Peoples Daily Newspaper, Saturday March 10, 2012

VOL. 1 NO. 83 SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

RABIUL THANI 17 - 18, 1433 AH

N150

Unknown gunmen killed Adamawa SARS Commander

— Page 4

Botched rescue:

Nigeria, Britain, Italy in diplomatic row ·As Boko Haram denies involvement in saga — Page 3 I N S I D E

Pension Fund: Ringim, EFCC boss namedropped in N240m pension fund scam

· Christopher McManus

Page 2

Franco Lamolinara

Cover: ·Burning of schools in Borno: Fate of education hangs in the balance

The Hijab:

Portraying pious beauty

·

Pages 9, 10 & 11

WWW.PEOPLESDAILY-ONLINE.COM

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News 11 cartons of explosives intercepted at MMIA From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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h e vigilances of a combined team of security agencies led by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), at the international wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, yesterday impounded 11 cartons of explosives weighing 95 kilogrammes that were smuggled into the country.

The explosives labelled cartridge powder devices and chargers were flown in from South Africa since February 24, 2012, but vigilant personnel at the Nigeria Aviation Company Limited (NAHCO), warehouse alerted security agencies, when they observed that the importer, wanted to smuggle them out of the cargo terminal without declaring the items, even as the relevant duty on the items were not paid to government.

Parading the suspects, Customs Area Comptroller in charge of MMIA, Mr. Charles Eporwei Edike, told journalists that the importer, who claimed to be a miner in Kaduna state brought the explosives into Nigeria concealed in pallets made of other goods without disclosing to the relevant authorities the content, which he said contravenes the rules of the government. He further claimed that the importer colluded with some clearing agents to take the explosives out of the cargo terminal without securing the relevant police permit and making payments to government on the duty for such goods..

He gave the name of the consignee as Miero Marble Granite and Stones Limited in Kaduna state, with one Mr. Michael Awara Ernest as the representative to collect the explosives at the cargo terminal.

The Customs boss further gave the name of the manufacturer (consigner) of the explosives as Nobleteq Arms and Ammunition Gateway Industrial Park in Centurion, South Africa. He explained that in view of the security challenges in the country, where members of the dreaded Boko Haram group have been unleashing mayhem on ordinary Nigerians, it is prohibited for anybody or organisation to import any explosives into the country without the relevant approvals and permits.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Pension Fund:

Ringim, EFCC boss name-dropped in N240m pension fund scam

By Richard Ihediwa and Ali Alkali

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h e r e appears to be trouble in the Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as the Senate panel probing the handling of pension funds yesterday uncovered how some senior police officers at the force headquarters used the name of Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, former Inspector General of Police Mr. Hafiz Rimgin to siphon the sum of N240 million from government coffers.

A shocked Lamorde, who was at the hearing, however, in quick reaction told the committee that he has nothing to do with the stealing of the said amount.

Ringim was however not at the hearing.

Trouble started when the Senator Aloysuis Etok led committee came up with the document said to have been sent to it by some persons in the police, in which some senior officers were found to have used the names of Lamorde and Ringim to steal the money.

It was learnt that another staff

of the EFCC (name withheld) quickly returned his own share of the fund insisting that he was not ready to benefit from what he called ‘blood money’ The document earlier submitted to the committee showed how the EFCC chairman, former Head of Service, Prof.

Oladapo Afolabi and the former Inspector General of Police were in the list of 50 persons billed to undertake a trip to Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States of America to conduct biometric exercise for 20 retirees at the cost N240million. In the document, Lamorde’s name was number 11 on the list of 50 persons purportedly paid for the journey.

The said document presented to the senate probe panel and made public yesterday indicated that the said money was paid into a purported first bank of the EFCC Chairman. The money was said to have been paid out last year.

However, both Lamorde and Afolabi denied receiving any money from the Pension Reform Task Team, (PRTT) or making any trip, noting that they don’t even have accounts with the banks through which the money was

allegedly paid to them.

Lamorde, in his submission said he never travelled on account of the said project and that he does not operate an account with the bank mentioned in the document.

According to him, “I never travelled out of Nigeria even though my name is on the list that will travel abroad for the biometric exercise, and even the account number on that list is not my account number because I do not operate an account with First Bank.”

However, the Chairman of the pension task force Abdulrasheed Maina, who made a surprise appearance before the probe panel yesterday, however said that the former Inspector General of Police actually indicated interest to travel abroad for the said exercise but noted that his committee was not privy to any release of fund to the former IGP and EFCC boss.

Maina who admitted that he approved N240 million for foreign trips told the committee that he did not handle any fund in his office The Senate panel had earlier issued a warrant of arrest on the following allegations that he

diverted N3.6billion into his private account which he also denied.

Meanwhile the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the hearing, denied knowledge of a purported letter of authorization of transfer of Police Pension Funds to new bank accounts.

After examining the letter, which quoted her discussion with President Jonathan, and purportedly copied to her, the minister said she never disclosed the content of her discussion with the President on that issue and the letter was not copied to her.

“I have never seen this document,” she said.

The Minister also asserted that there was no scam in the Police Pension Office as earlier claimed by the Pension Reform Task Team, stressing that KPMG report has exonerated the office.

At the end of the day, the committee also asked the Pension Office of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to make provision for the list of acclaimed colonial pensioners, the number of those people that are still alive among the pensioners and the number of death among them

UK authorities send 120 Nigerians back home From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

While Nigeria is yet to recover from the diplomatic row between it and South Africa, the United Kingdom added more misery as it booted over 100 Nigerians out of the country for offences ranging from lack of valid papers, overstay and other related immigration offences.

The deportees who arrived the international wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja yesterday aboard a chartered cargo aircraft were later whisked away to avoid attracting attention.

Sources at the terminal confided

that the deportees arrived in the early hours, so as not to draw undue attention as the contingent of mainly young men and women narrated their bitter experience of being brought back home unprepared.

With most of the deportees wearing long faces, they made frantic phone calls to their friends and relatives with a view to picking them up at the airport, even as they made frantic efforts to move their luggage neatly packed with some Ghana-must-go bags from the cargo wing of the airport into the main gate to access any part of town.

As they waited along the main entrance into the cargo terminal drawing unusual attention from airport workers who were rushing to resume work in the early hours, the deportees expressed reservations over the way and manner they were brought back home in the cargo aircraft, which they said is enough indication of the value government places on them.

Scores of airport workers stopped by to interface with the deportees, as some of them narrated their experience of not knowing what to fall back on, now that they are back in the country they left many years ago.

One of the deportees, a young lady, who declined to give her name said “I am not interested in discussing why we were brought back home, but, my problem now is how to get out of this airport without drawing unusual attention. I must add that it is not a pleasant experience."

Another deportee, a young man, who gave his name as Wale said: “How do I cope, now that we have been sent home unprepared?"

Meanwhile, scores of security officials were on hand to ensure the situation does not degenerate into unnecessary rambling at the terminal.

Northern governors raise committee on Boko Haram White Paper

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he Northern States Governors Forum (NGF) rose from its meeting in Kaduna on Thursday with a committee mandated to monitor the implementation of the Federal Government’s White Paper on the security challenges in the North East geo-political zone.

In a communique read by its chairman and Governor of Niger state, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, the NGF announced the membership of the five-man committee to

include the governors of Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Adamawa and Plateau states.

Gov. Aliyu said the forum deliberated on the alarming rate of insecurity in the northern part of the country, noting that the region needed an integrated approach towards tackling the problems, particularly the current threat by the extremist Boko Haram sect.

Also, chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers’Council, the

Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar who addressed the meeting, said the region had encountered unprecedented challenges in terms of the rising trend of insecurity, which have deprived it of democratic liberty, freedom and economic prosperity.

The Sultan expressed the resolve and readiness of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council to collaborate with the Northern governors, who should be the mouth piece of the North, to restore

enduring peace and harmonious co-existence and development in the region for the benefit of all.

The governors also constituted two separate committees consisting three governors each, with a view to approaching the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Finance for more consultations on how to benefit from programmes run by development partners such as the World Bank, DFID and others in the areas of health, education,

social protection, water and agriculture, commerce and public financial reform.

Officials of the World Bank, DFID and other development partners who briefed the forum on the need to facilitate the development of critical sectors in their economy, highlighted their new approach in partnering with states through knowledge sharing and direct budget support to those committed to public financial management and service delivery.

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News

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Botched rescue: Nigeria, Britain, Italy in diplomatic row

By Richard Ihediwa and Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

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he killing of a Briton, Chris McManus and an Italian, Franco Lamolinara in Sokoto on Thursday may have sparked off a diplomatic row among Nigeria, Britain and Italy.

This is just as the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lid Da’wati Wal Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram has denied any involvement in their kidnapping and subsequent killing as against claims in some quarters including President Goodluck Jonathan.

The men, who were kidnapped in May last year by yet to be identified persons, were reported to have been killed in a botched rescue operation said to have been jointly carried out by Nigeria and Britain.

Presently, Italy is not happy with that as it was not involved in the failed rescue mission and is strongly demanding for explanations.

It was reported that the Italian engineer Francesco Molinara, 48, and his British colleague Chris McManus, 28, who worked for an Italian construction firm, B Stabilini, in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state were shot by their captors during the rescue mission which eye witnesses said involved 100 troops, military trucks and a helicopter. They said the intense gun battle that lasted for several hours, during which at least two hostage-takers were killed.

As Boko Haram denies involvement saga Italian President Giorgio Napolitano on Friday condemned Britain’s failure to warn it ahead of a failed bid to rescue the men.

“The behaviour of the British government, which did not inform or consult with Italy on the operation that it was planning, really is inexplicable.

There needs to be a political and diplomatic clarification,” Napolitano told reporters yesterday.

The issue was reported to have surfaced at the EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Copenhagen later yesterday where Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata said he made Italy’s feelings clear during talks with British Foreign Secretary William Hague.

“I asked for detailed information because we have a right to maximum clarity on this episode. I also communicated the immense suffering that this news caused an Italian family. I insisted that the information we have requested be sent to us as soon as possible, in the coming hours”, he said.

However, the Boko Haram sect has denied involvement in the kidnapping and killing.

Speaking to newsmen in a telephone conference in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital yesterday, spokesman for the group Abul Qaqa, said it was not part of the sect’s agenda to kidnap either foreigners or Nigerians for whatsoever reasons, describing the allegation as misleading.

Chris McManus

According to Qaqa, the sect was really embarrassed for the statement credited to President Goodluck Jonathan that those behind the kidnapping and killing of the white men were members of the Boko Haram.

The spokesman also said the sect’s mode of operations and targets of attacks were very clear, which do not entail kidnapping, saying the Federal Government has only accused the group as a guise to divert the attention of Nigerians and international community on the actual perpetrators of the act.

“Jonathan fingered us for the

Francesco Molinara

incident to cover up and shield his kinsmen of the Niger Delta region so as to avoid the wrath of the two countries whose nationals were involved in the foiled attempt to rescue them”, he argued.

According to him, if the group was really behind the act, it would have made pronouncements. “If our warriors were indeed responsible for the abduction and killing of the foreigners, we would certainly reveal so as we don’t hide any of our successful operation”, he said.

He challenged the security operatives to expose the identities of the kidnapers

claimed to have been arrested during the confrontation so that the public can testify “if they are our members or they are Niger Delta militants, Jonathan’s brothers”.

Qaqah, however said the group was behind the recent coordinated attacks on police formations government buildings in various parts of the north, including that divisional police station in Ashaka town, Gombe state, Konduga town in Borno state as well as the yesterday’s attack on another police station at Rijiyar Zaki ward in the Kano metropolis

JTF apprehends 3 Boko Haram members, recover arms in Maiduguri From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

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Residents gather at the scene where Briton Chris McManus and Italian Franco Lamolinara were killed by their captors on Thursday (Reuters)

he Joint Military Task Force, (JTF) in Borno state said yesterday that its personnel have recorded another ‘landmark’ victory in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency, as three members of the sect were apprehended while several arms, ammunition and materials for making improvised explosive devices, (IEDs) were also recovered.

It was gathered that the operation was conducted by hundreds of soldiers who cordoned off the area, a situation which threw the residents into serious panic.

Spokesman of the JTF, LtCol.Hassan Mohammed told newsmen that operatives of the task

force succeeded in arresting the members of the group when they raided a compound in Dala ward of Maiduguri in the early hours of yesterday, following a tip-off.

According to Mohammed some residents of the area have earlier alerted JTF on the presence of some strangers in a compound and some objects, which they suspected to be bombs, were hidden inside.

He said the JTF recovered eight AK 47 rifles, 457 live ammunition and 36 hand grenades from the suspects. Other items recovered from the suspects included 18 magazines with assorted live ammunition, 9mm pistol, assorted black ammunition and two bags filled with bomb-making materials.

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News

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Four killed, three injured as Fulani herdsmen invade Nasarawa From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia Four Tiv farmers were Thursday shot dead by suspected Fulani marauders, while three others sustained various degrees of injury in Kadarko, in Nasarawa state.

Presently many are displaced from their homes as a result of fear of more reprisal attacks.

Police authorities confirmed that about 20 armed men, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen on a reprisal attack

over the killing of their kinsmen earlier in the day by Tiv farmers, stormed Kadarko town, along Lafia-Makurdi road on a market day, after which they shot sporadically, with the people conducting business in the market scampering to safety.

Confirming the incident to our correspondent, Cornelius Ocholi, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Nasarawa, added that but for the quick intervention of the police who arrived the scene to confront

and engage the assailants in a shootout, the casualties would have been in hundreds.

Ocholi said the police in Kadarko arrived in time to ward off the attack from the Fulani invaders who were armed with rifles and who allegedly came to kill everyone doing business in the market dominated by Tiv farmers.

He disclosed that senior police officers from the state, including a deputy commissioner of police, the assistant commissioner of

police in charge of operations, and the 2IC Area Commander, all visited Kadarko yesterday, in a bid to restore normalcy to the area, while appealing to the people to remain peaceful.

In a related development, Hir Joseph, the Nasarawa State correspondent of Media Trust, publishers of Daily Trust, Weekly Trust, Sunday Trust and Aminiya, was on the night of Thursday, attacked when the vehicle he was travelling in ran into an ambush by the gunmen.

Boko Haram: FG goofed, says Borno state govt From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

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he Borno state government has said that the Federal Government goofed over its decision to impose a state of emergency in parts of the state, arguing further that the presence of the JTF cannot solve the problem of the Boko Haram insurgency in the area.

“The Federal Government

declared a state of emergency and took over the security management of that area and the situation still persists, that tells you that the decision was not popular”,Borno state Commissioner for Information, Inuwa Bwala, told reporters in Kaduna yesterday.

Describing the Boko Haram issue as a regional problem, Bwala regretted further that the Federal Government has

failed to give financial contribution for the upkeep of the JTF personnel deployed to the state.

According to him, “several months after Federal Government’s intervention, there is no solution and these people (Boko Haram) use guerrilla tactics in trying to fight their perceived enemies and you know that even the best army never succeeds with

Ashaka Police out station was attacked and burnt by unknown gunmen, on Wednesday in Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe state.

guerrilla warriors.

“In any case, even when the Federal Government declared the state of emergency, we still to foot the bill. Till today, the Federal Government has not given us a dime in the name of assisting us to fund the logistics of maintaining law and order in Maiduguri.

“Nobody has visited to know and appreciate the problems we find ourselves in and at a point, you begin to feel frustrated to the effect that perhaps, the Federal Government regards us as renegades in Borno state.

“If that is not the case, why won’t somebody even come and know what is on ground? Why won’t the Federal Government extend a hand of partnership to us through financial assistance?

“It is true that the situation may not seem to be abating now but it is not peculiar to Borno as it is everywhere right now.

“So, if we approach it from a holistic viewpoint and as a national problem, it will be better for us as a country but as long as some people feel that it is the problem of a particular enclave or that it is the problem of Borno state, so shall the solution to this problem continue to defy us and find manifestation in different degrees in different places.

“Unfortunately, the Federal Government in her wisdom decided to employ what we call carrot and stick and we do not know what level of success they have achieved with that approach”, he said.

Adamawa: Gunmen slay anti robbery cop From Blessing Tunoh, Yola

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arely 48 hours after the Adamawa state Police Command confirmed the killing of an inspector by a corporal, an officer of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), ASP Mohammed Ali, was shot dead Friday afternoon by unknown gunmen.

Ali, who was the Officer inCharge of the state Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) before it was disbanded recently, received a certificate of commendation from the state command for the major breakthroughs recorded by the squad in combating crime in the state under his leadership.

Eyewitnesses believe the gunmen trailed Ali to a car dealer shed on Atiku Abubakar road, (popularly known as National Supply) from where he intended to proceed to the mosque for the Juma’at prayers.

Peoples Daily Weekend gathered that the gunmen met Ali seated on a wooden bench discussing with a friend, called him aside and asked if he was Mohammed Ali and when he answered in the affirmative, they responded with a shot.

According to the friend who does not want his name on print “after the first shot he pulled out a pistol from his pocket but the killer saw it and shot at him three more times, collected his (Ali’s) pistol while his accomplice shot into the the air to scare people away as they retreated on their Jincheng motorcycle.”

When Peoples Daily Weekend visited the state specialist hospital where the cop was taken for treatment, he was been taken to the morgue and as at the time of filing this report, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Altine Daniel could not be reached for comments.

Gunmen attack police station, injure three From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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unmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram yesterday attacked the Rijiyar Zaki area in Kano metropolis injuring three policemen.

Peoples Daily weekend gathered that the gunmen numbering four who came on motorcycles struck the police station which was barricaded, from the rear side.

The attack which was carried out in the morning left

residents scampering for safety, while those that were at home remained indoors.

Our correspondent further gathered that the shootout lasted for 20 minutes before the arrival of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) numbering 40 who opened

fire while the gunmen took to their heels. The area was cordoned off by the military men while they searched the area to arrest the gunmen. A top security operative who pleaded anonymity confirmed the incident, saying that three police men sustained

injuries during the attack and that they are currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

Effort to speak to the Kano State Command Public Relation Officer Magaji Musa Majia proved abortive as his phone lines were off.

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News

Number plates controversy: Maku says NASS resolutions not law

By Adeola Tukuru

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o l l o w i n g the directive from the National Assembly that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), should suspend the sale of new vehicle plate numbers, the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku yesterday shunned lawmakers saying their resolutions are not laws.

The minister who stated this at the public lecture organised by the FRSC in line with its sustained effort to stimulate road safety consciousness in Abuja, noted that the resolution is not an Act of the National Assembly and therefore cannot be binding on the executive.

In his words: “resolutions are not laws therefore the executive should always apply them as exigencies but where we cannot, definitely we also know that they are not laws”.

The information minister continued,” we are aware that the National Assembly has the constitutional responsibility to oversight all the activities of the executive arm of government which is good for the nation towards fostering accountability”.

In his presentation, the Corps Marshall of the FRSC, Osita Chidoka, said the event was aimed at providing a platform for all stakeholders to appraise themselves with the current trend towards achieving United Nations Decade

of Action on Road Safety (20112020).

Chidoka explained that the following states, Oyo, Kano, Ogun, Nasarawa and Kogi recorded increase cases of crashes with Oyo and Kano states having the highest number of deaths while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded high number of crashes owing to the fact that there are several routes in the city.

He appealed to the National Assembly to enact laws that would enhance policy initiatives and other issues associated with road safety in the country.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Niger Assembly passes N94.05 billion 2012 budget From Iliya Garba, Minna

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i g e r State House of Assembly has passed the 2012 Appropriation Bill into law with an increase of N3.5billion above the N90.535billion submitted by the state governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu.

The state government had

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he former chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Maurice Iwu says the quick passage of the bill seeking to protect traditional medicine practitioners in the country would increase the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country.

Iwu made this known in Minna during a mini national stakeholders’ forum on the draft legal document on the act to provide “The Protection of Traditional Knowledge Regulation of Access to Genetic Resources and Related Matters”.

The former INEC boss who is the chairman of the Bio-resources Institute of Nigeria, appealed for the quick passage of the bill into law to ensure proper regulation of traditional medicinepractice in the country.

He said the passage of the bill would ensure that traditional medicines compete favourably as the process of producing them would be at par with

the House for their commitment which contributed to the passage of the budget within the shortest possible time.

Meanwhile, the Speaker, Mohammed Tsowa Gamunu had directed the clerk to communicate the passage of the budget to the governor for his assent.

NTDC signs agreement with Arik Air for London’s WTM and ITB Berlin

By Miriam Humbe

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rik Airline has signed an agreement with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), as the official carrier of Nigerian delegation to the World Travel Market (WTM) in London in November 2012 and the International Trade Business (ITB) Berlin in 2013.

Speaking on the agreement seen as one of the gains of Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing ITB Berlin, Germany, the

Corporate Communications Manager of the airline, Mr. Keelan Morris, said the deal is one of the efforts of the airline to showcase Nigeria and the airline to the world.

