Sunday observer 21 07 2013

THE SUNDAY

The Sunday

SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

CMYK

1

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

POLITICS & ISSUES

Pgs. 16/17

The Chinese Trip With Big Dreams

• Vol. XI NO.4,006 •

SOCIETY

SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013 • N100.00

Pg. 26

Sleep: As Important As Food

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Prof. Gabriel Yomere, Chairman Governing Council, Auchi Polytechnic, during their visit to Government House in Benin City.

Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.

FG Committed To Tackling Unemployment - Aganga THE Federal Government has expressed its determination to address the challenges of unemployment through development of a sustainable Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga stated this in Abeokuta during a

validation workshop on the Revised Policy on MSMEs in Ogun.

A statement issued weekend in Abuja by

SHOWBIZ Funke Akindele:

Ibrahim Mohammed, Assistant Chief Information Officer, quoted Aganga as saying Continues on pg.2 Pgs. 20/21

After Threat To Sue, Confirms Crash

SOCIETY

Pg. 27

How Many Have You Destroyed With Your Mouth?

HEALTH WATCH Pg. 15 Top Ten Reasons To Stay Healthy Pg.9

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

Tackling Unemployment Continued from pg 1 that the government created 32 million indirect jobs through the 17.2 million MSMEs in 2012 alone.

The Minister said the government had concluded plans to create five million jobs by 2015 through the expansion of the MSMEs. He promised to forward a proposal to the Federal Executive Council on the need to ensure production of school uniforms from made-in-Nigeria fabrics to encourage enterprises development.

“There is no reason why school uniforms cannot be made even from “adire textiles’’.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun on his part, acknowledged the support and cooperation the administration had received from SMEDAN. He said that the government would continue to assist genuine entrepreneurs in the “areas of provision of infrastructure facilities and financial assistance.

The Director-General of SMEDAN, Alhaji Bature Masari, earlier, expressed satisfaction at the SMEs development and the inauguration of National Enterprises Development Programme (NEDEP) in the state.

He said that the National Policy on MSMEs outlined the general directions for MSMEs programmes, interventions and initiatives.

According to him, the policy which will be implemented, monitored and evaluated would serve Nigeria from 2013-2015 and be reviewed every four years.

Masari said the policy’s success was hinged on critical prerequisites which include the need for streamlined and decentralised MDAs at the federal, state and local government levels for MSME’s development.

He explained that some of the special target enterprises under the policy included cottage agro and agro-allied enterprises, cottage arts and crafts as well as textiles and clothing.

Others are wood processing and furniture, leather and leather products, basic metal, metal fabrication and engineering enterprises, solid mineral enterprises.

Also included are electronic and information technology enterprises, building and construction enterprises amongst others, are some of the special target enterprises under the policy.

Etsako Central Neighbourhood THE Executive Chairman, Etsako Central Local Watch To Fight Crime Government Area Council, Hon. Emmanuel Momoh has disclosed that the Edo State Neighbourhood Watch will be given the necessary support to get rid of crime in the locality.

Hon. Momoh made this known recently at the council secretariat when he received members of the Edo State Neighbourhood Watch.

He stated that his administration was prepared to give the necessary support and logistics to members of the Neighbourhood Watch in order to make them effective in the discharge of their

responsibilities.

Hon. Momoh who was represented by the secretary to the local government said his administration was committed to the protection of lives and property of the people in the locality.

He urged members of the Neighbourhood Watch to shun corruption and other social vices that are capable of reducing the integrity of the security outfit.

He assured members of the Neighbourhood Watch of his administration’s maximum support to ensure crime is gotten

Onolememen Reads Riot Act To Contractors THE Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen, has warned contractors handling road projects that the Federal Government would no longer tolerate acts capable of thwarting its efforts to provide good roads.

Onolememen gave the warning in Abuja when Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa visited him in his office to commend the Federal Government’s presence in Adamawa to build roads.

Nyako was also at the ministry to solicit support for the construction of other critical roads in the state.

The minister told Nyako that contract for Maiha-Sorau road project in Adamawa was terminated, due to the incompetence of the contractor.

He stated that the road was awarded about six years ago but that the contractor stopped work.

Onolememen explained that efforts were on to ensure that the project was awarded to another competent contractor, adding that the project had reached procurement stage.

“In Adamawa State, unfortunately when we came in, we had a few projects which had become intractable and one of them is the Maiha-Sorau road which the ministry awarded six years ago and the project was not going well because it was not well mobilised.

“So having requested for technical and expert input, I now took a decision that the way forward was to terminate that contract and bring in a more serious contractor.

“This is to allow us achieve

our objective of giving to the people of Adamawa a good road alignment as far as that project was concerned,’’ the minister said.

“We are using this opportunity to send a note of warning to contractors who think that they will take Federal Ministry of Works’ road projects as their farmland,” he stated.

Commenting on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the GombeNuman-Yola road, Onolememen said that the procurement process had been completed.

He said that the ministry would continue to partner with State Governments in the delivery of quality roads.

By LAMAI CASSSIUS/ WINIFRED OSASOBO

department of information with a certificate of membership.

It added that UNAI has ten principles for which the polytechnic was assessed and found worthy of affiliation, these it said include commitment to the United Nations Charter, Human Rights, Educational Opportunity for all, Higher Education Opportunity for every interested individual.

Other areas of interest are Capacity Building in Higher Education System, Global Citizenship, Peace and Conflict Resolution and Sustainability

Auchi Polytechnic Receives UN Academic Impact Membership

AUCHI Polytechnic under the leadership of Dr. (Mrs.) Philipa O. Idogho has again received international recognition as a member of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI).

According to the news bulletin of the Polytechnic, the confirmation of the affiliation of the institution with the UNAI was forwarded to the Rector by Hassan Ferdons of the

Water Without Sanitation, Invitation ALHAJI Olaposi Adiatu, the To Disease - RUWESA boss Programme Manager of the

MABEL WEDS ALEX The solemnization of marriage between former Miss.

Ebokpomwen Mabel Imade and Mr. Omorodion Alex Edomwonyi ( A Banker) took place on Saturday July 20, 2013 at the Oredo Local Government Council marriage registry in Benin City. Amongst those present were Mr. Omorodion Clement A, Mr. Ebokpomwen Monday, Mr. Omoregbe Darlington, Miss. Osadolor Adesuwa, family members, relations, friends and well wishers. Picture shows the couple at the registry. Congratulations! Photo Sonnie. E.

Rural Water and Environmental Sanitation Agency in Osun, has in Osogbo stressed importance of clean environment.

He told newsmen that provision of potable water is essential, but would be counterproductive if the environment is dirty.

“Dirty environment causes all sort of water-borne diseases,” he said.

“That is exactly the reason the government in Osun is consciously giving priority to the provision of potable water and robust system of sanitation.

“We have made it clear to our people that the only prerequisite for adequate provision of water in their communities is good sanitation,’’ he stressed.

On the Millennium Development Goals’ projection to provide drinking water for all by the year 2015, Adiatu

rid off in the local government.

Responding, the representative of the Chairman, Edo State Neighbourhood Watch, Chief David Ugbodaga said the purpose of the visit was to familiarise themselves with the council chairman about the existence of the watch in the local government.

He said some of the duties of the Neighbourhood Watch is to protect government property and to report any suspicious movement to the security agencies.

Chief Ugbodaga said Edo State is one of the states that is taking the issue of security seriously and that was one of the major reasons the Neighbourhood Watch was established to compliment the effort of other security outfits operating in the state.

He assured that the rate of crime in the state has been reduced to the barest minimum adding that security is everybody’s business adding that for the government to succeed, the people must be involved.

expressed reservation about attainment of the goal by the stipulated year.

According to Adiatu, who is a geologist, attaining the goal depends on commitment.

“Take the case of Nigeria for instance, very few of the states in Nigeria are consistently complying with the laid down conditions for partnership by the development partners.

“In the national policy on water and sanitation, every state is mandated to have three levels of institutions, one in the state, another one in the local government and a communitybased unit,” he said.

According to him, all the 30 local government areas have departments handling water and sanitation, and all the communities in the state have Water Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM), a sub-set of Community

Development Association.

“WASHCOM has the obligation of sustaining the facilities for water and sanitation in the communities to make their environment hygienic and habitable.

“Our level of compliance in Osun has endeared us to these development partners, making them to partner with us continuously.

“Currently, the African Development Bank is carrying out water and sanitation projects in about 24 local government areas, while EU is working in the remaining ones,’’ he said.

Adiatu added that the high degree of enlightenment made the people’s adherence to hygiene rules and regulations very commendable.

He applauded Governor Rauf Aregbesola for creating the enabling environment for the agency to succeed.

among others.

With this, the polytechnic is entitled to use the UNAI membership logo in promotional materials to carry out at least one activity in support of the UNAI and its ten principles.

Reacting to the new fit achieved by the polytechnic, the Rector of the institution, Dr. (Mrs.) Philipa O. Idogho expressed delight at the development, noting that it is in line with the vision of the management of the polytechnic to making sure it is one of the most respected institutions of higher learning in the country.

The Rector who is in the fore front to ensure that polytechnics in the country are degree awarding institutions said “Our objective is to be the polytechnic of choice in the country reputed for high academic standards, social responsibility and discipline” she concluded.

Speaking in the same vein, the Dean of students Affairs, Barr.

M.I. Imhaku commended the efforts of the Rector, Dr. (Mrs.) P.O. Idogho of bringing the polytechnic to both national and international recognition as the school has won several awards in academic excellent since she became the rector of the school.

Barr. Imhaku described the rector as God sent redeemer who came to take the school to the next level and however wonder what the school would have been like if she was not made the rector of the school.

He prayed God to give her more divine wisdom to pilot the affairs of the institution for the remaining of her tenure.

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NEWS Have Fear Of God - Cleric

THE Chief Imam of Lagos State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, on Friday urged political leaders to allow the fear of God to prevail in their endeavours.

Abdul-Lateef told newsmen in Lagos that the fear of God was the key to success.

He said that the violence and crime in the country were caused by economic hardship, and urged the three tiers of government to ameliorate the situation.

The cleric called on religious leaders to participate in politics to sustain the nation’s political process.

On Ramadan, Abdul-Lateef said that it was meant to rededicate Muslims to their faith

to promote peace, justice and equality.

“Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam, which teaches man to abstain from unlawful things forever.

“Ramadan teaches man that hunger should not necessarily lead to anger, and that man should be patient regardless of his situation.

“If you learn to be selfless in your endeavours, it will replace selfishness because the rich and the poor are from the Almighty,” Abdul-Lateef told newsmen.

He appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities to call off its strike in the interest of the education sector.

He said that continuous strike could give room for more crimes because “an idle man is the devil’s workshop”.

51-Yr s-Old Faces N9.26m Fraud Charge to employ some spiritual means Flood as a result of early morning rain in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State weekend.

Sickle Cell: Patients Can Live Normal Life - Foundation DR Olubayode Awosika, Founder, Temiatyo Awosika Help Foundation, has said that proper management of sickle cell anaemia can make people suffering from the condition have a normal life.

Reports say that the foundation is a non-profit organisation, set up to cater for children and adults living with sickle cell anaemia and the under privileged in the society.

Awosika told newsmen in an interview in Abuja that sickle cell anaemia was a condition and not a diseases, hence patients

should not be stigmatised.

He said if the condition is properly managed and the patients lived a healthy lifestyle, they will survive.

Awosika advised sickle cell patients not to give up on themselves, adding, “there is hope for you, just stay strong and take proper care of yourselves.’’

He also appealed to care givers to show love to the patients in order not to make them feel unwanted.

“Parents and caregivers should not see these children as if they are destined to die or second rate children.

“Inspite of their challenges, they are very intelligent if allowed to

express themselves,’’ Awosika said.

Also speaking, Mr Ebere Oluoha, the Executive Secretary of the foundation said that the organisation helped sickle cell patients by providing routine drugs for them and footing the medical bills of people who were unable to.

“We have also given scholarships to students living with sickle cell and the under privileged. We counsel them on how to take proper care of themselves.’’

Oluoha said that the organisation helped in creating awareness, through the media to

inform and educate the public on the management and prevention of sickle cell anaemia.

He said that the foundation was based in Lagos, but had plans to branch out to reach out to people in the six geopolitical zones in the country.

The foundation, she said, would be organising a walk and rally in Lagos on August 17.

Oluoha said that the aim of the walk was to create awareness that there was hope for good management and healthy living for people with sickle cell.

Govt, Private Sectors Tasked On Biz Chain industrial hubs.

Resource Person and a South Eastern states.

Earlier, the President of Dev Business Consultant at “This involves provision A business consultant, Mr Innocent Okeke, has urged all tiers of government and the private sector to build business chains, in order to be able to compete effectively with the multinationals.

The consultant said this on Friday in Enugu at a Membership Forum and Interactive Session organised by the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA).

Okeke, who was the

Smart Entrepreneurs, stressed the need to create viable industrial development clusters, to stimulate economic recovery and growth.

He said that most state government-owned industries had collapsed or were comatose.

Okeke said that the situation had created increased unemployment and pockets of one-man businesses.

“There is need to create investment hubs in the

of industrial clusters that will ensure technological transfer and the creation of sustainable joint business ventures, with functional data bases.

“This investment hub are known as Turnkey Projects and they will address specifics because everybody in that area of business will need to come together with others,’’ Okeke said.

The consultant called on the state governments to provide land for the

ECCIMA, Dr Theo Okonkwo, said that the forum was aimed at providing a platform for members of the chamber and the business community to network and share ideas.

Okonkwo commended the Enugu State Government for setting up an inter-ministerial committee to streamline multiple taxes in the state, which had been a major obstacle to business development in the state.

THE police in Lagos has arraigned a 51-year old man, who allegedly defrauded his friend of N9.26 million in the guise of using spiritual means to boost his business.

Olanrewaju Osua, who lives at the Alakuko area of Lagos, is standing trial before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court on a fivecount charge of fraud, threat to life and breach of the peace.

According to the Prosecutor, Cpl. Innocent Odugbo, the accused defrauded Mr Adeleke Otegbeye between March and June at Alakuko.

“The accused, with others still at large, obtained the money from Otegbeye with a promise

to boost his business.

“After collecting the money, the accused threatened to kill the complainant if he asked for the money again,’’ Odugbo told the court.

He noted that the offences contravened Sections 56, 166, 285, 312 and 410 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded innocent of the offences.

Magistrate, Mrs O.O. Fowowe, granted him bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.

The court adjourned the case to August 8 for substantive trial.

Reports say that the accused may be sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on conviction.

Ex-ANAN Chief Urges FG On According to him, this SMEs DR Samuel Nzekwe, a former President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), wants the Federal Government to provide an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive.

Nzekwe spoke with newsmen in Lagos.

“There is the need for the federal government to fast track the provision of an enabling environment to increase the tempo of business activities and ensure economic growth,” he said.

Nzekwe said that creating an enabling environment entailed providing stable electricity supply, good roads and adequate security.

will ensure that the SMEs produce at cheaper costs, a development which, he noted, would reduce inflation and attract foreign investors.

“There should be a deliberate effort by the government to create a conducive environment to kick start the production sector,” Nzekwe said.

He urged the government to intensify its efforts to provide attractive interest rates to enhance the capacity of the SMEs to produce at an optimum level.

Nzekwe said that with an improvement in their fortunes, the SMEs would be able to absorb unemployed youths, reduce crime and boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

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NEWS

FAAN Hails FG On Reward

THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in the South-South, has commended the Federal Government for rewarding aviation workers with cars in recognition of their performance.

Mr Ola Ogundulakpo, regional spokesman of the organisation, who spoke with newsmen in Port Harcourt, described the gesture as “a new dawn“.

He said the cars were given to various aviation offices across the nation and about 12 beneficiaries were from Port Harcourt International Airport.

“The cars are to encourage staff members on their good deeds; the beneficiaries include the Deputy General Manager (DGM) and Regional General Manager (RGM).

“We really appreciate the gifts and I hope the beneficiaries would increase their effort to realise the transformation agenda in the sector,” he said.

Ogundulakpo said also that about seven staff members from the region who were promoted from grade level 14 to level 15 had received their promotion letters.

He pledged their commitment to service and said that the staff would not relent in their efforts in ensuring that development in aviation sector attained global standard.

“We have been doing our best and I urge the staff to always remain ambassadors of change within and outside the country.

Ex-Dantata Employee Drags Coy To Court A dismissed worker with Dantata and Sawoe Construction Co. Ltd., Mr John Ogeyemhe, has dragged the company before the National Industrial Court, challenging his dismissal.

Ogeyemhe also joined the company’s General Manager, Mr Precious Gbeniol, as defendant.

He alleged that his dismissal in 2010, was a setup and a ploy to deprive him of his benefits, having worked for more than 12 years.

The claimant is praying the court to declare the purported

dismissal as unlawful null and void and of no-effect.

Ogeyemhe is also praying the court to order the company to reinstate and pay all his entitlements from the date of dismissal.

Ogeyehe’s Counsel, Mr Godfrey Ofen-Imu, informed the court that there was no legal representation by the defendants.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Peter Lifu, adjourned the case to October 29 for mention.

Lifu ordered that hearing notice be served on the defendants before the adjourned date.

Committee Approve 17 Lawyers For SAN THE Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee has in Abuja approved the elevation of 17 lawyers to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Announcing the names of beneficiaries to newsmen, Mr Sunday Olorundahunsi, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, said the list was approved on July 19 after the committee’s cursory consideration of performances of the candidates.

He gave their names as: Adele Eberechi, Olumide Sofowora, Olufunke Aboyade (Ms), Uko

Udom, Anthony Ani, Godwin Obla, Suraj Sa’eda, Anthony Anaenugwu and Joe Abrahams.

Others are Akinlolu Kehinde, Prof. Lawrence Atsegbua, Biriyai Dambo, Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume, Olalekan Yusuf, Moyosore Onigbanjo, Aliyu Abdullahi and Victoria Awomolo.

Olorundahunsi said that the date for the swearing in of the new senior advocates would be announced later.

Reports say that a total of 43 candidates were shortlisted for the coveted rank.

Beneficiaries of SURE-P loan equipment distributed by Yobe State. Government in Damaturu, Yobe State weekend.

CPP Senate’s Rejection

LG

Autonomy:

THE National Chairman, Citizen Popular Party (CPP), Mr Sam Eke, has decried Senate’s decision to reject the local government autonomy in the ongoing constitution review.

Eke told newsmen in Abuja that the decision by the upper chamber of the assembly did not go down well with the people “As long as political parties are concerned, that decision is not in the best interest of the Nigerian people and the delivery of the dividend of democracy.

“We will take positive actions within the limit of the law to make sure that the decision is reverse,’’ he said He said that the direct implication of the Senate’s decision was that the development at the grassroots level would continue to suffer.

Eke said the present situation where by states and local governments operated accounts jointly had not made the local councils effectively accountable to the people at the grassroots level.

The national chairman said that with the present system of funding, the local government chairmen

found it difficult to function independently to offer improved service to the people.

He said that a governor might just wake up one day and sack a local government chairman based on personal interest, adding that the situation contravened the concept of democracy.

“Local government is supposed to have its own legislative arm, whose duty it is to call the chairman to order and not a state governor to sack him

Decries

without due process,’’ he said.

Eke advised that local government should be autonomous so that people at the grassroots could benefit from the dividends of democracy.

He said that local government should be able to award contract on its own and be responsible for its actions and “not the other way round”, for the development of the grassroots.

On life pension for the Senate President, the

Speaker and their deputies, Eke said that the principal officers of the upper chamber of the national assembly did not need the pension.

He said that the allowance they earned was more than enough for them to take care of all their needs.

According to him, the money for such pension can be used to improve the social and economic life the ordinary Nigerians and their dependants who languished in abject poverty.

Abdulsalami Appeals To Rivers Politicians unfortunate, adding: “I peace of the country, he

A Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has appealed to politicians in Rivers to put their house in order to avoid overheating the polity and truncating the nation’s democracy.

Abubakar made the remark in his residence at an interactive session with members of the Niger chapter of the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Minna.

He described the crisis in Rivers as sad and

hope that the politicians will try to put a break and reflect on what they are doing in order not to truncate democracy.

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

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

While praying for the

explained that without peace, “there will be no nation and people will not have the where withal to make a living’’.

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

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

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E. A. ADEBOYE On Sunday

Watch Attitude To Prophecies Memorise: For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Matthew 12:37 Read: Proverbs 18:6-8 Bible in one year: Ecclesiastes 1-3 YOUR confession have a way of affecting your today, and particularly your tomorrow. If there is one thing you should do more often, it is to speak positively into your future, prophesy into your today and tomorrow and God will back it up. Don’t let the n e g a t i v e pronouncements of others stop you; rather change the situation in your favour by your own confessions because Matthew 12:37 says.

“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and thy words thou shalt be condemned”.

It is interesting but surprising to know that what have pegged the progress of some people is not the curse placed on them but the words they have spoken against themselves.

Stop speaking against

yourself! Eradicate words and phrases like these from your dictionary: ‘I cannot do it’ (except for something negative).

