sunday observer 26-05-2013

THE WEEKEND

The Sunday

1

CMYK

SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

• Vol. XI NO.3,998 •

POLITICS & ISSUES

SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013 • N100.00

SUNDAY SERMON

The Almajiri System In Nigeria And Senator Mark’s Ban Call

Your Freedom Is Possible

Pgs. 16/17

Pg. 7

Jonathan Resignation Call, Myopic - Archbishop Imaekhai

By ANTHONY AIBANGBEE With Agency Report

REACTIONS have continued to trail former military Head of State, General Mohammadu Buhari’s call on President Goodluck Jonathan to resign following his declaration of state of emergency in the troubled north eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

The latest is coming country.

General Buhari had in from a religious leader, reaction to the the Most Revd Friday declaration of the Imaekhai who yesterday described emergency rule accused Buhari’s call as myopic President Jonathan of and unexpected from a lacking in vision and past leader of the strength to tackle the

insurgency in the troubled region.

Imaekhai, Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion

also implored past leaders of the country to muster support for the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, to

enable the nation surmount its myriad of problems.

He noted that the resignation of the

President cannot address the problem of insecurity, but would rather worsen it, as the circle of violence would

shift to other regions.

According to him, “it is clear that, the call is myopic and cannot Continues on pg.2

NBA Commends AU For Endorsing Nigeria For UN Security Council THE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday commended African Union (AU) for endorsing Nigeria for the UN Security Council seat for a second term.

Nigeria served in the Security Council from 2010 to 2011 and is seeking re-election for

another term, 2014 to 2015.

The AU Executive Council had endorsed Nigeria for the seat during its 23rd Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa.

The NBA Chairman, Lagos branch, Mr. Taiwo Taiwo, who made the Continues on pg.2

SHOWBIZ Cosy Ojiakor Tweets On Her New Look Pgs. 20/21

President Goodluck Jonathan leading Nigeria’s delegation at the Special Assembly Session to commemorate the 50th anniversary of OAU/AU in Addis-Ababa yesterday.

RELATIONSHIP

Single And Sexuality

Pg. 15

TIT BIT

“ It is easier to find a needle in a haystack than for a woman to learn from her mate, why their husband likes her more.”

- Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

THE WEEKEND

2 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

NEWS Jonathan Resignation Continued from pg. 1

address the problem of insecurity rather it will worsen it, as the circle of violence will shift to other regions.

“It is sad those calling for President Jonathan’s resignation did not show any sympathy for those who have lost their lives through the operations of Boko

Haram.

“Are they now pained that some members of the sect have lost their lives with the declaration of the state of emergency in three states?

“There is nothing wrong in criticism but such criticism must be constructive and altruistic in nature.

“It is our considered view

that all those who have ruled this country before and are alive should muster support for the incumbent president, so that collectively we can overcome challenges in all spheres of our common life as a nation”, he admonished.

He called on all Nigerians to support the President in his avowed commitment to fighting terrorism, so that everyone could live in peace anywhere in Nigeria.

Amaechi Re-Elected Chairman GOVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers has in Abuja Of Governors Forum re-emerged as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) amid protests by some Governors.

His re-election was announced by Mr Asishana Okauru, Director-General of the forum‘s Secretariat.

Okauru said “Amaechi won the transparent election with 19 votes while Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau, who contested

FG Seeks Private Sector Partnership On and services was to THE Federal Government has scientific innovations products help enhance the nation’s urged the private sector to partner with institutions to develop the various innovations emanating from schools for economic advancement.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqqayatu Rufa’i, made the call in Abuja at the public presentation of the ministry’s 2012 annual report, the National Education Innovations Exhibitions 2012 and the report of the third National Conference on Examinations.

She said such partnership was necessary to help in the commercialisation of innovations that would ensure large scale production of goods

NBA Commends AU Continued from pg. 1 commendation in Lagos, told newsmen that the approval showed that a lot was still desired of the nation.

He said for Nigeria to be reendorsed by the union after it had served in the council previously was a pointer that a good legacy was exhibited.

“The endorsement of Nigeria for the seat will have much impact on the nation’s democracy. I think it is time for the nation to prove to the world that it is truly the giant of Africa.

“The decision of the AU is very commendable and I am optimistic that the country will uphold the tenet of good work, which it is known for.”

Also speaking to newsmen, Mr. Onyekachi Ubani, NBA Chairman, Ikeja branch, described the endorsement as a “healthy development”.

Ubani said it was undisputable that Nigeria had played frontier roles in crucial matters affecting sister African nations.

He said the endorsement of the country “bears eloquent testimonies to some of the virtues it possesses”.

“The endorsement of Nigeria by the AU is a healthy development for our great nation. We have been there before and had served meritoriously, and so, I have no fear that we would emerge with better agenda for the council.”

He urged Nigerians to assist the nation to execute its leadership roles.

and services from the talents that abound in the institutions.

She said this would boost the nation’s economy through the creation of employment opportunities for the youths.

“The development of our innovations would also reduce the importation of similar products; there is already a market for innovations from tertiary institutions,’’ she noted.

The minister said that the first National Education Innovations Exhibition held in November 2012 was organised to publicise the creations of the institutions and showcase the abundant talents in Nigeria.

According to her, the

exhibition provides the opportunity of first experience of what the nation’s higher institutions of learning are doing to solve some of the challenges facing the nation.

She said: “Over the years, we have been made aware of pockets of innovations which exist in our education institutions.

“The challenge has been that of bringing these out to the public domain through commercialisation so that they can serve the interest of society.’’

She stressed that the ultimate advantage of commercialising

Association Urges FG To Fund Micro-Finance Sub-Sector MR Dele Oyekanmi, the Chairman, Ikeja branch of the National Association of Micro-finance Banks, yesterday urged the Federal Government to fund the micro-finance sub-sector to address poverty in the country.

Oyekanmi told newsmen in Lagos that such banks were instituted in 2005 to address the needs of the active poor in the society.

He said the sub-sector was being under-funded by the government but the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) occasionally released intervention funds to boost the sub-sector.

“The funds have not impacted positively on their operations because of the huge population the sub-

sector is providing its services to.

“About 80 per cent of the population in the society needs our services and we can only meet their demands when there is enough liquidity in the sub-sector.

“Many of us are not in the business for the sake of making profit but to address the financial gap in the society by assisting the active poor,” he said.

Oyekanmi urged the government to support the micro-finance banks, describing them as the best vehicle to reach out to the grassroots.

He also urged wealthy Nigerians to invest in the subsector to enable it to provide better services to the people in the interest of the economy.

NSCDC Trains 300 Officers On Disaster Management THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa has said it trained more than 300 officers on disaster management.

The State Commandant, Mr. Muhammad Gidado, told newsmen in Dutse that the training also included modern musical band and security techniques.

He said the exercise was part

of its manpower development programme designed to equip officers and men of the command to meet the security challenges.

“It will also enable the command to render assistance to the public during disaster and emergency situation,” he said.

He reiterated the resolve of the command to protect lives and property.

competitive global stand.

On the report of the national conference on examinations, Rufa’i said it was a “detailed and sincere interaction on the challenges we face and ways of tackling them”.

“It should be noted that we are not just interested in the passing of examinations, but also in ensuring that students develop the necessary skills to enhance their ability to contribute to the growth of society.’’

The minister lauded the efforts of government which had attracted the interest of international development partners.

“These development partners are assisting the education sector through various intervention programmes.’’

She said the public presentation of the reports was a “message that we are continually on our toes, responding to current challenges and working not to go with the flow, but taking the initiative to keep ahead of developments.’’

the position with him, got 16 votes. “ I served as Returning Officer and after counting the votes cast by all governors here, except that of Yobe, the forum‘s incumbent Chairman, Governor Amaechi of Rivers emerged winner.

“He got 19 votes against Gov Jonah Jang of Plateau who got 16 votes,’’ Okauru said.

He added that Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo and his Zamfara counterpart, Abdulazeez Yari, contested the Vice Chairmanship position of the forum.

Mimiko, he said, withdrew from the contest shortly before the commencement of voting and yielded his position to his Zamfara state counterpart, who now returned unopposed.

However, those in the camp of Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom protested the reemergence of Amaechi as the forum‘s chairman.

Akpabio, who is the Chairman of the Peoples‘ Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDPGF), said the result of the election was not valid.

He held that 18 governors had endorsed Jang as their candidate and wondered how Amaechi could have won the election.

He posited that Amaechi was not supposed to have presided over the election, adding that he should have stepped down before the election.

Akpabio maintained that his camp would only recognise Jang as the NGF’s chairman

while Mimiko of Ondo would serve as its vice chairman.

Reports say that governors of Kogi, Bauchi, Delta, Enugu, Plateau, Cross River, Anambra and Ebonyi, among others, were at Akpabio’s briefing.

The NGF had so far had five governors as chairmen since inception.

Its pioneer chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, then the governor of Nasarawa State, held the position from 1999 to 2004.

Chief Victor Attah, then governor of Akwa Ibom, succeeded him and was there for two years from 2004 to 2006 when the then governor of Edo, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, replaced him.

Whereas Igbinedion was in office until 2007, his successor, Sen. Bukola Saraki, then governor of Kwara, led the forum from 2007 to 2011.

The exit of Bukola from the forum paved the way for the election of the current chairman, Amaechi, since 2011.

Under its first three chairmen, Adamu, Attah and Igbinedion, the forum was largely regarded as a platform where the governors came together to rub minds and relax.

However, under Saraki, it began to take on more serious issues. The forum helped the governors to win a share of the Excess Crude Account.

The NGF is an umbrella body of the 36 governors in the federation irrespective of party affiliation.

Jonathan Has Fulfilled Promises MINISTER of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, has declared that President Goodluck Jonathan had fulfilled his campaign promises to Nigerians.

He said the areas where the presidency had fulfilled its promises included the investment in the power sector, road construction, railways, job creation through Subsidy Reinvestment Programmes (SURE-P), among others.

Maku said this at the SUREP sensitisation and appraisal visit of the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, in Asaba.

He said that the president had demonstrated good leadership qualities and sincerity.

He added that the policies of Mr. President were geared towards developing the country by creating opportunities for investment and providing employment for the people, especially the youth.

According to him, it was during Jonathan’s tenure that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew more than that of any country in Africa.

- Maku He said the country currently received more foreign investors than any other on the continent, adding that Nigeria by 2025, had been projected to be the richest country on the continent.

The minister gave the assurance that the Federal Government was addressing the issue of power and would be inaugurating some of its power projects before the end of the year.

He also said the ongoing East-West Road project would be completed by the end of 2014.

Maku said the SURE-P programme alone had impacted on no fewer than 3,000 persons in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He urged Nigerians to listen to the president’s score card presentation on the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) on May 29, as the country marked its Democracy Day. “The president has done so much and he deserves to be given another chance to

complete what he started.

“This is the first time someone from the South-South and a minority has been given a chance to rule this country, we have to give him chance to succeed.

Maku also appealed to traditional rulers in the southsouth zone to pray for the peace and security of the country, adding that security had been a major challenge facing the country in the last few years.

“In the last three years, the country has invested trillions of naira on security, this money could be used for the development of the country.’’

“So, we need to support Mr. President and also pray for Nigeria,” he said.

The traditional rulers who were represented by Ovie of Uwvie Kingdom, Emmanuel Ekemojeya, appealed to the Federal Government to create more awareness of SURE-P programme for better result.

Some of the beneficiaries thanked the president and the facilitators of the programme and called for an upward review of the N10,000 stipend paid to them.

THE WEEKEND

3 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

NEWS

South-South Zone Gets N337m From Sure-P THE Federal Government, said that the South-South geopolitical zone benefited more than N337.93 million from the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P).

The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, announced this in Asaba when he led a team on a courtesy call on the Delta Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Wogu said each of the states in the zone, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers had enlisted no less than 3,000 beneficiaries under the Community Service, Women and Youth Employment (CSWYE) project of the scheme.

According to him, the zone has collectively benefited from the amount from savings that accrued to the Federal Government from the partial removal of oil subsidy.

Wogu said that the programme engaged 3,426 women and youths in Delta alone, adding that the breakdown included 1,610 males, 1,816 females and 256 persons with disability.

He said that the beneficiaries were deployed to 256 project sites spread across the 25 local government areas of the state at about N82 million.

“This has been utilised from the oil subsidy accruing to the Federal Government and this is the amount spent on monthly stipend to beneficiaries, including the purchase of basic hand tools and management requirements,’’ he said.

Wogu said as part of upgrading the scheme, each of the states in the region would engage additional 2,000 beneficiaries, thereby bringing the total to 5,000 in each state.

He said that the team came to the state on field work appraisals of the projects, adding that the visit would explore areas of partnership between the state and local governments on the CSWYE of the SURE-P. “This has become necessary to design ways of tackling the unemployment problems in the country,’’ he said.

Wogu noted that the other area of challenge was the exit plans for beneficiaries to enable them to build a better future at the end of the programme after one year.

He said although the National Directorate of Employment

(NDE) had provided vocational skills for the beneficiaries, stakeholders and the general public should support the programme.

On the minister’s entourage were Mr Labaran Maku, Minister of Information; Alhaji Ahmed Gulack, Political Adviser to the President; Mr Lucky Imasuen, a former Edo Deputy Governor and the Chairman of SURE-P. Responding, the governor lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for keeping his promise to effectively utilise the proceeds from the partial removal of oil subsidy.

He also thanked the minister and his team for ensuring the success of the programme and pledged the state’s commitment to SURE-P programme.

Uduaghan said the state government was investing part of its share of the subsidy on roads construction, transportation, environment and security.

He said that government was monitoring the scheme to ensure that local governments came up with their programmes on how to manage the subsidy revenue.

Uduaghan pledged his administration’s support for the programme and assured the team of its readiness to partner with the Federal Government to ensure that the people got its full benefit.

“Even if we want to remove the oil subsidy totally, the money must be utilised for the benefit of the people,’’ Uduaghan said.

L-R: Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, Political Adviser to Mr. President, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, when the Minister of Labour led team on a sensitization and appraisal visit to Sure-P projects in Delta state reecntly.

Adesina Laments Importation Of Palm Oil DR Akinwumi Adesina, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, has lamented the continued importation of crude palm oil into the country.

Adesina stated this when Mr Muyi Ladoja, Chairman, Plantation Owners Forum Association of Nigeria (POFAN) led a delegation to his office in Abuja.

According to him, the continued importation of crude palm oil is the price the country is paying for the neglect of the sub-sector.

The minister gave the assurance that the Federal Government would recover all the sectors that were neglected.

Adesina said that the Federal Government had a challenge of waiver in the palm oil industry, adding that it was shameful that we were still importing crude palm oil.

He said that the issue of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) was of great concern to the Federal Government.

“I want you to come up with verifiable data on the ETLS to enable us discuss with the relevant ministries and get back to you,” the minister said, and promised to discuss the setting up of a development fund for the oil palm industry.

Earlier, Ladoja said that the continued importation of crude

palm oil had threatened the livelihood of smallholder farmers.

“It is not illegitimate to import crude palm oil into the country provided the appropriate duty is paid.’’

He said that the importation of crude palm oil through the ETLS protocols was being abused, and urged the Federal Government to intervene in the existing importation waivers.

He suggested that the Federal Government should exempt large-scale crude oil investments from paying

Edo Govt Calls For Sanitation Strategy To she said.

THE Edo Commissioner for Fight Malaria The commissioner listed other Health, Dr Aihanuwa Eregie, urged Nigerians to embrace environmental sanitation as a strategy to combat malaria scourge in the country.

The commissioner made the plea during the 2013 Malaria Awareness Day Campaign in Benin.

Eregie described malaria as a major public health problem

that had affected all, especially pregnant women and children under five years of age.

She said that the Plasmodium Falciparum, a malaria causative organism, accounted for 90 per cent of cases of malaria seen in the environment.

Eregie said that good environmental sanitation

practice and other strategies were necessary to reduce the rate of malaria. ‘’Environmental sanitation, including removal of old and unused tyres and containers, clearing of bushes and drains should be done to prevent stagnation of water which is a breeding place of mosquitoes,”

strategies to include prompt reporting of cases of fever within 24 hours to the nearest health facilities.

Eregie, also suggested prevention and prompt treatment of malaria in pregnant women and use of long lasting insecticides nets as other strategies.

company tax.

In his remarks, Mr Henry Olatunjoye, President, National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPAN), said that 2,000

oil palm plantation had been abandoned by smallholder farmers due to importation.

He urged the Federal Government to address the situation before the smallholders sell off their plantations.

Court Remands 6 For Alleged Homicide, Robbery A GUSAU Magistrates’ Court at the weekend remanded six men for alleged conspiracy, robbery and culpable homicide.

They are Surajo Halilu, Ahmadu Ardo, Abdullahi Sale, Haruna Bello, Shehu Idris and Yahaya Lawal.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Mr Tiokulus Danjuma, told the court that on February 19, a 14-man armed gang invaded Makera village of Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara, shot and killed one Bala Kanka and stole his 31 cows.

The prosecutor further stated that on February 21, a team of vigilantes from Bedi village found the cows with Surajo Halilu of Tsanu village, Zurmi LGA of Zamfara.

He said that Halilu, who was with an accomplice, was arrested while the other man escaped, adding that the cows were recovered.

Danjuma further said that the man, who escaped returned on February 24 with Ardo, Sale, Bello, Idris and Lawal as well as others now at large to rescue Surajo and the cows from the vigilantes.

They shot and stabbed five vigilantes to death in the process, he said Danjuma identified the vigilantes killed by the accused as Yusuf Auta, Ya’u Bawa, Bello Bedi, Sule Dogo and Zakiru Murtala.

He said that during interrogation, Surajo confessed to have received the cows from one Umaru Danfulani, now at large.

THE WEEKEND

4 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

NEWS

US Centre Trains 25 Journalists in Niger Delta THE US-based International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ) has began training for a network of 25 journalists for the coverage of community health and environmental issues in the Niger Delta.

The centre’s Coordinator,

Woman Sues UBA For Alleged Fraudulent Withdrawal from Her Bank Account AN Abuja High Court has adjourned to June 25, a case involving a woman, Mrs. Chioma Uruakpa, who sued the Gwagwalada Branch of the UBA for alleged fraudulent withdrawal of her deposit in the bank.

Uruakpa, in her statement of claim, said that the sum of N144,300 was on January 29, 2010, withdrawn from her account with the bank without her consent.

She said the money was withdrawn on the said date using an Automated Teller Machine from the Gwagwalada Branches of Unity Bank and Intercontinental Bank at about 1.19 a.m and 8.29 a.m., respectively.

The plaintiff said she got to know about the withdrawals when she got two SMS alerts from UBA, through her cell phone, informing her of transactions that she never made.

She is praying the court to order the UBA to refund the N144,300 and pay her N100,000 as exemplary damages.

The plaintiff is also claiming N20,000 as cost of action.

Justice Balami Nwada adjourned the case to June 26 for hearing.

Mr. Tunde Akpeji, said in Yenagoa at the session that the 3-day programme would include primary elements of news writing and reporting.

He said the aim of the training was to make information on critical areas of human development available to the public, especially in countries where government controlled most traditional media.

“The journalists will be trained on how to use mobile phones to send information to mainstream media organisations.

“The aim is to ensure better coverage of health problems related to poverty and environmental concerns.”

According to him, the citizen journalism programme has become a

model in some media organisations across the globe.

One of the trainees, Abraham Agunyai, said the

training would provide a platform to highlight critical challenges facing communities in the region.

“I must commend the ICFJ

highlighting health challenges and issues militating against our development as a people,” he said.

Nollywood Actor Applauds Music Foundaton Initiative A Nollywood actor, Mr Christopher Nze, has applauded the launch of a music foundation by the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) to protect the interest of musicians.

Nze gave the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on the sideline of the launch of a music foundation to provide financial support for artistes in distress.

He said that the launch of the foundation would ensure a bright future for upcoming artistes in an entertainment industry that was not pensionable and where gratuity was not paid.

“COSON is taking Nigerian music to another level; it is an innovation, which we have been looking forward to.

“Most of our musicians are suffering one way or the other;

with the launching of the foundation, there will be hope especially for the elderly ones.

“This is not a pensionable industry, and so many musicians are suffering because of the situation they find themselves in; so, with the launching of the foundation, they can have something to smile for.”

Reports say that COSON is a collective management

Director, Defence in Formation, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade (right), giving update on the Military Operation in the North East in Abuja recently. With him is the Deputy Director, Group Capt. Adedayo Majun.

organisation with the mandate to act on behalf of musicians.

The foundation, a non-profit trust fund, is expected to provide funding for music education, resources and leadership to trigger a new economic and cultural revolution.

It is also aimed at providing needed resources to intensify the battle against piracy and other forms of abuse of the rights of musicians in the country.

Nze, who said that the launch was an innovation that was long overdue, called on Nollywood to take a lead from what the music industry in the country was doing for artistes.

He noted that before now, songs that were listened to in the country were foreign, but today at least 90 per cent of such songs were locally produced.

He called on the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to emulate the music industry by advocating for a Collective Management Organisation (CMO) for the movie industry.

Nze said the organisation would give actors, film makers, marketers and distributors a sense of belonging and acceptance in the international community.

He expressed concern over the free use of Nigerian films

by TV stations and other commercial users for monetary gain without any payment of royalties.

He said that with a CMO, the movie industry would grow and develop to higher heights.

Plateau Govt Pledges Support For Youth Development

THE Plateau Government has said that it would support any activity that would enhance youth development in the state.

The Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Solomon Maren, said this

when members of the Law Student Society (LSS) of the University of Jos paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Jos. “This government, led by our able Governor, Dr. Jonah David Jang, brought in a lot of young men into the government in order to

prepare them for other challenges ahead.

“With this, we will not relegate our fellow youths; and we are still youths within our age limit.

“A society without the

Women Leader Wants Women To Participate MRS. Sharon Ikeazor, Ikeazor, who described Actively In Politics Nigerian the National Women Leader women as humble, of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), has advised women in the country to participate actively in politics so as to assume their rightful place in the nation’s polity.

Ikeazor gave the advice in Abuja in an interview with newsmen.

She said that women must intensify their participation

for this initiative.

“It will enable the journalists to contribute their quota to the development of their communities by

in politics to enable them contribute to the political, social and economic development of the country.

The women leader appealed to governments at all levels to involve more women in decision-making to ensure equity and justice.

