Sunday observer 23 03 2014

CMYK

The Sunday

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

NATION

Pg. 7

• Vol. XI NO.4,040 •

LANDMARK

The NIS Recruitment That Never Was

SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 2014 • N 100.00 Pg. 11

Oba Of Benin Marks 35yrs On The Throne

Competency Test For Teachers Holds In Edo

By ADAMS OYIBOKE / FAITH ISIKHEUEMEN/MATTHEW OGIJI

THE widely publicised Teacher’s Assessment Test for Primary and Secondary SchoolsTeachers was held yesterday across the three senatorial districts of Edo State amidst tight security for the teachers and officials responsible for the conduct of the test.

Teachers from Edo Benin for their test.

South made up of Accreditation of Oredo, Orhionmwon, Primary and Uhunmwode Ovia Secondary School North East and Ovia Teachers began at South West gathered 8.35 a.m. with the at the University of Continues on pg.2

Edo Investor To Employ 15,000 Through Farming A PRIVATE Investor, Festrut Conglomerate is set to establish a Farm, covering 100 hectares of land at Uzebba, Edo State that will provide about 15,000 e m p l o y m e n t

opportunities for the people of Edo state.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr. Festus Asikhia disclosed this when he led a delegations Continues on pg.2

RELATIONSHIP

VATICAN VISIT: Pope Francis (right) presenting a souvenir to President Goodluck Jonathan during his visit to the Vatican City weekend.

Pg. 19

Drawing A Line Between Dating And Courtship

HEALTH

Pg. 15

Candidiasis:

Women’s Nightmare

PARENTING

Pgs. 12 & 13

10 Reasons Why You Should Read To Your Child

Competency Test Continued from pg.1

presentation of their various Bio-metric form as condition for accreditation.

While primary school teachers from Ikpoba Okha and Ovia South-West wrote theirs in the Faculty of Education, department of Agric, Uhunmwonde, Egor and Ovia North East wrote theirs in the department of Education while Orhionmwon and Oredo were situated at Social Science department.

Also from Ekpoma Centre for teachers in Edo central, accreditation of teachers started at 9.15 a.m. while the aptitude test began around 10.45 a.m while accreditation was still on-going.

The situation was the same in Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi venue for Edo North.

Sources closed to the centre revealed that there were appreciable turn out of Primary and Secondary School teachers who came to write the test.

Speaking with The Nigerian OBSERVER on the issue of alleged court injunction by Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT) and Academic Staff Union of Secondary School (ASUSS), the Commissioner for Higher and Technical Education,

Barr. Wellington Osifo said “As a Government is concerned, we are not aware of any court injunction. I think what we are aware of is that Nigeria Union of Teachers and other bodies went to court in Akure with the aim to secure injunction to restrain Government from carrying out this test today.

He said “an intention to secure cannot also pass for an injunction. So what we are aware of is an intention to secure; which of course can’t also pass for an injunction.

“So as it is now, as government, we are not restrained by any court and that is why we are here today.

According to him” we are here, some teachers are here, some are not here.

Nobody will force anyone to do what is right. You have a right to do what you want to do”, he said.

He said “the test is not punitive, it is in the interest of the Edo child and for the interest of our teachers”.

The commissioner said “this is not one test that is designed to embarrass anybody. Our teachers are special to us. They are the ones whose destinies and lives of our children are anchored on. We do not intend by any design to

intimidate, embarrass manhandle or molest them.”

Also, some teachers who spoke under anonymity said “we all agreed with the State Government that teachers in the state should write the Assessment Test because no parents would want to leave the destiny of their children in the hands of an incompetent teacher” “Today, for me, I agree with the state Government that the test is not meant to witch hunt any teacher because if you see the questions, they were very simple that one will wonder if this is the reason for all the headache about Teachers’ Assessment.

On their message to fellow teachers who did not attend the exercise, they said “it is very unfortunate because no individual can be bigger than the government”.

It would be recalled that the State Government on Thursday in a media briefing said that the State Government had never received any court injunction restraining it from conducting the Assessment Test, stressing that any teacher who failed to write the test would have his or her name deleted from the State Government Pay-roll.

Edo Investor To Employ 15,000

Continued from pg.1

on a courtesy visit to Governor Adams Oshiomhole at the Government House in Benin City, yesterday.

Dr. Asikhia said “I have to go to my community where I can easily have access to land and I have acquired about 100 hectares of land for the take-off of the company.

He said, “apart from the farm land, we have come to Edo State to discuss with the Governor to build a new Edo City, a city with all the infrastructures, with recreational centre, a city where people can come in to rest”.

Dr. Asikhia maintained that when completed, the new city will attract investors to come in and invest thereby increasing state government revenue through taxes.

He further used the occasion of the courtesy visit to implore State Government collaboration in order to succeed stressing that similar ventures have been established in Lagos and Abuja.

Responding, Governor Oshiomhole welcomed Dr. Festus Asikhia and his delegation to Edo State, saying the State Government is willing to

provide a conducive environment and partner with serious investors who wish to invest in the state.

He stressed that the State Public Private Partnership (PPP) is doing everything possible to create an enabling environment for investors to take advantage of and invest in the state.

According to him, “Potential partners in the various aspects of the economy are working out various MOUs with a view to take advantage of the very conducive business environment that exist in Edo State.

“So like I said to Hon Rasaq Bello-Osagie, all you need to do is submit a detailed business plan to our P.P.P. Office as they are familiar with our rules and the general principles that guide our interactions.

It is our responsibility to give back to the community and society where we come from, for these are the minimum debts owned our people”.

Oshiomhole said “In Edo State, we have made substantial investment in both the urban and rural areas, investment on roads, Urban renewal and drainage control, linking rural communities so that people can take advantage

to go into mechanized farming and businesses in those communities as you plan to do.

“So your coming fits well into our vision that the primary purpose of government is to make the rural urban areas neater creating infrastructure to attract investment.”

EDO State Ministry of Transport has constituted a Monitoring and Implementation Committee that will visit motor parks across Benin City and its environs to contravene any vehicle that has not been painted to the gold yellow on fire red colour code of commercial vehicles ordered

by Edo State Government including Edo State House of Assembly earlier in the year.

According to the State Commissioner for Transport, Ambassador Orobosa OmoOjo (JP), it has come to the attention of Edo State Government that a session of drivers and commercial vehicle owners have refused to comply with the colour code requirement particularly those under the auspices of Road Transport Employers Association (RTEAN) who are posing objection that is capable of derailing the good intention of the state

Transport Ministry Constitutes C’ttee On Motor Parks government.

The Commissioner emphasised that any defaulting vehicle shall be impounded by members of

the committee, thereafter charged to the mobile court and be made to face the full wrath of the law as from Monday March 24.

THE Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Edo State, Ambassador Femi Okuo has been honoured with an award by the Nigeria Association of Social Workers, Edo State Chapter, in recognition of his humanitarian Services and as an outstanding ex-officio member of the association.

Ambassador Femi Okuo speaking shortly after receiving the award in a ceremony organized by the

association to mark their social work month, commended the association for organizing themselves to render selfless services to humanity.

According to him, social work is all about protecting and helping the vulnerable in the society to promote peace, equality and justice. While also emphasising that social work should be strengthened at all levels of government, he noted that without the social worker the society cannot advance.

Ambassador Okuo also thanked the association for the honour bestowed on him and promised to remain at the forefront in the struggle for the recognition of social work in Nigeria.

Speaking earlier, state chairman of the association, Comrade Christian Oseghale, said that a social worker is a highly trained professional who earned social work degree and have completed a minimum number of hours in supervised field-work placement with a membership certificate of the association.

According to him, social work promotes social change, he implored awardees to continue to contribute their quota to the upliftment of the society.

Association Honours Ambassador Okuo

Ovia North East Boss Congratulates Omo’N Oba HONOURABLE Barrister Lucy Omagbon, the Executive Chairman, Ovia North –East Local Government Area, on behalf of the Council and the people of the local government has sent a message of congratulations to the Oba of Benin on the occasion of his a 35 th coronation. In statement signed by the local government boss, and made available to Sunday Observer Hon. Omagbon rejoiced with his majesty, the highly Revered Benin Monarch, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa(CFR).

Gillian

The council boss extolled the qualities of the Oba, pointing out that the reign of the Oba in the great Benin Kingdom no doubt, has witnessed tremendous achievements in all spheres of life, especially in the area of peace and harmony in the land and acknowledged the Umogun as an achiever, a symbol of strength and progress, which the Benin people are proud of.

However Barr. Lucy Omagbon prayed God almighty and the Oba’s ancestors to give the Oba, long life, good health and sound mind to continue his peaceful reign as our King.

Oba Ghato Kpere, Ise

Phina

Weds Charles The solemnization of marriage between former Miss.

Gillian Telford (based in England) and Mr. Charles Omoregieva Isibor took place on Saturday 22nd March 2014 at the Oredo Local Government Council marriage registry in Benin City. Amongst those present were Mrs. Egberamwen Isibor, Miss. June Telford, Mr. F. O. Isibor, Mr. J. E Egharevba, family members, relations, friends and well wishers. The reception took place at a well decorated hall at the Constantial Hotels along Airport Road, Benin City. Picture shows the couple at the registry.

Congratulations! Photo Sonnie. E

Weds Osazee The solemnization of marriage between former Miss.

Emokpae Phina (A business woman) and Mr. Osazee IseIdehen (A business man based in Turkey) took place on Saturday 22nd March 2014 at the Oredo Local Government Council marriage registry in Benin City. Amongst those present were Benito Afigo, Mr. Fred Ewhowan, Mr. Gregory O. Ehondor, Mr. Osazee Enobakhare, family members, relations, friends and well wishers. Picture shows the couple at the registry. Congratulations! Photo Sonnie. E.

WORLD NEWS Pope Appoints Former Child Victim To Church Group On Sex Abuse POPE Francis yesterday named a victim of sexual abuse by a priest to be part of a core group formed to help the Catholic Church tackle the problem of clerical pedophilia that has dogged it for two decades.

The formation of a group of experts was first announced in December, and yesterday the pope named the first eight members - four female and four male - from eight different countries.

These initial members will be responsible for rounding out the “commission for safeguarding minors” with other experts from around the world and defining the scope of the group’s action.

“Pope Francis has made clear that the Church must hold the protection of minors amongst Her highest priorities,” Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi said in a statement.

“Looking to the future without forgetting the past,

the Commission will take a multi-pronged approach to promoting youth protection,” he said.

These will include taking criminal action against offenders, educating people about the exploitation of children, developing best practices to better screen priests, and defining the civil and clerical duties within the Church, Lombardi said.

Among those named to the group was Marie Collins, who was a victim of

sexual abuse in Ireland in the 1960s and who has campaigned actively for the protection of children and for justice for victims of clerical pedophilia.

Another member of the commission is the archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley, known as a pioneer for a more open approach to tackling scandal since he published a database of Boston clergy accused of sexual abuse of minors online in 2011.

Pope Francis looks on as he leads a special audience with pilgrims from Terni’s diocese in Paul VI hall at the Vatican

Libyan Army, Oil Rebels Clash, 16 Wounded LIBYAN rebels occupying oil ports clashed with troops on Saturday when they attacked an army base, wounding 16 people before tribal leaders brokered an end to the fighting, local residents and a state news agency said.

Anti-aircraft gunfire and explosions were heard late at night and again after dawn on Saturday in Ajdabiya, the hometown of rebel leader Ibrahim Jathran, whose fighters seized three ports in summer to demand a greater share in Libya’s oil wealth.

Reports said tribal community leaders helped stop the fighting later on Saturday between the rebels and Libyan soldiers, who were preparing for a possible military offensive to break the blockade that has slashed vital oil exports.

But the media reported 16 people were wounded in the violence.

The clashes broke out just hours before the return to Libya of an oil tanker seized last Sunday by U.S. commandos in the Mediterranean after it had loaded crude at one of the ports Jathran’s men have occupied.

The Morning Glory, once a North Korean-flagged vessel, was expected to arrive on Saturday in Libya under U.S. Navy escort and dock at Zawiya, one of the country’s

key ports under government control.

The struggle for control of Libya’s vital petroleum resources is one of the challenges facing the weak central government, which has been unable to secure the North African country three years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.

Brigades of former antiGaddafi rebels and militias refuse to disarm and often use armed force or control over oil facilities to make demands on a state whose national army is still in training.

Tripoli’s central government gave Jathran a two-week deadline on March 12 to end his port blockade or face a military assault, though analysts say Libya’s nascent armed forces may struggle to carry out that threat.

Jathran’s self-declared Cyrenaica government is demanding more autonomy for his eastern region and a share of oil revenues.

Attempts to broker a deal between the federalists and the central government have so far failed.

After months of threats, Jathran’s federalist gunmen managed to load crude onto the Morning Glory tanker.

The ship left port and escaped Libya’s navy, embarrassing Tripoli’s government and prompting parliament to sack Prime

Minister Ali Zeidan.

The seizure of the Morning Glory tanker in international waters was a rare boost for Tripoli’s government, which has struggled to end the standoff that has cost the state more than $7 billion in lost oil revenue.

The three ports account for around 700,000 barrels per day of Libya’s oil export capacity, or around half of its total petroleum shipments.

The town where Saturday’s battle broke out, Ajdabiya, is divided between Jathran supporters and those who fear his oil blockade will lead to the collapse of the state.

But any major assault on the three ports may bolster support for Jathran’s cause for a federalist state, allowing his eastern region more say in controlling its own affairs and spending local oil revenues.

Tripoli’s government is also stymied by infighting among Islamists, secular parties and tribes that has delayed the country’s transition to democracy since the fall of Gaddafi whose one-man rule left few state institutions.

Western governments, which supported NATO’s air strikes to help the 2011 antiGaddafi rebellion, are training the country’s armed forces and pressing the factions to reach a political settlement to assure more stability.

E. A. ADEBOYE On Sunday

God’s Remembrance And Deliverance (2) Memorise: And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged; Genesis 8:1 Read: Genesis 8:1-4 Bible in one year: Ezekiel 16 Psalm 68:22-35

WHEN the world was in enmity with God and He decided to destroy it by a flood, Noah found favour in the sight of the Lord according to Genesis 6:5-8.

Though Noah and his family escaped from the flood, they were however caged in the ark, which of course would have become something else after some days of eating and passing of body waste in the ark. God remembered Noah and all the living things with him in the ark. May the Good Lord remember you for good today in Jesus’ Name. There are some revelations we can catch in this story. One of such is that when God remembers an individual in trouble and bondage, the following things

would happen: the wind of the Holy Spirit will blow away all the c h a l l e n g i n g Situations (Genesis 8:1); the terrible waters will be dried up and the fellow will escape being drowned (Genesis 8:2). Moreover, the tempestuous life will become peaceful (Genesis 8:4).

Beloved of the Lord, there are conditions for God’s remembrance to facilitate deliverance as experienced by Noah and his family.

One of such conditions is godly living, even in the midst of a perverted generation of men. It is a pity that many children of God in the 21 century live ungodly lives with the excuse that the world is perverted. Jesus Christ said Noah will

be a witness against these so- called children of God who would attribute their worldly and ungodly living to the fact that their world was ungodly (Matthew 24:37-39).

Pay attention to God’s testimony concerning Noah: “And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.” Genesis 6:9.

Another of these conditions is a life of worship. God must see in you the desire to worship Him before He can remember you for good, because He is a prudent investor (Genesis 8:20-22). I pray for you that the Almighty God will remember you for deliverance today in Jesus Name. Please ensure you live a godly life and cultivate the habit of intense worship. You will then experience divine remembrance.

PRAYER POINT Father, remember me this day and deliver me from all my oppressors in Jesus Name.

“. . . there are conditions for God’s remembrance to facilitate deliverance as experienced by Noah and his family.

One of such conditions is godly living, even in the midst of a perverted generation of men.

Solar Toilet Will Turn Your Faeces Into Fuel WHILE some engineers are busy perfecting sexting apps, others have turned their

expertise to a decidedly less seductive, but more important pursuit. They’re

trying to figure out what to do with all our faeces.

A team led by University of Colorado professor Karl Linden has made a prototype toilet capable for turning feaces into a charcoal-like substance that can be used as fertilizer or fuel. The toilet, called Sol-Char Toilet, uses a combination of mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto fiberoptic cables, which heat and sterilize human waste to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and turn it into a bio-product instead of just — well, crap.

“We are doing something that has never been done before,” Linden said on the school’s website. “While the idea of concentrating solar energy is not new, transmitting it flexibly to a customizable location via fiber-optic cables is the really unique aspect of this project.”

It might not sound

Man Stabbed Little Brother Because He ‘Just Felt Like Killing A Phoenix man accused of murdering his 12-year-old halfbrother allegedly told police, “Honestly, I just felt like killing,” when questioned about the incident.

Andrew Ward, 27, is charged with first-degree murder and child abuse in the death of Austin Tapia, news reports. The 6th grader was playing video games at home on Wednesday evening when police say Ward stabbed

him to death. Tapia’s mother and two sisters had stepped out to get dinner, according to newsmen.

Tapia had said he didn’t want to go, and so was left home alone.

The mother told police that while they were leaving, they saw Ward walking in the direction of the home.

At around 5:30 p.m., police received a call from Ward, who was phoning from a convenience store. He allegedly told them he

stabbed someone. When authorities arrived, they found Ward covered in blood.

Tapia’s friends and family say he will be greatly missed.

“He was always there when you needed him,” one classmate told newsmen. ”He was funny, no matter what the day was like.”

“It’s sad to have his own brother stab him to death,” said another.

A Michigan man has been arrested after authorities say he refused to stop talking past a three-minute time limit for public comment at a township board meeting.

Mark A. Adams was arraigned at the weekend in Saginaw District Court on a felony charge of resisting and obstructing a police officer and a misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace.

Adams was arrested at the March 4 meeting by three Bridgeport Township police officers. Authorities say he refused to stop talking when township officials told him to do so.

The Saginaw News reports

the arrest took place on Adams’ 59th birthday.

Adams’ lawyer, Tom Frank, said Tuesday he had no comment.

Man Arrested For Talking Too Long At Board Meeting

Compiled By

LOVETH OKPOKPO

Pastor Drives Self To Hospital, Shouts Halleluyah, Then Dies IN what many would tag as glorious transition, a 55-yearold cleric, simply identified as, Timothy Elugbemi,reportedly drove himself to a hospital in Sango Ota, Ogun State, shouted ‘hallelujah’ and passed on.

It was gathered that the late cleric was attended to by Dr. Ayo Adeoye, proprietor of Lolade Clinic and Maternity Home, where he checked in for medical attention before he died.

Confirming the incident, Dr. Adeoye said the clergyman complained of feeling unwell and was subsequently attended to.

He said that after being confirmed medically fit, the pastor exchanged pleasantries with the nurses at the reception, but suddenly started saying “halleluyah.”

Adeoye said: “I cannot believe this. This was a man who drove himself into the hospital and was attended to and equally found fit.

“He suddenly started saying ‘halleluyah,’ ‘halleluyah’ and before we knew it he lost consciousness and died. I have never witnessed this type of incidence since I started my medical practice,” he said.

said. The gorilla has not yet been named.

The zoo said the baby’s 18year-old mother, Imani, was

recovering well since the birth, which involved delivering the baby through the abdominal wall and uterus. They are among eight gorillas at the zoo.