“This task is not for people like me; ‘Those who are saying I can make it in life are only deceiving me because nobody ever make it in my family’; ‘It is an impossible task, etc.

Rather fill your diction with ‘I can’, ‘It is possible’, ‘I will succeed, ‘Even if there is no way for others there will always for me’.

My father-in-the Lord once told me this story.

Two men went before the oracle and the priest told one of them. “You will be king”, and the other, “You are a servant”.

Then they left. The one he told would be king began to rejoice and celebrate his forth coming fortune, but the

other challenged the verdict of the oracle.

“Why must I be servant?”

After thinking over it, he resolved there and then not to be one. He got two cutlasses and sharpened them very well, took some food items and traveled to a far location to work.

Each stroke from his cutlass was backed by the confession: “1 refuse to be a servant”.

From his labour, his farm became so big.

One day, a hunter midst of famine stumbled on his farm and returned to tell the villagers he had found food. So the villagers came to beg the man to give them food in exchange for he their king. So this farmer became king while prophesied to be king became his servant.

KEY POINT A prophecy about you may be good but what you do with it is more important.

“It is interesting but surprising to know that what have pegged the progress of some people is not the curse placed on them but the words they have spoken against themselves.”

WORLD NEWS 4 Men Charged With Coup In the president and Uganda protects guards national assets such as

FOUR men who worked in the office of a renegade army general have been charged with plotting to overthrow Uganda’s long-serving president, their attorney said Friday, showing the seriousness of the case against Uganda’s former spy chief who defected to London.

Ugandan lawyer Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi said all four men — who worked as intelligence agents in the office of Gen. David Sejusa — will face a court martial for alleged “treachery,” an offense as serious as treason under Ugandan military law and which carries the death penalty.

He said the charge sheet alleges the four engaged in “activities intended to overthrow the legitimate government of Uganda,” the same charge Sejusa is likely to face if and when he returns to Uganda. Sejusa’s aides were secretly charged weeks ago and are now detained in a quasimilitary facility near the capital, he said.

Sejusa, 58, is a member of Uganda’s military high command and a decorated hero of the bush war that brought Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to power nearly three

decades ago. Sejusa is now in self-imposed exile in London after raising concerns that Museveni is grooming his son to become Uganda’s next president. The general has since postponed his return to Uganda, saying his life is in danger.

In a letter to the head of Uganda’s domestic spy agency, Sejusa had urged an investigation into reports of an alleged plan for the first son to succeed Museveni as president.

The letter, which was later leaked to a Ugandan daily, also raised concerns that highranking army officers like Sejusa himself risked assassination if they opposed this succession project.

Museveni has never said he sees his son as his political heir.

But the son, a senior army officer named Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has been rapidly promoted in recent years, leading many to believe he is being prepared for high office.

Kainerugaba is now a brigadier with full command of the country’s special forces, an elite group within the military that

oil fields.

Sejusa’s succession allegations riveted this East African country where the president has rarely been publicly challenged and sparked a debate about who might replace Museveni, who has been in power since 1986. Uganda has not witnessed a single peaceful transfer of power since independence from Britain in 1962. Some analysts say Sejusa belongs to the generation of senior army officers who are disgruntled over the first son’s growing influence in the military as Museveni’s political power fades, the reason some government officials have accused the general of harboring presidential ambitions.

In recent interviews with The Associated Press, Sejusa has accused Museveni of wanting to keep power within the first family at all costs. He described Uganda’s military as a “prison,” apparently because serving army officers are barred from participating in electoral politics under the country’s military law.

Syria Cracks Down On Assad’s NonSYRIAN government forces Violent Opponents have detained a dissident leftwing painter in a new wave of arrests of non-violent critics of President Bashar al-Assad, opposition groups said.

Youssef Abdelki, 62, arrested in the port city of Tartous, has long criticized Assad and his late father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for 30 years until his death in 2000.

Two prominent members of a banned communist party, the Workers’ Party, Tawfiq Amran and Adnan Abbas, were arrested along with Abdelki and taken to an undisclosed location, the proopposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. All three had served previous jail terms for political dissent.

Opposition groups say several other civil rights activists have

been arrested this week, in what they say is a sign that the Syrian government is ramping up pressure on those who eschew violence and advocate peaceful resistance to Assad.

Syria’s 28-month-old conflict began with peaceful protests that met a violent response from Assad’s forces, gradually igniting an insurrection that has cost more than 90,000 lives.

“Assad’s forces are intentionally targeting the groups that are not associated with the armed revolt. They want to make them feel the only choice is the rebels or the regime,” Samer Aita, a member of the Syrian Democratic Forum, told Reuters in Beirut.

The opposition Forum, which offers humanitarian aid to Syrian

refugees and displaced families and advocates democracy in Syria, said two of its activists, Rami Suleiman and Badr Mansour, had been arrested this week. Young Syrian activists have begun a social media campaign demanding their release.

They are also campaigning for Abdelki’s release, calling him a gifted painter and a mentor for young artists and activists. His popular Facebook page is called “Art and Freedom”.

An artist friend of Abdelki, who asked not to be named, compared him to Picasso and said his paintings, caricatures of the Assad family and blogs in support of young artists had inspired many, saying: “This is a huge blow to our revolution.”

Bombing In Sunni Mosque In Iraq Kills filled with men and children, A BOMB ripped through a full At Least 17 was as worshippers were kneeling Sunni mosque in central Iraq during midday prayers Friday, killing at least 17 people in the latest outburst of deadly violence targeting worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan.

Suicide attacks, car bombings and other violence have killed nearly 200 people since the Islamic holy month of daytime fasting and charity began last week.

The violence is an extension of a surge of attacks that has roiled Iraq for months, reviving fears of a return to the widespread sectarian bloodshed that pushed the country to the brink of civil war after the 2003 U.S.-led

invasion. during prayers, said 30-year-old Diyala provincial councilman Mohammed Faleh, who was Sadiq al-Husseini said Friday’s praying inside. explosion hit the Abu Bakir alSideeq mosque in the town of Wijaihiya, which is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Baghdad. He said it killed at least 17.

The blast Supporters of deposed Egyptian president went off on the Mohamed Mursi chant slogans during a left side of the rally in their sit-in area around Raba almosque, which Adawya mosque, east of Cairo

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

Elderly Grocery Store Owner Refuses Robber

A MASKED robber apparently thought the 96year-old owner of a neighborhood grocery store in Marshfield would be an easy target for his crime, but, he was so wrong.

Margaretta Wolf has owned the store bearing her family name for 54 years. And she wasn’t about to turn over her cash to the armed intruder after he ordered her to open the cash register.

“I said: ‘I’m not opening up that cash register and that’s it, I’m not opening it. I said you can have all the Tootsie Rolls you want but I am not opening that cash register,’” said Wolf.

The man in the silver mask and carrying a knife continued to give Wolf orders during the robbery attempt.

He said, ‘Walk in the back

of the store,’ I said, ‘I’m not walking no place, I’m standing right here,’” Wolf recounted.

The elderly store owner

stood her ground when the man flashed a pocketknife

and placed it on the counter.

“I said, ‘I’ll press a button and I’ll have somebody here in seconds,’” she said.

Wolf said the would-be robber appeared frustrated, looked around, spotted a security camera in the corner, grabbed the knife and fled.

Marshfield Police Lt. Darren Larsen said he’s just glad Wolf is OK. “In this instance, certainly again while not recommended with what took place, we’re just very, very happy Marge was not injured,” Larsen said.

Wolf said she has a few words for the suspect when police catch up with him.

“What do I say to him? I say I think you got some punishments coming, and it will be a little bit more than scrubbing the floor,” she said.

Odd News Compiled By PAUL OKOMAYIN

Woman Trapped Between 2 Walls For 7 Hours A woman’s shortcut turned out to be anything but.

The resident of east China’s Anhui Province tried to fit in a gap between two walls around 10 p.m. Saturday and she got stuck, according to the U.K. Metro.

Despite her efforts to free herself, she was trapped until 5 a.m. when a passerby saw her and called for help.

The video shows rescue workers sitting atop the lower wall using a chisel and drill to carefully remove

some of it in order to free her.

One worker in an orange jump suit covers the woman’s head and back to protect her as another breaks up bricks to make a hole in the wall.

Finally, enough of an opening is created and the four men are able to pull her free.

“OK,” one can be heard saying.

According to the Metro, it took about 20 minutes to get her out of her tight spot.

New language spoken by 350 people

KIDS these days, it’s like they speak their own language sometimes, but in one remote Australian town, they actually do.

University of Michigan linguist Carmel O’Shannessy has been studying the town of Lajamanu for a decade and found that about 350 of the town’s residents, nearly all under the age of 35, speak a newly discovered language.

“Light Warlpiri,” as O’Shannessy calls it in a

new paper published in the journal Language,” is a mix of English and two other local dialects, Kriol and Warlpiri.

“The striking thing about Light Warlpiri is that most of the verbs come from English or Kriol, but most of the other grammatical elements in the sentence come from Warlpiri,” O’Shannessy told LiveScience.

Lajamanu is essentially an isolated enclave. There are no fully paved roads,

Dubai Offers Gold To Fight Obesity DUBAI’S government will pay residents in gold for losing those extra pounds as part of a government campaign to fight growing obesity in the Gulf Arab emirate.

The 30-day weight-loss challenge was launched to coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when the faithful refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.

Many eat too much after breaking the fast, tucking into traditional dishes loaded with fat and sugar that can push their daily calorie intake well above levels outside of Ramadan.

For every kilogram dropped

by August 16, contestants who register can walk away with a gram of gold, currently worth about $42, Dubai’s civic authority announced as part of its ‘Your Weight in Gold’ initiative.

The top three dieters can win gold coins worth up to 20,000 dirhams ($5,400).

The contestant has to lose a

minimum 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) to qualify for the contest.

“Participant must have excess weight to reduce and stay away from unhealthy methods to lose weight and should be present on the final day to measure weight,” Dubai Municipality said in a press release.

Health officials in Dubai, the commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates, and in neighboring Gulf nations, are spending millions to control obesity among their citizens.

Oil wealth and high household incomes have led to overeating, high-sugar diets and a heavy reliance on cars for getting around, leading to an explosion of diabetes and other obesityrelated illnesses.

Five of the 10 countries where diabetes is most prevalent are in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an umbrella organization of more than 200 national associations.

and a small plane delivers the mail each week. A supply truck also visits once a week to deliver goods to the town’s only store.

Walpiri itself is spoken by only about 6,000 people in the region, according to the Daily Telegraph. Kriol is another language recently created in Australia, first spoken in the country’s Northern Territory and Western Australia in the 1800s.

O’Shannessy says Light Warlpiri likely originated when workers from Lajamanu were employed on nearby cattle ranches.

When those workers returned home, they began speaking in a mixture of Warlpiri, English and Kriol that eventually evolved into its own language.

“Many of the first

speakers of this language are still alive,” Mary Laughren, a research fellow in linguistics at the University of Queensland in Australia, told the New York Times.

Officer Uses Hotdog Bits To Rescue responded to calls Dog From Roof AN animal control officer equipped with hotdog bits has managed to rescue a 15-pound dog that somehow found itself stuck on the roof of a Vancouver, Wash., area house.

Homeowner Barry Klettke says he was backing out of his driveway Monday morning with his own dog, Bella, in the passenger seat when Bella growled.

He tells The Columbian he looked up to see what she saw and there was the

dog on his roof. He called 911.

Clark County animal control officer Patrick Higbie says he’s

involving birds stuck on roofs but never a dog. The Chihuahua mix was taken to the Humane Society for Southwest Washington.

92-Yr-Old Still Working at McDonald walking around here than

AT 92, Sara Dappen certainly has earned her retirement years, but this nonagenarian can be found working at the Story City McDonald’s in Iowa, and there’s a good chance she’s the chain’s oldest employee anywhere in the world.

A story in the U.K. newspaper the Sun earlier

in the month claimed a North Wales man held the title at 88. But at 92, Dappen has him beat.

Dappen cleans tables and keeps the restaurant neat but, according to local station KCCI, her favorite thing is talking to the customers.

“I thought it was more interesting to keep

to be walking up and down the street, and this keeps me from sitting,” Dappen, who has worked at the restaurant for five years, told KCCI. Born in 1920, the Iowa resident was part of the 1938 graduating class at Story City High and the 1942 class at Iowa State

University, the Daily Mail reports.

Now, she puts on the red uniform of a McDonald’s worker.

“I think it’s crazy and she’s going to last to be like 110 working at M c D o n a l d ’s , ” McDonald’s department manager Elizabeth Holmes said.

THE SUNDAY

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IN part 1 we started with two points which is, Always aspire to get better than what you are now.

Point two is Know that life

SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

Sunday Sermon With Bishop Clement Ehidiamhen

weakness don’t give the devil a chance to make you a ridicule.

2 Kings 6:6 says “And the man of God said,

Biblical Steps To The Top (2)

is networking. In this edition we will continue with point three which is; In life you need a coach 2 Kings 6:1-7 says “And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us. Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, go ye. And one said, be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered. I will go, so he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood. But as one was falling a beam, the axe head fell into the water and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. And the man of God said, where fell it?

And he shewed him the place. And he cut down stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.

Therefore said he, take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it”.

2 Kings 6:3 And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy

servants and he answered, I will go”.

In life you need a coach; you need somebody that will be a mentor to you, somebody that can correct you when you are wrong no matter your age. Many people are full of themselves that arrogance has disallowed them from achieving their goals in life. Remember that a man that is full of himself seldom have extra space to gather more from other people.

Amongst the people, you will chose as your coach, you must include a spiritual father i e. a pastor or a clergy that will direct you on things concerning things of the spirit. No matter the clergy’s age, it does not count as long as he is a genuine man of God, don’t underrate him.

Elisha in his verse was not only a mentor to them but a spiritual father also.

Don’t forget it is the spiritual that controls the physical. Joshua 1:16 and 17 “And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever

thou sendest us, we will go.

According. as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the

in prayers every wood that would hinder you from inhabiting your God given destiny.

3rd law of motion states

brought water into the boat ceased. I command every power behind your obstacle to cease in Jesus name. Amen.

“In life you need a coach; you need somebody that will be a mentor to you, somebody that can correct you when you are wrong no matter your age. Many people are full of themselves that arrogance has disallowed them from achieving their goals in life.”

LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses” 2 Kings 6:4. “So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.

Know that obstacles are what you break through to enter your miracle. The bible said, they fell down woods, which means they removed every thing that would have hindered them from inhabiting that land.

If you don’t deal with an opposition, it might take over your position. So it is your responsibility to fall

that a body will remain in its present state of rest until an external force is applied. Sickness can be an obstacle to your miracle, poverty even principalities and power can be clog to the wheel of your progress.

But I prophecy everything that wants to be an obstacle, I command it to fall. In the book of Mark 4:37, Jesus told His disciples to cross over to the other side, storm arose and the purpose was either to drown them or hinder them, but Jesus rebuked the storm, the wave that

2 Kings 6:5 says “But as one was falling a beam, the axe head fell into the water and he cried, and said, Alas, master! For it was borrowed”.

Expect temptation. No matter how holy you are, temptation will surely come. Be very careful, the devil cannot just come physically to tempt you, he will enter a person to carry out his scheme. The devil entered Judas Iscariot through his weakness which is love for money to betray his master and after which the devil dumped him. It is your area of weakness that he uses in bringing you down. That is why you must fortify yourself with the word of God so that you won’t fall.

No one is a superman without God, the devil will use you and dump you. In your office, church, marriage and business.

Guide against your area of

where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim”.

Where did you fall?

There are many people who are like the prodigal son, they feel that they have acquired the best education, attain the highest position in their job place, they have gotten names such things in life without God is not good, many, because of this declined in their woship to their Creator. The question is where have you fallen?

Is it when you were promoted in your business, or since you started moving with his new friend? it is actually important you know. The prodigal son retraced his steps back to the father and met him where he left him.

Please comeback home, you are outside alone.

2 Kings 6:7 says “Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand and took it”.

Be ready to take what belong to you this year. If you can follow the steps that have been enumerated above, you will surely recover your business, marriage and dignity.

Another thing is that you must make sure you know what you are looking for, so that when it comes, you can grab it without delay.

See you at the top as you follow this instruction in Jesus name. Amen

“Expect temptation. No matter how holy you are, temptation will surely come. Be very careful, the devil cannot just come physically to tempt you, he will enter a person to carry out his scheme.”

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

Effects And Vulnerability To Climate Change

THE concept of climate change and its catastrophic consequence is so far reaching that it threatens man‘s stay and existence in his homely home called earth. The forces of nature are overwhelmingly powerful, and if not curtailed could wreak havoc and spell doom to man and his kind.

Man so frail, so vulnerable must stand in natures favour or be sentenced to a long and painful existence and even total decimation.

(What are these effects?

And how vulnerable are we?) What could happen if the climate changes?

By increasing the amount of “heat trapping” gases, we are adding to the warming effect of the natural a t m o s p h e r i c greenhouse. This could warm the planet and have a huge effect on all glaciers. Rising sea levels could damage coastal regions through flooding and erosion.

The climate of various regions could change quickly for many plant and animal species to adjust. Harsh weather conditions, such as heat

waves and droughts, could also happen more often and more severely. Not to mention the more frequent wildfires, longer periods of drought in some regions and an increase in the number, duration and intensity of tropical storms.

Global warming threatens the planet in a new and expected way-by triggering earth quakes, tsunamis avalanches and volcanic eruptions, disappearing Greenland and Antarctic Ice sheets threatening to let loose under water slides. The earth faces a warm future and fiery one.

Coming back to Nigeria being a part of the world have felt the pangs of climate change in its own unique way.

Climate change is a phenomenon with far reaching effects on people and the nation.

Nigeria is particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change in many fronts considering its geography, climate, vegetation, soils, economic structure, population and settlement, energy demands and agricultural activities.

Events like sea level rise, flooding erosion etc. are some of the effects of the climate change already manifesting in Nigeria.

One prediction indicates that Nigeria stands to lose US $19 billion as a result of catastrophe while at least 80% of the inhabitants of the Niger Delta are likely to face displacement. The location and the size of

welfare of millions of its population persistent drought and flooding, off season rains and spells have sent growing seasons out of orbit in a country dependent on the rain fed agriculture. Alarm bells are ringing with lake drying up and a reduction in the arid and semi-arid region of the country. The result is fewer power supplies

the land, the characteristic relief in Nigeria had given ride to a variety of climate characteristics.

Nigeria is experiencing adverse climate conditions with adverse impacts on the

for use in agriculture, hydropower generation and other uses. Climate change is a major reasons for all this that the climate has been confirmed following the release of the 4th IPCC assessment

“Climate change is a phenomenon with far reaching effects on people and the nation. Nigeria is particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change in many fronts considering its geography, climate, vegetation, soils, economic structure, population and settlement, energy demands and agricultural activities.”

Environment With UKIRI CLEMENTINA

report, Africa will be worst hit by the effects of climate change which Nigeria is part of.

Droughts are getting worse and climate uncertainty is growing, climate change is an unprecedented threat to food security. And semi-arid areas of the Northern Nigeria are becoming drier while the Southern part of the country is getting wetter. Many are going to be caught between the devil of the drought

and the deep blue seas of floods.

The disproportionate impact on Nigeria will be for a combination of reasons.

Global warming will be greater over lands than over sea because land retains heat more than water ( Megedu, 2010).

There is also increasing evidence that it will be particular cut by the vertical rises and falls in air currents (Nasiro, 2009). Climate change often very esoteric but in Nigeria, it is real currently. There is an increasing incidence of diseases, declining a g r i c u l t u r a l productivity and rising

incidence of heat waves ( Ringer et al.2009).

There is flaring evidence that climate change is not only happening but it is causing increasing desertification, and people in the coastal areas who used to depend on fishing have seen their source of livelihoods destroyed by rising waters.

Adapting to climate variability and mitigating its impacts is something that we should do in our everyday lives; hence, we have to understand what climate change is, that we contribute to it, and we can adapt and reduce our vulnerabilities. Our vulnerabilities can be summarized into: 1: Persistent flood will destroy lives and property and creates environmental refugee (people experiencing flood are forced to leave their homes permanently or temporary as a result of environmental disasters) 2: Desertification will increase droughts which encourage locust and white flies, which in turn affect food and water supply and cause malaria and other diseases.

3: Substantial drop in agricultural activities thereby causing unemployment among small and subsistent scale farmers thereby creating hardship.

4: Nigeria and Africa as a whole don’t have coping mechanisms in terms of warming systems and ability to recover during havoc renders us even more vulnerable.

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

Top Ten Reasons To Stay Healthy

WE know by now that we need to work out, need to eat the right foods and do stuff that is “healthy for us,” but sometimes when we’re waking up at 5 am to hit the treadmill before work or shunning the donuts at the breakfast meeting, it’s easy to lose sight of why we’re doing this all for.

So here’s the quick and dirty, Mark’s Daily Apple top 10 reasons why you need and want to stay healthy. Stick this list up on your fridge, tuck it in your workout bag, heck, have it tattooed on your forehead… whatever it takes to keep you motivated to lead that healthy lifestyle!