She stressed the need for Nigerians to be peaceful

and united to enhance the nation’s development process.

She expressed her appreciation to some bold Nigerian women who had excelled in deepening democracy through their selfless efforts in nation building, adding that she was proud of their courage.

intelligent and epitome of wisdom, appealed to them to judiciously use their God given qualities to build their various homes.

According to her, Nigerians must all come together to deal with the current challenges of insecurity, indiscipline and corruption in the country.

youth is a society without the future, and for any society to be without the future, it means that the society has virtually come to an end.

“We are proud that you are there; we are proud that you are very energetic and intelligent enough to cater for the needs of our people in the nearest future.’’

Maren reiterated government’s commitment towards the provision of infrastructure and programmes that would cater for the needs of the youth, to stem youth restiveness in the state.

He urged the students to take their studies serious, saying that any other thing they would be doing on

campus should be seen as secondary.

The commissioner also admonished the leadership of the society to adhere strictly to the tenets of good governance and accountability, stressing that their leadership qualities today as students, would speak for them in the future.

Speaking on behalf of the law students, the President of the society, Miss Sonia Tiri, commended the state government for the support it had been extending to student bodies in the state.

She assured the commissioner of the support and cooperation of the students of tertiary institutions towards the actualisation of the greater Jos master plan.

THE WEEKEND

5 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

E. A. ADEBOYE On Sunday

How Sacrificial?

MEMORISE: He that spared not His own son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Romans 8:32; Read: Mark 10:28-30 late for church serTHE level of sacri- delivered him up for vices; in fact, you will fice you are prepared us all, how shall he be the first to arrive sanitation, to make towards God not with him also for freely give us all evangelism or any is another factor that things?” other area of service reveals your level of This means that you are involved in. If commitment to God.

WORLD NEWS ‘Friend’ Of UK Slaying “This Suspect interviewee had background Arrested important information that sheds light on

COUNTERTERRORISM police were questioning a friend of Michael Adebolajo, one of two suspects in the savage killing of a British soldier. The friend, Abu Nusaybah, was arrested immediately after he gave a television interview telling his story about how Adebolajo came to be radicalized.

In his interview, Nusaybah said Adebolajo became withdrawn after returning from a visit to study in Kenya, where he claimed he had been physically and sexually abused in detention.

Nusaybah also alleged that the U.K.’s security services tried to recruit Adebolajo after he

returned to Britain.

Adebolajo and another man are suspected of killing 25-yearold soldier Lee Rigby, hacking at his body with knives and a meat cleaver, on a London street in front of dozens of passersby on Wednesday afternoon. Both suspects were shot by police at the scene and are hospitalized under guard in stable condition.

The BBC said Nusaybah was arrested by police outside its studios immediately after recording the interview.

this horrific event,” the broadcaster said in a statement.

“And when we asked him to appear and interviewed him, we were not aware he was wanted for questioning by the police.”

Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 31-year-old man was arrested in London on suspicion of “the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.” He is in custody at a London police station, police said, adding that the arrest was not directly related to the killing of Rigby.

“Closely allied to this is that the one who is committed to Christ will be time compliant when it comes to the things of God.” Sacrifice and love go hand in hand. You are prepared to sacrifice something for the one you love. For instance, when a man is courting a woman he really loves, he would do virtually anything for her to convince her of his love. Although, unfortunately, after he has succeeded in marrying her, he may not be willing to make such sacrifice anymore. The ideal thing is that he should even do more for her.

God so loved the man He created that He sent His only Begotten Son to die for them (John 3:16). But God did not stop there. Romans 8:32; says, “He that spared not his own Son, but

having given us Jesus His best gift, there is nothing He cannot give to us. What can you give to the Lord? What level of sacrifice are you prepared to make for God’s kingdom? In Mark 10:28-30, we see how the love of the 12 disciples made them to leave everything in order to follow the Lord Jesus. What have you left for Jesus? If you truly love Him, you will sacrifice anything for Him. Closely allied to this is that the one who is committed to Christ will be time compliant when it comes to the things of God. If you are committed to the Lord, you will take His appointments very seriously. You will not go

you are always dodging Sunday school, it shows you are very low in commitment. If the president of your country were to give you an appointment where you will be given a contract of several billions dollars, would you go late? If the appointment is at 10a.m. some people will get there by 5 a.m. but when the Presidents of president gives you an appointment or calls a meeting why keep Him waiting for you? Some people will keep Him waiting for hours. It is because they are not committed, from today prove your commitment by becoming time compliant.

KEY POINT The rich fool thought he was in control of his harvest until God separated him from it and he suffered a great loss. If you hold tightly to what you have than is necessary, you may be calling for a separation.

Violence In Sweden Rages On, Police Say Capital Calmer COMMUNITY patrols and a beefed-up police presence helped to calm violence around Stockholm overnight but 20 to 30 cars were still torched in poor immigrant suburbs and serious incidents were reported outside the capital for the first time.

The rioting in Stockholm abated after a week of masked youths vandalizing schools and police stations, setting cars alight and hurling stones at firefighters, police said.

“It was much calmer - rocks weren’t being thrown at police or firefighters - and that’s a sign that it’s calmer. We haven’t had any riots or anything similar,” said police spokesman Kjell Lindgren.

Community leaders were taking to the streets, dressed in fluorescent jackets, to try to calm things down.

“We have been present in many places, we’ve been talking to people, and many residents have been out in the city, keeping their eyes open, being engaged,” Lindgren said.

But serious incidents were reported outside the Stockholm area, for the first time.

In Orebro, a town in central Sweden, some 25 masked youths set fire to three cars and a school and tried to torch a police station, police said. Some 200 km to the southwest in Linkoping, several vehicles were set on fire and youths tried to torch a school and a kindergarten, they said.

The rioting was sparked by the police shooting on May 13 of a 69-year-old man, who media reported was killed when police stormed his apartment because they feared he was threatening

his wife with a large knife.

Media said he was a Portuguese immigrant, which police would not confirm.

In a country famed for its model welfare state, the rioting has exposed a fault-line between a well-off majority and a minority - often young people with immigrant backgrounds who are poorly educated, cannot find work and feel pushed to the edge of society.

Underscoring Sweden’s ambivalence toward its open immigration policies, an antiimmigrant party has risen to third in polls this year and some analysts say the riots could swell its ranks.

Dozens of far-right activists were seen driving around some southern suburbs of Stockholm on Friday, closely watched by police.

Ukrain’s First Gay March Held Under Police Protection ABOUT 100 Ukrainian gay rights activists held the country’s first gay rally, helped by police who arrested 13 people for trying to break up the march.

The activists walked for about 250 meters (yards) along Victory Avenue in the capital Kiev while Orthodox Christian activists nearby chanted slogans denouncing them.

“Ukraine is not America. Kiev is not Sodom,’ shouted one antigay demonstrator over a loudspeaker.

A church activist broke through the police cordon briefly and slapped down banners calling for an end to discrimination against homosexuals before he was seized by police.

There is little public acceptance of homosexuality in predominantly Orthodox Ukraine, as in other former Soviet republics. On May 17, large crowds of protesters broke up gay rights rallies in Georgia and Russia.

The march in Kiev lasted only 40 minutes but was a small victory for the former Soviet

republic’s gay community.

A year ago, gay activists canceled plans for a rally in Kiev, saying they had received threats of violence. One would-be organizer was beaten up by a group of men the same day.

Organizers hailed the march as a breakthrough.

“This event will go down in the history of Ukraine as one of the key developments in the fight for equal human rights,” said Olena Semenova, one of the organizers, expressing gratitude to the police and the authorities for their action.

The rally almost came to nothing when city authorities raised security concerns and a court issued an order to ban it.

But police offered protection to the small march, held away from the city center.

Church activist Ioksana Keresten, who protested against the rally, said: “We are trying to protect family values. We want to protect our children from homosexual propaganda. This parade popularizes homosexuality. It can influence our children for their whole life.”

THE WEEKEND

6 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Odd News

Goat’s Escape causes Traffic Jam A goat possibly headed to the slaughterhouse made a daring and dangerous escape into traffic on a busy highway in New Jersey.

The four-footed animal

managed to evade five Jersey City police officers for almost two hours on Tuesday, zigzagging across lanes of traffic on the Pulaski Skyway, causing traffic jams and a

minor accident, according to the Associated Press.

Runaway goat (AP Photo/ Jersey City Police Department/Francisco Rodriguez)

The goat, which managed to come out of the incident uninjured, was dubbed Sky by police.

Sky may have had good reason to flee: According to New York’s WPIX11, the animal had a U.S. Department of Agriculture tag and likely escaped from a truck on the way to a slaughterhouse.

The feisty animal eventually tired out, allowing officers to surround it and get a noose around its neck.

Sky’s luck has at least temporarily changed. The brown, horned creature was taken to Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City and eventually will be transferred to a farm.

“If it can survive running around the Pulaski Skyway for two hours, and then winds up in a slaughterhouse, it’s kind of sad,” Jersey City spokesman Stan Eason told the Associated Press. “But if someone claims her, she is private property, so there’s not much we can do.”

Brazen escapes by the fleet of foot have happened before in the area. A Staten Island resident caught the odd sight of a pony and a zebra making their getaway from a petting zoo last fall before being captured and returned home.

Compiled By LOVETH OKPOKPO

Comic Book Worth $100,000 Used As Wall Insulation WHILE remodeling his newly purchased home in Elbow Lake, Minn., David Gonzalez noticed something unusual amid the old newspapers that had been used as wall insulation.

It was a copy of Action Comics No. 1 from 1938, the very first comic to feature the granddaddy of all superheroes, Superman.

StarTribune.com spoke with Gonzalez about his amazing find as well as a subsequent family accident that knocked down the value of his windfall.

“I knew it was worth money,” Gonzales told the Star Tribune. “But I had no idea how much.”

So far, the answer is, well, a lot. With roughly three weeks left on the auction block, the high bid is around $113,000.

Not bad, considering Gonzalez bought the house for $10,100. But, still, the comic could be worth a lot more were it not for an argument among family members.

From StarTribune.com: When his wife’s aunt

grabbed the comic book amid all the excitement of the discovery, he grabbed it back and tore the back cover.

Experts downgraded the comic book’s condition to a 1.5 on a 10-point scale. To put that in comic-book context, a 9.0-grade Action 1 fetched more than $2 million recently.

“That was a $75,000 tear,” said Stephen Fishler, co-owner of ComicConnect, a New York City online auction house that is selling Gonzalez’s treasure. He says the comic book would have graded out at 3.0 without the rip.

The Star Tribune also spoke with Vincent Zurzolo, coowner of ComicConnect.

“It’s so hard for anyone to fathom that, in this day and age, you could still discover a comic book that nobody has known about because this book was in a wall of a house for more than 70 years,” Zurzolo said. “It’s pretty miraculous that it even survived and it only had one owner.”

Got a small fortune burning a hole in your pocket? The auction ends June 11.

Brown Hounded For Calling Manila ‘Gates Of Hell’ DAN Brown’s description of Manila as “the gates of hell” in the American novelist’s latest book has not gone down well with officials in the Philippine capital.

The book “Inferno,” which is

Czech Police Seize 1m Liters Of Illegal Booze

CZECH police found a million liters of illegal alcohol hidden in underground tanks in one of the biggest seizures of untaxed booze ever.

Police have been chasing a widespread web of untaxed alcohol makers and distributors since a batch that included poisonous methyl alcohol killed 45 people and forced the government to ban all liquor sales for several weeks in September last year.

A spokesman said officers found the illicit booze at several unused industrial sites around the steel-making and mining center of Ostrava, in the eastern Czech Republic near Polish and Slovak borders, and at a site near

the northern German border.

“Under the floors, in some places under a twometer layer of cement and rubble, tanks with illegal ethanol were found,” the police said in a statement.

Video footage showed officers and firemen using an earth mover, pneumatic drill and steel cutters to reveal the storage places.

Tax evasion from the sale of the booze would amount to about 12 million euros ($15.45 million), the police said.

The Czech Republic is one of Europe’s heaviest drinking countries, and the world’s leader in per-capita beer consumption of

around 140 liters per year.

Hard alcohol made from flavored ethanol is widely available in bars, stores and market kiosks, and popular especially among poorer Czechs.

Industry experts have

estimated illegal liquor make up 15-25 percent of the market.

Police said they have not charged anyone in relation with the case yet. Last year, dozens of people were charged when police traced poisonous illicit alcohol to producers.

Thailand Urged To Explore Edible Insect Market RESEARCHERS say Thailand is showing the world how to respond to the global food crisis: by raising bugs for eating.

The United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization released a study and handbook Tuesday on what they call ‘six-legged livestock’ — edible bugs and worms that can help meet global food demand that is expected to grow 60 percent by 2050. The agency says they provide a rich source of

protein, vitamins and minerals.

The study was conducted in Thailand, where insects including crickets, grasshoppers and bamboo worms have long been a part of diets, especially in rural areas.

Entomologist Yupa Hanboonsong says about 200 insect species are eaten in Thailand. Cricket farming alone is already a $30 million industry there, but only a few other species have been commercially marketed.

being sold in the Philippines, includes a character who is visiting the city and taken aback by poverty, crime and the sex trade.

The chairman of metropolitan Manila, Francis Tolentino, wrote an open letter to Brown recently, saying that while “Inferno” is fiction, “we are

greatly disappointed by your inaccurate portrayal of our beloved metropolis.”

Tolentino objects to the “gates of hell” description, and to Manila being defined by what he calls terrible descriptions of poverty and pollution.

He says the novel fails to acknowledge Filipinos’ good character and compassion.

THE WEEKEND

7 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

THE word freedom according to the Webster’s universal dictionary and thesaurus means to be free, to be at liberty, to be independent, able to move in any direction etc.

The opposite word for freedom is captivity: To be a captive is to be in bondage.

There are so many people in prison today that are innocent of the crime they are accused of, while there are others who are actually guilty of what they are accused of. Examples is Joseph in the book of Genesis 39; the Bible made us to understand that he was living with his master and was faithful and as such was progress-

Sunday Sermon With Bishop Clement Ehidiamhen

sinned, he sold his freedom to the devil and the devil cannot offer anything good to man. His mission is found in John 10:10A which says “The thief (the devil) cometh not but for to steal, and kill and to destroy…” if check, after Adam sold his freedom and authority to Satan, the next thing Satan caused men to do was for Cain to start envying the brother to the point of killing him from there sin

old things are passed away; behold all things are become new: I will like you to make up your mind to change any bad habit, that you may possess now, decide to live a new life, the life of Christ. No matter what you have done wrong, no matter how far you have gone in the wrong way, even if your associate have forsaken you, even when the government has given up on you, God is still interested in

is the spiritual that controls the physical. The physical is the outward manifestation of what happens in the spiritual.

Physical freedom has to do with any form of limitation keeping you at a spot. Physical freedom has to do with being discharge and acquitted. The word of God says in John 8:36 “If the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed”. I pray for you

this concerning you in Psalm 27:10 “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the lord will take me up”.

Don’t give up the case, there is still hope “For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion” (Ecclesiastes 9:4) don’t give up on yourself because God has not given up on you, he said concerning you in

in the sight of the keeper of the prison”. If you want God as a companion in that your situation, then establish a daily fellowship time with him. Things to be done in this your personal fellowship with Him are: a) Heartfelt prayers i.e. pray your way into his presence by appreciating him for life, prayer of mercy. Psalm 15:1-5 b) Praise and worship him.

Psalm 150:6 c) Study and meditate on the word of God (Bible) Joshua 1:8 d) Pray your way to freedom. Jeremiah 29:12 e) Appreciate him because

Your Freedom Is Possible ing to the extent that the master left everything in his care but along the line, the master’s wife started loving Joseph. For fear of God, Joseph wouldn’t do such an act of adultery. Then the master’s wife decided to raise a rape allegation against the innocent Joseph and without proper investigation, because the master was a member of pharaoh’s cabinet sent Joseph to jail. Many of us like Joseph today, are behind the bars for what we know nothing about but the God of Joseph will vindicate you in Jesus name.

Another example is found in the book of John 18:39-40, it talks about a man called Barabbas who was a robber that was set free in the place of Jesus Christ. I don’t know the part you belong to, whether guilty or not guilty, one thing I know is that your freedom can be possible.

God said in His word in the book of Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.

There are two major types of freedom: Spiritual freedom and physical freedom. It is from these two types that all other freedom gets their source of strength. For instance a man that is not spiritually free, no matter what he or she does he/ she is only at the mercy of the devil and a man that is physically in prison cannot be talking of financial freedom as long he is still behind bars. This is why I want to tell us of these two major types so that after getting them you can go ahead to derive other freedom you so desire.

SPIRITUAL FREEDOM: If you have not been born again, you are not yet free spiritually. Jeremiah 40:3 says “Now the Lord hath brought it, and done according as he hath said: because ye have sinned against the Lord, and have not obeyed his voice, therefore this thing is come upon you” you know in the book of Genesis 3, where the first man (Adam)

multiplied into adultery, fornication, homosexualism, lesbianism, bestiality, rape, 419, corruption, armed robbery, kidnapping, suicide, abortion, stealing, fighting etc. This is the work of the devil. The devil will not do this himself because he is a spirit, so he possesses men to use them to their destruction.

The devil can never leave you better than the way he met you. He will always leave you worse, in agony, and regret. One of the ways Satan pull men to himself is through deception, he deceived the woman to deceive the man and he is still doing that till now. You don’t have new sin, we only have new men committing old sin and one way to be free from the lifestyle of wickedness and sin is to accept and surrender your life to Christ because it is only the spirit of Christ in a man that can set him free totally. The bible speaking in the book of Romans 8:2 says “For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” which means man’s spiritual freedom lies in the hands of Christ Jesus. Stop listening to the lies of the devil; like don’t worry, you will not be caught, nothing will happen to you, even when you are not caught in sinful act, wickedness have it’s consequences not only on you but most time your words.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature,

you. He said in Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the lord: though your sin be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool”. All Christ is waiting for is for you to allow Him into your life, like He said in Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come unto him, and will sup with him, and he with me”.

With remorse, say Lord I am sorry for whatsoever thing I have done wrong. Come into my heart and take your place in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

PHYSICAL FREEDOM: If you have been set free spiritual then your physical freedom becomes easy because it

now, in the name of Jesus Christ, whatsoever prison you may have found yourself physically, I declare your freedom is now, the bible said in the book of Acts 12, that the church prayed for Peter while he was in prison and God rescued him from the grip of death, we pray as a church that even as you have made up your mind to serve God all the days of your life, that God will send a helper to you that will rescue you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Your freedom is possible, he said in his word, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all fresh: is there anything too hard for me?”

Because of this problem, you may have been forgotten and rejected by all but he said

Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the thought that I think towards you, saith the lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end”. It is not over with you yet, God is working out your freedom.

You can boldly say to yourself “Rejoice not against me, o mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise when I sit in darkness, the lord shall be a light unto me” (Micah 7:8). In the name of Jesus Christ, I see you rising better than you fell.

How can I activate my freedom?

Establish a fellowship time with God daily: The word fellowship means companionship; a mutual sharing, etc. in the book of Acts 16:25 says “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God; and the prisoners heard them”. Paul and Silas were jailed and yet they still had time for God. They became different prisoners.

They established a daily fellowship time with God. They brought God into the prison, no wonder their release was imminent because the bible says in psalm 91:1 “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty”. It was said of Joseph in the book of Genesis 39:20-21 says “And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour

“One way your mind can be reformed to reason along side with God as it is stated in the book of Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, That ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” is to read, think and act the Bible.”

he is working out something for your good. Mark 11:24 Change your mentality by the word of God: If your mind can be change to reason along side of freedom, then God is committed.

Prov.22:7A says “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he….”. God was speaking about group of people that have made up their mind in the book of Genesis 11:6 “And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they began to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do”.

One way your mind can be reformed to reason along side with God as it is stated in the book of Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, That ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” is to read, think and act the Bible.

Confess positively your freedom: Words are powerful. Mark 11:23 says “Verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith”.

Proverbs 18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof”.

What you keep saying is what you will see. Start speaking positive words like; I am a child of God, I cannot be limited, I don’t belong here, things are working together for my good, the lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places, I can’t give up etc. and mark you, very soon if you don’t give up your confession, the manifestation will be seen by all.

THE WEEKEND

8 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Environment

Protecting The Biodiversity Nature Of the Earth

THE United Nations (UN) during the week, precisely May 22, celebrated the World Biological Diversity day, with many nations across the world taking part amidst wide media coverage, to create awareness among their citizens about the importance to preserve the ecosystem. In Nigeria there was little or no celebration, or may be, a low key celebration to commemorate the day which was earmarked by the UN to create awareness about the importance of preserving safe water for human consumption and existence, which is what this year’s theme is all about. Biological diversity is the term given to the variety of life on earth and the natural pattern it forms.

The biodiversity we see today is the result of millions of years of evolutions, initially shaped by natural processes, but in modern times, increasingly as a result of human intervention. In late 1993, following the Rio Earth Summit of May the previous year, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly sanctioned International Day for Biological Diversity.

Between 1993 and 2000 this took place each year on 29th December. In December 2000 it was decided that since so many holidays occur in December, henceforth the day would be celebrated on 22nd May to coincide with the date of the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.

Each year, there is a different theme for the day.

In 2011 the theme was Forest Diversity, while in 2012 it was Marine Diversity. The theme for this year ’s (2013) celebration is “Water and Diversity” aimed at

coinciding with the UN International year of water co-operation.

The term Biological Diversity refers to all of the different kinds of life on earth. It is also called Biodiversity. It is a term used to refer to the total number of different species on earth. A collection of this biodiversity would include human beings, Bengal tigers, animals, oyster mushrooms, bacteria, ants, plants and the millions of other living organisms found on earth.

Conservatives estimates of the number of species on earth range from 5 to 7 million but some scientists estimate as many as 30 million, with only about 1.6 to 2 million of these species having been studied (many only at the most basic level) and given a name. Much still needs to be learned about the diversity of life on earth.

It might interest you to know that much of the earth’s biodiversity is concentrated in the tropics.

Some scientists estimate that 50 per cent of all species on the planet are found in tropical rainforests that comprise only 6 to 7 per cent of the earth’s land surface. Given the rapid rate at which tropical rainforest are being cut, it is estimated that up to 20 per cent of the earth’s biodiversity may become extinct in our life time. Loss of this biodiversity means we would not only lose rich and beautiful ecosystems but we might also lose plants and other organisms that could improve or enrich our lives.