He said the synergy would help promote domestic and international traffic into Nigeria, adding to drive the initiative the airline would also enhance the tourism desk in the Lagos office to facilitate contact with relevant tourism boards and hospitality stakeholders.

The airline also announced its

Traditional medicine will increase Nigeria’s GDP –Maurice Iwu From Iliya Garba, Minna

sent an estimate budget proposal of N90.535billion to the State House of Assembly.

A breakdown of the budget passed indicates that N44.314billion is allocated for recurrent expenditure while N49billion was allocated for capital expenditure.

The Majority Leader, Hon. Mohammed Dada commended

international standards.

“The country is blessed with rich biodiversity but lack of regulatory framework has hindered the ability of traditional medicine practitioners to tap from the vast resources that abound in the sector to the detriment of the country’s growth and development”.

“The passage of the proposed bill would lead to the establishment of Traditional Knowledge and Genetic Resources Management Board to grant authorisation for the exploitation of genetic resources and associated knowledge”.

Iwu said the board would ensure honest, transparent and equitable contracts on genetic resources for both owners and users of traditional and genetic resources and establish a trust fund to be managed for the affected communities.

The Director General, Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, Mr. Franklin Okujagu thanked all the stakeholders who are

committed to the realisation of this objectives because according to him the passage of the bill would promote traditional medicine in Nigeria.

endorsement of the current campaign for the online signature mobilisation and support for Team Nigeria for the Summer London Olympics. Mr. Morris described the Nigerian stand at the ITB Berlin as ‘very impressive and attractively tourist friendly’.

Meanwhile, in the bid to expand the international tourist traffic to Nigeria from the United States, the NTDC entered partnership with an American company, Partner Concepts, which will embark on a road show in the US. While briefing newsmen in Berlin, NTDC’s Director General, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, said the road show would hold in June in Washington and New York.

Elaborating further on the trip, president of the American company, Paul Cohen, said the road show would provide the

platform for the Nigerian team to meet with American tour operators and stakeholders with a view to start a relationship for tourists from the US to visit Nigeria.

Mr. Cohen said Nigeria has been chosen as the West African destination saying that his company has a policy of choosing a country for each region of the world.

On the prospect of American tourists embracing Nigeria, Mr. Cohen said the trend all over America is that tourists are shunning traditional destinations for unique ones now as new experience adding that Nigeria falls into the category of the new destination with unique offerings.

Otunba Runsewe disclosed that after the visit, a team of travel journalists would be brought to Nigeria to have a firsthand experience of the country.

Taraba pledges to support NYSC scheme From Yusha’u Alhassan Jalingo

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h e Batch “A” members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to Taraba state for 2012 service year have been sworn-in.

At the ceremony yesterday in Jalingo, the deputy governor of Taraba state Sani Abubakar Danladi who represented Governor Danbaba Suntai, assured the corps members of an enabling environment for their service, especially concerning peace and security.

Suntai said his administration would continue to support all policies and programmes of the NYSC scheme

in the state.

He urged those sworn-in to take advantage of the lesson they would learn during the three week orientation which would prepare them for leadership in the future.

Also speaking, the state chairman NYSC Governing Board, Abdulhadi Haruna Lau, said Traba state was hospitable and the people were willing to work with all Nigerians for unity, integration and development of the nation.

Haruna said the state government had fully endorsed the new NYSC posting policy with emphasis on key sectors like agriculture, education, primary

health care and infrastructure.

Earlier in her address, state coordinator of the NYSC, Hajiya Zainab Isah congratulated the corps members on the successful graduation from their various institutions of learning which qualified them for the orientation.

She said that the service year would prepare the corps members for mental, physical and social challenges associated with the task of nation building.

The new corps members were sworn-in by the acting Chief Judge of the state Justice Josephine Tukur.

About 1500 corps members took the oath of allegiance.

Special Report PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

The Hijab:

Portraying pious beauty A'isha Biola Raji with additional online scholarly reports

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here are various views about wearing the Hijab. Many people think that Muslim women wear the hijab only as symbol to show that they are Muslims. However, the original reason is beyond this.

Today Muslim women wear hijab because they strongly believe in its importance in Islam, while others are forced to wear it by their parents or husbands. Be it as it may the hijab is largely related to the issues of modesty and piety in appearance as stipulated by Islamic tenets. It is to ensure that the women do not involve in inordinate exposure of the body.

Most women who wear the hijab testify that it also serves as protection of their womanhood from the evil world.

Many women, especially the working class, sees the hijab as drab and old fashion, however, this is not so as the hijab also can portray a pious beauty that radiates with clear innocence and modesty at all times.

The Arabic word literally means curtain or cover. According to the Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World, the meaning of hijab has evolved over time. It said further that the term hijab or veil is not used in the Qur'an to refer to an article of clothing for women or men, rather it refers to a spatial curtain that divides or provides privacy. The Qur'an instructs the male believers (Muslims) to talk to wives of Prophet Muhammad behind a hijab. This hijab was the responsibility of the men and not the wives of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

However, in later Muslim societies this instruction, specific to the wives of Prophet Muhammad, was generalized. The modesty in Qur'an concerns both men's and women's gaze, gait, garments, and genitalia. The clothing for women involves khum?r over the necklines and jilbab (cloaks) in public so that they may be identified and not harmed. Guidelines for covering of the entire body except for the hands, the feet and the face, are found in texts of fiqh and hadith that are developed later.

The Qur'an instructs both Muslim men and women to dress in a modest way.The clearest verse on the requirement of the hijab is surah 24:30-31, asking women to draw their khim?r over their bosoms.

"And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their khim?r over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their

brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments." (Qur’an 24:31) In the following verse, Muslim women are asked to draw their jilbab over them (when they go out), as a measure to distinguish themselves from others, so that they are not harassed. Surah 33:59 reads.

"Those who harass believing men and believing women undeservedly, bear (on themselves) a calumny and a grievous sin. O Prophet! Enjoin your wives, your daughters, and the wives of true believers that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): That is most convenient, that they may be distinguished and not be harassed," (Qur’an 33:58-59).

Traditionally, Muslims have recognized many different forms of clothing as satisfying the demands of hijab. Debate focused on how much of the male or female body should be covered. Different scholars adopted different interpretations of the original texts.

Scholars list that the four major Sunni schools of thought (Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki and Hanbali) hold that entire body of the woman, except her face and hands - though a few clerics say face, hands - is part of her awrah, that is, the parts of her body that must be covered during prayer and in public settings. There are those who allow the feet to be uncovered as well as the hands and face.

However, it is largely recommended that women wear clothing that is not form fitting to the body; either modest forms of western clothing (long shirts and skirts), or the more traditional jilbab, a high-necked, loose robe that covers the arms and legs. A khimar or shaylah, a scarf or cowl that covers all but the face, is also worn in many different styles. Some scholars encourage covering the face, while some follow the opinion that it is only not obligatory.

Some believers go so far as to specify exactly which areas of the body must be covered. In some cases, this is everything but the eyes, but most require that women cover everything but the face and hands.

In nearly all Muslim cultures, young girls are required to wear a hijab.

Bye and large, the hijab, when properly worn adorns one with beauty and respect which is the desire of every woman.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

PAGE 9

Cover Up in smokes:

Burning of schools in Borno: Fate of education hangs in the balance As the fate of school children seem to hang in the balance with the burning of schools in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, by the Boko Haram sect, uncertainty pervades government in rescuing that level of the education sector and saving it from total collapse even as proprietors of private schools, parents and teachers clamour for viable measures in stemming the tide. Our reporters examine the situation of a hitherto, educationally backward state.

F

or about two weeks now, members of the Boko Haram sect have extended their onslaught to primary and secondary schools in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital by setting them on fire. It is estimated that about 10,000 pupils may have been forced to stay at home following the incidents. The development has also resulted in the Joint

Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), registrar, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, while speaking at the 58th, National Council on Education (NEC), meeting in Abuja recently, announcing that there might be no Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UMTE) in some “volatile states” in the north.

Continued on pages 10,11

Cover PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Burning of schools in Borno Contd from page 9 He added that the board was being forced to cancel the examination because of Boko Haram activities in those states, namely Borno, Kano and others.

But not a few analysts in the region are wondering if cringing from undertaking educational activities like in the case of JAMB and propelling the sector by the state and federal governments in other ways is the way forward for Borno state and indeed, other northern states in the country, especially as Islamic injunctions emphasize the “seeking of knowledge even as far as China”.

In any case, the issue of education has become dicey in Borno state particularly, according to findings of Peoples Daily weekend.

While some parents have already jettisoned education of their children, many more have threatened to follow suit if burning of schools continues. Apart from pupils and students, teachers have also cried over the onslaught as they are in serious dilemma as to whether to continue being teachers or explore other areas. A cross section of the teachers who spoke to Peoples Daily weekend on condition of anonymity, expressed this fear even though they argued that abandoning the profession was premature. They said they are aware that their reward is in heaven as often stated about the profession, but they would certainly have education thrive to forge development of children in the state so as to reap their reward on earth as well. They are however happy that there are no threats to their lives and the lives of the children by the Boko Haram sect.

“So far nobody has threatened to attack us for merely being school teachers and so we can’t really say we are going to quit the job, because it is not easy to get a job now. Secondly, we have reasoned that those engaged in the burning of schools are not after our lives or the pupils’ that is why they don’t carry out their operations during the school hours, rather they do so either in the night or after the schools have closed or early in the morning before we resume classes”, the teachers said.

But residents in Maiduguri fear that the attacks may eventually cripple the education system as they view both primary and secondary education as core in educational development of the state. They also feared that the onslaught may be extended to tertiary institutions. The reason why when, the sect allegedly threatened to bomb the University of Maiduguri sometime ago, its management quickly suspended all academic activities, and shut down the institution for about three months.

In response to the arsons, the state Governor, Kashim Shettima, vowed that no amount of burning of schools would undermine government zeal to develop the education sector, even as he

Many schools were burnt ordered the immediate reconstruction of all public schools affected. Shettima, gave the instruction when he inspected Gwange 1 Primary and Secondary School, one of the 10 schools destroyed in 15 days, and ordered the state’s commissioner of education and that of works to facilitate demolition of some of the schools that were badly destroyed and rehabilitate those that could still be salvaged. He described the act as “dastardly,” saying besides providing formal education to thousands of pupils, the public schools were also used by women including house wives for Arabic education in the evenings while expressing optimism that the security threats faced in the state would be over as governments at all levels were working on measures to address the situation.

The burning of schools followed an earlier warning issued by the Boko Haram that it would “avenge” an alleged abuse of the Holy Qur’an by some soldiers, accused of raiding a Qur’anic school to ensure compliance of the curfew imposed in the capital city.

The sect also alleged that security agents had stormed several Islamic schools, assaulted pupils and whisked away teachers under the guise of searching for its members.

The schools burnt Budum primary school was the first to be razed by the Boko Haram, when gunmen numbering about 10 raided the school and set it on fire. Six classrooms, store and administrative block, were among the buildings destroyed by fire after the gunmen chased away the security guard. No casualty was recorded in the incident as the arsonists came in the night;

however, furniture and other instructional materials estimated at millions of naira were destroyed.

Few days later, explosives were detonated inside Abba Ganaram primary school. Reports indicated that the fire emanated from the explosion which gutted the entire seven blocks of classrooms and administrative block.

A resident in the area told Peoples Daily weekend that the incident occurred at about 5.40am, when they were woken up by the sound of thunderous blast from the school. According to the man, who craved anonymity, shortly after the blast sporadic shootings were heard which lasted for about 15 minutes; the corpse of an unknown middle aged man was discovered close to the school while 20 classrooms, five offices and some stores where destroyed.

Gomari Costain primary school was the third to be attacked, with a resident saying he heard a “deafening and frightening sound” around 5.45am, shortly after the morning Muslim prayers.

“Because of the dusk-to-dawn curfew in Maiduguri, most of us did not go to the Mosque for the morning prayers. The sound of the blast was followed by gunshots. It was in the morning that we realized that the blast came from the primary school,” He said.

A group of persons, mainly teenagers were said to have driven away the security guard before bombing the school. According to a report, a teacher said, “We heard a loud noise from the school at night and thought it was a minor thing but when we reported for duty in the morning we discovered that fire had gutted the school. The security guard on duty at the school then told us what

happened.”

The next attack was carried out on two private schools known as Experimental, as well as Sunshine Stars primary and secondary schools which were also set ablaze. An eyewitness said many sections of the Experimental School, including classrooms of the junior and senior secondary sections were gutted by the inferno.

“Many students were already in school when the people came.

The attackers directed the students and teachers to leave and thereafter, touched the school and left,” He said. Another witness told newsmen that the incident which took place at about 9.00pm had caused pandemonium as the attackers fired shots sporadically into the air before setting the school ablaze.

Success Nursery and Primary School as well as Gwange I and II primary schools, were also not spared by the dreaded group which set them ablaze. The attacks were staged at night when the schools were closed or early in the morning before they were opened. The situation has forced many parents to withdraw their children and wards from schools for fear of their safety. A teacher, who preferred anonymity, estimated that at least 5000 pupils in four primary schools may have been forced to remain at home now.

Parents speak on burning of schools

Following the serial attacks on public schools by members of the Boko Haram sect in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, many parents have stopped taking their children to schools, while some have moved their children to rural schools for

safety purpose as there has not been any threat to learning there.

However, other residents’ especially non indigenes are making plans to either transfer their children and wards to the neighboring states, or to their respective states of origin.

Peoples Daily Weekend interviewed some parents over the phenomenon.

Excerpt.

It has been two weeks now since the Boko Haram started burning schools, how does this affect the future of your child?

Bulama Goni, (not real name) Well, this scenario is very unfortunate and uncalled for because it is capable of undermining not only the educational system, but scuttle the future of children. For instance, my 10-year-old daughter has a dream to distinguish herself in educational pursuit and surpass us, we her parents as we didn’t acquire formal education. The only way she believes she can do that is to do what we didn’t have the opportunity of doing, but presently, her aspiration is being dashed as she has stopped attending classes and she will not return to school until I’m totally convinced that such attacks on schools end.

Don’t you think such decision will thwart the hope of your daughter to acquire effective education?

Not at all, because do not pray that the problem will be permanent, it will stop insha Allah, no matter how long it takes.

So I look forward to the time when my child will return to school because even if I resolve to send her back despite the attacks, she cannot concentrate in her studies.

Contd on page 11

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

PAGE 11

Cover Burning of schools in Borno Contd from page 10 But the Boko Haram arsonists have made it clear that they are not after pupils or teachers and that they should not worry about the burning of schools and that was why they always carry out the attacks when the schools are closed.

That is what they have said but we are still afraid.

So would you move your daughter to the rural area to school there?

I will not accept such an idea because nobody can predict if they will not extend the onslaught to the rural schools, in fact the probability of doing so is high because I believe that if security measures are intensified in the schools at the city, they may shift their attacks to rural areas just like what is happening now, when there is heavy security in Maiduguri and Damaturu, Boko Haram shifted their attention to other cities like Kano, Kaduna, Yola, Bauchi among others. I want to use this opportunity to plead with whoever is burning schools in our state to have pity on us and our children.

Modu Shettima (not real name) How do you see the burning of schools by Boko Harm?

Modu Shettima: Well, Boko Haram’s attack on schools represents a new and reprehensible development since the group began its campaign of violence in 2009, and therefore, I appeal to the sect to realize that children and educational institutions should be left alone because they didn’t offend the group. The sect should also realize that most of the pupils attending such schools are from poor background, some of the children are personally sponsoring themselves as some have to engage in street hawking after school to enable them buy books because their parents cannot afford it.

So what is the fate of your own children in this situation?

Actually I transferred them to the village so that they can school there since there seems to be some safety there, but the only problem in the rural areas is inadequate qualified teachers and effective facilities as well as structures for effective teaching and learning.

Then don’t you think your children may miss qualitative education?

Actually the matter now is not quality education, but to acquire education even under unfavorable conditions and to safeguard their lives because if I insist on allowing them continue attending classes in the city, it seems as if I’m mortgaging their lives since no one can say if the gunmen can resort to attacking schools during teaching hours. So, I prefer my children to acquire less qualitative education than to be

killed.

Is this the overall opinion on the future of children and education in the state?

Well, this unfortunate situation unfolding in Borno state is sending a wrong signal not only to the children and education, but also to the development of the state, which cannot be attained under this atmosphere.

What measures would you advise government to adopt in finding lasting solution to the problem?

I think the first step towards stemming this is for the government to provide adequate security to all schools so that the arsonists cannot have a chance to carry out the acts, or else it will sound as if the state is ungovernable. Besides taking measures to prevent violence, the

what goes around comes around.

Government at all levels were not concerned with the fact that thousands of Muslim children have been forced to stop learning Qur’anic education in their schools due to persistent intimidation and arrest of their teachers by the security operatives”.

“We warned that security agents must stop attacking and arresting clerics in Qur’anic schools but nobody took our warning seriously. That is why we have resolved to continue attacking public schools.

Certainly, if Qur’anic education will not be allowed to continue, then secular and western education will also suffer same fate,” he said, in his response to a mail.

Earlier, the Boko Haram had

onslaught on schools by the Boko Haram sect, as, in its reaction through its Commissioner for Education, Inuwa Kubo, the state government described the attacks on schools as a blow to the educational development of the state and appealed to the elders as well as community leaders in the state to step up action towards halting the dastardly act.

According to Kubo, the action of the terror group was unnecessary, unprovoked and targeted at the innocent in the society. “It is really a sad development because the schools belonged to the people.

Those schools are not personal properties. It is the people who are suffering as a result of the destructions carried out by the sect.’’ Kubo said the terror attacks have put the government in a serious dilemma. “If we provide

insisted that its actions on the schools were justifiable and there was no going back on the matter.

In a telephone conference with journalists in Maiduguri, spokesman for the sect, Abul Qaqa said it resolved to attack public schools to retaliate the “atrocities meted out on Islamic schools so that government can feel the same pain we have felt” “We attacked schools because security operatives have been going to Islamic schools and arresting teachers. We carry out the attacks at night because we don’t want to kill innocent pupils.

Therefore, unless (Islamic schools) teachers are allowed to be, we would be compelled to continue attacking schools,” Qaqa further declared.

He emphasized that the aim is not to kill pupils and teachers, but a warning to the government that the sect would frustrate the progress of western education if Islamic schools and the Muslim’s Holy book, the Qur’an, were abused and urged parents not to panic as their children would not be hurt.

Government lacks political will to stop onslaught on schools Evidently, the Borno state government lacks political will to intervene and stop the

alternative classes, how can we guarantee the security of the teachers or the pupils, the situation is really complicated, so government will meet with the heads of schools and parents to see if we can find a way out.’’

He said the affected pupils should stay away from the schools to enable government find viable solutions to the problem.

“This kind of destruction will not help us, especially when you look at our position as one of the most backward in terms of education.

“Parents should therefore dissuade those burning schools because they are destroying the future of their children’’, he further advised.

One of the burnt school authority needs to make every effort to keep the police and military from abusing the process and making matters worse.

Boko Haram’s position

The Boko Haram sect has maintained that the attacks are to avenge attacks on Qur’anic schools and arrest of clerics by government. Spokesman for the sect, Abul Qaqa said that they were not bothered about the ongoing assault on schools in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital which may have forced about 10,000 pupils to remain at home.

Qaqa, in a brief E-mailed response on the growing outcry of the public over the incidents, sent to our correspondent in Maiduguri, said the burning of schools is not precisely aimed at scuttling education of children, but to “avenge the continued attack on Qur’anic schools and the arrest of clerics by security agents.

Asked if the group could sympathize with the children who are at the receiving end, since the attacks would scuttle their education as thousands of them have missed classes because of the assault, Qaqa said, “We are not worried because

JTF says it is on top of the situation

Spokesman of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) LtCol. Hassan Mohammed in a statement, acknowledged the ongoing destruction of schools, promising that precautionary measures would be put in place to avert future recurrence. “The task force was aware that some groups of hoodlums claiming to be members of the Boko Haram sect have engaged in destruction of public property, as five schools

were burnt in the metropolis just within few days”.

“School authorities are advised to provide early information to security agencies, as severe actions will be taken against any hoodlum caught in the act,” the statement further said.

However, despite the tough talk, many more schools have been burnt by the sect. Our investigations revealed that about 10 schools have so far been burnt.

According to an update by Peoples Daily weekend, the onslaught declared on formal education by members of the Boko Haram sect in Borno state has continued with the number of schools set ablaze by arsonists now numbering 10, with over 10,000 students and pupils forced to shun classes due to palpable fears. However, the serial attacks have became a source of concern to parents and teachers, even as the problem has defied solutions, despite the deployment of security operatives to guard schools, which led to the recent killings of three and arrest of two of suspected arsonists by operatives of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF). This may have informed the claim by the JTF that it is on top of the situation as it stated that the latest attempt to burn Lamisula primary school suffered a setback when gunmen met stiff resistance from its personnel, and deterred arsonists from accomplishing their mission.