Live Longer: You never questioned the fact that you would need to contribute to your retirement fund at work, so why would you question an investment in your health? There is a huge body of evidence suggesting that healthy living — both in terms of exercising, eating well, and staying on top of health screenings and physicians visits — can keep you living healthy and living longer! In fact, in a recent evaluation of 20,000 people published in the Public Library of Science Medicine, it was found that people who exercise regularly, drink alcohol only in moderation, consume a

nutritious diet and avoid smoking can tack an additional 14 years to their life expectancy.

Not bad, eh?

Thrive Not Just Survive: Let’s face it, living to 100 really isn’t going to matter if at that age, you are bedridden and unable to enjoy the fruits of your labors! We need to stay healthy so that when we’re blowing out the candles at our centennial celebration, we’re able to cut a rug on the dance floor immediately after!

More Energy: It might seem counterintuitive that when you are feeling

fatigued, you should go exercise, but the reality is working out – be it a quick walk around the block, participating in a yoga class or embarking on a solitude hike – can give you the kick that you need to keep going through the day. The reason?

Exercise stimulates the release of feel-good endorphins that not only make you feel better but also up your energy levels.

reduce free radicals as well as promote the release of toxins associated with disease and infections. A healthy lifestyle helps stave off hypertension (high blood pressure), promote healthy cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of diabetes, and keep your ticker in shape!

Keep Medical Costs Down: When a study came out in recent weeks

In addition to keeping you looking good, regular exercise and a healthy diet can help

suggesting that obese people are cheaper to treat than healthier weight people, the scientific community was up in arms! The study, conducted by researchers at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands, suggested that since healthier people tend to live longer, their medical costs were higher.

However, the

“WE know by now that we need to work out, need to eat the right foods and do stuff that is “healthy for us,” but sometimes when we’re waking up at 5 am to hit the treadmill before work or shunning the donuts at the breakfast meeting, it’s easy to lose sight of why we’re doing this all for.”

ealth Watch

H

With UKIRI CLEMENTINA

r e s e a r c h e r s acknowledged that the cost per year was far higher for obese people than their thinner counterparts up to age 56 and that the extra cost for healthier people was associated with “life years gained.” Our verdict? It’s better to live longer and spread out all those physician visits than shun the healthy lifestyle and pass your days sitting around in the doctor ’s waiting room!

For your Kids and Grandkids: For many of us, we want to be there for all of our children’s milestones — the proms, graduations, weddings and births of your grandchildren and for others, well, some others just want to be there so that when grandchildren use their apple sauce to reupholster the fancy couch they can chuckle softly to themselves and let out a hearty “I told you so!”

Empowerment and Confidence: Remember the way that you feel after completing that long run? After lifting your personal best at the gym? There you are sweaty and worn out and still feeling so darn good! And that feeling carries over and translates into the way you present yourself as well as how you are perceived by others.

Look Better: There’s a mountain of undergarments for both men and women that can help you look better in your clothes, whether its padding out certain areas or sucking in others.

However, when it’s you

and only you filling out those jeans it just feels so much better. In addition, leading a healthy lifestyle can also improve the appearance of your skin, teeth and nails and give you that certain glow that makes you look great!

Better Mental Health: In a study conducted by researchers at Duke University it was found that exercising for 30 minutes, three times a week can help an estimated 60% of patients overcome their depression without using anti-depressant medications. In addition, exercise can give you the time you need to relax, take a break and deal with the problem at hand!

Better Sex: Did you know that one of the first signs of blood pressure troubles in men is uhh… failure to stand to attention? Yep, if your body isn’t in shape, it shuns extra-curricular activities – such as sex – to protect you and allow the body time to recover. However, in a study of 600 men conducted by researchers at Boston University, it was found that a brisk 2 mile walk per day can significantly reduce the risk of erectile deficiency (ED).

Healthy eating can also lead to better sex. For example, a diet rich in heart-healthy Omega-3's (from fish, leafy green vegetables) and foods rich in L-Arginine, such as cashews, walnuts, root vegetables, garlic, ginseng, soybeans, chickpeas and seeds can help boost circulation and thus improve erectile response.

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

3 MILLION! That is a huge number in any terms, be it money, record sales, votes, website hits, likes on face book status or even religious conversion. 3 million becomes a much more serious number when we assign it to the amount

much more to issues that can help humanity obviously because they feel a strong sense of gratitude towards the society for the support and protection they receive while the elderly in Nigeria are the most attributed to witchcraft, poison

of elderly people the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) insists DIE each year from lack of adequate care and simple neglect. It is really 3 million deaths of elderly people each year from neglect and improper care meaning 3 million avoidable deaths.

3 million of our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who have served this nation in one capacity or the other, who have made various contributions to our existence as a country, who have labored for the young to see a society they can still call their own die needlessly simply because of lack of care and neglect at the point the society owes them nothing less.

Elderly care in Nigeria is one of the worst in the world and a huge display of our hypocritical nature claiming a culture that reverences elders yet not matching any of that with any real actions towards the protection and care for the elderly. From the taxi driver who shouts at the elderly man to “comot for road papa”, to the policeman who doesn’t bother to protect them when in public places, the government who has passed no single legislation towards elderly care and protection as well as the countless number of families that now dump their retired parents in the villages totally uncared for with visits occurring once a year, the level of hypocrisy Nigeria as a nation displays when it comes to elderly people is disheartening to say the least.

Unlike their Nigerian counterparts, elderly people in the UK, America ,Canada and many other countries have a much more different story.

They have special seats on public transportation reserved for them, they have designated portions of every public infrastructure, the public is reminded to be cautious of them with signs everywhere, the police walk them past busy roads, they receive social security financial support apart from their pensions for their upkeep, they enjoy many healthcare programs to keep them alive and healthy at no cost to them, they are taken on trips, enjoy recreation, attend the elderly in Canada, UK and America are the highest contributors to charitable organizations and causes donating their life savings, investments, property and

and evil incantations again obviously due to the anger, distrust, pain and bitterness they feel at that age towards the society.

Clearly the disparity between Nigeria and any developed country in elderly care is so much and the gap must be bridged with serious private

including surgeries and other possible medical complications.

Free Prescription Drugs: G & S beneficiaries also receive all drugs prescribed by the doctor for free without any limitations to coverage or cost

perfect alternative to the home for the elderly with 24 hours health care professionals available, care givers at their beck and call, comfort, feeding, entertainment and much more.

G & S is setting up top standard elderly care homes across the country and can be accessed by

BRIO With Francis Odupute

The Dukwe Solution To Elderly Care In Nigeria (1)

sector led innovative solutions so we can possibly raise the life expectancy of Nigerians from 52years that it stands right now to 75years as obtainable in most developed nations. If we don’t start to honor the elderly, we shouldn’t expect to live long!

Grey & Strong (G&S) is a social security protection for the elderly providing unprecedented services to support their life and well being. Due to the low life expectancy in Nigeria. Grey and Strong benefits will begin at 5Oyears for now. G & S will constantly work to increase the amount of benefits in these services until life for the elderly in Nigeria can be comparable with their foreign counterparts but some of the current benefits expected to begin in December 2014 can be summarized as follows: Free Medical Coverage: Beneficiaries can receive free medical care from affiliate G & S hospitals across the country without any limitations on coverage or time of admission

of medication.

Free Access to Elderly Club House: G & S unprecedented elderly club houses planned for

location in each local government in the country provides platform for interaction, exercise, games, discussions, health instructions and many more giving the senior citizens a place of refuge and rest without the boredom usually associated. Elderly club houses are available to G & S coverage beneficiaries at no cost.

Free Admission to Elderly Care Homes: Elderly care homes are very popular in most developed nations providing a

the beneficiaries at no cost instead of going to languish in the village without care.

Free Quarterly Financial Support/Aid: While money

does not mean so much at old age, it does solve some problems too and G & S understands the importance of financial aid/support for the elderly so they can freely embark on some discretional expenditures when necessary.

G & S beneficiaries will receive N15, 000 to N20, 000 every quarter for basic maintenance.

Free Legal Support: There is not a better time to be certain that your rights are protected than at old age. It is important

to be defended against age discrimination, protected against oppressors, helped with issues such as will and asset allocation and many other legal matters even insurance claims.

G & S provides total legal coverage for its beneficiaries at no cost to them.

Free Recreation/Holiday

treat: G & S Packages life enhancing retreats and fun holiday for its beneficiaries giving the elderly a chance to experience things the hustle of life didn’t give them the opportunity in their youth, igniting the imaginations of the mind, increasing the freshness of the spirit and awakening the life of the soul a helping to not only elongate life but make every second count.

Burial & Funeral Expenses Coverage: There is. certainly

nothing more worrying for the elderly than thoughts of their final ceremony in burial and funeral expenses. Ranging from how it would be done to the possible costs and burden it could have on the children in a society that life insurance claims if at all, occur many years after death. Many have been left in mortuaries for many months to years because of lack of funds for burial and countless number given poor and shameful exits, G & S understands this all important need and partners with our sister company Henry Life to provide full funeral coverage from mortuary to casket and ceremony including refreshments, pictures and videos all at no further cost to the beneficiaries.

Coverage transferable to 3 generations: In our desire to encourage everyone to start thinking of care for the elderly, we are making our free offer transferable up to three generations meaning that a young man can get the certificate for his father, also use it for himself when he gets to the age and also be able to transfer same to his son all at no further cost to him or them.

This is unprecedented in coverage business but a testament of our commitment to bring change to the cause of elderly care in Nigeria.

Free G & S Magazine and Videos: G & S subscribers also receive free quarterly magazine on old age related issues such as fitness, health tips, money tips, legal issues and many more. Magazine also tells stories of various elderly people that overcame life threatening diseases and situations as well as coped with depression, anxiety and other related issues.

This helps the elderly to be informed and not feel alone in coping with age related issues.

“Elderly care in Nigeria is one of the worst in the world and a huge display of our hypocritical nature claiming a culture that reverences elders yet not matching any of that with any real actions towards the protection and care for the elderly.”

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

What Is Your View On The Political Crisis In Rivers House Of Assembly?

THE political crisis engulfing Rivers State for a long time now, was at its peak few weeks ago and it saw members of the state’s House of Assembly embroiled in a public show of shame, lawlessness and blood letting.

This recent macabre dance at Rivers State House of Assembly has brought to the fore the behaviour of our suppose lawmakers at the House of Assembly anytime issues or heated debates arise and members are divided between different lines of opinions on any matter on ground, as this is not the first of its kind in the country, since incidents of this magnitude has played out itself at Edo, Kogi and Ogun State Houses of Assembly and even the Federal House of Representatives.

Naked Truth sort the views of citizens concerning this ugly trend among our suppose honourable lawmakers. They are presented here for your reading pleasure.

Excerpt:-

Height of ignominy - Emilia Chima It is the height of ignominy.

The famous five are not supposed to be in the house in the first place since they don’t know the rules, or what the constitution says. The presidency should be ashamed for involving itself in this kind of crisis and worse still orchestrating the whole drama. It is rather unfortunate that the country has degenerated to this level that somebody that is not in government wants to dictate to an elected governor. Worst still some plebeians are busy rejoicing that they have a new speaker. This country is actually going back. Truth and common sense is dead in this country and until we all stand up and condemn this sort of thing, it will continue.

A show of shame

- Comrade Pius Ede What happened at the Rivers State House of Assembly is purely a show of shameless legislators who disallowed reason to rule their action because of their masters.

One should think that anybody at that level of leadership should be matured enough to behave decently no matter the external influence.

I salute the stand of the National Assembly on the avoidable crises.

It is absurd for a single man to believe that his ambition must swallow the interest of every other person. The entire country is watching.

It is shameful – Chuks Amos It is shameful and portends grave consequences for Nigeria’s emerging

democracy. The whole thing is borne out of greed and the lack of respect for the rule of law. The issue we are made

deprivation and political marginalisation in the political history of the

Naked Truth With CITIZEN EMMA KOLA OKHAKHU political crisis that characterised the Rivers State House of Assembly can best be described as a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the state. A situation where members of

• President Goodluck Jonathan

to believe is between President Jonathan and Governor Amaechi who are both from the South South geo-political zone of the country. If that is correct, then it is most painful because they both belong to the minority ethnic groups which have suffered

nation.

There has to be an immediate solution to the crisis. The president should cease to pretend that he is ignorant of the crises or that he is innocent, he should demonstrate the true spirit of statesmanship and call all warring parties to order.

On his part, Governor Amaechi should humble himself and work in harmony with President Jonathan towards achieving a peaceful solution to the crisis in Rivers State.

the same party fight themselves with dangerous weapons is enough to show the caliber of people in authority. An adage says A house divided against itself cannot stand. It has become clear that our state and Federal Houses of Assembly have become battle grounds for cultists to demonstrate their strength publicly. There is need for a state of emergency to serve as a deterrent to other states Assemblies to avoid further breakdown of law and order.

An attempt to tarnish state image – Comrade Kayode Samuel A show of shame? The

A result of high corruption and abuse of power – Paul – Ojor Angela

The House leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chidi Lioyd was battered by two of his colleagues by name Hon. Evans Bipi and Hon. Michael Chinda even while they were flogging him to their satisfaction without him retaliating they also brought men with guns all shouting and looking for “Chidi Lioyd”, when Hon. Ihunwo saw all this he had to tell Hon. Chidi to graciously run for his life.

In a nutshell, all the misunderstanding that happened in Rivers State House of Assembly can simply be drawn to the high rate of corruption in Nigeria and the abuse of power, leaving the masses citizens to do worst things if the leaders themselves cannot comport themselves. I would advise that government should be more careful when electing honourables, so that this menace won’t repeat itself.

It is embarrassing – Okhueleigbe Faith The political crisis that has engulfed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an embarrassing one, their show of shame that made them to fight publicly is totally uncalled for.

The President of Nigeria Dr. Ebele Jonathan should leave Amaechi to run his state to the best of his ability and stop intimidating him.

Patience, Jonathan’s wife should learn to mind her business and stop putting her mouth in issues that doesn’t concern her though she and Ameachi are from the same place.

The fight at the House of Assembly was a public show of shame.

“It has become clear that our state and Federal Houses of Assembly have become battle grounds for cultists to demonstrate their strength publicly. There is need for a state of emergency to serve as a deterrent to other states Assemblies to avoid further breakdown of law and order.”

• Governor Rotimi Amaechi

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VOX POP

Your View On The Call Off Strike By The State Teachers

STRIKING primary school teachers under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) called off the strike last week. The strike was embarked on for the failure of the state government to implement the total 27.5 percent of the Teachers Special Allowance. But with the agreement between the government and the National body of the Union, on what is presently being paid and when to pay the balance, “the strike is here by called off. In view of this development SUNDAY OBSERVER intern, UKIRI CLEMENTINA, SALAMI BLESSING and BINITIE ROSELINE went out to feel the pulse of the people.

Excerpt:I commend the NUT leadership and the effort of the government – Dr Silver Yeibake I think the decision of the Edo State Chapter of the NUT to call off their strike was a good one. Though the strike was embarked upon to force the state government to implement the teachers special allowance of 27.5 percent continuing it in the face of the government’s effort to accede to their demands would have serve no purpose whatsoever. I commend both the NUT leadership and the effort of state government to have come to a reasonable agreement that have led to the timely suspension of the strike which if persistent, would have led to a great loss in time, financial resources and a hindrance of adequate development of our priceless human resources in future.

There in nothing like dialogue and discussing issues – Barrister J.E. Akhale My view of this NUT call off strike is that it has become an embarrassment to government and the government have considered it that it will no longer be in the interest of the people, there were too many outcry for the call off of the strike.

So government bent backward by now going to do what he would have done earlier. The government now called the union to the negotiation table, and then, they were able to now inform the National body that they were not totaling defaulting, in view of the fact that they have paid a certain percentage of the money before now. And that it was wrong for NUT, to have included them as a defaulting state because there are other states defaulting totaling

whom the strike was meant for. But because of the government initial recalcitrant action this issue was not looked at, but when they found out that people were getting tired of government for keeping their children at home, they now came back and negotiated.

Though they have not paid anything, but the fact that the information the people ought to have gotten earlier that was now given to them was

enough reason to call off the strike. But the issue here, is that, if the government had approached the matter more discreetly, it would have been better. They would have been able to inform the National body on time that they have paid part of the money, and then, they would have given them a time frame for which the other part of the payment will be made, but instead they were bluffing. The question is that, who have now benefited or lost? The people or the

government? When two people are fighting and they refuse to come to the negotiation table, the grass will always suffer. It is the children that have suffered.

So, my advise is that, in future when there are issues, they should always resort to dialogue, there is nothing like dialogue and discussing issues.

When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers – Desmond Azuka Samuel My view on the NUT call off strike in Edo State is that it is a good one. As the pupils have to go back to the classroom, irrespective of the fact that their demand have not be met. It is still very good to have negotiated

to call off the strike, but I still create the indulgence of the Edo State government to really see to the need of the teachers because, it is not easy, as they are giving the

children a foundation and as such, they should be care for.

Once more I congratulate the effort of the NUT for calling off the strike. It is a popular saying that when two elephants fight, the grass suffers.

to happen again see the children now, in a week or two weeks from now they will begin their exams which is not the best. However some of them are still at home doing nothing because it’s now part of them.

Thank God the teachers are back – Sunday Ogbe Thank God the teachers are back only God knows what this children would have become, if you take a good look, some of them are still selling in the market or doing one thing or the other that is to tell you that staying without going to school is becoming part of them.

The government should sort out things with the teachers

It’s good that the primary school teachers are back – Ben Ose I don’t really know the people that called the strike off if it’s the union or the government I don’t know but it’s good that the primary school teachers are back. The teachers should try hard to put the children in order because it has been a long time most of the children go close to their books and also the government should try and give ears to the teachers

– Mrs Osato The government should please sort out things with the teachers because we don’t want this kind of thing

request.

The pupils should be the priority of NUT – Mrs Josephine Erhunmwunsee The teacher should show

more concern about the pupils because they are the leaders of tomorrow. It is a very brilliant idea taken by the NUT to call off the strike because going on strike as a result of non payment by government as agreed will not help matters. I am very happy that they had called off the strike but I want the government to always comply in matters pertaining children’s education also I want them and the NUT to make children education their priority to avoid further reoccurrence of strike.

The co-operation of government and NUT is imperative – Edafe Onokpasan I am very happy that the strike had been called off by NUT. The children are back to school, they are no longer roaming the streets or helping their parents or wards to sell, I am really happy about it. It is very imperative that the government and NUT cooperate to boost education in this state and the country as a whole because this will help reduce or stop the menace of strike by the NUT in this country. If both parties can or would work together I am not sure that there will be any thing like strike in this nation.

Government should stick to its guns – Uwejigho Igho K. Government should stick to its guns to avert this ugly reoccurrence which made the pupils remained and moved about in the streets and at homes as a result of the strike action. This will hinder or slow down the child’s development in terms of education. The over one month strike embark upon by the NUT can result to children poor performance in school or failure. I will like to use this medium to advice the government and the NUT to avoid further reoccurrence.

The question is that, who have now benefited or lost? The people or the government? When two people are fighting and they refuse to come to the negotiation table, the grass will always suffer. It is the children that have suffered.

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NEWS EXTRA Govt Canvasses Hand MRS. Olubunmi Ayoola, the Washing Osun Operation Officer for the Elementary Schools Feeding and Health Programme, has enjoined food vendors and pupils to always wash their hands before touching food.

Ayoola gave the advice during a visit to some public schools in the state.

She advised the vendors and pupils to ensure regular and adequate washing of hands before cooking and eating food.

Ayoola said government had organised training and retraining programmes for vendors on food preparation under hygienic condition and hand washing techniques to ensure good health for pupils.

She also said that wash-hand basins had been made available in all primary schools for the use of pupils, teachers and food

Cross section of participants at the South-East CAN meeting in Enugu weekend.

NCS Moves 1,308 Containers To Inland

MR Charles Edike , the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Area 1 Command, has said that 1,380 containers were transferred out of Apapa port in June and July, to accelerate clearance of cargoes.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos by the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) after a courtesy visit by the association’s executives to the Controller’s Office.

“About 1,380 containers were transferred out of the Apapa Command, in order to accelerate cargo examination and evacuation by customs agents, “ Edike said.

The controller said that transferring containers from Apapa to Lilypond

and other Inland Container Depots (ICDs) would accelerate cargo clearance.

“There have been improved business activities in Apapa Area 1 Command as 200 containers are being scanned daily.

“This follows the transfer of scanning of containers from Cotecna Destination Inspection Ltd to Global Scansystems Ltd,’’ Edike said.

He said that the command had to re-route some containers for physical examination, saying that he was optimistic that the tempo of cargo clearance would increase.

According to him, the maritime industry is the second revenue earner of the economy, adding that

all hands must be on deck to boost the nation’s economy.

Edike attributed some of the successes achieved in terms of revenue generated by the command to educative reportage by the press.

He said that such education had encouraged most customs agents to pay their charges.