Already the tropical forests have provided mankind with food crops we enjoy daily, while also providing

us with many medicines used in treating various diseases, little wonder how many more valuable products lie waiting in the tropical forests to be discovered before they disappear.

Going back to this year’s theme of the world Biological diversity day “water and Biodiversity” the clarion call is on all to recognise the importance of

The relevance of water to the existence of all living things cannot be overemphasised, as water sustains all life on earth. The ecosystem of our world, but particularly, forests and wet lands, ensure that clean water is available to human communities. Water in turn under pins all ecosystem services. Wet land can help reduce risks from flooding and erosion. Restoring soils can reduce erosion and

ecosystems and how they provide security and sustainability to not only forests and animals, but also to human population too according to UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). This year’s theme according to the United Nations is a special occasion to reflect on the role of biodiversity in our lives. The theme speaks on the important role of biodiversity and ecosystems in providing for water security and therefore for sustainable development.

pollution and can increase water availability for crops.

Protected areas can assist in providing water to cities.

Biodiversity is here to help, as a sustainable solution to water shortage in our environment.

The need to preserve our immediate biodiversity, as the future of mankind depends on plants, animals micro-organism and the general ecosystem and also even as the continuous loss of biodiversity in Nigeria as a result of human activities has become so worrisome.

According to the Chairman of Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), Ambassador Hamzat Amadu, the future of mankind is dependent on the general ecosystem for food, water, air, medicine, fuel, wood and even the beautiful nature which inspires the human spirit.

Amadu represented by

“As we join other countries to celebrate the United Nations World Biological Diversity Day, water alone should not be our major concern, although it is given priority attention in this year’s celebration, but we should be concerned with other environmental issues that arises due to the numerous human activities, which have damaging effects on our environment and poses a threat to our existence and that of other living organisms that make up our ecosystem.”

With ANTHONY AIBANGBEE Goke Ademuluyi said “The call therefore to us today is to take action as individuals and as a nation to conserve the biodiversity of life on our planet because our future is intricately tied to their future.” There is the need to give a human face to pressing environmental issues in our Nigerian society, which are occasioned by human activities. Issues such as gas flaring and water pollution which are as a result of oil

that, communities are pivotal to a change in attitudes towards environmental issues. We are doing this through the young ones to whom we hold the earth in trust.

According to Mr. Akin Osinowo, Public Affairs Manager of Nigeria Bottling Company “Our environment is the most important aspect of life that affects every single person on the face of this earth.

Young people are the future.

exploration activities. Toxic waste from industries on our water ways and dumping of other type of waste and defecation on our water ways are some of the activities that affects our environment’s ecosystem.

Others are desertification and deforestation which is as a result of constant removal or felling of trees in our forest without replacement, for industrial and domestic use, the constant poaching (hunting) in our waterways and forests that has led to the extinction of numerous species in our environment, which are contributors to the ecosystem, that protect our environment and assures human existence.

Hence, there is the need to educate our citizens to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; to create and promote an understanding

A damaged environment means a damaged future.”

As we join other countries to celebrate the United Nations World Biological Diversity Day, water alone should not be our major concern, although it is given priority attention in this year’s celebration, but we should be concerned with other environmental issues that arises due to the numerous human activities, which have damaging effects on our environment and poses a threat to our existence and that of other living organisms that make up our ecosystem. So all hands should be on deck in conserving our environmental by imbibing environmental friendly habits and do away with the destructive habits while also joining the fight against environmental unfriendly activities in our communities.

THE WEEKEND

9 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Health Benefits Of The Soursop Plant

REMINISCE of my sweet childhood, of innocence and freedom comes rushing into my memory whenever I see the heart shaped fruit and its tree, called, soursop. As I recall the several adventures as a child had undergone with my mates, either playing under its canopy, climbing it for fun or throwing pebbles and sticks at its ripe enticing fruits hoping that it drops for our consumption. Although the health and nutritional benefits was unknown to us as children and even adults then, but the soursop fruit and tree will always remind me of my childhood days.

Also called graviola, soursop is a large spiny, green tropical fruit with a sweet flesh that is the basis for several beverages, ice creams and other sweet foods popular in South America. Beyond its usefulness as a food, however, soursop also contains natural compounds with medicinal properties making I potentially beneficial for your health.

Soursop is native to Cuba, Northern south America (Peru, Brazil, Venezuela and Columbia), and Mexico. It is also grown in some areas of Sub-Sahara Africa and South East Asia. Soursop is also grown in Nigeria.

Other common names of this miraculous fruit are: graviola (Portuguese), guanaban (Spanish), Sorsaka (Papiamento), aluguntugui (ga language of Ghana), Adunu (Acholi), and hanuman fal (Hindi). Soursop as a fruit contains numerous nutrients, essential for the proper functioning of the body, they are: Amino Acid, acetogenius, vitamin C, Iron, riboflavin, phosphorous, thiamime, calcium, carbohydrates, niacin and fibers.

Apart from the nutritional value of the soursop fruit, its leaves, seeds and stems are also medicinal for our health as it has been proven to cure several ailment and help in cancer treatments

Soursop has been a natural healer to illnesses and diseases particularly cancer for decades according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA, in its plant – screening programme in 1976, where

prostrate cancer cells. In a separate study, the same researchers showed that extracts from the soursop leaves are extremely effective in isolating and killing lung cancer cells.

ings published in the October 2008 issue of the “African Journal of Traditional, complementarily and alternative medicines,” the research team reported that test animals in

it showed that its leaves and stems were effective in attacking and destroying malignant cells. Also, in a study conducted at Catholic University of South Korea, it was revealed that two chemicals extracted from soursop seeds showed “selective cytotoxicity, comparable with Adriamycin” for breast and colon cancer cells. The chemicals targeted and killed malignant breast and colon cells in a test tube comparable to the common used chemotherapy drug adriamycin. In another study, published in the journal of natural products, showed that soursop outperforms adriamycin in laboratory test, even as results revealed a chemical found in soursop selectively kills colon cancer cells at “10,000 times the potency of adriamycin.” In the same vein, Purdue University (USA) researchers recently found that leaves from the soursop tree killed cancer cells “among six humancells lines” and were especially effective against

The remarkable thing to note here is that not only is it incredibly effective in the destruction of cancer cells but it isolates them and causes no harm to other normal cells, quite unlike chemotherapy. Researchers in Nigeria are not left out, in the discoveries of more health usefulness of this wonder plant as a Nigeria animal study, using methanolic extracts from soursop and had it tested on laboratory animals in which diabetes had been chemically induced. Researchers in the department of Anatom and Cell Biology at Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U.) divided 30 laboratory rats into three groups for testing. Groups A, the control group consisted of 10 rates in which no changes were induced.

Rats in group B and C were injected with streptozotocin to induce a state of hyperglycemia or diabetes. Over the course of four weeks, rats in group C were injected daily with a soursop extract. In find-

group C showed significantly lower blood glucose levels than those in the untreated Group B. confirming the anihyperglycemic properties of the soursop extract.

By the findings of Kingsley Felix, editor-inchief Healthable Inc, an online health and fitness tips consultant, every part of the soursop tree is used to treat a number of physical ailments. This fruit not only promote good health but also helps fight against parasites present inside the boy. Benefits of soursop can be availed by eating the fruits or including its supplement in the recommended dosage.

ealth Watch

H

With ANTHONY AIBANGBEE

Some of the soursop health benefits can be seen in treating mouth ulcers effectively. Finely mashing the leaf with water and apply it on the boils will help decrease the size of the ulcers in time, curing them completely and also reduce irritation. Drinking soursop tea, that is made by concocting soursop leaves or roots in water, is known to reduce lumbago, which is a kind of backache, especially in the lower back or lumbar region. A cup of the tea everyday will also help relieve the inflammation of the back muscles.

Also it has also been proven that a pulp made with fresh soursop leaves and rose water, if applied to the skin will prevent the occurrence of acne blackheads and other skin problems. Soursop fruit juice, if consumed twice daily can help resolve kidney ailments, liver problems, urinary tract infection (also veterred as urethritis) and hematuria (or blood in urine).

The fleshy part of the fruit, if applied to any wound will speed up the healing process and also prevent any bacteria infection. A decoction of soursop flowers and young shoots will help cure the inflammation of sinuses and also in the throat and nose.

It also helps in the secretion of mucus to reduce irritation.

You can successfully get rid of head lice and beg bugs with the use of soursop leaf decoction. It will not only eliminate the pests

but can also keep them away. It is also used as a remedy for cough, diarrhea, fever and indigestion.

Including supplements of soursop will bring down the intensity of these conditions and also enhance recovery.

Although, this plant has numerous health benefits which can be reaped by including this fruit in your diet, it is also necessary to remember that it should be consumed in limit to avoid unnecessary effects on the body system. Soursop may not be safe for pregnant women, hypotension (low blood pressure) and it may cause mild abdominal constrictions if use din high dosages. If you experience this side effect, it is recommended that you reduce its dosage. If you are using this fruit for more than 30 days, it is recommended that you supplement it with digestive enzymes and probiotics due to its strong antibacterial properties.

It might interest you to know that the benefits mentioned before are just a few of the heath benefits of this great plant as it can also – bring relief from migraine, prevent anemia, treat liver disorders, maintain bone health, prevent leg cramps, boost energy levels, used in treating eczema, skin rash, swelling, dysentery and much more.

So next time you come across this great gift of nature, make sure its benefits do not pass you by, by using it for your health and that of others, because a healthy life is the wish of all in every society.

“Two chemicals extracted from soursop seeds showed “selective cytotoxicity, comparable with Adriamycin” for breast and colon

THE WEEKEND

10 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

I have to write! Drastic situations, they say, demand drastic measures. Unless urgent, serious sustainable measures are taken by parents, guardians, school heads and all relevant stakeholders, especially in our rural communities, more children will die this year by flooding, erosion and other water-related diseases unreported, in Edo State alone, than it was last year.

How do we curb the worsening flood and erosion situations we have found ourselves, consequent upon climate change? At the home fronts, on

area, while he appealed to the Edo State Government to come to their aid.

Carelessness, you’d say… But as if that was too far away from town, my own kids had a close call from flood/ erosion-related disaster six days ago (Monday, May 20, 2013) in Evbuotubu community, here in Benin City.

The sky was still bright and there was no sign that such a heavy rain would fall that afternoon.

But it suddenly did, and everybody started running helter shelter, especially those going for school runs. I was busy in my office while it rained so heavily

away today. Right now Francis is down. Please we have to remove them from this school (name withheld)…erosion has taken over everywhere and... In fact, when you come home we will talk…” As soon as she cut the phone call, I started wondering what had happened.

I rounded off my work and closed for the day.

It was hell that day to get a vehicle going to Evbuotubu.

People were stranded as usual.

When a bus finally was available we had to pay three times the amount that was usually charged from Ring Road to Evbuotubu

residence and finally got home.

It was already about 8:05pm; my three children had all gone to bed.

What my wife used to welcome me home that night was a plea for us to remove our two children from the moderate private school they attend near the Evbuotubu Health Center to a new private secondary school close to our home. Her reasons?

We leave in a part of Benin City that has become a reservoir of all the flood waters that collect rain water from teachers’ House area, from Ugbowo, from Upper Erhumwunse, from Ugbighoko,

destinations, and life generally gets more unbearable. At the end of the day all the erosion water seem to gather at the only primary school compound the community can boast of, turning the entire Evbuotubu primary school premises into a lake of sorts all year round.

school day, parents in and around Evbuotubu community were on their toes, agitated, as usual, and employing various efforts to safely get their children and wards back home from school in the midst of the flood. Sophia was one of such parents.

After the rain died down, she

Red Alert: Educating/Protecting Our Children Against Killer Floods And Water-Related Diseases

the streets, in schools and in the entire community as a whole, how can we privately or collectively wane flood and erosion-related casualties and health hazards especially as it concerns our innocent children?

Notwithstanding the recent television/radio announcements and warnings earlier this month by the National Metrological Agency that worst floods would occur across Nigeria this year, many rural and suburban families in Edo State have already started counting their loses way back since the month of March, when the first major rain for the year (I guess) hit parts of the State leaving behind its usual erosion trails of loses, sorrows, tears and blood.

One of the very few reported cases of flood/erosion-linked juvenile deaths in this State was the avoidable story of 13 years old Miss Ichoma Eturdi, a JSS 1 student of a private school in Omolua Igbanke, in Orhiomwon Local Government Area in Edo State, who was swept away by flood while returning from school sometime in March.

According to the report by Merit community newspapers, “Miss Ichoma, 13, who is in JSS 1 was returning from a private school, Future Hope Secondary School, when her books fell into the moving erosion…as she was about to rescue the book she fell inside. Efforts to rescue her failed as the body was found dead the following day in a far distance from her school”. The same rain storm that caused Ichoma’s death was reported by the Enogie of Omolua Igbanke, HRH, Uwaifo, to have also removed the roof of the state government-owned school in the

and then stopped; about an hour after the rain subsided that evening, I got a phone call from my wife, Sophia, at about 4:15pm. Her voice was unusual and I notice somebody was really agitated… “…I would have called you since but I didn’t want to disrupt your day at work”, Sophia said in an angry manner. “…It’s about Treasure and Francis o, hmn …the rain almost carried them

Bus Stop on a normal evening.

After cutting off plenty of traffics and rigmaroling to Evbuotubu Bus Stop, Many passengers were stranded as the rain continued to drizzle again. All commercial motorcycle riders had disappeared because erosion had taken over every nook and cranny of Evbuotubu community (as usual once it rains heavily).

Wading through erosion water, I trekked some 35 minutes to my

and from Okhokugbo and other areas of Benin City. At the slightest rainfall the whole of Evbuotubu community is overtaken by erosion, largely due to its topography, poor road network/maintenance and nearly zero environmental impact assessment by property and land developers in the community.

Vehicles get stuck and almost submerged in erosion, people literarily swim their way to their

As the flooding/erosion problem underdeveloped the Evbuotubu community every passing year and people’s lives and health are constantly in danger, especially the helpless children, commercial, health and educational activities in the community are always at the mercy of torrential floods and gully erosions. And so it was that, six days ago, as it rained heavily towards the close of

“As the flooding/erosion problem underdeveloped the Evbuotubu community every passing year and people’s lives and health are constantly in danger, especially the helpless children, commercial, health and educational activities in the community are always at the mercy of torrential floods and gully erosions.”

managed to wade through the erosions to the school to pick our children, Treasure, six years old, and Francis, five years old, she was told that her children had long left the school for home in company of other children.

Rushing back home amid the erosions, the kids were nowhere to be found. Sophia became afraid and confused. She immediately hit the streets once again, in search of her children, asking neighbours and some school mates of our kids on the way. None of them saw our children. After roaming round the flooded neighbourhood to no avail, Sophia returned home again, but our neighbours told her the children had not returned yet. This was about two hours after the school had closed and the rain was still drizzling all along. Sophia burst out in tears as she didn’t know where else to go or whom else to ask.

She stood at the gate to our compound looking aloof in all direction, in no direction. Just then, at the far right of our flooded street, she saw her two schoolchildren coming afar off, shaking and totally drenched with their school bags and books all soaked in water. My wife cried as she fled to clutch her two kids. What happened? Where are you coming from? Why are you both coming home alone today? It was the answer to these and more questions Sophia asked our drenched kids that irked her and made her insist we changed our children’s school forthwith; but I was of a different opinion.

Why? We just have to do our individual beats very well first of all. How did I mean?

(To be continued next week)

THE WEEKEND

11 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Naked Truth

Your Views On Compensating Boko Haram Victims

THE proposed compensation of victims of the various Boko Haram’s attack by the federal government has been generating a lot of debate among the populace, who are of different views concerning this issue, NAKED TRUTH went to town to get the views of the citizens on this matter. They are presented here for your Sunday delight.

Excerpt: It’s OK – Campbell Elolue Imoudu I am of the view that compensation for the Boko Harm victims is expedient and necessary for the fact that majority of the victims have lost their breadwinners to the wanton killings and destruction of properties in the North.

Most of the siblings of the victims are out of school and needs to pay school fees. In order to fulfill their life aspiration they need to be compensated. For some of the victims, their life investment had been in the North and all lost to the dastardly killings by the Boko Harm. They need to start a new life again so they need to be compensated.

The Federal Government as a matter of urgency should carry out a programme of compensation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of all affected victims.

Victims Need Compensation - Comrade Pius Ede The unfortunate victims of the Boko Haram sect needs to be compensated both in kind and cash by the three

A bombed site

tiers of government, the federal, state and the local government of origin of such victims.

But government should not spend the people’s money on members of the sect. anyone caught should be made to pay dearly for their atrocities.

Afterall, the tree of liberty, according to Tomas Jefferson, must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants, it is its natural manure.

The welfare of the victims should be uppermost in the mind of government while the sect members should be given the treatment they deserve. Even Jesus Christ, the ideal prophet has a place for the wicked.

A Welcome Development – Eweka Richard If the story of the proposed compensation for Boko Haram victims is anything to go by, it’s a welcome development or people who have in one way or the other suffered from the violent attacks of Boko Harm which have left the destruction of lives and property of innocent Nigerians.

The compensation should

be shared based on the degree or effects suffered. Those that were never affected should not be the ones that would benefit from the system, rather, those who actually suffered from their attacks.

This should not be a political statement but rather should be done appropriately so that those that truly suffer get truly compensated.

this, I mean that not only the Boko Haram victims are compensated, but those in time past who suffered the same fate are brought into consideration. Again, the committee to be set-up to discharge the above must do a thorough job. Favouritism and covetousness shouldn’t be found among members of the committee.

With CITIZEN EMMA KOLA OKHAKHU of these heartless Boko Haram group, what government should do is to intensify efforts to support the military troupe that is currently handing the volatile situation in the troubled spots in the core north. The federal government cannot afford to use the tax payers money and other funds from other sources to compensate victims of these cowards called Boko Haram.

Compensation Is

“The welfare of the victims should be uppermost in the mind of government while the sect members should be given the treatment they deserve.”

Not A Bad Idea - Osaretin Okhomina Compensating victims of Boko Haram’s onslaught in the country, is not a bad idea, anyway, this goes to show that our leaders are gradually waking up from their slumber. It is also a clear indication that those who for no reason were taken unawares and receive pain for what they did not bargain for, are not forsaken. The compensation process must follow due process, and the implementation wholistic. By

Just as the bill is already before the National Assembly for quick passage, the faceless group (Boko Haram) that has unleashed terror in this country must be dealt with, and those perpetrating this dastardly acts are brought to book. When this is done, there will be no need for compensation. God bless Nigeria.

No Need For Compensation – Kester Ogiesewu Sincerely speaking, there is no reason whatsoever for anyone to contemplate the idea of compensation for members of the Boko Haram sect victims. Infact it is absurd because such an idea gives the impression that the faceless Boko Haram member are being sponsored by government even when it is obvious that the Boko Haram members have continued to invade the Nigerian society, killing and maiming innocent Nigerians.

That presupposes that when you propose compensation for these criminals, you would have been guilty of having insulted the credibility of all Nigerians as well as insult the nation’s financial status.

While it is most painful is that many people die almost on a daily basis in the hands

Legalising Illegality – Comrade Friday Obanor To me compensation for this group of people who are disturbing the peace of Nigeria is like legalizing illegality and if we continue like this I doubt if this country will ever know peace again. I think it is high time the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan started thinking of more proactive ways of dealing with the problem of insurgents in the country and not an half baked solution.

Yesterday, it was OPC militants, then Niger/Delta and now Boko Harm, Fulani Herdsmen, in Buyue and Ombaste cult in Nassarawa who knows the next group that will emerge after these people have been settled by the Federal Government. So if you are compensating one group, it should equally go for all aggrieved Nigerians since

it is now a national cake.

Compensation Is A Good Idea – Hon. Ifada Oria Gabriel My views on the proposed compensation for Boko Haram victims is a good one.

If only the Boko Haram victims could be compensated I will be the happiest man on earth. I will local it injustice if our government neglect these victims. They need to be consoled by way of compensating them. Boko Haram sects have actually caused a lot of sorrows and mass carnage to many families in he nation. I want to make a passionate appeal to our government to please consider and compensate them. I pray for a better Nigeria, for peace, love and unity and be void of crisis and devastation.

Compensation Is Appropriate – Ikhureigbe Ernest O. It is a known fact that no meaningful development can take place in a chaotic and anarchical environment.

Although it is rather unfortunate that some parts of this great country have been under threat of extinction of which countless lives and properties have been lost to this madness.

If the Federal Government could deem it necessary to dialogue and even set free unconditionally as a condition for peace to reign, the perpetrators of this dastardly act, I see the gesture by the Federal government as appropriate and reasonable to compensate the known victims.

No sacrifice can be too much to curry peace so the proposal is a welcome development in line with the scriptures. Heb. 12:14 and Matt. 5:8.

“Compensating victims of Boko Haram’s onslaught in the country is not a bad idea.”

THE WEEKEND

12 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

VOX POP

What Is Your View On Re-introduction Of Paper Notes?

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that it plans to start printing the lower denominations of the naira in paper currency before the end of the year. This means that the polymer banknotes which were introduced in 2009 will cease to be legal tender in the country.

Nigeria currently print N5, N10, N20 and N50 in polymer plastic form. So, the move by the CBN has triggered diverse reactions from the populace, some against and others for. The ones against are of the view that the CBN is on a merry-go-round in policy formulation, when most countries are changing to polymer, and importantly, the UK is currently contemplating a switch to polymer. But the proponents have argued that paper money is easier to fold and doesn’t fade easily.

In view of this issue SUNDAY OBSERVER intern: Ukiri Clementina Egwolomena and Salami Blessing went out to conduct a general opinion poll. Excerpts.

Twisting policies left and right – E-Richie Isiadiwso CBN should bury its ugly head in total shame. House of commotion… Twisting policies left and right.

They’re only indicting themselves by reversing their own policies, but perhaps they’re unaware.

Weak people!

those denomination into coins and it would almost be impossible for those looters to handle.

Polymer notes cannot be maintained by everybody – Ehis Osas On this issue, I see reasons with the CBN Governor to bring back the paper note because the polymer cannot be maintained by everybody, when there is anything on it like cello-tape, everybody tells you they don’t want. So the idea is very good.