Spokesman of the JTF, Lt- Col. Hassan Mohammed, told newsmen that the incident took place recently, on a Sunday night to be precise when five gunmen stormed Lamisula primary school with gallons of petrol and attempted to set it on fire. Two members of the group who sustained gunshot injuries were apprehended at the scene of the incident, said Mohammed.

He said: “JTF has carried out another successful operation on Sunday night when our operatives in secret vigilance over the school sighted a group of armed men driving inside with gallons of petrol, but unknown to them some officers were deployed to guard the school”.

The spokesman added that when the security fired shots at the suspects, three were killed on the spot, while two others who survived the shooting were arrested. Corpses of the gunmen, the spokesman said were since evacuated from the school to give room for pupils to acquire knowledge even as several arms and ammunition were recovered from them.

Attempts to speak with government officials at the federal ministry of education proved abortive as they could not be reached on their mobile phones, while others were said to have travelled out of the country.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Special Report

PAGE 13

Senate Pension Probe:

Living on blood money

O

n ordinary days, visitors to the National Assembly are those who hobnob with the shakers and movers in the nation’s political and economic landscape.

From their looks, no one needs to be told of their status in society.

But this week the days were not ordinary for the Senate wing of the National Assembly complex. For, 90 percent of its visitors were men and women who looked not only old but tired and haggard. They were representatives of various pensioners associations who came to appear before a Senate Joint Committee on Establishment, States and Local Governments, probing the administration of pension funds and payment of pensioners in the country.

Eight years after the introduction of the contributory pension scheme, revelations at the ongoing public hearing by the Senate committee indicate that the problem of the nation’s senior citizens is yet to be over and the pension scheme is still one of the most lucrative avenues Nigerian corrupt officials use to siphon public funds.

While the nation’s senior citizens are groaning in pain, pension managers and officials of the pension units of ministries were smiling to the banks with billions of stolen money.

Just few days before the Senate public hearing began, Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, told stunned Nigerians how a pension fraud cartel was swindling the nation of about N3.3billion monthly, and that N151billion fraud has been uncovered in the pension offices across Nigeria. He also revealed that houses worth about N15billion have been seized from corrupt officials in the Pension Office of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and about 71,133 fake pensioners have been detected.

Declaring open the public hearing, President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, cursed the various corrupt officials for enriching themselves with the legitimate entitlements of retirees, saying, “these people, the administrators stealing pension funds, can never live in peace because the prayers of these old men and women who have diligently served the country will hunt them and their children’s children.” Mark added, “You can’t take away the money of those old people and think that it will not follow you; it will follow even your children’s children, because it is blood money.”

The Senate President added that the moral strength of a nation is determined by the way it treats its elder citizens, saying no nation can be great until it shows proper appreciation to its pensioners for serving their nation faithfully.

The chairman of the committee, Senator Aloysius Etok (Akwa Ibom), said his committee would discharge

Pension scheme is still one of the most lucrative avenues Nigerian corrupt officials use to siphon public funds. Revelations at the ongoing public hearing by the Senate on the administration of pension funds in the country, are really alarming. Ali Alkali reports

Senior citizens waiting endlessly for their pension its duties and exercise the powers conferred on it by Sections 88 and 89 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “to ensure that corruption, embezzlement and misapplication/diversion of pension funds are exposed, the perpetrators brought to book and all necessary legislative remedies provided to bring to an end, the agonies and pains which pensioners have been subjected to.”

Senator Etok lamented over the situation saying, “I am disturbed by the caliber of people complaining.

When you have the likes of Clerk to the National Assembly, Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue complaining, the issue is really something to be worried about.

“If officers like these are not sure of their future, it will surely increase the rate of corruption in the country; because these are officers at very high level of the government and they have access to government funds.

And if they are afraid that when they retire they will not get their benefits the only thing they will do is to make provision for better future for themselves by stealing public fund.

This is very worrisome; and that’s why the Senate mandated the committee to look into the pension payments, pension management in federal, states and local governments.”

Startling revelations started surfacing when Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Mr. Maina Abdulrasheed was called to make his submission.

Maina, as he is popularly called, opened so many stinking cans of worms. He told the committee that 32 staff of the Office of the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsanye,

have defrauded the country to the tune of N18 billion. He disclosed that the PRTT discovered and reported to the EFCC colossal loss of pension funds by the former management and staff of the OHCSF pension where N24 billion and Landed properties carted away were recovered; and that the case is currently in the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.

He also treated the committee to a tantalizing tale on how officials of the police pension office used falsified documents to withdraw N24 billion from the Budget office for the payment of pension that required only N3.5 billion.

Abdulrasheed told the committee that the team discovered two major accounts in Lagos where pension fund for the police was lodged, revealing that one account had N21 billion, while the other had N24 billion.

He said the team so far recovered N21 billion of the money lodged in First bank.

He further disclosed that as at December 2011 a total of 49,395 pensioners, including those who retired as far back as 1968 who had never been enrolled, have now been verified and their biometrics captured, bringing the total number of pensioners on the payroll to 120,733.

Similarly, the PRTT boss told the Senate committee that after finding that government was paying between N800 million and N900 million monthly as arrears and death benefits to pensioners, the team decided to interview the pensioners or their next of kin on file; and they discovered that the arrears and death benefits were not being paid at all.

He said a civil servant, who was

involved in the pension racket, had 555 accounts. “During the systems review, we uncovered 66 fake accounts. There was a situation where about 555 accounts belonging to one person were discovered in a particular bank. We felt this could not have been possible without connivance of the bank management. It is really unfortunate and sad.

“Six million pounds sterling is also currently with Crown Agents in London; and the total amount, excluding recovered properties, is now N151.6 billion and six million pounds,” he said.

The committee, after listening to the submission of Abdulrasheed, directed that he made available all relevant documents relating to all transactions including bank statements; cheque books and other documents that would assist the committee in arriving at a decision and writing its report.

The next day, the table was turned when Mr. Toyin Ishola, Chief Accounting Officer of the Police Pension Fund, revealed that within three months of taking over the police pension office, the PRTT chairman “has expended over 3.6 billion naira without any entry of such in Account books.”

The police accused Maina of inflating contracts and opening secret bank accounts, one of which was being run by his own brother.

Among the frivolous and extravagant expenditure in which the PRTT boss was engaged, according to the police pension office, “were the bogus expenditure of the conduct of the biometric exercise of the retirees in the Diaspora which he spent a

whooping sum of 240 million naira to capture less than 20 retirees; and for the local bio-data, over 220 million naira was spent.”

For the computers used to capture the biometric data, he awarded contracts and withdrew 12.5 million naira.

Ishola noted that the task team “compelled the police pension office to drop the previous signatories to the pension account and replaced them with members of the task team,” adding, “these signatories are made to sign huge sums of money out of the pension account.”

The police said they were able to trace the money siphoned from the police pension account to three different bank accounts “unilaterally opened without recourse to financial rules and approval from the Accountant General of the Federation and the Minister of Finance.

“In this regard, cash transfer in the sum of Eight billion naira was credited to Fidelity Bank, with A/C No 5030024748; three billion naira to UBA with A/C No 1015556733; and ten billion naira to First Bank with A/C No 60622040000231.

“The account in the Fidelity Bank was domiciled in the account of the younger brother of the Chairman of the Pension Review Task Team, named Danjuma Zubairu; and the said amount (8billion naira) was fixed since then with a monthly interest of over 100 million naira.”

The PRTT boss was however not at the hearing to respond to these allegations; and the Senate committee sent for him. After waiting for four hours, without him showing up or sending any message across, the senators issued warrant for his arrest.

Yesterday, Maina presented himself and answered questions from the panel. But from the submissions of the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Lamorde and Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who froze all pension fund accounts after Maina briefed her of the monumental stealing being done through them, it appeared that some of the documents submitted to the commission by the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the police pension office were doctored.

According to the former Head of Service, Prof. Afolabi, who also testified before the committee yesterday, “anybody that has anything to do with pension, from the Head of Service, permanent secretaries, directors, Accountant General down to the last clerk is compromised.”

The revelation continues.

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

News Extra

South Africa, Nigeria row:

Interests beyond the surface

By Richard Ihediwa

O

n Thursday, South African authorities sent an unreserved apology to Nigeria for the last Saturday deportation of 125 Nigerians from South Africa for allegedly being in possession of fake yellow fever vaccination cards.

Apparently apprehensive that it had bitten more than it could chew as diplomatic row from the action became larger than it thought, the country ate the humble pie by writing to Nigeria stating that it “humbly apologise” for the deportation.

“We wish to humbly apologize to them, and we have,” South Africa’s deputy foreign minister, Ibrahim Ibrahim, said on Thursday. “We are apologizing because we deported a number of people who should not have been deported.”

The apology interestingly came hours after South Africa swanked that it would not apologise and instead was ready to deport more Nigerians from that country.

However, that grandstanding fell like a pack of cards following the decision of Nigeria to bare its claws against all South African Interests within its territory.

To begin with, the Federal Government, in a tit-for-tat measure between Monday and Tuesday, deported about 84 South Africans on account of fake medical papers and commenced plans to deport more as well as to go against numerous South African businesses in the country.

To underscore the seriousness of the threat, the Senate empowered the executive to enforce all investment, immigration and expatriate laws with a view to close down all South African companies as well as send more South Africans packing.

Nigeria’s tit-for –tat measure came to the fore on Tuesday when the Senate through its Committee on Foreign Affairs gave the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that of Internal Affairs marching order to see to it that South Africans and their businesses in Nigeria were denied sleep.

The lawmakers also asked the Federal Government to consider immediate closure of Nigeria’s embassy in South-Africa showing that Nigeria was even ready to cut all ties with that country.

Many reasons are responsible for the hard posture Nigeria took on the matter.

Before the deportation saga, Nigerian authorities had continued to harp on the continuous ill treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking at the meeting between his committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Senate committee, Senator Mathew Nwagwu said that Nigeria as a country was conscious of all the things South Africa was doing to her nationals adding that the recent deportation was the height of inhuman treatments to Nigerians.

On his own part, the minister, Amb. Olugbenga, said the recent experience was not the first time that country unleashed

President Goodluck Jonathan

inhuman treatment on Nigerians adding that deportation of South Africans was one out of the many diplomatic measures already listed by the Federal Government ."Nobody has the monopoly of deportation", he said.

The minister noted that most South African owned companies operating in Nigeria do not comply with the expatriate quota adding that the time to enforce the laws has come.

"The law requires the companies to return the management of the companies to Nigerians and send back the expatriates after two years. We are going to look at all these and we are discussing with the ministry of interior to enforce strict compliance of all immigration laws and practices to all nationals of South Africa.

"The south African companies are here in Nigeria making so much money, bringing in half baked graduates as expatriates to manage these companies. We will look at all these", he said.

Apparently jolted that Nigeria was already matching words with actions, it was gathered that President Jacob Zuma had ordered his officials to immediately find ways to end the row as the country was on the verge of losing billion of rands in income from South African companies in Nigeria.

This came on the heels of pressure said to have been mounted by some powerful lobbies in South Africa including top members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), whose business interests

President Jacob Zuma

were under threat in Nigeria.

South African business groups own Africa’s biggest mobile telecoms operator, MTN, which also has a very large investment in Nigeria from where that country earns billions of rands.

Also South African business men are behind Standard Bank Group, the parent of Stanbic/IBTC, all of which have profitable operations in Nigeria.

Reports on MTN financial result as at December 2010 showed that its total revenues globally for that year stood at N2.57 trillion (115 billion rand), while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBIDTA) stood at N1.07 trillion (48 billion rand).

A break-down of the Group’s results showed that MTN Nigeria, which remains its biggest operations, contributed the most to its revenues and profits in 2010. MTN Nigeria made total revenues of N749 billion that year, which was 29 percent of the Group’s total revenues in 2010.

Toying with an offended nation like Nigeria would amount to blocking the inflow of revenue which is far beyond Nigeria’s internally generated revenue.

There were fears in South Africa that market rivals of the companies could cash in and use the opportunity to push them out of their flourishing business in Nigeria.

Though the row is over, there are many lessons that must be derived from the weeklong friction. The first being the apparent lack of truism in the much orchestrated

brotherliness between South Africa and Nigeria.

Many Nigerians appear to be of the opinion that South Africa is not really a brother or real friend but fair weather partner who thinks more of its economic interest than the issues of brotherliness with Nigeria. This is because it appears that that country would have gone ahead to continue to deal with Nigerians if not for its economic interest in Nigeria.

Deriving from this, critics opine that the apology might well be cosmetic and should not be swallowed line, hook and sinker by Nigeria.

On the other hand since it has become apparent that the relationship between the two countries has more to do with pecuniary interest than brotherhood, Nigeria should start pushing serious investments in South Africa as long as the tango lasts Another lesson learnt is that of the enormous capital flight that has been going on as South Africa use MTN to pipe out trillions of naira gained from Nigerians.

Economic watchers insist that it is now time for Nigeria to wake up and asset itself and ensure that MTN is quoted in the Nigerian Stock Exchange to enable Nigerians buy into the company and become its part owners since the profit is generated from their sweat.

Be it as it may, the friction between the two countries has thrown up serious issues that might lead to serious economic rediscovery for the nation.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Peoples page

PAGE 15

Creativity is key in business, says manicurist

By A’isha Biola Raji

W

hen asked what the key in successful entrepreneurship is, many scholars would volunteer answers ranging from focus, determination, inner strength and hard work among others.

However, for Esther Robert, a 39 years old beautician, who specialized in manicure and pedicures, the key to successful entrepreneurship is creativity, that is, according to her, to use the inner ingenuity to turn the ordinary into the attractive.

Esther's belief is the force behind her drive for success especially, in a society that is naturally conscious of formal beauty and style.

In Nigeria and world over, women are naturally conscious of how every detail of their body is kept. No matter how tight or rigid a woman's schedule is, she still finds time to look good and well kept all through.

One aspect women are mostly concerned about is how their nails are kept. Women go for manicure and pedicure whenever they can afford it.

The need for women to have clean and well shaped nails had prompted a lot of people to take the business of manicure and pedicure as real profession.

However, for Esther, who has been in the business for about ten years, the issue is beyond ordinary pedicure and manicure, it is rather that of combination of creative arts to bring about startling designs for her clients. Currently, her business is booming as she evolves new designs by the day.

The Benue born beautician said she started ten years ago at a time many of her age were still depending on others for survival. According to her, it all started when she decided to get some vocational training in a beauty salon located in Wuse market in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

At the salon, Esther learnt all aspects of beauty regimen, which include, hair fixing, skin care and manicure and pedicure. However, with time, she noticed she performed better in pedicure and manicure and decided to specialize in the field. Esther said she was propelled by her determination to survive as well and decision to specialize on what she was good in instead of following the bandwagon.

Esther Robert ...during her beat

"I woke up one morning and decided that I should learn a vocation. By that time I was almost doing nothing. So I decided to learn at a beauty salon in Wuse. I learnt a lot of things including hair fixing, skin care and manicure and pedicure. Along the line I noticed that I performed better on manicure and pedicure that the other aspects, so I decided to specialize on those", she said.

Esther said that it was at that point that she narrowed down on fixing and cleaning nails, a practice she has now perfected and has raised the competitive bar with her creativity.

"I can design nails from any material be it cloth pieces, tobacco powder and any fanciful piece of material. My type of work involves lot creativity, so I develop in terms of being more creative and daring and that is why a lot of people are coming to patronize me", she said.

Ten years down the line, Esther has no reason to regret taking the path she took as she is now running a booming business from which she said she earns better that her peer

in white collar jobs.

She said her business is expanding as many customers are now queuing up to get her services out of which she claimed she makes about N8,000 daily in spite of the fact that she operates in a very small shop.

"I don't have any regret that I took up this business. I am doing my business and it is doing well. Though, you see my shop as small, in fact I am doing better than many of my peers doing government work or white collar jobs", she declared.

Esther is upwards looking and intends to expand her business which will enable her employ labour to help her meet the demand of her numerous customers.

"Despite having this tiny space I call shop, I realize money fairly well and I believe if I can get a bigger place, I will be an employer of labor since I have numerous customers," she said.

Esther is ready to train anybody who wants to learn her trade. Giving an insight into how nails she said the first step when administering a manicure is to remove any

traces of previous nail polish.

This she said is done by polish remover and a cotton ball.

Once your nails are polish free from the old nail polish, a nail file is used to shorten, shape and smooth the rough edges. There are different types of nail files depending on the utility. An emery board is a nail file that is less abrasive than others which takes the

A manicure designed by Esther

nail longer to file and shape but is very good for slight touch ups or fixes. Emery boards are also disposable after use unlike metal nail files; metal nail files can come as very abrasive and are great for intense filing and shaping. Glass files are also available but a little harder to find in stores; they are good for shaping and fixing the edges of nails due to the fact they don't chip or splinter the nail.

For those that love to fix, she explained that, there are different types of nails, glass nails and plastic nails depending on customer's choice. There is an also French tip which come in colors and is mostly fixed for special events.

After the nails are filed and shaped, cuticle softener can be applied directly to the cuticles to temper the rough skin. Cuticle Softener can sting a little on cuticles that are damaged but can be very effective to help repair and rejuvenate the skin.

Soft cuticles help the process of cuticle clipping and maintenance. Cuticle clipping is done by small scissors.

She advised people especially the younger generation to develop interest in vocational trade as it is very reliable. “Many people are doing nothing and they do not want to venture out because people want government work and they want people to help them all the time, my advise the young ones is that they should take up some vocation and do something with their hands; no matter what, your hands cannot disappoint you", she said.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Tourism Gurara Falls: Where the rainbow meets the earth

Gurara Falls in full rainy season

By Richard Ihediwa

E

ver been to Gurara Falls?

Located in Gurara, in Niger state, North Central Nigeria, the Gurara Falls which has its source from the Gurara River has been adjudged one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country which is presently toured by nature lovers from

Gurara has glittering waterfalls

various parts of the world.

Lying on the road between Suleja and Minna, Niger state capital, Gurara Falls is particularly impressive during the rainy season when the falls width widens up to 200 meters and fall with a torrent from about 50 meters above sea level.

The scene is most beautiful when viewed at a distance below

the ridge. The spray of water cascading rhythmically over the top gives off a stunning, dazzling rainbow effect and forms a cloud in between and glittering foam below after which the waters flow fast and slowly and gently down the rocky streams in regal simplicity before they disappear from sight, hidden by the vegetation.

This nature’s beauty is full of

natural performances as in a fairy opera. The water comes with a force resulting in brilliant foam just like cloud when it hits the waters below and form a snowy white covering and mist which emit a cooling effect on the surrounding. Gazing steadily at the waterfall, one has a swelling feeling as if one would fall into the form.

During the dry season, the falls span shrink to about 30 meters exposing the beautiful rock patterns of the Falls walls that are usually covered by cascading waters during the rainy season.

During this period, the water is calm and swimming is possible in the small pond under the falls. It is good to visit the Falls during the rainy and the dry season so as to appreciate the changes in the water volume and temperament of he falls.

Moderate in that there is a bit of climbing down a steep hill and climbing back up it. The park service has recently put in somewhat crude concrete steps, but this has made the climb much easier. Also, the river is rocky and slippery.

Along the stream below is an array of amazing brownish rock formations blending with the beautiful flora of wild trees and bushes. The rocks are usually very

slippery because of the contact with water.

To have a good view of the cascading water, one has to climb down the steep on roughly carved steps to the river bank below. The climbing adds to the picnic fun as one has to climb up back after the sightseeing.

It is an adventure to try to climb the up back to the top through the rocks beside the fall. Many tourists venture to the base beside the cascading waters and some even dare to have some shower under it but only a few try to climb up by the slippery rocky walls.

To get to the falls from Abuja, Nigeria Capital city, you have to go through Suleja. The road that leads to the fall is off Lambata – Minna road. From the MinnaAbuja expressway, the waterfall is just about 10 minutes’ drive.

A little further, about 50 metres from the expressway, there is a point of entry barricaded with a stick. Each visitor is expected to pay N100 to be allowed through.

The official are said to be from the state government’s tourism board.

On the whole, the Gurara Falls is a sight to behold. A wonder of nature; fresh water cascading and constantly making rainbow, especially in the brilliance of the sun.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Weekend

PAGE 17

Cocktail

I only smoke in movies — Ini Edo

See Story on Page 25

I N S I D E:

F

Relationship PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Why do we fall in love?

L

o v i n g and being loved adds richness to our lives.

When people feel close to others they are happier and even healthier. Love helps us feel important, understood, and secure.

But each kind of love has its own distinctive feel. The kind of love we feel for a parent is different from our love for a baby brother or best friend. And the kind of love we feel in romantic relationships is its own unique type of love.

Our ability to feel romantic love develops during adolescence.

Teens all over the world notice passionate feelings of attraction.