The controller urged newsmen not to fail to call officers of the service to order, whenever they erred, saying that this must be done in a responsible way.

He recalled that since he assumed duty as the controller of the command, he had called stakeholders meetings to discuss how to improve cargo clearance at the port.

Edike said that though he had a monthly target of N37 billion, this would not deter him from transferring some of these containers to the ICDs. Responding, Mr Bolaji Akinola, the President of MARAN, said that the association was an affiliate of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and had 53 registered members, comprising the print and the electronic media.

Akinola said that MARAN was ready and willing to work closely with the service, in order to facilitate trade.

He urged the command to assist journalists covering the beat to effectively discharge their duties.

Akinola requested that the area controller should assist the association in upgrading its secretariat with modern facilities.

FIDA, Women Group Protest Over Underage it.

THE International Federation will also pass its Marriage Representatives “We condemn the resolution in of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and own resolution and at one point other women groups have threatened to embark on a protest against Senate resolution legalising underage marriage.

President of FIDA Hauwa Shekarau made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

Shekarau, who criticised the resolution in strong terms, said it was not done in the interest of Nigerians who voted them in.

“Women groups are not happy about it and we are already protesting and we are planning to put together a petition and organise stronger protest against

strong terms and feel that the resolution goes contrary to the views of Nigerians who spoke during the constituency consultation that section 29, subsection 4 be deleted from the constitution.

“The senators should appreciate that they are there to represent the people and not themselves.

“For them to go ahead and pass that resolution shows that they are just there to protect their personal interests,’’ she said.

According to her, the resolution did not protect the

rights of the girl-child and should not be passed into law.

She called on the senators to review the resolution in the interest of all Nigerians before it is too late.

“The generality of opinions across Nigeria is that the resolution is baseless and does not protect the girl-child.

“I am sure there is room for something to be done about it.

The Senate can actually review that resolution and take a new stand.

“Apart from that, the House of

there has to be harmonisation before they send their recommendations to the different State Houses of Assembly.

“I think that the Senate can actually write its name in gold if it can call off that issue based on the reaction of Nigerians.

It would be recalled that the Senate had on July 16, passed a bill giving latitude for underage marriage, altering section 29, (4), (B) of the 1999 constitution.

The bill allows any woman who is married to be deemed of full age.

vendors.

Ayoola further called on health teachers to ensure that pupils comply with the principles of hand washing before eating their meals.

She warned food vendors in the state to ensure that all the fruits prescribed in the school feeding menu table were served on a daily basis, vowing that erring vendors would be sanctioned.

Schools visited included R.C.M Primary School, Ile IdiIsin Baptist Day School, Feesu and Ajangbala Eleha Baptist Day School in Iwo Local Government Area of the state.

Others were Araromi Iwata Baptist Day School, D.C Primary School Ijimoba and Baptist Day School, Igbon in Ejigbo Local Government Area.

Centenary: 12 Winners TWELVE people emerged winners of “Thank God It`s Centenary Competition” which took place in Abuja on Friday.

Reports say that the winners were awarded laptops, Blackberry phones, I-pads, and plagues by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

Anyim advised the winners to always be proud of Nigeria anywhere they might be.

“You have made us proud and I urge you to always be proud of the country anywhere you find yourselves.

“You are wonderful ambassadors of Nigeria, keep on with your hard work and be committed to what you are doing.

“You have to be patriotic, behave well and remember that you are leaders of tomorrow,’’ he said.

Anyim disclosed that about 40,000 people had joined the centenary platform, adding that it had added better colour to social media.

He advised Nigerians to join the social media, assuring them that it would promote social life of the citizens Earlier, Mrs Angela Nmoh, the Coordinator of the Nigeria Centenary Social Media, said that the competition had engaged many Nigerian youths on various social media platforms.

Nmoh said that the social media had also produced winners and outstanding Centennial Ambassadors, who emerged winners after highly competitive entries.

According to her, they are voted by thousands of followers online based on the “originality, creativity and practicality of their answers.”

She said that the competition was aimed at uniting Nigerian youths across the globe.

Nmoh said that to qualify for

Emerge

the competition, intending participants must first like the centenary Facebook page www.facebook.com/ nigeriacentenary100 Explaining the modality for the award, she said that three centennial ambassadors introduce the name: “Centennial Ambassadors” to the social media.

“They have been acting as change ambassadors on the Nigeria centenary site ever since,’’ she said.

Nmoh said that the final set of awardees had constantly advocated image and character change for Nigerians, adding that the least was a 10-year-old girl, Ayomikun Omoyiola.

She said that Omoyiola diligently painted an amazing picture of a white dove flying with Nigeria in a stormy atmosphere, adding that the picture was captured “Peace in the Midst of storm’’.

In an interview with newsmen, Omoyiola said that the picture symbolised “peace, security, freedom and love”.

“I desire to bring about peace and I know that unity will not seize in our country.’’

Another awardee, Mr Ehi Uzama, the first Nigerian in the Diaspora to join the social media, an under graduate in Moscow, expressed his delight to be among the winners.

He said that he would keep up with his “winning streak”.

“I am a proud man today, and truly I am really short of words to express myself.

“I owe Nigeria a lot because my education is under the scholarship of Federal Government.

“So, I must work hard to ensure that I make my country proud,’’ he promised.

The winners of the centenary competition are Miss Ekpa

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Improving Your Child’s Potentials AS parents we all want our children to out-do us in every sense of the word, we desire to have intelligent, well behaved and gifted children, that makes us proud and fulfilled parents. But them becoming these and more lies on you parents, because no one has a more genuine interest in your child’s future than you do, so you find effective ways to achieve, maximise the child’s potentials and ensure that your wish comes to reality.

In ensuring all these, you have to put the basic into place by seeing that your child is healthy in all facets is the foundation to empowered him to succeed in life.

Nowadays, because of work and school runs the children tend not to have enough sleep because by 5 am, they are up preparing for school, you have to drop them before going to work to avoid lateness on both sides.

It is your responsibility as a parent to ensure that your child gets enough sleep, have regular medical care, practise good hygiene, getting the essential nutrients to help stimulate brain functions and growth. Research has shown that children who eat well, healthy breakfast before going to school concentrate and performed well, have

good cognitive functioning. When a child is healthy, it’s easier to help that child in the road of self discovery where you guide or spur him into discovering areas he would be better off in pointing out his passions, strengths and weaknesses ensure he is better equipped to make a healthy wise choice in future. That is why as a parent you need to monitor your child school progress, check his notes, assignments, projects and ask questions to evaluate him on what he has learnt.

Don’t leave everything to the teachers or the home lesson teachers, get actively involved, visit the school and find out how your child is being taught and the extra lesson if it is paying off.

In the same vein, don’t help to eliminate his mistake by editing your child’s homework so he can score 100% without any tutoring from you or the lesson teachers, because when he meets that same problem/ question in exam hall, you wouldn’t be there to help and nothing will prevent his real ability from showing, so, hiding your child’s real ability can’t help him to improve and he will learn to dissociate hard work from success. Instead encourage your child to

have an average ability in all subjects by teaching him to be persistent and

will not achieve anything in the long run. At the same time, doing all

Motherhood With Chelson SMS 08023457637 done and accomplishing them.

“When a child is healthy, it’s easier to help that child in the road of self discovery where you guide or spur him into discovering areas he would be better off in pointing out his passions, strengths and weaknesses.”

believing in himself, you also should praise his slightest improvement in every area and encourage him to do more hard work, Never use hurtful words and endless lectures, for it

these, praising and encouraging help him to be independent, help him to learn how to manage his time and get organised, by making daily or weekly checklists of things to be

Teach him not to procrastinate but to break down tasks into manageable sizes and get it done properly. Then, don’t compare your child to his friends other children or his sibling. It

is a well know fact that all children develop at varying pace. When you compare your child he tends to develop low self esteem, it makes him feel like a failure and can dim his chances of catching up in life.

Encouraging your child to be active in voluntary work either in church, school, community group and NGOs, helps to improve his skills and competence

while expanding his social circle and promoting his social awareness. It is also a way for your child to gain salient job skills and experience.

“Don’t compare your child to his friends, other children or his sibling.

It is a well know fact that all children develop at varying pace. When you compare your child, he tends to develop low self esteem, it makes him feel like a failure and can dim his chances of catching up in life.”

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Marriage

MARRIAGE is a union of two persons coming together in love, in harmony, in trust with respect for each other, with determination to work together against any adversary, support each other in and every way, raise a family, build a home. This is a decision of two adult believed to have come of age, matured enough to handle anything in life, are in love, and coming out successfully.

Marriage is a covenant between two people that so desire to spend the rest of their lives with each other, a covenant is not something you easily break away from.

Marriage we all know is a life 1ong institution of learning in just one particular class, which means with just one person. All you need to learn and acquire is in that person, you don’t graduate from one person to another and say you are learning from others also. That is why the Bible is against divorce. As you learn in the institution of marriage, you learn every thing, you learn patience, understanding, discipline, silences, compromise, listening, tolerance being accommodating, accepting and growing in love.

Most people don’t understand what it means to be married, that is why we have lots of cases of divorce. People feel that having strong feeling for someone is enough to get married. Yes, loving that person should be a priority but is not enough qualification to go into the marriage institution. You need a stable mind, a matured mind that is ready to disseminate issues, a willing heart, ready to give anytime, in terms of attention, time, money and care. Some persons feels that having some good amount of money is reasonable enough to take care of someone else, then they are ready for

marriage. Some think it is the age, they are old enough to get married or pressure from family, either he or she is doing well in the job or business, maybe an only child. An ideal age for marriage is believed to be some where between 21-28, but in today’s time, you find young persons of 18-20, getting married telling you they are old enough, agreed that maturity is in the mind and not the age.

Marriage goes more beyond what anyone can see or think about, it is

institute it and anything done by God is spiritual, which is why God frowns at divorce. Marriage is when a man leaves his father and mother and

more spiritual than we know, remember God

cleave to his wife and they become one flesh,

meaning you are joining yourself to another, a spiritual conventant takes place one flesh in mind, body and soul, just as Christ is with the church.

There is a union of spirit, body and soul, yet living individually. When you are married, it is a combination of different culture, ideas, dreams,

Relationship With Chelson SMS 08023457637 important role in marriage.

You have to understand where and what your spouse represent and the ability to accept the other personality without

“Getting into this institution is expecting anything, ready to face anything, ready to handle anything and conquer anything.

Remember that you also are coming with your own baggage, so do you expect your spouse to accept you the way you are?”

personality, that is why, understanding plays a very

condemning, judging, that is what is called maturity.

“Marriage is a covenant between two people that so desire to spend the rest of their lives with each other, a covenant is not something you easily break away from.”

Everyone in the world is not brought up the same way, even among sibling.

We all came differently.

Getting into this institution is expecting anything, ready to face anything, ready to handle anything and conquer anything.

Remember that you also are coming with your own baggage, so do you expect your spouse to accept you the way you are? With all the dirts you are made of, with your load of baggage, mistakes and faults’? If so, ask yourself, ‘am I ready to accept my spoue baggage? Find out what

his/her baggage is all about. Is it something you can live with? Is it what both of you can work at or around it? Not accepting your partner’s baggage and calming to love the person is not love but being selfish. Also don’t accept and think you can change your spouse once married.

The only change that will ever work is you changing to accommodate your spouse’s baggage or else forget about getting married to that person.

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OLD friends they say are like old wine which are always the best. And that is if they are good old friends, because there are some bad old friends which must be identified and avoided. More so, if a friendship is not mutually beneficial to both parties involved, but exploitative and bullyish, then one needs to look else where for a better and mutually beneficial friendship.

It is in this context that the recently very cordial and mutually beneficial friendship between Nigeria and China, as against Nigeria’s former friendship with the West notably Britain and the United States of America is seen by all as a welcomed initiative by the federal government in its drive towards the present administration’s transformation agenda and the subsequent actualisation of vision 2020.

The visit of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to the people’s Republic of China might have come and gone, with many not aware of the implication of this historic visit to economic growth, survival and stability of the nation. But it is good for us as Nigerians to know and be aware of the economic and developmental benefits of our nation’s relations with other nations. This visit, with much economic value of immediate and futuristic dividends amidst appeal for greater direct investment in the Nigerian economy and greater bilateral cooperation in various sectors of the economy, promises to be of immense benefit to the

SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

ordinary Nigerian if implemented.

The five days official visit

by President Jonathan to China between July 8 – 12 underscored the subsisting cordial relationship that has

critical needs in Nigeria.

According to the Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, the loans being finalised during this trip were part of $3 billion approved by China at interest rates of less

span 43 years of diplomatic engagement. This visit was an effort to provide a clearer blue print for an old relationship that has been running. During the visit, Nigeria and China signed five agreements to boost trade, economy, technical and cultural relations. The agreement included a comprehensive financial cooperation in support of Nigeria’s economic development and a preferential buyer credit agreement for Nigeria’s four Airports expansion project others are agreement on economic and technical cooperation between Nigeria and China, mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports from both countries and prevention of the theft of cultural property. Mr. President also met with senior executives of several Chinese Conglomerates, where he invited them to initiate fresh investment in the country or increasing existing ones.

These memoranda of understandings (MOUs) ensured the signing of accords between both countries that facilitated $1.1 billion in low interest loans for infrastructures and other

than 3 per cent. And in the words of Dr. Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, “the agreements were signed following far reaching bilateral talks between the two leaders and their delegation.

Towards the actualisation of its transformation agenda, the President determined to show that Nigeria was ready for a private sector-driven economy, went on his trip not only with top government functionaries such as governors and ministers but also a delegation of the private sector in his entourage. The private sector team was led by chairman of Heirs holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu and other business moguls such as Folorunso Alakija, Femi Otedola and Oba Otudeko representing them. This initiative of the federal government speaks volume of the president’s commitment in having a private sector-driven economy, even as he positions the private sector to drive both development, trade and investment links between China and Nigeria.

According to President Jonathan at the investment forum during the visit, “Nigeria today is like China 20 years age – it is entering into a high growth phase. The economy is suitable for private sector involvement; we offer the best incentives and we have put the right structures in place to reduce the cost of entry in Nigeria.

All of this is to encourage private sector participation in Nigeria”.

Although many will argue that Chinese economy has always been in firm grip of the government, hence the private sector economy drive of Nigeria government will be a case of strange bed fellows, but this is not the present situation in the Chinese economy. Although it is an established fact that in the past, China – Africa relations have been characterized by government-to-government engagement, but with the moves of the President and that of the captains of industries and private sector leaders in his China trip, there

Politics And With

The Chinese Trip ANTHONY AIBANGBEE

was a call for a private sectordriven approach to NigeriaChina relations. According to Elumelu, “China’s presence in Africa is important, but we would like that involvement to be more inclusive of the private sector to ensure a sustainable development path for the continent”. Also recently, the Chinese government is beginning to minimize its role in its own economy and reform State Owned Enterprises (SOE), which are still dominant. Hence private sector companies are increasingly contributing to China’s overall GDP growth and the Chinese government is creating policies that will allow them to flourish. The words of Elumelu sums it up, “Globally, there is powerful evidence that the private sector is critical in driving a country’s economic growth and China is recognising that locally”. Chinese companies are already building roads across Nigeria in contracts worth $1.7 billion and also China’s demand for crude oil produced in Nigeria is expected to rise ten fold to 200,000 barrels a day by 2015, according to the federal government delegation.

China in recent times has become the largest economy in the world second only to the United States of America (USA), its trade in Africa has continued to soar by the day.

In Africa generally, official figures show that trade has exploded. According to statistics, every three years since 2000, China-Africa trade has doubled. It hit $107 billion in 2008, eclipsing USA as the continent’s biggest trading partner. It

however fell to $90 billion in 2009 due to global recession, but this slump is insignificant compared to the collapse of USA – Africa trade during the same period from extractive industries to energy, transport to infrastructures and telecoms; and from manufacturing to agriculture or raw materials, China leads

of investors in the African continent, especially Nigeria who share major chunk of the activities. Mr. President or the federal government’s look to the east (China) should not be viewed in negative light when we realize the exploitative and one sided beneficial stance of the west most especially USA and

Accord both c togethe prospe accordin sit dow prosper Tak Africa, using a

them all, out – competing the west in every angle, its economic and commercial connections have reached every nook and cranny of the African continent. Infact, China seems to be in the lead

Britain, but instead, should be applauded in its effort to provide a clearer blue print for an old relationship that is becoming mutually useful beneficial and developmental in contemporary times.

model a biggest contine advanta from th owing to as the m Africa.

“The President’s transformation Age emphasis on infrastructural develop railways etc) makes relationship with C imperative. China has the technical and f especially in the operationalisation Partnership Initiative to help Nigeria re

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Issues

especially in the operationalisation of PublicPrivate Partnership Initiative to help Nigeria realise Vision 2020. In addition, the large turnout of Nigeria’s private sector has engendered

considered”.

In the power sector, a $20 billion MOU was signed with power China by the Ministry of Power to generate 20,000 megawatts of electricity for Nigeria. The Bauchi State

infrastructure is very crucial to the rebound of the manufacturing sector. The special attention to road development, expansion and modernisation, rail services, airport terminal modernisation, construction

Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have vital roles to play in this regard and I am confident that they are up to their responsibilities in ensuring that Nigeria’s National Interest are fully protected … the President

p With Big Dreams

ding to China President, ountries are brought er by a common plan for erity development, ng to him, “a man cannot wn alone to plan for rity”. king a cue from South which China is already as a launch pad for its

as it has become China’s t trade partner in the ent, Nigeria is in an ageous position to gain his bilateral relations o its population strength most populous nation in The visit would boost

bilateral trade and economic relations between China, the world’s second largest economy and Nigeria, the second largest economy in Africa.

According to the Minister of foreign affairs, Ambassador Olugbengba Ashiru in an interview with newsmen, “The President’s

transformation Agenda with its strong emphasis on infrastructural development (roads, power, railways etc) makes relationship with China very crucial and imperative.

China has the technical and financial wherewithal,

enda with its strong ment (roads, power, China very crucial and financial wherewithal, n of Public-Private ealise Vision 2020.”

confidence and opened up new business partnerships and investment consideration from the Chinese private sector … it has also acted as a catalyst for improved trade and economic relations between the two countries”.

In continuation of the enormous benefits, the minister said “Nigeria is a resource rich nation with about 70 percent of its population under the age of 40. This means that the actualisation of investment deals with China will facilitate job opportunities and wealth creation as envisaged by the Transformation Agenda of the President …. In the course of the trip, President Jonathan secured value-adding, transformative investment for Nigeria worth over 25 billion U.S. dollars”, in addition he said “the First Bank of Nigeria secured a facility agreement of $100 million from the China Development Bank (CDB). The facility is expected to boost current efforts to reinvigorate Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, especially in the key result areas (KRAs) of Credit line provisions, trade syndication and foreign exchange transactions. This is central to job and wealth creation in Nigeria, given the increasing spectre of youth employment”.

“Another private sector operate in Nigeria, LADOL a MOU with China offshore oil and engineering company for the construction of dry dock facilities in Lagos and Bayelsa States…. agreements were signed with Chinese companies for the extension of Keffi-Lafia dual carriageway and completion of the East-West project extension from Oron to Calabar. The arrangement was in line with the PublicPrivate Partnership Initiative of the current administration.

The expansion and modernisation of the access road to Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, as well as access road to Lekki Free Trade zone as well as the deep-sea port that will cross the Lagos lagoon to Ikorodu were also

“The onus now rests on the government of the day and policy makers to see that these enviable dreams and aspirations that will better the lot of the citizenry, sees the light of day.”

Governor, Mr. Isa Yuguda, also signed an MOU with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) for the provision of 120 megawatts of electricity during the visit. Discussions are still on-going in respect of Coal-to-Power technology with pacific Energy of China, for the generation of 5,000 megawatts of power in Nigeria”.

All these initiatives pulled together transcends to developments in definitive, quantitative and qualitative terms when viewed from Nigeria’s felt needs and the beneficial outcomes, according to the minister, since “the manufacturers need constant power supply,…. finance in terms of credit lines and advisory services … and international partnerships.

More importantly, the emphasis on

of dry ports and dockyards will greatly enhance manufacturing activities with the attendant multiple effects on employment and wealth creation through Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

Although many doubting thomases are weary of the standard of goods and services to be rendered by the Chinese and the ability of legislations and institutions on goods in the country to check these threat. But the foreign minister said “Nigeria has appropriate legislations and institutions in place to ensure that her strategic national interest are guaranteed and protected at all times.

Institutions such as the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), the Nigeria Custom Service and the National Drug Law

informed the Nigerian community in China during his meeting with them that the local content Act is being examined by the National Assembly to cover areas such as civil engineering and other sectors. This is to safeguard local industries, as well as generate benefits that will enhance the prosperity of the average Nigerian citizen”.

With these future beneficial effects of the President’s China trip, one cannot but appraise the ideas initiatives and developmental drives packaged in his bilateral agreements or move with the Chinese government and business men, the onus now rests on the government of the day and policy makers to see that these enviable dreams and aspirations that will better the lot of the citizenry, sees the light of day.