It is another plot to loot – Ifeanyi Anazia It is another plot to loot money from the treasury.

The contractors of money printing are within CBN.

Paper notes are better than polymer – Ikem Ike Paper notes are better than polymer but I honesty would prefer coins. Turn all

Who benefits from this – Stanley E. Ogboru Now, the question is, who benefits from this to and fro decisions and lets know the contractors?

The polymer note, should still be used – Mr. Tayo Ojo I prefer the polymer note to still be used, but as it is right now, the CBN has already made up its mind about changing the money, if that will make the people happy, its okay, because bus drivers now use the polymer note for trouble mak-

it is.

ing.

Forward ever and backward never – Glory Asemota The polymer should stay because it is forward ever and backward never which we Nigerians know.

We must try to appreciate this money but if the CBN Governor wants to change these money because of some people from the general public, its still okay by me.

note is more beautiful than this one. Even though the

I prefer the paper notes,

Old persons cannot handle it – Bilikisu Adamu My opinion is that they should take it back to paper note. It is not conducive for the usage of everyone. An old person cannot handle it properly.

Paper notes should come into circulation – CY Obazee What I have to say about this is that the paper notes should come back into circulation, am saying this because the polymer money get torn on time because they no longer use the real chemical they were using when the money was first introduced.

The colour is no longer there – Mr. Paulinus My view is that this polymer note should go because drivers no longer collect this money from passengers including market women because the colour is no longer there and also the chemicals they are using to produce these notes are expensive.

I don’t like polymer – Happiness Ukpabi First of all, I don’t like the polymer. Note. The paper

Paper note is good – Juliet I want the note to be changed to paper. It is good because the polymer can not be gummed. Even when you do, no one wants to collect it. The only reason why it is good is that, it doesn’t get soaked in rain.

But all the same, paper note is a welcome development.

paper note gets torn, you can still use it, but this polymer, people only prefer it when it’s new. So the reversed idea is lovely.

Polymer melts off when close to something hot – Jennifer If they want to take it back to the old notes, it’s better. Paper is better than polymer. Paper is better than polymer. Though it is nice when it is new. Polymer gets torn easily and melt off when close to something hot.

I press the paper with iron when squeezed -Idaguma Jonathan

because the polymer wash away, and if there is any form of contact with fire, it gets burnt. In some cases, the paper currency can be pressed with iron, when it is squeezed. I do it sometime, when I wash it with my clothes by mistake.

I prefer the polymer – Blessing I prefer the polymer, because the paper currency get torn easily. And when it gets torn, you can easily gum it and use it, which is not good. It makes bad money saturate the economy. The polymer is not accepted that way, and it is good. So, the polymer note should be left the way

Better things than changing notes – Osas William I don’t understand where Nigeria is going, neither where they are coming from. There are better things to do, than changing money from one form to anther. Any way, I prefer polymer to the paper type.

We are moving forward – Isaac Peter I don’t want them to change it to the paper again, we are moving forward.

There is no reason to be retrogressing all the time. I think they should only improve the polymer’s durability and that is all.

Paper money should not be brought back – IK Obi My view is that the paper note should not be brought back because, when the CBN was trying to produce this polymer notes, people were happy to see Nigerian money looking very nice also a thing you can handle without damage.

“On this issue, I see reasons with the CBN Governor to bring back the paper note because the polymer cannot be maintained by everybody, when there is anything on it like cello-tape, everybody tells you they don’t want. So the idea is very good.”

THE WEEKEND

13 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

NEWS Windstorm Sack 2,000 Bakassi Returnees From Camp - SEMA

L-R: Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, Dr. Mohammed Santuraki; Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Bukar Tijani and the Minister, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina at the Minister’s signing of MoU with the Bank of Agriculture in Abuja recently.

NO fewer than 2,000 people have further been displaced by a windstorm, which ravaged a school block serving as refugee camp for Bakassi returnees in Cross River.

The building, located in St Mark’s Primary School, Akwa Ikot Eyo Edem in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River, was used as a temporary camp since March 7 by the returnees.

Mr. David Akate, Assistant Director (Information), Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said the storm blew off a four-classroom block and exposed the more than 2,000 returnees to inclement weather.

Akate said: “The rains that accompanied the storm aggravated their problems as the returnees, including women and children were inundated.

Fashola Tasks Badagry Residents On Healthy Lifestyle

GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has advised the indigenes of Badagry and Ajara areas to embrace good healthy lifestyles.

Fashola gave the advice at the launch of Ajara Primary Healthcare Centre as a Comprehensive Flagship Primary Healthcare Centre in AjaraBadagry.

He urged the people to use the facilities carefully and assured them that the centre would be equipped to meet their medical needs. .

“The government must be accountable to the people and this is one of the ways we are putting in place to show that

we are ready for commitment.

“We made a promise to deliver an intervention policy to create primary healthcare centres across all local governments in the state.

“I urge everyone to embrace good health and make sure that facilities in the centre are used to the maximum because we created it to serve the people.

“Distance could be the difference between life and death.

“So, we have established this primary healthcare centre so that it can be nearer to the people,” the governor said.

He said that the centre

would also reduce the workload and pressure at the General Hospital.

“I have received many complaints about the hardship

“We will not allow Nigeria to be embarrassed because of actions and attitudes of some people who are not ready to listen to instructions.

“And I am saying it in the presence of all of you now that this is the last time such will be tolerated.

“Anyone who works against our instruction will incur our wrath, ‘’ he warned.

Oluwole said that the navy was able to curtail criminality along the Calabar waterways in the past three months because of the stringent security measures put in place.

He said that the Nigerian Navy had an escort squad that provided necessary security for ships coming and going out of Nigerian waters.

He described the action of the ship captain as capable of derailing the efforts of the navy.

governor for the upgrading and improvement of facilities at the centre.

He said that it had reduced the pressure on the main maternity centre at Marina in Badagry town.

Teachers Shortfall Could Be Tackled Before 2020 - Provost THE Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Dr Sijibunmi Olusanya, has said that the huge shortfall of teachers in schools at the basic education level would be tackled before 2020.

Olusanya made the statement during an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

The Executive Secretary, Na-

Navy Warns Shipowners Against Waterways Laws Violation THE Commander, NNS Victory, Nigerian Navy, Calabar, Navy Cdr. James Oluwole, has said that the command would not tolerate any violation of rules guiding shipping operations within its area.

Oluwole gave the warning in Calabar at a meeting with operators, security operatives in the Port and ship agents on the detention of a vessel, MV Anamaria.

He said that the vessel came in from Cameroun without proper clearance.

He said that the unruly behaviour of some ship operators would henceforth not be tolerated.

Oluwole said that the actions of the operators were causing embarrassment to Nigeria and stressed that all the port users must obey the operational guidelines.

some people go through in the General Hospital but this will help in reducing the waiting time at the hospital,” the governor said.

The Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Mr. Moses Husitode, thanked the

“Mattresses, sleeping mats, clothes and other personal belonging were soaked making life unbearable for the people.

“Also pathetic was the destruction of foodstuffs such as garri, rice, beans, salt and other perishable items, subjecting the returnees to an unprecedented trauma.”

The Camp Coordinator, Mr. Okon Ene described the situation as pathetic.

“We had to gather the children and women to some safer places, while the men had to work throughout the night trying to salvage their property,’’ he said.

Assessing the damage, the Director-General, SEMA, Mr. Vincent Aquah, said that frantic arrangements were being made to relocate the returnees to a safer area.

He said that some other parts of the state were affected by the windstorm.

“In Akpabuyo, 73 houses were affected, 497 houses were destroyed at Ogoja, 403 in Boki, 33 in Obudu, and 23 in Etung.

“More than 12,000 people were in all displaced across the state,” he said.

He said that the 2,000 people had on March 7 fled to Ikot Eyo Edem in Akpabuyo, a Nigeria– Cameroon border community, following harassment by the government of Cameroon.

“What happened today is a clear violation of the strategies we have put in place. And I have been directed to detain this vessel till tomorrow morning,” he said.

tional Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) Prof.

Mohammed Junaid, had said at the last convocation of the institution that the country needed 1.3 million teachers to meet the demands of basic education.

The provost described the development as worrisome but added that government was leaving no stone unturned to tackle the challenge.

“This shortfall in teachers at the basic education level has been a challenge to us in the teacher education section.

“However, all hope seems not lost because as we speak, the minister of Education is coming up with modalities that would create an increase in access to

teacher education and other branches of education.

“One of the key things that government has put in place in tacking the situation is the approval for our Colleges of Education to award Bachelors’ degrees, which we do in collaboration with some universities.

“On our part, this is already operational as we have since commenced the award of such degrees in collaboration with the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna.

“Most of the Colleges of Education have since started the same procedure by ensuring that they offer Bachelors’ degree programmes in their schools in

CBN Sells N277.9bn Worth Of Treasury Bills THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold treasury bills worth N227.91 billion last week.

The Financial Market Dealers Association (FMDA) disclosed this on its Website on Friday.

FMDA said that five categories of treasury bills were sold at the last biweekly auctions.

It said the auctions included the Open Market Operation (OMO) which comprised the

139-day and 128-day tenor bills.

FMDA said that N59.53 billion worth of 139-day bills were sold, while N110.8 billion worth of 128-day treasury bills were sold.

The 139-day and 128-day tenor bills had yield rates of 13.32 per cent and 13.03 per cent, respectively.

It also said that the 91-day,

182-day and 364-day tenor bills were auctioned at the Primary Market Auction (PMA) “The three bills - the 91day, 182-day and 364-day tenor bills - worth N25.65 billion, N31.25 billion and N50.68 billion, respectively.

“They traded at yield rates of 9.20 per cent, 12.45 per cent and 14.30 per cent, respectively,” the association said.

affiliation with other universities.

“This has actually improved enrolment of students into our Colleges of Education as it has been discovered that many of them were attracted by the availability of these degree programmes in these institutions,” he said.

According to Olusanya, if the effort by the government is maintained, there is hope that by 2020, things will be on the right track. “ I want to state that if all things are set right and we succeed in maintaining all what we want to put in place to tackle the ugly trend, by 2020 we will be back on course,’’ he said.

The provost noted that a lot more needed to be done to attract students into the fold of the teaching profession.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGHOANINA - I formerly Miss Juliet Oghoanina now wish top be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Juliet Aivinhenyo. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please note

THE WEEKEND

14 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Raising Responsible Children

RAISING responsible children is raising them to be wealth and successful in life. Some of us were not born into wealth, our parent did not mentor us in the area of finance or even about how to live well, but now God has given us an opportunity as parent to fill up the gap on things our parent did not teach us. As parents and yet to be parent, we need to lay a solid, healthy foundation in raising our children.

We all know that children learn more by what they see and not just what they are told, that is why we parents must and should have a proper and godly lifestyle because we don’t want our children become poor for it is what we know that we will pass to them, we live by the mindset we formed while growing up, what we were exposed to, whether negative or positive. But as parent you need to realized that you are not living for yourself anymore, the decision you make or take will put your children on a pedestal, make them or mar them. The ultimate goal for

any parent is raising responsible citizen in the society and this comes by teaching them to be hard working in school, home and office when they grow up and be responsible for all their actions. Teach them

after eating, this is an important foundation because if you don’t, laziness could make your children a waster in future.

There are certain mindset we should birth in our

in your children like dishonesty, remember that a child who is dishonest will gradually get to the age of accountability someday.

Because we all came into this world with sin nature, lying is bound in the heart of a child the moment he starts talking and it comes from fear. So, watch out for

what to do, don’t overlook laziness in your children, let them take responsibility for their items, books, bedroom, washing their plates

children through our action, words and also showing them in the Bible.

As parent, watch out for any unpleasant character

it and correct with love, words of God and punishment.

Birth in your child to be trustworthy in words,

Motherhood With Chelson SMS 08023457637 deeds and actions. Another character traits to watch out for is stealing in your child which usually start from not respecting other people’s things especially at home, feeling that everything at home belong to everyone and can be used by everyone or anyone.

There should be a difference in things that belongs to each child, be defined, limited or have privacy for each other things. A child sees a biro on the floor at home or in school and he just kicks it or pick up without asking who owns it or whatever.

It is better to immediately address it. Let the child know that it belong to someone, help to find the owner and teach him to take it to an adult if you are not around or better still leave it.

These are fundamentals that will help our children become responsible, go far in life and also for God to find them very worthy to entrust them with wealth in

future. Parents should find time and energy for their children, take a critical look at your lifestyle, if there is any defect, correct immediately, so you have enough strength to correct through motivation of love and reward system, do all in your power to see they come out well behaved, honest and responsible person. Have a mindset of raising an employable children that will be an asset to you and the society, an enterprising children, a leader. Yes, the role of parenting is awesome and challenging but thank God, He has given us the ability, strength and opportunity to parent children, it is a leadership role. We may not have much to give them in terms of finance, but giving them this mindset, this foundation of hard work in their academics, work, responsibility and the fear of God will go very far in their lives and they will do us proud and God will bless them.

Sowing Good Seed In Your Children THERE have being endless stories of violence among our young children in and around schools nowadays. You find primary school pupils stabbing his classmate, punching on the face and even bring guns to school (like the one that happened in the US).

Sometimes I wonder what kind of homes these children are coming from, is it a battlefield or what? Imagine a child that got so angry and punched his classmate on the face, what will he do when he is in higher institution or working in an organization and someone annoys him?

Well, it has been established that excessive exposure to violence in the home, movies and video games leads to emotional

detachment, resistance and rebellion in children especially when there is no balance of positive love, peaceful experience or atmosphere in the home. Most times, parents fail to find healthy ways to deal with symptoms that is usually associated with these violence. The first sign of aggression in your child should be immediately checked, parents should begin early in helping their children develop coping skills to deal with violence, negative images and also for parents not making the home a warfare zone. When our children have a sense of belonging and self-worth, it helps to trigger their sense of compassion for others, letting them feel, see love in action at home and in everyway among

the family.

Below are various ways of raising children that

admit to being upset and identify the source of the anger or frustration.

are compassionate and how to deal with anger issues. *STOP, LOOK, DEAL. When your child is angry, let that child

Have that child take a deep breath and count to 10 to calm down, then work on the problem. *DON’T IGNORE YOUR CHILD’S

FEELINGS. Don’t say he is a child, they all came with emotions just as adult, so don’t ever ignore their feelings even if the source of frustration or anger may not seem like a big deal, it could become problematic if the root of the anger which is not always apparent is not dealt with. *BE A C O M PA S S I O N AT E PARENT. If a child is subjected to physical or verbal abuse, that child will definitely become hostile and tends to take it out on others or something.

These negative vibes from parents are seen by the children as being devalued, abused, neglected and unloved. *HELP FIND A NEW INTEREST. Help redirect anger in your child into something

positive or creative, stop the movies, video games, instead plan time for your children to take, pick an interest, hobby in arts, music, football etc. *SEEK AN EXPERT OPINION. Parents should seek counseling for their children who are prone to violent outburst, tantrums or threatens to hurt himself or others.

Sometimes, parents tends to be sentimental about any negative behavior in their children and hide it.

The best and only way to sow a good seed or raise children with compassion is you(parent) being good, loving, full of compassion for your family by showing, acting, living it and being there for them will definitely impact on the children and their lifestyles.

THE WEEKEND

15 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

SINGLENESS is a state of being unattached to a partner or spouse in a world made for couples because right from the beginning there was marriage. Singleness is a product of the fall of mankind.

In this world of moral decadence, finding yourself single at an advanced or a virgin due to your religious belief, your moral upbringing or you are single because of the death of your partner, divorce bringing an end to the intimacy you once shared. Lack of a partner could also present some real challenges especially when it comes to dealing with your sexuality as we are living in an over-sexed society, where sexual purity is passé even among christian singles.

As a christian single, do you feel like the average high school student knows more about sex than you because you decided to play by God’s rules or you think God has withheld something good from you for no apparent reason? Are you tempted to compromise your standards to find

Relationship “There is always a strong desire in the heart of everyone to give their body, mind and soul to a spouse one day to experience the pleasure of God’s gift of sex to mankind.” out what the world already knows? Have

emotional cycle that would have dire consequence if you fail

prayerfully or else you fall prey to all the predators ready to

With Chelson SMS 08023457637

enable you say no to immoral sex and becoming the awesome lover God would want you to be.

Both male and female that choose to be chaste or because of past experience are treated like freaks of nature or

(STD) and the women, the risk of pregnancy. If a woman caves into the pressure, she has a triple set of issue at stake, her loss of virginity, STD’s and pregnancy.

Frankly, it’s unimportant to

Single And Sexuality you been pacing to and fro in your room nightly waiting for something to happen? There is always a strong desire in the heart of everyone to give their body, mind and soul to a spouse one day to experience the pleasure of God’s gift of sex to mankind but due to certain reasons, some are unable to experience this which leads to being single. Definitely, there are days you feel as if every fiber of your body longs for it and you are questioning if you can contain this God given hormones, this tug of war, wondering if really God want you to wait. As a single person, you are bound to experience an

to address it properly by sticking strongly to your belief, discipline and most importantly

devour you. Identifying and understanding the way this cycle can potentially wreak havoc on your sexuality will

social outcasts. Women mostly experience stronger emotional turmoil than men regarding their virginal status, both sex encounter pressure to perform as well as the associated danger of contracting sexually transmitted disease

determine who encounters more stress over the decision to ignore their hormonal cry but how to properly deal with their sexuality should be the focus. The sexual expression between a man and a woman (within marriage) was one of God’s greatest gift to mankind, it is a normal drive, a volatile drive that must be properly managed by couples because it can lay waste to everything in our path when we go outside of God’s context for sex, including honor, reputation, families, virginity, fidelity, chastity, good intention, lifelong promises and spiritual commitment.

Marriage and sex should not be the major objective but rather becoming a godly lover should be the goal.

“The sexual expression between a man and a woman (within marriage) was one of God’s greatest gift to mankind, it is a normal drive, a volatile drive that must be properly managed by couples.”

THE WEEKEND

16 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

THEY congregate around their Arabic teacher from whom they are expected to learn and master the art of reading and writing the Arabic language. Arabic is the language by which the Holy Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and any devout Muslim is expected to learn to read, write and communicate effectively in it. Added to this is the spiritual attachment to literacy in Arabic language amongst majority of Muslims from across the world hence the crave for Arabic knowledge. This indeed is a positive desire especially when it is said that no knowledge is wasted. As a result, Muslim parents often send their wards to study under the tutelage of a Mallam hence the evolution of the Madrasa system of Arabic teaching and learning.

But what kind of knowledge do the scholars under this system otherwise known as almajiris in Nigeria acquire from their masters most of whom are barely literate in Arabic and are expected to impact knowledge to the ten-

on that path can not be said to be anything untoward.

But everything becomes wrong with the whole idea when even in the 21st century Muslim parents still engage in the same practice the same manner as the early Muslims whose sole aim was to

ficking in person Prohibition Act 2003 sponsored by the Senate leader and senator representing Cross River Central Senator Udoma Egba. He was reacting to issues of parental negligence raised by Senator Alkali Abdulkadir Jejere ANPP Yobe South while contributing to the debates on the

Politics & With HAMEED BRAIMAH

The Almajiri Sy And Senator M

achieve spiritual elevation and spread of the Islamic faith.

The early Muslims in Nigeria if our knowledge of the history is anything to by, were no less enthusiastic about acquiring Islamic knowledge through the learning of Ara-

• Senator David Mark

der minds of young children.

The almajiris are young and tender children sent by their parents to learn Arabic under the tutelage of an Arabic teacher who often time live far away from the home towns or villages of the children.

These children often time also lose every contacts with their parents with their survival lying solely on their ability to beg for food and clothings from members of the public.

The practice of Islamic tutelage dates back to early Muslims since the 7th century when adherents strove to update their knowledge of Islam, therefore, the determination by parents to lead their wards

problem in Nigeria. The answer is not far fetched as the elementary idea of sending one’s child to learn the way of Allah has remained unchanged nor modernised to suit current realities.

What are these current realities? The reality of profes-

bic language.

This is evidenced in the puritanist endeavours of the great Utman Dan Fodio and founder of the Sokoto caliphate.

Before he declared his jihad in the year 1804, Dan Fodio, a migrant Islamic teacher from the Futa Jalon Island had arrived Gobir through Agades in modern day Niger Republic and established a school where the heir apparent to the Gobir stool was one of his pupils. Therefore, the quest for knowledge in whatever form is something positive and this has ben acknowledged since early times. The question is, why is the almajiri system now a

sionalism, entrepreneurship.

The reality of acquiring self esteem through formal education be it Arabic or Western.

Before I am misunderstood, formal education involves the exposure of the scholars to several fields of study and all these are available in the Arabic formal education. This is why we have medical doctors, engineers, lawyers etc who rose to their esteem positions through Arabic formal education. But what do we find in Nigeria? A congregation of poorly clothed, poorly fed and impoverished children chorusing some letters and sentences from an Arabic text under the tutelage of a barely literate teacher who has no faint idea of how to guide these wards into successful careers. A group of misguided street urchins who become ready tools in the hands of religious bigots to unleash mayhem on harpless persons holding different religious beliefs and unfortunately too, of late a recruitment ground for extremist behaviours including terrorism.

This is where the declaration of the almajiri system in Nigeria as a form of child trafficking that should be banned becomes most auspicious. Besides the Senate President David Mark urging the governors of the northern states to ban the almajiri system due to its being a breeding ground for miscreants and social misfits, the Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso declared that dysfunctional youths from irresponsible parents create the nursery that feeds the Boko Haram insurgency.

Senator Mark spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at the Senate plenary during a debate on a Bill for an Act to Repeal and Re-enact the Traf-

bill.

Sen. Jejere had sought for a law compelling parents particularly those from the north to take adequate care of their wards, saying that it was high time the almajiri system was done away with.

Senator Jejere did not stop there. He gave gory details of how himself a former almajiri grew up without knowing his parents as he had to live far away from home. Unlike others who ended up in misery, he was fortunate to have been enrolled in school hence his being Senator today.

Senator Jejere, himself a victim of the misguided practice was able to situate the problem at the foot of the parents. He knew that it takes the decision of a parent for whatever reason to send his or her ward to a strange Arabic teacher in a distant town or country with little or no provision for his upkeeps. I think Senator Jejere is right in his position because the army of suffering almajiris in the streets of Kano, Kaduna, Zaria, Sokoto etc did not send themselves there. They were all sent there by their misguided parents or guardians who for want of what to do with their God given children send them off to acquire the culture of ignorance, a culture of perpetually being in want, a culture of insolence, and ultimately a culture of rebellion against the society that has so maltreated them.