Even in cultures where people are not allowed to act on or express these feelings, they're still there. It's a natural part of growing up to develop romantic feelings and sexual attractions to others. These new feelings can be exciting - or even confusing at first.

The magical ingredients of love Love is such a powerful human emotion that experts are constantly studying it. They've discovered that love has three main qualities: 1.

Attraction is the "chemistry" part of love. It's all about the physical - even sexual interest that two people have in each other. Attraction is responsible for the desire we feel to kiss and hold the object of our affection. Attraction is also what's behind the flushed, nervous-butexcited way we feel when that person is near.

2 . Closeness is the bond that develops when we share thoughts and feelings that we don't share with anyone else.

When you have this feeling of closeness with your boyfriend or girlfriend, you feel supported, cared for, understood, and accepted for who you are. Trust is a big part of this.

3 . Commitment is the promise or decision to stick by the other person through the ups and downs of the relationship.

These three qualities of love can be combined in different ways to make different kinds of relationships. For example, closeness without attraction is the kind of love we feel for best friends. We share secrets and personal stuff with them, we support them, and they stand by us. But we are not romantically interested in them.

Attraction without closeness is more like a crush or infatuation. You're attracted to someone physically but don't know the person well enough yet to feel the closeness that comes from sharing personal experiences and feelings.

Romantic love is when attraction and closeness are combined. Lots of relationships

Closeness develops when we share feelings grow out of an initial attraction (a crush or "love at first sight") and develop into closeness. It's also possible for a friendship to move from closeness into attraction as two people realize their relationship is more than "just like" and they have become interested in one another in a romantic way.

For people falling in love for the first time, it can be hard to tell the difference between the intense, new feelings of physical attraction and the deeper closeness that goes with being in love.

Lasting love or fun fling?

The third ingredient in a love relationship, commitment, is about wanting and deciding to stay together as a couple in the future - despite any changes and challenges that life brings.

Sometimes couples who fall in love in high school develop committed relationships that last. Many relationships don't last, though. But it's not because teens aren't capable of deep loving.

We typically have shorter relationships as teens because adolescence is a time when we

instinctively seek lots of different experiences and try out different things. It's all part of discovering who we are, what we value, and what we want out of life.

Another reason we tend to have shorter relationships in our teens is because the things we want to get out of a romantic relationship change as we get a little older. In our teens especially for guys - relationships are mainly about physical attraction. But by the time guys reach 20 or so, they rate a person's inner qualities as most important. Teen girls emphasize closeness as most important although they don't mind if a potential love interest is cute too!

In our teens, relationships are mostly about having fun. Dating can seem like a great way to have someone to go places with and do things with. Dating can also be a way to fit in. If our friends are all dating someone, we might put pressure on ourselves to find a boyfriend or girlfriend too.

For some people dating is even a status thing. It can almost seem like another version of cliques: The pressure to go out with the "right" person in the "right" group can make dating a lot less fun than it should be - and not so much about love!

In our late teens, though, relationships are less about going out to have fun and fitting in.

“

Listening and supporting. When two people care, they offer support when the other person is feeling vulnerable or afraid. They don't put down or insult their partner, even when they disagree.

Closeness, sharing, and confiding become more important to both guys and girls. By the time they reach their twenties, most girls and guys value support, closeness, and communication, as well as passion. This is the time when people start thinking about finding someone they can commit to in the long run - a love that will last.

What makes good relationship?

When people first experience falling in love, it often starts as attraction. Sexual feelings can also be a part of this attraction.

People at this stage might daydream about a crush or a new BF or GF. They may doodle the person's name or think of their special someone while a particular song is playing.

It sure feels like love. But it's not love yet. It hasn't had time to grow into emotional closeness that's needed for love. Because feelings of attraction and sexual interest are new, and they're directed at a person we want a relationship with, it's not surprising we confuse attraction with love. It's all so intense, exciting, and hard to sort out.

The crazy intensity of the passion and attraction phase fades a bit after a while. Like putting all our energy into winning a race, this kind of passion is exhilarating but far too extreme to keep going forever. If a relationship is destined to last, this is where closeness enters the picture. The early passionate intensity may fade, but a deep affectionate attachment takes its place.

How to grow close: Learning to give and receive.

A healthy relationship is about both people, not how much one person can get from (or give to) the other.

Revealing feelings.

A supportive, caring relationship allows people to reveal details about themselves - their likes and dislikes, dreams and worries, proud moments, disappointments, fears, and weaknesses.

Listening and supporting.

When two people care, they offer support when the other person is feeling vulnerable or afraid.

They don't put down or insult their partner, even when they disagree.

Giving, receiving, revealing, and supporting is a back-and-forth process: One person shares a detail, then the other person shares something, then the first person feels safe enough to share a little more. In this way, the relationship gradually builds into a place of openness, trust, and support where each partner knows that the other will be there when times are tough. Both feel liked and accepted for who they are.

Source: Relationship Experts

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

PAGE 19

Beauty Tips Black hair growing tips

T

o o many times, black women especially resort to hair weaves or braids to make their hair grow, but taking care of their natural hair could just as easily work. Sometimes hair care isn't as glamorous as women would like it to be, but if black hair is taken care of properly, it can be as easy as brushing teeth.

1. Wash black hair at least once every couple of weeks. Hair full of hairspray, gel, glue and hair dye is prone to split ends and hair falling out.

Chemicals may make hair look good for the moment, but on the back of all of those bottles are warnings to take proper precautions before using these products, not just on the hair but also on the skin. Washing natural black hair takes out all of the excess dirt, dust and extra chemicals that also make it easier to style and maintain.

2. Comb and brush black hair daily. There are various textures of black hair. Not all of it is thick or nappy. Some black hair is thin, wavy or brittle. But all hair must be combed and brushed to keep it from being tangled, not just at the beginning of the day but throughout the day when it's in disarray.

Easily tangled hair must be combed and brushed regularly, especially if it's exposed to wind or rain.

3. Oil black hair at least once a week. Black hair is not washed daily because it needs the oils that other textures of hair (such as those of white, Latino or Asian women) get too much of. Hair oil, like Luster Pink lotion and Parnevu, helps black hair fight against dandruff and stops itching. Hair oil takes on the characteristics of lotion for the skin, and the scalp underneath the hair is skin.

It must be properly oiled to grow from the scalp to the tips.

4. Clip split ends.

Without doing this, black hair risks these ends climbing to the scalp and ruining the hair to the roots. Leave-in conditioners and regular conditioners temporarily help split ends, but when black hair dries, the ends still need to be clipped. Not only does clipping ends make black hair look neater, but it also helps black hair grow.

5. Give black hair the day off sometimes. Black women especially are notorious for spending hundreds of dollars on getting their hair done in beauty salons, where there are different products (hairspray, gel, shampoo,

conditioner, curling irons, flat irons, rollers, hair dryer, spritz) to make one style, and it could take hours to get this style completed. While these

styles are attractive, sometimes black hair needs the day off, just like a worker needs a vacation. Put black hair in a ponytail or pin it

up with a pretty barrette for at least 1 day out of the week without all the extra Source: eHowstyle

spraying, pulling and packing on chemicals. By letting it rest, black hair can grow at a steady pace.

6. Use rollers instead of curling irons if the hair already has a natural curl or has stuck it out for the entire day. Although rollers may not be as comfortable to sleep in as a wrap cap, it gives black hair a rest from heated curlers for a day or two. Rollers can easily be put on and removed within minutes instead of the time it takes for a curling iron to heat up.

7. Wrap black hair if it's already in a natural style or is going to be combed down into a "wrap," a hairstyle that embraces the face. Curling irons and flat irons aren't necessarily needed for this simple style, and wrapping hair with a wrap scarf takes only a couple of minutes after a few comb strokes and a brush. Sometimes certain types of black hair are too thick to wrap without a stylist or a hair dryer, so the beautician or barber can wrap it initially. After a while, though, black hair will start to mold itself and wrap easily into the direction it's regularly brushed into. By not using hot irons, this also gives black hair the opportunity to grow in its natural time.

PAGE 20

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Peoples tech How to fly an airplane Compiled by Richard Ihediwa with reports from Pilot Friend.com

Y

o u too can be a pilot. Just let them give you the plane; but what does it take to fly an aircraft?

Prior to beginning any aircraft operations, it is necessary to undertake a pre-flight check of the aircraft. Every aircraft should be provided with a checklist. Do this thoroughly with an expert before you engage. The checks are always enumerated in the pre-flight check list which should always be available in the cockpit.

Taxiing Most aircrafts, apart from helicopters taxi before take-off. The aircraft is steered on the ground by use of the rudder pedals. Application of left rudder pedal will cause the aircraft to turn left. The linkage between the nose wheel and the rudder pedals disconnects automatically on take-off.

Brakes The aircraft is braked by application of the toe brakes. These are at the top of each pedal. Care must be taken not to apply them at high speed on the runway, as this will result in a violent change of direction. Some older types have heel brakes. Here the positioning is reversed.

Moving-off To get an aircraft to begin to roll, initial inertia must be overcome.

Taxi slowly and avoid rough ground and potholes. When changing surfaces, say from tarmac to grass, approach at an angle to reduce any drop.

Whilst taxiing you should also check for correct operation of the turn co-ordinator, attitude indicator, direction indicator and compass. Taxi with the nose-wheel on the centre yellow line.

Takeoff and climb After taxiing to the holding point of the runway in use, the aircraft is aligned to about 45° to the runway and towards the wind.

Aligning the aircraft in this manner ensure that the prop wash created during the full power tests does not damage an aircraft that may be behind you.

Adjust your elevator trim to neutral. When this is completed, and clearance is given, the airplane is taxied to the centre of the runway and aligned with it.

The throttle is opened fully to start the takeoff run. During this takeoff run, the control wheel, or stick, is usually held in the neutral position, but the rudder pedals are used to keep the airplane on the runway's centreline. If the aircraft has a castoring nosewheel, small dabs of differential brake will be required until sufficient airspeed has been attained As takeoff airspeed is approached, gentle back pressure on the control wheel raises the elevator which causes the airplane's

Flying an airplane can be real adventure and fun nose to pitch upward slightly. This lifts the nose wheel off the runway.

Once the nose wheel is off the runway, the more right rudder will probably have to be applied to counteract the left-turning tendency which is greater once the aircraft leaves the ground. As the airplane lifts clear of the runway, the pilot varies the pressure on the control wheel. First, pressure is relaxed slightly to gain airspeed while still in ground effect. As airspeed increases to the best rateof-climb airspeed, back pressure on the control wheel is adjusted to maintain that airspeed until the first desired altitude is reached.

Once the runway is clear, the undercarriage is retracted and flaps are returned to neutral (clean) at about 300 feet.

Landing The landing is a transition from flying to taxiing. It demands more judgment and technique than any other maneuvers. More accidents occur during the landing phase than any other phase of flying.

Before the final approach is begun, the pilot performs a landing checklist to ensure that critical items such as fuel flow, landing gear down, and carburettor heat on are not forgotten. Flaps are used for most landings because they permit a lower- approach speed and a steeper angle of descent. This gives

the pilot a better view of the landing area. The airspeed and rate of descent are stabilized, and the airplane is aligned with the runway centreline as the final approach is begun.

The numbers on the runway are an important pointer whether you are going to overshoot or land short. If the numbers start to disappear under the aircraft's nose, you are landing long. If the number distance themselves from the aircraft's nose, you are landing short.

When the airplane descends across the approach end of the runway, power is reduced further.

Cockpit of an airplane

At this time, the pilot slows the rate of descent and airspeed by progressively applying more back pressure to the control wheel. The airplne is kept aligned with the centre of the runway mainly by use of the rudder.

Continuing back pressure on the control wheel, as the airplane enters ground effect and gets closer and closer to the runway, further slows its forward speed and rate of descent. In this condition, the airplane's main wheels will either "squeak on" or strike the runway with a gentle bump. With the wheels of the main landing gear

firmly on the runway, the pilot applies more and more back pressure on the control wheel. This holds the airplane in a nose-high attitude which keeps the nose wheel from touching the runway until forward speed is much slower.

The purpose here is to avoid overstressing and damaging the nose gear when the nosewheel touches down on the runway. At reduced speed, the back pressure is reduced and the nosewheel touch the runway gently. Once the airplane achieves taxiing speed, rules and techniques of taxiing begin to apply.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Healthy Living

PAGE 21

Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI) F

o r years, doctors have used height and weight measurements to assess a child's physical growth in relation to other kids the same age. Now, they have another tool: body mass index (BMI).

BMI is a calculation that uses height and weight to estimate how much body fat someone has.

Doctors use it to determine how appropriate a child's weight is for a certain height and age.

Calculating BMI You can use the BMI calculator below to determine your child's BMI, but it's also important to have your doctor perform regular BMI measurements. That way, you'll know the number is accurate and the doctor can discuss the results with you.

Tracking BMI Starting when your child is 2 years old, the doctor will determine BMI at routine checkups and plot this measurement on a chart against those of other kids the same age.

Because what is normal changes with age, doctors must plot children's BMI measurements on standard growth charts rather than using a universal normal range for BMI as is done with adults. They also use separate charts for boys and girls to account for differences in growth rates and amounts of body fat as the two genders mature.

That information is recorded in your child's medical record, and over several visits the pattern of measurements allows the doctor to track your child's growth.

BMI is particularly helpful for identifying kids and adolescents who are at risk for becoming significantly overweight as they get older. In older kids and teens, there is a strong correlation between BMI and the amount of body fat. So those with high BMI readings - and, probably, high levels of fat - are most likely to have weight problems when they are older.

By identifying these at-risk kids, doctors can monitor their

body fat carefully and try to prevent adult obesity through changes in eating and exercise habits.

What the figures mean BMI percentiles show how kids' measurements compare with others the same gender and age.

For example, if a child has a BMI in the 60th percentile, 60% of the kids of the same gender and age who were measured had a lower BMI. BMI is not perfect. For example, it's very common for kids to gain weight quickly - and see the BMI go up - during puberty. Your doctor can help you figure out whether this weight gain is a normal part of development or whether it's something to be concerned about.

Kids can also have a high BMI if they have a large frame or a lot of muscle, not excess fat. And a kid with a small frame may have a normal BMI but too much body fat.

Although BMI is not a direct or perfect measure of body fat, kids at or above the 95th percentile are considered obese, a term doctors use

to indicate excess body fat, which increases the risk of weight-related health problems.

Kids who measure at the 85th to 94th percentiles are considered overweight, because of excess body fat or high lean body mass. A child whose BMI is between the 5th percentile to 85th percentile is in the healthy weight range. A child with a BMI below the 5th percentile is considered underweight.

Also, it's important to look at the BMI numbers as a trend instead of focusing on individual numbers. Any one measurement,

taken out of context, can give you the wrong impression of your child's growth.

The real value of BMI measurements lies in viewing them as a pattern over time. That allows both doctor and parents to watch a child's growth and determine whether it's normal compared with that of other kids the same age.

While BMI is an important indicator of healthy growth and development, if you think your child may be gaining or losing weight too fast, talk to your doctor.

What emotional eating can do to your health

E

motional eating is when people use food as a way to deal with feelings instead of to satisfy hunger. We've all been there, finishing a whole bag of chips out of boredom or downing cookie after cookie while cramming for a big test. But when done a lot - especially without realizing it - emotional eating can affect weight, health, and overall well-being.

Not many of us make the connection between eating and our feelings. But understanding what drives emotional eating can help people take steps to change it.

One of the biggest myths about emotional eating is that it's prompted by negative feelings.

Yes, people often turn to food when they're stressed out, lonely, sad, anxious, or bored. But emotional eating can be linked to positive feelings too, like the romance of sharing dessert on Valentine's Day or the celebration of a holiday feast.

Sometimes emotional eating is tied to major life events, like a death or a divorce. More often, though, it's the countless little

daily stresses that cause someone to seek comfort or distraction in food.

Emotional eating patterns can be learned: A child who is given candy after a big achievement may grow up using candy as a reward for a job well done. A kid who is given cookies as a way to stop crying may learn to link cookies with comfort.

It's not easy to "unlearn" patterns of emotional eating. But it is possible. And it starts with an awareness of what's going on.

Getting help Even when we understand what's going on, many of us still need help breaking the cycle of emotional eating. It's not easy especially when emotional eating has already led to weight and self-esteem issues. So don't go it alone when you don't have to.

Take advantage of expert help.

Counselors and therapists can help you deal with your feelings.

Nutritionists can help you identify your eating patterns and get you on track with a better diet.

Fitness experts can get your body's feel-good chemicals firing

through exercise instead of food.

If you're worried about your eating, talk to your doctor. He or

she can make sure you reach your weight-loss goals safely and put you in touch with professionals

who can put you on a path to a new, healthier relationship with food.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

With Aunty A'isha

Traditionally, for a couple to be married in Yoruba land, there are two stages that they would go through: The ‘introduction’ This is the part of the ceremony where the groom’s family introduces themselves to the bride’s family, and asks for their daughter’s hand in marriage to their son. It would take place before the engagement ceremony or wedding.

Even though they are not

family is responsible for the preparations and costs, but if the groom’s family is able to, they can suggest helping out with some of the costs of the food. Both parties come out in traditional attire.

The groom’s family is expected to be on time for this event. If they are late, the bride’s family may ask them to leave, or to pay a price for being late.

Upon entrance into the bride’s home, the groom’s family kneels (the women do that) or prostrate

rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com 08082071393.

SHOR T ST OR Y SHORT STOR ORY

Sights and sounds Traditional mar ria ge marria riag cultur e in Yor uba land (I) culture oruba

PAGE 23

The Miser and the gold A miser sold all that he had and bought a lump of gold, which he buried in a hole in the ground by the side of an old wall and went to look at daily. One of his workmen observed his frequent visits to the spot and decided to watch his movements.

He soon discovered the secret of the hidden treasure, and digging down, came to the lump of gold, and stole it. The Miser, on his next visit, found the hole empty and began to tear his hair and to make loud lamentations.

A neighbor, seeing him overcome with grief and learning the cause, said, “Pray do not grieve so; but go and take a stone, and place it in the hole,

and fancy that the gold is still lying there. It will do you quite the same service; for when the

gold was there, you had it not, as you did not make the slightest use of it.”

AMAZING!

Amazing young role model!

M

Olopa iduro asking couple questions married yet, bride-to-be is referred to as the bride, and groom-to-be as the groom.

Those to participate in the marriage ceremony are: ·The groom and his family Iduro (this ·Olopa translates to ‘standing policeman’): A chosen speaker by the groom’s family; could be a family member, or hired for the occasion. ·The bride and her family ·Olopa Ijoko (this translates to ‘sitting policeman’): A chosen speaker by the bride’s family; could be a family member, or hired for the occasion. ·Others if the families so choose.

The introduction takes place at the bride’s house, and her

(the men do that) for the bride’s parents.

The groom’s family and the bride’s family sit on opposite sides of the room, with the bride and groom sitting closer to the center, and the olopa iduro and olopa ijoko sitting in the very middle.

The olopa iduro introduces the groom and his family to the bride and her family. He then brings a proposal letter from the groom’s family, usually tied with a pink ribbon, and gives it to the groom’s family, through the olopa ijoko. The letter is read out, and responded to verbally on the spot. Since this is mostly a formality, and it is already known that the couple will marry, there usually is not much rejection at this point.

Groom and his friends prostrates before the bride's family

ahatma Gandhi once said “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Harnoor started volunteering before most people have learned to ride a bike! At the age of three, he started selling chocolates for a local charity and participating in green initiatives for his school and community. Even at such a young age, Harnoor embraced his love of volunteering. “I continued to grow with my passion and dedication to my community while volunteering,” he said. “I also took every single step to help out the people in need.”

Over the ten years that Harnoor has been volunteering he has participated in many local and national organizations. “They mostly consist of environmental groups as well as charitable organizations,” Harnoor also uses his artistic talent to serve others. “I play drums and dance hip hop, bhangra, and bollywood to perform for charities.” So far he has used his music and dance talents to volunteer for 50 events in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada and in India.

Harnoor even received a Junior Citizen of the Year Award and the Municipal Award by his community for his outstanding service! “The coolest thing about being recognized in the community is that almost everyone in the whole town knows who you are.” And the reason for that is

Harnoor Gill, 13 year old Amazing Role Model!

Harnoor performing an Indian Punjabi dance at an open stage during the 2010 Big DADDY Festival in Georgetown, Ontario. “because of a great deed you are doing at such a young age volunteering,” Harnoor said.

Being recognized in his

community has also helped Harnoor build up self confidence and has pushed him to be more organized.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

PAGE 22

With Aunty A'isha

rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com 08082071393.

MODEL OF THE WEEK

AFRICAN TALES

The chief’s feast

T

he chief sent out messengers to announce that he would give a feast

and asked that each guest bring one calabash of palm wine. One man wanted to

attend very badly but he had no wine to bring.

His wife suggested that he buy the wine, but he said, “What?! Spend money so that I can attend a feast that is free?”

