiations with anyone who has said they don’t want to sign for Liverpool because we’re not big enough or not successful enough.

“We can still attract top talent.

It’s about finding the right talent at the right price. The deal has to be right for the club.”

Liverpool are hoping to complete a £7.7 million deal for Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas over the weekend, having made their first capture of the summer by signing central defender Kolo Toure on a free transfer from Manchester City.

RVP Reveals United Interest Over Juve, City

Arsene Wenger

Wenger Should Not Be Trusted To Spend Arsenal’s Transfer Cash - Robson MANAGER Arsene Wenger should not be trusted to spend Arsenal’s summer transfer budget, according to former Gunners midfielder Stewart Robson.

Arsenal are determined to expecting any marquee improve the side ahead of next signings at Arsenal. There is season to mount a long- a lot of talk about it, but I don’t overdue assault on the know if I would trust Arsene Barclays Premier League title, Wenger with that money.” and chief executive Ivan He added: “Over the last Gazidis has talked about “an few years some of the players escalation in (the club’s) that he has said were going to financial firepower” that be world class haven’t ended would allow them to move for up like that - people like a stellar signing.

Philippe Senderos, Denilson, But Robson, who came Marouane Chamakh, Armand through the Arsenal youth Traore, Sebastien Squillaci, system but left long before Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Wenger’s arrival, feels some Vela, Emmanuel Eboue, Park of the manager’s recent deals Chu-young, Lukasz should not inspire much hope. Fabianski, Gervinho and Speaking to talkSPORT, Andre Santos.

Robson said: “I am not “Over the last two seasons

they have spent some money on Olivier Giroud, Lukas Podolski, Mikel Arteta, Nacho Monreal, Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos. They haven’t been top-class players.

“Arsene Wenger doesn’t appear to want to sign the topclass players, or what other people would describe as topclass players.

“He goes out and says: ‘I can buy you cheaper players for a better price who are going to be world-class players in the future’, but that hasn’t been the case in the last few years.

“Some of the players who he has bought have regressed under him like Andrey

Sunday Pools Guide Week 48 CLIFTONHILL; DANDENOG For “X” SAYS DR. J.K. POOLS

A critical examination of the 49 programmed fixtures of this week 48 matches to be played on 15th June 2013, I wholeheartedly fancy the above captioned Headline games. “CLIFTONHIL; DANDENOG FOR “X”.

Obviously they are Numbers 12 and 13 in the local coupon of the week.

In the same vein, Doveton vs Sprinvale w at No. 15 and ShamrockR vs Morley at 32 for an “X”.

In summary, Nos 12-13-15 and 32 for at least two draws this week Saturday.

Lest I forget, before you forecast, Please this is not less than a dozen of draws.

The best Divisions that you should concentrate to fish out the possible draws are Victoria and South Australia.

A look at South Australia, I fancy campbetown vs Adelaide at No. 35 and Enfield vs Cumberlad at 37 as the most Inseparable for an “X” at the week end.

A thorough scanning through the league table of the

week. The both controversial pair is favoured with a draw.

Traditionally and also based on form sequence last week Cumberland hosted Camptpwn and to be precise in week 47. This week, however if poological for sequence is anything to go by, this is a 50-50 bet for pair.

Please try to keep weekly records of Sunday OBSERVER. 07039275802 8 TREBLE CHANCE 1. CliftonHill vs Langarin 0-0 2. Dandenog vs Malvern 0-0 3. Doveton vs Sprinvale w 1-1 4. Shamrock vs Morley 1-1 5. Cumberland vs Aselaide 2-2 6. Enfield vs Campbtown 2-2 7. N. Sunshine vs Yaraville 3-3 8. Westvale vs Moveland 3-3

Arshavin and Thomas Vermaelen. Nacho Monreal hasn’t been a good signing and Andre Santos has been hopeless for them.

“Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski are past their best and Gervinho is another player who they spent a lot of money on and hasn’t really come to the fore.”

Arsenal’s wage bill of some £143millon was around 61 per cent of their overall revenue but is set to be reduced this summer by the confirmed expected departures of Arshavin, Denilson and Squillaci, while several other surplus fringe players should also be offloaded - such as Chamakh, Bendtner and Korean forward Park.