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

Preaching Christ - His Own Unveiling (3)

AS you preach Christ, notice His unveiling of His oneness with the Father. John 10:30-33 says, “I and My Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me? The Jews answered him, saying, for a good work we do not stone you, but for blasphemy, and because you, being a man, make yourself God”.

In John 5:17-18 Jesus answered the Jews, “My Father has been working until now and I have been

working” therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was his father, making himself equal with God” Jesus said in John 8:58, “I am” and what did the Jews do? They picked up stones to throw at him.

Their very reactions are ample proof that these Jews clearly understood Jesus declaration as the “I am”. That He was claiming full deity, absolute deity, that He was one with the Father, that He was God in the flesh.

As you preach Christ, notice His own

unveiling of His personal, priceless, peculiar knowledge of Almighty God. John 7:27-29 says, “however, we know where this man is from, but when the Christ comes, no one knows where he is from” then Jesus cried out, as he taught in the temple, saying, “you both know me, and you know where I am from, and I

have not come of myself, but he who sent me is true, whom you do not know. But I know Him, for I am from Him (or out of Him, the same person) and He sent me”.

Jesus has always given people about His identity. It just drives them crazy because they don’t want to face the truth of their own need of a Redeemer, Saviour and Lord.

In Matthew 11:27, He said, “all things

R

eflections

With MOSES EVBUOMWAN

have been delivered to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” Zophar, one of Job’s friends asks (Job 11:7), “can you discover the depths of God? Can you discover the limit of the Almighty? And He answer is, yes.

Why? Because through Jesus there is that unveiling of the depth, length, and very height of God. In John 10:15, Jesus says, “My Father knows me, and I know the Father”.

Then he lays out the cross roads for every man on the face of the earth. John 14:6 says, “I am the way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father but through Me”.

“Their very reactions are ample proof that these Jews clearly understood Jesus declaration as the “I am”. That He was claiming full deity, absolute deity, that He was one with the Father, that He was God in the flesh.”

Do You Strive To Please unday Diet Man?

S

With ERNEST IKHUREIGBE

MAN remains the greatest and one of the unique creatures of God. Gen 1:27 states. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him, male and female created He them”. And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good”. Gen 1:31.

But man, who God so endowed with power and authority to be fruitful in all aspect of life lost his relevance for greed and wickedness. Man, then became wicked, jealous and self centered to the extent that God became grieved and repented that He ever created man! Gen 6.6. “And it repented the Lord that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart”.

Beloved, man is not to be solely dependent on.

He is easily influenced and could be dangerous when he is beseked. Cain was one of the first men.

He lived to the bidding, for no just cause, he lured his own brother, Abel to the bush and took his precious life. Gen 4:8.

“Cain rose up against Abel, his brother and slew him”.

God did not totally spare him though, He had mercy on him Gen 4.15.

“And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him”. He, was, however, a fugitive on the surface of the earth with little or no relevance to life. No wonder, no body bears the name Cain for the stigma associated with it.

It is recorded in the book of Numbers that a King Balak employed the service of a man Balaam, who was a reknown prophet of God to curse the people of Israel. The man – King of Moabites, so trusted and believed in the potent power of Balaam that he thought he could achieve his dastardly act through evil incantation from Balaam.

He became disappointed that instead of Balaam pronouncing curses on

them, blessings were showered on them. He forget that the Lord grants utterance to whosoever He loves and the response of our request is from Him. Prov 16:1 states, the preparation of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord”.

Nobody has the exclusive authority to make things happen when He support it not. Lam 3:37 “who is he that saith and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not.

So, brethren, man

should be respected but should not be given the position of God in any situation. And any man, who by mere opportunity and by virtue of position wants to arrogate power and authority is bound to face the wrath of God in no distant time.

King Nebucadnazzar incurred the wrath of God, though God had mercy on him, he, however, suffered as a beast, who lost all senses of humanity for three and half years!.

Daniel 4:32-36 for Nebuchadnezzar, men arrogated honour due to

“So, brethren, man should be respected but should not be given the position of God in any situation. And any man, who by mere opportunity and by virtue of position wants to arrogate power and authority is bound to face the wrath of God in no distant time.”

God unto him, and he took it upon himself, for this he was humbled and humiliated.

Also was, Alithoplel, who tried to please the rebellious Absalom, he ended up in the gallows.

He committed suicide. (2 Samuel 17:23).

King Saul of Isreal also lost his fame and the crown for pleasing man instead of obeying the divine instructions of God through his prophet. 1 Samuel 15.24.

Beloved, the only one we all should strive to please is God, who can make our greatest enemy to be at peace with us.

Prov 16.7. If you don’t want to incur the wrath of God, desist from pleasing man and pursue the right course of living by disassociating from the selfish and ungodly influential personalities, Jer. 17.5-6.

Remain blessed!

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

Make Up And Earn The Confidence Of Competence

WANT more respect, trust and affection from your coworkers?

Catherine Saint Louis, wrote this beautiful piece on the New York Times on how to earn that with make up.

Wearing makeup — but not gobs of Gaga-conspicuous makeup — apparently can help. It increases people’s perceptions of a woman’s likability, her competence and (provided she does not overdo it) her trustworthiness, according to a new study, which also confirmed what is obvious: that cosmetics boost a woman’s attractiveness.

It has long been known that symmetrical faces are considered more comely, and that people assume that handsome folks are intelligent and good. There is also some evidence that women feel more confident when wearing makeup, a kind of placebo effect, said Nancy Etcoff, the study’s lead author and an assistant clinical professor of psychology at Harvard University (yes, scholars there study eyeshadow as well as stem cells). But no research, till now, has given makeup credit for people inferring that a woman was capable, reliable and amiable.

The study was paid for by Procter & Gamble, which sells CoverGirl and Dolce & Gabbana makeup, but researchers like Professor Etcoff and others from Boston University and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute were responsible for its design and execution.

By UKIRI CLEMENTINA The study’s 25 female subjects, aged 20 to 50 and white, African-American and Hispanic, were photographed barefaced and in three looks that researchers called natural, professional and glamorous. They were not allowed to look in a mirror, lest their feelings about the way they looked affect observers’ impressions.

One hundred forty-nine adults (including 61 men) judged the pictures for 250 milliseconds each, enough time to make a snap judgment. Then 119 different adults (including 30 men) were given unlimited time to look at the same faces.

The participants judged women made up in varying intensities of luminance contrast (fancy words for how much eyes and lips stand out compared with skin) as more competent than barefaced women, whether they had a quick glance or a longer inspection.

“I’m a little surprised that the relationship held for even the glamour look,” said Richard Russell, an assistant professor of psychology at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pa. “If I call to mind a heavily competent woman like, say, Hillary Clinton, I don’t think of a lot of makeup. Then again, she’s often onstage so for all I know she is wearing a lot.”

However, the glamour look wasn’t all roses.

“If you wear a glam look,

you should know you look very attractive” at quick glance, said Professor Etcoff, the author of “Survival of the Prettiest” (Doubleday, 1999), which argued that the pursuit of beauty is biological as well as a cultural imperative. But over time, “there may be a lowering of trust, so if you are in a situation where you need to be a trusted source, perhaps you should choose a different look.”

Just as boardroom attire differs from what you would wear to a nightclub, so can makeup be chosen strategically depending on the agenda.

“There are times when you want to give a powerful ‘I’m in charge here’ kind of impression, and women shouldn’t be afraid to do that,” by, say, using a deeper lip color that could look shiny, increasing luminosity, said Sarah Vickery, another author of the study and a Procter & Gamble scientist.

“Other times you want to give off a more balanced, more collaborative appeal.”

In that case, she suggested, opt for lip tones that are light to moderate in color saturation, providing contrast to facial skin, but not being too glossy.

But some women did not view the study’s findings as progress.

“I don’t wear makeup, nor do I wish to spend 20 minutes applying it,” said Deborah Rhode, a law professor at

Stanford University who wrote “The Beauty Bias” (Oxford University Press, 2010), which details how appearance unjustly affects some workers. “The quality of my teaching shouldn’t depend on the color of my lipstick or whether I’ve got mascara on.”

She is no “beauty basher,” she said. “I’m against our preoccupation, and how judgments about attractiveness spill over into judgments about competence and job performance. We like individuals in the job market to be judged on the basis of competence, not cosmetics.”

But Professor Etcoff argued that there has been a cultural shift in ideas about self adornment, including makeup. “Twenty or 30 years ago, if you got dressed up, it was simply to please men, or it was something you were doing because society demands it,” she said.

“Women and feminists today see this as their own choice,

Fashion & Style and it may be an effective tool.”

Dr. Vickery, whose Ph.D. is in chemistry, added that cosmetics “can significantly change how people see you, how smart people think you are on first impression, or how warm and approachable, and that look is completely within a woman’s control, when there are so many things you cannot control.”

Bobbi Brown, the founder of her namesake cosmetics line, suggested that focusing on others’ perceptions misses the point of what makes makeup powerful.

“We are able to transform ourselves, not only how we are perceived, but how we feel,” she said.

Ms. Brown also said that the wrong color on a subject may have caused some testers to conclude that women with high-contrasting makeup were more “untrustworthy.”

“People will have a bad reaction if it’s not the right color, not the right texture, or if the makeup is not enhancing your natural

With ROSE ORHIBHABOR

beauty,” she said.

Daniel Hamermesh, an economics professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said the conclusion that makeup makes women look more likable — or more socially cooperative — made sense to him because “we conflate looks and a willingness to take care of yourself with a willingness to take care of people.”

Professor Hamermesh, the author of “Beauty Pays” (Princeton University Press, 2011), which lays out the legup the beautiful get, said he wished that good-looking people were not treated differently, but said he was a realist.

“Like any other thing that society rewards, people will take advantage of it,” he said of makeup’s benefits. “I’m an economist, so I say, why not?

But I wish society didn’t reward this. I think we’d be a fairer world if beauty were not rewarded, but it is.”

Hmm, now you know what I know, get your make up kit ready for the big deal!

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

Music

Movies

Funke Akindele: After Threat To Sue, Confirms

STAR actress Funke Akindele, Thursday broke her silence on her failed marriage rumour. She said, “My marriage is intact”, and threatened to sue those claiming her marriage has crashed. She sent SMS message to

W

newsmen to debunk the allege marriage crash. But on Friday her publicist Mrs AyoOla Muhammed, confirmed that the marriage has challenges. “Dear friends, On behalf of our client, star actress Funke Akindele, we want to formally

Funke Akindele and hubby ... walking their separate ways

Timi Dakolo Jabs Man Of God

FIRST winner of Idol Western Africa and musician, Timi Dakolo, has descended heavily on a man of God who was in company of hefty men as security guards at the airport few days ago.

The respected musician, Timi, who was said to have felt so bad about the ungodly attitude displayed by the so-called jerry curled pastor, took to social networking website, Twitter to express his disdain for some religious leaders.

Read his tweets: “I just saw this pastor at the airport with so many bodyguards…I am tempted to ask him, who wants to kill u sir?! — Timi dakolo..(VOICE)

(@timidakolo) July 17, 2013 Dear pastors, the Jesus in the bible is very simple...please stop making Him so complicated...— Timi dakolo..(VOICE) (@timidakolo) July 17, 2013.”

Who is this man of God in question? Your guess is as good as mine!

Recall that Timi was the toast of fans during the first Idol West Africa music talent hunt organized by Mnet, owner of Dstv paid telly, in 2006 and was Timi voted the best and crowned the Idol.

He was followed closely in the talent hunt by singing sensation, Omawumi Magbemi.

inform you that after due consultation and consideration, she’s now separated from Mr Kehinde Oloyede as his wife. She hereby urges her fans and all concerned to pray and wish her the best as she moves on in her career.

Kindly note that this is the first and only official statement from Funke Akindele on the matter and will be glad if her wish is respected. Thank you”, she wrote.

Funke had said on Thursday: “I read online and in the newspapers that I am divorced. What proof do you have? And I am taking this to court because my marriage is intact. You guys are rumour mongers. Funke Akindele Oloyede.”

It was widely reported on Tuesday that the actress may have been separated from her husband, Alhaji Kehinde Oloyede, son of former Iyaloja of Oshodi market, who is a known serial divorcee. His three marriages had already broken down before meeting Funke. He is also said string of children from different women.

Oloyede on Monday announced a “separation” via his facebook page. He wrote: “It is with heavy heart that I am announcing the separation of me and my wife, Mrs Olufunke Akindele. We have both agreed to go our separate ways because of irreconcilable differences. We are still best of friends and we would forever remain good friends.”

The statement, which the actress’ husband later deleted from his facebook wall, generated front burner in the media and concerns among the Funke’s fans that made the issue a major topic on social media platforms.

Funke, a film producer and ambassador of several brands, including

Crash

telecommunications giant, Globacom, got married to Oloyede 14 months ago in a grand ceremony held in Lagos and eye popping honeymoon in the US. Funke’s decision to marry the real estate businessman was severely criticized by her fans who wondered why she should get involved with polygamous man.

She rebuffed critics on one occasion, saying: “I can tell you authoritatively that my husband is not married to anyone else. Yes, he has beautiful children, who are not mine and we have a cordial relationship, which dates back to even before we got married.”

On another occasion, she told her critics: “Will you be happier if I had married someone who didn’t have children, seems so perfect, put on my

make-up and fake smile on the red carpet and start weeping when I get home? About my inlaws, they are very wonderful and supportive and my parents and siblings as happy as well. ” However, a new dimension was added on Friday when the publicist confirmed the separation.

Funke and hubby ... when the going was sweet

Chidinma

I Can’t Date A Pauper

Timi Dakolo

PROJECT Fame 2008 Winner Chidinma has told those who cared to listen that she is not prepared to date a man who cannot pick her bills. This is one of the challengings facing female celebrities in Nigeria today, that getting

Funke and husband were known to be living separately since they got married.

Oloyede was said to visit Funke occasionally. Story of Oloyede’s last child by another woman came about the same time that the rumour of Funke’s pregnancy went viral on social media. The actress was later said to have a miscarriage.

young men as husbands has become an daunting task, thus making some of them end up marrying married men, as second or third wife.

Speaking on the type of man she would love to marry, Chidinma

Ekile, the singer and a former winner of MTN Project Fame said she would want a man that could take care of her needs and not the one she would feed.

According to her, “Never, I can’t date a

- Chidinma man that doesn’t have money, I can’t feed a man.” The singer also disclosed that she is not in a hurry to get married, although she says she is not in a relationship at the moment. So young men with deep pocket, over to you.

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

Theatre

Concert

Nollywood Film Director Jailed In Malaysia A Nollywood director based in Malaysia, Ifeanyi Johnpaul Aguonu has been sentenced to 15 years in jail and 10 strokes of the cane for drug possession.

According to Zeenews, the Nigerian film director got the jail term in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “Aguonu was on Thursday given a 15year jail term after Malaysian authorities arrested him with 2.4 kg of methamphetamines in his possession”, the news agency said.

High Court Justice Abdul Alim Abdullah expressed concern that

many Nigerians had entered Malaysia with drugs without any fear of the law.

“Our country has a strict rule when it comes to drugs, that the law provides a death penalty for drug trafficking. If you are convicted of a capital offence here, you could have been hung from the neck until you die,” the judge said before sentencing Aguonu.

“But you have been saved from the gallows because your counsel sent a representation and the Attorney-General Chambers agreed to give you an alternative charge,” he said.

AN Ohio man claims that Bieber, who thought he was secretly taking pictures of him, confronted him inside a bar and spat on his face.

The man, who is a DJ, called during the Jimmy show on WNCI and explained the story saying that it started in the VIP room. ‘Two of Bieber’s bouncers approached me and said I was trying to take

Even If It’s 58 I Get A Man, I’ll Wait N O L LY W O O D actress Uche Ogbodo has stressed that age is not a barrier to marriage, saying even at 58 a woman is still in the right shape for marriage.

Indeed, marriage has become a very serious matter of discussion among the unmarried Nollywood actresses these days. While those who are into it are rushing out, those outside are

seriously searching for Mr. Right to hook. But for the pretty actress, she wants to have a taste of it even for a minute.

She confessed that, she is no longer bothered about marriage issue, even if at the age of 58 she gets a man of her dream, she is prepared to wait all that long.

Hear her, “I want to be married someday. I am looking upon God for that.

SHE has paid her dues in the Nigerian entertainment industry, so, it is time for her to sit back and savour the wine of success. Sultry actress and one of the big players in the Nollywood echelon, Oge Okoye has

sounded her arrival into the big league with a sprawling mansion at a high brow area of Lagos.

Having been around for more than a decade in the business of make believe world, Oge cannot be under estimated. Show

Broadcaster,Actor, Tony Umole Bows Out R E N O W N E D broadcaster and Nollywood actor, Tony Umole, who was said to have been indisposed for some time now, finally bade bye to the world and Nigerian entertainment.

The Nigerian movie industry has yet another reason to mourn when the news broke recently.

Known for his sonorous voice in the radio arm of the then Bendel

Tony Umule

Broadcasting Service (BBS), now Edo Broadcasting Service, before the split into Edo/ Delta States, Umole, will be missed especially by those who have come to identify with him in the very popular sitcom “One Love” in which he played the role of “Daddy”. It was a character he interpreted well in the drama series.

His demise was confirmed by Taju Adepetu, the Executive Producer of “One Love”.

The late actor acted in “Abuja Connection” back in 2003 with the likes of Eucharia Anumobi and Enebeli Elebuwa. He had featured in many movies after that. He was also known to be a great script writer.

GLOBAL BUZZ

Justin Bieber Spits On Man’s Face

There is no rush in marriage; if you rush in, you rush out. And I do not even want to rush out of my future marriage.

There is nothing like age in marriage.

Maturity is what counts. It is fine with me. Even if I get married at 58, fine”.

Oge Okoye Sings Arrival Song With Sprawling Mansion

Uche Ogbodo

With FELIX OMOH-ASUN GSM: 07060576600

Biz was informed that the house has gulped well over a hundred million and still, work has not reached a finishing point.

Justin Bieber

pictures of Bieber. The DJ said that the bouncers took his phone and looked for pictures but couldn’t find any. He added that he thinks Bieber was worried since the club was for the 21-year olds and he is only 19.

According to the DJ, moments later, Bieber approached him and said a few words to him. “He called my mum something, called my dad something, called me something and spat in my face”. The DJ said he plans on filing charges against the singer and also said he tested for hepatitis and the result came back negative.

It is not the first time Bieber has been accused of spitting.

His Calabasas neighbour has once made the same allegation after he confronted Bieber about speeding in their gated community.

Jay-Z,Beyonce’s Girl Growing Big

JAY-Z and Beyonce’s daughter Blue Ivy is looking more and more like her father each day.

The 18 month old tot is the spitting image of the rapper as the trio headed out for a family lunch at Nervosa Trattoria Italian restaurant in Toronto, Canada. Little Blue even furrowed her brow just like the 99 problems star as they stepped out into the sunny day.

The 43 year old who is currently enjoying success with his new album ‘Magna

Carta…Holy Grail’ held on tight to his baby girl as they left the eatery.

Jay-Z, Beyonce and Baby Blue

Glee Star Cory Monteith Died He played high school Of Overdose quarterback and glee club member Glee’s seasonal movie star Cory Monteith was found in a hotel in Vancouver. Monteith who was born in Calgary and raised in Victoria was found dead by a hotel staff when he failed to check out as expected.

The B.C. Coroners service confirmed Monteith died from a mix of heroin and alcohol found in his body.

Monteith has been candid about his struggle with addiction, which included a rehab stint several months before his death.

Oge Okoye

Compiled By Okogba Emmanuel O.

Finn Hudson who had graduated and moved to co9llege but was an adviser to his old club. He also had an off-and-on romance with fellow student and singer Rachael, played by his real-life girlfriend Lea Michele

Cory Monteith

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

ENCOUNTER

EYC To Mobilise Youths For Better Tomorrow

THE burden of tomorrow is said to be on the shoulders of today’s youths. Repeatedly reminded of this fact, youths have also often wondered if the wealth of tomorrow has not been spent or borrowed out by their fathers (and mothers), that rather than enjoy the wealth of the nation, they will be made to pay for what they did not eat when they finally assume position of leadership tomorrow.

To correct some of the anomalies, and create awareness in the minds of youths to beware of the antics of the rulers who are out to defraud them of their future and fortune, like minds with the interest of tomorrow in sight, decided to come together, marry opinions and give birth to Edo Youths Congress (EYC).

According to the president of the body, Dan Adebame Eichie, the emergence of EYC was in response to the infrastructural decay and corruption in Edo State at that time. He notes that, “the body took off during the PDP government in 2005, when the level of poverty, infrastructural decay, and insecurity were at their peak.

And at that time of civil organizations, around were the ones that sang praises of the government of the day, nobody was subjecting the government to objective criticism. The politicians were rewarded with different kind of awards. Then we told ourselves (who formed EYC) that Edo youths were suffering. We were living like animals in a land so blessed, which was what prompted us to form the association. We said to ourselves, let us come together and tackle issues, create awareness of the deceit that was prevalent.”