He thought to himself, “If hundreds of people were to pour their wine into the chief’s pot, could just one calabash of water spoil so much wine?”

The day of the feast came.

Everyone bathed and dressed in their finest clothes and gathered at the house of the chief. There was music and dancing. Each man, as he entered the chief’s compound, poured the contents of his calabash into the chief’s large earthen pot. The man also poured his water there and then greeted the chief.

When all the guests had arrived, the chief ordered his servants to fill everyone’s cup with wine.

The man was impatient, because his mouth watered for some sweet palm wine. At the chief’s signal, all the gusts put their cups to their lips and were surprised that what they tasted was water.

Each guest had though that his one calabash of water would not spoil a great pot of good palm wine, and so each one had brought water.

Mary Akogwu

KIDDIES MENU

ACTIVITIES

Making your own pancakes

Learning how to make your own crayons!

You will need: Flour, eggs Baking powder Butter, sugar Salt, milk Vegetable oil What to do Using a medium size bowl, measure flour into the bowl,

Add 1 tablespoonful of baking powder Break one egg into the flour Add 2 tablespoonful of butter Add 2 tablespoonful of sugar Add milk and a pinch of salt Add a glass of water.

Preheat a large fry pan on medium heat for about one minute.

You will know when the pan is hot enough when you drop a few drop of water on the fry pan and they dance and hiss! Once the pan is hot, add 1 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil.

You could use butter, but butter burns more quickly than vegetable oil so it can get a bit tricky if your pan gets too hot.

Using a ¼ cup measure, fetch some mixture, hold the cup about 2-3 inches from the surface of the pan, and pour the mixture into the pan.

Let the pancakes cook until you see all little bubbles on the surface of the pancake.

Using a spatula take a peep on the underside to see if they are ready to flip. They

should be beautifully browned.

Now cook the flip side until it is nice and brown. The flip side never gets quite as browned or looks quite as good as the top side. The flip side takes only about half the cooking time of the first side.

Don’t keep flipping the pancakes. Flip once and that’s it, Enjoy!

Take your old crayons & make new!

Broken crayons Heavy paper cup or microwavable plastic or glass container candy molds, or cookie cutters Microwave Parental help on this for the microwave!

Melt the crayons all blue together, all yellow, together etc.

When it’s melted pour the melted crayons in the mold!

For cookie cutters put foil on a cookie sheet, & pour the melted crayon in to the cookie cutter be sure not to let the cookie cutter move!

Then you have to let it set, you can stick put in freezer for faster drying! When you remove, pop

Use your newly made crayons to color the pictures in the box below

them out and you have your crayon back!

You can make these as gifts for birthday parties, or for friends!

NB: Kids will love to color with the crayons they made a great way to recycle those old crayons!

Using the different shapes makes it fun!

Be sure to help with the melting in the microwave

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Kannywood Saidi Balogun receives N4m Camry car as birthday gift

Lovely screen goddess Ini Edo stormed Nollywood over a decade ago and has continued to soar higher in fame. Only recently, the pretty diva delved into movie production and already her second flick, I Will Take My Chances is being applauded by industry watchers and fans alike. In this interview, she opens up on the new flick, marriage, scandal and passions among others:

Don Jazzy, D’Banj break-up rumour another publicity stunt?

N Saidi

ews broke like harmattan fire of Don Jazzy and his Mohits label vice-chairman, D’Banj parting ways, after about 8 years together.

Interestingly, since the gist broke online a few days ago, none of the duo have debunked or confirmed the story through any media, especially their twitter han-

dlers. There were reports that their label manager, Sunday Are has also not talked about the rumour as he usually does in the past. According to unconfirmed gist, it was learnt that this might just be another publicity stunt by Don Jazzy and D’Banj to sell the latter’s album release in June this year.

Fathia Balogun speaks on gains, pains of stardom S tar actress, Fathia Balogun, is the estranged wife of star actor, Saidi Balogun, whose name resonates in the walls of Nollywood close to two decades.

Fathia, who has moved on with her life after many years of separation from her actor hubby; Saheed, has been doing well in the industry as a single mother, she recounts some of the pains and gains attributed with stardom.

According to her “The gains, I’ve had a lot of gains.

Doors open because of your name. People call you to come and present one thing or the other. I’ve got so many awards both within and outside the country.

I appreciate myself and I appreciate those who appreciate me. We cannot be complete because we have blood flowing in our veins. I give glory to God that this job has given me a lot in my life.

“I’m not rich but I’m grateful to God, I’m

Nollywood

I only smoke in movies - Ini Edo

S

aidi Balogun’s Toyota Camry was stolen by armed robbers in 2010 and he’s been riding in taxis ever since. Fortunately for him, he relocated to Akure, Ondo State about a month ago on the invitation of the Ondo state government to be part of the entertainment activities marking the 3rd anniversary of the Governor’s administration. Some other Yoruba entertainers are also in the state.

One day Gov Mimiko saw the actor boarding a taxi and was surprised. When the Governor found out that one of his favourite actors does not have a car and it was his birthday in a few days, he directed his aides to take him to a car shop and get him a car.

Saidi got the 2011 Toyota Camry worth about N4million. He’s been in cloud 9 ever since.

comfortable.

My name has actually opened a lot of doors for me.

The pains are more than the gains but we don’t have a choice and like my mother will tell me, you chose the job so don’t complain. When I started my parents didn’t like it, especially my mother.

The bad press wasn’t just going down well with her.

It wasn’t going down well with me either because I could sit down in the house and cry from morning till night especially when it had to do with something I didn’t do or know about and then you find such on front cover of a publication and your kids can read”.

Fathia, who has gained prominence from participating in Yoruba flicks, has been able to prove herself worthy of roles in English speaking movies with her role in one of the episodes of popular soap opera, Super Story, and a couple of Nigerian movies in English Language.

Fathia

T

he premiere of I Will Take My Chances has come and gone.

What is the possibility of its success when it finally hits the cinema?

I am hopeful to God that it will succeed because it is a beautiful work. We are taking all the chances that we can get and hopeful that it will work.

How long did it take you to make this movie?

Two months. I did rehearsals for one month and then we shot for one month.

Do you have any stage experience?

Yes, I do because I studied Theatre Arts.

There is this notion that actors with stage experience are better actors. What is your take on that?

Yes, because apparently they have some sort of training. You have to be trained to be able to do stage. Stage is not like movie that anybody can dabble into. So there is some level of truth in that because of the kind of training they receive.

If you were not an actress, what other field would you have been in and do you think you would have excelled this much?

Yes, because I’m a serious minded person. Everything I set my mind to do, as long as I love it, I excel in it. But probably I would have been a lawyer or a newscaster.

In life we learn every day.

What is one new experience that you’ve come by of late?

Never to have high expectations of anyone.

How has marriage affected the kind of roles that you take now?

I try not to limit myself when I’m working. But I will not do soft porn. I never did soft porn even before I got married so it’s not something I will do now. I try to cut down on acts that may be offensive. Acting, to make it work, has to be as real as possible. So I would rather not do soft porn than to do it and not interpret it well.

What is it that can make you quit acting?

I honestly don’t know because acting is a passion. It gets to a point that it is no longer about the money; it’s about the love you have for the job.

PAGE 25

There is this saying that you don’t leave habit, habit leaves you. What are the habits that marriage has taken from you?

Pretty much nothing.

Do you still smoke?

Did I smoke? Because, you see me smoking on screen, I don’t smoke.

When are you going to start making babies?

Soon.

Are you scared of losing your physique?

No. When the time is right, I will make babies. I’m not afraid of losing my physique. Oh no! I love children. I can’t wait to have kids.

What is the worst scandal that has been written about you?

When a certain journalist wrote a drug story about me, I don’t want to revisit the story because it was very ridiculous.

How is it like combining work and being a wife?

My dear, it is not easy. We just try. I set my priority straight. I plan ahead and know when to be where and when not to be where. I don’t put too many things on the plate at the same time that might prevent me from doing certain things when I have to do them. I still do what a woman is supposed to do. I come back from work and cook.

How do you deal with emotional needs when you’re not with your hubby?

He’s always here and I’m always there when he’s not here.

Some emotional needs are quite distracting sometimes when you have something serious you’re doing. It’s not food (laughs).

What is your beauty routine like?

Basically, I try to keep my face clean. If I’m not working, or going for an event, I don’t wear makeup.

If I’m just around, I don’t have to make up. I try to keep my face clean. I don’t do facials. I used to but it doesn’t really work for me because it gives breakout. So, I wash, cleanse, scrub and moisturize.

Tell me about your role in your new movie?

My role carries the core message of the movie. My character is a girl who is possessed of a spiritual force from her ancestral lineage. In lieu of that, she has to serve the god of the land at the shrine. But she wants to go to school, she wants to fall in love and get married. The consequence of her failure to obey the custom of her land is death and she decides to take her chances, even if it leads to death.

What is the similarity between that character and the real Ini Edo? To be candid, there are some similarities. I’m a goal getter. When I really want something that I believe in, I go for it, not minding its challenges. If I believe I can do a thing and you say to me, you can’t, if it’s good and I am convinced that it has benefits, I will go for it and take my chances.

How long have you been in this industry? And would you say you’re fulfilled as an actress?

Over 10 years. I am fulfilled as an actress although I feel I’ve not gotten to where I’m going yet but so far I’m satisfied with where I am.

I’m content, but there is still an urge to push further.

So when did the love for acting come?

I used to love Wiliwili (laughs), though, I never saw the guy that acted it. I watched a lot of local dramas, Chinese and Indian films but I can’t really place the particular actor that ignited the interest for acting in me.

Tell us about growing up?

Growing up was fun but I was like the rough coin. I was always beaten. I constantly had injuries because I played rough thereby receiving beating from my parents.

I grew up in a very religious home and it stuck on me. I had good and bad times, economically and otherwise but at the end of the day, it prepared me for adulthood so to say.

How religious are you now?

Don’t try me o. I won’t say religious but I put God first in everything that I do. He’s the only one I always run to at the end of the day!

What would you say life has taught you?

To believe alone in yourself, trust nobody and hard work pays off.

How have you been able to keep this look?

I think I was prettier when I was much younger. I saw some of my old pictures and I was like wow! Was this me? How did I become like this?

I don’t know what I do really; not that I do so much. I work out as much as I can and try to eat right. I try to keep my skin colour by moisturizing and basically I try to be happy.

In an industry where a lot of actresses try to bleach or tone their skin, has it ever crossed your mind to tone a little?

I think it’s the most stupid thing to do. It’s a big sign of lack of confidence. And I have never been tempted to.

What is the craziest thing a fan has ever done to you?

Painted me!

What’s the best birthday gift you have ever received?

A car What do you look forward to getting this time?

I don’t know what he has in store for me. Whatever it is I will gladly accept it.

What was the attraction?

I don’t know what he was attracted to. But for me, he is a loving personality. He is very understanding and passionate. He’s been a strong pillar.

And how does he react to scandals?

He understands my profession and he knows that I have to do what I have to do. But naturally, you need to give a good explanation for whatever negative comments that come.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Hollywood/Bollywood 'Real Housewives' Star Kim Zolciak Records Country Song, 'Love Me First'

Z

o l c i a k is back with another single. How could Kim Zolciak possibly top her 2009 dance hit, "Tardy For the Party"? Well, she's trying.

The "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star has a new

song, a country ballad called "Love Me First," and a 57-second snippet of it was leaked on Monday.

"My new song is so emotional," Zolciak wrote on her Twitter page two days before she debuted

Kim Zolciak

the track, adding that the lyrics were autobiographical. In "Love Me First," she sings: "I'm running on empty, can't let it defeat me, I'm standing here a stronger woman making changes in my life. Now I'm learning every day, there isn't no other way, before I love somebody else, got to love me first."

Zolciak, 33, certainly has learned the lesson first-hand. Fans of "The Real Housewives" are well aware of the emotional rollercoaster she had been on with her supposedlymarried, super-rich secret boyfriend, known only as Big Poppa. But all that changed when she met Atlanta Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann in August 2010 at a dance competition featuring him against her cast mate, Sheree Whitfield. Now, less than two years later, the couple is married and parents to 9-month-old son, KJ. (Zolciak also has two daughters Brielle, 13, and Ariana, 10, from her first marriage.)

"Love Me First" was produced by Patrick GuiTarBoy and Jazze Pha and will be available on iTunes in a few weeks. The day before she released the snippet of the song, Zolciak tweeted that she had shot the album cover and that it was "amazing" and "So me."

Whitney Houston: Coroner urged to open murder investigation

T

h e r e is no evidence that any foul play was at work in the death of Whitney Houston.

But that did not stop Nancy Grace from speculating about whether someone played a role in her passing, and a new report claims it isn't stopping unidentified callers from pressing the

Los Angeles County Coroner's Office from opening up a murder investigation.

Sources said that several individuals - alleging to be relatives of either Houston or Bobby Brown - have contacted the office under the belief that the artist was murdered. One even claimed to possess evidence that

proved this theory, while another blamed a fellow relative for the homicide.

There's been no verification of identities and still no proof exists that point to anything but an overdose on pain medication and alcohol. The official cause of death will be determined when toxicology results are in.

Goldie's pleasant surprise for Sonali!!

T

h e beautiful Sonali Bendre was the show stopper for designer Siddhartha Tytler at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week 2012. She was surprised seeing her husband Goldie Behl at the show.

Sonali Bendre said, "He (Goldie) said he was not coming. It's a pleasant surprise."

The proud husband Goldie said, "Yes I wasn't expected. I didn't expect to attend, but we are both happy at this moment, and I thought of surprising her and to

congratulate Siddhartha."

Sonali Bendre, hardly walks the ramp for designers. However, since the actress has been wearing designer Siddhartha's designs for a few years now, she agreed to sashay the ramp.

"I don't walk the ramp normally but I have been wearing Siddharth's clothes for the last 4 to 5 years for all my shows from 'Indian Idol' to 'India's Got Talent'. I find them comfortable, I love his cuts and I love the way he uses colours. I like his work and the finish," Sonali said.

She further added, "This year when he asked, could you be my show stopper I could not say no to him."

Sonali Bendre looked like a million bucks, dressed in a black kneelength dress with an attractive sleeveless jacket which had colourful embroidery.

"She is wearing a jacket which has 30 panels. Each panel has been completely embroidered in different shapes. It was a fun piece to make but not an easy piece at all," designer Siddhartha said.

Nargis signs her second film?

I Houston

Sonali

f reports are to be believed, Rockstar heroine, Nargis Fakhri will be seen in Nikhil Advani next. Well, the actress will be cast opposite the handsome

Nargis Arjun rampal.

Nargis was in Goa with Shahid Kapoor, to celebrate his birthday. If rumors are to be believed, Shahid is said to be dating the Rockstar lady.

Reports also have it that Fakhri will be playing the lead role opposite Shahid Kapoor in the movie that will be scripted by Abbas Tyrewala and produced by Tips.

Bollywoodgossips.com

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

PAGE 27

Homes

Traditional living room deco

S

i n c e the living room is the place seen first and foremost by all guests - it is an important reflection of your taste and also creates an everlasting impression on their minds. For this reason, it is important to spare some time and make it a true reflection of your graceful personality. You may have been thinking hard recently about how to refurbish your house to spruce it up and make it smarter even as you depart from the boring modern living room which is commonly found in most homes around town, but don't know where to start? Worry not, for after going through this article you will have a fairly good idea of how and where to do the needful for giving that new look you so desire in your house.

If you think that your modern living room looks tedious, probably it is the right time for you to change its appearance by implementing the traditional living room design. In this case, you will be preoccupied to pick all of the items, accessories and the furniture. Traditional living

room is great and proper if you want to deliver formal atmosphere in the house. But there is no need for you to be strict with the design since you need to deliver some comfort and also convenience too in the traditional living room. The main ingredient to get the perfect traditional living room for the whole family is by mixing and matching some items until you can get the harmonious effect. Such action may benefit you since you can cut the cost for buying new items. In this write up, you are sure to get some tips that will aid you in achieving the traditional living room of your dream.

The first thing to consider is the kind of furniture and other decorations that you may need to place in your new traditional living room. In contrast to the modern furniture, you may need to express some curvy and intricate pattern on the furniture. If in the modern style, you will get simple line, easy design and also minimalist size, you should never deliver such quality in your new traditional furniture. For the sofa selection,

you may need to go to the store and find it with the design of curved back style. What about the selection of the table? The round shape table will be great and appropriate to accommodate the traditional living room quality. When you

want to place some accessories, you may need to get soft line which can deliver some detail appearance.

It is necessary to elaborate further on the items discussed above. For example, if you intend to put the family picture on the wall, you need to make sure that the frame is ornamented with some patterns. Thus, the attention of the people who come to your house is not only directed to the picture but also to the frame accent. What about the lamp in this traditional living room?

There are some types of lamps that you can apply here. Wall sconce will be a great shape since it can carry the classical look quite well. It will be more wonderful if you can get the wall sconce lamps which bracket is made from wrought iron material.

Traditional living room style

The next thing to concern about the traditional living room is the antique element that you should present. You do not have to spend lots of money on getting the furnishings done because second hand stores have most of these items and they come available in cheap prices.

Some of the decorative items that you may pick can be in the form of metal finished bowl, patterned candle holder, intricate chandelier, antique clock and some statues. As a final touch, you may need to think about the treatment of the window. It is important to express dramatic effect on your living room. You may need to select the curtain in heavy material but in rich and vibrant color. Remember also that the largest window is much preferable in this traditional living room. www.homeimprovementabout.com

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Cuisine

Pots & Pans

With Hajiya Ramatu Usman Dorayi

Give your Ghanaian friends a treat You do not have to travel to Ghana to savour some of that country's delicacies, like Nsonlo sutulu, or Kotokyim, they are simple recipes of fish, garden eggs, shrimps and jalapeno.

Nsonlo sutulu (Stewed fish) Ingredients: " 4 Medium perch fillet " 1/2 Teaspoon salt " 1 Tablespoon flour " 3 Tablespoons olive oil " 1 Small onion -- chopped " 1 Can tomatoes -- chopped " 1 Can tomato paste " 1/2 Teaspoon crushed red pepper " 2 Cups chicken broth " 1/4 Cup mint -- chopped Directions: Mix salt with flour and rub onto the fish. Saute fish in oil until lightly browned. Remove and set aside. Saute onion in same pan for 5 minutes.

Add tomatoes and saute for 5 minutes. Add tomato paste, red pepper and broth. Bring to simmer and cook for 25 minutes. Return fish to the sauce and bring back to a serving temperature. Serve fish topped with sauce, sprinkled with mint.

Sesew Froe (Shrimp Kotokyim (Crab stew) and eggplant) Ingredients: " 1 Medium eggplant -- peeled and cubed " 1 Cup boiling water " 1 Teaspoon salt " 1 Can tomatoes -- chopped " 1 Bunch green onion -chopped " 2 Medium Jalapeno -chopped " 1 Pound shrimp " Salt -- to taste " 1/2 Teaspoon ginger " 1 Can tomato paste " 1/4 Cup parsley -- chopped

" 2 Tablespoons olive oil Directions: Place eggplant in water with salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Drain and set aside. Saute onions and peppers in oil for 10 minutes.

Add tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Sprinkle shrimp with salt. Let stand for 10 minutes. Add shrimp and 1 cup water to the pot.

Simmer until shrimp are done.

Add ginger and tomato paste. Stir well, add eggplant and simmer for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with rice.

JalapeĂąo is a medium-sized chili pepper that has warm, burning sensation when eaten

Description Ingredients: " 1 Medium onion -- chopped " 3 Medium jalapeno -- chopped " 2 Tablespoons olive oil " 1 Can tomatoes -- chopped " 1 Pound crab meat -- cooked " 1/2 Teaspoon pepper " 1/2 Teaspoon salt " 1 Cup tomato juice " 1/4 Cup parsley -- chopped Directions: Saute onions and peppers in oil for 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Add crab, salt, pepper and tomato juice.

Simmer for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve over rice.

Add sugar to corn when boiling to bring out the natural sweetness

COOKING TIPS

-When boiling corn on the cob, add a tablespoon of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness.

-To prevent egg shells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water when hard-boiling.

-Potatoes will take food stains off of your fingers.

Just slice and rub the raw potato on your skin and rinse with water. Just the same, if you're peeling shrimp or cleaning fresh fish and you don't want the smell to remain on your hands all day, squish a few fresh strawberries between your fingers for a minute or two, and then rinse with soap and water. " When marinating food keep these guidelines in mind: Certain foods like vegetables or chicken soak up marinades quicker than red meat. For chicken, shrimp, fish or vegetables, 3-4 hours is usually good in the refrigerator. With red meat, 6 hours works nicely, overnight works the best.

" When chopping or cutting up onions, breathe through your mouth instead of your nose to keep from tearing more. The smell and the chemicals inside of the onions is what makes your eyes burn. " Frozen spinach - after thawing spinach squeeze the water out of it to prevent the water coming out during the cooking process. This may adversely affect your recipes with the amount of liquid that is released.