Gorilla Born In Rare C-Section At San Diego Zoo Has Pneumonia A baby gorilla born in a rare Caesarian section at the San Diego Zoo last week has pneumonia and was treated for a collapsed lung, officials said during the week.

The 17th gorilla delivered at the Southern California zoo developed the illness, an inflammation of the lungs with congestion, around the time of her birth, according to a statement from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

“We’ve been working with the baby all weekend and after having several days of experience treating her, it’s pretty obvious that we’ve been dealing with pneumonia,” Nadine Lamberski, associate director of veterinary services at the park, said in a statement.

Zoo spokeswoman Christina Simmons said veterinarians performed a procedure to inflate a collapsed lung on the animal, an endangered western lowland gorilla. “We continue to be cautiously optimistic,” she

Pastor Machetes Wife For Missing Church Program, Remanded In Prison

Florida Man Allegedly Rapes Puppy A Florida man is behind bars for allegedly sexually assaulting a puppy in front of horrified onlookers.

Daytona Beach police arrested James Guy Bull, 61, after neighbours reported seeing him rape an 8-month-old female puppy on his front porch.

According to the police report, two witnesses said they had previously seen the suspect placing his fingers into the sex organs of a young, small, light brown mixed-breed puppy on several occasions while the animal barked in distress.

especially glamorous, but faeces is one of the world’s biggest problems. Every year, poor sanitation contributes to the deaths of 1.5 million children from diarrhea, according to the Bill And Melinda Gates Foundation.

Sol-Char is funded as part of the foundation’s Reinvent the Toilet Challenge, which funds research to “develop waterless, hygienic toilets that do not require a sewer connection or electricity and cost less than five cents per user per day.”

“I think it’s hard to make sanitation as sexy as a cell phone,” Linden told reporters. “But by integrating into the community and making it a hub, it can be something more popular.”

The University of Colorado team plans to debut the toilet at a Gates Foundation event in New Delhi this weekend.

Odd News

One witness also told police he once observed Bull sitting on a chair outside of his apartment with his pants down to his ankles. The dog was in his hands with her rear close to his private partia.

When the responding officers approached the suspect’s porch, they saw the dog chained to a post with only eight inches of slack. There was no water, food or shade for the animal.

The officers described the puppy’s condition in the police report as “clearly emaciated” with “a very swollen vagina.”

One of the witnesses freed the dog from the chains and coerced her to the front yard where she was taken by the Halifax Humane Society for medical treatment.

Bull was taken into custody and charged with two counts of animal cruelty. He remains in the Volusia County Branch Jail on a $15,000 bond, Gawker reported.

Bull’s arrest comes just two weeks after the arrest of Bernard Marsonek, 57, who allegedly had s*x with a pit bull in the front yard of his Tampa, Fla., home, despite his neighbors’ protests.

AN Ogun State Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Owode Egba, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, yesterday, remanded a Pastor, Samuel Daniel in prison for using a machete on his wife.

He was arraigned on a twocount charge of assault and providing false information, which is punishable under Sections 338 and 192 criminal code Vol 1 law of Ogun State, 2006.

The accused, who was a Pastor with an Apostolic Church in Ode Remo area of the state, reportedly went to his wife’s place of work at Itori village in Owode-Egba on December 10, 2013 and used the machete on her for abandoning church programmes.

He was reported to have taken his wife to the hospital and reported the case at Owode-Egba Police Station, but lied that two

unknown persons attacked his wife.

After an investigation, he was reportedly arrested by the Police and charged to court. At the last adjourned date, Daniel pleaded not guilty while his counsel, Joy Augustine, filled a bail application arguing that the

offence is bailable.

Presiding Magistrate, E. J. Ojikutu granted him N100,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum and adjourned till May 26, while the accused, who appeared to have suffered partial stroke, remain in prison

POLICE armed with assault rifles descended on a Maine man’s home after members of a tree removal crew he’d told to clear off his property reported that he had a gun.

Turns out the “gun” the tree crew had seen on Michael Smith of Norridgewock was just a lifesized tattoo of a handgun on his stomach.

Smith, who works nights, was asleep when the tree crew

contracted by a utility to trim branches near power lines, woke him up at about 10 a.m. Tuesday.

He went outside shirtless and yelled at the workers to leave.

When he’s not wearing a shirt, the tattoo looks like a gun tucked into his waistband.

Smith tells the Morning Sentinel (http://bit.ly/1l37m2f ) the tattoo has never been a problem before.

Police didn’t charge him.

Maine Man’s ‘Gun’ Turns Out To Be A Tatoo

EXCITEMENT, hope and expectation rent the air, among Nigerian millions of unemployed youths as the ides of March, 2014 approached even as they look forward to the 2014 Nigerian Immigration service recruitment exercise holding simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation, including Abuja.

19 of the applicants across the different centres in the country is deemed worse, considering the fact that these applicants paid the sum of N1,000 each, to NIS as processing fee and another fee paid at the hospital for medicals before the said date.

All these in a nation that prides itself as one of the highest crude oil producing

old, elderly and greedy leaders have continue to keep themselves in power to the detriment of the Nigerian youth, who have deen tricked deceived and coerced to believe that they (youths) are the leaders of tomorrow, but the truth they have refused to hear and believe is that the future starts from now.

As the tales of tears,

empowerment and participation should be given priority attention. The silence has become too much on the part of the youths and the suffering unbearable, should we continue to fold our hands akimbo and allow these old folks who made good use of opportunities during their youths, also use our youthful opportunities all in the name

Nation anywhere in the world will be among more than 6 million applicants with about 4,556 vacant positions to be filled , will behave better than what we saw last Saturday? Or which youth anywhere in the world will keep quiet after the ugly incident of last Saturday, except in Nigeria? Yes, the

federal government, as the president stated that any sloppy minister, whose carelessness caused the death of citizens, would henceforth be arrested and prosecuted for manslaughter, while warning all government officials to ensure that such unfortunate

The Tragic NIS Recruitment That Never Was

Decked in white tops and shorts, these energetic youths looked forward to respite coming their way after many years of searching for job, but that was not to be the case, as the incident that befell Ceaser in the Shakespearean tragic – drama, played itself out again, also on same date, March 15. as tears, wailing, and mourning filled the air in the different venue across the country with news of 19 persons who lost their lives during the exercise and several hundreds injured.

Unemployment is a process or situation whereby somebody or people who are mentally and physically fit to have a job cannot find one.

In Nigeria for example there seems to be a very high rate of unemployment as the country educational sector continue to produce qualified graduates, but with no hope of finding a job, in order to contribute their quota to National development and improve their standard of living and that of their family.

The Nigeria Immigration service recruitment exercise which was to be conducted to fill 4,556 vacant positions, saw over 6 million Nigeria job seekers mostly youths applying for the limited few positions available, all attesting to the fact that Nigeria unemployment rate is skyrocketing by the day for example Lagos and Abuja alone, had about 56,000 and 69,000 applicants respectively jostling for the said job, not to mention the mammoth crowd that throng the respective venues across the country, with the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, a living witness of a venue that was to over-flowing with applicants.

From Abuja to Lagos, to Benin, to Port Harcourt Calabar, Katsina and others, the story is the same, Nigeria youths in desperate moves to get a means of livelihood.

If the high unemployment rate is worrisome and painful to the ears, them the death of

By AIBANGBEE ANTHONY country in the world.

Although this is not the first time, such ugly incident is happening, but this present incident is bringing to the fore

frustration woes and abandonment of this very active and energetic population continue to pour in from all parts of the

of experience?

As if this bitter pill was not enough for the Nigerian youth nay the nation at large to swallow, the Minister of interior Abba Moro in a reaction to this sad incident accused the applicants

controller-General of Immigration and the Minister of Interior are taking their swipe on the Nigerians unemployed youth like the political ruling class has been doing and after this, hopefully

(youths) of being impatient, claiming that the deaths resulted because they did not follow laid down procedures spelt out to them for this exercise. But come to think of it, which youth anywere in the world can wait for 5, 6 to 10 years after graduation without employment? which youth

nothing will be done, while for the Nigerian youth, this incident, if drastic actions are not taken by them will be that of “Now your suffering continues’ (NYSC) Despite this ugly and sad incident coupled with the woeful response of the minister of interior, one must commend the reaction of the

Moro Abba, Minister of Interior once again, the state of abandonment of the Nigeria youth, whom the old political class see as leaders of Tomorrow hence they have held on tight to power, while the Nigerian youth keep sealed lips. But a look at the time of independence down to the 80s saw this very country giving ample opportunities to youth to serve and rule. If not I ask, how old were the likes of Chief Anthony Enahoro when he moved the motion for independence or how old was chief Okotie-Eboh when he became a minister, or how old was Chief Obafemi Awolowo, or General Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, or Alhaji Tafawa Balewa or Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe when they were at one time or the other serving their fatherland. But today the reverse is the case, as the

country, one would think that drastic actions would be taken to forestall future eventualities and also tackle the ugly menace of unemployment otherwise, today and the future of these majority looks beak and unasserted, even at a time when the future of the country is being discussed (National Conference), youth

incident would not occur again in the country. The president then directed that three employment slots be reserved for the families of those who died during the exercise nationwide while all those who sustained injuries and were receiving treatment in hospitals be given automatic employment in the immigration service and also ordered the cancellation of the exercise.

Although this response of the federal government is highly commendable but these measures are merely palliatives to cushion the effect of the disaster, Hence more still needs to be done to prevent future disaster or preventable deaths which is gradually becoming a norm during mass recruitment exercise into government ministries and parastatals nationwide.

So as we mourn the fallen unemployed youths as heroes, we wish the injured quick recovery, weep for those who lost their original certificates and other valuables, lets hope that a better and brighter day comes when respite will come the way of millions of unemployed but active and energetic youths out there.

Government should demonstrate a readiness to address the problem of youth unemployment as a national security priority, for a society that provides for a few rich, can not assure them of their safety when the hungry majority are angry.

“As we mourn the fallen unemployed youths as heroes, we wish the injured quick recovery, weep for those who lost their original certificates and other valuables, lets hope that a better and brighter day comes when respite will come the way of millions of unemployed but active and energetic youths out there.”

ISSUES SINCE the outbreak of violent attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents in 2009, the group’s mode of operation, style and pace have changed markedly.

Whereas, in the beginning,

estimate of the refugee agencies of the United Nations is that over 8000 people have been relocated to neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, while they put the figure of

investors. That flow is not possible in an unstable social and political environment such as the one that now exists in the affected States. Apart from the US and some

being completely wiped off in much of the affected States. Thus, the Boko Haram insurgency already has a crippling effect on the economy of the zone.

Indeed, the Chairman of

the Boko Haram insurgents had set on fire more than 12 primary and secondary schools in and around Maiduguri, in keeping with their bizarre doctrine that “Western

the Niger Delta militants were identifiable youths – Tompolo, Atake Tom, Boyloaf, etc – who made clear their demands, the Boko Haram insurgents are faceless operators with

Boko Haram: Can Northern Leaders

the attacks were wider in scope and directed mainly at government installations – which included the United Nations building and Police Headquarters in Abuja – they are now restricted to the fringes of the affected three States of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, with vulnerable civilian populations, especially school children, as targets.

Military experts interpret the change to soft targets as a sign that the insurgents are retreating and that the war is about to end.

However, the opposition and critics of the Government claim that insofar as the casualty figures, in human and material terms, are still rising, the war against Boko Haram is far from over. In my humble opinion, the issue is beyond politics. I believe that, irrespective of political persuasions, Nigerians should be worried about the current security situation.

It is frightening that within the last one or two weeks alone, as many as 200 defenceless and innocent people, including school children, have been killed by members of the Boko Haram sect. The casualty figures are conflicting, but on the whole, an estimated total of 3,500-5,000 people are reported to have been killed by the insurgents since they launched their first attack in 2009. Of these, women and children are the worst-hit. In addition to the deaths, the

Escape Responsibility?

Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) at 5,000 people. Human rights groups, however, insist that when added, both the number of those who have fled to other countries and IDP are well over 20,000 people.

It is true that the Boko Haram operations are now restricted mainly to the three affected States. There

can be no doubt that their activities have paralysed the economies in much of the North. Indeed, the negative effects of their atrocities cut across the entire country. For the national economy to thrive, there must be uninterrupted flow of investments, within and from international

By ENDURANCE AIYONMWAN European countries that have issued travel alert to their citizens against travelling to Nigeria’s Northern States, foreign direct investments in the States have dropped significantly. The three States are now regarded as a pariah zone by

the Northern Nigeria Governors Forum, Dr. Babangiba Aliyu (Niger State governor), confessed recently that “the activities of Boko Haram have led to the collapse of the economy of the North.”

Comparatively

international investors.

Furthermore, small and medium scale businesses, which serve as the engine that drives economic growth and development, especially in a largely informal system, like Nigerian economy, are

speaking, paralysing the economy of a nation is not as calamitous as destroying its educational system. Education is the livewire of every society and the major determinant of the people’s future. As far back as March, 2012,

“If the Northern leaders are looking for an example to learn from, it is readily provided by elders of the Southsouth zone who took charge when the unrest in the Niger Delta was at its peak. Leaders such as Chief E.K Clark, Chief Tony Anenih and Vice President (then) Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, had to go into the hideouts of militants to preach the urgent need for peace in the region.”

education is evil.”

Consequently, thousands of children were without access to education. In September, 2013, the Boko Haram sect attacked students’ dormitories in the villages of Mamudo in Yobe State, killing at least 42 students and burning down all the structures.

Then, last month, another 59 children of the Federal

Government College, Buni Yadi, in Yobe State, were killed. These were just a few of the atrocities committed by the insurgents. Their goal is the total destruction of life and property for no justifiable reason, other than religious bigotry.

It is true that Nigeria had, before Boko Haram, experienced insurgency, militancy or religious fanaticism. However, none of these past experiences was as senseless as the Boko Haram insurgency. When, therefore, someone tried the other day to compare Boko Haram with the Niger Delta militancy, his error was glaring: while

an unspecified mission, except that they want to Islamize the entire nation and obliterate Western education. It is all hogwash!

The truth about Boko Haram is that those who knew how it all started would agree that it was politically motivated.

Unfortunately, the terror sect has grown into a Frankenstein’s monster such that even those who created it now distance themselves from its destructive activities. The creators of Boko Haram are identifiable Northern political leaders. We know them and they know themselves. They owe Nigeria the duty of atoning for their transgressions and the responsibility of salvaging the situation.

Other Northern leaders, who might not have had a hand in the making of Boko Haram, also owe the nation the duty of helping to salvage the situation by virtue of their status as leaders of the various communities that produced the insurgents. To claim that the young men (and perhaps women too) have outgrown their communities is unacceptable. Boko Haram members, no matter their degree of indoctrination, still belong to the normal Nigerian extended families; they are under family heads, ward leaders and chiefs, and the insurgents are still subject to kinship discipline.

If the Northern leaders are looking for an example to learn from, it is readily provided by elders of the South-south zone who took charge when the unrest in the Niger Delta was at its peak. Leaders such as Chief E.K Clark, Chief Tony Anenih and Vice President (then) Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, had to go into the hideouts of militants to preach the urgent need for peace in the region. Based on their efforts, the militants accepted the amnesty deal and surrendered their weapon in 2009. Our Northern leaders should take a cue.

Ogbeni And His Traducers Facts, Fictions And Fallacies POLITICS in the State of Osun is attaining a feverish point as the state’s governorship election slated for August 9th approaches. The developing state of affairs calls for cautious interrogation as facts and realities are trampled upon to levitate fictions and fallacies – albeit disingenuously – as the ultimate truth. However, the redeeming grace for the policy, the people of the state and Governor Rauf Aregbesola himself, has been his purposeful approach to people friendly governance, his stern commitment to the avowed 6 point integral action programme to rescue the state from imminent collapse and the impeccable way with which he has piloted the affairs of the state to the admiration of majority of the electorate.

Regrettably, those who had hoped otherwise and fervently worked towards scuttling the Governor’s well-thought policy thrust of revitalising the state’s economy from being a redundant Civil Servant’s state to a self-sufficient and revenue-generating state have other antics in their sleeves. They have perfected the art of calling white black and black white and expected Osun electorate to swallow their falsehood intact, without thoroughly interrogating the issues of educational d e v e l o p m e n t , infrastructural revamp, human welfare schemes and the other imponderables of governance.

In their tactics, Ogbeni’s traducers are either accusing him repeatedly without facts to back up their claims of his government being

tilted towards Islamisation of the state or he is being alleged to secede the state from the other part of the country.

Both claims fall flat on their faces. It shows how dumbed and unremitting critics of the Governor can be. How can any detractor delude himself with the allegation of Islamisation of a state with less than 4 million population with roughly equal numbers of the three dominant religion fervently professing their faiths? How feasible is it for an inland state without a standing army seceding from the other larger whole when the entire Eastern Nigeria failed in its bid between 1967 and 1970 for the same purpose?

Unfortunately, the State Security Service, SSS that raked up such frivolous and partisan reports to ingratiate itself to the power-besotting PDP with the infantile allegation knew where the skye was darkened.

The North East has remained a tottering bedlam before and after the infamous Osun State Security Reports of secession or Islamisation, where Boko Haram drains innocent people’s blood daily without respite. Now, the PDP sees Aregbesola as a potent threat to their dreams to wreck almost everything in the SouthWest and Nigeria, altogether. The thinking is that if Osun state is the only South-West state that President Goodluck Jonathan lost in 2011 presidential election, Aregbesola must this time around be reined in to distort history.

So, the plot of alleged secession and religious manipulation, even when these are founded on

baseless grounds, provoke an insurrection and employ tactics to levy security take over of Osun State. This stems from a primitive and raw concept of power, as the PDP has found so attractive, employing these past thirteen years in power. The feeling is writ large in the diarrheic power laboratory of the PDP that once the recalcitrant Aregbesola is taken out of the way, it would be easy to take on other more restrained ACN governors in the South-West and other part of the country.

Osun electorate are not deceived by the PDP’s gimmicks of taking the

governorship election at the expense of basic development strides of Governor Aregbesola in the last three years in office. Even at that, there is no Christian Governor across the federation that promoted or supported the Christian faith more faithfully than Ogbeni.

They have suddenly forgotten that Governor Aregbesola, whom they called an Islamic fundamentalist, donated millions of naira to Baptist Conference during its 2013 convention in the State of Osun; gave N10 million to Osun CAN and provided N35 million for

Politics Convention would realise that the money was taken from the taxes of the hardworking people of the state.

Without mincing words, all recruitments and appointments made so far by Ogbeni were made strictly on merit without consideration for any primordial sentiments.

From the 40,000 youth who are beneficiaries of the OYES, 250,000 beneficiaries of O’MEALS, 3100 food vendors, 10,507 newly recruited teachers, 3 tutor-generals/ permanent secretaries, 36 permanent secretaries, board members and chairmen, 48 executive council members.

Although interestingly, there are more Christians in the

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State

state back to its better forgotten hot spot.

Religion is ringing even resonantly as the ultimate decider of an all important August 9th

the burial rites of late Prophet Abraham Obadare, the former General Overseer of WOSEM. It’s unlikely that the Baptist

“Osun electorate are not deceived by the PDP’s gimmicks of taking the state back to its better forgotten hot spot. Religion is ringing even resonantly as the ultimate decider of an all important August 9th governorship election at the expense of basic development strides of Governor Aregbesola in the last three years in office.”

various elite groups mentioned above one therefore wonders where or what basis is the hogwash of Islamisation coming from? Could it be a case of misdirected aggression or reversed bigotry?