Being a non-governmental organization, EYC is into the propagation of Edo cultural heritage, advancement of good governance, and as pressure group, fights for the interest of its members and the general public. He states further, “Edo is an intellectual basket where we have lots of intellectuals, professors and academicians, we thought there was need for us to come together to form an association as an umbrella body to accommodate all Edo youths irrespective of tribe, religion, ethnic, market women, Okada riders, students and host of others, to come together as one and fight for our common interest, organize symposia seminars so that at the end of the day we will be a strong and formidable association to take over the mantle of leadership.”

As an affiliate of World Youth Assembly and Youth Alliance of Nigeria, and with coordinators in the UK, USA, Italy, and Ireland, its social media has been adjudged as one among the

best in the country. Eichie is also the National Vice President of Youths Alliance of Nigeria.

Eichie notes that in 2005, outside organizations such as CLO, CD, there was no other indigenous association to carry youths along, and fight for their education outside those that engaged in political campaigns.

Thus, EYC is like Arewa Consultative Forum, Ijaw National Congress, Odua People’s Congress, among others, to enlighten youths on their rights and what is expected of them in making choices, especially political and economic advancement.

But how can he assure the general public that EYC is not fronting for politicians or a political party? The president observes that the antecedents of the body since its inception show otherwise. “Check our antecedents, all projects we have made, most of our publications you will find that we are not in a party or praise singing any. In choosing patrons, advisers, we are also careful about that, we go to the general assembly to deliberate on those to appoint patrons because we do not want anyone to hijack the aims and objectives of EYC. Most of the protests, and agitations we make, we stand out as apolitical. Of course we praise, we also apportion blames”.

He says the EYC also builds and trains youths for leadership position because if you complain about bad leadership and you do not build people to take over, it will amount to shouting all the time. “We engage in capacity building, through seminars, symposia so that at the end of the day some of them could vie for positions such as councillor, members of Houses of Assembly. We believe at the end of the day they would have gotten a lot of civil society training to make them good leaders, we know that many will deviate but many will remember where they are coming from. At the end of the day, we will see that most of the elected are from civil society”, Eichie notes.

Since coming on board, how many activities have been carried out by the organization?

For instance in 2012 Edo Youth Summit was held to unveil a cultural scheme where the

By FELIX OMOH-ASUN

organization intends to have offices in all the local governments of the state. All these were to rouse the consciousness of youths that good governance is not only for

financed? “Through dues, contributions. It has been very little. In fact, it is militating against our progress, and a very deterrent factor.”

Sourcing for fund is a

• Dan Adebame Eichie, EYC President those at the top but for everybody.

“Secondly, we used the seminars to warn youths not to look forward to only white collar jobs. If you are an agriculturalist; you can be employer of labour, we tasked them on that too. We had gone as far to write Federal Character Commission in Abuja asking for employment quota for Edo state from 2007 to 2012. We have Edo monitoring group whose essence is to ensure projects done at the level of both local government, by members of House of Assembly, senators even corporate bodies, are carried out to specification. The group monitors, so as to praise or apportion blames. This is for our representatives to know that there are watch dogs looking at them”, the president remarked.

Also he says, EYC has registered agricultural corporate society to encourage communal life and encourage youths to take up agriculture. The corporative society when fully operational will give short and long term loans to members with little interest and at the end that interest will be used to satisfy other members. How is the scheme going to be

different story all together. This is because the policy of the body is hinged on not looking for money from just any source.

“We do not want to be seen looking for sponsorship anyhow, we do not accept anybody’s money. We have to be careful here, we will want to know how you make your money, your pedigree, because we just do not accept money from everyone especially capitalist, with fleet of cars because we want youths to jettison money mentality but imbibe the spirit of hard work”, he stressed.

He continues: “We do not want to dance into the hands of politicians because of finance.

We keep telling members that they should not allow momentary monetary gain becloud their sense of reasoning, that this wealth belongs to us, that if a politician gives you money, you can’t act your true mind, do not be influenced by the money because the money in the first place is yours. After all, governors, local government chairmen are people’s representatives. We do not want to open door for inducement; once we do that, it will be the

beginning of the fall of EYC” For help, “We have written the Ministry of Agriculture and we are looking for international donors to help us out on the project. The unfortunate thing is that if you are not a member of their party or a praise singer of the government, when you send proposal they jettison it. At the level of Niger Delta Commission, they have not listened to us because we do not sing praises of a particular party.

These are some of the problems militating against our progress.

Financial challenges are the major problems”, he remarked.

Assessing the contribution of youths to the political growth in this dispensation, to him, it is minimal considering the number of youths in government. As far as he is concerned, in as much this dispensation has created forum for participatory governance where everybody has the right to participate unlike the military era, it goes beyond being elected to an office. According to him, representation should not end at being elected to represent, it should be to the latter.” If you talk of representation of the people, many have failed especially those who are still within the bracket of youthful age. They do not actually represent that age bracket because if they do, there are burning issues that would have been their cardinal focus in terms of policy making and presentation. For example employment generation, issue of generation of wealth for youths, and creating conducive environment for youths to thrive ought to be their sing song. But what we see today are youths who are just there to earn their wages with unemployment, insecurity, kidnapping and other host of social vices still not addressed”.

The number of youths in crime grows by the day because, in his opinion, “A high level of hunger and poverty still loom the land and you know hunger and poverty could lead certain persons to committing crime. A youth who is rightly engaged will not have the time to commit crime.” So he appealed to government especially at the state level to formulate policies that engender youths’ creative ability. He faulted the proposed ban of pure (sachet) water by the federal government and banning of Okada riding by many states government. “We know Okada is used for committing crime which is minimal, but there are many graduates riding Okada as means of survival; because no

employment in town, now what do you expect them to do?”, he querierd.

He said there is no society that is totally free from crime, Okada or no Okada, even if there is high level of employment, but at the same time, he pleaded with the various arms of government to formulate policies that will engage youths for profitable venture. “We know crime cannot be totally wiped out because we are in a society where there are deviants and conformists, even in advanced countries like the USA, there is still crime. We know that there are many that will still deviate even if given employment but we know that the Nigerian youth is very strong and ready to work if works are available. We are busy people. If they are engaged, crimes will come down, although they cannot be totally eradicated”, he declared.

He urged business men, women and corporate bodies in the state to contribute their quota to the advancement of the state by investing in youths for a better tomorrow. “We use this opportunity to call on Edo people, business men and women, home and abroad, corporate bodies to come to our aid in other to help youths. Our mission, vision and principles are based on genuine desire. Our registration is with Ministry of Commerce to see how we revitalize fish ponds at Ogba which have been abandoned. We have gone as far as writing Jokanon, an export company to see how we can reach an agreement on exportation of our local farm produce. We want to see how a farmer in rural areas can export farm produce” He also used the opportunity to plead with the government of Edo State to resuscitate the moribund state companies, “We appeal to Edo State government to revitalize dead companies in the state to employ youths. For instance Okpilla Cement factory, Bendel Breweries, fruit juice company at Ehor, Edo Line, Printing Press, Ethiope Publishing, all these are ways of generating employment for youths. If at all some of them have been sold, government can still play a role to bring them back. We plead with the government to create youth empowerment scheme to reduce crime in the state and I beg the youths to shun criminal activities. There are many things they can do to earn money, crime leads to nowhere rather than death and jail”, he concluded.

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

WOMAN’S HEALTH

The Shocking Truth About Tampon

“I feel ill and depressed, I don’t want to do anything it’s like I just can’t face it. I just want to stay in bed for the whole week.”

These are feelings week intervals to most people feel compose the during menstruation. menstrual cycle.

What then is This feeling from menstruation? menstruation period According to led to different choices Medical Dictionary, of sanitary pads. The menstruation can be pads are made up of defined as the periodic several varities that blood that flows as a suit the individuals discharge from the sanitary pads and uterus. Also called tampons are mainly menorrhea, the time the different types of during which designed used. It is menstruation occurs is made for the comfort of women who want to

referred to as menses. engage themselves in The menses occurs at fun like swimming approximately four running and parties.

By WINIFRED OSASOBO

Due to this, a lot of from rayon, cotton and them settle for tampon plastic. They absorb and least go for the natural flow of

can be quite difficult.

It is important to relax while inserting and it should be carefully inserted.

It is

contains small amount of pesticide and chlorine that are used to bleach and sterilize the cotton. This can

“The pads are made up of several varities that suit the individuals sanitary pads and tampons are mainly the different types of designed used.” menstruation fluid, other ingredient that tampon contains are cellulose fibers to produce Rayon chemical, the procedure include carbon disulphide, sulfuric acid, chlorine and caustic soda.

Rayon contain a bit of plastic, due to this, it disallows sufficient air flow, therefore cause infection according to online report WWW Ce collection.

According to media report, tampons are convenient, ironically they pose some risk factors, first user should be aware of Inconvenient insertion: for a first sanitary pad. time user, inserting Tampon and tampon comfortably sanitary pad are made

important to know that insertion of tampon should never be painful, if noticed, immediately remove and try again after the second time. That means it is not good for you.

Risk of leakage: Tampon may have advantage over pad.

But with pad you can check regularly to make sure you are not experiencing any leakage of menstrual fluid. This is not true with tampon, when you don’t wear correctly, it can lead to stain as well as embarrassing situation. Due to that reason, some still combine sanitary pads with tampon.

Pesticide: It

cause an inflammation and irritation of the genital area for some women with very sensitive skin.

Toxin shot syndrome: This is one of the most serious disadvantages of tampon when used untreated, it leads to severe illness. This occurs when tampon is too high or is left for too long. Due to this prolong intra-vaginal use it may have facilitated the growth of a bacterium known as staphylococcus aureus. Because it is placed inside the vagina.

The symptoms are dizziness, vomiting, muscle itches for hours, nausea and chest pain.

“It is important to know that insertion of tampon should never be painful, if noticed, immediately remove and try again after the second time. That means it is not good for you.”

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

to read the grave next to my great-grandparents’

AS retold by S.E. Schiosser In hindsight,

Story Time Whirlwind: A Florida Ghost

Story (1) I suppose it wasn’t a good idea to go ancestorhunting in the local cemetery at dusk, but that’s when my friends and I got the notion, so off we went as soon as we thought of it. My mother had told me we had kin in the cemetery but I’d never visited there before. We got on our bikes and skimmed expertly through the tourists who thronged the streets of Key West in the winter. It was getting dark when we skidded to a halt and parked our hikes by the gate.

“This is a pretty spooky place,” my friend Amanda said

reading surnames, trying to locate my kin.

The Spanish moss

dim I had to plaster my face up against the stone to read it. Hmm. The dates looked correct.

“This may be one of my

tomb.

“Susannnn...” Amanda called my name suddenly. I looked over at her and gasped

C

hildren’s World

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

POEM July

By STANLEY OSAMWONYI

Oh look at the teeth of the soil With its mouth wide open to drink See trees party and dance magnificently To the rhythm of the wind Oh, then it is July.

great-grandparents.” I suddenly, my body said. straightening. I freezing in disbelief. A could barely see whirlwind full of dead leaves and dust was growing up from the ground in front of Amanda, and she staggered backward from it, hair and clothes whipping about from the ferocity of the breeze it created. A sepulcral voice rose out of the whirlwind, roaring wordlessly in rage. The sound rose higher and higher, making my hair stand on end. Beside me.

Terry gave a sudden shout and sprang back toward the cemetery gates. “Come on.” she called over her shoulder Children of the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries (MFM), Ubiaja Zonal Headquarto me and Amanda. I ters, Edo State, in a brilliant stage display during the ministry’s celebration of Children Day recently. The minister, Pastor Godwin Ighedose looks on with keen interest from the forced my legs into altar. PHOTO: INNOCENT OKOH. action. sprinting after uneasily, brushing blond snakes in the sea breeze, Amanda, who was in Terry. But when I hair nervously from her reminding me a bit of the another aisle of the glanced back, I saw that Amanda had tripped forehead. tale of Medusa. I graveyard.

It’s not hard to scare shuddered a bit, and then A chill breeze sprang over a low tombstone Amanda, so Terry and I scolded myself for being up, whipping the hair and lay directly in the brushed off her a scaredy cat like from my neck and path of the shrieking comment with a laugh Arnanda. “Here’s one. making goosebumps whirlwind. I raced back and headed in among the Terry called beckoning rise on my arms. It really and grabbed her arm, headstones.

The me over to a rather was spooky in here. “We trying to get her moving shadows were long and dilapidated old tomb. I need a flashlight,” I said again. growing darker by’ the wandered over to take a to Terry, who was trying To be contd second as we started look. By now, it was so dripping from tree branches overhead thrashed like writhing

Little ayes running to their nest Oh July why make the sky cry That the rivers couldn’t hold it tears The field is now celebrating it’s tears Oh it is July Oh July you came with a visitor So they offered you a bottle of gin Everyone holding a stick with a roof Is July I see lovers holding hands Oh July you have arrived again Cos I met dust on his way traveling Oh July will you ever go away?

Oh yes am just a visitor August will come to take a break.

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JOKES

By BLESSING SALAMI

Steal, Stealer Chibuzor stole Elijah’s biro and it resulted in a fight, after which they were called to explain in the principle’s office. The following conversation ensued among them.

Principal: happened?

Elijah,

what

Chibuzor na thief.

Principal: Frowns with ugly grimace at him What did I hear you speak?

Pidgin English?

Elijah: Sir, this boy (pointing at

Elijah: I’m sorry, infact and in short, this boy is a stealer, he is the stealer in my class

AN old man entered the office of another man with an umbrella.

The man said, “how dare you carry an umbrella into my

office?” Then the old man said, “if it is true that you rain insults on people, why shouldn’t I carry my umbrella into your office?”

Umbrella

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

RELIGION

The Sands Of Times Are Sinking THE problem in the world today is that Christians are easily assimilated to the world rather than the world assimilated to Christ. Christians move from a world dominated by Christians and the way of Christ to one dominated by material things, not for better but worse, they are called to be different from what they are called to be.

The spirit of the world is controlling the hearts and minds of many people who profess to be the commandment-keeping people of God and waiting for the second coming of Christ.

Selfishness and self indulgence are cherished by the people but true godliness and sterling integrity are lacking.

In those days, when a Egypt but the people refused. parent sees his child moving Now, they want to with a Pastor, he will be indoctrinate Nigeria with the happy because he believes evil act and the people must the child will have good strongly resist it because of character and be God-fearing. the danger it will have on our This was the true position souls. The Pastor in the story about the young boys and has been cursed forever and girls brought up in mission he is going to Hell fire.

People are not doing what homes many years ago. Their God says they should be level of discipline and doing.

That is why there is integrity was very high problem in the country today. compared to other children.

If people know the Any person who was lucky to repercussion of the sin they have one of them as a wife or are committing, nobody will husband knew that he or she want to be committing sin. found a good thing. But The person who committed a today, parents are suspicious sin will be thinking of the when they see their children associate with Pastors probable ways God can because many of the Pastors punish him. But God can give indulge in the greatest evil in His reward from any society which makes many direction-left, right or centre people not to look at them as i.e. the way the sinner never expected. If a person stole a true representatives of God. There are several reported biro for example, he will cases of acts of contagious probably be thinking that spiritual disorders against God will make him lose a some of the Pastors. A Pastor biro. What if God decide to had illegal sexual relationship make him lose a whole book.

If people know their end with a boy (a member of his from the beginning, they will church). The Pastor invited avoid doing anything that will the boy to his house where he cause them to lose their souls told the boy that God does not in Hell fire. If the rich man in forbid a man having sex with the Bible knew he was going a man or a woman having sex to beg his servant for water with a woman. This way, the to drink in paradise, the Pastor had sex with the boy. servant that used to feed from He did it again the second the crumbs that fell from his time and did it the third time. table, he would have shown As a result, the boy fell sick love to the servant while here and started feeling weakness on earth.

A man of God said of his body from the waist “bring in your money even if down to his legs, almost it is blood money.

The blood becoming paralyzed. The situation made the boy to of Jesus is stronger than the reveal to his parents the secret blood in the money”. That is acts the Pastor had with him. wickedness.

A true Pastor should find God created Adam and out the genuineness of the Eve as a pair, for them to meet and give birth to children.

God would have created two Adams if He wanted man to meet man, or two Eves if He wanted woman to meet woman. But He created only one Adam and only one Eve. God forbids sodomy (man to man) or lesbianism (woman to woman). Homosexualism is unbiblical and unethical.

France has legalized it, followed by U.S.A. And U.S.A wanted to indoctrinate the Eastern block through

money his member is bringing to pay tithe and offering in the church. If it is fraud money or money got through other dubious means, the Pastor should tell the member to return it to the owner. If the member is a Civil Servant, he should tell him to return the money to government. If the member is a trader or businessman, he should tell him to return the money to the customer he cheated or defrauded. This is the only way the member can

acceptable by God. Postponed obedience to the word of God is not obedience at all. That is why Abraham did not waste time in obeying God. The Bible strongly condemns all false dealings and dishonesty. Right and wrong are plainly stated in the Bible. But today, many Christians have yielded themselves to devil’s temptations and followed his devices until their senses become blunted to hearing

a business. When it’s time for business transaction, many people throw away religion.

They deviate from truth, and vary from the requirements of God. They will say “there is no brother in business”. Their thinking is that when it comes to business matter, any action they take is not very sinful if it involves profit or loss. This is why you find a christian buying a thing N10 and selling it N100 (ten times the cost price). Sin is sin, whether committed by the possession of millions or ten naira.

Some Christians acquire property by false

get the blessing for his tithe and offering. It is written in Scriptures that the sacrifice of the unrighteous is not

the preaching of the word of God. If you want to know whether a person is a true Christian, try him or her with

representation while some will sell one property to two different people and collect money from them. Such

By PRINCE BAYO OKUO

“ If people know their end from the beginning, they will avoid doing anything that will cause them to lose their souls in Hell fire.”

Christians are bringing condemnation on their souls.

It is written in the Scriptures that all that is obtained by deceit and fraud will be a curse to the receiver. It is even a greater curse if the person brings such money to the church to pay tithes and offerings. The only way the person can release himself from that curse is to return the money back to the owner and get his blessing back. This is restitution.

A person may not be conscious of the fact that God is acquainted with the business transaction he wants to make and that his reward will be according to his works. Even if it were possible to conceal his wrongdoings from man and God, the fact that the person himself knows it, is degrading to his mind and character. He cannot be trusted with another business.

A Pastor who said he was a borehole expert was given money by a man to sink a borehole for him. The Pastor completed the borehole but it stopped working after 3 weeks. When the owner complained about the problem to the Pastor, he promised to go and rectify it, but after one month, the Pastor did not show up in the man’s house to see the borehole. He stopped picking the man’s calls. By this time, the borehole has collapsed totally and the man has to be begging for water from the people he used to give water freely to when his borehole was functioning. He felt ashamed over his experience and he sank another borehole, paying double the amount for sinking a borehole. When the Pastor heard that the man had gone to sink another borehole, he called him and was giving excuses why he could not show up. He didn’t say anything concerning the borehole which stopped working. Christ said “love your neighbour”. Where is the love of the Pastor for this man? An honest man is the person who manifests unbending integrity.

Deceitfulness and false practices with which many Pastors seek to promote their business interests in the world today are abominations in the sight of God. Send your reaction on this message to: Email pbo@yahoo.com or call O7O55599615

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

SOCIETY

Sleep: As Important As

ACCORDING to Harvard women’s health watch, in a recent survey found that more people are sleeping less than six hours at night; sleep difficulties varies from 95 percent people at least a few night per week. The bigger concern is chronic sleep loss, which can contribute to health problems such as weight gain, high blood pressure and decease in the immune system power.

However, sleep is a relationship. naturally reoccuring Sleeplessness can state characterized by also reduce productivity reduced or absent and increase the chances consciousness. Sleep is of mishaps, such as a basic requirement for medical errors and infant, child and motor vehicle or adolescent health and industrial accidents. development.

According to Studies have shown research, adequate sleep that people who sleep is very necessary for between six to five human body, because it hours and seven to five helps to fight off hours a night have the infections, support the tendency to live longer metabolism of sugar to while those who sleep prevent diabetes, eight hours or more or improve understanding less than six to five do and build up the brain. not live quite as long.

When you are Sleep loss and untreated scrambling to meet the sleep disorders countless demands of influence basic patterns the day, cutting back on of behaviour that sleep might seems like negatively affects health the only answer. and inter personal However, even

Food

BY OYENMWEN OMOROGBE

minimal sleep loss takes a toll on your mood, energy, and ability to handle stress.

Many people try to sleep as little as possible or feel like having to there are so many things that seem more interesting or important

happiness, so is sleep.

The quality of sleep directly affects the quality of waking life, including mental alertness, productivity, emotional balance, creativity, physical vitality and even human weight.

become unconscious of what is going on around you. As you sleep you pass through different stages.

Rapid eye movement (rem) sleep: This comes and go through the night, and makes up about one fifth of your sleep. The brain is very active, eyes move quickly from side to side and you dream, although your brain is active, your muscles are very relaxed.