You can squeeze it by hand, or you can press it against the side of a colander. Lay the spinach onto paper towels afterwards, to soak up any excess moisture. " Fresh mushrooms naturally contain water, so stir them constantly while sauteing to cook off excess moisture. Excess liquid results in weaker flavour. " When grating cheese, spray the surface of the grater with cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking. Or you can use vegetable oil lightly.

PAGE 29

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Womanhood

I started as a Traffic Officer, now I’m ace broadcaster —Rita Eghujovbo T

h e road to the top as they say is full of thorns. How did you start the journey that has brought you this far?

I am a pioneer staff of Hot FM which will clock seven years later this month. I started as a Traffic Officer and that was like a very low position but I was just two years out of school then, and I think I knew what I wanted. I believed in the organisation I was joining and I was not scared to take a step with Mrs. Chris Anyanwu leading the way since she is a core professional and surely, she gave us the necessary solid foundation we needed to build our careers and to grow. I learnt a lot at each stage through this process, moved from one department to the other and presently, I am not just a manager but I am also working in the programmes department.

I hosted the Morning Show on Hot Fm for close to five years before I left it to do core programming like the Birthday Show and Dateline Abuja which I co-produce and present as well. It's been seven years of fun being in the broadcast industry especially on radio. You have to know what you are doing especially as things are changing everyday and the competition is getting stiffer from within and from without so for you to remain relevant, it takes being on top of your game always.

This is what I have always done relentlessly.

On your job, you are called the Queen of the Airwaves.

How did you earn for yourself that acronym?

My colleagues call me the 'Queen of the Airwaves' because of my ability to master the intrigues and varieties that crop up so often in a broadcaster's daily romance with the microphones in the sound proof radio studios.

Like I said earlier, my keen commitment to hosting the Birthday Show in the morning belt of the station and effectively co-producing and presenting 'Dateline Abuja' helped a lot to make me a household name and symbol of excellence amongst my peers and fans who are spread in clusters around the Federal Capital Territory, and the North Central States of Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi and parts of Kaduna State which is the reach of my current stable, 98.3 Hot FM. What are the challenges you encounter on the job and

Women can excel in any chosen career as long as they choose to persevere to stay on top of the competition. This is the view of Rita Eghujovbo, a Manager, Co-producer and Presenter of 'Dateline Abuja' with the Hot FM 98.3, Abuja. In this interview with Miriam Humbe, the Marketer, Communications and Advertising Consultant, and hostess of the popular Birthday Show on Hot FM station speaks on the challenges of staying afloat, family life and more. Excerpts:

Rita Eghujovbo

how do you overcome them?

There may be challenges but I think why I don't feel them is because I enjoy my job. The advertising business for instance, is thought to be more of a man's job but when you are worth your salt, when you know what you are doing, it is difficult for people to push you around. They may look at you and say, oh that woman, but when you speak and make presentations and prove to all that you know your onions, they will respect you for that.

Apart from that, I don't think there are challenges on the job that I can't surmount. The major challenge of a woman in broadcasting or advertising is

that you have to be 300 times better than the man on the job because people have this erroneous belief that it is a man's world when it comes to certain professions or jobs. So you have to work harder to let people know that you are worth your onions because it is what you are capable of delivering that earns you respect in the eyes of everyone and says a lot about who you are.

As women, we have to think of motherhood and all that but I was doing the morning show and waking up at 5: AM even when I was pregnant. That was a bit challenging. But like I said, if you love the job you are doing, no matter how tight your schedules

are, you programme yourself in order to meet your goals. When I am in the office at eight o'clock in the morning, I know that by four o'clock later in the day, I have school runs to do so I have to programme my work and time such that I do what I am supposed to do and at the right time. It is a matter of strategically planning your time. If you don't plan, that is when you have a big problem.

In my career, one of the things that have worked for me is effective time management.

For young women who plan to go into broadcasting, what are they supposed to do?

I will say to them, just be good.

There is something that one of my lecturers taught me in the first lecture I had with her at the University of Benin, when she said, 'I am going to speak specifically to the ladies. Read your books. Know what you are doing. If you get your scores right, no lecturer can victimise you'. And it is only the student who does not read who will go and meet a lecturer and say, 'what are we going to do?' Then later you turn around and say you are being victimised. So the bottom line is, do your work well. In the broadcasting industry, when you are good, you are good. Broadcast stations are coming up everywhere but when they know you are good, they will keep you.

There is competition with lots of people looking for jobs so you have to work hard to impress your employers. You have to build

your career first of all, deemphasising money. Money will come when you put in your best.

At the moment, it is pleasing to know that the women are taking over the world of broadcasting with the likes of Eugenia Abu of NTA, Tosin Dokpesi of AIT and so on.

How do you cope with being a mother, wife and corporate woman?

That's a lot but like I said earlier, it all boils down to time planning. And I must say I am lucky to be married to the best man on planet earth. He is always hands-on and there for the kids and me. He is not the kind of man who will say 'you are the woman, you have to do this and you are not supposed to do that'. He gives me all the necessary support. He is interested in my career so I am able to forge ahead because of the firm support from my husband.

In the morning, he knows the kids have to go to school by 7: 30, and I have to go off to work too. So when I need that helping hand to get things done at home, he is always there for me. My kids are also very supportive because they are very stress less and that makes my job a whole lot easier. I am glad to be their mother.

If you were not into broadcasting, what else would you rather be doing?

Ah! I think I would be lecturing. When I finished school, I had a job offer as a lecturer in my department because I finished there with the best result but of course, I followed my heart because my husband was in Abuja so I had to join him. I have done TV before. I started broadcasting when I was at school. So naturally, I tilted towards broadcasting when I left school and when I heard of Hot FM, I said well, that should be a good place to learn and that's why I came here.

“

My colleagues call me the 'Queen of the Airwaves' because of my ability to master the intrigues and varieties that crop up so often in a broadcaster's daily romance with the microphones in the sound proof radio studios.

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012 Do you have old pictures for memories?

Send them to peoplesdailyweekend@yahoo.com

From the Archives

Nigeria used pounds and shillings in the 1970s before introducing naira and kobo

A Christmas card in the 1960s

Kano Central Hotel with Citroen DS (Nigeria, Africa)

Ukonu’s club was favourite TV show in the 1970s

The Central Hotel was one of the few places to eat in Kano in the 1960s. There were many Europeans who worked in Kano, either in commerce or employed by the Nigerian Government. Usaully they lived in bungalows, but most would have spent the first night after their arrival at the Central Hotel.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

PAGE 31

Learning BOOK REVIEW

Rhythms of life and death SUMAILA UMAISHA's review of IFY OMALICHA's collection of poems, Now That Dreams Are Born, published by Kraftgriots, 2011. grabbed the message at the first reading, he begins to see other hidden layers of imports and connotations unfolding in the subsequent reading of the same works.

Thematically, the poems cut across every facet of human situations, particularly the place of man in the celestial and material scheme of things.

While speaking of life and death, the image of mother and

T

h e Nigerian literary scene is fast becoming famous for churning out promising writers.

Ify Omalicha, a master's degree holder in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan, is a veritable proof of this fact. Her new collection of poems, Now that Dreams are Born, does not only portray her as an imaginative poet but a promising writer on a highway to international limelight.

This collection, which is the third of her poetry works, could be described as the best of her works so far in terms of the packaging and the contents.

Kraftgriots publisher, no doubt, did an extra work on the book; very artistic cover design and reader-friendly prints on quality paper. The 64 poems of varying lengths and forms, covering 130 pages, are great works of arts in every sense of the word. Usually in a collection of this size one would find many pieces that are substandard.

But this collection seems to break that ugly rule; every poem is worth the space it occupies, making every page of the book a delight.

Poetry accessibility has always been a subject of debate.

While some critics feel the more difficult a poem is the more it portrays the intellectual stuff the poet is made of, others feel the less inaccessible a poem is the more popular the poet and the poem would be. In this collection, Omalicha seems to balance the equation; she is simple without being simplistic and deep without being difficult. In fact, some of the works are so deceptively straightforward that just when the reader thinks he has

child runs through most of the lines. On page 30 to 31, for instance, two poems, 'My Mother's Sweetness' and 'Nnenne m' speak of mother's love for her child. In the same vein, 'The Child and the Coo Coo Bird' (p.48), 'They say I'm Lost' (p.106), drive home the vital roles of the mother in the life of the child.

Some critics have observed that Omalicha's style of writing bears a striking resemblance to that of the renowned poet, John Pepper Clark. 'The Child and the Coo Coo Bird' seem to confirm the assertion, for, both in form and content this poem sounds like Clark's famous 'Streamside Exchange'.

Like most writers, Omalicha draws her inspiration from personal experiences, hence some of the poems in this collection read like versed autobiographies. The poems, 'When I was Born' (p.27) and 'Passing Through this Door' substantiate this reality. The second stanza of 'When I was Born' reads: She called me Omalicha The name of a beautiful soul Chanted to bring forth the season of rain When I was born.

Those who know the poet would agree that the struggle, hope and determination expressed in 'Passing Through this Door' is quite characteristic of her. These traits could be seen in her struggles as a student in the University of Ibadan, in her performances as a professional theatrical performer and, above all, in her production of this unique collection.

Apart from the themes, which are universal, timeless and particularly relevant to

ICT ESSENCE

Desktop vs Laptop computers

H the prevailing social realities, the poet's application of poetic devices also contributes to the artistic finesse of the work.

Techniques like alliteration, personification, oxymoron, etc, are appropriately deployed towards making the collection a rare work of art.

Omalicha is equally very experimental in her forms; some of the poems are written in such a way that their structures add to the imagery of work. A good example is the second stanza of the poem, 'I Am Running' (page 80): I am run n i n g R u nn ing out of ant-holes Into boundless meadows….

With this form, the reader could 'actually see' the running - helter-skelter - out of ant-holes!

If a picture speaks more than a thousand words, as they say, then Omalicha's form speaks more than a thousand verses.

In terms of language, the poet's style is equally exceptional; she writes in standard and pidgin English as well as Igbo, her native language. Some of the poems, like 'Chere m' (p.89) and 'Kpam Kpam' (p.90) are written entirely in Igbo, while 'Wetin I dey Talk?' is written in pidgin.

While some critics may see her use of indigenous language as a shortcoming that tends to block readers who do not understand Igbo from enjoying the entire collection, other might view it as an aesthetic spice that offers those educated only in the Igbo language the opportunity to share in the noble messages of the poet.

By and large, this work is a must-read, because, as the famous poet, Niyi Osundare, put it, it is "informed by a wise, rooted consciousness…" capable of appealing to the intellect and emotion of both literary scholars and the reading public. In this book, Omalicha has indeed given us "a voice to cherish and dreams to share".

Source: NewNigerian

e y ! Who says laptops are stronger than desktop computers?

Oh! you mean desktops occupy space than laptops? Why don’t you check out the costs of each and decide which one the size of your pocket will smile at!

Now lets’ see. Deciding which type of computer to go for is often a decision that most aspiring users face on a daily basis. We tend to enter the computer sales shop without first asking questions on what the aims and objective of having this smart machine are and what one intends to achieve with it.

Although it is a matter of choice to some while others depend on the type of occupational activities they are into, the first thing that must come to one’s mind is his or her computer related demands. If you are the type that travel a lot and always in need to access a computer, laptop is the only way to be more efficient.

Laptops provide portability in terms of size and can even fit into anywhere in your suitcase and hand bags while desktop computers provide you with all you need but from a fixed location.

Portability, which is a huge benefit of a laptop computer also allow you to take your computer to and from work, on

planes, on leisure trips and practically anywhere else.

However, along with this benefit comes a large drawback. It is just as easy to for someone else to walk off with your life long works on the laptop.

Laptops are stolen at an alarming rate, because of this so-called portability, which make it easy to pick up and zap!

Another major dilemma about laptops is that they are expensive to fix when they start having problems. On the other hand, desktops are easier and cheaper to fix.

Laptops are usually more expensive than desktop computers. In fact you can buy two strong and powerful desktop computers with the cost of one single laptop, but what’s the worth of it, simply because you can go to leisure parks and beaches, enter taxies while typing your documents and all that merry-go-round-techwork!.

However, we should not ignore that a desktop computer has several advantages over a laptop. First, the sensitivity of desktop is far friendlier than a stern laptop. Even at the slightest shock can render a laptop redundant. Secondly, you don’t have to break a bank simply because you want to buy a computer for your needs; desktop computers are not as

With Bello Abdulázeez

expensive as laptops. Thirdly, cost of repairs, maintenance and services are not as expensive as laptops. You can simply replace any faulty part of the desktop, unlike laptop that will require the service of an authorized service centre and pay a good amount to get it fixed.

However, laptops seem to have a very good advantage over desktop computers when it comes to energy saver. This is because they are equipped with long lasting battery life.

As for desktops, everything goes off. Sorry, if you did not save your work, then it will be as if you are dreaming. The only solution is to buy additional UPS to support your desktop from sudden power outage and other power related problems.

A tip for you! When buying a computer system, make sure you choose wisely, test run it, but from a reliable computer sales centre. Refurbished ones are out there on the street, don’t fall victim. Make sure you check all the available labels for their originality and specifications.

If you are not sure of which specifications to purchase, ask the experts.

Next week, we will be digging into what to watch out for when buying a new laptop computer.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

PAGE 32

F Nollywood elegance outside the stage

T

he movie industry in Nigeria boasts of not just highly talented actors and actresses but a combination of beauty, brains and sophistication as embodied in Nollywood, a household name in the movie industry. Ranging from the classy, elegant and exotic, Nollywood artistes have all it takes to also move the Nigerian fashion and keep your eyes rolling.

Ramsey Noah

Desmond Elliot

Dakore Ebguson Akande

(Above) Ramson Noah looks relaxed and great in his semi Indian and Arabian attire though without a signature head gear which gives him a dint of staying at home. The cream chest down blends with to richly decorated top and the black sandals to march.

(Above) Desmond Elliot looks cool and really exquisite in this cream colour suit, blue bow tie and black shirt. This corporate look is stunning and Elliot has all it takes with his dark complexion and low cut to go anywhere, office or social events.

(Left) Dakore Akande looks very elegant in her richly embellished blue wrapper and cream top and headgear. Her red beads and cream hand fan give a regal look.

Just the right stuff for her wedding.

The combination of colours and style, cut the picture of truely Nigerian woman.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

PAGE 33

Business

A printing press rolling out newspapers

Jonathan inaugurates N6.3 bn Makurdi water plant

By Augustine Aminu with agency report

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan on Friday inaugurated the Makurdi water treatment plant constructed at the cost of N6.3 billion.

The project, a joint venture between the state and the Federal Government, was initiated by the former governor of the state, Sen. George Akume, in 2002.

The project was later re-awarded to another contractor, Gilmor Construction, in 2008 at the cost of N6.3 billion by the administration of

Mr. Gabriel Suswam.

Jonathan, who commended the governor for identifying water as a prime need of his people, expressed a willingness to partner with the state to achieve its development goals.

The president assured the governor that the Federal Government would support the reticulation programme of the water plant to ensure that the people were served clean and potable water.

Earlier, the governor had appealed to the Federal Government to pay up its outstanding N800 million for the project.

Suswam said he was motivated to execute the project because “for 30

years Makurdi has existed without water in spite of its position near river Benue.”

He said the state government had spent N4.2 billion on the project while the Federal Government paid N2 billion.

Suswam said that the project was the first of its kind in the country.

In his remark, the Senate President, David Mark, commended Suswam for making water a priority.

Earlier, the Director of the construction firm, Mr. Avi Baccasis, said the plant had an installed capacity of 100,000 cubic metres and was designed to pump 50,000 cubic metres

daily.

He said the pumping capacity of the plant was higher than the daily water needs of the city, which was 47,000 cubic metres daily.

He said the treatment plant would pump water to Makurdi residents in line with international standards.

Some of the dignitaries at the inauguration ceremony were the Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, and the Minister of Trade and Industry, ,Mr. Samuel Ortom.

Others were, the governor of Plateau, Mr. Jonah Jang, Sen. Barnabas Gemade and members of the state executive council.

N1 bn agric loans: Abia poultry farmers reject conditions

P

oultry farmers in Abia have rejected the conditions for the disbursement of the N1 billion agricultural loans being processed by the state government for its farmers.

Mr. Uzomba Ekwuruibe, the Chairman of the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), Umuahia branch, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia on Thursday that the conditions attached by the bank were stringent.

Mr Silas Akajiemeli, the Head of the agriculture desk in the bank had

during a meeting with the farmers read out major conditions for the farmers to access the loans.

Some of the conditions were that the loans would be given at once as inputs and not cash and that they would attract single-digit interest payable upfront.

Ekwuruibe faulted the modalities worked for the repayment, describing them as being toward the interest of the financial institution and detrimental to the farmers.

“The modalities for the

disbursement are such that the bank, through Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, will disburse inputs instead of cash.

“We have expressed our doubts because loans are given in cash and in tranches instead of disbursement in a single swoop.

“The danger is that if the inputs have defect, the farmers will not be able to repay the loan and the bank will come after them,” he said.

Ekwuribe argued that it would be

better for the farmers to be given cash in tranches so that they would bear whatever defect that might arise in the course of the exercise.

“If they insist, we may go along with them but if anything happens to the contrary they should not hold any farmer responsible for not being able to repay,” he said.

He, however, commended the state government for “its bold steps” to ensure that farmers in the state benefited from the facility like their counterparts elsewhere.

Farmer identifies challenges of irrigation farming

M

alam Yakubu Kabiru, a farmer at Gwadabawa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, on Friday identified lack of modern farming inputs as the major setback in irrigation farming.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that the Federal Government needed to formulate a policy that would ensure availability of required inputs at government-controlled rates.

Kabiru said that the rural farmers were fully prepared to boost irrigation farming, if necessary inputs like machines and fertilisers were provided.

He explained that irrigation system of farming would enhance food production in the country.

“With irrigation farming, onion, tomatoes, carrot and various vegetable can be produced for local consumption and export.”

The farmer said irrigation would also enhance self employment.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Business News NIS generates N10.2 billion in 2011

T

h e Nigeria Immigrations Service (NIS) has generated N10.2 billion from its services to the public in 2011.

The services include issuance of passports, re-entry visas, re-entry permits, ECOWAS residence cards and ECOWAS travel certificates, among others.

The Assistant-Comptroller of the Service, Mr. Joachim Olumba, disclosed this at a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja in reaction to media reports that the NIS was not remitting the exact revenue generated to government.

Olumba, who described the reports as “erroneous and misleading,” said that out of the amount, N7.2 billion went to technical partners and service providers, while approximately N3 billion was remitted to government coffers.

“The media reports under reference here emanated from a recent submission of the Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Mrs Rose Uzoma, to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Interior during the 2012 Fiscal Budget Defence.

“The reports contain some obvious misrepresentation and misinterpretation, hence, it is imperative to set the records straight,” Olumba said.

He said that the total number of 773, 642 standard e-passports and 3,580 official e-passports were paid for at the local unit price of N8, 750 and N4, 500, respectively.

“It is quite pertinent to remark here that the unit cost of e-passport ranges from N4,900 to N5,191 (which varies due to element of foreign costs taking cognisance of the volatility in foreign exchange rate), excluding the technology fee of N1,250 deducted from each epassport sold,” he said.

The spokesman said that the technology fee was the amount shared among partners and the NIS. He said that the revenue generated by NIS in local currency, most of which were earned from issuance of e-passports were duly appropriated as the management complied fully with the relevant financial regulations and all agreements.

L-R Minister of State for Finance Dr. Yerima Lawal Ngama, Minister of State for Power, Arc. Darius Ishaku, Minister of Power, Prof.

Barth Nnaji and Delta state Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan during the meeting of Niger Delta Power Holding Company, held at Presidential Villa Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye.

FG approves N30bn for farmers enhancement scheme nationwide —Official

T

he Federal Government has approved N30 billion for the implementation of Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) to Small Scale farmers in the country, an official said.

Abba Auchan, the Deputy Director, Quality Control, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Beti Village, Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

Auchan, who represented the Minister of Agriculture, Akin Adesina, at the inauguration of the trial version of the scheme, said the fund would run for four years.

“A total of N30 billion has been approved by the Federal Government for the programme and it will run for

the next four years.

“In each year, five million farmers will be targeted; next year, another five million farmers; and we hope that may be by the time we have seen the success, the government may go the extra mile to reach out to more farmers.

“The total subsidy quantum of between 50 per cent - 25 per cent will be borne by the states that have opted to participate in the programme, and 25 per cent contribution will be from the Federal Government.”

He explained that the programme was targeted at five million farmers all over the country and that each farmer was expected to receive one bag of Urea and another bag of NPK fertiliser.

“This means a total of 10 million bags of fertilisers will be distributed to

the farmers during the wet season.