No reason except stupidity will make a man not to take full responsibility for the upkeep of his children or wards.

Those who embark on this inhuman practice do so for the simple reason not to take responsibility for their children.

If not, why not send them to a Mallam/teacher in the same locality as they are so that the wards can learn Arabic and also not lose out in parental

• A group of Almagiris begging for alms care. The greatest of the problem is the unabating indulgence in this practices today by insipid parents whose sole reason for doing so is their ‘faith’ in Allah to lead their children through despite the obvious hazards associated with the age long practice.

Like an insidious disease, the Almajiri system which is a product of parental abdication of responsibility to the children is today eating up what was left of the Nigerian social fabrics. What an irony that children sent by their parents to be taught God’s ways are now the terrors of which

we all need prayers from the same God for protection from their misdemeanors. This is where Senator Mark’s postulation that the almajiri system is not an Islamic culture comes handy because Islam does not encourage parents to give birth to children and abandon them to the care of some misguided elements who often time misinterpret the teachings of the religion in question to achieve selfish political or economic gains.

Senator Marks claim that the almajiri system as it is today is a creation of dubious politicians from the area who encourage it for political gain

is clearly these ch foremo home be politici urchins thering t causes.

But I a ken Sen northern stamp ou from tha the asso How wil Should the ban equate a tegrate This is

THE WEEKEND

17 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Issues Tel: 08036675309 SMS Only

replicate the Federal Government’s initiative in their respective states. This they must do with all the urgency it deserves because the Almajiris have over the years acquired notoriety owing to their impervious role in the various ethno-religious conflicts across northern states

states like Kano bearing much of the brunt.

“They grow up to hate themselves, they hate their parents, hate the leaders, hate the government and the society. They feel they are deprived, they feel injustice and they become enemies of the state and constituted authori-

inevitable divine manna which failures often turn expectation into frustration with devastating consequences.

Long term enlightenment and public education on the dangers of parent having more children than they can care for should be launched in all parts of the north. To free

ystem In Nigeria Mark’s Ban Call

off the mark because ildren were first and st sent away from fore the unscrupulous ans who find the as ready tools in furheir selfish political gree with the outspoate President that governors should t the Almajiri system t region to stave off ciated social ills. l the governors start. they just pronounce without making adrrangements to reinthem into society. another pointer to

some of the failings of the Nigerian elite, impso facto that governance is about problem solving. For successive administrations in states of the north to have failed to identify the almajiri system as a socio-economic time bomb, explains the tardy manner the nation’s affairs had been handled by those whose duties are to tackle them as they arise.

If the problems associated with the Almajiri system had been nipped in the bud, the north today would not be crying of poverty, disease, violence and general insecurity occasioned by extremist

behaviours of suicide bombings of innocent and hapless Nigerians in major streets of Kano, Maiduguri, Damaturu, Mubi, Kaduna and Daura in Katsina State.

Whatever efforts are being made in this direction must focus on ways to economically engage these children and young adults, because as it stands today, most of them live on begging without any visible or sustainable means of livelihood.

In this wise, states affected by this social menace must of necessity key into the Federal Government’s Alimajiri Education Programme or at best

particularly Kano, Kaduna and of late Jos the Plateau State capital. The northern governor should know that the resort to extreme behavious by the street urchins is a function of the disconnect between the grassroots and the governance processes.

They must do right by enthroning a culture of participatory governance through paying attention to issues touching directly on the lives of the citizenry.

Governance should at this point be people’s based and must move away from the concept of self before others which has made governance in Nigeria to exist for the wrong reasons of nepotism, corruption. Worthy of note is the abuse of the tenets of religion on procreation. Every religion preaches procreation as a divine order. Also, religions link at divine providence which simplistic logic is no more than that. If God had divine procreation, God will make provision for that procreation. That itself is permissible and legitimate within the ambit of faith. However, it presupposes the inevitability of blessing after hardwork.

Unfortunately however, many abuse this natural order of things, and deliberately omit hard work from the belief and blessing chain. That would logically explain why parents would have more children than they can cater for and spill this ill bred band on society in the scary way Governor Kwankwaso recounted during his meeting with the Presidential Committee on Dialogue wth Boko Haram.

“It is irresponsible conduct of some parents in the north who give birth to some 30 children, decide to take care of only two and unleash the rest of the pack on society with commercial inclined

• Aliyu: Leader of Northern Governors

ties. They thereby become vulnerable to crime and violence.

Religious organisation must be encouraged to teach faith with hardwork and not socialise their flock to some

• Gov Kwankwaso

resources to meet the people oriented development challenges, tougher war must be waged on corruption which has become endemic in the Nigerian society.

The time to act is now.

THE WEEKEND

18 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

There are about TEN Things that are vitally important for pastors – preachers to understand.

First is Elevation – Pastors, preachers lead people out of the depths of despair, to the Rock that is higher than they are. It is “Out of the miry clay, onto the Solid Rock.” “Raised up to be seated with Christ in heavenly places.”

Second is Motivation – Revealing their new identity, new standing before God, their new creation realisation.

Third is Consecration – Presenting their bodies as vessels to the honour of God, set apart from His glory.

Fourth is Mobilisation – Calling out your people to their responsibility – “be witnesses unto Me.” Fifth is Delineation – Separating the profane from the holy, confronting sin.

Sixth is Destination – Pressing on, looking up.

Seventh, is Celebration – Praising God for what He has done, worshipping Him

for who He is.

Eight is Radiation – “Fire in Jeremiah’s bones.”

Nineth is Proclamation – “Preach the Word.”

strike them – instead run to the battle.

Second, the pastorpreacher leads the sheep to rest. Psalm 23:2 says, “He

The Role And Reponsibilities Of Preachers

Tenth is Dedication – Discipline – “I keep my body under subjection.”

Acts 20:28 says, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

A beautiful picture of the shepherd or pastor is found in Genesis 31:38-40 when Jacob told Laban, “These twenty years I have been with you, your ewes and female goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flocks.

That which was torn of beasts I did not bring to you, I bore the loss of it myself. You required it of my hand whether stolen by day or stolen by night.

S

unday Diet

With ERNEST IKHUREIGBE

WHATEVER you believe in and confess could be the basis on which the LORD acts. The LORD is OMNI potent to know all your thought towards a particular course and He grants your request accordingly. In Number 14:28, it is stated that “Say unto them, as truly as I live saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do unto you.” Our God knows the conceived thought in your heart, and whatever you declare with faith would be given accelerated response. Heb 11: 1-2,6.

Elijah, the prophet believed he could showcase the mightiness of God at Mount Carmel.

He challenged the Prophets of Baal “Call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD, and the God that answereth by fire, let

Thus I was, by day the heat consumed me, and the frost by night, and my sheep fled from my eyes.”

That’s a shepherd.

him be God.” 1 Kings 18:24.

It is recorded that the prophets of Baal could not elicit fire from their gods.

But Elijah was able to call on his God, who did not only send-down fire, to consume the bullock but the fire licked up the altar that was soaked with drums of water. An attestation, that, the God of Elijah is a God that consumes with fire. Heb. 12:29.

In 2 kings 4: 1-7, a certain woman was indebted to the extent that her creditor came to take her two children as bondmen. She believed in the man of God and did what she was directed to do. She did not only pay her debt, neither were her children taken as bondmen. She had enough to eat and sell as a means to livelihood. God works with our belief system.

First of all, notice the Pastor-Preacher defends the flock. In 1 Samuel 17:34-35, David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion and bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth, and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and strucked and killed it.”

How courageous we must be as pastorspreachers in defending the flock of God. The bears and the lions are out there to devour those entrusted to your care.

Do not ignore them when the powers of darkness

makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters.”

Hebrews 4:1, 10 says.

“Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.

For He who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as

God did from His.” The “rest” is the end of one’s self-effort and resting in the provisions God Himself provides.

There is nothing you have to offer to the Lord. He is crying out, “Rest, let Me be Myself through you.

Jeremiah 33:12 says, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, there shall again be

To be contd.

“The “rest” is the end of one’s self-effort and resting in the provisions God Himself provides. There is nothing you have to offer to the Lord. He is crying out, “Rest, let Me be Myself through you.”

God Can Work With Our Belief System The woman with the affliction of blood flow for twelve years had to believe in her heart after she had spent all her money and consulted with the best of the physicians on earth that the only person left to be consulted was Jesus Christ. Her last resort brought her the desired good health. She became healed of that plaque immediately she laid her hand on Jesus’ garment.

Mark 5: 25 – 29.

No wonder in Number 14:28. It is on record that the LORD said “As ye spoken in mine ears, so

a habitation of shepherds who rest their flocks.”

Third, the pastorpreacher numbers the flock. I believe the word is telling us true shepherds care individually for each sheep. Jeremiah 33:13 says, “The flock shall again pass under the hands of the one who numbers them, says the Lord.” And John 10:3-5 tells us. The Great Shepherd Jesus knows them by name.

will I do to you.” What you believe is impossible would remain impossible but if you believe that the LORD Jesus can take you off your predicaments, you will definitely be setfree. John 14:14, Jere 33:3.

Luke 1:37.

The LORD is saying to you “If the son; therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.

In the book of Chronicles, a man had a great moment of grief and dishonour for what he was engrossed in, but a time came that he felt he could

no longer bear agony and sympathy of his predicament. 1 Chron.

4:10. “And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, oh that would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast and thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me”. And God granted him that which he requested.”

He became free and he enjoy the peace of the LORD. John 16:33. “In the world, ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

There are, however,

“Beloved, your belief system and God’s grace are what you desire to get out of the valley of life that you are in. Draw near to God and seek His face. Without Him, life would be crises-ridden and the joy of life will be a mirage.”

sometimes, that the LORD Jesus may decide to act on those He loves, because they deserve His presence.

He could even, decide to ‘delay’ till when He felt He could showcase His mightiness. In John 9:1-7, a man was said to have been born blind, but when Jesus was passing by, He decided to heal him of the blindness.

Also in Luke 7: 11-16, a widow’s only son was being carried to the burial ground when they met the LORD Jesus, who said to him (the dead): Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.” He that was dead sat up and began to speak!

Beloved, your belief system and God’s grace are what you desire to get out of the valley of life that you are in.

Draw near to God and seek His face. Without Him, life would be crisesridden and the joy of life will be a mirage.

The LORD is still in the ‘act to do exploit you just need to put your challenges before Him. Luke 1:37. Remain blessed.

THE WEEKEND

19 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Fashion & Ankara: The Reborn Style

Of African Fashion ANKARA fabrics are vibrant patterns of very rich colourful designs. It is mostly made of 100% cotton or cotton poly material. They became extremely popular over time and were initially worn as every day casual outfits customized to suit the designs of the person wearing it. Nowadays, they are primarily made in Ghana and have a strong cultural, social and economic importance. changed to become a sizzling There was a time when Ankara fabric was regarded as the fabric of the poor. To some, it was too flowery and too colourful, but today the fabric has undergone a tremendous transformation. It has become the choice of the rich and the poor. It has

fat.

Designers are seizing the trend of fashion, and are coming up with appealing designs to capture the fashion world. The appeal of the finished product depends on the creativity, and skills of the designer. Gurus like Aimas,

By UKIRI CLEMENTINA EGWOLOMENA

Tiffany Amber, Momo, Gloss and others have given new life to the fabric through experience and creativity.

Since it is a cotton fabric with different motifs, this fabric can be used for both office and formal occasions.

Apart from using the fabric for clothing, designers have

invented a new concept to its usage. It is trendy now to wrap bags and shoes with the Ankara material. Jewelries are no exception to this development. Jewelries like earrings, bracelets, costumes and rings are being coated with the fabric. Giving these apparels a new sense of

beauty with original touch.

It is exceptional, when Ankara cloth is worn along jewelries, bags and shoes wrapped with Ankara material. Celebrities have taken pleasure in taking advantage of this African fabric to sooth their fashion craze. Gone are the days when you spend a lot on socalled designer Paris clothes and shoes, just to step out for an occasion. The gap has been bridged, as it is

With ROSE ORHIBHABOR

affordable and easy to manipulate to something gorgeous.

Ankara fabrics have been the desired choice of African women and beyond. Due to its affordability, this garment was once considered suitable for under privileged, but with time evolvement, the fabric found a place in contemporary fashion, and modern styles. Ankara has its own virtues, and looks more graceful when tailored in the right way.

“Since it is a cotton fabric with different motifs, this fabric can be used for both office and formal occasions. Apart from using the fabric for clothing, designers have invented a new concept to its usage.�

THE WEEKEND

20 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

S h o

Music

Zack Orji Becomes Pastor VETERAN actor, Zach Orji, has been on the corridor of evangelism in the past two years. He was proclaimed an evangelist by the President of Christian Central Chapel international (CCCI), Lagos, Bishop Emma Isong, Sources close to the actor say, the actor has been working hard and praying to get further official pastoral ordination. He had preached in several engagements in various churches such as

W

z

Fidelis Duker Celebrates 15th Wedding Anniversary

Shepherd House Assembly in Makurdi, Lafia, Abuja and the Diaspora.

Right now, the dreams of star of “Glamour Girls” of becoming a full minister of God became a reality few weeks ago when he was officially ordained a pastor.

It was also gathered that Zack Orji will continue with his inspirational style of reaching out which will open him to frequent travelling all over the world, preachZack Orji ing the word of God.

FIDELIS Duker one of the finest Nollywood producer and director is in celebration mood.

Having come all long 15 years in marriage, of course, he has cause to blow trumpet. This is exactly what he did on his facebook last week In the spirit of celebration, Fidelis Duker has prepared to surprise his wife in appreciating her effort over the years and for all the good things that have come his way since they became one.

Here is what he displayed on his facebook timeline, “Today, 15 years ago I took that vow of matrimony with one

woman who I decided to spend the rest of my life with. She has been an Asset and not a Liability, a Friend not an Enemy, a Mother not a Witch, a Partner, a Sister, a Wife, a Comforter, a Housewife not a House Breaker.

Temitope Abolanle Duker, you are a rare Gem to me and our Children.”

This should be the wish of all major players in the Nollywood movie industry rather than broken and collapsed homes that is becoming too frequent in the industry nowadays.

Actress Uche Ogbodo Blasts she will soon cast Uche tally clueless because Afrocandy Ogbodo, Anita Joseph she won’t do any low

FOR daring to say she wants to feature Uche Ogbodo in her next sex movie, Judith Okpara Mazagwu popularly known as Afrocandy has been tongue lashed by Uche.

b i

Movies

The controversial soft porn movie producer, says Uche, is clueless.

Shortly after Afrocandy trailer hit online, she was quoted by news sources that

Uche Ogbodo

and Cossy Orjiakor in her next movie.

However, Uche Ogbodo, a prominent face in Nollywood movies has come out to say “Afrocandy is to-

life movie by showing viewers more than they can control.” Uche says if she must go that far then it should be well worth it just like Halle Berry in “Monster ’s Ball and Swordfish.”

Afrocandy

Fidelis Duker and wife, Tope

Commedian, A.Y, Writes Autobiography

A.Y.

POPULAR comedian Ayo Makun, known simply as AY has written an auto biography titled – “AY’s Diary: Just Laugh.” The book, which was written last year and being published in Rome, is a revelation of the meteoric rise and secret of a highly

creative entrepreneur in the comedy industry.

Against the background of AY’s very successful Open Mic Platform that discovered the likes of Seyi Law, Elenu, Akpororo, Mc Shakara, Emeka Smith, Ajebo, Pencil and others, the book will also give in-

valuable insight into younger comedians’ stuff they are made of and all those who are interested in the business of comedy, especially on the need of having compulsory education as a personal empowerment before launching fully into the business of comedy.

The book

THE WEEKEND

21 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Theatre

Concert

With FELIX OMOH-ASUN GSM: 07060576600

GLOBAL BUZZ Brad Pitt Ban Sex Scenes out Of Respect For Wife is crazy about her, and she is the same way about

ACCORDING to an article in Esquire, Brad Pitt has placed

Brad and Jolie

Mercy Johnson Okojie

Mercy Johnson Says “Thank You” SULTRY Nollywood star, Mercy JohnsonOkojie has sent out a ‘thank you’ message to her teeming fans, colleagues, producers and friends. The Kogi State-born actress, who could not hide her joy, thanked everyone for the support she got while she was away on maternity leave. Mercy stated that she is overwhelmed at the massive love shown to her by

many people.

She also thanked those who presented gifts to her and her baby, Purity.

Her message reads; “I want to say thank you to my fans, friends, colleagues and producers who were there for me.

Many of you proved to be friends on and off work.

Many adjusted their schedules for me and sent in their greetings during

the child dedication.

“I resumed work this week with grateful heart and understanding that I am here because God through the help of people made it possible. Or how could I explain the overwhelming votes I got at AMVCA despite been away and inactive on social media?

“How could I explain the

numbers of producers and scripts waiting for my return? How could I explain the overwhelming love and gifts while I was away?

“I am very grateful and here to say a big thank you to everyone who played a role and those who as much as had good wishes in their hearts.

“Thank you and God bless you” She summed.

a self-imposed ban on filming sex scenes with other women out of respect for his partner and mother of his six children, Angelina Jolie.

So no other woman gets to kiss those lips and touch that body as long as he is with Angelina.

Brad’s friend told Esquire: “This is a guy who has tried not to do any sexy scenes with other women since he met Angelina. He

Chris Brown Back With Ex, Karrueche

“Bad Girl” Cossy Orjiakor Tweets On Her New Look NIGERIAN actress cum musician, Cossy Orjiakor is constantly on the blogs with her raunchy photos and controversial tweets especially her new look.

The debut issue of Chizy Spyware‘s online magazine attempts to refresh Cossy’s image. On this cover, Cossy shows her professional and classy side in a bid to tell the world that she is not all about ‘boobs’.

Listen to what Cossy has to say about her conservative cover look – “I embrace every aspect of me, as a business woman I look good in corporate

and during work hours, I am always well dressed with my boobs covered up. When it is time to play I love bustier, it always looks cute, sexy and do wonders to my cleavage”, she wrote.

Cossy who is known for her sex roles and skimpy wears in Nollywood, has dared critics.

Perhaps, this is a reinvented Cossy.

him.”

Friends understand his fear. Brad was married to Jennifer Aniston when he did Mr. & Mrs. Smith with Angelina Jolie. He admitted falling for her after their steamy love scene.

By the time the movie wrapped, they were in love.

Kelly Rowland Chris and Karrueche

IT seems so. Weeks after breaking up with on/off girlfriend Rihanna, Chris seems to have moved on to Karrueche. Not only did he spend his birthday with her, he was also spotted making out with her at the Billboard Music awards after-party in Vegas on Sunday night.

The reconciled lovers were photographed Tuesday May 21 in Los Angeles after the car they were riding in rearended another car.

Janet Jackson Joins Billionaire Club

Cossy Orjiakor

JANET Jackson, who recently married Wissan Al Maba, a Muslim billionaire oil magnet, has joined the billionaire club. The 47years old Jackson has joined the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Julia Louis-Dremfurs, Steven Speilberg, amongst others.

Variety listed Jackson, amongst others said to be worth about $48. The alltime sell out artist, is said to have made all her earnings from concerts, album sales and her role in movies like “for Coloured Girls” and “Nutty Professor.”

Janet Jackson

THE WEEKEND

22 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

INSIGHT

The Power Of Positive Influence

Thus says the Lord, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practice steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth for in these things I delight, says the Lord of host.

(Jeremiah 9:23-24).

Do you leave people better than you found them? Or are you living in a world created by the people around you?

What drives you on in life?

If you are able to answer these few questions, then you are on the way to success.

Changes are the product of influence.

Influential people are those that are able to change the lives of those around them through their attitudes and behaviours. Influence in this context means, the effects one passes across those around him. It is the message of changes received from somebody or some thing. In the journey of life, man’s success is measured by the kind of influence he passes across those around him.

Influence has consequences, it can either be positive or negative. The way you live your life has the chance of influencing others but know this, that whatever influence you pass across to others will come back to you with its benefits or curses. One of the most exciting decisions you can make is to be on the look out for opportunities to invest in others for me this has been one of the most powerful principles of momentum I’ve implemented in my life.

We are where we are today because of things or people we allowed to influence us.

If we must be positively influenced, we have to watch out for those who posses the qualities we are looking for.

We can be influenced.

By the environment we find ourselves:- Most people you see around are not what you think they are, because the environment they live in, has passed a message to them that has affected their mentality and the way they live. Often times people are not the same as they were when they moved into the next environment because every environment has it’s

own influence. Don’t allow yourself to be negatively influenced by the environment. Sometimes, the environment we find ourselves deprives us from opportunity that could have better our life. Many people have been discouraged and frustrated by their environment, every vision has a place of manifestation.

If you have a vision or a plan that you know your environment cannot help in times of assistance, then look out for a better place for that vision.

Friends:- Do your best friends bring out the best in you? Who you choose to be your closest friends or associates are the most important decisions you will make during the course of your life. You are the same today that you are going to be in five years from now except for two things, the people with whom you associate and the books you read. The less you associate with some people the more your life will improve. It’s true what proverbs says putting confidence in an unreliable man is like chewing with a sore tooth, or trying to run on a broken foot. Your future is determined by those you spend time with everyday.

Fox are comfortable with you when you are like them.

When you don’t know yourself, anybody can sue you as a servant and reduce the best in you so be wise when choosing friends.

The kind of friends I keep are those with whom I can dare to be myself, people I can dream in front of aloud, those who understand my past, believe in my future and accept me today just the way I am.

Parents:- Infact, the beginning of any man’s success or failure in life is the family. The parents are the people that God has given change to take care of the family. Children are to be well nurtured by the parent but these days most parents lack the knowledge of children upbringing. Most youths are passing through hard times because they were brought up under the bad influence of their parents. The Bible admonish us to train up these little ones in the way they should go, and when they grow up they will not

“Until something changes within you, nothing changes around you.”

By NWAFOR JONATHAN

depart from it. The reason most parent fail is because they are not good themselves, you can’t expect a woman that goes out everyday and comes back late to teach her children what to do, she will not be able because her ways are not right. A good child is his father’s delight they say.