“Sleep is an exact period when your body and brain shut off. While you rest, your brain stays busy, overseeing a wide variety of biological maintenance that keeps your body running in top condition, preparing you for the days ahead without enough hours of restorative sleep.” than getting a few more hours of sleep. As exercise and nutrition are essential for optional health and

Sleep is an exact period when your body and brain shut off.

While you rest, your brain stays busy, overseeing a wide variety of biological maintenance that keeps your body running in top condition, preparing you for the days ahead without enough hours of restorative sleep.

Without adequate sleep, you would not be able to work, learn, create and communicate at a more comprehensible level.

What happens during sleep When you sleep, you

Now – rem sleep: At this stage of sleep, your brain is quiet, but your body repairs itself after the wear and tear of the day; there are three stages of non-rem sleep.

Presleep: In this stage of sleep, your muscles are relaxed, your heart beats lower and your body temperature falls.

Light sleep: You can wake up easily without feeling confused.

Slow wave sleep: Your blood pressure falls, you may talk or sleep walk and it is hard to wake up if somebody wakes you.

A research at the University of Californian San Francisco discovered that some people have a gene that enable them do well on six hours of sleep per night. The gene however is very rare, appearing in less than three percent of the population. For the other 97 percent, six hours does not come close to their sleeping level.

Myths and facts about sleep Your body adjust quickly to different sleep schedules. Most people can reset their biological clock, but only by appropriately times cues – and even by more than a week to adjust after traveling across several time zones or switching to the night shift. Extra sleep at night can cure you of problem with excessive day time fatigue, the quantity of sleep you get is important but it is the quality of your sleep that you really have to pay attention to. Some people sleep eight to nine hours a night but not feel well rested when they wake up because the quality of their sleep is poor.

The older you get the fewer hours of sleep you need, sleep experts recommend a range of seven to nine hours of sleep for average adult.

“The quantity of sleep you get is important but it is the quality of your sleep that you really have to pay attention to. Some people sleep eight to nine hours a night but not feel well rested when they wake up because the quality of their sleep is poor.”

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

SOCIETY

How Many Have You Destroyed With Your Mouth?

By UKIRI CLEMENTINA

GOD is always doing wonders in our lives and we owe him the thanks-instead of complaints, give thanks.

And that’s why I say “thank you, Jesus”.

God’s plan for our lives is a good one but because of our ignorance, low understanding and unbelief, we sometimes see them as bad, that’s why the bible says “in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you “(1 Thess. 5:18) whatever happened or is happening is for a purpose. It is not for evil as far as you are God’s own. If you keep God’s word, always walking in his ways, his plan will be unveiled in you but if not, his hands will not be seen in your life. I thank God because you have received the grace to be called “His own”.

Today, is a day that the lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it. We only receive this joy if we walk with the father of peace. Walking with God goes all way round your entire life. “Who is a wise man and endowed with knowledge among you?

Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13).

This is to state that even

in your speech let wisdom and meekness be felt. This was brought from the fact that the tongue is deceitful (James 3:6:3:8). That is to say that for your conversation to be right, your tongue must be bridled. If words are too

defile a man but what defiles a man is what comes out of him, this implies your conversation. It is what comes out of you that defiles or justifies. “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to

be so” (James 3:10).

This further denotes that the tongue can make or mar, defile or justify, only one of its functions should be met, and this justification of yourself and even those around you. And let the word always be in your heart for out of the abundance

of the heart the mouth speaketh. What you speak will justify you because it was in your heart and you uttered it.

Thy word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against thee “(Psalm 119:11).

Brethren, confess righteousness and peace. Your mouth can save someone today and

it can as well destroy someone else. You are guilty if you use it for destruction. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight o lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14). This should be your prayer all day long.

God bless you.

“ You should not say everything you know, or hear, or think about for it is written, wherefore brethren, let every man be swift to hear slow to speak, slow to wrath (James 1:19).” many, amongst them lie evil, for the tongue can no man tame. You cannot control the words that come out of your mouth at all times but the preventive measure is your only choice, that is limiting your use of words.

You should not say everything you know, or hear, or think about for it is written, “where fore brethren, let every man be swift to hear slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Jesus spoke to some and all of us, that it’s not what goes into a man that defiles him. What goes in through the mouth enters the bowels and is expelled. That does not

“That is to say that for your conversation to be right, your tongue must be bridled. If words are too many, amongst them lie evil, for the tongue can no man tame. You cannot control the words that come out of your mouth at all times but the preventive measure is your only choice, that is limiting your use of words.”

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

Uganda Sports Minister Questions FUFA Legality UGANDA Sport Minister Jessica Alupo Rose Epel has written to FIFA questioning FUFA’s legality.

In a letter dated July 16,2013, and a copy of which MTNFootball.com has seen, the Minister has invited FIFA to urgently meet her for consultations over the legality of the Uganda FA headed by Lawrence Mulindwa.

“I have now received official legal guidance from the solicitor general of Uganda confirming that the current FUFA is illegal under the laws of Uganda,” said part of the letter.

The Minister stated that it has been clarified to her that FUFA, whose affiliation to FIFA in 1959 was supported by the Uganda government, has since 2009 operated as FUFA Ltd, a private company Ltd by guarantee which is inconsistent with the law.

She also explained that the incorporation of FUFA Ltd as a private company is also contrary to the provisions of the National Council of Sports Act Chapter 98 and is therefore illegal.

“Owing to the aforesaid, the government of Uganda therefore intends to take appropriate measures in public interest with the objective of improving the management of soccer in Uganda. The purpose of this letter is therefore to notify your organization to which FUFA is affiliated of the above developments and

invite FIFA to meet me in urgent consultations over these matters,” she stated.

The letter which was written by the Minister herself was also copied to the Vice President, Principal Private Secretary to the President of Uganda, the Secretary general of the National Council of Sports, the State Minister incharge of Sports and the Secretary general of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

However, when MTNFootball.com spoke to FUFA’s Head of Media, Rogers Mulindwa over what he thinks will happen after the letter was sent to FIFA, he said they will wait for official communication from Zurich.

“Let us wait for FIFA to act on these matters,” he added.

Villas Boas Plays Down Barca Link

• Sepp Blatter

FIFA To Start 2014 Cup Tickets Sales August

WORLD’s football governing body announced here Friday that it will begin selling tickets for next year’s World Cup in 12 Brazilian host cities on August 20 via its www.fifa.com website.

Some 330 days before the tournament is to open in Sao Paulo, FIFA marketing director Thierry Weil outlined a strategy under which three million tickets will be sold in three phases involving four price categories.

In the first phase, tickets will be allocated after a random selection draw period running from August 20 to October 10

and there will be a first come, first served period from November 5 to 28.

The same procedure will apply in the second phase where tickets will be awarded after a random draw period from December 8 2013 to Jan 30 2014, followed by a first come, first served period from next February 26 to next April 1.

Britain’s Towers Denied Aussie Visa For Big Fight BRITAIN’s Richard Towers has been refused a visa to enter Australia and will therefore not fight Lucas ‘Big Daddy’ Browne.

Towers had been due to fight Browne in final eliminator for the Commonwealth title in Melbourne on Thursday but his unsavoury past has come back to haunt him.

Towers, who has a 14-0 record, served six and a half

• Richard Towers

years of a 13 year jail sentence for kidnapping back in 1997 and that has prevented the 6ft 8in Sheffield heavyweight from obtaining a visa to face Browne (16-0).

Hatton Promotions head of Boxing Richard Poxon stated: “We believe that all steps had been taken for Richard to take part in the fight.

“However, our sole focus must now be on securing a worthy opponent for Lucas to face on the 25th”.

Towers, who used to go by the name Hayles, was involved in a gruesome crime back in 1997 where a man was held at gunpoint and then tortured with a steam iron, a hammer and stun gun for three days while a gang sought a ransom of £150,000.

Towers played no part in the man’s torture but was involved in the kidnapping which led to him being jailed.

On his release from prison he returned to the gym he used to

work-out in and took up boxing under the tutelage of legendary trainer Brendan Ingle who has worked with the likes of Herol Graham and Naseem Hamed in the past.

He could only fight amateur contests while still on probation but has now forged a successful, unbeaten professional career and has been tipped by his promoter Ricky Hatton to win British and Commonwealth titles.

Finally, there will be a lastminute sales phase on a first come, first served basis from April 15 to July 13, the day of the final. Weil said 701,079 tickets will be available for international fans and Brazilians.

Another 500,000 will be exclusively reserved for Brazilians, including discount tickets for students, the elderly and low-income people, and 100,000 complimentary tickets for the government and stadium construction workers.

“It is only the second time that we give discount tickets for the World Cup,” he added, noting that the first time was also in Brazil for the 1950 World Cup. Brazil’s deputy sports minister Luis Fernandes described the FIFA concessions on discounted tickets as a “very important gain” that aligns the FIFA sales system with Brazilian law. In the international category, prices start at $90 for group-stage matches except tickets for the opening match which cost $220.

The most expensive ticket for

the final, scheduled for July 13 in Rio’s iconic Maracana stadium, will fetch $990.

For Brazilian residents the cheapest discount ticket will go for $15 for group matches while

. . . Disciplinary C’ttee Sanctions E/Guinea THE FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Equatorial Guinean Football Association (FEGUIFUT) for fielding an ineligible player in two matches in the preliminary competition for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

A statement released on its website yesterday said the match was between Cape Verde Islands and Equatorial Guinea, played on June 8.

It, then, awarded a 3-0 victory to Cape Verde Islands.

FEGUIFUT was also fined 30,000 Swiss francs after the FIFA Disciplinary Committee considered the

Mourinho Promises Inter Return

MASSIMO Moratti reveals Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho told him “we’ll meet again at Inter in three years.”

The Special One wrote history by winning the Treble in 2010 and has always said the Nerazzurri remain in his heart.

“I called Mourinho to wish him the best for his return to Chelsea,” Inter President Moratti told La Stampa.

“What did Jose say? He said we’ll meet again at Inter in three years.”

It would not be Mou’s first return to a former club, as this summer he came back to Chelsea six years after his departure.

The timing of the suggestion is curious, as Mourinho signed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

TOTTENHAM manager Andre Villas-Boas refused to comment on speculation linking him with the Barcelona job, instead sending his best wishes to departing coach Tito Vilanova.

The Catalan club confirmed on Friday night that Vilanova would not be able to continue in the role as he receives treatment for cancer.

Villas-Boas was immediately installed as favourite to take over by some bookmakers, but it was not a subject he wished to discuss after his side’s friendly against Colchester.

“It’s a very difficult situation and all of my wishes are with Tito,” the Portuguese told the Daily Telegraph. “If he has to resign for a situation of illness it’s not the moment to speak about any speculation whatsoever.

“It’s not even a question, we are speaking about a person’s health.”

A Spurs team containing Brad Friedel, Jan Vertonghen and Emmanuel Adebayor were held to a goalless draw at Colchester.

Moratti also commented on the negotiations with Indonesian businessman Erick Thohir, amid reports the buy-out will include a provision to bring PSG chief Leonardo in as general manager.

“I am working on the future of the club by seeking partners who can allow Inter to make that step up. I dream of a stadium just for Inter and that is an objective I won’t abandon.”

association liable for the breach of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Regulations.

The statement said the FIFA Appeal Committee had also rejected the appeal lodged by FEGUIFUT against the decision taken by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on May 7.

It upheld the decision to sanction the association for fielding the same ineligible player during the team’s earlier qualifying match against Cape Verde Islands on March 24.

The statement named the concerned player in both matches as Emilio Nsue López.

Cape Verde now has 9 points, two points behind group B leaders Tunisia, with the final match between the two sides in September determining who would move into the next round of the qualifiers.

The other team in the group is Sierra Leone. (PAN

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

Guardiola’s Bayern Face First Test NEW-look Bayern Munich face their first real tests under coach Pep Guardiola this weekend as the European champions play a tournament of Bundesliga teams, then face Spanish giants Barcelona on Wednesday.

Having won all six of their low-key pre-season friendlies so far, Bayern face tougher tests at this weekend’s Telekom Cup at Borussia Moenchengladbach’s ground where the hosts, Hamburg and main Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund are involved.

Bayern could meet Dortmund in Sunday’s final in a repeat of the Champions League showpiece at Wembley in May when the Bavarians ran out 2-1 winners, before welcoming Barcelona in a friendly at Munich’s Allianz Arena next Wednesday.

Tito Violanova quits Barcelona on health grounds

Cancer-hit Vilanova, Quits Barca

CANCER-stricken Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova quit on Friday to undergo further treatment for his illness, the president of the Spanish champions, Sandro Rosell, said.

The 44-year-old Vilanova

had a tumour removed from a salivary gland in his throat in November 2011 and in December 2012 he suffered a relapse.

He underwent surgery again followed by 10 weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in New York.

Vilanova returned to the helm of Barcelona in March

and led the club to the Spanish league title.

“After evaluating the results of routine rests this week Tito Vilanova has been presented with the option of carrying out a treatment to continue to control his illness which will make it incompatible to carry out the role of first team coach from

Hiddink Faces Six Game Ban

ANZHI Makhachkala coach Guus Hiddink faces a six-match ban after he pushed the fourth official during his side’s 2-1 defeat at Dinamo Moscow on Friday.

Dinamo won the match courtesy of Andriy Voronin’s

Liverpool To Loan Reina To Napoli LIVERPOOL goalkeeper Pepe Reina is to be loaned out to Serie A side Napoli next season where he’ll be reunited with former Reds coach Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool Echo reported Friday.

The 30-year-old Spaniard has spent eight years at Anfield but the arrival of Simon Mignolet from Sunderland has meant he has lost his first-choice status.

Reina had been scheduled to fly to Australia this weekend to link up with the Liverpool squad for the second leg of their pre-season tour.

Instead he’s expected to head for Italy to undergo a medical and complete his switch to last season’s Serie A runners-up.

Reina arrived at Anfield from Villarreal in 2005 and helped Liverpool clinch the UEFA Super Cup and the FA Cup in his first season.

penalty deep into injury time after Anzhi, down to ten men from the 33rd minute when Ewerton was dismissed, looked to have rescued a point through Christopher Samba’s late equaliser.

Hiddink, angered by the penalty award, which came after Marko Lomic’s cross had struck Mehdi Gonzalez’s arm, lightly pushed fourth official Roman Chernov in frustration.

Russian Football Union (RFU) rules stipulate that those guilty of an “intentional push” on a match official be

suspended for six matches.

The referee, Sergei Karasev, is reported to have told Hiddink he made a mistake in awarding the spot kick and apologised to the Dutchman, who added: “And I have apologised for the push on the fourth official.”

Hiddink also said he had no issue with the red card for Ewerton.

“We made a mistake in defence and were reduced to ten men and it influenced the play a great deal,” he said. “I have no doubts that it was a fair decision.”

FORMER Paraguay manager Gerardo Martino has emerged as the favourite for the Barcelona job after Tito Vilanova was forced to step down as his health problems resurfaced.

Vilanova, 44, suffered a relapse in his throat cancer treatment and Sandro Rosell, addressing the media on Friday, said his condition was “not compatible with coaching”.

Initial reports had suggested Vilanova’s assistant, Rubi, was the forerunner for the position, having led Segunda Division side Girona to last season’s play-off final. However, El Mundo Deportivo, Marca and AS all believe Martino, nicknamed “Tata”, is the most likely candidate.

Rosell said at Friday’s media briefing that a new coach would be presented “probably at the beginning of next week”.

Martino, who led Argentinian side Newell’s Old Boys to the title last season, is out of contract and, according to Ole, a Barca delegation is expected to fly out to South America for negotiations with the 50year-old.

The Argentine has won four league titles in Paraguayan football as well as last season’s championship in his home country. He was also voted South American Coach of the Year in 2007 while in charge of Paraguay.

Catalan newspaper Sport, meanwhile, offers an array of potential replacements for

now on,” Rosell told a news conference.

“I want to ask everyone, especially the media, in the name of his family to show the maximum respect for the privacy of the whole process which will start now,” he added.

Vilanova’s replacement will be announced “probably in the beginning of next week,” Rossll said.

Vilanova replaced Pep Guardiola as manager in June 2012, having previously worked as his assistant.

“It will be two important test matches for us and we want to win the competition, that is always the same for us,” said midfielder Toni Kroos ahead of the Telekom Cup. Following an extended postConfederations Cup break, Bayern welcomed back their trio of Spain’s Javi Martinez, plus Brazil’s Dante and Luis Gustavo, who has been linked to a move to VfL Wolfsburg, to training this week.

The next seven days will be a big test for Guardiola’s new system, while new-signing Thiago Alcantara is set to make his debut since joining from Barcelona.

The 42-year-old Guardiola took charge on June 24, insisting he would adapt “100 percent” to the players and promising to change “only a few little things” before whisking the team away to their pre-season training camp in north Italy.

Four weeks later and Guardiola has switched up key positions and introduced a new 4-1-4-1 system.

Captain Philipp Lahm, a Bayern institute at right-back, now finds himself in a midfield role while France winger Franck Ribery has been moved up front into the ‘false nine’ role Lionel Messi occupys at Barcelona.

“A little weird” is how Ribery described the new system and although Lahm said Guardiola “has not reinvented football”, the ex-Barcelona boss, who won 14 titles in four years at the Camp Nou, has certainly reinvented Bayern.

Guardiola has hinted at breaking up the defensive

midfield partnership which pitted Martinez alongside Germany’s Bastian Schweinsteiger as Bayern became the first German team to win the treble of European, league and cup titles last season.

Martinez could play at centreback and Schweinsteiger in an attacking midfield role, Guardiola has said, while striker Mario Mandzukic has all the attributes of a defender, according to the Spaniard.

“When the coach wants something done a certain way, we can’t turn around and say “yes, but we want to play like we did last year”,” said midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri.

In training, Guardiola is frequently in the middle of the action, moving players around like pieces on a chessboard, often by inches, and the Spaniard is a perfectionist when it comes down to details.

“Pep Guardiola has his own ideas and he expects a few things from us, for example, when you move or pass and our positional play,” said Lahm.

Blaugrana supporters have voted for the 68-year-old to be the man to replace Tito Vilanova after he resigned on Friday following a cancer relapse.

Heynckes has had a distinguished career in Spain, managing Athletic Bilbao, Tenerife and Real Madrid.

Marcelo Bielsa is currently second in the poll.

Despite earlier claims that Andre Villas-Boas is the favourite for the vacant Barcelona job, reports suggest Luis Enrique is now the number one candidate.

The Tottenham Coach had been linked with the Camp Nou club following Friday’s news that Tito Vilanova has resigned after suffering a

cancer relapse.

But TV3 have insisted this afternoon that the new Celta Vigo boss is now the man most likely to succeed Vilanova.

Enrique was Barcelona B Coach between 2008 and 2011 before move to Roma for an ill-fated season.

The 43-year-old was handed the reins at Balaidos after Abell Resino’s departure just this summer, but the Blaugrana hierarchy see the former midfielder as the ideal man to maintain the club’s philosophy.

Barcelona will reportedly pay Celta Vigo 3m Euro for Enrique, and will let assistant Rubi go to the Celestes to be their new man in charge.

Pep Guardiola

... Barca Fans Want Heynckes A poll in Catalan newspaper Sport has Jupp Heynckes as the fans’ favourite to take over at Barcelona.

The Bayern Munich Coach retired from the game this summer after guiding the Bavarian side to a historic treble last season.

But 37 per cent of

Martino Tipped

Vilanova, including Rubi and Jordi Roura, former Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes, and Marcelo Bielsa, who left Athletic Bilbao in the summer. Bielsa came out top in a fan poll on Marca.

Sport also suggests Frank Rijkaard, who led Barcelona to the Champions League title in 2006, and former Barcelona B coach Luis Enrique, now with Celta Vigo, as candidates.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Andre Villas-Boas and Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup - a former Barca player - are also mentioned, but the pair were both reluctant to be drawn on the link on Friday as they sought to put the focus on Vilanova’s health.

Jupp Heyncks, former Bayern Coach

THE SUNDAY

30

SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

3SC Accepts NFF Sanction In Good Faith - Arowolo

Eagles Rabiu’s Strike Stops FC Abuja SUPER Eagles ‘B’ pipped National League side FC Abuja 1-0 in a test game Friday courtesy of a Rabiu Ali penalty goal.

Midway into the second half, Joseph Osiagbanmu was upended on his way to goal and Kano Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali promptly dispatched the spot kick for the only goal of the game.

Coach Stephen Keshi, started with his probables like skipper Chigozie Agbim in goal, Godfrey Oboabona and Azubuike Egwueke in the heart of the defence, Benjamin Francis and Solomon Kwambe as wing backs on the left and right respectively.

Ayo Saka, Gomo Onduku and Oladapo Olufemi were in midfield, while Sunday Mba played behind the strikers Gambo Mohammed and Ezekiel Mba, who started ahead of Etebor Ejiroghene.

The Eagles dominated play in the first half with Mba, Gambo and Ezekiel all coming close in the 10th, 20th and 22nd minutes.

But it was Gomo’s flash from 32 yards that was palmed into a corner kick that highlighted the first half which ended goalless.