ROBIN van Persie has revealed that despite interest from both Manchester City and Juventus, there was no doubt in his decision to join Manchester United.

The Dutchman had a specular debut season with the Red Devils, scoring 30 goals in his first Premier League title winning campaign.

Still, despite having his most successful season in his career, van Persie admits it wasn’t an easy choice leaving Arsenal.

“It was [difficult] because it wasn’t only me who decided where I went to play,” he told MUTV. “I also depended on my former club as well and how they saw it. And then of course you always have these games that the directors play.

“It’s a bit like a rollercoaster. Some days it is looking good and other days it is worse. You don’t really know what to expect because things can change so quickly. It normally depends on the player and the two teams, but in my case, there were two other teams involved as well.

“One was [Manchester] City and the other one was Juventus. So it was a bit hectic but I always wanted this transfer from day one.

Me and Sir Alex knew that it would be a bumpy road, but I think that it shows that if you really want something then nothing is impossible. I am glad it happened.”

Juve Close To Agreeing JUVENTUS are Tevez Fee reportedly close to agreeing a fee for Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez, as they continue their hunt for a recognized striker.

It has been previously reported that the Argentine has already come to an agreement with Juventus on his salary demands and all that was left, for the deal to be finalized, was City’s agreement over a transfer fee.

According to Sport Mediaset, the Premier League side want around 5million euro for the Argentine strikera fee which Juventus are said to be happy to fork out.

Reports have also suggested that Tevez has agreed a threeyear deal worth 7 million euro a-year.

The Old Lady have already secured one top striker for next season, with Fernando Llorente having alread

Carlos Tevez

CMYK

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NYSC Coordinator Warns Corps Members Against Absenteeism

MRS. Adenike Adeyemi, the Lagos State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), at the weekend warned corps members against absconding from places of primary assignment.

Adeyemi told newsmen in Lagos that any corps member who absconded would repeat the service year.

“We discovered that corps members have various reasons for absconding during their service year, but for whatever reason, NYSC will not condone it.

“Whenever we have cases of absence, we get in touch with their next of kin to find out the reason.

“It is very compulsory for corps members to serve their fatherland for one year,“ she said.

Adeyemi urged employers of labour to provide creche service to nursing corps members serving in their organisations.

She said the provision of crèche would enable them to put

in their best.

She advised the corps members to employ the services of nannies or maids where there was no creche, adding that “any corps member who carries her baby to work is not ready to serve”.

“If there is no crèche in your

office, employ someone to take care of your baby while you are at work.

“When nursing corps members take their babies to work, they will have divided attention.

“We are appealing to employers of labour to provide crèche as being advocated by the

government,“ she said.

On accommodation, Adeyemi said some employers had been providing accommodation to corps members, especially in the rural areas.

She said that corps members needed accommodation close to their places of primary assignment, noting that such would enhance their performance.

Analyst Urges Nigerians To Champion Change Of Electoral Attitude A public affairs analyst in Rivers, Mr Ben Nwafor, has urged Nigerians to champion “a revolution of electoral change of attitude” for a better nation.

Nwafor gave the advice in an interview in Port Harcourt.

The analyst said the call became necessary for the electorate to stamp out hooliganism and other electoral vices from their psyche.

He said Nigerians could achieve this by refusing to subscribe to thuggery or rigging, adding that the development would reduce the level of post election litigations.

The analyst said that the high level of post-election litigations had polarised the electoral space in Nigeria.

“Money politics should be discouraged, sectional or religious bias should also be discouraged for peaceful and credible polls,” Nwafor said.

He blamed many of the pre and post-election crises on ignorance of the electorate who could not define their choice of whom to vote for during election.

Nwafor said that it was imperative for an early education of the electorate to rescue them from the “doldrums of political exploitation”.

L-R: Retired Justice Peter Akere; National Coordinator, Journalists For Sustainable Development In Nigeria, Pastor Parry Benson and guest lecturer, Dr. Sofri Peterside, at a public lecture on sustainable development in Nigeria in Port Harcourt.

Internet Provides Tool For Economic Growth, Social Change - Google Nigeria MRS. Affiong Osuchukwu, Country Marketing Manager, Google Nigeria, says that businesses in Nigeria will benefit immensely if local contents become more accessible through the Internet to the world.

She told newsmen in Lagos that besides business growth, social change was achievable through the same strategy.