“So, what we are doing now, we are just doing the trial with the wet season farmers and by the time the programme is fully appreciated and fully understood, then we may extend to the dry season farmers.”

Auchan said that plans were on to make irrigation farmers and those participating in the Fadama III programme to benefit from the scheme.

He said that small scale farmers are the main target at the moment and they would benefit a lot from the programme, which included availability, accessibility and affordability of agricultural inputs.

“The essence of the programme is three-dimensional; one, is to improve the availability of fertiliser to the

farmers; secondly, to improve the accessibility of farmers to fertiliser and then thirdly, to address the issue of affordability.

“Because we all know that farmers are resource poor, so they need some support. So, the government is coming up with the programme to support the farmers.

“By so doing, farmers can increase their productivity and at the same time increase their own income, a system of channelling subsidy direct to the farmers through using mobile phone.

“But, we know there may be problem here and there after the registration and the identification of the farmer by the time the full programme takes off all over the country. (NAN)

Forbes 2012: Dangote remains the richest man in Africa

C

e m e n t mogul Aliko Dangote was weekend for the second year running named the richest man in Africa by Forbes magazine with an estimated fortune of $11.2 billion. Dangote who is number 76 on the top 100 world billionaire list took a quantum leap from earnings of $2.1 billion in 2009.

According to Forbes Magazine, a total of 18 Africans cutting across diverse economic interests made the billionaires list. The Globacom boss, Dr. Mike Adenuga was also on the list of the richest in the world with a total wealth value of $4.3 billion.

Nicky Oppenheimer & family, from South Africa came a distance second with earnings of $6.8 billion.

…Adenuga also on Forbes list An Egyptian, Nassef Sawiris worth $5.1 billion came third in Africa while Johann Rupert & family with $5.1 billion came fourth.

Dangote is the President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, a leading pan African conglomerate with interests in cement, flour, sugar, salt, steel, transport, real estate as well as petrol chemical.

The Group in February opened a new $1 billion cement plant in Ibese Ogun State. With the Commissioning, Dangote Cement’s total capacity will became 20.25m

metric tonnes per annum. Obajana produces 10.25 million metric tonnes per annum while Gboko Plant has an installed capacity of four million metric tons.

The opening of the new cement plant reputed to be the largest in Africa is putting Nigeria in the world map as not only a producer of the vital commodity but also a net exporter in months to come.

At the commissioning of the new plant, Dangote said “We are marking the closing ceremony of cement import in Nigeria with the coming on stream of our Ibese cement plant

which will be producing a combined six-million tons per annum from its initial two lines while additional two lines will be added immediately to increase its production to 12 million tons per annum.”

According to him, the desire of the Dangote Cement is to ensure the country not only move away completely from export of certain commodities, of which cement is one, but to strengthen the local production capacity to make her exporting nation and increase her foreign reserves.

Said he; “Our long term

ambition is to develop 46 million metric tons of production and terminal capacity in Africa by 2015.

We want to become a truly panAfrican champion in the sector, capable of competing globally with the largest cement companies in the world.”

Dangote’s current project in cement manufacturing is to further extend his consortium across Africa.

Its cement business which has generated revenues of US$3 billion in 2010, already reaches 14 African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, the DRC, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

PAGE 35

Digest

REVEALED

How America's secret space plane has been in orbit for over a year - and no one knows what it's doing

Keeping watch: An artist's rendition of the X-37B shuttle orbiting the Earth

This computer image shows the space plane re-entering Earth. Although it resembles a small space shuttle it is not designed to carry humans. It's wingspan is a mere 4.5m with a length of 8.9m. It is powered by batteries and solar cells

T

he X-37B has been circling the Earth at 17,000mph and was due to land in California in December The U.S Air Force's highly secret unmanned space plane was supposed to stay in space for nine months, but it's now been there for a year and three days - and no one knows what it's doing.

The experimental craft has been circling Earth at 17,000 miles per hour and was due to land in California in December.

However the mission of the X-37B orbital test vehicle was extended - for unknown reasons.

The plane resembles a mini space shuttle and is the second to fly in space.

The first one landed last December at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California after more than seven

months in orbit.

The 29-foot, solarpowered craft had an original mission of 270 days.

The Air Force said the second mission was to further test the technology but the ultimate purpose has largely remained a mystery.

The vehicle's systems program director, Lieutenant-colonel Tom McIntyre, told the Los Angeles Times in December: 'We initially planned for a nine-month mission. Keeping the X-37 in orbit will provide us with a d d i t i o n a l experimentation opportunities and allow us to extract the maximum value out of the mission.'

However, many sceptics think that the vehicle's mission is defence or spy-related.

There are rumours circulating that the craft has been kept in space to spy on the new Chinese space station, Tiangong.

However, analysts have pointed out that surveillance would be tricky, since the spacecraft would rush past each other at thousands of metres per second.

And Brian Weeden, from the Secure World Foundation, pointed out to the BBC: 'If the U.S. really wanted to observe Tiangong, it has enough assets to do that without using X-37B.' Last May, amateur astronomers were able to detect the orbital pattern of the first X-37B which included flyovers of North Korea, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan, heightening the suspicion that the vehicle was being used for surveillance.

Mystery tour: The mission of the X-37B space plane was extended after it spent nine months orbiting the Earth

Mystery: Scientists work on a prototype for the rocket prior to its launch Other industry analysts have speculated that the Air Force is just making use of the X-37B's amazing fuel efficiency and keeping it in space for as long as possible to show off its credentials and protect it from budget cuts.

After all, under budget cuts for 2013 to 2017 proposed by the Obama administration, the office that developed the X-37 will be shut down.

According to X-37B manufacturer Boeing, the space plane operates in lowearth orbit, between 110 and 500 miles above earth.

By comparison, the International Space Station orbits at about 220 miles.

The current flight launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in March.

Source: Daily mail

Lift off: The X-37B sits on top of an Atlas V rocket as it's launched at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

OUR MISSION “To be the market place of ideas and the leading player in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the truth, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards while delivering value to our stakeholders”

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

CHAIRMAN MALAM WADA MAIDA, OON, FNGE EDITOR, DAILY AHMED I. SHEKARAU

DIRECTOR/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RUFA’I IBRAHIM CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ALI M. ALI

ACTING EDITOR, WEEKEND RICHARD IHEDIWA

GM PUBLICATIONS ABDULAZEEZ ABDULLAHI

HEAD, ADVERT/MARKETING HUSSAINI ABDULRAHMAN, CNA HEAD, SPECIAL PROJECTS ABDU LABARAN MALUMFASHI

MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

“To be a reputable, profitable, innovative and technologically reliant media company offering world class services and products”

Empower the traditional institutions now!

Re: Sovereign wealth fund

G

overnment comes and goes but the traditional institution has remained an integral framework of our history and the bedrock of our nation’s democracy. No government can work harmoniously without the assistance of the tradition institutions because these institutions have remained the pulse of the people and an enduring part of our cultural heritage. No society progresses without defined cultural norms and values which regulate the activities of its people.

Politically, looking at the history of Africa shows that countries without defined structures for the traditional institution do not last and are much prone to wars and civil strife. Coming back to the crux of the issue in Nigeria is the empowerment of the traditional institution which many see as a constitutional role for our royal fathers which is long overdue as government officials come and go with pronouncement and promises without doing anything tangible to resuscitate the rights of the royal fathers which has been bastardized over the years by politicians merely for their selfish gains. It is only when there are crises or a problem that we realise the importance of the institution as a rallying point for Nigerians. But if the truth must be told, it should not be so. Nigeria should have been able to emulate civilized societies like Great Britain, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia etc and our next door neighbor Ghana, that has a legislative chambers for both local and upper cadre for traditional rulers i.e. they have enshrined constitutional roles for traditional rulers and that is why today, Ghana is where it is because people aspiring to contest or be voted for in any elections are scrutinized by traditional rulers, district heads or elders of his community before he or she is appointed. It goes to show that it is only those with integrity who can scale such hurdles to become an appointee.

What we are experiencing today, the Boko Haram insurgency, the Niger Delta militants, OPC, and others would have been a thing of the past if community leaders/ traditional institutions were empowered.

All these nomenclatures would have been nipped in the bud and confined to the dustbin of history during their infancy stages. But we now have a situation where the traditional rulers are just mere figure heads, with no funds or administrative powers to back up whatever they intend to do within their domain.

The history of Nigeria’s creation itself must be taken into consideration if

WRITE TO US

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Email: letters@peoplesdaily-online.com meaningful development will be achieved.

Issues like security, dispute resolution, health, education, sanitation, social development and judicial authorities and others are all in the kitty of traditional rulers then and both the issue of land which has become the bane of the Nigerian society. In times past, the institution had all the powers to coordinate information regarding any issue from their various clan heads or emirs and this information were processed to avail peaceful co-existence and mutual love for one another in their respective domains. Funds were given to traditional rulers including the authority for the security of lives and property were also part of the administrative responsibilities of traditional rulers and at no time were there any misgivings or breakdown of law and order.

But after the colonial masters left and Nigeria became independent, the political few started seeing the need to aggregate power to themselves by stripping the traditional institution of their legal rights and obligations and today Nigeria is worse for it.

Howbeit, the traditional institution in Nigeria have become an important part of the life of Nigerians and forms the bedrock of the political experience of many Nigerians; They elicit greater confidence and legitimacy in the eyes of the ordinary Nigerians than the institution of the modern state because of their belief of being their brother’s keeper at all times.

That is why from the Sultan’s palace to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, the words are the same and they preach peace, unity and stability, the very unifying factors that held us together as one nation, one people with a common heritage. The new role for traditional rulers in Nigeria is to allow for traditional bureaucracy, so that rulers can intercede for the common man and modern state making it possible for the institution to broker- a new development and projects due to their closeness to the people as most traditional rulers are now educated, enlightened and well travelled.

The framers of the 1979 constitution realized the traditional institution as a good rival

political power and largely succeeded in dismantling or curtailing their authority and did a lot of damage to the judiciary and legislative powers of traditional rulers by denying them political roles in the new constitution which was in sharp contrast to the 1963 constitution. So also is the 1989 and 1995 constitution did same and relegated the powers by not attaching importance to the institution.

The sentiment among these constitutions was that the institutions were irrelevant within the context of the Nigerian state that emphasizes achievements rather than ascribed status or symbols. They seem uncomfortable with the institution whose mode of exercising political power appeared to conflict with their ideals of democratic governance and today, such disservice to the Nigeria people has suffered tremendous setback bringing us to where we are presently in a state of insecurity. The successive exclusion of the traditional institution from the day- to -day running of government is to a large extent, responsible for the loss of direction in governance, thus making life more unbearable for the teeming population of Nigerians.

In proper perspective, the institution has been divested of their formal role of executive, economic and judicial powers except in narrowly defined areas. They have been denied the requisite resources to effectively function and perform their roles also as custodians of the people’s culture and traditions.

These issues need the urgent attention of the present government if it wants to attain a lasting peace in Nigeria. The institution must be taken into cognizance once and for all. As government alone cannot provide all the basic needs for its people, the institution plays a vital role in the development process which at once enhances democracy and sustains our nation.

They play such roles by mobilizing people to execute projects, sensitization about health hazards, promoting education, preaching peace, mutual co-existence and encouraging various enterprise inspiring respect for law and urging people to participate in electoral

processes and most of these efforts are done without formal recognition or financial support from government but rather from the meagre funds of the traditional rulers and as such, they must be financially enhanced and motivated to carry out their functions.

The traditional rulers are the rallying point for the changing insecurity tide across Africa and Nigeria in particular in terms of value reorientation and moral obligations. The issue of Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s), vision 20:2020 and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) can only be achieved when traditional rulers are truly involved in the implementation, rather than pay lip service because majority of the rulers are close to the people at the grassroots and it is only through them that these development can percolate to this segment of the society. It is my submission that traditional rulers have to provide crucial leadership now and beyond if they are constitutionally empowered for national development, especially at this time of our nation’s history. Traditional rulers are natural and obvious partners in the development process and governance in Nigeria. They are indeed partners. The issues of community policing, moral standards /value system, re-orientation of our culture and traditions, issues of security, wise counsel on various important national issues, including religious and inter-ethnic problems need the empowerment of traditional rulers to monitor the pulse of the nation. No concept of governance or development can be complete without acknowledging the role of the traditional institution.

The search for an enduring solution to the challenges of nation building must be viewed in the context of our desire for unity, peace and progress. The role of traditional rulers in the task of nation building cannot be over emphasized considering their long standing historical relevance to the political and economic development of any nation. The traditional institution as our social contract with the people is forever and not for the next election. The government should immediately look into the provision of a formidable constitutional role for our royal fathers who have remained an integral historical bedrock of our nation.

Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele is a Culture Activist, Spokes person and National Co-ordinator of Nigerian Royalty Awards

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

PAGE 37

Opinion

Public opinion and subsidy reversal Tsauri needs to be

tutored on Katsina

By Bello Magaji

I

n the Peoples Daily Newspapers edition of Friday 24th February this year, Umar Abdullahi Tsauri authored an article where he made certain un-substantiated allegations against the Governor of Katsina State, Barrister Ibrahim Shehu Shema, whom he accused of supporting statutory deductions from the local government’s account in the state for social services and educational development.

According to Tsauri, “Imagine that, in the last four years, monthly deductions for Usman Dan Fodio College in Katsina, Tahfeez students’ feeding allowance, water board bills, Katsina State Radio retainership, Katsina State Television retainership, Katsina Companion FM retainership, monthly contribution for school for the disabled in Musawa, monthly contribution to school for the deaf in Malumfashi, monthly contribution to Luwail Islam in Katsina, have become permanent features in the management of local government joint account.

Every local government

contributes monthly to the above expenditures alongside other deductions even when one cannot justify, what was paid for.”

From the above submission, it is imperative that Tsauri needs to be enlightened and tutored on the operation of government despite claims of being an Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Defence. The deductions being made by the 34 local governments in Katsina state are statutory deductions to support education and social service, and this has been the practice since the administration of the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua as Governor of Katsina state.

It is a system and practice inherited by Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema’s administration. If on assumption of office, Governor Shema had made moves to stop such noble contributions for social service and education, the likes of Tsauri would have rushed to castigate the Governor for working against the people’s interest.

If Tsauri had not meant mischief, he would have done better by contacting the institutions mentioned in his write-up to ascertain whether they have been receiving the

monthly support or not before crying wolf where there is none.

Also his allegation that the sum of N20 million was approved by the Governor to be paid by each local government to support de worming programming in all the 34 local governments in the state by the office of the Governor’s wife, was discovered to be untrue.

From all the available facts, at no time was any money approved or released for de worming by Katsina state government. If Tsauri is sure of what he is saying let him release the evidence to the public. His attempt at diverting public attention from the real issues that bother on fraud, crime and terror hanging over him will not save him from the wrath of the law. It’s just a matter of time.

It could also be recalled that it was the same Tsauri, that made allegations in a national daily sometimes ago, that he spent over N80 million of his personal money in Dutsin-ma local government area of Katsina-state during the election of President Goodluck Jonathan. On several occasions, he has made a lot of statements about his stupendous wealth, which is now a major concern to the public which has been wondering how he

got such wealth.

It is high time the security agents in Nigeria beam their searchlight on the activities of Tsauri. Despite being a level 12 officer, and as an Assistant Director in the Federal Civil Service, yet he has been laying claims to spending millions of naira for people without any known means of livelihood apart from being civil servant.

Tsauri will do himself a lot of good to come clean on his other sources of livelihood aside being a civil servant. It will also endear him to the people rather than have them treat him with disdain.

Anyone in the country, who

associates himself with any person or persons of questionable character, should note that Nigeria now is different from the Nigeria of yesterday because the system tolerated individuals of criminal tendencies in the past, the price of which the nation as a whole is paying today. This piece will not be complete without a word of advice to the media as the watchdog of the society, to expose criminal elements, especially public office holders irrespective of their status in the society.

Bello Magaji, wrote from Abuja Crescent, Kofar Kaura Layout, Katsina

“

Anyone in the country, who associates himself with any person or persons of questionable character, should note that Nigeria now is different from the Nigeria of yesterday because the system tolerated individuals of criminal tendencies in the past, the price of which the nation as a whole is paying today.

Profile In Courage: Engr. Dr. Stephen Momoh

Public opinion and subsidy reversal

Abdulfata Ibrahim Esq

“Some people are born great, some achieved greatness while others have greatness thrust upon them” —Legendary Julius Ceaser

E

ngr. Dr. Stephen Momoh graduated in June 1980 with B.sc Chemical Engineering from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe with First Class after his NYSC year with the Department of Chemical Engineering in the same University, he joined the department as a graduate Assistant and at the same time registered for MSC Course in Chemical Engineering which he obtained in 1983.

He obtained his Phd degree at the University of Aston, Birmingham in United Kingdom in 1987.

He is currently the Director, Engineering Infrastructure, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja. He also doubles as the Director/Chief Executive, National Engineering Design

Development Institute (NEDDI) Nnewi Anambra State.

Dr. Momoh the prodigy and erudite scholar has severally acted as the Director-General of the Agency on several occasion since 2006 and some of his Landmarks, achievements succinctly enumerated.

During his Phd programme at the University of Aston, UK he developed an Engineering analysis, Computer Package for the Design and casting of sequences of distillation columns typical problems in petroleum and petrochemical industries. The presentation of part of this work won the First prize of the completion organized by the institutions of Chemical Engineering, West and Lands, U.K between February and Augustria 1987.

On coming to Nigeria in September 1987, Engr. Dr. Momoh resumed has appointment with the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife as a Lecturer and later promoted to the position of a Senior Lecturer in 1992. He worked as a Consultant with B.S Computer Service Ltd, then a full time Director of Management Education and Research with the Nigeria Institute of Management,

Lagos.

In 2004, Dr. Momoh became the Director/Chief Executive of the National Engineering Design Development (NEDDI) Nnewi, charged with the responsibility of development Human Capital in Engineering Design and Development. Since assumption as the Director/Chief Executive of the National Engineering Design Development Nnewi, the story of the centre has change and from being adormant centre to an active institute that had produced engineering designs for some since equipments, designed and fabricated machines for clients

including some Federal Government agencies and continue to train a lot of personnel, academia, on engineering design and manufacture.

His performance at the institute in Nnewi engineered his development to the headquarters of NASENI to coordinate all engineering activities of the agency which he is doing affectively.

Dr. Momoh is a registered Engineer with council of registered engineers of Nigeria (COREN) and a corporate member of four professional bodies. Nigeria Society of Engineers (NNSE) Nigeria Security of Chemical Engineers

“

His performance at the institute in Nnewi engineered his development to the headquarters of NASENI to coordinate all engineering activities of the agency which he is doing affectively.

(MNSCHE) Computer Association of Nigeria (MCOAN) and the Nigeria Institute of Management (MNIM).

As a one tine Director of Training and Management Education of the Nigeria Institute of Management, Lagos, Dr. Momoh was involved in coordinality the training education and research of the Institute. He has enorvious experiences in teaching and research and a high ability to manage people projects and resources to achieving organize goals and objectives. A team player and he has a very high interpersonal relationship, self motivating and possess the drive and self discipline to strike towards excellence in all that he does.

He has a number of technical paper publications in local and international journals. He has participated and presented papers in several conferences and a book to his credit.

He is a responsible family man, president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in his vision of trans forming Nigerian needs an intellectual chaint and a team player like Engr.

Dr. Stephen Osobookho Momoh.

Abdulfata Ibrahim Esq. wrote from Elemo and Compound Office Kwara State.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

PAGE 39

International Native Ecuadorans protest Amazon mining

H

undreds of native Ecuadorans have begun a cross-country march to protest policies by President Rafael Correa they say will result in more mining in the Amazon region and threaten the environment and their way of life.

Thursday’s protests were prompted partly by a recent agreement between Ecuador and China for industrial copper mining in the Amazon’s Ecuacorriente ZamoraChinchipe region.

The march, organised by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), a powerful umbrella group that represents natives from around the country, began in the ZamoraChinchipe town of El Pangui, 700km south of Quito, the capital.

“People are very motivated, there will always be more people in each village,” Zamora-Chinchipe, Salvador

US set to go after stolen investor funds

A

Texas jury has cleared the way for US authorities to go after $330m in stolen investor funds sitting in frozen foreign bank accounts controlled by Allen Stanford, the convicted pyramid schemer. The jury found on Thursday there was sufficient evidence the money in 29 accounts in Switzerland, Britain and Canada was some of the more than $7bn he stole from investors over 20 years.

Stanford, 61, was found guilty by the jury on Tuesday on 13 of 14 fraud-related counts, including swindling $7bn from about 30,000 investors around the world.

Stanford is due to be sentenced in his home state on Texas on June 14. He could face up to 20 years in prison on the most serious charges, but could be looking at a life behind bars if the judge orders the sentences to run consecutively.

Stanford has spent the past three years in jail after being deemed a flight risk shortly after his February 2009 arrest.