For the second half, Keshi made a clean sweep of the players and brought in the possibles with Dan Akpeyi, Rabiu Ali, Etebor, Joseph Osiagbanmu and U20 star Alhaji Gero the main actors.

Nigeria’s U-20 coaching crew led by John Obu at Turkey 2013.

NFF Accepts Obu’s Resignation, Tech Crew Follows THE resignation of John Obuh as coach of Nigeria U20 team has been accepted, officials said.

“We have accepted the resignation of John Obuh, but he is not the only one going,” said chairman of the technical committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chris Green.

“We have relieved all members of the technical crew of their jobs.”

Obuh quits as coach of the Flying Eagles after the team

Taekwondo Coach Hopes For Medals In 2016 Olympic FERGUSON Oluigbo, President, Professional Taekwondo Coaches Association (Nigeria) (PTCAN), yesterday assured that the country’s taekwondo athletes will win medals at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games.

Oluigbo told newsmen in Lagos that the country’s profile in the sport had soared following the election of one of its top officials into the international board.

He said that the election of George Ashiru, President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), was a reflection of the trust the board had for his leadership qualities.

Ashiru was also recently elected as the Vice-President of the Commonwealth Taekwondo Union (CTU).

The elections took place on

SHOOTING Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan says it has accepted the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) sanctions against it in good faith.

The sanctions followed an attack on a match referee, Chrisantus Okoro, in a Premier League match against Kwara United FC. Jubril Arowolo, the Media Officer of 3SC, told newsmen that the club’s management had accepted the sanctions as a lesson for the future.

“There is nothing we can do than to take the sanctions in good faith and see it as lesson to our fans ahead of future matches,” he said.

Reports say that the NFF sanctions would see 3SC playing three home matches under close door.

Ajibade Babalade, Team Manager, Daniel Asuquo , a player, and the Supporters Club Chairman were all given a sixmatch ban.

Arowolo, who agreed that the sanctions came at a time 3SC was playing host to big teams such as Dolphins FC and Kano United F C, said it was a bitter pill the club had to swallow.

Ajibade Babalade, Team Manager of 3SC, however, said he was innocent of the offence

July 12 at the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the CTU in Mexico.

Oluigbo added that the development would usher in new ideas and techniques, in terms of training fighters to attain peak performance to enable them to excel at international competitions.

“Now that we have one of our own as vice-president of the CTU, it invariably spells out one thing and that is the development of the game in the country.

“I assure you that Ashiru will bring about positive changes in the sport because he will be exposed to fresh ideas that will be injected into the sport,” he said.

The president said that he was optimistic that taekwondo would be one of the sports that would make the country proud at the 2016 Olympics.

crashed out to Uruguay in the Round of 16 clash at the recent FIFA U20 World Cup in Turkey.

He has been in charge of the U20s since he led the U17 team to reach the final of the 2009 FIFA U17 World Cup, which

Nigeria hosted.

The former Kwara United handler led Nigeria to win the 2011 African Youth Championship in South Africa and also reach the last eight of the 2011 World Cup in Colombia.

He also guided the team to

finish third at this year’s AYC in Algeria.

Meanwhile, Green has told MTNFootball.com his committee will meet next week to appoint coaches to the various female national teams.

“We will be meeting next week to constitute the technical crew of the Super Falcons and all the female national teams,” he announced.

Ahmedu Hails Quality Of Play At DSTV matches Basketball League remaining.

COL. Sam Ahmedu (rtd), the Chairman of Dodan Warriors Basketball club, yesterday described the clash between his team and the Lagos Islanders as a good testimony of the DStv/ Premier League Basketball.

Ahmedu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the match had lived up to the pre-match billing, being the two best clubs in the Atlantic Conference.

“This is one of the best matches I have watched since the beginning of the season; it was a great contest, displayed by great sportsmen in their quest to win.

“It could have gone either side, it ended in our favour not because we were the better team,’’ he said.

NAN reports that Dodan Warriors defeated Lagos Islanders 85-83 in a keenly contested match at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos on Friday.

“We are confident of our chances of clinching the Conference title with the two

“We will, however, not underestimate our next opponents, Police Baton of Lagos,’’ Ahmedu added.

NAN also reports that the victory gave Dodan Warriors the

additional spur in the championship which ends on July 28.

The defeat also placed a stumbling block on the path of Lagos Islanders who are also eyeing the title.

Heartland Pays Sign BROKE Heartland have paid On Fees 5% of sign-on fees for the ongoing season and as well paid 15% of last season’s fees.

This was possible after they accessed 60 million Naira released by the Imo State Government.

An aggrieved player told MTNFootball.com that they are not happy with the money paid but they do not have choice as they are pleading with Governor Rochas Okorocha to do more.

They paid us 5% of our sign on fee for this season and 15% from last season,” said the player.

“What they paid us for this season is very small, they just shared the money anyhow, we are not happy but we have no choice, we are still begging the

Governor to release more money so we could be paid.”

he was sanctioned for.

“I am not happy about the decision of the committee because I was not invited to say my own side of the story,” he said.

Ajibade , who returned from Minna where his team recorded a 1-0 victory against JUTH FC of Jos in the Federation Cup, said: “I am conscious of my name and it is the referee who is trying to drag my name into the attack when I am innocent.

The former Green Eagles defender said that the committee would have invited him to watch the match video to determine his involvement as being done in Europe.

Taiwo Gears Up For Army Chief Squash Tourney SODIQ Taiwo, the country’s number one ranked male squash player, yesterday said that the ongoing Ramadan fast will not affect his preparations for the forthcoming Chief of Army Staff Squash tournament.

Taiwo said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

Reports say that the tournament is scheduled to hold from August 12 to August 16 at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment, Abuja.

“I’m ready for this; I have been training hard; I strongly believe that I will go far in this tournament considering the fact that this year has been busy for players.

“Training has been tough, considering Ramadan; but I think I will use this to an advantage, it will only make me strong on court.

“This fasting period won’t affect me; I will give it my very best shot.

“I’m going there to defend my title as the number one ranked player in the country; I don’t want to lose my title,’’ Taiwo said.

• Heartland FC defender Udoh (right) on duty

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

Man Utd Ease Past A-League All Stars ROBIN van Persie wasted no time in picking up where he left off last season with the final goal in Manchester United’s comfortable 5-1 win over the A League All Stars in Sydney.

A late arrival on United’s preseason tour, Van Persie was only introduced for the final half hour after a heavy week’s training, but it was long enough to claim the assist for Danny Welbeck’s second before atoning for an uncharacteristic miss by driving home from close range almost immediately afterwards.

After the false start in Bangkok last weekend, it completed a satisfactory evening for the Red Devils, who fly to Japan on the next leg of their tour

Cech Wants More Glory With Mourinho

CHELSEA goalkeeper Petr Cech believes Jose Mourinho’s appetite for success is undiminished at the beginning of his second spell as manager at Stamford Bridge.

After becoming the most successful manager in Chelsea’s history between June 2004 and September 2007, which included the Blues’ first championship in 50 years, Mourinho won the Champions League at Inter Milan and punctuated the Barcelona hegemony at Real Madrid by winning the 2011/12 Primera Division.

Cech’s arrival at Chelsea in 2004 coincided with Mourinho’s and the goalkeeper believes the Special One is eager for more glory.

“Jose Mourinho can’t be more hungry,” said Cech, who was speaking at an adidas Blue Pitch project in Kuala Lumpur during the club’s tour of Asia.

“He didn’t come back to enjoy his life. We are all here to try to prepare and to try to win things together.

“He’s the same (as before).

The motivation is the same, the hunger for success is the same and you can see that the demand he has for the team is the same.

tomorrow evening for matches in Yokohama and Osaka.

And for Moyes it was a welcome first win, with Warrington-born youngster Jesse Lingard having the honour of scoring United’s first goal for their new manager in front of 83,127 at ANZ Stadium.

That an Australia national side missing its European contingent was facing South Korea in an East Asian Cup encounter at virtually exactly the same time as the remainder of the A League was in action underlined the scratch nature of Ange Postecoglou’s team.

Little wonder they struggled defensively, with Danny Welbeck exchanging passes with Lingard before firing an early chance straight at Ante Covic. It was not long before the same pair were combining to score the first goal of Moyes’ time in charge.

Showing imagination to dummy Ryan Giggs’ pass, Welbeck allowed the ball to run on to an unmarked Lingard. The 20-year-old kept his nerve to put the visitors in front from 10 yards.

Thomas Broich fizzed a shot over from the edge of the area but this never looked like being a repeat of last Saturday’s stuttering display.

A delicate pass from Giggs sent Welbeck beyond the All Stars defence just past the half hour and the England forward scored.

After netting only twice last season, Welbeck needs to make a positive start this term, especially as Wayne Rooney’s future is open to such debate and Javier Hernandez is going to miss the remaining three games in the Far East.

Welbeck was a man on a mission and Michael Beauchamp denied him with a brave sliding block before the forward blasted into Covic but the ball ricocheted wide off the keeper’s legs.

The hosts improved after the break, with Besart Berisha pulling one back with an understrength shot Anders Lindegaard was unable to prevent creeping in at the corner.

Jovetic Completes City Switch

Christian Benteke remains with Aston Villa.

Villa’s Benteke Signs New Deal To End Exit Talk

ASTON Villa striker Christian Benteke performed a transfer Uturn on Friday as he withdrew his request to leave and signed a new contract with the Premier League club.

Benteke committed his future to the club until 2017 after a “full and frank discussion” with Villa manager Paul Lambert.

It was a sudden change of heart from the 22-yearold after Villa confirmed only 11 days ago that he had asked to leave following a series of reports linking the Belgian international with a £25 million move to Tottenham.

“I had a full and frank discussion with Christian Benteke on his return to

training this week regarding his future. It is my opinion that the best thing for Christian is to remain at Aston Villa,” Lambert said.

“I’m delighted, having time to re-evaluate his future, Christian has decided to commit to the club. It’s a huge bonus and I’m sure the supporters are every bit as delighted as me to have him on board and raring to go.”

Kinshasa-born Benteke added: “I spoke with the manager when I returned to training and we had a good talk. I am very happy to be back here in Birmingham and at Aston Villa, and to sign a new contract.

“The end of last season was very good and the lads

Sunday Pools Guide Week 02

Bunbery; Swan Utd For “X” SAYS DR. J.K. POOLS

BYE-bye to Aussie pools 2013, this week with the above captioned Headline with: Bunbury; Swan Utd for “X” Week 02 matches to be played on 27th JULY 2013.

They are again Bunbury VS Armadale at No 23 and Swan Utd VS MANDURAH at 32 both in West Australia.

In the same vein, Clilddonhill vs Diamond at 17 and Asfield vs Uwanedland at 27 for an “X” A visit to South Australia I have soft spot for an “X” between WT Bikalla vs Comets at 38 and Adhills VS Seaford at 39 and Olympica vs Salisbury at 43.

Lest I forget, in West Australia, Asfield vs Uwanedlands at 27 and Dianella vs wanneroo at 28 for a draw at the week end.

All readers of SUNDAY OBSERVER pools page should as from next week keep weekly records for the forthcoming English season regularly in order to see wonders of Dr. J.K. I am now also a consultant to NIGERIAN TRIBUNE published on every Thursday Pools page.

Again, I look at Victoria Division, Ballarat vs E. Altona at 13, Dandenong vs Doveton at 18 and Clifton Hill vs Diamond V at 17 for one draw must come rain or sun.

All those who want to win should call 07039275802 on Wednesday.

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were very strong. It was not easy but we came through it and the confidence is high. So everyone knows what we have to do now — be better. I need to be better than last year.”

MANCHESTER City have announced the signing of Stevan Jovetic from Fiorentina.

The Montenegro forward becomes City’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Fernandinho, Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo, with the Spain striker also completing his move on Friday.

A statement on City’s official website read: “Manchester City are delighted to announce the signing of Stevan Jovetic from Fiorentina. The 23-year-old Montenegro international will now join up with his new teammates over the weekend.”

Jovetic scored 40 goals in 134 appearances during his five-year spell with Fiorentina, and had said farewell to La Viola prior to the switch.

“Florence will always have a place in my heart,” he told firenzeviola.it. “It’s not like I was only here for a day, I’m going to miss it.

“It’s a beautiful city and I was happy with absolutely everything, particularly the people. It’s only normal that they are a bit annoyed now, but I never said or did anything bad towards them, or towards Fiorentina.

“Just try to understand me. I am still young and I know that I gave everything for this shirt. I just wanted a change of scenery.”

Walcott Confident Ahead Of Season

ARSENAL forward Theo Walcott says he will enter next season full of confidence after enjoying a watershed campaign last term.

Walcott led the Gunners’ newlook forward line following the departure of Robin van Persie to Manchester United, and the England international says he is poised to carry on that form.

Walcott said in The Sun: “Last season was definitely my best for Arsenal. I was the club’s top scorer with 21 goals and not many people were expecting that. But it wasn’t just about the

Sammy Ameobi Eager To Impress

NEWCASTLE United striker Sammy Ameobi is looking to impress while on a training camp in Portugal with the Tyneside club.

Ameobi believes that the training camp presents the clubs youngsters with the perfect opportunity to establish themselves in the first team squad.

“It’s a massive opportunity for us. We need to put in good performances, not just in one friendly but every single time we are given the chance to play.”

“Every time, we have to put the effort in, try and catch the eye and hopefully establish ourselves as part of the first team,” said the striker on the club’s official

goals. I was also very happy with my overall game, the assists I made and the consistency of my displays.

“What made it particularly satisfying was that I was able to play like that despite all the pressure of the contract situation at that time. The three weeks before the contract was sorted out in January were the most stressful of my career.

“I always knew where I wanted to be but all the uncertainty and questions about my future made things so difficult.

“When you haven’t got long left on your contract, it would be easy to just go through the motions and make sure you don’t get injured.

“But that’s not the way I do things. My view was that I’d work hard and keep helping the team to win so that, when it came to contract talks, I’d be rewarded.

“So I managed to block out all the pressure and keep focused on my football. I got through it without it affecting my form - but it was still a huge weight off my shoulders when everything was finally sorted.

Theo Walcott

CMYK

THE SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JULY 21, 2013

Okorocha Caution Communities

Chieftaincy Tussle: GOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha of Imo has cautioned those formenting trouble in communities to have a re-think and desist from it.

Okorocha gave the warning while announcing the traditional ruler nominees in four communities in Owerri.

The communities are Alulu and Okpala-Umuekwunne in Ngor-Okpala, Oboh IhiteAfokwu in Ahiazu Mbaise and Izinobi in Ihite Uboma community.

The nominees are Mr Cletus Nwaogu for Alulu, Mr Kinsley Nwaiwu for OkpalaUmuekwunne, Mr Thomas Nwokedi for Oboh while Mr Romanus Anyalemechi was for Izinobi Community in Ihite Uboma.

The governor noted that settling disputes in the affected communities became necessary to foster unity in the state, and urged those whose chieftaincy tussles had been resolved to accept the result in good faith.

Okorocha reminded them that no community could develop in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony.

He promised to use his position to make sure that all communities with chieftaincy disputes, resolve them amicably.

Meanwhile, the people of

Obike in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area and Awara in Uguta Local Government Area have protested against the outcome of the traditional rulers elections conducted in their areas.

They claimed the elections were fraught with irregularities.

The placard carrying groups stormed Government House chanting songs and demanding audience with the governor.

Mr Christopher Onyeka, who spoke on behalf of the group, said due process was not followed.

He alleged that some youths who were not members of the community were sighted standing behind the opponents of their candidate Mr Martins Uju. Onyeka called on the governor to cancel the election and investigate the matter as well as conducting a fresh election that would be free and fair.

The people of Awara Autonomous Community, on the other hand, were protesting the declaration of the result of their election as inconclusive when, according to them, it was free and fair.

They asked the governor to declare their candidate Mr Andrew Okwebunwa winner of the election.

DR MacJohn Nwaobiala, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, has called on African countries to redouble their efforts, strategies and policies aimed at teachers’ development.

Nwaobiala made the call at the Meeting of Senior Officials of the Third Pan African Conference on Teacher Development (PACTED III), held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a statement said.

The statement , issued by Mr Olu Lipede, Director Press and Public Relations of the ministry, in Abuja said it was necessary to increase the quality of teachers and education in the continent.

“The place of education in Africa’s development agenda is no longer in doubt and the articulations of the means of achieving those goals have never been Africa’s problems.

“But the critical issues remain the conscious, committed, judicious and continuous application and implementation of the right mix of the articulated strategies, based on socioeconomic and cultural

peculiarities,” he said.

The permanent secretary noted that there was an urgent need to take stock of efforts and re-strategise where necessary.

He said this was to ensure that Africa remained on the path of achieving its goals in line with the MDGs and African Union Second Decade of Education in Africa (20062015) Action Plan.

“It is globally to recognise that teachers are critical to the success of any educational goal, a nation may not rise above the quality of its teachers.

“Africa needs products of educational institutions that are globally competitive and have the requisite skills to propel the continent into the desired position in global affairs, ‘’ he said.

Nwaobiala noted that issues relating to teacher education, development and working conditions should be top priorities at continental, subregional and national levels.

He called on African nations to speed-up their developmental agenda,

L-R: CAN Chairman, Anambra State, Bishop Ephraim Ndeife; South-East Secretary, Rev. Joseph Ajujungwa and Vice President, South East, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, during the South East CAN meeting in Enugu weekend.

Be Pragmatic, Stay Competitive

THE various organisations in the country have been advised to be pragmatic in order to survive and stay competitive.

Mr Ajibade Peters, the Director-General, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry, gave the advice in Badagry, Lagos State at the closing ceremony of the fourth in a

African Countries Urged On Teachers’ Dev adding: “we must bridge gaps in teacher issues if we want to achieve our goals.

The permanent secretary also said there was need for synergy, networking and harmonisation of efforts by all groups to avoid duplication of roles and wastages.

He urged member states to do more of working than talking if educational systems in Africa would deliver on the various commitments by 2015.

- ASCON DG

series of the 2013 ASCON regular courses.

He stressed the need for organisations to adapt fast to recent challenges, including the economic meltdown, technological innovations and globalisation.

“Though many people will argue that their organisations are doing a good job at managing those changes, there are many of them that have been adversely affected by these changes.

“This suggests that managing change is an onerous task involving continuous alignment of an organisation’s strategies, structures and processes.

He said any organisational change should be preceded by personal change, noting that some senior managers often spent time at off-site meetings arguing over the need for change.

“After such meetings, they issue memoranda to the

organisation and assume that everyone will see the brilliance of their decisions, drop what they are doing and perform in new ways without asking questions.

According to him, there is no such thing as instantaneous transformation, and asking an organisation to change without giving it the resources to do so is a fool’s errand.

“Change should be pursued in the context of a clear goal, be it personal, group, organisational or societal,” the DG said.

He urged the graduating

NJC Indicts Ex-CJ Gummi THE National Judicial Council (NJC) indicted former Chief Judge of FCT High Court, Justice Lawal Gummi, for undue judicial interference.

The council disclosed this in a communiqué issued at the end of its 63rd meeting in

Jonathan Tasks Parents On Peace

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan urged parents and guardians to partner the Federal Government in its effort to ensure peace in the country.

Jonathan made the call in Abeokuta, the Ogun capital, at the funeral service for l a t e M r s Ta i w o A b a t i , mother of Dr Rueben Abati, the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity.

The president was represented

by Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, his Chief of Staff, at the service held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Igbehin Abeokuta.

Jonathan appealed to parents to ensure that children were brought up in the fear of God and according to acceptable societal norms.

The president noted that many of the crimes and social vices in the country were perpetrated by youths who allowed themselves to be used by some elders for selfish interest.

He described many of the youths as victims of wrong indoctrination, adding that it was the primary responsibility of parents, particularly mothers,

participants to be law-abiding citizens and to join hands with government to make Nigeria a better place.

A participant, Mrs Obiabumuo Ekene, applauded ASCON’s efforts, and urged organisations to send their employees for training.

“For the past two weeks I have been here, I have gained a lot, and I urge organisations to send their employees here.

“The facilitators teach well, the environment is very conducive and everything is working well here,” she said.

Reports say that 35 senior public officers participated in the programme.

to provide proper tutelage for their wards at an early stage.

The president expressed the belief that once good virtues were instilled in children, they would serve as defence against undue influence.

The president, however, commended the deceased, saying, “the good character being exhibited by Mr Abati are testimonies that he was properly brought up.”

He called on mothers to play their roles in the ongoing transformation agenda by mentoring their children at an early stage.

Abuja.

The council accused the judge of undue interference in the case between Nestello Gateway Group and Gov. Alhaji Abdul’aziz Yari of Zamfara, a former National Assembly member.

According to the statement, the meeting deliberated on the report of a committee that investigated a petition forwarded by Nestello against the judge.

The statement by the acting director, Information, Mr Soji Oye, said the council accepted the findings of the committee.

It said the judge interfered in the execution of the judgement delivered by Justice Jude Okeke of the FCT High Court, Abuja.

“Council also found that the interference of Gummi in the execution of the judgment as most unethical and highly reprehensible.

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