The gains of education reform in the state public schools which the detractors choose to misunderstand and falsify are glaring.The reforms have had tremendous impacts on the Osun educational competitiveness. To start with, Osun, from a 34th placing among Nigeria’s 36 states in 2010, moved

to 18th position in 2011 and 8th position in 2012, in performance rankings in the West African School Certificate Examinations (WASCE).

Pupils from the state have also chalked up improved performances in international examinations, according to compilations by the Osun Ministry of Education. Also, the reforms have earned a partnership with UNESCO to build a regional teacher training institute in the state, and a fresh programme in the area of adult education.

The school feeding scheme, branded O’Meal and currently being implemented in the Elementary School, has been applauded globally.

A few weeks ago, Ogbeni addressed the British joint Parliament on the success of the school feeding scheme, which is founded on the principle of good nutrition as incentive for learning readiness. As we speak, over 254, 000 school children enjoy highly nutritious daily lunch under a scheme that has been lauded home and abroad. This scheme has also greatly boosted enrolment in elementary schools by not less than 25 per cent.

But an added economic advantage is the boon to farmers and women as the scheme greatly aids poultry, food crops and animal husbandry, by working with farmers and women caterers. O’Meal is conceived as backward integration for a renewed Osun agricultural programme, to partly serve as ready market for farmers’ produce and boost their income. The school feeding initiative greatly impressed the British Parliament and the U N E S C O representatives who are at the forefront of driving the cause of returning the over 10.8 million Nigerian children back to school as the sole solution to curbing and alleviating excruciating poverty in the nearest future worldwide.

Under the Osun Schools Reclassification Programme, there are ongoing plans to build 100 elementary school, 50 middle school and 26 Continued on page 28

When Was Jesus Born?

WAS Jesus born in the month of December?

Does it really matter whether he was born in December or not? Well, according to the Encyclopedia of Early Christianity “the exact date of Christ’s birth is not known”. Still millions of professed Christians around the globe celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25. This date however, appears nowhere in the Bible. Again, was Jesus really born in December?

Although the Bible did not give a specific date for Jesus birth, it does provide evidence that the birth of Jesus did not take place in December.

Also from secular evidence, we can see and learn why December 25 was adopted as the date for celebrating his birth.

But why not a December birth? Well.

Jesus was born in the Judean city of Bethlehem. Luke’s Gospel in chapter 2 verses 4-8 reports.

“There were also in that same country shepherds living out of doors and keeping watches in the night over their flocks”.

This was nothing out of the ordinary. The book daily life in the time of Jesus said. “This flocks had to spend the greater part of the year in the open air.” But would the shepherds be outside with their flocks on a cold December night?

The same book says.

“They passed the winter under cover, and from this alone it may be seen that the traditional date for Christians, in the winter is unlikely to be right, since the Gospel says that the shepherds were in the field.

This conclusion is corroborated by another detail in Luke’s Gospel account. “In those days a decree went forth from Caesar Augustus for all the inhabited earth to be registered, and all the people went travelling to be registered each one to his own city. This can be found in the Bible book of Luke chapter 2:1-3.

Augustus probably ordered this registration as a census in order to gather information for use in connection with taxation and military conscription. To comply with the order, Mary despite being heavy with a child, accompanied her husband, Joseph, on the journey of some 150 kilometers from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

Now think about it does it seem likely that Augustus-a ruler who rarely interfered with local government will require a people who were already inclined to revolt to make such a long trip in winter?

Significantly, most historians and Bible scholars reject December 25 as Jesus date of birth No doubt you will find such information in an

BRIO

Encyclopedia to which you have access. Our Sunday visitor’s catholic Encyclopedia states. “There is general agreement that Jesus was not born on

Christianizing of the dies solis Invicti nati (‘day of the birth of the unconquered sun), a popular holiday in Roman empire that celebrated the winter solstice as a symbol of the resurgence of the

‘rebirth of the sun’, The Roman Saturnalia Festival dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture, and to the

December 25”. Why then was December 25 chosen? Well hundreds of years after Jesus death, December 25 was chosen as the date of his birth.

Why? Numerous historians believe that the time of year that became the Christians season was actually a period when pagan festivities were celebrated. For instance, Encyclopedia Britannica states. “One widespread explanation of the origin of this date is that December 25 was the

sun, the casting away of winter and the heralding of the rebirth of spring and summer.”

The Encyclopedia Americana informs us “The reason for establishing December is as Christians is somewhat obscure, but it is usually held that the day was chosen to correspond to pagan festivals that took place around the time of the winter solstice, when the days begin to lengthen to celebrate the

renewed power of the sun), also took place at this time, such festivals usually included licentious behaviour by their participants who engaged in unbridled and riotous m e r r y m a k i n g significantly that behaviour has been characteristics of many Christmas celebrations today. Is celebrating Xmas the way we can honour and remember Jesus best? Some feel that regardless of what

By MARY YOUNG

With Francis Odupute

“However, it is noteworthy that nowhere in the Bible is there a suggestion that Jesus birthday should be celebrated. In contrast, there is a specific command to commemorate his death, in the account of Luke chapter 22 verse 19.”

the actually date is, Christians should still commemorate Jesus birth in their mind, such a celebration when done in a dignified manner, is an appropriate way to honour Jesus Christ.

The birth of Jesus is indeed an important event in the Bible account. The Bible says that when Jesus was born, a multitude of angels appeared suddenly and erupted in joyful praise to God saying “Glory in the heights above to God, and upon earth peace among men of goodwill (Luke 2:13, 14-New World Translation).

However, it is noteworthy that nowhere in the Bible is there a suggestion that Jesus birthday should be celebrated. In contrast, there is a specific command to commemorate his death, in the account of Luke chapter 22 verse 19.

That is one and best way to remember Jesus. This is because on the last night of his life. Jesus said “if you love me you will observe my commandments”, as John 14:15 clearly states. So since he did not issue any command to remember him by celebrating his birthday, could Christmas be a better way to honour Jesus certainly there is no better way to honour Jesus than to learn and follow his teachings and not by going beyond the things that are written for our own selfish desires.

Sources:Awake!

Encyclopedia Britannica. The New Catholic Encyclopedia.

AS an attestation of the fact that the crowning of Oba Erediauwa was acceptable to the gods and (Osanubua) almighty God, just as the crown was being placed on the Oba’s head, the heavenly bodies resonated their affirmation with the simultaneous appearance of the moon in broad daylight.

Excerpt:Today, 23rd of March, 2014 is a day that is so dear to the Edos at home and in diaspora.

This day is the day, our revered

he was in accordance, crowned the 38th Oba of the Benin Oba dynasty that has endured graciously for more than 100 years.

well as the spiritual head of Edo people and all their supplications to almighty God and the ancestors normally end with a blessing for the Oba (Oba gha to kpere! Ise!) This is just as the British Anthem, God save the Queen.

Frankly speaking, the Oba and the people are one, just as God, the son and the spirit are one. A patriotic Edo person

he has projected to permeate the minds of the people that crystallized into Comrade Adams Oshiomhole unprecedented Governorship victory in 2012.

He encourages excellence and tenacity of courage as a virtue. A critical x-ray of his chiefs-in council members prevails, that many are of unsurpassable character, just as

Landmark unprecedented antecedents speak volumes. Great men from all the known professions, Law, Commerce, beaurocracy and Academia. Regarding the aesthetics beauty of the Benin chief regalia is globally distinct and applauded.

The Benin chief anywhere in the world is always distinctive

Belt Geo-political zones.

Our footprints are endlessly engraved in these places culturally and otherwise.

Beyond that, internationally. It is no exaggeration of facts, to say, Benin influence and authority could be felt in the Republic of Benin, Togo and Ghana.

As Oba Erediauwa Marks 35 Years On The Throne

monarch, Uku Akpolokpolo, Omo n’Oba Erediauwa ascended the throne, 35 years ago.

Subsequently, before ascending the throne of his forebears, the legendary monarch had the opportunity of undergoing rigorous and thorough preparatory process, by way of training, working and appointments e.t.c.

Oba Erediauwa who was born in 1923, attended Government College, Edo College and Yaba College before proceeding to the prestigious Kings College, Cambridge, to study Law, Administration and History.

After rounding off his academic pursuits at the famous Cambridge University in Great Britain, the Oba, driven innately by patriotic zeal to come and contribute to national interest returned home.

On arrival, he was employed and attached to Eastern Nigeria civil service as a District officer in 1957. Subsequently, he later transferred his service to Federal Civil Service, where he went through the mill of beaurocracy and ended up as a fit and tested technocrat of unprecedented ability.

It is of essence to emphasise that Oba Erediauwa voluntarily left the Federal Civil Service as Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, in 1973.

Thereafter, he briefly held the office of Regional Representative for Gulf Oil. Also, in 1975 he was appointed as a commissioner in the then Bendel State by the Major-General Agbazika Innih led military administration Thereafter, Oba Erediauwa C.F.R on March 23rd 1979 began his epic journey as the head and soul of Edo nation, as

This day in Benin or Edo history, marks the end of all succession rites embarked upon by the Oba, following the demise of Oba Akenzua and also mark the beginning of another era for the Edos as a new king emerges.

It is of essence to state here, that there was no previous forcast of eclipse by weather forcasters. The occurrence was indeed a testimony of the fact that, the Oba of Benin, apart from being first among equals in the world, is truly and divinely ordained by God and his allied super natural forces to superintend over the affairs of men and women alike.

Therefore, in alignment with this innate mission and objective, it is however not astonishing to see the revered monarch in the last 35 years, seriously engaging in national and international conflict resolutions.

The Benin Monarch peace keeping role in Nigeria is appreciated by all and sundry.

His palace that is empirically proven to be the busiest, south of the Sahara is always filled up with people seeking justice.

Inspite of existence of co multifarious Conventional Institutions, majority of his subjects and non subjects believing in his fairness for equity and justice, just cannot help matters as they refer such to him.

It is of essence to reflect here that, the monarch defer all challenges to patiently and critically treat all such matters with the innate wisdom in him.

He is known to call “a spade”, a spade, blunt and straight forward on issues. He is not easily swayed by emotion on sensitive issues.

The monarch is the absolute monarch of the Edos and as

By RAYMOND OSOGBE cannot detach himself from the monarch. In one way or the other, every one of us has something to do with the

they are also first among equals in their various fields.

Time and space may not permit this writer to do one by

when he is on regalia. He is always appreciated and celebrated as a royal envoy of a kingdom whose dynasty is second to none in terms of longevity.

It was this commanding and attractive mien of a typical Benin chief that endeared Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, to

Oba Erediauwa CFR, Oba of Benin Kingdom opulence.

It is on this note that the Oba embrace all across the three Senatorial Districts in Edo State as one. He is indeed very passionate about this uncommon love and unity in the state and it is this bond that

one analysis of every one of them, but on my honour and integrity and within the bounds of modesty, I make bold to say that, Oba Erediauwa parades the finest crop of chiefs in Nigeria.

Personalities whose

“Oba Erediauwa’s era has witnessed peace and development. Expansion and modernization in his time is unprecedented. Just as he created many Dukedoms.

The monarch, who is a first class traditional ruler is reputed to be one of Africa’s influential and respected monarch. A monarch who fuses modernity with tradition without compromising the former and later.”

Dr. Amy staples, senior Archivist of Smithsonian Institution, National museum of African Art, Washington D.C., U.S.A sometime ago.

That epic encounter between Chief Stanley Obamwonyi and Dr. Staples was fascinated by the chiefs regalia. It is of essence to say that a team from the Smithsonian Institution came to Benin some time ago and presented a collection of Benin royal’s photograph to the Oba. Today is worth celebrating because ours is a heritage of courage, valour and enterprise.

A kingdom whose influence can be perceived in all of the Niger - Delta, part of SouthEast, South-West and Middle -

A day such as this, should be a day that all the Edos will xray the pre-colonial exploits and gains vis a vis past colonial exploits and gains in contemporary Nigeria project.

As a student of History, I belong to the school of thought, that believes, our forebears surpasses present generations in all ramifications.

For example, the legendary exploits of Oba Ewuare (ogidigan), Ozolua, Esigie, Orhogbua and Ovoranmwen attracted world attention and therefore put Benin kingdom on a global focus. Benin moats that were dug by Oba Ewuare and Ozolua have been declared world heritage site by UNESCO and it is one of the wonders of the world.

Oba Esigie and Orhogbua with their inclination to intellectual acquisition distincts themselves as role models that the Benins should be properly educated.

The heroic and unsurpassable resistance of British imperialism by Oba Ewuare is a reminder to the Benins to always dare intimidation and demand their rights.

Similarly the pace setter role of the incumbent Oba Erediauwa and all his illuminating qualities are a testaments of the fact that, the Edo man, when properly groomed can soar to a greater height.

Also, it is not out of place to use this forum to call on the British authorities to return Benin looted Artworks in their custody and as well pay reparations as well.

However, Oba Erediauwa’s era has witnessed peace and development. Expansion and modernization in his time is unprecedented. Just as he created many Dukedoms.

The monarch, who is a first class traditional ruler is reputed to be one of Africa’s influential and respected monarch. A monarch who fuses modernity with tradition without compromising the former and later.

A seasoned Lawyer, Administrator and Historian, we wish you hearty congratulations and many more years as you pilot the affairs of your domain. Oba gha to kpere! Ise!

PARENTING

10 Reasons Why You Should

By MATTHEW IMERHION

A mum had one of her fingers in her child’s tight grip as she read aloud from a colourful illustrated story book. The two year old toddler had her other hand over the illustration of a rabbit in a little blue fancy jacket as mummy explained that a rabbit was a friendly animal.

Suddenly, with a gleeful shriek, the child squeezed and ripped the page in half.

Mummy lifted the book out of reach and looked sternly at her.

She looked into mummy’s eyes it seemed, to understand how mummy was feeling.

Mummy shook her head from side to side and told the staring child that ripping pages off books was not a good thing. Mother and child stared at each other for some seconds before the child smiled brightly and held on to mummy’s finger more tightly.

Are you one of those that wonder why one would bother to read to a two year old child that probably wouldn’t understand a word of what’s being read?

Well, here are 10 reasons it’s good to read out loud to your child; it’s never too early to start!

A ‘need to know basis…

Children need to be taught close to ‘everything they learn.

You cannot leave it all to the school teachers to teach your tots how to read.

While television may help

superficially, TV addiction will cause a negative long term effect. Reading to them at an early stage however, will make books ‘familiar’ and welcome, so that they won’t struggle to keep up when school eventually starts.

While I wasn’t deliberately read to as a toddler, my dad was a script writer, among other things, and often had to rehearse the lines he had written for the characters he created. My first story book, an illustrated version of Hansel and Gretel, was given to me by my uncle who advised me to nurture a hunger for reading and learning as a key to success in life. That advice paid off.

Olympian scholars Some fantasize about it while others experience it- the day the class teacher or proprietor/head mistress says, ‘Oh, your child is such a fast learner, one of the best in his class!’ Except for those very few ‘gifted’ children, most intelligent kids are intelligent only because there has been a conscious effort by their parents, and siblings in some cases, to practise reading with them when they were toddlers or engaged them actively in games that have to do with words (and figures). So, another reason you should read to your child is so that he can catch up fast in his academics and become an Olympian

scholar.

According to J. Richard Gentry Ph.D. in his article- Raising Readers, Writers, and Spellers, teaching reading to preschoolers and being ready for kindergarten can be accomplished easily and informally with a

generally creative in the long term, especially when it comes to problem solving. That’s why it’s good to digress in the middle of a book and ask your tot questions about the story or to make a comment about his own personal

common to hear adults express shock when they hear a tot say things that even some grown ups wouldn’t think to say. Does your tot surprise you like that? Well, now you know why. All those books you’ve been reading to her do have

little literacy activity each day in short durations.

Close your eyes and imagine…

Reading to your toddler helps to build her imaginative skills.

The stories and illustrations in books help your tot develop and exercise the ability to think vividly. This in turn helps her to be

experiences and how it relates to the book being read. This will help him reach a deeper level of engagement in the art and act of reading.

Talk like a grown up!

Reading to toddlers help them develop the ability to communicate clearly. It’s becoming

an effect. According to Tricia O’Brien, editor of American Baby, babies who were read to regularly from 6 months were able to develop twice of what she called ‘receptive knowledge’ at 18 months than those who were not read to regularly. That means they learn speech

patterns, accents and intonations, and these they apply when they start talking. Books written for children are also believed to contain three times as many rare words than everyday talk, so, if you want your tot to make you proud when she starts to speak comprehensibly, go stock up on some kiddies’ books and start reading to her.

A chapter a day..

A chapter a day drives the devil away! This is a popular saying that pertains to the Bible and religious pursuits.

In this case however, ignorance is the devil that will be sent fleeing as you start reading to your child as early as possible. This directly affects your child’s intelligence, worldview, and the ease with which he or she functions in the society in the short and long term, as he or she will be more interested in reading not just story books but any other written information that appears on other media as well. It is important of course, to observe which book your child is more interested in because it may help in understanding what career path and skill you may need to help your child with.

“Most intelligent kids are intelligent only because there has been a conscious effort by their parents, and siblings in some cases, to practise reading with them when they were toddlers or engaged them actively in games that have to do with words (and figures)”

Read To Your Child Wow, My Brain’s a Camera Between the ages of 6 and 18 months, a child’s brain is at its peak. As you read to children, they imagine or visualize, developing an unwavering attention span, and so increase their capacity to remember these images. Sometimes though, it’s the words and intonation that they latch on to or memorize. If your tot has become fond of a particular book, deliberately live out a passage or a character and see if she will not notice. This is a good way to test her attention span and capability to recollect. You can also observe her recite poetry or passages of stories as she grows older.

As for their attention span, it may be a little difficult to get a restless child to sit still through a book. Don’t force them. If they want to flip to the next page, allow them. In fact, read what is on that page with them. If they get too restless, take a break. Just keep on doing this because no effort is wasted. Little by little, your child’s mind is being drawn into the adventurous world of books.

Books, cuddles and love When and how do you read to your child?

Is it at bed time (as is popular in Hollywood movies) or when you come back from work?

Don’t you put your tot on your laps and hold the book in front of her? This closeness allows her to bond with you. Through physical contact, she feels the vibration of your voice and the emotions you try to bring alive as portrayed in the story book you’re reading.

She plays with your hand and sometimes, places her hands on the page. All these physical contacts deepen her bond with you or whoever is reading to her. Reading is therefore one of the best ways of bonding with your child and vice versa. According to Meredith Lord, a child development professional, reading aloud offers a world of privacy, dignity, and love for both of you.

E! for kids Don’t we have tons of fun when we mimic a friend or some celebrity’s/our boss’s voice when he’s not within hearing range?

Of course, we do.

Don’t you think it will be a lot more fun to your tot who is new to the nuances of the spoken word? When you read to your child, try to get into character.

For instance, in the story of the three bears, you can change your

PARENTING

voice when you’re reading a dialogue between papa bear and mama bear or talk like you’re angry when a character in the story is angry. This will amuse your tot tremendously and will have her looking forward to the

may assume that the ability to listen is given much like common sense but look around you and I’ll bet you won’t find many people who have the common sense to listen without interrupting.