A man said that if you want to know how a mother is, look at her daughter because she influences her more than the boys. You may find it difficult to see an upright, decent and well mannered mother misleading her children because her lifestyle is a good example to them. So parents take time to study your family so as to change whatever that needs changes because lives are under your care!

Books:- What kind of books do you read? What is your purpose of reading? Are you reading because you are asked to read by someone or because you wants to dig out the solution of your problems? Whatever is your reason, know that you are not different from what you read.

If all you do everyday is to read about love and sex, I promise you that one day you will be arouse to practice what you have read. If you want to be positively influenced, then go for positive books. It has been proved beyond any doubt that committed readers are those who become great leaders.

Everyone aiming for an outstanding future must be committed to rubbing his little mind with greater minds, thereby becoming sharper by the day. To be a man and woman of impact, you must be committed to an insatiable hunger for everincreasing insight in your field. One can be delivered through reading a book filled of revelations. A woman was reading a book called, “YOU SHALL NOT BE BARREN”

by David Oyedepo, she got to a point in the book some thing like covering left her immediately and her barrenness was broken. So take time to read books that will have positive influence on you!

Signs of influence:- There are so many signs to know that you have been influenced positively or negatively.

When you begin to do things different from the way you used to, the changes maybe negative or positive. Like for

need to sit back and think because your life will not go well when all your decisions are from people. There are too many signs but which ever one you discover do something to overcome it.

What will I do to positively influence those around me?

If you must influence those around you positively you must:Give your life to Christ:You cannot influence anybody positively without knowing Christ the owner of positive influence. When you

parked and asked “so, are you sleeping? How did you get the information about Heaven?” The old man said, last night in Heave God became very angry with man and asked the angels to blow the trumpet. The angels picked up the trumpets and as they were about to blow it, Jesus fell down and began to plead in teams. The blood that came out of His hands and body were very fresh. He told God that His death shouldn’t be in vain. God couldn’t stand the pains of the saint and the

“We are where we are today because of things or people we allowed to influence us. If we must be positively influenced, we have to watch out for those who posses the qualities we are looking for.” instance if you are not the type that understands the importance of good dressing and you happen to move with effulgent fox who knows what neatness and good dressing is by your moving with them, your taste for dressing will begin to change because you have discovered that you are always different from them whenever you are with them so the best that you could do is to join them to avoid rejection. Secondly, when you actins say unbelief in the areas you claim faith and when it seems you cannot make decisions of your own.

Many have been so influenced that they can’t make decisions of their own.

When you find yourself in that kind of situation, you

know Christ, he will introduce you to the Holy Spirit, who will take over and be responsible for the changes. A life without Christ is filled with crises. Knowing Christ is knowing peace and eternal life. When you know him, he will change all the bad characteristics in you, those things that will send bad message to the minds of those watching you.

Until something changes within you, nothing changes around you. Every change begins within. A pastor was traveling last week, he saw an old man, and gave him a lift, while they were going, the old man said; my son, do you know what happened in heaven last night? The pastor was so terrified and hurriedly

wickedness of the evil ones.

So He said, “AM GIVING THEM THEIR LAST CHANGE”. Jesus then tuned to the angels and told them to move down in their numerous numbers to tell the world that “THE END IS NEAR, JESUS IS COMING VERY SOON.” The pastor sweating and crying asked, sir how did you know this? The old man replied, I am one of the angels sent to Nigeria. Please use every medium of communication to send this message. No time to waste, please! And the old man disappeared. Brethren, this story is real, Christ is coming soon! Please repent from your sin and let Christ live and dwell in you!

THE WEEKEND

23 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

INSIGHT

Celebrating The Nigerian Child

BACK in the days, when I was in primary and secondary in Nigeria is making available

By OLUGBEMIRO OPEYEMI MICHAEL school at this time of the year, we would have started prequality education for the Niparing for the march-past at the stadium and would have gerian child. It is pretty obvibought the best of white socks. Our uniforms properly public holiday to celebrate, let conscious effect for children ous that the private school washed, in readiness to “outperform” students from other them also properly fund one of that grow up in difficult situ- need those funds to remain schools in smartness and every other wonderful beauty that the sectors that has the capac- ations to be able to scale the competitive, but they could was worth celebrating. But the major thing that brought us ity to make us the best in our hurdle with the right mindset. give out full scholarships to joy was that on that day, there was “no school” and we had areas of learning and Do you wonder why the rich those that are poor but brilliant all the day to ourselves; to enjoy as much pleasures that endeavours. Let the process of keep getting richer and the (and ready to learn) the opporwere available. employing members of staff for poor keep getting poorer in tunity to learn under excellent bined. I don’t most times subThese nostalgic feelings fill our government schools be Nigeria? Most times, the best scribe to the comparing) in my mind as we draw near to made more filtering so that only terms of what a quality eduthe celebration of another the best get to the classroom to “It is estimated that about 4.7 million children cational sector can do to a naCHILDREN’S DAY. The teach our children i.e. employtion. Not only will there be of primary school age are still in school. I will Children’s Day celebration ment into classroom should not development and growth, siwhich is usually commemobe through favouritism, nepo- like to assert that it also takes more than acamultaneously it is going to be rated on the 27th of May in Nitism and ethnicity. The class- demic facilities to make the school for Nigea source of revenue to the geria is celebrated on various room should not be a dump rian children; extra- curricular facilities that government. 1 read in a report days in many places around ground for people who did not that Ghana spends about 31 the world, to honour children. make it in other field because include: good toilets and bathrooms, internet percent of her budget on With this in view, this article they will directly or indirectly and ICT compliant environment, sporting faeducation (little wonder the tends to present the realities on affect the future generation of cilities and comfortable classrooms.” transformation of her ground for a Nigerian Child; this country. If we want exceleducational sector) while Nithe beauties available and lent children, let us try as much geria still spends less than 9 what can be done to make as possible to give them excel- of educational facilities in Ni- environment. percent of her budgetary alOh Nigeria, do not celebrate things more beautiful. lent teachers and learning en- geria is not available to the location on education (Vanme only with holidays and poor; majority of the best Also, as concerning the Nivironment. guard Newspaper, Nov. 26, programmes that last just for schools in Nigeria are gerian child, one of the major Also, the children should be things that directly affect him is education. “Over the last decade, Nigeria’s exponential growth in population has put immense pressure on the county’s resources and on the already overstretched public services and infrastructure.

With children under the age of 15 years accounting for about 45% of the country’s population, the burden on education and other sector has become overwhelming”( UNICEF).

40 percent of Nigerian children aged 6-11 do not attend any primary school with the northern region recording the lowest school attendance rate in the country, particularly for the girls. Still from UNICEF. It was reported that despite a significant increase in net enrolment rates in recent years.

It is estimated that about 4.7 million children of primary considered in the making of privately owned and the costs a day. Let projects that will afschool age are still in school. 2012). There was a time any decision in this country, are wonderful. You do not fect my future be commisI will like to assert that it also when the cry was “GHANA ranging from health care to expect a genius or a student sioned. I want hospitals that takes more than academic fa- MUST GO”. If Ghana desecurity, banking to telecom- that is good normally and will be able to perfectly treat cilities to make the school for cides to reciprocate the gesmunication; whatever envi- further exposed to a wonder- me when I am sick. 1 want to Nigerian children; extra- cur- ture today, we will have a ronment they are exposed to ful environment not to make go to schools that will have ricular facilities that include: reasonable amount of growing up will determine the it in life. Hence one of the ma- the best of conditions to help good toilets and bathrooms, Nigerian children out of beauty that their lives pro- jor ways government can me learn. I want to be able to internet and ICT compliant school. As the government duce. It takes diligent and solve the widening gap be- do my assignments with environment, sporting facili- will give the children (us) tween the poor and the rich PHCN light and not use ties and comfortable classcandles or lanterns that can rooms. As we celebrate the Niaffect my eyes. I want to visit “All effort should be made to check child trafficking and gerian children, it is my prayer the supermarket and buy to all relevant stakeholders molestation. There is a difference between maltreatment things: assured that they are that provision of all facilities not fake. I want to have recand equipment relevant for and discipline, care should be taken for the former not to reational areas around that I their proper development is be expressed in place of the latter. Every Nigerian child is can visit with my family and made available. The nearest get relaxed and be able to go country to Nigeria worth com- entitled to education, so hawking during school hours to school on the best of roads. paring is Ghana (although due should be discouraged with all level of seriousness and the I want my parents to have to the fact that the population good jobs, so that they can and size of Ghana might not matters that make people resort to this should be checked.” properly provide for my be up to Kano and Lagos comneeds. When all the things

listed above are being done or are in the processes of being achieved, then celebrating me (Nigerian Child) will be wonderful and I will be happy to go to the stadium on the 27th of May every year.

In addition, celebration of the Nigerian child will not be complete without tasking parents to put in more efforts in training their children to be the best they can be in their lives. Parent should live as visible examples to their children and properly manage them to curb the excesses that arise from peer pressure. The adolescent age is a period where children are susceptible to different kinds of change: hence families should always be at alert to check delinquent tendencies.

All effort should be made to check child trafficking and molestation. There is a difference between maltreatment and discipline, care should be taken for the former not to be expressed in place of the latter. Every Nigerian child is entitled to education, so hawking during school hours should be discouraged with all level of seriousness and the matters that make people resort to this should be checked.

I conclude this piece with a poem to celebrate the Nigerian child: In the worst of conditions we find reasons to smile From the challenging classrooms we produce excellent academic files.

Still burning with hope even when the journey ahead is in miles we continue to survive under the blue skies.

Clad in the back of our mothers in the villages, With the heart to put our towns on famous pages Though things don’t look fair for us today We continue to lay foundations for things to be better someday The naija born! Strong, agile and brilliant Representing when we have the opportunity Clad with the future of the green white green To serve our father land with a good heart I am a Nigerian child Black, bold and beautiful Running through my blood are contents full To make this nation a beauty to behold

THE WEEKEND

24 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

CHILDREN are the heritage of the Lord as quoted in the scripture, they

Story Time

children.

The greatest gift a parents can give to their children is

Celebrating 2013 Children’s Day are also blessings in every society and marriage.

Children’s Day as we all know is celebrated in many countries across the world, to honour them and also draw attention to their problems.

Children’s Day is celebrated every year on May 27 th in Nigeria. It is also declared as public holiday for primary and secondary school children.

Children’s Day is recognized on various days in many places around the world, to honour children globally.

The UN General Assembly recognized that children all over the world have rights that must be documented, adopted by major states, promoted, projected as well as enforced and subsequently adopted in 1959, the UN General Assembly adopted the convention on the rights of the child which covers in its 54 articles, all the rights of children from health care to education, to the freedom from exploitation and the right to hold opinion.

This particular day is set aside every year to evaluate progress made in efforts to promote and project the rights of children working long hours in dangerous circumstances and allow all children access to education.

Celebrating children’s day take special forms in each member country of the United Nations. For example in Mexico, teachers in schools organize the day for their children. In some schools, lessons are suspended for the day. They organize games, music and the children bring in their favourite foods to share with My Parent May Take Me To Any Mr. Bigg’s In Town Okoro Chidinma The name of my school is University of Benin Staff School. I am in Primary 5E. on Monday’s Children’s Day, I don’t really know where I will go maybe, I will stay at home or my parents may take me to any of the Mr. Biggs in town.

I Will Act Drama In Church For The Children’s Day Cynthia Ochaja I am from UNIBEN Staff School, and I am in Primary 5B. I don’t have anywhere to go on Monday, because I used to stay at home when there is no school. I stay at home to do house work. But next Sunday, we are going to act a drama in church for the Children’s day.

By PATIENCE OKONKWO others. Some families also have a day out with their children. There are special activities for the children in parks and sports centres.

Sometimes, also the children are given presents by their families.

In the case of Nigeria, school children troops to various places, like stadium, public places in towns and cities all over the country to engage in march past and listen to speeches from our

leaders. While some establishments participate sometimes by organising parties, excursions as well as study visits for students and special television programmes for children are also broadcast on 27th May of every year.

Most parents too are eager about children’s day. Some parents buy gifts for their children, while some give

greeting cards for their children to express their love on this special day. It is the duty of all parents to make this children day special for their children.

Parents can imbibe some precious values in their children through sacrificial acts, by teaching them how to give to others, and also telling them to always shun any acts of violence. In such a way, the child will get to know the real significance of the day. May

27th.

Moreover, they will not remember you for the material things you provide them but for the feelings that you cherish them, and that they deserve the right to be happy and cherished.

Parent should not let children’s day pass as ordinary day, but a day to also preach and practice the gospel for the benefit of our

Children Speak

By LOVETH OKPOKPO/UKIRI CLEMENTINA/ BLESSING SALAMI

I Will Enjoy Myself At Home - Naniga Oghogho I am from UNIBEN Staff School, and I am in Primary 1E. I will stay at home to enjoy myself with fried rice and chicken.

I Will Storybooks At HomeOkunbo Edobo Kenard I am in University Demonstration Secondary School. I am in JSSI. I am aware that on Monday is Children’s Day, and I will enjoy myself, I will play, read my story books and I will watch TV.

I Will Eat Fried Rice And Chicken - Justine Okunbo I am in USS, in Primary 4H. I am going to eat fried rice and chicken at home on Monday.

My Mummy Will Take Me To GT Plaza - Fatima Usman My name is Fatima Usman, the name of my school is A.B.C. wonderland, I am in primary one. The name of my best friend is Gift, on Children’s Day my mummy will take me to G.T. Plaza and buy me Ice cream, have some fun and I will go along with my friend, Gift.

the gift of time, when a child spends more time with the parents, it is hard for that child to inculcate bad habits unless the parents are bad themselves. To me, time is the greatest gifts and mothers should endeavour to make themselves available for their children as they need and deserve it and it’s only them that can give that quality time and love to their children.

So parents should not focus all their minds on children’s day as to making it the only day to show love and care to their children, but

rather it should be an every day routine.

Finally, for our children to develop properly and compete favourably among children from other countries and to enable Nigeria move forward in the right direction, we should think clearly, correctly and scientifically, which is the greatest of all powers that a man can possess

C

hildren’s World

With LOVETH OKPOKPO 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345

POEM

Children’s Greatest Companion

By MICHAEL EDEKO

Once I opened my eyes And behold!

Here comes my friend The OBSERVER Children’s World Page The great educative and informative page That stands out like a star Out of a million others That looks alike But not the same Oh! What an ideal children’s companion The fountain of entertainment and information That keeps flowing…

The OBSERVER Children’s World Page The innovative teacher Though at a distance, but teaches best; The innovative teacher That has no equal and second to none The OBSERVER Children’s World Page The children’s greatest enlightener The SUNDAY OBSERVER Newspaper The store house of information Worth more than its prize Oh! I wish I could read you always without a break!

It Is A Day My Parents Usually Honour My Request - Endurance Salami My name is Endurance Salami, the name of my school is Franege Educational Center Benin City, I love celebrating Children’s Day because it is a day my parents honour my request, they give me anything I demand for because it’s my day. My mummy usually prepared fried rice and chicken on that day.

I Will Go To Water Fountain - Michael My name is Michael, the name of my school is Hope Foundation Group of Schools, Benin City. On Children’s Day, I will go to water fountain, and my parents used to give me enough money to buy chicken and Fanta.

Emmanuel Oghogho Osunde will be 4 yrs tomorrow, May 27, 2013. Congrats from mum and dad.

THE WEEKEND

25 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

RELIGION

This Life Is A Shadow (4) EVEN though some families go to church, the parents do not have time for their children. The man is either going on tour or the woman is going to market, how will the children of such parents be disciplined? A woman had male visitors in the home and her 9 year old daughter got pregnant. The woman is a Deaconess in a church.

The earlier a parent makes and prostitution whereby his child realise that life is not young girls are deceived by a bed of roses and that the child traffickers into child has to work very hard unwanted pregnancies with to succeed in life, the better promises of being taken care for that parent. If you of for the 9 months pregnancy accumulate wealth for the period and an agreement to child to inherit, remember sell the babies to childless that when the child grows up couples who are willing to and sees something better that buy. They pay these young will give him higher level of girls a paltry fee of N60,000 satisfaction in life, he will for female baby and dispose that thing you gave N100,000 for male baby. The or willed to him before you babies are later sold for passed on. If you build a millions of naira by these house for your child, when he traffickers. Some women grows up he will demolish the looking for babies go to the house and build a house that extent of pumping their suit his modern life style. If stomach to look big as if they you buy him a car he will are pregnant. Some pack

least 3 months of rest after birth. A woman who buys a baby starts work after pretending to rest for about 3 days. If she succeeds in deceiving people, can she deceive God? Any person who is miserable or bored in his or her job, God is speaking to such a person. God wants to change your job or change you. The blind man in the Bible got healing after Christ touched his eyes and he started seeing “men as trees walking”. After the second touch by Christ, he started seeing men clearly. People who are miserable need a “second touch” by Christ to see their jobs in their right perspective. People respond

Kingdom of God is built. A man went to the Bank to borrow N40 million to invest in Stock market and assured the Bank of returning the money within a specified time. Before the stipulated time, the Stock market crashed and the man could only get N100,000.

The man went to commit suicide. Another man went to borrow N7 million from the Bank to invest in the Stock market. When the Bank gave him the money, he divided the money into two and used one part to plan for his retirement.

He invested the other half in Stock market. The man refunded all the money before he retired. After retirement, he moved into his personal

abandon it and turn it into a junk to buy the latest car. He can even decide to go for private jet if that will suit his life style then. Children are one of the ingredients of having a fulfilled life. They surround the home, bringing warmth to the parents. They reciprocate care to the parents when they are old and frail.

Some parents who cannot bear children adopt children to have the privilege of showing love to children and live happy and fulfilled lives with their adopted children.

The Devil has created illegal market of child slavery

to us in direct proportion to the amount of love we have for them. Whatever job you are doing is your christian vocation in the sense that God has called you to do it in the same way as he called a Bishop or Pastor. You should explore opportunities and approaches in the job the same way it is done in Christian Ministry. Work done in the church is not more holy than work done in the market or office. Christ came to give us a sense of calling in all our daily jobs.

This is where change in the world come and the

house. He was not affected by the loan he took from the Bank. He had trained all his children and he was contented with his pension money and he lived a happy and comfortable life.

Jesus Christ was not born

clothes around their stomach and start walking like pregnant women whereas there is nothing inside them.

When they find that it is getting to 9 months period of delivery, they go to the child traffickers and pay for the baby of their choice. The woman then carries a baby which is not her own. When she gets home, all her neighbours, family members and friends will be rejoicing with her that she gave birth not knowing that she bought the baby. If a woman has a normal delivery, she will not start to do any work until at

By PRINCE BAYO OKUO

into a Priestly family. His father was a Carpenter, but he was committed to working along with his 12 disciples and this was when a new world and a new Kingdom came to be built. When we are working for the appreciation and thanks of other people, we can never get it. When we are working for God, we don’t expect the reward in serving others. But our reward is God himself telling us “Well done, good and faithful servant”.

We are going to see a lot of surprises when we get to heaven. God is far from what we believe. The Biblical parable was given by Jesus of some 1abourers who were paid for their labour by their master, not putting into account the hours each of the labourers worked. The people were surprised by the master’s act because some of the labourers worked in few hours and got the same amount as the labourers who started work earlier (Matt 20:1-16). If it is God to whom we are responsible, we can even risk our job and security because God is our security.

When you are doing the will of God, you look to the interest of others and not personal interest. This is what Jesus meant when he entered the church and destroyed the goods of those trading in the house of God. He also allowed himself to be put to death for sinners’ sake.

Your expectation and mine will not be cut off. A parent got his only son married to make him produce and get another son. The boy was not matured to be married and had no skill job. He meets his wife and gives birth leaving himself, wife and children for the care of the parents. This is bad. It is a great load only a buoyant parent can carry. God is not looking at the sin of a man but the heart and how he can work on the heart. The promises of God can be fulfilled for 70 years. It depends on the way he deals with individuals. How He deals with you depends on your level of maturity and understanding of the word of God. The objective of a

person going through the years from primary to university is to be matured through training and come out as gold. In marriage too, if Agnes is to be your wife, you can jump to marry Theresa if you are not patient.

God does not count with our physical birth but spiritual birth. Old age does not depend on how long you have been in the church. Abraham believed God and waited patiently for God to release his blessing because you cannot get blessing without patience (Is 51:15-22).

Because Sarah was impatient she took Hagar to Abraham because she had no hope to give birth at 90 years (Gen 17:15-22; 16:2-4). That is not the thought of God but of man. Wait for the expected end to get the best.

This thing is happening today. A family wants a son at all cost. They give their daughter to another man to have a son or they give a woman to a member in the family to bear the family name. Christians are in the generation of Isaac, unbelievers are in the generation of Ishmael. The year you spend before you get married does not matter. Girls in the church today are emaciating due to the thought about of marriage because they are not grown spiritually.

Any girl that uses charm to turn the eyes of a boy to like her, the charm will fail one day. Don’t count your earthly age, count your spiritual age and at the end your time will come to be fulfilled. Some teachers carry anger with their husbands to the classroom. They beat the children for no reason. The children ask a teacher question and he tells them they ought to know, all because of the anger from home. May we never see ourselves as spare tyres. God knows we need money, house, promotion, marriage but our expected end should not bring us sorrow but joy due to impatient. This is the goal of our faith. Every good and perfect thing comes from God.

“Any person who is miserable or bored in his or her job, God is speaking to such a person. God wants to change your job or change you.”

THE WEEKEND

26 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

ISSUES

The Need For Account Of Setwardship FOR a long time now, it has been discovered that stewardship accounting promotes good management of public funds, increases accountability and probity in the public sector and discourages embezzlement of public funds and promotes economics growth. It should therefore be recommended that the government make sure that stewardship accounting be set up and strictly implemented for better reconstruction of good governance so as to guide against maladministration of the public funds by public officers; and the ascertainment of proprietary of transactions and their conformity with established rules.

Accountability is crucial to the operation of both the private and public sector concept.

Public accountability is an essential component for the functioning of our political system. “Public sector accountability means that those who are charged with drafting and or carrying out policy should be obliged to give an explanation of their actions to their electorates: - the electorates being a composite group, then includes clients employees and tax payers’’.

S t e w a r d s h i p accounting has its origin in the fact that wealthy men employed “stewards” to manage their properties, the steward rendered their account periodically of their stewardship and this notion is still the root of financial reporting today.