Quishpe’s governor, told the AFP news agency.

The natives plan to march over the next weeks through several provinces on their way to Quito, gathering protesters along the way.

They plan to reach Quito on March 22. Previous protests

by CONAIE, which claims to represent a third of Ecuador’s population of more than 14 million, have already toppled two presidents, Abdala Bucaram in 1997 and Jamil Mahuad in 2000.

Ghana is “model” of African democracy — Obama

Marchers say they are not out to oust the president but to get him to back laws protecting water resources [Reuters]

Greece secures backing for debt swap deal

T

he Greek government has confirmed that it has secured backing for a debt swap deal that will enable it to avoid defaulting on its debts.

The Greek finance ministry said on Friday that 85.8 per cent of private bondholders had agreed to the plan, which was well above the target of 75 per cent to be able to push through the deal.

Greece needed the debt swap deal so it could get access to a second bailout from the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

The finance ministry confirmed that the rate would reach 95.7 per cent with the use of collective action clauses to enforce the deal.

It said that upon confirmation by the Bank of Greece, the state “intends to accept the consents received and amend the terms of all of its Greek law governed bonds, including those not tendered for exchange”.

Evangelos Venizelos, the Greek finance minister, said “on behalf of the republic, I wish to express

my appreciation to all of our creditors who have supported our ambitious programme of reform and adjustment and who have shared the sacrifices of the Greek people in this historic endeavour”.

“Greece will continue implementing the measures needed to achieve the fiscal adjustments and structural reforms to which it has committed, and that will return

Greece to a path of sustainable growth”.

John Psarapoulos, reporting for Al Jazeera from Athens, said: “The Greek government has got a higher number than they expected.

“The government believes that

by April they will get 95 per cent support, which will help them wipe a huge amount of Greek debt”.

The swap deal of loans was vital for Greece in order to receive a second bailout of $170bn [Reuters]

Syrian activists reject Annan’s dialogue call

T

he leader of Syria’s most prominent opposition group has rejected Kofi Annan’s call for dialogue with the government.

Burhan Ghalioun, president of the Syrian National Council (SNC), said on Friday that any solution to the crisis must be accompanied by military pressure on President Bashar al-Assad.

Annan, enlisted as an envoy by the Arab League and UN, said in Cairo on

Thursday that “militarisation” of the conflict would only make it worse and said he aimed to reach a political settlement through dialogue.

The former UN chief, who is due to arrive in Damascus on Sunday, cautioned against military intervention, saying it had worsened other conflicts in the region.

“These kind of comments are disappointing and do not give a lot of hope for people in Syria being massacred every

day,” Ghalioun said.

“It feels like we are watching the same movie being repeated over and over again.”

Ghalioun faulted Annan for “avoiding” any references to the essence of the problem, which he said is the government’s use of extreme military force to crush yearlong protests.

“As an international envoy, we hope he will have a mechanism for ending the

violence,” Ghalioun said. “My fear is that, like other international envoys before him, the aim is to waste a month or two of pointless mediation efforts.”

The SNC, which has been trying to co-ordinate with opposition fighters inside the country, has called for international military intervention, though it is far from clear whether the majority of the opposition agrees.

P

resident Barack Obama praised the African state of Ghana on Thursday as a model of democracy and growth in a continent that many Americans associate with poverty and violence.

“There’s sometimes a tendency to focus on the challenges that exist in Africa - and rightfully so,” said Obama, who sat beside Ghana’s president, John Atta Mills, in the Oval Office.

“But I think it’s important for us to also focus on the good news that’s coming out of Africa, and I think Ghana continues to be a good-news story,” he said, warmly thanking Mills for the hospitality shown the U.S. first family when the Obamas visited the country in 2009.

Ghana, the world’s second biggest cocoa producer, posted double-digit growth in 2011 and is one of the more stable countries in West Africa.

The U.S. president commended Mills for his action on human rights and governance, voicing Washington’s approval of the stability that Ghana provides in a fragile region of Africa.

Its neighbor, Ivory Coast, suffered months of violence last year after a disputed election, and other near-neighbors Liberia and Sierra Leone experienced years of brutal conflict.

“Ghana has proven, I think, to be a model for Africa in terms of its democratic practices,” said Obama, noting that both leaders faced re-election in 2012.

Mills told Obama, “We are going to ensure that there is peace before, during, after the election, because when there is no peace, it’s not the elitists who will suffer, it’s the ordinary people who have elected us into office.”

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

Wellness zone

Phyllis Ogo Ogah phyllisogoogah@gmail.com +234 80 58425746 (sms) only

Welcome to March, the month of spiritual wellness

Muezzin, the crier who calls the faithful to prayer five times a day

W

h e n I think of spiritual wellness the first thing I remember is the Muezzin calling faithfuls to prayer five times a day. I must not fail to thank him because the call to prayer wakes me up and reminds me of our reverence to a Supernatural being. I also remember Roman Catholics who gather to say the Angelus at midday.

I think of pilgrims bathing in River Ganges and Buddhist Monks in temples in Thailand sitting down and meditating and occasionally chanting. All these show that our daily existence is all about purpose, values, intuition and vitality.

This dimension recognizes our search for meaning and purpose in human existence. It includes the development of a deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe. It is a quest characterized by a peaceful harmony between internal personal feelings and

emotions and the rough and rugged stretches of your path. While traveling the path, you may experience many feelings of doubt, despair,fear, disappointment and dislocation, as well as feelings of pleasure, joy,happiness and discovery.

These are all important experiences and components to your search and will be displayed in the value system you will adapt to bring meaning to your existence.

Tenets It is better to ponder the meaning of life for ourselves and to be tolerant of the beliefs of others than to close our minds and become intolerant.

It is better to live each day in a way that is consistent with our values and beliefs than to do otherwise and feel untrue to ourselves.

Steps to Encourage Spiritual Wellness I f you practice a religion, active involvement in your place of worship

Papa is a great step towards achieving spiritual wellness.

Explore your spiritual core with these questions. Who am I? Why did I come here? Why do humans/the world exist? Why is there evil? What happens after death?

Be quiet - Spend time alone to pray and meditate regularly. By living in the present and letting go of the past and not worrying about the future, we can achieve the inner peace that we strive for while practicing meditation.

Be inquisitive and curious - an attitude of active searching increases your options and your potential for spiritual centering. Don't shut doors before you ascertain what's behind them.

Be receptive to grief and pain Pain is a deepener. Allow yourself to feel the pain fully, and then ask what it's trying to teach you.

Be and Do - Spirituality is about more than reading; it's about "doing"

and being fully in the present moment in everything you do.

Witness the choices you make in each moment - bring them into consciousness; ask yourself what the consequences of a choice are and if the choice will bring fulfillment and happiness.

Practice acceptance - See that life right now is as it "should be." Do not struggle against the universe by struggling against the moment. Take responsibility for your life without blaming anyone, including yourself.

See what the situation can teach you and how you can share this teaching with others.

Practice detachment - allow yourself and those around you the

freedom to be who they are. Recognize uncertainty as an essential aspect of life.

Be playful - Spirituality is in music, art, dance, laughter, singing, and all of life.

Look for deeper meanings - If you notice that certain themes keep coming up over and over in your life, rather than feeling like you have no control over the situation, ask for the deeper meaning of the pattern to come to you.

Practice breathing exercises in a quiet place, inhale slowly and deeply through your nose and exhale through the mouth.

Look for something inspirational to read everyday.

Assessment

Read each statement carefully and respond honestly by using the following scoring: Almost always = 2 points Sometimes/occasionally = 1 point Very seldom = 0 points 1. I feel comfortable with my spiritual life.

2. There is a co-relation between my personal values and daily actions.

3. In depression and frustration, my spiritual beliefs and values give me direction.

4. Prayer, meditation, and personal reflection are integral parts of my existence.

5. Life is purposeful and meaningful to me.

6. I am able to speak comfortably about my personal values and beliefs.

7. I am consistently striving to grow spiritually and I see it as a lifelong process.

8. I tolerate and try to learn about others' beliefs and values.

9. I am extremely optimistic and use my thoughts and attitudes in lifeaffirming ways.

10. I appreciate the natural forces that exist in the universe.

Total score.

15 to 20 Points - Excellent strength 9 to 14 Points - There is room for improvement .

0 to 8 Points - Challenge yourself more

TIP OF THE WEEK

River Ganges

See the gift in your greatest troubles, problems and challenges. The Chinese word for catastrophe is the same as their word for opportunity.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

PAGE 47

From the Pulpit What are you living for?

I

once read the story of a young communist student in West Berlin, Germany trying to escape to East Germany with some secret files he had stolen.

Unfortunately, he was shot. Before he died, he said to the soldiers, "I am dying for communism, what are you living for?"

You may not like that young man because of the cause he died for but what I want to emphasize is that question he asked: "What are you living for?"

What are you living for? Are you living for what is eternal or what is ephemeral? Are you living for what is sinful or what is holy? Are you living for what will take you to heaven or what will send you to hell fire? Rom 2:7-8 says, "He [God] will give eternal life to those who persist in doing what is good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and practice evil deeds." (NLT) Are you living for God or for yourself? The consequences of both are in that Scripture you've just read. Read it again please.

What Enoch lived for At 65 years, Enoch decided to walk with God and walked with Him for 300 years. When he was 365years old, he had a supernatural translation. (Gen 5:21-24) Enoch lived for God. Methuselah lived 969 years and died. He was the oldest man that ever lived in the Bible but nothing concrete was said about him. (Gen 5:25-27) We don't know how he lived. But of what essence is a long

“

B

ut when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. "And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.' "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You drink? 'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 'And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you,

life that is not lived for the right purpose? What is important is not how long you live. What God will ask you at the end of your life on earth is: "What did you live for?" It's true God has promised you long life.

"With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation." (Ps 91:16 ASV) But what God will ask you ultimately is: Did you live for me? Did you live for the purpose for which I created you?

What Esau lived for Esau lived for food and sold his birthright! He satisfied his material desire and lost a sacred inheritance.

(Gen 25:31-34) The Book of Hebrews described Esau as a profane person because of his disrespect for his inheritance. "Lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears." (Heb 12:16-17 NKJV) He must have been ashamed of himself later for what he lived for.

Jesus later taught us not to live by food alone but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God. (Lk 4:4) Jesus was actually quoting from Deut 8:3: "…people need more than bread for their life; real life comes by feeding on every word of the LORD." (NLT) Don't live for food! There is a purpose God created you for on earth. Your salvation is to bring you to discover and fulfill this purpose. Rom 8:28 says that those who love God are called according to His purpose.

What Joseph and Paul lived for

Joseph was a young man with a divine purpose. Unlike many youths today, he refused to live for sexual immorality. He lived for God. He lived to see the fulfillment of God's plan for his life. Because of the fear of God Joseph had, he told his seducer, Mrs. Portipha: "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Gen 39:9 NKJV) The apostle Paul was also a man who lived for God, the same way he had lived for the devil before his conversion. "For when I tried to keep the law, I realized I could never earn God's approval. So I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ. I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal 2:19-20 NLT) Paul was a God addict!

I have shown you the examples of these Bible characters to make your decision. What example will you follow? The example of those who lived for God or those who didn't live for God? Will you be a God addict or a drug addict? A sin addict or a holiness addict?

What Jesus lived for Look at the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. At age 12, he already knew what to live for and he was in the temple discussing deep questions with the religious teachers. He told Mary, his earthly mother and those looking for him: "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" (Lk 2:49 NKJV) He spent the next 18 years preparing for

GREEN PASTURES

By Pastor T.O. Banso cedarministryintl@yahoo.com GSM: 08033113523 the purpose God sent him to the earth to fulfill. At the age of 30, he started his ministry. He got 12 people, his disciples, around Him. He invested himself in them and died about three years later. Over two thousand years after, the work he began is still continuing. How true that statement is that the worth of a life is not in the duration but in the donation! What are you living for?

Jesus said to his disciples, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth." (Mark 1:38 NKJV) Take note of that phrase: for this purpose I have come forth. He knew the purpose for which he came to the earth and would not allow any distraction or delay. For what purpose were you born?

Jesus knew the right thing to live for and he lived for it. He lived for what is eternal not for ephemeral purposes. Eventually, he went to the cross to die for your sins and my sins saying, "But for this purpose I came to this hour." (John 12:27 NKJV) What is your own purpose?

Jesus' life was driven by divine purpose. Jesus did not live on earth for his personal enjoyment. He did not live to pursue a selfish ambition.

He didn't do a self-fulfilling ministry (a ministry that satisfies only the

emotions and interest of the leader.)

1John 3:8 tells us again part of the purpose Jesus lived for. "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil."

(NKJV) What purpose are you living for?

TAKE ACTION! If you are not born again, kindly say this prayer now: "0 Lord God, I come unto you today. I know I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save me and resurrected the third day.

I confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour and surrender my life to him today. I invite Jesus into my heart today. By this prayer, I know I am saved.

Thank you Jesus for saving me and making me a child of God" I believe you have said this prayer from your heart.

Congratulations! You will need to join a Bible believing, Bible teaching church in your area where you will be taught how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. I pray that you flourish like the palm tree and grow like the cedar of Lebanon. May you grow into Christ in all things becoming all God wants you to be.

Help the needy to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.' "Then they themselves also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?' "Then He will answer them, saying, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

(NAS, Matthew 25:31-46) Jesus could hardly have made

things plainer than in His Parable of the Sheep and Goats, above. We are not meant to live hard-hearted or self-centered lives. We are called to put our faith into practice and truly love our neighbors, especially those less fortunate.

God has given each of us unique talents and gifts to use in His service.

His work for us on earth is to use our gifts and talents in the service of others! Each of us has something to offer to someone in need. We can give our money and our time to charity, be a friend to someone who is sick or lonely, do volunteer work, or be a peacemaker. We may give unselfishly of our time to our spouse, children or parents. We may choose a service-oriented occupation, or we may just do our everyday jobs with integrity and respect for others.

It would seem that the more we give to others, the poorer we become, but just the opposite is true!

Service to others brings meaning and fulfillment to our lives in a way

that wealth, power, possessions and self-centered pursuits can never match. As Jesus said, For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over.

Whatever measure you use to givelarge or small- will be used to measure what is given back to you." (TLB, Luke 6:38) Does this mean we can't satisfy Jesus' command unless we have abundant wealth to give, or extraordinary talents to serve other? No! It is not how much we give, but the spirit in which we give that counts with God. Each of us is called to give generously of what wealth and talents we have been given - whether it is a little or a lot.

Jesus compared a poor widow, who gave only a little, to the wealthy men who gave much more. The wealthy men had only given a token amount from their great wealth. In God's eyes, the

widow gave much more because she gave from the heart: Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.

They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything- all she had to live on."

(NIV, Mark 12:41-44) Each of us has something to give. Some have wealth, some have talents, and some have time.

Whatever gifts we have been given - large or small - we should share generously. When we do, we make the world better for someone else and find true meaning and satisfaction in our own lives.

Source: www.twopaths.com

BIG PUNCH The critical question for Nigeria is not just why so much is being looted by so many from the coffers of Nigeria but why is it so easy to do so.

SATURDAY 10 — SUNDAY 11, MARCH, 2012

The Ibori phenomenon 'The Imam (Head of State) shall pay the indigenes their allowances until he covers all of them, male and female, minors and adults, on the basis of the amount they need, and the nature of their needs. If the money is more than enough, the surplus shall be kept in the treasury for what may possibly occur in form of calamity...'

—Shehu Abdullahi Fodio

T

he idea espoused above some two hundred years ago by Abdullahi Fodio, one of the most illustrious leaders of our land, would seem utopian in this era of democracy. But for him, as one of the rulers of the Sokoto Caliphate, it was a cardinal principle of the Islamic system of government that every citizen has a rightful share in the collective wealth held in trust by the state and should therefore be given in the appropriate manner.

The principle was tested, it worked, it was beneficial. The principle is borne out of the imperative of proportionality, the imperative of balance, so evident in human creation and in the cosmic order.

Whatever is not balanced, as we experience in all things, falls. If the wealth that sustains the people is not shared in a manner consistent with the absolute need for balance and proportionality, if, for example, as in the human body, one hand is outrageously longer than the other, or if the head does not fit the body because it is either too big or too small, the final outcome will not be pleasant and will not work. If therefore the lucky few get all they want and the predominant majority get too little or nothing at all, the result will be a nation that is not balanced, a nation that violently breaches the law of proportion, and therefore must fail.

Similar concept, as Tina Rosenberg frames it, 'To beat back poverty, pay the poor,' is being put to work today in over forty countries across the world, and it is working, it is beneficial.

'Until recently, Brazil was the most unequal country in the world,' she writes in The New York Times [3/1/11] 'Today, however, Brazil's level of economic inequality is dropping at a faster rate than that of almost any other country.

Between 2003 and 2009, the

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income of poor Brazilians has grown seven times as much as the income of rich Brazilians.

Poverty has fallen during that time from 22 percent of the population to 7 percent. Contrast this with the United States, where from 1980 to 2005, more than four-fifths of the increase in Americans' income went to the top 1 percent of earners.

Productivity among low and middle-income American workers increased, but their incomes did not.' The ultimate goal of giving the poor their due in both cash and kind is to achieve 'zero hunger' and 'zero poverty.'

The meaning of democracy, we are told again and again, is that sovereignty belongs to the people, power belongs to the people! But the critical question is this: Who owns the wealth of the State? It is becoming ever more evident from the present practice of democracy, most especially in Europe and America but even more so in places like Nigeria, that while the people may create governments through the exercise of their sovereignty and their will, yet their collective wealth is hardly within their control, but lies instead effectively in the hands of a tiny minority that captures and exercises governmental power by virtue of its wealth, and then perpetuates its monopoly of wealth by virtue of its power.

Pushed to the fringes the people can only watch helplessly as the masters feast on their resources with total abandon. So, invariably, democracy metamorphoses effortlessly into plutocracy, that is, a state or government in which the wealthy class rules, and the notion that 'power' and 'sovereignty' belon to the people looks like a cruel joke. There is, therefore, an enduring merit for a nation to accept the principle that in its resources there must be, as the Quran puts it, [70:2526] a due share for all those in need of help and all those deprived of the good things of life, in other words, all those that are, for one reason or another, less privileged.

The story of James Ibori should open our eyes to the type of democracy we practice in our country. James Ibori, to refresh our memory, has recently pleaded guilty in a London court

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Ibraheem Sulaiman sa427420@gmail.com

Mr. James Ibori

on charges of fraud and money laundering. British authorities estimate that he stole about £250 million from the treasury of Delta State when he was governor. He has a private jet worth £12 million, owns a fleet of armored vehicles, owns several properties apart from those owned by his wife, sister,

mistress, runs an expenditure on his credit card worth £126000 monthly. His assets worth $35 million were frozen in UK in 2007. Before he became governor in 1999 he had been a hardware keeper in London on a salary of £12000 per annum. He was caught by his employer for allowing his wife to steal goods

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The story of James Ibori should open our eyes to the type of democracy we practice in our country. James Ibori, to refresh our memory, has recently pleaded guilty in a London court on charges of fraud and money laundering. British authorities estimate that he stole about £250 million from the treasury of Delta State when he was governor.

and both were convicted. He was also convicted for possession of a stolen credit card in UK. 'In retrospect,' says Daily Trust,[6/ 3/12] 'it is not far fetched to suggest that a man who was named James Ibori and convicted by Gwagwada magistrate's court in 1995 for stealing building materials was indeed the same Ibori that pleaded guilty in London.'

James Ibori became prominent in the shaping of the course of democracy in Nigeria.

The extent to which he bank rolled the election of 2007 is not very clear, but what can not be denied is that he was a preeminent player in the emergence of the dispensation which, whatever the controversy, is ongoing. If things had worked a bit differently James Ibori would have been President of Nigeria. So Ibori must be viewed as a generic term for democracy in Nigeria. Ibori thrives in every part of Nigeria waiting for an opportunity to take over the reigns of power, and surely the resources meant for the common weal will be completely at their disposal.

The Ibori Phenomenon, robust and viral, lives on. 'By some curious twist of fate,' Punch comments [6/3/12] 'the states with the highest resources have produced the most questionable leaders and the most celebrated thieves as illustrated by the cases of Ibori and former Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.' And even though Nigeria's material resources may increase many times over the living conditions of the people will continue to worsen.

When the treasury depletes, the masters will do as they do in Britain, tax the poor, even snatch the milk meant for the baby.

The critical question for Nigeria is not just why so much is being looted by so many from the coffers of Nigeria but why is it so easy to do so. There does not exist, so it seems, the sense that these resources belongs collectively to a particular nation, to a living people. So long as Nigeria is a treated as a no man's land as far as its resources are concerned, its fate will remain unchanged, and the achievements attained by other nations, which are not otherwise beyond its reach, will continue to elude it. If sovereignty belongs to the people, why does does the collective wealth belong elsewhere?

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