This ability of listening properly is an

gleaned from these stories, are building blocks for the kind of person your child will grow up to be. Stories like Pinocchio can help build an honest character while a nursery rhyme like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star will help your child develop a reflective character. Armed with

next reading time. Yes! No matter what you think about books, reading can be entertaining to you and your tot.

SHH! Listen As you read to your child, she starts to imagine, and the drama that is being played out in her mind’s eye keeps her quiet.

Unconsciously, the ability to listen is born and developed. You

ingredient that is needed to improve the quality of relationships all over the world, no matter the age bracket.

In essence, reading to your toddler helps her develop the ability to listen, and properly too.

When I Grow Up...

Finally, and definitely not the least important, your child will grow fond of some characters in the stories. This, as well as the lessons

this knowledge, you can consciously mould your child’s self- image and world view by putting some thought into the books you buy for your child. Do you have any story worth sharing about your reading experiences with your child or wish to suggest any children’s book(s) that helped your child? Do share with us.

Well, with these ten

valuable reasons, we hope you’ll find reading to your tot enjoyable with the conviction that what you are doing is priceless.

Those squeezed or ripped off pages of your tot’s books are comparably insignificant to the benefits of reading out loud to her. She’ll be

grateful for it in the near and bright future.

Did you know?

Almost 90% of a child’s brain is developed by age five.

Making the most of these early years by putting in place effective and fun learning activities often ensures that children have what they need to possess an enviable level of intelligence as they grow older.

“As you read to your child, she starts to imagine, and the drama that is being played out in her mind’s eye keeps her quiet.

Unconsciously, the ability to listen is born and developed.”

WOMEN who can afford to avoid strenuous work are usually unwilling to indulge in regular exercise although they

Beauty Shop

while exercising, but the body loses and gain weight generally, not specifically this action occurs as the delicate balance between food

this activities is to build up the capacity to assume physical burden without draining the entire system of recuperative powers. In

reducing our reserves, we will always be able to recuperate very quickly, often instantaneously, from all kinds of mental

intake and energy dispersal is altered in favour of one of the other pounding away relentlessly at an offending waistline, has little effect on this balance. Fat cells are not similar in all parts of the body and have varied loss patterns. Rhythmic exercise of just one muscle group will not necessarily burn up sufficient calories to make substantial effect on that particular location.

The only way to exercise yourself to total fitness is by indulging in those activities that actually cause hard breathing and a feeling of fatigue. If your exercise does this, you may well be on the road to total fitness.

Substantial activity that uses all the muscles of the body naturally and in unison with one another is the best possible form of exercise. Some organised sports such as tennis comes into this category as do many of the simplest, most economical and available activities such as hard working, swimming, running and jogging.

One’s goal in pursuing

an emergency, we are all able to sustain great efforts, physical or mental, but sometimes,

and physical stress situations.

If you have made your body accustomed to swimming eighty lapse a

(mental stress) are not so likely to produce physical debility.

Making this kind of regular exercise effort

really comes alive and work. Simple running in place with knees and arms swinging until your really feel out of

the damage to our system is irreparable. If with regularly overall exercise, we train our bodies to deal with excessive expenditures of energy without

day, having a baby (a physical stress situation) will not throw the body into panic. If you are used to jogging non stop for two or three miles per day, emotional problems

will turn a fatigued, irritable light sleeper to a sound, heavy refreshed sleeper. The system must be taxed, there are no short cuts.

When we wash the dishes that energy expenditure keeps the heart beating at a normal 78-90 pulses per minute productive exercise is not achieved until that heart rate is moved up to 130 beats per minute, only when the lungs begin to strain and the breath becomes rapid, does the system

breath and arms swinging until you really feel out of breath and for two minutes, and beyond that point, constitutes a form of gross motor activity that services every part of the body.

There is no instant route to physical fitness, but your exercise regime will be much simpler, more fun, and actually more beneficial if you concentrate on gross motor activity and avoid the limb twisting eye crossing gymnastic.

With

GLORIA OMORUYI

Exercise Yourself To Total Fitness need it the most. While perhaps keeping slim by under eating, they are nevertheless potential hospital patients as their bodies gradually decay.

Women who cannot afford physical labour must realise that proper exercise is essential to maintain the stamina required for the job and retrain the muscles.

Correct exercise creates a strong well functional nervous system because it controls the cardiovascular systems which is the master of the body.

Although exercise cannot correct the structural dimensions of our bodies that we are born with, it can make significant changes occur in the functional dimensions that are controlled by over eating, bad posture, and lack of activity.

We cannot loose sight of the fact that one extra bread per day adds up to ten extra pounds at the end of the year. If we are not prepared to gain that weight but insist on eating the bread, then we must develop methods to use up those calories.

Much emphasis its often placed on the efficacy of a particular section of the body

“Rhythmic exercise of just one muscle group will not necessarily burn up sufficient calories to make substantial effect on that particular location. The only way to exercise yourself to total fitness is by indulging in those activities that actually cause hard breathing and a feeling of fatigue. If your exercise does this, you may well be on the road to total fitness.

HEALTH

Candidiasis: Women’s Nightmare

CANDIDIASIS though, sounds like candy known for sweetness, has left bitter taste in the mouth of many women. The itching and accompanying vaginal discharge caused by the infection generates a lot of discomfort for its sufferer. Tope Ojo, a banker with one of the new generation banks lamented that herself and two of her daughters have suffered this infection for several years. She attributed it to spiritual attack until she sought medical help.

Also called moniasis, candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by the candida genus. The infection usually affects the nails, skin and the female reproductive organ. It can come in form of rash or mucous membranes especially thrush in the vagina or esophagus. Rarely do these fungi enter the bloodstream or invade the kidneys, lung, endocardium, brain, or other structures, causing serious infection. The infection is most prevalent among women, especially those who abuse drug and patients already hospitalized particularly, diabetics and immuno-

suppressed patients.

The impact varies, depending on the patient’s resistance or immune system.

Dr Bassey Okpoh, a dermatologist with Eko Hospital Services, Lagos, disclosed that though the infection is common among women, a number of children have been infected He explained that the infant of a mother with vaginal candidiasis can contract oral thrush while it is passing through the birth canal. The most c o m m o n predisposing factor is the use of broadspectrum antibiotics as this decreases the number of normal flora thereby permitting an increasing number of candidal organisms to proliferate in the body.

Although the fungi that causes candidiasis is part of the normal flora of mouth, vagina and skin, they cause infection when a change in the body like rising blood glucose levels from diabetes melhtus permits their sudden proliferation Other causes include

By FUNKE SAMSON

lowered resistance from a disease (such as cancer), an immuno radiation, aging, human immunodeficiency virus (WV) the use of urinary catheter, drug abuse, hyper alimentation surgery among other causes.

The incidence of candidiasis is rising because therapy is more widely used and because there are more immuno patients, especially those with HIV infection,’ said Dr. Akpan.

Symptoms of the disease vary depending

on the site of infection.

In the mouth it produces creamcoloured or bluish white patches on the tongue or pharynx which reveal bloody engorgement when scraped. They may swell, causing respiratory distress in infants. Although they are only seldom painful, they cause a burning sensation in the throats and mouths of adults.

Occasionally too, scales can emerge in the mouth, throat or

lips.

Around the reproductive parts of the woman, candidaisis causes whitish or yellowish discharge with pruritus and local excoriation, white or gray raised patches on vaginal walls with local mflammation. The infection also causes chills, high spiking fever, hypotension occasional rash fever cough headache sexual rigidity in women, seizures, chest pain and blurred vision.

Sunday Agada, a laboratory scientist

with ABBA D i a g n o s t i c Laboratories said despite the high incidence of the disease among women, it can be prevented and cured.

According to him, the Identification of superficial candidiasis depends on evidence of Candida on a Gram stain of skin, vaginal scrapings, pus, sputum or on skin scrapings.

For systemic infections, sample must be obtained for blood or tissus culture.

Current treatment protocol prescribes that the first step of treatment is to improve the underlying condition that predisposes the patient to candidiasis such as controlling diabetes or discontinuing antibiotic therapy or catheterization if possible.

Women however should check vaginal discharge, record the amount and report to their physician in the event of any abnormality. Also women in their third trimester of pregnancy are encouraged to be examined for vaginal candidiasis regularly to protect their children from the infection at birth.

“Women however should check vaginal discharge, record the amount and report to their physician in the event of any abnormality. Also women in their third trimester of pregnancy are encouraged to be examined for vaginal candidiasis regularly to protect their children from the infection at birth.”

Politics An

With HAMEED BRA

National C The Nig

David Mark, Senate President

AFTER months of preparations for the take off of the National Conference, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan formally inaugurated the national conversation platform on Monday March 17, 2014, in Abuja.

The President inauguration speech left no one in doubt as to his intendments for the conference meant to put the ship of state in the proper course to enable it arrive at the expected destination.

The President, who stated the reasons behind the convocation of the National Conference at this period of our national history, said he was driven by the spirit of national unity and the need for peace and progress.

He said that the nation’s 100 th year of existence offered a unique moment

Nigerian masses

for self appraisal and a veritable platform for resolving the nation’s headaches.

He therefore urged the delegates not to bow to pressures being mounted on them by ethnic jingoists to promote ethnic agenda during their deliberations but to work for the overall interest of all Nigerians.

The President did not stop there, he described the conference as being convened to engage in intense introspection about the political and socioeconomic challenges confronting the nation and to chart the best and most acceptable way for the resolution of such challenges in the collective interest of all the constituent parts of the nation.

The coming together of

the delegates from across the nation under one part to confer and build a new national consensus for the amicable resolution of issues that still cause friction among our people the president said, must be seen as an essential part of the process of building a more united, stronger and progressive nation.

More instructive was the challenge thrown by the president when he said the country could no longer fold its arms and assume that things will straighten themselves out in due course instead of taking practical steps to overcome the impediment on our path to nationhood, rapid development and national prosperity.

The President took the place of the ordinary Nigerian when he told the

conference participants to practically articulate and synthesize the people’s thoughts, views and recommendations for a stronger, more united, peaceful, more politically stable Nigeria, forge the broadest possible national consensus in support of the recommendations and strive to ensure that they are given the legal and constitutional backing to shape the present and the future of our beloved fatherland.

By his comments at the inauguration of the 492 delegates who are at the National Judicial Institute of Nigeria venue of the conference to represent the over 160 million Nigerians at home, the president has demonstrated his love and commitment to the continued unity and progress of Nigeria which the faulty structures on which it had operated have inhibited over the years.

He has in fact set the agenda for the conference in line with the thinking of the ordinary Nigerians who have constantly yearned for the elusive good life in the midst of abundant national wealth which records show had been mismanaged by the negligible few controlling the nation’s economy.

Like the president remarked, there existed issues that result in conflict among the diverse peoples of the nation requiring urgent and definite resolutions. Put in another sense Nigeria has got a lot of issues to address and to put it on the right course of growth and development.

The conferees must accept the indissoluble status of the

President Jonathan inaugurates Confab

country and work towards its strengthening. This is where the current governance structure that encourages wasteful expenditures must be jettisoned and be replaced with such that promotes value for money.

Just as the president admonished, the delegates must realize that the

problems of Niger know no ethnic, region religions boundarie they affect every cit irrespective of where come from, north or so east or west.

Therefore, the confe must focus on the agenda of the gen wellbeing of the ave Nigerian on the street

“The current go that encou expenditures m be replaced with value for mone

nd Issues

AIMAH

necessity explore means to practically putting Nigeria on a new path of orderliness, and respect for constitutionality in the management of the affairs of state.

resources have taken the better of those appointed to man them.

Absence of justice and equity in the operation of our legal system has been held responsible for current indiscipline and lawlessness

This would in itself engender or provoke a reciprocal gesture resulting in a symbiotic relationship between the state and the citizenry which is the marked ingredient for socio-political and economic development.

The absence of mutual trust between the state and the people had been at the root of the current teething problems of anti social vices particularly among youths who have by their conducts a reaction to the no future posture and disposition of those in authority towards them.

The attitude of the average Nigerian youth towards the state has been that of despondency with a strong spirit to forge ahead either by crook or hook means.

They found themselves born into a country that rather than treat them as citizens with equal rights and privileges, they are discriminated against either on the basis of sex, tribe or religion. The youths want all of this changed. They want to feel that sense of belonging in their country as free citizens. The obvious absence of this and lots more opportunities have led most of the up and coming young persons think of how to make it big even with no viable job or business doing. Therefore, internet fraud, kidnapping crude oil theft and cross border crimes have taken the better of an average youth who in their conclusions see no future under the present arrangement where corruption and massive theft of government

in the land. This is where many have called for national attitudinal change among the citizenry so that they would begin to develop positive attitude towards the Nigerian state which most peoples see as a fat cow from which they should go and have their share.

This is where the present conference should focus on those issues that would facilitate national rebirth as opposed to ethno religious sentiments which promotion had over time provided fertile ground for the plundering of our common patrimony by their advocates to our collective losses as the thieves only spend the plundered wealths on their close relatives and friends.

The delegates must realise that those who have been feeding fat on the fractured Nigeria system would definitely put some banana peels on the way of the conferees to stumble and falter by trying to emphasis those thorny and vexed issues of resource control given the dis-equilibrium in national resource mining among states of the federation.

Rather, emphasis should be placed on effective recourse management which means giving enough resources according to need to the various tiers of government as opposed to the present arrangement where there is a huge bureaucracy at the centre engendering a bogus recurrent budgetary expenditure to the detriment of capital votes needed for true growth and development.

It is indeed saddening to

Conference And gerian Agenda

rians nal or es as tizen they outh,

erees e set neral erage t who

for many years have been abused and dehumanized by the unfavourable government policies that tended to make him struggle daily to eke out a living, in the face of a privatize economy where he had to by himself struggle to put food on his children’s table, pay their exorbitant fees and pay through his nose to

ensure they get quality health care.

The delegates must find a solution to the current low level to which the nation has fallen in all respect.

Given the expectation from among the average citizens that a glimmer of hope lies in the outcome of the conference for them, the conferees should of

overnance structure rages wasteful ust be jettisoned and h such that promotes ey�.

Idris Kutigi

learn that some interest groups in the country feel that the present structure should remain because in their myopic reasoning believe that the present arraignment favoured them.

Let it be known to them that every part of this country is a victim of the present governmental, social economic and infrastructural structures in the country requiring serious surgical platform like the National Conference to correct.

Now that we have got the opportunity, we must make the best use of it to ensure that we get what the National Assembly had severally denied the people.

The issue of power devolving to the people from Federal through states

to the Local Governments must be taken seriously, because Nigerians demand autonomy for that tier of government.

What Nigerians also demand is the entrenchment of a culture of building strong institutions that would bring probity and accountability to governance.

How does it feel that Nigeria with its enormous wealth is still a toddler on the global stage in areas of industrialization, provision of public health facilities, job creation and other development index such as the maternal and child health care, access to water and sanitation, food, security etc.

Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker House of Reps

“United with Christ in His person. United with Christ in His purpose. United with Christ in priviledge. United with Christ in power.

United with Christ in the preciousness of His nature and character. United with Christ in the pointedness of His mission.”

made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, because as He is, so are we in the world.” United with Him, complete in Him, joined with Him, lacking nothing the father has provided for us through Christ Jesus.

That is oneness in nature image, and identity,

R

eflections

With MOSES EVBUOMWAN

mountain, and summons those He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve that they might be with Him, and that He might

yieldedness – “Not my will, but your will be done.” It is a mountain of divine sacrifice – the place called calvary, and we understand living

Our Relationship With God Through Christ Our Redeemer (2)

“FOR if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.” (Romans 6:5-8).

United with Christ in

His person. United with Christ in His purpose.

United with Christ in priviledge. United with Christ in power. United with Christ in the preciousness of His nature and character. United with Christ in the pointedness of His mission. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. United with Christ in the painting of His aim –“I and MY Father are one. I always do the things that please my father. If you have seen me, you have seen the

father.”

There is no contradiction of office here. We know we are sheep and He is the shepherd, and we follow.

We know we are sons and daughters in the family, and he birthed us, and we follow. We know we are the saved and He is the saviour, and we follow.

But we must not overlook the precious truth of I John 4:17 which says “Herein is our love

oneness in fellowship and intimacy. We have been reconciled to Himself.

2 Peter 1:4 tells us, “by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers, of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Reconcile to Him. Mark 3:13-15 says, “And He (Jesus) went up to the

send them out to preach, and to have authority to cast out demons.”

Jesus is still going up on the mountain and He calls us to Himself. It is a mountain of divine presence – a rich place. It is a mountain of divine blessing. He is saying, “you are my child. My son, my daughter, and I want you with me. It is a mountain of divine

sacrifices. It is a mountain of the divine throne – a place where we are seated with Him as victor, advocate, intercessor. It is a mountain of divine invitation, an encounter with the Living God, the loving saviour, and the limitless Holy Spirit.” You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you” The cross revolutionizes our attitude to ourselves as well as to God. So grasp your identity through oneness with Christ death, burial and resurrection.

God Remains The Source unday Diet Of All Your Desire

S

With ERNEST IKHUREIGBE

GOD cannot be abandoned by any one and yet the person lives a meaningful life. But, whoever, out of ignorance, disregards Him, and later decides to seek Him, will not be forsaken, rather, he or she will be wholly accepted integrated and aligned with as His own. John 6:37 states “All that the father giveth me shall come to me: and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out As the main source of all you desire in life, He expect everyone to heed to this clarion call. “Rev. 3:20 affirms “Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door; I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me.”

The various accounts of those that sought Him at their moment of needs are attestation to Jesus supreme power over the challenges and problems of this world.

No wonder Jesus is acknowledged to be highly exalted and given a name which is above every name. And that at the name of Jesus every knee, should bow, of things in heaven, and things on earth, and things under the earth.” Phil.

2:9-10.

Beloved, if the Bible makes us believe that, He has the power to suppress every oppression “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” We, therefore,

must never doubt Him but rather put all our eggs in His basket in order to earn victory in life through Him. That, there would be no trials and challenges are mere fallacies.

John 16:33 states “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Beloved, there in no one that is living in this world that is challenged – free.

Everyone has one

challenge to contend with but victory over challenges of life can only be nipped in the bud when one cry to the one who rules the affairs of man.

Jesus is the only one that can have mercy and remove you from shame and disgrace by His own Grace.

Do not bottle up your problems, release yourself by opening your mouth, to Him, who has promised, never to disappoint you. “And call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver

thee, and thou shall Glorify me” Psalm 50:15.

It is however, unfortunate that some people consciously delay to call on Jesus when they need Him. Rather they resort to men, who only can express their sympathy and limited kindness without being fully relieved of their predicaments.

Beloved, you and I are limited in all things compared to God, who has the infinite power and understanding to make and unmake as He deems fit.

Hannah did call on God when she realised her inability to bring forth children. She was adequately rewarded. I Samuel 1:20 I Samuel 2:21, King Jehoshaphat needed God’s intervention when he was in trouble. God did respond as he requested.

I Chron 20:15. God does not forsake His own. And His own are those that believe, profess Him and do His will. There is no problem too big for God to solve. Seek Him now and His over flowing blessing will be yours.

“Beloved, you and I are limited in all things compared to God, who has the infinite power and understanding to make and unmake as He deems fit.”