In addition, accountability may be defined, as the rendering of returns on stewardship relating to the

management of funds and other assets of which individuals or institutions had been custodians Nigerian politicians face many problems in rendering their political stewardship in the country. This is as a result of the fact that, the political and economic instability in Nigerian political system had led to absence of planning that has slowed down economic growth and development. Most of the physical units were created without a guided political and economic philosophy; they are financially very weak to stand on their own. The judiciary, legislature and the executive arms of government lacks the sincerity to address the problem of revenue sharing. This has led to the destruction of the various structures put in place by the preceding regimes and government. Also, qualified personnel are not employed or chosen to man the government

BY FAMOUS IGUISI work for effective and efficient job performances.

The politicians break their promises as readily

order to minimize the degree of misappropriation of fund in public sector organizations.

entrusted to his care especially by the electorates. ‘’Rendering of political stewardship accounting is better when one is made to

Public sector accountability means that those who are charged with drafting and or carrying out policy should be obliged to give an explanation of their actions to their electorates, that is, the tax-payers and employees. It is not unusual to request a public servant to give an account of how he has managed the public fund

give the account of his stewardship when he is still in power than to be re-called to face a difficult situation after leaving the office’’.

Many of our elected leaders have been accused of non performances, and that no sign of anything they have done; such as constituency projects in their various communities that make

President Jonathan

as they made them. They hardly comply with their promises in their manifestoes the moment they are voted in as power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Accountability in the public sector involves the critical examination of procedures, records and transactions by well trained and properly qualified personnel in

up their constituencies. If this is true, then what then has happened to the funds meant for constituency projects in the past years?

If people that are saddled with leadership positions fail to give account of their stewardship to the people, let’s make sure that they don’t get elected for a second term through legal means.

“After 50 years of unsatisfactory governance, the good people of Nigeria need restoration, character, ethics, national integrity by true and compassionate leaders’’.

However, many of our elected leaders have been involved in rehabilitation of some feeder roads; rendering scholarship assistance to students; rendering assistance to patients in hospitals; promoting sports in the State and Local Governments; helping to provide employment generally; assisting through youth empowerment and skill acquisition; assisting in recruitment into the Security Forces Agencies, etc.

Those who have rendered their account of stewardship in whatever capacity have demonstrated exemplary character and a sterling example of what a true representative of the people should be. Those who haven’t done so should be challenged to follow their footsteps.

“Nigerian politicians face many problems in rendering their political stewardship in the country. This is as a result of the fact that, the political and economic instability in Nigerian political system had led to absence of planning that has slowed down economic growth and development. Most of the physical units were created without a guided political and economic philosophy; they are financially very weak to stand on their own.”

THE WEEKEND

27 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

THE NATION

Declaration Of Emergency Rule In The North

THE declaration of a state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States is a welcome development.

There have been loud lamentations as regards what many people see as apologetic approach to that very terrible situation.

Thomas Jefferson once declared that “The care of human life and happiness, not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate object of good government.” He went further to say that “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” My only fear in this all i m p o r t a n t pronouncement by Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is that governors, Kashim Shettima of Borno, Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa States as Chief Security Officers of these states are neither blind nor deaf. So, leaving them in office as governors with their full powers may jeopardize the much expected result.

Be that as it may, the military authority should be allowed to handle the situation with full military approach. As the saying goes, it is absurd to ask a man who hid your property to help search for it.

The President has declared that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators will be hunt down, fished out and bring to justice. And my candid advice on this

is not only for those masquerades, now that the emergency rule is on, any inciting statement must be addressed properly to serve as a deterrent to other individuals or groups

By PIUS EDE

President should not spare anyone no matter his/her status in the society, if this battle to save Nigeria from the hands of these serial

Amnesty for the Boko Haram sect, that he cannot grant amnesty to faceless group is still very relevant today despite the fact that his

fact that any day an individual survives in this country should be regarded as a bonus.

Instead of waiting to defend bad cases, why can’t the Federal Government find a way

Thomas Jefferson once declared that “The care of human life and happiness, not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate object of good government.” who may want to hide under the freedom of expression to mischievously incite the people against the Federal government.

Nobody is bigger than this country and Mr.

killers and their collaborators must be won.

There are macro and micro issues, first pronouncement by the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan on the

battery of advisers have talked him into setting up the Amnesty Committee.

The recent killings of security operatives in Nassarawa State by a cult group pointed to the

to strengthen our intelligence capabilities, to know the plans of terrorists before they act and to find them before they strike.

I am yet to come to terms with the logic

behind leaving the Governors of the three states currently under emergency rule in office.

To declare emergency rule means there is an extraordinary situation or threat to the nation and it should be treated as such, not leaving two captains in a ship.

Governors are chief security officers in their states, and in this case they could not secure lives and property. Since the president has summoned up courage to declare a state of emergency, it is now up to the Chief of Army Staff to ensure that our borders are well protected and to fish out all the miscreants and their collaborators.

That is the only way to send a warning signal to other governors to beef up security in their states.

Nigerians are waiting and watching to see the outcome of the emergency rule.

THE WEEKEND

28 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

City Planning To Secure Five Trophies In Five Seasons THE pressure of following in the footsteps of deposed Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has intensified after the club outlaid a plan to secure five trophies in the next five year.

City’s chief executive Ferran Soriano announced the club’s ambitious goals, which includes claiming the Champions League title, as they face Chelsea in a post-season friendly in the United States.

City won the first of two games to be played on American soil, beating their Premier League rivals 4-3.

Having parted company with Mancini for failing to win a trophy this season, City are heavily rumoured to be trying to tempt Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini to the Etihad.

And if Soriano has his way, the Chilean will become one of the City’s most successful coaches in the club’s history.

“I think that next season is going to be much better, I am convinced about that,” Soriano told the Mirror. “It doesn’t mean we’re going to win one or two titles. But, in the grand scheme of things, if we look at the next five years and I could plan now, I would say I want to win five trophies in the next five years.

“That may mean we win no trophies one year and two in another but, on average, I want one trophy or title a year.

“That’s the Champions League, the Premier League or the FA Cup. I think it’s a realistic aim, yes. But I’m talking about five years.

“If next year we don’t win, but progress our football and get to the semi-finals of the Champions League, finish second in the Premier League and lose the FA Cup Final again, that will be fine.

“That’s because we will have progressed in the way our football develops.”

And the former Barcelona vice-president and managing director hopes it will be a foundation of local talent that will see the club into a new era of success.

“Teams that have won consistently in the past have a core of players that are home-grown,” said Soriano.

“I’ve seen it to the extreme in Barcelona, where we won the Champions League, with nine out of the 11 players in the team home-grown. And you’ve seen it at United.

“It’s consistent. You can’t win one year after the next if you don’t have a core of players that have been playing together for a long time.

“What we also want is football concept so that the basic way we play is shared by the whole organisation. From young teams all the way up to the first-team.

“We’re asking the new manager to have close collaboration with the youth football and to

work together to achieve this.

This has a consequence. We maximise the chance to win.

“You can’t go to the market every year and buy the most expensive players. That’s not to say we won’t be signing expensive players. We will.

European qualification, but persuaded striker Luis Suarez to sign a long-term contract and embarked on a significant squad rebuilding programme.

Rodgers allowed Charlie Adam, Craig Bellamy and Joe Cole to leave – with Andy Carroll and Sebastian Coates likely to follow – while bringing in Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, and giving

Vincent Kompany, Man City captain

chances to young players such Raheem Sterling, Andre Wisdom and Jordon Ibe. Not all of Rodgers’ signings have made an immediate impact, with the jury still out on Fabio Borini and Joe Allen, but Werner says that Boston-based owners Fenway Sports Group are delighted with the impact the man-

Osman Commits Future To Everton Despite club,” Osman told Everton’s LEON Osman insists that heUncertainty website: “It’s time to take the was happy to commit his future to Everton despite the uncertainty over their next manager.

The midfielder, 32, signed a new contract on Tuesday that will keep him at Goodison Park

Leon Osman

until the summer of 2015.

Osman’s representatives had been in talks with the club for several months with a view to extending a deal that had been due to expire next year.

And he was keen to sign despite confirmation on May 9 that manager David Moyes would be leaving at the end of the season to replace the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright is seeking a replacement for Moyes, with Porto’s Vitor Pereira and Wigan’s Roberto Martinez among a long list of candidates being considered.

“We are not quite sure what’s going to happen with a manager but I am still delighted to have secured my future here at the

BACARY Sagna’s agent says nothing has been discussed over the defenders future at Arsenal.

The 30-year-old defender has a year left on his current deal with Arsenal.

“This is not the best time to talk about Bacary’s future,” Christophe Mongai told Russian newspaper Izvestia.

“He’s contracted to Arsenal and the season is still not over. We’ll see what happens in the summer.”

The defender has been linked with newly-crowned French champions PSG, promoted Ligue 1 club Monaco and ambitious Russian side

Anzhi Makhachkala.

Sagna joined Arsenal from Auxerre for an undisclosed fee in 2007.

Sagna

Fellaini Tells United To Expect Tough Regime

Liverpool Chairman Happy With Rodgers Direction

LIVERPOOL chairman Tom Werner has declared that manager Brendan Rodgers has made “remarkable progress” in his first season at the club.

Rodgers, who replaced Kenny Dalglish last June, led the team to seventh place in the Premier League, one place higher than in 2012.

He ended the campaign without a trophy and failed to secure

Sagna Arsenal Future Uncertain

family on holiday now, enjoy it and recharge the batteries for next season.”

The new contract extends Osman’s stay at a club he joined as a 16-year-old in 1997, making his first-team debut on February 2003.

He has enjoyed a successful personal season, scoring eight goals for Everton and making his England debut in a 4-2 friendly defeat against Sweden in Stockholm in November.

Osman said: “I am delighted to have put my signature on another contract and secured another year at the club.

“I have been here since I left school, I am a player and a fan, I love coming to work every day and I am delighted that’s going to continue.”

ager has made.

The chairman told the Liverpool Echo: “I think Brendan has made remarkable progress. He’s a great strategist and has shown strong leadership as he has led the team through this season.

EVERTON midfielder Marouane Fellaini has told Manchester United to expect a tough regime under new manager David Moyes when he takes over at the club.

Moyes, who visited United’s Carrington training ground on Monday, does not officially succeed Sir Alex Ferguson until July 1.

Ferguson’s ‘hairdryer treatment’ during his 27-year tenure at Old Trafford became renowned, but Fellaini, who worked under the future Red Devils boss for four years at Everton, believes Moyes can be just as strict with his players when he needs to be.

“He is a decent man, a great manager, but believe me he can be tough,” he said. “If you want to win something, to create a

Stoke Wary Of Hampden Atmosphere Celtic striker Anthony Stokes has warned the quiet Hampden atmosphere could sound the death knell for the Hoops’ double ambitions.

The Irishman and his Parkhead team-mates face Hibernian in the William Hill Scottish Cup final on Sunday.

But the former Easter Road forward claims the National Stadium lacks the noise and passion of other Scottish grounds.

The 24-year-old now says Celtic will have to blank out the silence of the fans if they are to follow up their Clydesdale Bank Premier League triumph with their second trophy of the campaign.

He said: “It’s a different atmosphere at Hampden. Sometimes it can go dead with the fans, so we will just have to go out, play our own game and focus on that.

“Can it have an impact on the players? I think it can. When you

are used to playing at home at Celtic Park, the fans are noisy for 90 minutes in every game. Going to other SPL grounds, you always get a good atmosphere.

good team you have to be hard sometimes with the players football is like this. He can be scary,” he told the Daily Mirror.

Fellaini was banned for three matches last season for headbutting Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross, and the Belgium international says his on-field behaviour left him facing the wrath of the Toffees manager.

“I remember when I was banned after the Stoke game, he gave everyone the day off - everyone: The players, the entire staff - but I came to the training camp to do a training session with him,” he said.

“It was just me and him, and it is not easy to go into the camp to face him like that. I understood, because I knew I had made a mistake, but you know it’s not easy when you know you have let him down. Just going in there knowing you have to look him in the eye was hard!

“He put me through a tough session... it was a full-on session, running, shooting, passing, everything and very intense, and afterwards I was upset. I said afterwards, ‘Arggh, this is bad’, but I am happy when he looked after me, so I understand.’’

N’Diaye Insists No Problem SUNDERLAND midfielder With Di Canio Alfred N’Diaye has insisted there is no dissent within the camp over manager Paolo Di Canio’s brave new world.

The Italian hit out at the “arrogance” and “ignorance” of some of his players after handing out seven fines in a matter of days, with two players contacting the Professional Footballers’ Association for advice amid talk of a revolt over his methods.

However, club sources have dismissed claims of a dressing room rebellion, and N’Diaye is adamant that neither he nor his team-mates have any problem

with Di Canio’s approach.

He told the Journal: “I am in England, but I have an Italian manager, who is very similar to what I am used to from France.

“His mentality is no different for me. It is more different for English players, but for me it is normal. When I played in France, I am used to it. For me, football is like that. For me, it is okay.

“The new manager has a new mentality. For me and everybody, it is not a problem. It is a new mentality, but we accept it.

“Next season, we will move forward together. We will play

THE WEEKEND

29 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Nigerian WBO African Champ Vows To Defend Title ISAAC Ekpo, the reigning World Boxing Organisation (WBO) African Super Middleweight Champion, on Friday reiterated his resolve to successfully defend his title in his upcoming title defence in Cotonou, Benin Republic, in June.

The 31-year-old boxer told newsmen in Lagos that it would be difficult for any opponent to stand in his way.

“I am confident that no opponent will last till the 5th round in the ring with me, before I knock the person out, as no one can stand my punches and skills now.

“I am physically, mentally, emotionally and medically fit to confront anyone now, the postponement of the fight from May to June has made me to prepare harder, though not encouraging,“ he said.

The military officer, who won the title on December 10, 2012 by knocking out Said Mada of Algeria at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, declared that he feared no foe.

He told newsmen that his manager had adequately prepared him for his opponent, Ajice Powers from Ghana.

According to Ekpo, “my manager, Anthony Kamal, has imparted in me the necessary skills that will guarantee the successful defence of the title.

“My manager knows the game; his father was the manager of Azuma Nelson of Ghana, a former professional boxer, widely considered the greatest African boxer ever. “ I am battle ready to face any opponent who thinks he can rob

me of my title; I am confident and proud that I will retain my title.

“I know it will not be an easy fight. Many opponents are willing to take the title, but I will not give in to fear as God had told me to fear no one,“ he said.

Ekpo, who promised Nigerians that he would try to bring back the glorious days of Nigerian boxing, appealed to fans to pray for him.

Ranked eighth in the world by the WBO, Ekpo has had a total of 21 fights, losing one, won 20; out of which 15 were by knockouts, and five by points’ decisions.

The pugilist, who also won the West African Boxing Union title in 2012, expressed his determination to become the world unification boxing champion.

Reports say that the fight, which was initially billed for May in Lagos was postponed to June 30 in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

Kwara SSG Ready For Maiden Street Soccer Tourney

• Christian Chukwu

Chukwu Charges Eagles To Fight For Victory Against Kenya

CHRISTIAN Chukwu, a former Super Eagles Head Coach, on Friday charged the team to defeat the Harambee Stars of Kenya convincingly, even in the likely absence of some key players.

Reports say that Mikel Obi, Harambee Stars.

“Their absence is undoubtVictor Moses and Kalu Uche have been ruled out of the cru- edly a big loss, but regardless cial encounter, due to injuries. of that, I want them to go all Chukwu told newsmen on out and win because I believe telephone that although their they can do it.

“I’m confident that this curabsence was a setback, he was optimistic that the present crop rent team has good players of players would defeat the

Lamela Earns Argentina Call-Up AS Roma midfielder Erik Lamela has earned a first callup to Argentina’s World Cup qualifying squad with Lionel Messi also picked but in doubt with a hamstring problem.

Lamela, named in coach Alejandro Sabella’s squad on Thursday, could step in for Messi if he does not recover in time from his injury to face

• Erik Lamela

ALHAJI Isiaka Gold, the Secretary to the Kwara State Government on Friday unveiled his team’s jerseys for the forthcoming maiden Kwara five-a-side street soccer tournament.

Gold who had registered “Akowe Ijoba’’FC, used the occasion to appeal to corporate organisations and well meaning individuals to assist government in engaging the country’s teeming youths meaningfully.

He also charged his wards to be disciplined and to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship at all times in the tournament.

“Don’t fight on the field of play. In the spirit of sportsmanship, there is love in participation,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Muri Sheu, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the SSG, reminded the players that discipline was the hallmark of all games.

“Discipline goes beyond the field of play, but to training as well as interaction with colleagues,’’ he said.

Colombia at home on June 7 and Ecuador away four days later.

The 21-year-old has one cap from a 2011 friendly playing for an Argentina team picked solely from the domestic league when he was still at River Plate. He was also in the full squad for a friendly in

Switzerland 15 months ago but did not play.

Midfielder Lucas Biglia was recalled to the squad after helping Anderlecht win the Belgian league title, with Velez Sarsfield’s Fernando Gago out through injury.

Wigan Athletic striker Franco Di Santo was dropped from the squad that beat Venezuela and drew away to Bolivia, when he was a substitute, in March.

Argentina could secure their berth at the 2014 finals in Brazil in these two clashes with the teams directly below them in the South American group.

They lead the nine-nation group with 24 points from 12 matches. Ecuador are second with 20 points and Colombia third on 19, both with a game in hand.

The top four at the end of the group phase in October auto

who can replace them and I’m sure something positive will come out of Kenya,” he said.

Chukwu expressed confidence that the coach Stephen Keshi-led technical crew would map out strategies that will give the team a positive result.

“I’m happy with the team’s development so far, and I believe that the coaches will come up with strategies that will give us a good result.

“There are three points at stake and we can’t afford to miss out on the World Cup,” Chukwu added.

The Eagles will take on the Harambee Stars on June 6, before heading out to Brazil for the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Neymar Would Help Messi BARCELONA full-back - Alves Dani Alves has claimed the signing of his Brazilian international colleague Neymar would help ease the burden that has been placed on Lionel Messi this season.

The four-time World Player of the Year has scored 60 times this season despite an injury-hit last couple of months to the campaign, whilst the secondhighest scorer in the squad,

Coentrao To Leave Madrid FABIO Coentrao has reflected on the negative reception he has had at Real Madrid and hinted that he is leaving this summer.

The Portuguese was signed by Los Blancos in the summer of 2011 for •30m, but has struggled for consistent runs in the first team through the his two years.

For the 25-year-old, it could be a spell set to end this coming transfer window.

“From the first day I do not think I was wanted here,” Coentrao told O Jogo this week.

“Today it seems that everyone wants me to leave Real Madrid.

I do not know what I have done wrong.

“We must find a solution that is good for both the club and myself, so that no one will lose out.”

The full-back was asked if he could possibly follow Mourinho

Sheu, however, warned them never to take soccer as their career alone, but to strive for other viable means of livelihood that they could fall back on when they were no longer active.

Earlier, Alhaji Toyin Olokooba, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the tourney, said the talent hunt programme was informed by the policy thrust of the government on sports and youth empowerment.

Olokooba, who is also the Special Assistant on Sports to Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed, said that the first phase of talent hunt in 2011 had churned out some notable talents in the state.

He added that the players were currently plying their trade with two of the state’s top flight sides, Kwara United and Abubakar Bukola Babes FC as well as other amateur sides in the state.

Government, he added, would remain focused on improving the lives of youths across the state.

“Governor Ahmed has approved a state team whose selection process would be carried out on June 22.

“I wish to, on behalf of the LOC members, humbly implore every public office holder and stakeholders in sports to join us in this crusade of engaging our youths positively through sporting activities.

to Chelsea.

“If I leave Real Madrid, I do not close the door to anyone.”

Read the original article on Football Espana - The ultimate website for English-speaking fans of Spanish football

• Neymar

David Villa, has only registered 14 goals.

And Alves doesn’t believe pairing Neymar and Messi together would be a problem should Barca finally complete their pursuit of the 21-year-old before the start of next season.

“Two phenomenons are better than one,” he told Barcelona sports daily El Mundo Deportivo.

“They are two good players and play in different positions.

They would understand each other.

“It doesn’t bother Neymar to be the protagonist or not, although his way of playing will always attract attention.

Neymar would be a relief, he would help Leo a lot.”

THE WEEKEND

30 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Ambrose Upbeat On Scotland Double EFE Ambrose has said he hopes to clinch a league and cup double in Scotland today in his debut season at Celtic.

The Nigeria international defender told MTNFootball.com he is confident he will add the Scottish Cup winners’ medal

Tyavkase Returns To Heartland EX-Lobi Stars midfielder David Tyavkase who quit Heartland during a Week 9 transfer window over pay has returned to the Owerri club.

MTNFootball.com reliably gathered that the Benue-born veteran star, who is best known for his time at Enyimba, retraced his steps to Heartland after the management reached an agreement with him on the payment of his entitlements.

“I can tell you that David (Tyavkase) has returned. He left during a Week 9 transfer window and he didn’t return until he had talks with the management. I think they have reached an agreement and, so he is back,” a source informed MTNFootball.com Heartland are battling serious financial problems as the Imo State Government is yet to fully sponsor them this season.

to his league championship when Celtic battle Hibernian in Sunday’s cup final.

“It is going to be a tough duel because both teams want to win.

This double has been my target this season and I have a great chance to achieve that. I have the league winner medal and the cup will follow on Sunday,” he declared.

“We have prepared well and we will go all out. We have a good record over our opponents, and I believe that will continue on Sunday.”

Celtic have won the Scottish Cup 36 times and this will be the 10th time they face Hibernian in the final.

Hibernian last won the Scottish Cup 111 years ago when they beat Celtic 1-0.

Hibs were losing finalists last year when Hearts won 5-1.

Napoli Approach AVB

Efe Ambrose (up) celebrates Celtic victory with teammates

N150,000 Salary For League Players Feasible - Danladi ISAAC Danladi, Chairman, Nassarawa United FC says the proposed N150,000 for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) players as salary is feasible.

Danladi told the News Agency to ensure that clubs complied by of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in enforcing it.

Lagos that this would raise the “Its necessary for us to enforce living standards of the players. this to ensure that clubs comply.

The League Management We in Nassarawa hold our Company (LMC) had raised the players in high esteem and we idea of making it mandatory for do not joke with their welfare. clubs to pay their players not less “It is feasible for clubs to pay than N150,000 to improve their that even more. It is possible, if living standard. you ask me? I think they deserve The chairman added that there more provided that we have the should be a mechanism in place means to pay.