“If Internet users are able to

access more of our local content, it becomes a good marketing strategy for businesses to reach their markets for those who are seeking local contents online.

“It is also a seamless way to drive social change when there are lots of local contents available for the youth and other categories of people who search online,” she said.

Reports indicate that in the

course of the Google Nigeria research to assess what different Internet users wanted online, it came up with the Dalberg Report, which gives analysis of its findings.

The report looked at the economic and social advantages of achievement that were possible through Internet use.

“This report intends to help policymakers capture the

Arts/Crafts, Key To Sustainable Technological Devt - Exec Secretary

THE Executive Secretary, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mr Mwajim Maidugu, has identified the arts and crafts industry as key to a sustainable technological development and advancement in Africa.

Maidugu told newsmen in Abuja that the sector provided a solid platform for the growth of the tourism industry.

According to him, any major development initiative designed to be sustainable cannot afford to neglect the sector, partly

because it is the second only to agriculture in job creation.

“Conservative estimates indicate that over 80 per cent of the total populations of Africa are rural dwellers who engage in farming along with various form of crafts production.

“These constitute major aspects of our rural industries in the form of small and medium scale enterprises which are fundamental to stimulating economic and industrial development and empowerment,’’ he said.

Maidugu said that the Africa Arts and Crafts Expo (AFAC) was conceived to address these challenges considering the huge potentiality of the industry.

He said that AFAC was initiated with a view to exploring, develop, market and generally leverage the diverse crafts industry to contribute effectively in response to government efforts at job creation.

Maidugu said that the 2013 AFAC with the theme: ‘ Leveraging on the Arts and Crafts Industry for Job Creation and Economic Empowerment’ was

slated for June 10.

According to him, the 6th edition of AFAC is expected to be declared open by Dame Patience Jonathan.

The secretary said that the expo would help to sensitise investors on the need to invest in the sector as a way of encouraging enterprise development and export orientated production.

Maidugu said that the expo would help to establish an international arts and crafts market place in Africa and attract international investment.

potential of the Internet for social and economic development.

“It is to help them understand how their constituencies already use the Internet, where the opportunities lie, what future potential the Internet offers.

Also what their countries need to get there.”

Stressing the importance of credible data for businesses, the report states the number of businesses and countries where its survey was conducted.

“Based on a survey of more than 1,300 businesses, including nearly 1,000 SMEs and extensive interviews with experts across Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and Nigeria, this report is beneficial to policy makers.

“They can have access to the data gathered on the social and economic benefits of broadband and Internet.

“It also uses extensive secondary research and qualitative and quantitative analysis to support policymakers in harnessing the Internet’s potential.

“Finally, it provides actionable recommendations across policy portfolios.”

PTDF To Speed Up Completion Of Head Office Building Executive Sec DR Oluwole Oluleye, the Executive Secretary of Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), has pledged to fast-track the completion of its abandoned head office building in Abuja.

A statement issued by PTDF’s Head, Press and External Relations, Mr Kalu Otisi, quoted Oluleye as making the pledge when he visited the site of the project.

It will be recalled that the 12 -storey building project in Central Area, Abuja, which has reached 90 percent completion, was abandoned in June 2012 due to funding constraints.

The statement, however, said the executive secretary had asked the contractors of the project, Julius Berger Nigeria Ltd, to resume work and hasten the completion.

“My priority now is to look at projects that are from about 80 percent and above completion.

“We will put in money to get them completed as quickly as possible and then we start going down to those that are 70 per cent, 60 percent and all that and take them up that way.

“Projects that have gone as much as 80 per cent completion should never be left fallow.

They should be finished as quickly as possible and the facilities put to use,” Oluleye said.

He noted that the Minister of Petroleum Resources was also interested in the speedy completion of the project.

“My primary intention is that we complete this building as quickly as possible.

“I want to assure you that I am doing everything to make sure that we have funding to realise this.

“I want to say that the honourable minister is very much interested in the completion as soon as possible which means that we will mobilise and do everything to get funding for the completion.

“I have never been involved with any abandoned project so I will ensure that we will get this done quickly,” Oluleye said.

The statement said the Project Manager from Julius Berger, Mr Martins Von Lom, promised that the building and all facilities would be completed as soon they were re-mobilised to site.

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