RELATIONSHIP DATING and courtship are two methods of beginning a relationship with the opposite sex while there are non

Corinthians 6:18-20).

Courtship takes the position that the two people involved in the relationship have no physical contact at all (no touching, no

to do, they must take steps to ensure that Christ will always be honoured during their time together and that sin is never given a chance to

many courtship advocates see it as the only choice for finding a mate, others find it oppressive and overtly controlling. In addition, it can be hard to find the ”real”

line “arranged marriages” by the parent and have resulted in resentment in one of both of the young people.

glory of God is far more important than the method that are used to achieve that result “therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory

Drawing A Line Between Dating And Courting

BY OGHOYONE SANDRA

Christians who date with the intention of having a series of intimate physical relationships, for the Christian this is not acceptable and should never be the reason for dating.

Many Christians see dating as little more than friendship and maintain the friendship aspect of their dating until both partners are ready to commit to each other as potential marriage partners. First and foremost. Dating is a time when a Christian finds out if his or her potential marriage partner is also a believer in Christ.

The Bible warns us that believers and unbeliever should not marry each other because those living in the light (of Christ) and those living in the darkness cannot live in harmony (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).

As stated before during this time there should be little or no physical contact, as this is something that should wait until marriage (1

hand-holding, no kissing) until marriage. Many in a courtship relationship will not spend any time together unless family members, preferably parents, are present at all times.

In addition, courting couples should state upfront what their intentions are, to see if the other person is a suitable potential marriage partner.

Courtship advocates claim that courtship allows for the two people to truly get to know each other in a more platonic setting without the pressures of physical intimacy or emotions clouding their view. There are problems inherent with both styles. For daters, spending time alone with a member of the opposite sex whom we find attractive can present temptation that can be very hard to resist.

The Christian dating couple must have boundaries in place and be committed to not crossing them.

If they find this hard

take hold of their relationship just as with the courting couple. The parent of the dating couple should be involved in the relationship, getting to know their Child’s companion and being a sources of wise and discerning advice and guidance for both of them.

Of course, the courtship style presents its own set of difficulties – while

person behind the public face presented in front of the entire family. No one is the same in a group setting as he or she is one-on-one.

If a couple is never alone together, they will never have that o n e - o n - o n e opportunity to relate and get to know one another in emotional and spiritual intimacy.

In addition, some courtship situations have led to border

It is important to remember that neither dating nor courtship is mandated in scripture. In the end the Christian character and spiritual maturity of the couple is far more important than the exact nature of how and when they spend time together.

Scripturally speaking, the result of the process of godly Christian men and women marrying and raising families to the

of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NKJU).

Finally care must be taken to avoid the pitfall of believing one’s personal preference dating or courting – is the “only way” and looking down on those who made the opposite choice. As in all things, the unity of the body of Christ should be of utmost importance in our minds, regardless of personal choices on which the Bible is silent.

“Courtship takes the position that the two people involved in the relationship have no physical contact at all (no touching, no hand-holding, no kissing) until marriage. Many in a courtship relationship will not spend any time together unless family members, preferably parents, are present at all times.”

s h o W b i z

What Star Aki Has To Say About How He Feels Being Short

N O L LY W O O D actor, Chinedu Ikedieze popularly known as Aki who got conferred with the MFR title by President Jonathan in July 2010 says the national title does not come with any visible benefits to him.

Aki in a chat with reporters this week, said there is no monetary value or special benefits to the title as obtained in western countries.

“The only joy in it is the recognition.

When I am traveling and I get to the Airport, I get special preference and

recognition. Apart from that, I don’t get any other thing. I don’t get paid, I don’t get any special benefits as an MFR. As an MFR, I hold the same position with some of those who are Members of the British Empire (MBE) and they have some special benefits in the international community and h o n o u r a r y recognitions but those things are not here” he said.

Aki was also asked if he ever wonders why he was created in the form he is.

“Am I the one that

Clarion Chukwura Blasts AGN Over Visit N O L L Y W O O D as uncalled for.

Rock, would she According to diva, Clarion said what she is To Presidency have Chukwura speaking Chukwura, AGN is saying? Clarion is in an interview on We d n e s d a y, described the recent visit to the President Goodluck Jonathan,

by President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ibinabo fiberesima,

• Clarion Chukwura

the guild that represents the English movie industry actors and not Association of Nigerian Theartre Arts Practitioners ANTAP, or Kannywood.

“Ibinabo’s request for a secretariat or an office in Abuja is out rightly out of her office. That means that she does not know what her office is,” the mother of Clarence Peters said in the interview.

The Nollywood actress advised that instead of stressing themselves, ‘they should sit on a round table to agree on a conference that will unify this association into one body rather than this fragmentation.’

‘AGN, should concentrate on the welfare of the actors rather than unnecessary issues,’ she added.

Meanwhile, effort by reporters to speak with Ibinabo on this matter was unsuccessful as her phone number was not going through when we tried calling her. However, an officer of the Guild, who begged anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to us, claimed Clarion is not a card carrying member of AGN. The source further alleged that Clarion is bitter because Ibinabo did not invite her for the visit to President Goodluck Jonathan some weeks ago. ‘If she was on the delegation to Aso

even not a card carrying member of AGN. Let her go and sit down and stop making noise about,’ the source said.

created myself? Why would I ask myself such a question? You can only ask such a question when you are frustrated about life or if you are tired of life. But in my own case I am not. When you wake up in the morning and you have something to eat, you have people who can smile at you and you smile back as well, then what else do you need?

Then you go to bed, you sleep and you seldom go to the hospital, so which other gift is more important than that?

As far as I am concerned, that is the greatest gift. There are some people who have all the money, cars, houses and all the things they want, but they are sick.

They don’t enjoy the money. So the perfect gift for me is good health”.

Ken Okafor Says Actresses Sexually Harass Producers To Get Roles IN an interview with Showbiz recently, Nollywood producer Ken Okafor said, “When I was shooting my first movie, Dangerous Licence, I got a call from an actress asking me where I was. I told her I was in my hotel room.

She said she really wanted to see me but I told her we would see on set the next morning as it was late at night. She insisted that it was an emergency and pleaded with me to give her the address of my hotel.

Reluctantly, I gave her the address. I met her at the bar and she was seductively dressed.

She said she needed to be in the movie and came to do her own audition in my room. She said she

would have oral sex with me and make my night. I felt pity for her and asked why she was doing this and she said it was the way to rise in the industry. Out of pity, I cast her in my movie and urged her not to let sex become the key to her career. It was quite an awkward moment for me.”

“It is natural and human for a producer to find an actress attractive and ask her out for a date. What I see as sexual assault is when you are forced to accept such.

Producers are constantly sexually harassed by actresses but we are always quiet about it.

However, I am not denying its true existence, it happens.”

Over $1m Spent On The Film 1897 Invasion Of Benin Kingdom – Lancelot Imasuen

By FRIDAY OBANOR OVER one million dollar ($1m) was said to have been expended on the film “1897 Invasion of

• Cyril Eromosele

Benin Kingdom” by the Europeans.

Speaking while on a courtesy visit to the heir apparent to the Benin Kingdom, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa on Thursday, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen who is the initiator and director of the film said a total of one thousand (1,000) notable actors and actresses from across the country participated in the movie.

The ace Nollywood producer who said the film is expected to be

premiered in Benin City in May 2014 however thanked the Crown Prince for his support both financially and morally towards the success of the film production.

In a brief remark, the Crown Prince Ehenden Erediauwa commended Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen for his effort in promoting the Benin race through his film and movies.

The Crown Prince therefore called on all indigenes of Edo State irrespective of their political affiliations to support the promotion of the Benin race.

Chris Brown’s Mom Cries As Judge Orders Singer Back To Jail For More Than A Month REHAB might be looking pretty good to Chris Brown right about now but the embattled artist was remanded in prison pending a previously scheduled probation violation hearing on April 23, report confirms.

He was arrested Friday after reportedly being kicked out of the residential treatment facility where he had been staying.

A warrant had immediately been issued for his arrest because he was legally not allowed to leave rehab. Brown’s mother, Joyce Hawkins, started sobbing after hearing her son is being ordered back to jail.

Attorney Mark Geragos whispered into Hawkins’ ear, seemingly in an attempt to console her Brown, wearing a county-issued orange jumpsuit, was in shackles when he was led into court Friday, a request by Geragos to let his client wear civilian clothes in the face of all the cameras having been denied.

On Friday, the probation department submitted a three-page report outlining the ways in which Brown had violated program rules and was not compliant with the program.

Reported fractions included making a “ p r o v o c a t i v e statement” during a morning reflection class (allegedly boasting, “I’m good with guns and knives”), touching elbows/standing close to a female client and

issues concerning a drug test. Deeming Brown “troubled,” L.A. County Superior Court James Brandlin, who has been overseeing Brown’s recent backand-forth with the court, sent him back to the slammer without bail despite Geragos’ insistence to the court that holding the singer is a “waste of judicial resources.”

The attorney argued that Brown should be housed in an off-site facility, not jail. Before

his April 23 hearing, meanwhile, a trial date of April 17 is set for Brown’s misdemeanor assault case in Washington, D.C. He previously refused a plea deal because, as his attorney back east put it, he was not guilty of the crime.

The felony probation violation charge Brown is facing in L.A. regards the five years of probation he was sentenced to in 2009 for assaulting Rihanna.

My Late Mother Lied To Me About My True Father – Perry

By MARTIN ERHARUYI

TYLER Perry is one of the funny men in the movie industry who can easily bring laughter and smiles to people.

However, it is not all play and fun in his own life as he has gone through insult, humiliation and depression especially in his childhood.

The famous writer and producer has revealed his anger after he discovered that the man his mother introduce to him as his biological father was a false one.

The 44 year-old star stated this when addressing an audience during his recent appearance at the women’s empowerment 2014 event in Releigh, North Carolina adding that his late mother lied to him about his father’s identity.

Tyler had always believed that Violent Emmitt Perry Snr, a man that regularly beat him up to a point that Tyler attempted suicide at the age of 10, was his biological father.

Meanwhile, Tyler was

shock when he took a DNA test with his brother and found out the truth.

The disappointed, hurt writer and producer told his audience, while

advising them to be honest with their children.

According to him “I love my mother to death but she lied to me, some of you have secrets that

your kids need to known. Let the chips fall where they may. For the peace of that person, let them know”.

By MARTIN ERHARUYI

through hell is an understatement. There have been allegation also that there is a lot of spousal abuse going on but I cannot outrightly say that, because the woman has not come out herself to cry out. It is a pity that some men are babies and use

children as scape goats to carry out revenge against their spouses….” She wrote.

Emeka and his wife, Emma (born to a German dad and a Nigeria mother) are blessed with four kids.

Emma, Micheal, Kelly and Andrea.

Emeka Ike At It Again FAMOUS Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike who recently made news from being evicted from his building premises by his landlord, over unpaid rent has hit the news again.

But this time, it has to do with his family.

Emeka who has been away from the movie scene for a while now, was once reported to have allegedly beaten up his wife.

It seems the wife and mother of his kids, Emma, has had enough of him as she is reported to have finally left him for good.

According to a source, the Nollywood actor took two of the kids with him to Abuja while the wife was left with the other two in Lagos.

“To say she and her two kids are going

• Emeka Ike

Clarence Has Made Me Proud

• Chris Brown mom (left)

N O L LY W O O D veteran actress, Clarion Chukwura who is a proud mother to creative and intelligent music video director, Clarence Peters can’t stop talking about the impact her son is making in the Nigeria music industry.

Clarence Peters, has helped moved the industry forward with his creative musical videos.

Clarence, the son of two veterans in the N i g e r i a n Entertainment, has become a household name in the Nigeria Entertainment scene, with his expertise in producing some of the best musical videos.

He is no doubt one of Nigeria’s most talented music video producer and director, perfect in the art of conceptualizing beautiful videos for his

– Clarion Chukwurah

Capital Hill Records label mates.

However, Clarence isn’t only making his parents proud but also the entire nation as he

is definitely living up to expectation. He has produced most videos for top Nigerian artistes including the up and coming.

Clarion Chukwura & Clarence Peters

INSIDE the Cathedral that early morning, we all stood on a single line, as the priest in front of us, deck in priestly attire held a plate with a liquid, dipping the tip of his right fingers into the plate and placing it on our fore heads with the sign of the cross inscribed, as we come before him, while he pronounced a statement thus. “From dust you came

abstinence, fasting and arms giving. According to the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Msgr/ Gabriel Osu, “it is a season of renewal of our faith in our creator by renouncing all fleshly desires that tend to weigh us down and purifying our spirit for the greater glory of God.” This years Lent period

not enough reason for us to pray during this Lent, what about the current situation in the country generally?

At a time when corruption is at its height in the country, when we are one of the highest producer of crude oil in the world and yet we Import Fuel and kerosene. What about the missing 20 billion dollars from the National Treasury as alleged by the former Central Bank Governor,

organizations and even the private sector. Don’t you think this is a time to pray against these corrupt leaders and practices?

In addition, may be the wantom and brutal killings of innocent citizens by the dreaded Boko Haram Sect and the Fulani Herdsmen in the North might be the reason why you should pray for your dear country, thinking about the several

Society your mind back to the killings at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Deeper Life Bible Church, Assemblies of God Church, the Church inside Bayero University and others too numerous to mention, that are based in the North don’t you think these Christian brethren needs our prayers? What about our Muslim brothers

through this NC, there would be great and positive changes in the way and manner governance is being practiced here and how we do things as a people and a nation. For we all know that this conference is a very critical conference to determine the way forward for the country after a century of its existence.

Why We Must Fast And Pray This Lent Season

and to dust you shall return,” yes, that was an ‘ash Wednesday’ which signifies the beginning of ‘LENT’ in the Christian faith and most especially the Catholic. This was my first experience and observance of Ash Wednesday as a Christian.

Lent in the Christian Calendar, has a Catholic origin and its not practiced by all Christian denomination. But in this context, we are not going to try to justify its practice or non-practice by different Christian faith, but instead we shall be dwelling on its significance to us as Christians and to our country at a time when Nigeria as a country is in dire need of Divine Intervention for its continuous existence as a single entity and the numerous problems bedeviling our dear nation.

Lent is a period of fasting and prayer by the Church, it is a period of 40 days of atoning for sins and bringing one self closer to God. In this period of 40 days, Christians are encouraged to intensify prayers,

came at a time when Nigeria as a country needs prayers the most, in case you do not know, this is the last Lent before the much talked about and feared 2015 general elections, it behoves on all

Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi of which there has been no logical or

citizens to fast and pray for our country, so that the 2015 elections would be peaceful and successful.

More so, if you think the 2015 general election is

concrete explanation by government officials? Not to mention the different corrupt practices that oose out of all government ministries, parastatals,

thousands that have been rendered Homeless, fatherless, motherless,

who have been killed in their place of worship and other innocent citizens?

Remember “the fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much” the change we need can come through prayers this

orphans, as refugees and properties worth billions of naira destroyed as the fight against these evil people continues, this is another reason why you and I should pray this lent period, for relative peace to return to our beloved country.

Beloveth, if there is anytime to pray, the time is now, knowing that majority of those being killed by the Boko Haram Sect are mostly our brothers and sisters in the Lord (Christians) who reside over there. Cast

season of lent and even after now.

If these issues plaguing the country can not move you to go on your kneels and pray, hopefully the National Conference (NC) which has just commenced should do. The NC commencing during the Lent period, started precisely March 17, 2014, to me it was divinely ordained in order for men or people of God to go on their kneels and pray fervently for divine intervention in the affairs of this country, so that

By ANTHONY AIBANGBEE

“Nigeria as a nation can not be an exception, if we as a people will go on our kneels, pray and fast for our beloved nation. For there have been no time that prayer and fasting had not opened hitherto doors of impossibilities.”

The situation in our country today is enough reason why we should fast and pray this season of lent, for even in the bible days the likes of Esther, Modecai and the jews in Shushan did same when their very existence in the land was threatened by an obnoxious decree (Esther 4:1-17), Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour fasted and pray, hence was able to over come the devil and his temptations (Matthew 4:2-11), great men and women fasted and prayed during the bible days and even in our present age in order to change the ugly situations that they were faced with and God always answered them, and Nigeria as a nation can not be an exception, if we as a people will go on our kneels, pray and fast for our beloved nation. For there have been no time that prayer and fasting had not opened hitherto doors of impossibilities.

In this time when the unity of our nation is being threatened, when the economic situation in the country is getting worse and the cost of living is getting higher by the day, when the security of life is not assured, when our qualified graduates find it difficult to get employment, when people cannot freely worship in the house of God, when people from the same country do not see each other as one or equal, hence if there is anytime we as individuals, as a church, as a nation should pray, the time is Now!

LIVING

The Importance Of Time

By SAMUEL ESEOGHENE ERHISOHWODE

OF the tree types of input that every activity needs materials, skills and time, perhaps the least understood is time. In conventional economics it is treated as a commodity (“time is money”) to be bought and sold at will, and therefore needing no special consideration.

Yet experience suggests that the economics of time is not quite so simple.

We need time, to work, eat, sleep and to accomplish all the daily chores of living. We also need time to know and understand our mates, our children, and our friends.

Most of our relationship, infact requires more time than we have, and it is difficult to avoid the feeling that we could never have enough. Nor is our list of demands on our time complete. We have ignored the time we need to be alone, a necessary but invariably short changed period.

All these demand come before the proliferating hardward used in the consumption of still more time before the possession, use and maintenance of automobiles, small and large boats, tennis rackets, skis, and golf clubs, sewing machines and looms, bathing suits, hi-if sets, tape decks cameras, etc. All these things the inevitable trapping of affluence. Make still more demands on our ever diminishing store of time they are responsible for

many of the sour notes sounded as affluence becomes more general and more disappointing.

The limit to all of this has been explored by economist, that if it requires time to produce things, it also requires time to maintain and consume them.

However each and everyone of us has only 24 hours a day and no one else can live our lives for us. This obvious yet profound fact means that time is potentially the major limiting factor in our personal economics,

and therefore in our societal economies as well.

Time is precious because a happy or miserable eternity depends on the good or ill improvement of it.

Things are precious in proportion to their importance, or to the

degree wherein they concern our welfare. Men are wont to set the highest value on those things upon which they are sensible, their interest chiefly depends. And this renders time so exceedingly precious, because our eternal welfare depends on the improvement of it. Indeed our welfare in this world depend upon its improvement. If we improve it not, we shall be in danger of coming to poverty and disgrace but by a good improvement of it we may obtain those

things which will be useful and comfortable.

But it is above all things precious as our state through eternity depends upon it. The importance of the improvement of time upon other accounts, is in subordination to this.

Gold and silver are

esteemed preciously by men, but they are of no worth to any man. Only as there by he has an opportunity of avoiding or removing some evil, or of possessing himself of some good. And the greater the evil is which any man hath advantage to escape or the good which he hath advantage to obtain, by anything that he possesses, by so much the greater is the value of that thing to him what ever it be. Thus if a man, anything which he hath, may save his life which he must lose without it, he will look upon that by which he hath the opportunity of escaping so great an evil as death to be very precious. Hence it is that time that is so exceedingly precious, because by it we have opportunity of escaping everlasting misery, and of obtaining everlasting blessedness and glory.