Morocco To Host African Handball Championship

David Tyavkase

THE Executive Committee of the African Handball Confederation (CAHB) has confirmed Morocco as hosts for the 2013 African men’s and women’s handball championships.

The Moroccan bid defeated

those from Tunisia and Kenya.

The previous championships, won by Egypt’s Al Ahly (men) and Angola’s Petro Atletico (women), were held in the Moroccan city of Tangiers from November. 14 to November 25 2012.

Vander Sar Says Moyes Has Big Shoe To (Nemanja) Vidic and Fill At United Ferdinand, (Patrice) Evra now. And

EDWIN van der Sar believes new Manchester United boss David Moyes faces a virtually impossible task trying to fill the shoes of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Having spoken to Ferguson a couple of weeks before the dramatic confirmation that he was to stand down, Van der Sar was not caught completely by surprise and thinks following in the Scot’s footsteps is not going to be easy.

“I spoke to Sir Alex over an unrelated matter about two weeks before,” said Van der Sar. “He is a great man and a great manager at a fantastic club. I wish him the best of luck and David Moyes also because it is almost an impossible job to step into.”

He added: “I am sure the manager and the players and the board are fully behind him. That is all you can ask for.”

Moyes has already begun making his mark, ditching firstteam coach Mike Phelan and

goalkeeping coach Eric Steele from the backroom team.

Others may yet follow and it is not entirely certain who Moyes intends to bring in, although former England keeper Chris Woods seems an obvious choice, as does the ex-Everton boss’ long-time confidante Jimmy Lumsden.

The change will have to be managed during a period when Chelsea and Manchester City are expected to strengthen significantly following this season’s disappointments.

However, the one significant advantage Van der Sar feels Moyes has are the number of United players, past and present, with vast experience of winning trophies, who are still around the club.

“It is nice if you have players who win,” he said. “That is part of the history of Manchester United. (Paul) Scholes, (Gary) Neville, (Ryan) Giggs, (Rio)

(Michael) Carrick.

“It is good for any manager to have those types of players in their dressing room. You are trying to improve, changing players and filling in the gaps, but you don’t have to build a new team all the time.”

‘Although I am not sure that any manager is aware of this proposal, we just read it on the pages of newspapers,’’ Danladi

said.

He Nassarawa FC boss did not, however, say from where the clubs could raise such huge bills.

Santos Receive Offers From Real, Barcelona For Neymar BRAZILIAN club Santos have confirmed they have accepted two offers, believed to be from Barcelona and Real Madrid, for their 21-year-old star Neymar.

“In a meeting with representatives of the management committee of the club, Neymar Junior received the proposals received and he will analyse them in the coming days before taking a definitive decision,” read a statement posted on the club’s website late on Friday Brazilian time.

According to Spanish newspaper El Pais, the vicepresident of Santos, Odilio Rodrigues, confirmed that the two offers received were from Barcelona and Real Madrid, adding “we did everything that was in our power to keep Neymar at Santos.”

The Brazilian international has long been a target for Barca, who reportedly had a bid turned down earlier in the week, but Real are believed to have now entered the race as president Florentino Perez plans a clearout of the current squad after a

disappointing season that led to the end of manager Jose Mourinho’s time in the Spanish capital.

Neymar is out of contract next season, meaning he could have left for free this time next year, but any transfer does not just depend on Barca and Madrid reaching an agreement with Santos and the player as Santos only own 55% of his economic rights.

Therefore, the Spanish giants will also have to negotiate a deal with investment groups DIS, which owns 40% of his rights, and Teisa, which holds the remaining five percent.

Despite his tender age, Neymar has been a first-team regular for Santos for the past four years, scoring 156 goals and providing 77 assists in 256 matches.

He guided them to their first Copa Libertadores triumph since the days when Pele represented the club in the sixties in 2011, and has already established himself at international level, scoring 20 times in 32 appearances with Brazil.

Suarez Linked With Real Madrid

Luis Suarez

REAL Madrid are interested in bringing Liverpool striker Luis Suarez to Santiago Bernabeu, press reports have claimed.

Marca believe that Los Blancos are looking into the possibility to signing the Uruguay international this summer in a bid to bolster their attack.

Gonzalo Higuain is set to leave the club for Juventus during the off-season, and

board members in the capital have ear-marked the Reds forward as a potential replacement.

Suarez could leave for around +40m, but Liverpool’s managing director Ian Ayre has insisted “he’s not for sale”.

Read the original article on Football Espana - The ultimate website for Englishspeaking fans of Spanish football

AURELIO De Laurentiis, the Napoli president, has confirmed the Italian club have made an approach for Tottenham boss Andre VillasBoas.

The Naples club, who were runners up in Serie A last season, are without a manager after Walter Mazzarri decided to walk away from the club just last week.

In quotes attributed to Portuguese newspaper DN, De Laurentiis, when asked whether they had made an approach for the Spurs manager, said: “Yes. There is a very tempting argument to hire a young coach here.”

Earlier De Laurentiis had said he would be heading to London on Wednesday.

“The new coach will come in a short time. The main feature of the new coach will be that he must have a deep love for the Neapolitan way, that is crucial,” he said during a lively press conference.

“He must live in the area and also learn to speak the way of Naples. Tomorrow I will go to London, I’ll be back in Italy on June 16.

“I have heard the names: [Rafa] Benitez, [Manuel] Pellegrini, [Roberto] Di Matteo, [Jurgen] Klopp - who told me that he was not available until 2016 - [Laurent] Blanc, [Didier] Deschamps.

“There are also Italians available, I had also thought of Luis Diego Lopez, but then I would have ended up insulting [Massimo] Cellino [Calgiari president] “I do not want to make a team of young people to grow and then sell. I will also not let myself be influenced by formations in the choosing of the new coach. The new coach has to convince me that he has balls.”

Villas-Boas failed to reach the Champions League with Tottenham in his first season, but the club are keen to hold onto the 35-year-old former Chelsea manager.

Another ex-Chelsea boss, Roberto Di Matteo, is also reportedly on Napoli’s wish list, while Rafa Benitez has also previously been linked to the Italian giants.

Meanwhile, Napoli face a tough task in keeping Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani at the club, with Manchester City rumoured to be interested in the goal machine.

Cavani has scored 78 goals in 104 Serie A appearances for Napoli, netting 29 times in 34 matches last season.

THE WEEKEND

31 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Casilas Out Of Madrid Squad OUTGOING Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has left goalkeeper Iker Casillas out of the squad for the match against Real Sociedad on Sunday.

The Portuguese coach - who will leave the club after the final two matches of the season named three goalkeepers in the squad to travel to the Anoeta, but left the Spain captain out.

Casillas has fallen out of favour with Mourinho since Christmas, finding himself perennially out of the starting XI. But with Mourinho revealing on Monday that he was to leave Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, the relationship has taken an even more sour turn.

The breakdown between Casillas and Mourinho was attributed as being a source of dressing room discontent, although it is understood the

coach’s isolation of his keeper was down to a perceived lack of effort in training.

Diego Lopez has been firstchoice since Casillas was injured towards the end of 2012, while Antonio Adan - despite not being rated by fans or pundits - has been his back-up.

But the decision to select youngster Jesus Fernandez is telling, as Casillas had previously sat on the bench. This time he will stay at home.

Real Madrid squad to face Real Sociedad: Adan, Diego Lopez, Jesus; Pepe, Carvalho, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Albiol, Nacho; Khedira, Kaka, Ozil, Essien, Modric, Callejon, Di Maria; Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuain, Morata.

Read the original article on Football Espana - The ultimate website for English-speaking fans of Spanish football

Haruna Devastated

By Dynamo Failure LUKMAN Haruna has said he is gutted Dynamo Kiev missed out on a chance to feature in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Mitchel Platini

Platini Frustrated By FIFA Restrictions UEFA president Michel Platini has told the Daily Mail of his frustration that goal-line officials “do nothing” because FIFA will not allow them to assist the referee.

Platini has been strongly have always to protect the opposed to the introduction of football. All the decisions, they technology, variously arguing are for the good of football.” that it is too expensive and He stressed that, while he had cannot address every type of controversially attended a lunch refereeing injustice, and he at the Elysée Palace with Nicolas remains adamant that stationing Sarkozy and Qatari royalty, the extra officials behind the goal is then France president had not preferable. influenced his vote.

In 2011, he suggested that “He never asked me [to vote FIFA president Sepp Blatter for Qatar], or to vote for Russia who has strongly advocated the [for the 2018 World Cup]. He introduction of goal-line knows my personality. I always technology - might not support vote for what is good for the use of additional assistant football. Not for myself, not for referees “because it’s not his France.” idea”, and he has now said: “I In the Daily Telegraph, he can’t do things that I want. If you added: “It was: ‘Okay, think I can, it isn’t true.” corruption, na na na’. I never The extra assistants, whose voted for Qatar and Russia and role was approved by the International Football Association Board in July 2012, often have the best vantage point COACHES of Nigeria’s to make decisions in the penalty Flying Eagles will most likely area but their ability to influence face a selection headache as a decisions has been heavily result of fierce competition for restricted by FIFA. places in the squad.

“The referee communicates, The Nigeria U20s are to but FIFA cancels that,” Platini announce a final 21-man squad said. “The officials are forbidden for next month’s FIFA World

by FIFA to sign that it is a corner.

Cup in Turkey on June 7.

He stands like this [puts arms Yesterday, the 30-man straight down by his side]. He provisional squad was divided can move his feet only. He can’t into two for a thrilling two-a-side do nothing because he is game, which ended 5-4 in favour forbidden by FIFA. of Team B led skipper “Fans say: ‘Look at these Abduljaleel Ajagun. people, they are not moving, they Team B showed their intention are doing nothing, why are they to win this challenge match as here? They can’t do this, they early as the fourth minute, when can’t do that, they can’t do goalkeeper Samuel Okani saved nothing’. But they cannot off striker Umar Aminu after he communicate because they have was set up by Ajagun. not got the permit of FIFA to say However, a minute later Okani something.” was beaten when Croatia-based Meanwhile, Platini has left back Jamilu Collins threaded defended his decision to vote for a fine pass, from which Aminu Qatar to host the 2022 World found Ajagun to make hay.

Olympiacos of Greece Cup. midfielder Michael Olaitan Asked in The Guardian showed class and vision in the whether it clashed with his 10th minute, when his pass personal mandate to steer released Edafe Egbedi to slot football away from “ultrapast goalkeeper John Felegha for commercialism”, he said: “I the equalising goal for Team A.

asked for something back.

Never. I voted for Qatar and Russia for the same reason: they are two parts of the world that had never received the World Cup. “Qatar is logical. The Arabic people have run ten times for the World Cup and never received the World Cup. If you want to do something new you have go to Qatar. A World Cup in Qatar is good for the world. It is good for humanity. Qatar have some [controversial] rules, perhaps they are complicated, but perhaps they will change and will have more democracy.”

He feels that moving the World Cup to the winter to avoid the extremes of climate in Qatar would be positive.

“If we can play in winter, it

will be beautiful,” he said. “I hope we will play in winter.”

To do so would involve leagues changing their schedule, but Platini feels it would make sense for European countries to play football in the summer on a permanent basis.

“I don’t know why we always play under the snow and when it is beautiful we never play,” he said. “I totally agree with that [summer football]. I think it is a FIFA matter to discuss it. It is because of you, the English, that we play in winter. You decided: rugby and football in winter, cricket in the summer.”

Platini also stated his belief that football is in a much healthier state than during his playing days, and that the shift away from hard tackling has

Selection Headache For Flying Eagles goalkeeper Sebastian Osigwe.

Coaches Team A rallied back to bring Daddy Moses regained the lead for Team B on 25 minutes with a powerful shot that beat Okani hollow.

But to underline the competitiveness of this encounter, Team A had a chance to draw level in the 37th minute, when Abubakar Hassan fouled goal-bound Olanrewaju Kayode for a penalty.

However, striker Samuel Eduok’s penalty was saved by Felegha.

Team B then increased their lead in first half stoppage time, when defender Ikechukwu Okorie put the ball into his own net after sustained pressure by the other team.

Team A pulled a goal back two minutes after the restart through the forceful Edouk off a goalmouth scramble.

But five minutes later, Ajagun headed home a fourth goal for his side.

Substitute Christian Pyagbara extended this lead in the 57th minute, when his powerful shot from outside the box beat

scores to 5-3 when Samuel Matthias netted off a rebound from a Daddy Moses shot.

Both teams lost scoring chances thereafter before Eduok made up for his misses to score for Team A in stoppage time.

allowed players like Lionel Messi to flourish.

“Football is far better now than in the ’70s and ’80s,” he said in the Telegraph. “FIFA changed the rules to give more possibility to play football. Look at Lionel Messi. Nobody touches him. When Cruyff and Maradona played, the game was dirty. It was very dangerous for good players. People were so aggressive they tried to injure me. Every game. I tried to anticipate the foul. I jumped.

Now good players can play.

“The standard is increasing because of better referees, better rules. When one guy is very dirty now, TV shows him all over the world, he gets a bad reputation, suspended for ten games because of the video. Football is so beautiful now.”

In part because of the advantages such changes have allowed Messi, perhaps, Platini rejects the suggestion that the Barcelona star can be considered the best ever.

The generation of today say ‘Messi is the best player of all time’. No. They never see the past players. Each generation has his good player.”

Senegal Drop Ba For World Cup Qualifiers SENEGAL have dropped Chelsea striker Demba Ba for next month’s World Cup qualifiers, with coach Alain Giresse calling the decision “purely a sporting one” as he made four changes from the squad that drew 1-1 with Angola two months ago.

“I’ve decided to go without him for these two games,” Giresse told reporters of upcoming Group J matches in Angola on June 8 and Liberia one week later. Ba missed a penalty in the home draw against Angola in March.

“Senegal have plenty of target

men and I’m giving chances to others for the next two World Cup qualifiers,” the Frenchman said in Dakar as he announced his 23-man squad on Friday.

Ba was replaced by Marseille’s Modou Sogou while Newcastle’s Papiss Demba Cisse, Moussa Sow of Fenerbahce, Hannover 96’s Mame Birame Diouf and Dame Ndoye, who plays at Lokomotiv Moscow, have retained their places as strikers in the squad.

Senegal lead the group after three rounds on five points, one ahead of Liberia and two clear of Angola and Uganda with three fixtures remaining.

Dynamo Kiev lost 3-2 to Tavriya meaning they will now have to compete in the secondtier Europa League next season after they failed to finish in the top two bracket.

“I am sad we lost that important game and so missed out Champions League qualification but that is football for you. It’s full of surprises, you get some shock results when expectations are high but life continues and we will bounce back,” the Nigeria midfielder told MTNFootball.com “It was a painful loss as we lost two targets at a time, losing to Tavriya means we are out of the Champions League, and it is very sad seeing ourselves in such situations. I think we are not destined to be there this time around but we will compensate the fans next time.”

He added: “We did all we could to ensure the victory, but I think it was not just our day because we knew what it meant to lose the game. As it is now, we will do our best to make our fans smile as we play the Europa League and league next season.”

This outgoing season, they reached the group stage of the Champions League.

The former Nigeria U17 skipper, who is rumoured to quit Dynamo Kiev with clubs in Germany, Russia and England monitoring him, said he is not thinking about a transfer.

“As I am speaking to you, I don’t know where my future lies. I am still relevant to Dynamo Kiev and I don’t want to be distracted about transfers.

That would come at the best time for me but I am happy here,” he said.

Luckman Haruna

THE WEEKEND

CMYK

32 SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Access To Information Can Reduce Corruption MR Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, has said there was need to allow the public have access to information in order to reduce corruption in the country.

Ikuforiji made this remark in Lagos at the public hearing to domesticate the Freedom of Information Act held at State House of Assembly.

He stressed that Freedom of Information Act would reduce corruption when passed into law.

“We need to allow the public to have access to information if we must minimise corruption in our society.

“The media must know that they have responsibility to report properly and accordingly,” he said.

Mr Lateef Ibirogba, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said the State Government “has democratised information to residents.’’

Ibirogba said that without information, people would live on ignorance.

He said Lagos state had recorded another first class achievement with the public hearing to domesticate the Act. The commissioner said that the state government had taken it upon itself to making information accessible to the public.

“To us in Lagos, access is a key factor. As practitioners, the press should be seen to be matured, responsible and committed in the way it does

its job.

“Developmental journalism should be our goal,” he said.

Mr Segun Olulade, Chairman, House Committee

- LSHA Speaker on Information, said there was urgent need to sensitise journalists and general public

Act that leaves sanction of any public officer that misuses public information at the discretion of the judge, section 10 of the Lagos State Act stipulates three years imprisonment for such offence.

Fire Safety Expert Urges Residents To Acquire Extinguishers

L-R: Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Yewande Amusan, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyinu and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Abdulfatai Opebiyi at a Ministerial News Conference to mark 2nd year in office of Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State in Abeokuta.

Don Advocates Closing Salary Gaps To Curb “The most outrageous aspect A lecturer in University of Jos, Government Labour Relations Strikes is that they flaunt such wealth in Dr Timothy Namo has identified and the Challenges of the face of civil servants, but will minimum wage.

Museums Should Also Be About Social Change, Not Object Alone - Curator

profligacy and disparity between salaries of political office holders and civil servants as some reasons for frequent industrial disputes.

Namo made the identification in Jos recently at a seminar on

Development: the Way Forward.

In his paper entitled, “Having Cordial Working Relationship: What it Takes, Namo, a lecturer in the department of Animal Science, decried the profligate lifestyles of political appointees.

Gov Uduaghan Solicits Support GOVERNOR Emmanuel For Medical College Uduaghan of Delta has called for support to enable the National Postgraduate Medical College to train doctors and meet international standard.

The governor made the call in Asaba when the President of the college, Prof. Victor Wakwe led other principal officers to pay him a courtesy visit.

Uduaghan said it was important that the college be supported with the state of the art infrastructure to enable it to train doctors.

“Failure to do this will be disastrous for the health sector and the socio-economic fortunes of the country.

“The college is for post graduate medical training. If we don’t act now, we will find ourselves in a very difficult situation in future.’’

Uduaghan said that the state had invested much in its health sector adding that it would soon establish a specialist CardioRenal Surgery Unit in the State Teaching Hospital, Oghara.

According to him, the unit will be built on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis and will be administered separately from the hospital for effective growth and control.

“We hope that the centre will fund itself after five years and be immune from any outside

on the relevance and challenges of the FOIA. Olulade also suggested

effective implementation of FOI to enhance democratic government and accountability.

He said that unlike the FOl

interference.”

Uduaghan said the hospital had enjoyed the expertise of both foreign and local doctors, adding that the idea was to expose the local doctors to the best practises in the international arena.

Earlier, Wakwe solicited the support and assistance of the governor to enable it to meet the challenges of infrastructure being faced by the college.

He said the college had approached the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for help but was rejected because the college was not under the Federal Ministry of Education.

Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State

Wakwe added that other attempts aimed at sourcing funds for the college also failed, hence the need to approach those who understood its plight.

Wakwe said the college needed a multi-purpose hall for examinations, a paperless examination hall with computers and simulated manikins for training doctors and examination of patients.

“We did come knowing that you can help us. Please do what you can do to help us.

“For what you cannot do, please talk to people who can help us to sort out our problems,” he said.

refuse wage increase or re-align workers in tune with realities of the economy,’’ he said.

Namo, former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UniJos chapter, accused the political class of maintaining masterservant relationship with civil servants.

He said while they refused to make workers’ salaries relevant to economic realities, the political leaders make endless trips abroad for their healthcare and other irrelevant matters at the expense of the state.

He said the yawning gap between the earnings of government appointees and that of civil servants encouraged laxity on the part of civil servants.

“How can you explain that a councilor with Primary Six certificate, is earning N200, 000 monthly while a qualified civil servant is fighting for N18,000

“That is inequity; the gap should be narrowed. In the 1980s, there was middle class, where is the middle class now?

“All we have now is just the big man at one extreme and the small man down there,” he said.

The don said that payment of living wage and as at when due would mitigate frequent industrial unrest in the country.

“Where workers are not adequately remunerated, morale becomes dampened, followed by agitation which may degenerate into industrial crisis,’’ he said.

Namo urged the Plateau and Federal Governments to commence wage adjustments in line with prevailing economic realities.

He also called on civil servants to eschew corrupt tendencies and ensure prudent management of resources entrusted in their care.

“Workers, especially their leaders, must shun partisanship and pursuit of personal interests,’’ he said.

MR Onyi Esiaka, Chief Executive, Fire Safety Solution, a private firm engaged by Abia Government to handle sales of fire extinguishers to the public, has advised residents to instal the facility in their premises.

Esiaka told newsmen recently in Umuahia that installation of fire equipment was a proactive measure.

“It is imperative that people have fire extinguishers in their shops because in event of fire outbreak, the extinguishers will be used to stop the fire before the arrival of fire fighters,’’ he said.

He said it was not compulsory that people must acquire the facilities from government accredited agents, noting that government’s concern was to ensure that people protected their businesses and homes from fire.

The chief executive denied that touts were being used to harass shop owners by the firm, saying that genuine officials of the agency only issued demand notice and later court summons to people.

Esiaka further said that people who already had standard fire extinguishers would only pay fire service compliance fee.

“The fire extinguishers we supply to people are unique because they are branded with the numbers of all the fire service stations in the state.”

Delta Govt To Present Score Card On Democracy Day THE Delta Government says it will present its score card to the public as part of activities to mark Democracy Day in the State on May 29.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chike Ogeah, announced this in Asaba while briefing newsmen on the activities lined up by the State Government to mark the day.

Ogeah, who is also the Chairman of the Celebration Committee, added that the celebration would be used to

reflect on the achievements of the present administration in the last two years and project ahead.

He said the administration would also inaugurate some projects as well as hold the grand finale of the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Secondary Schools Cup Competition.

The commissioner explained that the essence of the football competition was to enhance grass roots participation in the sport.

Other activities lined up for the

celebration, according to Ogeah, include Delta Talent Quest for Youths and special children’s session at the State House of Assembly.

He said the children would be given the opportunity to deliberate on issues relating to them.

“There would also be a long walk for the public to be led by the state governor and special thanksgiving service at Dominion Church in Warri,’’ he added.

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