On this depends our escape from an infinite evil, and our attainment of an infinite good.

Time is very precious, because when it is past, cannot be recovered.

There are many things which men possess, which if they part with, they can not obtain them again. If a man part with some things which he had, not knowing the worth of it, or the need he should have of it, he often can regain it, at least with pains and cost but not so with time, so it is good you take time serious, because time wasted can not be regained.

“However each and everyone of us has only 24 hours a day and no one else can live our lives for us. This obvious yet profound fact means that time is potentially the major limiting factor in our personal economics, and therefore in our societal economies as well. Time is precious because a happy or miserable eternity depends on the good or ill improvement of it.”

POEM

Welcome!

Welcome!

So long a time of siesta, Bending in hope of work done, N e i t h e r depreciating in mind of aspiration, Keenly stick to the beatitude of apex.

Welcome!

Counting from the beginning to the end, Not one minute tends to be wasted, Neither torn nor jerry does it play.

Appraising all steps that were made.

Welcome!

Each day that passes usher in, The travailing of another cogent day.

Greater hope ought to be envisaged Than irreversible sore of lapses.

Welcome!

Pale in hope like Aids victims, Stretched, unbendable in the runner race, Tie to a fate of no retreat of no

surrender Braced for frisk flight with tea light.

Welcome!

Bulk vision engulf the mind, Like the pregnant woman in The carpenter shop, hoping to survive The hammer for the child well birth.

Welcome!

Like the sun unhindered to shine, And the year unhindered to roll off, Stand the ground s t r o n g l y unvanquished With a twoedged sword of courage Welcome!

Unborrowed robe will be worn, The trophy shall prove the time unwasted With this in mind as an emblem, Hm! Hail comrades, unflighty personalities - Jolly Imudia

Story Time

The Mysterious Bird

IN the man’s surprise, the bird did not struggle. As it lay beneath him, its wings and its body immobile, it merely looked up at him with its dark eyes, and dinked.

The man took out his fruit bag and slipped the bird into it. Then, deciding not to bother to gather any more fruit he turned round and made for home as quickly as he could.

He could not wait to see the surprise of his children when they will see the marvelous bird which he had found.

When he arrived home it was almost dark and the children had gone into their huts. The man sat at his wife’s side and told her of the bird he had found.

“It is a most unusual bird”, he explained.

There are many people who would like to have a bird like this one.

The woman asked him to open his bag and he did so, making sure that the bird was unable to fly out of the open neck of the bag.

The woman looked in and let out a cry of surprise.

“I have heard of that sort of bird before”, she said “that is the sort of bird which gives milk”.

The man was most surprised that his wife should have heard of

By ADELA BROOKS so unusual a bird, but he knew that her father had been a man who knew the name of all the birds, she must have obtained her knowledge from him, carefully reaching into the bag, he took the bird out and held it before his wife. She quickly fetched a calabash and

began to milk the bird.

After only a few moment, the calabash was full with sweet smelling milk, which the man and the woman both drank then they put the bird into a spare hut which they had and closed the door.

The next morning the woman went into the hut and after

waiting a few moment for her eyes to become accustomed to the darkness, she sought out for the bird and milked it again. Then she took the calabash of milk to her children, who drank it all and asked for more. “You may have more tonight, she said from now on, there will always be such milk for you.

Maths Puzzles WHAT three numbers have the same answer when added together and multiplied together?

Answer 1,2,3.

The age of Tim and Allen is 49. Tim is twice as old, as Allen was when Tim was as old as Allen is now. How old are the brothers?

Ans Tim is 28, Allen is 21.

Day before yesterday, I was only 25 and next

year I will turn 28.

Ans he was born on December 31st and spoke about it on January 1st.

Using only 1,7,7,7, and 7 (a “1” and four “7”s) create the number 100 you can also use the usual mathematical operations +,-, x, - and brackets o.

Ans 177 – 77 = 100 or (7+7) x (7+(1-7) = 100).

I am a thing that is

broken when you call for me.

What am I’ Ans silence.

Which word is spelled incorrectly in the dictionary?

Ans incorrectly What is black and white and red all over?

Ans Newspaper.

I have four fingers and a thumb, I’m a non living thing what ami?

Ans a glove.

C

hildren’s World

With LOVETH OKPOKPO 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789

Riddles

WHAT belongs to you but others use it more than you do.

Answer Your name I am taken from mine, and shut up in a wooden case, from which I am never released, and yet I am used by almost everybody. What am I. Answer Pencil lead What goes up the chimney when down, but cannot go down the chimney when up?

Answer An umbrella.

Five men went to church the started to rain four men ran for cover, but got wet on the way. The one man who stayed behind stayed dry. How? Answer The dry man was a body in a coffin. The other four were pall bearers.

It lives without a body, hears without ears, speaks without a mouth, and is born in air what is it? Ans. An echo.

The more you take away, the larger it becomes?

What is it? Ans A hole.

What is it that has a bottom at the top of them? Ans your legs.

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121

Peoms

Better fly Fly, fly fly the butter fly In the middle is flying low In the garden is flying high Fly fly fly the buther fly 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012

My Mother

WHO sat and watched my infant head, when sleeping on my cradle bed, and tears of sweet affection shed? my mother When pain and sickness made me cry, who gazed upon my heavy eye, I wept for fear that I should die? my mother.

And can I ever cease to be, affectionate and kind to thee, who was so very kind to me? my mother.

RELIGION

“FOR God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16. Because so many Americans watch sports events, some Christians attempt to present a gospel witness in stadia and arenas.

Perhaps you have seen the signs, held up in the crowd or posted on a wall. Most commonly, the signs have this short message: “JN 3:16.” The idea is that people will know or find out that “JN” is shorthand for the Gospel of John and that “3:16? means chapter 3, verse 16.

The hope is that great things will happen if people will merely pick up a Bible and read this one verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 is a verse beloved by evangelists because it answers an essential question, namely, “What is the gospel?” This is not a trivial matter. The fact is that the witness of many Christians is greatly hampered by confusion over the content of the Christian gospel. To some, the gospel is simply an invitation for a person to allow God to come into his or her heart. But what does this mean? Is this what God offers the world? Given this kind of confusion, it is essential for those who witness the gospel to know what Jesus the evangelist the gospel is. John 3:16 answers with a simple statement of God’s love for us in Jesus Christ. Bruce Milne describes the verse as “a masterly and moving summary of the gospel, cast in terms of the love of God.” God’s Amazing Love: John 3:16 present us with the Bible’s greatest theme: God’s love for us through Jesus Christ. This is a message that the world needs to hear and that our witness must proclaim. Therefore, a brief study of God’s love as depicted in the Bible is sure to be helpful. What can Christians say about God’s love? The apostle Paul writes that God’s love is great: “God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ” (Eph. 2:4-5a, emphasis added). We tend to overuse the word great. For instance, we say we had a “great time” if we enjoyed ourselves at all. Or if God blesses us a bit in ministry, we say we had a “great success.” Overused like this, the word great loses some of its force. But when the Bible says God’s love is great, it means it! God’s love for the world was great in the amazing care He exercised in creating it; nature reveals the most loving craftsmanship.

But how much greater is the love of God that was revealed in the gift of His Son. The Greek word Paul uses for “great” (pollein) is used to describe an overflowing harvest or intense emotions.

God’s love truly deserves to be called great. Paul elsewhere describes God’s

The Gospel Of Love

love as unfathomable. In his letter to the Ephesians, he prays that believers “may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge” (Eph. 3:18-19a).

What we are to comprehend about the dimensions of God’s love is that they are beyond measure. It is possible to exhaust the love of a spouse or of friends-and in extreme cases, even of siblings or parents. But it is not possible to exhaust the love of God. In his great hymn titled “The Love of God,” Frederick M. Lehman wrote: “The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell, It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell”. God’s love

also can be described in terms of all His other attributes. The attributes of God are aspects of His character or being; to list them is to describe what God is like. However, many make the great mistake of pitting one of God’s attributes against another. Many of us, for instance, prefer God’s love to His holiness. But we must never think that we must or can choose between the two. God’s holiness is a loving holiness and His love is a holy love. Our generation has spoiled much of the idea of love — particularly romantic love — by joining it with sin. But God does not and cannot do that. His love is joined to holy purposes, and His love for us will have the ultimate result of bringing us to a gloriously holy condition. When I am counseling a couple prior to their wedding, I often hear one of them (usually the bride) say, “I never want to change him!” I always pause, lean forward, look her in the eye, and say: “You will! You will!” God’s love never says,

By DR. LEWIS AKPOGENA

“I don’t want to change you.”

Because God’s love is holy, He intends to change us by loving means, so that we will become the holy people we were always meant to be.

God is almighty, and therefore His is an almighty love. This means He is able to do all that His love desires for us. J. I. Packer writes that God’s love “has at its heart an almighty purpose to bless, which cannot be thwarted.”

Paul rightly asks who shall separate us from this love. “I am sure,” he answers, “that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor

because his love is fixed and unchangeable that the Father shows us infinite patience and forbearance. If his love was not unchangeable, we would perish.” God is eternal, and so is His love. Paul says, “He chose us in [Christ] before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4). God’s love for us originated in eternity past, and it flows to eternity future. God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3). He adds, “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you” (Isa. 54:10a). Moreover, as God is sovereign, so is His

depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39). Moreover, as God is unchangeable, so His love is unchangeable. John Owen writes: “Though we change every day, yet his love does not change. If anything in us or on our part could stop God loving us, then he long ago would have turned away from us. It is

love. Ephesians 1:5-6a says, “In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace.”

James Montgomery Boice writes: “God’s love is a sovereign one…his love is uninfluenced by anything in the creature. And if that is so, it is the same as saying that the cause of God’s love lies

only in himself…. In Scripture no cause for God’s love other than his electing will is ever given.” This was God’s explanation to the Israelites for the love He showed them in the exodus: “It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you” (Deut. 7:78a). Lastly, we should note that God is infinite, and so is His love. There is no greater proof of this than John’s statement that God loved “the world.” There is an infinite distance between God and this wicked world. God tells us, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your

ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:9).

Our world has rebelled against God, flouting His authority and mocking His ways. Because of this, most people reject God’s rule over their lives. Paul says, “Although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their

“What we are to comprehend about the dimensions of God’s love is that they are beyond measure. It is possible to exhaust the love of a spouse or of friends-and in extreme cases, even of siblings or parents. But it is not possible to exhaust the love of God. In his great hymn titled “The Love of God.”

thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Rom. 1:21). That is an accurate description of our world today.

The distance between us and God is infinite in every way. But God’s love is infinitely great to span that distance. When John speaks of “the world,” he is being intentionally provocative.

Old Testament Jews believed that God loved them, but rejected the idea that God loved anyone else. Leon Morris explains: “It is a distinctively Christian idea that God’s love is wide enough to embrace all people. His love is not confined to any national group or spiritual elite.” The same is true today. John does not say that God sent Jesus because He loved religious people or Christians, but because “God so loved the world.” This is why the message of Jesus Christ is good news for everyone.

Romans 5:8 tells us, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

God’s Giving Love: This brings us to the particular point that John 3:16 stresses: God’s love is a giving love. The Greek language has four words that can be translated as “love,” each pointing to a different kind of love. The first is storge, which is family love. Whatever they think of each other, family members are to be loyal. The second is eros, which is romantic or sexual love. The third word is philos, which is the love of friendship or attraction.

The word philosophy means a love of wisdom. This is a receiving love; it is based on what we get and how good something or someone makes us feel. But the New Testament stresses a fourth kind of love, using the Greek word agape. This is giving love. It is not based on what we receive but on what we give. Agape love has its classic definition in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” The greatness of God’s love for the world is seen most clearly in the gift that He gave: “his only Son.” John says not merely that God loved the world, but that “God so loved the world.”

The word so indicates both the manner in which God loved the world-by giving His Son — and the strength of God’s love for the world. How do we measure God’s love for us? By calculating the infinite value of His precious Son, Jesus Christ. John refers to Jesus as God’s “only Son.” We are undoubtedly intended to reflect upon this in light of our love for our own children. Even though we are corrupted by sin, it is natural for us to love our children with great intensity.

Mothers exhaust themselves rocking babies to the gospel of love sleep. Fathers spend long hours fixing bikes and playing games in which they would have no interest were it not for their children. Parents weary themselves with extra jobs to clothe, feed, and educate their

Continued on page 26

Continued from page 25 children. To neglect our children, as many do today, is so obviously wrong that it is broadly condemned.

Nature knows no greater love than that of a parent for his or her child, and Christ is God the Father’s only child. The Father many times spoke of His love for His Son, and Jesus often basked in His Father’s love. So in giving His only Son, God truly was giving His very heart. The Puritan John Flavel asks: “Who would part with a son for the sake of his dearest friends? But God gave him to, and delivered him for enemies: O love unspeakable!” God could not possibly love this world more or better than He did in giving His beloved only Son. In saying that God gave His only Son, John 3:16 corrects a terrible but common mistake in the way people think about God the Father.

Because Jesus died to satisfy God’s justice, some think that God’s love is caused by Christ’s sacrifice, and even that the Father ’s love is reluctant or half-hearted. But John 3:16 teaches exactly the opposite. J. C. Ryle notes: “The gift of Christ…is the result of God’s love to the world, and not the cause. To say that God loves us because Christ died for us is wretched theology indeed.

But to say that Christ came into the world in consequence of the love of God is scriptural truth.” God loved this evil world not after but before the Savior came to turn our hearts back to heaven; God’s love is the reason we can be forgiven and born again to inherit eternal life. When John says that God “gave” His only Son, what exactly does he mean? According to the Bible, the Father sent the eternal and glorious Son into this world to take up our mortal nature, with all the weakness and suffering that involved, yet without sin (see Heb. 2:17). Jesus states thirty-nine times in John’s Gospel that the Father “sent” Him into the world on a mission of salvation. God sent Him to reveal His truth, to proclaim the good news of salvation, and especially to do the work needed for the salvation of those who believe. Ryle says: “Christ is God the Father’s gift to a lost and sinful world. He was given generally to be the Saviour, the Redeemer, the Friend of sinners, — to make an atonement sufficient for all,

...Gospel Of Love

— and to provide a redemption large enough for all. To effect this, the Father freely gave Him up to be despised, rejected, mocked, crucified, and counted guilty and accursed for our sakes.”

This means that when we read that God “gave his only Son,” we should think of the cross where Jesus suffered and died that we might be forgiven of our sins. So great is His love that if our redemption from sin required the tortuous death of His only Son — even the outpouring of His own wrath upon His most beloved child — God was willing to give Him for this.

Jeremiah Burroughs marvels: Behold the infinite love of God to mankind and the love of Jesus Christ that, rather than God see the children of men to perish eternally, He would send His Son to take our nature upon Him and thus suffer such dreadful things.

Herein God shows His love….

It pleased the Father to break His Son and to pour out His blood. Here is the love of God and of Jesus Christ. Oh, what a powerful, mighty, drawing, efficacious meditation this should be to us! During the darkest times of World War I, a conflict that took the lives of a shocking number of English sons, a man took his little boy out for a walk at night. The boy noticed that some of the houses had stars in the windows. “That comes from this terrible war, laddie,” the father explained. “It shows that these people have given a son.” They walked a bit further, and then the young boy stopped and pointed to the sky, where a bright evening star had appeared.

He said, “Daddy, God must have given a Son, too.” Morris remarks: “That is it. In the terrible war against evil, God gave his Son. That is the way evil was defeated. God paid the price.” God’s gift, therefore, was not only infinite in value; it was perfectly suited to our greatest need. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

We might prefer that God had done something other than send His only Son to be our Savior. But God’s love addressed our true and greatest need. This is why, whenever the New Testament

speaks of God’s love, it almost invariably does so in terms of the atoning work of Christ upon the cross. John 3:16 is a typical example. In the previous two verses, Jesus told Nicodemus, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). That was an allusion to His death on the cross. This, then, is how the world knows and receives

We should tell them how precious their souls are to God, and what God has done for their salvation. John 3:16 says that “whoever believes should not perish but have eternal life.”

It is through our witness that they can believe. It is because we take an interest in their souls, because we speak earnestly to them about Jesus, and because we invite them to join us at church and hear God’s Word that souls are saved today. This task must apply most urgently to our own

chief complaints was that God had not been answering their prayers. They were poor, hungry, and oppressed, and God was not helping. So I asked them, “When you pray to God, what name do you give Him?” They replied, “Allah.” I replied: “That is why God does not answer your prayers. But when you pray to Him in the name of Jesus, His own Son, then God will receive you as His own beloved children.” I then cited John 1:12: “To all who did

God’s love. It is not because we are able to love one another a bit or because there is beauty in the world; rather, it is because God sent Jesus to die for our sins. John writes in his first epistle, “In this the love of God was made manifest among us that God sent his only Son into the world….

He loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9-10).

Receiving God’s Love: Flavel, the Puritan, concludes his study of John 3:16 with three keen observations. First, he says, this verse shows us “The exceeding preciousness of souls, and at what a high rate God values them, that he will give his Son, his only Son out of his bosom, as a ransom for them.” Surely this argues that we ought to labour with all our might to bring people to salvation.

children. It is dismaying to see how little interest so many parents take in the souls of their children. Since we love them, and since their souls are so precious to God, we should be especially determined to set them a godly example, pray with and for them, teach them God’s Word, and involve them in the worship and life of the church. Second, Flavel notes, since God has given us His Son, we may be confident of receiving every other help and mercy we need to endure this life and arrive safely in heaven. This confidence should give us peace in every storm and trust in the face of life’s trials. This point reminds us that the gospel proclaims more than the receipt of a ticket to heaven when we die.

The gospel also proclaims God’s loving care in this present life. What a message this is for the hurting world around us. And it should change our own attitudes in a mighty way. Knowing how much God has already given us — His very best in the person of His Son — we should trust His love and come to Him with a holy boldness in prayer. Paul reasoned, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

(Rom. 8:32). God will not withhold anything we need, having already given His Son Jesus, so we should not shrink from asking for and confidently awaiting anything we truly need.

In an earlier write up, I recounted my witness to a group of Muslims. One of their

receive [Jesus], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” It was mainly this desire — a right desire — to know God’s fatherly care that opened their hearts to the Lord. Many others who sorrow and grieve in this world will be led to Jesus by the relationship He provides us as children of the heavenly Father. Third, Flavel says, “If the greatest love hath been manifested in giving Christ to the world, then it follows that the greatest evil and wickedness is the gospel of love manifested in despising, slighting, and rejecting Christ.’ There can be no greater condemnation than to disregard the amazing love of God in giving His only Son to suffer in our place. What does God ask and expect of us?

God demands what love always desires: to be received. Jesus said in John 6:29, “This is the work of God that you believe in him whom he has sent.” John 3:16 says that God calls us to believe on Jesus Christ — to receive His love — gift through personal faith in Jesus. If we believe, He promises us “eternal life.” But if we are so hardened of heart to refuse this matchless gift from God, the result is that we will “perish.” Having spurned God’s love on the cross, we must receive the just penalty for all our sins and especially for the chief sin of rejecting God’s only Son. As the writer of Hebrews warns us, “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”

(Heb. 2:3). The Christian

“We are to show a love the world does not know — a love not based on getting, but a love that says, “God has given to me, so I want to love Him by giving to others.” This giving love should beautify our marriages, enliven our friendships, glorify God in the church, and inspire in us a loving fervor in evangelism.”

RELIGION witness should press this reality upon the hearts of those who are reluctant to receive God’s gift of His Son. A Call to Love: There is one last application for those who believe in Christ and who are thus born again into eternal life. If God loved us by giving us His Son, we ought to love Him with all that we have in return. Shortly after the end of the American Civil War, a man in farm clothes was seen kneeling at a gravestone in the soldiers’ cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee. An observer came up and asked, “Is that the grave of your son?” The farmer replied, “No, I have seven children, all of them young, and a wife on my poor farm in Illinois. I was drafted and, despite the great hardship it would cause, I was required to join the Army.

But on the morning I was to depart, this man, my neighbor’s older son, came over and offered to take my place in the war.” The observer solemnly asked, “What is that you are writing on his grave?” The farmer replied, “I am writing, ‘He died for me.’” With that same devotion, we should love God for His love in giving Jesus Christ to die for us. And we should express that devotion by loving others with the same kind of love God has shown to us. We are to show a love the world does not know — a love not based on getting, but a love that says, “God has given to me, so I want to love Him by giving to others.” This giving love should beautify our marriages, enliven our friendships, glorify God in the church, and inspire in us a loving fervor in evangelism.

This was John’s own application in his first epistle, having spoken first of God’s love for us in the giving of His Son: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11). Living out God’s amazing, giving love will be our strongest testimony to a loveless world. If we will only do so, others will learn of God’s great love from us and will come to understand that by believing in Him, they, too, will have eternal life. The Gospel of Love is not a condemnation of people who live in sin. It is a message that inspite of their wrong lifestyle God love and cares and has provided a way, means and escape from the consequences of living in sin.

That way, means, propiation and ransom is Jesus Christ and his sacrifice death in our place to free us from the power of sin and death to live a victorious life eternally with God in eternity. Living and practicing sin is not reason people will go to hell but because of refusing to accept Jesus Christ the ONLY WAY is why some will to go hell.

Not because they drink, smoke, go to club or dress indecent. Preaching of condemnation is not the Gospel of Love. You are blessed for life. akpogena@yahoo.com.

Written By Dr. Lewis Akpogena

Healthy Living

Health Benefits Of Eating Pear Pears are a nutritious source of fiber A fresh, juicy pear is a full treat you might anticipate is all yours, and when you eat one, you’re doing something good for your health, pears are a good source of fiber, and they also contain a wealth of vitamins and minerals that keep you healthy. Pears come in a range of colours and they are inexpensive, making them a smart addition to your healthy eating plan.

Digestive benefits One medium sized pear contains 5.5 grams of fiber towards your daily goal of 21 to 38 grams. When you eat plenty of fiber, your digestive system works the way it’s supposed to, fiber helps your body absorb

BY GLORY IGBOKWE the vitamins and minerals from your food. It also helps prevent and relieve constipation and can prevent a stroke. A 2011 article published by the American Heart Association reports that eating one pear a day can reduce your risk of stroke by as much as 52 percent, pears might also cut your risk of dying from heart disease. A 2007 article published in the American journal of clinical nutrition” notes that the flavonoids in pear might lower your risk of heart disease as well as death associated with hearty disease.

Eating pears Fresh pears are your healthiest choice, but canned

“When you eat plenty of fiber, your digestive system works the way it’s supposed to, fiber helps your body absorb the vitamins and minerals from your food. It also helps prevent and relieve constipation and can prevent a stroke.”

pears can also be beneficial to your health. If you eat canned pears, choose the version packed in 100 percent fruit juice rather than syrup because they contain no added sugar, chop a pear into bite sized pieces and add it to a fruit salad, or stir the pieces into a carton of low fat yogurt. Replace the jelly in your peanut butter keep you from developing painful hemorrhoids as well.

Nutritional benefits A medium – sized pear supplies 212 miligrams of potassium, potassium is a mineral that helps your heart beat normally and keep your muscles working the way they are supposed to. The same pear contains 7.5 miligrams of vitamin C, which is about 10 percent of your daily needs. Vitamin C helps prevent infection and keeps your immune system strong, pears also supply a good dose of vitamin K to help clot your blood, as wells as vitamin A for your eyes.

Health benefits The fiber in pear helps keep your heart healthy and might reduce your risk of certain types of cancer as well. A pear a day might also keep you from having sandwich with thin slices of pear, or add pear slices to a tossed green salad. Cut a pear into quarters and brush it with a small amount of butter. Sprinkle the pear with cinnamon and nutmeg and broil it until it’s soft for tasty and nutritious dessert.

Facts, Fictions And Fallacies

Continued from page 9

high school models. But the building is not haphazard. Since many of the old schools are aged and dilapidated and the state does not have the funding to replace each and every of the run-down school buildings, the reclassification policy is structured on maximising resources.

This means in the new school models, communities would have to share school facilities in consolidated schools, against the old practice of each community insisting on its own schools, even if the pupil population is sparse and there are hardly enough teachers to go round. This therefore explains the merger of schools which some critics may have clearly misunderstood, and in most cases dubbed Islamisation. The motive is not to inconvenience communities or missions.

It is rather to maximise Osun education resources, in such a way, as Jeremy Bentham said, “to ensure the greatest happiness of the greatest number”. This has been achieved tremendously through the new school reforms system. To be sure however, the scheme did not indiscriminately combine schools without adequate consideration to sensitive factors such as faith, communal sensibilities and location.

It is a lie from the pit of hell that Muslim named schools were merged with Christian named schools or that Muslim students were merged with Christian students.

Where would the wholly Muslims or Christians students have been sourced for the imaginary mixing, when both public and private schools in Nigeria are never religiously segregated.

Aregbesola has demonstrated in governance that he is absolutely prepared for 21st century leadership where information technology holds the ace.

Without ICT, it would have been difficult for the state to provide all the text books needed by over 150, 000 students in the high schools. To provide just 3 text books, which are not enough for the students to perform well in the final examination in WAEC and NECO, would have cost the state government a whopping sum of N4.5 billion annually.

But the introduction of Opon Imo (Tablet of Knowledge), it costs N250 million only for the government to provide virtual text books for all the books needed by the students to write (WAEC, NECO and JAMB) for the 150,000 students in the high schools.

Imo has garnered several awards for the governor’s bold initiative and the state.The tablet is preloaded with seventeen (17) subjects offered by students in the West African Senior Secondary Certificate E x a m i n a t i o n s (WASSCE). The subjects in Opon Imo have been designed in forms of lesson notes, textbooks, mostly provided by publishers and master teachers’ inputs. Content verifiers, who happened to be some of the local teachers, were also made to verify lesson notes on each subject.

Besides, seven extracurricular subjects, such as Sexuality Education, Civic Education, Yoruba History, Ifa Traditional Religion, Computer Education and Entrepreneurship Education, and Twelve Thousand Yoruba Proverbs were also included.

Test platform for students’ self assessment to monitor their own comprehension and mastery of the subject, including 10 years past questions and answers provided by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), as well as questions and answers in 17 (Seventeen) ordinary level subjects.

The subject are English Language, Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Economics, Principles of Accounts, Literature in English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology,

from hard copy of textbooks purchases. It rather spent just N200 million for the purchase of the 56 e-books on Opon-Imo with 150,000 user licenses from a major educational publishing company from the country. As it is structured, Opon-Imo ensures that each student has an etextbook, not only in all the subjects he is offering, but also on every subject offered at secondary school level.

This in itself is legendary and revolutionary!

Some critics queried the introduction of “Ifa

Politics the PDP hirelings that computer is made from Ifa Corpus?

It is interesting to note that the reforms have led to a radical increase in grants and subventions for the administration of public primary and secondary schools. It’s disgusting to hear the PDP crying wolf where non exist. For seven and half year, the PDP-led government total grants to 1378 primary schools in the state was a paltry of N125.1 million. But under 3 years, APC-led government quadruples the same schools grants to N426.7 million annually. The PDP-led

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State

Yoruba, Commerce, Further Mathematics, History, Geography, Government, IRK and CRK. Audio tutorials were also embedded in the Opon-Imo to further aid students through virtual study plan.

The state would save a total sum of N8.4 billion

Corpus into Opon Imo as idolatry in the 21 century”.

What a contradiction, when one considers the basic nuance of knowing that Opon Imo is a product of the laws of binary features, from which computers are made?

How may we education

“It’s disgusting to hear the PDP crying wolf where non exist. For seven and half year, the PDP-led government total grants to 1378 primary schools in the state was a paltry of N125.1 million. But under 3 years, APC-led government quadruples the same schools grants to N426.7 million annually.”

government grants for secondary schools for seven and half years was a miserable N656.6 million while under APC administration for barely 3 years was N897.9 million, a quantum leap by any account.

The state has committed N14.4 billion on new school buildings, while recurrent annual expenditure consumes N21 billion on elementary schools, and N13.46 billion secondary schools. This amounts to per capital spending of N84,000 per elementary school pupil, and N30,000 per secondary school pupil. The total capital expenditure on schools in the last three

years outside new schools is N31.31 billion.

Under the APC administration, WAEC fees have also shot up from N38 million to N400 million per annum. The administration also has spent to date a total of N1.

2 billion on the production of the pace-setting elearning tablet, Opon Imo. Besides building new schools, Ogbeni administration is renovation and upgrading some of the existing ones.

On this alone, the sate has spent N1.6 billion.

For instance, the state has added 10,407 new teachers to the list of public schools teaching staff in Osun. Thus, the state now has 12,715 teachers in the primary schools and 7,848 teachers in secondary school. This translates to a 54.8 per cent increase in the number of teachers in public schools, the administration inherited.

The same applies to the non-teaching staff whose number has also increased by 56.4 per cent. As a result, the salaries and pensions of primary and secondary school teachers now cost the state government N16.8billion and N10.3billion respectively on an annual basis, which amounts to a total of N27.1billion per annum.On the free school uniforms, the state has expended N900million, while the elementary school feeding programme costs N3.6 billion every year. On the supply of furniture to schools, the state has spent N2.5 billion, while N503 million is expended on instructional materials which were not part of public school education before Ogbeni assumed office.

Ogbeni’s Administration is so encompassing such that both his traducers and allies are awed by his s p e c t a c u l a r achievements.Only last year his government spent about N162 million to bail out 87 medical students who now continue their programme in Karachin University. A couple of years from now the state and parents alike will be celebrating their graduation as trained Medical Doctors. These and more are what Ogbeni’s traducers wish to obliterate through fictions and fallacies.

Health Importance Of Flowers & Plants

WE know that flowers produce seeds and seed is important as food source for humans and wild life, and of course grows into new plant.

We also send flowers to our loved ones on special occasions, at the hospital, and even at funerals, because flowers strengthens feelings of compassion and decreases anxicty and worry.

Keeping flowers around the home and in the work place greatly reduces a person’stress level. Natural aesthetic beauty is soothing to people and keeping ornamental flowers around the home environment is an excellent way to lower stress and anxiety. People who keep flowers in their homes feel happier, les stressed and more relaxed. As a result of the positive energy they derive from the environment, the chances of suffering from stress-related depression are decreased as well. Overall, adding flowers to your home or work environment reduces your perceived stress levels and makes you feel more relaxed, secure and happy.

Flowers can help you achieve a more optimistic outlook on your life,

bringing you both pleasing visual stimulation and helping you to increase your perceived happiness.

Shrubs trees and flowers have a practical application in hospitals. The presence of plants in patient recovery rooms greatly reduces the time necessary to heal the soothing effects of ornamental flowers and plant are so great that simply having denily views of flowerer and other ornamented plant in land scaped areas, out side patient recovery room, significantly speed up recovery time.

Another technique to a derease recovery time is horticulture therapy, where patients care for and nurture plants themselves. Patients who physically interact with plants experience a significantly reduced recovery time after medical procedures. Plants affect the levels of compassion that people feel for others.

Studies have shown that people who spend more time around plants are much more likely to help others, and often have more advanced social relationships. People who care or narture plans are more likely to care for others.

By SANDRA OGHOYONE

Reaching out to their peers and forming shared bonds resulting from their common interests Extended exposure to nature and wildlife increases people’s compassion for the environment in which they live in short, being around plants can help to improve relationship between people and increases their concern and empathy toward others.

Spending time with nature gives people an increased feeling of vitality. Increasing their energy levels and making them feel more animated, their performance levels are, in turn, increased by this improved state of mind Natural environments induce a positive out look to life making people feel more alive and active.

When people experience increased vigor, they put more of themselves and their energy into their work. Plant can help people to improve their performance at work and at home by increasing their perceived vitality and giving them more feeling of added energy. keeping plants in a childs learning

environment enhances learning capabilities by helping them to focus and concentrate. This improves their ability to learn new things and makes it easier for them to absorb and retain information. Ornamemtal plants are conducive to generating a positive

learning environment reducing children’s tendency towards distraction and helping them to be able to concentrate on school work, specifically for children having problems paying attention. Adding plant to the classroom can have a dramatic positive effect on the way they learn for example, children with attention deficit disorder,

learning in a natural environment can help them to engage more in the classroom, improving their focus and concentration on the task at hand.

The soothing effect of natural aesthetic beauty helps to minimize the distractions that would other wise occupy their minds. By altering the environment in which children learn, plants can help them to learn better.

NEWS EXTRA

Ubiane Village Head Wants Govt Intervention On Community Infrastructure Stories By AUDU AMADU UBIANE community in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State has decried the absence of the State Government’s presence in the area in spite of the massive support for the APC in the previous and current political dispensation in the State.

The Village Head of Ubiane, Alhaji [Chief] Mutairu Buhari Umoru who expressed this displeasure at his Palace, Ubiane in a press conference, further lamented that the Ughioli / Ubiane / Iyerekhu road, which is the only motorable route through which his community accesses the outside world has remained deplorable over times in spite of their persistent appeals to both the State and local Administrations to comprehensively grade and asphalt it.

While claiming that Ubiane Community has always aligned with this government politically, the Village Head emphasized that in all the previous elections in the State, the then ACN now APC recorded the highest number of votes cast in Polling Units 16 and 17 when compared with other polling units in ward 7 of Etsako West Constituency 1 and wondered what they have done to deserve the current treatment Ubiane being an agrarian

Edo Govt Urged To Re-Acquire Agbede/ Warrake Farm THE Edo State Government has been enjoined to reacquire the moribund Agbede / Warrake Farms and at the same time investigate why and how the assets of the farms such as silos and tractors have been sold out to some persons unknown to the Community.

The Dania of Ayuele land, Alhaji A.R.Z Momodu who made this appeal at Agbede in an exclusive interview with the Sunday observer, lamented that though the farm was located in Ayuele land, the Community was currently not in any way benefiting from it.

The Community Leader further disclosed that during the hey days of the Farms, for its alluvial soil, Cassava, Maize and Rice were mass – produced, which he noted, were sold to them at very cheap rates while their youths and able bodied men and women were gainfully employed in the farms.

Alhaji Momodu asserted that the - over - 200 hectares farm land is surrounded by streams, ponds and rivers where irrigation farming could conveniently be practiced.

He was full of optimism that when cultivated, the farms would boost the socio – economic lives of the people.

community he said, a lot of their rice, plantain and cassava farms were located along the Iyerekhu axis of the road and lamented that the road remained deplorable all year round due to the peculiar terrain.

In the time past the Village Head further noted, the road served as an alternative route to South – Ibie, Ekperi, Weppa – Wano and Idah in kogi State for people traveling from Ayuele, Ishan and Benin and stressed that its reconstruction would not only decongest the heavy traffic usually experienced on the Auchi/Okenne highway, but also eases farmers access to their farms and market.

Alhaji Umoru also called on the State Government to renovate the dilapidated block of six classrooms at Esivue Primary School, Ubiane in order to decongest the overcrowded few habitable classrooms.

He also appealed to the Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area, Hon. Hassan Kadiri to complete the abandoned near – lintel – level block of three classrooms and the Headmaster’s office initiated by the last Transition Committee Chairman, Dr. Bruno Oshionobo In the meantime, Alhaji Umoru

has expressed gratitude to Hon. Abdul Razak Momoh , the member representing Etsako

West Constituency 1 at the Edo State House of Assembly for

providing a Borehole and Hon. Abubakar Momoh who is representing Etsako Federal

Constituency at the House of Representatives for the on – going water project in Ubiane Community.

L-R: Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Kabiru Barwa; newly appointed Judge of Federal Court of Appeal, Justice Bitrus Sanga; Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu and Chief Staff to Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Yusuf Gumli during the visit of the judge to the Emir in Bauchi at the weekend.

Ayuele Community Craves Govt Assistance To Complete Abandoned Water Project

THE Edo State Government has been called upon to assist in completing the over ten – year abandoned Benin / Owena River Basin Authority’s Agbede Water Project by reconnecting and distributing the water to the rest parts of Agbede community yet to benefit from the project.

Alhaji A.R.Z Momodu who made the appeal at Agbede said the water project has earlier been connected to some parts of Agbede community by Hon. Abdul Razak Momoh as part of his constituency project. He however enjoined the State Government to purchase more superior bigger diameters galvanized pipes to enable the water go round as there was sufficient volume of water in the river.

The Community Leader also enjoined the State Government to liaise with Etsako West Local Government Council to provide water for Ughioli, Ubiane, Odighie and Egho Communities.

Alhaji Momodu urged the state government to as part of the on – going schools rehabilitation programmes, fix the roof of the dilapidated Senior Secondary section of Momodu College, Agbede. He complained that the roof had been removed since 2012 by the contractor handling the renovation project in the School. He described the development as worrisome as the students have been forced since then to squat with the junior students thus hampering effective teaching and learning in the school According to him, only four permanent teachers are currently teaching in the School aside from some few youth corps members along with three teachers

employed by the Community to teach the JSS classes.

The Community leader also enjoined the State Government to renovate the dilapidated buildings at Ayuele Secondary School, Agbede and post more teachers to the School as Students from Egho and Odighie Communities also attend the School.

The Community Leader also implored the State Government to complete the Chief Lucky James - initiated – but – abandoned block of six classrooms with the Headmaster’s Office at the Egono Primary School, Egono, which he noted has been successfully roofed but lacked other features of a completed building. He stressed that the non – completion of the school building was currently hampering effective learning and teaching there, as the Pupils were using the only block of four classrooms built by the European Union as well as the Chairs and Desks inherited from Ughioli Primary School, Aviele, when the School was affiliated to it.

Alhaji Momodu further disclosed that since the school was disaffiliated from her main school at Aviele in 2012, no single amenity has been given to the School and therefore implored the relevant stakeholders to post more teachers to the school and fortify it to avert the likelihood of persons wanting to encroach on the school premises.

He also called on the State Government to renovate the buildings in the School as they are all dilapidated with no sufficient Desks, Chairs and Teachers.

In the area of road construction, Alhaji Momodu implored the State Government to rehabilitate the Agbede main township road from the Momodu College axis to Anwain road junction with comprehensive drainage system as promised.

Alhaji Momodu also enjoined the State Government to provide more Medical personnel as Doctors, Nurses and Laboratory Technologists as well as Ward Orderly, cleaners and day and night watchmen. He lamented that the former hospital staff that were either transferred or retired were never replaced even though the hospital also serves both Anwain and Jagbe Communities as well. The Community Leader also enjoined the State Government to fortify the hospital premises to prevent encroachment.

In a related development, the Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area, Barrister Hassan Kadiri has been called upon to grade and asphalt Ubiane/ Ughioli and Egho / Odighie earth roads and also provide water for Egho Odighie , Ughioli and Ubiane \Communities.

The Dania of Ayueleland, Alhaji A.R.Z Momodu, who made this passionate appeal also enjoined the Council Boss to provide more teachers and erect a new block of at least six classrooms at Omoaka Primary School, Agbede. He also enjoined the Council Chairman to fortify the school premises as people usually pass through its premises while the School is in session.

Alhaji Momodu also enjoined Hon. Kadiri to reopen the Etsako West Skill Acquisition Centre, Agbede which the council closed since May 2012.

He alleged that since May 2012, the council has stop paying the workers salary and had been asking for the keys to the centre which the community refused bluntly to submit because they

do not want the centre to be closed as it has according to him, prevented Youth restiveness to some extent in Jagbe Anwain and Agbede Communities since its inception in April, 2009.

THE Edo State Government has been commended for the comprehensive renovation works it carried out at Atebheda Primary School and all the dilapidated buildings at the Junior Secondary School section of Momodu College, both in Agbede in Etsako West Local Government Area of the State.

The Dania of Ayuele Kingdom, Alhaji A.R.Z Momodu [J.P] who spoke on behalf of the Oba of Ayuele land, H.R.H Alhaji M.S Momodu 11 while playing host to the Sunday Observer in Agbede, also commended the State Government for renovating a block of two classrooms and the Principal’s office at Ayuele Secondary School, Agbede Alhaji Momodu also thanked the chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area, Barrister Hassan Kadiri for the on – going construction of seven blocks open market stalls at the Agbede Market.

Hon. Abdul Razak Momoh who represents Etsako West Constituency 1 at the Edo State House of Assembly was also commended by the community leader for completing the over ten years abandoned Agbede Water Project initiated by the Benin / Owena River Basin by purchasing the water treatment plant, the water pipes and distributed the water to a part of Agbede community. The Justice of Peace

also commended the lawmaker for providing a Water Borehole for Ubiane community and for paying the sum of two million naira [#2m] for the completion of the Egono Community Electricity Project that was abandoned by the Federal Government.

Alhaji Momodu also commended Hon. Abubakar Momoh for providing a new block of two classrooms with Desks, Chairs and an airconditioned Headmaster’s Office at the Odighie / Egho Primary School, Odighie. He also thanked Senator Domingo Obende for the on – going erection of a new block of two classrooms also in Odighie / Egho Primary School, Odighie.

Comrade Aruna Abubakari who is currently eyeing the seat of Etsako West Constituency 1 at the Edo State House of Assembly in the forth coming General Elections was also commended

by Ayuele Community for grading the Agbede/ Jagbe and Agbede / Odighie / Anwain roads recently.

He also acknowledged the contribution of the Ayuele United Association of Nigeria [AUAN] which recently provided desks and chairs for all the primary schools in Ayuele land and for also sustaining the Skill Acquisition Centre, Agbede by offsetting the backlog of salary arrears owed the workers

...Commends EDSG Over School Renovation

NPFL Club Owners Directs LMC To Restore Giwa FC Nembe City League Status REPRESENTATIVES of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Clubs Owners have directed the League Management Company (LMC) to restore league status of Giwa FC, Jos and Nembe City FC of Bayelsa.

The directive came after a harmonisation meeting of the group which ended in the early hours of Thursday, in Abuja.

Reports indicate that a letter to that effect had been forwarded to the LMC for immediate action.

Newsmen gathered that the directive was to avert contempt after a Federal High Court in Jos had ordered the LMC to halt the league pending the inclusion of Giwa FC. It was also to prevent the court from declaring the LMC illegal following its latest injunction.

The club owners representatives noted that the reason for the exclusion of Giwa was described as pointless since the players had accepted to collect the N70,000 salary proposed by the club.

Victor Baribote, Chairman of Nembe City said in an interview that his club was to participate in the league season.

“Nembe City played in the last season and was not relegated; Giwa FC were confirmed and promoted to the Premier league at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Warri.

“So there is no way we will not be part of the league.

“I know people were worried or got agitated because it’s about two weeks that Nembe and Giwa have not been part of the league.

“Even those teams playing the continental matches, there are times they have three, four, five matches outstanding and we know how to fix it.

“So, it’s something that can be done after our discussion; we will come to an agreement,’’ Baribote said.

The proprietor of the Giwa FC, Chris Giwa, told newsmen that he was satisfied with the outcome of their meeting.

He expressed the confident that as league organisers, the LMC would do the necessary things to readmit both clubs into the ongoing league season.

“The meeting is successful,

we thank God; it is one thing for people to gather and it is another to finish your deliberation.

“So, it’s a peaceful deliberation and it ended well.

“I am very confident that my team will participate in the league because we got the promotion by the Grace of God and were promoted to play not to be excluded.

“Week one and week two matches have been played and we are in week three now; by the grace of God, I am sure Giwa are going to play our week one and week two matches.

“I am sure the LMC will reschedule our matches by the grace of God,’’ Giwa said.

Reports also said that the representatives of the clubs owners are awaiting the response from the LMC.

Flanagan Promised New Contract

LIVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers has told full-back Jon Flanagan he will be offered a new contract at the club. told national newspapers. “Come The 21-year-old is in the the summer he’s got another year penultimate season of his so he will definitely be given a existing deal but, having new deal, no question. established himself as a first“He has been outstanding. He choice player after initially reminded me of Steve Nicol getting his opportunity due to against Manchester United on Jose Enrique’s injury, will be Sunday - a right-footed player on around for the long term if the left side, steady, aggressive, Rodgers has his way. no fear.

“Jon will be given a new “He’s been a revelation, and contract,” the Northern Irishman

Gyan Optimistic Ghana ’ll Blossom At World Cup GHANA captain Asamoah Gyan has no doubts the Black Stars will progress from a difficult Group G which has Germany, Portugal and USA at the World Cup. The in-form Al Ain forward believes his teammates have the credentials to match these tough opponents in the first round.

The Black Stars are less-

Jon Flanagan

fancied to pick one of the two spots to the round 16 stage but Gyan is adamant they will repeat feats in 2006 and 2010.

“The thing about Ghana all the time is that whenever we play against a big team, we perform,” Gyan told a local radio station on Thursday.

“That is what happened with us when we were going to the 2006 and 2010 World

Cups.

“And that is what happened with the Egypt [World Cup playoff] game where everyone got involved.

“And I believe it will happen again at this World Cup.” Ghana opens their campaign against USA on 16 June in Natal before engaging Germany and Portugal.

particularly in the big games. It’s great when you see a young player develop like that. You can see the confidence he has now.

He has made himself an important member of the squad.

“He is young but his performance levels are so mature. They had to change (Juan) Mata over at the weekend, he booted Mata over to the other side and then (Adnan) Januzaj as well. He’s not easily fazed. I think the

SAYS DR. J. K. POOLS

“I had (England Under-21 managers) Gareth Southgate down here and he was raving over him. He is a wonderful young talent but in order to stay at that level he needs to focus and concentrate on staying in the team.

“He thought the opportunity might have passed him by but now he is grabbing it with both hands and doesn’t want to let it go. You can see the hunger and his quality in his performances.”

Man United Held He added: “I’m not going to Inquest confirm the details of what happened but obviously we

Wayne Rooney: WAYNE Rooney said Manchester United’s players held an inquest among themselves after Sunday’s “devastating” defeat to Liverpool and believes it helped them bounce back to beat Olympiakos on Wednesday.

United progressed to the last eight of the Champions League with a 3-0 win over the Greek side, having lost by the same scoreline to Brendan

Sunday Pools Guide Week 37 Rotherham; York For “X”

A coursory x-ray of the 49 programmed fixtures of this week 37 matches to be played on 29th/ 30th MARCH 2014, I fancy the above captioned Headline games for an “x” must come rain or sun at the weekend.

The games are ROTHERHAM VS BRISTOL CITY at No 29 and YORK VS BURTON A at 42.

In the same vien, Sheffwed Vs Watford at 21 Walshall Vs Shrewsbury at 32 for another “X”.

In summary Nos 21- 29- 32 and 42 for at least two draws.

A look at the premiership, Fidham Vs Everton at 3 and Swansea Vs Norwich at 9 for one draw.

A visit to league Division one Leyton O Vs Bradford C at 24, Rotherham Vs Bristol C at 29, Oldham Vs Brentford at 27 and Walshall Vs Shrewsbury at 32 for at least two draws.

In companionship, Brighton Vs Middlbro at 13, Ipswich Vs Nottinfor at 16 and Sheffwed Vs Watford at 21 for one draw must.

A look at English Division two, Dagenham Vs Oxford at 34, Hartepool Vs Cheltonham at 36, Northpton Vs Bury at 39 and York Vs Burton A at 42 for at least two draws.

biggest thing for me has been his temperament.”

Flanagan has made 14 appearances this season, all as part of Rodgers’ starting line-up, and scored his first senior goal against Tottenham in December.

Rodgers said: “He never really featured for me at all at the start, there was Jose Enrique and others considered in front of him.

We spoke a number of times about him going out on loan but no one came in for him.

Please stokers those who like to win to mark the ending of this season should keep accurate records of SUNDAY OBSERVER weekly in order to see the wonders of DR J.K Pools.

Please try to watch out!

Watch Out!! Watch Out!!!

07039275802 8 Treble Chance 1. Swansea Vs Norwich 0-0 2. Fidham Vs Everton 0-0 3. Sheffwed Vs Watford 1-1 4. Brighton Vs Middlbro 1-1 5. Leyton O Vs Bradford C 2-2 6. Dagenham Vs Oxford 2-2 7. Rotherham Vs Bristol C 3-3 8. York Vs Burton A 3-3 3 HOT PAIRS (A) 29-42 (B) 13-21 (C) 24-27.

Good luck says DR. J.K Pools Box 34 Irrua or Opposite Police Station Irrua Edo state

Rodgers’ side at Old Trafford three days earlier.

And Rooney revealed United’s players were hit hard by the manner of their loss to Liverpool, when they were outplayed by their local rivals.

The striker said: “All the players will admit Sunday was a devastating result for us. To lose 3-0 the way we did was hard to take and we had to stand up and show ourselves and really be at our best because that was not good enough. We have done that [against Olympiakos] but we have to kick on now and we have to give performances like that every week.”

Rooney said the United players discussed the defeat among themselves and addressed their shortcomings.

Wayne Rooney

talk. We talk after every game, whether we win, lose or draw, but we knew as a team what went wrong on Sunday, we didn’t need anyone to tell us, and we came out and delivered a big performance.”

Rooney has become one of manager David Moyes’ closest allies and, with the manager being heavily criticised after the Liverpool blow, he felt they had to deliver for the Scot.

He explained: “I’ve said before our performances this season haven’t been good enough and we owe the manager a big performance, but we know as players we are better than what we’ve done this season. As a group we have to show that and put it right.”

Robin van Persie, who had not struck in his previous three games, scored a hat-trick against Olympiakos and Rooney, who set up his second goal, praised his strike partner.

He said: “I think that just proves what a goalscorer he is.

He has had critics over the last few weeks but he’s worked hard, like we all have, and to score a hat-trick when we needed it the most shows what a player he is. He’s a big-game player and we needed that.”

CMYK

Museums Are Not Shrines - Commission THE National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) has said that museums in the country are not shrines but tourism sites, contrary to the beliefs of some people.

Malam Abdallah Usman, the Director-General of NCMM said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

“There is need to correct the misconception that museums in Nigeria are shrines, where idols are being glorified and worshipped,” he said.

Usman said that the perception had affected the nation’s museum as parents do not find it suitable taking their children to museums for tourism.

The commission’s boss said that a lot of publicity was needed to correct the impression, while calling on the media to help inform the citizenry and salvage the nation’s museum from collapsing.

He said that the commission had embarked on sensitisation to correct such impression, adding that it would not do anybody any good to equate museums with shrines.

Usman said that the museums served as tourists’ centres to showcase what the country has to the rest of the world in terms of artifacts.

He said that every state in the country was expected to have at least one museum, adding that there were also specialised museums like traditional architecture museum, which were suitable for sightseeing for

members of the public. .

According to him, the commission has 48 museums across the country and some states like Osun, Ondo, Gombe, among others have two.

He said that the commission was working on a programme to establish a museum in the states that do not have, including one for the nation’s capital.

Usman disclosed that the commission has 100 monuments across the country, but stated that only 65 had been classified because of their functions and significance in terms of artifacts or history.

He called on the Federal Government to provide security in all the museums across the country, adding that the commission had to rely on community policing to provide security at the museums to avoid theft of the items.

“What we have is priceless and must not be allowed to be stolen by unscrupulous elements who want to sell our heritage,” he said.

L-R: Chairman, Technical Committee, Bureau of Public Enterprices (BPE), Mr. Atedo Peterside; Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Dukpe Adelabu; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and Vice President Namadi Sambo during a joint meeting of the National Council on Privatisation and Niger Delta Power holding at the Presidential Villa in Abuja weekend.

768m Nigerians Lack Access To Safe Drinking Water - UNICEF

THE United Nations Children’s’ Fund (UNICEF) on Friday said no fewer than 768 million Nigerians lacked access to safe drinking water.

This is contained in a

statement signed by Mr Geoffrey Njoku, Head, Media and External Relations, and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The statement reported Ms.

Jean Gough, Country Representative, as saying that this was the leading cause of death in thousands of children.

It said 1,400 children under-

Nigeria Manufacturing Content Capacity Still At 35% - NCDMB Boss MR Ernest Nwapa, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Content Development Board (NCDMB), says the Nigerian manufacturing industry capacity for local contents in oil and gas is still at 35 per cent.

Nwapa stated this in Abuja at the 2014 Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition.

He said that the local content was still low in spite of efforts by the Federal Government to ensure that the manufacturing industry in Nigeria improved and competed favourably with industries in the international community.

He said that the Nigerian manufacturing industries were currently being run with machines brought in from different parts of the world.

“Our partial Nigeria content is at 70 to 87 per cent, while our real content, which is based on proportion of contract sums spent on Nigerian made products, is from 12 to 18 per cent.

“This is considerably very low, and it is a major factor to lack of investment o p p o r t u n i t i e s , underdevelopment and unemployment.

“We have decided to neglect human capacity development which is essential to the development of the sector, and we have focused on revenue

derived.

“Presently, we still seek foreign partners in rebuilding our refineries,” he said.

He said that the major challenge of the industry was non-development of its manufacturing sub-sector.

“The greatest problem we have is that Nigeria procures virtually what it needs from abroad.

“No matter how we try, if we don’t raise the level of manufacturing, we will not get the expected level of local content growth.

“That is why we are designing product and strategies starting from component and we believe that this is the area we can explore.’’

He said that it had become compulsory for foreign and local investors interested in establishing business places in Nigeria to patronise local industries.

Nwapa decried the misinterpretation of the content act by foreign investors, saying that the law was not meant to drive out foreigners but to attract and encourage better collaboration.

“What makes a great oil producing nation is the ability to manufacture all necessary equipment needed, asset ownership and human capital development,’’ he said.

He said that there was a need to create skilled workforce by building more capacity and engaging Nigerians, thereby creating more jobs.

“So far, we have spent about five billion dollars on investments in new yards and upgrade of existing facilities, and the Nigerian Marine vessels is now in full operation.

“We have initiated capacity development intervention to

ensure the local industries are given priorities,” he said.

The NCDMB boss explained why most Nigerian local oil and gas industries were not given licences for full operation.

“Nigerians do not like complying with the Content Act, no company deserves to be shut down, but when they do not comply with the act, we have no choice than to sanction them,” he said.

five died each day from causes linked to lack of safe water, sanitation and hygiene globally.

“Most of these people without access are poor and live in remote rural areas or urban slums,” Gough said.

According to UNICEF estimates, globally no fewer than 1,400 under-five children die every day from diarrhoea diseases linked to lack of safe water, adequate sanitation and hygiene.

The statement also cited the 2013 Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey published in 2013 by the National Bureau of Statistics, which showed that nearly 70 million Nigerians lacked access to safe water in 2011.

The statement placed Nigeria as the third country globally with most people without access to safe water.

Gough said with support from the EU and UKAid, over 1.9 million people in rural areas had

gained access to safe water in its Water and Sanitation Hygiene schools’ programme.

This, the statement said, would strengthen capacities on appropriate choice of technology for water supply.

“UNICEF is bringing safe water to families living in some of the most under-served areas in over 20 states.’’

“Through appropriate technologies that do not rely on electricity, water facilities that are easy to operate and maintain a greater number of disadvantaged people can be provided with safe water .

“Every child in Nigeria deserves access to safe water and thereby, a chance to survive and thrive,’’ it said.

Reports say that UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child.

Together with its partners, it works in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children.

Mango Can Reduce Risk Of Cancer, Heart, Eye Disorders - Nutritionists SOME nutritionists in Lagos say moderate consumption of mango has nutritional value to combat cancer, heart diseases and eye problems.

The experts said this in interviews with newsmen at the weekend.

Mango is a seasonal fruit rich in vitamins and minerals essential for human body.

Dr Funke Akinlabi, a nutritionist at the Optimal Healthcare, Ikeja, said that many people were unaware of the health benefits of mango.

“The nutritional value of mango makes it good for weight moderation, eye disorders, hair loss, diabetes, bacterial infections, piles, indigestion,

constipation, morning sickness, diarrhoea, dysentery, liver disorders and menstrual disorders.

“Mango, high in calories and carbohydrates, is good for those who are trying to gain weight.

“The chemical compound found in mango has been found to have powerful antioxidant and anticancer properties.

“It is high in iron. Mango is also said to be very good for pregnant women and people suffering from anaemia.

“Mango is believed to be effective in relieving pores of the skin.”

Also, Dr Steve Okorie, a Consultant Nutritionist with the Nigeria Institute of Medical

Research (NIMR), Yaba, said mango was an important fibre that could prevent certain types of cancer.

“We all know the importance of fibre in our diets.

“If you eat mango daily, it can solve constipation, piles and diarrhoea.

“The dietary fibre has a protective effect against degenerative diseases, especially heart.

“It may also prevent certain types of cancer, as well as lowering blood cholesterol levels.”

Another nutritionist, Dr Richard Agbazue, who works with the Isolo General Hospital, Lagos, however, warned that too

much consumption of mango could have health implications, especially for people on weight loss plan.

“If you are on a weight loss plan, it is important to remember that most of the calories in fresh and preserved mango come from the sugars in the fruit.

“Moderation is the key to avoid increase in calories from mango.

“Some individuals may suffer from a condition called ‘mango mouth’ diseases like itchiness, swelling, and blisters around the mouth, lips and tip of the tongue.

“The symptoms may usually occur in sensitised individuals eating raw mango.”

Printed and published by Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, 24, Airport Road, P.M.B. 1334 Benin City. Telephone; Lagos: 01 4930929, Benin: 052 257492, 257531 Editor. GLORIA OMORUYI (08025849707). Deputy General Manager (Marketing) (08023457566), Assistant General Manager (Advertisement) (08023808856) Lagos Office: 3/4 Amode Close, Kudirat Abiola Way, By Olushonsun Bus Stop, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. Abuja Office: Floor 1, Edo House, 75 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Tel/Fax: 09-5237631.